Parting Shot
Over the last couple months, I've been thinking a good deal about humility. James Mayfield turned me unto a book titled Humility by Andrew Murray. James shared with me the thought that humility, unlike faith and hope, will go with him into eternity. He has come to realize that it is much less what he puts on, but at his core, who he is. Humble.
One of Murray's key themes is that we are to be nothing so that God in Christ can be all. With an emphasis on humility, I've begun to meditate on Philippians chapters 2 and 3. What has been striking with this latest go around with humility is the joy I sense in becoming nothing, the promise of being filled with him.
I pray that you all will become conformed to the image of Christ in his humility.
A parting shot...
I'd like to leave you all with a snapshot of the Union.
Guiding passages: Isaiah 61:1-6; Isaiah 58:10-12
Goal: To make disciples of the people in our lives.
267 people on the email list... likely others connected to the network.
Leadership Team: Jane Sugiura, Beracah and Rachel Stortvedt, Krista Morrison, Kyle Copeland, Carl and Judy Camp. (Members cycle out every two to three years)
Community of Elders: 69 men and women who serve as embedded, exemplar leaders within the network.
Activities
Bi-monthly email written by elders about living out our calling.
Regional quarterly gatherings for encouragement and some training in making disciple. Organized and run by elders.
Prayer for one another.
I believe this year of transition is going to go well. I believe God is with us. Last month I struck by similar passages in Haggai and Zechariah about the laying of thefoundation of the Temple. God promises a season of fruitfulness, The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops... Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong. Zechariah 8:12,13.
I believe he has said this about our work. I intend to press into 2020 with strong hands in anticipation of what God will do through your service to him.