Battleship Part 1 – Safe to Shore

This Sunday, Peter Roe brings us the latest of our short video talks. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Reading:

Psalm 107, verses 23 to 32 (The Message)
^{23-32 Some of you set sail in big ships;
    you put to sea to do business in faraway ports.
Out at sea you saw God in action,
    saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean:
With a word he called up the wind—
    an ocean storm, towering waves!
You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out;
    your hearts were stuck in your throats.
You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk,
    you didn’t know which end was up.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
    he got you out in the nick of time.
He quieted the wind down to a whisper,
    put a muzzle on all the big waves.
And you were so glad when the storm died down,
    and he led you safely back to harbor.
So thank God for his marvellous love,
    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,
    shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!}



Prayer & Reflection

Our God, we praise You for the wonder of your creation. Many of us have enjoyed watching the Spring unfold and turn into summer as we have been kept at home for the last few months. But we are aware that, as we begin to emerge from the full lock-down and start to meet together once again, that we are still like a ship in a storm, needing to navigate carefully to a safe haven so that we can refit and set out again.

We thank you for your never-wavering love for us, that we can trust you in all that we do. We ask you to give all of us wisdom as we emerge into a “new normal and find new ways to be your people at EBC.

May your Holy Spirit inspire us and your will be done in and through us as we seek to fulfil your purposes and seek to help others to love and follow You.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
 
Amen
 

Questions to Consider

1. How do you relate to the idea of EBC being like a ship in a storm and that you are part of the crew?

2. Reflect on how you have responded. Do you think you might want to “jump ship” or will you continue to trust God and be part of the church’s mission?

3. With all the uncertainty about the future, how do you respond to the promise that God still loves you, even in stormy times?
 
4. What things can you praise God for as we continue to navigate the stormy seas?
 
5. Can you still remember our purpose “To Love God, love people and grow together to become more like Jesus” with our mission of “Reaching people, making disciples”. Do you have any thoughts as to how we might do this in future?

6. What more can you do now to support the other members of the crew?