First Word for November 2023

Stanley Worstell and I just returned from an amazing time with Carlito Paes in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. I felt so encouraged, blessed, and stretched. Brazil is amazing, the people are incredibly hospitable, and it was beautiful witnessing what God is doing in and through the church there. I am truly grateful for these relationships and this growing partnership.

I came away with a sense of fresh anticipation and confidence for what God has for Lifehouse, our city, and our region. I’m convinced He wants us to grow. God hasn’t called us to be comfortable, rather God has chosen us, called us, and commissioned us to be fishers of men.

It seems like God is making our church family more visible both locally and internationally. There is rarely a Sunday without nearly double-digit guests. I truly believe God’s hand is on us for such a time as this. 

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

How willing are you to be uncomfortable to see many brought into the kingdom of light?

Let’s not keep silent about our God. Let’s not keep silent about Lifehouse. Let’s invite people into our lives and into our gatherings…let’s help people Know God, Find Family, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. And as God grows us and things get more and more uncomfortable, may we count it a joy and a privilege to be uncomfortable for His purposes for such a time as this.

- John Privett