31st October 2004

Greetings in the name of Jesus.

By the time you get to read this Jenny and I will be enjoying ourselves on holidays. It is good to be able to take a break and to recharge the batteries after a very busy year. We are thankful for the opportunity and look forward to relaxing and being refreshed.

As I reflected on this aspect of employment I began to think of the great privilege I have to serve the Lord and to serve you in a full time capacity. It is not a responsibility that I take lightly and one that I am committed to fulfilling as best I can. But then I am reminded that this is not just my brief; all of us are called by God to serve Him and to serve each other in love.

Jesus said,

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35

Our love for each other is to be like the love Christ shows to us: full of grace, compassion, forgiveness and willingness to make sacrifices.

Our love for each other is our witness to the world of God's love for each person and His power to impact their lives. But our love is only revealed to the world by the way we relate and the things we do to help each other. This is the challenge of our lives—to live in such a way that any observer is able to see our love for one another by our actions. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi:

"...make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Let Paul's words be an encouragement to you and I look forward to seeing you after our holidays.

Yours in Christ,
Penton