This day is also the beginning of the season called “Lent.”  Much like Advent, it is a season of preparation.  Now, it has for many seemingly been relegated to 40 days of ‘giving things up.’ So, you might decide to not partake of x, y, or z during this season.  But, if all you do is give something up with no real meaning to why, then that really seems to be more about you than about Jesus. (Maybe that’s just me).

So, let me encourage you to give something up if you want to, or to start something up if you want to. But, whatever you do, mark something in your life that every time  you don’t do it, or do it, it will cause you to think about Jesus.  Let this be forty days when we take time to be amazed that Jesus gave His life to pay the debt of our sin.  Let this be forty days when we truly prepare our hearts to rejoice that He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed.  Let this be a season that whether giving something up or doing something new, we take the time to be reminded each day that we have a story to tell.  We have a Savior to proclaim. We have a Lord to follow.

Make your heart ready to celebrate Easter (you have 40 days), your time begins…NOW!

He told me a about a family that he is close to. Recently they talked about finding a church that would be a fit for them. He strongly suggested they come to Antioch (for a host of reasons). So, they plan to come this week! How cool is that.

Here’s what I thought about though. Are we inviters? Are we faithfully sharing the story of what God is doing at Antioch with our friends and neighbors? Are we inviting our friends to come worship with us or share in Family Group with us? I hope so.

It’s such a blessing to see how God is at work, but it’s also easy to be comfortable with where we are and with those already a part of the family. But, God has so much more for us ahead.  There are neighbors, friends, and those we have never met who God desires us to impact for the gospel.  So, I’m recommitting today to be a better ‘inviter.’ I want to be intentional about sharing the story and opening the door to what God is doing among us, so that others can connect and see that He is an awesome and glorious God who loves His people.

Will you commit with me to be an intentional ‘inviter?’

One last thought, don’t let the word ‘invite’ be mistaken for the idea that we aren’t going, building relationship, or meeting people where they are. The goal is not to be just about hooking people into an attractional gathering.  No, we are about gathering large, grouping small, and going to share the story.  ALL three of these are a part of our calling.  So be an ‘inviter’ in all three areas.