“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
- Ephesians 5:15-16
Ahoy Church,
Firstly, an update on Tanya and Joe’s need for a house: God has met their need and provided a house at Currimundi for less rent than they were previously paying! Praise God and thanks for sharing the journey and needs with us Tanya, Joe + family.
Secondly, on Sunday, Dan Hill (too many Dan’s are never enough) led us so well in understanding that in the midst of a world that is misaligned with God and his plan, Jesus actively encourages us to be “as wise as a serpent” without losing our ongoing call to be kind and gentle to all.
Living with wisdom is one of God’s deep desires for us. While the value of wisdom is woven throughout all of Christian scripture, in the letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages followers of Jesus with a very practical way to live wise lives. He recommends a simple way we can grow in wisdom, “Redeeming the time”.
Modern translations helpfully translate this scripture as, “making the most of every opportunity”. This highlights that Paul isn’t just asking us to come up with healthy priorities each day (as helpful as that is!), but to seize the opportunities around us to be, “children of light” who “walk in the way of love”.
In a world that often scares, surprises or saddens us, godly wisdom looks for a way to bring wonder, warmth and wisdom to those who sense they are living in darkness.
So, if you feel like your world, or the world, is falling apart, don’t give up. Rather, stay aware of what’s around you and look for opportunities to embrace moments in each day to mirror God’s love to those around us.
Ask yourself, “Given what’s happening around me, what opportunities exist to love others today?”
If you’re willing to do this, then you will not only grow in wisdom but also joy that only comes from loving obedience to our loving Creator-God.
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Dan
Jesus: Shepherd other followers of Jesus
“[Jesus] said to John a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’”
- John 21:16
This week we look at some of Jesus' last words to John. If you love Jesus, you're going to enjoy hearing what Jesus said to others who loved him.
If you're keen to read more:
https://52follow.com/shepherd-other-followers-of-jesus/
Coming Up
March
Sun 16 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats - Baptism anyone? Sun 23 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats Sun 30 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $10,217
Last month's expenses: $12,340
Balance: $76,736
Giving Kitty Oct 23- Feb 25: $5,000
Giving out Oct 23-Feb 25: $9,886
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started giving to Open Road to meet the needs of our church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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