Created on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 09:45

another good day

Yesterday was another good day at the Eccentrics conference. Breakfast of cereal, toast, bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatos, beans and for those who dares - black pudding. After clearing the plates and dragging ourselves out of our seats it was time for the first session. On Monday Paul Mallard spoke on the reasons for suffering, yesterday he spoke on the results or the blessings of suffering. It was so good to reflect that God does not waste an ounce of suffering, but all things work together for the good of those who love him.

Next up was Richard Bewes, former minister at All Souls, Langham Place, and an exposition of Psalm 61. One of the things about this conference is that the speakers are not often given a subject to speak on. It was all the more remarkable, but a remarkable we often become too familiar with week by week, that Richard's message fitted so well with Paul's talks on ministerial suffering. He had four points from Psalm 61, two which stood out to me. The first, God hears the faintest cry. We don't have to feel strong in our prayers for God to hear, he hears even the sound of our breath crying out of a silent mouth. The second, we go to the safest place. 'Lead me to the rock that it higher than I'. Where is our refuge in times of trouble - the Lord Jesus Christ Himself shelters us in the safety of his wings.

We ended the day with a meditation from Geoff Thomas on the work and person of Jesus Christ. Has there ever been a better man to have walked this earth? Has there ever been a better message than the gospel? Hallelujah! What a Saviour!