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.
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