Monday Spot (5 January 2009)
Well, here we are at the start of a new year. With the last of the Christmas decorations to take down and put away, we look forward to 2009. Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe led the Sunday meetings relating to the theme of ‘Change we can believe in’.
Songs used included Song 19, Song 44, SoF 1607, SoF 197, Sof 895 and Song 283.
Scripture used was Isaiah 61:1-6. The Singing Company sang ‘Noel’ and the Songsters‘ contribution to worship was ‘God and God Alone’.
In his message, Major Drew referred to Barack Obama’s speech on the eve of the presidential election when he referred to the change which had come to America and encouraged us to be as fervent in our belief that we can be instrumental in changing our world. Major Drew asked what we were going to do to enhance our community.
Referring to the prophetic words of God in Isaiah, he urged us to push through any cynical thoughts and believe with our hearts in the three big ideas which God tells us of in scripture. Firstly, there is good news for the poor (not just people without money but people who recognise their need). Jesus answers our need – we can be born again. He will set us free and this good news is for all. He is the God of the second chance. There is much power in the Good News.
Secondly, We can be like Him. He bestows on us a crown of beauty and the growth of oaks of righteousness provides a display of splendour. Sometimes we doubt this when disappointment is expressed about Christians’ behaviour and the church. Major Drew said we may have been guilty of making converts but not disciples – one who is an apprentice, putting into practice the necessary steps like praying regularly and reading the bible. He urged us to put a meeting with God into our diaries, to spend time in quietness and study of God’s word. We need to encourage each other and support each other in our spiritual growth.
Thirdly, we are called to be partners in the mighty work of transforming the community. The Salvation Army is not an organisation, it is a movement. We have no option but to carry out our mission with acts of service, confrontation of issues, being reflective, dynamic and energetic. We must not fall into the trap of planning to survive but work, with the Spirit of the Lord upon us, on our mission to change our community. We must, in order to do this, constantly put ourselves in the place where the Spirit of the Lord can come upon us.
Major Beverley led the evening meeting and used the following songs: Song 173, Sof 40, Song 37, Sof 1607, Sof 58 and Song 438. The scripture used was Isaiah 6:1-8 and John 5:1-15. Music ministry by the Band, ‘Be Thou My Vision’ hymn tune ‘Slane’ and Songsters ‘Good enough for Him’ enhanced the spiritual tone of the meeting.
In her message, Major Beverley illustrated how it is difficult to believe that things can be different by quoting the erumour about the American railroad gauge. It is said that the width of the railroad is based on the size of the rear of two horses pulling a Roman chariot. (Click on the link to read for yourself.) However, the message is that things can change and be different. The man at the pool of Bethesda had been there for 38 years and it would have been difficult for him to believe that there could be a change but Jesus asked him the question ‘Do you want to get well?’ and he was healed. Jesus’ words have the same strength today and everyone who, in their hearts, wants to change to become the person God made them to be can do so, through accepting forgiveness and allowing the Holy Spirit free rein in their lives.
Is this the change you can believe in? That people can change? It is said that for every look you give yourself – examining your own weakness – you should look ten times at God. A challenge for us – is it a change you can believe in to change you from being a vacillating Christian to become a Christian who can work to change other people?
Join us in a prayer
CHANGE MY HEART, O GOD,
Make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God,
May I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay;
Mould me and make me,
This is what I pray.
Hope you have a good week. God bless you.