A note on our current situation:
What an opportunity we have before us, as the body of Christ, to partner with peace , hope, and understanding. I am not asking you to ignore any problems that we face.
John Chew stated, “More critical than the problem itself, is the way I see the problem! If my perspective on the problem doesn’t fill me with glistening hope, then I am believing a lie.”
In the Old Testament, the Kingdom is advanced by good actions. In the New Testament, the Kingdom is advanced by good beliefs. More is achieved by what we think about God’s goodness than by our efforts in the disciplines of the Christian faith. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t practice those disciplines but praying harder, longer, and with more desperation isn’t what God has called us to. Somehow, there is this notion that God is more attracted to my desperation than He is to my confidence (my identity) in His goodness! You and I are sons & daughters of a good King.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Whoever has the most hope has the most influence. Be carriers of hope today, through your social media platforms and conversations. Be kind and considerate. Be intentional with serving your neighbors. Don’t wait for the institution of church to respond—you are the church. Let’s be generous and creative with our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Practice Joy. Practice Prayer. Practice thanksgiving. Practice generosity. (These things are rare right now in our culture.)
Plant this in your heart. One person with high beliefs and a devoted heart cannot change a nation. NOT TRUE! / / / David killed Goliath (Fear) and Israel changed in a day! TRUE! / / / Our nation is in need of "Davids" and I believe they're out there and that you guys are of that remnant. "Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your day you would not believe if you were told." (Habakkuk 1:5 NASB)
Declaration: God is advancing His kingdom in my nation; in our valley. He is doing a mighty work in my city, and I get to partner with the Father. I am a child of God and I choose to be full of hope in this new season. Therefore, I have creative ways to be light in this season of darkness.
Big thank you. We want to say thank you to our staff / core leaders, board members, our children's teachers, our volunteers (worship team, prayer team, greeters, ushers, the list goes on...) who invest consistently (through service and generosity) every week. Your hearts are appreciated and shown in your commitment to our good Father and Awaken. Everyone of you carry something of great value and there is something that happens in the spiritual realm when we choose to serve together in creative ways. Keep running and pursuing His presence while pursuing community in these times.
>>> We will see you online this Sunday at 10a. #weareawaken
Brooke and I love you so much church.
Live Awake,
Adam Cooke