To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The world is not just a place where whatever will happen will happen or whatever will meant to be will be. God's people are not just to go through the motions of living. They are to be active participants in God's plans. God has a perfect timing for your life. If we wait for God's timing in our life we will be truly happy. God's timing is perfect, never early, never late. Why is it so hard to wait for God to reveal His plan?
Life tends to have seasons. Evaluate which season you may be in, and recognise that all seasons have a purpose.
Winter
Winter is the time to reflect by the fireplace, rest, and allow your body to be restored and your mind and emotions to be healed. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged. Don't let "gray days" overwhelm you. Don't focus on what was in the past, and don't dydream too much about the spring ahead. Eventually, the winter season ends. Use it for good while it lasts.
Early winter is a time for pruning so that growth of spring will be maximized. winter is the time to plan the spring garden and to prepare all things necessary for planting it. It's the time for preparing the soil and removing dead brush. Use this wintertime in your life for innerwork. explore what God desires to teach you and how God desires to prepare you for the season ahead.
Spring
This season is one of renewal and growth. Life flourishes. New things get started. This is a time for output and fresh new ventures. It isn't enough to plan a garden - you must actually plant a garden if you want vegetables or flowers. Consult with others who are experiencing the kind of harvest you one day hope to experience. Discover how they began their career or ministry. Take advantage of their wisdom and learn from them more about what works and what doesn't work. Then take the begining steps necessary.
Summer
Summer days can seem long and hot, but this is the season for work. It is the season for plowing, cultivating and irrigating. The work can seem tedious at times, but it is work that needs to be done. Don't give up. Keep doing the good that you know to do. Hang in there until the project is complete.
Autumn
The harvest does eventually come. Autumn is the time for rejoicing in your fruitfulness, for reaping rewards, and for sharing God's goodness with family and friends.
Taken from the book You're All That
Author Paula White
What season are you in?
Michelle Cozins
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Session 5 The Pastors heart - The ever expanding flock
In this Final session we want to examine the remaining verses in the 10th chapter of John.
Verses 13-18
"I am the good shepherd I know my sheep and they know me, as the Father knows Me,, and I the Father."
Jesus again reiterates the 'intimacy' principle - and again repeats that "I am the good shepherd" I find it interesting that twice he reminded them "I am the door" and twice that he was the 'good' shepherd. The Lord is emphasising two important principles; He is the access to kingdom life, and his essential nature is good. As far as leadership is concerned at its core intimacy and sacrifice are the principles that make for a 'good shepherd' Jesus compares this to the intimate relationship he has with the father! Wow - ponder that one for a moment! In our relationships a striving for intimacy is important as intimacy begets honesty, honesty begets understanding, understanding begets care, care begets trust.
"I have other sheep that are not of this fold (gentile believers) I must bring them also..."
"...That there will be one flock, one shepherd."
High on Jesus heart is his care for Israel, but beyond this are the yearnings for those currently out of the covenant provisions, multitudes that have no shepherd and don't enjoy the blessings of God. The allusion is that there are many other 'sheep' wandering outside the fold that he desires were in his care. I think of our focus & capacity to Pastor those inside the Fold; but the 'good' shepherd is always looking outwards to the others who are not being cared for! Is there a little more room in the Church? in your small group? in your life? for wandering sheep? Gods grand vision is 'one flock/one shepherd' Its a wonderful vision/mission - we help make this a reality by our not neglecting outreach, evangelism and personal soul winning. Please encourage your group in this over the break.
Ps Rhett bids you farewell!
Have a wonderful Christmas and new year.
Verses 13-18
"I am the good shepherd I know my sheep and they know me, as the Father knows Me,, and I the Father."
Jesus again reiterates the 'intimacy' principle - and again repeats that "I am the good shepherd" I find it interesting that twice he reminded them "I am the door" and twice that he was the 'good' shepherd. The Lord is emphasising two important principles; He is the access to kingdom life, and his essential nature is good. As far as leadership is concerned at its core intimacy and sacrifice are the principles that make for a 'good shepherd' Jesus compares this to the intimate relationship he has with the father! Wow - ponder that one for a moment! In our relationships a striving for intimacy is important as intimacy begets honesty, honesty begets understanding, understanding begets care, care begets trust.
"I have other sheep that are not of this fold (gentile believers) I must bring them also..."
"...That there will be one flock, one shepherd."
High on Jesus heart is his care for Israel, but beyond this are the yearnings for those currently out of the covenant provisions, multitudes that have no shepherd and don't enjoy the blessings of God. The allusion is that there are many other 'sheep' wandering outside the fold that he desires were in his care. I think of our focus & capacity to Pastor those inside the Fold; but the 'good' shepherd is always looking outwards to the others who are not being cared for! Is there a little more room in the Church? in your small group? in your life? for wandering sheep? Gods grand vision is 'one flock/one shepherd' Its a wonderful vision/mission - we help make this a reality by our not neglecting outreach, evangelism and personal soul winning. Please encourage your group in this over the break.
Ps Rhett bids you farewell!
Have a wonderful Christmas and new year.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Going Through Hard Times
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
As long as we are holding onto our burdens, God will not move in to change things.
Think about everything Jesus went through and how He endured suffering inn His flesh, and it will help you make it through your difficulties. Arm yourselves for battle, prepare yourselves to win by thinking as Jesus did.
Problems are reminders - they remind us that we need God's help to handle the upheavels of life.
Dark days make us lean on God in ways we normally wouldn't.
A little suffering keeps us humble.
God uses life's setbacks to help us move ahead.
If you desire victory over your problems, you must have backbone and not just wishbone. You must be active - not passive. Right action begins with right thinking.
God has not promised that He will allow us to go through life unshaken, but he has promised to carry us through unshattered.
How will we learn to lean on God if everything in our lives is so easy that we can handle it by ourselves?
Hard times are good if they cause you to turn to God and depend on His strength.
In order to get guidance in a crisis, make sure you remain in the will of God continually.
We will face challenges in this life, but through Christ we can conquer them all.
Michelle Cozins
As long as we are holding onto our burdens, God will not move in to change things.
Think about everything Jesus went through and how He endured suffering inn His flesh, and it will help you make it through your difficulties. Arm yourselves for battle, prepare yourselves to win by thinking as Jesus did.
Problems are reminders - they remind us that we need God's help to handle the upheavels of life.
Dark days make us lean on God in ways we normally wouldn't.
A little suffering keeps us humble.
God uses life's setbacks to help us move ahead.
If you desire victory over your problems, you must have backbone and not just wishbone. You must be active - not passive. Right action begins with right thinking.
God has not promised that He will allow us to go through life unshaken, but he has promised to carry us through unshattered.
How will we learn to lean on God if everything in our lives is so easy that we can handle it by ourselves?
Hard times are good if they cause you to turn to God and depend on His strength.
In order to get guidance in a crisis, make sure you remain in the will of God continually.
We will face challenges in this life, but through Christ we can conquer them all.
Michelle Cozins
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
MEMO: Small Groups Christmas celebration BBQ
Hi incredible leaders!
We would like to invite you all to a celebration BBQ to close off the year in small groups. This is an open invitation to Leaders & their families to Lakeside park in Dalyellup from 5-7pm Sunday the 12 Dec - we will provide meat & drinks etc, if each family could bring a salad, eating utensils, plates & cups your blanket, chair perhaps some games / sporting equipment - we want to just hang out together & have a great time with you.
If you could RSVP fairly quickly to 041 201 4449 with "name" "yes/no" "number attending"
i.e. 'Topliss' , 'yes' , 3 that will help me with the shopping!
alternatively email or see Me/Gaynor personally to register your involvement - if you can't attend don't fret! I understand that it is a very busy time of the year.
This invite is open to Area leaders, Small group leaders spouses and families.
Looking forward to seeing you there
Ps Rhett
Small groups coordinator
We would like to invite you all to a celebration BBQ to close off the year in small groups. This is an open invitation to Leaders & their families to Lakeside park in Dalyellup from 5-7pm Sunday the 12 Dec - we will provide meat & drinks etc, if each family could bring a salad, eating utensils, plates & cups your blanket, chair perhaps some games / sporting equipment - we want to just hang out together & have a great time with you.
If you could RSVP fairly quickly to 041 201 4449 with "name" "yes/no" "number attending"
i.e. 'Topliss' , 'yes' , 3 that will help me with the shopping!
alternatively email or see Me/Gaynor personally to register your involvement - if you can't attend don't fret! I understand that it is a very busy time of the year.
This invite is open to Area leaders, Small group leaders spouses and families.
Looking forward to seeing you there
Ps Rhett
Small groups coordinator
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Legend of the Three Trees
The Legend of the Three Trees is based on the traditional folk tale. This story can be found on the internet.
Our dreams can be realized, but not always as we might expect.
The first tree desired to be a treasure box and ends up as a mere feeding trough. the second tree desired to be a strong sailing ship, and ultimately, becomes a small fishing boat. The third tree who wanted to remain planted and point heavenward, as the tallest tree in the forest, is made into lumber that is fashioned into a cross.
What appears to be unanswered dreams really are fulfilled with Jesus Christ.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way thay had imagined. We don't always know what Gods plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, But His ways are always best.
Each of these trees finds itself in a place they never desired to be, yet in the end - God's love changes everything.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God has a plan for each of us. There may be times we lose sight of our dreams, and we may not understand things that take place in our lives. We must remember that God loves us, and has a plan for us, and is in control; therefore we can trust Him.
What are your plans this week?
Michelle Cozins
Our dreams can be realized, but not always as we might expect.
The first tree desired to be a treasure box and ends up as a mere feeding trough. the second tree desired to be a strong sailing ship, and ultimately, becomes a small fishing boat. The third tree who wanted to remain planted and point heavenward, as the tallest tree in the forest, is made into lumber that is fashioned into a cross.
What appears to be unanswered dreams really are fulfilled with Jesus Christ.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way thay had imagined. We don't always know what Gods plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, But His ways are always best.
Each of these trees finds itself in a place they never desired to be, yet in the end - God's love changes everything.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God has a plan for each of us. There may be times we lose sight of our dreams, and we may not understand things that take place in our lives. We must remember that God loves us, and has a plan for us, and is in control; therefore we can trust Him.
What are your plans this week?
Michelle Cozins
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Session 4 'The pastor's heart' - good help is hard to find
Hi leaders, David recounts an interesting anecdote to Saul concerning his worthiness to face Goliath;
"But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (1 Sam 17:34 & 36) David was keeper of his fathers sheep - yet such was his commitment to them & his father, he was willing to face mortal danger to recover the lost sheep! This shows his courage and commitment, and brings us to our next subject.
Lets continue with John 10:11-13
"I am the Good shepherd the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. the hired man, since he is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired man and doesn't care about the sheep."
We see here contrasted the depth of service and sacrifice a shepherd & a hired servant will demonstrate when it comes to personal risk. Jesus brings up the issue of ownership as a factor in the response of both the shepherd and the hireling. Intrinsic to the Shepherd ethos is a depth of responsibility that goes deeper than just physical ownership - this is not a response triggered by the potential loss of an asset! it is a depth of care and concern borne out of an investment of self in the sheep, that will put it all on the line if need be for the sake of the other. We might call this 'vicarious living' Many will be the threats facing people in the church & those in your care! We demonstrate the depth of our investment in others by our willingness to sacrifice on their behalf. The wolf is an apt metaphore for predatory & exploitative individuals who appear in our midst from time to time, The Shepherd often positioned himself at the entrance of the fold and was constantly 'watching' his sheep to respond promptly to any threat.
At the end of the day the hireling's response is a lack of ownership, investment & genuine caring for those in their trust. When self is mortally threatened - its preservation becomes primary! Jesus used this contrasting behaviour to show us the true depths of his goodness & what constitutes a true shepherd. Obviously we will rarely have to demonstrate this level of sacrifice - but as leaders its important we adopt the 'vicarious' mindset to our relationships and those we are leading, that demonstates itself in appropriate practical care.
...have a lambtastic week.
Ps Rhett
Next Week Session 5 (final) 'The pastors heart' - The ever expanding flock
John 10:14-18
"But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (1 Sam 17:34 & 36) David was keeper of his fathers sheep - yet such was his commitment to them & his father, he was willing to face mortal danger to recover the lost sheep! This shows his courage and commitment, and brings us to our next subject.
Lets continue with John 10:11-13
"I am the Good shepherd the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. the hired man, since he is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired man and doesn't care about the sheep."
We see here contrasted the depth of service and sacrifice a shepherd & a hired servant will demonstrate when it comes to personal risk. Jesus brings up the issue of ownership as a factor in the response of both the shepherd and the hireling. Intrinsic to the Shepherd ethos is a depth of responsibility that goes deeper than just physical ownership - this is not a response triggered by the potential loss of an asset! it is a depth of care and concern borne out of an investment of self in the sheep, that will put it all on the line if need be for the sake of the other. We might call this 'vicarious living' Many will be the threats facing people in the church & those in your care! We demonstrate the depth of our investment in others by our willingness to sacrifice on their behalf. The wolf is an apt metaphore for predatory & exploitative individuals who appear in our midst from time to time, The Shepherd often positioned himself at the entrance of the fold and was constantly 'watching' his sheep to respond promptly to any threat.
At the end of the day the hireling's response is a lack of ownership, investment & genuine caring for those in their trust. When self is mortally threatened - its preservation becomes primary! Jesus used this contrasting behaviour to show us the true depths of his goodness & what constitutes a true shepherd. Obviously we will rarely have to demonstrate this level of sacrifice - but as leaders its important we adopt the 'vicarious' mindset to our relationships and those we are leading, that demonstates itself in appropriate practical care.
...have a lambtastic week.
Ps Rhett
Next Week Session 5 (final) 'The pastors heart' - The ever expanding flock
John 10:14-18
Monday, November 8, 2010
Spiritual Maturity
Part of spiritual maturity involves asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything that is displeasing to Him. We need to be open and accountable to correction in our lives. God will use other brothers and sisters in Christ to admonish us lovingly for the purpose of spiritual growth. In addition, we need to examine ourselves in the light of scripture.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless of course, you fail the test?
Here are some questions that we need to ask ourselves.
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that i am better than i really am. In other words, am i a hypocrite?
2. Do i confidently pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
3. Can i be trusted?
4. Am i a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?
5. Am i self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
6. Did the bible live in me today?
7. Am i enjoying prayer?
8. When did i last speak to someone else of my faith?
9. Do i pray about the money i spend?
10. Do i disobey God in anything?
11. Do i insist upon doing something, about which my conscience is uneasy?
12. Am i defeated in any part of my life?
13. Am i jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
14. How do i spend my spare time?
15. Am i proud?
16. Is there anyone whom i fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am i doing about it?
17. Do i grumble or complain consistently?
18. Is Christ real to me?
Michelle Cozins
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless of course, you fail the test?
Here are some questions that we need to ask ourselves.
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that i am better than i really am. In other words, am i a hypocrite?
2. Do i confidently pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
3. Can i be trusted?
4. Am i a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?
5. Am i self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
6. Did the bible live in me today?
7. Am i enjoying prayer?
8. When did i last speak to someone else of my faith?
9. Do i pray about the money i spend?
10. Do i disobey God in anything?
11. Do i insist upon doing something, about which my conscience is uneasy?
12. Am i defeated in any part of my life?
13. Am i jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
14. How do i spend my spare time?
15. Am i proud?
16. Is there anyone whom i fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am i doing about it?
17. Do i grumble or complain consistently?
18. Is Christ real to me?
Michelle Cozins
Monday, November 1, 2010
MEMO: Chaplaincy & survey 2010
Hi incredible influencers,
Anton has asked me to highlight the Chaplains progressive dinner event on the 26 Nov @ Grace cafe 6:30pm - 9pm cost is $20, this would be a great opportunity to do an event with your small group and support chaplaincy in WA.
Dave Gibbons in his book "the monkey & the fish" asserts that 'when you look at history its undeniable that diversity, especially cultural and ethnic is a huge asset when it comes to innovation, creativity and problem-solving. It just makes sense...diversity brings forth fresh viewpoints, approaches, perspectives, learning, ideas,insights and sensibilities...which in turn lead to breakthroughs." ('Monkey & the Fish' Zondervan 2010 p151)
I would like you all, area leaders / small group leaders & participants to join with me to pray and consider how 2011 might look in small groups. I want to be consultative with our leadership and those that participate in our small groups to really get my 'finger on the pulse' for now and seek what God may be saying in regards to changes. Of course the vision & mission of small groups will stay the same (please review this from your small groups manual) but how we achieve this I think needs periodic review. I am welcoming your input (here is your big chance!) and will use this to form a fresh strategy for this new year. I will post a survey online and a hard copy for you to distribute to your groups. This will have the option to be anonymous so we can capture peoples candid feedback.
Please encourage your participants to provide feedback, as we value there perspective.
I may invite people to an informal meeting to discuss proposed changes before next year, based on the quantity and content of the feedback.
I appreciate the wonderful diversity and giftedness that exists in our church and our small groups ministry and want to tap into this to provide the best possible decision making and small group experience possible.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Ps Rhett.
Anton has asked me to highlight the Chaplains progressive dinner event on the 26 Nov @ Grace cafe 6:30pm - 9pm cost is $20, this would be a great opportunity to do an event with your small group and support chaplaincy in WA.
Dave Gibbons in his book "the monkey & the fish" asserts that 'when you look at history its undeniable that diversity, especially cultural and ethnic is a huge asset when it comes to innovation, creativity and problem-solving. It just makes sense...diversity brings forth fresh viewpoints, approaches, perspectives, learning, ideas,insights and sensibilities...which in turn lead to breakthroughs." ('Monkey & the Fish' Zondervan 2010 p151)
I would like you all, area leaders / small group leaders & participants to join with me to pray and consider how 2011 might look in small groups. I want to be consultative with our leadership and those that participate in our small groups to really get my 'finger on the pulse' for now and seek what God may be saying in regards to changes. Of course the vision & mission of small groups will stay the same (please review this from your small groups manual) but how we achieve this I think needs periodic review. I am welcoming your input (here is your big chance!) and will use this to form a fresh strategy for this new year. I will post a survey online and a hard copy for you to distribute to your groups. This will have the option to be anonymous so we can capture peoples candid feedback.
Please encourage your participants to provide feedback, as we value there perspective.
I may invite people to an informal meeting to discuss proposed changes before next year, based on the quantity and content of the feedback.
I appreciate the wonderful diversity and giftedness that exists in our church and our small groups ministry and want to tap into this to provide the best possible decision making and small group experience possible.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Ps Rhett.
Why belong to a local church?
Romans 12:5 says, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
One of the first symptoms of spiritual decline is inconsistent attendance at worship services.Without a church home you're like a child without a family - you're a spiritual orphan.
Your church is a classroom for learning how to get along with God's family - for practising unselfish love. There you learn to care about others and share in their experience.
We belong to a local church because it helps you develop spiritual muscle. As each part does its own work, it helps all the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy.
Isolation breeds deceitfullness. It's easy to fool ourselves into thinking we're mature when there's no-one to challenge us. Real maturity only shows up in the give and take of relationships.
Belonging to a church can keep you from backsliding. no-one is immune to temptation. We're all capable of blowing it.
"Mind your own business" shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We're called to be involved in ech others lives. If we know someone who's wavering spiritually, it's our responcibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.
Whenever a child is born, it must become a member of a specific family in order to receive nurture and care and grow up healthy and strong.
The difference in being a church attendee and a church member is committment. Attendees are consumers; members are contributors. Attendees want the benefits without any responcibility or accountability.
Belonging to a church promotes honesty. Too many of us wear masks. We act as if everything in the garden is rosy when it's not. Such attitudes are the death of real fellowship.
Belonging to a church provides support. We are more consistent in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us.
When we belong to a local church we experience mercy. Fellowship is a place where mistakes are rubbed out not rubbed in. We all need mercy because we stumble and need help getting back on track.
Michelle Cozins
One of the first symptoms of spiritual decline is inconsistent attendance at worship services.Without a church home you're like a child without a family - you're a spiritual orphan.
Your church is a classroom for learning how to get along with God's family - for practising unselfish love. There you learn to care about others and share in their experience.
We belong to a local church because it helps you develop spiritual muscle. As each part does its own work, it helps all the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy.
Isolation breeds deceitfullness. It's easy to fool ourselves into thinking we're mature when there's no-one to challenge us. Real maturity only shows up in the give and take of relationships.
Belonging to a church can keep you from backsliding. no-one is immune to temptation. We're all capable of blowing it.
"Mind your own business" shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We're called to be involved in ech others lives. If we know someone who's wavering spiritually, it's our responcibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.
Whenever a child is born, it must become a member of a specific family in order to receive nurture and care and grow up healthy and strong.
The difference in being a church attendee and a church member is committment. Attendees are consumers; members are contributors. Attendees want the benefits without any responcibility or accountability.
Belonging to a church promotes honesty. Too many of us wear masks. We act as if everything in the garden is rosy when it's not. Such attitudes are the death of real fellowship.
Belonging to a church provides support. We are more consistent in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us.
When we belong to a local church we experience mercy. Fellowship is a place where mistakes are rubbed out not rubbed in. We all need mercy because we stumble and need help getting back on track.
Michelle Cozins
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