Church Update – 19/02/18
Last night Petrea and I went along to All Saints Church in Hataitai to the Tearfund event where Richmond Wandera from Uganda spoke about how his life had changed as a result of a 15 year old girl sponsoring him. Heather, aged 15 started doing baby sitting to raise funds for child sponsorship. It was heart moving to hear him recall the day his mother was told that a sponsor had been found for her son. Everything was about to change for their family. He demonstrated how she sang and danced with such wonderful news.
What an incredible difference a small amount of money made to his life. From scrounging for food in the Ngaruru slum where they lived, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor degree in Accounting and now travels around the globe promoting sponsorship.
I am on Day 25 of the Bible Reading Plan where I will read the Bible through in a year. Nicky Gumble writes a devotional each day which sets me up for the different passages of the Bible that I will read. Old Testament. Psalms. Proverbs. New Testament.
Recently he wrote about How to Listen To God which I thought captured this so well. Here is what he said …
How to Listen to God:
1. Listen to God’s voice in the Scriptures
The main way in which God speaks to us is through what He has already spoken in the Scriptures. As you read the Bible pray that God will speak to you and that you will hear his voice.
2. Listen to God through the words of Jesus
The words of Jesus are the words of God. When you read Jesus’ words and take them to heart, you are listening to God.
3. Listen to God throughout your life
As Jacob came to the end of his life and looked back at all God’s blessings, he worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff. Genesis 47:31. He recognised that God had led him throughout his life. Remain faithful in worship and listen to God throughout your life.
Listening to the voice of God certainly changes our lives. He promises to lead us and speak to us each day. I wonder what he is saying to you today.
I am very grateful for our Senior Leadership Team who serve our church and for the significant contributions they make as we navigate our way through the course of a year. 3 of our leaders are wrapping up their time on the Senior Leadership Team and I want to honour them in this e-news for all that they have been and given during their term of service.
Their voices has been spoken throughout meetings, and it has been inspiring to listen to them. Howard, Graeme and Kris will leave a legacy of their time on the team. I particularly thank them for all they did to help the Corps transition over recent years through changing circumstances.
I am grateful for the leadership that they will continue to give to our Corps as they serve God and the church. Thank you brothers.
This Sunday we gather together to worship God and to continue our series Imagine Heaven. Come along ready to hear what God would want to say to you, and with a heart ready to worship.
Hannah and her team will continue to lead your children towards the cross and the empty tomb through Godly Play in Children’s Church. Thank you for encouraging our children as they listen to the voice of God speaking into their lives.
See you on Sunday.
Pastor Dave