Pressing On

I am reposting some old posts as I migrate back to Blogger. One of the benefits of being in a missional fellowship with a long history is that there are people who have gone before and who have many stories of God's faithfulness and who have many insights to share. This week was no exception when I was listening to an older couple with nearly 100 years of service in Asia between them. Many lessons learnt, but still pursuing Jesus and enjoying their relationship with Him. Here is a summary of their thoughts on prayer and how to align ourselves to receive answers. If you abide in Jesus (dwelling with Him in heavenly places) If we pray in Jesus name (excercising His authority) If we pray according to His will (aligning to His plans and desires) If we stand with an unwavering faith (walking by faith and not by sight) If we are reconciled and walk in forgiveness (expressing our oneness in Christ) If we approach boldly (confident in the perfect work) Perhaps you have other things to add ...

Leadership and Management The difference between a leader and a manager is an important one to ponder on and much has been written about it in a wide variety of books. I read this the other day which is a very real, and sobering, challenge to anyone who has a position of leadership - particularly for those who take on the responsibility, before God, for any group of people within the body of Christ. "A leader leads if the followers can see that he or she is out in front of them in the revelations and activities of the Spirit. That is why we should downgrade titles and human pedestals for our leaders, so that, if they haven't got what it takes, they will in due course become dagons and find their own level." Of course, if we live amongst the fellowship of people we eventually come to lead it makes it much easier to demonstrate that in advance, by our faithfulness in serving and following. When we are appointed from the outside it is much harder ...

The following is an extract from an email that WEC sends out each week to facilitate prayer for the nations. If you would like to receive these directly you can subscribe here and receive them by email every Sunday morning! "When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works!" Patrick Johnstone, Operation World. The emails are intended to provide us with key information that will enable the growth of an informed, sustained and persistent wave of prayer. Please join with us! Praying for the muslim world. In Islam there are five pillars: Declaration of faith Prayer Giving to the poor Fasting Pilgrimage or Hajj Hajj should be performed at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able to do so. In 2012, about 3.5 million Muslims gathered in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Of a number of rites that pilgrims perform, one is celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha with the sacrifice of an animal. “Whoever performs ...