Hope. It's a Good One.

I almost forgot to blog to you today!  You can tell I'm zoned out because I can never wait to blog you.  The pic (above) was taken before our concert in Florence yesterday.  We had a concert that morning in Bishopville, and then one that night in Florence.  God did some amazing things for the congregation and for 29:11.  I cannot begin to express into words how wonderful it was to share with the two different churches that day.  Actually, the first concert was with a combined three churches all coming together into one church.  I have to say, that, in itself, was so cool.  I think that is one thing Jesus was about:  Not caring what you may be labeled, what group you are a part of, or where you come from... Coming together, despite your differences.

"The root cause of interpersonal conflict is sin. (Galations 5:19)  James explains that fighting is the result of uncontrolled passions and desires. (James 4:13).  The book of Proverbs characterizes those who stir up conflict as persons given to anger ... greed ... hate ... gossip ... and worthless perversions... Such conflicts inevitably result in personal destruction... It is no wonder that 'the Lord hates ... one who stirs up trouble among brothers...'" -Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

You can come together and really care about one another, putting all others before yourself.  You can come into a place of worship and want to help each other, pray for each other, and really mean it...

God sees right to the heart.  When you come into a place of worship, what do you really bring?  Talent or pure worship?  Appearance or complete and true surrender?  Do you bring a heart ready to learn more about others and how you can enrich their lives?  Do you bring a soul that's poured out, empty and ready to be filled with what God has to really say to you?  Do you talk to others keeping in mind of how sinful and unworthy you are to be in His presence?

I think we all need to check ourselves at the door.  Remember, despite what you may think about others or what you may gain from your experience, not only in worship, but in the way you treat others, that God sees your intentions behind everything;  He sees to the heart.  So anything you do to convince people otherwise... in the end, it's a big lie if it's not all about Jesus and 0% you.

Man, I love you guys.  Thanks for writing to me often, letting me in on your lives and also asking for prayer.  Y'all crack me up with the funny things you say, you touch my life with the honest and lovely things you say, and you touch my heart by sharing yours.

These churches we visited were such a great testimony to Aaron Daniel, Justin and me.  We met some really cool people, and will definitely stay in touch.  God puts all experiences and people into your lives for a reason.  And all of those are for your own personal hope.

Hope.  One of my favorite words.

Hope.  Yeah.

-Tara K

For more on 29:11's ministry, go to 2911ThePlan.com
To listen to their music, head to iTunes.com, and search out:
29:11 The Plan!