Lord of the Breakthrough in 2012

The Lord has been speaking to us about breakthrough this year. Some of you have already been experiencing it. Praise God for all the things He has been doing with us as LNC in our finances, the new Norwood congregation who now have their own meeting place (and are now known as LNC House of Prayer for All Nations), for the South’s move into the home and for new family and friends who are attending, for the new ones that have been saved and come into the church and for those preparing to be baptised. Thank God for the missions to Kenya and to the homeless. We also praise God for all the testimonies of God’s goodness. There are so many testimonies this year of people feeling revived spiritually, having breakthroughs in their families, finance, in business and in cells and mentoring groups. Praise God for the strength that is coming to the men from the High Climber quads, from the Women of Worth groups, for those being added in the House of Prayer congregation and that they have had up to 16 people on a Sunday.

Consider Your Ways
We were all challenged in May by Louis & Edna’s visit to us. The women were challenged in the Dare to Dream Conference to walk closely with God and each other and to dream dreams and align themselves to reach their goals. The men, core leaders and whole church were challenged by Louis from Haggai 1 to consider our ways.

It is always good to pause and take time to consider before God whether the things we have been doing are still the things we should be doing. If they are still right then to consider whether we are doing them in the way God wants us to do them and with the right heart attitude to God and others.

Go up the Mountain
One of the ways we were challenged was to go up the mountain and take time to be with God. Yet, we were challenged to not only experience God but spend long enough to hear from God and know exactly how he wants us to be now and what He wants us to do. In this way we will exactly obey His instructions for our lives and be the most fruitful.

I was personally challenged to forgive spiritual fathers and leaders of the past in order to be open to spiritual fathers and God the Father for the future. As a leadership we took space over the summer to listen to God and spend time together to hear and be refreshed in what God has called us to as a church so that we can approach the vision in new confidence and faith and see His success.

Breakthrough by the obedience of faith
If you are still believing for breakthrough then let’s remember that God is our vindicator (Ps. 54:1). We are not to look for it in our own strength or schemes. That’s called walking in the flesh but we are to walk in radical obedience to God’s will and word to us (Romans 8: 12 - 14). That is the obedience of faith (Romans 1: 5).  Fast, pray and ask what God is saying to you, your family and your cell group and church. How does God want me to align my life with my brothers and sisters and spiritual leaders?  As you hear and obey you will enter by faith into grace in which you will stand and rejoice (Romans 5: 2). David found this in difficult situations. He would not take things into his own hands and slay Saul but he waited for God and was obedient to Him. King Saul was told by the prophet Samuel that obedience is better than sacrifice. Don’t trespass and then try and cover it up by making great sacrifices, just be an obedient faith-filled son of Abraham.

Breakthrough through divine order
God wants you to walk in breakthrough, revival, and favour, but it comes through divine order; choosing God’s ways not our own.  We need to choose to alignment ourselves with God.  Hear God’s voice to you today. Is He speaking to you about tithing or giving generously of your money, time or talent (Malachi 3: 10 – 11 & 2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11)? Is He speaking to you about the way you treat your husband or wife, listen so that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3: 1-4, 7). Is He speaking to you about honouring your parents or your spiritual mums and dads in the house of God?  Is God speaking to you about ministering to the needy (Is 58: 6 - 8). Breakthrough comes that way – may it come to you.

Breakthrough through Prayer
Let’s remember to be praying for the Holloways in their new situation. And remember the Owens in France, the Dzvenes in Derby, the Nothnagels and Van-der-Merwes in South Africa. Keep praying for Mary Young and Lovette at this time for complete health. And take time over the Christmas holidays to hear God’s voice to you. He is Lord of the breakthrough.

The Power of God in 2012

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses……… Acts 1: 8 (NIV)

As we look back at 2011 we can see through the good times and the struggles that God was causing us to be more dependent on Him. Like the disciples at the beginning of the book of Acts we can be in a place where we feel weak, confused and not sure of the future. However Jesus is saying He is there in His resurrection power to show us that He is real and has a Kingdom purpose for us. This is going to be fulfilled through His power.

As we (elders, core leaders and others) have prayed and sought the Lord over the Christmas period some of the words have indicated breakthrough, revival and a tsunami of God’s power and love washing over us in this New Year. There were still challenges for the disciples after the resurrection and Pentecost but they had a new strength to combat them. Let’s be filled with the Spirit as we enter this New Year so that we can walk in breakthrough through everything we face in life. If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8: 31)? We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8: 37).

We thank God for all that He will do this year. Praise God for Christian and Kara as they continue their equipping journey in South Africa; for Jason and Joelle as they continue to touch the lives of those in Normandy; for Kennedy & Sylvia as they plant their new cell congregation in Norwood; for all the creative outreaches that will take place through the newly reformed cells this year; for Women of Worth and High Climbers for the men; for our Refreshment Days as we spend time drawing close to God; for our outreaches to the community – Parenting, Jubilee lunch, Marriage weekend, ministry to the homeless, etc. Also for the missions that will take place into Kenya through Brian and Margaret and Roger this year. And for everything else that has not been mentioned. God is a good God and as He filled the disciples, so He will fill you with the power of His Holy Spirit for breakthrough this year. Happy New Year!

Wow, what an August!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes....Romans 1: 16

During the month of August we saw the riots in the streets of London and other major cities in the UK. My reaction was both anger and sadness. How could our country have come to this?  At first it was thought to be just young teens but after thousands of arrests it is clear that it was people from every background and age group.

Our Response as a society

Our response needs to be similar to God’s. In his fatherhood he brings both wrath/justice and grace/mercy. It is right that there is punishment but it is more than a justice situation, it also needs a social change. Every member of society touching the lives of each other including young people with grace and truth. Fathering a future generation so that they understand they are loved through the example of discipline and nurture. What some might call ‘tough-love’. 

Our Response as a church

As Jesus’ church we can show his love for those who are isolated and caught up in anger, rejection and sin. For example, as we demonstrate the good news of the Kingdom through our care of young people down our street or in our neighbourhood it will give them a sense that we care and that therefore our God must care. We can meet the social need. Yet it is not just a justice and social issue, it is also a moral and spiritual issue. The only true way change will come is by a change of heart.

The gospel is the answer

Whatever background or generation the good news of Jesus can deliver people from within through the mercy and power of God. We need to bring that message to the world because in it is deliverance (that’s literally what salvation means). Through faith in Jesus, God’s righteous nature is also revealed in us (Romans 1: 17).  We are changed from the inside out.

As we live as a Kingdom family we will reach generations.

Other News about August

•          We thank God for the mission to Kenya this August. Brian, Margaret and Anne caught up with our friends and contacts.  They also conducted a ‘People Helpers Course’ and there was a very positive response to this basic counselling training.

•          Pray for Roger who is in Kisumu, Kenya at the moment building the new orphanage. Natasha Greene is visiting him with a friend at the moment.

•          We thank God for Jason & Joelle and family. The Afriyie’s went to see them this summer. They are encouraged and have been ministering to people in their home and have a vision to bring transformation to the area around them. They also want to use their home as a hospitality base for those visiting Normandy. 

•          Thank God for the Birmingham mission where the young people were encouraged in their faith. As a result of the mission Rachel has run a youth event which raised £57 for charity and saw three make a commitment to Christ and many more ministered to.

•          Christian and Kara are continuing to be challenged and encouraged in South Africa on their year of equipping. They have just been on poverty week where they have had to live as the homeless and survive on very little for a week. Keep praying for them as God equips them for His purposes.

Having the Father’s Heart

We are well into 2011 now. And as usual life is busy. There are challenges of family life, finances and health. We have to contend with things every day.

One of the wonderful things about Jesus is that as the Son of God he taught us how to be sons of God (men & women). As he was growing he lived his life in submission and respect to his earthly parents but all the time grew in his relationship and understanding of his heavenly Father (Luke 2: 41 – 52). He spent regular time with his Father in prayer (Luke 6: 12). He said I only do and say that which I see the Father doing and saying (John 12: 49). He also told us that God is a father to us and has room in his heart for us (John 14: 2); that the only way to the Father is through the Son (John 14: 6), who died to take away our sin. As we trust in the Father and Jesus today (John 14: 1), our hearts will be filled with his love and peace. We will not be orphans or feel alone but will know we are loved by our heavenly Father who is there for us and in us by his Holy Spirit (John 14: 16-18).

Family News

Let’s pray for Kudzie and Heather who have moved outside of London to a new home in Derbyshire near Heather’s parents. Let’s thank God for the South Africa mission for what He did in the youth & student team over the Easter break. The Lord developed servanthood in the team as they served in cleaning the disabled school’s classrooms and helped weed out roots in a piece of land to prepare it for a playground for the foster home.  Many grew in their closeness to Jesus (2 of the team committed their lives to Jesus and one made a recommitment). Some wonderful life transforming relationships were developed in the Townships and the Victory Church in Jeffries Bay and Derbenville Family Church in Cape Town. It was good to see Christian and Kara who are doing well on their year of training.  They also send their greetings.

Being Family Together

Finally having the Father’s heart is also about realising that we are family together. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s keep honouring one another as we do the work of the Kingdom, both in LNC and across the world whether Afrikaans or Xhosa Christians in South Africa or Christians from other churches in London and the UK. God is building a kingdom family that reaches generations and this can only happen as we have a loving submissive respect for God and each other.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

What a year 2010 has been. God has done so many things – Las & Lila have been married, baby's have

been born, baptisms have happened, people have committed their lives to Jesus. Marriage seminars have taken place, there have been men and women's mentoring and the cells have been active in serving the community through the Besom project among other things, as well as strengthening and caring for each other. There have also been Kenya missions, Birmingham youth missions and youth outreach evenings. There have been parenting courses and marriage weekends away. There has been Coffee shop revive and the parent and toddlers group. Jason & Joelle have planted into Normandy and

Christian & Kara are about to get equipped in South Africa.

All these things are a part of walking in our inheritance, which has been our theme in 2010. It takes courage and obedience to God to walk in the things he has asked us to do. It also takes a relationship with God - being willing to spend time with Him. Let's never forget that immediately after the 10 commandments (Deut 5: 6 - 22) comes the command to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Deut 6: 4 - 6). We can only do God's will when we love him and we can only love him when we know he loves us (1 John 4: 19). This is eternal life to know the only true God and Jesus Christ who He has sent (John 17: 3). It's about relationship. We know this eternal life is the key blessing of our New Covenant inheritance. But along with that comes Kingdom family, a kingdom purpose – bringing heaven to earth and eventually a new heaven and earth with the reward of an eternity with Jesus. So as we enjoy Christmas with friends and family and then begin 2011, let's take time to seek God and hear His voice telling us He loves us, that we're worth it (He must think that as he died for us) and He has a purpose for our lives.

Then as we enter 2011 we will enter with that sense of being people in the purpose of God and we will be ready to move into the mission, discipleship and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus served the mission of His Father out of relationship with His Father and was therefore able to disciple others out of deep love and in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we move forward let’s remember that God does not want us to walk alone - we do all this as a team and kingdom family - reaching generations.

Entering our Inheritance in 2010

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!