What a day at church which was enhanced by the dedication of baby Benjamin David James Kirwood Scott and by the attendance of several of James' and Julie's family and friends. We also greatly appreciated the singing of Jim Weir and the great spread of food that was provided by James and Julie after the service. Thanks to those who brought some additional food to add to the amazing spread. Besides all of this we rejoice again that one person committed her life to the Lord. Let's continue to be thankful for the great things that God is doing among us, and let's stay focused as we patiently go through the process of change and development and improvement. We're touching families; we're seeing souls saved, but we also know there's more to be done, and with your help we'll get there.
The message I brought was "Getting Into the Zone of Destiny". Based on Jer. 1:5, I expressed my belief that there is not a person who is born without purpose; without a reason for living and without destiny; a God-given destiny that according to Jer. 29:11 is filled with hope and a future. We saw that Jeremiah stepped into the plans that God had for him and that even though those plans included him being beaten and thrown into a well and left for dead, he nonetheless continued to pursue his God-given destiny, because he was in the zone.
We saw that getting into the zone of destiny is not just about being willing to lay down your life for the cause, but is also about stepping into the fullness of a purposed filled life ordained by God. Peter laid aside his fishing nets and got into the zone of his God-given destiny by following Christ. Nicodemus laid aside his faith in religion and got into the zone of his God-given destiny by putting his faith in Christ. Paul laid aside his hatred for the church and got into the zone of his God-given destiny by replacing that hatred with a love for Christ. I concluded the message by encouraging people to do likewise and was delighted whenever one person got into the zone of destiny by deciding to follow Jesus.
Dedication of Benjamin David James Kirkwood Scott. We were honoured again to stand together as a church and to identify with James and Julie as they dedicated baby Benjamin to the Lord. We continue to pray for Benjamin that the hand of God will continue to be upon him for good health and strength through all his days. A verse I believe God gave me to pray over Benjamin as I held him in my arms was John 14:27 where Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".
Prayer: Continue to pray for Coleen and her mum and family. It was great to see her at church this morning. The funeral of her father will be on Tuesday at 1.30 pm from the family home in Wigton Street. It was also good to see Johnny Prentice at church, but without Heather who is recuperating after her operation. Please continue to pray for Heather. Margaret McCurley has asked for prayer for a baby who seems to have leukaemia. Please pray for this little one.
Next Sunday is the last Sunday in the month. Besides our Sunday morning service at 11.30 we are having our Monthly Special at 7 pm with a great time of worship and with guest speaker Ross McBride. Please support both of these services.
Closing thought: When Herod told the wise men to continue their search for the child who was born King of the Jews, he gave the added instruction that when they found the child they should return and tell Herod where he was. We know they found the child, but they did not return to Herod. If Herod had told the wise men to go and find the perfect church; the church that ticks all the boxes, and to do so with the added instruction that when they found such a church they should go back and let him know where it was, he would still be waiting on their return today. New Life City Church is not the perfect church, but with your help we can tick a few more boxes.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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