Malcolm’s Major Moments, 05 October 2019

Sober Judgment

“I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

(Romans 12:3 NRSV)

Knowing our limits is one thing. Accepting them is quite another!  We are building a wildlife pond in our garden.  I lifted the turf for the hole using a hand turf cutter and spade. Having dug the hole, it was time to take off the turf around the edge in preparation for laying flag stones. In between we had several downpours. Now the turf was much heavier. Reluctantly, I accepted the need to hire a turf cutter. 

It was humbling to need the mechanical turf cutter.  It was humbling to need the help of a kind man at HSS hire to help me get the turf cutter into and out of the car. It was still more humbling to experience how difficult I found it to use the blessed machine as it slipped on the wet grass and I wrestled it around the hole in two concentric circles.

As you can see, the humbling was worth it. Carpet has been laid on the bottom, then underliner and finally the pond liner itself. The water butts have been emptied into the pond and, as it continues to rain, the water level is rising.

As I continue to contemplate the shifting in my role for the Thames Valley churches of Christ (which is in no sense a bad thing, and in many ways quite exciting), I am confronted with the limits of my time and energy. When we completed the first consultation/workshop the list of possible areas in which I could be involved clearly created enough work for five people!

The problem is, I would like to do all of it. One of the challenges with this process is in letting go of areas I find interesting and even meaningful. It must be that I and the church discover what it is which God desires me to focus on. Of course this is a need for all of us who follow Jesus. There are so many things are positive, meaningful and interesting. Yet, we have limited energy and time.

Please pray for me as I find the courage to accept my limitations and let go of whatever is not needed at this time. And pray for wisdom for yourself that you would also see where God is saying “yes”, and where he is saying “no”.

I offer my recordings this week in the hope that they will keep you connected with Jesus and effective at proclaiming his love and truth.

The podcast summary contains a reminder of what’s been posted on my site this week. I.e. the usual TTT, SS & QTC. To watch/listen to any posts, just head over the the website.

Prayer requests

Please pray for what I have written above – that we will soon have clarity about the details of my refined role in Thames Valley.  In addition, please keep me in your prayers as I continue to prepare the teaching series for January and February as well as the teaching day on the Sermon on the Mount.

Thank you for reading this far, and encouraging me in my endeavours to support our times of quiet with God, our corporate worship experiences, and the effectiveness of our preaching and teaching.

If you know anyone who might enjoy these materials, please send them a link to my website and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter.

God bless, Malcolm