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
Monday, January 24, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)