4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:
5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.
6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!
7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
Jer 29:4-7 (NLT)
When this was written, the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. They had been ripped from all they owned and transported to a culture whose values, religion, and status was radically different from theirs. You'd think that God would tell them to go underground, form an insurgency, or something.
But notice "where I sent you..."?
Where New Hope sits is no accident. God has placed an outpost of His Kingdom right here at 108 Aurora St. Call it a Forward Operating Base. It's the jumping off point for us as we work to bring the peace of God to Valparaiso Florida. For a long time, Christians tried to find peace in the city by withdrawing from the world around them into a holy huddle. But that's not what we are put here to do. We are to work and pray for the peace of the city.
So what can we do to see God's shalom peace come to Valparaiso?
First, we are to pray. Pray for the spiritual condition of our neighbors here. Pray for their economic well-being. Pray for the leadership,and all the public servants. Pray for the safety of people here.
Then we are to look for where God would have us work, and join Him there.
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