From personal experience I know that often after a great time, perhaps a spiritual high, can come a real low time.
It is amazing how we just wont allow ourselves to own that. To recognise it.
To take time to breathe out. To not be hard on ourselves.
Our Church, Inglewood Community Church, has finally moved into our newly renovated building.
Here is a video one of our people did up showing the progress.
In our individualistic version of the Christian faith we have lost something of the sense of corporate responsibility we see demonstrated in the Israelite Faith.
“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites.” Joshua 7.1
Here the whole nation is held to account because one person had sinned. His sin…in taking that which God has asked the people to ‘set apart’ for Him….led to the death of 36 of his fellow Israelites. There is something in this.
When we live our Christian faith in isolation, not taking responsibility for our role in the community of faith, the whole Church suffers.
How did that happen?
Thankfully that means I am about half way through my working ministry life.
Could not be more excited about the next 20 years of Pastoring.
God bring me the fruit
God continue to speak…I’m listening.
Leading.
It does not mean you domineer.
It does not mean you win.
It does mean however that you love people enough to not leave them where they are.
I remember when I first visited the Hillsong Conference….many years ago. I distinctly remember the mental image I had as I walked into the arena. It was of myself holding my arms together. Mentally protecting myself from what I might be exposed to.
How wrong I was. In a short term I discovered that God had a moment for me there. In fact many moments. Joy, peace, challenge and instruction.
Principles and wisdom that would hold me in good stead for many years of ministry.
How often do we close ourselves off to the possibility of hearing Gods voice by preconceptions and fallacies. By thinking the worst and not expecting the best.
I think of some Pastors I know who go to conferences only to disengage, to sit at the rear, to close themselves off. Protecting themselves from the possibility God may have a challenge, and encouragement…a word for them.