Miles in Front: Christian Discipling

Continuing the sentimental reminiscing of below, I also have been fondly recollecting the weekly meetings with the bloke above. Each week we would meet in a coffee shop and discuss God together, how I was going in my faith, my highs and lows, how church was going, and many different ministry things (eg prayer, a theology of church, strategy, praying for those under our care, discussing books and other things). God got a lot bigger for me over those two years through our meetings and discussing the Bible. I am more committed to sharing and teaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus than ever before, thanks to his generosity in taking the time to meet with me each week where I was (50 minutes from him!) and encourage me in my Christian faith.

It was a fantastic time, and I am really looking forward to mentoring people from church one-on-one this year in the same way, if they let me, to share this great gift of encouragement and growth!

Thanks David Miles.

God Provides

Psalm 68:4-6

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds--his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing...

I was just now reflecting on the tremendous provision of the Lord. He has given me himself and the gift of salvation and reconciliation through Jesus, and his Spirit to keep me on the right path; great Christian mentors who have taught me and trained me in His way; great friends; and, of course, an incredible, wise, godly wife (she didn't pay me to say that) and three delightful kiddies.

Thank You Lord. Life with you is true life.

Lois

'I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.'

2 Timothy 1:5

My wife's grandmother, Mary Rowland, died today at 83. She was the youngest of 9 children. She had a Christian faith that seemed unshakeable. God blessed her life richly. She mothered a family dynasty, with her children and grandchildren all followers of Jesus.

I rang her only this morning. I was speaking to her husband Stan about some health problems with our 3 year old son and some of my own personal anxieties when she entered the conversation on another handset. She reassured me that God was sovereign and in control and I need not fear. I thanked her for her timely reassurance.

It was a privilege to have spoken to her in such a great way on the day she went to be with her Lord and Saviour.

Don't Laugh - Here Comes Chuck Norris

On the lighter side, click here for a taste of Chuck Norris humour from a good friend of mine.

A sample:

Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Uncle Andy

In the midst of taking my first baptism, preparing and kicking off FEAST (our junior high youth group), picking up four Capernwray Bible college students from Moss Vale who will be at Mittagong for 6 months, leading a 6pm service, dropping the students back to Moss Vale then attending their own service (incuding watching the Covenant Players) at Capernwray, then returning for Bible Study leaders' meeting...

my sister had her first baby - a healthy, as yet unnamed boy.

Congratulations sis.

Immediately

I've been reading through the Gospel of Mark of late. In Mark 5 is the story of Legion, the multi-possessed naked man who no-one was stong enough to subdue.

I noticed this time around this verse:

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. Mark 5:6

There's an immediacy to Legion's reaction to the one person - Jesus - with the power to defeat him.

Not only does Legion recognize Jesus' power - from a distance - but Legion also immediately runs up to him in dramatic submission. It's a powerful recognition of Jesus' authority.

So - for those who would challenge Jesus' authority...as the picture above shows...

DUCK!

Latest News in Laundry List Format

• Our third bub has started taking his first steps (the magic of that never fades, even after three)


• Now over a month into being an assistant minister


• Have made a few gaffes already - my boss is patient and kind!


• Got ordained as a deacon at St Andrews Cathedral Sat Feb 3rd


• My first baptism is on Sunday - pray I remember the name of the bub (it is an exquisite African name...which I have already forgotten!)


• Have driven over 2000km already from Sydney to Mittagong and back


• Was given a car by a member of my church - such incredible generosity!

There's probably more but that's enough for now!

To Quench The Thirst of A UK Reader

Over a month ago an interested reader requested my thoughts on P T Forsyth's 'The Soul of Prayer'. Well, perhaps I can begin with a short quote from the book, with thoughts to come down the track.

Prayer is the highest use to which speech can be put. It is the highest meaning that can be put into words. Indeed, it breaks through language and escapes into action. We could never be told of what passed in Christ's mountain midnights.

Words fail us in prayer oftener than anywhere else; and the Spirit must come in aid of our infirmity, set out our case to God, and give to us an unspoken freedom in prayer, the possession of our central soul, the reality of our inmost personality in organic contact with His.

At Last! Back Again!

Can't believe it has been so long since my last blog! Dear readers, it is not that I was neglecting you! Our computer had a major virus issue and was summarily cleansed of its disease by the sweat and tears of my local Mittagong computer shop. A MAJOR blogging fest coming right up...

Firstly 'though, the photo above is my dedication (and clue) to a fellow blogger who has regularly contributed to this page. Your guesses?

Hint: double click on the picture...