“Though you have not seen him, you love him. And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1: 8-9.
This is too small a goal for many church leaders, to the extent that sometimes such a goal is never allowed to be celebrated in the terraces. Sundays have become too routinely a place for envisioning, pumping up the church for its tasks and mission and not much more in some cases. The effect is the opposite of what is intended. People limp home from the match under the burden of feeling they have failed, with thoughts of an exhausting punishing training calendar still filling their ears.
Hoping today that in the churches of Scotland, God’s born again people will be allowed to simply rejoice in the One whom having not seen we adore, the one in whom we have believed, the One who has saved our souls, is saving them, and will save them. GOAL! Perhaps if we were allowed to simply celebrate more the story of our salvation, the roar of the joyful celebration would be lingering about our faces, our words, our actions wherever we go in the days of this new week, invading the pitch of the world where the goal was scored and the victory was won.
Frankly, along with many of my fellow Scottish believers, I am too aware at times of my failings, unhealthily and unhelpfully so, and I don’t need to be told “Come on Church…” and lectured about my demerits. Nor do most beleivers who are doing their best to live for Jesus faithfully through the week. I do need to sing songs of celebration and rejoice in the one who drank from the Cup and still holds it above his head in triumph, causing a spontaneous roar from all who follow Him. I need space alone and with others to think about His glorious victory again and again, His never ending glory days.
God bless
Kenny
revkennyblog 
Singing out my victory song today because He dances over me with joy 👣🎼👣🎼👣🎼👣🎼👣🎼👣
LikeLike
Looking ever to Jesus for He will carry us through, as a shepherd carries his lambs, for He is the Good Shepherd Who doesn’t browbeat or harass or pressure His lambs.
LikeLike
Having fought through much oppression over the years, my victory has been via the power of the blood of Christ which protects, His authority within me as a believer, and joy in His incredible faithfulness.
Joy in Him that is like a wellspring of life in the heart… that was a goal reached only through admitting failure and weakness, and by honesty and faith.
My Lord never harked on about my failures but about how precious I am in His eyes.
Bless you, Kenny!
LikeLike
When I feel dejected and unable to do so many things most people take for granted ( often after a challenging talk or something I’ve read ) I’m slowly training myself to remember that Father God said , “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased “.
The amazing message behind this, the words predate
The start of Jesus ministry ie at his baptism by John.
We are unconditionally loved and accepted , hallelujah what a saviour.!
Thanks Kenny for such freeing words.
LikeLike
Amen and Amen …. what a powerful word … Thank you! Wake up Church Our Saviour is worthy and awesome
LikeLike
Oh how true! So many times in the past my church experience has been one of having failed to live up to Christ’s teachings. So many sermons contain the words, “So why do we fail to….?” and my joy in the Lord has stood on the brink of guilt! Thankfully, there has been much rejoicing and joy preached along the way to affirm me of how much He loves us by His Victory in our lives. It is this glorious living in His Kingdom that I and so many find in Camps Farthest Out, to live it and bring it back into our churches.
LikeLike