Stir up!
by Malcolm Wood
Although from a staunch non-conformist background, I was once introduced, as a teenager, to a more liturgical form of worship. I was asked to play the organ at the local Anglican Church each Sunday for the Family Service (which came before the main eleven o'clock service).
One of the things I remember about those days is the first Sunday in Advent.
I recall that it was called 'Stir up' Sunday. I believe it was called that because the prayers for that day started with the words 'stir up our hearts we beseech Thee, O God.' Traditionally it's also the day when preparations for Christmas start in earnest with the stirring of the Christmas pudding!
Whether it's Advent or not there is something we always should stir up. Paul encourages Timothy to stir up the gifting, abilities, and resources that God had invested in him. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.(2 Timothy 1:6). Perhaps we sometimes miss out on much of what God has for us by waiting, instead of taking action and using what we have already been given.
God expects us to play our part, as He did with Moses when He told Moses to stop crying out to Him and get the people moving (Exodus 14:15)! As we continue to work out our Salvation in the day-to-day battles of life, may our prayer be that of Charles Wesley.
"Jesus, confirm my heart's desire
To work and speak and think for Thee;
Still let me guard the holy fire
And still stir up Thy gift in me." Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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