Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:2-6.
Care – be constant in prayer that the LORD will open doors into the lives of your neighbors.
Connect – walk with wisdom towards outsiders. No hope of doing anything unless we connect.
Compassion – let your speech always be with grace. Avoid the negative, critical complaining approach to life.
Clarify – so you may know how you ought to answer each person.
We just completed our Free-Market weekend that was fabulous. Our Community Group put in a lot of hard work and did great prep and planning for this event. The church was extremely generous with their resources. There was a huge amount of clothing and supplies donated to this cause to connect with our community. Last report is we hosted over 100 people who came and dropped in for the event.
These four components above are the heart of this text and our vision to be a great neighbor, especially this summer. We have also adopted a tool this month to help us be more intentional with our neighbors – Begin by praying for them; to listen (connect); eat a meal with them; to serve them and tell your story.
This tool is called “Bless every Home”.
The website: Bless Every Home
We encourage you to go in, sign up and then identify Oak Grove Church as your home church and then learn how to use the site to start praying, connecting, showing compassion, and clarifying your story as the Lord gives the opportunity.
We have some who are part of our Catalyst Class on Sunday mornings who have already signed up and are starting to learn how to use the site. Our goal is that this helps you become far more intentional with your neighbors, and you take steps, in the language of Bless every Home, to pray, listen, eat, serve and tell your story as the Lord provides the opportunity.
If you have questions, contact the office. We will help guide you to take a more intentional step towards your neighbors so that we might see some spiritual movement and inroads into our neighborhoods.
In His grace,
Pastor Brad
