Communities that give hope, give life.

That is on my mind right now. I am in Ireland. Today I went to my church here, Causeway Coast Vineyard. I think the more I am away and seeing other churches, the more I realise how much I love and am blessed by CCV.

Now I am throwing myself into Glasgow Westend Vineyard. A wonderful place. I’m excited about getting more involved, getting to know people better, getting to know God better through it and through people.

I’m convinced that church is at it’s best when it’s giving itself away.

(I’m pretty sure I’ve stolen that statement from someone else, but their name evades me currently!) When the church gives itself away. Cares for the hurting and dirty and dying. When we forgo our wants and desires and instead go after the lost. When we make caring for them a priority. Proclaiming freedom to the captives and healing to the hurting.

Those are communities that give hope. Hope that there is a better way. Hope that there will be a better day. Hope that what God promised, he will bring about. Hope that all is not lost, all is not in vain.

Yes, hope.

“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously”

[Jesus, Matthew 10]