New Journey

It has been some time since last I blogged. The reading has continued (both of the Word and books to do with church culture, etc.), life has continued (with all that might mean, including the struggle to keep physically healthy as well as the other dimensions of social, mental and spiritual). 

To be honest, there has been somewhat a struggle taking place for me as I have sought to determine, or discern the heartbeat of God for me and the Geelong Corps. "What is it You require of me (us) here Lord? What is Your plan and purpose for this Corps (both corporately and in reaching into this community)?" What has made this such a struggle for me? There seems 'so much' that needs attention and I sense a lack of direction or real purpose currently, both for me personally and the Corps collectively. However, questioning is not wrong. Searching is important, especially when aligned to praying and seeking the heart of God, but so is surrounding yourself with the right people who might remind you of the things that are important and the lessons God might be teaching me (us) through these days.

So, a new journey begins. Where will it end up? What will it involve? What will be required of me (us)? Much of the answers are yet to be discovered, yet there are some glimpses of what this might look like and what it might entail. I think it starts with a healthy dissatisfaction in the status-quo, we cannot remain as we are. It means returning to some basics - understanding the importance of the Scriptures, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the fact that God builds His church and we are to make Disciples (this latter part being the crux of the learning to date). There is always a sense that this will require a good deal of energy, some heartache and pain, a strategy, and could be costly. However, to focus solely on these elements is to miss the excitement and joy of serving God faithfully, to see the Kingdom of God further established, growing and developing as people encounter Jesus and their lives are changed. Remembering that it is 'not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.' This is not reliant on me, rather I am needing to be reliant and ever in touch with the heartbeat of God. He has a plan, He has determined a purpose, it is mine to get on board and be a servant.

 I hope you might join with me in this journey, pray that I might truly be in touch with the heartbeat of God for this place, this community, His people. That I will be obedient and faithful to His call upon my life, to make disciples. Pray for my whole being, body, mind and spirit, will be protected, developed and grow healthier each day for that which is and will yet be required of me. And may you too be blessed and be a blessing as you seek to BE who God has called you to BE.

Bitter-Sweet ...

Anyone caught up in the business that sees you moving will understand something of these thoughts tonight. It doesn't really matter if it is long periods of time you spend in a place or short, the fact that you have to move carries with it some of these emotions at opposing ends of the spectrum, bitter-sweet.

We have just commenced a brand new year and often with this experience is the setting of new goals for one's life. I mentioned a few days ago that, 'marking a line in the sand,' for things to be different from here on. This is often a positive moment or experience. We get an opportunity to start afresh, reality is, we could start afresh at any time of our choosing. For those then who are Salvation Army Officers and moving at this time, there is an opportunity that we might begin something new, something different. Our aim is that we might make a good start.

However, I am mindful as this day draws to a close, that there is also a bitterness in the circumstances. Relationships that have been formed will become fractured to some degree, some from distance, but also from the need to give the people who replace us an opportunity to make their mark, for them to get a good start. We will reflect on those who have encountered Christ and experienced life-change through this encounter. Those who have experienced grief and loss. The opportunities of celebrating milestones with people. With the moving comes the knowledge that our paths may not cross for some time. The privilege that has been ours to journey with these people is in some respects is now passed on for someone else and there can be a sense of loss for us in this.

I am drawn to a song of this morning in worship which reminds me of a 'constant'. In speaking of God, this phrase echoes numerous times, 'Your love never changes...' He is always the same. The Alpha and Omega. The Beginning and the End. Who WAS and IS and ALWAYS WILL BE. Now isn't that something to grasp with all we have and hold onto firmly?

'Lord, may it be that in this moment of bitter-sweet I hold onto that which does not change, that which is true and positive - Your love for me.'