Building up a Church family

"Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. 
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. 
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. 
​Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 
Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. 
​If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. 
Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written,
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 
Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink;
for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” 
​Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good."  - Romans 12:9-21

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Over the past few weeks I have been blessed to see God at work in some seemingly small ways, but truly moving in big ways when you look at the bigger picture.

I always tend to think of the long haul big picture where church pews are overfilled, and new properties need to be bought, as well as great art created and huge evangelistic efforts reaching out to the world. However, the Gospel message is person by person truly invested....

I have again attended personal quincenera's, as well as family homes/gatherings, and have been told statements by young people like "I wish I could talk to my family, the same way I talk to you guys."  I have laughed with many, shared about new joys from school acceptance, and also cried with some who have very serious family trauma.  All of this has reminded me yet again of why I am truly here, and if it was only for these individual souls Lord, then I know that it is enough; and I am grateful you have chosen me for them.

I pray for a church that is truly like a family.... As a community of people who continue to do life together in all of its good and bad times; working together and building with one another.  May we be covered by the atonement from blood of Christ until our daily reality of earth here together looks a lot more like Heaven. Amen.

- The Symbol
- All is Love