Bricks

While on vacation Ben and I had a great evening with old friends. John & Korie Taylor are now missionaries to Indonesia, and were on the ground just days before the deadly tsunami that killed so many in that region a few years ago. John told us how they were able to take brick machines that are normally fundraised to build churches, and begin to neighborhoods, stores, civic buildings for completely devastated communities.

In Indonesia, that's a great thing, and continues to rebuild what was lost. I think that in our lives, we are all making bricks. But too often I take those raw materials and form bricks to build walls that aren't for shelter, but instead for isolation.

Isaiah 57:14 says:
God says, “Rebuild the road!
Clear away the rocks and stones
so my people can return from captivity.”

When I came across this verse in my devotions, it struck me that we have so many roads left to build. Others have been damaged from hurt and neglect, and are in sore need of repair. But for us to worship in "unity and truth" that Scripture speaks of, we have to be diligent to build more roads. That is the only way more people will get to a place of saving knowledge of Christ in their lives.

But where are the bricks we'll need to lay a path?

God has called me, us as a church (Mars Hill) and as a Church (the entire Family of God) to tear down the walls that have previously been built. Things meant for division can be recycled into paths of friendship. Materials that isolated our hearts will instead show authenticity and transparency.

My knuckles may get a little marked up during the time of demolition. I'm pretty sure my manicure won't survive. But the end result... More family. More friends. More of God's blessings in my life.

I'm challenged to take the raw materials God has given me and build bricks that will lay roads for others to find Christ instead of walls for me to hide behind.

::edit::
Congratulations to John & Korie on the arrival of baby Noel!