Well…it’s Wednesday!

06 Sep Well…it’s Wednesday!

Ok…so like always, on Sunday I promised this to you either Tuesday OR Wednesday…and it’s Wednesday.

Still enough time to make your plans for being with us on…

Friday – 8 September 2023 @ 1:00 PM  for the…

Zoom Bible Study Catch-up  —  Join Zoom Meeting  —  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83586782734  —  Meeting ID: 835 8678 2734

If you haven’t had a chance to jump in here with us, this is a great week to start as we open the Bible’s pages to hear God’s voice through this new worship teaching series.

 

I hope you enjoyed having Kate with us Sunday to share the stories of mission from the CSU Campus where she, Mark & Elise serve to make Jesus known & real to uni students in our community. I don’t have the final $$ total to hand, but I know you were generous and hearing firsthand how our gifts bless others is always an encouragement. So thank you for again reaching beyond our specific ministry to spread the gospel through the work of other faithful people.

 

We’re getting closer to the Wagga Lake Run –n- Ride! Sunday, 24^th September. We’ll have our usual water station (set up around 9:00 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. cycling start) & then meet in the Guide Hall later for a shared lunch & group worship/study around the tables…starting around 12:00 noon. It’s always a great day, so you don’t want to miss a minute!

 

Living Water’s Annual General Meeting is also fast approaching…15^th October immediately following worship (I think…specifics will come in due course).

An “assignment” I’ve shared with the Steering Team leading up to that, and am now offering for your reflection, comes from a pastor in Canada who also launched a new ministry similar to how Living Water launched a decade ago. He’s actually moving on to another congregation, but as part of his departure, he gave the congregation a series of “What I’d do again. What I’d do differently.” reflections. Now, even though I have no intention of going anywhere before God says so, I felt led to think about our lives together as Living Water Fellowship in the same way. Part of my report to the AGM will include 5 things in each category: What I’d do again. What I’d do differently. I’ve asked the Steering Team to think through that as a challenge moving into the next decade, & now…How about you? Looking back on the 10 years of Living Water…What would you want to make sure, if we were to intentionally launch a satellite ministry, we did again? What would you counsel we do differently? And of course…Why? I’m truly interested in your thoughts.

 

In my daily Bible reading I’m at the end of Mark’s gospel…the Passion narrative (Mark 14 & 15). I really enjoy reading Mark…today 2 things hit me.

1. Jesus is uniquely silent during his trial by the Jewish leadership & then again before Pilate EXCEPT in Mk 14:62 where Jesus answers the direct question, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus says, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” This is what drives the Jewish leaders into a murderous frenzy by which they drag him to Pilate & whip the mob up into shouts of “Crucify.” Note the “I am” accompanied by his declaration that the power of God to judge/rule the coming Kingdom rests with him. He’s right & the resurrection verifies his claim. But that’s tomorrow’s reading for me! 😉
2. As Jesus dies, this very confession is on the lips of…a Roman soldier, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mk 15:39) As is the case in Mark’s retelling of the gospel, those who should see most clearly refuse, & those who can only understand by faith are drawn in close to Jesus. That’s us…no prior claim or wisdom except the Spirit drawing us near in faith.

Tomorrow I get the best part of all…the Resurrection!

But for today, I can live that resurrection because I know the story…now…who do I know that needs to hear it from me today?

Be blessed as you live & then share that good news! And…you just might be granted the opportunity to share it with someone like that soldier…ready to believe.

Peace

John