Must You Contemplate? Make Your Choice - 26/05/10
By Daniel Thomson
Nearly a year ago I was sitting on cool, dew wet grass, staring ahead into the morning light. Before me, a paddock traveled down into a dam, disappearing too fast – just like the past few days. I spent that time thinking and reflecting on the week that was my first Mid Year Conference at the Merroo Conference Centre.
I was thankful for the new friendships I’d made and the current ones that had grown by sharing meals together in fellowship, sharing our lives and sharing the love of our great Lord and Saviour. I had also learnt so much about the Holy Spirit – the topic for last year’s MYC.
I had realised that the rumours I had heard about the mysterious event of MYC were by far correct − the week was intense, spending all hours of the day in God’s Word. From the evening sessions where everyone sang together and listened to our brother Phillip Jensen teach us from the Word, to the seminars where we met together with our campus to study from the Bible about the Holy Spirit, and then into smaller bible study groups where we looked at a passage from the book of Ezekiel.
Finally, as individuals, we reflected on what we had learnt and been convicted of about the Holy Spirit ... Ah yes, how much we had learnt, and how little I had actually known before.
I had waited until my second year before I first went to MYC, and I had begun to regret that decision to not go during my first year at Wollongong. At first I’d thought it would be a waste of my time, surely I had better things to do and besides I could do all this in my own time. How foolish of me to think that way! I ended up spending that week doing nothing of value with my time. And after experiencing MYC I realise now how much value I missed out on.
I now clearly understood who the Holy Spirit was and how he had been sent by the Son proceeding from the Father (John 15:26). I was challenged to rely on God’s Word alone for authority because all scripture is inspired by God’s Spirit.
I had gained knowledge and friendships. From this I was equipped and ready to serve in any way possible, such as at the mission week, which began at the start of the next semester. Yet not just for this important event, but also in every aspect of my life.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 NIV
Paul wrote this to the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ at Colossae, but oh, what a perfect opportunity MYC has for us to do this. We spend five days together looking at the teachings of Christ, letting it dwell ever so richly in us, through the teaching and admonishing of his words to each other and by singing songs that resound his name.
Brothers and sisters, I sincerely want to encourage you to come to MYC, to make your choice. God has given us this great opportunity, which equips us to serve Him and each other. Come for this week of intense study and reflection on the doctrine of the Cross of Christ as we work through the Bible together and hear great talks from Phillip Jensen.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
Daniel Thomson aka Donnie is in his third year of Electrical Engineering. He may not speak much, but hopes that when he does, it makes up for those missed words.
<< Perspective Of A Country Kid - 19/05/10 | Return to the Index | Don't Waste Your Break - 02/06/10 >>