Election after a Revival?

I was thinking the other day about if there was a revival in this country then how different the election manifestos would be.  There would be great benefits to society in general, the economy, here are just a few I could think of, I am sure there are many more, of course we would all still be sinners so it would not be a perfect country!

• No more Sunday opening - green benefits from reduced energy expenditure, economy savings
• Reduced policing requirements, due to reduction in crime
• Reduced income from alcohol and cigarette taxes 
• Overall tax revenue increase as people pay the taxes owed, and no longer swindle the tax system

There are many more political benefits, I'm sure you can think of some.  We must keep praying, with our God nothing is impossible.

Triath-long

We haven't had a triathlon update for a while, but things are continuing to progress.

Last weeks efforts were two runs and an 15km and 20km bike rides.  For the first time I did the full bike ride and then tried a short run immediately afterwards.  All I can say is that I definitely need more practice at combining disciplines!  My legs felt like very heavy bean bags hanging from my body when I first started but that wore off after a while and then the burning pain came into the calfs as they felt like they were going to cramp up.  An interesting experience but all symptoms soon wore off, especially when I stopped!!!

Caring for Life

Caring for Life is a charity I have had an interest in for many years.  Last night I went to the first meeting of a local supporters group.  We had a lovely time of fellowship and prayer.  We watched a DVD with information about the charity and testimonies from the people in their care.  It is so moving and humbling to hear people with great needs testifying to the goodness of God and passionate about living for Him.  

For anyone that doesn't know, CfL is a charity based on a farm in Leeds who run projects for supporting people with needs, including agriculture, arts, horticulture, music etc. etc. They also have two homes where they offer care to those with mental and emotional needs.  The unique aspect of this charity is that they offer 'Care for Life' differentiating them from many other charities.  The project aims to share the love of Jesus with all who come into contact with them and they have seen many conversions and had wonderful opportunities with high profile figures.  Due to their strong Christian principles there is often difficulty obtaining funding so they rely heavily on supporters.  They are looking for more supporters to give just £1 per week to help them continue and expand their work.   If you are interested see: www.caringforlife.co.uk.

Trip-ing

There has been a break in triathlon training due to a skiing holiday.  Had a fantastic time in Austria, snow was very good and scenery fantastic.

We has some good talks from Ecclesiastes, a real challenge about our priorities in life and building our lives on God and living in fear of Christ.  Made me realise that there is nothing wrong with those periods when we feel life is very monotonous because we are building our lives on Christ and that is what He has planned for us.  I was pleased how the speaker was able to tie in the Easter messages with the passages in Ecclesiastes on the appropriate days.  I so enjoyed looking at parts of Ecclesiastes I am continuing to study it in my quiet times this week.

On Easter Sunday we worshiped in an English speaking church with some very encouraging sermons.  'But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.' 1 Corinthians 15 v20.  Jesus is Christ is risen and lives today, He is the token, the surety of the rising again of His people - Hallelujah.  In the evening the service was bilingual, it was lovely to be united with Austrian believers and enjoy a wonderful time worshiping our God, a special service.  The sermon was about the two who Jesus spoke to on the road after His resurrection.  The preacher had 5 points about their hearts - Mistaken hearts, Humble hearts, Burning hearts, Pleading hearts and Satisfied Hearts.  How wonderful to have Jesus ministering to them in such a personal way for a long time, as the minister remarked, wouldn't it have been amazing to hear what He said as He expounded the Scriptures, but that was not for us to know.

I am very thankful for a good holiday and being kept free from injury and a time of spiritual refreshment.