Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied."  The word 'fill' or 'satisfy' is the same one used after the feeding of the 5,000.  There, they all ate, they all were filled, and there were 12 baskets left over.

When Jesus gives, he does so abundantly, leaving you completely sated.  Not just a little bit of righteousness, or half an in-filling, or a snippet of acceptance.  Rather, a completely ridiculous, overwhelmingly abundant display of acceptance, deposit of righteousness, and endowment of favour.

Living in this gift that satisfies completely changes everything. We no longer work for favour, but live out of it.  We don’t strive for acceptance, but seek to know more deeply the heart of this gracious Father who accepts us.  We don’t discipline our way into righteousness.  Instead, receiving his righteousness, we now delight in the reality that we’re included, we’re welcomed, we’re accepted.  This delight has us seeking the appropriate discipline for each of us, one that fuels our hungering and thirsting to know him deeper, more intimately.

Then we become people who show the world our delight instead of our displeasure.  We show them acceptance instead of judgement.  We display our satisfaction in the Father’s heart toward us, instead of a striving for the love that we could never believe is really ours.

Remember, when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you’re not champing at the bit after something that doesn’t exist or that you don’t yet have.  You’re already righteous in Jesus.

You’re hungering to see yourself as you truly already are.  You’re thirsting to drink deeply from the identity you’ve already been given.  Nothing satisfies like the security of knowing your identity as a daughter or a son; that you’re an insider and you belong; that he has placed you in Christ and that is where you’ll remain.

Pr Peter Steicke (who will be our guest preacher this Sunday.)

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:6, Psalm 63
(For background to the character skit, please read: 1 Samuel 24)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Our journey through Lent begins. A time for reflection. Please find the latest Growing Faith at Home resource attached to this email for you to try out with your family. If you would like to have a printed copy, please see me and it can be arranged! If you would like any more information about these resources, please see me.

Throughout Lent, we will be sharing some ‘Generations In Faith Together’ (GIFT) questions for you to try. These will be available on the tables in the café area and on a couple wall displays. I encourage you to be brave and ask someone. I wonder how they will respond! Here is one for you to consider…  ‘How have you seen or sensed God this week?’
God bless you all,
Georgie

From the Office

LCA eNews Ministry Support
Follow this link to view the latest http://lcaenews.online/200218

Facilities update
The Café dishwasher has been installed and commissioned for use.  Please read the instructions prior to use when using the machine. PLEASE do not use for Sunday service morning teas as a wash cycle takes over an hour. Continue to use the commercial dishwasher in the main kitchen.
If you find a discrepancy with the instructions please advise the Congregational Administrator on
churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Electrical upgrades have been progressing during the weeks since the end of November 2019. The Library has been electrically completed and data cable has been installed to most points throughout the buildings along with lighting controllers.  Most of the work is hidden behind walls and ceilings but the upgrade will take us well into the 22nd century.  Thanks to Lindsay Freund and the boys from AVID for their professional work.  You will notice lighting changes throughout the ablution areas as sensors have been installed. If you do not understand the lighting controls or new points please kindly request one of the staff to show you or a member who may already be familiar with the system.  To assist with preserving electrical costs please only turn on lighting to the areas you are going to be using.  Once finished in an area turn lighting off.

Office Closed Wednesday 4th March
Please note the church office will be closed on Wednesday 4th March while staff attend a personal development day.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ

to all who believe.”
Romans 3:22