Questions without answers

You Were Made to Make a Difference by Max Lucado and Jenna Lucado Bishop

2011-01-12T17:11:00.000Z

This youth orientated book is based around the theme of living a life that honours God more and more each day by the power of the Holy Spirit. As I mentioned in a previous view this theme is very timely for me and the re-working of that book to relate to young people is well presented and thought provoking. The design is attractive and eye catching which always helps.

I enjoyed reading the book and the content is relevant to any age but I was disappointed as it seemed just a re-working of a great title. I would have liked to see a full youth study guide and programme as the majority of young people I work with would not read a whole book, but would work through a resource with reading, listening, interaction, DVD’s etc. I would have liked to see this youth friendly version take on board what might be more suitable for young people.

Having said that I would recommend this book to young people who like to read but would not use it as a youth study guide in its current format.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

2011-01-12T17:01:00.000Z

I have always found Max Lucado’s books fairly easy reading whilst bringing a timely challenge to me the reader. This book fits that mould. Lucado takes the book of Acts and uses it as a framework for how we as Christians today can live lives that honour God and are reflective of the Holy Spirits work in our lives. As I read this I was particularly drawn to the chapters about standing up for the have-nots and the challenge to open our hearts to those who we can so easily miss.

I really enjoyed this book as I thought I would. It left me wanting more and has caused me to look more into the book of Acts again. For me it is a really excellent book to read and recommend to someone trying to figure out what it means to live a Christian life as it is extremely practical. Personally I liked that the chapters were short as it left me pondering the subjects allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the reader.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out what it means to live a life that honours Christ. I would pass it on to a new Christian or someone who has been a believer for many years. I also think it is suitable for a wide range of ages. An excellent read!

Goodness me!

2010-09-14T18:55:00.003Z

A couple of things have shocked me this week....

The first was how Terry Jones, the American Pastor of Dove World Outreach Center, could justify that a Godly response to the proposed building of a mosque on the site of the twin towers was the burning of the Koran, the Islamic holy book. On top of that I was amazed at the numerous responses from people that included so much hatred to this American church leader.

Today I heard of someone who thinks that communion served by a male minister who was ordained by a male bishop is tainted if that bishop agrees with female ordination.

These two incidents amazed me to the point where I asked the question..... What is going on in the world?!

Where is grace, mercy and a willingness to intelligently engage with others to try and understand them as opposed to diving in with negativity and cynicism?

How can the church as a corporate body and as individuals engage with issues that arise whilst keeping true to displaying the character of Jesus in these interactions?

A few thoughts... I'd love to hear what you think!

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

2010-09-07T16:07:00.002Z

I have just finished reading the Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews and it didn't take me too long to do so.... In fact it's the first book that I've read for ages that has pictures in it and that made a refreshing change.

The book is designed to inspire the reader that their life can really make a difference, not only that but that their life can be one of permanent purpose. Andrews illustrates this point by using the theory of the butterfly effect to suggest that the very things we take for granted now are the result of people who have made amazing contributions to the world through their lives. The challenge is that we can all be those people. Even though the things we do know might seem menial or ineffectual they could have an influence beyond our imagination and because of this everything we do matters!

I loved this book mainly because I wasn't expecting to! I wondered whether it's content justified it's cost, but having read it know it I know that is something I will refer to many times in the future. I love the concept of the spiritual butterfly effect and would love to see the church grasp that we can ALL truly make a difference and that the difference starts now!

If I were going to be critical it would be only inasmuch as saying that I would have loved to have read a book that explored the theme further. Yet this book caught my attention, excited my mind and engaged more than one sense and as such is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone, particularly those who perhaps need a burst of encouragement in their walk with God.

Genesis

2010-09-03T12:28:00.003Z

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:2

I started reading Genesis again today and this amazing verse stuck out to me!
Even in the design stages of this world, when things were formless, void and dark God's Spirit was moving.

Nothing in our lives can be more formless, void or dark than that moment and so over all our situations, weakness, darkness God's Spirit moves.

I like the wording of the NASB translation. The adjectives describing the state of the God's outlook were over the surface of the deep. Yet the Spirit of God was also moving over that surface.

If this world and our lives are feeling desolate, empty and lost at the moment then we should find solace in the truth that the Holy Spirit of God moves and has the power to convict, challenge, comfort and change

The Language of Love and Respect, Cracking the Communication Code with your mate by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

2010-08-20T11:25:00.002Z

In this book Dr. Eggerichs explores what he understands to be the major problem in most marriages, that of communication. He suggests that women and men have different needs, namely that the husband needs respect and the wife needs love, and outlines approaches and suggestions for addressing the communication problems in your marriage.

I was somewhat skeptical of this book as I assumed it would be a self-help kind of book, whilst elements of this do sneek in, the book is well written, simple to understand and apply. I found myself relating to much of Dr.Eggerichs observations and often read aloud certain suggestions to my wife. This book holds lots of truth and advice that, whilst basic, could make a huge difference in any marriage. Having been married for two years it provided me a challenge on where I can input to build our marriage. Love and respect are words that are often overused so would have liked a fuller explanation into what the author understands by those words. Overall, this book is an interesting and challenging read and I would suggest it to anyone who is considering marriage or is already married.

Thought

2009-12-16T12:06:00.002Z

Before we do anything God looks down and says "These are my sons and daughters whom I love, with them I am well pleased"

God's love isn't measured by what we achieve! It just flows!

DIY SOS

2009-12-11T11:49:00.002Z

I'm not normally in on a Thursday night, but as I was last night and as I haven't been feeling great recently, I had an evening in front of the TV.

After I escaped the Eastenders experience I took over the TV and watched DIY SOS. I think it was a special show focusing on how some of Children In Need's money is spent to support those who are in sheltered housing and children who don't have the kind of upbringing that many of us have had!

They basically build a huge extension on theis guys house. He had four kids and for ages they'd been living in a caravan, in cramped and poor living conditions. It was one of those programmes that make you think. There are so many people in our 'well off' country that simply aren't. One particular charity were offering single parents practical lessons such as cookery - what a great idea!

The bit that really struck me was when they did the big reveal at the end. The guy whose house had been transformed said:
"They've given their today for our tomorrow"

This was one of the most profound things I'd heard for ages and poses the hugely challenging question to us as individuals and churches.... whose tomorrows are we investing in.... because we can make a difference!

Jesus' Baptism

2009-12-11T11:47:00.003Z

Here's a question:

Why did Jesus need to get baptised if He was sinless?

And was Jesus baptised in His own name?

Youth Cell

2009-12-02T21:57:00.006Z

First things first, this is my 200th post - a mini landmark I feel after leaving the blogging community for some time!

Secondly, a thought from our older youth cell this evening.
We were discussing about where they feel they are in terms of faith, when we asked this they all admitted to believing in God, wanting to move on with God and be in better places. To grow in their discipleship journey with Jesus.

When we explored this deeper they all related experiences such as SOLID, Delirious concert, Watoto Uganda to times of spiritual highs in their lives. These experiences of joy and being with other Christians really boosted them.

In the same sentences they all also mentioned that they felt they were dropping from those spiritual highs for two reasons:
1, there are setbacks, challenges and difficulties in real life that aren't in the Christian bubble
2, they don't see the excitement for God and enthusiasm for Him back at church

The whole conversation threw up loads of challenges about how we do youthwork, but the 2nd point above is a real challenge to the church as well. How are we modelling an alive faith to our young people. In many ways I came away from tonight thinking that our young people are on fire for God and want to show but feel they can't when they don't see signs of real faith in the churches they attend.

This obviously throws up questions and thoughts on a number of levels. How have you addressed some of the issues raised?

Succession planning?

2009-12-01T14:40:00.003Z

When I was 14 I was part of the church youth group, we didn't do much compared with the many youthwork activities that exist today, but what I can remember is that our youth leader was called Steve and he was there to lead our youth activities every week. I didn't appreciate it then to the degree that I do today, but without his commitment to us as young people I question whether I'd be doing what I am doing today!

Youth work is all about relationships and so much of that is the relationship we as youthworkers have with young people.
Whilst good relationships bring with them authenticity, honesty and openness, they also bring difficulties when trying to plan into the future.

I have seen many youthworks collapse when the youth leader leaves because of the relationship that those young people had with their leader OR because there isn't the volunteer base to carry on the activities without the youth leader.

I think there is need for succession planning, It's something I've been thinking about lately
The question I want to pose is do you have a succession plan, a strategy for the youthwork to continue if you move on or you're not able to make it one night?

In some ways this is as much a commitment to our young people as the many great activities that we do and lead today

Youthwork conference : Stand out points

2009-11-27T12:21:00.003Z

Last weekend I attended youthwork the conference down in Eastbourne. There were far too many aspects that I noted down to write a concise and interesting blog so below I have shared some of the golden nuggets that I took from the different talks. Maybe they'll provoke further questions and thoughts:

Pete Greig:

"The idea of transformation is right at the heart of God, We preach the good news by becoming the good news."

"If we're going to step into the things God is going to do through us it will often include times of wilderness"

SAT NAV theology : "If we turn the wrong way God re-calibrates a route to where He wants us to go, sometimes that means going back to where we came from, but often it means going a different way that gets us back on track"

Ruth Valerio:

"If we're used to seeing the Bible as boring, then the only way to change is to come before God asking Him to create a hunger within us"

"We often think of meditation as static, it's not - it's active"

"We can't make ourselves grow up in God, we can only put ourselves in a framework where natural growth happens"

Mike Pilavachi:

"The hardest place to look good is at home"

"What is the gospel we are proclaiming and is it faithful to the gospel of Christ"

"What we are is what we re-produce, What we model is what our young people will become"

Jim Wallis:

"The mission of the kids we lead is to clear up the confusion about Christianity"

"God is personal, but never private"

"Spiritual activity doesn't get to be called revival until it changes something in society"

"If our gospel isn't good news to the poor then it isn't the gospel of Jesus Christ"

What were the nuggets that stood out to you?

Music in worship

2009-11-26T23:22:00.003Z

As part of my MA studies I am exploring the area of music in worship. I'd love to hear from people who are involved in worship leading in regard to any questions that you come across about the use of music. Whether volume, culture of music, repetitiveness, what are the questions people are asking about worship music?

Question

2009-11-25T21:27:00.005Z

Who are the people in your life that inspire you?

Really inspire you?

Fad diets

2009-11-24T21:05:00.006Z

Whether it's Atkins, South Beach, Cabbage Soup, the Hollywood, The Zone or the 3 day, fad diets are big news and big business!

The reason for going through such a regime? We know what we want the end result to be! A size 20 to a size 12, 20 stone to 12 stone! We have a goal in mind, what we'd be happy with and want to achieve it. The problem is we don't want to put in the effort to achieve it, we want that weight to fall off over night!

I think we also know that the best way to diet is a balanced diet and regular exercise. But, there must be an easier way so that we can fit into the bikini for the summer, or lose the weight gained through Christmas overeating. Our culture informs our attitude to dieting - we want the result and we want it NOW

I've been observing recently that the same is true for many Christians and their faith. We know there is a God, we know how to build relationship with God through prayer and his word, but we want quick fix. We want the intimacy and the excitement of being near to God and hearing his voice, but we want that now without putting the effort and the sacrifice in.
Unfortunately, this has been and to some extent still is true for me and for many more Christians.

And if that's how we feel then what example are we setting to our young people and those who see us as role models?
Fad Christianity feels great after conferences and events, but finds it hard to put a relationship with God into the busyness of day-to-day life. Fad Christianity knows there is a problem and knows the solution, but just can't seem to put it right.

The thing is Fad diets don't really work! The diets that work are those which are balanced, take longer and we're committed to.
Guess what, Fad Christianity doesn't work. The faith that works is that which is balanced, is in it for the long haul and we're committed to!

I've had enough of Fad Christianity, it's time for some balance!

Resounding?

2009-11-23T17:58:00.003Z

This weekend I spent the weekend in Eastbourne at Youthwork the Conference with Mr Chris Kidd. I had a brilliant weekend of thinking, reflecting, meeting, worshipping, listening, eating, praying etc. It was great to get away from my ministry setting and reflect on it!

On the retreat day we were thinking about the desert and dry times in ministry. Part of that was focusing on the idea of resonant frequencies. Now, I am no physicist but I learnt that materials have resonant frequencies. If you sing a perfect note you can smash a wine glass because of its resonant frequency. I'd hear that one before, but apparently if you place two violins in the same room they play each other because of the resonant frequency! An amazing and interesting mystery - but - what has it to do with youthwork?

If the note is slightly off key the wine glass will not smash, if the violins are not out of tune with each other they won't play each other. The question.... Are our lives resounding or is there a clash?

Our lives will be resounding when they connect with the very heart of God. When our hearts break for what breaks God's heart, when our passions and desires line up with God's, when our lives honour God with all they are. When our lives resound we'll see God do amazing things because we'll be working on what is God doing and not just doing what we're working on.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman with Ken Abraham

2009-10-28T12:47:00.000Z

I reviewed this book recently for Thomas Nelson bloggers

It’s an impressive history, world heavyweight champion and successful business man. In this book George Foreman shares some of the secrets of his successes. He lays down some patterns and practices to help make your entrepreneurial ventures successful. Foreman uses stories and lessons that he has learnt to help others put their plans and dreams into action.

I like reading books that touch on people’s personal stories. We all have stories and George Foreman’s is an interesting one. Whilst many of the lessons Foreman has learnt relate to his sporting or business successes they can be applied to wider life and even spiritual life.

This is a book that is very easy to read and that helped me to put it down having got a strategy for business and life out of it. A good read that I would recommend for a dose of motivation if things aren’t working out as you planned!

Worship: Articulation and Manipulation

2009-10-22T19:14:00.002Z

Today I was at college and we thought about the subject of Alternative Worship.

We talked about how the worship leader (whether charismatic sung worship or traditional liturgical worship) has something that they wish to articulate through the worship.

It maybe the choice of songs are based around a particular theme or it maybe through the liturgy that we come to a place of repentance before coming to the Lord's table. Our times of corporate worship exist to articulate something, our beliefs and our values, our faith and our theology.

However, sometimes that message is articulated in a way that to some seems manipulative. The God channels are a prime example. The televised services are articulating a certain message, to many they prove to be a faith growing, uplifting experience. They provide teaching and give the opportunity to respond in your own living room or by contacting them. But, for others the experience may seem like manipulation, existing to attract and then to evoke a response which could include financial giving.

If we relate to the articulation of worship (whatever form it takes) it evokes a positive reaction, however if we feel the articulation of worship is manipulative then it evokes a cynical reaction.

Worship and church causes us to respond in many different ways, often quite extremely. We know what we like! We know what we relate to, we know when and how we feel God's presence. For some that is in silence and contemplation, where for others it is in the decibels of a worship gig!

What do you think? How do you feel when you worship? Does any worship experience make you uncomfortable to the point you feel manipulated? What form of articulation do you relate to most?

FREEDOM

2009-10-20T20:48:00.002Z

Well, I haven't blogged for a while, but felt inspired today to write something by a bunch of elderly ladies!

I was speaking at 'An Hour Together' today on the subject of fear. After which we had the obligatory cup of tea (made in the pot) and a good old chat. It was really insightful because the folks started talking about their childhoods sharing stories of how they used to be packed up with a lunchbox and lemonade and would go off for a day!

It was really interesting because one comment particularly stood out to me and it was about the level of freedom they had in their childhood to today.

With all the concerns for our children, with all the stories we hear in the news of child molesters and paedophiles we seek to look after our young people. With the use of the internet, mobile phones more is accessible, but it struck me today that accessibility does not equal freedom.

Many of the young people in the area I work and live have lots, but they don't necessarily have freedom!
That's part and parcel of the world we live in today I suppose but as I was listening to those young people I was saddened by this fact, because as those older people recalled their childhoods they did so with such joy!

Do you think we can re-find that freedom in todays world?

Books I read: Fearless by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T14:41:00.002Z

Fearless is extremely relevant for these times as it seeks to address the concept of fear and its many manifestations in life. This book addresses some of the common fears one might face and upon pinpointing these seeks to apply scriptural principles in order that one might fear less. Max Lucado pinpoints areas of fear that we all cross and through stories and scripture seeks to encourage the reader to live a life of faith, not fear.

It’s not often that a book comes along that seems so timely, that makes you laugh, cry and think to the level that you make life changing choices. For me Fearless was such a book. Lucado’s style is easy to read and very applicable to everyday life. Each chapter is like a short sermon with anecdotes and stories culminating in a lesson from scripture. This is a book I have and will continue to recommend to others as it has really made an impact on how I think about fear in my life. One of the greatest parts of this book is that I put it down thinking “Why on earth do I fear”

You may know your fear, you may not, but, I am convinced that everyone will take something away from this book to help enhance their faith and take steps to overcome their fears, a brilliant book!

Books I read in hospital 1

2009-09-01T16:49:00.003Z

This summer I've had loads of time to catch up on some reading!
At the end of July I was in hospital having an operation on my back and I read a couple of books.
The first was Rob Bell's most recent book called Jesus Wants To Save Christians.

It's a really thought provoing book tracking through Biblical history and suggesting that as a church we've lost our way. It's a call to the church to avoid going into exile again, it's a cry for the church to stand up and be a reflection of Christ first and foremost and an establishment after that!

This is a book that made me think, but is it a book that will make me think enough to act.
It was a timely reminder about what it is to be a Christian and indeed the church.

Hope. The church is always about hope.

100 Bible Stories, 100 Bible Songs

2009-08-10T16:19:00.004Z

100 Bible stories, 100 Bible songs by Steven Elkins is fairly self-explanatory in what it offers, 2 CD’s worth of songs which accompany 100 stories taken from the Bible and adapted to be suitable for children. A great way of developing children’s biblical knowledge.

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson because I wanted to see if it could be used within the children’s work we do at church, I have used the stories a few times, they are simple yet accurate. The songs combine well known children’s songs with some new ones, although there are some weak songs amongst the hundred.

This book is great value, and presents great Bible stories in a fun way. I would recommend this book to parents of children under 5 as a basis for their biblical knowledge.

Time and Priorities

2009-07-02T14:22:00.004Z

I received a magazine from the youth and student branch of Open Doors yesterday. Open Doors do great work raising awareness about Christian persecution around the world, and doing their bit to help their Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

One of the articles in this copy was a college student who wrote down the timings of his typical day. He put down his lessons, chill out time, time with God, TV time etc and the challenge of the article was to do the same.

This challenged me quite sbstantially...

Is the amount of time I give to God out of the 24 hours a day reflective of his place in the priorities of my life?
If not, what are the gods that I give my resource of time to?

And personally, for me recently... Why is it hard to find the motivation to spend time with God?

Our use of time reflects our priorities, what does your use of time reflect?

Walk to work

2009-07-02T13:36:00.002Z

Without a car I have been forced to walk to work for the past few weeks and in this beautiful weather it has been absolutely brilliant! The five minute drive was convenient but non-essential and the walk gives me time to look forward to the day, get my thoughts together and pray.

I don't know about you but i've always found praying hard, I tried to do it in the car but the concentration of driving, the radio and road rage weren't always conducive to time with God, but now I walk I find it really great to pray in preparation for the day. So today I prayed for Sawyers Church, and yesterday I prayed for friends and family, to be quite honest, things I probably wouldn't have found the time to do if I had driven.

I'm actually enjoying not having a car, sure, it can be frustrating at times, but I don't really need one, and the time I would have been driving is being spent much more productively! I wonder if I feel the same when the rain comes again??!!

Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century Edition by Hank Hanegraaff

2009-06-08T17:04:00.003Z

Christianity in Crisis 21st Century edition by Hank Hanegraaff seeks to address some of the negative influences upon Christianity not from outside the church but from within it.

This is a development upon a book by the same title written by Hanegraaff 20 years ago to raise awareness over concerns emerging over the ‘word and faith movement’. In this 21st Century edition Hanegraaff develops upon his theme, referring to some of the well known teachers who we hear on our radios and see on our tv’s each day such as Osteen, Meyer, Dollar and others. His point is clear, these teachers are teaching an untrue and distorted gospel and as a result pose a danger of being cultic influences upon Christianity.

This book is an interesting read, it outlines some of the key false teachings of the ‘word and faith’ movement providing a basis for people to make informed decisions when facing such teaching. Haanegraaff is bold in his approach and presents his arguments and beliefs in an accessible format. This book challenges the individual to take responsibility for what they allow themselves to be taught and moulded by and clearly addresses a subject where few have been bold enough to even explore. Thoroughly recommended!

A lesson from the academics

2009-04-23T18:02:00.000Z

If there's one thing (there are actually many) lessons that I have learnt from academics it is that generally they can disagree without holding a grudge!

That's pretty impressive!

Lessons from Numbers 11

2009-03-19T16:18:00.002Z

The Israelites were complaining about their hardships. They had forgotten about the triumph of God in bringing them out of Egypt and began to crave food and get angry because they could not have what they wanted. (Numbers 11:1-4)
So much so that they looked back to their days of slavery, they remembered the food they ate which in comparison to manna was luxury.

They forgot that manna was God's heaven sent provision for them whilst in the desert. They forgot it was God that had brought them out of the slavery that they had so fervently complained about.

In the calling of Moses (Ex 3-4), we see that Moses doubted if He was the man to lead the people out of Egypt. He didn't think he had the correct characteristics, yet he was God's chosen man. Again in Numbers 11 (10-15) we catch a glimpse of this part of Moses' character. "the burden is too heavey for me" (14)

God provides the people with quail, meat as they asked. Yet his anger burns against his people. Why?

1. The complaints of the Israelits caused their gaze to be diverted from the provision of God onto their lack. Their focus turned from God onto themselves

2. Their greed caused them to want more than they needed

3. Their complaints had caused others, including Moses to complain, this attitude was becoming epidemic

So what does this mean for us today?

1. When we start complaining our attention diverts from God onto ourselves
2. The complaints of others can cause us to become complainers

As I read Numbers 11 which seems such an incomplete story the recurring theme became apparent to me. God deserves the place of honour in our lives. Through his revelation he has made that apparent to us, yet it's really easy to want what others have, yet when we develop this attitude our gaze can quickly fall from God onto ourselves. God desires His followers to look to Him through all and He will provide!

Worship is a language

2009-02-23T19:17:00.003Z

I came across a great quote from a guy called Peter Fink.

"Worship is a language, and the church must always question itself if it is using the language honestly. To the extent where the living members of the praying church back by their lives what they say in ritual, to that extent their ritual will be honest and credible"

What a great way of thinking about worship. A language that we all speak and Christians speak in reference to the worth of their God. Is that language being used honestly?? If it was the result would be radical living, faithful obedience and a life where Christ is truly first! Indeed if we were truly speaking the language of worship we would be displaying in our lives what we profess through the ritual of the weekly "worship service". In turn, as a result of a Christ centred life we would become more authentic in our ritual.

Let's be people who display in their lives what they pray and say on a Sunday!!

Worship as theology

2009-02-21T14:58:00.003Z

I'm quite excited about what I think will be my next assignment for my masters.
This module entitled: Theology, Church and Worship has been really interesting.

The assignment title that I am thinking of doing is:

"Discuss whether or not liturgical theologians are justified in designating worship as theology, and outline the implications of your argument for the practice of worship."

In thinking about this I have been challenged to think much more broadly about worship and indeed about the place of liturgy in the free evangelical church. In truth, I believe that we all do liturgy, and as a result all do theology in and through worship, it is just displayed in different ways.

What do you think?

- When we strip it all down - what is worship?
- From this definition - is worship theology?

And for the youth workers out there - how can we re-educate young people so that worship does not become all about music?

ONE

2009-02-17T16:32:00.002Z

I'm very excited that next weekend I am speaking at a new event called one. It is a gathering of young adults to worship, engage with God, be challenged by his word and to put it into practice in community and in serving in local churches. It's about encouraging a generation to be radical livers of the gospel!

We live in a world where it's so easy to be apathetic and I'm excited that this event is about awakening young adults to be genuine, authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.

If you're around Brentwood on Saturday 28th February then come along between 8-10pm at Brentwood Baptist Church
It'll be great!!

Crazy Love

2009-02-17T16:24:00.002Z

In July I attended Worship Centralat Westminster Central Hall where Francis Chan spoke brilliantly in the evening session. In October I was given as a gift his book 'Crazy Love' and last week I eventually finished it.

His passion is infectious, his heart exciting and his faith, remarkable.
I truly loved this really great book, particularly his approach to giving as an individual and as a church is amazing, with his church giving 50% of their budget away. The backing for this being that Jesus said 'love your neighbour as yourself'. In the same way if they have 50% then their neighbours deserves 50%.

He sets a precedent for radical and uncompromising living, which he clearly outlines that it is standard of living that is not just for 'saints' but for all of us who are in Christ.

This book has really given me a fresh impetus to my life and ministry
Now I've read it, I need to put crazy love into practice!

Saint or sinners?

2009-02-17T12:04:00.001Z

Here's a question....

As a Christian am I a saint?

OR am I a sinner?

Can I be a saint and sinner at the same time?

You see, I know I sin, surely that makes me a sinner....
But, also I know that God calls me to become more like Christ (Phil 2) , who in very nature was and is sinless...

any answers??

Following Jesus

2009-01-10T14:36:00.002Z

Following Jesus means everything!!
I am more and more convinced of this truth each day....

Following Jesus means placing him above all other things
Following Jesus means spending time with him
Following Jesus means following his example in an entirely different culture
Following Jesus means getting it wrong, but knowing you're on the right path
Following Jesus means a radical re-prioritisation of life
Following Jesus means mission
Following Jesus means a relationship with the Saviour
Following Jesus means watching, learning and living as an imitator of God
Following Jesus means falling down, but getting back up again, falling down but getting back up again, falling down but getting back up again
Following Jesus means serving before being served
Following Jesus means a blind step of faith
Following Jesus means more than life itself
Following Jesus means devotion
Following Jesus means actively and passionately guiding other people to follow Jesus
Following Jesus means looking to him in, through and because of all things
Following Jesus means walking with others along the way
Following Jesus means a willingness to follow to the cross

The most challenging journey anyone might walk, but what about the reward, the prize and the goal : unmatched!!

A constant reminder

2009-01-05T21:14:00.002Z

A video I have seen recently has really challenged me to think about what I do each Sunday at this thing we call church!

Are you here?
I mean really here?
Really engaged?

Or are you just observing?
Waiting. Watching. Hoping.

Hoping - they sing your favourite song
Hoping - it isn't too loud today
Hoping - service isn't too long

Take a moment and think
Are you really here?

What is it that is bothering you today?
What is it that keeps you awake at night?
What is it that makes you feel unworthy?
What is it that is really distracting you?

GOT IT?

Now bring it.
Bring it before God.
Bring it to his feet.
Bring it wholeheartedly.
Bring it.

Bring all of you, ever ache, pain, heartache, sorrow, every moment of your week
and worship the only one who can take these burdens from you.

He is here!
Are you?

New Year

2008-12-31T11:53:00.003Z

So the blogging started again and then Christmas came.....

Now I have a huge dilemma.....

Should blogging appear as a New Years Resolution???

Not really a HUGE dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless.

Anyway, I am currently trawling through books trying to write an assignment, which whilst laborious is also thoroughly engaging and fulfilling! So here's a little gem....

Not only are the disciples called BY Jesus, but they are called TO Jesus!

Rabbi's didn't call disciples!! The disciples went to find their Rabbi. Jesus goes and calls those who he wants to follow him, and he doesn't just call them to sit at his feet and tend to him (like a disciple of your average Rabbi would) but he calls people to lay aside everything in a radical re-prioritisation of their lives whereby He is first!

So when Jesus says 'follow me' what do you do??

Question

2008-12-12T20:29:00.002Z

I have to answer a question for an assignment before the 16th January. I have some thoughts and have done lots of reading, but I wondered what you thought....

If you had to answer the question

To what extent can patterns of ministry, leadership and discipleship today be based upon the accounts of Jesus and His disciples?

What would you say????
DISCUSS

Christmas

2008-12-10T15:13:00.002Z

I can't get that song out of my head!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Asda's theme tune for the festive season!!

They are, however, quite true! I walked down our road the other day and gazed into the tasteful and absolutely vulgur Christmas lights and decorations that have adorned many local houses. Before too long easter eggs will be in the stores!!

I'm a bit of a scrooge this year! I don't know why but it just seems to have come all to quickly. But in the midst of this attitude there have been some real joys this advent.

1. Taking Christmas lessons for year 7's looking at the Biblical account of the Christmas story

2. Writing, preparing and presenting a Christmas series for our church youth called 'Following in the Footsteps of...' which looks at what it must have really been like for the main characters of the Christmas story and how we can learn from what God did through them

3. Speaking at an hour together to the more experience folk in our congregation, I treated them to a whistlestop tour of Christmas with the challenge not to breed a spirit of complacency but allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us afresh even through the most told stories.

4. Eating our advent chocolates!

So Christmas isn't all that bad after all! Who am I to be a scrooge when I have a hope so certain and steadfast who did come into the world and called men, women and children to 'follow Him'. People want to celebrate, maybe not the birth of Christ, but what opportunities it brings for us to share our faith. By doing so we could introduce people to the greatest Christmas present ever!

Are you???

2008-12-08T17:50:00.002Z

Are you a river or are you a lake?

Although it has been a while since I last studied physical geography I think I would be correct in saying that generally rivers flow and lakes are still. Now obviously, it is not a hugely scientific or ground breaking statement but it is generally true!

Let me rephrase it....

Are you moving or are you at a standstill?

For sometime you may have noticed that my blog has been at a bit of a standstill. Lots has happened (including getting married!!) life has been busy and unfortunately the blog hasn't been of greatest priority. But in an attempt to reverse the norm I am going to try and start blogging again with popular demand from Chris Kidd!!

Question 2 : Are you a tributary or a pool?

Here's a thought.... God's grace doesn't just come up to us so we can roll up our trousers and paddle in it, but it completely covers us, flooding over us like a river in monsoon season. If God's grace is the river, are we the tributary that takes that flow to other places or are we the pool where it stays and eventually becomes stagnant?

Tributaries continue the flow!

We have been given grace free of charge, but yet often as Christians we often keep it to ourselves instead of sharing the wealth. I know I am guilty of that. I am sure that we could all think of opportunities or circumstance, even this day, where we have not shared the grace of God that we know....

My prayer is that we might be tributaries of grace....

In my readings today I realised that Jesus genealogy (Matt 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-28) displays so vividly God's grace. In that list we see a prostitute, a murderer, an adulterer, someone who married foreign women and an amazingly wicked king, to name a few. That list challenged me!! That is the grace of God in action, right there in the ancestry of Jesus.

Is the grace of God in action in and through us?
Tributary or pool??

Fix

2008-09-01T21:46:00.002Z

Imagine the scene, a film comedy where the main character knocks over a priceless Ming vase and then desperately dives to try and rescue it. Or when the character breaks something for which they know there will be repercussions. I am sure that we can all thing of films where we have seen an incident such as this, or maybe we have been the character in the centre of a real life drama of similar magnitude.

The reality is that we all break things.....

It might be something small such as a glass or maybe something big like the aforementioned Ming vase, but generally when we break things we expect consequences.

As a child when I broke something in the kitchen like a glass or a bowl I was always really upset, not because I thought I would be punished for the accident but rather that I had broken something that wasn't mine to break.

God gave Moses the ten commandments on a tablet of stone and Moses went and broke the tablet.
God gave Jonah directions to Nineveh and Jonah followed directions for the opposite direction.
God gave man and woman perfection and they broke it.

The reality is that we all break things.....

As well as the physical objects we are also historically and presently very good at breaking the law and will of God!
But the promise is that when we do break things we do not have a father who punishes us harshly, but rather a confidence to find grace and mercy by approaching the God whose laws and will we have broken....

We will never stop breaking things, but God will never stop forgiving
We will always fall short but Gods grace is sufficient!

What's your drive?

2008-08-20T19:39:00.003Z

A very interesting piece of information crossed my path the other day:

Did you know that John Grisham wrote his first novel between the hours of 2 and 6 in the morning....

This got me thinking and directed my attention to the many athletes who are representing the nations of the world currently at the Olympics in Beijing. Many of them train for their event outside a normal job. Some of them are still at school and study alongside their chosen event. For many the Olympics is the pinnacle of their career which is why it causes so much joy alongside so much sorrow.

These people mentioned are among some very highly motivated people, and seeing them has questioned where do I get my drive from? The easy and perhaps correct answer is God, but then the challenge is why don't I spend every hour that I am not working developing my God life, like an athlete might their physical condition....

There's lots of things that drive me, some positive, some negative. But it is my desire that my motivation for my waking and sleeping hours would be God... The motivation that Jesus took with Him as He lived and breathed on this earth.

If only we were driven by the commandments and will of God more than anything else I reckon that Christians and the church would be a formidable, unstoppable steam roller of hope, grace and truth!

......and that sounds like what we're called to be?!!

Turn your eyes

2008-08-13T21:19:00.002Z

In 1918, a hymn writer named Helen Lemmel wrote the beautiful and challenging hymn, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus." She had been with a missionary friend who had shared with her a gospel tract. Inside the tract was the text:

"So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness."

This profound text caused a song to rise up in her spirit and the hymn was written. It has been a challenge to me over this last week and I pray that the words of a 45 year old written in 1918 and published in 1922 might speak into your life now. What a great call to the church : TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

Holiday reading

2008-08-09T20:53:00.012Z

One of the real blessings of my recent holiday was the chance to get stuck into some good books. I managed to read 4 books whilst away which have greatly challenged my thinking since. I recommend each and everyone of these great but different books.

1. Vintage Jesus is a book by two guy called Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. A really readable book, Driscoll and Breshears seek to write around the person and work of Jesus. I don't know what you're stereotypical image of Jesus is, but I'm sure that after you have read this book there will be something new that you discover about Jesus that you probably didn't think about before. Driscoll's writings are always very straight to the point and this book calls us as individuals and churches to rethink and recapture the true Jesus. A really great read!

2. Plastic Jesus is a book by Eric Sandras subtitled Exposing the hollowness of comfortable Christianity. He explores the idea of Spiritual suburbia, everything looks great from the outside but is it actually on the inside. He suggests that if we really want to see authentic relationships, and churches that reach the lost then we need to peel back the cover that many of us place over our own lives, except our own brokenness and sinfulness but live in surrender to Christ's forgiveness. A great concept which should lead us to action in our lives and churches.

3. An Arrow pointing to Heaven, a devotional biography on Rich Mullins by James Bryan Smith is a brilliant and inspirational read. Rich Mullins wrote the song 'Our God is an awesome God' as well as many other hits. He was a huge star in America but yet an amazingly humble man. In 1997 he died in a tragic car crash. Smith writes admiringly of Mullins live which was and still is an excellent example of Godly living. Whilst very successful and wealthy Mullins only took what he needed and gave much of his wealth away, whilst he was not reckless about death he looked forward to heaven, and he was passionate about God's creation. When I read this I was inspired to write songs, spend time enjoying God's creation, and spending each day as a gift from the Almighty God.

4. Second Guessing God is a book by Brian Jones about holding onto the sovereignty of God even when you are in the darkest valley. I love the idea that Jones uses, God is working 'upstream in our lives. We may not understand what is happening right now in our situation, we may not be able to see hope or a future in the depth of whatever struggles we may face but God is working upstream and has promised to be working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:38) A great read if you are struggling!

So that was part of my holiday, if you get the opportunity dip into anyone of these great books!

Impact

2008-08-05T13:03:00.000Z

David was the youngest brother and God anointed him to lead a nation…

Solomon was probably 18-20 when he received the gift of wisdom…

John the Baptist was in his 20’s when he proclaimed the way of the Lord…

Jesus was 30 when he began His public ministry…

A generation can impact a nation,
God longs for us to stand up and be counted
To be an agent for change in His church and His world

God calls us to live, breath, preach, long for Godliness, to display faith in a faithless society, to show love in an unlovely world, to be gracious where there is so much ungrace…

He can change this world and He chose to use us as vessels to do it through
Lets be open vessels, running to the throne of God, displaying the passion that come from loving with abandon, being God to a world that has lost hope!

Let’s be the generation who long to be tools by which God can change a nation!

back

2008-08-05T12:53:00.002Z

It's been a while since I last blogged.
I have just returned from a great week in Madeira where we stayed on top of the second highest sea cliff in the world! (see picture) Very steep!

In my readings over the holiday which I will blog about soon I have been challenged by the idea that God is working upstream. We may see heartache, pain, suffering but God is constantly working for good. We might not see or understand what He is doing...but He is doing! God is working in all our lives and in this world and I want to be a part of whatever that looks like regardless of the perspective that I might have or carry...God knows!

Worship Central

2008-07-16T13:34:00.002Z

On Saturday I spent the day in London at Worship Central, a conference to equip the church into worship. A wonderful group of people travelled up and we spent a day worshipping, hearing and planning.

The highlight for me was the evening speaker, a guy called Francis Chan. He is the teaching pastor at Cornerstone Church in South Califronia and spoke passionately about being people and churches that reflect the heart of God.

Francis spoke about how so much amazing stuff happened in the Bible, but the word doesn't seem to match what the church is doing. The church often isn't a reflection of what God calls it to be.

A provocative statement that He challenged us with was this:

If you only had the Bible, what conclusions about Jesus would you come up with?

As individuals and as the church I am absolutely convinced that we need to refocus ourselves and our mission through the lens of the word of God. We must first love God then love other, we must care for the poor and needy, we must trust in God with all our hearts and lean not on our own understandings.

Just think what might happen if we live by the truth of God, revealed in the word of God and through the Spirit of God.... I think the power of God would be seen in amazing ways!!

So what's stopping us......

Called to worship

2008-07-08T11:55:00.003Z

Recently I have been studying the book of Job and I'm still caught up in the first couple of chapters...

Job was a blessed man, I suppose he'd be middle to upper class in our western culture today. A man who owned property, who had many working for him and who was blessed with a large family. He was a man of God who trusted in the sufficiency of his creator. He was blameless and upright, he feared God and shunned evil Job 1:1

God allows Satan to test Job. That in itself is quite amazing... God believed in Job, he believed that Job would not denounce his faith even through trial. God beleives in Job and God believes in us.

Satan tries to trip up Job by bring distress to those around him. Everything fell apart for him at the same time. Job's response = WORSHIP

What an amazing example to us... I don't know what strains you at the moment but I know more and more so that our response to such times should be worship. A proclaimation of the all surpassing greatness of our God!

In times of trial we must fall down and worship!

Response to certainty

2008-07-01T15:05:00.002Z

I am so glad that I can call Christ my Saviour!

No matter what comes you way, whether calamity or joy, I have a Saviour whose name is Jesus.

A certain, steadfast, perfect Lord who will never fail!

There are no hopeless situations in Christ.

I find fresh hope in such certainty and my only response can be to trust!

I wonder if you feel the same and if so what are the characteristics of God that are really upkeeping you in these days?

Staying focused

2008-06-24T12:43:00.002Z

It's a feeling that I'm sure every teacher feels and experiences at this time of year. Children losing their focus because the holidays are coming.... for that matter the teachers are probably losing their focus because the holidays are coming.

Isn't it so important to stay focused in our faith because when we lose focus we start to drift, to look ahead whilst neglecting the now. It's so important to remain focused.

I also believe that when we lose focus we open a window for Satan to get in. Let's stay focused so that we grow daily in our walk with Christ instead of getting caught up and tripped up in our own ways and the ways of this world.

Stay focused!

Husbands...

2008-06-19T13:53:00.003Z

...love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

As I sat in a prayer meeting this very morning this amazing verse came into my mind. The thought was sparked by someones prayer regarding Christ interceeding on our behalf. If Christ interceedes for us surely that means that He is listening to us. He hears and knows our hearts?

If that is true what does it mean for Christian marriage?

Husbands, listen to your wives, care for them through iniquity and adverse cicumstance, come alongside them in their time of need and rejoice in their joys, and interceede for them.

But, lets not leave it there, If that's what Christ does for us because he intimately cares for us, then shouldn't it be so that we reflect these same expressions of love to the world in which we live.

I believe that if we start to get to grips with the things that break the very heart of God then we will start to understand the mission of God and the place that we have in seeing that come to pass.

Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it
People of God, love the world as God loves the world and gave His son for it

ME ME ME

2008-06-16T21:01:00.003Z

If God is for us, who can be against us

I come back time and time to the fact that we are just people, with finite minds, limited understanding and created beings!

God created and God creates! He is the infinite, He is all understanding, He is the creator!

I don't know about you, but so often I forget who I am in relation to God.

I am chosen as a son, called to be a mouthpiece, made to be a servant with God as the very centre of all my energies and attention! The Bible speaks of all that God by his grace calls me and you to be!

I forget that sometimes! Actually I forget that most of the time!

I try and elevate myself, I try and place power in my own understanding, I try and take the praise and glory for myself!

I've been learning to pray a prayer that holds with it a denial of my human self. I hope it helps if you may be wrestling with your place in relation to God. God is all powerful and if He is for us, who can be against us. This should bring us great confidence in trusting in Him through all things!

Dear Lord,
I lay myself before you today
May You increase in my life whilst I decrease
I pick up my cross and follow You, I deny myself, my flesh and pray that I might be led by your Holy Spirit
In the name of Christ
Amen

Dangerously exciting

2008-06-13T08:56:00.002Z

This week I have had two appointments specifically thinking about the strategy of youth work.
I have sat through these listening to people's opinions, considering the issues at stake and developing ideas that could address such issues.

As I sat in one such meeting this morning I wanted to blurt out 'can we not just let young people be young people!'

Young people are young people, passionate beings seeking care, fulfillment, safety in this world. They push boundaries, trying to figure out what's right and what's wrong, trying to understand how far is too far and so there development continues.

They can be dangerously aggressive when they choose the wrong avenues for their energies, yet dangerously exciting when they direct themselves to wholesome living.

Young people are young people, inevitably some will commit crime, inevitably circumstances, and life style will have an impact on them as they mould into the person they are becoming.

Being strategic is good, don't get me wrong, but lets not confine them to a wobbly tightrope life where the slightest error is magnified, but rather let's free our young people to make mistakes, to experience the fullness of life with all it's facets.

And above all, lets be the face, hands, feet and essence of Jesus saying 'come'

Yours

2008-06-02T16:00:00.002Z

YOURS IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY

How often do we try to build our own kingdomas, live in our own power, and take the glory for ourselves!

In a denial of self, I challenge you, as I myself have been challenged to truly declare:

YOURS IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY

God never leaves

2008-06-02T15:45:00.002Z

Last night I had the privilege of leading others in worship alongside a great bunch of young people. I have often used and heard the idea that the young people we live alongside will be the next....prime minister, evangelist, authors, singers, you fill in the blanks, but last night I saw a glimpse of potential being realised with the young people whom I work with.

We led a youth service inspired by the poem and song entitled

'Footprints in the Sand'

exploring the undeniable truth that God will never leave or forsake us! The young people led the service, played, prayer and preached and people went away blessed and challenged.

Young people need to be released to do what they do best. To be passionate about a cause, and if we can free them to passionate about Jesus then watch out world, because the object of that passion is perfect!

If you are in leadership over young people I implore you to release them to act, serve, and love. They could be a great example to the rest of your church!

Truth

2008-05-29T22:35:00.002Z

One of my current strong convictions is that the Christian church has to recapture truth!

If we truly believe that the work of the cross and the tomb brings forgiveness from sin and an eternal inheritance, by implication we must recognise that there are a lot of people that need to know that truth. Generally speaking, the church takes it's responsibility to tell the world too lightly. It's easy to get bogged down in running an organisation, but we must refocus and remind ourselves that the organisation that we know as church, not only exists for it's members, but much more so its community.

The conviction of truth and faith must be reflected in a surrendered and serving life that strives to reach other people.
The more I think about it the more I believe it to be true?
What do you think, and where are we going wrong?

Where sin increases

2008-05-27T19:46:00.003Z

Grace increases all the more

What a tremendous thought and an amazing challenge:

Does grace abound through my witness to others?

Grace is bigger than sin! End of story!

First repenter

2008-05-19T22:20:00.002Z

In a variety of different contexts and settings I have been thinking about the need to continually repent of our sin.
I believe that we are saved once through the grace of God through Christ (Justification) but we need to be continually changed through grace as well (sanctification)

If this is true we need to get to grips with repentance, we must express and feel sincere remorse and regret for our shortcomings and sin, we must understand the Christ turns repentance into restoration and we must model this to the people we co-exist with, in the workplace, in the family and in the church.

I attended a conference last week where the phrase of first repenter was used, specifically in the context of marriage, but I believe it can be applied in other areas as well!

How do we model repentance, and are you the first to repent?
Leaders, we must be the first to repent as the modeling of this will send a strong message to those whom we lead.

I was challenged deeply by this idea and ask that you will join me in seeking to become the first repenter in whatever context you find yourself, to lay everything down before God and say 'I come to the cross again and say sorry'

Repentance is the start of restoration!

Culture

2008-05-13T22:37:00.002Z

One of the key things that we must consider pieces of scripture is what is the cultural context that this was written in an how might it apply to today!

We read in the Bible of swordsman, fortresses, threshing floors, jars. Much language that we don't hear of so much today because of technological and chronological advancement, but we realise that these things are talked about because they were relevant for the time and may be relevant even for now!

So if culture is such a big thing, then why is our practical theology not being informed by the culture we live in?
Why is the church not grasping at all it can to be relevant to the prevailing culture?

If we do not understand the culture in which we live how might we apply to it?

Please, don't misunderstand me here. I hold fast to the gospel of grace being true and relevant to every and any culture. Yet I also believe that we as the church have a responsibility to be witnesses in the various contexts in which we find ourselves.

How can we not be poisoned by the consumeristic culture in which we exist, but be a voice that helps shape it to be a Godly and gracious culture?

What is the churches reaction in the face of constant cultural change, and perhaps the challenge is, what should it be?

Guilty?

2008-05-09T10:35:00.004Z

I have been thinking about the promises of God. It is very easy to recite some of God's promises to us, but not as easy to apply them. The recognition of the power and authority of the word and truth of God has to not only be known in our hearts but must make the journey down into our hearts and out into our lives.

Do you feel guilty when you sin? The 'i know I shouldn't have done that feeling' consumes your thoughts and feelings and a spiritual grieving process begins. The things we do cause us to build up a wall between us and God because often we presume Gods reaction is one of disappointment and condemnation!

I came across a great passage of scripture which you can find in the story of Absalom in 2nd Samuel. This one verse (2 Sam 14:14) jumped out at me:

Like water spilled on the ground which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But, God does not take away life, instead He devises ways so that a banished person might not be estranged from him

If you feel guilty for sin, you are not alone. But, God wants to devise ways that we might not be estranged from Him. What an amazing promises, we have an almighty advocate who longs to stands up for us in the heavenlys and fights on our behalf. We might feel guilty but God does not choose to banish but to reconcile. In Him there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)

Do you feel guilty? God's promise to those who believe is forgiveness. Through Jesus we are set free from the law of sin and death. The reality is that we all sin, not one is sinless. We so often condemn ourselves on God's behalf (and don't get me wrong there is a place for mourning our weakness and lamenting our unfaithfulness) but God, the promiser is faithful (Heb 10:23) and promises that the blood of Jesus washes, sanctifies and justifies (1 Cor 6:11) so that we might approach the throne of grace with freedom, and even confidence! (Eph 3:12)

What a great promise when the guilt of our lives and the world seems to overcome us. Let's not dwell on guilt, but ask for forgiveness from it for God longs for us to be free!

Question

2008-05-07T22:27:00.002Z

What are the parts of your life that are consumed by FLESH in your life, and what are the areas you to be led by the SPIRIT

Over the last week the battle between flesh and Spirit has been big on my mind. We all battle with it because of our (self) nature. We want to achieve for ourselves, we want to look after ourselves, we want to be esteemed for who we are.

Simply it's a battle between the things of ME, and the things of God

I have been challenged to continually repent of the ungodly things I think, say and do throughout my day and it's been great because you start to think and act by the Spirit. You start to think - what would God say about this....

I ask that question to you to encourage a personal response - where do you need to lay down flesh and self - the things of ME, and pick up grace and love and all the other things of God and Spirit??

What is Church??

2008-05-01T20:58:00.002Z

That's the title of the lesson that I have been helping teach to a number of year 7 classes this week.
A great question that calls into question some of the things that church might have become, but also the really great things about modern day church!

Isn't it interesting that some things stick and other don't!
Music is constantly changing! Bands in the 60's, 70's might not be the same as todays and might not be our cup of tea, so we just move on. We choose to listen to our style but don't dwell on the styles we don't like!

But church is different!

There are so many churches that are different from the traditional view of church, but for some reason the idea of church has stuck as a boring old place. People still dwell on the image of choir and organ for example and do not move on from that. For some churches that might be true, but for many it simply isn't!

The question that rises is: How can we break the stereotype of church?

The lessons have been informative and interesting, and the young people have engaged amazingly. It is a real privilege to go into a school in this day and age and to speak about church so openly. The prayer is that some of those links will grow to bring fruit way into the future!

BUT

2008-04-22T22:26:00.002Z

Who would have thought that a three letter word could be so powerful. Over the last few weeks I have been dwelling on this word. The word BUT in terms of Biblical use often refers to the redemption of God through or from a situation.

Take for example the exile of the Israelites to Babylon in the 6th century. The people were exiled because they did not obey God, they went after their own lusts and greeds and followed their own gods.

So God gave them over to exile!

Isaiah the prophet who lived 150 years before this occurrence prophesied of judgment on the nation that did not follow God but chose to obey their own precepts and wills. The Babylonians invaded and the people were exiled from the land they were given as an inheritance. Isaiah also prophesied that redemption would follow. See Isaiah 42:18-25 and Isaiah 43. The first verse of Isaiah 43 starts with:

BUT

and Isaiah speaks of God summoning His people by name, calling them to be His people once more and to be witnesses to a dying and hurting world.

The word BUT signifies something that has passed, in this occasion a situation that resulted from disobedience, but the word also gives a second chance. BUT allows us to learn from the past and move into the present and onto the future. The word BUT is great because it gives us a great insight into God. It should teach us what we shouldn't be doing and lead us to what God calls us to do.

The grace and love of God says BUT! We should be given over to our situation, we should probably be exiled, we deserve the punishment that our sin should bring BUT God sent His son to pay the price that we so deserved.

God proclaims BUT over us! Once for all.
We have sinned, BUT

What might the BUT of our current situations be?
I am struggling with.......... BUT through the grace of God I can stand and live
I find it hard to............... BUT God's wisdom is above and beyond even what I can see in that situation

God says BUT because of His great love and compassion for a sinful people. What a great promise, and what a reason to praise and worship Him!

Fallen

2008-04-20T21:13:00.003Z

How ever you look at it, we've sinned!
The Bible makes it quite clear: 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Now sin is an old fashioned word in many respects. It's the act of doing something that is not in line with the will of God. We have all done it, whether we realise or not. When God created the world He created it perfectly, Sin is the toxic injection into Gods perfect creation!

We are all sinful and have all fallen from the will of God: Romans 23:3 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but we could dwell on this sad part of the the story in regret, denial, and guilt. God recognises this part of the narrative, but the beauty is that it's not the last chapter, the best is yet to come and it comes through such love bringing redemption from the sinful places.

I am forever indebted to my God for the great gift of Jesus Christ, whilst dwelling on the below Psalm this week I was reminded once more that it is from a fallen and sinful heart that praise comes from. None of us are perfect but we must never let our weaknesses, sin, hang ups, uncertainties, pride and greed to get in the way of worshipping our God! He is so much bigger than our petty insecurities and our sinful nature and calls us out of that to a life of submission, adoration, and worship.

From a place of sin has to come redemption and on acceptance of the redeeming power of an awesome God through His saviour son should come freedom to worship in and through the Spirit!

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Distraction

2008-04-14T22:33:00.002Z

I'm sure that you can sympathise with the setting. You want to make time to spend with God, so you sit down. But, then you remember you need to send an email. Then you feel like a cup of tea, on the way back to the study your attention is drawn by the TV. You settle down to spend time with God and the phone rings. Before you know it, it's time to go out and the in depth time of communion with Father has become a rushed 10 minutes!

We've all done it! I am so often distracted. For me it is often work related things. Sending e-mails or remembering something I need to do that hasn't been done!

I have been reminded subtly by a number of sources over the last few days of how short life is but how much has to be achieved! I want to share a few of my reflections and I have a feeling some will ring true for you!

- I spend too much time trying to please people, rather than pleasing God!
- I dwell on small niggles which can quickly become large disagreements
- I form good intentions but they are often overlooked by busy reality
- I want spend time with my God but procrastinate so often

And that is to name a few. We have to have an urgency to share Jesus. Our lives have to be 100% about knowing God and making Him known. Not that we would spend all the time studying, and praying, but that above all things God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit would be our number one and central to all things.

We must let God percolate through our lives, making us stronger in a world the is desperate for direction!
I pray against what ever distractions that you might face in your lives right now.
May we not be known as a church that gets caught up in distraction but rather a church that is released into action!

From the inside out

2008-04-10T22:08:00.003Z

As I sung this song tonight I echoed the lyrics in praise and thanksgiving to my God!

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

Lord I give you control of my life, my feelings, my thoughts, my emotions, my reactions, my words, my deeds...
Please Lord consume me! From the inside out, may your transformation on the inside turn on the light switch on the outside for other to see! Amen

Spring Harvest

2008-04-07T10:27:00.004Z

After returning from a week in sunny Skegness I feel refreshed and ready to crack on with the rest of the year!

It is always encouraging to gather with 4,000 other Christians. To worship, pray, spend time and hear God's word together. This year the theme was ONE HOPE thinking about the fact that we have a hope that is certain and steadfast. It is not just a hopeful thought that we might have eternal life but and certain hope based on the promises of God. In response to this we must be outward looking, willing and active in sharing that hope with others.

We must be a people of hope, not hope in the church or in other people, but rather hope in a true and living God!

Book tagging

2008-03-26T10:51:00.005Z

So I was asked to book tag, this is how it works;

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five other people.

I very rarely would do anything like this but thought I'd give it a go to entertain my curiousity. Here's what I found;

The book: Knowing God, J.I.Packer, 1973

The sentences: Rather the reverse, He made us with the intention that He and we might walk together forever in a love relationship. But such a relationship can only exist when the parties involved know something of each other.God our maker knows all about us before we say anything, but we can know nothing about Him unless He tells us!

It was such an amazing few sentences that I thought I must blog on it. I was reminded in the middle of a random activity that we were created to walk with and be in relationship with God. I know it's simple, but isn't it an amazing thought! God knows all about us, our everything, even the bits we're ashamed of. There's nothing that we can do to stop God knowing about us, He knows! I am challenged to heed that, God knows my shame yet doesn't reject me for it and offers to help me through it! He knows my inmost being and still loves me! Love demands a response, and our response to such love should be to transform those areas of our lives that need changing, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

Lean on Him

2008-03-26T10:11:00.002Z

I came across some words that were sent to me sometime ago which should be a comfort and challenge to all of us:

'I will carry you
I will uphold you
I will lead you
I will strengthen you
You are my delight

Lean into me and drink
Fill yourself with me
I will lead my people
I know those who are mine
From everlasting to everlasting - I AM'

Today

2008-03-22T08:35:00.002Z

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it Psalm 118:24

There are 24 hours....
1,440 minutes..... and 86,400 seconds in this day!

All given by God!

One of the most common excuses that I hear for people not spending time with God (myself included) is 'I am just too busy' or 'I don't have the time'

Time is a gift from God and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of that gift, to use it wisely and well.
I wonder today how well do you use your time? It's a question that I have been asking a lot recently. Are you one of those people who works, works, works, and then when rest comes you sleep, sleep, sleep? Are you someone who is very disciplined in all they do?

As a child 'thank you' cards after birthdays and Christmas were the most grueling experience, after all I couldn't afford the time that it would take to write a short note to someone who had sent a gift. Isn't our response to God a bit like that?

Really when it comes to it we should be able to take time to give our thanks to the Giver!
How much of that 24 hours might we use for our own gain, and how much might we give back to God?

Influence

2008-03-17T22:13:00.002Z

We all have influence. No matter who we are or what we do we all have influence.
We also have the choice of the nature of that influence.
As a leader I want to be a good influence and example to the young people for whom I have responsibility!

You have influence and God wants you to use it for HIS glory!

Sometime ago I had a conversation with someone about how there weren't many people coming to a certain group. I outlined who was coming and the problem was that this person didn't know any of them. My reply was to invite their friends.

Often the idea of inviting friends to church events is one of instant fear... 'what will they think of it, what will they think of me, what if it is embarrassing, what if they say no maybe some of the thought processes that run through our minds.

The reality is that I cannot have huge influence upon the people you know, but you can!
I am humbled and amazed at the web counter on my blog. It is up to nearly 4000 and however inaccurate that probably is, it is a reminder to me that people to read this and I pray are influenced by it.

DL Moody in his book Overcoming Life puts it brilliantly; What God wants you to do is use the influence you have

We have influence, no question about it, let's use it not for our own gain which will be short lived but for God's gain which is everlasting!

Arrested

2008-03-14T12:17:00.003Z

This Sunday are youth are going to be raising money to send Bible to persecuted Christians throughout the world. The money we raise will go to Open Doors who have an amazing ministry with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

It was a great encouragement to me to hear and see our young people getting excited about how they could help young people similar to themselves but coming under intense persecution for their faith.

In my readings this week I came over and have pondered on this very challenging question:

"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

I'll leave you to ponder that one....

Tabernacle Together

2008-03-10T18:01:00.002Z

The Tabernacle is in it's simplest terms a home. It was a dwelling place for God build upon His command by the Israelites in their pilgrimage through Egypt towards Canaan. The Tabernacle is known in the Hebrew as Mishkan This word is closely related to the Hebrew word to "dwell", "rest", or "to live in", referring to the "[In-dwelling] Presence of God" The tabernacle was a Holy place, a Tent of Meeting, a Sanctuary where God dwelt and where the people could sacrifice their offerings to Him.

Exodus 35:4-29 describes the materials used to build the tabernacle.

vs.4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have take an offering to the Lord.

vs.20 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tabernacle, for all it's service, and for the sacred garments.

To get this structure built, the people had to muck in, and muck in they did! They gave their money and wealth as offerings, they gave their time and their skills, they gave their all to building and constructing a place where God might dwell. As I read through that passage in my readings I fought the tendency to skim over it as a list of things that people offered and saw the amazing encouragement that it holds. The Israelites worked together, and gave themselves to see the Sanctuary of God developed. What a challenge that is to us in relationship to our local Churches, but isn't it great when we do all work together!

Yesterday our church opened it's doors as it does every year for the Brentwood Half Marathon, we provide refreshments and activities for the runners and their families, and once again it was a great success, why? because a group of people decide to work together for a united cause, for the Israelites it was the tabernacle, what is it for us?

Let's work together in unity under the Spirit of God giving ourselves, our gifts and our time to see what God might do through people willing to bring an offering to Him.

I can change the world...

2008-03-07T15:00:00.002Z

Ben Harper wrote a song called 'with my own two hands' Here's a few lyrics from that song:

I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make a better place
With my own two hands
Make a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own, With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
I can reach out to you
With my own two hands

I don't know if I can change the world, but I know God can impact people through me.
As Christians we so often limit what God might do through us. We impose our own limitations upon God. "We can't do it, so it cannot be done"
I'm on a journey trying to forge that kind of trust in my daily life. A trust that says I may not be able to, but God can! I'm challenged to let God be God, to submit my flesh daily and choose to trust in the all surpassing greatness of our Creator and Maker.
How about it? Under God we can change the world!!

Prioritising

2008-03-05T23:05:00.002Z

According to the fount of all knowledge that is Top Gear the average person in the UK spends on average 4 years of their life in a car!

Isn't time a great gift, but an amazingly misused gift!

A question that has been floating around my mind this evening is
'How hard would it be to give one or even two of the twenty four hours we have each day back to God?'

It is easy to prioritise other things in life over God. It's easy to blame busyness and procrastinate. It's easy to justify why we haven't.

When I was younger I would always kick up a stink when I was asked to (or told to) do the dishes after Sunday lunch! 'If someone told me, I wasn't going to do it'
But there were occasions where if I saw some dishes needed doing I would do them of my own back.

The same principle applies, to spend time with God we need to be motivated to do so. If we are told we can react in rebellion and treat it as legalism. If we are to see Christians grow in their own personal relationships with God we need not only tell them to read the word of God, pray and worship but also instill motivation in them to do it!

If we are not motivated we will not do!

You may have guessed that this post comes out of personal challenge to me, and is very much something I am working through and coming to figure out for my own life. The response to how we use our time and prioritise God in our daily lives has to ultimately be a personal one, in accordance with our lifestyles and how we effectively commune with God.

But, the premise is still true. We need to spend time with God to become more like Him.
What is one hour a day as a response to the great gift that God gave to us through Christ's life, death and resurrection!

Our God is....

2008-02-28T18:05:00.004Z

In the midst of our human nature we need to constantly be reminded that our God is...

Creator, Sustainer, Perfecter...
King, Lord, Prince of Peace...
Father, Teacher, Healer...
Holy, Awesome, Amazing...
Humble, Giving, Caring...
Bridegroom, Lover, Faithful...
God, Perfection, Complete...
Mighty, Powerful, Uncontainable...
Shepherd, Guide, Light...
Beautiful, Magnificent, Outstanding...
Gracious, Compassionate, Merciful...
Sacrificial, Obedient, Purposeful...
Messiah, Redeemer, Rescuer...
Friend, Servant, Companion...
Yahweh, Emmanuel, I am...

What can I do, but thank You!

Mouth

2008-02-27T16:08:00.002Z

I, the Lord, am your God, Who bought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10

I love food and I love it when people offer me a meal. 1. because it means I don't have to cook and 2. because it's generally better quality than my cooking!

God wants to fill our mouths! He wants to pour out His Spirit and blessing upon us. He delivered the Israelites from the oppression of the Egyptians (Exodus 1 - 14) and He led them through the wilderness into the Promised Land. It took a long time for the Israelites to get to the Promised Land because they didn't fully let God fill their mouths!

But My people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me. So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices. Oh that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in my ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries. Psalm 81:11-14

Eventually they got to the Promised Land because they directed their hearts to God (Joshua 3-5:12) and let Him fill their mouths. They obeyed and listen to Him, and He led them out of the wilderness and away from their enemies.

- When God offers to we accept?
- Do we let God be God?
- Let's not get caught up in a wilderness because we don't obey God
- Make time to listen and dwell in God's presence!
- Open your mouth and let God fill it!

From and In

2008-02-26T16:58:00.002Z

I had a great conversation today thinking back over my Christian walk and over some of the factors that contributed to what I did and how I got to this place now. It was really interesting to analyse some of these. It caused me to thank God for all He is and will ever be, but also to thank those people who have been strongholds in my life not least parents.

One of my key reflections was that I never really had a time where I hated God, I didn't rebel from faith. From since I can remember I always knew God was God, He was Creator, Father, Lord, and I always knew Jesus as Saviour and King. I didn't rebel from God but I feel I have and continued to rebel in 'faith.'

Those habitual sins that we just cannot shake of, the uncertainty of what others might say and think If I declared my faith, the chains that held me back!!! What might be the application for you!!

As I talked through this concept I realise I don't want to be rebel, I want to be a disciple. I don't want to be separated from, but in communion with God. I don't want to be a sinner, but a saint. Now I know perfection is unattainable but we should certainly strive for it!

I share this with you because I have made choices to rebel from God, trusting in myself, but I need to constantly resolve to being a follower, disciple and love of God. Will you join me in this journey as God calls us. To throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and to fix our eyes on Jesus!

Objectives

2008-02-25T00:45:00.002Z

For lent I made the mistake of not really thinking through what I was going to give up.
To put this in context, I have never given anything up for lent before, growing up I had a friend who each year gave up chocolate, it seemed like forced hardship to me!!

But, this year I decided to give up desserts excluding fruit, all snacks and coffee. Well I have done well on the coffee, but have decided to give up on giving up desserts and snacks!

I know, I know not very good!! But, the thing is I was just giving up things for the sake of it. I have been convicted by the thought that I am trying to give up things to honour God when actually the basics are not all there. So the remainder of lent for me is about getting the basics right before trying to do other things...

So what does that really mean.
I'm going to study God's word, pray, and worship every day
I'm going to make conversation with people I've never met before
I'm going to help the person who is struggling
I'm going to read more Christian literature
I'm going to write songs and spend time developing my God-given gifts.

So my lent has changed course, I'm setting objectives because I want my life to be deeply grounded in the truth of God. I believe that a life truly submitted to God has the potential to impact a generation and nation for Jesus Christ.

Getting there

2008-02-20T16:49:00.003Z

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5

I'd like to be more like Jesus. In fact, there are areas of my life that I despise and would love to be more Godly in. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus 'Be imitators of God'. We are called to be Godly, to strive to be pure; to live as Christ lived on this earth. Remember the WWJD wristbands; a reminder to think what would Jesus do in the situations that we face.

I want to be more like Christ, I want to imitate His character and have the same attitude

BUT

To get there requires a journey, a long, hard, tough journey. It is not something that just happens overnight at the click of a switch, but rather over time by the forging of new habits, the denial of self, and the motivation to love God and others.

I want to get to the destination, but not always sure whether I want to deal with what the journey brings. I want to be Godly, but not really sure If I want to deny self. I want to be like Jesus, but not really sure if I want to give up some things.

If I want to go to Yorkshire I have to get in the car and drive, the M25, A1 and M62 might be a traffic nightmare, but unless I get in, turn on the ignition, put my foot on the accelerator I am not going to get to get to my destination.

We will never be perfect like Christ, but unless we start the journey we will not become more Godly, unless we face the challenges we will not grow through them, and unless we put one foot in front of the other we will not get anywhere.

Get moving, stop thinking about what might happen, start doing what will happen and see how God might mould us through the experience!

Jesus

2008-02-19T09:45:00.002Z

The question was asked to a group of young people:

'If Jesus was one of your mates, what do you think He would be like?'
There were some sensible answers like:

'He'd get involved' 'He'd do everything with us' 'He'd look out for us'

But, the overwhelming answer that most people offered was 'He'd be good at everything and a bit of a geek'

I went away and thought about this question....

I think Jesus would have been good at everything, but not in a geeky self promoting kind of way. He would be humble about His abilities and wouldn't make others feel bad if they weren't as able. He would be totally fair and just. He would stand up for his friends. He would look out for those who others might forget.

This youth group question became a challenging reflection for me. We are called to be like Christ, and so our actions should reflect His!

Raise your game

2008-02-18T11:38:00.003Z

It is so easy to let your thoughts, feelings, emotions, motivation be dictated by your environment and situations.
When things are great in one area of life, that overflows into other areas. When things could be better, the feeling of uncertainty overflows into other areas of life!

When our surroundings weigh us down God calls us to higher things!
When our feelings are hurt God calls us to higher things!
When we have had an awful week God calls us to higher things!

Let's not let negative, tough situations impact the glorious riches that God may have for us, the groundbreaking work that He might do through us, and the everlasting love that He shows to us!

I've been challenged to raise my game. In thought, word, and deed. In work, rest, and play, that God may be glorified in every part of my life!

Love

2008-02-08T13:09:00.000Z

So an expert in the law approaches Jesus and asks...

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.

When confronted with a question of priority Jesus proclaimed love.
Above all things we must first love our God. Not just a lovey dovey, eye lash winking kind of love. But, a love the covers everything. A love that would give up all, and choose to follow. A love that seeks to become more like the loved one.

When we love God part of that love must be to strive to become more like Him. To display his attributes and characteristics. To be holy as he is holy (1 Peter 1:15)

It is out of this kind of love where the overflow of the second commandment comes from. When we start to love God by becoming more like him we instinctively come to love others.

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Jesus commanded to love God, and then love others. That is a huge challenge to me. We all find it easy to love some people (wives, husbands, sons, daughters) but find it hard to love others (those we don't get on with, people we don't want to associate with). But Jesus commands to, and we read that he did LOVE

Do we hang on love?

How might we love God better, and love others more?

Wonderful Occasion

2008-02-05T10:23:00.000Z

During a meeting my imagination was caught by the description that a fellow youth worker used to described young people. A wonderful occasion! I love this because it is so true!

Our lives under God are wonderful occasions. Each life is cherished, valued and loved by God. Each day we live, each word we say, each thought we think displays the maker who created our inmost being. As a mirror reflects the image so our lives should reflect the very nature of God.

I believe God sees us as wonderful occasions! Let's strive to live up to that name, for the honour of God and the furtherance of His kingdom!

As Dustin Hoffman says in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium "Your life is an occasion, rise to it!"

Trust and Obey

2008-01-31T13:18:00.000Z

In the Bible we read of loads of sinners (like you and I) who chose to obey.

Are we obedient to God, and if not, why not?

Moses wavered a bit. He was called by God, but wasn't sure if he could do it. Eventually realising that God could, he went!

David was the youngest son of Jesse, the least likely to be royalty, but when God called, he obeyed

Abraham was promised a great inheritance through his son, Isaac, but when God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac He was prepared to obey.

Thousands of years later.........

Jon is told to go here and do that, but instead of going in faith, he wants to know why, when, how, what, who with.....

Can you identify with this last point? Are you a bit like me, who questions, even doubts the voice of God sometimes? Are you challenged by the fathers of our faith?

A couple of years back I reflected on what my entry to the 'hall of faith' in Hebrews 11 might be. By faith, Jon..... What might this be for you?

Let’s not let our unfaithful nature, get in the way of God's calling for our lives!!

Grace and Peace

2008-01-31T12:15:00.000Z

In many of the New Testament letters, particularly Paul’s writings, the receiver of the letter is welcomed with 'grace and peace'. As I have reflected on these two words I was challenged to the impact that we as the Christian church could have on this world if we lived with and treated people with grace and peace.

Grace that loves the undeserved and does not judge. Peace that is visible to people in a world which is so hectic.

So often as Christians we feed people with 'information' we think we might be able to argue people into the kingdom of God. The reality is that information does not equal transformation. I believe that if we started to work out what it means to live and show grace and peace in our lives we would see transformation through the Spirit of God in those lives around us.

For me the most exciting question a non-Christian could ask is 'Why?' and in my experiences that does not come through a discussion, but through acts of kindness, through responding to the unlovely with love, to caring for the downcasts, excluded, and rejected... you get my drift...If we started living with grace, living in peace, and living out love I believe we would not just see change in our own lives, but might see transformation in the lives of friends and family!

Revival OR Survival

2008-01-28T15:24:00.000Z

So many young people don't go to university with the intent of changing it for Jesus, instead it's an achievement to survive university and still be a Christian!

Isn't that so true, and not just for universities but for schools, colleges, work....

It used to be that young people wanted to change everyone they knew or talked to for Jesus Christ. But, we have seen a siesmic shift to the place where evangelism has almost taken a back seat and we look inward at survival.

That is scary but I think it is a reality. To most 13-25s church is not a fun and exciting place to be and the revolutionary culture is more and more so being outworked through 20's and 30's.

So young people see survival as success in faith, revival is often not even on the radar. But I want to ask the question....What do we model?

Do we model a revival, evangelistic culture, or do we model a faith that is hard!
So often I hear people saying 'It's really hard to be a Christian' for some it is, but it is also a great joy. We as a Chrisitian church in the UK need to get our heads around the fact that we have the greatest truth of all time. When you've got something good you share it, so why aren't we?!

I long that we may become a revival, not survival generation!

Ruth 1

2008-01-25T17:12:00.000Z

"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Ruth 1:15-17

Last night I started to study the book of Ruth. The first chapter depicts great reality. As I read I could understand Naomi's grief and hopelessness, but could also comprehend Ruth's faithfulness and love. I found myself translating their emotions and thoughts to occasions and situations in my life.

Then the section that blew me away was Ruth's answer to her mother-in-law. How faithful she was, how committed, how steadfast and certain. As I start to think about married life, and the vows that I will say which are remarkably similar to that which Ruth said to Naomi I am challenged by her dedication.

What might be the translation of this principle to your life and mine? Where do we need to be more committed, at work, at home, to children, to wives and husbands, to God??

I am challenged and encouraged. Challenged to be more faithful and committed. Encouraged because I know our God is faithful and committed!

hopeinbrentwood.com

2008-01-23T16:29:00.000Z

The delivery lady dropped off the new flash looking hopeinbrentwood.com postcards.

These cards have been designed for Christians to give to their non-Christian friends and family. They simply ask 'Do you have hope?' with a brief outline on the reverse of what we as Christians believe hope to be.

The lady says she likes the blue card best and after a short 'delivery kind of chat' she parts with a flier.

Their is a link on the postcard to the hopeinbrentwood website which gives further details of why as Christians we believe hope can be yours through Jesus Christ. At the bottom there is an online form which when completed gives an automated email which in turn links you to someone to talk with should you want to know more.

The delivery lady takes a look at the site, is interested about what hope might be for her and fills in the form, from this she starts having conversations about what Jesus could be for her.

Jesus offers a living hope, a bright future, a life worth living. Be encouraged and challenged. Isn't it great that people are finding Jesus afresh each day? What is the part we might play to enable our friends and family to find Him?

Connect 5

2008-01-21T17:59:00.001Z

So often we pray for revival, we long for the lost to be found, we pray for an unbelieving nation to believe!

Let's do something about it!
This weekend a resource was launched in our borough called 'connect 5' , the challenge: To connect with 5 unbelieving friends, invest into their lives, pray for them, and walk with them.
We can not only pray for revival but can be the very hands and feet of Christ into bringing it into being!

I challenge you to connect with 5. Imagine the consequence if we all do this, impacting the nation for Jesus Christ bit by bit, little by little!

Check out the site and ask how you might connect with 5 and be a part in witnessing the truth of Christ to others!

www.connect-5.com

Faith

2008-01-17T17:09:00.001Z

'Faith is the reasonable companion of Hope.' Søren Kierkegaard

This great quote has taken on new meaning to me today. In this year as the Christian church unifies under the banner of Hope2008 I have been challenged that everyone needs hope, and our God is the God of hope.

But, is it not true that the unbeliever sees 'hope' in the 'faith' of the believer. Something crazy like 79% of Christians come to faith through the witness of their friends. Hope is seen in faith. I guess that is why Kierkegaard refers to the two as reasonable companions!

I also have realised that it is so easy to fall into a bubble, to rest on the worlds security and to not exercise a faithful lifestyle. I am excited by living a life of faith, because it means I have to trust God.

When we have faith and trust in our God, He will answer. He equips those He calls. He leads those who long. He teaches those who search. When we start to do these things the faith we have is undeniable even to a world that does not believe. That's when people see hope in our faith.

I long to display a hope-filled faith!

Thanks

2008-01-15T16:48:00.000Z

It's so easy to get carried away with busyness, work, socialising etc that we forget say thank you! I know that I am often guilty of this!

We have so much to be thankful in this world. I need to thank my parents more. Even though I moved out a while ago I need to still thank them for their love,care, discipline and all that they invested and continue to invest into my life.
I need to thank those around me more. Those who love, who take the time to make conversation or send a card or gift at a birthday. I need to thank my young people more, for coming along to activities and being who they are.

Above all I need to thank God more. I am constantly amazed at the tiny part of the world that we live in, but rarely give God thanks for that, for the people around me, and for the things I have and hold. Thank you God!!

Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High

Psalm 69:30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving

1Cor 15:57 Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

May we give thanks to those around us, but more importantly may we give thanks to our God, for all He has done!
Let's never think that we don't need to thank

Engaged

2008-01-12T23:28:00.001Z

It was with nervous anticipation that I asked Vicky Steers to marry me on Friday. After the initial reaction of 'Are you serious!' she said 'yes, yes, yes' so we are engaged to be married. We are certain of God's part in our journey together, and are excited about where He will lead in the future! Below are a few photos we had taken to remember the day by!

Quote

2008-01-10T16:18:00.000Z

I came across this quote by Tony Evans whilst reading my daily devotions:

"He never wrote a book that tells His story, but the Bible has outsold any other book in history
He never wrote a song, but, there have been more songs written about Jesus than anyone else
He ever travelled more than a few miles, yet there are few places you can go where His name is not known."

Isn't that so true! As I prepare for a session this weekend called ' Why read the Bible?' I have once again been revisiting some of the arguments for and against the Christian faith. With so many different schools of thought and directions it is easy to see why people can become so confused. After reading some of the material linked to this subject, I felt somewhat dejected, but along with that came the realisation and thankfulness for my own faith.

I love the fact that the Bible is the best seller, and more songs have been written about Jesus than anyone else. If they were business stats then they would mean something and they sure mean something to me! I love the fact that I worship the guy who didn't have to write His own autobiography because the impact that He made on this world was so huge that so many people just wanted to tell of Him.

Will we be people who continue to tell of Him? Will we be a generation who continue to sing songs about Him?
I know I will! Are you onboard?

Phoenix

2008-01-07T12:37:00.000Z

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that dies in flames and is reborn from the ashes.
The Phoenix is described and displayed as outstandingly beautiful.
Often the most beautiful things come from the ashes, some of the most amazing stories come from hurt and pain, the testimonies we remember are those people who have come from destruction to salvation, we are marvelled at God's amazing for the murderer, the adulterer, the robber....

In my own post-Christmas reflections it strikes me that Jesus' birth was a bit like that. (Matt 1:18-25) To the watching world Mary's bump would have been evidence that Mary and Joseph had sex before they were married. Back then this was severely frowned upon, they would be ostracized and isolated. Little did the world know that the coming child was from the Holy Spirit of God. What seemed to the onlooker as sin was being used amazingly by God to bring a Saviour to the world. Out of what seemed like a shocking situation for a young couple at the time came the start of God's presence here on earth!

Often out of ashes, pain, hurt and unthinkable comes unfathomable beauty and joy.
Where might that be true in our lives in the next year?

Opposition

2008-01-03T15:39:00.000Z

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

As a new year starts I am really excited about what it may hold. The New Year gives chance for new starts, for targets, for aims and for achievements! In our own strength we can only do so much, but under God we can do immeasurably more, and even that beyond our own abilities.

My pray is that this year I will not be be a can't but a can. When we try on our own we soon realise that we can't but the when we trust in God we realise that we can!

Who can be against us if God is for us! No-one
Who will we let be against us?
Will we let God be God

Happy Christmas

2007-12-25T07:20:00.000Z

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

It's Christmas Day, I'm awake with excitement, but it is as no other Christmas. I look forward to two church services, a long drive home, and then spending it with family. I can't wait for that, but finally I am understanding the truth of Christmas. I mean, I knew it, everyone know the nativity story and that the shepherds wore tea towels on their heads.... BUT, I am coming to understand Christmas.

For God sent His son to this world in love for the people He created. But, He did not send His perfect, flawless son to condemn this fallen, broken world, but instead to save it!

I look forward to the festivities Christmas holds, but ultimately, I'm excited that I know the Saviour who came into this world all those years ago to serve and not be served, to love, to heal, to lead, to teach, to disciple, to break down barriers, to carry a cross and ultimately to save!!

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Saviour.
Victoria Gaines

Carols

2007-12-22T22:32:00.000Z

Tomorrow sees the arrival of the Christmas carols. We have three carols services in the afternoon/evening. 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm.
I always have had quite a low opinion of carols, they were old songs that I couldn't understand, and I didn't really want to sing a about sheep. But, as I have been preparing for our carol services I have found that they are not all bad!!
My favourite carol at the moment is Joy to the World. When you have sung such carols every year of your live in a cold church it is easy to forget the truth that such songs are grounded in. Jesus was born into this world, He came to live as a man. He reigns in majesty, He rules with truth.

Christmas is all to often remembered for the wrong reasons, I'm as guilty as anyone! This Christmas I pray that we will all know the joy of our Lord Jesus, his truth, his power and his might. May our hearts, lives, words, thoughts and deeds display joy this Christmas. Not because of food, drink, presents or time off but because the Lord has come

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

93

2007-12-19T17:21:00.000Z

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty; The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice, The floods lift up their pounding waters. More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, The Lord on high is mighty. Your testimonies are fully confirmed; Holiness befits Your house, O Lord forevermore. Psalm 93

Above all things the Lord on high is mighty! I invite you to consider what are the floods What are the mighty breakers of the sea in your circumstances. I came to reflect on this during a prayer meeting on Monday night. We all have floods, some seem bigger than others, some seem unfair, uncertain, even uncharacteristic. The world is firmly established, the way of the world is one of sin. It is not new, it is in all of us.

Above the floods and above the world, The Lord on high is mighty.
Whatever your floods, know that the Lord on high is mighty, able and willing to free you from it!

Don't be flooded by things of this world, but rather float upon the awesome truths and promises of our God!

Esther

2007-12-17T22:47:00.000Z

On Sunday night we had a great evening gathering. It was called 'For such a time as this' and was a dramatic depiction of the story of Esther. I have to say that I am not a great dramatist, but it absolutely blew me away! To see such a passion in the performance of biblical narrative was breathtaking!
The one thing that continues to stick out to me from the story of Esther is how God uses those who are submitted and willing to be used by Him. Esther knew the consequences of her actions, she should have been killed for approaching the king, but this bravery led to events which allowed the Jews to stand and fight against those who sought to kill them!

Will you and I be used by our God? Will we take the extra steps of faith and believe that our God can?!

Epitaph

2007-12-13T11:27:00.000Z

I've started reading a book called CHAZOWN. A really interesting book regarding vision and purpose. The word chazown is from the Hebrew language meaning a dream, revelation, or vision. The book is a holistic approach to deciphering, expressing and living God's vision for your live.

In the first section of the book there is a really interesting challenge set: to plan your epitaph. When you die what do you want to be remembered for? What would your life have stood for? How has your life impacted others?

It is so easy in everyday life to say 'I'll do it tomorrow' or to put things off. The attitude I often hear is 'I have all my life to live that way, so I'll live a little rebelliously right now'

Those kind of attitudes are quite common, but they can easily become not just for the here and now, but for our whole life. Once we determine a course it is hard to steer from it.

Our desired epitaph reflects how we want to live our lives. The choice is whether we will actually do it.

I want to be remembered for seeing people come to into the kingdom of God, I want to stand up for God in a unbelieving world, and be a light into the dark places.I want God to say 'well done' because my life would reflect his very nature. I want to be remembered as a loving leader, husband, father....

We all have desires, visions, dream
Let's get on and live them out instead of regretting that we didn't when we no longer can.

Speck

2007-12-10T18:57:00.000Z

I am constantly humbled and amazed by our creator God. Isn’t it absolutely amazing that a drop of water, so small, when united together with other drops can become a powerful torrent, a crashing wave, or a breathtakingly beautiful lake. One of my regular reflections is based in and around this thought. That in relation to God I am only a speck. That’s amazingly humbling in a world where celebrities are built up to be icons, where the upper classes are seen as better, and where we all live for ourselves. I am only a speck.

But, God uses specks, for the furtherance of His heavenly kingdom here on earth, he uses specks.
It’s true also, that like a wave or the ocean, specks that are united are far stronger than those that are apart. As a church and a nation we head towards HOPE 2008 – a year of mission and action to show the love of Christ Jesus to other people.

Let’s humble ourselves, realising that God can, and God does! He is God and we are his vessels, and through that humility may we united as the church of Jesus Christ to reach a lost, broken, crooked and depraved world.