IF… I LISTEN LONG ENOUGH (I think that’s a song)

I have been asking God the question, and praying & researching the answer to the missing piece… How can you keep people in the church, and grow them, get them involved, and disciple them so they reach others who are far away from God? WOW!  The church question of the decade. Every group, planting group, leadership group, pastors group, denominational group & consulting group has its own answer and solution. But, none work for all places and peoples. I have been begging after God to answer that question for our church…

This morning in my time with God, after many months of asking this question in many places from beaches to monasteries God reminded me of a verse He gave me last year, and basically said, "I have already answered the question." the verse is…

Psalms 44:3 (NIV)
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

Let me paraphrase this for how I think God was communicating this for us as a church…

It will not be your sword (your skills, programs or buildings) that will win this land, and it will not be your arm (your own strength or innovation), that brings the victory. Your community will be won for the Kingdom by my right hand (My way…My direction), my right arm (My strength, My anointing)…. I want to grow My kingdom in your midst, I want you to join Me, because I love you!

God, give us ears that hear! Give us feet that follow! Give us hearts of courage! And may we never grow weary, or become satisfied in our hunger for You!