"The Beacon reflects Christ's light, shares God's love and serves the community."
BEACON BLOG
Thoughts we have shared:
(click on the words in blue italics)
I am no longer my own, but Yours.
The words of the Methodist Covenant Service can be very challenging. In January we celebrated our Covenant Service together and said those words.
We often make solemn promises, particularly at the baptism of a child or at our marriage or partnership service when we give ourselves to someone else, to share our lives together.
But our covenant with God, and God's covenant with us, is different. We are surrendering everything to God's will, we are putting our lives completely in His hands and agreeing to allow Him to direct our lives in ALL things, wherever we may be placed, and with whoever we may encounter.
For some, it might be easier to say we want to give up our lives and all that burdens us for a life with Christ. For others it will be very difficult. We may have many plans, many possessions, and we may know the direction we want our lives to go in.
God calls us from all that - the same way Jesus called his disciples. "Leave it all behind, and follow me."
Can we really say: "Your will be done, when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose."
Challenging eh? Risky? You can be assured that God will keep you safe in His hands and direct you in the right path if you give your life to Him. He will provide everything you need for the battle.
"You are the centre, You are my life."
10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.