What is Front Porch Living?

This morning I found this verse from "Daily Bible Verse" in my inbox. Tomorrow I leave my wonderful neighborhood of Highland Park in Chattanooga and move to a new home in Longview, Texas. Bittersweet. But I know the following is true and I hope to flesh it out meeting new people of all kinds, diverse, interesting, each a gift yet unopened. Because special folks we're leaving behind have shown us how to do this well...

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Jesus could give the disciples authority because He has all authority. To know that God is with us until the end of the age is not only comforting – it is empowering. When God’s people realize that we have been sent under the guidance and provision of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then what nation or people group is beyond His reach? This is not a message for just the tribes of some far off land, this is also for our neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Simply allow people into your walk with Jesus and you’ll find that making disciples is easier than you think.

Reality Check

We pray this alone, with others, by heart...
"Our Father Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven"

on earth as it is in heaven....

on earth as it is in heaven...

Ask yourself - have I lived out the great gift of my salvation today and brought more of God's kingdom to earth?
Have I allowed the saving, redeeming, transforming, forgiving, reconciling work of Jesus Christ to be played out in my life, my energies today?

I pray that I would not view God as a vending machine or lottery ticket for myself, but truly connect with the gospel that liberates me, frees me, that can flow through me to others in practical and meaningful ways.

May today count, Lord. Use me. Glorify yourself.