Greetings in the name of the One who was, who is, and who will be…Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! What a morning in the Kingdom! I trust that you had a great first week of December – that you kept healthy, were protected, and sensed the love of those who are important to you! Can you feel ‘pace’ of life pick up as we head into the last three weeks of 2014? I am going to pray for you today, asking Father to be your ‘pace-setter’… to slow you down so that you won’t miss the gentle power of this season.
I came across a few more thought-provoking quotes to put in my Advent 2014 journal. Do you gather quotes that keep in a journal to reflect upon? I have two categories of quotes that I collect: first, the ones that reveal truths to myself; second, those quotes that highlight observations about the church. The ones that have come my way this week are mostly directed towards the church, about “body-life.” I simply want to give them to you with a prayer that God would reveal to you an insight.
First: “…we often forget that serving Christ is a team sport. If we want to win against the powers of darkness in this world, we have to be united and work together…” Jim Cymbala, ‘Storm’.
Second: “…is church about experiencing Jesus in a fresh way or merely hearing a great sermon?…” Jim Cymbala, ‘Storm’.
Third: “…intercessory prayer is a grace that changes us, changes the people for whom we pray, and protects us and the church from the effects of the storms we face….” Jim Cymbala, ‘Storm’.
Fourth: “…our church services must all be centred on Christ, who is our all-sufficient Saviour and who has promised new life through his Holy Spirit…” Jim Cymbala, ‘Storm’.
This morning a local newspaper is doing an ‘on-line reader’s poll’ and the question is simply: “Do you pray?” – ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. As of a few seconds ago…4 out of every 10 people responded: ‘No’. Methinks that there is a storm brewing within the fabric of our society.
Take time to ponder on your own personal faith over the weekend…”Be blessed!”