Hi Everyone
Here’s this months’ Gone Fishin’ Newsletter.
Enjoy!
Gone Fishin’ Monthly Newsletter – March 2021
”The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (Ps 37:23-24).
Hi Everyone
Well, nearly one third of the year has gone by so fast! It just goes to show how time can slip by without us noticing. I hope you have managed to take time to share the Gospel with someone, be it planned or unplanned!
Speaking of plans, we read in Psalm 37 how good God is at guiding us every step of our journey on this earth. In today’s text we can learn of God’s Providence, His Praise, and His Protection:
The Providence of God
”The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…” (v23)
While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they had the guidance of God by way of fire by night, and a cloud by day. In the same way, God promises to guide us every step we take. Sometimes it can seem profitable to look and plan in the distance; months, often years. But unfortunately God does not promise us years, or months. He doesn’t even promise us tomorrow. Life can be so treacherous at times that all we can do is focus on the next step. This is where God’s faithfulness shines brightest, for He promises that His Word will be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path (Ps 119:105). He providentially orders us over crevasses and rocky outcrops, to our destination – His will for us.
The Praise of God
“…He delights in his way.” (v23)
The Israelites constantly grumbled at Moses for not taking them on a path directly to the Promised Land. Moses was not pleased. God was not pleased. If it were not for Moses interceding on behalf of the Israelites, God would have torched them.
In the same way, when we wander or stumble into sin, we have His advocate, Jesus Christ, stepping in and interceding for us. He mortifies our sin on the cross, thus averting God’s wrath towards us. When we are in submission to God’s will, God is delighted with us. We can then rest in the knowledge that He is in control of the journey, regardless of how many times we fall.
The Protection of God
Psalm 37:24 (NKJV)
“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.” (v24)
It took the Israelites 40 years to walk a journey that should have only taken a fortnight. In fact, one whole generation didn’t even live to see the Promised Land! The journey was never comfortable. It was through a desert. Their tents and the tabernacle would have been constantly erected and dismantled each time they stopped. God only provided quail and manna for food; and unless there was a nearby fresh water source, Moses and Aaron had to strike rocks. Talk about a rough ride!
In the same way, our journey is not guaranteed to be easy. Jesus promised that the narrow way would be difficult (Matt 7:13-14). In fact, in these end times, it is becoming even more difficult. But difficult doesn’t mean impossible. We have the Lord’s hand with us on our journey. He always comes through with His provision, just when we need it. When we are weary, He upholds us with His hand, strengthening and nourishing us enough so that we can take the next step. He will never leave us for forsake us!
Operation513 Christchurch Mission 8-12 March 2021
Last week I had the privilege of serving with Operation513 Ministry in Christchurch. You may know them through their Gospel tracts which we use, especially their special Christmas and Easter ones.
The outreach consisted of having one-on-one walk-up conversations with strangers at various locations around the city. It was a pleasure to serve alongside these humble people, and I learnt so much by observing them. They said they were truly blessed by having me with them, but actually it was more so the other way around!
In all I counted around 43 conversations I had that proceeded to the Gospel, probably twice that that didn’t progress as far, and handed out over 200 tracts!
I have chronicled my time down there, and included some of my memorable conversations that stood out. You can click on them at the links below to read:
Day 1: https://headcountone.net/gone-fishin-field-report-christchurch-mission-8-12-3-21-day-1/
Day 2: https://headcountone.net/gone-fishin-field-report-christchurch-mission-8-12-3-21-day-2/
Day 3: https://headcountone.net/gone-fishin-field-report-christchurch-mission-8-12-3-21-day-3/
Day 4: https://headcountone.net/gone-fishin-field-report-christchurch-mission-8-12-3-21-day-4/
Day 5: https://headcountone.net/gone-fishin-field-report-christchurch-mission-8-12-3-21-day-5/
You can also read the Battle Logs from the outreach through Operation513. Click here. Scroll to the dates 8-13/3/21. While there, check out the logs from the Whangarei & Dunedin outreaches as well – you will be truly blessed! Please remember to keep this vital ministry in your prayers. Some of their evangelists live by faith, so you might prayerfully consider supporting the Lord’s work through them.
I’ll see you at my place this Saturday at 10am for prayer before heading out. If you can’t make it this Saturday, we will be out again on the Saturday of Easter Weekend (3 April). Stay tuned to the church notices for further information!
Blessings,
Craig.
Witnessing Tip: Easter Is Easy For Evangelism!
There is never an easier time to evangelise than around the Easter period.
Ask people what they believe Easter is all about.
If they don’t know, you can tell them the truth!
You can do it!
