The Global Conversation

Isaiah first looked up, then he looked in, then he looked out. That is the process the church has longed to follow. But there is more that is being recovered as well - it is the He is was, and is, and is to come. This focus on grabbing hold of our rich heritage, being aware of how God is working now, and having our eyes ahead at what is coming is so vital. We must as a church begin to recognize God is working in every place, in every way, with whatever we give Him to establish His kingdom and purify His bride. All these words focused on us is actually to God's credit a realization that God is most glorified as His will is accomplished in the earth. So we find ourselves focused on being who God made us to be and doing what God made us to do. But even more, we find ourselves - outnumbered and outgunned and limited in what we can do - so that our eyes look back to the many voices that come from what is described as "Babel" and recognize we need each other desperately.

Boy, this was a long one! For me, a revitalization is occuring. I've been emptied of the need to "do" and am being filled with the desire to "be" who I am meant to be in Christ. Basically that meand that I am looking at the book of John, in depth. John, in his infinite wisdom, tells us who Jesus is. As we grow to know Him more intimately, we change, we can't help it. He alone is the transformer of lives. A life transformed will speak for itself, even as the transformation occurs. We see that repeatedly in the New Testament. It is one account after another of personal transformation when one encounters the Living God. Taking our eyes off the movement and putting them on the Mover. That's the way to go!

Mark, Your challenge for us to repent of our horizontal addiction is needed. We are indeed "prone to wander" and self-deceit. I will hold you to your promise to address the next step in a forthcoming issue:-) May God save us, and restore to his Church a fresh vision of his glory.