The effort and determination we make to transform our image rather than our minds in an attempt to be witnesses, is as effective as a sheep howling and hunting to seem like a wolf.

We love to see where we are going and plot a path of how we will get there. For most people our planned path will be straight, quick and painless there will be no detours or distractions from A to B! Psalm 23 offers some God statements which challenge that straight line mindset. I pray you are encouraged and challenged by these thoughts.

We are exiles, aliens and strangers in this world, so how should be behave, what attitudes should we take? Looking at the Hebrews as exiles in Babylon gives us clear direction

The revolutionary leader Fidel Castro passed away this weekend after leading Cuba for almost 50 years as prime minister and president. He made a statement of intent at the beginning of his reign, "I am Fidel Castro and I have come to liberate Cuba!" Over the next 50 years he never lost sight of that goal. Jesus also made a statement of intent in his ministry, " the Son of Man came to seek and safe the lost!" He has not lost sight of that goal over the last 2000 years. Now his Cause has become the cause of the local church. This mornings sermon encourages us to become active in the great gospel cause.

We are all 'under construction' . When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we begin a lifelong process of spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit works in us to renew our thinking and develop qualities in us that are more Christ -like . As we go through the process we'll have plenty of opportunities to become discouraged.. Phil 1:6 Being confident of this , He who began a good work in you ( justification ) will complete it ( sanctification ) until the day of Christ Jesus ( glorification ) With this confidence we can begin each day knowing God is in control.