The Beatitudes: The DNA of Discipleship
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
--Jesus, Matthew 5:7-8
Father, by your Holy Spirit, grant us grace to
“hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the words of Jesus.
When God gave Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle in Ex. 35-38, He provided specific directions about what to build; what materials to use; what to put in it; who should build it for His glory; and who His priests would be. There was no doubt in the mind of any Israelite that God was the builder, and they were to be skilled workmen under the direction of Bezalel and Oholiab. The same is true for Immanuel’s Mission Outpost. God is the builder, and skilled workmen are building it under the supervision of Fr. Travis, our Christian architect, Christian general contractor, and the Move Team. Church members continue donating funds; county employees and skilled professionals developed the building plans; and construction finally began in 2021. The Move Team prayer says, “Almighty God, You have given us the vision to extend Your kingdom in a new place…May it be apparent to all that this is not being accomplished in our strength alone!”
The church website’s offers Mission Outpost monthly progress reports and recent photos. This month the retaining wall was finished, passed inspection, and is being backfilled. The sanitary system was completed on our side of Hoadly Rd. NOVEC’s transformer was set, so we have permanent power onsite. The drywall was installed, sprayed with primer, and first coat of paint is on the walls. Parking lot pole lights are lighted; datestone is in place by the front door; exterior siding is going up; exterior stonework is nearing completion; exterior trim and soffits are in progress; and grading continues. Light fixtures are being placed in the ceiling; the ceiling is being enclosed as ductwork and sprinkler installation is completed; wall devices are in place; altar rail with kneeler is being constructed; stonework completed in the sanctuary (see website photo); and sanctuary chairs, 12’ exterior cross, and monument sign were ordered. After an initial unsuccessful search for a sanctuary cross, God provided new possibilities through four artisans. We trust God will guide us to the correct choice, just as He did when He provided three sources for the right sanctuary chairs at substantial savings. Our God is the builder of His church, and He will be glorified in it!
Mt. 5:8, The Message, says, “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” As God builds His Mission Outpost, He is preparing His Immanuel family through our Lenten study of the Beatitudes to share Him and His love with the outside world. Mt. 5:14-16 says, “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” As God is glorified in His new church, may we glorify Him as we step out in faith to share Him with our new neighbors.
In Christ,
Bob Mann and Chloellen Miller
Your Move Team Co-chairs
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