Spoke this morning in Church...
A message, and not just at Christmas time - “Fear not...I bring you good news of great Joy!”
Battle that rages between these two emotions – Joy and fear. On the one side, Joy/peace/happiness and on the other...fear/anxiety.
What is real joy? Does it really exist?
Life for most is a life of searching. It could be described as a nomadic experience (never settling), as someone who is going from place to place, from job to job, from experience to experience, from relationship to relationship fully knowing that this next place might not give them the permanent joy/satisfaction they seek.
I think one of the reasons we move around is that we are still looking for that “real joy”
Joy is that sense of abundance that comes welling up inside of us, that life and vitality, that sense that everything is in harmony and we are in the centre of it.
In ourselves, our own strength, we try and hold on to that sort of experience. We manufacture substitutes for joy. We will do whatever we can to simulate it in our life and I think that is a big part of what entertainment is in our culture.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Remember Your History in God – Paul must have heard that Timothy was in the battle, and maybe even a little discouraged about the way things were going. Paul knowing how to deal with discouragement in ministry gave some important advice for joy to be restored. He mentioned his Mum and Gran–and also what he had seen in Timothy’s life.
Paul reminds Timothy of those great spiritual times they had shared together. It is easy in the battle and storms to forget the wonderful times you have experienced in God. The devil will get you concentrating on the bad, so to restore joy, remember all the times God has come through for you, all the times you have had a touch from God.
Rekindle the Fire – Timothy, stir it up (the gift/the fire), the fire is trying to go out in you so, stir it up, get your flame back. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stop everything he is doing, and concentrate on the most important thing of all, His relationship with Jesus Christ and his walk in the Spirit.
Without the fire the engine will stall. Paul is reminding Timothy, it was God that got you where you are at, and it is God that will get you where you need to go. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.
Remember what God has put in you!
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Enemy of Joy…Fear
Fear is crippling. It immobilises us.
We live in a Society gripped by fear…Terrorism, environment, economy
There are hidden fears that motivate us too - Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe. Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
Where he wants us (devil)...in a state of fear, anxiety...depression. (Whatever joy we have gets extinguished)
He uses the "spirit of fear" to:
Make our lives miserable - Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
Make our lives ineffective
BUT remember...
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Guard your heart/mind against the ‘spirit of fear’, instead get God’s Spirit in you!
The Spirit of
Power
1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
3. Power to be Joyful - (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Power to endure trials - (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Spirit of Love
(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
Love for God
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear. My kids do not worry about having something to eat. For all these years we have provided for them. They trust in me. Now if I had not provided for them, they would be worried. But they know I love them and will provide for them, so they are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Love for Others
The more we love others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus. To teach others about Christ. To help others in need.
Spirit of a Sound Mind
Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God. Our mind is renewed! - (Romans 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we think Biblically - we have a "sound mind".
Conquering fear is not a matter of self-determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.
FEAR FACTOR - the number one strategy of Satan
1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
What “real Joy” looks like
John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What Christ Said...
On the last night before His crucifixion, Christ taught His disciples many vital principles. At one point, He said, “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
On the same occasion, Christ, knowing the disciples would be sorrowful at His death, added, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy...and your joy no man takes from you” (John 16:20, 22)
With Him (in Him) is the happiest place to be! David understood this: “In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
English Sport's 8 Deadly Sins
Humphrey Walters, who was part of Clive Woodward's backroom staff during their 2003 World Cup triumph, has been applying business principles to developing winning teams and leaders for the last 30 years.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Wide Eyed Wonder
Paul Benger spoke an excellent message this morning during a great time in church. It was all about being full of wide eyed wonder when it comes to the Kingdom of God just like the kind of attitude seen in children.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. Psalm 131:2 - But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. Psalm 131:2 - But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Ashes to Ashes
What a difference a year makes...
2005 
2006
You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
2005 2006You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
Friday, December 01, 2006
The Right Yoke
Speaking this Sunday on having the right kind of 'yoke' in our lives.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
That's Better!
It's nice to get up in the morning to better news! Hopefully another 250 tomorrow will put us into a strong position and put the Aussies under a bit of pressure.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Can History Repeat Itself?
Had a look back at this post which I wrote back in July 2005 just after the first Test of the last Ashes series.
Different lessons learnt this time - must do better with the ball for one thing!
A positive back then now looking a little shaky - bowling Australia out twice!
Pietersen still a plus for us though.
Like last year, McGrath a doubt through injury. So can history repeat itself and we bounce back in the 2nd test at Adelaide? We shall see...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Gabba
The Ashes down under - it all kicks off tonight…for us Poms anyway! I can’t believe it has been over 14 months since the final test match in last year’s series in England.
The big debate over here is whether or not to play Giles or Panesar in this first test at the Gabba. Jonathon Agnew, BBC correspondent, probably has a valid point…but is it not a little too negative?
In many ways, given the record of finger spinners on this ground, it is almost an irrelevance, and that is why I would choose Giles.
This is a pitch for the pacemen, and all the spinner will be required to do is bowl a few overs to give the quick boys a breather.
I know many will disagree with my decision, but I will also make the point that Panesar has not bowled very well on the trip so far, and he missed a great opportunity to state his case in favourable conditions in Adelaide over the weekend.
Can we really have a situation in which England are 230-6 with Flintoff 20 not out, and Matthew Hoggard walks out to bat with Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Panesar behind him?
A score of 230-6 would probably become 260 all out. Giles is not Don Bradman, but he is more than capable of hanging around in that situation, as he did on a couple of notable occasions last year.
The big debate over here is whether or not to play Giles or Panesar in this first test at the Gabba. Jonathon Agnew, BBC correspondent, probably has a valid point…but is it not a little too negative?
In many ways, given the record of finger spinners on this ground, it is almost an irrelevance, and that is why I would choose Giles.
This is a pitch for the pacemen, and all the spinner will be required to do is bowl a few overs to give the quick boys a breather.
I know many will disagree with my decision, but I will also make the point that Panesar has not bowled very well on the trip so far, and he missed a great opportunity to state his case in favourable conditions in Adelaide over the weekend.
Can we really have a situation in which England are 230-6 with Flintoff 20 not out, and Matthew Hoggard walks out to bat with Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Panesar behind him?
A score of 230-6 would probably become 260 all out. Giles is not Don Bradman, but he is more than capable of hanging around in that situation, as he did on a couple of notable occasions last year.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Pass the Salt II
Paul Benger continued our great series ‘Pass the Salt’ this morning in church. This second part was called ‘Love people’.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus taught that the law was not the salt and light but that you are!
The following incident shows us how to love people and it particularly looks at this through the eyes of the culture of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
The expert on the law comes and asks a question about the law! He had a hidden agenda, he comes to test Jesus to try and catch him out.
When the law said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, the Jew believed ‘your neighbour’ referred to someone like himself - another Jew, not a Gentile or a Samaritan.
So Jesus, as always, courted controversy by revealing what loving your neighbour really meant by sharing this well known parable of the Good Samaritan.
Passing by on the other side simply meant ignoring the stripped and beaten man.
Those listening to the Parable would have thought the third person to come along and help the man would have been an ordinary Jew, after the Priest and Levite had passed him by. But he was a Samaritan man. The Jews hated Samaritans.
Jesus was stirring up the emotions of the expert of the law – bringing out all of his prejudice and racism. He asked who had been a neighbour to this man. The expert said it was the one who had shown mercy. He couldn’t even bring himself to say it was the Samaritan!
Think about the people in your world...who will be a neighbour to those people?
4 important truths to share from the teachings of Jesus
We were created to love people
Racism and prejudice entered our world because of the fall. God is love. We are made in his image. It’s in you! God loves people...we love people.
1 John 4:8,16 – (8) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (16) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Love the one you’re with
Bear one another’s burdens. Your husband isn’t perfect, your wife isn’t perfect! Love them.
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
It can be a challenge to love people...we need to make a commitment to bring heaven into our world.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 – (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Love always involves giving
Don’t rob people of what God wants to give them. Give to those in need. There are those who need something from you – time, food, clothing, money, prayers, encouragement.
What kind of neighbour can you be? Let us bring light and life to those around us. Make a big difference in this world.
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus taught that the law was not the salt and light but that you are!
The following incident shows us how to love people and it particularly looks at this through the eyes of the culture of the day.
Luke 10:25-37
The expert on the law comes and asks a question about the law! He had a hidden agenda, he comes to test Jesus to try and catch him out.
When the law said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’, the Jew believed ‘your neighbour’ referred to someone like himself - another Jew, not a Gentile or a Samaritan.
So Jesus, as always, courted controversy by revealing what loving your neighbour really meant by sharing this well known parable of the Good Samaritan.
Passing by on the other side simply meant ignoring the stripped and beaten man.
Those listening to the Parable would have thought the third person to come along and help the man would have been an ordinary Jew, after the Priest and Levite had passed him by. But he was a Samaritan man. The Jews hated Samaritans.
Jesus was stirring up the emotions of the expert of the law – bringing out all of his prejudice and racism. He asked who had been a neighbour to this man. The expert said it was the one who had shown mercy. He couldn’t even bring himself to say it was the Samaritan!
Think about the people in your world...who will be a neighbour to those people?
4 important truths to share from the teachings of Jesus
We were created to love people
Racism and prejudice entered our world because of the fall. God is love. We are made in his image. It’s in you! God loves people...we love people.
1 John 4:8,16 – (8) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (16) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Love the one you’re with
Bear one another’s burdens. Your husband isn’t perfect, your wife isn’t perfect! Love them.
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
It can be a challenge to love people...we need to make a commitment to bring heaven into our world.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 – (13) Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (14) And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (15) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Love always involves giving
Don’t rob people of what God wants to give them. Give to those in need. There are those who need something from you – time, food, clothing, money, prayers, encouragement.
What kind of neighbour can you be? Let us bring light and life to those around us. Make a big difference in this world.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Pass the Salt I
Paul Benger began a two-part series this morning in church entitled ‘Pass the Salt’. The first part was called ‘God’s people’. A great message.
Matthew 5:13-16
Apparently there are 14,000 uses for salt!
The religious leaders thought ‘the law’ was the salt and light of the world. Jesus came and turned that concept on its head!
Four elements of Jesus’ teaching...
Your are the people of God
You are the salt of the earth, not the law. It’s not about rules and regulations.
Your get to bring Heaven to Earth
As the people of God, this was the thrust of Jesus’ teaching - you get to bring Heaven NOW!
Matthew 6:9-10 - (9) This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
You are called to this life
...of being the people of God and bringing Heaven to earth.
Your life tells the story
Your life tells the message of Jesus, the message that’s good news.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Let your life tell a good story – of God’s grace and mercy.
We receive what we give away...give away heaven and you will receive heaven.
Five things that salt does, that we should do in bringing Heaven to earth.
Salt adds flavour
It makes things taste better. We can make life taste better. Be the kind of person that people like to be around.
Salt preserves
It keeps things fresh and clean. We hold back and prevent decay. As the church engage in the environmental debate. Our purpose here is to prevent decay.
If we take the church out of the world what would happen? Evil would consume the world completely. We preserve life, while ever we are here people can find a way to God through Christ. We are preservative people.
Salt melts coldness
We need to show authentic Christianity to our world. People need to meet you, your warmth, kindness and compassion.
Salt heals
When we are around people we can bring healing and hope to people’s lives. Connecting with the people of God will bring hope and healing. Making the difference.
Salt creates thirst
People want significance and value. It’s not about money and fame.
People are thirsty, we can create thirst – salt of the earth. We can give it away – God’s love.
Be who you are...the people of God. You are salty...you can’t lose that saltiness.
You can make life taste better for those around you. You can make the difference.
Matthew 5:13-16
Apparently there are 14,000 uses for salt!
The religious leaders thought ‘the law’ was the salt and light of the world. Jesus came and turned that concept on its head!
Four elements of Jesus’ teaching...
Your are the people of God
You are the salt of the earth, not the law. It’s not about rules and regulations.
Your get to bring Heaven to Earth
As the people of God, this was the thrust of Jesus’ teaching - you get to bring Heaven NOW!
Matthew 6:9-10 - (9) This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
You are called to this life
...of being the people of God and bringing Heaven to earth.
Your life tells the story
Your life tells the message of Jesus, the message that’s good news.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Let your life tell a good story – of God’s grace and mercy.
We receive what we give away...give away heaven and you will receive heaven.
Five things that salt does, that we should do in bringing Heaven to earth.
Salt adds flavour
It makes things taste better. We can make life taste better. Be the kind of person that people like to be around.
Salt preserves
It keeps things fresh and clean. We hold back and prevent decay. As the church engage in the environmental debate. Our purpose here is to prevent decay.
If we take the church out of the world what would happen? Evil would consume the world completely. We preserve life, while ever we are here people can find a way to God through Christ. We are preservative people.
Salt melts coldness
We need to show authentic Christianity to our world. People need to meet you, your warmth, kindness and compassion.
Salt heals
When we are around people we can bring healing and hope to people’s lives. Connecting with the people of God will bring hope and healing. Making the difference.
Salt creates thirst
People want significance and value. It’s not about money and fame.
People are thirsty, we can create thirst – salt of the earth. We can give it away – God’s love.
Be who you are...the people of God. You are salty...you can’t lose that saltiness.
You can make life taste better for those around you. You can make the difference.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Who Are You?
Great time in church this morning. Jeannie Benger spoke on the importance of knowing who we are.
Different things in your life define who you are. Knowing who you are has great value to you and to those around you. Vision is hindered if we don’t know who we are.
In society image is everything. Certain things make us more acceptable. What is important is how God is to us. We live to an audience of ONE.
Proverbs 3:6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
The things that ‘make’ us...
Be clothed in Christ
Where Him well. We show Christ to those around us.
Galatians 3:26-27 – (26) For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (27) And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
The way we wear God effects those around us and helps them to shape their future.
Be confident in who you are
Knowing God, having a relationship with Him gives us great confidence.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 – (4) We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. (5) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Have a Godly confidence in all areas of life. Don’t compare yourselves with others. Have bold confidence in who you are...a child of God.
1 John 3:21-22 – (21) Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. (22) And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Be accepted
Very often people don’t feel accepted. You are accepted by God. Even before he created anything, God loved you!
Ephesians 1:4-8 – (4) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (5) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (6) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
The cross should always remind us we are accepted.
Know that you are chosen
You are special and you are loved. He takes our lives and turns them into an original masterpiece.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Different things in your life define who you are. Knowing who you are has great value to you and to those around you. Vision is hindered if we don’t know who we are.
In society image is everything. Certain things make us more acceptable. What is important is how God is to us. We live to an audience of ONE.
Proverbs 3:6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
The things that ‘make’ us...
Be clothed in Christ
Where Him well. We show Christ to those around us.
Galatians 3:26-27 – (26) For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (27) And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
The way we wear God effects those around us and helps them to shape their future.
Be confident in who you are
Knowing God, having a relationship with Him gives us great confidence.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 – (4) We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. (5) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
Have a Godly confidence in all areas of life. Don’t compare yourselves with others. Have bold confidence in who you are...a child of God.
1 John 3:21-22 – (21) Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. (22) And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Be accepted
Very often people don’t feel accepted. You are accepted by God. Even before he created anything, God loved you!
Ephesians 1:4-8 – (4) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (5) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (6) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
The cross should always remind us we are accepted.
Know that you are chosen
You are special and you are loved. He takes our lives and turns them into an original masterpiece.
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Get a Grip IV
A great finish to our Series on self-control in church this morning. Paul Benger spoke on the subject of ‘refuelling’.
Living life without the Holy Spirit within us could be likened to trying to drive a car without an engine or without any fuel in the tank.
Growth and change is about submitting your life to God. We’re meant to change, not to get comfortable. We need to be constantly refuelled. Submitted to the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5; 3:8 – Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
You cannot become a Christian without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power and strength we need for life. As individuals and collectively as the church.
Acts 10:38 - God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Jesus did his work in the power of the Holy Spirit. As New Testament Christians we too can live a life full of the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. To have control of our lives we need to be refuelled!
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? The church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. A community where God puts the life of His Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are carriers of God’s Spirit into the world.
4 keys to living by the Holy Spirit...
Choose to live according to the life of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Honouring, lifting, blessing others. Not living for self, mean spirited. Be students of what is good and godly in life.
Crucify the flesh
Galatians 5:24 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Realise there are some places we are not meant to go, things we are not meant to do. Get the right kind of walls or protection in your life.
Know what the life of the Holy Spirit looks like
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Have the fruits of the spirit in your life.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 – Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Be refuelled. To help you, give you strength, to do you good!
Living life without the Holy Spirit within us could be likened to trying to drive a car without an engine or without any fuel in the tank.
Growth and change is about submitting your life to God. We’re meant to change, not to get comfortable. We need to be constantly refuelled. Submitted to the work of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5; 3:8 – Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
You cannot become a Christian without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power and strength we need for life. As individuals and collectively as the church.
Acts 10:38 - God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Jesus did his work in the power of the Holy Spirit. As New Testament Christians we too can live a life full of the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. To have control of our lives we need to be refuelled!
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? The church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. A community where God puts the life of His Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are carriers of God’s Spirit into the world.
4 keys to living by the Holy Spirit...
Choose to live according to the life of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Honouring, lifting, blessing others. Not living for self, mean spirited. Be students of what is good and godly in life.
Crucify the flesh
Galatians 5:24 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Realise there are some places we are not meant to go, things we are not meant to do. Get the right kind of walls or protection in your life.
Know what the life of the Holy Spirit looks like
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Have the fruits of the spirit in your life.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 – Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Be refuelled. To help you, give you strength, to do you good!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Addition to the Family
Here is our new addition to the Lloyd family.
Her name is Libby and she is 8 weeks old.
With a family consisting of mainly boys we felt it important (or at least Jane and Amy did) that we went for a girl.
Had it been a boy we would have named him Hurley. Can you guess what we love to watch on TV?
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Get a Grip III
I took the third session in our Series on self-control this morning. It was all about building walls, having the right boundaries or weapons of protection in our life.
Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control
Only the ‘truly free’ will live within boundaries because they know that those boundaries maintain the freedom they enjoy. Putting the right boundaries in place can ensure that what flows into your world is full of life and not death.
What looks like self-control is actually the result of letting someone else take control. Self-control, biblically speaking, means walking by the Spirit, under the Lordship of Christ. God is saying, ‘take control of you life by letting me be Lord of it!’ Follow me...my word, my teaching. Build your life on me.
In order to understand the fruit of the Spirit of self-control it’s helpful to describe what the absence of self-control looks like.
Proverbs 25:28 explains it clearly of the individual living out of control, ‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control’
The person who lacks self-restraint is like a city that has no effective defence. They are not able to resist those things that can destroy their lives and the lives of others.
1 Samuel 13:16-22
It’s all about people living life without the weapons to protect themselves. When we live life without having the right boundaries/weapons to protect ourselves this is like living a life where certain things are allowed to have a foothold in our life.
Look out for the ‘raiding parties’! All of us are subject to some extent to certain kinds of raiding parties - if we don’t have the appropriate weapons and defences when they come we might find ourselves in difficult situations, where instead of bringing life they come to rob and steal us of life. These raiding parties come into our life in order to try to move us to the wrong place.
We need to know how to deal with the raiding parties
We need to have our own blacksmiths – know how to build weapons. So that in conflict we are prepared.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Start to protect yourself from the Raiding Parties. Here it says, “put on” the full armour of God! There’s action involved…something we have to do. Doesn’t just happen because we are Christians.
The Belt of Truth
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Sandals of Peace
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Go where your salvation leads you. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go...but where we should go.
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The Shield of Faith
The Devil assaults us with fiery attacks.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
The Helmet of salvation
Thus the mind becomes one of the most vital areas to protect.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The mind is the source for every action and every attitude that is part of our lives.
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offence and defence.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy, of any raiding party.
And the last verse encourages us to...
Pray in the Spirit
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control
Only the ‘truly free’ will live within boundaries because they know that those boundaries maintain the freedom they enjoy. Putting the right boundaries in place can ensure that what flows into your world is full of life and not death.
What looks like self-control is actually the result of letting someone else take control. Self-control, biblically speaking, means walking by the Spirit, under the Lordship of Christ. God is saying, ‘take control of you life by letting me be Lord of it!’ Follow me...my word, my teaching. Build your life on me.
In order to understand the fruit of the Spirit of self-control it’s helpful to describe what the absence of self-control looks like.
Proverbs 25:28 explains it clearly of the individual living out of control, ‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control’
The person who lacks self-restraint is like a city that has no effective defence. They are not able to resist those things that can destroy their lives and the lives of others.
1 Samuel 13:16-22
It’s all about people living life without the weapons to protect themselves. When we live life without having the right boundaries/weapons to protect ourselves this is like living a life where certain things are allowed to have a foothold in our life.
Look out for the ‘raiding parties’! All of us are subject to some extent to certain kinds of raiding parties - if we don’t have the appropriate weapons and defences when they come we might find ourselves in difficult situations, where instead of bringing life they come to rob and steal us of life. These raiding parties come into our life in order to try to move us to the wrong place.
We need to know how to deal with the raiding parties
We need to have our own blacksmiths – know how to build weapons. So that in conflict we are prepared.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Start to protect yourself from the Raiding Parties. Here it says, “put on” the full armour of God! There’s action involved…something we have to do. Doesn’t just happen because we are Christians.
The Belt of Truth
The truth that Paul is talking about is not from the opinions of our mind or what others might think. The truth that matters more than anything else is truth that comes from God.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness is the standing that we are given when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God the Father. It is Jesus that gives us a right relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Sandals of Peace
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Go where your salvation leads you. They won’t lead you to places where we’re not to meant go...but where we should go.
The peace that we have in Christ gives us a firm standing in any situation that life can throw at us.
The Shield of Faith
The Devil assaults us with fiery attacks.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
The sign of the Christian soldier is that we are to place our complete trust in God. It is our faith that becomes our shield from the fiery attacks of the Devil.
The Helmet of salvation
Thus the mind becomes one of the most vital areas to protect.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The mind is the source for every action and every attitude that is part of our lives.
The Sword of the Spirit
Purpose of the sword - The sword was used for both offence and defence.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Our sword is the word of God. The scriptures give us the ability to fight back against the schemes and the plans of the enemy, of any raiding party.
And the last verse encourages us to...
Pray in the Spirit
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Get a Grip II
Paul continued our series this morning on the subject of self-control. This week was all about ‘taking charge’ of our lives.
Galatians 5:16-23
Human nature easily gets out of control. Self-control is knowing when to stop. It is having the strength to reign ones self in, to set a course of action in your life and to stick to it. It is also the ability to make a mistake realise it’s a mistake and not do it again.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
We sometimes don’t feel we’ve got the strength to take control, but God helps us…He is our strength.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
We’re not just running for a temporary prize we’re running for an eternal reward. Get the strength needed to run well.
To take charge, to take control we need to…
Be Strong
Proverbs 24:5 - The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Being strong is not just about the physical, our will, it’s about increasing our wisdom and gaining knowledge. This strengthens our core...the inner person.
Be Kingdom Minded
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
The Kingdom of God is not a geographical place – it’s an a attitude, a spiritual place. Where we do the right thing (righteousness). What is the Kingdom thing to do? Where we stay calm not fretful (peace). Where we never underestimate the enemies attempt to stop us being happy (joy) – living with gratitude in our lives.
Be Prayerful
Talk to God, include him in every area of your life. Pray for all things...he loves to answer us.
John 16:4 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete
John 4:2 – You do not have, because you do not ask God
Be Faithful
Being full of faith and being consistent. God sees our faithfulness and he blesses and honours those who are faithful.
Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man will be richly blessed
Faithfully being in God’s house – God blesses those who gather faithfully.
Be Courageous
James 2:20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Being courageous is all about us taking ACTION. And taking control is sometimes going to need COURAGE. To pull back from bad habits is going to take courage.
Galatians 5:16-23
Human nature easily gets out of control. Self-control is knowing when to stop. It is having the strength to reign ones self in, to set a course of action in your life and to stick to it. It is also the ability to make a mistake realise it’s a mistake and not do it again.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
We sometimes don’t feel we’ve got the strength to take control, but God helps us…He is our strength.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
We’re not just running for a temporary prize we’re running for an eternal reward. Get the strength needed to run well.
To take charge, to take control we need to…
Be Strong
Proverbs 24:5 - The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Being strong is not just about the physical, our will, it’s about increasing our wisdom and gaining knowledge. This strengthens our core...the inner person.
Be Kingdom Minded
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
The Kingdom of God is not a geographical place – it’s an a attitude, a spiritual place. Where we do the right thing (righteousness). What is the Kingdom thing to do? Where we stay calm not fretful (peace). Where we never underestimate the enemies attempt to stop us being happy (joy) – living with gratitude in our lives.
Be Prayerful
Talk to God, include him in every area of your life. Pray for all things...he loves to answer us.
John 16:4 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete
John 4:2 – You do not have, because you do not ask God
Be Faithful
Being full of faith and being consistent. God sees our faithfulness and he blesses and honours those who are faithful.
Proverbs 28:20 – A faithful man will be richly blessed
Faithfully being in God’s house – God blesses those who gather faithfully.
Be Courageous
James 2:20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Being courageous is all about us taking ACTION. And taking control is sometimes going to need COURAGE. To pull back from bad habits is going to take courage.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Get a Grip I
We started our new series in church this morning entitled ‘Get a Grip’ on the subject of having self-control in our lives.
Galatians 5:16-23
Paul Benger kicked off with the first part, which was called ‘Bite the Bullet’ – we need to take charge of our lives, make the right choices. We cannot live our lives on auto-pilot, making excuses for our lack of self-control by saying...’I can’t help it, it’s just the way I am’
Many people live their lives out of control, with addictions etc. God’s intention for your life and my life is that we take charge of our actions – that some offence doesn’t cause us to lose control.
Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life - the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals”
You’re meant to rule over life, submitted to God. Your life should not be ruled by your emotions, or opinions or circumstances...but by YOU! Rule in your world the one that God has given you.
Let God’s Kingdom come into your world. His Kingdom has no geographical boundary but an attitude boundary. Your world is your home, your finances etc.
We want our church to be a life-giving church...and we chose to be like that. Not allowing bad/negative attitudes to reign.
The great news today is that the Gospel has restored our position of authority again. Even before the fall God gave man ‘choice’. Adam lost it! He lost our position of authority – Jesus restored it!
Bite the bullet – take control of your life, of your choices.
We need the Holy Spirit in our lives, we cannot do it all on our own. We work in partnership with God – submitted to Him.
We rule our world knowing that God is leading us
We rule our world knowing God’s wisdom
We rule our world knowing God’s purpose
We rule our world knowing the power of the Holy Spirit
The World want’s to make our choices for us…to choose our lifestyle – But we’re in charge.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Our wellspring is the borders and parameters of our lives. Establish God’s boundaries through praying in the Spirit, by being thankful daily. The Holy Spirit’s power is available to everyone – the promise is for all.
Let us bite the bullet in our lives and take control.
Galatians 5:16-23
Paul Benger kicked off with the first part, which was called ‘Bite the Bullet’ – we need to take charge of our lives, make the right choices. We cannot live our lives on auto-pilot, making excuses for our lack of self-control by saying...’I can’t help it, it’s just the way I am’
Many people live their lives out of control, with addictions etc. God’s intention for your life and my life is that we take charge of our actions – that some offence doesn’t cause us to lose control.
Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life - the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals”
You’re meant to rule over life, submitted to God. Your life should not be ruled by your emotions, or opinions or circumstances...but by YOU! Rule in your world the one that God has given you.
Let God’s Kingdom come into your world. His Kingdom has no geographical boundary but an attitude boundary. Your world is your home, your finances etc.
We want our church to be a life-giving church...and we chose to be like that. Not allowing bad/negative attitudes to reign.
The great news today is that the Gospel has restored our position of authority again. Even before the fall God gave man ‘choice’. Adam lost it! He lost our position of authority – Jesus restored it!
Bite the bullet – take control of your life, of your choices.
We need the Holy Spirit in our lives, we cannot do it all on our own. We work in partnership with God – submitted to Him.
We rule our world knowing that God is leading us
We rule our world knowing God’s wisdom
We rule our world knowing God’s purpose
We rule our world knowing the power of the Holy Spirit
The World want’s to make our choices for us…to choose our lifestyle – But we’re in charge.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Our wellspring is the borders and parameters of our lives. Establish God’s boundaries through praying in the Spirit, by being thankful daily. The Holy Spirit’s power is available to everyone – the promise is for all.
Let us bite the bullet in our lives and take control.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Living with Hope
Simon Wood spoke in church this morning on the importance of living with hope.
He shared how he had recently visited IKEA and that he quickly lost hope when trying to find something even though his wife remained hopeful – how true this is!
Hope enables us to put the highs and lows of life into perspective - rather than living in despair. Hope gives us the stamina and purpose for life.
As a church we need hope. A hopeful church has a hopeful message and the world needs to hear it. We have a great message to share.
Isaiah 40:30-31 – (30) Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; (31) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God has made us to be resistant, but without hope we give in quite easily. Hope is the building block of life...the anchor for our lives.
Hebrews 6:19-20 – (19) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, (20) where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is our Hope, our anchor, guiding us - pulling us through the veil.
There is always a battle raging between hope and despair. How do we win the battle? We need to recognise the areas that give us hope and guard our hearts against the negative influences that only encourages despair.
Proverbs 13:12 - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life
Avoid the negative. Don’t go to a negative person if you are facing a particular problem. Look out for the “smell of despair”…look for the opposite, the “scent of hope” – the aroma of faith. Be with people of hope those who raise your faith level.
Spend time meditating on God’s word...this gives us hope.
Psalm 119:147-148 – I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
Trust in God - trust that his ways are best. God will always honour his word. Be patient and wait on God. (eg Abraham) Hebrews 6:15 – And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised
Let us be a church of hope, ready to give life to those around us – giving hope to our world.
He shared how he had recently visited IKEA and that he quickly lost hope when trying to find something even though his wife remained hopeful – how true this is!
Hope enables us to put the highs and lows of life into perspective - rather than living in despair. Hope gives us the stamina and purpose for life.
As a church we need hope. A hopeful church has a hopeful message and the world needs to hear it. We have a great message to share.
Isaiah 40:30-31 – (30) Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; (31) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God has made us to be resistant, but without hope we give in quite easily. Hope is the building block of life...the anchor for our lives.
Hebrews 6:19-20 – (19) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, (20) where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is our Hope, our anchor, guiding us - pulling us through the veil.
There is always a battle raging between hope and despair. How do we win the battle? We need to recognise the areas that give us hope and guard our hearts against the negative influences that only encourages despair.
Proverbs 13:12 - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life
Avoid the negative. Don’t go to a negative person if you are facing a particular problem. Look out for the “smell of despair”…look for the opposite, the “scent of hope” – the aroma of faith. Be with people of hope those who raise your faith level.
Spend time meditating on God’s word...this gives us hope.
Psalm 119:147-148 – I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
Trust in God - trust that his ways are best. God will always honour his word. Be patient and wait on God. (eg Abraham) Hebrews 6:15 – And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised
Let us be a church of hope, ready to give life to those around us – giving hope to our world.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Ashes 2006-07
With just a couple of months to the opening Test, I know it probably seems a little early to be talking about the forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia but I’m sure the Aussies can’t wait to get their chance to put things right following last years demise.
Cricketing authorities in Australia have announced a new zero-tolerance policy towards racism in the stands. They have threatened offenders with lifetime bans from their grounds...but ‘pom bashing’ is ok(???)
Also in a nice little dig PCA chairman Martyn Ball, at the recent Professional Cricketers Association end of season gala, gave thanks for the meal with no reference to the Book of Common Prayer...
God bless the wine and food we eat
To retain the Ashes would be an amazing feat
England’s passion is second to none
So watch out Warnie here we come
Come on England!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Three in a Row
What a great victory! Not as tense as I'd anticipated but quite a comfortable win in the end. This also means for the first time ever three successive wins. Great stuff!
Not sure about those jackets by the way!
Praying for Keeps
Paul Benger spoke in church yesterday on the powerful topic of prayer.
Prayer is an integral part of our lives and the life of our church. Why do we pray?
God wants us to be a friend, to include him in every part of our world everyday. We pray to know his will for our lives, believing that he will guide us. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done...’
We pray to make a difference.
We pray to change our attitude.
We pray because there is stuff to pray about!
As a church and as individuals we can have an incredible prayer life. It’s about talking to God - dialogue not monologue. We need to include God in building our lives.
7 steps to successful prayer (it’s not a science but an attitude!)
Desire – realising what we want God to do in our lives. Jesus asked ‘what do you want me to do?’ He was trying to find out what was at the heart of us.
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. God plants his desires within us.
Decide – James 1:6-8 - But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (7) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Make your minds up. Turn desire into decision. Sometimes we can fear decision making, because one decision can close all other paths (eg marriage) We sometimes don’t make decisions because we want God to guide us all of the time, when often he wants us to make that decision. We remain motionless – God wants us to get moving!
Ask – A simple thing to do. John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Asking is so important - but we often avoid it! Keep on asking...don’t give up.
Receive – Faith is a time rebel. Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Faith lives today in the good of tomorrow. Our circumstances seem like nothing has changed. Faith see things differently. Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Speak – We often have trouble talking about things. Our words are powerful. We frame our world by the words of our mouth. Our faith should match our prayers and our speaking should match our faith. Mark 11:23 - I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
See – Something happens when we pray. We begin to see! As a church when we pray we see things expanding, growth taking place. We see the kind of things we will need. We begin to see things not yet seen! (Hebrews 11:1)
Act – James 2:20 - You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? When we pray the result is ‘action’ that moves us towards our goal.
Prayer is an integral part of our lives and the life of our church. Why do we pray?
God wants us to be a friend, to include him in every part of our world everyday. We pray to know his will for our lives, believing that he will guide us. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done...’
We pray to make a difference.
We pray to change our attitude.
We pray because there is stuff to pray about!
As a church and as individuals we can have an incredible prayer life. It’s about talking to God - dialogue not monologue. We need to include God in building our lives.
7 steps to successful prayer (it’s not a science but an attitude!)
Desire – realising what we want God to do in our lives. Jesus asked ‘what do you want me to do?’ He was trying to find out what was at the heart of us.
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. God plants his desires within us.
Decide – James 1:6-8 - But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (7) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Make your minds up. Turn desire into decision. Sometimes we can fear decision making, because one decision can close all other paths (eg marriage) We sometimes don’t make decisions because we want God to guide us all of the time, when often he wants us to make that decision. We remain motionless – God wants us to get moving!
Ask – A simple thing to do. John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Asking is so important - but we often avoid it! Keep on asking...don’t give up.
Receive – Faith is a time rebel. Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Faith lives today in the good of tomorrow. Our circumstances seem like nothing has changed. Faith see things differently. Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Speak – We often have trouble talking about things. Our words are powerful. We frame our world by the words of our mouth. Our faith should match our prayers and our speaking should match our faith. Mark 11:23 - I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
See – Something happens when we pray. We begin to see! As a church when we pray we see things expanding, growth taking place. We see the kind of things we will need. We begin to see things not yet seen! (Hebrews 11:1)
Act – James 2:20 - You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? When we pray the result is ‘action’ that moves us towards our goal.
Friday, September 22, 2006
The Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup kicks off this morning from the K Club in Ireland.
This for me is one of the most nail biting sporting events in the calendar. We will be watching it with eager anticipation this weekend especially the final ‘singles’ day on Sunday, which is always a real rollercoaster.
Europe have dominated in recent years...let's hope that trend continues!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Connecting
Great time in church this morning. Paul Benger brought an encouraging message concerning the new season for our Connect Groups in church and spoke on the purposes of connecting.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Connect groups are all about...
Connecting people to God
Connecting people to people
Connecting people to church
There is much disconnection in our world. Nation against nation. Breakdown in relationships, marriages etc.
The need to connect is essential in our world. We were created for interaction.
Concerning the ‘valley’ in Ezekiel 37, disconnection causes dryness. Sometimes we go through the valley experience – during these times we need to stay connected.
God’s mandate for us is to be connected. He is bringing us together again at this time. The bones are coming together, becoming strong again. God is shaping us into an army.
Genesis 2:18 – And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Hebrews 10:25 – And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
John 17:20-21 – (20) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Three Purposes of Connection
FELLOWSHIP
It’s about sharing life together. Fellowship is something that is happening all of the time. Fellowship happens around Christ. Fellowship is also with one another. We become one, we become connected.
Romans 15:7 – So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified
Ephesians 4:2-3 - (2) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (3) Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 - So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
Choose your words wisely!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Inject courage, don’t suck it out of people i.e. discourage.
FRUITFULNESS
The power of synergy, of coming together - this results in fruitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important that we are ‘assembled’ and not just gathered. The bones in Ezekiel 37 were first gathered but it was when they were assembled that they became fruitful and an army again! This is our destiny as we do life together.
FAITH
The overriding attitude and spirit within our Connect groups should be one of faith and hope. Not to have a false environment, something that is unreal. But a genuine place of recognising the needs of people, where comfort and strength comes in the form of faith and belief.
Our Connect groups will have that culture of faith and hope. A place where faith is injected into people.
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Connect groups are all about...
Connecting people to God
Connecting people to people
Connecting people to church
There is much disconnection in our world. Nation against nation. Breakdown in relationships, marriages etc.
The need to connect is essential in our world. We were created for interaction.
Concerning the ‘valley’ in Ezekiel 37, disconnection causes dryness. Sometimes we go through the valley experience – during these times we need to stay connected.
God’s mandate for us is to be connected. He is bringing us together again at this time. The bones are coming together, becoming strong again. God is shaping us into an army.
Genesis 2:18 – And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Hebrews 10:25 – And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
John 17:20-21 – (20) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Three Purposes of Connection
FELLOWSHIP
It’s about sharing life together. Fellowship is something that is happening all of the time. Fellowship happens around Christ. Fellowship is also with one another. We become one, we become connected.
Romans 15:7 – So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified
Ephesians 4:2-3 - (2) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (3) Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 - So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
Choose your words wisely!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Inject courage, don’t suck it out of people i.e. discourage.
FRUITFULNESS
The power of synergy, of coming together - this results in fruitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is important that we are ‘assembled’ and not just gathered. The bones in Ezekiel 37 were first gathered but it was when they were assembled that they became fruitful and an army again! This is our destiny as we do life together.
FAITH
The overriding attitude and spirit within our Connect groups should be one of faith and hope. Not to have a false environment, something that is unreal. But a genuine place of recognising the needs of people, where comfort and strength comes in the form of faith and belief.
Our Connect groups will have that culture of faith and hope. A place where faith is injected into people.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Thankful and Praiseful
Spoke yesterday in church about two things to be ‘full’ of – THANKFUL and PRAISEFUL, the keys to a healthy life.
Psalm 100
Be Thankful
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Complaining seems to come naturally to almost everybody, in fact this can be the strongest addiction to break. Therefore God’s command to be thankful could appear to be unreasonably tough. However, if we read the verse as:
“It is God’s will that you be in Christ; therefore you can be thankful that He will work it out for good”, than it is no longer unreasonable and we can be released from trying to thank God for the difficult things that life can bring.
We don’t have to be thankful for the awful things that happen, BUT we can be constantly thankful that our lives are ‘in Christ’.
You can be imprisoned by your own murmuring, but Paul and Silas were broken out of their prison cell by their thankfulness (Acts 16)
How Can I be Thankful?
Make up your mind to live your best life today
Refuse to walk through life dragging the weight of yesterday. Don’t live in a future fantasy,“One day when…”
Psalm 16:5-6 – (5) LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (6) The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Love the ones you’re with
Friends are those who have journeyed with you. Love and honor those who are where God has put you. Disattisfied, grumpy, unthankful people often lose sight of the importance of good/loyal friendships.
Let the grace of gratitude be always on your lips
Be Praiseful
‘If I didn’t praise I would feel like I had a fire shut within me!’ (AW Tozer)
Praise is Powerful
Acts 16:23-26
Paul and Silas knew the secret of how to lift their hearts above their troubles and enter into God’s presence and power.
God loves your praise of him; so much so, that He says He inhabits (dwells in) the praises of His people
Praise is a Lifestyle
It’s a devotion of life
“...I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1)
Praise is a Sacrifice
...Something that we offer to God sacrificially, not just because we feel like it, but because we believe in Him and wish to please Him.
Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Praise Sends the Enemy Running
Since praise manifests God’s presence, we also realise that praise pushes back the enemy, Satan.
2 Chron 20:20-24
Praise is about Music and much more
‘Why should the devil have all the good music?’ (Booth, SA)
2 Samuel 6 when the Bible comments on Michal, King David's wife, when she saw David dancing and rejoicing before the Lord - her heart was filled with contempt for him. And David's reply...Yes, I am willing to look even more foolish than this!
David loved God with a passion and zeal – his heart was for God and his house!
Psalm 40:3 - 'He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.’
David’s hearts desire was to worship God. He was effected in his spirit. It motivated him to song and frequently to dance. (He enjoyed God to the full). David was effected by everything around him as he wrote the psalms. In spite of his human frailties his heart’s desire was to praise.
Psalm 100
Be Thankful
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Complaining seems to come naturally to almost everybody, in fact this can be the strongest addiction to break. Therefore God’s command to be thankful could appear to be unreasonably tough. However, if we read the verse as:
“It is God’s will that you be in Christ; therefore you can be thankful that He will work it out for good”, than it is no longer unreasonable and we can be released from trying to thank God for the difficult things that life can bring.
We don’t have to be thankful for the awful things that happen, BUT we can be constantly thankful that our lives are ‘in Christ’.
You can be imprisoned by your own murmuring, but Paul and Silas were broken out of their prison cell by their thankfulness (Acts 16)
How Can I be Thankful?
Make up your mind to live your best life today
Refuse to walk through life dragging the weight of yesterday. Don’t live in a future fantasy,“One day when…”
Psalm 16:5-6 – (5) LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (6) The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Love the ones you’re with
Friends are those who have journeyed with you. Love and honor those who are where God has put you. Disattisfied, grumpy, unthankful people often lose sight of the importance of good/loyal friendships.
Let the grace of gratitude be always on your lips
Be Praiseful
‘If I didn’t praise I would feel like I had a fire shut within me!’ (AW Tozer)
Praise is Powerful
Acts 16:23-26
Paul and Silas knew the secret of how to lift their hearts above their troubles and enter into God’s presence and power.
God loves your praise of him; so much so, that He says He inhabits (dwells in) the praises of His people
Praise is a Lifestyle
It’s a devotion of life
“...I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1)
Praise is a Sacrifice
...Something that we offer to God sacrificially, not just because we feel like it, but because we believe in Him and wish to please Him.
Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Praise Sends the Enemy Running
Since praise manifests God’s presence, we also realise that praise pushes back the enemy, Satan.
2 Chron 20:20-24
Praise is about Music and much more
‘Why should the devil have all the good music?’ (Booth, SA)
2 Samuel 6 when the Bible comments on Michal, King David's wife, when she saw David dancing and rejoicing before the Lord - her heart was filled with contempt for him. And David's reply...Yes, I am willing to look even more foolish than this!
David loved God with a passion and zeal – his heart was for God and his house!
Psalm 40:3 - 'He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.’
David’s hearts desire was to worship God. He was effected in his spirit. It motivated him to song and frequently to dance. (He enjoyed God to the full). David was effected by everything around him as he wrote the psalms. In spite of his human frailties his heart’s desire was to praise.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
...except Caleb
Speaking this Sunday in church on the attitude or spirit of Caleb.
In particular one of the points of principle that Caleb spoke of as part of his ‘positive report’ that he brought back from the Promised Land.
Caleb and Joshua, told the people, Numbers 14:8-9 - "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
Caleb looked at the challenges confronting Israel and declared: “They will be bread for us!”
If we look at the challenges we face in the right way, those challenges...
Instead of maiming us they can make us
Instead of destroying us they can develop us
Instead of finishing us they can feed us
Instead of limiting us they can lift us up to new levels
If there were ever a Bible character that displayed a right attitude or "different spirit" toward God and His Word, it was Caleb.
Numbers 14:24 – But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it!
Wholeheartedly!
Number 32:11-12 – (11) 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - (12) not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly.'
In particular one of the points of principle that Caleb spoke of as part of his ‘positive report’ that he brought back from the Promised Land.
Caleb and Joshua, told the people, Numbers 14:8-9 - "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
Caleb looked at the challenges confronting Israel and declared: “They will be bread for us!”
If we look at the challenges we face in the right way, those challenges...
Instead of maiming us they can make us
Instead of destroying us they can develop us
Instead of finishing us they can feed us
Instead of limiting us they can lift us up to new levels
If there were ever a Bible character that displayed a right attitude or "different spirit" toward God and His Word, it was Caleb.
Numbers 14:24 – But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it!
Wholeheartedly!
Number 32:11-12 – (11) 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - (12) not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly.'
Sunday, August 13, 2006
A New Day
Great message in church this morning from Paul Benger. He spoke on having a ‘new wineskin spirit’.
Matthew 9:14-17
God is into new things. We may have a fantastic day, an incredible experience...but God moves on. We should move on. Don’t set up camp there...get stuck in the past.
Psalm 33:3 – ‘Sing a new song’.
Behold I do a new thing...God doesn’t do the ‘old’.
He gives us a new life...you must be ‘born again’.
We can look forward to a ‘new heaven’ and a ‘new earth’.
God has made a ‘new covenant’ through Jesus Christ.
He sometime gives people a new name (many examples in the Bible)
Stop giving OLD names to things. Stop seeing yourself as ‘useless’, ‘weak’, ‘rubbish’ – but ‘blessed’, ‘strong’. Let the weak say I am strong; let the poor say I am rich.
You need a new wineskin, need to oil it – to keep it supple. Anointing, the Holy Spirit. Be filled.
A new wineskin - new spirit, new attitude. That believes God, stands on his promises. Have a ‘youthful spirit’ – nothing to do with age. We can be old and have a youthful spirit. We can be young and have an old, senile spirit.
Be youthful – have a good attitude of heart, we can remain supple.
Things that happen when we get old (so he has been told!)
(But remember it’s nothing to do with age – but spirit and attitude)
Deafness – naturally we start to lose our hearing. Spiritually we can stop hearing the call of God, the call of faith. Keep our ears open to what God is saying.
Slowness – we may slow down in the natural but never let it happen in your spirit, in your attitude. Keep your new wineskin spirit.
Blurred Vision – even at a young age we can let our focus for the future become blurred. Keep your vision clear.
Routines – we get into our routines of doing things. Don’t let your spirit get into silly routines. eg - Bitterness, unforgiveness.
Weakness – as we get older naturally. But not in the spirit – grow stronger. Keep alive in your spirit.
Security – we ensure we get all our ‘policies’ up to date. We don’t want to take any risks. In our spirit – never stop taking risks!
Small World – this can be where we live as we get old. Let us not live here spiritually. Determine to stay out of a ‘small world’ mentality.
Brittleness – as we get older we find it easier to get down but much harder to get back up again. Let us never let our spirits, our attitudes become inflexible. Let us lose our brittle, inflexible attitudes.
Memories – we tend to have memories instead of dreams. ‘We liked it back then’. It’s ‘nice’ to have memories...but keep on dreaming!
Great word!
Matthew 9:14-17
God is into new things. We may have a fantastic day, an incredible experience...but God moves on. We should move on. Don’t set up camp there...get stuck in the past.
Psalm 33:3 – ‘Sing a new song’.
Behold I do a new thing...God doesn’t do the ‘old’.
He gives us a new life...you must be ‘born again’.
We can look forward to a ‘new heaven’ and a ‘new earth’.
God has made a ‘new covenant’ through Jesus Christ.
He sometime gives people a new name (many examples in the Bible)
Stop giving OLD names to things. Stop seeing yourself as ‘useless’, ‘weak’, ‘rubbish’ – but ‘blessed’, ‘strong’. Let the weak say I am strong; let the poor say I am rich.
You need a new wineskin, need to oil it – to keep it supple. Anointing, the Holy Spirit. Be filled.
A new wineskin - new spirit, new attitude. That believes God, stands on his promises. Have a ‘youthful spirit’ – nothing to do with age. We can be old and have a youthful spirit. We can be young and have an old, senile spirit.
Be youthful – have a good attitude of heart, we can remain supple.
Things that happen when we get old (so he has been told!)
(But remember it’s nothing to do with age – but spirit and attitude)
Deafness – naturally we start to lose our hearing. Spiritually we can stop hearing the call of God, the call of faith. Keep our ears open to what God is saying.
Slowness – we may slow down in the natural but never let it happen in your spirit, in your attitude. Keep your new wineskin spirit.
Blurred Vision – even at a young age we can let our focus for the future become blurred. Keep your vision clear.
Routines – we get into our routines of doing things. Don’t let your spirit get into silly routines. eg - Bitterness, unforgiveness.
Weakness – as we get older naturally. But not in the spirit – grow stronger. Keep alive in your spirit.
Security – we ensure we get all our ‘policies’ up to date. We don’t want to take any risks. In our spirit – never stop taking risks!
Small World – this can be where we live as we get old. Let us not live here spiritually. Determine to stay out of a ‘small world’ mentality.
Brittleness – as we get older we find it easier to get down but much harder to get back up again. Let us never let our spirits, our attitudes become inflexible. Let us lose our brittle, inflexible attitudes.
Memories – we tend to have memories instead of dreams. ‘We liked it back then’. It’s ‘nice’ to have memories...but keep on dreaming!
Great word!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Yorkshire Day
Today is Yorkshire Day, when men and women from across this historic county gather to celebrate their...well, Yorkshireness - leaving outsiders baffled about why they have such a high opinion of themselves....read on
Monday, July 31, 2006
Floundering or Flourishing?
Jeannie Benger spoke in church yesterday on staying out of the ruts and maintaining a life that flourishes and thrives.
God wants more for your life – do you? He only has good things for you.
Psalm 92:12-14 – (12) The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; (13) planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (14) They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Get the revelation, it’s the difference between flourishing or floundering! Our relationships, careers, finances, health will all flourish.
How do we keep ourselves from floundering? How do we flourish? 4 keys:
Key 1 – Stay planted
Be planted in God’s house. Psalm 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
We will prosper! Make sure your roots are secure, that they are planted correctly. We will bear fruit and thrive.
Key 2 – Stay connected to people
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
Have and make great connections. When you’re floundering don’t disconnect yourself. True friends help us through tough times.
Also be careful who you connect with. Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm
Connect with people who help us fulfil our destiny in God.
Key 3 – Stay focused on the result you want
Stay in faith. God will give you the confidence, even when all around is crumbling.
In the midst of persecution refuse to draw back. Trust in God and in His word. Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.
Faith helps us overcome any floundering.
Key 4 – Stay positive
Keep a right attitude. Don’t get cynical or critical when others are doing well. Rejoice with them. Guard your attitude. A poor attitude will result in us floundering and not flourishing. Change your future by your response to the present situation.
God wants more for your life – do you? He only has good things for you.
Psalm 92:12-14 – (12) The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; (13) planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (14) They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Get the revelation, it’s the difference between flourishing or floundering! Our relationships, careers, finances, health will all flourish.
How do we keep ourselves from floundering? How do we flourish? 4 keys:
Key 1 – Stay planted
Be planted in God’s house. Psalm 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
We will prosper! Make sure your roots are secure, that they are planted correctly. We will bear fruit and thrive.
Key 2 – Stay connected to people
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
Have and make great connections. When you’re floundering don’t disconnect yourself. True friends help us through tough times.
Also be careful who you connect with. Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm
Connect with people who help us fulfil our destiny in God.
Key 3 – Stay focused on the result you want
Stay in faith. God will give you the confidence, even when all around is crumbling.
In the midst of persecution refuse to draw back. Trust in God and in His word. Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.
Faith helps us overcome any floundering.
Key 4 – Stay positive
Keep a right attitude. Don’t get cynical or critical when others are doing well. Rejoice with them. Guard your attitude. A poor attitude will result in us floundering and not flourishing. Change your future by your response to the present situation.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Lost in Translation
Paul Benger spoke yesterday in church on the subject of transformation by the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – (17) Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. (18) And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.
God’s word is our mirror. How do we see ourselves? What we see can often get lost in translation.
All of us have the destiny of being transformed into the image of God’s son. It was determined, predestined.
It was always God’s plan to transform us right from the beginning of our lives.
So that through the church, Jesus Christ would rule/reign and influence every area of society. To permeate the world, not to be separated from it.
Jesus said he would build his church, and we are the instrument he has chosen to reach the world – this is something that often gets lost in translation. Some people think the church is just limping out, hanging on until Christ returns.
We are His body and we are to be like him, by being transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Four attitudes that we need to adopt to be transformed by the Holy Spirit:
1) Openness and honesty before God
Be real. Not wanting to be somebody else. He wants you to be you. He calls us the way we are, and yes He transforms us. Think of the potter/clay analogy. God can take a lump of lifeless raw material and make it into something beautiful.
2) Look into the mirror of God’s Word
James 1:22-25 – (22) And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. (23) For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. (24) You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (25) But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Don’t just hear – do! When you look into the mirror and see you need a shave – shave!
When we look into the mirror, human behaviour often results in us either ignoring and pretending everything is ok or beating ourselves up because we don’t like what we see.
What we should see is...
Christ and the image we are growing into and what God is making us like. That we live on the right side of the cross - no longer condemned.
We truly find out what God thinks of us. He sees us after the cross, not as ‘lost’ but as ‘found’.
Look at Ephesians 1 and 2 and right down what God sees us as.
3) Realise that transformation by the Holy Spirit is step by step
Change doesn’t happen in a day. God will change us one step at a time. That’s how God grows us.
4) Realise transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit
Change comes by the Holy Spirit of God. We chose to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh. Set your minds on the things of the Spirit. Flick the switch.
God is the great transformer. He changes everything. Death to life, sickness to health, bitterness to faithfulness and so on!
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – (17) Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. (18) And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.
God’s word is our mirror. How do we see ourselves? What we see can often get lost in translation.
All of us have the destiny of being transformed into the image of God’s son. It was determined, predestined.
It was always God’s plan to transform us right from the beginning of our lives.
So that through the church, Jesus Christ would rule/reign and influence every area of society. To permeate the world, not to be separated from it.
Jesus said he would build his church, and we are the instrument he has chosen to reach the world – this is something that often gets lost in translation. Some people think the church is just limping out, hanging on until Christ returns.
We are His body and we are to be like him, by being transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Four attitudes that we need to adopt to be transformed by the Holy Spirit:
1) Openness and honesty before God
Be real. Not wanting to be somebody else. He wants you to be you. He calls us the way we are, and yes He transforms us. Think of the potter/clay analogy. God can take a lump of lifeless raw material and make it into something beautiful.
2) Look into the mirror of God’s Word
James 1:22-25 – (22) And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. (23) For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. (24) You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (25) But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Don’t just hear – do! When you look into the mirror and see you need a shave – shave!
When we look into the mirror, human behaviour often results in us either ignoring and pretending everything is ok or beating ourselves up because we don’t like what we see.
What we should see is...
Christ and the image we are growing into and what God is making us like. That we live on the right side of the cross - no longer condemned.
We truly find out what God thinks of us. He sees us after the cross, not as ‘lost’ but as ‘found’.
Look at Ephesians 1 and 2 and right down what God sees us as.
3) Realise that transformation by the Holy Spirit is step by step
Change doesn’t happen in a day. God will change us one step at a time. That’s how God grows us.
4) Realise transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit
Change comes by the Holy Spirit of God. We chose to walk by the Spirit or by the flesh. Set your minds on the things of the Spirit. Flick the switch.
God is the great transformer. He changes everything. Death to life, sickness to health, bitterness to faithfulness and so on!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Even the Dogs...
A great time in church yesterday, Paul Benger shared a message entitled ‘Even the Dogs’ taken from Mark 7:24-30.
Jesus needed a rest - the woman needed a miracle. She was desperate for her daughter to be healed.
Jesus didn’t respond to her desperation but to her faith.
Jesus is interested in the detail of our lives – He is the answer to our needs and desires. The woman knew this – that things could get better. God can make things better. She believed it. The supernatural can happen.
4 important truths about her faith that apply to us today:
Her faith was persistent
She kept asking. She knew what she wanted and stayed with it. Match your faith to your desire. Stay with it! Don’t be vague – know what you want.
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed
Her faith was bold
Jesus was not being PC here, about the Jew/Gentile relationship. The woman brushed aside his comments with the phrase, ‘Even the dogs…’ She was bold.
She was passionate and was not going to be knocked back. ‘God will give you the desires of your heart.’ He will even plant them in your heart – desires for the future.
Her desire made her bold; her desperation made her bold.
Her faith had great self-esteem
She had a right view of God and a right view of herself. She believed she deserved it. We deserve it!
She could have got angry, she could have got faithless. “God won’t do it for me”, “He’ll do it for them but not for me”
NO – “I believe God will do it for me!”
Know that God is for us that God is with us.
She Believed!
She wouldn’t pull out of the argument. She believed the Word. Belief is linked to receiving. Faith is about believing something for the future. “It’s going to happen”.
What you believe about your life has a greater impact than what others believe about your life.
Jesus needed a rest - the woman needed a miracle. She was desperate for her daughter to be healed.
Jesus didn’t respond to her desperation but to her faith.
Jesus is interested in the detail of our lives – He is the answer to our needs and desires. The woman knew this – that things could get better. God can make things better. She believed it. The supernatural can happen.
4 important truths about her faith that apply to us today:
Her faith was persistent
She kept asking. She knew what she wanted and stayed with it. Match your faith to your desire. Stay with it! Don’t be vague – know what you want.
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed
Her faith was bold
Jesus was not being PC here, about the Jew/Gentile relationship. The woman brushed aside his comments with the phrase, ‘Even the dogs…’ She was bold.
She was passionate and was not going to be knocked back. ‘God will give you the desires of your heart.’ He will even plant them in your heart – desires for the future.
Her desire made her bold; her desperation made her bold.
Her faith had great self-esteem
She had a right view of God and a right view of herself. She believed she deserved it. We deserve it!
She could have got angry, she could have got faithless. “God won’t do it for me”, “He’ll do it for them but not for me”
NO – “I believe God will do it for me!”
Know that God is for us that God is with us.
She Believed!
She wouldn’t pull out of the argument. She believed the Word. Belief is linked to receiving. Faith is about believing something for the future. “It’s going to happen”.
What you believe about your life has a greater impact than what others believe about your life.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
The Scandal of Grace
Mark Wilkins spoke in church this morning on the Scandal of Grace. He used a scene from Godfather III where Don Corleone goes to Rome to negotiate a business deal with the Vatican. There in Rome he meets with Cardinal Lamberto, who asks if he would like to make his confession. At first Corleone refuses. He makes a little joke about how it would take too long. However, he wants the cardinal's help, and senses something redemptive in his presence. So Corleone begins his confession.
First he tells of his marital infidelities. Then he admits ordering the murder of his own brother. Overwhelmed by the burden of his guilt, he breaks down and starts to sob. Cardinal Lamberto pronounces the words of absolution, then says, "I know you don't believe this, but you have been redeemed."
Some may find this story scandalous, but, although only a story, this is probably what’s known as the ‘scandal of grace’.
Christ died so that ‘all’ may be redeemed, forgiven, know God’s mercy and grace.
We can know forgiveness from our past no matter who we are or what we’ve done. Some people find that hard to comprehend. In this world we’re hooked on the ‘scandal’ side of life.
As a church we’re going to see the scandalous…but where God’s grace needs to be lavished. We’ve received God’s grace and we need to pass it on...be ministers of grace.
Get ready to show scandalous grace...see people how God sees them.
“To build an outstanding church we need to show outstanding grace”.
God’s grace and forgiveness is for ALL that would ask and receive and a la the Godfather...surely ”it’s an offer we can’t refuse”.
First he tells of his marital infidelities. Then he admits ordering the murder of his own brother. Overwhelmed by the burden of his guilt, he breaks down and starts to sob. Cardinal Lamberto pronounces the words of absolution, then says, "I know you don't believe this, but you have been redeemed."
Some may find this story scandalous, but, although only a story, this is probably what’s known as the ‘scandal of grace’.
Christ died so that ‘all’ may be redeemed, forgiven, know God’s mercy and grace.
We can know forgiveness from our past no matter who we are or what we’ve done. Some people find that hard to comprehend. In this world we’re hooked on the ‘scandal’ side of life.
As a church we’re going to see the scandalous…but where God’s grace needs to be lavished. We’ve received God’s grace and we need to pass it on...be ministers of grace.
Get ready to show scandalous grace...see people how God sees them.
“To build an outstanding church we need to show outstanding grace”.
God’s grace and forgiveness is for ALL that would ask and receive and a la the Godfather...surely ”it’s an offer we can’t refuse”.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Scolari Quotes
A great coach, who could have been managing England! He utters some wonderful pearls of wisdom from time to time. The latest, concerning Zinedine Zidane...
“Zidane can decide a game. When the ball goes to his feet it doesn't cry - when it goes to my feet, it cries”
Monday, July 03, 2006
You Can Do It!
Spoke in church yesterday. It was a message based on the encouragement given to me by my family in the run-up to the London Marathon – in the form of a little booklet.
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The word “unswervingly” is sometimes translated without wavering - it has the idea of staying true and firm without hesitation.
1) Remember - God is with us ALWAYS
Psalm 23 (NLT)
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever!
There’s no running or hiding from God...His love and goodness is constant, unceasing - relentless.
God is always with you – on your journey, on our journey. We should never forget that. He’s at the beginning...at the end – but we often forget he’s with us along the way!
2) Remember - ALWAYS Be Earthly Good
Beware of the flaky, mushy Christianity. (Flaky, def - eccentric, crazy, or just unreliable)
“So heavenly minded…no earthly good” – BUT be heavenly minded and earthly good. Touching Heaven…changing earth.
Guard against religiosity, super-spirituality, which is unreal and means nothing to anyone.
“Get earthed, but remain Heavened as well!”
3) Remember - ALWAYS Consider one another
Hebrews 10:24 – And let us consider one another how we may spur each other on towards love and good deeds.
‘Consider one another...how we may spur each other on towards love and good deeds’ – not only am I thinking about my life but about your life as well, how I might encourage impetus in your life to do what is right.
4) Remember - ALWAYS Encourage
Inject courage into one another – don’t discourage (i.e. suck it our of them!)
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
Encouraging words make a difference
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11)
5) Remember - Determination and discipline is ALWAYS needed
We can’t escape certain things that must be present in our lives...if we’re going to see it through to the end – Determination and discipline.
Determination
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
Press on, no matter what the cost. Focus on what lies ahead, not behind.
Discipline
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
The word ‘Unswervingly’ gives us a picture of resolute determination and with that must go discipline.
We’re so often put off by that word. Seen as something negative when applied to our own lives.
It’s all about having “good habits” in our lives. We never seem to have a problem with the ‘bad habits’...do we?
Final encouragement - Hebrews 12:1-4
Hebrews 10:23-25 – (23) let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. (25) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The word “unswervingly” is sometimes translated without wavering - it has the idea of staying true and firm without hesitation.
1) Remember - God is with us ALWAYS
Psalm 23 (NLT)
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever!
There’s no running or hiding from God...His love and goodness is constant, unceasing - relentless.
God is always with you – on your journey, on our journey. We should never forget that. He’s at the beginning...at the end – but we often forget he’s with us along the way!
2) Remember - ALWAYS Be Earthly Good
Beware of the flaky, mushy Christianity. (Flaky, def - eccentric, crazy, or just unreliable)
“So heavenly minded…no earthly good” – BUT be heavenly minded and earthly good. Touching Heaven…changing earth.
Guard against religiosity, super-spirituality, which is unreal and means nothing to anyone.
“Get earthed, but remain Heavened as well!”
3) Remember - ALWAYS Consider one another
Hebrews 10:24 – And let us consider one another how we may spur each other on towards love and good deeds.
‘Consider one another...how we may spur each other on towards love and good deeds’ – not only am I thinking about my life but about your life as well, how I might encourage impetus in your life to do what is right.
4) Remember - ALWAYS Encourage
Inject courage into one another – don’t discourage (i.e. suck it our of them!)
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
Encouraging words make a difference
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11)
5) Remember - Determination and discipline is ALWAYS needed
We can’t escape certain things that must be present in our lives...if we’re going to see it through to the end – Determination and discipline.
Determination
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
Press on, no matter what the cost. Focus on what lies ahead, not behind.
Discipline
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
The word ‘Unswervingly’ gives us a picture of resolute determination and with that must go discipline.
We’re so often put off by that word. Seen as something negative when applied to our own lives.
It’s all about having “good habits” in our lives. We never seem to have a problem with the ‘bad habits’...do we?
Final encouragement - Hebrews 12:1-4
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Out of Egypt
On Sunday, Simon Wood brought a message for our church at this time.
See the House full...consider the bigger picture. Don’t look back.
Exodus 1:7 - But the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them
The Children of Israel prospered in Israel but God had something much bigger for them. The Promised Land.
The new king of Egypt was threatened by the Children of Israel – even under affliction they prospered and grew.
Even when we go through tough times...we grow. God inhabits our praises; he inhabits our response - our faith.
God is taking us into the Promised Land, but we may need to experience the wilderness.
During their wilderness experience the Children of Israel kept looking back, longing for Egypt again.
As a church we have moved, we have transitioned – “the wilderness experience will make you look back or even go back, or it makes you move forward”.
Why didn’t the Children of Israel go into the Promised Land straight away?
1) They’d left Egypt but Egypt had not left them
2) They were looking for a god who went before them but had forgotten the promises of God – the Promised Land.
Exodus 32:1 - When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered round Aaron and said, Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him
They needed to lay hold of what God had for them. So do we. See what God sees – the bigger picture.
Own the vision of the House. Everyone of us is a part of it. We’re the master of it – our destiny.
We may face opposition - If God is for is who can be against us!
Be an ‘If only’ church not a ‘What if’ church!
See the House full...consider the bigger picture. Don’t look back.
Exodus 1:7 - But the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them
The Children of Israel prospered in Israel but God had something much bigger for them. The Promised Land.
The new king of Egypt was threatened by the Children of Israel – even under affliction they prospered and grew.
Even when we go through tough times...we grow. God inhabits our praises; he inhabits our response - our faith.
God is taking us into the Promised Land, but we may need to experience the wilderness.
During their wilderness experience the Children of Israel kept looking back, longing for Egypt again.
As a church we have moved, we have transitioned – “the wilderness experience will make you look back or even go back, or it makes you move forward”.
Why didn’t the Children of Israel go into the Promised Land straight away?
1) They’d left Egypt but Egypt had not left them
2) They were looking for a god who went before them but had forgotten the promises of God – the Promised Land.
Exodus 32:1 - When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered round Aaron and said, Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him
They needed to lay hold of what God had for them. So do we. See what God sees – the bigger picture.
Own the vision of the House. Everyone of us is a part of it. We’re the master of it – our destiny.
We may face opposition - If God is for is who can be against us!
Be an ‘If only’ church not a ‘What if’ church!
Monday, June 26, 2006
World Cup Photo
I’m sure I used to play on a pitch like this one in my younger days...
Done by the groundsmen of the Olympic Park, Berlin.
Done by the groundsmen of the Olympic Park, Berlin.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Urban World 2050
The world is fast approaching the point where the majority of the human population will be found in urban areas.
The projection is that in 50 years' time, two-thirds of humanity will live in cities. Six experts outline their vision of the urban world in 2050. Read on.
Amazing photo comparison...
Dubai 1991
Dubai 2005
The projection is that in 50 years' time, two-thirds of humanity will live in cities. Six experts outline their vision of the urban world in 2050. Read on.
Amazing photo comparison...
Dubai 1991
Dubai 2005
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The World Cup
Sadly it's only every 4 years, but I love it! Come on England.
Oh and by the way...
This one's for Steve and Helen (sister-in-law) living in Perth. Well done the Socceroos...a great start.
Oh and by the way...
This one's for Steve and Helen (sister-in-law) living in Perth. Well done the Socceroos...a great start.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
There's always a Sower and there's always a Seed
Great time in church this morning. Paul Benger spoke on ‘conditioning your heart for fruitfulness’.
Mark 4:10-25
There’s always a sower and there’s always a seed.
The purpose of Jesus teaching is for our fruitfulness, growth in our lives. His purpose is for our benefit. He came to give us life and life in all its fullness.
The Kingdom of God is meant to be the largest plant in the garden.
God knows we have needs so he plants seeds in our lives to grow and meet those needs. He’s looking for a harvest, for fruitfulness in our lives and in the life of the church.
Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Let it shine!
Jesus explains 4 stages of our condition...
Possibility 1: Hard Hearts
There’s nothing wrong with the seed - it just falls on hard ground. We can have hard hearts because of experiences, our past etc. The enemy comes and tries to steal the seed.
Possibility 2: Rocky Ground
People have no root in themselves. Their condition is the problem. Their faith is weak. Low self-esteem, low confidence. We may believe the word, but we lack the backbone, determination – we lose confidence.
Possibility 3: Thorny Ground
When God’s word comes other things spring up in our lives – chokes the word.
When we are believing for answer to prayer other things come and choke us – worry etc.
Possibility 4: Good Soil
Where we need to live. Not having a cynical, hard heart. We accept and receive God’s word…this is for me! The word will produce a harvest, great fruitfulness.
3 Keys for conditioning our hearts for fruitfulness...
1. Recognise by Faith there’s always a Sower
God is speaking to us all the time, many times through other people. God will always get His word to us.
2. Know by Faith that there’s always a Seed
God sends the seed – the Word. God wants us to sow our seed for our lives. There is always something for us to sow, even when we are afraid.
Isaiah 32:8 – But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand.
3. Understand by Faith it’s the measure we use that determines the result
The sower isn’t the major issue
The seed isn’t the major issue
It’s our response to His word that is the issue – what is our response?
Receive it – Do it!
Mark 4:10-25
There’s always a sower and there’s always a seed.
The purpose of Jesus teaching is for our fruitfulness, growth in our lives. His purpose is for our benefit. He came to give us life and life in all its fullness.
The Kingdom of God is meant to be the largest plant in the garden.
God knows we have needs so he plants seeds in our lives to grow and meet those needs. He’s looking for a harvest, for fruitfulness in our lives and in the life of the church.
Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Let it shine!
Jesus explains 4 stages of our condition...
Possibility 1: Hard Hearts
There’s nothing wrong with the seed - it just falls on hard ground. We can have hard hearts because of experiences, our past etc. The enemy comes and tries to steal the seed.
Possibility 2: Rocky Ground
People have no root in themselves. Their condition is the problem. Their faith is weak. Low self-esteem, low confidence. We may believe the word, but we lack the backbone, determination – we lose confidence.
Possibility 3: Thorny Ground
When God’s word comes other things spring up in our lives – chokes the word.
When we are believing for answer to prayer other things come and choke us – worry etc.
Possibility 4: Good Soil
Where we need to live. Not having a cynical, hard heart. We accept and receive God’s word…this is for me! The word will produce a harvest, great fruitfulness.
3 Keys for conditioning our hearts for fruitfulness...
1. Recognise by Faith there’s always a Sower
God is speaking to us all the time, many times through other people. God will always get His word to us.
2. Know by Faith that there’s always a Seed
God sends the seed – the Word. God wants us to sow our seed for our lives. There is always something for us to sow, even when we are afraid.
Isaiah 32:8 – But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand.
3. Understand by Faith it’s the measure we use that determines the result
The sower isn’t the major issue
The seed isn’t the major issue
It’s our response to His word that is the issue – what is our response?
Receive it – Do it!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Loyalty
Jeannie Benger spoke in church yesterday on the subject of ‘loyalty’.
John 15:13 - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends
Be careful what words we speak to people, Proverbs 18:21 – Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life
Thoughtless/careless words can destroy a relationship.
Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. He is ever loyal, ever faithful, even when we are unfaithful.
Be loyal to God, loyal to the House of God, loyal to family, friends, partners etc.
Our relationships are key to our future purposes in God. They are divine connections and key to our success.
Loyalty is learnt – over time, we’re not born with it. We can learn loyalty, be a ‘living’ example of loyalty and faithfulness.
Loyalty is a stance – it pays the price, it costs something. It confronts, stays firm. It’s not always easy and might sometime lose us friendships. Defend the people we love. Loyalty brings strength, brings longevity, brings success and blessing.
Loyalty defends what is precious. Loyalty is attractive. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Loyalty tells a wonderful story – Psalm 145:1-7 – (1) I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. (2) I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. (3) Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! (4) Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. (5) I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendour and your wonderful miracles. (6) Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. (7) Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
John 15:13 - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends
Be careful what words we speak to people, Proverbs 18:21 – Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life
Thoughtless/careless words can destroy a relationship.
Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. He is ever loyal, ever faithful, even when we are unfaithful.
Be loyal to God, loyal to the House of God, loyal to family, friends, partners etc.
Our relationships are key to our future purposes in God. They are divine connections and key to our success.
Loyalty is learnt – over time, we’re not born with it. We can learn loyalty, be a ‘living’ example of loyalty and faithfulness.
Loyalty is a stance – it pays the price, it costs something. It confronts, stays firm. It’s not always easy and might sometime lose us friendships. Defend the people we love. Loyalty brings strength, brings longevity, brings success and blessing.
Loyalty defends what is precious. Loyalty is attractive. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
Loyalty tells a wonderful story – Psalm 145:1-7 – (1) I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. (2) I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. (3) Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! (4) Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. (5) I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendour and your wonderful miracles. (6) Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. (7) Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Also...Life's Too Short
...to live on a weak foundation.
Yesterday in church Paul Benger wrapped up a great little series on ‘life’s too short’, this week he touched upon the subject of building our lives on the right foundation.
Matthew 7:24-39
We need stability. A rock bed underneath us. Be safe and feel safe. We need something or someone in our life that gives us stability. Unless there is a foundation in our life that is secure the building comes down.
Live a rock kind of living.
5 rocks to build our lives upon...
1) The Rock called Jesus
Jesus has taken our curse and nailed it to the cross. Paid the price for our lives, so that we can receive everything that God has for us. He is the Rock that our lives are built upon. Who do we trust – what we believe determines what we do in life. Believe that Jesus has done it all. This is the good news of the Gospel. He is the Cornerstone. 1 Peter 2:6 – As the Scriptures express it, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed."
He is faithful, Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2) The Rock called God’s Word
Which report will you believe? God’s word is written about you...what does he say about you? His word is precious...without it what have we got?
His word is our weapon – the sword of the Spirit.
His word is our internal GPS, Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
3) The Rock called Faith
God shows us things before we receive them. Through faith we turn them into reality. Faith ACTS and WAITS, patience and faith. Noah had to BUILD and BELIEVE. Act and Trust.
4) The Rock called Hope
God gives us opportunities to grow, to move forward. His desire is for us to grow, to reach our full potential. The enemy tries to stop this, but we can overcome – stand your ground. Be rock-like.
Philippians 3:12-14 - (12) I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. (13) No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, (14) I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven
5) The Rock called Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
The Christian spirit is to love people. To believe the very best of people – not the negative. The way to LIFE is to LOVE people. Don’t excuse HATE in your life. God has a better way to live.
Mark 12:31 – 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.
Yesterday in church Paul Benger wrapped up a great little series on ‘life’s too short’, this week he touched upon the subject of building our lives on the right foundation.
Matthew 7:24-39
We need stability. A rock bed underneath us. Be safe and feel safe. We need something or someone in our life that gives us stability. Unless there is a foundation in our life that is secure the building comes down.
Live a rock kind of living.
5 rocks to build our lives upon...
1) The Rock called Jesus
Jesus has taken our curse and nailed it to the cross. Paid the price for our lives, so that we can receive everything that God has for us. He is the Rock that our lives are built upon. Who do we trust – what we believe determines what we do in life. Believe that Jesus has done it all. This is the good news of the Gospel. He is the Cornerstone. 1 Peter 2:6 – As the Scriptures express it, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed."
He is faithful, Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
2) The Rock called God’s Word
Which report will you believe? God’s word is written about you...what does he say about you? His word is precious...without it what have we got?
His word is our weapon – the sword of the Spirit.
His word is our internal GPS, Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
3) The Rock called Faith
God shows us things before we receive them. Through faith we turn them into reality. Faith ACTS and WAITS, patience and faith. Noah had to BUILD and BELIEVE. Act and Trust.
4) The Rock called Hope
God gives us opportunities to grow, to move forward. His desire is for us to grow, to reach our full potential. The enemy tries to stop this, but we can overcome – stand your ground. Be rock-like.
Philippians 3:12-14 - (12) I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. (13) No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, (14) I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven
5) The Rock called Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
The Christian spirit is to love people. To believe the very best of people – not the negative. The way to LIFE is to LOVE people. Don’t excuse HATE in your life. God has a better way to live.
Mark 12:31 – 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Come on you Reds!
2-2 (4-3 penalties aet)My team BARNSLEY got promoted to the Championship yesterday after a tense play-off semi-final against Swansea in Cardiff. It wasn’t very pretty to be honest and it went to penalties which was not good for the nerves....but we did it!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Life's Too Short
...to live without vision
Paul spoke in church this morning about vision, in particular having God’s vision for your life.
Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no revelation (vision) the people cast off restraint
Matthew 4:17 – From that time Jesus began preaching saying ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand’
What is reality? Unless we have vision for our lives we live out of control. Jesus brought reality through the Kingdom of God. He introduced a God culture, a God way of living.
The Kingdom of God is not a piece of land, but the hearts of men and women who have learned to live a God culture where God is involved in the detail of my life.
Designer living is living life according to our ‘Designer’.
Living a God culture is about living...
A life with vision
A life with purpose
A life having a healthy self-image
A life being set free from the past
A life having strength in adversity
A life of generosity and giving
A life of happiness, joy and passion
Don’t get comfortable; don’t settle…keeping pressing on towards your goal. Don’t lose your resolve.
7 Keys to embracing a God culture
Change your vision
Change the image of yourself (get God’s image of you)
Change the thoughts and words that surround your life
Change the impact of the past
Change your response to adversity
Change your attitude to giving
Change your purpose to joy for living
Paul spoke in church this morning about vision, in particular having God’s vision for your life.
Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no revelation (vision) the people cast off restraint
Matthew 4:17 – From that time Jesus began preaching saying ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand’
What is reality? Unless we have vision for our lives we live out of control. Jesus brought reality through the Kingdom of God. He introduced a God culture, a God way of living.
The Kingdom of God is not a piece of land, but the hearts of men and women who have learned to live a God culture where God is involved in the detail of my life.
Designer living is living life according to our ‘Designer’.
Living a God culture is about living...
A life with vision
A life with purpose
A life having a healthy self-image
A life being set free from the past
A life having strength in adversity
A life of generosity and giving
A life of happiness, joy and passion
Don’t get comfortable; don’t settle…keeping pressing on towards your goal. Don’t lose your resolve.
7 Keys to embracing a God culture
Change your vision
Change the image of yourself (get God’s image of you)
Change the thoughts and words that surround your life
Change the impact of the past
Change your response to adversity
Change your attitude to giving
Change your purpose to joy for living
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