This morning we had a wonderful service with Carolyn. The passage from Romans 12 was read to us, and it is a beauty! Carolyn challenged us to think about how we, at whatever stage we are in our Christian journey can serve. She talked about the many issues in our world, and that whilst we can not fix the whole world maybe we can help some part of it. God calls us to a particular concern, to a particular need; often one we are best suited to work on.
During June & July God kept giving me a shuv, in fact he's been doing it for years. In our hosuegroup just before the summer break we began to look at stepping out of the boat and walking on the water. It's hard to trust that when you step out all will be well. In fact it may not be well. Peter was the only disciple to step out of the boat and try and follow Jesus. Although he ultimately sank; he tried! He trusted enough to step out, and I am coming to learn of the need to trust, God, analyse less and go where he calls. Give it a try! Is my new favourite phrase. When God calls, it is for a good reason and we can serve in all aspects of life.
Helen tells me that this passage also appeals to me as whatever we talk about in terms of faith I always come back to the core, "It is about love". It's a great passage and you can read it below :-)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12&version=NIV
This is the NIV translation, Trisha read from an alternative this morning, which I need to track down, as it puts this so much more poetically.
OK, I've hurriedly waffled on enough for now.
Many Blessings
Jon
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12, New International Version