Having lived in the same home since we first moved to Tennessee in 1999, Pam and I have seen a lot of transition in our neighborhood.  We live in what realtors call a “starter home” in a neighborhood of “starter homes.”  Living for 13 years in a community prone to transition, we have come to learn the routine in our neighborhood.  Though slowed by the economy, the signs remain;  A “for sale” sign, cars slowly creeping through the neighborhood, a parade of realtors with potential buyers, a moving truck, a vacant house, and the tall grass associated with it!

Then it happens: A large truck, a myriad of boxes, a flurry of activity, and new faces.

You see, it’s obvious when someone moves into the neighborhood.  New neighbors bring new dynamics and new opportunities.  When someone moves into the neighborhood, they have an impact on the status quo.

So, think about what it would mean if God moved into the neighborhood.  The Message paraphrases John 1:14 saying; “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

As I think about 2012, that is my prayer.  I want God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit - to move into my neighborhood; to move into the center of my heart and mind and live in me.  I want Christ to be, as Paul said, “Fully formed” in me so that He can have the greatest impact on the world.  I want people to “see the glory with their own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”  I want Jesus to be so fully alive in me that His character and power are unmistakable and have maximum impact on the “Neighborhood” around me.

That is also my prayer for Aldersgate Renewal Ministries: that God would move into our neighborhood – work in us so that He can move through us, completely unhindered, equipping the local church to minister to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Imagine the impact that God could have on the world as individuals and churches are completely inhabited by God.  Oh that the world would “see the glory with their own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

Would you join me in those prayers?  And, perhaps, you would want to make that your prayer in your personal walk with God.  That is a prayer we can have confidence that God will answer! (I John 5:14).

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