tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86949903253581498642024-03-21T14:13:31.827-07:00Pressing forwardPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-43536717856427292752019-07-10T04:19:00.000-07:002019-07-10T04:19:27.257-07:00Loving yourselfHailee Steinfeld' song 'Love myself' caused quite a stir in 2015 amongst fans as to the true meaning of the lyrics. Some believed it was a pro-masterbation song with lyrics like "pictures in my mind on replay/Im going to touch the pain away" and "Gonna love myself/No I don't need anyone else". Others found it was about self-confidence and feeling empowered but Hailee in an interview said it didn't really matter how people interpreted the meaning, as what was important was the power behind being able to love yourself. She continued "We can all get behind that!".<br />
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Well here lies my question.... Is she right? Can we really all get behind the message of self love? <br />
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If a message is empowering, liberating and alluring does that make the message correct? I believe that everything must be weighed against the word of God to discern what is truth and what is not. If the bible is the standard then how can this message hold up against passages like 2 Timothy 3:2 where it describes end time Godlessness <i>"For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy."</i> The list continues and then it says in verse 5 <i>"they have the appearance of godliness but deny its power"</i>. It starts with a warning of becoming people who are self loving!!<br />
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For the past one or two years, I like many other Christians have been sucked in by the lure of this loving yourself philosophy and have even passed it on to others as truth. Christians who have fully embraced this message do so based on the words of the Old Testament which are repeated by Jesus in the new and found in Matthew 22 where Jesus is responding to a question about the law. We know that the first commandment is to love the Lord. He describes this as the great and first commandment. He then goes on to describe the second commandment which is to love your neighbour as yourself. Some will try emphasise this third bit 'as yourself' by using the argument of 'how can I love my neighbour if I don't love myself?'. The logic being that if my love for myself is so great, then I will have loads of love to give away to my neighbour. The opposite they would argue is that if I hate myself, then wont I in turn hate my neighbour? The alternative to loving yourself is not hating yourself. It is fully embracing and enjoying Gods love for you. If we say it is first about learning to love ourselves before loving others, then we are putting a condition on loving others and the commandment of Jesus and in fact making loving ourselves the second commandment. Notice that Jesus does not say he is giving three commandments!! The two commandments are to love God and love people. Jesus was not emphasising "as yourself" in this passage because it was assumed that throughout the bible there is in all human nature this leaning towards loving ourselves. Jesus is saying "the way that you do that, now do it for others". <br />
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Formerly I believed that self love is an answer to shame, low self esteem, a negative self image, feelings of inadequacy or a sense of failure but self love is not the answer to these feelings. The only answer can be found in embracing fully Gods love and grace. When I understand the depths of Gods love I don't need to focus on loving myself. I actually think less about myself and more about His love and thats what leads me into freedom and makes me an effective lover of God and lover of other people. <br />
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As alluring and enticing as it is to become introspective, self compassionate and self loving what I really need is the love of God which transforms lives and brings freedom and so my answer to Hailees statement is No!! I can't get behind and embrace the message of self love because I believe it to be a fake love and one that will leave me self absorbed and ultimately, unfulfilled. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-39404295016781765692019-05-08T08:36:00.000-07:002019-05-08T08:36:21.707-07:00Who are you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvng_3LvmCenxe9870MpeV5iEUUDyeYFeUGexqWigJnVAhY12vGoe7_EVk0D_2GwROu9T01Br8kqgb-PfHVHY2EQm2ebIT7p0UwW-S_pvyo92l9bJBLrd99c8yoLJYcW0iRdQ-RQbFYi88/s1600/Who+are+you+pic+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvng_3LvmCenxe9870MpeV5iEUUDyeYFeUGexqWigJnVAhY12vGoe7_EVk0D_2GwROu9T01Br8kqgb-PfHVHY2EQm2ebIT7p0UwW-S_pvyo92l9bJBLrd99c8yoLJYcW0iRdQ-RQbFYi88/s320/Who+are+you+pic+.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="901" data-original-height="902" /></a></div><br />
When God first revealed himself to Moses, he introduced himself as 'I AM'. This was to signify his utter and complete self-sufficiency. This encounter with God took place when Moses found himself in a literal wilderness. <br />
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Recently I have been walking through a metaphorical wilderness. I have proactively pursued personal dreams and explored what a life of abundance looks like. I know God has promised that for my life and so I have risked with my heart and my resources in this pursuit. Yet it seemed at almost every turn on the journey all I've been met with is broken dreams and failed expectations. It begs the question, Is God not as good as He says He is? <br />
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Dwelling on that thought can be where I get stuck. I confess I have wrestled with that question for many years but through all the struggle there is one thing I am certain of, I just can't afford to judge God's character and nature through the lens of my circumstances. <br />
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He is a God of abundance and blessing and I know His ultimate plans for my life are to prosper me. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says "And God is able to make <b>ALL</b> grace abound to you, so that having <b>ALL</b> sufficiency in <b>ALL</b> things at <b>ALL</b> times, you may abound in every good work". What an incredible verse!! His heart is for us to have <b>ALL</b> things so I'm left wondering why I'm not walking in this abundance? <br />
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Now that I know the issue is not with God, I guess it must be with me!! I believe this past year of failed expectations and broken dreams is an opportunity for me to strengthen my identity in Christ. Perhaps the great 'I AM' actually wants me to recognise who I am!! <br />
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It's easy to see myself as a man of favour and abundance when that is my current outward experience but how do I see myself in seasons of lack and disappointment? Will who I am be shaken in the midst of these testing times? This is where the challenge lies for me.<br />
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The Apostle Paul learned a great lesson in life. He learned that he could rejoice whether he had plenty or whether he had nothing at all. True wealth is in knowing that while we may lose the whole world, if we gain Christ, our lives are rich. <br />
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So today I choose to recognise who God says I am, and refuse to have my identity shaped by my present circumstances. The reality is, I am a man of abundance and my identity and security lie not in the sum of my possessions or in my status but in the life giving power of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the richness of Christ.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-81883060558903613132018-01-19T14:47:00.000-08:002018-01-19T14:47:22.633-08:00Developing a compelling church vision and mission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VjDphhTxgZaY4izxLOaOO3N-aNf_5SyCeaNBc-D0YjkCikdsUa6PDNhlCft-4uILqy4HJ34ajDAiiQzF0RqhWdYtvg1QtTvsTIFf-N9iYR0EnOK8kwEnTmrwuOS6k0fcKa_-a75v1M1t/s1600/MissionVision+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VjDphhTxgZaY4izxLOaOO3N-aNf_5SyCeaNBc-D0YjkCikdsUa6PDNhlCft-4uILqy4HJ34ajDAiiQzF0RqhWdYtvg1QtTvsTIFf-N9iYR0EnOK8kwEnTmrwuOS6k0fcKa_-a75v1M1t/s320/MissionVision+pic.jpg" width="320" height="137" data-original-width="1170" data-original-height="501" /></a></div>Many churches have failed in casting good vision and have not fully understood their mission. Either that or the people have struggled to buy into the leaders vision and things have stagnated in our churches. Why is that? Would a compelling vision and mission actually lend towards the success of the church and provent apathy in our people? The following 5 keys are ways I believe we can hone in on what are mission and vision are for the church and how we can thrive as a whole family. <br />
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1. Defining your vision and mission<br />
Every leader should have a clear mandate and we should never begin a mission without the end in mind. It’s important to realise that this does not mean you are putting God in a box or limiting Him, but rather this enhances our relationship and connection to Him while empowering you to do what you are called to do. <br />
While vision and mission work in tandem they are of course not one and the same. A vision is what we can see in the future and a mission is what we can do to get what we want to see. Or another way of looking at it would be to defining what you want built (vision) and then defining the pathway(s) to fulfilment (mission). <br />
Another key is learning to establish the stepping stones to get you towards your goal. Remembering that while you have people helping you to build your mandate, they probably have their own individual purposes and mandates. As a leader you will need to minister as much to their personal mandate as to their responsibility in fulfilling yours. Showing interest and empowering them in their own mandate will keep them interested in serving the big vision you have.<br />
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2. Developing the right motivation<br />
All leadership is about people movement and not just geographically although sometimes that is the case but rather moving people developmentally. Motivation is the ability to get people to move forward. We need as leaders to figure out ways of creating incentives. In fact Bruce Wilkinson did a study of the entire scripture to see what God’s motivations were. His findings showed that in the Old Testament God motivated people primarily by reward. Secondarily by fear and ultimately or the least percentage wise by love. The interesting discovery he made was that his New Testament findings were the exact same. In other words God wired people to be motivated by reward. Especially in this generation, we as leaders need to think of different ways of motivating our people. In previous generations people were motivated by duty (“Do this because I said so”). Sometimes we can use stress, pressure, guilt or shame to try motivate our people but these are all poor motivators. We need to move from duty driven motivation to delight driven motivation. People need to have a ‘joy’ set before them that causes them to endure the cross of true discipleship. Helping people within our church fulfil their destiny is the way we can keep people motivated.<br />
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3. Mobilising and moving people<br />
How do we actually move people? Sometimes people can feel so paralysed that it’s just easier to stay in the same place. We need to become great coaches as church leaders asking our people what they want to do. By helping them identify their personal goals, we can then make space for that to happen in our church. <br />
When talking about movement we also need to establish a pace of movement. A church needs to be paced carefully so we can achieve the maximum output without burnout happening. This allows a church to have sustainability and scalability for the long term.<br />
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4. Generating Momentum<br />
Every church needs to get to a place where momentum is happening. Can we create movement that sustains movement. The goal with momentum is getting to such a high speed that it can carry itself for a bit so we don’t have to push it forward all the time. When we have momentum we don’t need to micromanage anymore. Having achievements and victories build upon each other create great momentum, whereas failure upon failure can kill momentum. Leaders need to be aware of this when planning. Also remembering that we are a family and sometimes superficial momentum can actually mean we lose momentum. We want to again cultivate something that is sustainable and long term. That is why culture is so instringacly attached to positive forward momentum. <br />
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5. Multiplying leaders and ministries<br />
One of our primary mandates from God as people is to multiply. We see in Genesis the words “Be fruitful and multiply”. Sin entered but God’s redemption plan was still in place through the likes of Abraham having a son. The mandate hasn’t changed as Jesus said “Go therefore and make disciples”. Multiplication has always been part of God’s plan! So how do we continue to raise up new ministers in our church? Perhaps we need to rethink the way we do church. Are we doing anything that shuts down gifted people in our congregation? We need to take risks as pastors and not panic when messes and mistakes happen. Parents raising children expect their children to make mistakes but it’s part and parcel of human development. For our people to develop we need to get comfortable with the idea that as we move forward mistakes will happen but the lasting fruit will make the journey worthwhile. Our goal should not just be to have children, but also to raise them!! Lets make our churches leadership incubators where people can grow up and thrive into everything God has created them to be. <br />
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-51159109562083922492018-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:002018-01-12T16:50:19.399-08:00Keys to building a thriving churchYou may be a church leader who is asking the question 'why are we not seeing growth in our church or why is our church not thriving?'. Perhaps at one point in time you experienced great growth and then things began to stagnate. I believe the following 5 keys will help you see fruit and success in your church again. <br />
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<b>1. Spiritual life<i></i></b><br />
Taking time to foster and cultivate our spiritual lives individually as leaders is crucial. Corporate success begins and starts with us individually. How can we expect to have a thriving church if our own lives are not thriving. Spending time in the Word of God and letting truth impact our lives, even the more difficult and challenging scriptures can mould and shape us into being better people and leaders in our spheres of influence. Making sure we have regular focused prayer time. The Lords prayer gives a great framework for focused prayer and yet our prayer lives should not be separate to every other area of life. The goal should be whatever we are doing in life we should be in constant communion with Him. <br />
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<b>2. Community<i></i></b><br />
A thriving leader often can mean a thriving church and that begins in the home. How are we as leaders thriving in our home environments. If you are a single man or woman in leadership it is important to recognise the need for healthy community. Practical things to consider when setting yourself up for success are not living alone but living with housemates. Having great friends and disciplines are vital for singles in leadership. A good discipline may be to limit your time spent watching television for instance. Learning to use your time wisely will set you up for success in your present and in your future. <br />
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There can also be challenges for married couples in ministry. Ask yourself 'how am I doing with my spouse?' It can be easy for your marriage to take a back seat to all the other pressing issues and yet your ministry is first to your family. For those with children remember there is no higher ministry calling for you than that of your children. Include them in your life and ministry and don't use them as a trophy to show off how spiritual your family is. Some fall under the pressure of this but your children need to grow and mature in a guilt free environment so they don't later grow to resent the church and the Lord. <br />
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<b>3. Lifestyle<i></i></b><br />
You're lifestyle is a sure indicator of whats really important to you. It is of paramount importance that you recognise potential distractions and pit falls to you thriving in life. Healthy boundaries are important so that our lives are not compartmentalised between 'ministry' and 'our time'. Our goal is to live Kingdom lives and all our decisions to be ones that reflect Jesus. In everything we do in word or deed, it all belongs to Jesus! A good way of knowing if you have a compartmentalised lifestyle or not is by asking yourself the following question, 'Are you able to express the natural lifestyle of the Kingdom even if there is no ministry programme in place?' <br />
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Also some real practical ways you can thrive are to get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly. An unhealthy body can affect your overall lifestyle. <br />
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Your emotional health is also very important. Are you filled with anxiety and fear? What are you doing do cultivate fun in your life? <br />
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Finally many people can fall into the trap of making everything in life about ministry. Make sure you have some good hobbies which don't all relate to ways to reach the lost or potential sermons you could preach. <br />
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4. Destiny Synchronisation <i></i></b><br />
You are unique and for this reason God has a unique calling and destiny on your life. It's really important that both you and the people you lead are synched up and doing the thing that you are wired to do and not something that your not called to do. Ask yourself 'Is this something that truly gives me life?'. Not everything you do is going to be fully life giving but the balance of time should be spent on life giving work. At least 2/3 of your life should be spent doing things that are life giving. If you are not spending most of your time doing life giving things, make a few adjustments and start investing in those areas of your life. <br />
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<b>5. Mentoring<i></i></b><br />
We all need mentors in our lives. Listening and learning from other leaders is crucial to our development. Even ones we disagree with can actually stretch us and help us grow and refine who we are. The greatest leaders recognise that they never stop learning. Having older brothers, sisters and spiritual parents keeps us accountable and doesn't allow room for pride to creep in. The old way of viewing mentorship was that of having one key mentor in your life whereas in the modern age we have whats known as constellation mentorship. This means we have many mentors and resources speaking into our lives to help us grow. <br />
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This is by no means an exhaustive list of ways to have a thriving church but there is a great likelihood that with success in these five areas, it will spill over to your ministry and church life too. John 10:10 says that Jesus came that they may have life and life abundant and my prayer for you as you read this post is that in every area of life by the power of the Holy Spirit, you experience life abundant. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-6024747797709779162018-01-12T12:36:00.000-08:002018-01-12T12:36:39.508-08:00Leadership styles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyYIfN-2YcxQDswkR4WeS7-lALTdQQn0S8HXzyDTmj_i85WjzGl_8ThN4G9D_azhTR98beFzivDw3BTI4tBqAs45S0pzWKKugZzy0M5LIOPl2Lxj5WQTuQtMTzWYPzTIbyfki-Rt1kEf5/s1600/5+fold+ministry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyYIfN-2YcxQDswkR4WeS7-lALTdQQn0S8HXzyDTmj_i85WjzGl_8ThN4G9D_azhTR98beFzivDw3BTI4tBqAs45S0pzWKKugZzy0M5LIOPl2Lxj5WQTuQtMTzWYPzTIbyfki-Rt1kEf5/s320/5+fold+ministry.png" width="320" height="314" data-original-width="250" data-original-height="245" /></a></div><br />
We often view leadership through the worlds broken lense of 'the senior person' or the one 'in charge' and yet it's important to remember that true leadership has very little to do with titles and positions but everything to do with function and fruit. There are so many resources available to us today to help us discover what kind of a leader we are. Resources such as the Myres Briggs test and the strength finders test can be very useful tools in helping us hone in on our leadership style and yet we must remember that human psychology can get us so far but the best framework for leadership can be found in the Word of God and the example of Christ. <br />
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In Ephesians 4:11 we can see some of the gifts that were given from Christ to the church and again it was never purposed to exalt the gifts in people but to exalt the gift giver. In fact the real emphasis should not be placed on verse 11 but rather on verse 12 where we see the purpose of the gifts being given... "to prepare Gods people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up". <br />
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So what are these gifts of Christ given to the church? In verse 11 it says some in the church are to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. It's important to recognise that Jesus was all of these things and we all reflect different parts of his personality. So lets look at these distinct gifting's and explore why each are significant for the body today.<br />
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<i>Apostles<b></b></i><br />
Apostles in the church look different to the Apostles in scripture and while todays apostles are significant and crucial to a healthy church they do not carry the same weight as those ordained by Jesus or who wrote scripture. Apostles are builders and if you have an apostolic calling the first question you need to ask yourself is 'what are you called to build?'. For the advancement of the church we need your gifting and yet there are some things that apostles need to be aware of that could hinder them from progress. Apostolic people can often be so driven to perform or achieve that they can prioritise the work and lose their peace along the way. They can also lose sight of their need for other people and it's important for them to remember that in order to achieve success, they need to recognise their need for the other gifting's too.<br />
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<i>Prophets<b></b></i><br />
Prophetic people are usually very intuitive and creative. Because Prophetic people are often thinking outside the box sometimes the people you are leading may find it difficult to follow you. It's vital therefore for prophetic people to surround themselves with people with other gifting's such as pastors and apostles so they can be somewhat grounded in their ministry. The prophetic gift can be very evident in the market place through people who are on the cutting edge of innovation and/or research development. As prophetic people we need to be very careful that our passion for justice does not make us self righteous and alienate ourselves from people and lessening our impact. <br />
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<i>Evangelists<b></b></i><br />
Evangelists tend to be extremely positive. They love the good news!! You have an incredible ability to propel people forward which can be of huge benefit both in the church and in the market place. You are wired to want to see change. You're boldness can often trigger people in the wrong way and yet we as the church need your boldness and need to recognise the gift of God on your life. Something to be aware of as an evangelist is that sometimes your boldness can stretch people too far and you can make people feel embarrassed and not cared for. <br />
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<i>Pastors<b></b></i><br />
The pastor means shepherd and your primary focus is on people and you are driven by compassion. You don't want to see anyone left out and you love to see people cared for and walking in healing. You have a strong emphasis on inner healing and pastors make great counsellors and mentors. You create an environment for people to thrive and yet you are not the main driving force of the church. The mistake we can often make in the church is to over emphasise the role of the pastor in the church and forget that its not all just about care for the flock and community focused but that there is also a mandate given to advance the Kingdom on earth. <br />
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<i>Teachers<b></b></i><br />
You care about truths, facts and accuracy and yet the goal is not the expression of information but to see real transformation. In a postmodern day your gift is crucial to the body of Christ. Pastors can sometimes fudge the truth because of their focus on people and so they in particular need your gift. It's important to recognise potential downfalls if you are a teacher. Pride can rob teachers of their influence as sometimes they can be condescending and appear to be 'know it alls'. Humility in your teaching is of paramount importance for you to have the greatest impact in your leadership. <br />
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In summary, it is important in our churches to recognise that everyone is unique and has different styles of leadership. None is greater than the other as all styles in one way or another reflect the leadership of Christ. Learning to work together appreciating the gift of God in one another will see the most fruit in our churches as we lead and advance the Kingdom of God. <br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-37104740371230551752017-08-24T13:03:00.000-07:002017-08-31T10:31:43.175-07:00Father forgive themFather forgive them for they know not what they do.<br />
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Have you ever found it difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you? Hurt is a real thing and we all experience it in one measure or another. How exactly can you forgive someone who has done the unthinkable? Surely some things are just unforgivable right? <br />
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I have been journeying through the process of forgiveness for a number of years now. It all became real for me two years ago as I went through a painful break up with my girlfriend. I moved to America to start a new chapter in life with nervous excitement but eagerness to launch into the unknown and get to know Adriane better. Things had been moving pretty fast in our relationship and I couldn't believe how blessed I was in finding someone who made me feel so appreciated and loved. <br />
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Four days after arriving in Redding California it all came to a crashing end! We sat next to her neighbours pool and as she began to share her feelings, I knew where the conversation was going. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach and honestly I can't even remember what was said in that meeting, remembering only that we both wanted to stay in contact. Unfortunately we never did and although I tried, I rarely heard from Adriane again.<br />
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Throughout this time I was attending a ministry school in California. I was extremely depressed and yet through being present at this school, I was able to connect with God in deeper ways than I ever had before. I had noticed the roots of bitterness grow deep within me as time passed without hearing from Adriane and it was much easier to hate her than forgive her. Thankfully throughout most the year I didn't harbour any feelings of hatred towards her and did genuinely want the best for her or so I thought. God spoke directly into my situation through some of my assigned reading. I read the Supernatural power of forgiveness by Jason Vallotton. On reading how he learned to forgive after going through a far worse situation than mine, I decided it was time to end the pity party and move on with my life. Unfortunately my feelings of hurt were slow to get the memo and it has been a much longer process than I expected. I was shocked by his story and didn't understand how he could forgive in what seemed like an unforgivable situation. <br />
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Outwardly I had forgiven Adriane and even acted in ways to see her succeed. I knew that un-forgiveness would only destroy me and so I was very keen to do everything possible to bless her. Yet inwardly my thoughts were filled with resentment and self pity. I wondered how she could treat me so badly? I thought she was cold and nasty in how she dealt with the break up. One of the last things she said to me was that she struggled not to hate me. I actually revealed in the fact that she had said this because I knew the hatred she felt would ultimately destroy her and not me. Does this sound like forgiveness to you? Outwardly I was telling people how great she was and that I didn't harbour resentment towards her but inwardly my heart was darkened towards her. I was lying to myself through the whole first year. Proverbs 26:24 says "Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbours deceit in his heart". <br />
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The problem is I didn't know how to truly forgive her.<br />
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This morning I read the account of Jesus death. The bloodied and beaten, nailed and naked Saviour of the world hanging on a cross. He was without sin, coming to rescue humanity from the clutches of hell and what did we do? We crucified him. Such injustice. I guess I had always seen Jesus' sacrifice as a physical sacrifice and never recognised the emotional anguish of the cross. Isaiah says he was despised and rejected a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. He was completely misunderstood. He came to bring life and the people who he came to deliver, killed him. The emotional suffering he felt must have been tremendous and yet he said Father forgive them. What a powerful prayer! <br />
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I thought forgiving Adriane would result in a process of reconciliation. Unfortunately we never had reconciliation which left me wondering where to go from there and how I could continually chose forgiveness. My forgiveness hinged on a positive outcome. Jesus came to bring the ministry of reconciliation and yet I couldn't find a formula for reconciling my broken relationship. <br />
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Yesterday as I pondered through this I realised that Jesus came with a message of reconciliation and yet people still had a choice. They could still reject him and turn away and many did. Not everyone was reconciled through the cross and through Jesus prayer of forgiveness. It was available to all but not everyone chose it. Reconciliation is the message we bring but not always the end result of forgiveness.<br />
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There may come a day when I reconcile with the people I have fractured relationships with but I need to remember too that that day may also never come. Jesus forgave freely regardless of the outcome and I need to continue to do likewise. Today once again I chose the path of forgiveness and bless those who Christ died to reconcile to himself. <br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-90908894258568556412017-08-24T10:37:00.000-07:002017-08-24T10:37:36.819-07:00The process of Breakthrough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtdbT1EeDcfO1NfXZu_8WwBmHXtK_8-UZ_9aWK7o4f4NNGIhUQbpJsvFVmsT7zLzQ7MXzLEdX6z03ZsG0hY10h0s5mKgV876sNtzY7bm3mSbxR9xCn44kpDcGXcYb5QbUdo05DT9-4qU8/s1600/Breakthrough-1100x619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtdbT1EeDcfO1NfXZu_8WwBmHXtK_8-UZ_9aWK7o4f4NNGIhUQbpJsvFVmsT7zLzQ7MXzLEdX6z03ZsG0hY10h0s5mKgV876sNtzY7bm3mSbxR9xCn44kpDcGXcYb5QbUdo05DT9-4qU8/s320/Breakthrough-1100x619.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1100" data-original-height="619" /></a></div><br />
"Your breakthrough is coming"... "This is the year of breakthrough"... "You have a breakers anointing".. Whoa that's so cool!! At least it sounds cool but I haven't the slightest idea what that really means. It all sounds wonderful and I have said yes and amen to each and every one of these prayers, prophesies and encouragements in my last 2 years attending ministry school in Bethel church. Through many disappointments and discouragements in my time here, I held on to that promise that breakthrough was coming. The bigger the disappointment and heartache, the bigger the breakthrough that I would receive. This has been my philosophy and way to remain hopeful through difficulty. However I was beginning to get disillusioned. It was all promises with little or no fulfilment. I was reaching for the mountaintop when I was still hanging out in the valley. <br />
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It hasn't been all terrible. I have had moments that I can point to and say, that was a great day or I really shone in that moment. It just has often felt like a slow slog and not a significant breakthrough. I recently began to question why it always seemed like a battle for me and never an easy victory. <br />
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I came to realise that I needed a mindset shift. I stopped wondering how God would launch me to the mountaintop experience of breakthrough and started to seek him out in the valley. I discovered that it's often in our most broken and vulnerable place that we receive our breakthrough. I was looking for a moment in time that would make everything great. Make me feel like I was winning and thriving in life and yet God wanted to meet me in the valley. My definition of breakthrough being a 'one moment in time event' was keeping me locked in a perpetual state of disappointment and I needed to change. <br />
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So what am I saying? I started to see my story of breakthrough as a process and journey. God can bring transformation in a moment. Look at Saul' radical transformation but often change is a process. I stumbled upon a scripture in Deuteronomy that God highlighted to me this week. Deuteronomy 7:22 says 'The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.'<br />
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Wow!! Their enemies were driven out before them <b>little by little<i></i></b>. It wasn't a huge moment in time of deliverance or breakthrough but a process. The second part of the verse explains why that was so. Eliminating them all at once would have resulted in the wild animals multiplying against them.<br />
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What a perspective shift! It is Gods kindness towards me that he has released breakthrough in small pieces. He knows my heart more than I do. I wanted to be air dropped onto the mountaintop but he wanted to walk by my side out of the valley as we journey together to the top. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He meets us in our pain and walks us out to freedom. This has become my story of redemption. It's beautiful, full of Gods kindness and nearness. It may not have happened in the way I expected but as I embraced Gods goodness in my pain, he surprised me with his glory and transformed me. Giving God my pain and watching him create in me something beautiful has been my greatest success story. Now that is breakthrough!!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-30674226497962352462016-09-06T08:54:00.000-07:002016-09-06T08:54:32.525-07:00The ReceptionList! 'Tis the morning hours in Glory.<br />
A shadow through the mists doth now appear-<br />
A troop of angels sweeping down in greeting. <br />
A "Welcome Home" rings out with joyous cheer!<br />
<br />
A traveler from the earth is now arriving;<br />
A mighty welcome's ringing in the skies!<br />
The trumpets of a host are now resounding<br />
A welcome to the life that never dies.<br />
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Who is the victor whom the angels welcome?<br />
What mighty deeds of valour have been done?<br />
What is the meaning of these shouts of triumph?<br />
Why welcome this soul as a mighty one?<br />
<br />
She's but a woman, frail and slight and tender,<br />
No special mark of dignity she bears:<br />
Only the Christ light from her face doth glisten:<br />
Only the white robe of a saint she wears.<br />
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She's but a soul redeemed through the blood of Jesus.<br />
Hers but a life of sacrifice and care;<br />
Yet with her welcome all the heaven's ringing, <br />
And on her brow a victor's crown she bears.<br />
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How come she thus from sin's benighting thraldom,<br />
The grace and purity of heaven to obtain?<br />
Only through Him Who gave His life in ransom,<br />
Cleansing the soul from every spot and stain.<br />
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See! As you gaze upon her face so radiant,<br />
'Tis but the beauty of her Lord you see;<br />
Only the image of His life resplendent;<br />
Only the mirror of His life is she.<br />
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See with what signs of joy they bear her onward;<br />
How that the heavens ring with glad acclaim!<br />
What is the shout they raise while soaring upward?<br />
"Welcome! Thrice welcome, thou, in Jesus' Name!"<br />
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Rest in the mansion by thy Lord prepared thee,<br />
Out of the loving deed which thou hast done,<br />
Furnished through thoughts and acts which have portrayed Me,<br />
Unto a lost world as their Christ alone.<br />
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Hear how thy heavenly harp is ringing!<br />
Touched are its strings with hands by thee unseen.<br />
Note that the music of thine own creating<br />
Heaven's melodies in hearts where sin has been.<br />
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See how the atmosphere with love is laden,<br />
And that with brightness all the landscape gleams!<br />
Know 'tis the gladness and the joy of heaven<br />
Shed now by rescued souls in radiant beams.<br />
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Oh, that here on earth we may learn the lesson<br />
That Christ enthroned on our hearts while here,<br />
Fits and prepares the soul for heaven,<br />
Making us like Him both there and here.<br />
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Doing the simple and homely duties<br />
Just as our Christ on earth has done,<br />
Seeking alone that the Christ's own beauties<br />
In every heart should be caused to bloom.<br />
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Showing all men that the blood of Jesus<br />
Cleanses our hearts from all sin below,<br />
And that the life of the Christ within us<br />
Transforms the soul till as pure as snow.<br />
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When we thus come to the dark cold river,<br />
No night, no darkness, no death is there,<br />
Only great joy that at last the Giver<br />
Grants us anew of His life to share.<br />
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<i>Given to John G Lake<br />
in Tongues and Interpretation<br />
while in Africa</i>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-39398583575556358632016-08-31T09:50:00.000-07:002016-08-31T09:50:36.321-07:00John G Lake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qLvX_Gsb9i6zZBJOycv3lJxqHdLEwhvRNBhBDSNO175OR6JqfBI1GVe22mZ9BXrSM1x9FZzJymM7m5HfdztjnTiPkL-GqGXiaJvArp4Fyi3LZm3uIAldrvh03LHtlb1Fe9m4MX-USD7O/s1600/john+g+lake+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qLvX_Gsb9i6zZBJOycv3lJxqHdLEwhvRNBhBDSNO175OR6JqfBI1GVe22mZ9BXrSM1x9FZzJymM7m5HfdztjnTiPkL-GqGXiaJvArp4Fyi3LZm3uIAldrvh03LHtlb1Fe9m4MX-USD7O/s320/john+g+lake+pic+2.jpg" width="214" height="320" /></a></div><br />
In reading the life and sermons of John Lake I am struck by many uplifting and faith edifying ideas and stories but there is one characteristic of the man that stands above every other miraculous story and experience encountered. In Lake I see a beautiful representation of Jesus Christ. Lake clearly had his doubters and critics and was most definitely a radical thinker who stirred controversy in the church both in his time and indeed right up until today but then so also did Jesus and remains also to this day a divisive character. Not afraid to express his views and tackle some of the more challenging, hotly debated and often divisive topics in theology Lake voices opinions on dominion theology, Paul’ thorn in the flesh, soul absolution and most recognisably healing. Indeed his whole life was shaped by his healing ministry and his standing point was that it’s always Gods will to heal and that any doubt or questioning of this understanding shows a lack of faith in who God is and shows weakness in the life of a believer. He even goes as far as to suggest that the believer who does not fully believe in supernatural healing as a normal response to sickness is under the influence of the devil. He is very strong in his criticism of Cessationism and will be remembered as a revivalist who challenged their way of thinking and promoted the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are as important today as they were for the first century church.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtImrqv_rjZncYOsRPDynmino2RefA6fHk2LZSBtINrh4j29nSK-bdKz6idmqqPLBSPdT_hxESSGMD02NZl35LLM586SmQKycgjiCsdKWiSeUtkcboYKvkatVc7sxp61DaKiPDcf3iofa2/s1600/John+G+Lake+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtImrqv_rjZncYOsRPDynmino2RefA6fHk2LZSBtINrh4j29nSK-bdKz6idmqqPLBSPdT_hxESSGMD02NZl35LLM586SmQKycgjiCsdKWiSeUtkcboYKvkatVc7sxp61DaKiPDcf3iofa2/s200/John+G+Lake+quote.jpg" width="200" height="171" /></a></div>Lake was an admirer of John Wesley and the Methodist movement. Wesley’ call to be “ready to pray, ready to preach, and ready to die” was the calling Lake also viewed as the ultimate Spirit of Christianity. Anything other was in his words, a foreign spirit and a sissified substitute (pg 105). Battling against some common beliefs that God gave sickness and disease to some to build character or so they could glorify God in their tribulation, it was the 10th chapter of Acts that opened Lake’ eyes to who really brings sickness. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were Oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (pg 240). A further scripture reference from Luke’ gospel in chapter 12 said that a woman whom Satan hath bound reassured Lake that sickness was not from God or his will for anyone but from the devil. He argues that Jesus’ model prayer the Our father does not include an ‘if’ to thy will be done. It is always Gods will to heal and Jesus never refused to heal any who were sick or oppressed. <br />
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In his 17th chapter Lake outlines his argument for Divine Healing in a letter of reply to Dr. Elwood Bulgin and it is one of the most remarkable and compelling arguments I’ve ever read. In it he launches a stinging attack on medical science stating of Bulgin “you come to the dying, kick their hope from under them, and let them fall to the ground, and leave them to die without bringing them the true healing power in the blood and Spirit of Jesus” (pg 160). Known for his strong man theology Lake was utterly convinced that the church had believed and heralded the devils lie, that miracles were no longer for today thus robbing mankind of their rightful inheritance through the blood of Jesus (pg 241). Throughout his book he not only backs up his theology with scriptural arguments but also with countless records of healing stories from his ministry of Gods miraculous power at work. I was enthralled as I turned the pages to read of all these accounts but one in particular captivated my attention. In one of their meetings the Spirit of God fell so powerfully on the congregation as they lay prostrate they each began to pray and confess their waywardness to God. As Lake placed his hand on a mans chest he fell under the conviction of God and motioned for his wife. In her arms he confessed that he had been living in adultery and they wept and prayed together. The next day he called Lake to say that he had in fact had a diagnosis of cancer of the chest and the very area that Lake had laid his hand was where he needed healing. He removed his shirt to show that he had a visible mark for years of cancer on his chest which overnight had withered and turned a brown colour as if burned by the fire of God. It totally disappeared a few days later. What a remarkable tale of God’ healing and restoring power. In yet another story Lake describes the condition of a 6 year old boy, born with a closed head. As he grew the distortion of his head took the shape of the hull of an upside down yacht and he became paralysed. Then as a 12 year old and under Divine healing the bones in his head softened, his head was reduced to normal size, the paralysis disappeared, and he became like any regular child. Incredible! These are just two examples of many from the pages of his book which back up his preaching on healing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqFsQoVB0rhcnhkvEDn8b0rr1BNpoXdT8v1os0P4W9g9c5vz7Y67WGK00JqQ8lqHEMCAFW20ocD2FHBVPglFScs2WvwFSUEb3xjlJwZrH2ytbMA8f82OV9q_CMMLE1C62XGX4J9gYzoU2/s1600/John+G+Lake+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqFsQoVB0rhcnhkvEDn8b0rr1BNpoXdT8v1os0P4W9g9c5vz7Y67WGK00JqQ8lqHEMCAFW20ocD2FHBVPglFScs2WvwFSUEb3xjlJwZrH2ytbMA8f82OV9q_CMMLE1C62XGX4J9gYzoU2/s320/John+G+Lake+car.jpg" width="320" height="205" /></a></div>When all is said and done and every angle of theology scrutinised Lake gives a warning to stay hungry for the word of God. Losing ones appetite for the Book and choosing rather to talk with people or read books about the bible than the actual bible is a sure sign that one has backslidden (pg 390). A really good reminder to those of us who value theology and study. <br />
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One final challenge I felt from Lake’ teaching was on prayer. He describes some prayers as an offence to God. Sometimes God is requiring action from his people and we turn it back on God with our prayers asking him to intervene in the situation and have his will. While these prayers might be well intentioned, Lake describes them as weak and offensive. He says “It is a humility that is always hiding behind the Lord, and is excusing its own lack of faith by throwing the responsibility over on the Lord” (pg 415). Reading his words I began to search myself to see if I was guilty of praying such prayers. <br />
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Amongst all his stories of healing and his numerous arguments to support his belief system, I was encouraged to read that Lake valued above all else getting to know the author of the book and the one who brings the healing. Lake has challenged my thinking with his compelling arguments. He has captivated my imagination with his stories of Divine healing and I’m left to draw a similar conclusion to Rev. A.C. Grier in Truth Magazine, “John Graham Lake has a ministry more like Jesus Christ than any man I know.”Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-45457277897155336102016-08-27T02:08:00.002-07:002016-08-27T02:08:24.131-07:00There's something about Mary Yesterday I visited my 87 year old Granny to say my goodbyes before leaving for America. Something happened during our chit chat that really resonated with me although I wasn't fully sure why. I had been sharing a little about my school in America and how I will be learning and deepening my relationship with God when the phone rang. My Aunt Mary left the room to answer it leaving just Granny and I to continue the conversation. As I continued to talk I noticed her lean back in her chair, and with arms folded, she raised her head to one side. At that moment I became aware of how long I had been talking and that she had something to contribute to the conversation, so I quickly shut myself up. "Paul, you remind me of Mary" was her observation. I looked out at the Kitchen assuming she was talking about my Aunt but as she continued I realised it wasn't her she was referring to. <br />
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"She just sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha busied herself in the Kitchen" she explained. I smiled as I enjoyed the delicious irony of my Aunt Mary (not Martha) busying herself in the kitchen as Granny drew this comparison. Granny went on to explain how she was so proud that I am pursuing this course and taking time out to prioritise my relationship with God above all other pursuits in life. <br />
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This morning as I reflected on our conversation I flicked over to Luke' gospel to read the account of Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary and it was water to my soul. I realised how encouraged I was that Granny drew a comparison between myself and Mary because all I could see in myself was Martha. I'm taking it as my Granny' prophetic voice!<br />
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Being so worried about my financial lack recently I was challenged by the words of Jesus to Martha. "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled by many things". That was me for sure! Allowing anxiety of bills and tuition expenses to get in the way of what Jesus wanted to give me. Jesus continues to say that only one thing is needful and that Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.<br />
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I realised from my reading this morning that society and even the church, too often gets busy with the things of this world. Most my conversations about leaving full time employment to pursue a journey of rest and focus on God, is met with rigorous questioning and profound confusion. It does not really sit well with people in my inner circle. It's seen as a lazy option and draws a reaction not unlike the reaction of Martha in the story and yet Jesus says Mary' choice was the good portion and it wouldn't be taken from her. Sometimes in life suspending employment to attend to matters of the soul is the greatest choice. <br />
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It's interesting for me to think about Martha in this story. We often paint her in a bad light because of Jesus' correction but she too was a follower of Jesus and he loved her deeply. Sometimes in our affection for Jesus we get busy with work and while that is sometimes what he is requiring of us, more often than not he is calling us to sit at his feet. We must be careful that we don't become like the double minded man in James 1:8. Unlike Mary, who received as much as Jesus was willing to give, the double minded man is in danger of not receiving anything from him. In this passage the writer of Hebrews is specifically talking about doubts but the principle can equally be applied to the story of Martha. She is a follower of Jesus and yet in her devotion she becomes so busy and distracted that she is seen as double minded and ultimately is in danger of missing out on what Jesus has to give.<br />
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I have decided that in order to not have my portion taken away from me I am going to cast aside anxiety and as the wise business man Stephen Covey once said "keep the main thing the main thing". Embracing what my Granny see's in me, I choose to be like Mary and sit and draw life from the feet of a King. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-26336730964425302252016-08-25T02:32:00.001-07:002016-08-25T02:32:16.386-07:00Gambling on Gods goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_uIa2eqkUbhSIBAIFFHUN8OhjadLLyFY11nOAOImeRwBTA-8AaXSEsTru-BlPeRRcifhk_GPCXKUh_tyhOeW92p-t-_81-fPdWDcdYN0pIE8ze3fYDlJCvOxbdjbDrZgeDoP4FHERjlG/s1600/dice-gambling-gamble-game-play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_uIa2eqkUbhSIBAIFFHUN8OhjadLLyFY11nOAOImeRwBTA-8AaXSEsTru-BlPeRRcifhk_GPCXKUh_tyhOeW92p-t-_81-fPdWDcdYN0pIE8ze3fYDlJCvOxbdjbDrZgeDoP4FHERjlG/s320/dice-gambling-gamble-game-play.jpg" width="320" height="205" /></a></div>When I was in College I had a friend, lets call him Tom who was what people in our inner circle called a smart gambler. Horses was his game although other sports didn't deter him from the occasional flutter. He would calculate odds and spend months on end studying the form of a particular horse before ever placing a bet. Of course when he eventually did it was a particularly sizeable bet. At least to us College students it was and at times he could have up to 500 or 600 euros riding on one race! While most of us saw this as a ridiculous risk to take, to him it was smart and calculated. Most of us would have lost that amount of money on multiple bets in the length of time it took him to finish studying one horse. He saw our approach as a ridiculous risk to take. Tom became quite popular in college for his dedication and commitment to betting and it was Tom that people approached when looking for racing tips. It turns out his approach was seen as the lesser risk and people valued and respected his opinions for it. <br />
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I found myself caught up in this world of gambling in college. I was captivated by Tom and would spend hours sitting and learning from him in a bookies often at the expense of my structural design lectures or my early morning class on land surveying. I wasn't really that interested in horses or in making money through gambling so what was it that drew me? The lure of money was never a strong motivator for me. So what was it then? Honestly I believe it was a number of things. I loved to win. I loved the excitement of gambling. I loved the highs and the lows. Perhaps though on a deeper level, I loved the sense of accomplishment I got from choosing a winner. I loved the attention and congratulations I received after picking a winner. In those times I felt smart like I had tapped into a cleverness that gave me an edge over other gamblers. I loved the time spent with friends checking the form books, planning our race cards and deliberating over and accumulating odds together. I felt like I was part of something. We were the underdog band of brothers taking on the greedy bookmakers and eventually going to take that one elusive windfall.<br />
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Yet looking back now we lost a lot of money and our decisions were not always clever. I recently went back to a card room to play a poker tournament. In those earlier college years I spent many nights grinding at the tables but it had been years since I darkened the door of a casino. Two friends asked me to go with them and I thought to myself it might be fun. For one night only, Ill relive the glory days. I didn't play with as much money as I would have back in my former years of betting but I didn't find the glory days either. There was still an excitement within me chasing the win but the people in that room seemed desperate and hopeless, searching for something that could not be found in that perfect roulette spin or in flopping aces over kings. It was a far cry from what I remembered in my college days and yet it probably wasn't that different. <br />
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Today I was sitting in my living room watching the sun rise while spending time with God and reading my bible. I have found myself stressed and anxious over how I will find money to support myself this year as I no longer have a job. Interestingly it was in this moment that I felt God remind me of my gambling days. I began to ask deeper questions of myself. Questions like why do I enjoy gambling? What is it that pulls me in? I already mentioned that it's never been about the money. <br />
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I want to be careful not to offend people as I do realise so many people and families have been ripped apart and lost everything through gambling addiction but I felt God speak to those questions by saying he placed that gamblers spirit in me. What?? Surely not! That can't be the voice of God!<br />
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Well wait, let me tell you the statement I heard and then attempt to qualify it. As I sat there worrying about whether the money would come in for my school year and if I would be able to pursue everything that was in my heart to do, I heard a voice in my spirit say, Paul I want you to gamble on my goodness. Gamble on your goodness? What does that actually mean? I began to question how I see my heavenly Father. Do I actually believe that he's a good Dad? As I turned the pages of my bible he started to speak to me again. Will I not provide for you as I did for Abraham? For Moses? For Joshua? For countless others? <br />
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The definition of the word 'Gamble' is 'a risky action undertaken with the hope of success'. As I meditated on this I reminded myself that the Christian life is not for the faint hearted. Somehow we have allowed the world to influence the church by celebrating safety, security and stability and yet Christ calls us out of our comfort bubbles to embrace risk and the unknown. The dictionary definition places the risk in a hope of success. This hope is of course a faint hope of things getting better in the future. This is where the conventional gambler differs from the Christian life. We don't place our hope on a future success but on a past one. Christ risked everything to come for fallen man. What a gamble! The stakes are always high with Jesus. He said that whoever clings on to their life will lose it but whoever gives up their life for him will find their life. (Matt 10:39). To the rich young ruler he said to gain treasure in heaven he needed to sell everything (Luke 18:22). It's all are nothing with Jesus. It's high stakes and guess what? We are wired to seek after and go all in on these high stakes. It's time to be courageous and I'm not talking about the courage of my friend Tom who bet 600 euros on a horse but to have courage far greater. Lay down our lives as Jesus did and step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel. 2000 years ago Christ won the victory and we benefit from that windfall for all eternity. <br />
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One of my favourite movies Rounders sees young Mike Mcdermott played by Matt Damonn chase a dream to make it rich through playing poker. To him it's about learning a craft. Poker is a skill game and not really about luck. Of course in taking this view there often can follow crushing defeats and it can never truly be a sure bet. However gambling on Gods goodness is always a sure bet. The movie finishes with a great quote as Mike takes a taxi to Vegas to play the world series and it made me realise that there is not much difference between both his attitude and mine. My questions as to whether I will have enough money to survive the year and in stepping into the unknown I am taking a similar gamble to Mike McDermott. He is chasing a million dollars and betting on the strength of his cards and I am chasing real life experiences with God and choosing to bet on his goodness. Mike says.... 'first prize at the world series is a million dollars. Does it have my name on it? I don't know but I'm going to find out. <br />
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I might not know exactly how I plan on paying my rent or my missions expenses but I know God is a good Father and my provider. I don't have it all worked out but I'm going to take the gamble. Like Mike McDermott, I'm going to go and find out. <br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-31008999729071788762016-04-13T16:37:00.001-07:002016-04-13T16:37:31.632-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmAMHAro7XABuOn5IPa490AMcN1DazYGeXWCJ_dqiOQfF0j6FDD0qf33q7aTbjOj0gEsJPhzx7OBzVXnsS8wB-PVlNFWSWA1XzbQdYNUod1LSDhPLQI7JjeatSLxUJmyljk7xfZfe4Ki-/s1600/Azusa+%2528David%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmAMHAro7XABuOn5IPa490AMcN1DazYGeXWCJ_dqiOQfF0j6FDD0qf33q7aTbjOj0gEsJPhzx7OBzVXnsS8wB-PVlNFWSWA1XzbQdYNUod1LSDhPLQI7JjeatSLxUJmyljk7xfZfe4Ki-/s400/Azusa+%2528David%2529.jpg" /></a></div>David gave his life to the Lord when we met him in the starbucks line. He was so overwhelmed by the Fathers love as we prophesied about his destiny.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhJe_G5mvRbX3GcnBiZAhHDg4tkX9T2kZq09o2BVR6IriJmn_K1vXCIyLlpCJ4K4wWUWmeoKgMdsrLyulm1bP72gwHEwGL4cRx7JQYQvcuHEaKP7QbArgq1E7VkY6QZmso_qNiDCUivrX/s1600/Azusa+%2528Stomach+pain%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhJe_G5mvRbX3GcnBiZAhHDg4tkX9T2kZq09o2BVR6IriJmn_K1vXCIyLlpCJ4K4wWUWmeoKgMdsrLyulm1bP72gwHEwGL4cRx7JQYQvcuHEaKP7QbArgq1E7VkY6QZmso_qNiDCUivrX/s400/Azusa+%2528Stomach+pain%2529.jpg" /></a></div>This woman had very bad pain in her stomach and as we prayed together, all her pain left. Her and her husband then told me about their recently adopted daughter who has down syndrome and so we joined together to pray for her and released healing over her body. They were really encouraged by what God was doing. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-1171321739416732422016-04-13T16:13:00.002-07:002016-04-13T16:13:38.062-07:00My first day in LANo one filled out a card! No one was saved and no one was healed!!<br />
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I want to encourage those of you that felt worn out and beat down yesterday because your own stepping out and evangelising didn't quite have the success rate you were hoping for.<br />
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Let me first be clear. My group as a whole was amazing and had a very high success rate, seeing lots of fruit from their evangelising. They were on fire but personally when I shared I felt people were not interested and I even experienced some pretty strong opposition to what I was sharing. There is a temptation for us to forget our identity in this moment and fall into comparison, or wonder why our techniques aren't as effective! Am I not qualified for this? Am I bad at sharing the gospel message? What a crock of lies from the enemy!!<br />
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After a pretty difficult day the Holy Spirit reminded me that just because I came back to the church with a bag full of leaflets, it didn't make me any less successful than those that distributed all theirs. How do you measure success?<br />
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In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul says he planted seed, Apollos watered it but it was God that made it grow. I planted some seed into some very hard soil yesterday but that's what I am called to do. I don't need to see the fruit. The fruit is not my responsibility but God's. He called me to minister to some hard ground yesterday and I was obedient. Were you obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Did you step out and speak life into people?<br />
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It's wonderful to read all the wonderful testimonies of healing, salvation and deliverance but if you were obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit and even then experienced no fruit, you had a successful day. Remember that your Father is proud of you and everyone that acknowledges Jesus before men, he will acknowledge you before His Father (Matt 10:32).<br />
Bless you all,<br />
Paul.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-19738689806116567802016-04-13T15:52:00.001-07:002016-04-13T16:27:43.136-07:00The God of Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyF55k-z-YzARJwRLZsyxSibfYrJOg-eepkhrxg0oFhM6G_0K5ll8VZeiyDlLY_ARArL6osmqjxb4N9UlS0qNjL2CS8YZVosEy1ztVjTRQp0eyoVhjugdufP9lJ6oZQj7iLXvEd673Rh3u/s1600/Azusa+the+call.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyF55k-z-YzARJwRLZsyxSibfYrJOg-eepkhrxg0oFhM6G_0K5ll8VZeiyDlLY_ARArL6osmqjxb4N9UlS0qNjL2CS8YZVosEy1ztVjTRQp0eyoVhjugdufP9lJ6oZQj7iLXvEd673Rh3u/s400/Azusa+the+call.jpg" /></a></div>This week was a defining week in my journey to discover more of Gods goodness. On Monday morning last week, over 2000 students left Redding by bus to bring the good news to Los Angeles. It was a 10 hour drive down there and an uncomfortable one for me as I woke up Monday morning with a sharp pain in my lower back. <br />
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We stayed in the Sheraton Hotel and had shared bedding, four to a room. I barely slept that first night as it was a new environment and the pain had now increased from my back all the way down my right leg creating an uncomfortable numbing sensation. I was worried that I would not be able to walk on the first day of the trip!<br />
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We met in the lobby each morning and my pain level had not decreased much from the previous night. Each day some people stayed back to recover from various sicknesses but I didn't tell my pastor that I was in pain because I didn't want to miss out on the days events. <br />
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We loaded on to the bus and as I sat there anxious that my back would not improve, one of the girls asked if anyone needed healing for anything. I raised my hand for prayer and as a few gathered around me to pray, I started to feel a sense of Gods presence. Earlier that day Johnny had laid his hand on me and felt a lump that was about the size of a grape moving around in my lower back. When the girls prayed over me on the bus my pain completely disappeared and I could barely feel the lump in my back as it had dramatically decreased in size! Jesus healed my back before we even arrived at the college campus to minister to students. I was so thankful and encouraged in my faith in this moment. <br />
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We had a great day at the college campus on day one although my own day was a struggle as the seed I planted was falling on some very hard soil. I strengthened myself by remembering who I was in Christ and it was not me that was being rejected but Christ. God says we are wholly accepted and loved. He took on the chastisement that brought us peace. He was the one who was despised and rejected so we could walk in freedom (Is 53). We had a wonderful service on the college campus that evening where two girls gave their lives to the Lord. We all gathered around them and welcomed them into the family, celebrating their decision to follow Christ. They were introduced to the senior pastor and his wife and told they would now be their spiritual parents. <br />
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The next day we ministered on Venice beach. There was a lot of spiritual activity there and people were very hungry for encounters with the Father. We prayed with many people that day including Satanists, psychics, business owners, homeless people and anybody else God highlighted to us. We saw God heal people of sicknesses and diseases and many gave their lives to the Lord. <br />
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The next day we went to central LA where there was a lot of gang violence in the past. It was a lower class area of LA with a lot of poverty and crime. We connected with a hispanic church there and ministered to people on the streets both black and hispanic, inviting them to encounter the love of the Father. I think people were so surprised to see our team of mostly white people in the area that even that was enough to engage people in conversation and bridge the gap of racial division. <br />
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The next day we were focused on the area surrounding the Coliseum stadium, where the Azusa Now event would happen that coming Saturday. The very first person that was highlighted to me that day was Thomas (pictured in the yellow) who was sweeping the streets in the rain. As I approached him I felt so much of the Fathers compassion for him. We prophesied over him and called him into his Godly identity. He was so touched that he accepted Jesus into his life there on the streets. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rU6UGCpVAcOaZ63O5mvsqvDo_wvRRWzJHFTaW9mwBcJxctKOlJevSsCysFsuXp-RmuQbiXm56GizNytJw2NGO44rPm1vS2BFd0-6JMU0Ge_GqJcm13BSbCzDWOwDuinIKvCMIP3AGQK4/s1600/Azusa+%2528Thomas%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rU6UGCpVAcOaZ63O5mvsqvDo_wvRRWzJHFTaW9mwBcJxctKOlJevSsCysFsuXp-RmuQbiXm56GizNytJw2NGO44rPm1vS2BFd0-6JMU0Ge_GqJcm13BSbCzDWOwDuinIKvCMIP3AGQK4/s320/Azusa+%2528Thomas%2529.jpg" /></a></div>He was embarrassed because he was dirty from cleaning the streets but we were able to give him hugs and tell him how loved he was. I imagine the prodigal Son was also filthy on returning to his Father and yet his Father embraced and kissed him. God is looking for his children to return to him regardless of their state or condition. <br />
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The next day we were up early and on our way to the coliseum as this was the big day! Bethel teams and other world ministries had flown in the previous day to usher in a new wave of the Spirits outpouring. It was an incredible day of unity between the churches who gathered <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOrBFi00_S3FQyaTiiPvPFDlHQt3397Vpc-Vx_lMvFak3JR2Q3s5jMBo8Cf4xcLPqotJEEdW8IE2G_bmOrOwTkQdr1oy-3rpxDquFwnV3XjCkVH4eRVKvchcgioYkfMNI4_n3armdzwXj/s1600/Azusa+Wheelchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOrBFi00_S3FQyaTiiPvPFDlHQt3397Vpc-Vx_lMvFak3JR2Q3s5jMBo8Cf4xcLPqotJEEdW8IE2G_bmOrOwTkQdr1oy-3rpxDquFwnV3XjCkVH4eRVKvchcgioYkfMNI4_n3armdzwXj/s320/Azusa+Wheelchair.jpg" /></a></div><br />
with one heart, to see Gods spirit pour out over this land and the nations. A Catholic leader on stage, fell to his knees and kissed Lou Engles feet as a mark of repentance for how the Catholic church had treated the protestant churches. Lou then did the same and there wasn't a dry eye in the stadium of 90,000 people.<br />
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Shawn Bolz prophesied over people from the stage through words of knowledge and Bill called out various diseases and sicknesses that God wanted to heal. <br />
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We were the ministry team for the event and went around all day healing the sick and casting out demons. Gods power was manifest all over the stadium. We saw multiple people get out of their wheelchairs, arthritis healed, blind eyes and deaf ears were opened, Fathers return to their sons, mothers to their daughters and many more miraculous signs throughout the day and week. <br />
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I cannot write everything that happened this week in words and do it due justice but only say, God is a good Father who loves his children. He is still the healer and restorer of the broken. Jesus Christ died so we could experience our Daddy' love and give it to the next person. The Holy Spirit is moving in the church through signs and wonders and this generation will see the greatest outpouring of the Spirit where we will be part of a billion soul harvest. We owe the world an encounter!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-66728927874761941732016-04-01T11:21:00.000-07:002016-04-01T11:21:46.120-07:00Judge not!When recently sharing a concern I had about the body of Christ with a friend. She responded by telling me that only God can judge and it wasn't my job to judge. I have an issue with this response for a number of reasons mainly because the discussion was about a correction (which she didn't believe in either), and not a judgement. Correction is very different to a Judgement although I believe both are important and necessary. It is true to say that God is the ultimate Judge and He will make a final decision on Judgement Day. Casting a judgement on something or someone is giving a verdict, sentence or punishment whereas correction is giving a person a chance to change before the final judgement. It is done out of love and a concern for the other persons soul. <br />
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People who don't like to be corrected by others often interpret it as judgement and quote passages like Matthew 7 "Judge not, that you be not judged." Well that settles it so, the bible is clear. We are not to judge others. Wrong!! People who quote this fail to quote the rest of the passage which says in verse 5 "first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers eye." When we have looked within ourselves and with purity of motive and heart we can indeed remove the speck from our brothers eye. In fact, the bible says one day the saints will judge the world. One day we are to judge angels! If we don't learn anything about pronouncing righteous Judgement on the earth now, how are we going to be a good stewart of what He has called us to later? It is my responsibility to love people so well that I am effected by their poor choices and I don't just 'turn a blind eye'. We must be a people who value correction when we are steering the ship in the wrong direction. Pointing out an error in the church or in an individual needs to always be for the benefit of the church or the person and not to prove ones own knowledge or wisdom. This being our motivator is stupidity and not wisdom!<br />
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Proverbs 27 says that iron sharpens iron, and so one man sharpens another. Lets be a people who value the sharpening of others, recognising that it is for our own benefit and for the glory of God. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-83643881659244631712016-02-28T11:21:00.000-08:002016-02-28T11:21:05.656-08:00Good giftsI've been thinking a lot recently about the tension between God supplying all our 'needs', and living in Gods 'abundance'. Often those who say the Christian life is not a life of material or monetary abundance but abundance in the spiritual sense, have formed this view based on some outrageous church abuses. We can all think of people who have used manipulation and persuasive teaching for personal monetary gain. <br />
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Yet there must be some physical manifestation of the abundant life for the here and now. Surely we cant be just living with a futuristic hope of life abundant. <br />
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We often lay down our God given dreams because they just seem too big or unattainable. Why is that? I have been guilty of laying down some big dreams and generally its because of a lack of resources. Would God place dreams in my heart and then not supply the necessary resources to live out those dreams? Is that what a loving Father does? Matthew 7 says 'your Father who is in heaven knows how to give good gifts to those who ask him'. Until we begin to see God as 'Father' or our 'loving Dad' we can never begin to walk in abundance. <br />
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In the previous chapter Jesus says not to be like the Gentiles who like to be heard by their many words. He says your Father knows what you 'need' before you even ask! Interesting that in the very next chapter he encourages then to continue asking!! Whats the difference? <br />
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In chapter 6 he is specifically talking about their needs and in chapter 7, he is referring to gifts. Maybe we aren't experiencing the abundance that God has for us because we simply aren't asking? We are thanking him for meeting our daily needs and missing out in the abundance he has for us because we have embraced a sacrificial poverty gospel message. He came that we might have life and life abundant (John 10:10). Has the enemy being using a theology of embracing poverty to steal from us our rich inheritance (both now and eternal)? <br />
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Yes our God supplies all our needs which by the way are according to his 'riches' in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19), yet He also wants to give good gifts. Some seasons are for sowing and some are for reaping. If we only ever learn to sow in generosity and never learn to reap, we will never experience the Father who wants to give good gifts to his children. If my earthly dad bought me a brand new piano and in the name of generosity I gave it away to someone else, how do you think my dad would feel? Lets not dishonour the giver by showing contempt for the gifts. By rejoicing in the gift we are in fact giving honour to the giver. My dad would get great delight and pleasure by seeing me play and love my new piano. <br />
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When we are seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness, he has promised that all things will be added. I don't want to live a life where I cant walk in all the fulness of what God has for me. Im thankful to my Father for meeting all my needs but Im also grateful that he is a Father who wants to bless his children with gifts and heavenly abundance. There is no lack in heaven and as we bring heaven to earth, we should not be experiencing lack in our lives. My hope is that His Kingdom will expand in my life and of those around me both in the spiritual and in the physical. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-55883450662665392962015-03-31T09:38:00.000-07:002015-03-31T09:38:41.150-07:00A poem by Annie Johnson FlintOh, set your sail to the heavenly gale,<br />
And then, no matter what winds prevail,<br />
No reef can wreck you, no calm delay;<br />
No mist will hinder, no storm will stay;<br />
Though far you wander and long you roam<br />
Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam,<br />
No wind can blow but that will speed you Home.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-6692445959730049882015-03-14T03:46:00.000-07:002015-03-14T03:46:43.180-07:00A life of boundariesBoundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend <br />
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My reflections on the book<br />
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I must admit to two feelings I had before reading Boundaries and completing this assignment. I began by being excited at the prospect of submitting a book report, forgetting that one of the most difficult obstacles in life (at least for me), is gathering all my thoughts and translating them to paper. The secon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1r0V-XsbQAWw8ZExquzW3piVbVAA40pYOP69HTq3ssdj4YIKswatG-OHmX2o2YrJ-6D2OBwX-lZqCBKYAfwis7hi4nsA96NamyEg2xqJNGJ58o5kI9U9v4JZjnchAK7YqiXgqX8IjXu6/s1600/boundaries+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1r0V-XsbQAWw8ZExquzW3piVbVAA40pYOP69HTq3ssdj4YIKswatG-OHmX2o2YrJ-6D2OBwX-lZqCBKYAfwis7hi4nsA96NamyEg2xqJNGJ58o5kI9U9v4JZjnchAK7YqiXgqX8IjXu6/s320/boundaries+pic.png" /></a></div>d feeling was fear. Fear that my lack of boundaries in some areas of life, would cause me to dislike myself. <br />
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I think I have always had a negative outlook on Boundaries and for that reason I’ve never given them much thought. As the author continually reminds the reader, there can be a common misconception when it comes to setting Boundaries. The sense that one can be confined or restricted and that establishing boundaries prohibits a person from truly doing what they want to do. As I turned each page, I began to see that in fact nothing could be further from the truth. In Romans the apostle Paul talks about being a slave to sin. As slaves of sin they were free in regard to righteousness (Rom 6:20) but the fruit they were producing made them now ashamed. Could this possibly be the freedom I was so fearful of losing by setting better boundaries? Paul reminds them that they are free from sin and have become slaves of God, and the fruit they get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. This indeed sounded like true freedom and I started to realise what a crucial role boundaries play in this fruit producing life. <br />
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I am not a renowned reader and I slowly and laboriously trudged through the opening chapters with some painstaking difficulty, wondering how long was an acceptable amount of time to pass, before I would be rewarded another coffee break! However, as I delved deeper into the pages of this book, and much to my surprise, I found that I quite enjoyed it. The book was refreshingly honest and challenging in such a way that I wanted to keep on reading. Each chapter provided wonderful encouragement, conviction and spiritual insight. Instead of viewing boundaries in a negative light, I found myself wishing I had read the book sooner and established good boundaries throughout my younger years. <br />
The wonderful freedom in being part of Christ’ Kingdom is to know that through his Holy Spirit, he can bring about change in your life. In spite of pain and consequences for poor boundary setting, Christ brings healing and a hope for the future. The well-known hymn ‘Great is thy faithfulness’ has a line that says …“strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”. As I continue to allow God to teach me healthy boundaries, I remind myself that they are for todays strength and tomorrows bright hope. What a faithful God!<br />
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Growing up I was always encouraged to be a kind and compassionate person. My mum frequently reminds me that kindness is her favourite quality in someone. Indeed it was kindness that she first noticed in my dad as a young girl. Growing up in this environment has had a lasting effect on me and I’m pleased to say that kindness and compassion are two qualities that I highly value. I love to serve and am greatly moved to compassion for people who are struggling or suffering. Jesus had compassion and so if I’m to be like him, I too must be driven by love for God and others. However, like many Christians I had fallen into a trap! <br />
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For me, the Christian life was about always being there for people when they needed me. It didn’t matter if I was busy or needed time alone, if someone needed a favour or to spend time with me, then that was part of being a ‘good’ Christian. In chapter 15 the author sums it up like this….. ‘taking responsibility for yourself is healthy, and taking responsibility for others is destructive’. I wasn’t taking responsibility for myself. I had become resentful towards friends and people in my church who had used me for their own benefit. I could really identify with Sherrie in chapter one, who was being emotionally manipulated by her friend Lois, who only wanted to talk when she needed something from Sherrie. <br />
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My car became a reason some people would befriend me and at times friendship for me seemed like a ‘lifts club’! My skills in leading worship in the church seemed to be the only reason people valued me. My compassion and drive to help others had in fact driven me away from the people I most cared about. Through this book, I started to realise that the reason I had no boundaries in this area was drawn out of a fear of losing relationship. I decided that instead of allowing hurt and resentments to fester because others weren’t good friends, I would take ownership and responsibility for my own health. I wonder how much of my energy and time spent with people was actually motivated by love or was it a fear of not being accepted? I realise like Sherrie that I need to prioritise who and what is important in my life. 1 John says we love because He first loved us. Knowing that you are loved by God should make one see themselves as valuable enough to have boundaries. As I reflected on times when people had needed me for one thing or another, I realised that more often than not, my ‘yes’ was an external yes but an internal ‘no’. I was giving out of compulsion and not cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7).<br />
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This book has taken me on a journey of learning and self-discovery and I found myself yearning for more of this boundary filled life that the authors described. I believe the church has not fully understood the true value of boundaries and has grown to adopt some of the worlds tainted views. How boundaries can restrict us or hold us back from what we want. However, if we as the church started setting healthy boundaries, I believe the church would be a place of life and freedom. Indeed the authors final prayer is a prayer that I now pray for myself and the lives of those I encounter each day. ‘Its our prayer that your biblical boundaries will lead you to a life of love, freedom, responsibility, and service’. <br />
As Christians, we are called to love God and love people and by setting strong biblical boundaries we can begin to do both to greater effect. We need to begin to adopt these Kingdom principles, so a lost, hurt and broken world can come to experience healing and love through Christ and his church. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-15455895462871523502014-08-26T10:44:00.001-07:002014-08-26T10:44:27.952-07:00How do you solve the problem of Di Maria?A lot of talk and speculation has surrounded Di Maria and his imminent move to Old Trafford this summer. Today he has passed his medical and the fans are just awaiting an announcement on their new record signing. <br />
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Already people are divided as to whether or not this is good business from a Manchester United point of view. Some suggest that the acquisition of one of the worlds top talents is a huge coo for a club that cannot offer Champions league football and add pace to the United side which they so desperately need at this time. Di Maria is seen as an excellent signing even when its urgently clear that signings are needed in central defence and in midfield. <br />
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Others argue that 60 million is a lot of money to spend on an attacking player and suggest the money should go towards strengthening the critical areas of defence and midfield. <br />
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Van Gaal has been using a 3-5-2 formation at United similar to that of his recent World cup squad. However with Di Maria in the side it now looks likely that he will be reverting to his favoured 4-3-3 formation which he used at Bayern Munich, Ajax and Barcelona. <br />
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However the problems don't end there. Presumably in a 4-3-3 formation Van Persie would lead the line with Di Maria and Januzaj playing left and right. <br />
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David Moyes broke the clubs transfer record to sign Juan Mata. His best position is playing in the pocket as the number 10 and United after spending 37 million pounds to bring him to the club, will want to start him. Chelsea tried to force him wide, which proved to be unfruitful and it was quickly realised that he cant play in any other position. In that sense he doesn't really fit into the United philosophy. He is valuable to United though, scoring 7 league goals in 17 appearances. <br />
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Playing Mata at 10 leaves us with the question of where Wayne Rooney fits into the side? Again Moyes made a poor decision in authorising a huge bumper deal in Rooneys contract. He is now, the highest earner at United with a colossal 300,000 pound a week deal and is Van Gaals new club captain. It looks certain that Rooney is in the plans of the new coach. We know from the later years of the Ferguson era that Rooney also cant play in the wide areas. He can play in the number 10 role or leading the line up top. <br />
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Last season Di Maria featured regularly for Madrid in the Rooney/Mata position. Between these three players United have invested a phenomenal sum of money and so it remains to be seen how they can all feature in the new system. Perhaps Van Gaal will consider the traditional United 4-4-2 formation which was so successful under Ferguson. <br />
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The signing of Di Maria proves that United can still attract the best players in the business but the question remains, how do you solve the problem of Di Maria? ..... Drop Van Persie!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-88970558076269223212013-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:002013-12-10T20:54:34.146-08:00Comments on Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)Lukes gospel tells the story of Jesus meeting with Zacchaeus. The story is not recorded in any of the other gospels, so we can therefore deduce that it must have significance to what Luke wanted his readers to know.<br />
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Part of the significance may lie in Jesus choosing to stay with Zacchaeus in Jericho, when he was in fact traveling quite a distance west of there, to Jerusalem. It leaves us with a beautiful image of Jesus, on his greatest journey, to fulfil his lifes mission, drawing all of humanity back to God, and yet, values the life of one sinner enough to seek Zacchaeus out in Jericho. Reading this in the context of chapter 15, the parable of the lost sheep, we discover something of Gods desire for the lost. <br />
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Lukes focus, is very much concerned with showing Jesus' compassion towards the marginalised and socially oppressed. Zacchaeus would indeed, fall into such a category, for he was a tax collector. Not only was Zacchaeus a tax collector, but he in fact, was a chief tax collector. Tax collectors were the outcasts of Jewish society, taxing the people at incredibly high rates as a source of personal income. Zacchaeus was very rich and would have been hated around Jericho. When Jesus leaves Jericho and arrives in Jerusalem, one of his first experiences is the corruption of the city. The people who sold in the temple were exploiting the people by charging at extortionary rates. This is probably similar to what was happening the people at the hand of Zacchaeus. Yet in this story, Jesus utters the words, "Today, salvation has come to this house". What was it that caused Jesus to rebuke the sellers in the temple and declare salvation over the house of Zacchaeus? In chapter 18, what prevented the rich ruler seeking to gain eternal life, from receiving a similar pronouncement? Both were wealthy, and both sought out Jesus, however both responded differently. <br />
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Zacchaeus responds by saying he will give half of his goods to the poor and anyone he has defrauded, he will restore fourfold. The fourfold is a response to the old Mosaic law, where if a man stole an ox or sheep, killing it or selling it, he would repay five oxen for one ox and four sheep for a sheep. Zacchaeus has stolen from the people and perhaps this demonstration from him, after one encounter with Jesus, reminds us that Jesus did not come to abolish the old law, but to fulfil it.<br />
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Jesus' response to the rich ruler, "for it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, that for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God", is not him saying it is impossible for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God, for what is impossible with men, is possible with God. The possibilities are seen through the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus.<br />
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In the earlier chapters of Lukes gospel, when calling his disciples, the urgency in following the call of Jesus is evident and this is also the case here, when Jesus calls Zacchaeus to hurry.<br />
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Luke begins chapter 19 by telling the reader that Jesus was passing through Jericho and in order to see Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree until he passed by that way. Of course while Jesus may just have been passing through the city, it is interesting language thats used.<br />
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The response of the crowd, to the blind beggar outside the city walls, was that Jesus of Nazareth, was passing by. <br />
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In Exodus 33, Moses asks the Lord to show him his glory. The Lord in verse 19 responds by saying, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name, 'The Lord'. And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy". In chapter 34, the Lord then passed before Moses. <br />
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The blind beggar who cried "Son of David, have mercy on me" received grace and mercy and saw the glory of the Lord displayed through the person of Jesus.<br />
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The Lord said to the Israelites in Egypt to cover their doorposts with blood and he would pass over them and the children of the house would be saved. Jesus declared salvation over Zacchaeus' house when he passed through Jericho. Again a wonderful demonstration of Gods glory, through Jesus.<br />
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A cry for mercy is the call of the blind beggar and its the same cry for mercy from the tax collector in chapter 18. Unlike the Pharisee, this tax collector acknowledges his sin and humbles himself before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. <br />
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The thief on the cross like Zacchaeus, took advantage and stole from people. He too, recognised that he was a sinner and humbled himself before Jesus. How Jesus responds to the thief is the same way he responds to Zacchaeus. He replies 'Today, you will be with me in Paradise', and to Zacchaeus, 'Today, salvation has come to this house'. The emphasis is on 'today'. The call to follow Jesus is urgent and for today. Salvation is also for today when you come before God with a humble and contrite heart.<br />
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Finally, once Jesus leaves Zacchaeus, continuing on to Jerusalem, we can read of his triumphal entry. It is clear that the people expected something different, in the shape of perhaps a political revolution or a kingly rule. Son of David was the title given to Jesus by the blind beggar, and of course Jerusalem was the city of King David. Yet Jesus choses to enter by riding a colt, which his followers set him on. Taking the humble approach, he is exalted by the people, who praise God for his coming. <br />
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Ironically, Zacchaeus' name in both Aramaic and Hebrew means 'pure one'. Before meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus had used his abilities and resources for personal gain, becoming exceedingly rich. However, after just one encounter with Jesus, the humble King, a response is awakened within him of an outpouring of exceeding generosity. <br />
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The writer of Hebrews, quoting scripture says 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion'. Zacchaeus heard the voice of Jesus calling and opened his heart and his home and was transformed into the image of Christ.<br />
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Moses saw all Gods goodness pass before him and as Zacchaeus was transformed, if we too respond to the call of God today, we with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, will be transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. <br />
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-75405256995569883282013-12-02T13:07:00.000-08:002013-12-02T13:09:45.536-08:00Comments on Jesus heals a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26)Leading up to this section, we see Jesus has already begun what he set out to do. In chapter 4 he read out a piece of the scroll from the prophet Isaiah, declaring that he has been anointed to proclaim good news to the poor, bring liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, liberty to those who are oppressed and proclaim the year of the lords favour. <br />
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As Jesus continues to fulfil this prophecy, word about him is spreading and people from far and wide are travelling to see him and find out who he is. Indeed, this will be a key question throughout the gospel of Luke and we see it asked and answered in magnificent fashion in the passages 5:17-26.<br />
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In the beginning of chapter 5, Jesus is calling his first disciples, but also has a great crowd of followers. Perhaps his growing fame is why the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who were the religious leaders at the time, chose to travel from Judea and Jerusalem to find out who this Jesus was. Jesus is challenging the 'old way' and presenting a 'new way', a 'better way', and it seems the religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus.<br />
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In v17, before being introduced to the paralysed man, or his friends, Luke makes a very interesting statement about Jesus and how he has been operating in this 'new way'. He writes, 'the power of the Lord was with him to heal'. We see since Jesus' baptism and temptations that he has been operating in the Holy Spirit, although a reasonable argument could be made for him doing so before then. However, this statement should remind us of other times where this 'power' is mentioned. <br />
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We may be reminded of the passage in Acts that says 'you will receive power from on high when the spirit comes upon you'. This power released on Jesus' disciples is the same power that came upon Jesus at his baptism. <br />
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We may also be reminded of the woman in Luke 8, who touched jesus and immediately was healed. In this story, Jesus perceived that power had gone out of him. <br />
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There are similarities in the story from Luke 8 and the story of the Paralytic. There are large crowds surrounding Jesus in both but perhaps the more striking similarity is found in the answer Jesus gives. <br />
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Faith seems to be the key component. Interestingly, the woman is healed because of her faith, whereas the man is told his sins are forgiven because of the faith of his friends. Subsequently he also receives a physical healing. <br />
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Faith is not the same as believing, and in both stories their faith required action. This is wonderfully demonstrated by the effort made from the mans friends to get him to Jesus. <br />
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The question of who Jesus is, has and will continue to be asked throughout Luke and once again the pharisees question his authority to forgive sins. The last time Jesus' authority was questioned, was during the temptation narrative, when being questioned by the devil. In that instance, Jesus did not take the easy way out by giving in to temptation, but rather chose the more difficult route. When speaking to the man, it would have been easy for Jesus to just say 'your sins are forgiven', but he proved that he actually has the authority by immediately healing the man. This was undoubtedly the more difficult route. Luke uses the word Parachrma (immediately), to show the ease at which Jesus heals, in the power of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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If this demonstration wasn't enough clear evidence of who Jesus is, he also refers to himself as the 'Son of man'. Son of man is used by Jesus over 80 times throughout the gospels, and with such frequency, that its meaning lies in something far greater than just Jesus humanity. It is in fact a title of divinity seen in Daniel 7, where it says, 'one like a Son of man'. By referring to himself as 'Son of man', Jesus is directly answering the question of who he is.<br />
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The chapter ends with Jesus answering a question about fasting and again Luke is emphasising the 'new way' introduced by and through Jesus. This theme of Jesus versus religious leader of the time, is continued throughout the gospel. The very next chapter begins in verse 5 with Jesus saying the Son of man is lord of the Sabbath again showing that he is greater. <br />
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The story of the paralytic is not just a random story included by Luke but a wonderful demonstration of who Jesus is and why his way is far greater. The fact that this story is nicely positioned between two stories of Jesus calling disciples, perhaps suggests that this story has implications and importance for his followers too. As followers of Christ, this story helps us to know that this 'new way' through Jesus is the best way. The same Holy Spirit which was upon Jesus to proclaim good news to the poor, bring liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, liberty to those who are oppressed and proclaim the year of the lords favour, can come upon all those who put their faith in him.<br />
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-87305520044997384672013-02-02T07:43:00.000-08:002013-02-02T07:43:17.577-08:00Bent knees, wet eyes and a broken heartStephen f. Olford was an incredibly influential Christian leader in the 20th century.
He was once asked what was the secret of Christian leadership?
Olford responded by saying, "Bent knees, wet eyes and a broken heart".
Its my desire this year that the Lord would break me and break the hearts of his church.
We need to be daily on our knees before God seeking out what his heart is for our city and for our nation.
To be so moved by the brokenness of the people here that it moves us to tears. Jesus wept over the state of Jerusalem because of his deep love for her. When was the last time I was so moved that I was not just brought to tears, but really wept? Have I ever really wept? Can I honestly say my heart breaks for this city?
When the prophets interceded on behalf of the people of jerusalem they didn't just pray for the people to come to repentance but they aligned themselves fully with the people and saw that they also needed to repent. Paul when writing to Timothy said "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of which I am the worst". Do I look with pity on those who are stuck in sin and don't know Christ or do I have the attitude of Paul where I see myself no better than those around me and just as much in need of Gods grace and forgiveness. When I pray for the lost I don't want to be praying out of pity, but out of passion and compassion always aware of my need for forgiveness and Gods abounding grace.
God is doing a great work in our city and we can only be effective in our calling if we approach God, on bent knees, with wet eyes and a broken heart.
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-21622789219586593302011-05-02T03:02:00.000-07:002011-05-02T03:32:04.732-07:00Osama Bin Laden<a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0502/binladen_us.html"></a><br /><br />Today Osama Bin Laden was shot dead by US soldiers ten years after the 9/11 attack on the World trade centre. The Americans finally got their vengeance and feel some sense of Justice was served today when body of the leader of Al Qaeda was identified and confirmed dead. <br /><br />What shocked me most about this news story was not the death of Osama bin Laden but the reaction that it got worldwide. I was watching Australian television, where the prime minister welcomed the news and congratulated America on a successful job. The Americans poured onto the streets, chanting USA, USA!! It strikes me as strange that the death of a man, EVEN if its Osama Bin Laden brings so much rejoicing around the globe. A sad day in our history I think. Reading some of the news reports from Washington, I was sickened by the arrogance and pride of some blood thirsty people, seeing today as a good reason to drink champagne and parade the streets celebrating how great a nation America is. One person interviewed had this to say....<br />'This is a tremendous moment, and hopefully it will bring us together, it doesn't matter if you're Muslim or Christian or whatever,' said firefighter Patrice McLeod. 'We'll never give up.'<br /><br />'We'll never give up', and lets party on for America's great victory seems to be the general feeling outside Washington, and worldwide today. Well I certainly for one won't be joining in on the celebrations but will remember May 2nd as the day we shamed ourselves and rejoiced over a life lost.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-47115247556281147982011-04-28T15:09:00.000-07:002011-04-28T15:33:51.888-07:00Coffee VanCoffee Van is one of our main evangelism ministries here on the Gold Coast. We take a van every Thursday and Saturday down to the city and set up a table on the street. We offer free tea's/coffees and food to anyone who passes by. Its a wonderful tool for meeting people in our community and engaging in good conversations. The aim of course is to be the light of Christ in our community and seek opportunity to tell people about Jesus. <br /><br />Saturday's coffee van is located next to the beach and so we meet a lot of tourists and holiday makers and the atmosphere is very upbeat and lively. This is in stark contrast to what happens on Thursday night, as we set up in a different location where a lot of people are homeless, hopeless and in great need of love. On Thursdays we meet a lot of Alcoholics, drug addicts, people living on the streets, unemployed people and people whose family lives have fallen apart. Very often we find our conversations on a Thursday night tend to go a lot deeper as these people are really seeking comfort and are desperate for a better life.<br /><br />Its very easy to let yourself get effected by the sad stories of these broken people and in recent weeks I have found that the enemy has attacked me by listening to these stories. Instead of thanking Jesus for the hope that we have in him, I have allowed doubt creep in and wondered why God seems to be so distant. Its very important for me in these times to hold strong to my faith and declare truth even if I don't feel it. Walking in the opposite spirit is something I need to do a lot at coffee van. Very often we see God move in exciting ways when we feel low and chose to walk in the Spirit.<br /><br />Yesterday I met a gentleman named Stuart and his story was so positive that I came home so encouraged and thanked God for sending him my way. He was an alcoholic and in a desperate situation. He went to the church feeding programme and to AA meetings and he is now 12 years sober. His life has totally changed and he still goes to AA meetings and the feeding programme but he is oozing with joy and has so much peace in his life. I dont know if he has made a full commitment to Christ but says he does pray and his faith is important. Please pray for Stuart. He is a really nice guy and I was so blessed to share a coffee with him yesterday. <br /><br />One of our team got baptized in the Holy Spirit yesterday and started healing people at coffee van so it was a bit of a crazy evening. Thats a whole other story but please continue to pray for the coffee van ministry that runs here.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694990325358149864.post-12878335094774012312011-04-10T17:20:00.000-07:002011-04-10T18:07:28.655-07:00Does the Holy Spirit convict us of sins?Did you ever hear these words preached in church, "When we sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin". Ive heard that preached before and let me tell you, its one of the biggest lies of the devil. The Holy spirit does not convict us of sin, but rather he convicts us of the righteousness we received by grace. <br /><br />Making this distinction is very important. In John chapter 16v7 we read that the Holy Spirit is our Advocate. In the Greek this word is Paraclete and simply translates as "counselor" or "helper". When we sin, he doesn't whisper in our ear that we messed up, but rather he says there is more grace available to us. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8) and so the Holy Spirit cannot possibly convict us of sin! He is not the accuser, he's the helper. The devil is the one who reminds us of our sin and we say its the Holy Spirit!! This is crazy talk. Lets be very careful not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit by confusing his voice with that of the devil!! He is for us, not against us and when we sin he wants to say "you are a child of God, who is made righteous by the gift of Gods grace". That should encourage us to walk and grow in grace and help us to live a life of righteousness. Where sin abounds, grace super-abounds (Romans 5:20). I'm so glad that there is grace and an advocate who helps me in my strengths and weaknesses.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15176319342135262672noreply@blogger.com0