Transformation happens when people represent the eternal compassion, wisdom, and purpose of God. For example, this week, thousands of volunteers are being recruited to help residents by doing hundreds of projects during a citywide workday on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Our prayer is that each project will be viewed as an act of love.
Transform Dallas is the name of the workday, and it's led by Concord Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Friendship West Baptist Church, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and Park Cities Baptist Church, along with Dallas Leadership Foundation. These churches and DLF are teaming up for the first time to demonstrate the transforming power of God to impact Dallas neighborhoods.
Bible characters can inspire anyone who wants to make a difference in their city or in the world.
Nehemiah changed a city from his position as cupbearer to the king. He stood out as a transformed leader who sought God's help in prayer:
In the Book of Judges, Deborah led the defining battle against Sisera, an oppressive archenemy of Israel who had 900 iron chariots. She was a transformed leader because of her ability to hear the Lord's voice and her willingness to face battle. Her actions were among those God used to free Israel from Sisera's grip:In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses..." (Nehemiah 1:1-7)
Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramahand Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoamfrom Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’”Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him. (Judges 4:1-10)
If God is calling you to help us during Transform Dallas, don't hesitate. Someone needs to experience the love of Christ through your unique expression of service. And because we're talking extensively about transformation, let us know how God has used you (or someone you know) to transform your surroundings? Tell us how in the comments section below.
This is one of a series of articles Dallas Leadership Foundation will post as we prepare for Transform Dallas. To participate or donate to Transform Dallas, please visit http://www.dlftx.org/transform-dallas.
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