Encounter: Take time out of your busy day to turn your thoughts toward God and read the letter of 2 Peter (It is short:) Then read 1:1-11, 2 times underlining any words or phrases that seem to stand out or speak to you.
While he lived in Rome, Peter wrote a letter somewhere between A.D. 64 and 68 that was circulated among the house churches throughout Asia Minor, which is present day Turkey. These followers of The Way of Jesus were trying to live out their faith in a world filled with uncertainty, persecution and economic adversity. They were also being confused by false teachers who had distorted the Good News they had first embraced. Their culture had lost their moral principles, and in the midst of an unsteady political climate these believers were in need of a steady stream of encouragement to remind them how to live out their faith and their calling while facing so many challenges. Does this resonate with you?
If this letter was an email, I would put in the subject line, Living God’s love & Grace in Action. Peter says it like this, “God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us…”
Here is the point at which you say, “Yes but how?” YBH! By making your calling visible to others. As followers of Jesus, living the promises of new life, God’s image and nature comes alive in us through the spiritual gifts and calling He guides us into by the power of Holy Spirit. And we discover our calling through living and serving with our spiritual family in Christ’s Church.
Henri Nouwen, one of my mentors, explains it so simply, “In true community we are windows constantly offering each other new views on the mystery of God’s presence in our lives.
It has been a beautiful experience to watch this “mystery of God’s presence,” coming alive through those of us who call Eden Church home. You have been “improving your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love and this shows that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. (2 Pet. 1:5-8)
The Quakers have a saying about calling that I love: Let your life speak. Finding your calling is about finding your voice — what rises over all the noise and confusion and makes our Creator’s love known. Your voice and presence brings light in the darkness.
This week I celebrated with Haley Thornburg the opportunity she had to express her passion and bring her voice regarding the darkness of abuse that affects millions. She was connected recently to Linzi Marie who has a podcast that highlights what God is doing through ordinary people in our city. Take time to listen to the podcast where Haley shares about this essential ministry and our vision to multiply healing groups for women and men through a network of churches. Listen here:
Haley’s openness to learn, receive and minister to others through our Mending the Soul ministry is Grace in Action. This is just one of the amazing ministries of Eden Church you are invited to invest in as we pledge our lives to fulfill our call to be God’s grace and love in action.
Tomorrow is Grace in Action Commitment Sunday when we bring our voices, presence, callings and devotion together and share how we see God weaving His purpose through Eden Church. We are pledging our lives, spiritual gifts and resources to see our Ministry Investment Plan empower us to come alive to our passion and callings as Christ’s Church. Be sure to bring your pledge card as we ready ourselves for another year full of adventure and something to share at our potluck feast after our congregational meeting.
Remember Eden, “We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.”
Loving Christ’s Church,
Pastor Tammy
Reflect: What does calling or vocation in Christ’s church mean to you? What are the great and marvelous promises that Peter is talking about? How do you understand these promises being fulfilled through your life and the life of Eden Church?
Encourage: Take a minute and send an email to Pastor Tammy & Matt through edenepiccoach@gmail.com and schedule your session for Epic coaching. We will walk with you to help you discover your voice and gifts God will use to demonstrate His love and grace.
Gather: As you meet with your Life Group or Sunday Study Group this week, look around at the faces of those you are in community with. How do you see them as “windows offering new views on the mystery of God’s presence?”