1 down......?? to go

Thanks to those of you who were praying for my sermon last night on the parable of the rich fool.

It was an evangelistic sermon and most of my family was there which was very encouraging. I'm thankful to God for the opportunity to expound the Scriptures.

I guess the amount of preaching i've had to do over the last month (2 back to back judges talks, then this one) has opened my eyes to what life is like as a full-time minister of the gospel. That as a minister of the Word and of prayer, this is what a typical week can involve. Trying to find the time to meet with people, to lead a family, to do other ministry......where's the time?!!

On a separate note, we've had some missionaries from Thailand back on home assignment come to our church and speak at numerous forums/events. Each time I hear them, I'm really challenged by the question - how is my life attracting more people to Jesus?

Its made me think more about how i can be encouraging others to live lives holy, pleasing to God.

At the same time though, I think hearing about their ministry in Thailand, has made me think more about WHERE can I be serving God best.....is it here in Sydney, or overseas. Some of you would know that i have a real burden for Japan - i've studied the language at school and i've been there twice. The figures on the number of Christians is staggering and someone needs to reach them.


Finally, John shared with us that as ministers of the gospel (particularly paid ones), our intentions and our impact in ministry can be polar opposites at times. How things are perceived by others may actually differ from what we intend.

All in all, a very thought provoking, reflective sorta couple of weeks.