Last week Alison and I met up with a group on Gower and, although we only stayed an hour, I felt God speak to me through one of the songs that we sung. We are seeking to move into the area to seek to reach people with the Gospel and to encourage the development of Christian communities.
During our worship we sung a beautiful song by Matt Redman that expresses God's passion for His people.
I have heard so many songs
Listened to a thousand tongues
But there is oneThat sounds above them all
The Father’s songThe Father’s love
You sung it over me and for eternity
It’s written on my heart
CHORUS:
Heaven’s perfect melody
The Creator’s symphony
You are singing over me
The Father’s song
Heaven’s perfect mystery
The king of love has sent for me
And now you’re singing over me
The Father’s song
This song is inspired by the prophet Zephaniah
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3 v 17
During the reading of this verse I asked God to quiet me with His love; to help me cease from my manic activity and to learn again to find my identity in Him. I want to listen in the still place to hear the song of love that my Father has for me.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Bible College of Wales Reunion
It is now nearly a week since the end of the Reunion and we have had some time to reflect on last week. The administration that was required in the weeks leading up to the Reunion meant that I had not given as much time to the actual event as I would have liked. My mind was on booking forms, accommodation, marquees and all the rest and it was not until the students began to arrive that I realised what an important event it was.
I found the whole event deeply moving and a great encouragement. Having been at the College for twelve months, I had an idea of what our history was all about but it was not until I listened to the student's testimonies that I understood at a deeper level. Our history is not something to simply remember and enjoy reminiscing over, it is a vital tool that God has given us to better understand who we are today and the Mission that we have been called to pursue.
I had tears in my eyes during many of our gatherings but I also appreciated the sheer fun that everyone seemed to be enjoying. This was not a gathering of people tired out by living difficult lives, although clearly all have had challenges to face, but rather these were a group of people who were living out fulfilled lives before their magnificent Saviour.
The College clearly faces huge challenges as well as well as wonderful opportunities. Following the Reunion I certainly feel that we will all be better able to pursue God's purposes with increased confidence, renewed faith and a better understanding that there are many others who will be cheering us on.
Thank you for making the Reunion such a blessing
I found the whole event deeply moving and a great encouragement. Having been at the College for twelve months, I had an idea of what our history was all about but it was not until I listened to the student's testimonies that I understood at a deeper level. Our history is not something to simply remember and enjoy reminiscing over, it is a vital tool that God has given us to better understand who we are today and the Mission that we have been called to pursue.
I had tears in my eyes during many of our gatherings but I also appreciated the sheer fun that everyone seemed to be enjoying. This was not a gathering of people tired out by living difficult lives, although clearly all have had challenges to face, but rather these were a group of people who were living out fulfilled lives before their magnificent Saviour.
The College clearly faces huge challenges as well as well as wonderful opportunities. Following the Reunion I certainly feel that we will all be better able to pursue God's purposes with increased confidence, renewed faith and a better understanding that there are many others who will be cheering us on.
Thank you for making the Reunion such a blessing
25 years and still going strong!
June was Alison and my 25th wedding anniversary; and they said it would never last. Well they didn't actually say that but possibly somebody thought it! During July we had a family celebration at the College and had an excellent weekend spending time together.
During this time I had the opportunity to reflect on our life together. Twenty five years ago we had many hopes and dreams, some like having a family have been fulfilled, others are still to be seen. It is easy in the flush of youth to set all sorts of goals, some God given, others simply born out of a desire to make a difference in the world in which we live.
After twenty five years I still am looking to God for the fulfilment of His many promises, however during this time of reflection I have began to focus more on two things that I want to achieve in the next twenty five years. To continue to love God and to continue to love Alison; if I can do those two things everything should be fine!
During this time I had the opportunity to reflect on our life together. Twenty five years ago we had many hopes and dreams, some like having a family have been fulfilled, others are still to be seen. It is easy in the flush of youth to set all sorts of goals, some God given, others simply born out of a desire to make a difference in the world in which we live.
After twenty five years I still am looking to God for the fulfilment of His many promises, however during this time of reflection I have began to focus more on two things that I want to achieve in the next twenty five years. To continue to love God and to continue to love Alison; if I can do those two things everything should be fine!
Something worth giving my life for!
You often hear people talk about what church should be like; what are the principles, what are the key issues that we have to deal with? Last night I saw church in action in the most unlikely place, in a form that many would not recognise as church but had all the hallmarks of New Testament Christianity
I was sat on the beach at Swansea Bay, trying to get comfortable on a large log while smoke from the bonfire was making me cry like a baby. It was late in the evening and a bunch of students had invited us to celebrate a birthday as well as our 25th wedding anniversary.
I looked around at the ecclesia of God, a gathering of God's people, with Jesus in our midst. At one point two of the students were entered into a serious discussion about John the Baptist, others were getting excited about an upcoming wedding. It was dark and getting cold but the bonfire seemed to be both a literal and figurative fire in our midst.
Later on two local guys, who were clearly the worst for drink stopped and started chatting. I was interested to see how the young students would respond; it was a pleasure to watch. Both were accepted into our midst without any condemnation but with warmth and acceptance. Our guys started to chat with them and were able to talk with them about their faith.
It was well past our bedtime and we got up to walk home; I looked back to see something beautiful and simple continuing on the beach - the people of God gathering and sharing their lives together.
What was this happening? Beach church? Sand church? Organic church? No, this was just simple, unplanned, dynamic, earth shattering church - something worth giving my life for!
I was sat on the beach at Swansea Bay, trying to get comfortable on a large log while smoke from the bonfire was making me cry like a baby. It was late in the evening and a bunch of students had invited us to celebrate a birthday as well as our 25th wedding anniversary.
I looked around at the ecclesia of God, a gathering of God's people, with Jesus in our midst. At one point two of the students were entered into a serious discussion about John the Baptist, others were getting excited about an upcoming wedding. It was dark and getting cold but the bonfire seemed to be both a literal and figurative fire in our midst.
Later on two local guys, who were clearly the worst for drink stopped and started chatting. I was interested to see how the young students would respond; it was a pleasure to watch. Both were accepted into our midst without any condemnation but with warmth and acceptance. Our guys started to chat with them and were able to talk with them about their faith.
It was well past our bedtime and we got up to walk home; I looked back to see something beautiful and simple continuing on the beach - the people of God gathering and sharing their lives together.
What was this happening? Beach church? Sand church? Organic church? No, this was just simple, unplanned, dynamic, earth shattering church - something worth giving my life for!
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