OCTOBER 5, 2023
Dear Central Church,
Do you know what an “audible” is? It refers to a moment in American football when a quarterback changes the play at the line of scrimmage. It always happens in response to something they see on the opposing defense, either to avoid a negative play or to exploit a weakness in the defense. When the quarterback calls the “audible,” all the players have to listen to the new play that is being barked out. Audibles only work when everyone is in tune with one another.
Last Sunday the Spirit led our worship team to call an “audible” in the second service. I had a message ready that I had preached in the first service, but there was something about the way you were singing and the desire to linger in God’s presence that moved my heart to do something differently.
We stayed in that moment. We lingered. We were patient in the Lord’s presence.
I think there is a lesson there for our journey with Jesus. Just as the worship service is subject to the leading of the Spirit, our lives must be lived in response to the grace and presence of God. We may have a plan for our day, our week, or even the next year, but God can call an “audible” at any time.
What does a holy interruption in your day look like? It may be that you linger with your child’s teacher to talk about more than what goes on in the classroom. Perhaps it is that interaction at your grandchild’s soccer game that sparks a spiritual conversation. When your neighbor asks to borrow a tool, that may be the Holy Spirit opening the door for you to encourage someone who needs it. Anywhere there are humans estranged from God there is a divine “audible” waiting to happen.
Let’s be on the lookout for holy interruptions that God wants to use to draw people closer to Him!
As you prepare for worship this Sunday, please be in prayer for Faith Promise! This annual emphasis on the local and global mission of the church highlights what Nazarenes are doing in 165 world areas and invites us to participate in God’s mission here in the Greater KC area. We’ll hear from Rev. Astrid Camacaro, who is the regional coordinator of compassionate ministries for the South American Region. She will share how our support of the World Evangelism Fund enables local churches in global contexts to transform their communities through ministries of compassion and justice.
To learn more about Faith Promise, check out this video from our NMI President, Kristin Encarnacion.
Through this annual emphasis on the global and local mission of the church, we will be challenged to support what God is doing around the world by making a “faith promise.” This is a promise we make in faith by giving over and above our regular tithes and offerings. Our goal this year for Faith Promise is $195,000. To learn more or to make a commitment to this year’s goal, click here. This is a God-sized goal, but I believe with the Lord’s help we can do it!
See you Sunday!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark