27 Oct Facing the end…of the year…not all things…just yet!
Welcome to the end of October! Can you believe it?!?!?!
One of the things being in the final ¼ of the year means is that my Daily Bible Reading Plan is nearing completion. In just over 2 months, I’ll have read through the Old Testament once & the New Testament at least twice…some books 3 times. I get up quite early each morning to read…and for the almost 20 years I’ve followed this schedule, I’ve never been bored by it or tired of reading the same verses over and over again. This year, I’m finding greater joy in the prophets than ever. And, like I know I’ve mentioned before, sometimes I get the sense that the prophet was speaking specifically to us in 2026. For instance…
In Jeremiah 22, God speaks a harsh word of judgment against Jehoiakim, one of Judah’s bad kings. Here’s part of that from Jeremiah 22:15-16. Jehoiakim seems to have enjoyed the privileges & perks of being King, but to obey the call of God to those who lead his people, justice, righteousness, & faithfulness…not so much. Here, God speaks through Jeremiah, “But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king! Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat & drink. But he was just & righteous in all his dealings. That is why God did well for him. He gave justice & help to the poor & needy, & everything flourished for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.
The last question haunts each of us, or it should. “Isn’t THAT what it means to know me?” says the Lord. “That” is pointing to the life of justice, righteousness, faithfulness, & compassion for those in need that God expects of all of us & especially those entrusted with leadership among his people. A relationship with God is meant to have spillover effects for the good of those around us. Self-serving lives are not those that are to characterize God’s chosen beloved. To “know” God…in the fullest intimate sense of that word is to be transformed by that relationship. You’ve heard me express my frustration before with folks who self-identify as followers of Jesus but live lives indistinguishable from the rest of the world. At some point Galatians 2:20 must be in evidence or we’re just playing games: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. The real question for all of us, “Can the world around me see the new life in Christ in me, & him working through me, or do they see me, being me, for me & only me?”
It’s never too late for the Spirit to really make that change…this week…today…and in every opportunity ahead.
- Sunday 1st November – All Saints’ Sunday! – Another special day when we give thanks to God for his people who have been our co-workers in the gospel & now rest eternally from their labours. It’s a great day to ask the question “What do we mean when we say Salvation?” It’s more than just some undefined “going to heaven when I die”…much much more! And better even than your wildest dreams!
- ALSO Sunday 1st November – Giving Beyond Ourselves (Red Frogs) & Morning Tea AND Living Water’s AGM – The Book of Reports & amended Budget for 2027 are out. I hope you have your copies. Please have a look & be prepared to give thanks for all God continues to accomplish through your faithful stewardship of the gospel and the resources God has placed at your disposal…which of course we need to share with growing generosity as the cost of everything rises.
- Pam has the new Worship Serving Roster out – Thank you one and all! There’s always room for more hands & hearts in helping!
- Sue has our November Calendar available for you…Please grab one Sunday if you haven’t already.
- Saturday 7th November – LWF Prayer Morning @ the Prenzler’s home – the coffee’s always hot & the hour we spend in prayer is always a blessing. We’d love you to join us!
- Sunday 8th November – we continue our worship & teaching series: Living Words. This week, “What do we mean when we say Worship?” True worship is acknowledging God’s rule, living from His power, & working for His glory in everything we do. It’s more than any Sunday morning alone can hold. Be there Sunday for the joy of what God works in you the whole week long.
I know I keep saying this, but…Before you know it…we’ll be looking at Christmas! I’m already planning into 2027 for worship & other things…Please pray God guides all those thing toward his greater purposes!
God bless you with his peace!
John
No Comments