Just because we've always done something a certain way, doesn't mean that's the way it will keep happening. God knew that the Jew-Gentile shift was a big one so he set things up with an angel, a vision and a meeting between Peter and Cornelius to help drum this message home. Peter received the revelation that "God does not show favouritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (verse 34)
As Peter was speaking there was another filling of the Holy Spirit. It was an event that was obvious to the onlookers and they spoke in tongues and praised God.
May God continue to blow the fresh wind of his Spirit into our lives as we receive ongoing revelation of all he has in store for us. May we be open to anything God would like to do in and through us, even when our initial reaction may be like Peter's, "Surely not, Lord!"
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
6 comments:
I have always loved C.S. Lewis comment on Aslan; "He is NOT a tame lion."
We seemed to have attempted to reduce God to a set of predictable set of actions and responses. If we act this way then He will… If I pray this, then He will…
I do not know why we do this. He is his own person. He acts as He chooses; this is the chief message of Job.
Why write this in answer to an issue of risk? The risk with a tame lion is manageable. Crack the whip he will respond how you want. An untamed lion is always a risk. Who knows what He will do and when He will do it.
The risk is His unpredictability. He is safe in His character not in His predictability. We can trust Him. We cannot trust we will get the response we expect or necessarily desire.
The risk is in following an untamed lion. Who knows what He will do or ask of us...?
I love this statement of yours Richard: "The risk is His unpredictability. He is safe in His character not in His predictability."
It reminds me of Jesus' words in John 3: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Balancing the risk is His nature and His promises. We can be sure that in every circumstance (some clearly life threatening - refer Stephen for example) he will be in the situation - there with us - "I will never leave you or forsake you".
We can also be sure that everything He gives us to do, even though we think we CANNOT do it - He makes the way, and often in ways we cannot imagine.
You know Andrew - when I landed up doing Youth for a time after you finished.
I simply could NOT do it.
I had no time, I had started a new contract and was flat out - 50 - 60 hour weeks.
I felt that Rolf would do his nut!
But I felt that thing that you know this is not just the Church council or Kevin asking - this is that thudding Gods will for you - and I said YES and kicked myself straight afterwards!
But Rolf NEVER complained the whole time!
I said at work "I will not be here after 3:00pm on Fridays" and they were FINE!
I look at the fruit of that time - some of you came out to the Alpha Camp we had - for the Holy Spirit weekend... Lovely young people, not all with us still - but they love God!
Hes calling me again and I am excited!
Awesome Rosaleen :)
Am pondering the word unpredictability in relation to GOD.
GOD is my father in Heaven. He is the greatest of all fathers. He is the example of what all fathers should be - consistent and reliable ... he is HIS WORD!
"We cannot trust we will get the response we expect or necessarily desire." No, but we CAN trust his response will always come from a place of love and genuine concern for our long-term well-being. (I guess that's what you said Rosaleen)
Any perceived 'unpredictability' therefore, would come from the cognitive manipulation that takes place, as we attempt to assimilate HIS word into what we would like it to be!
Just 'thoughts'!
God bless everyone!
"Any perceived 'unpredictability' therefore, would come from the cognitive manipulation that takes place"
Absolutely Gemma. How often does our loving heavenly Father take us down a path to actually demonstrate something lovely about His character.
My point is; the paths He takes us on are unpredictable. We are always eternally safe just not in control.
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