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.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
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!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
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!
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!
Friday, March 17, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, March 13, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
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
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
Monday, March 06, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, February 27, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, February 20, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, February 13, 2006
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
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
Friday, February 10, 2006
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.
"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.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
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!
Here's a useful tool for transposing those songs....you know the ones that are either too high or too low!
Monday, January 30, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
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:
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
Monday, January 23, 2006
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!
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!
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!
Friday, January 13, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, January 09, 2006
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
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
Friday, January 06, 2006
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
Takamine EG560C-BS
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