Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
MOVE. That was the challenge given to our church family in January of 2013 by our elder and encouraged by our preacher since then. We even purchased these shirts stating our commitment to be a church that's "On the Move".
How can a CHURCH MOVE? A building can't MOVE can it (well, it shouldn't, anyway). Of course not, because the church of the Lord is not a building. It's the people. It's the family of God. And people can MOVE.
Jesus was never still. He was always on the MOVE. Doing. Serving. Helping. Loving. And so must we, if we want to follow Him. Followers of Jesus MUST MOVE or they are not following. It's just simple logic.
This week there have been many opportunities to MOVE. Our daughter graduated from high school Monday night, just after the horrible tornadoes ripped through central Oklahoma. The next day she said, "I want to go help." So she did. She MOVED. She is working with her aunt and the Memorial Road Church of Christ in various places in and near Oklahoma City who were hit by the tornado. There are many places that were hit and needing help. Moore was the worst hit, but there is devastation and people who need help in other towns, as well.
This young lady is also on the MOVE! She also graduated Monday night and yesterday spent her graduation money on water for the victims!! What a great example to all of us!
Our church family began collecting money and water for the victims on Tuesday and by Tuesday night already had a truck load of water headed to the Oakcrest Church in Oklahoma City, so that it could be distributed to victims. My husband was on the MOVE driving that truck that evening. My daughter and I were on the MOVE buying more water to be taken today (Thursday).
It's amazing how many people have been on the MOVE since last night. We had a prayer service for the tornado victims - specifically focusing on different aspects of those affects, such as the children, the medical professionals, the financial aspect, and the spiritual aspect. We sang songs of praise and prayed that the Great Physician would heal the wounds and hearts of those who are hurting.
But this morning, it was evident that our church family had been on the MOVE. My husband just called and there is so much water that the truck can't carry it all! His brother (our preacher) is taking the first loaded truck up, then he's taking another truck now that is also loaded with water and they'll be picking up more water on the way.
Teachers who were at the prayer service last night brought their students to help load water this morning! What a great way to spend the last 1/2 day of school before summer begins.
It's so great to see people on the MOVE willing to help others!! It's great to see our small town on the MOVE! We're collecting this water. The 1st Baptist Church is collecting other supplies to be taken to victims. The school's FFA Chapter is collecting supplies to be taken this weekend. The Tipton Home (the children's home in our small town) is taking a group to work next Tuesday and Wednesday.
It's great to see Oklahomans and people from across the United States on the MOVE, helping others in need. I especially like seeing young people learning to help serve others. That makes me smile. I'm pretty sure it makes God smile, as well.
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