Servant Connection
Praying for America
July 19, 2008
A number of themes keep emerging in my current Bible study on what we should be doing in the Church in America. One of them is “Daily.” In the first few chapters of Acts, it becomes obvious that the Early Church did not relegate the worship of Christ or the fellowship of believers to a once-a-week routine; it was daily. The fellowship was daily, worshiping together was on a daily basis, witnessing and evangelism were daily. “The Way,” as they called Christianity before it picked up the name “Christianity,” was a “way” of life—every day, not just on weekends. Their faith was exercised on a daily basis, and the results in individual lives and in the Church reflected it. People were added to the Church, daily.
Meanwhile, 21st century Christians in America seem to struggle with focusing on their faith even for an hour or two on Sunday. The level of biblical illiteracy in our society lets us know there isn’t a lot of Bible reading going on between Sundays; the statistics about baptism, etc., tell us very little evangelism is going on, anytime; and cap it all off with members of even the most committed denominations giving an average of less than three percent of their income to the church, and it’s not too hard to figure out that for the average American Christian, Christianity is merely an occasional part of life, not something dominant. It’s not exactly a recipe for revival; it’s a warning sign that one is desperately needed.
What to do?
The only behavior we can very well control is our own, so we’d better start there. What would happen if more of us began to practice our faith on a daily basis, including such disciplines as Bible study and prayer, but also extending to trying to meet with others to encourage one another spiritually? This could be anything from a small group to praying together with our spouse or children, or meeting with a friend of the same gender. The idea is to get Christianity off of just Sunday and let it direct our daily activities, too. We might even try something really bold, like asking God to give us opportunities to tell someone (anyone!) about His goodness. (I’d call that witnessing, which is what it is, but then we’d be too scared to do it.) Just brag on God, and don’t worry if it’s “witnessing” or not. There’s plenty to brag about. And don’t wait for Sunday.
SERVING GOD
There are now over 700 copies of Serving God in circulation. I was surprised to hear that a relative even gave one to Tony Dungy, head coach of the Superbowl Champion Indianapolis Colts! If you would like a copy, just contact me and I’ll send you one. Daily excerpts are posted on the Servant Connection web site, PrayingforAmerica.org. This page-per-day devotional book is helping people draw closer to God, which is its reason for existence. If you have a friend who would benefit from this book, it makes a good gift, too. (Sugg. donation $17)SERVANT WEEK
The third annual Servant Week in Kelso-Longview was a great success. Over 550 participants representing over 30 congregations did various service projects, June 2-7. A new feature this year was focusing special attention on a single block. We did 22 projects on this block alone, ranging from planting free azalea bushes in each front yard to painting the exteriors of five houses on that street. This block had been in our prayer walking area for over a year, prior to its selection for Servant Week. Cold stares turned to friendly waves, as hundreds of us descended on this block in what amounted to a “block makeover.” In response to all the exciting improvements, one resident had a friend tell her, “I wish I lived on your street!” How long has it been since someone in the Highlands in Longview has heard something like that? There is such openness to us, now, that I feel the Lord is calling me to maintain contact with the people on Block 100, as a sort of “chaplain.” I’m planning to stop by weekly to see how they’re doing, and see where it goes from there. And that was only one part of Servant Week!PASTORS’ PRAYER SUMMIT
The 20th annual Pastors’ Prayer Summit was an epic event! Over thirty Kelso-Longview pastors met for four days, to pray together. This year, we took the step of formally recognizing the informal leadership God has provided us in Kelso-Longview. The result was an affirming, God-blessed occasion from which emerged three “servant leaders,” Mark Schmutz, Larry Russell and Jeff Hoover. It felt like we were taking a huge step forward, and that it was the Holy Spirit doing the leading, not us.SERVANT CONNECTION
To request copies of Serving God or to contribute, contact me at Servant Connection, P.O. Box 1747, Longview, WA 98632. (360) 431-4245. Dave@PrayingforAmerica.org. God bless you.Pray for America.
Dave Ness
Servant Connection is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry. Donations are tax-deductible.
connect@PrayingForAmerica.org (360) 431-4245
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