November 21, 2010 – Polunsky – Livingston, TX
Back at Polunsky! It was good to be back and see everyone at the Polunsky Unit. We had 220 in attendance and 19 decisions. As a ministry, we can’t begin to know the hearts of these individuals, their struggles, their needs as a church, and the direction they are headed. However, we can encourage them to make an impact for God on the unit and make their church a place where anyone can be comfortable and welcome.
I recently heard an analogy of how the church resembles a pack of zebras. A pack or herd of zebras is also called a “dazzle”. A zebra has lots of stripes. Many zebras have many stripes and when they are all in a herd together their stripes actually create a chaotic and confusing image called a dazzle. This dazzle actually works as a protective force against predators such as lions and hyenas. The predators cannot focus their attention on a single zebra in order to isolate and attack it. The dazzle is so powerful that even other animals like water buffalo will stay close to the dazzle for protection. Similarly, the church as a whole creates a dazzle, a sort of protective force against the evil that so often breaks churches apart and causes dissension among the members. Of course, the members that make up the body of the church must work together and be in the word to “dazzle” for the Lord and be productive for Christ. His word provides the wisdom that unlocks the keys to life. It guides the church and gives it the strength to witness, persevere, and finish the race together.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a crowd witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
As chapter 12 continues, we learn more about the discipline of God and the renewing of the spirit that all churches and believers need. Our commitments must outlast our emotions when it comes to serving and pleasing our Lord and Savior. In summary, we must be able to say and live out the following:
- I Am Wrong
- I Am Sorry
- Please Forgive Me
- I Love You
All Christians are one in the Spirit. It is our duty to keep or observe that unity, recognize it as real and act upon it without a sectarian spirit, endeavoring and making every effort to work hard at maintaining the unity of the spirit. Please pray that all churches will unite and dazzle for Christ by building up its members so that they can do good works.
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