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[2 minute read]
Hello EMCC,
The Ark of the Covenant had returned! It was not the first time that God allowed it to be captured by the enemy. Israel had falsely believed that because the Ark was with them in battle, they would win. The capture of the Ark was a consequence of their disobedience and a demonstration of God's judgment on their actions. Matthew Henry comments, "It is common for those that have estranged themselves from the vitals of [true] religion to discover a great fondness for the rituals and external observances of it, for those that even deny the power of godliness not only to have, but to have in admiration, the form of it.”
Our theme this week comes out of 1 Chronicles 16:31, "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns'" (verse 31, ESV). The earth was given to us for our livelihood and sustenance and we are to steward this gift well. Apart from God, we have tried to cultivate in our own efforts. But it is the Lord that brings the harvest. “Return to the Lord your God…. The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good" (Deut. 30:2,9, NKJV).
South Africa has one of the most economic disparities in the world. About 36% of the population lives below the poverty line and 20% cannot afford food with minimum recommended calorie intake. The percentage of poverty is even worse in rural areas and more pronounced in women-led households. Those that rediscover biblical principles and practices are seeing the curse lifted from their land! Dan and Kerry Wiens train and mentor leaders throughout Africa in the Farming God’s Way tool as well as lead the Inundo Development Model Farm.
Watch this 25-minute video presentation as two of our EMCC church leaders share their immersion learning and church engagement in integral mission. Register today and join us for just one hour on Friday, February 7th.
May we repent from our fondness for rituals, return to the Lord with our heart, soul and mind. Let us rejoice in God’s work today of redeeming His people and the land in Nepal, India, Ethiopia, Haiti, South Africa and beyond.
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