June 2005

Well we're at June! Halfway through the year.

It's hard to believe that we are already at this juncture in 2005. My how time flies when you're having fun! Still, getting half way brings its own challenge. As the expression says "starting is half done". It is crucial to get started in a year but "perseverance is the hallmark of success". It's so easy at the half way mark in a year to begin to just do the "same 'ol, same 'ol" where we start to procrastinate on the things that we'd set with such visionary intent at the start of the year and now move into a more "lackadaisical float along" type existence. As such its important to refocus and to address the second half of the year with renewed purpose and vigour. How often discouragement robs us of the reward due to us.

Nehemiah faced this same problem with the people of Israel as they reached the half way mark of rebuilding the wall. In Nehemiah 4:10 it says, "the strength of the labourers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall." . Are you overwhelmed by the challenges before you? Have you lost the sense of vision that you had at the start of this year at this half way mark of 2005? Whether you are half way through building a wall like Nehemiah was, or half finished with paying off a debt, or overwhelmed by the pile of memos and routine challenges that lie before you on your desk, discouragement may catch you unawares as you lean on your shovel to rest.

Nehemiah had to talk to the people and readdress their moral and spiritual fortitude. They were fighting enemies from within, as well as from without. The discouragement came from outside people who tried to de-motivate them (Sanballat and Tobiah) and from within as the people became filled with fear and overwhelmed with the sheer challenge of the work.

Whether you are knee deep in crumbled bricks or desk deep in responsibilities, meetings and memos yet not fulfilled, the debris of the daily routine can clutter your mind and keep you from seeing the work you have already accomplished. May I encourage you to focus back on the source of your strength. Paul stated it clearly in Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" . So did Nehemiah to his people in the midst of their discouragement when in Neh 4:14 he states, " don't be afraid, remember the Lord who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, sons, daughters, wives and your homes".

So as June comes upon us at the midpoint of 2005 may I encourage you to not falter in your personal vision, or in the vision that is set before us as a church to "Grow in Wisdom and Power".

Let's Finish Well!

God Bless ya,
Pr Hans
(Lead Pastor)