Dear Church Inside Out....Run To Rather Than Run From

Dear Church Inside Out,

I've got to be honest, when news about the Coronavirus started, I didn't give much thought other than to our mission at hand.  I ignored it thinking it was going to go away.  I have thought and prayed about what some would say implications, but I say opportunity.

There are a lot of what if's to consider with the effect that it is having across our country: financially, safety, spiritually, etc.

In this, I believe God would have us run to rather than run away into our homes.  What does "running to" look like?

1.  Run to our Refuge: Jesus

God is our refuge and strength (mighty and impenetrable), a very present and well-proved help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change..." Psalm 46:1,2
He is the only One that can bring peace to a chaotic situation.  May we show off the Prince of Peace through our interactions with people and in our social media posts during this time.  As Don Lovy said, "Make people ask the question, 'How are you handling this so well?"  Let's point to our refuge.

Running to Jesus as our Refuge includes being in the Word.  There is a good chance with a lot of stuff closing down, you will have some time on your hands.  Establish a priority of getting into the Word and prayer. 

I am reminded by the story of Elijah after the defeat of the Baal worshipers.  He entered into a season of desperation and depression and found himself in a cave.  The Lord told him to stand outside of the cave in the Lord's presence.   What came next was a mighty wind, a mighty earthquake and a mighty fire, but God was not in those.  It was only through what came next: a gentle whisper.  That gentle whisper gave Elijah instruction as to the next step.

There is so much noise with the Coronavirus that nobody can really tell what's true and what is false.  The place thought that you will find God is in the Gentle Whisper: The Word of God.  "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105  (Actually read all of Psalm 119)  Let His Word guide every thought, word and deed as you seek to live for him during this time.

2.  Run to One Another
BE the church to one another.  "Let us seize  and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful; and let us consider (thoughtfully) how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day of Christ's return approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

Did you know that we are one day closer to the return of Christ?  Until then, let us hold tightly to this confession of hope we have professed up until this crazy time.  This is the test that we have waited for years, the last major test being 9/11.

We have a God who is reliable AND trustworthy AND faithful.  This is the promise and the hope! This right here means everything is ok--not that we won't experience difficulty, but we have HOPE on our side.  Remember, this earth is just temporary.

Pray for one another.  Gather together.  Eat together (unless you have the virus:)  Declare your hope through intentionally encouraging our church. Love one another.  One way to do this is to stock up and be prepared to share so that if it comes down to isolation, we can share with one another.
   
3.  Run to your Neighbor
But a Samaritan who was traveling, came upon him; and when he saw him, he was deeply moved with compassion for him, and went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them (to soothe and disinfect the injuries; and he put him on his own pack animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him." (Luke 10:33-34)

Could it be that God is providing an opportunity through a pandemic?  I would say a definite yes!  We could look at it as a "the sky is falling" moment or we could look at it as "for such a time as this" moment.  Could it be that this will be the opportunity to minister to those next door?  It seems like God is cutting off for a time some travel and other options, but is opening up the door to be the church right next to us.
My prayer for Church Inside Out through this regardless if things progress or not is that we would:

a.  See our neighbors.  I pray we would really see them--see beyond them just living next to us, but engage them, get to know them and invest in them. 
b.  Be deeply moved with compassion for our neighbors.  I think of my neighbors.  They are great people, but I have not really gotten to know them and I haven't been moved with deep compassion.  They live their life and we live ours.  We greet one another, but that is about it.  What would it look like to be moved with compassion for them?  This would include serving them, seeking out their needs, and engaging with them.
c.  Bind their wounds.  Some of our neighbors are going to react out of fear.  How can we bind this particular wound through the Gospel and simply love them?  Address the hurt and pain to soothe them.  This comes only through Christ.
d.  Utilize the resources God has given each of us to bless our neighbors.  Use your own pack-animal (your resources).  This would be the reason to stock up on food and necessary items--not out of fear or to horde, but to bless.  This is a monumental moment to give a cup of soup or bottled water or meal to bless our neighbors for the sake of making Jesus known.

For such a time as this has called us to truly BE the hands and feet of Jesus.  I invite you to pray with us this Sunday as a church at 10 a.m. at Eagle Point

In regards to the details as to what we will do as a body in regards to meeting, that is a decision that will be made when more is known, but regardless we will have church.  This might be at Eagle Point or it might be in homes, but we will gather to celebrate Jesus.

When we do gather, simply wash your hands and "keep yo hands to yoselves!"  If there is any hint of sickness, please stay home.

We will keep you updated through our Remind App and on our Church Inside Out Group Page.  If you would like to get text updates, text this message: @churchins to 81010.

Would you pray for our groups in Mexico, headed to Mexico on Saturday and the groups headed here to serve with us in our communities?  God has a great plan!  I can't wait to see what He does!

God is Sovereign!

Mike
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