Nathan Neighbors
Follower of Christ, Husband, Father, & Youth Pastor
Today was our second full day on four sites in Lake City. The work is going well and the Lord held back the rain long enough for us to finish today’s projects.
In these two chapters that we read for our morning and evening devotion time – Paul writes about how our roles and relations ships are vital to our Christian walk. Whether we’re talking about husbands and wives, children and parents or even slave/employee and master/boss…the point is submitting to one another and serving others in love.
“Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.” – Ephesians 5:22
So often we try to be first, best and in the spotlight. We want our posts to have lots of “likes.” But Paul reminds the church that the focus is Jesus. And even the way we live lives in our homes can be a witness of Christ to the world.
This week as our students serve they get the opportunity to live this out. Giving up their idea of a fun week of summer to submit to God’s design for their week. To give up comforts of home and sleep on the floor of a church. To go outside in the heat and work long hours rather than stay inside on electrics. And to put aside self to serve others. It’s been a blessing for both our students and adults. This is a picture of what Paul would have been encouraging the church at Ephasis to be doing. Serving others. Being a picture of Christ to the community.
Today was our first full work day on four homes in Lake City. It was a long and hot day, but so good. Again today – the Lord showed us his grace through his Word. This morning before our team set out to tackle tough jobs we all read these words from in Ephesians 3
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
Then this evening in our Bible study we read Ephesians 4 where Paul calls the church to unity. He tells the church that in their diversity of gifts to be unified in purpose. That purpose is to bring glory to God and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each of our team members did just that today. It was such a good day.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:3-6
Today we leave for Lake City to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We’re going with 50 students and adults to serve four home owners under the direction of Home Works of America. As we go, we will be spending time studying Ephesians & Philippians.
It never ceases to amaze me how God’s Word always speaks into our day to day living. Every time I open God’s Word there is Truth that helps me navigate exactly what I’m going through that day. It’s because God’s Word is living and active. The Holy Spirit helps us see Truth and apply daily.
Today in Ephesians 2 Paul is encouraging the church that the building is not the temple. They are the building. God is building his Kingdom not with brick and mirror – but in the hearts of his people. As we go, may we remember it’s not about the houses. It’s about the people. Houses need repair, that’s for sure. And we will serve well and help repair homes for the glory of God and for the benefit of the homeowner. But what’s most important is the hearts of the people we will serve. Help us Lord to serve you well this week and to speak life into the hearts of the people of Lake City.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:19-22
Click the link below to watch the intro to Ephesians by The Bible Project.
Nathan Neighbors 