Jesus and Community

Day 1

As day one winds to a close, there is a sense of excitement, readiness, and expectancy of things to come. Already today I have met eight new people that have the same insatiable vision and desire of encountering Jesus, and searching out the Kingdom. We read through Isaiah 61 for church tonight, and it totally opened my eyes. It was already an influential verse in my life, but something clicked. The things in this verse are the Kingdom of Heaven coming to earth in the physical. I have been laboring over what Heaven on earth really means, entails, looks like, etc. And this has given me an even better understanding of what Heaven is, and how the Kingdom is to come to earth. It is a representation and model of restoration, hope, and joy. The pull of Jesus brings us out of the depths of despair, mourning, ashes, darkness, and brokenness. And in that, the Kingdom begins to take shape on earth. The heart of restoring what has been lost, destroyed, and trampled on wreaks. We are then new creations, inheriting what God has left for us. Along with being His ministers and priests, while bringing us righteousness (in right relation) in Him. What a beautiful picture that brings a sense of comfort, trust, and mission. A vision of what to push for and never to back down.

Day 2

As we submerge in Kansas City even deeper, we are beginning to catch wind of what this internship and opportunity means. It is more than just learning about God. It is stepping into the Heart of Papa, grasping his desires and commands and promises and diving into relationships; right relationship. As we draw near to Him, we find more and He comes a bit closer, then He points again to His mission for us, commanding us to go out and make disciples and relationships with our community and family. The Church is made up of family and relationships that allow us to partner with to go out and to pour into the community around us.  Commit to the Lord, delight in the Lord, Wait on the Lord (Psalm 37); all of these are simple acts to pursue the heart of Papa. These all come with sacrifice, faith, and trust, but have rewards beyond all that we can imagine or expect. As we begin to walk in the ways of the Lord, and listen to Holy Spirit continually, we begin to find the Heart of God, and His promises coming to fruition. But without total commitment and trust in what God can do, we allow our flesh to get in the way of who we can be, missing the voice of God.

Day 3

Today has been the revelation of the role of family/community. Our house of seven people is here to establish the Kingdom of God amongst the people around our house, in this community of KCMO. To be effective in establishing this kingdom, we must first be a family in this house, rooted in the love of Papa. So that we may go out and share and be examples of the love that God shares for each one of us. It will be hard, and overwhelming, but great at the same time! We cannot go at the kingdom alone, as one grain of salt, but we are to be a salt shaker, committed and partnered to bring life and flavor to this city. The opportunity presented to each of these 10 people, pursuing the same vision is unfathomable and cannot be passed up or taken lightly. We are a city on a hill; a strong fortress that has an all encompassing perspective, shining the light. Do the works that Papa desires, and that Jesus has done. But we are going to do these works(miracles) and greater; the foundation, the bottom level of his desire and expectation are these miracles, there is nothing less. Holy Spirit come and move heavily, because the movement of your wind is powerful, uninhibited, and free flowing; going where you may. Lord I continue to ask for divine relationships, to connect and pursue a common dream, vision, and mission, for the sake of the kingdom. Ruin my thoughts on the future and what it holds. Destroy my selfishness in comfort. I decrease, so that you may increase, grabbing hold of the heart of your bridegroom, that I may flaunt your glory, with garments of praise, adorned in your treasures!

Day 4

Today was a day of family, amongst the housemates and leaders. We spent time throughout the day cheering/supporting each other in various events. From cheering Lindsay and Myles on as they ran a half-marathon, to attending a rap concert for Crystal, Tre, and Maestro. Along with this time of supporting, we spent time in communion over lunch and late dinner with different people. Breaking bread is an important and necessary part of being a family, and growing together as a community. We also spent time in prayer together, and going over rules and boundaries for the House of Troost. This all is an extension of our lives into others, coming closer and closer together.  As we pursue these things, we find the importance of being on the same page and sharing the same heart. The heart of the Father is found in relationship. Relationship with Him, and relationship with others around us. That is when we become the church, and can truly find what it means to work in the heart of the Father. 

Blessings

Morgan