re-, a prefix meaning: 1. back. 2. again, anew, over again.

November 8, 2009 will go down as one of the most, if not the most, significant dates in the history of Northside Baptist Church.  On that date, we will declare our desire to move forward in a new sense of mission and vision from God, or remain where we are in life and ministry with one another.  What an incredible opportunity we have as we realize that regardless of the outcome we will encounter God!

Recently, I have been reading and studying Nehemiah asking the Lord to instill within me the passion, wisdom, courage, and perseverance of this great leader.  I see more fully each day that while Nehemiah was certainly a great leader with a great story, the point is that he served a “great and awesome God!”  We will take a journey in the next several weeks through the story of our great God in Nehemiah starting on November 8, 2009 while asking Him to do a similar work in us to the glory of His Name.

You are probably wondering, “What does any of this have to do with “re-”?  One of the discoveries I’ve made as I continue to study Nehemiah is that I could not do so in English without the prefix “re-”!  Return, repent, rekindle, rebuild, reorganize, restore, request, renew, reflect, and rely are among the many words needed to appreciate the glory and work of God on display through this book.  I guess if this were a Sesame Street production we would be taking a look at Nehemiah “brought to you by the prefix re-”!

What gratitude and excitement are ours as we look forward to God crafting a similar story in our lives as we ask Him to “let His ear be attentive and His eyes open to hear the prayer of His servants praying before Him.”  What anticipation should be ours as we look forward to our Lord leading us on the adventure of our lives into the wild and unpredictable regions beyond the walls of our church.  What joy and honor will result as we choose to go together, linked arm in arm, trusting “our great God” to exalt and glorify His name through us.

Are you ready to join God and begin a life that is bigger that you, me, and all of us put together?  Are you ready to dream again with me?  Can you imagine a God so great that He “re-energizes” you and “redesigns” us for the redemption of hundreds…thousands of people in the next ten years?

While we are on the subject, what are you dreaming?

Can’t wait to hear from you.

Love you all,

tim

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