Kingdom Campus

Stains and Marks

2011-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

I used to think that stains were a bad thing. Stains onclothes and stains on carpet; grass and mud stains: not things I particularlyliked seeing. And as far as I was concerned, “marks” didn’t trail far behind. Whois happy to come out and see a mark on your car door, giving you a reminder ofhow uncomfortably cozy we can get in the parking lots of our lives?

But I think I’ve come around on the whole idea. Stains andmarks have now taken on a new and refreshing place in my thinking. Lookingback, I now have to admit that certain stains and marks have made an indelible,profound impact on my life.

For example, on my last trip to Washington I stood in linefor several hours to gaze upon stains left on parchment. Lines formed outside the building and down theblock, each of us waiting for an opportunity to carefully examine the loops,streaks and dots written several hundred years ago by our founding fathers. Wewere not necessarily fascinated by the actual stains inked onto the Declaration of Independence, but ratherwhat they gave evidence of: notice to the world that we turned the corner to anew day. Evidence of a stake being placed in the ground. A proclamation of anew direction with new ideas and new ideals. Yes, I have to admit, theseparticular stains on this particular piece of paper are mighty important to me.

I think about the stains and marks of my spiritual life, andhow G_d has used stains and marks to forever change the world.

*** I imagine G_d using his finger to inscribe His marks ontotwo stone tablets, demonstrating, in a very physical and powerful way, Hiseverlasting covenant of love and faithfulness. Ex. 31:18. Marks etched and cutinto stone, never to be erased.

*** I think about the unnamed men who lifted and removed abare wooden cross from the ground. What thoughts crossed their hearts as theylooked at the wood, and touched the stains of blood shed by our Savior?

*** I read about the first consecration of our Lord’s tabernacleand altar, and that of Aaron and our first priests. Ex. 29 & 30. I picture thesacrificial blood placed upon the ears, fingers and toes of Aaron and his sons;the sprinkles of blood thrown against the sides of the altar; and the oil anointedupon the acacia wood of the ark of the covenant and the altar of incense. Howpure and treasured were each of the stains left during this consecration?

*** I see workers crafting curtains of linen and yarn, andothers making upright frames of acacia wood. I see the workers lifting thesecurtains and frames, and carefully putting everything into place, allcontributing to build His tabernacle. Ex. 36. And I remember 40 years ago, asmy father’s hands fixed the broken door of our home; and these last 40 nights,as my wife’s hands knitted a cap for a woman stricken with cancer and a blanketfor an unwed teen, pregnant and the victim of assault. How precious are theunseen stains left by the moisture of these workers’ hands?

*** I yearn to see the stains on the remains of a cloth oflinen, where it is said it was used to wrap the beaten and broken body of Jesusthe Christ. Whether on this linen or one long gone, could anyone ever say thosestains were dirty? Could I ever overestimate their importance?

*** I feel for Thomas’ heart as he declared disbelief untilhe could “see the nail marks in his hands.” Jn. 20:25. I am reminded of my doubts in times of tragedies, hurts andconfusion, and my cry to see the marks of healing.

*** I hope that I, like Paul before me, also bear the marksof Jesus, so that others may see the reason for my peace. Gal. 6:17.

A few weeks ago, Pastor Scott spoke about how excruciatinglyclose we were to securing a new church home, but could not announce the “dealwas done” until he “saw the ink on the page.” Negotiations were in their finalstage, and it certainly appeared to all involved that it was going to happen.Yet, it was not to be until G_d was ready to allow the stain of ink to beplaced upon a contract. How interesting that we waited and hoped for yetanother collection of stains.

For years, he and we have been filled with hope andexpectation that someday G_d would provide a permanent place for our churchfamily to worship, learn, serve and rest. For weeks, Pastor Scott spoke of anew day on the horizon. We were nearing a new crossroad on our collectivejourney, and were ready to walk the good way that had been laid before us onthe ancient paths. Jer. 6:16. Well . . . the day came. This past week, PastorScott announced that a lease for our new church home was signed. On a sunny dayin September of the 2011th year of our Lord, with pens in hands, ourrepresentatives inscribed their signatures, and the stains of ink marked aturning point in the life of our congregation. For us, these stains marked ourvery own stake in the ground. Our proclamation of a new direction, faithful toour Lord’s ideas and ideals. Praise be to G_d, the author of our proclamation!The cause for our celebration!

This process has caused me to more fully appreciate how G_dhas used stains and marks to signify and memorialize certain turning points inour lives. And though we do not worship the stains themselves, we follow thepattern of our Lord, using stains and marks to evidence the significant. Acitizen marking a card in a voting booth, wanting his voice to be heard. Astudent turning in an entrance exam, hoping the stains left by her pen open upthe door of a new career.

In the months to follow, workers will build and renovate ournew home, and our imaginations will fill with the possibilities of newblessings. On behalf of my family, I thank the many souls who prayed, planned,spoke, drew, walked, talked, calculated, negotiated and dreamed about this newhome. Each of you has left an indelible mark upon the heart of my family. Notall of these stains and marks can be seen, and the passage of time willinevitably take some of them away from our conscious thought. And though we maynot again think about the inked signatures on a contract that will be storedand locked away, may we never forget it was His faithfulness and blessing thatallowed the stains to occur. May this crossroad of our church family be markedwith abundant and indescribable blessing, and may we continue to walk the goodway.

Shema

Walking the Commoner's Way

2011-05-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

So, what do you think Joash and Zabdi were doing about 3,000 years ago? You know . . . these were guys with fairly typical families; Joash worked in the olive oil business and Zabdi labored in the vineyards. What do you remember about them? What was the primary issue on their minds? Basically, what do you remember about what was going on in their lives?

Or how about Jehdeiah, the donkey keeper? Or Obil, camel custodian extraordinaire? Either one stand out in your mind?

What, you haven’t heard of any of these people?

Not to worry! While none of these names were particularly unusual in the 900-950 BC era, I’m betting these people are not high on anyone’s recognition meter. And though these particular people are mentioned in 1Chron 28, we’re really not told much about them or what they thought or felt about things. I’m guessing they were fairly normal guys, pretty much like my buddy the printer, or my friend the coffee shop manager, or the salesman I’ve come to know and love. You know, common, every day people just trying to get by.

Yet, around the year 950 B.C., right in the midst of all of these common folk, a major event was being planned and carried out. Officials and experts gathered before the king, and began work on would ultimately become their long-awaited place of worship. Weights and measurements were made, building plans were drawn, and detailed specifications were reviewed and tweaked. G_d’s plan for His chosen people finally took root, and the Hebrew people would finally have the permanent temple they had long prayed for.

Insofar as your memory goes, the story of the temple construction is probably a bit more familiar than the lives of Zabdi and Obil. After all, camel custodians just didn’t get much print space in the Bible. In contrast, the Biblical books of First Kings and First Chronicles meticulously describe the construction plans G_d gave to King David, and the care and attention to detail that King Solomon and others expended to construct the temple that G_d had them build.

We do not get to read about the details of the daily lives of those scores of people NOT involved in the planning and building of the temple. Nevertheless, we can be reasonably sure that they lived lives relatively similar to ours. Normal people, working hard, doing their best to enjoy life and raise healthy, happy families. People like Joash and his olive oil, and Jehdeiah and his grapes . . . others with common names like Sacar, Petullethal and Zadok. A man named Jeriah is written to have had “2,700 relatives, who were able men and heads of families”, yet we don’t know any particulars about them. 1Chron. 26:32. Who were these men and women? How many children did each one have? What sicknesses did they face? Were any worried about the boy down the street paying too much attention to their daughter? How much attention did they pay to this great construction event that was happening?

This past week I was privileged to have met with several “able men” and review preliminary plans, drawings and specifications for the proposed construction improvements to the Cowcatchers Restaurant. As you know, a great event is upon us. It certainly seems at this point that G_d will be providing a permanent place of worship for the Riverside Community Church, and is guiding those people He chose to design and build our long-awaited permanent place of worship. Similar to what is described in 1Kings and 1Chronicles, as you read this blog people are meeting, negotiating, measuring, calculating and drawing plans and specs to convert the Cowcatchers Restaurant into a holy place of worship. We anticipate, hope and pray that we will be moving into our new home by the end of this summer. Thanks to our Lord, all seems to be running according to plan.

The follow-up thought that jumped out at me, however, is what are all the rest of us supposed to be doing while this planning and construction is going on? I’m not a construction guy . . . I have no clue about the difference between dimensional tolerance and pressure differential. Heck . . . I just learned what a “leach field” is! So what does G_d want people like you and me to do while this architecture, engineering, and construction stuff is going on?

We don’t get to read many stories in the Bible about the common man’s experience during the temple construction period. Yet, we know there were many common folk out there. It's a safe bet that during the seven-year period of construction, people not involved the actual construction project presumably went about their normal lives. I love the verse in 1Kings 4:20: the “people of Judah and Israel” “ate, drank and they were happy.” Personally, I find no problem with eating and drinking. I tend to do those things relatively well. But, is that it? Is that all I need to do? First Chronicles offers a hint . . . Before King David died and before King Solomon began construction, it is said that all of the Hebrew people willingly gave of their possessions and sacrifices, and “ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord” (1Chron 29: 17b & 22).

Ah-hah! Sacrificing, praying, giving, and living “in the presence of the Lord!” Though you and I and others may not be gifted with construction-related know-how, we DO have a role in this project! Please do not let the silence in not hearing a hammer or not seeing a bulldozer lull you to sleep about this project. Riverside needs you and me NOW! Our prayers and sacrifices are welcome! Living daily “in the presence of the Lord” is not only welcome but needed! Indeed, the Bible is clear that ALL of the people’s way of life was a key component to G_d’s blessing of the temple construction project.

So, come one, come all! A deal with the bank is under final negotiations and about to close, and construction is about to begin!!! Let us ALL join in the fun! This summer, give what you can through prayer and sacrifice, and do so “willingly and with honest intent” (1Chron 29: 17). And though neither your name nor mine will be listed in the historical written chronicle of those who helped design, plan, negotiate and build the Riverside holy place of worship, we can take great comfort in knowing that our Lord will always know the intent of the “commoners’” hearts. And really . . . what can be better than that?

Shema

Fish Sandwiches and a Bunch of Gosintas

2011-02-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

This is not the easiest writing I will have done. By necessity, I will have to delve into an area I’m not particularly attracted to and some of you have every right to laugh and wonder how families continue to function with people like me at the helm. I’m supposed to be the leader of my family but sometimes my brain just doesn’t function like it should! And the paradox is, I know people like me could not get along without all of you “other kind” of people. Fact is, people like me need people like you.

A big issue currently in Kingdom Campus world is numbers, and so this should be a post about accounting, cost estimates and finance. But, me writing about numbers would be like Snoopy writing about electromagnetic induction and nucleosynthesis. Funny perhaps, but not particularly enlightening. So allow me to approach this a bit differently.

In my last post here, I attempted to describe the mysterious experience we recently undertook in envisioning “what could be” in our new church home. The old Cowcatcher Restaurant is just like any other potential church home in that it will require modification in order to accommodate our needs. People risked walking through this potential home to envision how their different ministries could fit and function within the building. In my book, this was a “risky” endeavour because walking through rooms and allowing their hearts to envision “what could be” exposed each of them (and all of us) to potential disappointment. I’m happy to report here that each of the faithful returned from the journey intact, and we did not lose a soul!

Since then, experts have been putting pencil to paper, doing their “gosintas” (for the “youngins” in our family, this is a Beverly Hillbillies/Jethro Bodine word for arithmetic (2 “goes-in-to” 8, 4 times)), and came up with an estimated cost for each suggested/desired change. They even split things up in “phases” of development (this amount of money needed for Phase 1; this for Phase 2; etc.). Pretty cool watching these “other” kind of people work. One reaction I had, however, was “Wow!” Once again, the reality of a big, monstrous, thick, solid green wall called MONEY threatens to hold back progress! Since we’re not being called to fight pagan communities and take their silver, gold and cows, where do we go from here?

A couple of Sundays ago, Steven Mackey gave a powerful message of how G_d will take something seemingly small and plainly not enough to create the unimaginable. We were all inspired by Steven’s teaching of the story of Jesus’ transformation of five loaves and two fish to feed the masses. As Steven taught, Jesus first tested his follower Philip by asking how 5000+ people were going to be fed. Philip gave one of my typical deer-in-the-headlight responses, “duh, not really sure.” Follower Andrew then pointed out to Jesus a boy with loaves and fish, but then questioned how so many could be fed with so little. I can almost hear him say to Jesus, “It’s all we have.”

As I focused on Steven’s teaching, I pondered how often I’ve questioned how the seemingly impossible could possibly happen. Suddenly, a new thought occurred to me; a revelation, if you will. Always before, I pictured the story of loaves and fish basically to be about two things: human doubt on one side, and G_d’s power and benevolence on the other. For the first time, I saw a third player in this drama.

Never before had I focused on why Andrew pointed out to Jesus that the child had food. It just never before occurred to me to ask. In all the times I’ve read and listened to sermons about this story, I always just smiled with bemusement about how dumb these guys must be to still doubt the King of Everything after they’ve given up their day jobs and left home to follow Him all over the countryside, seen miracles (can you imagine witnessing the water to wine conversion, or a blind man given sight??), and in what I consider to be one of the most envious positions of all mankind, being able to sit and listen to Jesus every night by a campfire.

But not this time. Steven’s teaching spurred me to wander into a different arena of thought and see a third aspect of this story. When Andrew recognized the limited amount of available food and pointed out the boy and his pittance to Jesus, was Andrew driven at that point only by doubt? I always thought so before. Is that all I’m supposed to take from Andrew’s reaction? Or was there something else that danced within Andrew’s spirit?

If Andrew completely, wholly, 100% believed that the boy’s loaves and fish would not be enough to feed the masses, why point them out to Jesus in the first place? I wouldn’t. I’d probably tell the boy, “thanks, but no thanks kid; 5 loaves and 2 fish doesn’t “gosinta” 5000.” In fact, the Bible tells of disciples doing just that in other situations. How many times did disciples tell people to back off and leave the master alone? Could it be this time, however, that dancing within Andrew’s spirit was something that actually pushed him to tell Jesus about the boy? A tinge of hope, maybe?

Yup, that’s right . . . hope. That intangible, feel-good, invisible thing we have no idea what to do with. Frankly, the word hope is one of those things that makes me feel good, but as a practical matter I sometimes have no “earthly” idea what to do with. I remember the movie “Hope Floats” and relate immediately . . . hope floats around in such a way that it seems darn hard to hold on to.

In any event, two Sundays ago it occurred to me that there may have been a part of Andrew that hoped. His may not have been just a picture of doubt. No, I’m thinking that deep in the middle of his doubt that 5 loaves and 2 fish couldn’t possibly feed that many people, the Holy Spirit whispered hope into Andrew’s heart and nudged him to tell Jesus about the boy. You know, just in case Jesus could do something with it. And then, well, Jesus spoke, and it was done.

The Home Committee recently met and reviewed proposed modifications to Cowcatchers and the experts’ gosintas. “Remarkably” (you know, that “miraculous” thing popping again), this site, with modifications, can accommodate our basic needs. The site offers an interesting uniqueness and would require getting used to, but then again, doesn’t that match us? The pragmatic part of our Committee (you know, those “other” kind of people) reminded us to prioritize needs against available funds, and since our family doesn’t have millions of dollars oozing out of our coffers, cash on hand, anticipated revenue, available financing, and other “gosinta” issues abound. Construction options must be considered (i.e., what modifications are needed now versus later). And then we factor in what modifications we think the owner of the property should pay for. Basically (especially to people like me), it boils down to what can we get with what we “have.” A key question: Will “all we have” be enough? Hmmmmm, I’m guessing you’re in the middle of this, aren’t you Holy Spirit?

I believe that our church is in the midst of working through an interesting quandary. On the optimistic, happy side, we’re invited to lease a space that could fulfill our short-term needs and give us a 7-day-a-week place to hang our hat and see what beautiful things the Lord can do for His faithful. Soooooo, where’s the quandary?? Different issues: being good stewards with limited available funds; considering options of obtaining needed additional funds; potential financing options; deciding how much we should spend now if G_d only wants us here a couple of years; to what extent does this site address our family’s short-term needs; will spending a lot now effectively limit our options to choose a different long-term home; how does Cowcatchers fit in the long-term plan?

Clearly, the big green MONEY monster is staring us down. What’s the right choice?

This past week, the Pastor’s Council met, considered all alternatives, and voted to pursue negotiations to lease Cowcatchers for two years, with an option to extend and/or purchase. These negotiations will start this week. Many factors will affect the success of the negotiations, so prayer should be on all of our agendas these next two weeks. In the world of “it’s all we have,” however, let’s remember that hope comes alive.

This past Sunday, I wrote down at least five times where Pastor Scott mentioned hope. Though not the primary theme of his sermon, he was apparently nudged to say the word numerous times. And for those in our church family who are macho or may be thinking this is a mushy, sweet, feel-good concept, please consider Hebrews 6:19, where hope is described as an “anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” An “anchor”: solid enough to hold us from drifting away; solid enough to keep us in a place that’s safe. Also remember Steven Mackey’s teaching on Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of G_d’s plans to give us not only a future, but “a hope.”

Yes, I believe hope spoke into Andrew’s heart that late afternoon, and I believe that the Holy Spirit is whispering hope to us today. Hope that even though “all we have” does not seem near enough, G_d has a plan. Hope that fish sandwiches will become aplenty in our house, and that the unimaginable becomes our reality.

As surely as the Lord lives, He will give an answer to His faithful. And perhaps, the answer may be staring at us in the face. Indeed, our conundrum can be considered a blessing, and one to give thanks for. We could be drifting on the street, wondering where our next meal will come from. I pray that our leaders and financial, real estate, construction and engineering experts be blessed this week as they continue to move forward with their gosintas and begin serious negotiations. And in addition, and perhaps more importantly, that we and they listen to His whisper of hope, for that is an anchor to grab hold of!

Shema

Eight Days Not Enough

2011-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Step by step, I moved as slowly and quietly as I could. The darkness and silence of night surrounded me. Hoping upon hope for whatever was to come, my heart was pounding so hard it was about to bust a seam. “Was I too early? Is it too soon to get excited?” Isn’t it funny that life moments sometime bring your senses to a higher level, yet we hesitate to show emotion? Call it caution, wisdom, prudence or whatever, we learn to hold back even though inside we want to scream, laugh or jump for joy.

With darkness all around, I slowly and cautiously raised my Man From U.N.C.L.E. special spy flashlight. It was made for such a time as this. I clicked on the light, and there it was. Gloriously shining, it was nothing less than truly MAGNIFICENT!! and unlike anything I could have imagined. Twenty-four inch silver spoke wheels . . . white banana seat . . . bright-green sparkly colored frame (you know, the kind that looks like glitter) . . . and long high rise handle bars. Wow! Could it really be true?? Could this be for me? Surely my brothers had their own presents left nearby. After all, they already had bikes! With parents still asleep, I was doing all I could to hold back and keep from laughing out in pure joy.

Never will forget that moment. Ranks up there in the top 20, for sure. It reminds me, however, that even though moments come around that cause our insides to do backflips, the older we get the more often a part of us holds us back. We want to jump up and down and all around, but realize it wouldn’t be “sensible.” You know, that whole thing called wisdom everyone talks about. Being cautious . . . not counting chickens if all you see is a bunch of eggs. As we painfully learn along our path, sometimes disappointment carries a heavy hammer.

What does all of this have to do with our search for our Kingdom Campus, you may ask? Well, in my view, a whole bunch. This past week, some of our beloved brothers and sisters took a tour of a place on Bulverde Road that used to house the Cowcatcher’s Restaurant. Unlike other site visits, however, this visit carried a lot more potential. Hope and tingly feelings danced through hearts. Not too long ago, the bank which owns the site decided to not lease the building, and was instead going to put it up for sale. That was disappointing news, as we were considering it for lease and it seemed to hold so much promise for our needs. But then, miraculously (those still happen, right???) the bank “unexplainably” switched positions and said it would entertain an offer from us to lease under terms that could be just what we were looking for.

The building needs some changes if the Lord wants to convert it from selling beef to saving souls. So, this past week representatives of Riverside’s ministries and staff gathered at the site to walk through and analyze more intently what changes would be needed to conform it to our needs. The sensible questions: Would this place work for us, and how much would it cost? As construction and architectural experts listened to different people describe their vision of what could be, it became more and more clear that this place might be a good fit: a perfect place for our nursery; places for our children and youth to gather; classrooms to meet and learn; a room that could be converted to a sanctuary for music and worship. Could it be, Lord, that you are giving us a home where we can gather seven days a week? Dare we get excited too soon?

In the midst of exploration, vision and analysis, one thing particularly fascinating happened. If one was to stop and notice, there was a restrained excitement bubbling up and through each person. As each person slowly moved about, prayed and allowed themselves to express the vision of what was needed, it was evident people wanted to get excited, but were hesitant to bust loose.

As a practical matter, the place looks like it might work perfectly for our short-term needs. Though we still have not worked out all of the cost aspects, both us and the bank seem to be headed in the right direction.

But we’re supposed to be cautious until it’s a done deal, right? “No one get too excited too soon . . . that would not be wise at all!” Well, I hate to throw a wrench in common wisdom, but do we really have to be so restrained? I wonder sometimes if G_d sits back and knows we are bubbling inside about a particular moment He gives us, yet sees us struggle with caution and fear of disappointment. I wonder if sometimes He wants us to laugh out loud and dance, regardless of whether things are still uncertain and regardless if we know what the outcome will be, simply because we know G_d is giving us wonderful possibilities and will undoubtedly be there to love on us no matter the outcome. After their return from exile in Bablyon, but before restoration of their home and “fortunes,” I love that the people’s “mouths were filled with laughter” and “tongues with songs of joy.” Ps. 126:2.

This week, the Home Committee is evaluating the cost of conversion, and its finding and recommendation will be given to the Pastor’s Council. Ultimately, it appears we will be negotiating for the bank to fund this cost, and keep our expense down to a minimum. Please pray that this analysis and negotiation goes as G_d would want.

The Beatles once sang of a love so deep that “eight days a week” would not be enough to show they cared. The thought of what G_d would do for and through us seven days a week in a church home is enough to shake us at our core. But because this is not yet a “done deal,” some will understandably be hesitant to get too excited. Me? I’m laughing out loud!

Regardless of the outcome of the “Cowcatchers” site, G_d has been unbelievably loving in showing us He cares. Thank you, Lord, for showing us the possibility of what can be. We know and appreciate so much that you will always be there on the other side of disappointment. We know and appreciate so much that your love has and will continue to be like beautiful flowers flowing and falling over the side of a basket.

♫“Ain’t got nothin but love, babe. Eight days a week.”♫

Shema

Calling the Nondescript

2011-01-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to a small group of men. Not unlike many other small groups of men who meet weekly, this was a group of fathers and husbands trying to come closer to what G_d wanted them to be. One early morning, they were urged unexpectedly and strongly to move in a direction different from all other morning discussions. They each felt moved it was time again for Riverside to actively seek a permanent home. Their first move was to call and meet with their pastor. Realizing they are a fairly nondescript group of men, they described what happened to them, and humbly suggested that perhaps it was time again for G_d to move us to a different home.

Pastor Scott indicated he too had been feeling it was time, and blessed them to create a “Home Committee” for the purpose of exploring anew the possibilities for a permanent home. Additional men were added, and ultimately the Committee consisted of a cross section of men from Riverside. Several men in Riverside leadership positions joined, as did professionals in the real estate and construction industries. Importantly, each member has been convicted that they must always try earnestly to do nothing unless they feel it is in accordance with G_d’s will. Col. 1:9.

Initially, the Committee was created to explore potential sites for Riverside’s long-term permanent earthly home. But their mission quickly expanded. During the few weeks the Committee was being formed, several issues arose with respect to Emerald Rainbow, causing the need for immediate re-evaluation of our short-term situation. So, the discussion became two-fold: what does G_d want for our long-term home, and how does He want to solve our short-term situation? Is there one site waiting somewhere to address both needs? Or, are we to travel to and rest in another “middle space” until we are moved to a long-term home?

During the last two months, the Committee has been active. Members have met numerous times; there have been visits to different sites; experts in the real estate and financial sectors have been consulted; there has been financial analysis of our situation. And certainly most importantly, there has been prayer.

Various considerations have demanded attention: cost; Riverside’s ministries (including the education of our children and our missional work here and abroad); site location; required amenities; flexibility; and messages received through prayer now and long ago.

Through the course of this process, several potential sites have been considered for short and/or long-term residency. These include the newly established Lost Mission complex near Anhalt; the site formerly occupied by the Cowcatcher’s Restaurant; local schools; the HEB site soon to be vacated on hwy. 46; a 16-acre plot of raw land behind the Emerald Rainbow; and numerous others. The Home Committee has worked with Pastor Scott, Riverside’s Pastor’s Council, and its Finance Committee. Recently, the Home Committee recommended to Pastor Scott and his Council that it consider a short-term lease. The specifics of this and other recent activity will be posted later in this blog.

Important, however, is first giving thanks to G_d for His encouragement, counsel and blessing. Clearly, without Him we would all be lost. Before focusing on the details of what is going on with this site or that, let us never forget to rest in thankful bliss at His never-ending grace. Thank you, O G_d, Creator of the Universe! May we never forget whose we are. May we continue to be blessed by your guidance and sustenance.

Shema

Reflection

2011-01-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

These pages have sat quietly for over two years. Words first written in April 2007 and through November 08 have since rested silently. And perhaps in no small part they have been bearing the “feelings of disappointment” expressed in the January 08 posting below.
Having written these words, the family of Riverside Community Church earnestly tried for several years to find their earthly home. Worshiping in a school (interestingly, inside a place for children), our family wondered where G_d would lead us next. But it was not yet time for a permanent home. Instead, G_d would give us a rainbow.

As we all know, our family came upon a different place to rest for a time . . . a place called Emerald Rainbow. Now, looking back, this seems to be part of the “middle space” described below in the fall of 07; the middle space between our time in a school house, and home.
And so, our family rested. And waited. And were graced along the way with patience and appreciation and love. Sadly, some felt led to leave. Yet others arrived, and through time our family grew in heart and faith.

Several years later, G_d’s gentle urgings stirred the hearts of several, and people’s hearts and minds and hands and feet began to move again. Moving forward to find our next resting place. Moving forward to see what next G_d has planned for us. Moving forward to perhaps find our earthly home. The account of this part of our journey will be described here in future posts, but in moving forward, it seems worthwhile to not forget the message of yesterday. For it was theologian and philosopher Kierkagaard who said that life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward.
As expressed in previous posts within this blog, years ago many prayed and toiled to find Riverside’s permanent earthly home. And what we see below in the words of 07 and 08 are fascinating messages received by those in prayer of what our permanent home would ultimately look like. Images of a “city on a hill” and “elevation on property.” Images of a home “adjacent to Hwy. 281,” in the “midst of a chaotic world”; a place near the back yard of the school house where we rested at the time.
Trying to understand, we asked then what we ask today: what did those messages mean, G_d? Were they merely metaphors for the spiritual impact we were to have on the community? Were they descriptions of actual buildings on an actual plot of land, similar to the temples and churches your disciples worshipped in before and after Jesus’ time on earth? What were you telling us through those messages?
We excitedly continue our journey with an eye on the past, a hope for our future, and with obedience and thanksgiving for today. What do you have in store for us, Lord Jesus? Where will we go from here?

Shema

2008-11-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

It feels like so much has happened in a short amount of time. After all the prayer and conversation, here's is how G-d seems to have sorted things out.

It might be a good idea to begin by reminding everyone that there may be prayers that you should never pray. Prayers for patience are usually met with long lines, lost phone, numbers, extra commas, and alarm clocks that don't go off. Prayers for courage met with hilarious moments like realizing you are genuinely afraid of clowns as they drive down the highway on the way to frighten children at their fifth birthday party.

So we wildly continue to pray..."Make us a church only you could build."

So far this has meant twists and turns that have been incredible and reshaping.

First a quick follow up on the last four leads we chased. The first was the 7 acres that John owned. It sold, door closed. The second lead was the old Singing Hills property. This entire development is on hold. Third was the the twelve acres. This idea never seemed to gel at all. At this point along with many others projects in the present economy not much else is taking shape on the development front. Finally, the River side spot has not surfaced either although there are a few options that remian possibilities.

And so there we were without any real possibility. Feeling as if we had been somehow obedient to a fault. Then Jamie finally made the phone call that lead to a conversation with Rebecca.

Until the phone call we had prayer as our only rudder. We had asked for people near and far to pray on our behalf, gathered all the reponses over time, and noticed specifics among generally encouraging words.

The specific things came in groups. Strange Groups. One was a group of prayers that at some point mentioned the building being on a hill. While somewhat directionally helpful, we live in the Hill Country, so the odds were good.

Another was how the building was "very close", or "in our back yard." The back yard phrase was used enough to motivate me to stand in my back yard and try and see something I hadn't seen before. This only lead to watching deer and feeling like an idiot.

The third clearly distinctive group did not encourage my manliness but was a deeply biblical image. This was the image of a Rainbow.

So we looked for Rainbows. We waited to see a building we hadn't seen before on a hill, and increased continually the area we defined as our "back yard."

Months passed. Then Jamie called.

Rebecca and her husband Sean were opening a new business and had finally been able to get close to opening the doors. She asked Jamie to pray partly because they had felt compelled in prayer to be closed on Sunday for family and worship. She knew it was crazy but really felt G-d's leading. Then she said "We were hoping maybe a church could meet there on Sunday."

The business is located directly behind our present worship space in Spring Branch Middle School. It is on top of the hill. It's called the Emerald Rainbow Family Fun Center.

We will need to leave the school after Christmas. (Which will again be at Anhalt Hall) We are presently working out all the details. Some more creative than others.

The truth is the ER as it is affectionately known by the staff is not ideal. But, we are sure we are called to move there.

No doubt we will come to understand as we follow. By the way the name "Emerald Rainbow" comes from Revelation 4. Take a look...

"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne."
-Rev. 4:1-3

4 considerations and stay in school

2008-02-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

This week we continue to look in all directions. John Taylor who has tirelessly lead us through this process has another option for us. This time a 12 Acre site on highway 46. Just found out about this today. More later if it seems relevant.

So in total, there are four prayerful considerations. 1. The 7 acres attached to the 70 we originally sought. This is owned by John Taylor and we have preliminary drawings and are following up. We have an agreement with John that if he is able to sell this land in the mean time, we will see that as a closed door. 2. We are speaking with the folks that are developing the Singing Hills development. At one time they spoke about donating a piece of the development to a church. They seem to have backed off this donation for now. 3. The new 12 acre site which I know nothing about yet. 4. We have always hoped for a riverside! spot. So, we hope to talk to some folks that may be able to help us along the way.

In the mean time we will stay in the school but are actively looking to leave. We are having struggles with growth due to parking and children's space that is inadequate. When folks drive up to church and don't stop because the parking is to full, we need to make a change...

Shema,
S

2008-02-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I wrote here and so much has developed while very little has changed.

G-d still very clearly has us in the palm of Him hand. One prayer time after another comes to the same uncomfortable result. We are not to move in our power, but rest in G-d provision. We will know what we need to know when we need to know it. G-d's dreams are bigger than our own.

Last week Teresa and I had a very warm and helpful meeting with our School Board representative Carol Keller. She was encouraging and helpful about the needs of the district and how we might be able to serve our community in some new and unique ways. She was also open to advocating for us toward and extenstion in the school but didn't think we would have any trouble.

Sure enough as of today our extenstion is on file at CISD. Still want to double check that, but I think we have been given the next step. Stay in the school.

We will continue to work on all options that present themselves. So far many of these seem to have been more about the people we encounter and very little about us. Shocking to learn things aren't all about us.

Now amongst the mix is a new sprit. There is a new and larger movement shaking out. Could mean an entirely different way of understanding church. My "What if" mind and prayer life are off the charts.

More soon.

Anhalt Allhalt

2008-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well Anhalt is a no on the other side of Christmas. Yesterday Josh Dean spoke with a few of the core leaders at Anhalt to see if there was anything we could do to work something out with the Verein.

They still feel that our partnership is not a good match for them. So, we move on.

Feeling disapointed, but starting to understand what it may mean to be obedient for obedience sake. We go into these explorations and my expectations begin to hang things on the walls. Maybe we go just to go.

What's next?

Well our lease at the Middle School is up at the end of February. So, we need to have a place to go, or be working on another option that allows the School Board to give us an extension.

This week the Pastor's Council meets to pray, discuss, and plan next steps. Please remain in prayer as we go forward....

Pause at Anhalt

2007-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

John Taylor and I went to meet with the Verein on the first Sunday of December. Many of our folks had put together ideas about how we would renovate with simplicity. Our goal was to update with very little impact on the hall itself. Thanks again to Kenny Whistler who is always ready and so faithful. Along with all the other folks who we depend on to tell us if these ideas are doable.

In any event, the Verein met at 2. John and I were present and ready. They let us know we would not be presenting to the Verein as a whole and that a committee had been formed to engage us in the possibility. This committee would meet with John and I at 3. So, Mr. Taylor and I had another opportunity to catch up as we waited for our next little meeting. We waited outside for Mr.Lieneger at Singing Hills, for Mr. Andersen in Dallas, and now for the committee. We always have great conversations in the strange little pauses.

Then at 3, the Vice President of the Vereind surprised us. At the Verien's meeting at 2, Riversides intentions were brought up and spoken about by the larger board and it was decided unanimously that the Verein were not interested in an ongoing relationship with any group. They felt that they needed to stay close to their charter and we did not fit within that. I asked, "Does that mean we're done here?" (I am a little slow.) He said simply, "Yes, I believe it does."

I am not so sure. One of the prayer responses we recieved about Anhalt revealed that it would be paused until Christmas, but that what was for us was larger than what was against us! That word came before I had even brought the possibility up to the larger community. We shall see.

See you all at Christmas. Regardless of any ongoing relationship, once again the Verein have graciously welcomed us to use the hall for our Christmas Eve services.

Finally, I do feel so deeply moved that G-d would spend so much time teaching us so much. John and I both felt that we had been obedient and that was our only real hope and expectation. I wonder how this adventure will unfold next....

2007-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

As we continue to seek our long term Kingdom Campus, we have realized the need for what the prayer teams have called a "middle place". Initially this didn't make sense, but now with the shift at the 70 acres and the new opportunities that are surfacing, it is becoming more clear.
As we approach the deadline the school district has set for us to be out of SBMS, we know that there is a time difference between the maximum the school district allows and the time needed to settle into a more permanent home. To meet this difference we have begun the search process.
This process has lead us to a possibility at Anhalt Hall. Anhalt Hall is where we have celebrated Christmas the last few years. While this is a well loved and convenient location for worship and family, there are concerns.
These concerns begin with the Verein itself. The Verein are the leadership that have been responsible for the Hall for the duration of its life. Their focus has and will continue to be to care for the heritage and community life for which Anhalt was created. This means caring for the Hall itself, its traditional Fests in May and in October, and the community that call it home.
Our concerns combined with honoring the Vereins include high quality worship space, AC and Heat, upgrades to the structure itself, electrical issues, restroom renovation, a high quality childrens area, family cooking facilities, and the possibility of a more static environment for worship in general.
Last Sunday November 4 Danny Torres and I met with the Verein at their Board meeting. During the meeting I was invited to introduce our idea. While the Verein have concerns about how all of this will come to pass and work with the events already planned, they are interested in seeing a presentation of our renovations and additions. Our offer is to do these renovations instead of paying rent. Our strategy is to use the money we presently pay the school district for the renovations. Our dream then is to leave these renovations as a gift to the heritage of our community.
This week many of our talented team of architects, plumbers, electricians, HVAC designers, and staff will go from church to the site to begin building the written presentation for this dream.
Please pray for this team and for the Verein as we begin our conversations. Also please pray about the initial financial need we will have as we engage this project possibility.
We shall see.

Shema,
Scott

City on a Hill

2007-10-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Scott,
> As I have been praying for Riverside and the land on
> 281/46 the following scripture came to me.
> Matthew 5:14...You are the light of the world. A
> city
> on a hill cannot be hidden.

Seasons

2007-10-18T07:50:00.001-07:00

As we move from the summer into the fall our prayerful journey toward a campus home also seems to be shifting.

As you know we have been praying toward the 70 acre tract off 281 between 46 and the river. We have been awaiting a response from the owners of the tract, the Andersen brothers. Now we have that response. Gracefully they have accepted our termination of the contract, and have agreed to return all the money we put down on the land minus legal fees. They did not have to do this. It is very gracious. But, it began to signify the possibility of a season change.

Now there is another contract on the property brought by some investors who intend to develop the land themselves. This even more profoundly seems to clarify that G-d has a different way to achieve His purpose than expected. As I have sought to understand this shift from what seemed so hopeful, the clearest response has been that "Sometimes protection looks like dissapointment." There are some other learning pieces to share if you are up for a little conversation...

While we are clearly dissapointed that this piece of land has not come in the way we have expected, there are now many different possibilities for our future including being a part of this same property's development!

John Taylor continues to prayfully serve the community in our journey toward us our future home. He has uncovered many different opportunities for our prayerful consideration. As soon as these are more distilled, they will be posted here.

Until then, please be in prayer for our continual process of seeking G-d to realize His dreams for our community.

Additionally, it has become clear that we will need to consider a "middle space". As our time in the school is expensive and time sensitive, we are beginning to consider other options for Sunday worship. Please feel free as always to comment here with your thoughts on the process, ideas for a middle space, and any other encouragment for the community!

Shema,
S

Update

2007-09-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

We still have not heard from Mr. Andersen, even about the termination of the initial contract. He travels quite a bit and I know this is a small issue for them. So, who knows... There are alternatives beginning to surface for consideration and healthy conversation about all options continue.

Our present situation draws the question of how to pray. Do we continue to pray for the 70 acres or do we let that possibility go believing that G-d has spoken in the terminated contract? There seems so much unknown.

Here is what I know. G-d continually calls us in prayer to "Wait" and that it is "Already Done." There have also been many confirmations around the 70 Acres.

I also know that to this point we have been clearly directed away from asking our community or other friends to give the 2 million dollars that we need. We are trying hard to swim upstream and learn as a community to give biblically instead of putting the money raising thermometer up on stage. While our returning to the Kingdom (tithes and offerings) has been strong, we still have a very churchy financial ebb and flow.

The only person we have clearly been encouraged to speak to about donation was Mr. Andersen.(The 70 acre land owner) He graciously welcomed us into his home and we asked him to consider donating the land to the vision. As we stated before, he has not yet responded.

We also know that our time in Spring Branch Middle School is limited. We have lived through our one year welcome and are now into the first of our three possible six month extentions. We want to honor the school by moving as quickly as we can and we believe that they will be understanding if we are in the middle of building when our time is up.

So, we find ourselves in a wonderful position. Completely dependent on G-d.

My belief is that we are to continue to pray for the 70+ acres. As much as the world would say time is out because the contract is gone, I am not sure we have ever been contract dependent. I still believe that if G-d wants us to have this land then there is nothing that can stop it and if G-d does not want us to have it then it will fade away.

If there is another option or "middle place", or a door is firmly closed, it will make itself clear. But, until then nothing has changed so our choice is made. We pray and expectantly wait.

We shall see.

Loft Prayer Evening

2007-09-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Recently a group gathered at the Loft to continue to seek G-d's direction on our Kingdom Campus. Here is a sample of the prayers from the evening...

Acts 2
Isaiah 40
Psalm 53
Psalm 27

Father you know our heart. We pray you show us yours. Jesus said we should pray your kingdom come. What does that look like? Father it is so hard to be still in this world. So we wait.

Wait on the Lord....For He has done it...constant thanksgiving.

Focus on what He has done thus far before we run ahead.

BE STILL.

Are we suppose to travel around to different schools? Reach out to our regional area?

It is Done! Pinpoint obidience? Are we obedient in the small things, the everyday things...God will trust us with a lot when he knows He can trust us with a little.

Nehemiah 4:16
Is 60:5-6

Is 26:17,18 Did you feel the mountains tremble?

The kingdom campus is a really big vision for a small community like ours but it is like a drop in the bucket (Is 40:15) for our God. If He wants to partner with us, like we believe he does, on this project-we must be faithful in what we dcan do and He will be faithful in what He can do. Its not for us, but all for Him.

.....the land I am bringing you to....posses their land...I will give it to you as an inheritance.

Wait.

Be Patient.

There may be a middle place.

He establishes and in Him there is strength.

Diamonds. The shape of a diamond? Does that mean anything to you?

Catching up.

2007-09-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

While there hasn't been much written here in this space, there has been quite a bit going on with our Kingdom Campus prayer and development work. Let me see if I can catch everybody up. Thanks for every one's continued prayers and work. Here are the highlights. If there is something that I miss, please place it in the comments below this post.

After our prayer time on the 70 acre sight we felt great about moving forward in faith. We knew that we needed around 2 million dollars to purchase the property and that it would have to come in a non-traditional way. Even though this seemed like a steep mountain, the prayers had been overwhelmingly positive.

We did have one prayerful "No" and took that seriously. We checked into the concern and decided to continue forward keeping the "No" alternative in mind.

John Taylor and others worked hard to find developers, investors, and ministry possibilities that might be the pieces we needed. Our hope was to discover what God was doing and become a part of it. While there was some interest, which still exists, there was never a solid partner.

The developers spoken to felt like the property was either too big for their company, or too small?! We have ministry born interest in the clinic and will soon have a meeting with an assisted living ministry. We also had an encouraging conversation with Canyon Lake Water Supply, Pyramid Development in Houston, and some other folks who can take part in different ways. But, we still had not found a way to purchase the property.

Then through God's movement we were able to set a meeting with one of the owners of the property, Mr. Michael Andersen. Mr. Andersen welcomed us into his home and we explained to him some of developmental difficulties and our vision. We also felt prayerfully called to ask him to donate the land to the vision. It was exciting but definitely strange.

Since then we extended the contract one time,but as the next extension came around we felt like the money was too steep and we let the contract go. Since then, we have still not heard from the Andersens. We have friendly control of two adjoining pieces and are continuing to pray about what to do next.

I believe that if there was a way this land could be donated, or the money was found, we could begin to give it in partnership to the ministries we believe are called to be a part of this campus vision. With that land as donation the clinic, hope center, assisted living, chapel on the hill, community center, and other ministries would be half way toward realizing their visions and have great momentum toward realizing them. But, to this day we still wait.

2007-05-24T08:48:00.002-07:00

"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied withgetting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God andthe way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how heworks. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'llfind all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid ofmissing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you thevery kingdom itself.Luke 12:29-32The Message

2007-05-24T08:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the moisture was heavy inthe air and the thick dew on the leaveswas just hanging there almost suspended.I wrote "....hanging in the balance" in myjournal. Today I ended up in Obadiah.I'll leave the interpretation up to ya'll but I felt itmight be relevant to the land and wantedto pass it on. Here are what the footnotesrevealed:Message carries a summons to arms."Arise" is typical of summons to battle.Edom can signify both the geographical area lying to the South of the Dead Seaand the people who occupied that territory.Figuratively Edom represents Zion's foes.The bubble of Edom's inflated pride is about to burst.God's judgement is as good as done.(footnotes taken from The Spirit Filled Life Bible)References:Began at Ez.34-36Mal.1:2-5Jer. 49:16-18 parallels/ and ended at Obadiah 1:1-4

Community Prayer and Impressions

2007-04-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Following post is a collection of the comments made on the Prayer Response Forms turned in during our two community visits to the property. The bold is scripture, the quotes are notes or impressions written about the previous scripture or in general. We have made every effort to clearly express these responses. If we have misread your handwriting, or you would like to clarify, let us know. The majority of the comments have been verbal , which have been included in the conversation, but are not included here. Please read, pray, and comment. Click comment at the end of the post and you can add you response and thoughts. Scott will post soon with conclusions and next steps.

Thanks to everyone for your time and faithfulness.

We begin...

In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you [a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has said." So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said.
10 And the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not be permitted to live.' Only when the ram's horn sounds a long blast may they go up to the mountain."
14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, "Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations." - Exodus 19:1-15

"What really struck me was how the people were prepared as a group-unity-how they remember what God had already done-how they were dedicated or consecrated to god-and how they were given boundaries."

"Bueno!"

Where are the stables- FFA for Smithson Valley Students?

"I know this plan is too big for us but it is not too big for God. I closed my eyes & heard laughing and playing - the sounds of community, our community. Like feeding the 5,000 - God wants to start with what we have & will multiply it to what we need."

"The clouds as e walked in - seemed to be ascending to heaven - like smoke of the sacrifice or the prayers of God's people - I was so struck also by the beauty of the meadows of flowers and sunshine. of warmth and coolness - openessand shelter- 70+7 - wonderful numbers...to be baptized out of a living spring coming our of a manger - not bad! God brought living water our of rock - our of rocky containments"

" 13 "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. " - Jeremiah 2:13 (Spring Pond Area)

"Standing Stone. "

"Use what you have."

"And whatsoever we aks, we recieve of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleaseing in his sight." 1 John 3:22

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." - Isaiah 58:10-12

The land is beautiful! Too mnay doors have beenopened. This is not a lucky shot. This is indeed the hand of God, Walk into it!

" 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12

" 1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way." - 1 Corinthians 12

Saw a beautiful bright red cardinal singing loudly & boldly from the highest elevation of the property.

I see the Lord tending a flock, flocks grazing here. I see the mixing of flocks - But Jesus leading them all - I see strays too - Don't know what that means

I feel Psalm 23...

" 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." - Psalm 23

281 is distracting - you could get pulled in by the noise - It reminds me of the world - But I feel God calling us to claim this land, and bring The Kingdom Here - Adjacent to the chaotic world.

Roman Road

My peace i leave you my peace I give unto you.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

A light to the nations.