Love is the Greatest

Spoke in church on Sunday...

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love God...Love People

Jesus said…Matthew 22:37-39 (37)'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'

Earth is our practice run for what we will be doing in eternity, which is spending time loving God and loving others.

In Galatians 5:6 it shows us that God values a faith which expresses itself in love - “For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

We should have a kind of faith that compels us to love people.

Love is a command

Said already (Love the Lord your God…love your neighbour)
Love is doing what God has commanded. Love is not just a feeling, it is much more. Feelings cannot be commanded. We should not just led by our emotions.

Love is a choice

1 Corinthians 14:1 – Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy

We should ‘pursue’ love, ‘go after’ it. Sometimes we give people what they deserve, loving someone is about giving what they need - that is called grace.

Love is a conduct

1 John 3:18 – Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth

It is not just words but also in deed.

Love is a commitment

1 John 4:16 – 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

How do we love people practically?

Get to understand how God loves you.

Memorise scripture about what God says about love.

Start your day with reminder of love. Set the tone of the day. What matters most to God is love.

Practice acting in unselfish ways. Selfishness is the scourge of humankind.

Love is a muscle. Initially it’s hard to love but it gets developed over time. You need to exercise it everyday.

We cannot grow in love on our own. You need to be in the midst of people to grow in love.

From 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Six aspects of LOVE.

1. Love is Kind

In 1 Corinthians 13:4 it says love is kind and that kindness is expressed in action.

Four key things we can learn about showing kindness from the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.

Begins with our Eyes

We need to start seeing the needs of people around us.

In Luke 10:33 is says When he ‘saw’ him. It begins with our eyes, the way you see the world, the way we are sensitive to the needs of our world. We need to expand our vision and be more observant of the needs around us, the hurting and wounded.

Obstacle to kindness is ‘busyness’ - hurry is the death of kindness. The more we slow down in life, the more sensitive we will be. Ask God to give you spiritual radar, to open the eyes of your heart. Kindness can be learnt, not just born with it.

Use our Ears - Listening is a form of kindness.

We need to sympathise with the other person’s pain. To feel the other person’s emotions, we have to care. In verse 33 it says, “he took pity”. We do this by using our ears and listening to the other person’s pain. The secret to genuine sympathy is being there for the other person.

2 Corinthians 1:4 – He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Every problem we go through is a chance for us to learn to be more sympathetic with others’ pain.

Use what we Have

We need to seize the moment to be kind, don’t delay. In verse 34 it says “he stooped down and kneeled down” he came to the man’s level. He used what he had with him ‘wine & oil’.

a) We must be willing to be interrupted, it happens on their schedule, not ours. Love is often inconvenient.

b) We can’t let excuses get in the way “I’ve got my own problems” “I’ve got important businesses to care for.”

c) We must be willing to take risks. Fear keeps us from being kind. Fear makes us unkind. Perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

He spent whatever it took

It costs us something to be kind, our privacy, our time, our resources. What did the good Samaritan gain from it? Nothing materialistically, so why should we be kind?

Isaiah 58:10-11 – (10) Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. (11) The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring

God says, he guarantees he will meet our needs, when we are kind.

3 Ways to show practical kindness:

Proverbs 12:25 - Kind word – An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up

Proverbs 14:21 - Kind deed - He who despises his neighbour sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy

Proverbs 19:17 - Kind gift – He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done

2. Love does not Envy

ENVY is usually the underlying cause of problems in relationships

Envy is a painful awareness of what another possesses and a desire to have it. It is also resenting God’s goodness to others and ignoring what God has done for us.

Five ways to get rid of envy:

Don’t compare yourself with others
Comparing leads to pride or envy. Each person is unique and each path is different according to God’s plan for their life.

Start enjoying God’s grace to others
In Romans 12:15 it says rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

Be grateful for what you have

Philippians 4:11 – Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. (Apostle Paul)

Trust God when life seems unfair

Keep focused on God’s plan for your life

3. Love is Humble

In 1 Corinthians 13:4 it says ‘love does not parade itself, is not puffed up’.

What it is not:

• Humility is not shyness
• Humility is not meekness
• Humility is not low esteem

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

Four key things to practise humility:

Give preference to others
Make a pre-determined choice of putting others first. Romans 12:10 - ‘Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.’

We have a choice, to be a person of love is a choice, it’s a decision.

Practise learning from others
Always be open to suggestions and criticisms, heart that is teachable. The day you think you know everything, you stop learning.

Practise admitting when we are wrong
Accept responsibility, take ownership, don’t justify.

Surrender your plans to the Lord
We need to submit to God’s Lordship.

4. Love is being Respectful

1 Corinthians 13:5 “Love does not behave itself rudely”, which means love is being respectful.

Love does not seek its own way, it seeks others. How to show respect:

You stop and you listen
You give your undivided attention to others. This shows that we genuinely care.

Keep your promises
Stay true to what you promised, hold onto what you say, let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’.

Yield ourselves to serve others willingly

2 Corinthians 12:15 (Paul) – So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?

5. Love is Patient

In Ephesians 4:26 it says ‘In your anger do not sin’. There is an anger that is not sinful - that you can control. It is righteous indignation. It is different from an anger that is out of control.

How to Break Cycle of Anger and Gain Patience?

Break the pattern of anger
If you keep justifying your behaviour you will keep the habit. You need to confront the problem, if you don’t you will not conquer.

Proverbs 14:29 - A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 25:28 – Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control

Guard your relationships
You need to make a heart commitment that no matter what you are angry about – don’t be angry at the person. Make a commitment to value and guard your relationships.

In Proverbs 15:1 it says ‘a soft answer (gentle response), diffuses anger’. What is a gentle response? It is being humble, even when it isn’t your fault.

Release your worries to God
Psalm 37:8 says worries and anxieties cause people to get easily frustrated and angered.
Philippians 4:6 ‘do not be anxious about anything’.

Change your expectations, but don’t lower your standards
Don’t lower your standard but just lower your expectations of people. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on the positive (on strengths) and not the weaknesses.

6. Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs

The ultimate test of love is the test of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not:

Conditional
It is not based on someone’s response, it is something we do based on faith. If someone hurts us, it’s up to us to take the step to forgive. Forgiveness is unconditional.

Minimising the hurt
It is not minimising the offence and pain. We need to know the difference between being wounded and being wronged. We need to tell the person who has hurt us that we are offended but still offer forgiveness.

Resuming relationship without change
We need to see genuine repentance in the other person and real change of mind and behaviour before we get back to a close relationship again.

Forgetting what happens
God does not forget but chooses not to remember.

My right if it wasn’t me who was hurt

What is Forgiveness?

Relinquish your right to get even
We must surrender the area to the Lord and be able to release – that is real forgiveness. The root of bitterness can very easily spring up. Bitterness poisons you and others. It corrupts the fruit of our lives.

Respond to evil with good
Luke 6:28 “Do good to those who hate you, bless and pray for them.”

You repeat this process as long as necessary
We need to see everything through eyes of grace; following the example of Jesus.

Insect Eyes

An artificial insect eye that could be used in ultra-thin cameras has been developed by scientists in the US. Read on

"Even though insects start with just a single cell, they grow and create this beautiful optical system by themselves. I wanted to understand how nature can create layer upon layer of perfectly ordered structures without expensive, fabrication technology," said Professor Luke Lee. (;-))

London Marathon

This was one of my daily readings today...

Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who wait on the LORD will find new strength"

When you know Jesus, you're continually refreshed. Even when you are most weary, God will come to you. He'll gently carry you when you can't walk on your own.

How appropriate as I look forward to the big day! I may need some assistance towards the end.

Good Friday

I thought about my up and coming London Marathon attempt this morning. The kind of physical and emotional struggles I will no doubt endure....the pain, the agony, the suffering and the sacrifice and of course the passion. Then I thought again....

The Presence of God

Paul Benger spoke an important message this morning in church on the Presence of God.

1 Chronicles 13:7-14

David wanted the Ark of God returned, not to remain at the extremities but back to the centre.

We need that kind of attitude – to want to have the presence of God at the centre of our lives and not at the extremities.

As New Testament believers we don’t have a box, we have the presence of God in our lives. But we can still push God to the extremities.

Let’s look at the attitudes of 3 different individuals towards the presence of God coming back.

Uzzah

Uzzah died because he steadied the Ark of the Covenant, which became unstable on the cart as the oxen stumbled due to a pothole in the road.

We will all face potholes in the road. What is our response to them?
We’re not meant to help God out – we need to trust Him with our lives. Something’s need to be left to God, we can’t force it to happen (e.g. Abraham having children)

Beware of familiarity. Uzzah had probably become familiar with the Ark of God. Never become familiar with what we do in church. Always be in a place of expectation and anticipation.

The Ark should have been carried by people using poles and not on a cart. People carry the presence of God.

Michal

1 Chronicles 15:29 - But as the Ark of the Lord’s covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David dancing and leaping for joy, she was filled with contempt for him

Don’t be like Michal. People who shout from the sidelines have a ‘lot to say’.
Contempt kills fruitfulness. When we take on a cynical or negative attitude it kills our fruitfulness.

Obed-Edom

A blessed man, and not just because the Ark of God was at his home.
He was also a man of great character and integrity. Involved in the things of God.

He was a gatekeeper
He was a musician involved in worship
He was a doorkeeper in the house of God
He was a leader (1 Chronicles 16:38)

Let’s have the right attitude to God’s presence, not cynical or negative, not shouting, “we can do better” from the sidelines.

What will our attitude be as we enter this new phase in the life of our church? Let us shoulder the burden together. Have the Obed-Edom attitude.

'Success' Poem

This blew me away...

You can use most any measure
When you're speaking of success
You can measure it in fancy home
Expensive car or dress
But the measure of your real success
Is one you cannot spend
It's the way your son describes you
When he's talking to a friend

(Martin Buxbaum)

Are You Sleeping?

Great message in church today. Paul Benger completed his series on Faith.

“This message should send you to sleep!”

Psalm 37:1-9

Dreamers need to sleep. If you don’t sleep you won’t dream. God uses us at our best when we are at rest. (Adam, Jacob etc)

Psalm 3:5 - I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.
Psalm 4:8 - I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
Psalm 127:2 - It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

God wants us to be at rest...not frantic, stressed, worrying etc. Lie down on your troubles - be at peace, be at rest.

Faith’s first position is rest (sleep) Trusting that God is on our side. Adam’s first day was a day of rest.

What kind of Christian/Church are we? Frantic/fretful? Always thinking ‘we must do more!’….‘If only we did more!’ Or are we a faith-filled Christian/Church? At peace/rest believing in the favour of God for our lives. We come from a position of having already won.

What causes us to be anxious? Look at Psalm 37

1) Refuse to respond to opposition (Vs 1-2)

Don’t worry about the wicked.

Psalm 37:23-26 – (23) The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. (24) Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (25) Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread. (26) The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.

Let our actions flow from a peaceful spirit...trusting God.

2) Refuse to look at what you don’t have (Vs 1-2)

Don’t be envious of others. Don’t measure your life by your possessions...your net worth. Or don’t measure your life by what you don’t have. (Moses – ‘What is in your hand?’ Use what God has given you...no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. When we use what we’ve got, obediently, God steps in! (Parable of the Talents)

3) Refuse to leave the place of rest (Vs 3-4)

Rest is a daily choice. It is categorised by trust and by doing good. Also by being planted in the House of God. Choose faithfulness. Don’t shrug off what you’re asked to do.

4) Refuse to take matters into your own hands (Vs 5-6)

Trust in God. He will cause your righteousness to shine. It’s not what we can do but what God can do! Leave your troubles with God, don’t be lazy, but trust God with the outcome.

5) Refuse to get mad (Vs 7-9)

When the person next to you gets a new car or a bigger house, when others are getting blessed, what is your reaction? It may be a stumbling block. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Don’t mourn with those who rejoice or rejoice with those who mourn!

Are you mad? Mad at God, mad with your life, mad at others? Answer = Rest, let God make your righteousness shine.

Faith’s first positive is SLEEP.

What Not to Wear

Jeannie Benger hit the spot again tonight with a challenging message on 'What Not to Wear'.

It’s all about how we look on the inside...do we wear God well? How do we reflect God to our world?

1) Don’t Wear Sympathy and Hurt

Do wear grace and compassion.
Don’t live under the constant sympathy of others
Live with people who show grace and compassion who spur us on. Sympathy doesn’t give answers. Compassion motivates us, grows us, spurs us on.

2) Don’t Wear Worry and Anxiety

Do wear faith and hope. Hope for our future. Believe God’s promises for our lives.
Don’t fear bad news. Be confident in God. Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the answer – God.

Proverbs 12:25 - Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Surround yourself with positive, faith filled words/people. Your environment is critical – chose the right people not the ‘sympathisers’.

Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

God is El Shaddai – more than enough!

3) Don’t Wear a Slave Mentality

Do wear a servant mentality.
Slaves are ‘helpless victims’ without freedom.
Choose to follow, choose to serve. A ‘whatever it takes’ attitude. A Kingdom mentality for a Kingdom of excellence. God deserves the very best.
Honour others above yourself...it’s not about me.
Serve with a heart of confidence (confident in the God we serve)
Serve with a heart of strength
Serve with a heart of thankfulness
Serve with a heart of sowing (time, finance, ideas)
Serve with a heart of release (releasing others to do)

4) Don’t Wear Negativity

Do wear positivity – encourage.
Guard your words. Be gracious with others. Show grace and generosity. From the abundance of your heart the mouth speaks. What’s in your heart?

Hebrews 12:15 - Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favour of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.

Let your words lift people and not tear them down.

England Roar

Great win in India to tie the series. Well done Freddie and the boys. What a result with so many of our first choice players out for various reasons. Some of them must be a little worried about their places for sure!

Handling Life’s Storms

Fantastic message in church tonight. Paul Benger spoke on ‘Handling Life’s Storms’ which was the second part of his series on Faith.

Acts 27:27-44

He shared with us a few facts about some of the characteristics of storms, in particular the recent hurricanes to hit the USA. He then contrasted this with the fact that ‘storms’ effect our lives.

We all face storms in our lives both literal (i.e. the kind that causes floods and blow our roofs off!) - to the more common ‘life storms’. Both types cause upheaval and are messy!

Sometimes though we experience ‘inconveniences’ which we react to as though they were storms.

Some of the characteristics of storms - Unexpected, unfavourable, unpleasant and unpredictable.

Storms are there to harm you - inconveniences can be doing you good. Don’t over react to them.

Storms come in seasons. In Acts 27 the storm Paul faced lasted 2 weeks!
If you are facing a storm right now remember storms come in seasons – it won’t last forever!

If it’s just an inconvenience...they’re part of the action. As Christians, rise up – have a backbone. The Spirit of God is inside of us, don’t succumb to the spirit of the age. Take a stand.

Four important responses in the midst of storms:

1) Don’t Abandon Your Trust in God

Don’t look for a reason why – trust God. Don’t focus on your smallness, focus on the greatness of God. Paul – “God has shown me, no one will die’

Don’t rely on yourself – don’t trust in human wisdom, it’s flawed. Trust God – do it His way. You’re only ‘right’ when you agree with God – it’s time to change your mind!

The storm will reveal what’s inside of us. How much hope we’ve got, how much faith we’ve got, how much joy we’ve got.

The storm doesn’t reveal stuff for God to see – the storm let’s us know what we need in our life.

2) Don’t Abandon the Ship and Crew

(Vs 30-32) – Too many people jump ship when the storm comes. God wants us to draw closer. The church to draw ranks as there is still much work to be done. The best place to be when the storm comes is in the House of God.

When the storm comes don’t project your problems on someone else...and don’t think the grass is always greener on the other side. Grass is grass!

3) Don’t Abandon Your Faith

Don’t go into crisis or panic mode. What’s inside of us? Faith?
Don’t be blasé – ‘It’s not a problem’ (They’re usually is!)

Lighten the load. It’s an act of faith. Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Get rid of the rubbish on our lives. People often add to the load when storms come.
Eat something good. The food of faith - not negativity from negative people.
Keep doing what you need to do – don’t stop (don't give up). Keep giving, keep sowing…keep reaping.
Keep your language right. A language of hope. ‘God will do’.

4) Don’t Abandon Your Mission

They stayed with the ship...until they’d accomplished their mission. Changes happen so that we can fulfil our mission.

Consider the changes that we are about to face as a church. It’s all about us fulfilling our mission. What God has called us to do at this time. To see His church built in this place. A community of God’s people being drawn together. People coming to faith in Christ, prodigals being restored.

Let’s not abandon our mission!

Got My Number

I've just received my number for the London Marathon:

33964

My London Marathon Blog is currently down at the moment...Blogger is having problems with some of their sites. Check it out (when you can!) and why not sponsor me?! So far I've raised over £700 for Help the Hospices.

Great Expectations

Jeannie Benger spoke an encouraging message in church last night on having great and ‘God’ expectations.

We sometimes live with low or even no expectations - for our lives, our future, our families, our jobs etc.

Expect good things to happen. What are you expecting? Have God’s expectations in your life. Raise your expectation level. Expect much and expect great things for your life.

Ephesians 3:20 – God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

God is a gentleman, he won’t force the issue.

Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. God will give you good things!

Desire God desires. Desire is creative not passive. Have good and God ideas. He wants us to be a creative people – He is a creative God. Don’t be passive, having a tendency not to participate (i.e. letting others take the lead). Don’t sit back – create!

Live your life with dreams and visions – knowing they can be achieved through God.

2 Corinthians 10:13 – We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you

Live within the sphere God has placed you but also know your limits.
Fulfil the potential God knows you have. Influence (for good) those within your sphere – see those around you through Gods eyes.

We don’t want people to look at our lives and say ‘we don’t want what they’ve got’ BUT ‘we do want what they’ve got!’

We’ve been given authority in heaven and on earth to fulfil His purposes for our lives. Be fruitful. Find your place, serving God. Rekindle those dreams that have dimmed.

For us as a church – God wants us to be large and influential. We’re all responsible for that vision of growth. Live the dream together – expect great things!

Live a life of faith – believing God for great things.

Hebrews 11:1 - NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]

Stay focused. You might not win every battle, but you will win the war!

Quotes

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia. Charles M Schulz

Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night." Charles M Schulz

This is the Day

Spoke last night in church...

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it" - This is the day! (NOT - This is ‘A’ Day but this is THE Day the Lord has made!)

Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Jesus prayed…

Matthew 6:9-11 – (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. (11) Give us today our daily bread.

Jesus prayed about the great purpose and will of God (Your Kingdom come, Your will be done) and then linked it back to today (verse 11). ‘Give us TODAY…’

There is a strong link between the eternal purpose of God and today!

WHY PEOPLE MISS THE VALUE OF TODAY

1) They Get Stuck in Yesterday’s Successes or Yesterday’s Negativity

In Psalm 77 the Psalmist dreamed of "the good old days." He looked backward and his attachment to the past limited his present. He would have done well to forget what was and focus on the what is. Looking back and dwelling in the past will limit our present.

Let me say three things about that:

(Firstly) Don't dwell on past sins and failures. Learn the lessons that failure teaches us, turn away from those sins in genuine repentance.

(Secondly) Don't dwell on "the good old days" which weren't as good as our memory tricks us into believing. Yes, have fond memories, cherish special moments of days gone by, but don't live there and forget about today!

(Thirdly) Don't rest on your laurels of past accomplishments. Some think they've done their lifetime of service for Christ and now they'll just sit back and let others do all the work. Past accomplishment should not limit present opportunities and service.

What happened in our past in some way influences our present and that can be a good thing IF we learn the lessons we ought to have learned. But it is not a good thing if we bring our former sins/failures, former joys and even former successes into the present and let them limit what we are doing right now.

Whatever you were in the there and then should not keep you from being what you can be in the here and now. Don't let your past limit your present. THIS IS A NEW DAY!

My day is not determined by what is happening around me, it is determined by WHO is living in me!

2) They Worry about Tomorrow

Matthew 6:25-35

KEY: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well

NLT puts it like this in Luke 12:31 – "He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

And God said this - "For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT).

If Jesus is the Lord of your present, He has taken care of your past and assures you of a glorious future. With God, the best is yet to come.

Jesus is the same yesterday, TODAY and forever!

3) They Overestimate Tomorrow

Some people anticipate and yearn for the future as "better days which are to come." But people can (through longing for tomorrow) - despise today.

Both being apprehensive about the future and longing too much for it impacts the here and now.

You cannot hope for a good tomorrow without investing in it today - the seed you sow into the soil of today will determine your harvest of tomorrow

The purposes of God are future (YES) – but must be worked out on the present TODAY.

4) They Underestimate Today

Daily discipline that you exercise determines whether you fulfill the purpose of God. Do it TODAY. Don’t wait.

Today is the day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, today is the day of salvation! (What are we waiting for?)

John 4:35 – Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest! Today the fields are ready for harvesting!

Don’t let idleness deceive you. For while you give him today, he steals tomorrow from you. - A. F. Forester

Five keys to getting the most out of Today...

1) Live with Purpose

God has a purpose for your life. Created to worship…love Him (with all our hearts, soul, mind, strength) - My life is here by divine design to fulfill God’s great purpose.

2) Live with Focus

Focus causes you to do the things that are important. Life decisions require focus. Time is limited therefore focus is required. Focus on the things of God…the life He wants us to live for Him.

3) Choose to Take Risks

God has called us to live a life of faith, not mediocrity. ‘Have a go!’ – Be passionate about TODAY!

4) Make every Second Count

Your ‘perspective’ will cause you to value or devalue your time. Our perspective shapes of life…governs our priorities. Get God’s perspective on you life.

5) Live in Preparation

Be prepared so that you are ready when the call of God comes.

David (speaking to that GIANT)…1 Samuel 17:46 – This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.

Be ready to take your opportunity when it comes.

The Power of Perspective

Paul Benger began a three-part series last night on Faith. The first part being on the ‘Power of Perspective’.

How we view things is really important. We’re not talking about the power of positive thinking – although even that is better than the power of negative thinking.

Our perspective can give us peace and joy OR torment. Look at Saul...

1 Samuel 18:1-16 (Saul’s perspective)

Saul began to view David as an enemy and not as an ally. His perspective became negative. Full of jealousy and fear about his position and place. Instead of joy...sadness. All of this because of the power of perspective.

God doesn’t want you to live with your view on life – But His view, His perspective. Have the same mind as God’s. See what he sees, be one in perspective. Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Your perspective will lead your decisions. Your perspective will chose your friends. Your perspective will govern your priorities.

Psalm 4 (David’s perspective)

4 perspectives of David...

Verse 1 – God is working all things together for good

Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them

We often let our troubles change our view of God. We become introspective.
6 important areas to consider concerning God working things together for our good:

1. This is a trial of my faith not my endurance
2. God is enlarging me through this trial
3. God will relieve the pain and burden of this trial if we refuse ownership – give it to God. (Cast all your burdens on Him)
4. God will carry the burden for you
5. God has not changed His opinion of you
6. God will have mercy on you and will hear your prayer

Verse 3 – God has positioned me for good success

We are set apart by God for His purposes (saved and called). We are here to extend His kingdom. All things are beneath His feet and also beneath our feet. We will overcome and conquer. Get the right perspective – you are above and not below!
Circumstances don’t make you a winner or a loser. Paul’s perspective – Because of Christ, I can do all things.

Verse 6 – God will reveal Himself to me

God will light my way. His word is a lamp to my feet. In any sphere of your life look where God is shining His light. Look for His perspective. Get out of the darkness, out of the unclear places where we’re not making the right decisions.

Verse 8 – God will protect my life

Have confidence in God that He will protect you. Think eternally. Where are you looking to for protection? Peace comes from knowing God. Psalm 27:4-6 - God hides you. He puts you under His wings in the day of trouble. We’re surrounded by the protection of God.

Overcoming Our Fears

Mark Wilkins brought a great message in church last night - all about Abraham and how he had to come to terms with his fears.

Genesis 12-15

Despite the promises of God, Abraham still had to confront and overcome a number of fears. Rational and irrational.

He obeys and follows God but hits several problems along the way which causes fear and him losing sight of the promises of God.

Eventually the passage of time begins to cause him to doubt and question God. Begins to see things through human eyes...forgetting God’s promises for his life. He tries to accomplish things in his own strength.

The longer time goes on...we begin to question, did God really say that? This is a difficulty for us in our ‘instant’ culture. God teaches us patience.

Overcoming our FEARS...

The Cause – We lose sight of God’s promises for us. The passage of time causes us to doubt and question. We become afraid.

The Cure – We need to focus on the promises of God. Read what God has said in his Word about us, about the plans he has for us. (Isaiah 41) Build your faith...live in the promises of God.

The Outcome – We will grow stronger in our faith. Be able to stand in a position of strength.

Romans 4:17-22 – (17) That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." his happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who brings into existence what didn't exist before. (18) When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! (19) And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and that Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children. (20) Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (21) He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. (22) And because of Abraham's faith, God declared him to be righteous.

Your Place - Christ's Body Part 3

Ephesians 1:22-23 – (22) And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, (23) which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (English Standard Version)

Paul Benger hadn’t quite finished with us yet. He carried on this excellent series last night looking at the second characteristic of those who make up Christ’s body – the church...

We are supernaturally joined to other believers by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit in you...this is what makes you alive! The flicker of desire within you to be a part of God’s House – that is the Holy Spirit at work in your life. Let that flicker become a flame!

In the Old Testament the Ark of the Covenant signified the presence of God. Today we don’t have a box we have you and me – we carry the presence of the Living God.

Jesus made things real. The presence of God is not some mystical thing – it is where there is a culture of faith.

God is among us – He speaks into our life and gives us hope. The church is a place of hope. God is in the House when there is...

A spirit of Service, of Praise and Worship, of Generosity, of Trust, of Salvation, of Healing…and where there is a Good Attitude!

We need to check we have these things on a daily basis. These are the signs of the presence of God.

In the midst of tough times do we have the presence of God in our lives, which means we cling to Him – we trust Him?

From the Old Testament people are still looking for the literal restoration of the Temple...as we come into the New Testament we see that WE are that Temple...the Church.

Ephesians 2:18-22 – (18) Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. (19) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. (20) We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. (21) We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. (22) Through him you Gentiles are also joined together as part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

5 great things about the Temple

- The Temple is built on a Solid Foundation
- The Tempe is built with a God Given Structure
- The Temple is built on God Given Connections
- The Temple is built in a Holy Fashion
Not religious, not solemn – but set apart for God, putting him first. Doing things for God with excellence. Because God is holy our service to God is holy.
- The Temple is built by the Holy Spirit

What is Intelligent Design?

Read this recently...

"Intelligent design" refers to a scientific research program as well as a community of scientists, philosophers and other scholars who seek evidence of design in nature. Through the study and analysis of a system's components, a design theorist is able to determine whether various natural structures are the product of chance, natural law, intelligent design or some combination thereof.

For example, consider Mount Rushmore:



The pattern of the rocks in the talus slopes below the faces is due primarily to chance and natural law. The pattern of erosion alongside the faces is due primarily to natural law and chance. The pattern of the presidents' faces is due primarily to intelligent design.

Your Place - Christ's Body Part 2

Paul Benger completed his excellent message on the church tonight.

Ephesians 1:22-23 (The Message) – (22) He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the centre of all this, Christ rules the church. (23) The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

After recapping on last weeks main points Paul homed in on the first point from last week...

We are united by our loyalty to Jesus Christ

We cannot be a Christ follower and be disconnected from the Body.

Unity is Life Giving

Psalm 133 – (1) How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! (2) For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. (3) Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.

Unity gives life to us, there is an anointing that comes upon the church and makes us succeed. When we’re not pulling in different directions but all pulling in the same direction.

Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-6 – (1) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. (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. (4) We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. (5) There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.

Unity is a supernatural thing...the Holy Spirit joins our hearts!

Unity of Gathering

Ekklesia (Greek) – to be called out from...and gathered for a purpose. We’ve been called by God to this place.

If we stripped everything away what would we need to survive as a Christian? What is the ‘irreducible minimum’?

The Bible, prayer, giving - all very important in our Christian walk.

Our gathering together is the most important thing. When we connect for the purposes of Christ. There is power when we gather – not when we are on our own.

There is more healing, more strength, and more revelation when we gather. That’s why even in countries where Christians are persecuted or have been persecuted through history they have always made every effort to meet.

3 people in the Old Testament who left the places where God had called them to be - Abraham, Lot and Naomi. They faced trouble and hardship until they eventually found themselves back in the place where they should have been.

Stay in your place! Christ’s body – the Church. Connect and flourish!

Song Transposing

For all you worship leaders/song writers/musicians...

Here's a useful tool for transposing those songs....you know the ones that are either too high or too low!

Your Place - Christ's Body

Paul Benger’s thorough message on ‘church’ in church last night...

Ephesians 1:22-23 – (22) And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. (23) And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.

The Message – (22) He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the centre of all this, Christ rules the church. (23) The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

We’re part of a Body...not disconnected. We are where we belong, where we find our purpose. Where we find fulfilment.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – (12) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. (13) Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptised into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.

Jesus is in charge. He is the head of the body. He gives leadership to the church but He is still the head.

The HEAD has the ideas, the revelation is given...but to get the ideas actioned it needs a BODY! We are that BODY...God uses the church, His Body, to get things done. Things won’t just happen on their own.

We grow when we remain within the body, not when we are disconnected.

Our gifts/abilities contribute to the body...help it to grow.
You cannot just attend church...you are an integral part of it.
You are not a misfit...you fit in Christ’s Body somewhere.

Acts 2:42-44 – (42) They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. (43) A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. (44) And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.

We have a part to play in...worship; lifestyle (Christ’s followers); giving; fellowship; prayer; learning; using our gifts/talents.

The New Testament was written to the Church not individual believers.

A healthy church is the foundation of life = fruitfulness.

Together we continue Christ’s ministry on earth...we are becoming the Church God wants.

4 characteristics of the people connected to Christ’s Body...

- We are united by our loyalty to the person of Jesus Christ

- We are supernaturally joined to other believers by the Holy Spirit

- We get empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news

- We are organised by Jesus into a powerful army

Your place is in Christ’s Body.

War on Science?

More than half the British population does not accept the theory of evolution, according to a survey.

Furthermore, more than 40% of those questioned believe that creationism or intelligent design should be taught in school science lessons.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI for the BBC's Horizon series.

Its latest programme (showing tonight), A War on Science, looks into the attempt to introduce intelligent design into science classes in the US.

Over 2000 participants took part in the survey, and were asked what best described their view of the origin and development of life:

• 22% chose creationism
  
• 17% opted for intelligent design
  
• 48% selected evolution theory
  
• and the rest did not know

Intelligent design is the concept that certain features of living things are so complex that their existence is better explained by an "intelligent process" than natural selection.

Change Your Life

Simon Wood spoke a ‘life-changing’ message in church last night.

Move on from the old way of doing things. God wants to take us to the next level. Jesus said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.

You can change your future. Be passionate about what you believe in. The greatest thing we can give to God is our love. Be passionate for God; be passionate for His house.

Finding real fulfilment is not about changing your job, you partner, your house, your hobbies - it’s all about...

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 - (5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (6) These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. (7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Everywhere you go put God first. Involve Him in every part of your life. The tragedy is when we see a God that gives WHOLEHEARTEDLY and we give HALFHEARTEDLY

When it comes to what we take in – eat healthily. Take in a balanced diet. We are what we eat! God’s WORD should be in our hearts. Feast on it...let it shape our soul. Don’t let negative/bad news effect our lives to the extent that they control our daily living.

See things God’s way and not the world’s way.

Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Don’t lose your first love...let it be restored!

Get rid of the things in our lives that need to shed. We can start again. God is our Redeemer. He forgives us and helps us start anew. He restores our joy!

I'll Never Forget...

I remembered the other day a great parody done by comedian, Tony Capstick a number of years ago. He did it in my very own Yorkshire dialect with Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World playing in the background (you know…the old Hovis advert)

I'll never forget that first day at t'pit.
Me an' mi father worked a 72 hour shift, then wi walked home 43 mile through t'snow in us bare feet, huddled inside us clothes med out o' old sacks.
Eventually we trudged over t'hill until wi could see t'street light twinklin' in our village.
Mi father smiled down at mi through t'icicles hangin' off his nose. "Nearly home now lad", he said.
We stumbled into t'house and stood there freezin' cold and tired out, shiverin' and miserable, in front o' t' meagre fire.
Any road, mi mam says "Cheer up, lads. I've got you some nice brown bread and butter for yer tea."
Ee, mi father went crackers. He reached out and gently pulled mi mam towards 'im by t'throat. "You big fat, idle ugly wart", he said. "You gret useless spawny-eyed parrot-faced wazzock." ('E had a way wi words, mi father. He'd bin to college, y'know). "You've been out playin' bingo all afternoon instead o' gettin' some proper snap ready for me an' this lad", he explained to mi poor, little, purple-faced mam.
Then turnin' to me he said "Arthur", (He could never remember mi name), "here's half a crown. Nip down to t'chip 'oyl an' get us a nice piece o' 'addock for us tea. Man cannot live by bread alone."
He were a reyt tater, mi father.
He said as 'ow workin' folk should have some dignity an' pride an' self respect, an' as 'ow they should come home to summat warm an' cheerful.
An' then he threw mi mam on t'fire.
We didn't 'ave no tellies or shoes or bedclothes.
We med us own fun in them days.
Do you know, when I were a lad you could get a tram down into t'town, buy three new suits an' an ovvercoat, four pair o' good boots, go an' see George Formby at t'Palace Theatre, get blind drunk, 'ave some steak an' chips, bunch o' bananas an' three stone o' monkey nuts an' still 'ave change out of a farthing.
We'd lots o' things in them days they 'aven't got today - rickets, diptheria, Hitler and my, we did look well goin' to school wi' no backside in us trousers an' all us little 'eads painted purple because we 'ad ringworm.
They don't know they're born today!

The Eagles are Coming!

Notes for this Sunday’s message on STRENGTH…

Isaiah 40:27-31 – (27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? (28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. (31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Where do we get our strength? (What is the source?)

Finding and knowing God’s STRENGTH…

Waiting
Lean heavily on the Lord for strength. To wait on God means…to have a sincere and steady dependence on Him with an obedient trust.

Dwelling
Psalm 84:4,6,7 – (4) Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (5) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. (7) They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Need to know…

1. GOD IS AWARE (He knows)
(27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case?

God is aware! He is aware of what’s happening to us from day to day.

2. GOD IS ABLE
(28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding

Not only does He not lack strength...He supplies it. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up.

3. GOD IS AVAILABLE
He is available, to renew the strength of "those who wait" on Him.

(31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Godly Confidence

Paul Benger kicked off the New Year with a great message in church last night. He spoke on developing and maintaining a Godly confidence.

Hebrews 10:32-39

How often do we give up to early or too easily? How many times do we lose our confidence? Our confidence is so important and the enemy wants to strip us of our confidence.

Don’t throw away your confidence. Have confidence in God; in who He is and in what He’s done...it’s a lifesaver! It will take us through 2006. Resolutions are broken because confidence is lost.

Isaiah 40:31 - 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 wants us to maintain our confidence. Have a confident spirit. Don’t listen to the voices of discouragement...they’re not from God.

A Godly confidence is not arrogant. It’s because of Christ. Philippians 4:14 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Four things that help us develop our Godly confidence...

Remember whose image you are
We are created in God’s image. Because of Him we are strong. We can find His strength in every situation. The situation may not have changed but our perception can, it’s the power of perception. Consider Gideon (I am weak) - the revelation that came from God – ‘Go in MY strength’, ‘I am with you!’

Consider also David. His confidence was diminished, who battled with his confidence. The revelation that came to him...Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well

Commit to decisions of growth
A people who know God will stand firm and take action. Peter initiated the walking on water! Commit to growth.

Know there will be challenges to your confidence
The bigger the dream the greater the cost. The greatest challenge to us as a church is the spirit and attitude in our hearts and minds. Psalm 37:24 - though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
God lifts to a higher level those that fall.

Maintain a God conditioned heart
It can be easy to get frustrated to begin to question why things are not happening. But keep our hearts trusting in God.
Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life

New Guitar

I've been able to fulfill a dream today of being able to buy a second guitar. I once owned a Takamine and always fancied having another one (like the one below) and now I have. It sounds great and goes well with my Ovation. Thanks to those who enabled me to live this dream!

Takamine EG560C-BS

Been Away

We’ve just got back from our Christmas break. We spent a week with Jane’s Mum and Dad and also her sister and husband who are over from Perth, Australia. We stayed in a quaint cottage down in the lovely village of Caldecott, Rutland. We had snow....so it was a real Christmas experience - along with all the great food and family debates!

We saw the Chronicles of Narnia while we were away....a great family film – I really enjoyed it.

Great to be back....happy new year to everyone!

King Kong

Saw it last night. A great film...although at 3 hours it seemed a tad too long. I also felt I should have been a little more emotional at the end but I still couldn't bring myself to shed a tear for a 50 foot Gorilla...now a 3 foot Hobbit, well that's a different thing altogether!

Movies over Christmas

Looking forward to going to see a couple of films over Christmas. First up will be the new King Kong film and then closely followed by the Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.





Early reviews suggest I’m going to enjoy the Kong film the most, but we’ll see...

Your Burning Bush

Here’s a summary of my notes from another great message from Paul Benger in church last night. Paul spoke on having our own burning bush experience a la Moses. Main text: Exodus 3:1-18

Moses spent 40 years in the backside of the desert. He had been groomed to be a Pharaoh. I wonder if Moses thought a lot about missed opportunities? He questioned God on who he was. ‘Who am I?’

One of the questions many people are asking in life, ‘Do I matter to anyone?’

Even with Moses’ low self-esteem, God is still saying – ‘He is the one’. Even though he thought he’d blown it, God stayed with him! Never think you’ve blown it – God will find a way!

Three things from which the world gets it’s WORTH:

Style – Appearance and fashion. Proverbs 31:30 – Beauty does not last! Nothing wrong with wanting to look good, but it’s not where we get our self-worth.
Status – Keeping up with the Jones’ – not the place where we get our value.
Success – God wants us to do well, but again it’s not where we get our significance. Only in God. Knowing him and knowing his forgiveness.

Moses had all 3 when in Egypt – lost them all in a minute! Even so God still had Moses and Moses still had God.

3 things we need to know about the burning bush experience…

1) God calls you
He is not a silent God – he speaks to us. We need to be ready to hear what God is saying about our lives. Be in church the place where we can find out what God is saying!

2) Where you are right now is holy ground
Where God is – his presence. You might not feel it, just like Moses. But He is with us.

3) It’s time to discover who you are and who God is
Moses asked (vs 11) – Who am I?
And (vs 13) – Who shall I tell them sent me?
Realise who God is – Almighty, awesome God who can do all things! ‘I am who I am’
Realise who you are – God is intimately, infinitely involved in our lives!

Know Who You Are (Paul’s Top 10):
I am CREATED
I am CHOSEN
I am PROTECTED
I am COMPLETE
I am VICTORIOUS
I am SAVED
I am FORGIVEN
I am FREE
I am LOVED
I am ACCEPTED

ON YOUR MARKS!

Good news on the London Marathon front, after receiving confirmation the other day that my name had not been selected in the ballot - I’ve just received a call from the local Hospice (Ashgate, Chesterfield) and they’ve asked me to run for them!

I’d been a little disappointed in not gaining an automatic place...but after reading the LM magazine and seeing one of the charity pages (Help the Hospices) I decided to try another door, as it were. I was always going to make it an opportunity to raise some money for a great cause and so my goal has still been achieved (in a roundabout way!)

I want to raise as much money as possible for the Hospice. They do a fantastic work of which we’ve had experience of in recent years after the death of my brother-in-law Mark Loveday a few years ago. We spent a number of weeks with him in the local hospice down in Gravesend, Kent. This run will be mainly for him who I know would have been very proud of what I’ve achieved in the last couple of years. The London Marathon will be run on 23rd April...almost 5 years to the day since Mark passed away.

My running mate, Rob, will be running with me. He got an automatic place...and has promised to help raise money with me.

I’m also thinking about setting up another blog to keep track of my training progress, monies raised so far etc. There will also be a link to my ‘Just-Giving’ site where monies can be donated/pledged. So...

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Ashes Rematch?

The England coach Eriksson admits he would rather avoid the "English speaking countries" such as Australia and the United States.

"They are desperate to beat England in a big tournament, which is why I don't want to play them," he said. "But there is a wider aspect to Australia, there is a sporting rivalry between the two countries. What I saw during the summer in the cricket was amazing."

Read on

Blessed! Part II

Last night in church, Paul Benger continued our series and spoke a great message on the Foundations of Blessing.

We looked at the ‘blessed man’ in Psalm 112. He mentioned that the blessed man had no name, that it could be anyone....it could even be YOU!

As we read the bible we cannot escape the fact that God has blessed us, and it’s not because of what I can do for God but because of what He had done! Faith says it’s not what I’ve done – but what God has done.

The foundation of blessing is God himself. God created us for relationship, fellowship and blessing – right from the beginning. God’s position has always been, ‘I want to bless my people’.

Deuteronomy 30:19 - Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!

We have a choice to make. We need to reposition ourselves. Choose God’s way…

Psalm 112:1 - Fear the Lord
Not being afraid of God but having reverence, respect, putting Him first. Is God first in your life? To fear God takes faith. Are you faith-filled or faith-drained?

God wants to bless you...make God first in your life. Plant the seed that produces faith in your life. We cannot induce faith, we need to sow the seed, search God’s word. Romans 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Promises for fearing the Lord…

Psalm 112:2-4 – Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

Our past does not dictate our future. God’s grace gives us a brand new start!

The blessed man is fearless and confident - trusting in God.
Psalm 112:7-8 - They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.

Blessed! Part I

We began our new series in church on Sunday night on the subject of what it is to be blessed! I kicked off with the whole subject of ‘blessed are those who dwell in your house’ (Psalm 84:4)

It is God’s will for our lives to be blessed to flourish...to grow! God loves you and wants the very best for you!

The psalmist knows what he needs for happiness. Happiness, for him, is being in God's house!

Psalm 84:10 - Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

There are those who attend church who never reach full potential, don’t really grow. As well as dwelling in the House of God…the key is being planted!

Psalm 92:12-15 – (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, (15) proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Not those who just attend…but those who are planted! Put down our roots, be watered/fed…and watch God make us grow! Not uprooted – moving from place to place, but planted/rooted in local church. Only then will we grow!

Here Psalm 92 it tells us the key to a productive and flourishing life is to be planted in the church. The house of God is the church - the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
We have to remember the church is not a place you go to, but it’s a place you belong.

4 Steps to being truly planted in the Church

1) Be a member of the household

Ephesians 2:19 - ‘Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household’.

2) Form Friendships

The church in Acts came together often and shared. They developed relationships. They developed the family.

Connect yourselves with others. We have to make time for each other. Church is more than Sundays; we need to make an effort to meet up regularly at other times.

3) Build Partnerships

1 Corinthians 3:9 - For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
We need to work together! There is a corporate anointing when we come together. When we gather together, when we serve each other.

4) Love people (Kinship)

1 John 3:16 – This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers

If you love Jesus, you will also love other people. You can’t say you love God and hate people at the same time.

Be blessed! Get planted!

Personal Best

Ran in the Clowne Half Marathon yesterday and recorded a PB of 1:41:06. My mate Rob just pipped me by 3 seconds this time....well done mate! I can't believe it's a year since we last ran this race. (See archive)

The Power of Worship Part III

Paul Benger finished our series off in style on Sunday night with a great message on the ‘serving’ aspect of worship.

Romans 12:1 – And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?

When would God be asking too much of you? What would it take for us to say no to God?

Service to God does not belittle us.
Jesus shared about the good and faithful servant in Matthew 25. The highest aspiration on life is to be a servant in whatever sphere of life we are in.

Martin Luther King - ‘Everyone can be great because anyone can serve’

Even in prison Joseph did well! He had a ‘nobility’ about his life, nobility inside of him – a servant heart, an excellent attitude.

Jesus said the greatest among you is the one who serves. The way to greatness...serve! Jesus was our great example:

He came to serve - (Mark 10:45)
For those who aspire to lead - (Mark 10:44)
Jesus showed the way (John 13:14)

Paul’s main text for the evening was from Genesis 24:12-28, when Abraham’s servant went looking for a wife for Isaac and found Rebekah. He shared with us 6 characteristics of great service and great worship.

Great service is WILLING (vs 18)
Great service has a willing attitude, willing heart – and is uncomplaining!

Great service EXCELS (vs 19)
Goes beyond the required norm. Excels expectation – not a one-off.

Great service is SWIFT (vs 18)
Gets on with it – not grumpy. Does not procrastinate!

Great service is HONOURING (vs 18)
‘Certainly sir – drink my Lord!’ Serving looks for ways to honour - ‘How can I serve him, her or them’. Helps those to fulfil their potential.

Great service means WORK (vs 19-20)
She ran! Kept on working, backwards and forwards to the well.

Great service is UNSELFISH
Laying down your life. Putting others before self. Serve where you’re needed not just where you want to!

Socceroos!

At last!



For the first time Australia will be at next year’s World Cup in Germany. Good onya!

Back Down to Earth

Oh dear...



Pakistan beat England in opener. Now where’s our captain?

The Church at Worship

Simon Wood continued our ‘The Power of Worship’ series last night in church. He spoke on the ‘Church at Worship’…

‘Worship’ is hard to put into words. You can’t just use the dictionary definition.

We need to get what God is really like into our hearts!

We’ve been created to worship. God has put the desire of worship into our hearts...but what are we worshipping?

We’ve been created for greater things...to be worshipping in God’s house. God is a great Father and wants the very best for us!

In our worship God wants the very best for us. It’s a two-way relationship. Give to God what He deserves. And know this...that God loves you and,

Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing!

We are a worshipping church, but worship is not just a church thing…it’s a lifestyle.

But there is great strength and power when the church comes together in worship. There is a great anointing!

Psalm 133:1-3 – How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.

God sees the aroma of our worship...our love, our heart for Him.

Great message!

...now for Pakistan

England’s attempt at world domination continues this weekend with the commencement of the First Test in Multan, Pakistan.



With Vaughan out injured I’m hoping England can still rise to the challenge. A good start tomorrow morning is vital so it will be interesting to see the starting line-up. Should Ian Bell get another chance?

The 'Attitude' of Worship

I will be speaking this Sunday as part of our ‘The Power of Worship’ series. My focus will be on the ‘Attitude of Worship’.

For a prosperous life - live life with these three great attitudes...

Let me introduce the GTS of worship:

An attitude of Generosity – a generous heart
An attitude of Thanksgiving – a thankful heart
An attitude of Serving – a servant heart

A well-used phrase is that ‘worship is a lifestyle and not just what happens in our services’.

When you consider these attitudes remember those verses from Philippians 2:1-11 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...

A Generous Heart
Choose to have a generous spirit! Sow generously...bless God, bless others. 2 Corinthians 9:11 – You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

A Thankful Heart
Thanksgiving reminds you to choose a life of giving praise and thanksgiving to God. The Apostle Paul gives this instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

A Servant Heart
Worship is the very first commandment: To love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and all of your strength. Worship should be the priority in our lives – to love Jesus, to put Him first in your life and to serve Him, whatever He calls you to do. Live to delight the heart of God!

Gruesome?

Hope this is not too gruesome for you! They're called 'sutures' or clips to be removed in a few days time.

Ear Operation

My op today! (See post on 11th October)

I, Robot

I will be continuing this Sunday with a message based around a movie as part of our ‘movie-themed’ month at church. This week we are looking at the film I-Robot.



Based loosely on the book by sci-fi writer, Isaac Asimov, the story centres on the attempts by humans to restrict and control their creations. It optimistically looks at the ability of technology to improve the lives of humanity, and in the case of robots, to be even more moral than human beings.

I believe the film highlights two important issues for us as human beings, freedom or freewill and purpose.

Freedom - What does it means to be free?
Purpose – What is our purpose?

The two are intrinsically connected. God has created us with ‘freewill’, freedom to choose. But I believe only real freedom comes when we serve the purposes of our ‘creator’ – God.

(Psalm 139:14-15) - (14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (15) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

(Genesis 1:27) - So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them

The idea that we are made in God’s image is a powerful one. We resemble our creator! God’s imprint is upon us. The worth of each and every person, who has lived, is living now or will ever live has been established from the beginning!

(Psalm 139:16) - (16) All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

In other words the script of our life was written by God - before we were even born!
And the purpose of life is to serve the purposes of God.

Great Photo

Elephants at the foot of Mount Kilamanjaro.

Fear Not

The verse from Psalm 112 sprung to mind this morning when I opened my mail.

Psalm 112:7 - They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

As a Payroll Manager of a large UK business I’ve been awaiting the day when the Inland Revenue (now HM Revenue & Customs) would come calling with regards to doing a PAYE review/audit. Today that day has come. They have requested a preliminary meeting in the coming days and then they will come and do a full audit of our systems and procedures.

Having now read Psalm 112 in full, verse 7 now needs to be read in context considering my situation!

Psalm 112:5-7 - (5) All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. (6) Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. (7) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

I’m sure all will be well!

Incredible Relationships

Last night was the second of our movie-themed evenings at church and was also another glimpse at the movie ‘The Incredibles’. Paul Benger brought an incredible message on ‘relationships’.

We can have incredible relationships! Don’t give up on them. Whether in family, business, church etc.

God believes in them. He is a relational God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

We can know…

Incredible Friendships
Friendship is vital in our relationships – it is the foundation.
Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly
Proverbs 27:17 – Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.
Friends give friendly advice, Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses
The test of friendship – Proverbs 18:24 - There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother
Guard against whispering (gossip) – Proverbs 17:9 - Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends

Incredible Partnerships
You can’t do what God has called you to do on your own.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – two are better than one - the power of synergy
Psalm 133 – the power of unity.

Incredible Family
Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD
We believe in incredible families!
2 people that love God (Psalm 84:5)
2 people that love the House of God (Psalm 84:4)
2 people that love each other (1 Corinthians 13)

God has called us to incredible relationships

Myringoplasty

Recently I burst an eardrum whilst paint-balling! It was a one-in-a-million shot but the damage was done. A third of my eardrum had been removed.

As a result of this accident I have been quite deaf in my right ear. As a musician and worship leader this has left me a little lost at times!

Following several appointments with an ENT specialist and a wait of about 2 months to see if the eardrum would heal on its own I have been informed that this will now probably not happen.

So in a couple of weeks time I will be having a little operation known as myringoplasty. The op will last around 1½ to 2 hrs under general anaesthetic.

The consultant surgeon tells me the success rate is about 9 in 10.

1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

Incredible Heroes

I will be speaking this Sunday as part of our ‘movie-themed’ month on ‘The Incredibles’ – Incredible Heroes...

What camp are you in? Tina Turner - ‘We don’t need another HERO’ or is it Bonnie Tyler - ‘I need a HERO’.

Our world needs HEROES.



Why do we long for Heroes?

The Incredibles reflects this anxiety and fosters our hope that hidden in each of us is the super power to stand out, to be special, to be admired and respected, to be loved. We can't believe that someone could love us before we produce anything of note.

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a far different message.

"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought..." Romans 8:26.

It is not the super who get God's love in Christ. It is God's love through Christ that makes us super!

It is not on the basis of our strength that we live such lives. It is on the basis of the love, grace, mercy and hope we receive in Christ every day.

We do need a hero in these times. His name is Jesus Christ – and through Him we also can be HEROES.

God’s Power in us – Right for every situation...

Ephesians 1:18-20 - I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realise what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’ve done in your life up to this point, all that matters is that at some point in your life you stop and recognise the biggest hero of them all - Jesus.

It was His sacrifice that gives you freedom from your old life and gives you the power and strength it takes for you to be a hero for someone else!

Learning to Play

My eldest son Daniel (11) is learning to play the guitar. Just as I did when I was about his age - he’s just picked up the guitar and learnt some chord structures and started playing along to CD’s (although I think it was tapes/vinyl records when I did it!)

He’s doing really well and can now play through an entire song – one from the new Hillsong album 'God He Reigns' (Let Creation Sing – Reuben Morgan)

Keep it up Dan!

Moving On

Jeannie Benger spoke an inspiring message in church last night. Here are my notes...

Deuteronomy 1:6 When we were at Mount Sinai, the LORD our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough’.

We’ve been living here for long enough. It is now time to move into new ground, move into a new era.

God has great plans for us as individuals and as a church. We need to position ourselves for growth. Leave certain things behind. Not settle for the mediocre – look for the breakthrough. Move with confidence into the things God has for us.

Step away from the mountain!

John 4:35 Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. - The harvest is ready – today. A time to reap.

Mark 4:20 But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.

Seeds have been sown in this town – 25% of the seed has fallen on good ground, now ready for us to harvest. Don’t focus on the seed that has fallen away, focus on the seed that has fallen on good ground.

Deuteronomy 6:10-11 (10) The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land filled with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. (11) The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land.

God will give to us even what we haven’t planted. His favour is upon us!

Ways for us to move away from this mountain and into a new era:

By having confidence
Believe in ourselves, believe in God. We are children of the Living God. Realise who you are.
Step out. When we step out He kicks in!

By living lives that reflect God
We can’t love God and live our lives how we want to. Live a life that reflects God.

By living thankful lives
Living out of thankfulness. So much to be thankful for – all that God has done for us. Give back to God – generously.

By having good attitudes
Check your attitudes. Good or bad? How do we treat people, what are our thoughts towards them? Envious, jealousy – guard against these things. Sow friendliness – reap friendship.