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So a few of us walked through Birmingham City Centre on Wednesday and prayed for the city. We were ready for any rioting that might’ve occurred. But the city remained calm and little violence broke out that evening. And tonight, the city remains steady but alert.

As we walked through the city, I was struck with just how broken things are. Not just the shop windows and the storefronts. But at how broken society is. Political systems, social systems, education systems – they all seem to be fighting against one another. And family units, social units, support units, also warring against each other. In the midst of all this brokenness, my heart and spirit were convicted.

Where is the church?
Where is our church?
Where is the message of salvation that brings good news?
Where are the songs of praise declaring the goodness of our God?

It’s no coincidence that our theme this is year is Love Beyond: Our God, Our Church, Our City.
And my heart was drawn to our verse:

1 Chronicles 16:23-24
Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

It was as if the whole city was crying out for God, and yet the words fall on the deaf ears of the church. And God himself calls us, his body, to be his ambassadors.

Friends, I am convicted that now, more than ever, we need to be making a change. We need to be making a stand for Him.
It is time to move. Not away from this city. Not away from broken lives. But to move towards them. To move in faith.
To move in faith of the one who saves.

Please spend some time reading through 1 Chronicles 16 and reflect on the reality of that passage for our city.
And pray.

 

 

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photo credit to witek

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