Thrive in Christ!

The Most Important Thing

2012-02-02T11:19:00.000+11:00

S - Jesus replied: ' 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the greatest commandment.' Matthew 22:37-38

O - Jesus has been asked a question. "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Not which is your favourite, or which is the most peculiar or hardest law, but which is the greatest, the most significant, the most important. Jesus' reply was 'love.' 'Love God' and love him with all that you are and all that you have. With all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. Jesus said you are to love God with all of you. This is the most important thing.

A - The greatest thing I can do is worship God. The most important activity in my life is to love God, praise, thank, trust, pray, sing, shout, clap, be still before, lift my hands and surrender to him. When I wrote the first line in our upcoming church-wide series "Longing - Worshipping God from the Heart" I wrote...

The most important thing you can do is worship God.

I hesitated when I wrote that. Is it just a statement that is to grab attention or are these words true? What about all the other things that God calls us to do. But it is true. All the other activities we do for God follow and flow from this first command. Jesus clearly said that this is the greatest thing we can do. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins by declaring that the chief end of man is "to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever." It is no overstatement to affirm that the most important thing we can do this day and everyday is to worship God, to love him with all our heart, soul and mind.

So today I will seek to do this! I will think about this using the love languages describe in Gary Chapman's book, 'The Five Love Languages.'

I will tell God how much I love him using words of affirmation.
I will spend 10 minutes of quality time in quiet silence acknowledging his presence and power.
I will express my love through giving gifts to him today, the work I do I will do all for him as a gift.
I will show him my love through acts of service doing more than is expected of smaller menial tasks.
I will show him my love through physical touch. I will seek to meet the physical needs of those I meet.

P - Father God, I love being your child. Thanks for your love and care of me. Thanks for the forgiveness you have given so generously to me, for the strength I receive each day from your presence, and for the hope I have for eternity. I worship you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Question for you... I what way do you most enjoy expressing your love to God?

Responding to Forgiveness

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000+11:00

S - This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive a brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

O - One servant was forgiven much by his master. He had begged and pleaded and he was completely forgiven, debt cancelled, story over. Newly forgiven, he went out and met a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller debt than the huge one he had just been forgiven. Incredibly he did not forgive this man's debt. Even though the man begged and pleaded, the forgiven man refused to cancel this man's debt and had him thrown in prison! Didn't he see his hypocrisy? What was he thinking? Then news gets back to the forgiven man's master, who understandably was mad. "Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" He gave him to the jailers to torture him until he had paid everything back. The passage ends with a warning, a chilling warning. Jesus says to those listening, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive a brother or sister from your heart."

A - This verse is for every Christian to chew over and really understand, especially in light of the first act of generous forgiveness in the parable. The man and his family were about to be sold, handed over and forced into an unknown future. Yet everything changed because of their masters' mercy and forgiveness. Their debt was completely forgiven!

God has cancelled our debt. This is absolutely amazing and worth reflecting on continually. As the hymn writer H G Spafford expressed so well...

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Praise is the appropriate response to undeserved forgiveness. Worship is the right way to express to God our thankfulness for his generous mercy to us in Christ.

Hallelujah grace like rain, falls down on me!
Hallelujah all my stains are washed away, they're washed away!
(Todd Agnew)

Another appropriate response to God's incredible forgiveness to us is forgiving others from our heart. How can I hold unforgiveness towards others in the face of such overwhelming, undeserved grace? If I can, it reveals that my heart has not truly understood, not truly pondered and received by faith, the reality of God's generous grace towards me.

Jesus says in verse 35 that an appropriate response to forgiveness is to forgive others from the heart. If we don't we must ask ourselves whether we have truly received and accepted God's undeserved grace. If we haven't our sin still needs forgiving. We will one day pay for our sin ourselves. Much better to turn to the cross and receive all that Jesus offers us through his death and resurrection - forgiveness full and free. Then we can forgive others as he has forgiven us.

P - Father, thank-you for your forgiveness, so undeserved, yet so fully given. As I have been forgiven I will forgive. I pray that today you would help me live each moment aware of you grace towards me and help me to see where I need to forgive others generously. Amen.

Daily Reading - Job 29 & Matt 18

Part of the Family

2012-01-17T08:36:00.000+11:00

S - 'For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.' Matthew 12:50

O - This verse about who really is part of God's family comes at the end of Jesus' teaching on what is and isn't the right way to think about following Jesus.

To those who accused him of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul he said, 'a house divided against itself will not stand' (Matt 12:26). You can't be on God's team yet working against him.
To those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, who attribute to Satan the miracles that Jesus proved who he was by performing in the power of the Holy Spirit, will not be forgiven. Those who reject God out-right won't be part of his family.
Jesus taught that no matter how good you say you are, what's really inside is revealed by your fruit. To religious people who claimed to follow all the rules and gloried in their own goodness he called "vipers" (Matt 12:34). He said that 'out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.' You can say all you want but if your heart isn't changed by God it shows.
To those demanding a sign from Jesus to prove who he was he called them a wicked and adulterous generation. Those who think they can make demands of Jesus, to get him to perform for them, as they selfishly impose their own rules on him are wrong. He'll have nothing of it. They should have been content with faithful service.

This final verse in the section comes when Jesus' mother and brothers came and we standing outside where he was teaching. They were waiting to see him and must have made it know that they wanted him. Someone went in and explained to Jesus that they were standing outside (they are standing so hurray up!) and they want to speak to Jesus.

Jesus uses this moment, to teach an important point. It's not who you are related to that is most important, it who you follow. It is whoever does the will of the heavenly Father that is part of God's family and are brothers and sisters with Christ.

A - We look for evidence as skeptics, we ask questions of God, we demand signs, we debate and discuss the best ways to live, but Jesus gets tired of this! He wants us to know the heavenly Father, to love him, to respond to him in faith, to do his will.

To be part of God's family is to obey the Father, you can't earn your own salvation. It's a gift. Those who are saved love to obey, to follow, to do the the Father's will. Today I will obey. I will seek to do the Father's will for I am part of God's family through faith in Christ. I won't make demands, I won't come in any other way except to follow and obey.

P - Heavenly Father, thank-you for making it clear how not to come as well as making it clear how to come to you. I come to you through faith in Jesus to follow and obey because you have forgiven me. Thanks in Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Reading - Job 21:1-34 & Matt 12:22-50

Ask God!

2012-01-12T09:54:00.001+11:00

S - Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest.' Matthew 9:37-38

O - Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Jesus saw that they were harassed and helpless. They were like sheep without a shepherd.

So Jesus points out that there is a harvest - people who are lost, harassed and helpless. These people are just waiting to be found, loved and filled with purpose. The shepherd-less could find a shepherd just like the wheat waiting to be harvested. Jesus pointed out that this harvest is plentiful. There are many, many people that make up the harvest.

He also said that there are workers. They are the ones who go out and harvest. These people are employed by the owner (Lord) of the harvest. They, "are few," Jesus says.

A big problem therefore exists! Plentiful harvest, few workers. What can we do? Jesus answers the dilemma. "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest."

A - These verses are about evangelism, but they are about, even more specifically, the great need for prayer in evangelism. The solution to the great dilemma that Jesus highlights here is not action first but instead prayer, "Ask the Lord of the harvest."

I have seen the crowds in Wodonga, Albury and the North East region. So many are living their lives without any knowledge of God and his kingdom, and the lives that he created them to live, life in all it fullness. Instead, so many are harassed and helpless. We have sought, as a church, in the midst of this dilemma to clearly identify our evangelism strategy as "Invest and Invite." Invest in relationships and invite people to take the next step in following Jesus. We have even named that we would love to see baptised this year (50 people). But imagine doing all that and forgetting to ask God to send out workers.

God is the Lord of the harvest. Changed lives are a work of God. Only he can save the lost. We must ask. We must pray. As we begin this year I will continue to ask God to send out workers as Jesus has asked us to.

P - Father, send out workers I pray. Send out your church Lord. Send them out into the harvest so that many may come to know you and thrive! Amen.

Daily Bible Reading - Job 15:1-35 & Matthew 19:1-17

Even If You Kill Me...

2012-01-11T09:54:00.000+11:00

S - Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. Job 13:15

O - Job had so many good things and the conclusion many came to was reasonable enough..."God is blessing him." But Job lost almost everything, his possessions, family and even his own health. Most people would conclude then, "God has abandoned him!" and would counsel Job, as his wife did, "Cure God and die!" Yet Job had not lost everything. His love and hope in God remained. This was not based on what God did or didn't do for him. Job knew that God is sovereign and he put his hope in God's character, in who God is and not in what he did or didn't do for him personally. "Though he slay me," even if God kills me! "...yet will hope in him." Job held on to the hope that God is good even when things are going bad. He trusted that God had a purpose, and though he didn't understand it he trusted him. Job was definitely one who thrived whatever the circumstances.

A - Just because things go wrong, that doesn't mean that God has left me. This brings a whole new way to face suffering and hardship, grief and loss, disappointment and failure. God is good, God is in control, even when I don't see it. My relationship with God mustn't rise and fall on how I perceive he is providing for me or not providing for me, on whether he is answering my prayers or not answering my prayers.

Today, I will ask, I will pray and I will seek to work with all my heart for fulfill God's leadings and his plans for my life. But if the results don't work out as I planned, I will still hope, trust and love God.

P - Father, I have faced so little suffering in my life. Today, I choose to love you whatever lies ahead, because of who you are. Though you may slay me, I will still love you and hope in you. Amen.

Daily Reading Job 13:1-14:22 & Matthew 8:18-34

See also Review on book "Finding Purpose in Our Pain

Every Breath You Take is in His Hands

2012-01-10T13:40:00.001+11:00

S - "Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of every human." Job 12"9-10

O - Ask the birds and animals or speak to the earth and fish, they all know what the hand of the Lord has done, writes Job. God is the one true God. He is all powerful. He lifts one up, pulls one down. In his hand is the life of every creature. God is in control. He is the one who decides, who gives life. In his hand is the breath of every human being. My breath, my wife's breath, my two daughter's breath, my parents breath and the breath of every person is in his hand. Each day, each moment, is a gift from God's sovereign hand.

A - I have been given 365 days to live for the last 43 years! That's about 15,695 day which I have lived so far. Each day a day allowed, a day given, a day my comings and goings were observed and enabled by God. Thank-you Lord!

If I were to live to 86 I will have been given another 15,695 days to live. Will I live each one thankfully, as a gift I can use for God's glory? Now I know God has each breath in his hands I will live the rest in humble worship of the One who gives me each day to live.

The Centurion knew this in Matthew 8:5-13, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Jesus is Lord! I will recognise that my life is in Jesus' hand. It's to be lived as a gift. It's not my own to demand or claim. It's a gift to be used for God's glory.

P - Awesome, sovereign Father, the whole world is in your hands. I ask you to lead and guide me as I live this God-given day to the full! Amen.

Daily Reading Job 12 & Matthew 8:1-17

Books I read in 2011

2012-01-05T21:47:00.001+11:00

Last year I read 25 books. We'll actually I read 19 and listened to 6 audio books. Here is the list of what I read...

- The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley

- Vintage Church (Audio book), Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears

- The Pursuit of Holiness (Audio book), Jerry Bridges

- Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates people, Daniel H. Pink

- Sticky Teams: Keeping your leadership team and staff on the same page, Larry Osborne

- Healthy Systems, Healthy Church, Nelson Searcy

- The Preacher as Storyteller, Austin B. Tucker

- Integrity: The courage to meet the demands of reality, Dr. Henry Cloud

- The Prodigal God: Rediscovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, Timothy Keller

- The Holiness of God (Audio book), R. C. Sproul

- Ignite: How to spark immediate growth in your church, Nelson Searcy

- All of Grace: The infinite love of God, C. H. Spurgeon

- Break Through Prayer: The secret of receiving what you need from God, Jim Cymbala

- The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall & Tony Payne

- The First World War, Michael Howard

- How Long, O Lord? D. A. Carson

- The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God, having the guts to respond, Bill Hybels

- Ian Thorpe (Audio book), Greg Hunter

- Faith & Doubt, John Ortberg

- Think: The life of the mind and the love of God (Audio book), John Piper

- Switch: How to change when change is hard, Chip and Dan Heath

- George Whitefield: God's annointed servant in the great revival of the 18th century, Arnold A. Dallimore

- Mirror Ball: Living boldly and shining brightly for the glory of God, Matt Redman

- The Power of Nice: How to conquer the business world with kindness, Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval

- The Heavenly Man: The remarkable true story of Christian brother Yun (Audio book), Brother Yun with Paul Hathaway.

The new addition to my reading this year has been audio books. These were all books I received free from Christian Audio as their free monthly audio book (currently J I Packer's "Knowing God" is free!) apart from the Ian Thorpe one which I borrowed from the library.

I wanted to add a bit of diversity to my reading last year and to a certain extent I did achieve this. The Whitefield and Thorp biographies as well as the book on WWI were examples of broadening my reading.

I love reading and am really pleased that I have been able over these past few years to be more than a holiday reader. I am so thankful for the wisdom of these writers that have each in some way shaped who I am.

Any suggestions for me to read for 2012? What did you read?

A Reason to Persevere

2011-09-22T09:16:00.000+10:00

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you haveshown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.Hebrews 6:10

O - What anencouraging verse which comes after warnings about falling away. It seems thatthe writer is saying that we are to persevere and if we do, God is just, he won’tforget our work and love for him and how we’ve helped his people.

The Christians who first received this letter were facing persecutionand had in earlier days endured great suffering having had their possessionsconfiscated and been thrown in prison or stood by the side of those who were(Heb 10:32-34). Others were thinking of stopping meeting together altogether (Heb10:25). This verse would have encouraged them greatly. God sees; God is just;he won’t forget; keep on and don’t give up.

A – So often wecan focus on what’s wrong with our lives yet this verse tells us me that Godsees what is right too. He will remember my work. I have been a Christian for28 years and have served as a pastor for 14 of those years. That’s a lot toremember! I have loved praising and worshipping God, through sing, playing music,praying, reading Psalms and just thanking him all through the day. He won’tforget. Praise God! And every time I have helped his people and shown them loveand care, God has seen.

This not only gets me pretty excited but it also motivatesme to live even more intentionally in the future. These truths give me a reasonto persevere. I have more life left to live and love my God. Today is a day todo it with joy!

P – Thanks Father,for seeing my work, and my love for you and your people. Thanks for Jesus whoshowed me clearly what it means to love you and serve others. Today I willserve you with joy knowing you are just and that you remember, as I persevere. Amen.

Daily Reading - 2 Samuel 4-5 & Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12

What Will Bring You Peace

2011-08-10T09:36:00.001+10:00

S - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:41-42

O - Jesus was riding to Jerusalem on a donkey. The festive crowds were cheering and calling out, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" Yet in the midst of the singing and praising Jesus looks ahead to the city...and weeps. What a contrast! Jesus knows what will happen in Jerusalem. He weeps not for himself but for the people. "If you..." were the tearful sobs of the saviour. "If you, even you..." those would reject him, even if they had known this day what would bring them peace - real peace, thing would have been so different for them. They would reject him and their Messiah. They would harden their hearts. They would not known the very thing that would bring them peace.

A - Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and have it the full" (John 10:10). He came so that through faith in him we might be forgiven and have peace with God. Jesus wept at their missing it. Being Christ's follower, I want to feel the same for people who don't the incredible difference know personally Jesus can make. To not feel God's forgiveness, to not know his presence, to not see his hand at work in my life would be a tragedy for me. To be worried and anxious about the future and what lies ahead, to be angry and unable to let go of hurts and regrets, to always be wanting more and never being satisfied would be a life to weep over, knowing what I know now.

P - Father, thank you for your peace through Jesus. I pray for those far from you who reject you, not knowing the peace that they can find in you. May I be a part of helping them see what life can be like with you. Amen.

Daily Reading Judges 16 & Luke 19:28-20:8

We Have Only Done Our Duty

2011-08-06T09:45:00.001+10:00

S - "So you also, when you have done everything that you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Luke 17:10

O - Jesus was explaining to his disciples that servants do not expect thanks and overwhelming appreciation for doing what they are expected to do. When they have done what is required they should not look for praise but say, 'we have done our duty.'

A - There are parallels here for the followers of Jesus. God is our creator and saviour. When we recognize who he is and what we are we come before him as people who not holy, we are sinners without excuse. To learn that God sent Jesus so that our sin could be forgiven and a righteousness could be given to us through faith, we are grateful and say "thanks" for we are unworthy.

Often instead of serving out of thankfulness as those who do what is our duty to a loving, gracious God, we get upset when things don't turn out how we expect they should. We can become angry like the older brother (Luke 15) or proud like the Pharisee (Luke 18:12). Instead our lives should be one of thankful service acknowledging that all we have is from God. Any good we have done is just our duty. We do it not for praise but because it is our reasonable response and we are thankful.

P - Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve you today. When I feel your smile and pleasure it's a blessing, but I will serve you anyway. You are good and worthy of all my service. Amen!

Daily Reading - Judges 9 & Luke 17

The Church - Will It Last?

2011-08-04T12:55:00.001+10:00

It seems that in Australia today people are leaving churches but are still very interested in spirituality. I’ve heard people say that they still love Jesus but they just can’t stand the church. Others say they just don’t feel the need to come to a building each week to listen to one person speaking, and telling them when to sit and stand. It seems that many believe that ‘the church’ is on the way out! Is that so? Is there any need for it? Should we forget about ‘the church’ and just individually love Jesus instead?

Though many might resist it strongly in our individualised world, the truth is that we need community. We need others. We hate the thought of being alone. Why is this? We were made for community. Our God is community. In the Godhead is a community of oneness between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Our God of oneness has been calling to himself a people, a community, since the beginning of time. This group of people in the Old Testament are called the people of God and are those who have responded to God’s call by faith. In fact the Biblical term used for these people was qahal meaning “the gathered” or “the assembly.”

In the New Testament the Greek word ekklesia is translated as church. It means “the gathered ones,” “the called out ones.” So we were made for community and God who is community calls us to himself to be a community.

The church is not therefore a building, an authority structure, a set of programmes or a tradition. Rather it is a people. A gathered people called to community by God.

So can you have Jesus but not the church? No! The Bible shows us that the church from first to last is all about Jesus. We become part of it by faith in Jesus. He is the one who is responsible for building it and he has said that it will endure forever.

The Church Is Those Who Have Put Their Faith In Jesus

Jesus gives us insight into the essential nature of the church when he asked his disciples in Caesarea Philippi the direct question, “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:15-16). When Jesus heard his answer he replied, “Blessed are you, Simon… And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…” (Matt 16:17a & 18a) Because Peter recognised Jesus’ true identity and mission, Jesus gave him a new identity and a new mission, both expressed in a new name: Simon son of Jonah became known as Peter, which means “rock.” It was on this confession of faith, this rock, that Christ would build his church.

In Peters’ revelation of Christ’s mission & identity he had identified that Christ was the long-awaited Messiah (a Hebrew word), that is, God’s anointed one, the one who fulfils God’s purposes. He was also the Son of God, because he was uniquely related to God as Son to Father and because he was God in the flesh. Peter was the first human to understand and proclaim who Jesus was and his mission.

It was this confession of faith in Jesus as Christ that would be instrumental for the building of the church throughout all time. Peter would be the first of many rocks, living stones, being built together through faith in Jesus to become the church. It is faith in Jesus Christ that makes you part of the church. The church is not a building but a living church, a church that is alive. It is God’s household built with living stones which make up a living church (see 1 Peter 2:4-5).

What does this mean for us today who love and follow Jesus?

You are the church if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus as Lord.
Jesus has brought us all together and just as like in our own families we don’t get to choose who becomes a part of the church. Learn to love them anyway.
We are one in Christ even though we might look different in so many ways.
We have a new identity and a new mission. We are the church declaring to the world the good news about Jesus.

Well now that we know that the church is a community of those who have faith in Jesus we might now wonder who is responsible for its continued growth and development.

The Church Is Built By Jesus

Who builds the church? Our first answer might be, “Whichever building company that submits the cheapest tender to the Church leaders.” But in Matthew 16 we see clearly who the builder is when Jesus says…

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it.” Matt 16:18

It is Jesus who said, “I will build my church.” This truth leads us to some important observations for those who are part of his church.

The Master Builder is building his church and therefore you can serve with great joy knowing that it doesn’t all depend on you! You can serve offering your gifts for Jesus to use as he desires but leaving the results to him.
In mission, Jesus has been at work in so many people’s lives before you and I even thought about sharing the good news with them. We can get involved in what God has already been doing and join him in his mission.
You can relax! It doesn’t all depend on you! We are God’s co-labourers and he said he will build his church. Work hard, yes, but don’t stress!

It’s important for us to pray, seek God’s will, and study the scriptures together so that we can understand in community how Jesus is wanting to build the church. A church that takes seriously Jesus’ promise to build his church will be prayerful and careful about the activities they do together. They will ask, “Is this what Jesus would have us do.”

So now we might finally ask whether the church that Jesus is building is in danger of extinction or is it worth giving yourself to wholeheartedly?

Jesus Declared That The Church Will Last Forever

A builder today builds a house with the hope that it will last for a life time. Why would we want to be an active and eager part of the church that Jesus is building? Because the church will last forever. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it” (Matt 16:17). Because of your saving faith in Christ you will be forever in heaven with the rest of the Church and even death, hell or Hades or any other place will not be able to touch you!

From that small rabble of twelve to the 3,000 who responded to preaching of Peter (the rock) on the day of Pentecost millions have put their faith in Jesus and become part of the spiritual house that is the church. Jesus has certainly been building his church through the ages!

If you believe in Jesus then you are the church! Join with others who he has called and be co-labourers with Christ, your Master Builder, and trust him for the results. Why? Because the church from first to last is all about Jesus, and it will last forever like nothing else will.

Written by Jonathan Stark
Note: This article was first published in the Witness : The Voice of Victorian Baptists, August 2011 edition.

How I Moved From Enduring To Enjoying Running!

2011-07-26T09:26:00.006+10:00

Running had always been sporadic for me. I would go well for a few weeks then stop altogether until another burst of enthusiasm got me going again... for a few weeks. On top of that I didn't really enjoy running. It was something I did because I felt I should.

Recently on a jog I realised that I was absolutely loving it and that running for me had changed. I wasn't just enjoying it, I was more consistent. What had changed?

Here's some of the steps that moved me from enduring to enjoying running.

Find a friend - early on my friend Zoltan met me on the bike track for a run two times a week. I knew when the alarm clock went off that if I went back to sleep I would let down my friend, so I got up. Today I run once a week with a friend and I keep myself accountable with friends online via Runkeeper.com. There I can see what my friends have been running and they can see how often I have hitting the road too.
Keep a record - This has never been easier to do since I bought an i-Phone. An application called Runkeeper tracks my run and records the time, distance, elevation and even maps where I have been. It is very satisfying to view all the runs I have been on on-line. It keeps me motivated.
Multi-task - Running is great because it keeps you fit and healthy. I also love to listen to sermons and books while I run which helps me grow. But wait, there's more... I take my dog Ollie along with me so he gets exercise too. So I'm getting fit, growing in my learning and being kind to my dog all at once!
Try something new - For many years I ran at the same pace, the same distance and though I might vary the run one rule remained "No hills!" All that has changed as I've tried to vary my running. During the week days I run a couple of 5k runs and try and do them quite quickly. On Friday I run the "Beep Test" with my friend Chris and then we take our dogs for a relaxed 4k run (hill included). On the weekend I do a 10k run and now I am trying to include many hills.

These few things have really helped me become more consistent in my running has increased dramatically the enjoyment of running for me!

Do you enjoy exercise? What has helped you to enjoy it rather than just enduring it? Any tips you'd like to add? Leave a comment below.

Click here to see My Runkeeper Profile

Here are some photo's I've taken while running...

Memorizing God's Word

2011-07-19T08:37:00.000+10:00

S - Jesus answered, "It is written: People do not live on bread alone." Luke 4:4

O - Jesus was hungry. He had been in the wilderness for 40 days and had eaten nothing! During this time he was tempted by the devil. But it says that Jesus was 'full of the Holy Spirit.' How does Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit respond to the devil? He uses God's Word like an accurate arrow to hit at the heart of Satan's specific temptation. Satan was saying, in effect, "You are hungry? If you are God why don't you turn these stones to bread? If you are God you can do what you want." But Jesus knew that what was most important was to obey the Father. He quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 where God sent the Israelites manna in the desert to show them that he can easily feed them and provide for them and to teach them that people should not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Here Jesus uses God's Word to answer Satan. He could turn stones into bread but what was most important was to obey God and that was not what his Father was asking him to do.

A - Having the scripture in my heart, memorised and ready when I face Satan's temptation is absolutely critical. If Jesus, the Son of God, used scripture to face Satan, how much more do I need to? My wife and I have recently made the decision to spend time each week together as a family memorising a verse together and challenging each other to learn it by heart. We both learnt memory verses when we were younger using the Navigator's Topical Memory System. After today's reading I'm going to take the next step of implementing this into our weekly family routine!

Tips for remembering verses...

Write it out on a card
Remember it phrase at a time
Remember it word perfectly
Repeat it, repeat it, repeat it
Read it aloud
Put it to music
Say it emphasising different words each time
Have a partner quiz you

Be balanced in the verses you memorize. A great approach is to use The Navigator's Topical Memory System.

P - Father, I praise and thank-you for your Word. Help me as I seek to hide it in my heart and prepare for the attacks that Satan wants to throw at me. I want to follow Jesus' example and find victory as I obey you Father, in Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Reading - Joshua 18 & Luke 3:21-4:12

What To Do With Your Tongue?

2011-06-24T12:03:00.002+10:00

S - My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. Psalm 35:28

O - When David wrote this Psalm he was aware of people who were trying to kill him. They made up false accusations, they delighted when he stumbled, they wouldn't stop slandering him. In the midst of these circumstances he cries out to God. "Rescue me," "Vindicate me," "Don't be silent Lord,""Rise to my defence" are his pleas to God. He asks for help. He's is real about what he is feeling and what he wants God to do for him.

But what David does next is staggering. He refuses to shift his focus on what he must do even in this terrible situation. "My tongue will proclaim your righteousness..." He would declare in the midst of this that God is faithful and right and is able to fulfil his promises. He determined also that he would proclaim praises to God "...all day long." What a great focus for tough times!

A - So often when I have faced unfair criticism the last thing I have done is praised God that he is righteous and faithful and that he would handle this and would take care of me. Instead of pouring all my effort into justifying myself I would have done much better by doing what David did.

Next time you face criticism...

Let God know how you feel
Ask him to help you in your circumstances
Proclaim God's righteousness
Praise God all day long

P - Father, thank-you that even though I might face criticism, you are faithful. You can take care of me and I trust that you will. I will praise you today in all that I do! My prayer is that your praise will always be on my lips!

Bible Reading Psalm 35 & Ephesians 1:1-14

Here's a few other great things you can do with your tongue too!

Do Good While You Can

2011-06-23T12:03:00.001+10:00

S - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

O - Paul had just finished explaining two great reasons for doing good. Firstly, you reap what you sow and secondly you'll reap a harvest. Therefore, Paul says, do good.

Do it now We have an opportunity now so take it now. While we are still alive, earning an income, are healthy, have transport, can speak, write, listen and visit, why not seize the moment!
Do it to everyone Paul urges me not limit my doing good to certain people. Old, young, friendly, grumpy, rich, poor, happy, sad, foreigner and friend are all people who I can do good to.
Do it especially to your spiritual family Paul adds that we are to do good especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Widows, slaves and those who were poor were cared for by the early Christian communities. Those who are part of our spiritual family should not go hungry or thirsty. If they have needs that they can't afford to meet themselves why not do good while we can? If they are sad, hurting, lonely, it would be wrong to care for everyone else while neglecting our own.

A - I am thankful to have so many opportunities to do good at this time in my life. Today I will seek to do as many good things as I can. We have a great team at the church and a great community of believers. I will seek to ask others to help me do good today and explain one of Paul's reasons for do good. I can also help the work in Malawi by joining our family of believers in giving and praying for those ministering there.

P - Father, thanks for today, a day full of opportunities to do good! You have been so good to me. I will enjoy doing good for you today.

Questions

Has someone done good to you lately?
What are some great ideas you have had for doing good to others?
Please leave a comment

Daily Reading - Deuteronomy 26 & 27, Galatians 6:1-18

Until Christ is Formed in You

2011-06-21T08:53:00.004+10:00

S - My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you... Galatians 4:19

O - Paul's longing was that the Galatians would genuinely come to faith in Christ and become his sons not slaves. He longed that they would not try to earn their way into God's favour but receive the inheritance that comes through faith in Christ, the Spirit of sonship and we cry 'Abba Father' (Romans 8:15).

Paul is so consumed, so longing, so committed to sharing the gospel and helping them understand it and come to faith in Christ that he's felling like a woman in childbirth! He is wanting to bear spiritual children who know and love Christ and who are born again. He is wrestling until Christ is formed in them. He knows then that others won't so easily lead them astray. He knows then that they won't so easily go back to their old ways of ritual and slavish law keeping to try to earn God's favour. Instead they would already assuredly have it.

A - Christ has been formed in me! I am thankful for my dad, mum and grandfather and for many other people who have greatly laboured in helping me come to know Jesus.

When it comes to seeing Christ formed in others this verse teaches me that...

Childbirth is painful. Seeing Christ formed in others is often very painful! There can be many complications along the way.
Healthy births are God's real concern. Paul wouldn't rest until Christ was formed in them. He cared for the Galatians and as a result saw so many spiritual births! This must be my real concern too.
Paul is a great example to follow. God wants us to imitate Paul. God wants us to partner with him in leading others to genuine faith in Christ. God used Paul greatly to intentionally be assisting in the birthing process and he wants to use us too!

Today there are so many people who I know need some encouragement, a warning, a listening ear, a rebuke or helping hand. I will live this day doing all I can to help them with the prayer that Christ will be formed in them.

P - Father, I pray that my prayers, my efforts, my labour with people to see Christ formed in them would be so intense that it would be likened to being in childbirth! Amen.

Daily Reading - Deuteronomy 23 & Galatians 4:8-31

Godly Leaders Are Disciplined Readers

2011-06-15T11:41:00.002+10:00

S - When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law... It is to be with him all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees. Deuteronomy 17:18-19

O - The king was an influential person and God wanted to ensure that this person who would be looked up to and followed as was godly and revered the Lord. How would this best happen? The answer was to have the king copy out with his own hand the words of the law on a scroll. This would help him to know the words and remember them. But on top of this he was to take it with him wherever he went. When a big decision was needed he would look it up, when he was waiting he'd have a quick read, when relaxing someone would reading to him. And what would the outcome be? He would reign a long time (verse 20).

A - Today Bibles are on our mobile phones. We can read it when we wake, while we are waiting and at night before we sleep. One of my greatest laments is that people who would identify themselves as 'committed' Christians and who don't have to go to the trouble of pulling out large scrolls and finding the right spot, often rarely read the Bible! What is more concerning is when church leaders work so hard in ministry but find it very difficult to read and reflect on the words God has left for us in the Bible.

Have a plan

At what time are you going to read the Bible?
Where is the best place for you to read? In your bedroom? Office?
How are you going to do this? A chapter a day? A reading plan? SOAP method (see homepage)

Read it expecting God to speak

God actually speaks to us as we read - ask him to speak to you
Be ready before you read to do what it says

Pray about what you have read

Is there an action you now will take, a decision to make, a person to forgive? Pray
Pray thanking God for speaking to you through his word

Remember that the king had the law with him all the time so do just read it once a day. Use the most of those waiting moments.

P - Father, I pray that I would always love and be shaped by your truth in the Bible. I want to be a leader who is a reader and doer of your word. Amen.

Daily Reading Deut 17:1-18:1-22 & Gal 1:1-10

Could This Lead to Death?

2011-06-07T09:32:00.004+10:00

S - All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose... Proverbs 7:22

O - What a powerful image! An ox is a strong and powerful animal, and when under the control of a yoke can prove incredibly valuable. Yet the image here is of an ox willingly being led to the slaughter. If it knew what was coming it would use all it's power to flee and escape but it doesn't. There is a deep sadness in this image. An animal of such strength led to death because it doesn't realise where it is heading. So the young man in Proverb 7 who walks in the direction of the house of the seductive woman at twilight. He is unaware what he is heading towards.

Another image is that of a deer. They are alert, quick, very hard to catch, they are free, and look to be full of untamed beauty, yet here the deer does not realise that he has just stepped into a noose. Although the scene is calm and peaceful there is about to be terrible kicking and choking until life drains from it's limp body. So the young man who listens to the woman's words of invitation and follows her to her home, little knowing that it will cost him his life.

A - There is a slippery slope to sexual sin. As the man walked towards her house, as he listened to her invite, as he went with her further and further he went to his death. So what must I do to avoid this trap?

Run as far away as possible! Just like Joseph fled when face with temptation (Gen 39:12) I must run by keep clear of places of temptation and by removing temptations. Installing internet filters on my devices will help.
Understand when I am most vulnerable - For the young man it was at twilight. If night-time is a temptation then be with someone safe, or don't go out, or don't be home alone.
Be real about where it leads and what I would lose - In our world sexual immorality is portrayed as fun, exciting, cool and what everyone is doing. But there is no way to portray divorce, mistrust, guilt, shame, dishonour from your family, church, friends that results from sexual immorality as good. I must remember this.

Understand what God thinks about sexual sin - The Bible is full of great advice on why we should run from sexual sin. Study key verses and memorise them! Here's a good few to start with...Matt 5:27-28, 1 Cor 6:18-20; 1 Cor 10:13; Prov 14:12; Prov 4:23; Heb 13:4; 1 Peter 1:14; 1 Thess 4:3-5 & 7.
Learn from wise people - There are many people who have written about this, there are those who have made mistakes who we can learn from and there are those who have walked with others through their difficult journeys. I would be wise to learn from them.

Rick Warren on "How to maintain moral integrity in the ministry"

P - Father, help me take the steps that I need to keep far from falling to my death through sexual sin. Help me hear your whispers and your shouts and run. Amen.

Question - Are there any great resources you can suggest? What other advice have you found helpful?

Daily Reading: Proverbs 7 & 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

How To Love A Neighbour

2011-05-17T10:55:00.002+10:00

Once upon a time, I sat on a train station in Melbourne and wondered whether I should take the next train or not. It was a stopping all stations one and the next was express. Should I wait or not? The screen showed a minute remaining. I tossed the options around in my head. The train made its noisy arrival. I again thought maybe, maybe not. The doors opened and closed and I sat on the seat still undecided, but having made my decision.

There are needs all around us. So many. We want to help but how can we? Where do we start? We toss ideas around in our minds. Will I, won’t I? How can I respond to the needs of my neighbours? And if we don’t respond the opportunities in front of us they will be missed.

Jesus told a story to answer the question who is my neighbour. It’s a now famous story called the Good Samaritan. Here’s how it goes. A man, most likely a Jewish man, is beaten and left for dead. He is in great need of help. Who will help him? The story has an unexpected twist to it. The best candidates for offering help, a priest and a Levite, walk right on by and don’t help at all, while the most unlikely to help, a Samaritan (hated by the Jews), comes to his aid.

Firstly, what does this teach us about “Who is my neighbour?” Well, I think what Jesus is teaching us here, is that whoever you come across in your life journey is a person made in the image of God. Whatever their age, social status, whatever their ethnic background, marital status or sexual orientation, if they are in need, we are to help them. They are our neighbours.

So that brings us to the question, how can we help? What are some ways that we can respond to those in need?

In the parable, the Samaritan demonstrates how we are to love our neighbours. There seem to me to be four key ways in which the man in need is helped. Reflecting on these will help us respond to our neighbours as we ought to.

Jesus wants me to love my neighbour by stopping

"Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity.”

Luke 10:33 (NLT)

Jesus tells us that the Samaritan came along. He was on his way somewhere, heading in a direction with his day planned, but notice that the verse says that he saw the man. The others saw him but passed by on the other side. They did not stop. He not only saw him but felt deep pity and he stopped. The needs of his neighbour, who God put in his path, overrode his own busyness.

This is just like Jesus when felt the touch of a bleeding woman in the crowd. He stopped, “Who touched me?” When the children came to him, the disciples saw them as a hindrance. Jesus said “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!” (Mk 10:14). When blind Bartimaeus, in a noisy crowd, called out at the top of his voice, Jesus heard him and stopped (Mk 10:49).

I remember a painful time when a dear friend gently shared with me how through their toughest time, I had not been there for them. I had been doing a lot of good things but I kept walking around them when they were on the road. All I could do was say “Sorry.” But I wish I’d stopped earlier and been there for them.

Jesus said and modelled that we are being a neighbour when we stop and love.

What needs are around you now? A friend in need who would really benefit from a phone call? A work mate who you could take some time out to encourage? A teenage son who would love just to kick the footy with you? A letter that you could write to a persecuted Christian in prison? Being an advocate for the poor in your community? Will we show love by stopping?

Jesus wants me to love my neighbour even if it could be dangerous

“Kneeling beside him…” Luke 10:34 (NLT)

“He went to him…” Luke 10:34 (NIV)

The violent thieves could have still been close by when the Samaritan went over to the injured man. If they assaulted and robbed one man, why wouldn’t they do it again? He put his security at risk. He showed his love by risking.

It’s true, isn’t it, that showing our love to others can be risky. When people are in need sometimes helping them can involve increasing danger levels for us. Many people won’t risk helping because it could be dangerous.

Jesus was different. He, like the Samaritan, put himself in dangerous places to demonstrate his love. When a person was sick on the Sabbath, he knew that the religious officials would be furious at him if he healed him but he did it, and for that they plotted to kill him. Because of love Jesus stood between an angry mob with fists full of stones and a woman caught in adultery. He went to a cross and was yelled at, spat at, beaten, nailed, and put to death. But what a difference his love, in doing that has made for my life and yours. I am glad that Jesus cared more about showing love than being safe. He bravely loved by risking.

It was love for those in need of the gospel that compelled Adoniram Judson to go to Burma in the early 1800s. I wonder if he knew the dangers that lay ahead. He faced rejection, months of harsh imprisonment and the death of two of his children and his wife. His love which did not flinch in the face of danger has inspired so many missionaries since.

Who will have the courage to help free sex slaves? Who will serve in a soup kitchen at night? Who will assist a friend who is being abused?

Is there a risky situation that is stopping you from loving? Maybe Jesus is wanting you to remember that people in need matter to him and are worth leaving our safety to help.

Jesus wants me to love my neighbour with actions

“Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them.”

Luke 10:34 (NLT)

The Samaritan bandaged the man’s wounds, poured oil on them and helped him. This was practical help. This was a real demonstration of love in action. He responded to this person’s plight. His actions lay at the centre of his love.

He could have walked right past like the Jewish priest, he could have had a good look and then kept on walking like the Levite, the temple assistant. But he didn’t. His love wasn’t one of just words. His love was one that was demonstrated by action.

“The greatest sermon Mr Spurgeon ever preached” was how William Young Fullerton described the orphanage that Spurgeon built at Stockwell, south London.[1] Many lives of the homeless and poor orphaned children were transformed by the work the Metropolitan Tabernacle where Spurgeon was the pastor in the 1800s. He was a fine preacher, often referred to as “The Prince of Preachers” yet he did more than just preached. He led his congregation to love by action.

Have you ever had someone listen to you and say that they feel for you and they understand, but then not offer any help? I’m glad that God just didn’t say he loved me, he demonstrated it by sending Jesus into the world to tell me and to show me his love – even to the point of dying. On the cross Jesus shouts out to us – “I love you this much!” He didn’t just say it. He proved it.

How are you showing practical love to the people around you?

Is your church helping those in the community who are hurt and fallen on the side of the road? If you are a pastor, is it time to do what Spurgeon did at a prayer meeting one evening? He asked them to pray that God would send them a new ministry and the means to carry it out. They received a letter two days later pledging £20,000.00 to be used for orphans. Could your small group respond to a need now by acting in love?

Jesus wants me to love my neighbour generously

“Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. `If his bill runs higher than that,' he said, `I'll pay the difference the next time I am here.'“

Luke 10:34-35 (NLT)

By putting the injured man on his donkey, settling him into the inn and leaving the advance payment for his care the Samaritan shows great generosity. He applied ancient first aid, humbly gave his donkey to the Jew and walked alongside, then he gave the inn-keeper two silver coins (enough for 24 days food), and promised to pay the bill when he came back.

His generosity to a Jew was staggering. Yet isn’t generosity always staggering? When you are on the other end of a generous act it can overwhelm you. The vividness of those moments stay with you forever. I remember our family receiving an invitation to have dinner at the home of a man who owned a restaurant. I can still remember the main course followed by a chocolate dessert resembling a cabbage with individual chocolate leaves! This happened almost thirty years ago yet I’ll never forget the generosity shown to our family.

Imagine the thankfulness of the man who was helped by the Samaritan. He would never forget this, not ever. The woman with expensive perfume is still remembered and talked about today. The woman who sent Spurgeon the cheque for the orphanage, Mrs Anne Hillyard was remembered fondly for her generous act.

Who can you think of who would be helped enormously by you not only meeting their needs but by doing so with generosity? A student who is struggling to pay the bills? A single mother who is finding it hard to make ends meet? A refugee who could use your car, for which you would get little trade in anyway?

So What Now?

Which of the three was a neighbour? The answer is the one who showed him mercy. By stopping, risking danger, responding with actions and being generous, the Samaritan really loved his neighbour. Now, today, right where we are, go and do like likewise!

[1] Quoted in C. H. Spurgeon – The People’s Preacher, Peter Morden, CWR, 2009, pg. 135

Get to Work!

2011-05-17T08:52:00.003+10:00

S - Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider it's ways and be wise! It has n commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

O - These verses are addressed to the sluggard - the idle, slothful or lazy person. They are urged to go and find an ant hill, squat down, take a good long look at what they see and be wise. What will they discover? The writer says they'll notice that they have no bosses looking over their heads, beating them if don't don't work. They have no commanders in sight, no overseers at all and yet they work! In fact they store provisions in summer and gathers their food at harvest. When food is scarce they are prepared. They definitely "pay now, play later," and as a result they have what they need. They don't have to beg; they don't have to go without; they don't have to borrow, or take out loans; they are prepared. All this without anyone forcing them or making them work! Wow!

A - Today in a world that promotes 'play now, pay later' and 'buy now, nothing to pay for 24 months,' I am called to work hard, to save, and then use what I have earned out of my savings. It is so easy to put things on credit or take out loans that I have to repay and how quickly life can become repaying debts than actually spending from the rewards of hard work and savings. Instead of being prepared we are in debt, instead of working for the future we work to pay off decisions made in the past. I need to learn from the ant!

This principle applies not just to work and money, it applies to...

Spiritual growth - daily devotions enables years of deepening maturity in our relationship with God which proves invaluable when suffering or temptation hits.

Physical Exercise - consistent regular exercise means that we maintain a level of health and fitness that have continuing benefits for our years ahead.

Parenting - It's much easier to parent through the teenage years if you have consistently been building and developing healthy relationships with your kids through the earlier years.

Marriage - When the kids grow up and leave home you will reap a harvest if you have not neglected to consistently nurture your relationship with your spouse during the parenting years.

P - Thanks Father, for creating ants! They teach me so much. Help me to remember to work now with the future in mind and in everything I do may I do it for your glory (1 Cor 10:31). Amen.

Daily Reading - Proverbs 6 & 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 11:1

Rescued

2011-03-29T08:33:00.002+11:00

S - What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25a

O - The sinful nature was alive and well even in Paul the Apostle. Though he lived a disciplined Christian life a war was being fought within. He felt like a prisioner. He felt like he was living in a body of death. "What a wretched man I am!" was his heartfelt cry. "Who will save me?" The clear answer comes - Paul is delivered from death through Jesus Christ and all the thanks goes to God.

A - There are a number of points of application that come straight to mind from reflecting on these verses...

It's rare today to be wretched. There's not many people like Paul. Today it is rare to find people who wage this war in their bodies with sin. Many have either given up and surrendered long ago or have never tried to fight it because they haven't ever understood who God is and what his law requires. Others have known but prefered to make excuses and justify themselves rather than seek to fight it.
Even Christians can try to be good when they're wretched. Many Christians have not got to the point of crying out "wretched man that I am!" and realised that before a holy God they are completely ruined and need saving. They instead try to be good and when they fail they pretend that they still are good when they know that they aren't. They console themselves that at least they are better than others and judge and look down on them. This is far from Paul's position.
I am wretched but rescued. I need to constantly remember that I am a wretched man, saved by a wonderful saviour. This, when pondered and delighted in will not only assure me of my new status in Christ but will also compell me to seek to live a holy life, every day, waging war against sin.

P - Heavenly Father, thanks a million for sending Jesus. His death has brought me life, forgiveness and a whole new standing. Praise be to you! Amen.

Daily Readings - Leviticus 1-2 & Romans 7:7-25

More of Your Presence!

2011-03-22T08:22:00.000+11:00

S - Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" Exodus 33:15-16

O - God's presence is crucial for mission! Moses asked God not to send him without his presence. We need God's presence with us as we do his work in the world. Why? These verses show that Moses wanted God's presence because it would clearly show to everyone who observed them that God was pleased with them. God's presence is a sign of God's pleasure. Also, Moses saw that God's presence would distinguish him and his people from all the other people in the world. They would be unique. They would stand out. They would be clearly seen as different because of God's presence. God's presence causes people to stand out in the crowd.

A - I long for a greater display of God's presence in my life and in our church. Like Moses, I want others to see us and know that God is pleased with us and goes with us. This Easter as people are invited to our gatherings my longing is that people will know God's presence and sense his favour on us. Jesus sent us out with a promise. "Go into all the world" and "I will be with you." He is with us. May this be known and experienced in our people.

I also long that God's presence would distinguish us from all others. I know that it already does, but I long for a holy reverence, an awe in our worship, a purity in our lives and a tangible expectation of God's transforming power when we gather together. I long that we would stand out, along with all the other churches in this region as those who know God and enjoy his presence.

P - Father, I pray for more of your presence. Fill us with your presence so others may see your favour and your people as uniquely yours. This Easter, show your glory! In Jesus name Amen.

Daily Readings: Exodus 33 & Romans 2:17-29

A Dream Comes True

2011-02-08T08:36:00.000+11:00

S - When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before hime to the ground. Genesis 43:26

O - Joseph had had a dreamed that his brothers would one day bow down to him. When he shared it they hated him. So much so that they sold him. When Joseph was thrown into prison for a crime that he didn't commit he must have felt like the dream God had revealled to him would never happen. He could have easily given up, lost hope, turned away. But he didn't. When asked to interpret Pharaoh's dream he didn't take the credit. He told Pharaoh that God would interpret his dream. He tursted in God to lead Egypt as Pharaoh increased his position of authority.

Here in this verse, as his brothers bowed down, right to the ground, Joseph must have realised that it was God who had shown him the dream and it was God who had fulfilled the dream. What a moment for Joseph. He must have deeply known at this point the faithfulness of God.

A - I haven't had any dreams of fat things being eaten by skinny things or any dreams at all that I have felt God trying to reveal to me his plans for the future. But I do know that whether by dream or by his Word or his Spirit's promtings God can be trusted. What he says he will do!

Jesus said, "I will build my church." I know I have felt God clearly call me to be serving him as a pastor. He has shown me this in many clear ways. Now I must continue to be faithful, obeying and seeking his will as I serve him and his people here in Albury/Wodonga. I long to see Jesus build his church. I will trust as he fulfills his promises.

P - Father, I thank you for the longings you have placed in my heart. Thanks for the signs that this year you may be up to a really great time of growth. I pray for our team of leaders and our church. We look to you. I trust in you. I will obey! Amen.

Bible Reading - Genesis 43 & Matt 28

They Knew Nothing...

2011-02-02T08:58:00.002+11:00

S - "...they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." Matthew 24:39.

O - In the days of Noah, before the flood, people were doing things that were displaying that they had no idea about what was coming. They were eating and drinking like there was nothing to worry about. They were getting married and planning their future lives when the rains started.

This, Jesus says, is what it will be like at the coming of the Son of Man. People will be unaware, caught off gaurd, knowing nothing about what will happen.

A - It's terrible to be caught off guard. Recent Queensland floods caught so many people completely off guard. Bush fires in Victoria 2009 caught so many people unaware. But Jesus wants us to know. He wants us to be prepared, to be ready and to be this will be hard firstly because of 'the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold' (v12). I'll need to stand firm and be strong while so many around me grow colder. The other reason that this will be hard is because no-one knows the time when Jesus will return (v30). It could be anytime so I need to be ready. Being strong and being ready until the end will help me (and whoever else I can tell before I die) to not be one of those who they could say "they knew nothing."

P - Father, I want to be ready for when Jesus comes again. I will seek to live each day standing firm and knowing that today could be the day he comes. Amen.

Daily Readings Genesis 37 & Matthew 24

A Hearts Cry

2011-02-01T08:25:00.003+11:00

S - "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.
Matthew 23:37

O - Jesus addressed Jerusalem. Perhaps he was referring to the religious leaders, perhaps the nation as a whole. He refers to them as those "who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you." God had sent many prophets to them but their response was murder! Yet Jesus loves Jerusalem. He longs to gather their children tenderly, to protect and care for them, just like a mother hen does with her chicks. But...they were not willing. What a sad response to a loving God.

A - Even those who should know better, those who see themselves as religious and 'right' can reject the very God they say that they know and do violence to his purposes. A hard heart, a know-all approach does not move us closer but further away. Like the older brother in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15), we can think that because of our good we are owed something by God, we deserve something from him, we are entitled to demand from him, and speak harshly to others on his behalf.

As a follower of Jesus and as a pastor, I must be careful to be constantly coming under Jesus's loving care. He is my all. He is the one who I want to be nurtured by and led by. I break his heart when I do violence to his advances.

P - Thank-you God for reaching out to me. You initiated our relationship! You softened my heart. I will do all that I can to keep a soft, responsive heart that is being shaped and cared for by you. Amen.

Daily Readings Genesis 35 -36 & Matthew 23

If You Believe

2011-01-28T09:30:00.003+11:00

S - 'If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' Matthew 21:22

O - Jesus says to his disciples, to his followers that if they have faith they could tell a mountain to go jump in the lake and it would! Then he adds, 'If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' He wasn't asking us to pray for real mountains like Huon Hill to get up and move. He was speaking figuratively. Huge problems, overwhelming circumstances, impossible situations, God can change completely if we pray.

We should expect prayer to make a difference, a huge difference, when we face difficult circumstances. Why? Because of who God is. He is able to do anything. He can do for people what is impossible for them to do. Nothing is too hard for God!

Believing in the God who is able is the key to prayers that move mountains. It's not the size of the problem that counts but the size of the faith in God who is able. And just a mustard seed is enough. We can't manipulate, dictate or get God to do what is not in his will but we can receive is power through believing prayer.

A - What are the mountains in my life? I have challenges and difficulties before me that need God's power. For up-coming meetings with people, for preaching on Sunday, for the people of this city I need these mountains moved. How much am I praying in faith that God would do what only he can do? I know more miraculous, amazing things would happen if I prayed more with greater faith. And I know that i'd pray more if I believed more.

P - Father, I do believe. Increase my faith. Help me grow in faith and love and prayer so that I can see mountains moved in my life, in your church and in this city. Amen.

Daily Reading: Psalm 7-8 & Matthew 21:1-22

Obeying Whatever the Cost

2011-01-18T08:46:00.000+11:00

S - "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your own son." Genesis 22:12

O - God knew that Abraham feared him because he was even willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in order to obey God. This was incredible because Isaac was the promised son. He was the one that Sarah laughed about. The thought of having a child at her age was a joke to her. Abraham had just sent off Hagar and Ishmael because God had said it was going to be okay because, "it is through Isaac that your offspirng will be reckoned" (Gen 21:12). So Abraham trusted God and let any back up plan he may've had for God to fulfill his promise of a nation go. The promise was all to do with Isaac now. Then God says, "Sacrifice him..." (Gen 22:2). This must have seemed crazy to Abraham. "But what about the promise?" (see Genesis 12:1-3). "How else will a nation be born through me?" "What other way is there that you can fulfill the promise?" "It's not fair!" "I can't be hearing right." "No."

But scriptures don't record Abraham making any of these responses. Rather God says, "You have not withheld from me your own Son." Rather than telling God that he knew better, Abraham obeyed.

A - Trusting God, whatever the circumstances can be difficult but Abraham did it. Obeying God, whatever the cost - even when it seems to be putting the promises of God out of reach is very difficult, yet Abraham did it.

In my life, I feel that God has called me to make as great an impact on people's lives for Jesus as possible. I would love people to say about me that I helped them see Jesus. I would love them to be able to point to all the people that they have helped come to know and follow Jesus too. If I pursue this purpose only how I think best, I can miss what God might be asking me to do. What might appear hard or out of the ordinary I might ignore. But I must not ignore God's leading. Trust and obedience no matter what the circumstances or the cost will show that I love and fear the Lord.

P - Father, I pray that you would know without a doubt that I love you and am in awe of you. May my obedience to you no matter what SHOUT it to you every day. Amen.

Daily Readings - Genesis 21-22 & Matthew 13:1-23

What I've Read In 2010

2011-01-11T11:19:00.001+11:00

This past year has been a year of goodbye's and searching for new members in our staff team at the Church. With our Associate Pastor leaving for Melbourne to study and pastor a church and with our Church Administrator retiring we have been saying good-bye and working hard to find new great staff. For the first time in my six years here at Wodonga I have not taken all of my holidays so my reading is less than the previous years. I missed a couple of good chunks of time on holidays when I love to read and secretly compete with my wife to see who can read the most. That said I feel like my regular reading in the throws of ministry has increased which is encouraging to me.

So here are the books I have read for 2010.

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain (Meir & Henderson), The Imperfect Board Member (Brown), How to Apply the Bible (Veerman), Death By Meeting (Lencioni), The Vertical Self (Sayers), 7 Practices of Effective Ministry (Stanley, Joiner & Jones), The Tipping Point (Gladwell), The Suprising Work of God (Edwards), Everyone Communicates Few Connect (Maxwell), Helping the Depressed (Ross), Colour Your World with NCD (Schwartz), Hudson Taylor (Taylor), The Contemplative Pastor (Peterson) and Short History of the Baptists (Vedder).

My favourite book would have probably been "7 Practices" or "The Tipping Point." I have tried to read books that really interest me while also broadening my reading so that I just don't stick to the categories I naturally love.

The only book not in the photo is "The Contemplative Pastor" which I have on my computer software "Logos 4." I read it by printing off sections at a time. I can't quite get into reading from a screen yet but I know this will increase in the coming years.

I've read two books for 2011 already as my holidays have just finished. Andy Stanley's "Principle of the Path" and have finished my first complete audio book "Vintage Church" by Mark Driscoll. I'm just finishing "Drive" by Daniel Pink and have been enjoying it too.

I think that what Rick Warren has said, "Leaders are readers" is true. Not all readers are leaders but people who are leading others need to be growing and learning so that they can serve the needs of those they lead.

As this year begins my pile of books are waiting for me to read and I am looking forward to growing as I read. We have a terrific new Administrator, a new Associate starting next week and plans for the full quota of holidays ahead!

What are you reading? What would you recommend?

Sharing in Christ's Glory

2010-11-30T08:06:00.000+11:00

S - He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

O - God called the Thessalonians and he called me. He called me through the gospel, the good news, the good news which calls for a response. It gives me great comfort and assurance that God called me rather than me calling myself. God called me and he doesn't make mistakes. I did not save myself, God did. I am secure.

The reason that God called me here in this verse is 'that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' God saved me to share in Jesus Christ's glory. Ultimately there is no other glory but his, but I get to be a part of that as Christ lives and works in me.

A - I will have confidence in my salvation today! God called me. He saved me. I cannot be snatched out of his hand. Because of this I will be bolder, stronger, standing firm in faith.

Today I also will be aware of the mystery that is why God saved me - to share in the glory of Christ. I will be more aware of this today. I will find out more about how I share in his glory. I will rejoice in bringing glory to God.

P - Father, thank-you for saving me. I will seek to live for the purpose for which you saved me by bringing glory to your son. Amen

Daily Reading - 2 Thessalonians 2-3

Are You Ready To Do An Awareness Test?

2010-11-29T12:55:00.002+11:00

In life there are often so many things that cry out for our attention. If we don't decide to focus on the most important things that God has gifted us for and called us to we might miss more than we every imagined.

Let's focus on what's most important.

Listen to a message I gave on this idea here... http://www.wodongabaptist.org.au/resources/sermons/

Click on the message God is Whispering - "Focus" 28th of November 2010 - 6.30pm.

No Grumbling or Arguing!

2010-11-24T10:00:00.001+11:00

S – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

O – Paul knows that we are prone to grumble. We get in our heads an idea of how things should unfold, how God will help, how the ministry challenges will be met. And when they do not unfold how we thought, when God doesn’t intervene on time, and when our challenges aren’t met – we grumble. “Do you see what I’ve been doing!” “It’s not fair!” “Don’t you care!” Underlying all of these responses is a much deeper problem. I am revealing by my grumbling that that I am not really trusting God to do be faithful to his promises in his timing. I am showing that I think I know better, that I know the big picture when I don’t, that I am wiser than God.

Paul also says, “Do everything without… arguing.” There are many issues where people have a difference of opinion. Some want things done one way, others insist that it is done another. Who is right? On most occasions both are right. It’s just opinions. To spend a great deal of time arguing over opinions when our clear and agreed upon urgency is clear and undeniable seems silly. Paul would have us spending a great deal of our time practically worshipping, loving, serving, preaching, teaching, equipping, praying and sharing the gospel far and wide. Arguing takes time and energy. It often is one ego against another. It often stops us from focusing on what God would have us do.

So don’t grumble and don’t argue.

A – Instead of grumbling and arguing I need to pray and dialogue.

If pray to God when I am feeling like grumbling I am letting him know my fears, my needs, my expectations, not to try to convince or control God but to give to him and trust the outcomes to him. When I pray I am trusting that our sovereign God is in control. This is far better that grumbling.

If through dialogue with others, I share my thoughts on an issue not to get my way but to express my own feelings and to listen to others thoughts and their ideas, then the final outcome will be much better that when I just shared my own thoughts to get my way. Two are better than one (Eccles 4:9a). Especially when the other people in the discussion are followers of Jesus who are seeking to hear and discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. That’s why Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) said, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

Today I will take my grumbling to God in prayer and give them to him, trusting him to do what he wants not what I want. I will also steer clear of people who only want me to listen to their opinion and who discard the thoughts of others. I will seek to listen intently to others to come to a wise decision rather than arguing.

P – Thank-you Father, you speak through your Word to me. Help me to put into practice the truth you have shown me today. Amen.

Daily Readings Philippians 2-3

Belonging Together

2010-11-23T10:55:00.002+11:00

I love golf. Well, I really like it at least. I wish I was better at it. But I know that in order to get better at it I will really need to do a few key things. I will need to upgrade my old set of clubs and I’ll need to play more regularly. Both of these cost money. A new set of clubs and a year-long membership at the local golf club will set me back quite a lot of money. So I guess I’ll just remain an ordinary golfer who likes golf but can’t really pay, I mean play.

God wanted me to be part of his family. So much so that he paid my entry fee. Jesus died so that I could be forgiven, be united with him and live the life he created me to live – life to the full. As a teenager at Boronia Baptist Church I responded to God’s invitation and became part of the family of God. My membership was free even though it cost God greatly. Through Christ I belonged to a family, the family of God. Paul wrote in Romans 12:5 “…So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” When I become part of God’s family, I not only belong to God through faith in Christ, I actually belong to other believers.

In this new family my belonging is ‘in Christ’ and in Christ I am unified with other believers no matter how different we may appear! We are many. There are hundreds of Baptist Churches in Victoria, and they are all vastly different, but in Christ we are one body. We are many here at Wodonga, old and young, farmers and business people, early risers and night owls, New South Welsh people and Victorians but in Christ we are all one body.

We have a great church building, but that is not what unites us. We have many really good programs, but they aren’t what unite us. We live in an amazing part of Victoria but even this is not what unites us. We are one in Christ.

I was talking with a couple who have been a part of our church community for just over a year. They had noticed that the church was different to anything they had been a part of. “We’ve been in community groups, volunteer organisations, sporting clubs for my whole life, but this is different,” they said. What they were identifying was that people genuinely cared for them. They had received cards in the mail. People stopped to talk to them and showed interest in them. They were beginning to really experience God’s love and they felt like they belonged. This is priceless. This is the church.

I love the church. God has gathered us together, different, but united. Do you celebrate this? Instead of sitting back and complaining from the sidelines, decide to become wholeheartedly committed to those who in Christ you are one with. Instead of lurking in the shadows why not become a member? Make a decision to worship regularly and consistently. Use your gifts for their good. Give to support the mission you all share. Love deeply those who you are one with in Christ.

When other people see this they’ll notice and want to belong too!

Written for Victorian Baptist Witness

God Is Whispering - Focus!

2010-10-26T09:17:00.000+11:00

A call is waiting on hold, the emails need a response, an applicant from Africa, a pastoral need from Barrandudah, a couple getting married next month, a dissatisfied church hopper, a baby to dedicate, "Can we book the church?" As I closed the office door and left for the day I felt like I had been so busy but had done very little. I felt like I could stay at work forever and still not get it all done. At least I was busy right?

I have been sensing God speak to me over the last few months in very specific ways about the way I spend my ministry time.

Since our much Associate Pastor left to continue studies in Melbourne and our Church Administrator finished a great ministry on staff I have been busier that usual. Finding the right people to take on these roles has been a blessing yet has added to my load more than I realised. The administration involved in making the new appointments was more than I anticipated. The extra work I needed to do because they were not here was more than I expected. The feeling of, well, grumpiness that arose from within, was more that I had foreseen.

I felt God's promptings begin as I was mowing the lawns one weekend and listening to Andy Stanley's "Leadership Podcast" at the same time. I can still remember when I was when Andy said something like, "You're not tired because you're working too hard. You're tired because you doing too much of the things you're not gifted in." Those words spoke right to me. I had been doing too many things for too long that we not in my gifted area and the things that only I can do best were suffering the most. I had only said a couple of days before to a another team member, "I'm feeling like I'm getting a little grumpy, have you noticed?" What I needed to do was find ways to help others do the things I don't do well by giving to people who are gifted in those areas those things. Then I would be happier and so would they!

A few weeks later we went our annual Key Leaders Retreat and reflected together on the results of a Natural Church Development Survey we had completed. The results showed that the leaders (that would be me!) are doing too much and there is a feeling that there is not a lot of joy and encouragement in the place. This I felt was a confirmation of what I had been feeling. I got the message loud and clear over that weekend as we wrestled with what God might be saying. I need to empower others, focus on my gifted area, and open the floodgates on joy!

With a new found desire to change I received the email I needed at just the right time. Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox came which talked about "Energy Management." In it he told of how a survey was done by Lifeway Research where 200 pastors were asked to provide hour-by-hour calender of what they do each week. The study included 101 pastors whose churches were in the top 5 percent in conversion rates. The rest were pastors of churches that didn't have high conversion rates.

Rick writes that what they found was that pastors of high growth churches spent most of their time in prayer, study and teaching (which is he notes is similar to the description of the apostles ministry in Acts 6:4). The pastors of the other churches were all over the board with their pastoral activities. He writes, "Effective pastors focus their ministries on what's most important."

This was a challenge to me. I knew that God was continuing to speak to me about these issues. I have been doing the pressing things and trying to fit the most important things I do around them and it wasn't working. So I decided to make one significant change.

I am most focused when its morning and am uninterrupted. If I start the day with emails or phone calls I can get very easily distracted. I noticed that particularly on Tuesdays after staff meetings I am usually quite tired mentally and unable to achieve very much at all in terms of study after this. So I've moved my meetings and administrative tasks to the afternoons and have made the mornings my message preparation and prayer times.

The feeling so far has been positive. I go home each day feeling like the most important things have been accomplished. The afternoons are much busier but this is contained to that time and I am able to give myself fully to those activities. So far the feedback from the weekend messages has been very positive.

Daily Journal for Tuesday 26th of October 2010

2010-10-26T08:14:00.002+11:00

"All Things"

S - 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.Romans 8:28

O - God's purpose is not my comfort or a life without challenge and struggle. God's purpose is for me to conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus. So, the struggles I face, the disappointments, even the complete flops in life are all circumstances not wasted on me. Instead they are events that God is able to use to shape and refine me to more like Jesus. What I might see as deeply disappointing, God can and does use for good. "In all things" means just that!

A - Instead of being disappointed when things go wrong, complaining when struggles persist, or focusing on the overwhelming circumstances I face, I will seek to acknowledge that this is opportunity for God to work on my image and make me more like Christ-like.

As I look back in my own journey, most of the conforming has taken place in the midst of the most difficult times. Today, I will seek to see my obstacles as opportunities, my problems as possibilities and my God as one who can change me whatever I face.

P - Thank you God for calling me and drawing me to you. I am one who loves you. Work for the good in my life today. Help me to see it. Amen.

Daily Reading - Romans 8

Weekend Key Leaders Retreat

2010-10-05T08:20:00.001+11:00

Our Key Leaders spent the weekend at Valley Homestead just outside Ovens. We spent from Friday night until Saturday afternoon together for our fifth annual retreat.

This year the main focus was engaging with the results of a recent Natural Church Development Survey that our church had completed. We shared openly and honestly about the strengths and weaknesses, sought to hear what God might be saying about some of the important things to focus on in the coming year, and we prayed together for our church.

Even though it was the Grand final replay we all found the time very worthwhile. Now we are looking forward to sharing more widely our reflections with the wider church and engaging others in the discussions.

Build your church Lord!

An Important Message! Spread it!

2010-10-05T07:41:00.000+11:00

S - But the word of God continued to increase and spread. Acts 12:24

O - James was put to death, Peter was in prison awaiting death, Herod was on the rampage, the spread of the gospel looked in grave danger. The church were praying earnestly, Peter was led by an angel out of the prison, Herod had the guards executed and he himself was struck down by an angel of the Lord and worms ate him. So much in such a short chapter of the Bible and at the end of this chapter one verse gives us the broader view of what is happening - But the word of God continued to increase and spread.

Nothing could stop the work God was doing. God was bringing about his purposes no matter how bleak it looked. His followers were courageous and obedient and even in the midst of the most difficult times God used their circumstances to enable his word to continue to increase and spread.

A - Today it seems that our culture is so caught up in themselves. There is so much wealth, so much food, various entertainment options, and so many opportunities to engage in pleasurable experiences. To share the gospel in this environment is a challenge. Intellects scoff, atheists mock, busy people ignore but the church must not hold back from finding ever opportunity we can to proclaim the good news today. We may face criticism. We may even face great resistance but God wants his message told.

How can I show the prayer, courage and obedience of the early church today? In my family, neighbourhood and city help me be a person who is part of spreading God's word.

P - Father , help me to have the courage to put myself in dangerous places, to boldly share your good news where I am today. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 12

A Few Days In Lorne

2010-09-08T15:26:00.001+10:00

Last week I travelled to Lorne and spent from Monday evening until Thursday morning working on the beginnings of the Church-wide series that will begin in the first week or so of February 2011. The Sunday messages will be on the same topics as the material people study in their small groups.

This last year the Church-wide series was called "Thrive - Living the Life God Created You To Live!" and the year before our series was called "Living Church." The series is a great way to begin the year and to encourage people to join a small group for the series. Often 50 - 70 people sign up and join small groups for the first time during the series.

The leadership agreed to give me a week away to work on the series and were keen to see that I had adequate time for uninterrupted preparation. I looked for an opportunity where I might be able to get a few days clear and when I found one I took as many books as I thought I might need and I headed for the coast!

Usually I have tried to write both the messages and the studies but this year is going to be different! If I can get the main messages planned in the next few weeks another person in the church who is gifted and passionate about small group materials is happy to write the studies. This will mean that my wife will have plenty of time for proof-reading and double checking and our office staff will be able to produce the guides in their final form without huge pressure. The worship and creative arts team will also have lots of advance notice and planning time so that each service is packed with great creative elements as well as really appropriate music.

My prayer is that the end result will be lots of people using their many and varied gifts to help lots of people grow in their faith in Christ and love for God.

While I was there I took the chance to go on a few runs and to have a cafe latte at the restaurant at the Lorne Pier. I stopped and took these photos. It was very quiet there and there had been a lot of rain recently.

Although the time in Lorne was short and I felt like I was only really just getting into it when it was time to go home, I am really thankful for the times spent getting started. I will look for another opportunity in the weeks ahead to work more on what I have begun.

So look out for a life changing series in February 2011!

See you! Jonathan

PS If you are every in Lorne a great thing to do is to buy fish n chips from the Salty Dog Fish n Chips shop and eat them on the beach. Unbeatable!

A Time Will Come

2010-09-08T08:58:00.001+10:00

S - "I tell you for certain that the time will come, and it is already here, when all the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live!" John 5:25 NCV

O - Jesus tell us something that he says is true for certain. Those who are dead when they hear the voice of Jesus live! Those who are spiritually dead, who are dead in their sin, hear the good news and respond to Jesus' voice, they cross over from death to life. Jesus is also saying that a time will come when all the dead, everyone who has died will hear the voice of Jesus. People wonder about what lies beyond the grave and here is something that Jesus says we can be sure of. You will hear the voice of Jesus. Those have known him and put their faith in him will receive eternal life. Those who have rejected the Son and rejected God's love during their life will remain in a state of rejection for ever.

A - Today, respond to the voice of Jesus! In him is life, eternal life. As you hear his voice respond! And know that nothing can separate you from his love, not even death.

P - Thank you Father for sending your Son. You love is so clearly shown to me in sending him to take my sin and shame upon himself so I can be forgiven and have life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for caring about my lost state and for sending you Son to save me. I will hear you voice as I have today, forever. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 5

Qualifications of a Disciple of Jesus

2010-08-24T12:57:00.008+10:00

S - "You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life." Luke 14:26

O - Jesus says words that are very difficult to hear. "You cannot be my disciple unless...", "You cannot come with me unless..." Here we can wonder, is this the same Jesus who said, "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and rest."?

Jesus says that putting him second, third, or anywhere but first in our lives disqualifies us from being his disciples. This can make us feel like we've got prove ourselves by being better, being stronger, working harder, but notice what Jesus says... "unless you love me more than." It's not just about priorities, it's about having a deep love for Jesus. Unless I love him more than the people I love the most, my father and mother, my wife, my children, my brother and sister I can't be his disciple. This demands that I not only say he is Lord, but I love him as Lord more than even my own life. In order to genuinely love him I need to have adequate time worshipping him, praying with him, reading his words to me in the Bible, serving him, enjoying him.

This call from Christ is to not work harder, do more things, get busier. No it's much harder than that. I am called to reflect on God's love for me, live in it and ensure that I live my life with him first in everything. Then my parents, my family, my dearly loved friends will experience my love as it should be, flowing from God's love.

A - I need to continue to fan into flame my love for Jesus. I need to spend more time expressing my love in worship, prayer and in quiet reflection. I want to spend more time lost in wonder and worship, enjoying Jesus. This week instead of jogging with a message playing on my ipod I will listen to my new Hillsong CD and respond with joy to God's love. I will also spend half a day on a hill in Wodonga, unhurriedly communicating in prayer and enjoying God's presence.

P - Father, thank-you for sending Jesus. Help me as I seek to continually love him first, even more than myself. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 14

Growing Wiser and Stronger

2010-08-12T08:52:00.000+10:00

S - Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. Luke 2:52 CEV

O - Each day that unfolded in Jesus, the twelve year old's life, became a another day to either choose to do the right thing or to not. He chose to do the wise thing. As he acted wisely, he grew strong. And as he grew strong God was pleased with him. And the people were also pleased with him. They were delighted in his knowledge, they were amazed at the answers he gave. Soon they would realise that he was the light of the world.

A - Jesus lived in such a way that he became wise. Jesus lived in such a way that he grew strong. How can I grow in wisdom today? How can I grow in strength today? Feeding my mind and taking care of my body is so important to pleasing God and people. If I am unwise I will not be able to help people and lead them well. If I am unhealthy I will not have the energy needed to serve well, the endure in the race, and to finish well.

Growing wise involves reading, understanding and living out God's Word in my own life first. It involves listening to and learning from others. It requires that I read widely and reflect often. Being wise requires the self-discipline to change what I know is wrong and start doing what is wise instead. It means praying for wisdom from the one true God who knows everything.

Growing in strength involves resting as well as working. It means getting enough sleep so that I am not tired throughout the day. It means exercising regularly (everyday for 30 minutes!) so that my heart is strong and my energy levels are high. It means eating well, fruit and vegetables. Less bad fats and more of the good type. It means finding life-giving hobbies and activities other than work so that I laugh often and am full of joy!

P - God, I want to please you, I really do! I want to feel your smile, your delight. Help me to grow in wisdom and strength so that you and all those who know me are pleased with my progress! Thanks for Jesus' incredible example of growth and strength. His continually trust and dependence on you is what I long to emulate. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 2

Love the One You're With

2010-08-04T09:00:00.001+10:00

S - "That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. They are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together. Mark 10:7-9

O - A child grows and becomes an adult. They leave their father and mother who have nurtured, loved and cared for them as best as they could. They become like one person with their wife or husband. Instead of being on their own they are now 'one.' They are united physically through sexual union and they are united emotionally to mutually love, care and support each other and they are united by God who has put them together. They are like one person, a union, a single identity. This is a joyful thing! It's very good when I am loving and serving and bringing out the best in my wife. To do this continually and genuinely I need more than my own resources. I need to look to the one who joined us together, to God, for the strength and commitment to keep loving even when it's hard.

To then look lustfully at another woman, to be comforted emotionally and physically by another woman, to be loved intimately by another than my wife would cause a break in the oneness, the unity, the togetherness with the one God has joined me together with. It would cause incredible pain, great loss and much sadness.

A - I am married! God has given me one wife to love, to be one with, to enjoy and journey with through life. She is one with me, I am one with her. Today I want to give, say, and show my deep love to her. I want her to know my love and commitment to her by the way I express it and value her. This is good and is God's will for me in marriage.

P - Father, as you have demonstrated your love for me in sending your Son, I want to demonstrate my love for you by loving the woman you have joined me together with. May you be glorified by the way I love my wife. Amen.

Daily Reading Mark 10

How To Be Truly Great

2010-08-03T09:29:00.000+10:00

S - "After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, "If you want the place of honour, you must become a slave and serve others!" Mark 9:35

O - To people who want to be first Jesus says become a slave and serve others. To be honoured, honour people. The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus says the greatest one is the one who serves others. Today is no different to then. Society is so so self-focused, self-obsessed, self-absorbed and ego driven. Even in Christian community people can seek positions of authority or power for any reason but to serve.

A - I want to be great in God's eyes. I really do want to have a place of honour in God's kingdom. The passage clearly say that I must serve others, become a slave, value, love, connect, care and seek to really honour others. Why? Because people matter to God. Jesus is my clearest example here. He said that he came not to be serve but to serve and indeed he did.

This week I am going to serve someone and tell no-one what I have done. I'm going to also thank three people who have really helped me by serving and helping me. I'll send them a note or an email.

P - Father, I want to be truly great in your eyes. Help me to value greatly those who you love. Help me serve others not myself. Help me do today what you have shown me through Jesus' example. Amen

Daily Reading Mark 9

I Can Only Imagine!

2010-07-20T09:32:00.001+10:00

S - "When God raises people to life, they won't marry. They will be like angels in heaven." Matthew 22:30

O - There is a new reality awaiting us, a time that we who are alive have not yet experienced. It's a different place. A new amazingly different reality. Jesus is giving us information about this new reality.

We won't be married or getting married in heaven. These verses don't tell us why this is the case but Jesus was rebuking the Sadducees for getting hung up on it and neither should I. I'll no doubt be lost in wonder and praise of God and I will love my wife as much as I love everyone. It won't be that I'll love her less, I'll love everyone more.

Jesus also says we'll be like the angels in heaven. The Bible speaks of angels as being so striking that when people come face to face with them they are terrified. But it doesn't seem to be a horrible fear, rather a fear of awe, a fear that this being is so incredible, so overwhelming that I am afraid. People tried to worship angels, thinking that they were God, but the angels refused to let them and encouraged people to worship God.

C. S. Lewis wrote...

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, culture, arts, civilization – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.

What a mystery awaits me! 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds." I can only imagine!

A - Today I will seek to view people as those who are not ordinary. The way I treat people should not be on how I see them today but on what God might do in them as a result of faith in Christ, or who they might become through rejecting God (a horror of nightmare proportions). How I treat people today will either help them to grow towards either destination.

I too must live with the end in mind. I must remember that I am but a stranger passing through. This world is not my home! There is an incredible reality waiting ahead that I can only imagine. An incredible eternity awaits me. This is encouraging to remember especially when times get tough.

P - Father help me to live with the end in mind and live and treat people with honour as I live as stranger awaiting this future you have for me. Thanks for this hope I have in you. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 22

Get Out of the Boat!

2010-07-13T08:38:00.000+10:00

S - "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. Matthew 14:29 TNIV

O - Yes! The Bible says Peter actually got out of the boat and walked on water! People don't normally do this type of thing. A miracle is occurring here. Water which is liquid holds up the weight of a person. For Peter to have actually got down out of the boat, would have taken great courage and, even more significantly, faith. There were many more who stayed in boat, yet Peter didn't. He experienced what was previously impossible. He walked on water. Interestingly Jesus in the next verses says to Peter, "You of little faith!" Peter had faith to get out of the boat but he took his eyes off Jesus. Faith comes from trusting and obeying Jesus even in the storm.

A - What steps is Jesus calling me to take right now? They may seem impossible. They may seem completely out of the ordinary. Today, I want to say, "Yes" to steps of faith, no matter how stormy it might be around me.

P - Father, there are many challenges I face at the moment. I need to keep looking to you with faith in the midst of this time of transition with new appointments, new programs, and new opportunities help me keep my eyes on you. Amen

Daily Reading - Matthew 14

Give My Life To You?

2010-07-09T11:42:00.000+10:00

S - Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

O - To give your life away is dangerous! To give my turst to a stranger is very foolish. To put my life in the hands of a control freak or an abuser would be crazy. In fact to put my total unreserved trust in anyone is unwise. Except for one. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." He claimed that he is all that we need to be nourished and satified. He said, "I am the living water."He claimed to quench our spiritual thirst. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." He claimed that by trusting in him we would live forever. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." Jesus is God.

I am right not to unreservedly trust my life to anyone - but Jesus is the exception. In fact the very opposite is true. I must lose my life - give mine completely to him to live. If I don't I will lose my life.

A - I know that Jesus is trustworthy. I need to urge others to entrust to Jesus what we would never trust completely to anyone else. My longing is that people would give him their lives completely. That they would acknowledge him as Lord, Master and Saviour. He alone is worthy. He is creator. He can be trusted. In him and him alone is fulness of life.

P - Father, thank-you for sending Jesus. I have unreservedly put my trust in you Lord. Help me to continue to do that everyday in all I do. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 10

Under Authority

2010-07-07T08:25:00.000+10:00

S - But the centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Matthew 8:8

O - The centurion had come to Jesus and told him that his servant was paralyzed at home and suffering great pain. When Jesus said, "I will come and heal him," the man objected saying that he was not worthy. He was a leader, a man who was under authority, and who had people who were under his authority. He knew what it was like to just say the word and it would be done. He was saying here to Jesus, "I know that you have authority over sickness. I know that all you need to do it say the word and my servant will be healed." It's no wonder that Jesus' response to this man was so overwhelming, "I have not found such faith with anyone in all of Israel."

A - The greatest faith found in all of Israel came from one who asked Jesus and recognised his authority. "Just say the word" was the request of a man with great faith. For those who I pray for today all that it would take is one word from Jesus and healing can take place. For the problems that burden our souls one word from Jesus and they can be changed. For the hard hearts of those we love who resist God's love, one word, just one and their hearts can melt. I believe it. Jesus has authority over all things.

P - Jesus, heal the sick that I know today. One word can do it Lord. Jesus for the deep longings of my heart, that you would revive your church, touch the lives of those in this region, just one word Lord. Awesome sovereign Lord Jesus, stiller of the storm, raiser of the dead, feeder of the thousands, your will be done! Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 8

The Golden Rule

2010-07-06T09:25:00.000+10:00

S - So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

O - What simple yet profound words. Whatever I would wish that people would do for me, I should do for them. Treat people how you want to be treated. This appears easy and straight-forward. Everyone wants to be loved, valued and respected. I should do this to others.

The greater challenge is to do the things I know I would want others to do to me if I didn't know what I do know now! Two areas come to mind immediately. Firstly, now that I know Jesus is Lord, that he died and rose again, and that fulness of life is found only in him, if I didn't know that, I would want people to let me know. But some people would not want me to because they don't want to know. Or maybe it's just that they don't know. Because I have never met someone who has come to know Jesus who is not incredibly grateful to the person who let them know what they initially didn't want to know.

Secondly, I would also want people to speak the truth to me in love. Yet when I see something and want to share that with someone to help them, it can be painful and people sometimes don't want to face the very things that they 'need to know to grow.' These people would not want me to do to them what I would want them to do for me, because I would want people to tell me the hard things even if it hurt. Yet when people do learn and grow I have rarely found anyone who regretted getting healthier, just like a smoker never resents the fact that they gave up.

A - Do I really want to do to others the things that I would wish they would do unto me? If I do I will share with others about Jesus. If I want to I will speak the truth and seek to help me grow to be more like Jesus? If I really want to be more that just treating people 'nicely' I will do what I really believe is for their best. Sure they can say, "No thanks!" or "Back off!" but as long as I have genuinely tried, then I am living the golden rule. It's a harder rule than first expected!

P - Father, the Golden Rule is much harder than I realised. I'm going to need your help and your Holy Spirit's empowerment to really do for others what I wish others would do for me. Help!! Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 7

Hallelujah!

2010-06-30T08:33:00.000+10:00

S - The twenty-four elders and four living creatures fell down and worshipped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" Revelation 19:4 (TNIV)

O - The heavenly beings and angels, fell down and worshipped God. The vision that John sees points to the absolute majesty of God. If we could just glimpse this, just see this for a moment, we too would uncontrollably fall and worship. Hallelujah is derived from two words and means "Praise the Lord." Amen means firm, surely, trustworthy. The cries are saying, "This is definitely and surely true - praise be to the Lord!"

A - God is to be praised. If were just to get a glimpse I would fall down and worship. But I have read and understood that Jesus has come to earth, God in the flesh. As I have trusted and believed, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit has filled me. I know for certain that God is my Lord and is to be praised. Therefore, today, though I have not seen God on his throne in all his majesty, I will worship him with all that I am knowing that he has saved me, lives in me by his Spirit and that one day I will fall before him in eternity.

I also am reminded that I am made in his image. God has made me a little lower than the angels, and crowned me with glory and honour. I too will one day be given a new heavenly body. Today I will treat people with honour and value knowing that each is made in God's image and one day, through faith in Christ, they might be a being that in their eternal heavenly form I would be tempted to worship, such will be their splendour.

P - Father, Hallelujah! Praise be to you the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Amen and Amen!

Daily Reading - Revelation 19-20

The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

2010-06-01T13:35:00.000+10:00

In a world where so many are no longer looking upward to God for their identity, so many are looking horizontally for their image. To be "cool", "sexy" and "glamorous" in other people’s eyes has become the answer for so many who are trying to understand who they really are. How can we help those who are not interested in looking up to even begin to desire to find their true identity in Christ?

Mark Sayers argues that the answer is for those who follow Christ to actually live vertically, finding our identity in who we are in Christ. Sayers urges us to pursue radical holiness not by retreating from the world but by pursuing your true self and show those who we engage with what it means to be truly human.

I found this book really engaging. There’s so much timely wisdom here! I felt challenged and inspired to actually live a life of radical holiness. He has inspired a new resolve in my life to do this intentionally. The way Mark writes is warm and engaging. He includes great content about the culture and the way the world is shaped by it.

I would recommend this book to you to read. It’s a biblical message told to a contemporary culture that is desperately needed to be heard by Christians today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unbusy and Greatly Encouraged

2010-06-01T08:18:00.000+10:00

S - May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2-3

O - God's desire is that I should be changed because of saving faith. The changes he wants to make should result in good deeds and words (sharing the gospel and speaking kindly). Paul's prayer here is that they would be encouraged and strengthened by Jesus himself and by God's loves and grace and that this would be seen in their good works and speech.

A - So often we are so busy in "good deeds and words" that we leave so little time in our lives for prayer and for reading God's Word so that his love and grace encourage and strengthen us. We can become hollow people, madly rushing and running to do good and yet with little time to ponder why. I need to be a man of prayer, a pastor who prays, one who really knows God and is encouraged and strengthened by Him. Then I will encourage and strengthen others as I work and speak. I need to actually schedule time to read, pray and study so that I am strengthened for deeds and word. Simply making it a priority and putting it in my diary is what is needed. This is a wiser approach than madly trying to meet every need and fix every problem and then see if there is time left over for God to encourage and strengthen me.

P - Father, thank-you for all that you have done for me and our church. Thank-you that you are a God who wants to encourage and strengthen me. I will make time to receive this from you. Amen.

Daily Reading 2 Thessalonians 2-3

Thriving Each Day in Christ

2010-05-28T12:40:00.000+10:00

S - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6

O - Paul would have nothing to do with a kind of "Bar Code" faith (as Dallas Willard has described) where at the check-out we receive the "beep" of salvation and are placed in a bag to sit and wait until Christ returns. Salvation is not the end, it's just the beginning of a journey of transformation. Just as we received Christ, CONTINUE to live your lives in him, rooted and built up, strengthened in the faith. Growing is a crucial part of what it means to follow Christ.

A - How am I growing today? How deep and firm are my roots? Is my faith being strengthened? I want to be the best example possible of a growing christian for all who might see. Yesterday was a day for rest. I rested from morning till night after two very busy weeks. For me growing stronger in Christ meant yesterday, slowing down, resting, reading, and taking it easy. It was just what I needed. I was refreshed by watching a Harry Connick Jr DVD and trying to play Jazz songs on the piano. I finished reading "The Vertical Self" (Mark Sayer) and went for a jog. This was very satisfying and extremely good for me in my growth towards maturity!

P - Father, thank-you that even resting is part of your plan for me to live a life of thanksgiving. Help me continue to grow each and every day in my life with you. Amen.

Daily Reading Colossians 2-3

Seeking Restoration

2010-05-18T13:46:00.000+10:00

S - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

O - Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to strive for "full restoration". In other translations it says "aim for perfection" (NRSV) or "put things in order" (NIV) or "be made complete." He is encouraging them to be more that saved. He's calling them to be restored. Paul desire is that they be made perfect in Christ. That they become in fact what they are declared in Christ by faith. He wants them to not believe one thing and act a different way.

This is surely a struggle. David courageously slew Goliath yet was tripped up by woman in a bath on a roof-top. This is hard work but everyday, God want us to strive, to work hard, to wrestle at being holy!

The interesting thing is that we are not trying to become something that we are not. We are seeking to become who we truly are. We were made in the image of God. Through Christ we have been declared forgiven and righteous. The call now is to become who we really are.

A - Today, I should not be surprised at how every little decision is a choice to be restored or be further and further away from who God made me to be. Though I fail time and time again, I must never give up! Today my choices, my actions, my struggles, are worth facing! If I am able to with the Spirit's help strive to be fully restored the God of love and peace will dwell with me.

P - Father, thank-you for saving me, through faith in Jesus. Help me to live today toward becoming the person you made me to be, fully restored through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen。

Daily Reading - 2 Corinthians 13 - Galatians 1

Hidden Treasure

2010-05-13T17:15:00.000+10:00

S - "But we have this treasure on jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

O - Treasure was hidden inside old worthless looking jars of clay, in the jars that people would least expect to find it. Paul is saying that we are nothing special, we are ordinary, we face suffering, we do not look that impressive at all. But that just makes it clear to everyone that the treasure, the gospel, is from God not us. The power of the gospel is God at work, transforming lives, and this is not something we can claim as our doing. One look at us and you'll know this is true!

A - I am a person who make mistakes so often on the road to seeking to be holy. I get tired, upset, often feel overwhelmed and sometimes it feels like God could have chosen someone with far greater gifts and skills for the work he has called me to. This just reminds me that this is exactly the point. I'm not the one that matters most. It's in how much I realise who I am (a jar of clay) and who God is (the life-giver) that I will be most effective. I will pray, depend, cry out, ask for help more and more if I understand that I can't do anything without the power of the gospel.

P - Father, in my tiredness, busyness, feelings like there is more to do than I can possibly do, I come to you. Help me to pull aside and depend on you more. Help me to be guided and led by you each and every day. Help me slow down and allow your gospel to work through me in power. Thanks Father. Amen.

Daily Reading - 1 Corinthians 2-4

What we tolerate we become!

2010-05-04T08:17:00.000+10:00

S - Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new batch - as you really are. For Christ our passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 (TNIV)

O - Sin, when left, when tolerated, when allowed to remain, can affect the whole person. A person who is holy becomes unholy when they boast, are sexually immoral, or when they slander. To think that sin does not matter is a grave error. It does! Like a little bit of yeast - it affects the whole batch. The same is true with sin.

The circumstances that Paul is addressing at Corinth are to do with sinful and immoral people who claim to be Christians but live a completely different way. Paul says, "Don't even eat with them" (v.11), and "expel them from among you" (v.13). Why? Because they can spoil the whole batch. They can affect the whole church.

A - What we tolerate we become. If I tolerate gossip I become a gossip. If I tolerate slander I become a slanderer. What our church tolerates we become. We must with firmness seek to address situations where people who claim to know Jesus act consistently in an unrepentantly sinful manner.

I must model in my own life an eagerness to confess my sin and turn from it. I must model this in my leadership too so that our church leaders and our church refuse tolerate what we don't want to become.

P - Father, I pray that you would help us as a church to be willing to address sin and as a result become the church you have in Christ declared us to be - your bride, pure and without blemish.

Daily Reading - 1 Corinthians 4-5

Hearing from Angels

2010-04-20T08:58:00.000+10:00

S - "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, "Don't be afraid Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you." Acts 27:23-24

O - An angel spoke to Paul. It might have been in a dream, a vision or just plain straight out appeared. The angel was from God and spoke clear, strong words of assurance, "Don't be afraid Paul." The angel knew Paul's name, knew his situation, knew Caesar's name, knew that the lives of the people on the boat were in danger.

A - God knows us. He knows me and my situation, the dangers I face, the things that concern me. What an encouragement this must have been to Paul. That God would reassure him by sending an angel must have given him great confidence. Sometimes God has sent people who have encouraged me with a word from God. Sometimes a letter, a book, a point a preacher has made, God has used to encourage me. Sometimes I have read a verse and had a strong impression that I have known was God speaking. It encourages me to know that God knows and when he feels necessary he can speak directly to me. Most of the time I just need to do what he's already told me to do in his word, the Bible.

P - Father, today I am reminded how you speak and guide. Speak Lord to me today. Let me hear and respond to your promptings and to obey your word each and everyday. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 27

Making The Most of Every Opportunity

2010-04-19T16:44:00.000+10:00

S - Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:29

O - Paul, before King Agrippa, Bernice, high ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city, gave his defence. There was great pomp and ceremony and Paul's life was in danger. But Paul saw the situation not as one where he could save his own skin and escape death, but rather as another opportunity to share the gospel so that some might hear and be saved. This was his longing. This was his prayer.

A - I too, like Paul need to remember, that no-one, no matter how rich, how "beautiful," how seemingly all together they appear, no matter how important their position, no-one is beyond reach of the gospel. And vice versa. No matter how poor, lonely, broken, angry, violent, estranged and bitter a person is, they are not beyond reach of the gospel. I must remember, every opportunity to share is an opportunity for people to respond. I must never say people's "no" for them as they might just say "yes."

P - Father, help me have the courage and willingness to share with great and small, the truth of the gospel. I pray that many would come to know you Jesus through my faithful witness. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 26

I Must Confess!

2010-04-13T14:14:00.000+10:00

S - Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. Acts 19:18

O - Fear gripped the people when they realised that demons were afraid of Jesus and Paul but not of the seven sons of the Jewish High Priest. The were filled with fear and honoured Jesus' name. They confessed openly their sins. They burnt their scrolls even though they were worth a lost of money. And the Bible reveals the result..."In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."

A - There was fear of God, there was honouring of his name, there was confession, there was spreading of the word and there was a growing in power. Today I guess its so often the opposite. People tend to not fear God, they blaspheme his name, they claim their own righteousness and the word of God is not spread and the church doesn't seem to grow in power. We say this is cultural, its Western culture, but it may be that we have lost the fear of a holy God, heartfelt and genuine confession that leads to repentance and great faith.

Is there mighty, powerful things that God is wanting to do in and through me but my lack of fear, confession, repentance, and faith is stopping this? What about in our church? What about our cities churches? Has being a church become more about services and programs rather than the confession and prayer to a holy, powerful God. I need to ponder this more. What do I need to confess? What do I need to burn?

P - Father God, mighty in power, help me honour your name in everything I do, for your glory, Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 19

Don't Neglect the Word!

2010-03-31T08:43:00.000+11:00

S - So the twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables..." Acts 6:2

O - The number of disciples were increasing greatly and the demand on the apostles were increasing. When people complained that their needs we're being adequately met, the twelve apostles, instead of just reacting and trying to stretch themselves further took a moment to consider priorities. "Would doing more in serving people by waiting tables cause us to neglect the ministry of the word of God?" they wondered. "Then this would not be right."

A - I would guess that many, many pastors would be lamenting a scripture like this. Today so many have neglected the word of God and preparing diligently in their preaching and teaching of it because of the many demands of 'running' a church. Whether it's a pastors unwillingness to ask gifted administrators, the high expectations that churches can have on their pastor to do everything, or the pastor's inner need to be needed, the end result is the tragic same - the ministry of word of God is neglected.

Today, our associate pastor is in Africa and there are many pastoral needs for me to attend. There are administrative tasks needing to be done. I have responsibilities for mentoring and meeting with leaders. Yet this weekend I will give two of the most significant messages I will be asked to give. "The Death the Leads to Life" on Good Friday and "Alive!" on Easter Sunday. I am thankful for the preparation I have already put into these messages and am thankful that tomorrow is completely devoted to these two messages. I must take these words seriously. Never neglect the ministry of the word. Never allow good things to stop me from the very best.

P - Father, thank-you for revealing yourself through your word. Help me to not neglect it, to always be well prepared and studied. As I diligently prepare in the midst of a busy week, speak to your people through your word and change lives I pray. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 6

The Good News

2010-03-30T08:19:00.000+11:00

S - "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead - whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:30-32

O - Peter and the apostles stood before the High Priest and proclaimed the good news. God, the one God, who down through the ages men and women have worshipped and followed, raised Jesus from the dead. The tomb that was full is now empty! The religious leaders had killed him by hanging his on a cross by God raised him. From the lowest depths of humility though, God raised him to the highest place - the right hand of God, a place of power and authority. Now the risen Christ is able to bring forgiven through his death and resurrection to those who come to him in repentance. Those who do know that this is true. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and confirms it. We know it's true. It's undeniable.

A - What was true in the message Peter and the apostles proclaimed is true today. Good news is found in Jesus Christ. He died so that we can be forgiven. As we turn around, repent and believe, God forgives us, Jesus has paid the price we deserved. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives. He confirms that what we believed by faith is true. This Easter, I will proclaim this good news at our church. I will pray that as Jesus is lifted up, as the good news is proclaimed that many come to believe.

P - Father, thank you for this good news! Help me proclaim it with boldness. Holy Spirit move and convict people to respond. Jesus be exalted. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 5

Signs and Wonders

2010-03-29T08:38:00.000+11:00

S - Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:30

O - The believers were praying together after Peter and John had been released from their arrest. They prayed not timid prayers for safety, that no-one would get hurt, but rather they prayed for boldness to speak God's word. Then they ask that God would stretch out his hand and heal and perform signs and wonders. They asked God, not a traveling miracle man. They asked God so that people would know see and come to know God. They asked that this be done in and through the name of Jesus.

A - Jesus heals! God today still responds to the prayers of his people. There are sick people and people who are filled with doubt. I want to be like those first believers. I will pray for God to move powerfully in my life, in our church and in our city so that many are convinced that Jesus is alive and changing lives. I will pray that as a result people will hear and be saved, that the news of God's power and might would cause a ripple effect through our city.

P - Almighty God, this Easter time, stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus, Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 4

The Best Decision Ever

2010-03-27T11:06:00.000+11:00

What is the best decision you could ever make?

S - Peter replied, "Repent and baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

O - Peter had shared with crowd that Jesus Christ, who they had put to death, was actually both Lord and Messiah. They responded and understood the implications. "What shall we do?" was their question. The answer was clear and simple. Repent - change your mind - turn around. Be baptised - the sign to show that they had repented and put their faith in Jesus was baptism. The out working of faith in Christ and repentance is forgiveness of sin, being born again, becoming a new creation. The Holy Spirit fills us as we believe! This is a gift from God!

A - Today, the same is true, everyone who understands who Jesus is, that he actually came and lived and died and rose again, and puts their faith in him, should be baptised. Their turning from their sin and having faith in Jesus leads to new life, forgiveness and being fill with the Spirit. Have you done this? This easily be the best decision you could ever make! This Easter go to a local Christian church with an open heart. Seek to know more about Jesus.

P - Thank Father, for sending your Son. I pray that many people make the best decision ever this Easter - to respond in faith to him. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 2

The Influence of a Crowd

2010-03-24T08:50:00.001+11:00

S - From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." John 19:12

O - The crowd can be very influential. The crowd gathers, someone yells, others join in and before long the momentum begins and the shouting turns to violence and the violence turns to death. Their arguments were aimed at causing fear in Pilate. "You are no friend of Caesar" was a threat that if he didn't do what they wanted he would be defying Caesar by saying that Jesus was King and they only acknowledged Caesar. Pilate, an influential figure is swayed by the crowd. Pilate, who is worried and concerned about who Jesus really is, disengages from his questions and concerns, buries his enquiry, and follows the crowd!

Recently the Global Atheists Convention in Melbourne saw 2,500 people give Richard Dawkins a heros welcome as they listened intently to him talk claiming that those have faith in God are stupid...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/dawkins-preaches-to-the-deluded-against-the-divine/story-e6frg6zo-1225841086925

Last Friday in Oakleigh, more than 2,000 protesters stood by and cheered as a protest about a cancelled race turned into a riot. Windows were smashed, cars damaged and people taking pictures punched, all to the cheers and excitement of a crowd hungry for action.

A - Today there are crowds of people claim to know the important and unimportant things in life. Some shout loudly to me about needing more, about looking better, about becoming stronger. Others look at me with disdain if I don't agree with a moral position the hold or if I don't accept their behaviour. The big question is who am I following? The crowds aren't always right. In fact they are most often wrong.

Jesus said, "Come follow me." He didn't try to whip up a frenzy. He didn't try to stir up an irrational response. In fact the call is to leave the crowd, to obey whatever the cost, to trust whatever the circumstances, to share whatever the response. Though no one else follows, I will.

Today I will be more aware of the crowd and their cry. Today I will ensure that I don't blindly follow. Today I will think more about how and what practical steps I am taking to follow Jesus' call.

P - Father, help me follow you with my mind, my intellect, my will, my heart, my spirit. With all I am.

Daily Reading - John 19

Jesus is the Truth

2010-03-23T08:08:00.000+11:00

S - Jesus answered, "You say that I am king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. John 18:37

O - Jesus came to testify to the truth. The truth is that Jesus is king. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14":6). The very one Pilate was questioning, the very one who he would reluctantly hand over to be crucified, was the one, the only one who could save him! Jesus is the truth. In him is life. Those who believe in him are on the side of truth and are saved. (I notice here too a truth from Sunday's message. In this passage Jesus turns an ordinary conversation into a spiritual one).

A - Because Jesus is the truth, I must remember that it is not about rules, getting people to do this or that program, or anything else, but rather, to help people come to know Jesus. The desire and passion I must have, our church must have, is to know Jesus and make him known. To help them Thrive! in Christ. This week in conversations I have with people who don't know Jesus I will pray that I will have opportunities to help people understand more about him.

P - Thank-you God, for making it so clear and so simple. Jesus is the truth. Amen!

Daily Reading - John 18

Love and Obedience

2010-03-19T13:00:00.000+11:00

S - "If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

O - Jesus makes it clear that if we love him, we will do what he commands us to do! Like faith in God, which leads to action, love for God is seen in our obedience to his commands. If we understand who God is then we will know that even though his commands might be tough, seem unfair to us, or feel too difficult for us, God knows what he doing. He loves us and knows what is best for us.

A - A simple question to ask myself today is, "Am I obeying God?" My answer will say a great deal about my love for God. Are there areas I need to confess, ask for his forgiveness and turn away from? Are there behaviours and attitudes I know that God wants me to change? I must respond and do them. This is how I show how much I love God.

P - When I think of your love for me, your grace, mercy and forgiveness, how could I but love you? How could I but obey you, follow you and do what you command. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 14

What to do with power

2010-03-18T18:14:00.000+11:00

S - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. John 13:3

O - Jesus knew, he understood and grasped that God had put 'all things,' everything, all authority, all control, under his own power. So what did he do? He washed the disciples feet. He showed them that he would use the power he had been given for the benefit of others. He would be crucified, and rise again and down through the ages whoever believes in him is forgiven, set free and given eternal life. What a way to use power!

A - In meetings, in family discussions, at crucial times in people's lives I can become aware that for what ever reason I have become the person in the room with the most power. Whether it is because of the trust others have for me, the experience I may have had, or the position I hold, the words I say next I know will hold great power. They may change the minds of people in the meeting, they may affect the way our family moves, they may be acted on by a person seeking wisdom in a difficult relationship. How should I act then?

I must leverage my power for the benefit of others. When I am the most powerful person in the room I must leverage my power in a way that serves the good of those in the room, in the church, in the family. This is what Jesus did. I must follow his incredible example.

P - Father, today, help me be like Jesus. Whenever I am given authority or power, help me to use it for the benefit of others, just like Jesus did, washing his disciples' feet. Just like Jesus did, dying on a cross.

Daily reading - John 13

My thoughts in today's reflections are shaped and influenced by Andy Stanley's Leadership Podcast for March "The Most Powerful Person in the Room" - it's free from itunes.

Trusting in God Whatever the Circumstances

2010-03-17T08:47:00.003+11:00

Many people are facing trouble. If you are not now you can be sure that someday you will be facing it. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. So the question is not "will I face trouble?" rather it's "how will I face trouble?" Will I flounder or flourish when trouble comes? Will I dive or thrive?

God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah who were trusting in themselves. They thought that because of the Davidic covenant and because of the Temple, that God would protect them. They began to worship idols and disobeyed God. So these words come as a strong warning and a challenge to us as we face trouble.

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who trust in mortals, who depend on flesh for their strength and whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. Jeremiah 17:5-6 (TNIV)

Here is a picture of a person who is trusting in themselves. They are depending on their own strength and in doing so they turn their hearts away from the Lord. This can happen in difficult circumstances when people pray. Instead of trusting in the God who is trustworthy, people begin to trust in outcomes rather than God and what can happen is that if God doesn't answer their prayer the way they trusted he would they get angry or upset with God.

"God I trust in you, no matter what" is how the prayer begins, but then as trouble hits the prayer changes subtly to "God is trust that you will heal me." Now there is nothing wrong in asking for healing or for a miracle but when we trust in that instead of God, we can be in danger of trusting in outcomes rather than trusting in the God who can be trusted regardless of the outcome. God may sovereignly choose not to heal me but instead to draw me closer to him through the suffering. If so he knows what he's doing and we should keep trusting him whatever the circumstances and however he chooses to answer our prayer.

So pray to God, ask for healing, ask for a miracle, but always pray trusting in God, and that he knows best, and is trustworthy whether he answers us how we want him to or not.

We have a God who can be trusted!

Jesus - High and Lifted Up

2010-03-17T08:09:00.000+11:00

S - "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12:32

O - Jesus faced the most horrible death. Crucifixion was a long, painful and humiliating death. For an observer it would have seemed completely obvious - Jesus wasn't who he said he was. But nothing could be further from the truth. What appeared as a victory for evil, what seemed to be Satan's greatest blow, was actually his crushing downfall.

Jesus' death made life possible. His dying meant that I could live. I could live forgiven because Jesus took my place, paid my price, died my dead. I could live forever because death was defeated by Jesus, he died but he rose, I too will rise, I will live forever. I could live victorious because Jesus overcame the power of Satan, he won, and I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

When the Son was lifted up - all people, old, young, rich, poor, black, white red and yellow were able to be saved. What an incredible event.

A - As Easter approaches, I am looking forward to proclaim this truth. I will diligently prepare these services and pray that many come to know Jesus personally and are saved through the forgiveness, eternal life and victory that he offers them. Help me share this life changing news with others so that they can know and love Jesus too.

P - Jesus, thank-you for dying for me. You are now high and lifted up forever. Draw people to yourself as I live and proclaim the great news of who you are what you have done. Amen

The Cost of Following Jesus

2010-03-16T08:18:00.000+11:00

S - "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temples and our nation." John 11:48

O - After many had witnessed Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, many Jews put their faith in him. This was enough to get the Pharisees and the Chief Priests together. They didn't doubt that the miracle had happened, they just hated seeing their power slip away as people believed in Jesus. They felt their temple and nation were under threat. Even though the power of Jesus was undeniable losing their power was unthinkable.

A - Many people don't believe because they don't want to lose their power. Many people know that if they acknowledge who Jesus is and his power it will affect their lives. Many people realise that, if Jesus is Lord then the only response would be to worship him, to place him first, to do what he wants and not what I want. And so, even though they see the evidence, they refuse to believe not because its not believable but because it would cost them. They would lose their power to be Lord of their lives.

Pastors can be tempted to seek more power than they should. My role is helping people to love and follow Jesus. That means that the more people grow in their love for Jesus, the less they should become dependent on me. This good and healthy. My job is to keep giving glory to Jesus and people follow him, not me or my church. I want to always remember this. My measure of success should never be how much people like me, but how much they love Jesus.

P - Thank-you Father for sending Jesus. Thank-you Holy Spirit for reminding me constantly of your guiding presence. Help me to live today for your glory God. May I continually bring you glory and help others surrender their power and control to you. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 11

Crossing Over

2010-03-10T08:51:00.000+11:00

S - "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

O - Faith comes through hearing and reading Jesus' words and through believing in God the Father. This faith leads to eternal life! This faith leads to not being judged! This life is mine now the moment I have faith. I have already crossed over!

A - Today I will remember that I have eternal life, will not be judged, and am now living - really living! I have crossed over already from death to life.

P - Thank you God for sending Jesus. Thank you that he paid the price - took my penalty. Thank you for eternal life. I live today, life to the full, by faith! Amen.

Daily Reading - John 5

It's Personal!

2010-03-09T08:18:00.000+11:00

S - They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man is really the Saviour of the world." John 4:42

O - The Samaritans heard the woman's testimony so they went to Jesus, urged him to stay, listened to what he said, and somewhere along the way, it became personal. It changed from being a testimony they had heard, to a person they now knew.

A - I want to share my testimony with as many people as I can. I need to remember though that sharing what Jesus has done for me is just the beginning to God making it personal. As God reveals himself to people personally and they respond then people are not just listening to a powerful story but they are getting to know the Saviour behind the story.

I need to pray for people who have heard about Jesus, that they come to know him personally.

P - Father, I thank you for the people I know who have heard about you. I pray this morning specifically that they would take the next step and come to know you personally. Reveal yourself to them powerfully. Change their hearts and lives. Amen

Daily Reading - John 4:42

Believe!

2010-03-09T08:03:00.000+11:00

S - "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them." John 3:36

O - What we do with Christ is crucial. It's the difference between life and death. If we believe in him, putting our trust and faith in him we have eternal life. If we reject the Son, not believing in him, turning away from him, we will not only not see life, eternal life, but God's wrath, his anger, his judgement remains, and continues to remain on us.

A - Faith and trust in Jesus Christ, his life, death, resurrection, his reigning as Lord, his being God, are to be where my trust and faith are firmly placed. I want to grow stronger and deeper in my relationship with Jesus, each and every day.

P - Thank you Father, for sending your Son, Jesus. Thank you for life to the full, found only in Him. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 3

Jesus is praying for me!

2010-03-03T08:14:00.002+11:00

S - "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32

O - Satan had asked to sift the disciples. Satan wants to destroy. He can think of nothing more delightful that destroying disciples of Jesus. But Jesus prays for his disciples. He prayed for Simon-Peter. He pray specifically that his faith would not fail. Under temptation, under opposition, under difficult, challenging circumstances, we are most in danger of failing in our faith. Satan is wanting us to fail. Jesus is praying that we will not. If we do fail, (and we pray that we don't) if we do in moments of doubt and pressure fail in our faith, Jesus points to us that we can return, we can repent, we can turn back. And when we do we will have a ministry of strengthening others in their faith. Peter did this. He failed under the enormous fear and experience of the trail and crucifixion of Jesus. But Jesus restored him and he definitely did strengthen the brothers, becoming the leading figure in the early church.

A - God wants me to have a faith that is strong. Satan wants me to fail. Jesus is praying for me that I may not fail. Today I will pray in agreement with Christ, that I would be strengthened in my faith.

P - Father I pray that whatever challenges, temptations and conflicts I face in the future, that I would remain strong in my faith, hope and love for you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 22

I Am Indestructible!

2010-03-02T08:27:00.000+11:00

S - "Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life." Luke 21:17-19

O - Jesus was warning that tough times were up ahead. His followers would be persecuted, even family members would betray them and some will even be killed. To sum up all that lay ahead, Jesus says, "Everyone will hate you because of me." But the encouragement for them (and for us) is "not a hair of your head will perish." This can't be true literally speaking because many died in the fall of Jerusalem and many Christians have died down the ages, not just hair perishing but their whole body being stoned, burn or drowned. What did Jesus mean?

What he meant was of great encouragement to those who love Jesus and are even facing death. Jesus said that "not one hair on your head will perish" and "Stand firm, you will win life." Spiritual life and eternal life cannot be taken away from by persecution and death. Though people kill us, we will have heavenly bodies, not a hair out of place, that will never corrupt, that will never die. One condition - stand firm!

A - I am indestructible! ...if I stand firm in Christ. Today, I will remember that nothing can stop me from having eternal life. Jesus has given it to me and nothing can take it away. I will also have boldness in my sharing, knowing fear of my own life is a misplaced fear!

P - As I prepare for my weekend message - "Trust God Whatever the Circumstances," help me to remember that trusting you leads to life eternal - whatever the circumstances. Thank-you Father.

Daily Reading - Luke 21

Just Doing My Job

2010-02-26T09:56:00.000+11:00

S - "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Luke 17:10

O - Jesus instructs his followers to do their duty, to be faithful in service, obedient to the instructions given, and trustworthy in getting everything done - and then don't ask for a medal! Why? Because you've really only done what everyone should do. Don't think you should be fussed over for doing what you're asked.

A - The fact that today, many people don't do what they say, don't finish a job, don't turn up on time, don't stay till knock off time, should not make me think that just because I actually do those things I deserve recognition because of it.

So many people have a misplaced justice streak. "I have done all of this and that is the thanks I get?" Many who have felt unloved or not valued in their family of origin can grow up getting hurt or upset when people don't appreciate them enough. Often the reason they try to do a good job is so that people will love and value them.

The key is that I am to do a great job whether I am thanked or not. If I recognize that ultimately I'm working for God and his glory I can know he sees and notices even if no-one else does. Just doing what you've been asked with excellence should be my desire no matter who I am working for!

P - Father, as I do many tasks today, help me to do them joyfully and with excellence. Holy Spirit, prompt me to do what my employer requires to the best of my ability regardless of the thanks or absence of thanks. And in all this may you be glorified. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 17

How to Use Wealth Best

2010-02-25T17:59:00.002+11:00

S - "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." Luke 16:9

O - Jesus had just told a story about a manager who had acted shrewdly because his time was running out for him in his role. So he acted in a way that leverage his relationships and win him friends so that after he had gone people would think well of his and maybe even help him if he was down. He used was he could shrewdly for his advantage.

Jesus says that people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than people of the light. Just like the shrewd manager - we are facing a final day when our lives end. Time is running out. Instead of hanging on to our resources as though there is no end, we can use it to help others in need, those in debt, those really struggling. They will be helped greatly and when we do die we will enter into eternal dwellings and many people we meet will be very thankful to us. The greatest way we can help others is to leverage our resources so that people are helped and ultimately come to know Jesus. This way they will enter eternal dwellings in heaven too and be forever grateful.

A - How am I using my wealth? Building it up or investing it for eternity in people's lives? Am I using it to help others or saving it for my comfort? I love how our church is helping people in need. I heard two stories yesterday, one family gave their car away to a person who needed one and a small group took it upon themselves to help buy groceries and provide money for petrol for a mother and son in need. I want to do that kind of thing more often too!

P - Father, help me to be wise - even shrewd with the way I use my resources so that others are helped and become my friend and friends with Jesus! Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 16

Everything I Have Is Yours

2010-02-24T08:54:00.000+11:00

S - " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.' " Luke 15:31

O - The older brother had been 'slaving away' for years, never disobeying his father's orders. In his mind the father had never given him anything. Yet the father's response is, 'everything I have is yours.' How could the son have gotten it so wrong? Instead of not giving him anything he had given him everything. He was slaving to get the father's stuff when the father had longed for him to know that he was his much loved son and because of that there's nothing that he had to slave for - it was already his.

A - 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God!' (1 John 3:1). Jesus told the story in Luke 15 as a warning to the Pharisees who judged others and tried to control God by doing good and demanding blessings from him. I must never get mixed up in my motives. My acts of kindness are not to be done to earn God's favour, but rather, because God has shown me favour, not to gain God's stuff but because God has given me everything in him. I have received the Father's love, grace and mercy through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit empowers, strengthens, and lives in me. I have everything! Today I will delight in serving my generous Father!

P - Thank-you Father. You have loved me and given me a glorious inheritance. Receive my service that flows from my knowing and experiencing your lavish love! Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 15

Counting the Cost

2010-02-23T08:09:00.000+11:00

S - 'Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build but wasn't able to finish." ' Luke 14:28-30

O - There's a cost to being Jesus' disciple. Like building a tower I have to estimate the cost. "Jesus doesn't want people to make a blind naive commitment to him" (Notes in TNIV Study Bible). This would be like saying "I want to build but I can't afford to pay." So many people begin to follow Jesus mistakenly thinking that it's not going to cost them in any way. What could go wrong? How can it be anything but sunshine be ahead? The problem is that when tough times actually come (and they do come) the way we respond has a great deal to do with whether or not we have counted the cost. If we have, these times, often, are the very events and struggles that build strength in our lives and help us stand firm for the long term.

A - When I face difficulties, when I experience temptations, when I grow weary, I want to remember the great foundations that have been laid and all that God has done in my life in the past. But more than that. I want to remember that being Jesus' disciple is costly and that tough times are expected (in fact essential) in building a strong tower. I will see them as just part of the cost of following Jesus.

P - Father, you gave your Son so that I could be your disciple. It cost you greatly. May I live with great thanks and with eyes fixed on you as I build my life on you.

Daily Reading - Luke 14

Love that Flows from Forgiveness

2010-02-16T09:26:00.000+11:00

S - "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

O - The way this woman expressed her great love for Jesus was evidence to Jesus and to all that she had received forgiveness and had truly experienced what it means to no longer be condemned but be completely clean. This happened when she put her faith in Jesus (v 50), the only one who can forgive us of our sin.

A - Is my life filled with thankfulness, praise and overwhelming joy for what God has done for me? When I am not so thankful is usually when I have forgotten the incredible grace and undeserved favour I, a sinner, have received from Jesus. Today I want my life to be seen by all as filled with love for the one who saved me.

P - Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for saving me, for forgiving me. I want to live for you in response to your love. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 7

The Strength that Comes From Obedience

2010-02-15T09:23:00.001+11:00

S - (Jesus said) "As for those who come to me and hear my words and put them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundations on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built." Luke 6:47-48

O - Those who hear Jesus' words and put them into practice, begin to live the kind of life that is unshakeable in the storm. Why? Because when their lives are hit with grief, illness, disappointment or mishap they are living right with God, they know he's in control and they trust him.

A - As a pastor, these words are a great challenge to me. I read, study and meditate on God's word every day. I preach and teach from God's Word. I am blessed to know what it says. I must always seek to do what it says. The more I do the stronger I will stand during the tough time which will certainly come. What do I need to do today in obedience to Gods Word?

P - Father, thank-you for the Bible. Help me obey it today in all I do. Amen

Daily Readings - Luke 6

Growing Strong In Spirit

2010-02-10T08:44:00.000+11:00

S - And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:80

O - John the Baptist was prayed for by his parents even before he was conceived. These loving, godly parents and their influence on John must have shaped his early years. He lived in the wilderness, perhaps after his parents (who were already old), died. That experience too must have shaped him. But in all these circumstances this phrase stands out to me, "the child grew and became strong in spirit." He could have grew and became wicked but he didn't. Influences and circumstances can make it easier or harder but in the end John had to choose to live for God and grow strong in spirit.

A - As a father, I too have an enormous opportunity to influence my children. I will either be a great influence or an influence that makes growing strong in spirit difficult. This is the same in regards to my influence with young men and women in the church.

I need to live today in a way that will help and not hinder the young "John the Baptists" around me, but rather influence them so help them grow 'strong in spirit.'

P - Father, I pray for my children, for the youth in our church, for the young adults. Help my influence to be one of great encouragement so that they may not be hindered in growing strong in spirit.

Daily Reading - Luke 1

Not Control - Worship!

2010-02-09T08:22:00.001+11:00

S - Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?" Mark 16:2-3

O - They were worried about a real problem. They wanted to anoint Jesus' body but there was a stone. The stone was big and heavy, they were not strong enough to move it. Who would help them move the stone? Nothing could have prepared them for what they found.

A - The tomb was empty! Christ has risen! And important for me, Jesus is coming again. He will return. I know I will be surprised. I know I won't be completely ready for the amazement of what lies ahead and what I witness.

I am reminded today that problems might not be as big as I anticipated when God is involved.
I am reminded that God can answer any prayer and turn a situation around completely.
I am reminded that the one true God is a God of surprises!
I am reminded that I cannot control God therefore I will simply worship him.

P - Thank-you Father for empty tombs, for miracles, for wonderful surprises. I'm keeping my eyes wide open today to what you might do. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 16

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

2010-02-08T09:04:00.001+11:00

S - And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?). Mark 15:33

O - Jesus had been nailed to the cross at 9am and at 12 noon darkness came over the land. At 3pm he cried out in a loud voice just before he died. The pain of his cry shows the depth of what Jesus was experiencing. Not only was the pain excruciating, but the guilt, the shame, the dirt and filth of all the sin of the world on this sinless Son of God was overwhelming. The holy God could not look on the Son, Jesus expressed the pain of feeling that God had forsaken him, left him on his own. God the Father whom Jesus the Son was one with, felt so far away, God had turned his face away from the Son and now Jesus experienced the pain of being cut off.

But what in fact was the hardest moments, were in fact what makes Jesus the Saviour of the world. God knew what Jesus was accomplishing and out of despair came forgiveness, reconciliation and everlasting life for all who would look to Jesus.

A - Sometime I don't know why I experience the things in life that I do. Sometimes the suffering around me and in this world seems to make us wonder why God doesn't step in and change the circumstances. God can seem so distant. But he knows what is going on. He can take the most difficult, despairing circumstances and turn them into reasons for hope. I must remember that I see only part of the story and for the parts I don't see I will trust that God knows what is going on. Even when I feel forsaken, God has promised never to leave me. I can trust he is in control.

P - Father, help me live my life surrendered to you and your will. For times when I don't understand help me to remember that you know and you are with me even if I feel you are far away. Thank-you for Jesus death and resurrection and for the forgiveness, hope and new life it has brought to my life! Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 15

Prayer not Exploitation!

2010-02-04T08:52:00.000+11:00

S - And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' Mark 11:17

O - God's heart is that all people would hear the gospel and be given opportunity to respond. Black, white, red, brown, yellow, all people are welcomed to the house of God! The church is diverse - old and young, rich and poor, new believers and mature Christ followers. But it is the forgiveness and grace of our God and the call to live in a prayerful communion with him that unites us. People who don't know God can think that it is about works, religion, power and the use of the house of God for their own ends. Control, manipulation or exploitation was never God's desire for his church. In fact Jesus shows disdain for what was supposed to be a diverse community worshiping and praying to God. He overthrows table, stopped people carrying goods through the temple. God hates it when leaders misuse power to control.

A - I must remember that the church is God's. He has called people from every nation, forgiven them, shown them his love, grace and mercy. As a pastor, my role is to help people know, love and pray to the Father, to model it in my own life and to never use or abuse or control people in the process. It's God's house not mine. It's diverse. It's for prayer not exploitation. Prayer is deep, joyful, free communication with God, through the Holy Spirit and in Jesus name.

P - Father, I pray for our church. That our leaders would be servants of you. That we would serve diligently yet not think that gives us a right to claim the church as ours. That we would never seek to control, exploit, bully or abuse but rather love, encourage and model the joy of participating with God's people in the practice of prayer! Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 11

Jesus says "Stop setting limits on me!"

2010-02-02T17:07:00.000+11:00

S - "If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24

O - Since childhood a father had helplessly watched his own son suffer. He had witnessed the demon seizing his son, he had felt inadequate and overwhelmed as the boy convulsed, being thrown toward a fire, or into water, trying to kill him. To a desperate father who had faced the problem every day, Jesus' questioning of the man's willingness to believe might seem harsh. But Jesus is calling him to have faith that God can do anything - even heal his son. By saying, "Everything is possible for one who believes," Jesus is showing him that the question is not whether Jesus could heal (he could), but rather, does the father have the faith to believe it? The TNIV Study Bible adds, "A person who truly believes will set no limits on what God can do." The father's response is beautiful! "I do believe," (ie 'I have a little faith, just a small mustard seed sized kind of faith). "Help me overcome my unbelief." That was enough!

A - Jesus wants me to have faith, to believe, to not set limits on what he can do because everything is possible. I have needs. I have longings. So many people I know would find life so much more manageable if they were healed from their sickness and oppression. I believe that I need to increase my faith in my prayers for these people. I need Jesus to help me overcome my unbelief.

P - Father, I believe you can do anything but I believe it only a little. Grow my faith, help me keep praying, help me overcome my doubts.

Daily Reading - Mark 9

How to Be A Disciple

2010-02-01T10:14:00.000+11:00

S - Then he (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." TNIV Mark 8:34

O - There was a crowd which means there were lots of people. There was a call that Jesus made to them, "Come follow me!" There was a cost - it cost everything. Deny yourself means to cease making yourself the object of your life and actions. To take up your cross was to live as someone condemned to death and required to carry the beam of their own cross to the place of execution. Following Jesus required total surrender. Not everyone was willing!

A - How hard we find it to deny ourselves. I find it difficult to let go and surrender to God. How hard it is to die to self and to do whatever the Father says. The Pharisees had turned faith into rules to earn God's approval. As a pastor, help me to never try to control you or tell you what to do! I want to spend all of today remembering, that I am your servant. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Jesus you live in me.

P - Father, I want to do your bidding. What ever you ask of me I will do. I want to serve you, be your disciple and follow you, today, tomorrow, and for all of my days. Amen

Daily Reading - Mark 8

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier, MD & David L. Henderson, MD

2010-01-28T11:19:00.003+11:00

At 14 years old I was told that I was failing every subject and that I would need to find a new school. After the first year of Bible College I opened a report card that revealed I had failed three out of my five first year subjects. Looking back, what I learnt from those experiences I wouldn’t change for anything.

In life we will face pain – it’s inevitable. But what if rather than seeking to avoid pain at all costs we actually sought to discover a purpose in the pain we faced and used it for good. This book helps you do just that. Drs. Meier and Henderson address the major causes of pain in our lives. Injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death are the universal experiences we all face which cause us pain.

I gained a greater understanding of the responses of those I meet with in pastoral ministry. The content comes from a rich Biblical basis and I was able to grasp the teaching and apply it to my own setting. There were many illustrations from the lives of real clients which I found compelling.

This book offers hope to those who are trying to make sense of pain. I would gladly recommend it to those wanting to grow in the midst of pain and discover God’s purpose beyond your pain.

Jesus is Here!

2010-01-28T09:27:00.002+11:00

S - He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39

O - Jesus speaks and a furious squall becomes completely calm. In the stillness of the calm, while everything was so completely still, Jesus asks, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" and the disciples ask who is this? Jesus is Lord! He is in control. In the middle of the storm he is the one to look to. I must have faith.

A - There are times in my life where the storms rage. I can so often look at the waves, complain about the winds, worry about the rain. How much energy I would save by just taking it to Jesus. Christ is Lord! He is in control. He left the empty tomb. He conquered sin and death. Today I will ask for Jesus' help in my storms. Today I will trust him with the future with faith.

P - Father, I do have faith. I have faith in Jesus. I trust you Jesus. I look to you in the storms of life. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 4

Being in God's Family

2010-01-27T09:23:00.002+11:00

S - Then Jesus looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:34-35

O - Jesus here points to those around him - those seated, listening to every word, those ready to obey - and says, "Here are my mother and my brothers!" He explains that those who do God's will are in the same family, God's family. In John 15:14 Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do what I command." God is building a family. A family that will last forever. Those who accept the words of Jesus and obey are part of God's family, and this family are more significant eternally than even our own families here on earth.

A - My family are those who love and obey Jesus. How can I love, encourage and build up God's family today? Who do I know that is standing for God in obedience, trusting him, living the Christian life, that I could encourage? So many young people are taking significant steps of faith in their lives. So many older people are making faith-filled decisions. Today I will give thanks for those who are in my spiritual family and seek to encourage those I see doing God's will.

P - Father, thank-you for saving me. I am your child. Today I will celebrate and acknowledge that each person I meet who loves and obeys you is part of your family and part of my family. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 3

Really Loving Others

2010-01-22T10:20:00.002+11:00

S - 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:35-36

O - Jesus is teaching what it will be like when the Son of Man returns. He will reward people for the things they have done and the people's response will be, "When did we do that?" "We didn't know!" It will be the things we didn't do for a reward - things that flow out of a heart that has been changed by God. Things that love and serve others, the least. That's what we'll be rewarded for!

A - Who do I know who is hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothes, sick or in prison? Those that come to mind now I will write down and put in my diary for the coming week to visit or call or give to. I'll seek to show God's love to these people in the coming week.

P - Father, help me show your love to people so that they realise that they are precious to you. Help me really love people like you do. Amen.

Daily Readings - Matthew 25

Being Good With What You're Given

2010-01-21T16:00:00.001+11:00

S - "So who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns." Matthew 24:45-46

O - Jesus was addressing those who were living in an environment where the religious leaders were not feeding their people. They were not living what they were preaching. They were laying a heavy burden on the people (see Matt 23). Jesus was saying to those religious leaders, there is a master God and you are his servants. If you are a leader of others be faithful and wise. Why? The master is returning! Little did they know that they were talking to the Master!

A - I am a leader of God's people. I live in a time when there are a many leaders who try in many ways to be famous, or become rich, or gain recognition. This passage challenges me to feed the people. For me today that means to complete the administration task I have so that I can get stuck into the study of God's Word so that Sunday's message is clear, practical and God-breathed. I must use my time effectively today and everyday so that when Jesus returns I am found to be faithfully caring for his servants.

P - Father, while the people of Haiti suffer so terribly, may I use this day, this time, where I am, free to work, think and live life to the full, for your glory and for the benefit of your precious servants. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 24

Friends Indeed

2010-01-07T09:23:00.001+11:00

S - Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart son; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2

O - Community is so important. In this verse it meant the difference between forgiveness and healing for a paralyzed man. That some men brought him was a feat in itself. People who were physically challenged in Jesus day would have found it extra difficult to find community. The looks, the stares, the likely need to beg would all put this man on the outer. Yet a group of men cared more about him than his disability. They saw a person. They saw a person of value and carried him to Jesus.

A - Today so many people can feel worthless, left-out, on their own. Whether it is a physical disability or a feeling of not being attractive, or a fear of rejection, feeling of loneliness or any other barrier, a small group of people who will look past the external can help enormously. Small group of people who will accept you for who you are, love you without judgement and help lead you to Jesus are better than 1,000 friends on Facebook!

This year I will intentionally help support and our Samll Group Ministry Leader facilitate the growth of small groups in our church. I will seek to enable the small group of staff who meet together each week to be a place where we can help love and led each other closer to Jesus. I will continue to meet with my two mentors who help me journey with Christ. I will also seek to help lead others this year by intentionally mentoring two or three younger men preparing for future ministry.

P - Father God, thank-you for community. Thanks for small groups who love us in spite of what we might see as obstacles and who help lead us to your feet. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 9

Reading Helps You Thrive!

2010-01-06T12:49:00.009+11:00

The older I get the more I realise how little I actually know. That's why I find reading such a wonderful habit to grow. A book is written by an authour with a passion for their subject. Often years of thought and experience have gone into their writing. Though I would most likely never have an opportunity to sit down with the authour and have a coffee with them, I am able to read and consider their thoughts and ideas as they have presented them to the best of their ability.

I love being shaped and mentored by books.

There were some books I read as a teenager that really shaped my life. Keith Green's "No Compromise" was a book that really challenges me to live for Jesus without wavering. Arnold Dallimore's biography of C H Spurgeon's life simply called "Spurgeon" filled me with a passion for serving God and his Church. The story of Charles Finney's life by Basil Miller gave me such a yearning for a deeper, personal faith, being led by God. These books shaped me early on.

As I have grown though I have found my reading time over the years began to reduce. As I reflected on this fact at the start of last year I decided to do something about it in 2009. I wrote in my journal...

"I want to read more this year. The level of reading I've been doing consistently increases each year which is great. Usually it happens in fits and starts, on holidays where I'll read 3-4 books and then not much else.

Then I wrote a simple goal. Here it is as I wrote it in my journal...

"Read more consistently - my goal is fifteen books this year. I'll photocopy their covers on a page in this journal as I read them."

Then every time I completed a book, I wrote the name of the book, the title, and the date I finished reading it, on the back page of my journal.

On New Years Eve with a great sense of accomplishment, I finished my fifteenth book and wrote it in my journal. Here's what I read (see photo also - missing "Fearless" and "Nothing In My Hand I Bring")

Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Church
Carly Fiorina, Tough Choices
Hawkins & Pakinson, Follow Me
Wayne Cordeiro, The Divine Mentor
Max Lucado, Fearless
Ray Galea, Nothing in my Hand I Bring
Tim Keller, The Prodigal God
Seth Godin, Tribes
Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase
Larry Osborne, Sticky Church
William P Young, The Shack
J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership
Jim Collins & Jerry I Porras, Built to Last
Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
Bill Hybels, Axiom:Powerful Leadership Proverbs

I'm looking forward now to another year of being mentored by people like Bill Hybels, Tim Keller, Jim Collins and J.Oswald Sanders who have shaped me this year.

What would you suggest I definitely read this year? What hints and helps have helped you read more?

Keep reading, keep growing!

Demons Flee!

2010-01-06T11:52:00.001+11:00

S - When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases." Matthew 8:16-17

O - Jesus drove out the spirits so simply - with a word. And Jesus healed all the sick. Jesus is Lord - the demons knew it. Even the effects of sin and living in a fallen world are easily made right in the presence of Christ. Jesus is Lord!

A - As we lift up the name of Jesus by surrendering to him, worshipping him as Lord and Master, crowning him King in our lives, Satan and his demons must flee. No need for a big song and dance, but we should expect people who have been engaged in witchcraft and the occult to be set free.

P - Thanks Father God that you are sovereign. Lord Jesus, have your way in my life and in the lives of people in our church. Set them free by your power. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 8

Persistent Prayer

2010-01-05T08:06:00.004+11:00

S - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

O - Ask, seek and knock are all Greek present imperatives which means "ask continually" "seek and keep seeking" "Knock and continue to knock." What this verse is teaching is that we are to persist in prayer. The promise that goes with it is that it will be given, I will find, the door will be opened. God rewards persistent prayer! My Pa knelt at 82 years of age and wept as he was baptised. Gran had been praying for him since they first became friends and more than 60 years later Pa's resistance gave way.

A - I am praying for the healthiest church in Australia. I long that we would read God's Word, pray, worship, love, serve, grow and share our faith with joy. I pray that for my marriage and for my children - that we would be able to thrive while firmly grounded on the Rock.

P - Father, you are my Rock. I pray that you would hear and answer my prayer. I pray that your church in Wodonga would grow in health as right across our family we become more and more like your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 7

Love As You Have Been Loved

2009-12-14T15:59:00.000+11:00

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

O - Jesus' death was for us, for everyone, for the world. He laid down his own life. He suffered, he was mocked, he bore our sin and shame and God's punishment because he loved us and wanted us to know him. This is an example we should follow by loving others so much that we would go to extra-ordinary lengths to help them.

A - How am I loving my brothers and sisters? By leading and guiding a great church where people can come and know about Jesus and begin a personal relationship with him, and am demonstrating my love. As I prepare messages and call and speak to people I will remember why I'm doing it. I love them and want to demonstrate my love and God's love just like he did for me.

P - Father, thank-you for your love for me. Jesus, thank-you for willingly giving up, laying down your life for me. Help me remember today to receive your love and show that same kind of love to others. Amen.

Daily Reading - 1 John 1-4

Earnest Prayer!

2009-12-11T11:33:00.001+11:00

S - Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced it's crops. James 5:17-19

O - Elijah was a great man but really he was just a human being like me, with the same limitations and opportunities as me. He us what he had to pray earnestly and God answered - rain stopped for three and a half years. What a prayer! Then he prayed again and it rained again. What bold prayers, what amazing answers.

A - I can pray. I have everything Elijah had. What enormous prayer am I praying? What am I earnestly praying for? The healthiest church in Australia? 5,000 people worshipping in our church within 10 years? That God would use my kids to greatly impact the world? That I might raise up 25 men & women for full-time Christian ministry within five years? Revival right across the region?

P - Father, I want to earnestly pray that our church would be the healthiest church in Australia and would double in size within the next two years. I will keep praying this prayer earnestly for the coming two years.

Daily Readings James 3 - 1 Peter 1

A Reason to Persevere!

2009-12-09T09:52:00.003+11:00

S - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

O - Because of the example of the great men and women of faith who lived and died looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and a heavenly home, enduring hardship and suffering, we should live in the same way. We should follow their example. How? Run the race! Run it with perseverance. Run the race that God has marked out for us, the one he's called us to run. Remove all the obstacles that might get in the way and the sin that can trip you up and run.

A - Today, I look to the example of the Biblical men and women of faith. I also look to people like Spurgeon, Finney, Keith Green, my Nanny and Grandad. I also look to men and women alive today, Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Gayle Hill, my wife Mandy. And I run. I run, seeking to do God's will, knowing that the promises are ahead and are true no matter how challenging it may be now.

P - Father, thank-you for the hope we can have in the promises you have given us. Help me to remember the example of so many Christians as I run my race. Amen.

Daily Reading - Hebrews 11-12

The Most Dreadful Thing!

2009-12-08T17:15:00.000+11:00

S - It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

O - The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews were in danger of hardening their hearts, falling away, stopping meeting together and throwing away their confidence. The reason seems to be because they were facing persecution (Heb. 10:32-34). The writer explains in chapter 10 that Jesus has made it possible to be forgiven and come to God once and for all and he urges them to draw near to God.

Then the writer pens verse 31. "It is a dreadful thing." I've experienced dreadful things happening to others like tsunamis, car accidents and abuse. There's a horror and fear perhaps like when you realise your child is missing in a crowd. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. We won't have to give an account of our lives to our mockers or persecutors, the media or our friends but we will have to give an account to God. To be unprepared, fallen away, to have thrown away your confidence - what a terrible, horrible thing! The living God will judge justly. Nothing but the blood of Jesus will save me.

A - Who is trying to shape my life? Who are I most in danger of following? It's it the desire to have more? Is it the influence of my friends, or the television's thoughts and influences? God has made a way for what is most important. Now that I have been covered with the blood of Jesus, once for all, I want to live everyday obeying, serving, loving, the God I have drawn near to in Christ. Today I live without fear, without hard hearts - but with confidence that God is my God and Christ has taken the dreadful punishment I deserved on himself.

P - Father, thank-you. This verse gives me just a glimpse of the horror you have saved me from. You are good to me. Help me to share this good news with others so that they can be saved too. Amen.

Daily Reading - Hebrews 9-10

Jesus Saves, and Prays!

2009-12-07T11:00:00.002+11:00

S - Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

O - Jesus' name means "one who saves". Jesus is able to save utterly, completely, perfectly, those who come to God through him. There is no other way - Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But those who come to the Father through Jesus, are absolutely, emphatically, forever saved. And the reason? Not only has he paid the price for our sins and risen again so that we are completely saved, but also he intercedes for those who have come to God through him. He intercedes always, without ceasing. Right now his is interceding for us. In fact this verse says he always lives to intercede for us. This is Jesus' constant stance towards us. Praying to the Father so that we who are completely saved continue on in this state, finding the strength of live each day for Him.

A - I have been saved completely! What an incredible gift of grace. There is nothing I have done to earn it. There is nothing more I need to do to keep it. Jesus has completely forever saved me. This fills me with assurance and confidence. Not in me but in Christ. I will live today with a fresh awareness that Jesus saved me completely.

Today too I am filled with wonder and awe and feel I am in a position of overwhelming grace to realise that Jesus is interceding for me. Whatever I face, Jesus is praying. Whatever challenges, Jesus is interceding. When I come to the Father, Jesus is presenting my requests.

P - Thank-you Jesus for your saving grace. Thank-you for your constant prayers. Help me to live in the truth every day that I am completely saved and you are praying for me always! Amen.

Daily Readings - Hebrews 6-8

Setting Your Gifts on Fire

2009-12-03T16:34:00.000+11:00

S - For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

O - Fan into flame, Paul says, the gift of God. This may've been his spiritual gift or his calling as a pastor which was recognised when Paul laid hands on him and prayed for him. Whatever it was, Timothy was not to let the smoldering embers go out, but to breathe fresh wind onto the gift so that it ignites into flames and gets stronger. Gifts aren't given fully developed. We need to use them and become more and more skilled in using them. Timothy was to do this facing any fear with courage, having faith in God's power, showing great love and self-discipline.

A - One of the key gifts I've been given is the call from God and from the congregation to be their pastor. I must continue to fan into flame this gift. The other is the gift of preaching. Is it a hugely important gift that can easily be neglected. I must continually fan this gift into flame, so that many, many others will hear and respond to the good news of the gospel.

P - Father, I feel I have a rare responsibility. The opportunity to speak to hundreds of people each week who are coming to hear your voice. Help me to guard this gift and fan it into flame. Amen

Daily Reading - 1 Timothy 5 - 2 Timothy 1