Malcolm Potts January 15th 2017 ~ More!

More!I recall Trevor Parry speaking about this and recommending a book with a title that advocated 'more'.  In this case it was, counter culturally, the desperate need for more of God.Everywhere there is the cry, or perhaps squawk, more!Very often it's graspingly more for me.  More health, wealth, time, respect, understanding, stuff. . .  but many good people look longingly outward for more peace, more generosity, more love, humility, hope, joy, integrity, forgiveness. . .The stage show Oliver epitomised it beautifully when Oliver daringly beseeches the lord of the orphanage when the gruel is ladled out, "Please Sir, may I have some more?"The tension between more for me, why, because I really need it to be productive for you.As we begin the year together, my prayer is for more.  I need more of/from God if I am to be, in any way, productive for him.Scripture is full of the human need for more.  Ultimately all good gifts come from above.  "Oh God, please may I have some more as another year gets under way?"  More clarity, guidance, direction. . . resources.  What a blessing it was to write to those who previously had contributed to the Vision 52,15 fundraisers and to receive $26,000 extra this Christmas to meet the needs of the church. . .  more provision!  Thank you.As the year begins the staff and PC have been working on what is next as Liz leaves us for new challenges.  We must address our growing ministry to our precious children and teens. Cathy Kiernan-Ward has resigned after a decade of servant-heartedly caring for the inside of the buildings.  I will miss her.  But her indispensable service needs addressing.  More, Lord.As I write these things I'm aware of how easy it is to say something but how difficult that thing can be to do.  For example, we want to bless Liz in her leaving, discern what God is saying for the ministry's future, communicate with and listen to ALL the dedicated stakeholders and make decisions that will mean change and, ultimately, growth. . . oh, and all by 1st February, please!  More, Lord.  More grace, wisdom, insight.  More of your voice.  More good people keen to help.What are you looking to receive more of this year?  Do you have a time frame?  Is your longing a balance of giving as well as receiving? Me?  More faith is what I need.  More believing God's truth [thanks Andy Jarvis],  more trusting that truth, and more clear decisive action in light of where my trust lies.C'mon God!  More!BlessingsMalcolm