In May 2013 we launched a weekly email to our church family. The email forms part of our new communications strategy and brings ‘church’ to our members, wherever they are in the world.
Our members read the email in Australia, Sri Lanka, Italy, USA and
Here are some recent reflections:
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What’s in your heart & mind as you listen to world news?
Here are a few thoughts to direct your heart and mind in these days:
Love and worship the One God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22: 37-39). Let God’s perfect love drive out all fear (1 John 4: 18).
Respond to the spiritual hunger that can be seen in those around us by speaking the good news of God’s unfailing love.
Intercede for the families of the victims; for immigrants and refugees; for Muslims the world over; for men and women involved in ISIS; for world leaders.
Listen to the good news where the Kingdom of God is advancing in the world – get hold of a copy of Richard Wallis’s new book.
Pray for the church and for people-of-peace to be further mobilised everywhere. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Remember Jesus’ words: The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:51–56).
Actively love your enemies and pray for persecutors. Mourn the death of enemy combatant rather than celebrating their destruction—distance ourselves from all killing as we seek first the Kingdom of God and the righteousness visible in Jesus’ earthly life.
Actively engage in Jesus’ ministry as he lived it in the Gospels, in the company of believers who love each other. Make your participation in the life of St James’ a priority.
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Fruitfulness on the frontline
Galatians 5:22-23
Through our kitchen window there is a rather disappointing looking vine. There were no rich black grapes this year. Jesus’ words, “I am the vine and you are the branches” sets me thinking about fruitfulness.
Word pictures and metaphors are limited of course; we know that conditions again this year were unfavourable to a good harvest of grapes.
Jesus said, “Remain in me and you will bear much fruit.” When it comes to the spiritual fruit of our being attached to a spiritual vine I guess the prevailing conditions also have a bearing on what fruit is produced. So, what spiritual fruit do you have?
Paul’s fruit of the Spirit in Galatians are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are signs of bearing fruit in our lives.
If there is little fruit in our lives perhaps that has something to do with both our connectedness to the spiritual vine (Jesus) and our knowledge of God. These things affect the prevailing spiritual condition, over the course of our lives. Take time to receive fresh spiritual nourishment so that you may see signs of spiritual growth and the promise of spiritual fruit.