I hope you are enjoying 2010. At present we
are studying the book of Deuteronomy as a
church. Last
year we were emphasising the importance of
preparing to enter into our promised land. This year
we are looking at how to walk in our inheritance –
in the blessings God has for us. When we are
blessed we can bless others.
Deuteronomy was written for three reasons.
Firstly to remember all that God had done with his
people – so that they could give thanks and remember
the lessons learnt. Secondly in order that Israel could
renew their covenant with God before entering the
Promised Land so that they would not be distracted by other gods and thirdly so
that they could prepare themselves to live in the land in a godly way.
Remembering and giving Thanks
In the same way we can look back over our
lives and over the last year and see all that God has been trying to teach us
and learn from it. I believe this will be a key to walking in what God has for
us in 2010. Where was God asking you to trust Him and be obedient to Him?
As a church I thank God for the 13 baptisms
last year. We also thank God for the missions to Kenya and the youth mission to
Birmingham where the young people served local communities by washing windows
and clearing up houses; For all the new ones who have given their lives to
Christ and for the births of 6 new babies in the church too; For the marriage
of Christian and Kara as a wonderful example of a Christian couple doing
relationship the God way; For the ministry of Louis & Edna to us as a
church and the apostolic and prophetic words about growth that have been spoken
over us; For the way Neil has taken on the Administrators role and for the
values and vision and mission statements that have given renewed strength to
us; For the outreach that has been taking place through Cafe shop Revive and
the Parent and Toddlers group and the marriage course that some couples took
part in last year.
I also remember how God has taken us
through the wilderness of trusting him for provision when there was barely
enough and thank him for providing new resources in 2010 so that there is
enough. God is faithful!
Renewing Covenant
I believe that as we remember what God has
done it will now strengthen us in our commitment to God as we move forward with
Him. The way Israel was to fulfil the commandments of God as a nation and walk
in His blessing was by each person individually loving God from the heart. Each
was to have a personal relationship with Him and respect and obey his voice
(Deut 6: 1 – 7; Deut 28: 1 – 2). This would bring blessing on them and cause
them to be a blessing to the nations. We too as God’s church, representing His
Kingdom, need to listen to Him as individuals, pick up the vibrations of His
voice, pay attention to them and put into practice what He is saying to us. As
we do this we will more clearly pursue His will for us and be in a blessed
state where we can be a blessing to others. There is so much peace in listening
and obeying God.
Preparation
As we pray, seek, love and fear God, he
will equip us in what we are meant to do for Him. Our society today needs
Christians who are fully committed to Jesus and willing to use their gifts to
change our world. This will be in so many ways. Many will reach youth through
loving them, listening to them, bringing them into their homes and teaching
them the principles of God. Others will do this through their work, e.g. school
teachers etc. Others will reach families through the parenting courses we are
putting on this year. This will be indirectly through us building kingdom
families that people see and want to emulate. Others will run businesses that
will grow and provide employment and provide finance for the Kingdom. Others
will minister through their medical gifts and others through their schools and
universities. Everyone of these things is going on this year in LNC. I would
encourage you as a Christian whether a member of LNC or another church to hear
God and use your gifts for him. You may still be in the preparation stage. Get
prepared and then move out in what God has called you to do. It will make a
difference. The world is waiting for us to enter our inheritance and bring some
answers. It’s all happened before – Schools, hospitals, and many businesses
were started in ethical ways in the UK by Christians. God has chosen you to be
a light to the nations. As people see your light they will seek the Light.
Let’s go for it!
