Malcolm Potts November 29th 2015

 In our Bible reading this morning, Paul [the apostle] said with confidence, "I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."How could he say that?How could he say, "I know"?What do you know that you know?This popular proverb has been on my mind this week.For me the proverb depicts the wisdom of experience . . . knowing what I know and being confident to invest for the future whole-heartedly.The proverb implies that when wise people invest whole-heartedly, the impact spreads far wider than just ourselves.Paul was confident that partnering with prayerful people and trusting that the wisdom of God was at work in his situation meant he could not loose.  Whatever happened to him, his seedling would bear much fruit.His long-sighted confidence was in God, not in his circumstance.  How we need solid wise statesmen and women who hold ground for God in this day and age.Today, after church, a group of good people will meet to consider this question as it pertains to our financial priorities, accountabilities, responsibilities and future.  It's good to know they are on the job, thinking about planting and watering for the future.This week I had the privilege of connecting two people together who did not know each other.  I can see that together they will plant a new tree that will bear much fruit - fruit that will last [John 15].John Pearman is working with the highest levels of government to see the establishment of a medical science ‘tree’ that will benefit Western Australians for generations to come.  Pray God's blessing on that venture.Some of our young people are striving to see their generation influenced for Christ in ways that they uniquely understand.  That's a tree worth protecting. As well, our youth ministry team is searching ways to evolve a space for the teens that is uniquely theirs, where they can be and grow.  Who might put resources into that seedling for the benefit of the future?When old people just look at their mortality and bemoan it nothing happens.  Come on, statesmen and women!  Your time is now to be investing and planting for the future.Blessings,Malcolm