Skip to main content

February Message from the Ministry Team

Image
By
As Christians, I think we are all aware in varying degrees of the constant tension of living between the “now” and the “not yet”.  We were perhaps reminded of that as we approached the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, and as we remembered and celebrated the first coming of Christ and looked forward to his second coming.  2015 was certainly an eventful and challenging year for many, and likely we all have tremendous hopes and expectations for what 2016 might bring.  The question is, how do we prepare ourselves for what the future might have in store?

I think at times I am an expert at procrastination.  It is very easy to have an attitude of “Oh, it’s ok – it can always wait until another day.”  Then when another day comes it’s all too easy to find another excuse to put something off. 

In Luke Chapter 12, from verse 35 the passage speaks about watchfulness…“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”  This places a responsibility on all of us.  We are called to be alert, to be ready for action, to have our lamps lit.  We are called to be faithful and prudent.  If we are ready, we will find on the master’s return that we will be served servants rather than being serving servants – we will have a share from the feast of the wedding banquet.

This passage speaks against the risk of complacency.  Are we prepared?  Are we ready?  Have we been good stewards of our master’s household?  Have we made effective use of our time and talents in serving Him and those around us?  We need to learn to be “tomorrow people”, ready for our Lord’s return.                                                                           

How do we keep our lamps lit?  By being clothed in Christ, making sure we have a plentiful supply of oil for the lamp, and that comes by seeking to know God’s will, and by growing in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.  That comes from lining our life with God’s word, and by being faithful in prayer.  We have, if you like, been blessed with a spiritual muscle…the question is, do we use it?

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday (February 10th).  It is a great time for us to engage in reflection and self-examination and to get our spiritual house in order.  Engaging with the season can help us avoid putting things off, prepare us for the celebration of Easter, and equip us in keeping our lamp of faith burning brightly.  One thing that I do in Lent is prayerfully meditate and reflect on Psalm 51.  I invite you to join me in this discipline this Lent and encourage you to discuss the passage with your brothers and sisters in Christ.   


Rev Mark
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 2014 Prayer Column

By
Prayer for Bradford City and Surrounds What are we all doing for our contribution for the p4b Lenten prayer, on your chosen day – Monday or Tuesday 14-15 th April ? Here are some ideas Get a picture of the place, or the bit that matters most to you: ·          Look at a map: see where you are, and your neighbouring areas ·          Collect some photos: places, faces, events, memories ·          Stand at a viewpoint over the area you want to focus on ·          Take a walk through the area, or a bus, or even drive Listen to what’s going on in the area: ·          Scan the T&A or freebie local paper, Look North, Calendar, radio ·          Listen to what they’re saying  at bus stops, shop queues, etc. ·  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

July 2014 Prayer Column

By
Prayer and trafficking In prayer (as in all discipleship) we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the ‘powers of darkness’ led by the devil (Eph 6:11-12).  He always deceives to destroy (John 8:44), and we can use this knowledge in our praying.  Take human trafficking, for example: Deception :  ●Riches are used as a lure, offering a better way of life (we’ve been similarly hoodwinked for a long time) but you can’t serve God and money (Mt 6:24).  ●There’s often corruption of officialdom by bribery.  ●Blatant lies are told to victims, and probably to ‘customers’ – ●who’re duped to  see sex as a god of satisfaction, ●and who’re obviously cheating on their wives, to whom they have made marriage vows.  Marriage is a gift of God, to be honoured (Gen 1:24; Mt 19:15; Heb 13:4).  ●You may be able to add other points. Destruction :  ●Prostitution is doing for money what should be done for love, and the commercialisation of sex ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

By
Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V  (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...
Post a Comment
Read more