Windows On The Soul

" Where there is no vision, the people perish " wrote King Solomon ( Pr.29:18 ). To this day, the secular world of management consultants and football coaches are saying the same thing. The factor that differentiates the winner between equally skillful teams or athletes, is the one with the 'hunger', with a 'vision' of their goal. Sadly, lethargy has become an epidemic. Lack of vision is responsible for the diminished energy in people. Worse, generally, the youth of today are not being given anything to live for - no vision for the world of tomorrow. Is it any wonder that "sloth" is listed among the "seven deadly sins". People are as young as their dreams and as old as their cynicism. Perhaps some of these people should change their prayers from "If I should die before I wake", to "If I should wake before I die". Thoughts from Tony Campolo, " Everything you Heard is Wrong " ----xxxXxxx---- Is.4...

In this age of Industry Restructuring and Business Process Re-engineering, everyone seems to be preparing "Mission Statements".  Even when one consults a Financial Adviser, he asks, "What are your Life Goals?". Anyone of "?0 something" asks "What have I done with my life so far? What will I do with the rest of it?". As we start this "Missions Month", it would be instructive to look at Jesus' personal "Mission Statements". Matt.5:17 "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, rather I have come to fulfil them" Matt.20:28 "The son of man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many" Luke 4:18 "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to free those that are bruised, to p...

One of the greatest inhibitors to personal and church growth is the FUD factor (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt). After the horror of Christ’s crucifixion, the incredulity then ecstasy of His resurrection and His times of sharing with His disciples, Jesus ascended to heaven. What did the disciples feel then? I’m sure they must have felt very “flat” after their mountain-top experiences, and probably uncertainty and doubts crept in - “ What do we do now?” , “ Why has He left us like this?” . In many ways, these phases in the birth of The Church mirror the phases in the birth and growth of our children. The teenage years are times of much questioning, of moving out from under the sheltering presence of parents, to discover one’s directions and goals in the ‘real’ world - these are the “Why?” years. Then the young adult blossoms, the world is at their feet and they are prepared to take on anything, with courage and determination. Just as parents must hold back in order to release thei...

Confession I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: ... “ We have sinned and done wrong...been wicked and rebelled...turned away from your commands and laws. ”   Daniel 9:4-5 Intercession “ Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the Church to pray over him...prayer offered in faith will make the sick well. ”   James 5:14-15 Worship I prayed to the Lord my God..." O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands. ”   Daniel 9:4 Vision One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: " Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. I am with you. "   Acts 18:9

(On the occasion of a Church Anniversary) As we reflect on the ministry of this church over the past years, let's give thanks and celebrate God's eternal presence and out-working through His Church.  Rejoice in past victories, and look forward in glorious expectation. May this Church forever find that the House of God is a place of:- Seeking God's Counsel   - Judges 20:18 "The Israelites went up and inquired of God" Hearing God's Voice  - Isa 6:8 "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Who shall I send? Who will go for us?'" Receiving Visions  - Luke 1:22 "They realised he had seen a vision in the temple" Filled with Glory  - 2 Chron 7:1 "The glory of the Lord filled the temple" Praise and Thanksgiving - Psa 150 "Praise God in His sanctuary. Let everything that has breath, praise The Lord" Learning God's Ways  - Mic 4:2 "Come let us go to God's house, and He will teach us...