Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12
12 noon, January 20 2009 was for many the start of a new era. Yesterday as Barrack Obama became the 44 president of the United States there was a sense of hope across the world. One journalist described the people in Washington DC in startling terms, 'it's like Children on Christmas eve, everyone is excited, wide-eyed and full of hope.' Only time will tell how much this man can deliver the weight of expectation laid upon him. There will be inevitable disappointments as reality bites. We must pray for him and his advisers.
If 3 million + people who gathered to witness the occasion can be so overtaken by joy, how much more should we be constantly living out the life of Jesus by being 'joyful in hope'? In Romans 12 Paul commends this to us as part of what it means to be transformed by Jesus. The three things he encourages are a wonderful mix of the visionary and the practical. They're all about how we are to live in the world.
Today as we continue to live, work and witness in difficult times, how will our joy in hope minister to those around us? If we face trouble, what will it mean to be patient in a Godly way? How will our patience help others facing trouble today? What chance will you have today to be hospitable - at the shops, by your desk, in the office, in your home...?
And of course we're called to be 'faithful in prayer'. As part of our vision we believe God continues to call us to pray together. But what shape and focus should that have? Should we continue with Wednesday Focus in its current form, times and shape? What should be the balance of our on-line praying and our actual, physical meeting together?
How is God calling us to be more faithful in prayer?
Do pray and let us know your thoughts: in person, on line or any way you like!
As for today, it certainly is the start of something new for America and us all. But the real difference in our homes and streets, work and communities, will come from us. 3 things to be and do to transform your part of the planet today:
Joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer.
Let the Revolution begin!
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