To the Church of Jesus Christ in Castle Rock:

Greetings to you on behalf of God’s people at Shine Church! What a privilege we share with you in being part of the Bride of Christ in this particular corner of the world, and in experiencing the unity God is establishing here – a unity that I have felt strongly particularly with the group of pastors who meet on Thursday mornings to pray and encourage each other. It is nothing short of miraculous and the entire body of Christ in this area is benefitting from that—and will increasingly feel the effects of that work of God in the years to come!

I want to encourage you with Paul’s prayer found in Ephesians 1:18-19: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (NIV)

With all the craziness going on around us—fear, hatred, bitterness, disunity, we as the church have never needed more what Paul prayed for the Ephesian church. That begins by being grounded in the HOPE only God can impart to us as we put our eyes on Him. That alone will keep us from living from the fear, confusion and anger that threatens to kill our peace and minimize our influence in our generation. Secondly, when we see our need for each other – as believers and as local churches, we will understand that we are part of each other’s inheritance from God, and we will appreciate all the richness God has created that “belongs” to us as we belong to each other—all the necessary resources for victory. Last, when we humbly ask for and rely upon His power, we will dare to believe Him for unimaginable things, and partner with Him in those things!

We’re already seeing this happen in Castle Rock, and we welcome and bless that work of God! May we continue to discover and recover God’s promises for us as we partner with Him in His purposes here and to the ends of the earth.

God’s grace and peace to you all,

DJ Smith
Lead Pastor – Shine Church

Published: 2016-07-23

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