In the Spirit of Christmas, which is goodwill and peace to all men:
We are fast approaching the end of another year, so let's make the most of the weeks that are left. Once again I deeply appreciate seeing everyone come together to worship God and to study his Word. I do not normally do this, but yesterday morning I stood at the back of the church and was very much encouraged not only by the depth of worship, but also by the participation of all who had gathered. I know we are all different, yet we are one in the spirit and it is always good to see people stepping out of their comfort zones and letting go of inhibitions and just worshipping God. For some reason I think women find this so much easier than men, yet I was delighted to see many of our men just entering in. Keep it up men, for as wise men still follow Jesus, the father still seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jonathan brought an encouraging word to all who are hurting, who have been wounded and scarred. He asked several people to share about scars on their bodies. Many more could have done so; in fact some were disappointed they did not get the opportunity. Maybe another day! Or maybe not!
Anyway many raised their hands to reveal the fact they had physical scars; but I wonder who doesn't! Jonathan went to show that these scars are a permanent reminder of painful past experiences. Yet not all scars are physical, for many carry emotional scars that last a lifetime. These can be caused by the loss of a loved one or the loss of a friend; they can be caused by the sudden loss of employment or other unexpected traumatic experiences.
Isa. 53 "He was wounded (scarred) for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that was meant for us was laid upon him; and by his wounds we are healed". This verse shows that Christ has gone through suffering, but it ends in hope = by his wounds we are healed. Jesus knows rejection, for he was despised and rejected, and he understands our suffering and the things that scar us in life, but he heals the broken-hearted and he binds up our wounds.
We went into a time of prayer prior to communion and we prayed for those who needed healing from those things that scar us in life. I sense that even now, in sending this email I should do so with prayer. So if you are reading this and you know you carry scars that remind you of past experiences, perhaps even recent; scars caused by circumstances; scars caused by people; perhaps by friends or family or even Christians, I pray you will reach and receive healing; but perhaps you need to let go of your own anger and judgemental spirit, no matter how right you might be; just let it go, because that could be a major blockage to the blessing of God in your life. Just let go and receive healing from those wounds.
FIST: Quite number of "MEN" got together last night for another good discussion. Last week it was "Our devotion to God"; this week it was "Our devotion to Church". Keep it up men.
Prayer: Ten more shopping days and one more Thursday night Prayer Meeting to Christmas! But what excites you more? I know the answer! But just in case I get accused of being judgemental I am not telling you what it is! You just go ahead and answer it! But hey, there's still a lot of shopping to do and still a lot of praying to do and people to pray for.
Christmas Dinner: This Saturday 19th at 7 pm followed by "New Life's Got Talent". We have 130 booked in, but there is still room for a few more. Contact Colin at colinmorrison56@googlemail.com
If you are not coming to the dinner, please feel free to come along for the entertainment afterwards. We would plan to start this between 8.45 and 9 pm. So please come along and join in the fun.
Christmas Family Special: Sunday 20 December there will be NO Sunday morning service, but there will be the Christmas Family Special at 7 pm. It would be awesome if we had a full turn out as we celebrate Christmas together. This will involve the Worship Team; JC Kids and Crown Jesus Ministries.
As this is the 3rd Sunday of the month, the offering that night will be our building fund offering. Wouldn't it be amazing if this, the Sunday before Christmas, was the biggest offering of the year!
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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