A thought

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Gal 5:1

Modern day slavery traps millions of people in oppressive and serverly restricted lifestyles. We face all kinds of slavery - political, social, intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual.

As people of faith we believe in the dignity of every person. All are created in the image of God and the mark of the Creator is on thier lives. Our relationship with Christ brings us into a new freedom in life. The quality of our lives is defined by this relationship. It is not by what we have but what we are able to give to others that brings freedom.

As we face these many kinds of slavery in the 21st century, God's people can be true light and salt in society. We can live out our freedom by speaking for the oppressed and by taking initiative to see the Spirit of Christ bring transformation in individuals, communities and nations.

Pray that the people of the Caribbean will live out their freedom from slavery in such a way that it brings radical tranformation to lifestyle and brings an influence in communities that will lead to greater quality of life.

Encouragement

As we look towards 2009 we give thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout this last year. We can look towards 2009 with courage because He is with us. We stand in awe of Him and pray that He will be honored in all the places that we go.

"be still and know that I am God"

Psalm 46:10

Christmas

We rejoice as we remember the miraculous birth of Jesus. His life is now in us. This is God’s gift. It is the gift of salvation. The miracle of His presence with us transforms our understanding of reality. It is a time to be refreshed and to remember with joy this gift of Christ with us.

Nothing is impossible for God! We can trust him for the miraculous. You are living the miracle of His presence. He is able to do far more than we imagine. Thank Him for the gift of forgiveness. Thank Him for the gift of righteousness. Thank Him for the gift of His love. Thank Him for the gift of His PEACE. Thank Him for the gift of His Son with us today.

Living by Faith

We look back over this last year with gratitude for the faithfulness of God and His unfailing love demonstrated in so many ways. We have expeienced His grace. He has given what we do not deserve. So much has been done on board to prepare the ship. We see His guiding hand in the details of our daily lives.

He is faithful towards us. He sees the frustrations and failures. We can tust His unfailing love. In Zehariah 3 we have a clear picture of what it means to stand in the presence of God in need of His grace.

1. We stand in His presence believing and confessing our need of Him
2. We stand in His presence knowing that the Lord rejects the accusations
3. We stand in His presence to receive His righteousness as a gift of grace
4. We stand in His presence with Hope in the work of the Messiah.

Grace at work

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 2:1
Paul followed these words with three illustrations to help give insight to Timothy. The soldier endures hardship to please his Commander. The athlete runs according to the rules to gain the victor’s crown. The farmer works hard to be the first to receive his share of the crop. Grace is not a commodity and it is not a formula. We may think about phrases such as “God’s riches at Christ’s expense” but real grace is the capacity given to us through our relationship with Christ to serve according to the rules of the kingdom of God. God gives grace to the humble. God’s grace is sufficient. God’s grace enables us to work with kingdom purpose. How we work through difficulties and follow the rules of the kingdom will be evidence of the strength of His grace in our lives. God’s grace is also evident in how we cope with the pain of life and experience deeper relationship with Christ when we cannot explain the mysteries we face.

He wrote to the community in Philippi:

“continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. “
Phil 2:12

A twofold process of grace is the work of God in us and in our working with Him. In this particular passage Paul gives a rule of grace and a reason for it:

Rule: Do everything without complaining or arguing
Reason: So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
as you hold out[c] the word of life.

The rule is to do everything without complaining and arguing. The purpose is to be blameless and pure in order to shine as lights.

Some in the Philippian community may have had the image of the crossing of the red sea in mind as they listened to the letter read to them. Jewish Rabbis had a story of two men walking across the red sea complaining about the mud on their feet while on either side the walls of water showed the wonder and awe of God’s grace and mercy in delivering them from bondage in Egypt.

In life today we have to walk through mud. We can get so caught up in the mud on the feet of those around us that we miss the awe and wonder of God’s gracious hand on our lives leading us in His redemptive purposes.

We must keep walking according to the twofold rule of grace to be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to endure the difficulties with the end in mind.

I believe that all of us can grow in our experience of His grace in the dynamic of life in community. The gospel has re-connected us with the capacity for real community. It connects us to possibilities for healing. It brings capacity to face the reality about ourselves and others. The good of the gospel in our hearts is greater than all the bad we face. The presence of Christ defines our relationship with others and the world. The more we grow in this relationship the greater our capacity to bring healing to others.

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37 – 39

Through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives streams of living waters can flow with healing in community.

Insight on leadership

Here is my leadership thought this week.

In leadership we help release people to grow in capacity for God’s glory.


“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Rev 1:5 – 6

We are working with kingdom priests! WOW! They have been released from sin by His blood. They have awesome capacity!

In leadership we can easily hold people captive through wrong assumptions and a control approach that communicates our lack of trust or personal insecurity. We need empowered teams free to go beyond our personal capacity. They need kingdom perspective, space to exercise their gifts, encouragement, coaching and appropriate accountability that builds for growth.

Blessings,

Mike

Logos Hope

We thank God for the engineers and trades people that He has give to us over the years in OM ships. In Exodus 31:3 it says of Bezalel, “and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of craft –“ God has given a team of engineers and trades people at this time who are called to serve practically. He has filled them with His Holy Spirit and with skill, ability and knowledge in engineering and to plan and lead the replacement and installation of the generator.. When we see all the work being done we see the need for His presence in the work being done .

The tabernacle was a place of worship where the community of God encountered His presence and became known as the people of His Name. The Logos Hope is a place for a growing international Christian community to worship God. This worship is expressed in many practical tasks that enable us to operate the vessel and complete the engineering and outfit works needed for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. This work prepares the vessel for future ministry. We need more worshippers who are skilled to enjoy God’s presence by serving through welding, carpentry, plumbing and with other skills.

Moses prayed, “If you are pleased with me , teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you…..” God then said to Moses, “ My presence will go with you!” (Exodus 33:13,14) Our desire is for the presence of God to permeate every aspect of our leadership, management, service and witness with the Logos Hope. We often feel our limitations, especially in the face of uncertainties about the future. Even though we develop plans, we do not want to take steps into the future without His pervading presence in every aspect of the Logos Hope ministry. Pray that we will be known as the people of His presence and power. Without Him there is no Good News! As we look to the future we look for the presence of Christ.

“ If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15 – 17)

Whatever Happens

“Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” TNIV

Phil 1:27

Whatever happens!

Paul was in prison in Rome. This was definitely not his preferred situation but he had a Kingdom perspective on his chains. “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” 1:12. This was obviously not his dream as he writes in the letter to the Romans, “ I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.” (Romans 15:28) At that time he did not plan a package holiday to Spain. His travels reflected his vision. “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (Rom 15:20). He did not get to Spain.

He did not know what was going to happen. He was not in control of his circumstances. He faced the possibility of death or release. He was ready for either. He was confident that if he was released it would be for the benefit of others. Later in the letter he shared that he had learnt to be content in whatever circumstances.

On Logos Hope there is much that is happening that is beyond our personal control. How do we cope with all the change and uncertainty? We can easily become discouraged and compare this present situation with what we had in the past or be disappointed because it is not what we had expected when we joined. We do not know what is going to happen. We have not seen all the financial breakthroughs that we need. We are not sure if we will have the skilled workers when we need them. We do not know for certain when we will leave Kiel. We may find it difficult to experience God. These circumstances can at times be discouraging and lead us to focus on the problems without the opportunity to really help bring change.

Paul was not able to change his circumstances but he talked about a common experience of grace shared with the Philippians.. Hi lived in relationship to Christ and the good news as the priority of his life. We live by faith that the unseen reality is greater than what we presently experience.

As citizens of Heaven!

Our identity will determine how we respond to the situations we face in life. As citizens of heaven we can have a Kingdom perspective. If we are responsive to Him we can begin to see the realities of today in the light of our identity in Christ as sons and daughters of the Father.. What really makes a difference in eternity is what we invest in the gospel and in the growth of others. Our true identity is not in our culture, our work, the ship we live on, or our position in the organization. Our true identity is in our relationship with Christ. In Philippians 2:1 Paul writes.” Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…” Later in Philippians Chapter 3:20 He write, “ Their mind is set on earthly things but our citizenship is in Heaven and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is easy to be focused on earthly things and be orientated around our current temporary circumstances. We can very quickly lose perspective and follow passions that are harmful to us and others. A kingdom perspective is found in our relationship in Christ. This leads to humble service in the gospel. He makes the difference today.

Live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!

Then, a life worthy of the good news is lived in relationship to Christ. This resonates through this letter. Paul described himself as a Bond slave of Christ Jesus. His identity was found in His relationship with the Son of God. That relationship defined how he lived.

Our true identity is in being united with Christ who is the Son of God. It is out of his identity as God the Son that he was free to give his life as a servant and went to the cross for us. Paul described the church at Philippi as being in Christ Jesus. He also declared, “for me to live is Christ, To die is gain!” He spoke of encouragement through being united with Christ. He shared his passion, “ To know Christ, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.

So a life worthy of the good news is lived in personal relationship with Christ today in what ever situation we face. We have all the resources of God our Father in Christ. Our identity is not defined by what we do. It is defined by who we are in Christ. We are in relationship to the Father in His son. This gives freedom to serve with humility.

Shield & Sword

Here is one way to build effective prayer triplets. Some may need a one on one relationship with a more mature believer to see personal breakthroughs in prayer as you step in faith in this direction. Be intentional about this and put it in your diary. Make a plan to form a prayer triplet and keep going. Do not give up. If you need help find someone to talk to about it.

SHIELD – Our identity is in our relationship with Christ. This is your greatest weapon against the attacks of the enemy.

Sonship – You meet as sons and daughters (By the way, you should met with those of the same gender as you. It is the safer way) whose identity is shared in Christ.

Holy Spirit – Friendships that are prayer-less will quench, grieve and resist the Holy Spirit’s work. He guides you in truth as you pray together. Ask to be filled with the Spirit

Intimacy – If you step in faith you can grow in a shared intimacy with the Father. Your prayer group becomes a safe place to share deep issues of the heart and find healing together.

Encouragement – The prayer and support of friends is an important encouragement for all of us.

Love will focus on what is best for others and will be willing to speak the truth even if it is painful

Delight – you will find that these times of prayer can be refreshing and bring real joy.

SWORD – Centered around the word, these prayer times bring greater effectiveness in ministry

Here is a simple format to help you plan your time. Plan to meet at least once a week. Start with a minimum of 15 minutes. You will find that more time will be needed as you continue.

Scripture – Read or listen to scripture together. Start with this. Focus on a book such as Ephesians. Focus on one thought each time you meet.

Worship – Focus in prayer on the Glory of God. Seek to know Him. Move on into intercession

Obedience – Be honest about areas in your life that need to change. Pray that you will have grace to obey. Set goals together for growth

Reflect – take time to reflect on the last week. Pray that you will see what God is teaching you through the various experiences on board.

Discipline – Keep one another accountable as set goals for personal growth, serving the community, and witness.

Pray that God will lead you to the right people. Learn to ask one another out of the comfort zone questions:

1. Have you spent regular time in scriptures and prayer this week?
2. Have you had any tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to material that would not glorify God?
3. Have you spent quality time with your family?
4. Have you been careless with the ships property this week?
5. Have you said something this week that makes others look bad?
6. Have you had an opportunity to share the gospel this week?
7. Have you allowed anything to rob you of joy this week?
8. Have you taken care of your body this week including a good fitness program and opportunity to relax?
9. What have you learnt this last week?
10. Have you lied about any of the above?

Initially keep your focus in prayer. You will need more time to develop healthy accountability and growth goals as a Prayer friendship team. The Key is to stand firm in the Lord together. He is your Shield and Sword.

Insights

During these last few weeks we have spent everal times of prayer and worship to wait on the Lord for His leading. Several words have come through in scripture during these times:

1. Surrender - to find His direction we first need to surrender our agenda to His. (Romans 12:1)

2. Seek - We are to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and then trust Him for our needs to be met. (Matt 6:33)

3. Thanksgiving - As we thank God we acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We express confident faith towards Him (Phil 4:6)

4. Wait and Worship - Several on board have experienced His presence in an unusual way as they have waited in prayer and worship. (Isaiah 40:31)

Insight from the Prayer of Nehemiah

God called Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to protect the place of worship from the corroding cultural influence of the day.

In the 21st century the walls of truth are in ruin in many communities. The church is called to rebuild the walls of strength and truth in the church.

It begins with prayer.

Principles of rebuilding from Nehemiah 1:5-11:

1. Revelation of who God is and of His purpose

"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, "

2. Reach out to the God who hears

" let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel."

3. Radical responsibility for personal and corporate failure

"I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses."

4. Rely on the word of God

"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'"

5. Restore the truth about God's people

"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. "

6. Rejoice in God and walk in His destiny for you

"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."

7, Realize that you are called to rebuild the wall of truth where you are today.

"I was cupbearer to the king.... and because the gracious hand of my God was on me."

Vision

The Logos Hope Project was born out of a vision to see everyone in a million touched with good news. It is born out of a vision to have a greater capacity for ministry. As the Logos Hope project has continued over the last three years, leaders in OM ships have been taking steps to shape the vision of the ministry. One of our main priorities has been to build leadership capacity. Since the end of last year a small leadership team has been working together with other leaders in OM ships to prepare for the future for the Logos Hope Vision.

There are three priorities that shape the design of the vessel, the way we are organized and how we will do ministry. We have built our leadership of the ministry around these priorities:

1. To share the good news
2. To sustain a healthy, vibrant community on board
3. To develop a network of partner relationships

These ministry priorities are supported by another three areas of leadership and management focus:

1. Operation of the vessel
2. Hotel and catering
3. Business management

Graham Jack from England leads what is known as the Logos Hope Public Ministries Division. This is at the heart of our vision. Everything we do is in the context of the good news. Our desire is that the good news will be shared clearly and that it will be seen in the way we live and in how we serve needs around the world. Recently I asked Graham a question. What is your concept and approach to ministry?

He replied, "In a sentence, pray hard, network with onshore leaders, listen hard, focus preparations and ministry around outcomes not output, seek to be relational, hospitable and intentional in all we do rather than hiding behind programme and performance – make sure God get’s the glory.”

In the next few months in Kiel we will be building an environment on the Logos Hope that will maximize our opportunity to provide quality experience of good news for every person who visits. Under Graham’s leadership we bring together the Book Fair, the visitor experience, the advance preparation for the ship visits to different ports, and teams that will bring help through practical aid, bring hope to those that visit the ship and others onshore, and bring knowledge through the Book Faire and various on board and on shore events.

Our second priority is the community on board. Good News is found in the hearts of people. As one of our leaders said earlier this year, "The message is written in our hearts." We have a vision to provide an environment on Logos Hope for a greater capacity to help people grow. As we invest in the community it will produce greater effectiveness in touching every one in a million with the gospel. When people walk on board the Doulos or Logos 2 today they often remark of the profound impact that the community has had in their lives.

Everyone who lives on board will be part of the Logos Hope community. We have organized our leadership here under a division called Personnel Ministries Division. HanTeck Goh, from Singapore is building a team that will be focused on leading the community towards greater health, personal growth and opportunities to be effective together in our witness to the gospel. Under his leadership we bring together personnel management, training, community events and life as well as member care and leadership development.

Our third priority is to work with a network of global partners. Another leader in ships said, "We cannot do it for the church we must do it with the church." Our vision is for partners around the world to take advantage of the Logos Hope environment as a place to participate in bringing good news to the nations.

We call this third division the Partner Ministries Division. Brian Esterhuizen from South Africa will give leadership to this on board division and help us provide hospitality to on-board guests, enable short-term vision team to come for two to three weeks of ministry with us, and partner with local volunteers. He will help us build a network of partners around the world with a goal to be fully funded, fully staffed and prayed for continuously.

The Logos Hope is about building our capacity for the good news, for community life and our capacity to work more effectively with our partners. We hold these goals as interdependent outcomes for greater capacity in touching everyone in a million.

Three other divisions provide a platform for these ministry priorities.

The vessel management is organized under what is known as the Marine Operations Division. This includes the deck and engine departments. Our Captain, Dirk Colenbrander gives leadership to this division. Today, he is working with a volunteer crew and the project team to prepare the Logos Hope to sail from Croatia. This includes the training of the crew and that we meet maritime regulations for sailing.

Gian Walser, from Switzerland gives leadership to the 5^th division which is called Hotel and catering (HOTCAT). This was formerly known as the stewards department. However because of the nature of the ministry priorities we recognize the need to give clear leadership to providing accommodation for the community and guests and at the same time ensure that our catering and cleaning services are able to meet the high demands of the ministry.

The sixth division is called Corporate Service Division and under the leadership of Steve Packwood, from England they are responsible to provide good business management in finance, travel, administration, management of spaces on board, IT an multimedia services.

The Logos Hope Leadership Team of seven has been working together of the last few months to develop outcomes for the Logos Hope ministry. We have been building leadership teams and management structure for these on board divisions.

When the Logos Hope arrives in Kiel and we move into the Outfit Phase, the Logos hope project will continue to be a central focus as we prepare the vessel for future ministry. The project becomes in a sense the seventh division during the outfit phase. Gian Walser coordinates and leads the management of outfit works on board under the leadership of Lloyd Nicholas.

We are preparing for the arrival of the Logos Hope in Kiel and for the transfer of the Logos 2 community to the Logos Hope. While we continue with the project work and have project workers from around the world join us, we hope to continue the witness that the Logos 2 team has begun alongside the churches of Kiel. We also hope to be able to welcome partners on board for tours of the vessel.

Our first responsibility is to operate the vessel safely, securely and in keeping with maritime regulations. Our second responsibility is to complete the out fit work and sail into ministry. Our first reason for the Logos Hope is share the Good News. Our second reason is to invest in people as they share the good news and the third is to partner with the church to build greater synergy for the good news.

Mike

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Community Living

PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING IN COMMUNITY AND SERVING TOGETHER

Revelation of righteousness

The gospel is a revelation of God’s righteousness. This righteousness is a gift to His people. We are called to be holy. Our life and service as a community must reflect this. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ”. (Titus 2:11-13) We have been given the capacity to choose righteousness by the grace of God.

Relationship of love

The gospel is a demonstration of the love of God. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Community life is defined by the love of the Father. Our behaviour is to be governed by love. Love is willing to sacrifice for the best interest of the other person even if they do not deserve it.

Responsibility as individuals in community

We are responsible to live out the principle of righteousness and relationship in a way that builds one another up, draws us closer to God and enables us to witness fruitfully. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15 -16)

Spiritual leadership identity and influence

The identity and influence of a Spiritual leader

1. Sonship - we belong to the Father, have significance in the Son, and capacity to serve in the power the Holy Spirit.
2. Servant -- if we start here we could soon burnt out in leadership. However if we begin with Sonship and we serve out of the resource that we find in our intimacy with God then our capacity to lead is enhanced.
3. Shepherd - we care for the well-being of God's people and seek to provide an environment for their growth and to lead them through the experiences of life in a way that they can participate in the purpose of God more fully.
4. Soldier -- leadership and management requires discipline. This will be evident in our relationships, our work and our witness.
5. Steward -- we need to be responsible for the resources that ultimately belong to God. Leadership and management involve good stewardship of these resources.
6. Significance -- as leaders and managers we treat everyone with respect and value them as being significant to God as members of his family and citizens of his kingdom.
7. See -- we need to learn to catch vision from God and to see what he is doing so that we can help people embrace his purpose. So prayer and the word are central to Spiritual leadership
8. Struggler – God has not finished with us yet. We are still a bunch of ragamuffins in need of daily grace to grow in maturity and effectiveness.
9. Sign of Grace – All true spiritual leadership flows out of the grace of God at work in our lives.
10. Sovereignty of God – we recognise that the work and the people belong to God. He is at the centre and His hand guides us towards His purpose.
11. Student – Spiritual leaders are life long learners who are able to interpret their experiences so that they add value to their vision for the future
12. Seasons – healthy leadership identity leads to good succession planning and a recognition of the seasons of life influence. This is not limited to his leadership position.
13. Sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit – without the leading of the Holy Spirit we tend to control and command instead of guiding and governing in a way that He gives the lead
14. Sense – Good management makes sense of the situation and finds practical ways forward
15. Synergy – Working with the team and harnesses the strengths together to accomplish shared purpose

We invite you to join us on this journey of faith

Friends,

Please let us know if you visit our blog. We are on a journey of faith. On the Logos Hope and Logos 2 we are studying through the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.

God gave Nehemiah a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. When he heard the report he responded in prayer and then gave leadership to the initiative. He faced opposition but kept focused on the task that God had given to him. Through His leadership the people were led to see that a spiritual rebuilding needed to be done in their lives as they built the wall around the city and around the temple that had been rebuilt in response to the prophetic encouragement by Haggai and Zechariah several years earlier.

Many of us have built our temples of worship to God but the walls of our lives are still in a ruin because of the influence the world around us and the attacks of Satan. It is time for us to rebuild those ruins so that our strength is found in our identity in Christ and the strongholds of the enemy are broken. The walls of God’s protection will surround us so that his purpose triumphs over deception and defeat. We learn about prayer, worship, repentance, discipline, leadership, conflict and struggles. We see God’s sovereign purpose for his chosen people unfold through the pages of this practical handbook for a missional community.

“Oh Lord God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants the people of Israel.” Nehemiah 1:5,6.

What if we really believed the work is God’s and that breakthroughs come from Him alone. Would this not radically impact our prayer life and move us to greater depth in worship, intercession, confession and steps of faith to rebuild the walls of protection around the people of God.

Connecting

Each week we have an informal forum to connect on issues to help shape and strengthen the Logos Hope vision. We have been focusing on Leadership and management.

Management is... what I do with task and process to accomplish a goal with people.

Leadership is... How I inspire, invest in and influence people towards a vision of a better future.

In our previous week’s discussion we talked about aspects of leadership and management that we would like to focus on. This week as a group, we identified three key areas to focus on for improvement:

1. Communication

2. Organization and administration

3. Mentoring

Today, we received news that our proposed manning for the Logos Hope has been accepted by the Faroes Marine Authority. This means that we have enough crew to sail the ship at the end of this month. This week surveys are taking place to enable us to obtain the necessary certificate for this first voyage.

The law is writtien on our hearts

“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbours, or a man his brother saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will al know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. “ Heb 8:10-11

The Law is written on our hearts – The Law expresses the Character of God. The law reveals our inability to enter into the righteousness of God by ourselves. The Law written on our hearts is Christ himself. He is with us and He is writing His character on our hearts. This is radical and ongoing transformation. We have a tendency to settle for a copy of the real and to do things ourselves. The real is Christ, grasped by faith. He is writing His law on our hearts – value based leadership not rule controlled. The value is not in the principle but in the Person. This is astounding grace! This is true for those of us who think we have something more than others and those who feel inferior. Amazing truth is that Christ is with us. The key to the future walk of faith is our relationship with Him.