Malcolm Potts August 21st 2016 ~ Eyes up and out, not in and down

Thank you to those of you who have sponsored our walk for the benefit of the Bible Society.  It was just a ‘Malcolm brain snap’ of an idea and the number of people who have signed up is a wonderful surprise. Bethany will be in touch to explain how you can pay up while we are away walking.James and I have really enjoyed reading and studying The Acts of the Apostles [Holy Spirit] once more.  The way God leads and guides; the way we can be assured that, irrespective of the outcome (which may include persecution, isolation, dislocation, misunderstanding and even death for individuals in this life), this does not mean that God has abandoned us or is not still working.Clive Brans’ astounding testimony a couple of weeks ago attests to God's sovereign faithfulness.  If you didn't hear it, Clive explained that a friend who had been integral to his business success and for whom he had prayed for 40 years was dying.  This friend had shown no interest in Clive's baited hooks around faith in Jesus.  Then the other day, on his death bed, his friend professed a knowledge of Jesus and a personal faith and they prayed together.  His friend has since died.  Clive and Barb are on a road trip together and his friend is in Jesus' safe hands.Never give up praying for those you love.  Never judge outcomes by sight. Walk by faith.  Clive's faithfulness will be there as an act of the Holy Spirit for eternity.Reading Acts is a 20/20 hindsight activity; we know what happens and so the punch is taken out of it.  Imagine being them.  Until Jesus returns we are writing the next chapters of Acts.  People filled with the Holy Spirit, fixing their eyes on Jesus, hearts open to him are likely to be good news.  They won't get everything right, they will suffer, much of their journey will be mundane, there will be doubts and disappointments.  But we will be encouraged that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves - much more mysterious, much more significant.  This is the way I look at the world: “What are you up to Lord? Is there something for me to be or do here?  I am here; if I can help, send me.”  So many of you get this, live like this, inspire by doing this.  Eyes up and out, not in and down.  Keep going.BlessingsMalcolm