Walk where it’s safer

18 Feb Walk where it’s safer

Happy cooler weather week y’all! Great to have some rain but the chilly mornings are a delight!

I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m in the early days of my reading through the Bible this year…that has been an every year thing for almost as long as I’ve been in Australia. (Old Testament once & New Testament 2-3 times each year) But at the moment I’ve just reached the end of Leviticus. Whew! BUT…my favourite chapter is Leviticus 26. Favourite verses…3 & 12-13…properly edited like this: “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands…(a huge array of blessing over against punishment for disobedience)… I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high.”

I love that…It’s not “obey or I will blast you into oblivion,” BUT “walking in alignment with me & my word is where abundant blessing is found.” God can only bless what is in accord with his will. He sends rain on the just & the unjust because his will is to always “grace” us into a relationship of love with him, not threaten us into a life of terrified slavery to him. I love that. Too many people try to make “The Old Testament God” a demanding vengeful tyrant…not a chance. He’s clear, he sets us free so we can delight in life under his protection, provision & guidance. That’s the goal for our lives & the wide open destiny Jesus wins for us AND gives us to share with others. Pray for opportunities to offer that to someone you know this week. It’s like your parents always said, “Walk where it’s safer.”

Now…get your calendars out…lots to make sure is there…

1. As always…

Zoom Bible Study Catch-up (Luke 6:27-38)
Friday 21^st February 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting  —  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81166125179  —  Meeting ID: 811 6612 5179

2. This Sunday, 23^rd February, we’ll be picking up the next part of our vision, “Go in His Power” in the context of, “Answering the ‘Why?’” as Living Water turns 12 this year & we recommit ourselves & our future toward those things God has entrusted into our hands for the advancing of his Kingdom here. This week we’ll explore what it means to “go” to our world that has lost sight of its true worth & destiny in Jesus. What does it mean that the church “fights only the battles that matter”?
3. WE ARE JUST DAYS AWAY from UnEarthed: Uncovering stories of Faith in Australia – Thursday 27^thFebruary 2025 – 7:30 p.m.  I handed a bunch of these out to some not-yet-follower of Jesus friends the other night. Just keep inviting, keep praying & BE THERE YOURSELF! This citywide multi-church event will be a FREE event held at the Range Function Centre. This is THIS THURSDAY NIGHT!!!! It’s going to include Karl Faase, Colin Buchanan (and his adult country repertoire), Peter Gibbs & (Wagga’s own) Jade Stegg from the Faith Runs Deep documentary interview series. We get to be part of all-Australian stories of faith in Christ from the length & breadth of this sunburnt country…the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. We have a great sign-up sheet ready for folks to RSVP if you don’t have access to the QR Code registration option.
4. Living Water Prayer Mornings are on the calendar. 10:00 a.m. is the start time & we keep it tight to an hour. If you haven’t yet been…you can still find a chair around the table & the coffee is always good!

Claim the dates:   (Subject to changes for emergencies or other sorts of scheduling mishaps)

1^st March – 85 Red Hill Rd

5^th April – 7 Gidgee Place

24^th May – 85 Red Hill Rd

21^st June – 7 Gidgee Place

16^th August – 85 Red Hill Rd

20^th September – 7 Gidgee Place

8^th November – 85 Red Hill Rd

5. We are on the cusp of Lent. Ash Wednesday Worship, March 5^th, 7:00 p.m. @ the Guide Hall. Folks often think of Lent as a season to “deny” yourself something…not a bad idea. BUT…in place of whatever you “give up,” spend some time asking Jesus what he wants you to “do” in place of what you’ve “stopped doing.”
6. World Day of Prayer Service – Friday 7^th March @ 10:00 a.m. – St Aidan’s Presbyterian Church Coleman Street

God bless your week! See you Sunday!

John