Psalm 1: Immersed

Each week during the season of Lent, I'll be challenging each of you to a call to action. You're invited to post your stories and thoughts!

Challenge for the Week of Feb. 10
Introduce yourself to two neighbors on your street whom you have never met. Let them know that if they ever need anything, you're there for them.

Prepare to Act

This week we are concluding the Sermon on the Plain from Luke. In it Jesus speaks of acting on his teachings. I just got back from Juarez on a mission trip, building a house. I felt like I was acting out what we're taught by Christ, but feel my mind is clouded right now. After an experience like that how do I act out the faith back at home. It seems like it's so much less intense now that I am back, less sacrificial. Maybe in order to act I have to prepare myself in some way. After all, this isn't just a one time decision, this is a concerted effort made each day. I don't want to just commiserate on what I did, I want to look forward to what God can do through me moving forward. So, In what ways can I prepare daily, how do you prepare to serve each day?

Peace,
Jason

Trust Me

God calls us to step beyond ourselves into a place or thing or state of being that, as he did with Noah, Abram and Mary, He will show us. But first we must trust Him, no matter the circumstances, obstacles or sheer absurdity of the task.

The following is taken from a sermon and song written and rendered by Gospel artist Donnie McClurkin:

"What if you call me and don't feel me near you; will you still trust me?
What if I call you to let go of the very thing you feel you have to hold onto; will you trust me?
What if it costs your life? What if you have to lose the things you hold so dear; will you trust me?"

I know that faith is easy when everything is going well
But can you still believe in Me when your life's a living hell?
And when all the things around you seem to quickly fade away
There's just one thing I really want to know

Will you let go? (I'll trust you, Lord)
Will you stand on My word? (I'll trust you, Lord)
Against all odds will you believe what I have said? (I'll trust You, Lord)
What seems impossible ... (I'll trust You, Lord)
Will you believe? (I'll trust You, Lord)
Every promise that I made will you receive? (Yes, I will trust You, Lord)

I know how bad it hurt you when that loved one's life came to an end
And when they had to leave you, you said you'd never love again
But will you trust that I can help you and I'll never turn away?
Will you trust Me, child, no matter, come what may?

What if it hurts? (I'll trust You, Lord)
What if you cry? (I'll trust You, Lord)
What if it doesn't work out the first time that you try? (I'll trust You, Lord)
What if you call My name ... (I'll trust You, lord)
And you don't feel Me near? (I'll trust You, Lord)
Will you believe in Me or will you fear? Oh, my child? (Yes, I will trust, You Lord)

- DeAndre