Malcolm Potts November 27th 2016 ~ Carols

Messy musing today. . .We completed the book of Daniel last week.  Well done those who hung on as I tried to make the final three chapters make sense.  Main point: when life is tough, fix your eyes on Jesus and be faithful.  Jesus’ resurrection cries out, "I win!  You thought I was a goner and the rule and reign of evil and despair was the winner.  Wrong!  Resurrection life has conquered death."  Jesus used the book of Daniel as a model for what we can expect, how to be faithful and of the ultimate victory that will be ours through Christ.James' musing from last week testified to this.  I know there were days of impenetrable darkness for him those years ago.  We spoke together in those days about whether faith was even possible.  Sometimes we need to hold on for other people.  When their faith is gone, we hold on in love and encouragement for them when all they can see is darkness.  It was such a privilege to do that.  It is such a joy for him to be the one who shares faith's power with others.We completed the sessions on encouragement on Monday.  Main point?  Christianity is involvement from beginning to end.  Real encouragement must be heart-to-heart.  The french word ‘coeur’, means heart; of the heart.  It is where our word encouragement comes from.  Real encouragement requires each of us to make an absolute commitment to the other person's wellbeing, heart-to-heart. Ephesians 4:29 is a key verse.Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Before we speak, is what we are about to say wholesome?  Will it be helpful to build the other up?  Are you open and attentive, not to your need but to their need?  These are the motivational keys to the outpouring of encouragement.Who around you needs encouraging?  Think less about how you approach them and instead have a chat to God.  Line up your heart with his and be prepared to take the risk to engage, fears and all.  Then - the hardest bit - Listen!Christmas is just around the corner.  Do pray and encourage the Christmas Carols team, who will encourage us with music, story and song - John and Ellie Macpherson, Gary Davidson, Jason Smith and Sherilee Macready.  They and their support team do a power of work for us to enjoy Cottesloe Carols.  Do encourage them.  How?  Maybe asking if there is anything you can offer by way of assistance is a start.We are finishing the year in church by sharing from Paul's second letter to Timothy.  Why?  It is the last thing Paul wrote.  It reflects his priorities for his young protégé.  We pray it encourages you in these most interesting of times.Every BlessingMalcolm