Where is Jesus in the Storm?
Sunday 21 Nov 9am
Dan Lian
Dan asked this question in light of the following experiences in our lives: ‘Where is Jesus’ in…
• The ‘valleys’
• Doubt
• Discouragement
• Denial
When God is silent and the Storm is raging; Mark 4:35 ‘Let us go over to the other side’ Dan reminded us that this was Jesus instituting this movement towards the boats. Storms are not always displays of God’s anger or displeasure; in fact common to all of us. 3 things we learn from this story
First, Jesus is still in the boat – what we experience / He experienced.
Second, Jesus is still in control – his humanity clothed his divinity; still needed sleep but still God!
Third, Jesus was still going to act – was not going to let them perish / acted with perfect timing.
God was able to bring a new revelation to his disciples of his character & power.
Where is the love?
Sunday 21 11am
Dan Lian
Dan asked another question of our community; He described how different teams wear different colors, they are defined by the colors they wear; He proposed that love is the Kingdom’s defining attribute and our love as disciples for one-another as outlined in John 13:34. Jesus focused on what is the primary motive and motivation for Kingdom life.
1 Corinthians 13 guides us in a practical way as to how this love demonstrates itself. We can have a concept of this love; a theology on this love; a corporate agreement that it is important – Dan encouraged us to have a personal, practical and meaningful demonstration of this love.
How did Jesus love us? “As I have loved you” Christ example was a servant with a towel!
• service
• sacrificially
• non-conditionally
• extravagantly
• passionately
These are also ways in which we can demonstrate the love of God to each other & the community which we are called to reach.
This will be the last official small group meeting for 2011. I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you for your wonderful service and faithfulness to small groups throughout the year. Please feel free to meet informally and invite new people to your groups throughout Christmas & the New Year.
Kind Regards – Ps Rhett & Gaynor.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Kingdom Culture - forgivness
Theme - Kingdom culture
Scripture: Eph 4:32, Matt 6:12, Col 3:13
Dale T Hewitt Sunday 13th November
Dale began with his Indonesian & Cambodian report with details of the mission trip to house of hope & ministry to the Cambodian Apostolic fellowship.
Dale's theme was forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. We all crave healthy relationships, but life and inevitable offences both committed by us and done to us necessitate the need for the exercise of forgiveness. Christ's death on the cross made forgiveness possible for us - and makes it possible that we can also exercise forgiveness to others. Matt 6:12 seems to indicate an expectation that we would do this in regard to offences committed to us. Col 3:13 also guides us in this area.
Other scriptures on forgiveness:
Psalm 78:38
Matt 6:14
Matt 18:21
Ps Rhett
Scripture: Eph 4:32, Matt 6:12, Col 3:13
Dale T Hewitt Sunday 13th November
Dale began with his Indonesian & Cambodian report with details of the mission trip to house of hope & ministry to the Cambodian Apostolic fellowship.
Dale's theme was forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. We all crave healthy relationships, but life and inevitable offences both committed by us and done to us necessitate the need for the exercise of forgiveness. Christ's death on the cross made forgiveness possible for us - and makes it possible that we can also exercise forgiveness to others. Matt 6:12 seems to indicate an expectation that we would do this in regard to offences committed to us. Col 3:13 also guides us in this area.
Other scriptures on forgiveness:
Psalm 78:38
Matt 6:14
Matt 18:21
Ps Rhett
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Holy Spirit
Theme: Holy Spirit gifts
Key Scriptures 1 Cor 12 &13, Rom 12, Eph 4
Steph Hewitt 30 Oct
This was the last session on the Holy Spirit, the week before that Dale T spoke on the issue of tongues, There are 9 distinct gifts mentioned in the passage; Word of Wisdom, Word of knowledge, Special faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues & interpretation of tongues (See also Romans 12 & Ephesians 4)
[ For an excellent analysis and detailed explanation of the Gifts see chapter 2 'Three Colours of Ministry' by Christian Schwarz, Church Smart Resources 2001, this also has an excellent gift analysis tool for you to assess and develop your gifts also see http://bible.org/article/gifts-spirit article for a detailed study ]
Steph pointed out that they are 'gifts' not 'rewards' and therefore are bestowed not earned. We must always seek the Giver before the gifts, God must be worshipped first and foremost before any blessing or gift. Another facet is how may times Paul mentions the diversity of gifts with diversity of recipients! No one individual, family, local church or denomination has all the gifts! God has seen to it that his gifts are distributed across the body of Christ, as He wills, for his purposes.
Love must be the ultimate motive and reason for the exercise of Spiritual gifts as summed up in 1 Cor 13
Gifts and there demonstration must be subject to scripture (esp the gift of prophecy) as the spirit of God will never contradict the word of God. i.e. if a 'prophets' revelation or prediction is in clear contradiction or God's word or claims a superiority over God's word, they are not ministering in subjection to the Holy Spirit. Believers would do well to judge prophecy both corporate & private in this way.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to glorify God, not self and to serve others not self.
This concludes our series on the Holy Spirit.
Ps Rhett
Key Scriptures 1 Cor 12 &13, Rom 12, Eph 4
Steph Hewitt 30 Oct
This was the last session on the Holy Spirit, the week before that Dale T spoke on the issue of tongues, There are 9 distinct gifts mentioned in the passage; Word of Wisdom, Word of knowledge, Special faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues & interpretation of tongues (See also Romans 12 & Ephesians 4)
[ For an excellent analysis and detailed explanation of the Gifts see chapter 2 'Three Colours of Ministry' by Christian Schwarz, Church Smart Resources 2001, this also has an excellent gift analysis tool for you to assess and develop your gifts also see http://bible.org/article/gifts-spirit article for a detailed study ]
Steph pointed out that they are 'gifts' not 'rewards' and therefore are bestowed not earned. We must always seek the Giver before the gifts, God must be worshipped first and foremost before any blessing or gift. Another facet is how may times Paul mentions the diversity of gifts with diversity of recipients! No one individual, family, local church or denomination has all the gifts! God has seen to it that his gifts are distributed across the body of Christ, as He wills, for his purposes.
Love must be the ultimate motive and reason for the exercise of Spiritual gifts as summed up in 1 Cor 13
Gifts and there demonstration must be subject to scripture (esp the gift of prophecy) as the spirit of God will never contradict the word of God. i.e. if a 'prophets' revelation or prediction is in clear contradiction or God's word or claims a superiority over God's word, they are not ministering in subjection to the Holy Spirit. Believers would do well to judge prophecy both corporate & private in this way.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to glorify God, not self and to serve others not self.
This concludes our series on the Holy Spirit.
Ps Rhett
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Kingdom culture - compassion
Rhett Topliss
Focus scriptures: James 5:11, Luke 7:11
I wanted to begin with the premise that our core belief and understanding of God will influence our behavior towards others. Children’s understanding of God is so simplistic and innocent! But we can lose this along the way in life’s journey & experience; our core belief in a Good God can be stained with the mud of ours and others trials, misfortunes & pain.
James 5:11 reminds us that God is essentially (full of) compassion & mercy, even if our life experiences or feelings seem to contradict this. The ‘end’ intended of the Lord was Job’s eventual good & blessing.
The names of God reveal his character; we need a balanced view of God; the terrible God of Sinai was also the whispering God of Horeb. ‘El Shadddai’ the Almighty – all sufficient one, is also revealed (By the Hebrew ‘Shad’) as a nurturing and loving God.
The encounter at Nain demonstrates to us the loving and compassionate nature of God. We looked at the plight of the poor widow in question and Jesus wonderful response & supernatural intervention.
• Jesus felt a deep heart reaction
• Jesus spoke words of comfort and reassurance
• Jesus action was a wonderful intervention to restore the situation
NT teaches us many things issues that provoked the Lords compassion, i.e. shepherd less, sick, blind, lepers, ect Rom 9 reminds us that compassion for God (and us) is an action of the will, 2 Cor 1 describes God as the ‘Father of compassion’ – we can take great comfort in that personally.
Often God brings us into situations where we must minister to others in the midst of our own troubles & pain Q Why do you think he does that?
Stephen Grellet’s quote reminds us that ‘We shall not pass by this way again’ so we need to be aware and awake to the opportunities God places before us. (Discuss the importance of this thought)
Finally, Eph 5:1 encourages us to ‘imitate God as dear children’ we glorify the Father by letting his loving heart live through us to others.
Lets live in the grace of God & demonstrate his compassion.
Ps Rhett
Focus scriptures: James 5:11, Luke 7:11
I wanted to begin with the premise that our core belief and understanding of God will influence our behavior towards others. Children’s understanding of God is so simplistic and innocent! But we can lose this along the way in life’s journey & experience; our core belief in a Good God can be stained with the mud of ours and others trials, misfortunes & pain.
James 5:11 reminds us that God is essentially (full of) compassion & mercy, even if our life experiences or feelings seem to contradict this. The ‘end’ intended of the Lord was Job’s eventual good & blessing.
The names of God reveal his character; we need a balanced view of God; the terrible God of Sinai was also the whispering God of Horeb. ‘El Shadddai’ the Almighty – all sufficient one, is also revealed (By the Hebrew ‘Shad’) as a nurturing and loving God.
The encounter at Nain demonstrates to us the loving and compassionate nature of God. We looked at the plight of the poor widow in question and Jesus wonderful response & supernatural intervention.
• Jesus felt a deep heart reaction
• Jesus spoke words of comfort and reassurance
• Jesus action was a wonderful intervention to restore the situation
NT teaches us many things issues that provoked the Lords compassion, i.e. shepherd less, sick, blind, lepers, ect Rom 9 reminds us that compassion for God (and us) is an action of the will, 2 Cor 1 describes God as the ‘Father of compassion’ – we can take great comfort in that personally.
Often God brings us into situations where we must minister to others in the midst of our own troubles & pain Q Why do you think he does that?
Stephen Grellet’s quote reminds us that ‘We shall not pass by this way again’ so we need to be aware and awake to the opportunities God places before us. (Discuss the importance of this thought)
Finally, Eph 5:1 encourages us to ‘imitate God as dear children’ we glorify the Father by letting his loving heart live through us to others.
Lets live in the grace of God & demonstrate his compassion.
Ps Rhett
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Kingdom Culture - passion
Dale E Hewitt
Kingdom Culture – Passion
Focus Scripture Matt 7:12
Christians are citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Kingdom culture! So our behavior & lives must be governed by our Kingdom cultural background.
God is a passionate God:
• Zec 1:14 God passionate about his people.
• Zeph 3:17 God passionate about his nation.
• God passionate about his temple. i.e Jesus ‘cleansed’ it with zeal
• God passionate about the lost. i.e. parables of the ‘Lost’ things
Q Why is the most emotional passion in our lives reserved for the sports field?
Q What about worship? Are we vocal & abandoned in our worship?
Q What about The community around us? Are we burdened for them?
Q What about souls? When was the last time we wept for others?
Each of us has the capacity for passion but what do we do with it?
Regards,
Ps Rhett
Kingdom Culture – Passion
Focus Scripture Matt 7:12
Christians are citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Kingdom culture! So our behavior & lives must be governed by our Kingdom cultural background.
God is a passionate God:
• Zec 1:14 God passionate about his people.
• Zeph 3:17 God passionate about his nation.
• God passionate about his temple. i.e Jesus ‘cleansed’ it with zeal
• God passionate about the lost. i.e. parables of the ‘Lost’ things
Q Why is the most emotional passion in our lives reserved for the sports field?
Q What about worship? Are we vocal & abandoned in our worship?
Q What about The community around us? Are we burdened for them?
Q What about souls? When was the last time we wept for others?
Each of us has the capacity for passion but what do we do with it?
Regards,
Ps Rhett
Thursday, July 28, 2011
MEMO: Term 3 material for Sunday 7th Aug start
Hi Incredible leaders,
This term starts on the 7th August and after discussion with Dale Senior it was decided not to theme this term but to allow leaders to review the subjects brought up in the preaching on the Sunday previous - for example:
1. Connect week start Sunday 7th Aug would review Missions Conference Sunday 31st
2. Connect week start Sunday 21st Aug would review preaching from Sunday 14th Aug
3. Connect week start Sunday 4th Sept would review preaching from Sunday 28th Aug
4. Connect week start Sunday 18th Sept would review preaching from Sunday 11th Sept
As a small group leader you will be required to take notes and record key scriptures & encourage your group to do the same; you then have a week to put together a session and facilitate a discussion on the content in the group setting.
I will summarise the message also and put my notes on the web page Blogg (see Grace web page) as a guide you may wish to use it or not. I hope that this stimulates and grows the ability of people to be more engaged in the preaching and encourages the merit of note taking as a help to remembering the powerful things that God speaks to us on a regular basis. If possible on reviewing this material try and link it at all times with practical ways of doing the word in our individual lives.
You may want to communicate with your group members before the term starts to let them know how to prepare.
We value the great work that you do in the life of our local church community.
Thank you for your work in small groups!
See you on the weekend for the Grace Missions Conference.
Pastor Rhett
This term starts on the 7th August and after discussion with Dale Senior it was decided not to theme this term but to allow leaders to review the subjects brought up in the preaching on the Sunday previous - for example:
1. Connect week start Sunday 7th Aug would review Missions Conference Sunday 31st
2. Connect week start Sunday 21st Aug would review preaching from Sunday 14th Aug
3. Connect week start Sunday 4th Sept would review preaching from Sunday 28th Aug
4. Connect week start Sunday 18th Sept would review preaching from Sunday 11th Sept
As a small group leader you will be required to take notes and record key scriptures & encourage your group to do the same; you then have a week to put together a session and facilitate a discussion on the content in the group setting.
I will summarise the message also and put my notes on the web page Blogg (see Grace web page) as a guide you may wish to use it or not. I hope that this stimulates and grows the ability of people to be more engaged in the preaching and encourages the merit of note taking as a help to remembering the powerful things that God speaks to us on a regular basis. If possible on reviewing this material try and link it at all times with practical ways of doing the word in our individual lives.
You may want to communicate with your group members before the term starts to let them know how to prepare.
We value the great work that you do in the life of our local church community.
Thank you for your work in small groups!
See you on the weekend for the Grace Missions Conference.
Pastor Rhett
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Small group leaders meeting June 28th
Small group’s leaders meeting notes
Thanks for coming out tonight, We value you as volunteer Shepherds. For this reason I have asked Dale E to address the small groups & speak into your lives as Senior Minister.
1.Stats “There are three types of lies; Lies, damn lies & statistics” Mark Twain
We currently have 20 groups (See Structure chart) Based on the latest small group listings 220 people are involved in small groups which includes Regular/irregular & visitors.
220 is about 57% of our average Adult Sunday attendance of about 390 (Jan to current average) although lately we have been getting above average attendances 430-40 mark (this would decrease this percentage!)
Of the 220 we have 160 regulars and 59 irregular attendees (70/30% split) I am asking all small groups to focus on growing your groups & encouraging your irregular attenders. Pastoral care involves helping People to see the benefits of being 'regular' (perhaps some bran would help?)
2. Changes: “Ch Ch Ch changes!” David Bowie song.
• Holly & Rico Brooker are now leading Elle’s small group
• Begley & Welsh’s (formerly Sue Moore’s group) to merge
• Kindt’s group has been picked up by Ernie
• 15-18’s (MaD youth) ‘Super’ group meet on Mondays in the Auditorium as a ‘servo’ then breaks into smaller groups
• ‘New 2 Grace’ group created for overflow and immediate care of new believers.
• Conrad & Nooma Siziba new area leaders
3. Action Items: “When all is said and done, more is said than done!”
• ‘Dream’ filter applied to small groups as a whole & as individual groups. (Explain)
• Pastoral care & irregular attendees. You will get a pastoral care list/care partner assignment soon to address individuals in your group. May roll out ‘Prayerline’ training to small group leaders to help them with this.
• Potential leaders.(refer to your care list) We all need to be discipling others
• New groups. Groups regularly getting over 12-15 regulars over a 6 month period need to assess their ability to plant a new group.
• Small groups & house churches external to Grace. Individuals have sovereignty to do as they please / But all leaders of Grace small groups & participants need to be championing Grace groups. We are aware of some of the crossovers / external entities. ‘Submission & accountability are KPI’s of spiritual health’ If you are a grace small group you are ‘on the radar’ and we take responsibility for you!
4. Dale E Hewitt
Address by Snr Pastor on Small groups & Pastoral care Dale ministered on being spiritual & practical leaders; Growing our individual leadership & pouring into others to raise up new groups. He challenged leaders to be D.R.E.A.M people - and to see that we are the front line of Pastoral care in a large community of believers.
5. Open Forum
Input & Q & A for leaders to discuss issues with Snr Pastor / Small group’s coordinator it was suggested that we promote & encourage people to host a small group in their home especially for young families. Discussion was also around the issue of splitting groups; It was suggested that Group leaders could 'plant' a group & oversee it, with leaders from within the existing group. It was suggested that a leader could step into an area leaders role and leave the group with another training leader.
6. Supper & Coffee
Thank you to all who were able to make it out, we appreciated being able to use the Library lecture theatre, its a great facility!
Regards, Rhett
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Influencers Conference 2011 FINAL
Hi Leaders & participants
This is the final session from the Influencers conference 2011. Samuel Chand presented a session for leaders & Pastors about organisational health. I hope these notes have given you insight into being an influencer in your responsibilities.
Samuel mentioned the 'Johary window' (the four quadrants 1. What we know 2. What we think 3. What we don't know 4. What we don't know we don't know ) Which quadrant are we operating in? he says the ignorant of the future will be those who can't adapt to rapid change. What we have learned in life we can UN learn and we can relearn things as well.
So what do we need to UN learn in 2011? - have we been holding onto inefficient processes / habits / ways?
The Ohio principle says "Only handle it once' efficient management executes rapidly - in managing people Q Who does what by when? Clear delegation and deadlines help efficiency.
Samuel spoke on vision; We must align our vehicle (organisation, church) to our vision. A new vision often necessitates a new 'vehicle' its easier to change the vision than to change your vehicle - So are we trying to use an old vehicle to get to a new destination? (I.e. a car is good vehicle to get interstate but to get overseas we must change our vehicle!)
Some good organisational principles:
1. Only if the people in a system behave as they should, will the system work as it should.
2. The removal of cancerous people for the sake of the greater good. Who are you tolerating ?
Culture: Cracking your culture code.
Who are the bottlenecks in this Church? Don't deny, do not delay, deal with human resource issues NOW.
Understanding why:
Do we understand the why behind the what? If we / people don't understand why we are doing something it is very hard to 'buy in' - Leaders need to clearly define the WHY of changes / processes so people can do the what with understanding.
Trust:
How is trust earned and traded in the organisation? Trust is a valuable commodity to the leader; very difficult to develop and can be lost in a second.
We need to be unafraid in our communication - honesty, openness & transparent are the only effective ways to operate.
Dr Chand spoke about leaving a leadership legacy good questions to ask ourselves:
Quote: "If you live with 'What if's' you will die with 'if only's'
This was the final session before the night rally. I was greatly enriched by this input - Its great to get this insight - but the challenge is to implement the wisdom into practical action in our personal lives & local church setting!
Regards Ps Rhett.
This is the final session from the Influencers conference 2011. Samuel Chand presented a session for leaders & Pastors about organisational health. I hope these notes have given you insight into being an influencer in your responsibilities.
Samuel mentioned the 'Johary window' (the four quadrants 1. What we know 2. What we think 3. What we don't know 4. What we don't know we don't know ) Which quadrant are we operating in? he says the ignorant of the future will be those who can't adapt to rapid change. What we have learned in life we can UN learn and we can relearn things as well.
So what do we need to UN learn in 2011? - have we been holding onto inefficient processes / habits / ways?
The Ohio principle says "Only handle it once' efficient management executes rapidly - in managing people Q Who does what by when? Clear delegation and deadlines help efficiency.
Samuel spoke on vision; We must align our vehicle (organisation, church) to our vision. A new vision often necessitates a new 'vehicle' its easier to change the vision than to change your vehicle - So are we trying to use an old vehicle to get to a new destination? (I.e. a car is good vehicle to get interstate but to get overseas we must change our vehicle!)
Some good organisational principles:
1. Only if the people in a system behave as they should, will the system work as it should.
2. The removal of cancerous people for the sake of the greater good. Who are you tolerating ?
Culture: Cracking your culture code.
- How do we do things here? why ?
- What is the culture of this church ?
- What is the vision of this church ?
- Is our culture stronger than our vision ?
- A stronger culture will devour vision ?
- cleanse the culture to be able to receive the vision
Who are the bottlenecks in this Church? Don't deny, do not delay, deal with human resource issues NOW.
Understanding why:
Do we understand the why behind the what? If we / people don't understand why we are doing something it is very hard to 'buy in' - Leaders need to clearly define the WHY of changes / processes so people can do the what with understanding.
Trust:
How is trust earned and traded in the organisation? Trust is a valuable commodity to the leader; very difficult to develop and can be lost in a second.
We need to be unafraid in our communication - honesty, openness & transparent are the only effective ways to operate.
Dr Chand spoke about leaving a leadership legacy good questions to ask ourselves:
- Is God pleased with me?
- Who am I becoming?
- What is my legacy?
- What could I have done different?
Quote: "If you live with 'What if's' you will die with 'if only's'
This was the final session before the night rally. I was greatly enriched by this input - Its great to get this insight - but the challenge is to implement the wisdom into practical action in our personal lives & local church setting!
Regards Ps Rhett.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Influencers Conference 2011
Hi Leaders & Church family,
In this session Creflo Dollar spoke on the 'law of honour' from 1 Sam 2:30 "God said walk before me forever...them that honour me I will honour" The honour principle works throughout life. Children honour Parents, employees honour employers, Churches honour leaders, Leaders honour the Lord.
So how do we honour the Lord? a definition for honour is to weigh in, carry weight or weigh down - God's word is to carry weight in our lives.
Creflo suggests we use our mouths to be an instrument of blessing; & there is an honour that comes from God alone (see John 5:44)
Q What is the blessing? - Ps Dollar suggests it is the empowerment to be successful in life, an anointing to achieve spiritual objectives.
Again it comes from obedience to your understanding of God's word.
Prov 13:13 "The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty"
Matt 15:8 "The people draw near to me with their lips...but their hearts are far from me."
Ps Dollar recounts the Lord speaking to him on this issue saying: "If my words carry weight in your life then your words will carry weight in heaven." He suggests that answered prayer is linked to our obedience and honouring of God
Matt 6:21 Speaks of a treasure in hearts - what is it we really treasure?
Prov 3:9 Speaks of honouring God with our 'substance' - it connects a promise to this that if WE honour God - He will ensure that OUR Barns will be full & our vats overflowing!
Do we have fear of running out or faith for running over?
Dr Dollar decided a long time ago that he was going to be motivated by faith not ruled by fear.
I hope that this session inspires you to honour God.
Regards,
Ps Rhett
In this session Creflo Dollar spoke on the 'law of honour' from 1 Sam 2:30 "God said walk before me forever...them that honour me I will honour" The honour principle works throughout life. Children honour Parents, employees honour employers, Churches honour leaders, Leaders honour the Lord.
So how do we honour the Lord? a definition for honour is to weigh in, carry weight or weigh down - God's word is to carry weight in our lives.
Creflo suggests we use our mouths to be an instrument of blessing; & there is an honour that comes from God alone (see John 5:44)
Q What is the blessing? - Ps Dollar suggests it is the empowerment to be successful in life, an anointing to achieve spiritual objectives.
Again it comes from obedience to your understanding of God's word.
Prov 13:13 "The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty"
Matt 15:8 "The people draw near to me with their lips...but their hearts are far from me."
Ps Dollar recounts the Lord speaking to him on this issue saying: "If my words carry weight in your life then your words will carry weight in heaven." He suggests that answered prayer is linked to our obedience and honouring of God
Matt 6:21 Speaks of a treasure in hearts - what is it we really treasure?
Prov 3:9 Speaks of honouring God with our 'substance' - it connects a promise to this that if WE honour God - He will ensure that OUR Barns will be full & our vats overflowing!
Do we have fear of running out or faith for running over?
Dr Dollar decided a long time ago that he was going to be motivated by faith not ruled by fear.
I hope that this session inspires you to honour God.
Regards,
Ps Rhett
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Influencers Conference 2011
Hi Leaders / Church
Dr Samual Chand called this session 'Transitions - In the meantime' This was the Leadership selective session. (very summarised as he spoke for 1 hour) Enjoy.
Leadership involves change he asked the question;
"Have you outgrown the place you are in?" Its important that you handle the 'meantime' of your life well.
Ambiguity in life leads us into a 'fog' and this can be a dangerous place. Its important we emerge with a clear direction for our lives / clear understanding of who we are in God and where we are going in God.
Some of the dangers of the meantime:
Complacency not being aware of the timing & seasons of life.
Distraction the tyranny of the urgent over the necessary
Frustration letting negative emotions eat us up & rule our spirit
Competition thinking that we are competing vs complementing each other
Doubt allowing unbelief to rob us of our future blessing
Dr Chand gives us a formula for success:
As leaders he advised us to continue our growth and preparation at all times / God will bring the opportunity so we can trust him in the 'meantimes' of life.
He suggested that every leader should go through a radical reinvention of themselves every 10 years. This may involve a brutal self & peer assessment / commitment to change / re consecration to God.
He spoke about our relationships in life as being primary, as leaders can get fixated on task / goals and neglect the very thing that is most important PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS
He says leaders should always be cultivating new relationships and maintaining existing ones:
Dr Chands suggestions for the 'open' leader
May God bless you and strengthen you to do your 'meantime' well!
Ps Rhett
Dr Samual Chand called this session 'Transitions - In the meantime' This was the Leadership selective session. (very summarised as he spoke for 1 hour) Enjoy.
Leadership involves change he asked the question;
"Have you outgrown the place you are in?" Its important that you handle the 'meantime' of your life well.
Ambiguity in life leads us into a 'fog' and this can be a dangerous place. Its important we emerge with a clear direction for our lives / clear understanding of who we are in God and where we are going in God.
Some of the dangers of the meantime:
Complacency not being aware of the timing & seasons of life.
Distraction the tyranny of the urgent over the necessary
Frustration letting negative emotions eat us up & rule our spirit
Competition thinking that we are competing vs complementing each other
Doubt allowing unbelief to rob us of our future blessing
Dr Chand gives us a formula for success:
Preparation + opportunity = success
As leaders he advised us to continue our growth and preparation at all times / God will bring the opportunity so we can trust him in the 'meantimes' of life.
He suggested that every leader should go through a radical reinvention of themselves every 10 years. This may involve a brutal self & peer assessment / commitment to change / re consecration to God.
He spoke about our relationships in life as being primary, as leaders can get fixated on task / goals and neglect the very thing that is most important PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS
He says leaders should always be cultivating new relationships and maintaining existing ones:
Dr Chands suggestions for the 'open' leader
- Send emails / SMS / letters / cards to people
- Be open to the 'lobby' or random encounter
May God bless you and strengthen you to do your 'meantime' well!
Ps Rhett
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Influencers Conference 2011
Hi Leaders / participants /any one that cares!
In this session Jane Evans told the hilarious story of her attempts to be a little more 'adventurous' with her husband Ps Ashley. She recounted the 'parking incident' where she convinced her husband to go parking with her one night - against his better judgement - they parked in a primary school car park and, well ahem - got into the back seat! a little while later a police car pulls up behind them and orders them out of the car (I don't think either of them was in any state to be seen publicly) The police officers informed them that they were trespassing and that there had been break ins recently at this School! (We fell about laughing at this stage of the story) Anyway the next question was "So what do you do for employment?" They had to tell them that they were Pastors of a local Church! 'But its alright Officer blurts out Jane - we're married!"
They were doing the right thing - just in the wrong place! This was the premise for her message about the Christian life and doing the right things, outwardly - but being in the wrong place spiritually, i.e. serving, ministering, functioning from a place of fear, bitterness, resentment, ego or regret.
She spoke about 'changing the place you walk' walking closer to the 'middle' of God's word, and closeness to the Spirit.
Abraham walked in the flesh, and an 'Ishmael' was birthed that was the cause of much trouble to the Jewish nation (and still are!) Because there is a child of promise & a child of the flesh, when it comes to the product of our decisions and choices. We don't want to have to deal with a flesh-child running amok in our life, due to a poor decision made at a critical moment. We would rather the placid child of promise playing nicely in the corner wouldn't we? Saying in the spirit / walking in the spirit will help us to operate from the Spirit and will guide us to wisdom in life. Remember Jesus said "Wisdom is justified by its children?" remember this when you come across a delinquent child! say to yourself "Must make better decisions!"
Jane observed that Jesus cast out demons in Mark from a position of authority that was a result of his relationship with the Father, a robust faith and the discipline of Prayer & Fasting. The disciples were incapable of dealing with this situation because they were insufficiently prepared / not operating from the right position.
Advice to parents:
By changing ourselves and aligning with God we can be in a position to influence and change others.
This was a great session & I loved Jane's ability to share their journey with honesty & humour.
That's all this week - (The only parking I'm doing from now on is in front of Big W / in broad day light!)
Ps Rhett
In this session Jane Evans told the hilarious story of her attempts to be a little more 'adventurous' with her husband Ps Ashley. She recounted the 'parking incident' where she convinced her husband to go parking with her one night - against his better judgement - they parked in a primary school car park and, well ahem - got into the back seat! a little while later a police car pulls up behind them and orders them out of the car (I don't think either of them was in any state to be seen publicly) The police officers informed them that they were trespassing and that there had been break ins recently at this School! (We fell about laughing at this stage of the story) Anyway the next question was "So what do you do for employment?" They had to tell them that they were Pastors of a local Church! 'But its alright Officer blurts out Jane - we're married!"
They were doing the right thing - just in the wrong place! This was the premise for her message about the Christian life and doing the right things, outwardly - but being in the wrong place spiritually, i.e. serving, ministering, functioning from a place of fear, bitterness, resentment, ego or regret.
She spoke about 'changing the place you walk' walking closer to the 'middle' of God's word, and closeness to the Spirit.
Abraham walked in the flesh, and an 'Ishmael' was birthed that was the cause of much trouble to the Jewish nation (and still are!) Because there is a child of promise & a child of the flesh, when it comes to the product of our decisions and choices. We don't want to have to deal with a flesh-child running amok in our life, due to a poor decision made at a critical moment. We would rather the placid child of promise playing nicely in the corner wouldn't we? Saying in the spirit / walking in the spirit will help us to operate from the Spirit and will guide us to wisdom in life. Remember Jesus said "Wisdom is justified by its children?" remember this when you come across a delinquent child! say to yourself "Must make better decisions!"
Jane observed that Jesus cast out demons in Mark from a position of authority that was a result of his relationship with the Father, a robust faith and the discipline of Prayer & Fasting. The disciples were incapable of dealing with this situation because they were insufficiently prepared / not operating from the right position.
Advice to parents:
- Change your position & perspective
- We are the right parents for the children God has given us.
- Sometimes we can be financially miss-positioned - this causes pressure on family life
- Be relationally aligned with your children
By changing ourselves and aligning with God we can be in a position to influence and change others.
This was a great session & I loved Jane's ability to share their journey with honesty & humour.
That's all this week - (The only parking I'm doing from now on is in front of Big W / in broad day light!)
Ps Rhett
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Influencers 2011 Conference notes
Hi leaders / Church family,
In the introduction to this session Ps Ashley Evens made the statement that "the ability to get through life is dependant on our partnerships" I agree! We were never meant to live an isolated life, as Paul said "we are members one of the other" There is a vital connection within the body of Christ not only with the Savior but with each other. You need me & I need you - to achieve our personal & corporate potential.
Dr Dollar spoke on "Walking in the light" - 1 John 5 he said we often take the 'cheaper' over the 'deeper' when it comes to our God experience.
Again Creflo said to ministers "Be satisfied with your portion" - I guess its easy to fall into the sin of comparison when it comes to leaders and ministries! O - it would be great to be him / be in that church / have that exposure / fly in my corporate jet / on & on it goes! The reality is that God has assigned us all a 'portion' and a 'cup' - if we can't be satisfied with that now - we won't be with any one else's in the future.
We need to say what God says about sin:
Ps 51 "Against you and you alone have I sinned and done this evil in your sight"
Three definitions of sin:
1. Sin (Gr Harmartia) A missing of the mark
2. Transgression - usually against someone; First God then man (as in the scripture)
3. Iniquity - Generational sin, passed down from sins of the fathers.
Gods shows mercy to thousands & thousands of those who love him and keep his commands, but a curse is on those who sin to the third & fourth generations. Besetting sins are usually those issues that are passed over from generation to generation. i.e gambling / immorality / drunkenness / theft etc.
Dr Dollar explained we are born of 'incoruptable seed' - therefore the hold that sin has on us in all these three areas is broken, and we can now inherit the 'blessing' God has for us by faith & obedience. Its time to be free form sin! Some scriptures that Creflo used were:
Ps 119:133 "Direct my steps by your word, do not let any sin dominate me" obedience to the word ends the dominion of sin over us.
Nu 16:5 "The LORD knows those who are his" God is not fooled by religious activity or posturing.
PS 18:23 "I kept myself from sinning" The importance of our self-control & decisions.
To the world our message should be "be saved!"
To the church our message should be "Be renewed!"
Gal 5:16 "Walk in the Spirit & you will not fullfill the lusts of the flesh."
Rom 8:5 "Set their minds on the Spirit" or a mindset towards God.
A mind on the flesh is death (eventually leads to death because the flesh cannot be redeemed)
A mind on the Spirit is life & peace because it is the Spirit that is saved and eternal
Therefore Rom 12:1-2 is our flagship scripture: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
Thinking ---> words ---> feelings ---> decisions ---> actions ---> habits ---> character ---> destiny
This is the anatomy of life according to Dr Dollar so if we can change our though life to line up with God's word we can change our destiny and enjoy peace & success in the Christian life.
Good advice I feel! Now lets go and DO IT! No really! pick up that bible and read...Gen 1:1 "in the beginning was God..."
Ps Rhett
In the introduction to this session Ps Ashley Evens made the statement that "the ability to get through life is dependant on our partnerships" I agree! We were never meant to live an isolated life, as Paul said "we are members one of the other" There is a vital connection within the body of Christ not only with the Savior but with each other. You need me & I need you - to achieve our personal & corporate potential.
Dr Dollar spoke on "Walking in the light" - 1 John 5 he said we often take the 'cheaper' over the 'deeper' when it comes to our God experience.
Again Creflo said to ministers "Be satisfied with your portion" - I guess its easy to fall into the sin of comparison when it comes to leaders and ministries! O - it would be great to be him / be in that church / have that exposure / fly in my corporate jet / on & on it goes! The reality is that God has assigned us all a 'portion' and a 'cup' - if we can't be satisfied with that now - we won't be with any one else's in the future.
We need to say what God says about sin:
Ps 51 "Against you and you alone have I sinned and done this evil in your sight"
Three definitions of sin:
1. Sin (Gr Harmartia) A missing of the mark
2. Transgression - usually against someone; First God then man (as in the scripture)
3. Iniquity - Generational sin, passed down from sins of the fathers.
Gods shows mercy to thousands & thousands of those who love him and keep his commands, but a curse is on those who sin to the third & fourth generations. Besetting sins are usually those issues that are passed over from generation to generation. i.e gambling / immorality / drunkenness / theft etc.
Dr Dollar explained we are born of 'incoruptable seed' - therefore the hold that sin has on us in all these three areas is broken, and we can now inherit the 'blessing' God has for us by faith & obedience. Its time to be free form sin! Some scriptures that Creflo used were:
Ps 119:133 "Direct my steps by your word, do not let any sin dominate me" obedience to the word ends the dominion of sin over us.
Nu 16:5 "The LORD knows those who are his" God is not fooled by religious activity or posturing.
PS 18:23 "I kept myself from sinning" The importance of our self-control & decisions.
To the world our message should be "be saved!"
To the church our message should be "Be renewed!"
Gal 5:16 "Walk in the Spirit & you will not fullfill the lusts of the flesh."
Rom 8:5 "Set their minds on the Spirit" or a mindset towards God.
A mind on the flesh is death (eventually leads to death because the flesh cannot be redeemed)
A mind on the Spirit is life & peace because it is the Spirit that is saved and eternal
Therefore Rom 12:1-2 is our flagship scripture: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
Thinking ---> words ---> feelings ---> decisions ---> actions ---> habits ---> character ---> destiny
This is the anatomy of life according to Dr Dollar so if we can change our though life to line up with God's word we can change our destiny and enjoy peace & success in the Christian life.
Good advice I feel! Now lets go and DO IT! No really! pick up that bible and read...Gen 1:1 "in the beginning was God..."
Ps Rhett
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
RANDOMS: Getting your self out of trouble!
I had a bit of a scare the other day as my daughter was involved in an incident down the beach. She and her friends had decided to go swimming in the afternoon during the large swell pulse that was a result of the Cyclone. Swimming conditions were not favourable and soon they were caught in a rip. Unable to fight the strong current they had to be rescued and brought to shore.
You know in our lives we can make 'spontaineous' decisions that seem like a good idea at the time! but conditions are conspiring around us that can be treacherous if not navigated carefully. Sometimes our impulsive actions pay off for us or have no immediate consequences - at other times they can be disastrous! This time around things worked out well and they were safe.
Thank goodness we have others around us; even strangers at times that are looking on and thinking 'They need saving!" and are willing to intervene. This is also a picture of our lives without God, thoughtlessly we enter the ocean of sin and begin to wade in its cool waters only to be lured deeper out of our depth and swept up in a current we have no power to resist. Christ is the strong man who rescues us spiritually and brings us back onto the shore of salvation. Are we drowning or just waving? desperation is a great motivator!
I encourage you all to raise a hand to Christ if you haven't already and be saved.
I'm glad that there was people around my daughter & her friends that saw the danger and acted promptly.
Ps Rhett
You know in our lives we can make 'spontaineous' decisions that seem like a good idea at the time! but conditions are conspiring around us that can be treacherous if not navigated carefully. Sometimes our impulsive actions pay off for us or have no immediate consequences - at other times they can be disastrous! This time around things worked out well and they were safe.
Thank goodness we have others around us; even strangers at times that are looking on and thinking 'They need saving!" and are willing to intervene. This is also a picture of our lives without God, thoughtlessly we enter the ocean of sin and begin to wade in its cool waters only to be lured deeper out of our depth and swept up in a current we have no power to resist. Christ is the strong man who rescues us spiritually and brings us back onto the shore of salvation. Are we drowning or just waving? desperation is a great motivator!
I encourage you all to raise a hand to Christ if you haven't already and be saved.
I'm glad that there was people around my daughter & her friends that saw the danger and acted promptly.
Ps Rhett
Influencers 2011 Conference notes
Well this was the first time I heard Dr Creflo Dollar he ministered from Gal 5:16 about 'walking in the spirit'
Dr Dollar took us on a great scriptural journey (which I appreciated, as his message was very connected to the bedrock of the word)
He called us to see that walking in the spirit is actually adopting the 'mindset' of the word as Romans 8 shows us. We get very hung up on not doing the 'donts' of scripture, but neglect doing the 'dos' of the word! - a great point - perhaps victory would be more quickly achieved if we were more actively obedient, in conjunction with our avoidance of sin.
Dr Dollar spoke about becoming a 'spiritual intellect' and using our knowing for practical living in other words spiritual wisdom = practical application of spiritual truth.
Christian progress, spiritual growth & success are rooted in the 'renewing of our minds'; as ministers and leaders he encouraged us to be at the forefront of this and continuously submitted to Godly mind transformation. The Christian disciples of prayer, reading & study, giving, fasting, service, Etc are difficult, but produce the type of transformation that God is looking for.
Are we willing to 'exchange' our thoughts for God's thoughts - he discussed the principle of 'exchange' as a spiritual law. Rom 8:5 "to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life & peace."
"Be satisfied with your portion" Dr Creflo Dollar. Seemed a bit random, but I guess it was a word for God for many (including me!)
Creflo took us on a journey through the story of the prodigal son:
"Father give me" ..."my inheritance" Son was self centered and indulgent he THOUGHT that his needs/wants were primary! But when he came to himself in his THINKING he changed his actions & behaviour and returned to his Fathers house. His salvation was begun by a change in his thinking. Rom 12:1-2 Discovery of the will of God is begun by surrender and mind renewal.
Ezekiel 18:30 "Therefore REPENT & turn yourself...put away"
Matt 4:17 "REPENT because the Kingdom of God is at hand."
Dr Dollar took us on a great scriptural journey (which I appreciated, as his message was very connected to the bedrock of the word)
He called us to see that walking in the spirit is actually adopting the 'mindset' of the word as Romans 8 shows us. We get very hung up on not doing the 'donts' of scripture, but neglect doing the 'dos' of the word! - a great point - perhaps victory would be more quickly achieved if we were more actively obedient, in conjunction with our avoidance of sin.
Dr Dollar spoke about becoming a 'spiritual intellect' and using our knowing for practical living in other words spiritual wisdom = practical application of spiritual truth.
Christian progress, spiritual growth & success are rooted in the 'renewing of our minds'; as ministers and leaders he encouraged us to be at the forefront of this and continuously submitted to Godly mind transformation. The Christian disciples of prayer, reading & study, giving, fasting, service, Etc are difficult, but produce the type of transformation that God is looking for.
Are we willing to 'exchange' our thoughts for God's thoughts - he discussed the principle of 'exchange' as a spiritual law. Rom 8:5 "to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life & peace."
"Be satisfied with your portion" Dr Creflo Dollar. Seemed a bit random, but I guess it was a word for God for many (including me!)
Creflo took us on a journey through the story of the prodigal son:
"Father give me" ..."my inheritance" Son was self centered and indulgent he THOUGHT that his needs/wants were primary! But when he came to himself in his THINKING he changed his actions & behaviour and returned to his Fathers house. His salvation was begun by a change in his thinking. Rom 12:1-2 Discovery of the will of God is begun by surrender and mind renewal.
Ezekiel 18:30 "Therefore REPENT & turn yourself...put away"
Matt 4:17 "REPENT because the Kingdom of God is at hand."
Changing our thoughts and focusing on the heavenly - 'fits' us for the earthly!
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds"
Strongholds are mental constructs that resist or contradict the word & will of God. Dr Dollar described them as habits, addictions & restraining mindsets that imprison us. Victory in our lives begins with destroying this 'stinkin thinkin' & replacing it with the word of God.
Stay tuned for more session notes to come! Change your mind change your life!
Ps Rhett
Monday, January 24, 2011
Influencers 2011 Conference notes
Hi Leaders & church family
I want to record my impressions from the Influencers conference to 'share some of the love' we experienced at this wonderful event.
It was a blessing to be sponsored to attend this conference, about 12 of us in all were able to attend and it was a great time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters from Grace. Ashley Evans started off the sessions with a message called 'Poison Ivy' (This can be downloaded off Paradise Church's website/or as a podcast) It dealt with the entanglement of sin and issues from Hebrews 12:1
Ps Ashley spoke of the 'bitter root' that defiles many; unfortunately sometimes other peoples issues can 'get on us' if we are not careful. He explained that he had had a particular difficult year last year (No Kidding?) but when asked by a friend how he survived he said "I have cleansed myself" - his ability to shake off and resist the defilement of sin in himself & from others enabled him to survive the year 'intact'
He posed the question: Are we more free, more trusting, more forgiving after 2010? or do we need to do some spiritual 'cleansing?'
Ps Ashley's indicators we have been adversely affected by others:
> A negative attitude change
> Inability to trust
> Identity crisis
> Faith issues
> Lingering sadness
> An uncertain future
> Depression
In John 13 the Gospel records the incident of the 'washing of feet' - this was a custom to cleanse them of daily defilement - Peter resists him and is told "If you don't partake in this then you have no part with me" When Peter says "then also my hands & head" Jesus said: "You are already clean" Yet he still insisted that he/they submit to this foot wash - illustrative of our spiritual state in Christ and the operation of the word washing us, yet the need for regular cleansing from daily defilement.
Ps Ashley's suggestions for spiritual renewal:
> Declare a spiritual vision over/for your life.
> Follow Jesus commands i.e. "Whatever he says do it"
> Use Matt 18 as a protocol to resolve relational issues.
> Spend time with positive people.
> Seek a fresh encounter with God.
I hope that this summary of the message helps & inspires you to be 'clean' and go on to victory in your life.
Regards,
Ps Rhett
I want to record my impressions from the Influencers conference to 'share some of the love' we experienced at this wonderful event.
It was a blessing to be sponsored to attend this conference, about 12 of us in all were able to attend and it was a great time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters from Grace. Ashley Evans started off the sessions with a message called 'Poison Ivy' (This can be downloaded off Paradise Church's website/or as a podcast) It dealt with the entanglement of sin and issues from Hebrews 12:1
Ps Ashley spoke of the 'bitter root' that defiles many; unfortunately sometimes other peoples issues can 'get on us' if we are not careful. He explained that he had had a particular difficult year last year (No Kidding?) but when asked by a friend how he survived he said "I have cleansed myself" - his ability to shake off and resist the defilement of sin in himself & from others enabled him to survive the year 'intact'
He posed the question: Are we more free, more trusting, more forgiving after 2010? or do we need to do some spiritual 'cleansing?'
Ps Ashley's indicators we have been adversely affected by others:
> A negative attitude change
> Inability to trust
> Identity crisis
> Faith issues
> Lingering sadness
> An uncertain future
> Depression
In John 13 the Gospel records the incident of the 'washing of feet' - this was a custom to cleanse them of daily defilement - Peter resists him and is told "If you don't partake in this then you have no part with me" When Peter says "then also my hands & head" Jesus said: "You are already clean" Yet he still insisted that he/they submit to this foot wash - illustrative of our spiritual state in Christ and the operation of the word washing us, yet the need for regular cleansing from daily defilement.
Ps Ashley's suggestions for spiritual renewal:
> Declare a spiritual vision over/for your life.
> Follow Jesus commands i.e. "Whatever he says do it"
> Use Matt 18 as a protocol to resolve relational issues.
> Spend time with positive people.
> Seek a fresh encounter with God.
I hope that this summary of the message helps & inspires you to be 'clean' and go on to victory in your life.
Regards,
Ps Rhett
Session 1 & 2 for Feb small groups
Hi leaders, session 1 & 2 or the February small groups have been emailed to your current address - if you did not get them, they will be on the small groups website & available in hard copy at the front desk of church this Sunday. (Pls advise if you have changed your email)
Feb is our 'vision' month so we will be hearing from the different deptments, starting with the School dedication service this week. I have provided some thoughts on vision as a resourse & prompter for your own sessions. Feel free to adapt, use, make use of this - but you have liberty to develop a guided discussion on vision for the month.
Have a great time in God, and the renewing of relationships within your groups.
March/April will be a series called 'Just walk across the Room' by Bill Hybels, Ps Dave has asked us to cover this material in both preaching and small groups, so I will adapt the material and send out the x 4 sessions by the end of Feb.
Dates for this series will be 13 & 20 March ( 2 x concurrent weeks of small group)
(Men's camp is the 25,26,27 March - so we will skip this week)
and the 3 & 10 April ( 2 x concurrent weeks of small group)
It looks like a great opportunity to explore the subject of personal evangelism!
Regards
Ps Rhett
Feb is our 'vision' month so we will be hearing from the different deptments, starting with the School dedication service this week. I have provided some thoughts on vision as a resourse & prompter for your own sessions. Feel free to adapt, use, make use of this - but you have liberty to develop a guided discussion on vision for the month.
Have a great time in God, and the renewing of relationships within your groups.
March/April will be a series called 'Just walk across the Room' by Bill Hybels, Ps Dave has asked us to cover this material in both preaching and small groups, so I will adapt the material and send out the x 4 sessions by the end of Feb.
Dates for this series will be 13 & 20 March ( 2 x concurrent weeks of small group)
(Men's camp is the 25,26,27 March - so we will skip this week)
and the 3 & 10 April ( 2 x concurrent weeks of small group)
It looks like a great opportunity to explore the subject of personal evangelism!
Regards
Ps Rhett
How's your self-esteem
You cannot love others until you have learned to love yourself.
Low self-esteem destroys our dreams and any hope of realizing God's great plan for our life. Expecting great things from God and attempting great things for Him can be destroyed by low self-esteem.
One of the most common ways of dealing with feelings of low self-esteem is withdrawing from our relationships with others. If low self-esteem results in isolation from others, how can the body of Christ function in a healthy manner? If the members of Christ's body are not functioning as members of the body, then Christ's ministry is hindered. Nothing sabotages christian service more than thinking so little of yourself that God isn't given a chance.
How you see yourself and how you feel about yourself will affect just about every aspect of your life. You will think, speak, act and react as the person you think you are. You will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your mind.
A healthy self-esteem isn't grounded in one's strengths and abilities. Self-esteem must come from knowing who Jesus is and from the assurance of His love and care.
Low self-esteem results in a loss of potential, wasted gifts and broken dreams.
There are four things that help us construct our self-image;
1. The social world - this includes how you were trained, treated, loved, cared for and in your upbringing.
2. The psychological world - this involves the mental and emotional equipment we need to cope with life.
3. Satan will use inferiority, inadequacy and self-belittling to defeat christians and prevent them from realizing their potential as God's children.
4. God and His word is the key to straightening out our false beliefs about ourselves.
Some of the basic problems that come from low self-esteem are:
Insecurity - A sense of worthlessness fosters insecurity and hopelessness.
Jealousy - Doubting our own worth, we're jealous of those who appear better off than us.
Anger - Comparing ourselves with others, we can become angry and resentful.
Fear - We have hidden fears that others may discover how we really feel about our true selves.
Selfishness - A lack of self-esteem produces total absorption in meeting our own needs.
Guilt - By focusing on failure rather than forgiveness, we are defeated and feel guilty.
Some suggestions for developing a healthy self-esteem are:
Be quick to repent and maintain a good attitude - cultivate the mind of Christ
Eliminate negative thought patterns about yourself; don't condemn yourself.
Honestly admit your shortcomings without blaming yourself for everything
Centre your thoughts on Christ and think about others rather than yourself
Thank God for the way He has gifted you, and
Don't despise your weaknessess; they keep you dependant on God
Michelle Cozins
Low self-esteem destroys our dreams and any hope of realizing God's great plan for our life. Expecting great things from God and attempting great things for Him can be destroyed by low self-esteem.
One of the most common ways of dealing with feelings of low self-esteem is withdrawing from our relationships with others. If low self-esteem results in isolation from others, how can the body of Christ function in a healthy manner? If the members of Christ's body are not functioning as members of the body, then Christ's ministry is hindered. Nothing sabotages christian service more than thinking so little of yourself that God isn't given a chance.
How you see yourself and how you feel about yourself will affect just about every aspect of your life. You will think, speak, act and react as the person you think you are. You will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your mind.
A healthy self-esteem isn't grounded in one's strengths and abilities. Self-esteem must come from knowing who Jesus is and from the assurance of His love and care.
Low self-esteem results in a loss of potential, wasted gifts and broken dreams.
There are four things that help us construct our self-image;
1. The social world - this includes how you were trained, treated, loved, cared for and in your upbringing.
2. The psychological world - this involves the mental and emotional equipment we need to cope with life.
3. Satan will use inferiority, inadequacy and self-belittling to defeat christians and prevent them from realizing their potential as God's children.
4. God and His word is the key to straightening out our false beliefs about ourselves.
Some of the basic problems that come from low self-esteem are:
Insecurity - A sense of worthlessness fosters insecurity and hopelessness.
Jealousy - Doubting our own worth, we're jealous of those who appear better off than us.
Anger - Comparing ourselves with others, we can become angry and resentful.
Fear - We have hidden fears that others may discover how we really feel about our true selves.
Selfishness - A lack of self-esteem produces total absorption in meeting our own needs.
Guilt - By focusing on failure rather than forgiveness, we are defeated and feel guilty.
Some suggestions for developing a healthy self-esteem are:
Be quick to repent and maintain a good attitude - cultivate the mind of Christ
Eliminate negative thought patterns about yourself; don't condemn yourself.
Honestly admit your shortcomings without blaming yourself for everything
Centre your thoughts on Christ and think about others rather than yourself
Thank God for the way He has gifted you, and
Don't despise your weaknessess; they keep you dependant on God
Michelle Cozins
Monday, January 17, 2011
What does the Lord require of you?
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to to justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
To Do Justly involves treating others in a way that is right and fair. Acting justly is not just in the mind or with the mouth. It requires action. God says to "act" justly. He didn't say think or say justly. Our purpose in acting justly is to please God.
To Love Mercy. Mercy comes from characteristics that include kindness, benevolence and charity. Part of what mercy requires is to be willing to forgive the sins of others as God is willing to forgive our sins. It is this aspect of mercy through which our salvation comes. To Love Mercy means to show a compassionate and warm heartedness towards others.
To Walk Humbly With Your God. True humility comes from the inside. It is only through a humbling of ourselves that we will be allowed to walk with God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. It is a high self-ego that leads to unbelief and a lack of faith. To walk humbly with God involves living in humble and submissive obediene to His desire and will. It is a humble heart and spirit that pleases God. By walking humbly with God, we are more likely to keep in proper balance To Do Justly and To Love Mercy. To walk humbly with God means to listen to His spirit and to obey His voice. Proud people think they know it all and refuse to listen, but humble people have teachable spirits.
Michelle Cozins
He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to to justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
To Do Justly involves treating others in a way that is right and fair. Acting justly is not just in the mind or with the mouth. It requires action. God says to "act" justly. He didn't say think or say justly. Our purpose in acting justly is to please God.
To Love Mercy. Mercy comes from characteristics that include kindness, benevolence and charity. Part of what mercy requires is to be willing to forgive the sins of others as God is willing to forgive our sins. It is this aspect of mercy through which our salvation comes. To Love Mercy means to show a compassionate and warm heartedness towards others.
To Walk Humbly With Your God. True humility comes from the inside. It is only through a humbling of ourselves that we will be allowed to walk with God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. It is a high self-ego that leads to unbelief and a lack of faith. To walk humbly with God involves living in humble and submissive obediene to His desire and will. It is a humble heart and spirit that pleases God. By walking humbly with God, we are more likely to keep in proper balance To Do Justly and To Love Mercy. To walk humbly with God means to listen to His spirit and to obey His voice. Proud people think they know it all and refuse to listen, but humble people have teachable spirits.
Michelle Cozins
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Welcome to 2011
Hi incredible leaders,
We want to welcome you to 2011 and hope you had a great rest & time of reflection during the break. I would encourage you to complete a group survey if you are a leader & give opportunity for your participants to fill out a participant survey if they wish. I am doing this to get candid feedback from you all in regards to continuous improvement of how we do small groups at Grace.
I have produced a small groups calendar (soon to be available in hard copy and online) which will show all the dates for small group meetings, LD nights and so on for this year. During the month of Jan I will have a moment to re outline the small groups vision as part of our 'Vision' month. Please continue to check the small groups twitter feed & blog site for memo's LD sessions & resources pertaining to small groups.
If for any reason you are unable to or want a break from small groups leadership please see me asap / contact your area coordinator so we can help you manage this.
I look forward to working with you all this year to make Grace small groups a place to Believe, Belong & Build the Kingdom of God.
Regards
Ps Rhett.
We want to welcome you to 2011 and hope you had a great rest & time of reflection during the break. I would encourage you to complete a group survey if you are a leader & give opportunity for your participants to fill out a participant survey if they wish. I am doing this to get candid feedback from you all in regards to continuous improvement of how we do small groups at Grace.
I have produced a small groups calendar (soon to be available in hard copy and online) which will show all the dates for small group meetings, LD nights and so on for this year. During the month of Jan I will have a moment to re outline the small groups vision as part of our 'Vision' month. Please continue to check the small groups twitter feed & blog site for memo's LD sessions & resources pertaining to small groups.
If for any reason you are unable to or want a break from small groups leadership please see me asap / contact your area coordinator so we can help you manage this.
I look forward to working with you all this year to make Grace small groups a place to Believe, Belong & Build the Kingdom of God.
Regards
Ps Rhett.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tough Love
Tough love is a valid, necessary, and biblical love. We need to speak the truth even when it cuts and hurts. Tough love is quite often painful, but, sometimes we can harm people when we don't tell them the truth.
Ephesian 4: 14-16 addresses three elements of our faith and speaking the truth in love.
1. It is a sign of maturity. Rather than being easily manipulated and swayed by false teaching, we are able to articulate the truth of our faith. Our roots are deep, and we know where we stand.
2. Speaking the truth helps us grow in our relationship with Jesus because He is truth. When we are willing to stand on the truth even when it hurts, we deepen our faith and our relationship with Jesus.
3. Strength in the body of Christ comes when we walk in the truth. This means we learn to express tough love as well as tender love. The church is strengthened when we reflect honest love, which includes both tenderness and toughness.
God built some of us with tougher hearts and others with more tender hearts. But we all need to learn about tough love. Tender hearted people say 'peace at any price' (they don't deal with the problem), but sometimes the price is the relationship they are trying to save. Tender hearted people need to trust God and take a risk. If you only have tender love in a relationship that relationship is headed for trouble. The tender love will eventually mean very little
Sometimes there comes a point in a relationship where tough love is called for. Tough love can bring up some big issues as well as put a strain on relationships. Tough love can either make or break a relationship.
Michelle Cozins
Ephesian 4: 14-16 addresses three elements of our faith and speaking the truth in love.
1. It is a sign of maturity. Rather than being easily manipulated and swayed by false teaching, we are able to articulate the truth of our faith. Our roots are deep, and we know where we stand.
2. Speaking the truth helps us grow in our relationship with Jesus because He is truth. When we are willing to stand on the truth even when it hurts, we deepen our faith and our relationship with Jesus.
3. Strength in the body of Christ comes when we walk in the truth. This means we learn to express tough love as well as tender love. The church is strengthened when we reflect honest love, which includes both tenderness and toughness.
God built some of us with tougher hearts and others with more tender hearts. But we all need to learn about tough love. Tender hearted people say 'peace at any price' (they don't deal with the problem), but sometimes the price is the relationship they are trying to save. Tender hearted people need to trust God and take a risk. If you only have tender love in a relationship that relationship is headed for trouble. The tender love will eventually mean very little
Sometimes there comes a point in a relationship where tough love is called for. Tough love can bring up some big issues as well as put a strain on relationships. Tough love can either make or break a relationship.
Michelle Cozins
Monday, January 3, 2011
Wishing You Coffee Beans
A young woman went to her mother and told her about life and how things were hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to the boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them boil without saying a word.
In about 20 minutes, she turned off the burners. She took out the carrots and placed them in a bowl. She took out the eggs and placed them in na bowl. Then she laddled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to the daughter, she asked "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee" she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled eggs. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted the rich aroma.
The daughter then asked "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity. Boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrots went in strong, hard and unrelenting, however, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The eggs had been fragile - it's thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however, after they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" She asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Are you the carrot that seems strong but with pain and adversity, wilt and become soft and lose strength?
Are you an egg that starts with a malleable heart but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit but under a trial become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same but on the inside are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean changes the hot water the very circumstance that brings the pain. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
Which one are you?
Michelle Cozins
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to the boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them boil without saying a word.
In about 20 minutes, she turned off the burners. She took out the carrots and placed them in a bowl. She took out the eggs and placed them in na bowl. Then she laddled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to the daughter, she asked "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee" she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled eggs. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted the rich aroma.
The daughter then asked "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity. Boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrots went in strong, hard and unrelenting, however, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The eggs had been fragile - it's thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however, after they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" She asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Are you the carrot that seems strong but with pain and adversity, wilt and become soft and lose strength?
Are you an egg that starts with a malleable heart but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit but under a trial become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same but on the inside are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean changes the hot water the very circumstance that brings the pain. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
Which one are you?
Michelle Cozins
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