Prophecy For Today

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5.24

I remember when I was a student, and noticed this verse for the first time. It helped me realise that God’s Word was not just spiritual, but also political. It also revealed the nature of the prophetic calling, the means whereby God warns his people of impending judgment for their injustice (3.7-8).

Naturally, the ruling class never wants to hear this word of Divine correction, so prophecy is frequently forbidden (2.11-12). But God challenged prophecy’s domestication by a caste of professional prophets, through calling this ex-shepherd (7.14-16).

Prayer Walking

We’ve just hosted a mission team from Hunter Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Our good ongoing relationship with them helps us impact our post-Christian city. One of their activities is Prayer Walking – when I say this, I realise it’s often just sitting around, and praying silently, while they observe the spiritual dynamics around them. However, their Pastor, Spencer Knight, earths this, by asking them when they debrief, “What spiritual needs did you notice in that location?”

I also once led a team to Turkey, where the evangelistic opportunities were slight, largely because of we couldn’t speak the language! The trip, however, turned into a Prayer Mission, as we interceded for the nation, and the particular towns we were visiting.

"Jesus Is My Boyfriend"

I’ve recently got into the music of Samuel Lane, a worship leader from the Vineyard churches, well-known for their tradition of intimate worship music. His songs are beautiful evocations of praise to God, which draw me in, and help refresh my relationship with Christ.

Some appropriate for corporate settings, others suitable as performed songs of personal experience, they have, nevertheless, been very helpful in renewing my faith during recent times of dryness. As expressions of spiritual devotion, they are basically love songs to Jesus; very reminiscent of Matt Redman’s songs, though perhaps more passionately delivered. And I need that energy.

Ministry and Mission among Older People

Many churches, including ours, have specific outreaches to young adults, all trying to be the next Hillsong. This demographic is, nevertheless, missionally strategic, as they are what’s called the “missing generation” in churches. Our future depends on reaching them.

However, mission among the elderly does not possess the same trendy cachet; although retired people represent a rapidly increasing segment of our population.

Of course, demands to include older people also illustrates the stereotypical self-centredness of the Baby Boomer generation. As this population bulge progressed along their timeline, they insisted on having their own needs met at each stage: first as youths, then as parents, now as retirees.