November 2011

To know God and to make him known

Dear Friends,

The news these days seems to be about issues of control and power, whether it be in parliament, protests outside St Paul’s Cathedral, struggles in the European Union or conflicts within some Arab states.  In Libya the struggle that has cost so many lives, including that of Gaddafi, will, they hope, bring a new beginning.

Recent sermons have been studying the book of Daniel where we have seen tyrants such as Nebuchadnezzar try to impose his will by means of staggeringly awful threats. God’s people were often the target, but Daniel and his friends, in the face of huge opposition, knew that God is sovereign and stayed faithful to Him, even in what appeared to be a spiritual wilderness where God’s presence and power were constantly called into question.

We too live in a country where God is often sidelined and his sovereign presence called into question. At times our faith can seem to be a struggle against impossible odds. But Advent heralds the coming of Christ as Messiah as part of God’s plan for our salvation. It is a plan that actually began in Genesis and what we celebrate at Christmas is the fulfilment of a key part of that plan.  That plan continues to unfold within our individual lives and that of our church fellowship.  God has been in control from the beginning of time and wants us to follow where He is leading as His plan continues to unfold in Bookham today. Isn’t it amazing that He sees us as part of his continuing plan? But it is vital that we seek the unfolding of that plan in us. We are being built up into a spiritual temple. Continue to pray that God will show us His way forward.

Please join with me in pleading with God for the work of his Spirit in our midst.  Keep praying that our children’s work will grow with more families coming to join us as well as those who could help to teach our children. Please pray also about the Development plans and how we should deal with them.

God has, I believe, not only given us a new beginning as individuals as we come to Him in repentance and faith, but also new beginnings in our church. I don’t know what those will be but I know that if we remain faithful, as Daniel did, then we shall see the mighty hand of God at work in our midst. Satan waits to spoil things so let’s pray as we have never prayed before.

Our prayers too go out to those struggling with their health and mobility at the moment and to those who feel lonely or unappreciated.  May God be their comforter, friend and healer.

We must make sure we continue to be a praying church.  Let’s go to it!

Love to you all,

David