Beginning Together on the Way

God has been doing something quite profound in us as a church over these last few weeks, and it was wonderful to be together in His presence as we concluded our short series on the three phrases God spoke to us at the start of the year.

He must increase, we must decrease

Wholly Devoted

Wholly Surrendered

We shared a precious moment as we stood together to pray a prayer of commissioning, committing before God and one another that we will journey together along the Way of Jesus. At the end of the service I shared some simple next steps that you can take, which were taken from John Mark Comer’s excellent book Practicing the Way (which I thoroughly recommend you read):

1. Day by day, fill your heart with the wonder of the person, gospel and life of Jesus. Read and re-read the Gospels, turn your mind to him in prayer, gaze on the Son of God.
2. Once your heart is consumed by a vision of Jesus, you must begin, right where you are. Take one small step, immediately. Willard was once asked about how to become a saint. He answered, “By doing the next right thing.” What’s the next right thing for you?
3. Take it slow. Don’t try too hard. Relax. Breathe. Open to God. Start with rest. There’s no hurry at all.
4. When you fall (and we all fall), repent, yes, but don’t get sucked into self-recrimination or shame. Fall back on God’s mercy. Let Him pick you back up.

As we walk forward together along the Way of Jesus, let’s do so remembering that we have committed to this together. None of us is walking this path in isolation – and if you feel that you are, please speak to us so that we can connect you with some fellow pilgrims – so it’s important that we remember the words that we prayed together as a response to God’s invitation:

Lord Jesus, You are supreme over all things. We acknowledge Your rule over Your creation, and we bow before Your Majesty.

We confess that our lives have not always been lived in wholehearted devotion to You and Your ways. We repent before You and receive the forgiveness You purchased for us with Your blood.

We, the people of Dewsbury Elim Church, choose today to echo the prayer of John the Baptist: “You must increase, we must decrease.” We commit to be Wholly Devoted and Wholly Surrendered to You, that we may be formed more and more into Your likeness.

Lead us by Your Holy Spirit; guide us through Your Word; strengthen us through Your presence, forgive us by Your grace for when we fail or falter.

May You receive all the glory, honour and praise for Your work in and through us.

Amen.