Monday, May 17, 2010

WHAT and IF

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about city transformation. I’ve been paying more attention than usual to my surroundings as I drive through town. I’ve noticed a lot more homeless people which has resulted in the give away of three hot fast-food breakfasts that I had purchased for my convenience and a stash of ready-to-eat military meals in my backseat. I’ve listened to people more and asked questions about their lives resulting in an opportunity to pray for a favorite waitress who has just learned she has cancer. I have to be honest – the more I watch and listen the more I have the tendency to become overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead.

This weekend I did something I never do – I went to the movies with a few girlfriends. The movie was Letters to Juliet and while my cohorts left with hearts full of romance, I left with inspiration. I won’t spoil the movie for you but obviously a letter was involved. The letter contained my inspiration: “"What ,and If." Those two words standing alone are basically harmless, but link them together and those two words possess great power. What if?”

I’ve internalized that quote from the movie since Friday night. What if our church pleaded with God each week (consistently) to transform Albany? What if each one of us rolled up our sleeves and committed to a volunteer area within our church in order to be prepared each week for the people we are asking God to bring? What if each of us woke up each day with the sole mindset of bringing God all the glory we possibly can? The momentum of unity alone would propel us upward. It’s inspiring, isn’t it?

Let’s look at it another way. What if we don’t give our tithes and offerings so that ministry can take place week-to-week? What if we come to church to sing a few songs, hear a good message and go back to our comfortable lives? What if we leave the outcome of our city to the elected officials? What if we just concentrate on ourselves and “mind our own business”? I don’t have to look too far back into church history to tell you that we would be one dead church in one dying city!

I don’t know about you but I’m choosing the first set of “what ifs”! It’s a HUGE task, I know. It can only be accomplished through prayer, faith and action. What is your action plan? Do you have a place of service? Are you coming to IMPACT on Sunday mornings? Do you give your tithe regularly? If you haven’t been doing these things there is good news! You can start fresh TODAY! If you need help, let us know. We can help you get started.

You don’t want to miss out on what God is going to do!

3 comments:

jbicephotography said...

Is this why you weren't crying and warm hearted (?word)...you were thinking about the city and not Romeo. Oh, we must go see it again. Good word here on your blog. City transformation...I'm in!

Katy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katy said...

What if we stop saying what if and say WHY NOT!!!!!!! :) God is ready for His people but are we ready for what He is going to do. Prepare the fields, He is coming. This is good stuff.I am ready. I love you Mandy Kav. Even if you don't cry at movies.

Katy.