Wednesday, 14th December 2011

I had a few worries today about Christmas and the financial aspect that involves. I had to remind myself that on Sunday I had preached about God's provision and also to not be anxious about anything. If you preach it, you have to live it! God's provision doesn't give us a license to be irresponsible though either.
I went to Connect Group tonight. It was led by Richard S who kicked off a discussion on 'raising our game', as God takes King's Church up through the gears. We read from Amos 9: 11-15 and Jeremiah 33: 6-10.

Amos 9: 11-15 - In that day I will restore David’s fallen shelter — I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins — and will rebuild it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name, declares the LORD, who will do these things. The days are coming,” declares the LORD, when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the LORD your God.

Jeremiah 33: 6-10 - Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honour before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it. This is what the LORD says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.” Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the LORD.

We felt quite clearly that 'raising our game' does not necessarily mean being involved in more activity (although it could). For me, it is about leading a more righteous and holy life.

We also discussed several other things, including church membership. I am a passionate advocate of church membership. Read my reasons at
http://www.the-jailer.blogspot.com/2011/12/question-9-is-church-membership.html