heart beat…

I haven’t spent much time downtown since the end of summer—the end of crop growing season means an end to my Saturday mornings at the Community Market.  And by the time Friday rolled around—it had been a lame week at school-- I was raring to get out , stretch my legs, freshen my brain, and explore a little.  I first stopped by the conVergeSpace to check out some donated furniture (love craigslist!—I’m beginning to get a vision!), then stopped into the Kemper St. Flea Market to check out the wares--- ended up ordering a cheeseburger and Pepsi Throwback from the Kemper St. Cafe.  Since the food is cooked upon order, I had about ten minutes to stand and chat with the lady behind the counter.  I was able to share with her some of the ideas we are batting around for conVergeSpace, and it was neat to hear her oh-so-positive response to our church and the possibilities for youth outreach. After the cheeseburger, I toured Riverviews Artspace and despite being only mildly impressed with the exhibits, enjoyed about thirty minutes’ conversation with a local artist whose studio is in the Artspace.  He shared with me some of the art-related activities around Lynchburg, and actually made me want to go sign up for painting class—think of the networking possibilities!  I wrapped up my day browsing the cheap furniture on the third floor of Estate Specialists—oh the possibilities of those ugly $25 couches! 

The theme of my Saturday was, as I alluded: possibilities.  As conVerge has recently moved its main meeting venue downtown, I see the need—and truly desire—to BE downtown, to get to know the people of the city, and to (most importantly) reach out to the people in the downtown communities with the gospel.  How much of my free time will be spent in places outside of my house? I do not yet know, but I hope it is a lot of time, and I pray that the possibilities will make themselves real and evident…

Now the challenge: go downtown this week and meet one person, in any location. Talk for 10 minutes or more. Make sure you give your name, and get his/hers.

may I never boast…..

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
………………………………. Isaac Watts

1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but a New Creation

11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

17Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
……………  ……………….. ……………. ……………….. Galatians 6