Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” Judges 6:14

There are two things here which I want to reinforce from last Sunday morning.
Crestwood has been independent for two and a half years, we have seen much growth, numerically and we give thanks and all the glory to God. Who has blessed us way beyond our expectations, but hasn’t he promised us, if we trust him and pray he would. (Ephesians 3:14-20) But what about each of us individually?
Are we stronger now than we were a year ago. Have we learnt from the past, are we still totally dependant on others, or are where we are strong in the Lord’s strength with the church to support us.
This is the model that God wants us to have. We can’t do without the church to empower us as we are a vital resource for each other, but more importantly we can’t do without direct strength that comes from waiting and leaning upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31).
The strength that you need is already within you, just as God was sharing into the life of Gideon, the big question is do we believe it and do we know where to look for it?
The important words in this verse are the last four. “I am sending you” it is not the church on its own sending you, it is not your personal ambition sending you, it is the magnificent king of heaven who is sending you. He believes in you, he knows you and he wants you to be successful.
It is time that we all realise that God is not looking for a single person or persons to lead us, but individuals that make up a mighty army who can take this area by storm. Yes we need leaders, but we also need faithful servants of Christ to carry out the spiritual battles that we face daily.
Can I use this opportunity at the beginning of a New Year to encourage you to remember your quiet times. How much time you spend in the day with Christ has a parallel effect of how much you know him, know who you are and are strengthened to do whatever it is that God sends you to do. If we don’t spend time praying and reading his word, we have less opportunity for God to speak into our lives, strength, power and encouragement, don’t cut off your lifeline.

Labels: Growth, Personal, Strength, Wait

At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them.
Isaiah 49:8-10

God is always willing to bless us, he is forever wanting to touch us with his goodness and gives us what we ask for. Sometimes what we ask for is of God, but the timing is not right. Other times we may ask for something but in reality we are not ready for it. In both situations, God in his sovereignty chooses not to give at that time. But at just the right time when our heart comes into line with the Father's, blessing occurs.

Now we know this is true as individuals, but we rarely apply this to the body of the church. What if we, as a church, were to say "Lord, we are ready, whatever it takes, we are available!" We are giving God the permission to have his way with us. God doesn't need our permission, because he is Almighty, but he chooses to wait for our response.

In the church in Laodicea, Jesus stands at the door of their hearts, knocking and waiting for a response, waiting for permission to allow him to enter. This verse from Isaiah 49 is to the entire assembly of Israel, therefore it's not only for us as individuals. In this verse the Lord is promising us his protection, but also giving us the authority to take our community into the blessing of God.

Through you I will re-establish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. I will say to the prisoners, 'Come out in freedom,' and to those in darkness, 'Come into the light.' They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare. They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the Lord in his mercy will lead them; he will lead them beside cool waters.

Let's declare to him as one people "we are ready". Let's invite the Lord to do whatever he wants to do!

Labels: Church, Crestwood, Growth, Mission