Dear Pastors & Leaders
I know it is a little late – but it is still heartfelt – my greetings to you with every blessing for the year ahead, abounding with all the fullness of God.
There will be many challenges that face each of us in 2013 but we are so blessed that we are in the positions we are in and that God Himself has placed each where we are. So let us embrace the year ahead with gladness and excitement through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Extra Mile
Here is something I read a little while ago
212 Degrees
At 211 degrees…water is hot.
At 212 degrees…it boils.
With boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it’s that one extra degree that…
Makes all the difference. (Author unsure)
What is 1 degree – in itself very little – in fact water at 1 degree would still be cold, but isn’t it amazing, that same 1 degree on top of 211 degrees makes an astounding difference and something powerful happens. Hot water changes to steam; steam that can power a locomotive.
Now apply that same principle to other areas. Look at what Jesus has to say in Matthew 5 about ‘going that little bit extra’, doing that ‘little bit more’ than is expected of us.
Powerful changes occur, changes that would not have occurred if we had only taken something to the 211 degree.
When I write this my mind goes to Kenya as the country approaches its next general election.
Not restricting to Kenya alone but in light of everything that is happening in the world today – let us take an initiative and think along the lines of ‘how can I make a difference’, how can I go to the 212 degree.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.’ Matthew 5:9
God is the ultimate, supreme Peacekeeper and as sons of God surely it is our responsibility to follow in His footsteps and promote peace in all circumstance and every situation.
In Kenya at the last elections peace was far from the minds of many people – and unfortunately – far from the minds of many Christians. Tribal disputes spilled over into the church and communities to an alarming extent, pastors and leaders were not exempt. Friends became enemies, and all through listening to and following the wrong voice.
There are six Sundays left before the elections in Kenya – only six Sundays. Only six opportunities to reach (if you are a Kenyan pastor and leader) your congregations and encourage each and every one to go to the 212 degree for God.
To leave violence, hatred and tribalism behind (as Christians we all belong to the tribe of Judah). We need to do what is right in the sight of God, to pray for our countries, to pray for peace, to pray for the right leaders, to vote, to walk in peace and love; to go to that extra degree.
In many countries men and women do not have the opportunity to vote, openly carry or read their bibles, attend church, or preach the gospel. We still can, yet so often fail in our responsibilities.
Many people have such a low self-esteem thinking that they are only one person – asking the question – what can I do? Well – Noah did not ask that question and neither did Jesus – they went to the 212 degree – they followed God’s instruction and because they did – you and I are here.
If you are not in Kenya – well you are not absolved from your responsibility to pray for your brothers and sisters.
That 1 degree does count, it does make a difference – you make a difference – It is time to take up our cross – in love – in peace and to go to the 212 degree.
‘God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us. That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.’ (Ps 67:1).
Every blessing – this month and always