Ahoy Open Roaders,
One of the most challenging commands Jesus gave us is to "love your neighbour as yourself". It's not challenging because we don't want to do it, but because it requires a true sacrifice of ourselves to love in this way.
This challenging invitation from Jesus is what prompted me to share an encouragement recently to learn to B.L.E.S.S. each other in practical, real-world ways.
For those of us who are totally normal and find it challenging to listen to others, eat with them, serve them and share our story, we can take a crazy-simple step of praying for them. In fact, the "B" in B.L.E.S.S. (cheekily) stands for "Begin with prayer", because even when we lack courage to act we can at least begin to pray for those around us!
Last week I put this into action in a very simple way. I've decided to spend more intentional time praying for one of my own family members each day in the hope that I'll find God-inspired ways to love them. This has been not only enjoyable but has shown me there are far more opportunities to love on those in my own home than I typically pay attention to! At the least, it's been a great reminder that I don't need to look to far to "Love my neighbour".
Of course, Jesus urged us to not only pray for those around us, but he modelled that as well. He said that he is actually praying for us! This should be an encouragement to us, that you are in his prayers!
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” - John 17:20-21, ESV
So, I encourage you. Start BLESS-ing others this week by praying for them. You don't have to wait for God to supernaturally "prompt" you to pray for anyone in particular. Just choose someone and say a prayer for them! It may well be that it's the beginning of BLESS-ing this person in a new way.
Cheers and God Bless,
Dan
Molly's Mission Update
If you've noticed Molly isn't around lately it's because she is in the Solomon Islands on a short-term mission trip!
A message from Molly:
Hey! It’s been such an amazing time of growth away! Feel so blessed by the prayers of everyone in our church family. Looking forward to sharing the stories with everyone but a basic overview is that I’ve been so blessed to work in the medical clinic over here and meet and get to know some of the patients. Healthcare is very poor over here so I can definitely say I will be more grateful for what we have. I look forward to using my medical skills in mission after I finish uni. You wouldn’t believe it but I’ve also been on the tools in construction for a extension to the clinic to house a X-ray machine (as there is only 1 available in the hospital that rarely works) and training rooms! I’ve learnt how to lay blocks and use a nail gun so 10/10 😂😂 by far my favourite moment was church, to worship our God with a different nations was amazing! appreciate your prayers!! Looking forward to seeing everyone soon :))
Prayer
As we shared last week, leading up to our next worship night we want to be asking God to speak to us on a number of topics:
- Rhythms: how will we foster our simple rhythms (know, invite, gather)?
- Elders: how will we structure our long-term leadership and who will be on the team.
- Generosity: how would God have us become the generous individuals and church he's called us to.
- Future: how and where will we continue to gather.
Coming Up
Sun 30 April 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 07 May 4pm Worship + Prayer at Caloundra Christian College
Sun 14 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 21 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 28 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
16-18th June TBC Retreat (see below)
Sat 01 July SENT Young Adult Conference (Bridgeman Downs Baptist)
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus
Our Rhythms
Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you bless this week?
Gather and get involved: How can you connect, listen, share or pray with others this week?
Our Giving
We encourage you to be generous to what God is doing around you, including our church community. Get started with giving to Open Road or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Last mths giving: $8421
Last mths expenses: $5,502
Bank Balance: $13,661
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
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