10 Dec You just never know…
I heard some sad news yesterday…just about knocked me down…
Someone I know only through their business here in town & to whom I chat regularly when I wander in…told me of a life-threatening illness that has struck a member of their family. I was rocked…to say the least. Quite a young person facing dire prospects is not news any of us would like to receive. I offered my prayers & phone number with the assurance that any time…any need…I’d find a way to be useful. This is someone I’ve “known” for a couple of years & invited to worship a few times…to no result yet. But here I was, in a very public place broken-hearted over their crisis & praying for some relief for them. I’m sure prayer is my best gift in this circumstance…and at the moment it’s what I can do. I also know I can count on you to join me in praying for this family even though you don’t (& for obvious reasons can’t) know their names. They’re some of those folks we see around us every day in our town who matter to God…matter so much that He sent Jesus to speak eternal life into their lives by his death & resurrection. Pray for healing & hope. Pray for comfort & assurance… “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain the mystery of the gospel…Pray that I might be bold enough to speak boldly for Him as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19-20
This is the third fairly “personal” conversation I’ve had in the last few weeks with people I don’t really know all that well…but whom I’ve worked hard to get to know over the last few years. We all know that relationships are the “pearl of great price” in the 21st Century. We’re surrounded by drifting lonely stressed lives that are longing for a place to find rest & connection. It takes intentional time & effort…but being obedient to Jesus, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples,” is worth it.
I mentioned some weeks back that the not-yet-Christian world, or those who once were part of the church but lost touch along the way, are not looking for the coolest preacher, the rockingest worship band, or the most up-to-date kid’s ministry. The already-inside-the-faith shop for such things, but those not yet convinced Jesus is the answer are looking only for someone to let them know they’re loved, that their lives & struggles matter, that their hurts can be healed & their hearts made whole. The not-yet-Christian wants to belong somewhere & be known by name and cared for as they are. They want to see that God is real & makes a living difference in the lives of those who say “I believe.” You just never know…
Moving into this week…and of course the weeks beyond that…
- Zoom Bible Study Catch-up
Friday, 13 December 2024 @ 1:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting — https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83006349720 — Meeting ID: 830 0634 9720
- Are you ready for Christmas? Well…the best preparation is to invite someone to join you!
- Christmas Eve is Tuesday, 24th December – Worship is at 7:00 p.m.
- Christmas Day is Wednesday, 25th December – Worship is at 9:00 a.m.
- Into 2025…
- Prayer Morning to kick-off the new year! Saturday, 4th January @ 10:00 a.m. @ the Guilfoyle Home. I’ll have the coffee pot going! I’d like us to start a pattern of praying ourselves into each new season. Let’s fill the house!
- UnEarthed: Uncovering stories of Faith in Australia – Thursday 27th February 2025 – This citywide multi-church evangelism event will be a FREE event for you, your families, and friends held at the Range Function Centre. Please note that date! It’s going to include Karl Faase, Colin Buchanan (and his adult country repertoire) and special guests from the Faith Runs Deep documentary interview series. All-Australian stories of faith in Christ from the length & breadth of this sunburnt country…the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit.
- There’s lots of folks travelling over the course of the holidays. Please pray for safety & joy to attend all the family gatherings & ungatherings…the to-ing & fro-ing along the roadways & airways. Too many end in heartache…so let’s start praying out in front!
I was reading Philippians 2 this morning. We’re all familiar with the great hymn at the start of the chapter, but just afterwards there’s this, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” – Philippians 2:12b-13
The challenge Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear AND the promise: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. We are never powerless. Christ dwells in us by the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is accomplished in Christ. Our struggle is to live it out obediently allowing the Spirit to lead us to do what pleases God. Since we are never powerless, let’s allow that assurance to empower obedience.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!
John
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