On Saturday 10th October we flew out from Bristol, via Amsterdam to Abuja in Nigeria. After staying overnight in the capital, we drove for 5½ hours and arrived safely in Gboko. We were once again grateful for safe travel, as the roads were littered with the broken remains of cars and lorries, which starkly reminded us of our need of God’s protection on a moment by moment basis.
We had gone at the invitation of Gbile and Sade Akanni and the Peace House team. We were there to take part and participate in two events, first a Clergy Retreat for senior church leaders drawn from all the major denominations in Nigeria. The theme was “Receiving and ministering by the mercy of God.” The second event was three days of preparation for the Ministers’ Leadership Retreat which takes place in early December. It is the climax to the year with more than 15,000 people expected. The theme is, “The pathway to Biblical Transformation of a Nation.”
We were up around 5.15am each day and did not usually get to bed before 11pm, so you can see that days were full and challenging. It was thrilling to be present, as around 1000 key leaders came to hear what God wanted to say to them and to the people for whom they had responsibility. We met men and women from every major denomination who were characterised by their passion and hunger for God. They came to be taught, challenged and fed by the word of God.
Personally, considering the investment God’s Spirit has made in me for over 40 years; his patience, training and instruction - I was challenged with the question – What is that investment yielding in the way of fruitfulness today? We saw how, even though God had chosen to send Jesus to this world with a specific purpose and commission, He could only fulfil his purpose by receiving God’s mercy and help. Praying, for Jesus was not cosmetic as Hebrews 5:7 says, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death and was heard because of his reverent submission.” If it was necessary for Jesus to approach the throne of God to find mercy to help him see his life’s purpose fulfilled, how much more do I need his help and heavenly resources?
Hebrews 4:16 which says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - took on a new meaning. I realised afresh how much I need to daily come to the throne, firstly to receive mercy and then to find grace for the needs and demands of daily life.
In John 5:19 we find Jesus saying, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” My heart cry has become, “Let me see where you are working; let me be a ready apprentice, eager to learn trade secrets! Let me be an extension of the hand of God; let me fulfil all you have destined for my life. Keep me from independent action in thought word and deed.”
A major part of our time during the preparation time for the December Retreat was spent studying from the Word our need to be ‘Light’ wherever we find ourselves, in our families, at school or work, etc. The strategic positioning of light in a room was applied to our lives and our career choices – asking God to make us blazing beacons of light pointing to Jesus – the light and life giver. We looked at hindrances – Why does the light grow dim? How do we keep our lamps full of oil? Are we making a difference and driving out darkness?
I found myself asking, “What is the focus of my life? What should it be?” You might be interested in my answer. Here is the entry in my journal, “Father, help me to affect the nations with the reality of Jesus, to be light in every situation I find myself. I want to live everyday following, pursuing and gazing on the King of Glory. I need insight and vision into what you are doing. I want to see clearly in order to proclaim, and to hear in order to obey. I want to act only when commanded, not to add human experience or wisdom. I want to demonstrate heaven on earth. Lord help me!”
We had gone at the invitation of Gbile and Sade Akanni and the Peace House team. We were there to take part and participate in two events, first a Clergy Retreat for senior church leaders drawn from all the major denominations in Nigeria. The theme was “Receiving and ministering by the mercy of God.” The second event was three days of preparation for the Ministers’ Leadership Retreat which takes place in early December. It is the climax to the year with more than 15,000 people expected. The theme is, “The pathway to Biblical Transformation of a Nation.”
We were up around 5.15am each day and did not usually get to bed before 11pm, so you can see that days were full and challenging. It was thrilling to be present, as around 1000 key leaders came to hear what God wanted to say to them and to the people for whom they had responsibility. We met men and women from every major denomination who were characterised by their passion and hunger for God. They came to be taught, challenged and fed by the word of God.
Personally, considering the investment God’s Spirit has made in me for over 40 years; his patience, training and instruction - I was challenged with the question – What is that investment yielding in the way of fruitfulness today? We saw how, even though God had chosen to send Jesus to this world with a specific purpose and commission, He could only fulfil his purpose by receiving God’s mercy and help. Praying, for Jesus was not cosmetic as Hebrews 5:7 says, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death and was heard because of his reverent submission.” If it was necessary for Jesus to approach the throne of God to find mercy to help him see his life’s purpose fulfilled, how much more do I need his help and heavenly resources?
Hebrews 4:16 which says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - took on a new meaning. I realised afresh how much I need to daily come to the throne, firstly to receive mercy and then to find grace for the needs and demands of daily life.
In John 5:19 we find Jesus saying, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” My heart cry has become, “Let me see where you are working; let me be a ready apprentice, eager to learn trade secrets! Let me be an extension of the hand of God; let me fulfil all you have destined for my life. Keep me from independent action in thought word and deed.”
A major part of our time during the preparation time for the December Retreat was spent studying from the Word our need to be ‘Light’ wherever we find ourselves, in our families, at school or work, etc. The strategic positioning of light in a room was applied to our lives and our career choices – asking God to make us blazing beacons of light pointing to Jesus – the light and life giver. We looked at hindrances – Why does the light grow dim? How do we keep our lamps full of oil? Are we making a difference and driving out darkness?
I found myself asking, “What is the focus of my life? What should it be?” You might be interested in my answer. Here is the entry in my journal, “Father, help me to affect the nations with the reality of Jesus, to be light in every situation I find myself. I want to live everyday following, pursuing and gazing on the King of Glory. I need insight and vision into what you are doing. I want to see clearly in order to proclaim, and to hear in order to obey. I want to act only when commanded, not to add human experience or wisdom. I want to demonstrate heaven on earth. Lord help me!”
