sent from Linda Tucker at Chafford Hundred Community Church on 26.11.12A ‘NEW THING’ FOR A NEW YEAR I believe that the Holy Spirit has given me this morning prophetic encouragement for the Christians in Thurrock. Please feel free to ‘test’ the words but as and when the Lord uses me in this way, it comes by surprise, completley fresh and always compelling. Yesterday I came across a very short story. I am reading John Drane’s book (1994) ‘Evangelism for a New Age’. The story was told by two Australian sociologists: Once upon a time there was a mighty river. It flowed gracefully and elegantly across the landscape. Along its banks it gave life and sustenance to the tribes of Aboiginal Australians who camped by it. For many generations this river was a central focus for life. Then gradually, the river ceased to flow, becoming a stagnant pool. With the heat of summer it started to dry up. Around the banks of the disappearing symbol of their security, the people watched aghast. What could be happening to them? By the dried-up riverbed many sat, waiting for the river to flow once more. Yet others thought to look around and discovered that the river was not gone. Still flowing, it had simply changed course upstream, creating a billabong on the curve at which they sat. This morning, as this story once again came to mind I knew the Lord wanted to use it in some way and the Holy Spirit gave me the words ‘a new thing’ and to look at some verses in Isaiah 43:18,19 (Amplified Bible) Do not (earnestly) remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. The essence is not to look at former methods, ways and more importantly thoughts and ideas. The Lord wants to do a ‘new thing’ starting with our thinking – be transformed by the entire renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves)what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you). Romans 12:2 (Amp.). I believe there a five key words – the story and reading from Isaiah helping us to understand.
Be aware that the outpouring and blessing of the Holy Spirit is still there – it has just changed course. Do not sit and stare and think of things that were, that have been, that might have been. Do not look on dried places – on former things – disappointed and wondering and waiting. By an act of the will let your MINDS BE TRANSFORMED. Then with transformed minds, ARISE with purpose and excitement and joy to SEEK that river of blessing from the very Throne of God. DO YOU NOT PERCIEVE AND KNOW IT AND WILL YOU NOT GIVE HEED TO IT! Father, my prayer is that we may, with expectant hearts and spirits, be encouraged as individuals to come to Jesus, our source of Living Water, and to know of Him, intimately, how these words of encouragement may be used in our lives. Every Blessing in Jesus The two main scriptures Linda use here – Isaiah 43:18-19 and Romans 12:2 – are both scriptures that have been appearing recently and perfectly reflect the ’emerging urging’ of God to (a) throw our nets over the other side and (b) fish where the fish are swimming. Just read any of the articles on the TT website concerning the vision for GSUS LIVE / WAY.FWD, and it can be seen exactly how new God-given strategy is being worked out. This is the “end of the beginning”, as Churchill famously said 70 years ago this month after the victory at El Alamein. At the National Day of Prayer at Wembley at the end of September, the event closed with the sounding of shofars and a trumpet as nearly 40,000 people declared, “Arise and shine for your light has dawned upon you.” There was a palpable sense of power that emanated from the stage, like a wave of energy from the slamming of a staff into the ground. If 2012 can be likened to the Wedding at Cana, and all the various historic events of the year being like the wine, then that moment at Wembley was when the water was turned into the best wine of all. (God saves the best till last!) Ed. Photos: top – the QE2 Bridge; bottom – the pylons either side of the Thames; both taken from the Royal Hotel, Purfleet. |
Unity, Prayer and Mission