Where there is no vision...

It's been so long since I last posted here. It would be a lie to say that nothing has been going on that was worthy of posting, because so much has happened, so much has changed, I'm still recovering from it all! There have been times since my last post when I've completely lost sight of the passion and the calling that I have - sometimes for long periods of time, and I really suffered for that. The proverb is true; "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Paul urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus - how important it is, amidst anything else, to not lose sight of your reason for living, and the passions that you have.

I've been reading Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster), and have been really challenged to press deeper in to God in prayer and in worship. As I've been reminded of my passions, and been given renewed energy to pursue them, I've also been reminded that I can do nothing by myself, and that anything and everything I seek to do for God needs to be totally grounded in prayer and worship. John Wesley says, "God does nothing except in answer to prayer".

I know that I am called to be a parent to Ashley, a partner to Hazel, and a pastor to all those who I come across; be that in Peckham or anywhere else. I know that in all things I'm called to bless, encourage, and share laughter with everyone that I meet. And, ultimately, I know that I am called to share Jesus with the hurting and the broken. All of these have many challenges associated - but scripture tells us that God is enough, and that He will supply all of our needs. And prayer is the backbone to that, and I feel challenged now more than ever to be interceding for Hazel, for Ashley, and for the people of Peckham.

I've had some beautiful moments with Ashley recently where I've been really touched and have seen God in him clearly...but it's also made me more aware of the spiritual responsibility that parents have for their children - it's up to us to be constantly praying for him as he grows, and ensuring that he is raised in a way that glorifys God. And he won't take what we tell him about God seriously unless he sees it in our lives.

I'm challenged when I look through the Bible and see people gathering for worship, expecting and knowing God's presence. When Moses entered the Tabernacle he knew he was entering the presence of God, he wasn't surprised one week when He felt God move. Reading Acts, we see the most amazing things happening in the early church...but it is normal to people, they expect it, such is the level of expectation and their knowledge of who God is. Let us raise our expectations!!

Bit of a disjointed post, but now I've got back to blogging I'll write in more detail soon as I press deeper into these things!