only

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.  (Matthew 14:16)

The Lord multiplies whatever we bring to Him.  This much is clear to me. 

As we closed our week of prayer with an Easter Vigil from 10p-12a, Brooke's friend Sarah W prophesied over her with  these words of multiplying loaves and fish.  As our group of thirty people affirmed that prayer, there was a clear sense that our God is a God of multiplication—even when we bring paltry offerings—in fact especially when we bring paltry offerings.  

God brought forth many of the women that Brooke has discipled in this season of internship.  And they prayed for her on that Easter Vigil night in beautiful and honoring ways.  Through her simple churches and obedient discipleship, Brooke has raised up women of God who know Him, who have been healed by Him, who have been sent by Him.  God has multiplied the loaves and fishes that she brought to Him.  

Our simple churches have begun to multiply and meet with other neighbors.   Andre came over and had coffee. We're going to meet every Thursday.  Shane wants to come over and grill out this weekend.  The fields are white with grain.  

And on this just past glorious Easter morning, the Stockbridge community had eight friends baptized (that I saw just at the 9a service-one I heard about at the 11a service).  God is raising up disciples who make the public declaration that "I have died and my life is now hid with Christ."  We give glory to God.  And we taste and see that the Lord is good.  

He multiplies as we abide in Him.  He grows the fruit as we abide in Him.  

We only have to bring ourselves to Him.  

Only.  

May the multiplication of the Lord's people run throughout Grand Rapids.

::tony::

Comments

[Nathan Crumback]

Tony,
I had the opportunity to experience the Love feast and it was phenomenal! I thank Jordan for the invitation. I have personally been growing spiritually with my church (Ada Bible) and my small group but I always seek opportunities to experience a ministry like the boiler room! When I left last Wednesday night, I had to stop and just thank God for all the people he blessed me with that night. Harvey, Bill, Uncle Joe, Kurt, Lisa, Martin, Luis, Danmike, Jamin, Joe, Chelsy, Mike and many others.