Hi Church,
Port Macquarie turned on a beautiful long weekend for the weather, and many took the opportunity for a getaway. But those who were with us were greatly encouraged by the worship and the word and the food. It’s always good to have a snag sandwich at the end of Church. Thank you to all those prepped and made it possible.
A key moment in the service was the testimony time. Wonderful news was shared about relationships between father and son restored, salvation coming to a denying brother, and revelation removing grief and worry about previous negative church teaching. Testimony is so powerful because it prophecies what Jesus can do in us, because of what He did in others. So thank you Lord, I receive those testimonies for my life and my relationships.
The teaching centred around guard your heart, it’s worth it! Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
From this passage we discover that wisdom flows from father to sons from grace not laws. As David was restored in his heart, he was able to share that wisdom with Solomon who in turn taught his sons. This tells us that our hearts are so important to God. For out of our heart flows everything. So heavenly Father is encouraging us to make sure we know what’s flowing in so that the outflow will be honouring to Him and others. Jesus also speaks into this out of Matt 6:45, “ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart and evil out of the evil stored up in his heart.”
The way we make sure we are guarding well is to be vigilant just like a shepherd, just like a guard in a prison, or just like a watchman on a wall during a war, we have to be constantly aware. What is going on with my heart? Am I believing lies? Do I know where the enemy is attacking me or lies in wait? Am I believing and living according to God’s way not my way?
To help us to return our wayward heart to Jesus our example of repentance and restoration is King David. Psalm 51 gives us a beautiful example of what it means to ask forgiveness and turn from all sin and be washed as white as snow. I encourage you all to read it this week and let your heart be renewed by the Holy Spirit.
So this coming week we will continue this theme, and I encourage you to prepare your heart before coming to congregation time so that you have something to give rather than hoping to receive. I’m excited for the future Church. God is moving and we are catching the wind of His Spirit.
Hey, don’t forget prayer and fasting starts next Monday night, 5 till 6 at Grace so let’s get ready to seek the Lord with all our heart.
Love you all
Ps Greg and Amanda