GBC Connections Magazine Term 4 2020

In our last GBC Connections Magazine, we wrote a lengthy report of many of the good things that have been happening in our midst during this unique year so I won’t focus on looking back this time.  I want to focus on looking forward.
 
Where is God leading us in 2021?  What challenges lie in store for us?  How will we thrive?  I heard, very recently, a claim that the veil between   Heaven   and   Earth   is   getting   very thin...meaning that God’s presence and power is being seen more often in the daily lives of those who are seeking it. It means that our country’s decline into moral darkness is being matched by the increased activity in God’s Kingdom of Light, resulting in healings, prophetic messages, uniting of Christian Churches in city-wide events, a growing hunger for more of God, a commitment to pray and humble ourselves before God, and people being brought to the end of themselves in preparation for reaching out to God. It means that God is on the move in a fresh movement of His Spirit like NZ experienced in the 80’s and the 60’s, but this time it is going to be Global. It means more change…not just business as usual as we move into 2021.
 
That is the first challenge we will face as we move into the New Year. Many of us prefer the familiar to the uncertainty that comes with change. But allow me to encourage you to focus on our guide rather than on the uncertainty. Because the Spirit of Jesus, our guide, is courageous, capable and compassionate. He will not lead us anywhere that the Grace of God cannot keep us. If I was asked to go on an expedition with Gideon Geerling, I would be happy to go. Not because I feel overly capable in myself but because I know that Gideon has the character and capability to lead me through the challenges and to bring me safely home. And, as good as Gideon is, the Holy Spirit is even better :). Another challenge we will face is increasing opposition from those around us who don’t share our trust in God. Many in our society strive to be in control of all areas of their life.  The very idea of yielding control to an invisible God who would challenge their sovereignty over their own life is confronting to them. Even some within the Church who are focused on finding their security and pleasure in this life will resist the call to break camp and follow Jesus into uncharted territory.

So how can we thrive in our faith journey in 2021?
 
“Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you.” (Joshua 1) Remember when Joshua felt alone after the death of Moses?  Before him was a huge challenge: taking God’s people into the promised land that was currently occupied. God promised His presence and that would be enough for Joshua. God promises to go with us into 2021.
 
Eyes on the prize. To be human is to love, and what we love defines who we are. Let’s
love God above all and find our delight in Him. I believe we will feel more alive as we do
that, than if we gained the whole world.
 
Together we can do it. Brotherhood, and sisterhood, is cemented when we go through
tough times together. By valuing the precious fellowship that we share in the GBC Faith
Family we will not only survive 2021, we will thrive in 2021.
 
Together in His service,
Pastor Mark.