What's Your Dream?

Everybody’s got dreams. What’s your dream?

 

Do you dream of making a difference in the world?

 

Sometimes we bury our dreams. We settle for an apathetic life.

Sometimes circumstances beyond our control shatter our dreams.

 

I want us to dream together about transforming the world.

 

Beginning September 13, I will preach a series of messages entitled: “Impossible Dreams.”

 

The needs of our world are overwhelming. How could one person make a difference? Our community and our world are filled with hunger, poverty, disease, oppression, violence…

 

What if we were to dream “impossible” dreams about changing the world?

 

I believe God is calling us to join him in redeeming his world. If we are willing to act, God is eager to provide the power and resources to transform the world.

 

    Jesus said:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed,

19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19

 

We are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. He invites us to join with him in meeting the needs of his children and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom.

 

To prepare for this challenge:

·     READ: The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision. I want every member of our church to read this book. The church will provide one copy per household. We want every person to have access to the book—so we are offering them free of charge. (If you wish, you can make a $10 donation for the book.)

·     PRAY: “God break my heart with the things that break your heart.”

·     DREAM: How has God equipped you through your talents, abilities and experience to make a difference for the Kingdom of God?

   

 

Comments

[Cory Campbell]

I can't wait...

[Susan Smith]

me either!!

[Jerry Krueger]

While the world says "Not possible" you are our God who makes all things possible, and new.

[Tamara Kirkpatrick]

Amazing book! I'm ready.... send me.

[ROBERT WAUGH]

I SURE HOPE ALL THE FAMILIES AT LAKERIDGE UMC READ "THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL".

WE NEED TO RESTRUCTURE OUR CHURCH FROM ITS SOMNOLENCE AS THE "CHURCH OF GOD'S BLESSING". THERE IS SO MUCH MISSION WORK TO DO RIGHT HERE IN LUBBOCK. YET MOST OF OUR CONGREGATION CAN'T SEE IT.

MAYBE THE STEARNS' BOOK SHOULD REDIRECT US TO BE BOTH FAITH AND WORKS MEMBERS OF GOD'S COMMUNIYT

[Doug Hensley]

All it takes is one small step to get started in answering the mission call of "The Hole in Our Gospel." One idea we had and plan to follow up on: we will drink water at a meal out rather than tea or soft drinks. For our family of four, this translates to between four and six dollars. We will do this once a week during Bill's series and donate the money to World Vision's water initiatives around the globe at the end of the series. Every journey begins with a first small step; I encourage everyone in our blessed LRUMC congregation to prayerfully consider what their "step" will be.

[Tamara Kirkpatrick]

I know I sound like a broken record...but WOW! This book really has changed how I view the poor, oppressed and needy. I NEVER thought I would have the desire and yearning to go to Africa and help those in need. After all, tithing, church attendance and charity work is enough, right? Wrong! How shallow of me to think so. Ben and I are now in prayer as to when, how and with whom we will get to Africa...but God has already ministered to my heart and Ben's that this indeed is a life time commitment that we are to make. I pray that others who read this book will also listen to the Holy Spirit and hear where they are to go and give. There certainly is a Hole In Our Gospel...and I know the people of LRUMC can help fill this hole!

[ROBERT WAUGH]

WE DON'T HAVE TO GO TO AFRICA TO FIND THE POOR AND THE NEEDY. THEY ARE RIGHT HERE IN LUBBOCK! WE HAVE THE IMPRISONED, THE UNCLOTHED, THE POORLY FED AND THE BADLY HOUSED. lUBBOCK NEEDS TO BE OUR MISSION FIELD! BEGIN WITH FAMILY PROMISE AND MAKE A COMMITMENT TO SERVE ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN RIGHT HERE.

I'VE BEEN TO AFRICA SEVEN TIMES AND I SEE POVERTY RIGHT HERE AT HOME AS BAD AS I'VE EVER SEEN IT ANYWHERE. IF GOD IS CALLING YOU TO AFRICA THEN GO! BUT DON'T OVERLOOK THE TERRIBLE NEEDS FOR GOD'S SERVICE THAT WE HAVE RIGHT HERE!

[Rachel Maples]

Yes, it is important to recognize and minister to our poverty problems right here in Lubbock. However, we must do both......... we must also come together as Christian Americans and work towards ending extreme world hunger and poverty.
Thank you so much for this book Bill. Without realizing it I have waited 20 yrs. for this book. I have had a hard time reconciling my Christian Faith that praises God when 26,000 of his children (not adults but children) die needlessly everyday. I praise God for Richard Stearns' call to action. As a congregation I believe LRUMC is guilty of not focusing on foreign missions like we should -- especially projects that focus on extreme hunger and lack of clean water. Let us create a new standard and rise to it!!!

[Joy Vroonland]

This is indeed an "uncomfortable" call for many, in many ways for me, too. I am very impressed with Bill's courage to go into dangerous waters, pointing out our weaknesses as a Church (not necessarily LRUMC specifically - but THE CHURCH in the US). He spoke boldly about what it may cost for him to preach this message, and he shows a willingness to pay the price of obedience; I suspect it could cost more than he knows. However, this message cost Jesus his life, and as his servants we are surely called to give our lives to the "least." I know God will make the cost well worth it in ways we can only begin to imagine. I am very new to LRUMC, but look forward to joining this journey with you. We need to pray for Bill, and for ourselves to hear what God has to say to us. I keep hearing in my mind's ear "Jesus didn't come to make us safe, but brave." Let's be brave. I sure hope that what Bill said Sunday will be true - what some may be hoping is a message that will pass, will not, but will be the beginning of many lives being transformed. As for me, I believe I am being called to learn Spanish - a terrifying thought as I have no affinity for languages. Anyone know how I might go about this? I've looked ito the Rosetta Stone - EXPENSIVE! Does anyone have one sitting around that I can buy cheap? Does anyone else have the same calling? I'd love to have a support group! So, big picture, I'm very excited about this whole move in LRUMC; little picture, my first step is clear to me, but I'm a little lost as to how to go about it.

[Susan Will]

Beginning in Gen. 12:1-3 and continuing through Romans 11 and many more, the Scriptures tell us that we are blessed as we cherish what God cherishes. God cherishes Israel, both the land and the people. My heart for Israel grows year by year. I want to stand with Israel as these current times are heating up and turning against all people of faith in the Creator God. The faithful in Israel need encouragement as they stand on the truth both Jewish and Christian. I for one want to pray earnestly and reach out to encourage and strengthen those whom God has promised everlasting covenant with. I know there are other hearts who are particularly drawn to Israel. I'd like to associate more with them. Who are you??