12th October 2014 – 18th Sunday After Pentecost

The 4th of October is the Feast of St Francis and I forgot to mention the example of this humble man. I share with you some thoughts from Pastor Bill Armstrong’s Encouragement notes this week.

Francis of Assisi (1182-1286) was born to a merchant family in the Italian city of Assisi. As a young man, he was attracted to adventure and moved by romantic tales of knights. When he himself became a knight, he met a leper while riding through the countryside. Overwhelmed by a divine impulse, he dismounted from his horse, gave his coat to the leper, and kissed the man’s diseased face. Deeply moved by the experience, he began to re-organise his life in light of the Christian gospel, renouncing his selfish desires and his father’s wealth. A beggar for Christ’s sake, Francis inspired thousands to walk away from worldly success and join him in a movement of like-minded people who sought to renew the Christian Church of their day. Praise God for the individuals who today seek to follow Christ according to the Christian Gospel which hasn’t changed. Such individuals deserve, and ought to be receiving every encouragement possible. What is holding you back from living your God given role in such a movement today?

Lord Jesus, your Church is such that when one member of the body fails, the whole body suffers. Help us to be actively involved in encouraging one another in the Christian faith so that working together we might become a body unified in You that proclaims in thought, word and deed, the Good News that is found in You and is You. Amen

Many Blessings

Reverend Shan