God Power in Dwelling and Doing

Sermon August 25, 2024, Psalm 84; Ephesians 6: 10-20 Title: God Power in Dwelling & Doing

Pastor Fred Okello

            This week, I was blessed with two influential novels. Marsell gave me The Bluejacket's Manual, a book about military operations that spoke to me because our son is deployed in Europe. It reminded me of our spiritual wars and the importance of being prepared, just like soldiers. Deb gave me the second book, "Mission Possible." We are utilizing the insights to help us design a new leadership structure for our churches. Kotan and Bradford point out that our existing system was intended for megachurches, yet our smaller, relationship-driven congregations thrive on connections, shared meals, and service. This has pushed us to reconsider our approach, concentrating on what is essential—being connected, present, and serving one another in love.

            These books remind me of our church's path. Whether recognizing troops' role in combat or finding the perfect leadership for our tiny, relationship-driven communities, God is working in our lives, providing us with the wisdom, power, and guidance we require. And that leads us back to today's Scriptures, Psalm 84 and Ephesians 6. These verses remind us that, just as warriors prepare for combat and leaders are shaped by their people's needs, we, too, must seek God's presence and be equipped to confront the challenges that lie ahead.

            Psalm 84 teaches us that true serenity and strength can be found in God's presence, not in a building. God provides rest and healing to the lonely, rejected, and weary, keeping His arms open even when the world and the church fail us. Meanwhile, Ephesians 6 encourages us to take action, training us to be the church God desires—one that reaches out to those in need, stands firm against darkness, and sheds His light on others. In God's presence, we discover the rest we need and the strength to carry out His mission.

            Reflecting on my journey, I saw God's power at work in my uncle's life, a priest. Throughout high school, I stayed with him and my aunt. My uncle was training numerous young men as they prepared for the priesthood, so their home was always packed—with people, food, and a sense of abundance. The home was a wonderful oasis filled with love and spiritual teaching. My uncle had a gift for bringing people to God via the relationships he formed, and many of the men he mentored, including myself, became preachers.

            After my uncle died, the home became quiet and desolate, and his children did not continue their job. However, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the pastors he helped train, and the faith he instilled in many others. I am sharing this testimony today to illustrate the significant impact of excellent connections in developing God's kingdom. We may aid people on their journey to God by showing love, mentorship, and authentic connection.

            When we put on God's armor, we are clothed with His strength rather than our own. The Belt of Truth will enable us to speak truthfully, and love people disappointed by lukewarm faith. The Breastplate of Righteousness will keep our hearts safe as we stand in the gap for others. The Gospel of Peace will ground us as we welcome individuals who have been rejected or do not know God. The Shield of Faith will help us shut out doubts, while the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, will enable us to bring life into the darkest situations.

            We currently have a convenient need in our church. We are trusting for someone to volunteer to lead the early Sunday School. We wish to stay loyal to our advertisement that Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. This is a beautiful opportunity to serve. Just show up, and God will utilize you.

            We are called to be a church that welcomes the outcasts, hugs the lonely, and shares God's love with a hurting world. However, first, we must be in God's presence and allow Him to equip us with His armor. We must pray to reach out to broken people, not in judgment, but with compassion and love.

            God wants to utilize each of us to reach people in need. Some folks in this town desperately need Christ's love but have never felt it because of their past experiences. Family or friends have betrayed some, while others are suffering terminal illnesses and question whether God cares or even exists. Some people have lived a life of pain and are dubious about whether joy is ever intended for them.

            However, God sees them. And God wants to utilize you as His merciful angels. As we remain in God's presence, He will reveal how to reach out to hurting people. He will give us the knowledge and compassion to embrace the lonely, the strength to walk beside those suffering from disease, and the tenderness to demonstrate God's love to those who have only known rejection.

            For those who are unsure about how to reach out, trust that God will guide you. His presence is more than just a source of comfort; it is also a place of preparation. He will prepare you to be the church people long for—one where they feel loved, accepted, and cherished.

            You do not need to know all of the answers. Simply being present, saying a nice word, or expressing compassion to someone who feels unworthy can transform a life. God is urging us to walk forth in trust, to be the church He has established, and to share His love with a broken world.

            Church, remember that God's presence is the source of our strength. Whether you are tired, abandoned, or uncertain, God encourages you to stay with Him. And as we do, He will prepare us to reach out to others in His name.

            God is asking His church to be more than just a gathering place; He wants us to be a community that loves genuinely, serves fearlessly, and welcomes the brokenhearted. He wants to use us to reach out to individuals who are feeling lost, hurt, or abandoned. However, we must remain in His presence and allow Him to fill us with His love and power. Let us rise as a church that reflects God's heart—a place where everyone is welcome, the suffering finds healing, and God's love flows freely.

            Let us close in prayer: Lord, we come before You, acknowledging our pains and worries while believing in Your ability to heal and restore. Lord, equip us to be a church that reflects Your love. Help us reach out to those who are hurting, be a family to the lonely, and demonstrate Your grace to those who are lost. Lord, use us as vessels for Your mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.