Today I had great fun, preaching from Nehemiah 2 v 1-10 and I didn’t even set the passage! Most of you know I’ve been brought back to this book, time-after-time….. I took a different tack to the passage, and resisted checking over previous preaches from this passage!
I contend that it’s often the hardest thing to turn intention into action! Yetwithal making it happen is vital! My original thought is this:- Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace!
1. Be patient; Passionately pray and responsibly serve. v.1b
2. Be bold; Let your fears feed your faith! v. 2-3
3. Be dependent. v. 4
4. Be prepared. v. 5-8a
5. Be expectant. v. 8b
“I would rather walk in the dark with God than go alone in the light. I would rather walk with Him by faith than walk alone by sight.” Mary Gardner Brainard
action, change, faith, God, intention, light, Nehemiah, preaching, quote, steps, trust
Rowson from the Guardian, has captured the horrendous contrast in our world these days, better in this artwork than is potentially possible by many words. It communicates so very much……
The $100m ‘loan’ from the World Bank to Haiti could be paid off as a fraction of the banking bonuses paid in addition to enormous salaries. Others have rightly called it sickening.
This week revealed the monies enjoyed by some global couples,….. could make such a positive impact. Inevitably it asks that we make the very most of the resources we are entrusted with for the maximum difference in this world.
action, bones, bonuses, death, difference, Guardian, Martin Rowson, money, poverty
‘What does God expect of us?’ remains one of the best questions ever…..
In “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Sterns there is one part personal testimony, one stories from around the world and one part call to action. The book intertwines Richard’s personal story and calling from God with stories of people that have either been helped by or have helped others through World Vision’s contribution to global transformation. This book delivers an engaging and pacey story while giving you plenty to think about. Richard asks you some great questions like, “What was Jesus’ mission?” and “What are we here for?” The book also is interlaced with a lot of great quotes. My favorite of which is by William Sloane which says,
“I love the recklessness of faith. First you leap, and then you grow wings.”
I really enjoyed this book a great deal and intend to read it again. I found this book to be everything that I really like in a book. I enjoy books that stretch your thinking and propose tough questions for you to think about. This book had me really asking what my purpose in life is, as well as, gave me a new perspective on how I express life and faith!
I can honestly say after reading this book I am a changed person and I don’t think you can read it without changing yours as well. I have really started to look at my faith differently, which has caused me to “un-compartmentalize” it. I have a new perspective as I wake each morning to begin my day and realize just how privileged, responsible and blessed I am. Let me warn you, The Hole in Our Gospel is a book that once you read it, you simply cannot go back to the way you were before. This book made me laugh, it made me cry and it caused me to take action.
action, books, faith, gaps, gospel, Questions, review, Richard Sterns, story, World Visions
What am I doing because of the presence of hope in my life?
action, hope, what
