Holy Ground

"'Do not come any closer,' God said. 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground'" - Exodus 3:5

There is plenty to ponder in this verse, such as how a patch of dirt becomes holy. Certainly the dirt didn't choose to become holy. Instead, it is God who has miraculously changed the dirt through His holy power and presence. Lest we think we are more special than a bucket of mud, there are a number of verses like Job 10:9 - "Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again?"

Our Thursday small group is starting a series on holiness. The Bible presents holiness as both a command and a promise: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" - 1 Peter 1:15-16. Hopefully we won't view this as something unpleasant, but a source of joy that we have a God who will bring us to holiness. Pray for this. Work for this. Rejoice in it.

HIGHLIGHTED PRAYER

We're encouraging our congregation to take "Practice Resurrection" for 40 days. This is some sort of habit that brings New Creation-style life, love, joy freedom into our own lives or someone else's. Please pray that there will be participation and that this will be a spiritually meaningful practice.

PRAY FOR OUR CONGREGATION

Praise God that he's connected us with a few other congregations for a multi-cultural Good Friday celebration. Please pray that the planning and execution will go through smoothly and that it will be a meaningful time of reflection and celebration.

Please pray that we will reach out and bring to Christ both non-Christians and new believers this year.

Please pray for those among us (English, Mandarin and Cantonese congregations) who are being negatively affected by the economic downturn. Pray that they will have faith in God and the God would provide for them.

Pray that God will motivate some of our youth to join in with the YUGO mission trip to Mexico together with HOC3.

PRAY FOR THE REST OF OUR CHURCH

On March 28th, there will be a drama performance / evangelism program lead by HOC1. Pray that we will be able to reach truth-seekers and they will have a chance to know about God.

Pray that God will help us to plan a new worship, adult and children's Sunday school schedule for the three congregations when the new building is available.

Pray that we will get clear details from the two Taiwan churches we are working with this year.

The Cantonese group will have a choir practice, bible study and small group leader meeting this Saturday. Pray for those willing to devote a full day to serve.

PRAY ABOUT HOW GOD IS LEADING YOU ON HIS MISSION

PRAY FOR THREE(3) OF YOUR UNCHURCHED FRIENDS/FAMILY

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen