This simple yet profound statement is accompanied by some core values or convictions which we hold dear highlighted by 5 key words. The value I am covering this month is

                                  Provision

  “ We believe that the local church is God’s instrument to provide the environment in which people can flourish and be all God wants them to be”

Helping people reach their full potential in Christ is not only our mission it is our passion. So we look for every opportunity to come alongside people and provide and equip them in specific areas, in which we have gained expertise and which the Lord has used us over the years.

However I have always felt that the local church is the vehicle through which God intended us to grow, be nurtured and reach our full potential. Therefore we would see the heart and thrust of living word as working with and have strong relationships with the local church. It has always been our goal to develop strategic relationships with pastors, leaders and churches. In that way we can support them, bring our expertise and add to their DNA.

These days many do not see the relevance of church life but that does not line up with what the scriptures tell us.

I love what Psalm 92:13-15 has to say about church
“ Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the lord is upright”

There is no substitute for being in a great church and attending regularly. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake meeting together....but to exhort or encourage one another.

The local church is just what you need in order to flourish

Psalm 27:4-5 reflects this in this psalm of David where his one desire is to dwell or stat in the house of the Lord because he would be protected.

Going back to Psalm 92:12 the amplified bible gives us insight into the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon. The palm tree is described as long lived, stately, upright, useful and fruitful. The cedar of Lebanon is majestic, stable, durable and incorruptible. I think these aspects of life are great things to believe that are achievable in the local church.

If you get rooted in the house it should provide you with the right conditions to become everything that God planned for you in Christ.

I know some churches struggle to do this but it is possible. That is why Living Word is available to help build that kind of thriving culture, purpose and presence. People can experience the irresistible presence of God which will change them and enable them to be all that is in God’s heart for their lives.

This word “flourish” has a number of meanings and it really reflects our heart for what we work to help people achieve.
It means
“To thrive, prosper and achieve success, be in ones prime, be in good health, be in a state of activity or production and to reach a height of development or influence”
Any one ready to flourish? Any one desire to see your church flourish and really provide the atmosphere and resources that will enable your people to grow?

Well, stay encouraged. Philippians 1:6 says
“being confident of this very thing. That he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”

Our God does not leave us on our own. The Holy Spirit is here to help us and He has given gifts and talents to each of us. As we determine to use them under His direction He will help us all to reach our full potential. We need each other and we all have something the body of Christ needs.

I am so privileged that the Lord is using me to be a part of that process. We are shortly going to be launching a new vision strategy package providing an initial complimentary consultation for churches and leaders to help them identify any key areas where we may be able to come alongside and help.

I am so excited about this because I have such a passion to do what I can and what God has called me to be to enable the global church to rise up and be a powerful force for God’s plan for the world. If you are a leader and you are interested let me know and I can give you some idea of what this involves.

In the meantime lets work together to enable the church to be so relevant and inspiring in today’s society that once again we rise up and become attractive and irresistible for those who are hurting and longing for an answer. The church is the instrument that will provide that and we want to help it be all it can be.