A Call to Contentment

 As I was heading off to bed last night I happened to flick through the multiple channels provided to us in our modern day and age.  Which one should I choose to settle on?  It is said that as human beings we are all creatures of habit, and true to form, my choice of TV viewing did not disappoint. - Question Time. 
 
You see, for much of my adult life I have had a keen interest in politics.  I have my own personal views and my voting tends to reflect these.  However, I am also keen to listen to the voice of other parties, as I don't believe that one party holds all the answers.  I hear some of you now saying that only Jesus holds all of the answers, and of course that is my firm held belief, but I am sure that you will understand where I am coming from here. 
 
So on with my story.  As normal I could easily guess the main topic of conversation - BREXIT!  This is a subject which is consuming our everyday living.  I can't help think, What if our relationship with God were to be consumed with as much zeal as Brexit?  How much could we accomplish by refocusing our attention on Him instead of worldly things.  I personally know of Christians who have voted on both sides of this argument and I wonder how many have said that they have voted according to the will of God.  Surely only one viewpoint can be correct?  Can't it?  Personally, I will leave it up to you to decide what you believe in this area, however, I wonder if at times we focus on the wrong things when we are praying.  The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray.  Jesus replied, "THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE".  There is going to be times when we disagree on things and perhaps we need to reflect more on God's will for our lives, situations and the world and not the differences and debates.  
 
Did you know that in the Book of Proverbs, there was a man called AGUR?  (Proverbs 30)  He prays the only prayer to be found in this book:  7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:  8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.
 
The chapter begins in humility with a declaration of ignorance Agur, as he states that he does not fully understand the things of God, but his prayer Agur has two requests.
 
First Agur wanted to live a worthwhile and honest life. He didn't want to waste it on trivia. He didn't want to major on minors, and he didn't want to deceive others or to be deceived.
 
His second request dealt with the physical. He asked God to deliver him from the extremes of both poverty and riches. He would be satisfied if God provided His daily needs. He was saying, in effect,"Give me this day my daily bread. " (http://godsgoodnews.com/Prayer%20of%20Agur.html)
 
In short, Agur had a sincere desire to keep his heart in the proper place (God centred)  He does not seek a poor or a wealthy life.  He sought a contented one!  Paul echoes this prayer in Philippians 4:  12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.   13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 
 
Whatever society says I would like to refocus our attention on what should be our priorities.  Let us take on board the words of Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

What about Brexit?  What about wars and rumours of wars?  What about life and death itself?  I believe that we need to we need to do our thing and take such things to God.  In turn we agree that we allow God to do His thing.
 
So how about us today.  What is our goal for our lives, for our families, our homes, our jobs, our church, our faith.  Is it GOD CENTRED, OR MAN CENTRED?

Awesome blessings and have a fab "God Centred week

Alan & Lucy

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SUNDAY WORSHIP

10.30am

IN BODMIN & TRURO

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The Gateway Café is currently closed BUT should be opening soon!!  We are in need of those with a servant heart to see it open again on a full time basis.  If you have any time to be committed on a regular basis then please see Alan or John  ASAP

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WE NOW HAVE A BOOK CASE IN THE "COFFEE ROOM" PLEASE BRING ANY PRE-LOVED CHRISTIAN BOOKS YOU HAVE SO WE CAN START A LIBRARY.
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Oasis Ladies Conference, Bookings now being taken.
Sally has been part of the team that organises this conference, and 2017 will be their 10th year, each year has got bigger, reaching more ladies across Cornwall and beyond.
Please click on the link below for more details and to book.
It would be great to see a contingent from Gateway!
http://www.oasisconference.co.uk/

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RAISING THE TEMPERATURE
 
As any Pentecostal Church knows, ‘Fire’ and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand.  I wonder what the disciples where doing on the Day of Pentecost, just before they were baptised in the Spirit.  The Bible tells us that they were together in the upper room.  (Acts 1)  They had just seen their master taken up to heaven and they were now waiting for the next step. Today as a Church we are facing some challenges, perhaps waiting for the next step in God’s plan for Gateway.  How did the followers of Jesus react?  THROUGH PRAYER.  Acts 1:12-14 says:  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.   When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.   They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 
 
The followers reaction is telling.  When waiting for the next thing, THEY PRAYED, THEY WORSHIPPED, THEY WAITED, expectantly.  Following this, they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. 
 
I suppose the point is that after they had met together and prayed, the temperature went through the roof. 
 
On Friday 27^th January @7pm, I would like to invite all of you to meet in our church upper room at the Gateway Centre to seek the heart of God for Gateway, For Launceston, For Bodmin and for Truro.  I believe that in 2017 it is time for Gateway to turn up the spiritual temperature.
 
Many, Many Blessings
 
Pastor Al

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What is Jubilee 2017?
I believe that the Lord wants us to be debt free by the end of 2017! This is a big thing but we need to look to the future and not leave a burden for the future church. Think of ways that could help reduce our debt. Pray about it. Give where you can!
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Pastors Surgery!
Please phone John to arrange 0793 216 1332
or Alan 0759 7555 630