Chuck Swindoll said:
In vain I have searched the Bible, looking for examples of early believers whose lives were marked by rigidity, predictability, inhibition, dullness and caution. Fortunately, grim, frowning, joyless saints in Scriptures are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the examples I find are of adventurous, risk-taking, enthusiastic and authentic believers, whose joy was contagious, even in times of full trial. Their vision was broad, even when death drew near. Rules were few and changes were welcome. The contrast between then and now is staggering.
Betty’s heart and transformation through working with Door To Grace. Now she encourages us to pray.
Chuck Swindoll said:
In vain I have searched the Bible, looking for examples of early believers whose lives were marked by rigidity, predictability, inhibition, dullness and caution. Fortunately, grim, frowning, joyless saints in Scriptures are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the examples I find are of adventurous, risk-taking, enthusiastic and authentic believers, whose joy was contagious, even in times of full trial. Their vision was broad, even when death drew near. Rules were few and changes were welcome. The contrast between then and now is staggering.
I read this quote, included in a blog I often read, and it pierced my heart. By nature, I tend to be cautious, I am unsettled by the unpredictable, and though I truly don’t want to be, I can be overly inhibited, rigid and dull. I want to be joyful, enthusiastic and full of vision while living a contagious, authentic faith. So I read this and am challenged. I realize God is using the privilege of participating in the work He is doing through Door to Grace to transform me from the inside out. Are you witnessing his transforming work in your heart and life as well?
Our glorious God is at work in our midst, using his Door to Grace volunteers.He wants to display His tender mercies to heal, redeem, transform—both in the lives of believers inside churches, and in the lives of victims out on the streets. He wants to display His power to unify His people, dissolve the walls of division and collectively bring them into humble dependence on Him, with one heart and one mind, living out His grace. He wants to bring revival to Portland as his people exhibit deep, authentic, bold faith, bringing his light, love and beauty to this city. He wants to bring glory to himself as His power is unleashed among us.
As we join together on this Door to Grace journey, we have great opportunity to step out into the unknown, holding tight to our sufficient and faithful Creator, marveling at His majesty displayed. As we seek His heart for the oppressed in Isaiah 61:1-3, and allow Him to move in our midst, we will be a changed people, and see Him bring the redemption of Jesus to our city.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn, 3 to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
Please continue to join me in praying for this passage to be a reality in our lives, in Door to Grace, in our city. As you are able, please pray for these ongoing requests, listed below, that express the heart and vision of this ministry. It is such a privilege to come boldly before His throne of grace to intercede for these requests. Thank you, friends, for joining me in this privilege.
Outpouring of God’s Spirit
God be glorified: Jesus would continually be lifted up in every aspect of the Door to Grace ministry—our trust would be in HIM, not in human effort. A spirit of humility would prevail.
Strongholds broken: God would break through the strongholds in Portland related to sex trafficking, the various sex industries. All the strip clubs and sex businesses be closed. Pray for perpetrators, pimps, clients, victims all to be saved and healed.
Transformed lives: All who come through D2G come to have restored lives and a transforming, healing faith in Jesus. That they would be treated with Christ’s love by ALL involved in this ministry.
People
Host families: Please pray that God’s spirit would prepare the right families to provide our long-term safe homes and our short-term respite homes. Pray for the churches of our host families that they may be equipped and ready to provide a safe healing community!
Care community: In addition to these safe home families, we need many volunteers to run our robust restorative care program. We need people to be on each family’s support team, on our arts team, on our adventure team, on our action team, on our education/life-skills team, on our clinical team. We trust God’s people will respond with their gifts of time and talent. Pray that the Spirit would send and prepare His people.
Survivors: Heal, strengthen, protect and prosper our survivor friends. Pray for wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit to minister to the survivors who come weekly for prayer. Pray for the Spirit to continue to draw them to Father as they struggle to overcome drug addiction, and soul wounds.
Pastors: Be mobilized to partner together as they equip the body of Christ throughout Portland to respond to the issues at hand. For them to understand the impact of abuse and support Mending the Soul Ministry within their church bodies. For them to walk in humility and integrity and for the love of Christ to shine through their unity of spirit.
Program
Janus Youth partnership: God to continue to use this interim partnership with Janus Youth shelter for us to learn, and bring God’s blessing to the youth and social service relationships.
Funder meetings: God would grant favor with nimble, private foundations. He would open doors, move in the hearts of donors and supply all our financial and resource needs.
Adorned in Grace: God to supply an abundance of volunteers to cover all shifts – especially for Saturdays, as there is a shortage of volunteers on Saturdays, the busiest day of the week. Pray for the volunteers in the shop to be great ambassadors for AIG/D2G and our Lord Jesus Christ.
