Resurrection! The Antidote to Entropy
‘Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death’ (Ro 8:1-2)
I am not a scientist and neither do I have any deep understanding of scientific things.
However, I have gleaned from people who have a scientific knowledge that there is a scientific law called ‘The third law of thermo-dynamics’, otherwise known as the ‘law of entropy’.
This law states in layman’s terms that, ‘everything left by itself, without any outside influence, falls into decay’.
This law is seen to be at work all around us in the natural realm e.g. beautiful garden without a gardener becomes a plot of weeds, a beautiful home without continual maintenance becomes a pile of dust, a brand new Mercedes without tender care will become a pile of rust.
It is a law that those that dismiss a belief in creation and cling to the belief in the theory of evolution seem to forget. For a state of nothingness cannot produce anything without an outside influence.
Can I suggest to you that that which science has discovered and called ‘The third law of thermo-dynamics’ or the ‘law of entropy’, the Bible has known about for a very long time.
However, the Bible calls it by another name, ‘…the law of sin and death’.
Very simply it means, if you sin you die.
Adam and Eve in the Garden disobeyed the Command ‘Do not eat’ and their disobedience brought judgement.
Man rejected the outside influence or higher power and is now left by itself with decay.
Ever since the world has been subject to this law.
This is the natural order.
Since man fell in the Garden of Eden things have progressively become worse with the passage of time.
Oh yes, man has made many advances in life, technology, medicine, art, science and discoveries, but the deterioration of the law of sin and death continues.
We still get older, weaker and die.
The world, despite its advancements has suffered more death through war in the last 100 years than throughout history combined.
Atrocities still face us day by day.
Man still has no cure for a broken heart, guilt, or fear.
Why? Because without and outside influence, without intervention from a power greater than itself, man is locked into the law of sin and death and continues into decay.
The answer we come up with is to look into ourselves, discover our true potential, work harder, learn more, increase, invest, follow this way or that way. But all of them are based on the natural order of things.
We do not have the answer.
As you prepare for the Easter holidays you are facing probably the most important day in the Christian calendar.
Why? Because it reminds us that on this day 2,000 years ago man was given the opportunity to participate in a change from the natural order of things.
Jesus Christ, who was crucified, certified dead and buried three days earlier, was raised to life!
The resurrection went against the natural order of things and the Bible promises that all who trust in Christ with all their heart will do the same.
The law of sin and death was impacted by a higher law.
The law of the Spirit of Life sets us free from the law of sin and death,
What is the law of the Spirit of Life?
Very simply it is this, just in the same way the law of sin and death came into the world through the sin and disobedience of one man, Adam, so the law of the Spirit of life comes through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ.
‘Death came into the world because of what one man (Adam) did, and it is because of what this other man (Christ) has done that now there is the resurrection from the dead. Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, being members of his sinful race, and wherever there is sin, death results. But all who are related to Christ will rise again’ (1Co 15:21-23 TLB)
So what law are you living under?
Why not take a step this Easter and break the law that kills and submit to the law that brings life.
Just saying......
Monday, 26 March 2012
Friday, 16 March 2012
Why Face Impossibilies
Have you ever noticed how God sometimes in bringing us where he wants us be takes us through places we don’t want to go.
Joshua and the Israelites were being called to enter the Land of Promise at most difficult place (Jericho) and at the most inopportune time (Jordan in flood).
God called them to the impossible, through the impossible, by the impossible!
Have you ever wondered why he does this?
Here are 5 reasons why!
Reason 1. To make us bigger people
‘Today I will begin to exalt you’ (3:7)
The Hebrew means - 'To make great
God wants to make us great - bigger people - to do it he needs to stretch us, test us, see what is in us - refining process - Joshua had lived in Moses shadow - now needed stretching as he takes up responsibility of something bigger.
Reason 2. To reveal His presence
‘This is how you will know that the living God is among you’ (3:10a)
If God didn't lead us through impossible circumstances by supernatural means what would mark us out as having the presence of God with us
Reason 3. He wants to do it so he can defeat our enemies and drive them of from our possession.
‘He will certainly drive out from before you’ 3:10b
He uses us to take back ground the devil thought was secure and safe in his possessions.
In those impossible situations, wilderness experiences that we go through we can cause light to shine in darkness.
IJn 3:8 “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils work”
He uses us to enforce that victory and take back ground that Adam lost and which Christ restored.
Reason 4 He did this so his power could be revealed and that all men might know he is the Almighty.
'He did this so that all peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful’ (4:24a)
He uses our impossible situations to reveal his glory and power. If we can always cope in natural - when will supernatural be revealed.
Uses circumstances of journey to reveal his power
Reason 5. So we might always stand in awe of him
‘So that you might always fear the Lord your God’ (4:24b)
The God of impossible deeds
So that we might have a confidence in him, not only to take us in and then through impossibilities but in and through the last enemy which is death.
God wants us to cross great obstacles have great adventures and overcome impossibilities.
Everything God does is to a purpose.
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ (Ro 8:28)
Even the trouble we face in this world God uses to a purpose.
Application
So what do we do to become victors in difficult times
So what do we do to become available for God to take us through impossibilities.
So what do we do to fulfil God’s purpose in our trouble?
1. They moved off from a place of rest (3:1)
‘What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Ro 8:31)
‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?’ (Ro 8:35)
2. They followed God’s leading (3:3)
Follow the anointing – comes a time when all are tested in this, i.e. Jesus into wilderness (Jn 4:4, Ps 23, Ps 66)
3. Consecrated themselves (3:5)
Set themselves apart to do his will.
4. They took a step of faith (3:13)
Faith to fight. Faith to go with flow.
Faith to believe God’s in control
Laugh at the darkness and sing in the rain.
Faith is hearing the music of tomorrow but dancing to it today.
5. Be obedient to His word (4:8)
If you keep doing what is right according to the Word then what’s wrong and who’s wrong will soon leave your life.
6. We have to desire the place God wants us to be in more than we fear the journey to get there.
40 years earlier the people were fearful but today was different.
Joshua and the Israelites were being called to enter the Land of Promise at most difficult place (Jericho) and at the most inopportune time (Jordan in flood).
God called them to the impossible, through the impossible, by the impossible!
Have you ever wondered why he does this?
Here are 5 reasons why!
Reason 1. To make us bigger people
‘Today I will begin to exalt you’ (3:7)
The Hebrew means - 'To make great
God wants to make us great - bigger people - to do it he needs to stretch us, test us, see what is in us - refining process - Joshua had lived in Moses shadow - now needed stretching as he takes up responsibility of something bigger.
Reason 2. To reveal His presence
‘This is how you will know that the living God is among you’ (3:10a)
If God didn't lead us through impossible circumstances by supernatural means what would mark us out as having the presence of God with us
Reason 3. He wants to do it so he can defeat our enemies and drive them of from our possession.
‘He will certainly drive out from before you’ 3:10b
He uses us to take back ground the devil thought was secure and safe in his possessions.
In those impossible situations, wilderness experiences that we go through we can cause light to shine in darkness.
IJn 3:8 “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils work”
He uses us to enforce that victory and take back ground that Adam lost and which Christ restored.
Reason 4 He did this so his power could be revealed and that all men might know he is the Almighty.
'He did this so that all peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful’ (4:24a)
He uses our impossible situations to reveal his glory and power. If we can always cope in natural - when will supernatural be revealed.
Uses circumstances of journey to reveal his power
Reason 5. So we might always stand in awe of him
‘So that you might always fear the Lord your God’ (4:24b)
The God of impossible deeds
So that we might have a confidence in him, not only to take us in and then through impossibilities but in and through the last enemy which is death.
God wants us to cross great obstacles have great adventures and overcome impossibilities.
Everything God does is to a purpose.
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ (Ro 8:28)
Even the trouble we face in this world God uses to a purpose.
Application
So what do we do to become victors in difficult times
So what do we do to become available for God to take us through impossibilities.
So what do we do to fulfil God’s purpose in our trouble?
1. They moved off from a place of rest (3:1)
‘What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Ro 8:31)
‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?’ (Ro 8:35)
2. They followed God’s leading (3:3)
Follow the anointing – comes a time when all are tested in this, i.e. Jesus into wilderness (Jn 4:4, Ps 23, Ps 66)
3. Consecrated themselves (3:5)
Set themselves apart to do his will.
4. They took a step of faith (3:13)
Faith to fight. Faith to go with flow.
Faith to believe God’s in control
Laugh at the darkness and sing in the rain.
Faith is hearing the music of tomorrow but dancing to it today.
5. Be obedient to His word (4:8)
If you keep doing what is right according to the Word then what’s wrong and who’s wrong will soon leave your life.
6. We have to desire the place God wants us to be in more than we fear the journey to get there.
40 years earlier the people were fearful but today was different.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Don't just tell; Show
In Luke 5:12-14 Jesus heals a man covered in leprosy.
Leprosy was and still is a terrible disease. In the culture of our text it was not only a very debilitating disease physically but caused the sufferer to be judged as unclean meaning they would be treated as a outcast by society and excluded from any social involvement.
We are told that the moment Jesus touched the man that the leprosy left him immediately.
What is interesting is that Jesus told him not to tell people but to show people that he had been made clean.
As Christians, the issue isn't simply that we tell people that we are forgiven and that we are saved but to show them by our lifestyle and actions.
What people see will always triumph over what people hear. When their eyes and ears conflict they will believe their eyes.
So let me ask you if you are showing, by your holy lifestyle that you are forgiven and clean?
What do people see by your behaviour and habits?
Is your lifestyle different than the worlds?
Live holy, live clean, avoid temptation, keep good company
Think about it.....
Leprosy was and still is a terrible disease. In the culture of our text it was not only a very debilitating disease physically but caused the sufferer to be judged as unclean meaning they would be treated as a outcast by society and excluded from any social involvement.
We are told that the moment Jesus touched the man that the leprosy left him immediately.
What is interesting is that Jesus told him not to tell people but to show people that he had been made clean.
As Christians, the issue isn't simply that we tell people that we are forgiven and that we are saved but to show them by our lifestyle and actions.
What people see will always triumph over what people hear. When their eyes and ears conflict they will believe their eyes.
So let me ask you if you are showing, by your holy lifestyle that you are forgiven and clean?
What do people see by your behaviour and habits?
Is your lifestyle different than the worlds?
Live holy, live clean, avoid temptation, keep good company
Think about it.....
Monday, 22 August 2011
Phil 3:12 ‘I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me’.
Paul's 'that’ was to be conformed to the image of Christ in this life and to posses resurrection life in the future.
However, Paul's ‘that’ in the immediate was to fulfil what Christ had called him to when he called him on Damascus road i.e. take Gospel to the Gentiles.
He kept hold of his call and never wavered from his ‘heavenly vision’.
Becoming formed into the image of Christ is the priority of our ‘being’ but what is your ‘that’ that is the priority of your ‘doing’.
So what is your ‘that’?
What has God called you to do?
Why is it important?
Because doing our will more than his is a constant temptation
Mt 7:21-23 NLT ‘The things you did were unauthorised’.
These people were active in ministry, they were active in mission.
They prophesied, cast out demons and performed miracles.
It seems their faith was great and their deeds effective.
But……… ‘The things you did were unauthorised’.
Vision for the ministry we do (whether individual or corporate) must come from revelation according to the will of God.
Jesus was God, had faith, carried an anointing and lived to purpose but even he only did what pleased the Father (Jn 8:29)
The motive behind what we do is vitally important.
Looking at the context of the passage, it seems Jesus is saying, in the preceding and proceeding passages to our text, that the motive needs to be obedience (post) not self-promotion (pre)
It has been said of those trying to climb the corporate ladder that they had better make sure that it is resting against the right wall. The phrase is simply a warning to make sure that the effort needed is worth the destination.
How sad it would be, if we spent our time doing what looks to be important and necessary in Christian ministry, that in our own eyes and those of others seems so successful, only to find that on that day when Jesus returns he says, 'Away from me, I never knew you....... the things you did were unauthorised'.
Think about it......
Paul's 'that’ was to be conformed to the image of Christ in this life and to posses resurrection life in the future.
However, Paul's ‘that’ in the immediate was to fulfil what Christ had called him to when he called him on Damascus road i.e. take Gospel to the Gentiles.
He kept hold of his call and never wavered from his ‘heavenly vision’.
Becoming formed into the image of Christ is the priority of our ‘being’ but what is your ‘that’ that is the priority of your ‘doing’.
So what is your ‘that’?
What has God called you to do?
Why is it important?
Because doing our will more than his is a constant temptation
Mt 7:21-23 NLT ‘The things you did were unauthorised’.
These people were active in ministry, they were active in mission.
They prophesied, cast out demons and performed miracles.
It seems their faith was great and their deeds effective.
But……… ‘The things you did were unauthorised’.
Vision for the ministry we do (whether individual or corporate) must come from revelation according to the will of God.
Jesus was God, had faith, carried an anointing and lived to purpose but even he only did what pleased the Father (Jn 8:29)
The motive behind what we do is vitally important.
Looking at the context of the passage, it seems Jesus is saying, in the preceding and proceeding passages to our text, that the motive needs to be obedience (post) not self-promotion (pre)
It has been said of those trying to climb the corporate ladder that they had better make sure that it is resting against the right wall. The phrase is simply a warning to make sure that the effort needed is worth the destination.
How sad it would be, if we spent our time doing what looks to be important and necessary in Christian ministry, that in our own eyes and those of others seems so successful, only to find that on that day when Jesus returns he says, 'Away from me, I never knew you....... the things you did were unauthorised'.
Think about it......
Friday, 10 June 2011
Stepping Out From The Ark
Ge 6:9-8:22
You will probably know the outline of the story of Noah and the Ark.
The key points relate to: -
Ge 6:5-8 God offended by man's wickedness and blessed by Noah's righteousness,
Ge 6: 14-22 Noah to build an Ark to escape the coming jusgement
Gen 7:14-16 The Ark was to take in "according to their kinds"
Gen 6:18, 7:13 God looking to start again with Noah and "his kind"
Gen 7:17 "Then the Lord shut him in" or KJV "closed the door".
God allowed Ark to be in the flood but didn't allow the flood to be in the Ark.
Why was Noah chosen?
1. Righteous Gen 6:9 . Blameless not innocent! This because he....
2. Intimacy Gen 6:9 He walked with God. . This released him to.....
3. Faith Heb 11:7 . Which caused him to live in.....
4. Obedience Gen 6:22 . Which qualified him to enter.....
5. Covenant Gen 6:18 . Which brought him out to......
6. Safety!!! Gen 8:15-18
But it didnt just take faith to enter the Ark; it also took faith for Noah to leave the Ark.
They were to leave their place of safety and security after 1 year 10 days.
Having been saved from flood, now told to step from rescue vehicle, safety boat, life-raft into a different world/experience than they had known.
The Ark was not a pleasant place among the animals i.e. smells, dirt etc.
It was filled with Isolation, loneliness, seclusion.
Locked up with pain of past memories i.e. How it used to be, people left behind.
But it was THEIR Ark, it was their safe place against the rain, it was their refuge against the flood.
The day came to step out from the Ark.
And for you too, this is that day!!!
You may have been there a long time (1yr 10days).
But God didn't forget Noah and he hasn't forgotten you Gen 8:1.
God sent a wind and flood receded.
Today the Holy Spirit is blowing to rescind your flood so you can step out of your safe place ( but not necessarily good place) Gen 8:1
We all go through storms and floods and we all look to jump on some passing Ark to help and protect us i.e. rejection, bitterness, hurt, isolation, doctrinal stance.
But there comes a day when God remembers to call us out to our destiny.
Noah came out with purpose and a new beginning Gen 9:7
God closed the door of the Ark but Noah had to open it to face his tomorrow's.
So do you!!!!!
Ge 6:9-8:22
You will probably know the outline of the story of Noah and the Ark.
The key points relate to: -
Ge 6:5-8 God offended by man's wickedness and blessed by Noah's righteousness,
Ge 6: 14-22 Noah to build an Ark to escape the coming jusgement
Gen 7:14-16 The Ark was to take in "according to their kinds"
Gen 6:18, 7:13 God looking to start again with Noah and "his kind"
Gen 7:17 "Then the Lord shut him in" or KJV "closed the door".
God allowed Ark to be in the flood but didn't allow the flood to be in the Ark.
Why was Noah chosen?
1. Righteous Gen 6:9 . Blameless not innocent! This because he....
2. Intimacy Gen 6:9 He walked with God. . This released him to.....
3. Faith Heb 11:7 . Which caused him to live in.....
4. Obedience Gen 6:22 . Which qualified him to enter.....
5. Covenant Gen 6:18 . Which brought him out to......
6. Safety!!! Gen 8:15-18
But it didnt just take faith to enter the Ark; it also took faith for Noah to leave the Ark.
They were to leave their place of safety and security after 1 year 10 days.
Having been saved from flood, now told to step from rescue vehicle, safety boat, life-raft into a different world/experience than they had known.
The Ark was not a pleasant place among the animals i.e. smells, dirt etc.
It was filled with Isolation, loneliness, seclusion.
Locked up with pain of past memories i.e. How it used to be, people left behind.
But it was THEIR Ark, it was their safe place against the rain, it was their refuge against the flood.
The day came to step out from the Ark.
And for you too, this is that day!!!
You may have been there a long time (1yr 10days).
But God didn't forget Noah and he hasn't forgotten you Gen 8:1.
God sent a wind and flood receded.
Today the Holy Spirit is blowing to rescind your flood so you can step out of your safe place ( but not necessarily good place) Gen 8:1
We all go through storms and floods and we all look to jump on some passing Ark to help and protect us i.e. rejection, bitterness, hurt, isolation, doctrinal stance.
But there comes a day when God remembers to call us out to our destiny.
Noah came out with purpose and a new beginning Gen 9:7
God closed the door of the Ark but Noah had to open it to face his tomorrow's.
So do you!!!!!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
How to win in a losing situation
Often in life you face losing situations: situations that are bigger that you are, that are stronger than you are and that can last longer than you can.
The good news is just because at times you get beat it doesn’t mean you have to lose.
You can lose but actually you still win!
What do I mean by that?
Read: Php 4:2-9
Philippi was a church in Macedonia (Northern Greece) that Paul planted on his second great missionary journey and was the first church to be established in Europe.
When Paul wrote his letter to them during his final imprisonment in Rome, he had been locked up for 2 years!!!!
He was facing death and it seems that this death was imminent.
It was a 'lose' situation!
So Paul writes to the church, because it seems that it was facing some 'lose' situations as well!
It seems that there was some real disunity because there are many encouragements for oneness i.e. 2:1-4 and in 4:2-3 we read about two prominent women falling out.
It was a lose situation!
Not only that, but it seems that in Paul’s letter that the church was facing severe trial from the authorities, because he says things like, 1:29 ‘For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have’.
It was a lose situation!
Not only that, but it seems that some were trying to mingle Judaic ritual into the church and were leading some a stray.
It was a lose situation!
As well as all this there were people who were enemies of the cross in the congregation and were giving a bad example to the believers 3:17-20
It was a lose situation!
But I want you to note that in the midst of these losing situations Paul tells them how they can win!!!
Because in the end it is not what happens to you that causes you to lose in life, it is how you react what happens to you that will cause you to lose in life……. OR WIN!!!
Ps 1:1-3 tells us that we can live in such a way that whatever we do will prosper (not what other may do to you). However, what prospers will be according to whatever you do
Paul writes to the Philippians and tells them 5 things to do to be winners no matter the circumstances of their life
1. Choose the right attitude – Rejoice v4
Not feel happy but rejoice. Choose the right attitude. It is something you choose to do.
2. Express the right emotion – v5 Gentleness; better consideration or gentle forbearance. No matter peoples attitude to you, to be a winner, you have to keep a right emotion towards them.
3. Pray the right prayers – v6 With thanksgiving
It is not just about praying and asking but doing it with thanksgiving.
Interlude: These three things release God’s peace to guard our heart and mind – source and outflow.
If we determine to get these three right we can then……
4. Think the right thoughts – v8 True, noble, right pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy
Gr. Think = logizomai = to ponder, to give proper weight to and to allow the resulting thoughts to influence what you do.
If we don’t think right we won’t do right.
And we won’t think right if we don’t choose the right attitude, develop the right emotion of consideration and forbearance and pray the right prayers.
5. Live the right way – v9 Put into practice
Paul tells them to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
What would Jesus do?????
So learn to win even when you lose. It's possible if you follow the right angle of approach. Ask Paul!
Often in life you face losing situations: situations that are bigger that you are, that are stronger than you are and that can last longer than you can.
The good news is just because at times you get beat it doesn’t mean you have to lose.
You can lose but actually you still win!
What do I mean by that?
Read: Php 4:2-9
Philippi was a church in Macedonia (Northern Greece) that Paul planted on his second great missionary journey and was the first church to be established in Europe.
When Paul wrote his letter to them during his final imprisonment in Rome, he had been locked up for 2 years!!!!
He was facing death and it seems that this death was imminent.
It was a 'lose' situation!
So Paul writes to the church, because it seems that it was facing some 'lose' situations as well!
It seems that there was some real disunity because there are many encouragements for oneness i.e. 2:1-4 and in 4:2-3 we read about two prominent women falling out.
It was a lose situation!
Not only that, but it seems that in Paul’s letter that the church was facing severe trial from the authorities, because he says things like, 1:29 ‘For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have’.
It was a lose situation!
Not only that, but it seems that some were trying to mingle Judaic ritual into the church and were leading some a stray.
It was a lose situation!
As well as all this there were people who were enemies of the cross in the congregation and were giving a bad example to the believers 3:17-20
It was a lose situation!
But I want you to note that in the midst of these losing situations Paul tells them how they can win!!!
Because in the end it is not what happens to you that causes you to lose in life, it is how you react what happens to you that will cause you to lose in life……. OR WIN!!!
Ps 1:1-3 tells us that we can live in such a way that whatever we do will prosper (not what other may do to you). However, what prospers will be according to whatever you do
Paul writes to the Philippians and tells them 5 things to do to be winners no matter the circumstances of their life
1. Choose the right attitude – Rejoice v4
Not feel happy but rejoice. Choose the right attitude. It is something you choose to do.
2. Express the right emotion – v5 Gentleness; better consideration or gentle forbearance. No matter peoples attitude to you, to be a winner, you have to keep a right emotion towards them.
3. Pray the right prayers – v6 With thanksgiving
It is not just about praying and asking but doing it with thanksgiving.
Interlude: These three things release God’s peace to guard our heart and mind – source and outflow.
If we determine to get these three right we can then……
4. Think the right thoughts – v8 True, noble, right pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy
Gr. Think = logizomai = to ponder, to give proper weight to and to allow the resulting thoughts to influence what you do.
If we don’t think right we won’t do right.
And we won’t think right if we don’t choose the right attitude, develop the right emotion of consideration and forbearance and pray the right prayers.
5. Live the right way – v9 Put into practice
Paul tells them to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
What would Jesus do?????
So learn to win even when you lose. It's possible if you follow the right angle of approach. Ask Paul!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Overcoming Discouragement
Genesis 26:12-25
Water is the most common substance on the earth. 70% of the earth's surface is water.
The availability of water has given rise to some of the great civilizations of history.
Civilizations have fallen when water supplies failed.
The reason being is that water is one of the great needs of life and essential to sustain life.
People have killed over a muddy water hole.
Man can live an average of 2 months without food, but only one week without water.
In the semiarid climate of Palestine, the availability of water was priceless.
In a land where water was scarce, wells were extremely important.
It is not surprising that wells were a source of strife and fighting, as well as great joy and rejoicing when one was dug.
I have discovered that encouragement is just as vital to the success of your life as water is to the vitality of your body.
Without encouragement, even the best of ideas, the brightest of hopes and the biggest of our dreams, can shrivel and dry up in the heat of the process and barrenness of unfulfilment.
Th story of Isaac and his wells is a great example in overcoming discouragement.
It is important that each of us learn to dig wells of encouragement because like Isaac we have an enemy who wants to turn our hopes and dreams into graves of despair and depression.
Isaac was enjoyng a time of great blessing (v12-13) yet his success provoked his enemy to envy (v14)
Yet dispite the opposition Isaac rose above it all and prospered and so can you.
How?
1. By removing the stuff others dump on you v18
You only get offended when you take offence.
2. Dig your own wells in God v19
It is observed that oil companies that are the most successful in finding oil are not the ones with the best technology or equipment or competent staff. Rather they are the ones that dig the most wells.
Persistence is the key to success
3. Move on. Don’t grow old fighting battles v22
Isaac could have focused on the issue of whose well it was and missed the big picture – Got hung up on principle
Never allow the issue to become the issue
4. Make the most of encounters with God v25
God spoke to him with a word of encouragement and comfort.
When this happens, build an alter so you can revisit it when discouragement comes again.
Let me encourage you to never gratify the Devil by being discouraged.
Don't allow negetivity to stick to you
Encourage yourself in the Lord
Nothing is more important that a healthy heart; even being right!
Continually remember the Lord's favour is upon you
Stay blessed
Water is the most common substance on the earth. 70% of the earth's surface is water.
The availability of water has given rise to some of the great civilizations of history.
Civilizations have fallen when water supplies failed.
The reason being is that water is one of the great needs of life and essential to sustain life.
People have killed over a muddy water hole.
Man can live an average of 2 months without food, but only one week without water.
In the semiarid climate of Palestine, the availability of water was priceless.
In a land where water was scarce, wells were extremely important.
It is not surprising that wells were a source of strife and fighting, as well as great joy and rejoicing when one was dug.
I have discovered that encouragement is just as vital to the success of your life as water is to the vitality of your body.
Without encouragement, even the best of ideas, the brightest of hopes and the biggest of our dreams, can shrivel and dry up in the heat of the process and barrenness of unfulfilment.
Th story of Isaac and his wells is a great example in overcoming discouragement.
It is important that each of us learn to dig wells of encouragement because like Isaac we have an enemy who wants to turn our hopes and dreams into graves of despair and depression.
Isaac was enjoyng a time of great blessing (v12-13) yet his success provoked his enemy to envy (v14)
Yet dispite the opposition Isaac rose above it all and prospered and so can you.
How?
1. By removing the stuff others dump on you v18
You only get offended when you take offence.
2. Dig your own wells in God v19
It is observed that oil companies that are the most successful in finding oil are not the ones with the best technology or equipment or competent staff. Rather they are the ones that dig the most wells.
Persistence is the key to success
3. Move on. Don’t grow old fighting battles v22
Isaac could have focused on the issue of whose well it was and missed the big picture – Got hung up on principle
Never allow the issue to become the issue
4. Make the most of encounters with God v25
God spoke to him with a word of encouragement and comfort.
When this happens, build an alter so you can revisit it when discouragement comes again.
Let me encourage you to never gratify the Devil by being discouraged.
Don't allow negetivity to stick to you
Encourage yourself in the Lord
Nothing is more important that a healthy heart; even being right!
Continually remember the Lord's favour is upon you
Stay blessed
Monday, 6 December 2010
Reconising God's Visitation
Jn 1:10-11 ‘He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him’.
The story of Christmas is a story of missed opportunity!
Although it was heralded by angelic choirs, the world, the innkeeper and the setting into which he came i.e. Israel, did not recognise who he was.
Even Mary and Joseph, did not fully recognise who he was and what was taking place!
It wasn’t something that was soon rectified either!!!
Lk 19:44 ‘…you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you’ NIV
After 33+ years of God being manifested in flesh, the last three being confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jerusalem still did not recognise him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Salvation of the World.
At best they thought he was a prophet (Mt 21:10-11), at worst they were already plotting to crucify him.
But when you think about it, God has always made a habit of turning up in ways that challange us to recognise him
Even today, we as Christians need to be aware of the danger.
Jerusalem was blinded by religion; we can be blinded because Gods visitation does not come according to our doctrine (seen this over last few years with some of the controversy over certain revivals)
But also because Gods visitation comes in ways we don’t recognise
· Jacob, who wrestled with God in human form
· Balaam’s donkey. Spoke accoring to circumstances
· Elijah – God not in the wind, fire or earthquake, but whisper
In Bethlehem he was not recognised either because he came in a way that was outside their mind-set and tradition.
This Christmas be open to how Jesus wants to come to you.
Have eyes to see 'Emmanuel', the 'God with us'.
The story of Christmas is a story of missed opportunity!
Although it was heralded by angelic choirs, the world, the innkeeper and the setting into which he came i.e. Israel, did not recognise who he was.
Even Mary and Joseph, did not fully recognise who he was and what was taking place!
It wasn’t something that was soon rectified either!!!
Lk 19:44 ‘…you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you’ NIV
After 33+ years of God being manifested in flesh, the last three being confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jerusalem still did not recognise him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Salvation of the World.
At best they thought he was a prophet (Mt 21:10-11), at worst they were already plotting to crucify him.
But when you think about it, God has always made a habit of turning up in ways that challange us to recognise him
Even today, we as Christians need to be aware of the danger.
Jerusalem was blinded by religion; we can be blinded because Gods visitation does not come according to our doctrine (seen this over last few years with some of the controversy over certain revivals)
But also because Gods visitation comes in ways we don’t recognise
· Jacob, who wrestled with God in human form
· Balaam’s donkey. Spoke accoring to circumstances
· Elijah – God not in the wind, fire or earthquake, but whisper
In Bethlehem he was not recognised either because he came in a way that was outside their mind-set and tradition.
This Christmas be open to how Jesus wants to come to you.
Have eyes to see 'Emmanuel', the 'God with us'.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Significance
One of the characteristics of our human nature, which can be both a weakness or a strength, is our need for significance.
The ability to stand out, get noticed, have an effect, is something that at times we all yearn for.
We see it in our society with our designer label culture. The most expensive labels are believed to portrait a greater kudos and significance. Or maybe it is the significance we feel when we hang around a certain crowd of people, where we gain a signifigance through association. How about the significance we gain through achievement that pushes us to work harder, run faster and climb higher.
I was reading the journey of Isreal in the book of Numbers chapter 21 about how they would go from place to place, repeatedly setting off and camping, setting off and camping.
Then it says these words, 'From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water."' Num 21:16
The name Beer, apprently means 'well'.
However, before there was a well (Beer) dug there, what was the place called?
Could I suggest that before it was a well it had no name. It only found its signifcance from what God did.
I wonder what a difference we would make if instead of trying to make a name for ourselves through our success stories, achievents or circle of friends, we found our significance in what God has done for us?
When you have got a moment, think about it.
Rae
The ability to stand out, get noticed, have an effect, is something that at times we all yearn for.
We see it in our society with our designer label culture. The most expensive labels are believed to portrait a greater kudos and significance. Or maybe it is the significance we feel when we hang around a certain crowd of people, where we gain a signifigance through association. How about the significance we gain through achievement that pushes us to work harder, run faster and climb higher.
I was reading the journey of Isreal in the book of Numbers chapter 21 about how they would go from place to place, repeatedly setting off and camping, setting off and camping.
Then it says these words, 'From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water."' Num 21:16
The name Beer, apprently means 'well'.
However, before there was a well (Beer) dug there, what was the place called?
Could I suggest that before it was a well it had no name. It only found its signifcance from what God did.
I wonder what a difference we would make if instead of trying to make a name for ourselves through our success stories, achievents or circle of friends, we found our significance in what God has done for us?
When you have got a moment, think about it.
Rae
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
What are you walking through?
Ps 23:4 ‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death’.
What are you walking through at his moment?
Pain, depression, testing, temptation, failure? Divorce, rogue kids, work problems, bereavement, sickness, financial pressure?
We are all walking through something.
I wish it could always be like the first three verses of Ps 23.
· Without want, green pastures, the smell of fresh mown grass and spring flowers.
· Quiet waters, gentle bubbling brook, the little water feature in the garden trickling gently.
· A restored soul that is emotionally balanced; a mind that is untroubled and without stress and worry, and a heart that is at peace with itself and all others.
· Walking in the confidence of right standing with God, with no un-confessed sin or wrong attitudes. A boldness of not only knowing you are in the right but enjoying the benefits of seeing the right thing worked out.
I wish we could always walk through things like that but you can’t.
Not even King David, with all his money, power, influence and charisma could always walk through good times.
It says of him in Acts 13:36 that he served God’s purposes in his generation, yet even obedience to God’s will didn’t ensure that he always walked in good times.
In Ps 23:4 he walks through the shadow of the valley of death.
It’s a great phrase! It says to me that he walked though the very depth of despair with the worst scenario hanging over him like a great black shadow.
However, we can all be encouraged by two words
1. ‘Through’.
Tough times come to pass.
What ever you are walking through will come to pass.
You may need to walk through it but don’t need to dwell in it
Why? Because v4 tells us the God who was with you in the blessing, in the green pasture and by the still water is with you now, ‘I will fear no evil, for you are with me’.
Not only that but he has his rod (Heb. Stick – for fighting i.e. club) and his staff (Heb. Support).
His strength and protection, his support and encouragement.
And they ‘Comfort me’.
2. ‘Though’.
‘Though I walk through…… I will not be afraid’.
Why? Because not only is God with you with power and support, he has a different ending for you.
Remember, what you ‘go through’ is not your ‘go to’!
Psalm 23 ends with, ‘I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever’.
Not only is the ‘go to’ better than the ‘go through’, even the ‘go through’ has got its perks!
a. v5 ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’
On Sept 2nd 1945 on board USS Missouri Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allied forces.
Before the Allied command a table was set on which the documents were laid out and the Allied officers were seated.
The Japanese had to bow before the Allies to sign the papers.
b. v5 ‘You anoint my head with oil and my cup over flows’.
Often we can only appreciate this at holiday times when oil used to cool the skin in hot climates and protect against wind and sand.
Oil eases and removes friction.
Even as you ‘go through’ God makes sure that not only have you got enough to soothe your passage, your cup is full can over flow for other as well.
c. v6 ‘Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life’
· Note the certainty ‘Surely’ Without doubt! Not to be questioned. To be absolutely relied on.
· Note the constancy ‘Shall follow me’. Wherever you go, God’s goodness and love will follow you. You can’t escape it.
The Hebrew has to do with running after (usually with hostile intent).
God is so determined to bestow his goodness and kindness upon your life, that he aggressively pursues you to do it.
Live in the expectancy for him to catch you!!!
Note: ‘will follow me’ means when trouble comes it is a sure sign that G&L are sure to be on its heels.
So to conclude
I have learned that God never wastes a hurt.
Wherever you are walking today, you are going through because you have a go to.
Remember that though you are going through it there are some great things you can expect and enjoy.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Meantime.........
As most of you will know, there are two main words in Bible for time – Chronos: which is often related to hours and minutes and Kairos: which many have interpreted to apply to time as in, opportunity, right moment, appointed time or season.
As I was returning from overseas following a time away on ministry, I was thinking about time as it related to my own fellowship in Cardiff and the things that God is doing among us at this time. Things promised and things anticipated. As I thought about God’s time of promising certain things (Chronos) and measured it in relation to his time of fulfilment Kairos, I realised that there is a third time that is vitally important and that is the ‘meantime’.
I realised that how you handle the ‘in-between time’ when God ‘says’ and when God ‘does’, will determine whether you get a very mean time, that is full of pain, frustration, doubt and negativity or you get on with what is needed in the meantime so it stays a dreamtime.
As I was sitting on a plane over the Atlantic on Maundy Thursday my thoughts were naturally focused on Easter and I realised that I would not be the first to be challenged by the ‘meantime’.
• Peter wanted to go back to fishing. Often while we wait we get tempted to go back to how things were before, but how could life ever be the same after three years with Jesus. Do you want to go back to the mundane of what was or still choose to believe for what can be?
• Women wanted to tidy up the loose ends i.e. they wanted to anoint his body for burial. Do you want to neatly bury the dream and cover over the steps of faith you have already taken?
• Thomas, full of doubt that the situation could change, wouldn't believe unless he touched the wounds. Do you ever get to the place where it just all becomes too much to believe for and you wonder’, ‘Did God really say’?
• Two went to feed their flesh at Emmaus (means a Place of hot springs). Maybe visit the casino (Romans would surely have taken advantage of the hot water spa), have a few drinks and pick up a couple of ladies of the night. I don't know but I’m glad Jesus made sure they didn't get there.
Do you begin to feel sorrow for yourself in the ‘meantime’ and feel ‘you deserve it’? Don’t be like Esau who sold what could have been for a bowl full of self-pity stew.
But actually the good news is that although their reaction to the ’meantime’ was not good they learned great lessons of faith so that the next ‘meantime’ would be different i.e. between ascension and coming of the promise of the Holy Spirit.
This time they didn’t doubt, look back or accepted it would never happen.
Now we find that ‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE’.
No one missing; no one had to be fetched back from the lake.
Whatever your ‘meantime’ keep a right attitude and it will become the ‘set time’ for His promises to be fulfilled. Be there when it happens!
Be blessed
Pastor Rae
As most of you will know, there are two main words in Bible for time – Chronos: which is often related to hours and minutes and Kairos: which many have interpreted to apply to time as in, opportunity, right moment, appointed time or season.
As I was returning from overseas following a time away on ministry, I was thinking about time as it related to my own fellowship in Cardiff and the things that God is doing among us at this time. Things promised and things anticipated. As I thought about God’s time of promising certain things (Chronos) and measured it in relation to his time of fulfilment Kairos, I realised that there is a third time that is vitally important and that is the ‘meantime’.
I realised that how you handle the ‘in-between time’ when God ‘says’ and when God ‘does’, will determine whether you get a very mean time, that is full of pain, frustration, doubt and negativity or you get on with what is needed in the meantime so it stays a dreamtime.
As I was sitting on a plane over the Atlantic on Maundy Thursday my thoughts were naturally focused on Easter and I realised that I would not be the first to be challenged by the ‘meantime’.
• Peter wanted to go back to fishing. Often while we wait we get tempted to go back to how things were before, but how could life ever be the same after three years with Jesus. Do you want to go back to the mundane of what was or still choose to believe for what can be?
• Women wanted to tidy up the loose ends i.e. they wanted to anoint his body for burial. Do you want to neatly bury the dream and cover over the steps of faith you have already taken?
• Thomas, full of doubt that the situation could change, wouldn't believe unless he touched the wounds. Do you ever get to the place where it just all becomes too much to believe for and you wonder’, ‘Did God really say’?
• Two went to feed their flesh at Emmaus (means a Place of hot springs). Maybe visit the casino (Romans would surely have taken advantage of the hot water spa), have a few drinks and pick up a couple of ladies of the night. I don't know but I’m glad Jesus made sure they didn't get there.
Do you begin to feel sorrow for yourself in the ‘meantime’ and feel ‘you deserve it’? Don’t be like Esau who sold what could have been for a bowl full of self-pity stew.
But actually the good news is that although their reaction to the ’meantime’ was not good they learned great lessons of faith so that the next ‘meantime’ would be different i.e. between ascension and coming of the promise of the Holy Spirit.
This time they didn’t doubt, look back or accepted it would never happen.
Now we find that ‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE’.
No one missing; no one had to be fetched back from the lake.
Whatever your ‘meantime’ keep a right attitude and it will become the ‘set time’ for His promises to be fulfilled. Be there when it happens!
Be blessed
Pastor Rae
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Mind your own business
At the time of writing I am in Houston, Texas preaching in various churches. One of the things I have shared is the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark 10 v 46-52. Here was a man who made certain decisions that brought him to a place of recieving wholeness and a life of new adventure.
As I read the story again. I was taken with v46 in a totally new way.
'Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city'
Before we even get introduced to Bartimaeus in the story we read that Jesus came to Jericho and Jesus left Jericho.
He came, he left. The problem is we are not told what happened while he was there!
Maybe there are some lessons in this that we can learn from this:
1. Maybe God thought it was none of our business.
If he did he would have told us but he didn't.
I think we can learn from this that some stuff that God does is not our concern.
How often do we feel we have to comment on what God does when it is not our business.
It can lead to judgement and critisism because we assess what God is doing 'there' afrom the perspective of him doing it 'here'.
2. Maybe it was because he didn't want what happened in Jericho to detract from the point he wanted us to glean from the healing of Bartimaeus.
It could be that in Jericho crowds got saved but God's emphesis for us is to realise that even a blind begger sitting in the gutter in a standing, moving, throng of people never goes unoticed by him.
In days when we can easily be taken with the spectacular and the spin that is so often placed on events it is good to continiuelly see God moving in the small things.
We need to be reminded that nothing or noone goes unoticed with him.
3. Maybe it was because God wants us to realise that the opportunity to realise his visitiation needs to be seized because his presence is not always easily found.
He came to Jericho and he left but Bartimaeus grabbed his opportunity as Jesus passed by.
I wonder how often we have missed the presence of the Holy Spirit bringing us opportunities because we havent recognised his visitation? Maybe we were busy with other things, maybe we were focused on the busyness of life, maybe we were resting from the pressures around us.
Like at Jericho, he came and he went and now like then his passing through has no effect. However, Bartimaeus new it was his day. He heard that it was Jesus and began to call out for God's attention. Even when others tried to silence him he kept on shouting. He wasn't prepared to let God's presence pass and let it go to waste.
Trusting you have many encounters with the Living God this week.
Pastor Rae
As I read the story again. I was taken with v46 in a totally new way.
'Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city'
Before we even get introduced to Bartimaeus in the story we read that Jesus came to Jericho and Jesus left Jericho.
He came, he left. The problem is we are not told what happened while he was there!
Maybe there are some lessons in this that we can learn from this:
1. Maybe God thought it was none of our business.
If he did he would have told us but he didn't.
I think we can learn from this that some stuff that God does is not our concern.
How often do we feel we have to comment on what God does when it is not our business.
It can lead to judgement and critisism because we assess what God is doing 'there' afrom the perspective of him doing it 'here'.
2. Maybe it was because he didn't want what happened in Jericho to detract from the point he wanted us to glean from the healing of Bartimaeus.
It could be that in Jericho crowds got saved but God's emphesis for us is to realise that even a blind begger sitting in the gutter in a standing, moving, throng of people never goes unoticed by him.
In days when we can easily be taken with the spectacular and the spin that is so often placed on events it is good to continiuelly see God moving in the small things.
We need to be reminded that nothing or noone goes unoticed with him.
3. Maybe it was because God wants us to realise that the opportunity to realise his visitiation needs to be seized because his presence is not always easily found.
He came to Jericho and he left but Bartimaeus grabbed his opportunity as Jesus passed by.
I wonder how often we have missed the presence of the Holy Spirit bringing us opportunities because we havent recognised his visitation? Maybe we were busy with other things, maybe we were focused on the busyness of life, maybe we were resting from the pressures around us.
Like at Jericho, he came and he went and now like then his passing through has no effect. However, Bartimaeus new it was his day. He heard that it was Jesus and began to call out for God's attention. Even when others tried to silence him he kept on shouting. He wasn't prepared to let God's presence pass and let it go to waste.
Trusting you have many encounters with the Living God this week.
Pastor Rae
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Moving on!
When you start a new job or take up a new and challenging responsibility, one of the first things you always seem to need is initial words of encouragement to help you make a good start.
'Moses my servant is dead' (Joshua 1:2), was God's opening words to young Joshua as he began his task of leading the people of Israel.
Not the most encouraging word to initiate a young leader.
However, of course God knew just what he was doing.
When God takes you on into his promises and his purposes, we all need to be reminded that the past has gone, i.e. Moses is dead!
Why? Because we all have a tendency to want to stay in our past experiences.
The Israelites were no strangers to this kind of thinking.
When they were faced with challenge on their journey to the Land of Promises, they often looked back to the past experience of onions and garlics of Egypt, even though they would have eaten these foods as slaves.
Now they faced another challenge for a new day as they entered into the land that was before them.
It would have been easy for Joshua and the people to look back to Moses bringing 10 plagues against their enemy, or Moses lifting his staff and seeing the Red Sea part so they could cross, or Moses striking the rock and bringing forth water, or Moses going up the mountain to receive God's expressed instructions to this fledgling nation.
So God reminds them, 'Moses, my servant is dead'.
Now the Israelites were not the only ones who could tend to look back.
In the NT we have three of Jesus 'A' Team, Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. They see Jesus reveal his glory on the mountain and immediately Peter wants to build a shelter. He wants to put up a structure around his experience.
Jesus, however, saw that what had happened was not to be kept as a past experience but was the springboard for the next thing God would have him do. He came down the mountain and exercised his authority over evil spirits that were destroying a young boy (Lk 9:28-43)
Let me encourage to move on from the comfort of what you know and take a step of faith that is wholly dependant of the God of the now.
Be encouraged by what God has done in the past i.e. 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you'
But don't stay there. Step out, step up into God's promises for your life
Pastor Rae
'Moses my servant is dead' (Joshua 1:2), was God's opening words to young Joshua as he began his task of leading the people of Israel.
Not the most encouraging word to initiate a young leader.
However, of course God knew just what he was doing.
When God takes you on into his promises and his purposes, we all need to be reminded that the past has gone, i.e. Moses is dead!
Why? Because we all have a tendency to want to stay in our past experiences.
The Israelites were no strangers to this kind of thinking.
When they were faced with challenge on their journey to the Land of Promises, they often looked back to the past experience of onions and garlics of Egypt, even though they would have eaten these foods as slaves.
Now they faced another challenge for a new day as they entered into the land that was before them.
It would have been easy for Joshua and the people to look back to Moses bringing 10 plagues against their enemy, or Moses lifting his staff and seeing the Red Sea part so they could cross, or Moses striking the rock and bringing forth water, or Moses going up the mountain to receive God's expressed instructions to this fledgling nation.
So God reminds them, 'Moses, my servant is dead'.
Now the Israelites were not the only ones who could tend to look back.
In the NT we have three of Jesus 'A' Team, Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. They see Jesus reveal his glory on the mountain and immediately Peter wants to build a shelter. He wants to put up a structure around his experience.
Jesus, however, saw that what had happened was not to be kept as a past experience but was the springboard for the next thing God would have him do. He came down the mountain and exercised his authority over evil spirits that were destroying a young boy (Lk 9:28-43)
Let me encourage to move on from the comfort of what you know and take a step of faith that is wholly dependant of the God of the now.
Be encouraged by what God has done in the past i.e. 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you'
But don't stay there. Step out, step up into God's promises for your life
Pastor Rae
Friday, 15 January 2010
Where are you standing?
As we begin 2010 I pray your heart is filled with hope and faith for your preferred future this coming year.
However, to step into your awesome tomorrow with any accuracy of knowing where you are headed means having a right perspective of where you are right now.
In Mt 3:13-17 we have the account of Jesus baptism and his release into the reason that he had come. If you look at this passage you will see some lessons to help you to realise the importance of standing in the right place as you begin this coming year.
v14 Jesus comes to be baptised - John asks "Why?".
Surely any concept of Jesus needing to repent, washed, buried etc. is false as he was "...without sin" Heb 4:15.
So why does Jesus say it must be done to "fulfil all righteousness?".
(Righteousness = Right standing; To perform completely what is right)
Please note the following: -
1. At this time John was God's highest authority on earth Matt 11:9-11 "...none greater".
2. To fulfil all righteousness Jesus must be in 'right standing' or 'Standing in right place' and submit to this 'higher authority' = i.e. under John.
3. The moment Jesus stands in right place, the moment Jesus submits to right order:-
a) The heavens are opened = Resources made available.
b) The Holy Spirit comes upon him = Power.
c) A voice comes from heaven = God gives affirmation, affection and confidence.
To do the things God has called you to do and to be the person God has called you to be this year it is vital you are standing in the 'right place' to receive God's resource, anointing and affirmation.
So where are you standing today?
Are you standing right?
In submission to leaders/church/employer/family/Word?
In faith?
In expectation?
In right relationships?
In the Star Trek series before they ever set on on Warp factor 5, Captain Kirk's command was always 'Get a fix on our position'. If you don't know your starting place your journey will be flawed.
Assess where you are standing today.
If its not the right place to get receive God's resource, anointing and affirmation than reposition yourself.
He is willing to show you where to stand so that every blessing for 2010 can be yours.
Don't miss it
Pastor Rae
As we begin 2010 I pray your heart is filled with hope and faith for your preferred future this coming year.
However, to step into your awesome tomorrow with any accuracy of knowing where you are headed means having a right perspective of where you are right now.
In Mt 3:13-17 we have the account of Jesus baptism and his release into the reason that he had come. If you look at this passage you will see some lessons to help you to realise the importance of standing in the right place as you begin this coming year.
v14 Jesus comes to be baptised - John asks "Why?".
Surely any concept of Jesus needing to repent, washed, buried etc. is false as he was "...without sin" Heb 4:15.
So why does Jesus say it must be done to "fulfil all righteousness?".
(Righteousness = Right standing; To perform completely what is right)
Please note the following: -
1. At this time John was God's highest authority on earth Matt 11:9-11 "...none greater".
2. To fulfil all righteousness Jesus must be in 'right standing' or 'Standing in right place' and submit to this 'higher authority' = i.e. under John.
3. The moment Jesus stands in right place, the moment Jesus submits to right order:-
a) The heavens are opened = Resources made available.
b) The Holy Spirit comes upon him = Power.
c) A voice comes from heaven = God gives affirmation, affection and confidence.
To do the things God has called you to do and to be the person God has called you to be this year it is vital you are standing in the 'right place' to receive God's resource, anointing and affirmation.
So where are you standing today?
Are you standing right?
In submission to leaders/church/employer/family/Word?
In faith?
In expectation?
In right relationships?
In the Star Trek series before they ever set on on Warp factor 5, Captain Kirk's command was always 'Get a fix on our position'. If you don't know your starting place your journey will be flawed.
Assess where you are standing today.
If its not the right place to get receive God's resource, anointing and affirmation than reposition yourself.
He is willing to show you where to stand so that every blessing for 2010 can be yours.
Don't miss it
Pastor Rae
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Which bank would you use?
I want to tell you about two young ladies called Lucy and Katie.
Lucy and Katie both hold similar jobs but work in different banks.
The other day I was with a friend and colleague from the USA who was here making arrangements to move with his family to my city. We had spent the day arranging schools for his children, finding a house to rent, sorting out driving licences etc.
The one thing left to be done was for my friend to open a bank account.
It was late in the day and we were not sure if the banks would still be open but we drove into the city centre to at least try to get something done.
As we pulled up to park, I suggested to by friend that he jump out and run ahead to see if the bank was open and to start the procedure of opening an account.
I parked and began to follow but saw another bank across the road that was open so I thought I would go and try there.
I entered and was warmly greeted by the 'yes' face of Katie, who immediately hearing of my friends need said, 'Of course we can do that and it will take about 15 minutes to process it'.
I then left that bank and crossed to see how my friend was doing at the other bank.
The doors were locked, it was closed, most of the lights were off. Concerned, I knocked on the door and was finally told that my friend was in the bank being seen by Lucy. Eventually my friend emerged and I eagerly ask him what sort of an account he had managed to get.
He looked at me aghast and said Lucy told him it wasn't possible.
He then explained that he was questioned about previous account and personal history and when he told them that he had not yet got an address in the UK, Lucy said it could not be done.
Lucy said she understood his problem because they had seen many people in his situation making the same request to open an account.
He asked, what had happened to them. Lucy replied, 'I don't know, we never see them again'.
We crossed the road to see Katie and within 15 minutes my friend had a new account with a cheque book and card ordered in the post.
Katie didn't see the obstacle in the same way as Lucy. She saw the need and did everything possible to meet it. She succeeded.
I wonder how many churches are like Lucy, who when people come with problems are met with all the negatives. I wonder how many churches ask, 'Why do we never see them again'.
My freind will be responsible in bringing many people to the UK to work. You don't need to ask which bank he will tell them to go to!
Maybe Lucy and Katie can teach us as church that the difference between a 'yes' and a 'no' face makes an immense difference.
If these banks were churches which one would you go to and which one would you tell your friends about?
Rae
Lucy and Katie both hold similar jobs but work in different banks.
The other day I was with a friend and colleague from the USA who was here making arrangements to move with his family to my city. We had spent the day arranging schools for his children, finding a house to rent, sorting out driving licences etc.
The one thing left to be done was for my friend to open a bank account.
It was late in the day and we were not sure if the banks would still be open but we drove into the city centre to at least try to get something done.
As we pulled up to park, I suggested to by friend that he jump out and run ahead to see if the bank was open and to start the procedure of opening an account.
I parked and began to follow but saw another bank across the road that was open so I thought I would go and try there.
I entered and was warmly greeted by the 'yes' face of Katie, who immediately hearing of my friends need said, 'Of course we can do that and it will take about 15 minutes to process it'.
I then left that bank and crossed to see how my friend was doing at the other bank.
The doors were locked, it was closed, most of the lights were off. Concerned, I knocked on the door and was finally told that my friend was in the bank being seen by Lucy. Eventually my friend emerged and I eagerly ask him what sort of an account he had managed to get.
He looked at me aghast and said Lucy told him it wasn't possible.
He then explained that he was questioned about previous account and personal history and when he told them that he had not yet got an address in the UK, Lucy said it could not be done.
Lucy said she understood his problem because they had seen many people in his situation making the same request to open an account.
He asked, what had happened to them. Lucy replied, 'I don't know, we never see them again'.
We crossed the road to see Katie and within 15 minutes my friend had a new account with a cheque book and card ordered in the post.
Katie didn't see the obstacle in the same way as Lucy. She saw the need and did everything possible to meet it. She succeeded.
I wonder how many churches are like Lucy, who when people come with problems are met with all the negatives. I wonder how many churches ask, 'Why do we never see them again'.
My freind will be responsible in bringing many people to the UK to work. You don't need to ask which bank he will tell them to go to!
Maybe Lucy and Katie can teach us as church that the difference between a 'yes' and a 'no' face makes an immense difference.
If these banks were churches which one would you go to and which one would you tell your friends about?
Rae
Monday, 19 October 2009
The requirments of a servant
John 13:1-17 has been used as a description of the perfect example of servanthood shown to us by Jesus as he washed the disciples feet.
I was reading this passage today and was again challenged by the attitudes and actions that being a true servant means. I was looking at it from a leaders perspective but the same truths apply no matter what your role is.
1. The motivation has always got to be love.
v1 tells us that Jesus actions gave a clear demonstration of his love for the disciples 'It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love'. John 13:1
The footnote in the NIV states that this could be put 'he loved them to the last'. In other words, having called them, taught them, trained them, travelled with them and poured himself out for them, enough was never enough when it came to Jesus love.
When he knelt and took hold of their dirty, dust covered feet, he did it not because of hygiene, duty, culture, because it was expected or even because no one else was willing. He did it out of love.
It is a challenge to think that what we do, how we serve and how we lead should always be motivated by our love for people. The tough question is, is this true of us?
2. There is always the need to overcome pride
It seems that culture demanded and good etiquette required that when people came to dinner, the lowest servant would wash the feet of the guests. As the dinning style was one of laying on cushions around a low table, this would mean your neighbours feet would be at head height as you lay and ate together and so the need for clean, sweet smelling feet was a must!
The disciples again manifested the attitude of self-importance that continually beset them. They were over-chuffed to be on the 'leadership team' (Mk 10:35-37 A request to be 1st and 2nd in charge; Lk 9:46 Arguing who would be the greatest).
They simply came in and assumed the position of importance and presumed that someone else of a lesser importance would take care of the 'small' stuff.
It is dangerous when our 'position' causes us to assume rights and privileges.
Jesus humbled himself and got down on his knees. He got lower and most of the time we need to do just the same.
3. The outer garment needs to be removed
v4 tells us that Jesus rose from the meal and took off his outer garment.
To be a servant means the removal of our image.
Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus 'made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant' KJV
So often 'reputation' is the one thing we want to make for ourselves. We want to 'big up' who we are and what we do. So often, like all but the Samaritan on the Jericho road, we can tend to pass by the opportunity to serve because our 'reputation' is what we want to keep.
The great thing is, if we will become less, if we will become 'invisible', tremendous acts of servanthood can be seen to be done through the One who dwells in us.
4. When all is said and done, more is often said than done!
Jesus didn't just 'assume theposition' and get booted and suited for serving. He actually got his hands dirty.
He took hold of the feet of the disciples and bathed them in water. He took the towel and wiped them dry.
Being a servant doesn't stop at feeling sorrow or praying for a situation. It strips to the waist, puts on the overalls and gets stuck in.
I love the ministry of LoveCardiff (social action arm of Life Church), because it moves us from the pew to the problem, it takes us from the music to the mess and from the holy ground to ground that needs digging, weeding, planting and reclaiming.
To serve means involvement, not from a distance but from right up close.
Jesus did what no-one else was willing to do. That is what a servant does.
To conclude Jesus said, 'I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you', v15.
The example still stands for us today.
But please note his concluding remarks to this passage in v17 'Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them'.
In other words even right doctrine doesn't replace obedience.
Let's obey our Servant King not just in what we believe but in how we serve after his example.
Pastor Rae
I was reading this passage today and was again challenged by the attitudes and actions that being a true servant means. I was looking at it from a leaders perspective but the same truths apply no matter what your role is.
1. The motivation has always got to be love.
v1 tells us that Jesus actions gave a clear demonstration of his love for the disciples 'It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love'. John 13:1
The footnote in the NIV states that this could be put 'he loved them to the last'. In other words, having called them, taught them, trained them, travelled with them and poured himself out for them, enough was never enough when it came to Jesus love.
When he knelt and took hold of their dirty, dust covered feet, he did it not because of hygiene, duty, culture, because it was expected or even because no one else was willing. He did it out of love.
It is a challenge to think that what we do, how we serve and how we lead should always be motivated by our love for people. The tough question is, is this true of us?
2. There is always the need to overcome pride
It seems that culture demanded and good etiquette required that when people came to dinner, the lowest servant would wash the feet of the guests. As the dinning style was one of laying on cushions around a low table, this would mean your neighbours feet would be at head height as you lay and ate together and so the need for clean, sweet smelling feet was a must!
The disciples again manifested the attitude of self-importance that continually beset them. They were over-chuffed to be on the 'leadership team' (Mk 10:35-37 A request to be 1st and 2nd in charge; Lk 9:46 Arguing who would be the greatest).
They simply came in and assumed the position of importance and presumed that someone else of a lesser importance would take care of the 'small' stuff.
It is dangerous when our 'position' causes us to assume rights and privileges.
Jesus humbled himself and got down on his knees. He got lower and most of the time we need to do just the same.
3. The outer garment needs to be removed
v4 tells us that Jesus rose from the meal and took off his outer garment.
To be a servant means the removal of our image.
Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus 'made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant' KJV
So often 'reputation' is the one thing we want to make for ourselves. We want to 'big up' who we are and what we do. So often, like all but the Samaritan on the Jericho road, we can tend to pass by the opportunity to serve because our 'reputation' is what we want to keep.
The great thing is, if we will become less, if we will become 'invisible', tremendous acts of servanthood can be seen to be done through the One who dwells in us.
4. When all is said and done, more is often said than done!
Jesus didn't just 'assume theposition' and get booted and suited for serving. He actually got his hands dirty.
He took hold of the feet of the disciples and bathed them in water. He took the towel and wiped them dry.
Being a servant doesn't stop at feeling sorrow or praying for a situation. It strips to the waist, puts on the overalls and gets stuck in.
I love the ministry of LoveCardiff (social action arm of Life Church), because it moves us from the pew to the problem, it takes us from the music to the mess and from the holy ground to ground that needs digging, weeding, planting and reclaiming.
To serve means involvement, not from a distance but from right up close.
Jesus did what no-one else was willing to do. That is what a servant does.
To conclude Jesus said, 'I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you', v15.
The example still stands for us today.
But please note his concluding remarks to this passage in v17 'Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them'.
In other words even right doctrine doesn't replace obedience.
Let's obey our Servant King not just in what we believe but in how we serve after his example.
Pastor Rae
Monday, 28 September 2009
More than just a number
Get a crowd
In Luke 9 v1-17 we read that after the disciples had been given power and authority by Jesus to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick, he sent them out in pairs to put what they had received into practice.
In v10 we read that they returned and reported what they had done.
We then read that Jesus took them on a little spiritual retreat to a town called Bethsaida (House of fishing), where it seems a large crowd, stirred by the success of the disciples mission, gathered and were welcomed by Jesus words and actions towards them (v11).
Later in the day the disciples asked for the crowd to be dismissed because they realised that they would need feeding and a place to stay and that both of these things would prove difficult because of the remoteness of the place they were in.
Responsibility of success
However, Jesus challenges them to face the responsibility that goes with the success of ministry and mission and says, ‘You give them something to eat’ v13.
What a great illustration to the Church in 21st century Britain, that there is more to leadership, church life, evangelistic programmes than simply gathering a crowd.
With the success of growth comes the responsibility of care for the needs of those who have gathered.
We see this lesson again in Act 6 where due to the growth of the early church, the needs that arose among the new converts demanded certain actions to be carried out.
New roles were needed and changes in structure were adopted so that the problems that growth caused could be overcome.
Lessons we can learn
So what can we learn from the disciples response in Luke 9 that will help us to carry out Jesus command to care for the present needs of those who join church and not just delight in the ‘numbers game’ or overcome the danger of thinking the crowd is there for us instead of us being there for the crowd!
1. People always come first with God
Not projects, not stuff but people.
Mt 12:20 ‘A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out’
‘He does not crush the weak, Or quench the smallest hope; TLB
2. Always remember that ‘care’ will always mean cost.
Having looked at what they had (5 loaves and 2 fish) they accepted that they might have to open their own wallets (v13)
3. Care is not the sole responsibility of the leader
Jesus said,’ You give them something to eat’ v13.
Having given thanks it was the disciples that gave it out and collected leftovers.
I wonder what we have got to give Jesus that he can say ‘Thank God, that is just what I can use to help so and so!’
4. Use the effectiveness of small groups (v14).
The Life Groups are a great place to get up close and personal to peoples needs. They help make the problem of the whole manageable.
5. Minister from a place of rest (v15).
Whatever the problems that people have, we at Life Church always need to have confidence that what ever is needed God will provide. Rom 8:32 ‘He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
6. Offer what you have and let God do what only he can do (v16).
Although what you have might not seem enough, with God all things become possible.
7. When you give the help you can you grow in ability to
help others (v17) 12 baskets leftover
Conclusion
Many years ago there was a TV programme called ‘The Prisoner’, that really popular in the UK.
The plot was set in a village where people were valued not by who they were as a person but by their value to the community. Therefore they had no names, only numbers according to value. The hero’s continued battle was based on his often repeated statement that, ‘I am not a number’.
Today, we can often feel we are just a number because of our continually unheard voice, or ignored individuality, or our unaided needs, sadly even in church.
Here at Life Church we want to make a difference!
Not just in seeing people come to Jesus to find the grace and love he offers but to find a church that cares for them as an individual and not just a number.
This is why our motto is ‘Life Church – Beyond Sundays…’
Like the disciples, we want to see people as more than just someone in the crowd; we see them as those we are commissioned by God to help whatever the problems they have.
So I look forward to seeing you in Life Church in the days between the Sundays where real life is lived.
Pastor Rae
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
