Yesterday it took me twenty minutes to drive less than a mile on Hillsboro Pike. That might sound like a complaint, but it’s certainly not. I enjoyed every minute – taking in all the hustle and bustle of a city on the move. That is Nashville, and that is Green Hills, right now!
I could have chosen so many photographs to share with you of major developments within a stone’s throw of our church campus, but I picked the soon-to-open Eden House. It’s a 16-story building offering 111 luxury condos for sale, along with a creative mix of retail space. Apparently it will be similar to the Vertis next door. If you’re like me and think in terms of restaurants, think Char!
Then there’s the new hi-tech transit center in front of the high school, aimed at promoting mass transit to and from the mall area. And Hillsboro Pike itself is being transformed. Intersections are being redesigned. CVS just hopped across the street and that sidestreet will soon plow through what used to be CVS. New businesses are sprouting up on both sides of the throughway. I’m sure you’ve noticed the massive construction project next to the Bluebird Cafe. There is every indication that something gargantuan will soon tower over those few remaining businesses that have held on to their properties through the last couple of decades of growth and transition.
And I’ve barely scratched the surface. There are so many cranes operating downtown that you can’t even count them while sitting at a red light – because you run out of time.
The God of this city has called us here. All of us. That’s why we’re here. He has work for us to do, right here. And it’s a great adventure to be stationed at this post, here and now. You and I should embrace the moment with gusto.
I’m proposing that we pray together over our lovely community. Here are some ideas …
1. Let’s pray for the spiritual prosperity of our city. That we would hear and respond to the call of God in Jeremiah 29:7, and that God’s Word would give each one of us the heart perspective which we need: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
2. Let’s pray for those who are new to the Nashville area, and who are adjusting to the transition. Maybe there are language barriers, or financial hardships, or emotional struggles related to leaving their previous home (or homeland). That God would use this moment to reveal Christ as only He can.
3. Let’s pray for those neighbors who don’t know Christ. That God will open their hearts to the gospel, and that He will use us in that exciting enterprise.
4. Let’s pray that our part of Tennessee would be protected from racial strife. That the love of Jesus would prevail and bring diverse people together, as God’s people lead the way in exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
5. Let’s pray for our neighbor churches. Each one faces its share of spiritual warfare, and each one has the potential to make a powerful kingdom impact. That the Lord would grant true gospel unity and mission to each and every congregation where Christ is exalted.
6. Let’s pray that churches could serve together in sharing Christ and meeting human needs. That pride and self-sufficiency would not prevent any of us from being able to lock arms with a brother or sister in Christ with whom we might minister effectively.
7. Let’s pray for our own church family, our very special family of faith at GHCC. That we would reflect the goodness of our Lord and Savior at every turn, with everyone, and with each other. That we would truly (and literally) be a light on a hill.
8. Let’s pray for singles in our area, including older adults who are single, and for the unique challenges that singles face. That God would build great friendships here in our city, and that He would minister to those who are lonely (and use us in such gracious ministry).
9. Let’s pray for the marriages and families all around us. That God would grant tremendous wisdom as people try to navigate these confusing cultural headwinds which seek to undermine family life. And that God would bring His peace and joy to every home.
10. Let’s pray that the Spirit of God will promote a culture where all human life is valued and protected. That God would use us to speak such words of life and light, with humility and winsomeness, within our local spheres of influence (including our own families).
11. Let’s pray for our government leaders and for all who are in authority over us. That God would grant divine wisdom to all who lead, and that His ultimate authority would be recognized and honored by all.
12. Let’s pray for a great spiritual awakening that extends well beyond Green Hills Community Church and Nashville! Everywhere, people need hope. Everywhere, people need Jesus.
The world is moving to Nashville. Are we ready? We should be … because you and I have the best news in the world!
Pastor Charles
Amen. Paul would have traveled to a metropolis like this.
“If you have no contact, you have no impact!” (H. Hendricks)