Hi friends
An incredible joy! That's what I think it is to know that
we are part of God's family, and the varied and fullness of expression that is
experienced therein. Having just had the privilege of being involved with three
different churches these past 10 days, I am so grateful to God that we are part
of something so much bigger than just Southcity Church.
Friends, I want to remind you of the incredible inheritance
we have in the saints, all over the world. The joy of knowing and touching
others who love Christ outside of our immediate context is being able to
celebrate what God is doing amongst them or to stand with them through
difficult times. It was humbling to see the honour that was given to Southcity
amongst each of these churches. In Philippians 2 we read of imitating Christ's
humility:
'If you have
any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love,
if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make
my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit
and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not only
look to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.' - Philippians
2:1-4 (NIV)
I pray that each of us would imitate Christ's humility as
we read here. That we would honour one another and prefer one another, not
allowing Satan a foothold into our lives which leads to bitterness, envy,
disunity, strife and being critical. Let us celebrate what God is doing amongst
us and amongst others, and stand with those that need comfort.
On a different note, we received a phone call last week
which was really quite funny and disappointing all in the same breath. So just
to be integritful with you all, the director of the show that Jacs was
interviewed on (and in which I might add, she was outstanding) phoned very
embarrassed to say they had had a technical glitch and the interview is unable
to be screened. And since it is due to be aired on Friday, there was no way of
a reshoot so close to time, so it will have to take place another day. It was
funny because it puts technical glitches in our Sunday meetings etc into
perspective. Here is a professional studio, who produce for TV on a daily
basis, experiencing what some of our volunteers experience once in a blue moon
in our context. And it was frustrating, not for Jacs glory, but for the million
viewers we longed to see hear the gospel through the avenue of parenting.
But, our lives continue to be an offering for Him, and it
is our joy to serve Him and His people.
Church, I feel encouraged and excited for our future and
look forward to being with you on Sunday as we worship our great King and God.
Much love
Rich
PS - Sarah and Chelsey's visa's have come through, so after
a long five weeks for them, they fly out tomorrow (Friday) to make their new
home with Clif in Doha, Qatar. Give her a call and pray for them as a family.
