Back to School Blessing 2013

Monday Devotional
August 12, 2013

An update from Rob Touchstone will take the place of our normal Monday Devotional today. Thank you Otter Creek for your outpouring of love to those north of Nashville who lost so much during last week's flood. And thank you Rob for your quick action and love for the people in our community!

Yesterday's "Back to School Blessing" is available on our website (also available on Podomatic and iTunes.)

Flooded By The Kingdom

We've heard some heartbreaking stories from those who've lost everything in Thursday morning's floods just north of Nashville. I'm happy to share that Otter Creek has responded quickly and generously to show what love does in response to those in need. By Monday morning, OC had already given $3550 in donations of gift cards, cash, and paying for an extended hotel stay for a family who had to evacuate their home. In addition, many have brought clothes, toys for children, cleaning supplies, and more.

Life Groups have already volunteered extravagantly to sponsor families who've been displaced. One of these groups is helping throw a birthday party for Lisa, one of the victims who has a birthday today. Lisa and her family have already said they want to start coming to OC because of the outpouring of love and acceptance they've experienced.

This serves as yet another reminder that one of the best ways to reach out to people, even those we've just met, is by serving them and loving them extravagantly. And yet somehow in the midst of that, we are the ones who get "flooded" with the redemptive kingdom of God at work in the midst of hurt and loss. He keeps turning our world right side up every time we spend time with these amazing people who teach us of the true treasures in life, even in the midst of a lawn full of ruined possessions.

Thanks to the OC family for being a church in action with the love of Christ. More and more needs are continuing to rise in the aftermath of the flooding. You can continue to help by bringing gift cards and clothes. Another email will go out this week with some specific needs of those we've encountered so far.

Rob Touchstone
Missional Discipleship Minister - Otter Creek Church
Co-Founder, The Well Coffeehouse, a nonprofit missional coffeehouse in Nashville
Adjunct Faculty - Bible - Lipscomb University

Be a blessing to someone today,

Josh

www.joshuagraves.com