one week in politics is like.....

It has been a huge week in politics. Kevin ‘07 is back but will Kevin ’13 be around for long? The following reads like a soap opera. Kevin Rudd rode a wave of popularity in ’07, winning the federal election. He was then forced out of the position of Prime Minister of Australia by his deputy, Julia Gillard, but won back the Prime Minister position from Gillard three years later. I hope you follow and I hope I have got it right.I mentioned to Jane that I thought it would not be long until this political saga is made into a movie. I wonder who would play the lead roles. Could it be Hugh Jackman as Kevin and Nicole Kidman as Julia? Something tells me that this would be gilding the lily just a bit too much. I also talked with Jane about how it seems, from a distance, that this leadership battle and politics in general is full of sin. Straight away Rudd was attacking the opposition leader Tony Abbott for playing ‘negative politics’. It didn’t take long for Abbott to respond, attacking the character of the Labor government.Oh how we yearn for the return of the true king, when Jesus will rule in full glory. However, it must be a terribly difficult and demanding job, trying to lead the country, so we must remember, just as Paul reminds Titus in chapter 3, to humbly come under the authority of our leaders. Paul also reminds Timothy to pray for all those in authority that they will live godly and holy lives. This is crucial advice for us whatever party we vote for. It is very easy to fall into the trap of mocking and attacking verbally leaders of our nation. God made them and loves them and we are called to love them also.Rudd’s short-term vision is to win the upcoming election. His strategy for victory is for young Labor voters to unite again and vote Labor. Time will tell if this vision and strategy is successful.After arriving back from the clergy conference last week, I have been praying and seeing more clearly God’s vision and strategy for the ministry he would have me lead here at St Pips. This week I have caught up with Malcolm, church members, other ministers of different churches and have attended an evangelism conference to discuss and discern the vision God has laid on my heart. As I shared a few weeks ago, I see my role focused on Young Families and Young Adults, while also having a general ministry across the whole church. I can also reveal that the ministry will be based around a vision of ‘People being blessed by serving’. I am currently working with two communities on what the broad strategy for this may look like.  Could you please partner with my family and me in prayer, asking God to protect us and guide us as we listen to Him. I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to share in more of this vision with you soon.May God the Holy Spirit fill you with his grace through Jesus our Lord and Saviour in whatever you are doing and saying this week.Blessings, James