- News: News
-
20 Feb
[30-04-08] Church Plant in London
If you were at Church on Sunday, you will have heard me talking about my journey with God over the past ten years or so, and the exciting plans that are beginning to develop for the next few months – which means that we will be moving to London to plant a Church! God has really been challenging me over the past ten years, and preparing me to leave Loughborough to pursue his Kingdom elsewhere.[25-04-08] Baptisms video April '08
Lizzy was baptised last weekend.[23-04-08] Boys 'n' girls social images
On Saturday the boys 'n' girls social took place.[18-03-08] OH1 Passover Meal
On Sunday 30th March OH1 are hosting our very own Passover meal at 8pm at 64 Beacon Road.[14-03-08] The Passion - New BBC1 Series
This Sunday BBC1 is showing the first in a four part mini-series about the death of Jesus.[10-03-08] Consultation Update
Over the last few months we’ve had a period of consultation where we’ve wanted to hear ideas and dreams, specific requirements and also concerns and questions people have about St.[10-03-08] Luxuries for Lent - Update
Well there are 2 more weeks of lent to go so if you have given up chocolate or something equally difficult you are nearly there! I have spoken to loads of people who have given up stuff for Luxuries for Life and have saved a surprising amount of money.[06-03-08] Overflow: Make a Noise
Have you ever felt strongly about an issue but not got around to doing anything about it? Do you feel that you'd like to know more on something but don't have time to do any research of your own? Have you heard something unjust that made you angry, and then forgotten all about it? Life is busy and sometimes it can be difficult to find time to write a letter or express your view.[26-02-08] Open Heaven presents: Chocolate Fest
On the 9th March Open Heaven will be hosting the annual Easter event.[21-02-08] Hope '08: The bigger picture
You may have heard about or even been at Message 2000 (Manchester) or Soul in the City (London).
Today’s Commitment Gives me Tenacity
This is the title of a chapter from a book I’m reading at the moment called Today Matters, by John Maxwell.
It has made me think about the implications of my choices and ultimately my commitments, so I'll share some thoughts I had the other morning.
As I look out at this contrasting scene I think. In the distance, the early morning mist is gradually clearing, picking out the silhouettes of all manner of different trees. Paths I have not trodden and know not well lie out there, somehow calling me to discover them. The natural world is at peace.
In the foreground is a large mound of earth and a ghastly warehouse which has all but obscured my office view into the mist. Its cheap frame reflects the sunlight in an announcement to the neighbourhood like a spoiled child demanding attention – “look at me, look at me”. And while I do look at it I don’t want to be looking at it. The way of so many things in life. This is captured so succinctly by Saint Paul “I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I do want to do” (Romans 7v15).
Surely the freedom to choose is one of the greatest permissions we have. But then this rule is once again at work – as soon as I make a choice I constrain my ability to make some other choices, not usually due to physical impossibilities but more often due to moral integrity (“I said I would do this and therefore I must, because holding to my word is important to me”).
Therefore it seems wise and clear to me that although I am at liberty to make any choice I like, I will experience a much greater sense of satisfaction, call it a peace, if I accept the constraints my choices make on my life, stay focused and commit to seeing them through. It’s easy to start (I really know that) and it’s hard to finish well (I also know that), but what a joy it is to lie down at the end of the day and feel a pat on your shoulder and the words, “well done, good and faithful servant”.
So, as Elijah challenged the devotees of Baal, “how long will you waver between two opinions?”, so I challenge you, how long will we waver between a full commitment to following Christ, being true to ourselves and loving others, and wandering along, settling for mediocrity but inside knowing we were made for more.
Choose God, keep your commitments and be tenacious.
Posted by: Sam Huggill on Wednesday Feb 20th, 2008
- Comments
-
Logged-in members can post comments on openheaven.org news articles.