God is at work!

29th June 2010, posted by Nic Arkley

On Sunday evening (27th June) a group of relatively ordinary people (St Paul's congregation!) came together in a relatively ordinary place (St Paul's church) to share stories of our extraordinary God at work in our lives today.

Eleven members of our congregation boldly told their stories of prophecy and provision, healing and hope, restoration and redemption, speaking of God's unending faithfulness and immeasurable love for each one of us.

A time of shared communion provided the opportunity for each of us to respond individually, acknowledging and thanking God for his work in our own lives, recognising that God doesn't take an interest just in the few, but in every one of us. Some of these responses are documented in the accompanying photos.

The evening of Praise and Testimony was largely based on Psalm 145, which tells us:

 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
       his greatness no one can fathom.

 4 One generation will commend your works to another;
       they will tell of your mighty acts.

 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
       and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
       and I will proclaim your great deeds.

 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
       and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
       slow to anger and rich in love.

 9 The LORD is good to all;
       he has compassion on all he has made.

 10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
       your saints will extol you.

 11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
       and speak of your might,

 12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
       and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

It is my prayer that as we heard these amazing stories of God's goodness, our hearts were stirred, our faith increased, and our souls drawn closer to Him. I also pray, as the Psalmist wrote, that the sharing of what God has done and is doing in our lives, will speak to those who don't yet know Him - that the truth of our Living God and the glorious splendour of His majesty and Kingdom will be revealed through the testimony of our lives. To Him be all glory and praise, now and forever!