Connect Groups

Small Group session notes Feb 2012

2012-02-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Incredible leaders, this week we are reviewing the teachers dedication message from Karen Hewitt.

Karen's focus scripture was Matt 6:33 "but seek ye first the Kingdom of God"
Kingdom interests must always come FIRST. - there are a lot of 'Firsts' is the scriptures, But When the LORD himself makes it clear what is to come first in our lives we all need to sit up and take notice! i.e. First Choice, First priority, First loyalty etc.
Karen proposed the concept that we are all in FULL - time ministry. There is no such thing as a PT or Casual christian. As far as God is concerned he sees us as all Fully engaged in the purpose he has created us for.

A complete salvation calls for a complete commitment!

This is not a popular concept in contemporary Christianity - If our saviour poured himself out completely in service to us - how can we offer him any less?
(Discussion point: how does this impact your life?)

This requires an adjustment for some or huge paradigm shift for others in our spiritual lives; in regards to the various ministry areas we are involved in i.e. School, Church, community, family & workplace - we are full-time ministers in whatever setting we are in to bring God Glory and increase his Kingdom.

1. Kingdom Focus
(Read Matt 6:33)
Q How does God come first in your life?
We are to be living sacrifices for God. (Read Romans 12:1)
The scriptures plainly tell us that we are not our own & brought (which implies ownership!) at an incredible price. A whole sacrifice / not a partial consecration.
(Read Gal 2:20)
(Discussion point:If Christ is indeed living in you & I how is this experienced / seen by others?)

2. Kingdom Goals
Karen challenged us regarding our goals this year! Christ in us should mean that we have new desires, priorities & goals.
Q Will our influence be for ourselves or for God?
Q How will we live out of Christ this year?
Q What practical ways can we demonstrate Christ to others / serve others in our local community?

Thanks Leaders, have a great start to the year in your small groups.
Please spent some time praying for the Church & our local community.
Ps Rhett.

Dan Lian message notes

2011-11-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Kingdom Culture - forgivness

2011-11-13T03:05:00.000-08:00

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

Holy Spirit

2011-11-03T00:59:00.000-07:00

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

Kingdom culture - compassion

2011-09-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

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

Kingdom Culture - passion

2011-08-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

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

MEMO: Term 3 material for Sunday 7th Aug start

2011-07-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

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

Small group leaders meeting June 28th

2011-06-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

Small group’s leaders meeting notes

Prayer & Intro (Yoda's small group youtube clip)

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

Influencers Conference 2011 FINAL

2011-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Control issues:
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.

Influencers Conference 2011

2011-03-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

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

Influencers Conference 2011

2011-02-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

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:

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

He recounted the stories of Joseph, King David, Elisha & Jesus who handled their meantime well and came into the destiny that God had planned for them.

May God bless you and strengthen you to do your 'meantime' well!
Ps Rhett

Influencers Conference 2011

2011-02-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

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:

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

Influencers 2011 Conference notes

2011-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

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

RANDOMS: Getting your self out of trouble!

2011-02-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

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

Influencers 2011 Conference notes

2011-02-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

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."

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

Influencers 2011 Conference notes

2011-01-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

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

Session 1 & 2 for Feb small groups

2011-01-24T22:34:00.000-08:00

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

How's your self-esteem

2011-01-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

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

What does the Lord require of you?

2011-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

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

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Tough Love

2011-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

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

Wishing You Coffee Beans

2011-01-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

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

What is worship?

2010-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

What is worship?

Anything that you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of of worship.
When we come together to worship, we come wanting to please God alone, offering to Him our very best. The biggest distraction in worship is yourself - your interests and your worries over what others think of you.
Heartless praise is not praise at all. It is worthless.
One thing worship costs us is our self-centeredness.

Preperation for worship
1) Be Determined - when we are determined, God meets us in our efforts and enables our spirits to rise up.
2) Be Enthusiastic - God deserves more than the dregs when we worship Him.
3) Be Honest - we need to be honest before God and confess our need and our difficulty in worship.
4) Be Thankful - give thanks in all circumstances
5) Be Consistent - Worship is not just a performance on a sunday morning. It is a way of life
6) Be Clean - We must ask God to forgive us and clean us up in preperation for what is about to take place.
7) Be Thoughtful - Resist the temptation to get involved in thoughtful or thoughtless conversation
8) Be Attentive - We need to listen for God to speak to us as we worship

Michelle Cozins

Temptation

2010-12-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

Temptation starts in our hearts, minds and in our deepest motives and desires. Every christian is faced with some kind of temptation. We give in to temptation because there is tempory pleasure in it.
Temptation comes from satan, seeking to activate his selfish evil character and seek to deny glory to God by missuse of humanity.

Other people may be used to tempt us. Temptation is not sin. It is an enticement to sin. Being tempted is not wrong - it's the decision to do wrong, and the action that follows.

Fighting temptation is combat God allows, because it is won or lost at a spiritual level. He desires that we endure when we are tempted and promises that there is a way out. When you are tempted, God will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

All temptation is an attempt by satan to get us to live our lives independently of God. Temptation is greatest when we are hungry, tired, lonely, or have time on our hands. You will never outgrow temptation.
Temptation is a sign that satan hates you. The closer you grow to God, the more satan will try to tempt you.

The first step for escaping temptation is to capture every thought as it steps into your mind. Once you have halted an incoming thought, the next step is to see if it passes the eight-part test based on Phillipians 4:8 for what we should think about.
1. Does the thought line up with God's truth?
2. Does it suggest that i do something honourable?
3. Is it right?
4. Is it pure?
5. Will the outcome of this thought be lovely?
6. Will the result be something to admire?
7. Will it contribute to excellence in my life?
8. Is it something for which i can prasie God?

To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's word and other good thoughts. Jesus used the word of God to overcome temptation n the wilderness. We need to be alert, self-controlled, and strong in the faith. We need to perservere, persist and continue to resist temptation.
There is always a way to overcome temptation.

Michelle Cozins

Are You Limiting God?

2010-12-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

God has called us for a special purpose. God is looking at us to experience the same miracles people in the bible experienced. God has much more for us than we could ever imagine. God has poured out the Holy Spirit over ordinary people.

It is God who makes the impossible possible. It is God who gives us the wisdom and courage we need. We need to believe that we're destined to do great things. If we did all we are capable of doing we would astonish ourselves.
There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can.
God always gives us enough strength and enough sense for everything he wants us to do.
Can't is just an excuse for us not to try.

Before you can be used in the same way God used David, Elijah, Samuel, and many others, God will form you. This forming will last the rest of your life.

The greatest demonstrations of God's power have come when men and women have felt the weakest.
When we run out of our own natural ability and strength, God's strength is perfected in us.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - For when I am weak, then I am strong.

There's only one thing that limits an elephant from getting where he wants to go - and it's not a two foot stake, it's a thought. In order for each of us to move toward becoming the person God created us to be and fulfill the purpose He created us to fulfill, we must pull some stakes and refuse to let limitations define us.
We have no good reason to wait to do God's will. We need to begin as we are.

Consider having the ability to do something as fundamental as reading, and for fear of making a mistake a person would refuse to read. We all make mistakes when we are learning, but that does not stop us. So why do we treat our christian life differently?
What is impossible with men is possible with God.

What areas in your life are you putting a limit on God because you've put a limit on yourself?

Michelle Cozins

A Time for Everything

2010-11-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The world is not just a place where whatever will happen will happen or whatever will meant to be will be. God's people are not just to go through the motions of living. They are to be active participants in God's plans. God has a perfect timing for your life. If we wait for God's timing in our life we will be truly happy. God's timing is perfect, never early, never late. Why is it so hard to wait for God to reveal His plan?

Life tends to have seasons. Evaluate which season you may be in, and recognise that all seasons have a purpose.

Winter
Winter is the time to reflect by the fireplace, rest, and allow your body to be restored and your mind and emotions to be healed. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged. Don't let "gray days" overwhelm you. Don't focus on what was in the past, and don't dydream too much about the spring ahead. Eventually, the winter season ends. Use it for good while it lasts.
Early winter is a time for pruning so that growth of spring will be maximized. winter is the time to plan the spring garden and to prepare all things necessary for planting it. It's the time for preparing the soil and removing dead brush. Use this wintertime in your life for innerwork. explore what God desires to teach you and how God desires to prepare you for the season ahead.

Spring
This season is one of renewal and growth. Life flourishes. New things get started. This is a time for output and fresh new ventures. It isn't enough to plan a garden - you must actually plant a garden if you want vegetables or flowers. Consult with others who are experiencing the kind of harvest you one day hope to experience. Discover how they began their career or ministry. Take advantage of their wisdom and learn from them more about what works and what doesn't work. Then take the begining steps necessary.

Summer
Summer days can seem long and hot, but this is the season for work. It is the season for plowing, cultivating and irrigating. The work can seem tedious at times, but it is work that needs to be done. Don't give up. Keep doing the good that you know to do. Hang in there until the project is complete.

Autumn
The harvest does eventually come. Autumn is the time for rejoicing in your fruitfulness, for reaping rewards, and for sharing God's goodness with family and friends.

Taken from the book You're All That
Author Paula White

What season are you in?
Michelle Cozins

Session 5 The Pastors heart - The ever expanding flock

2010-11-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

In this Final session we want to examine the remaining verses in the 10th chapter of John.
Verses 13-18

"I am the good shepherd I know my sheep and they know me, as the Father knows Me,, and I the Father."

Jesus again reiterates the 'intimacy' principle - and again repeats that "I am the good shepherd" I find it interesting that twice he reminded them "I am the door" and twice that he was the 'good' shepherd. The Lord is emphasising two important principles; He is the access to kingdom life, and his essential nature is good. As far as leadership is concerned at its core intimacy and sacrifice are the principles that make for a 'good shepherd' Jesus compares this to the intimate relationship he has with the father! Wow - ponder that one for a moment! In our relationships a striving for intimacy is important as intimacy begets honesty, honesty begets understanding, understanding begets care, care begets trust.

"I have other sheep that are not of this fold (gentile believers) I must bring them also..."
"...That there will be one flock, one shepherd."

High on Jesus heart is his care for Israel, but beyond this are the yearnings for those currently out of the covenant provisions, multitudes that have no shepherd and don't enjoy the blessings of God. The allusion is that there are many other 'sheep' wandering outside the fold that he desires were in his care. I think of our focus & capacity to Pastor those inside the Fold; but the 'good' shepherd is always looking outwards to the others who are not being cared for! Is there a little more room in the Church? in your small group? in your life? for wandering sheep? Gods grand vision is 'one flock/one shepherd' Its a wonderful vision/mission - we help make this a reality by our not neglecting outreach, evangelism and personal soul winning. Please encourage your group in this over the break.

Ps Rhett bids you farewell!

Have a wonderful Christmas and new year.

Going Through Hard Times

2010-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

As long as we are holding onto our burdens, God will not move in to change things.

Think about everything Jesus went through and how He endured suffering inn His flesh, and it will help you make it through your difficulties. Arm yourselves for battle, prepare yourselves to win by thinking as Jesus did.

Problems are reminders - they remind us that we need God's help to handle the upheavels of life.
Dark days make us lean on God in ways we normally wouldn't.
A little suffering keeps us humble.
God uses life's setbacks to help us move ahead.

If you desire victory over your problems, you must have backbone and not just wishbone. You must be active - not passive. Right action begins with right thinking.

God has not promised that He will allow us to go through life unshaken, but he has promised to carry us through unshattered.

How will we learn to lean on God if everything in our lives is so easy that we can handle it by ourselves?
Hard times are good if they cause you to turn to God and depend on His strength.

In order to get guidance in a crisis, make sure you remain in the will of God continually.

We will face challenges in this life, but through Christ we can conquer them all.

Michelle Cozins

MEMO: Small Groups Christmas celebration BBQ

2010-11-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hi incredible leaders!

We would like to invite you all to a celebration BBQ to close off the year in small groups. This is an open invitation to Leaders & their families to Lakeside park in Dalyellup from 5-7pm Sunday the 12 Dec - we will provide meat & drinks etc, if each family could bring a salad, eating utensils, plates & cups your blanket, chair perhaps some games / sporting equipment - we want to just hang out together & have a great time with you.

If you could RSVP fairly quickly to 041 201 4449 with "name" "yes/no" "number attending"
i.e. 'Topliss' , 'yes' , 3 that will help me with the shopping!

alternatively email or see Me/Gaynor personally to register your involvement - if you can't attend don't fret! I understand that it is a very busy time of the year.

This invite is open to Area leaders, Small group leaders spouses and families.

Looking forward to seeing you there

Ps Rhett
Small groups coordinator

The Legend of the Three Trees

2010-11-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

The Legend of the Three Trees is based on the traditional folk tale. This story can be found on the internet.

Our dreams can be realized, but not always as we might expect.
The first tree desired to be a treasure box and ends up as a mere feeding trough. the second tree desired to be a strong sailing ship, and ultimately, becomes a small fishing boat. The third tree who wanted to remain planted and point heavenward, as the tallest tree in the forest, is made into lumber that is fashioned into a cross.
What appears to be unanswered dreams really are fulfilled with Jesus Christ.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way thay had imagined. We don't always know what Gods plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, But His ways are always best.
Each of these trees finds itself in a place they never desired to be, yet in the end - God's love changes everything.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God has a plan for each of us. There may be times we lose sight of our dreams, and we may not understand things that take place in our lives. We must remember that God loves us, and has a plan for us, and is in control; therefore we can trust Him.

What are your plans this week?
Michelle Cozins

Session 4 'The pastor's heart' - good help is hard to find

2010-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi leaders, David recounts an interesting anecdote to Saul concerning his worthiness to face Goliath;
"But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (1 Sam 17:34 & 36) David was keeper of his fathers sheep - yet such was his commitment to them & his father, he was willing to face mortal danger to recover the lost sheep! This shows his courage and commitment, and brings us to our next subject.

Lets continue with John 10:11-13
"I am the Good shepherd the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. the hired man, since he is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired man and doesn't care about the sheep."

We see here contrasted the depth of service and sacrifice a shepherd & a hired servant will demonstrate when it comes to personal risk. Jesus brings up the issue of ownership as a factor in the response of both the shepherd and the hireling. Intrinsic to the Shepherd ethos is a depth of responsibility that goes deeper than just physical ownership - this is not a response triggered by the potential loss of an asset! it is a depth of care and concern borne out of an investment of self in the sheep, that will put it all on the line if need be for the sake of the other. We might call this 'vicarious living' Many will be the threats facing people in the church & those in your care! We demonstrate the depth of our investment in others by our willingness to sacrifice on their behalf. The wolf is an apt metaphore for predatory & exploitative individuals who appear in our midst from time to time, The Shepherd often positioned himself at the entrance of the fold and was constantly 'watching' his sheep to respond promptly to any threat.

At the end of the day the hireling's response is a lack of ownership, investment & genuine caring for those in their trust. When self is mortally threatened - its preservation becomes primary! Jesus used this contrasting behaviour to show us the true depths of his goodness & what constitutes a true shepherd. Obviously we will rarely have to demonstrate this level of sacrifice - but as leaders its important we adopt the 'vicarious' mindset to our relationships and those we are leading, that demonstates itself in appropriate practical care.

...have a lambtastic week.
Ps Rhett
Next Week Session 5 (final) 'The pastors heart' - The ever expanding flock
John 10:14-18

Spiritual Maturity

2010-11-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Part of spiritual maturity involves asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything that is displeasing to Him. We need to be open and accountable to correction in our lives. God will use other brothers and sisters in Christ to admonish us lovingly for the purpose of spiritual growth. In addition, we need to examine ourselves in the light of scripture.

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless of course, you fail the test?

Here are some questions that we need to ask ourselves.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that i am better than i really am. In other words, am i a hypocrite?
2. Do i confidently pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
3. Can i be trusted?
4. Am i a slave to dress, friends, work, or habit?
5. Am i self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
6. Did the bible live in me today?
7. Am i enjoying prayer?
8. When did i last speak to someone else of my faith?
9. Do i pray about the money i spend?
10. Do i disobey God in anything?
11. Do i insist upon doing something, about which my conscience is uneasy?
12. Am i defeated in any part of my life?
13. Am i jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
14. How do i spend my spare time?
15. Am i proud?
16. Is there anyone whom i fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am i doing about it?
17. Do i grumble or complain consistently?
18. Is Christ real to me?

Michelle Cozins

MEMO: Chaplaincy & survey 2010

2010-11-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hi incredible influencers,
Anton has asked me to highlight the Chaplains progressive dinner event on the 26 Nov @ Grace cafe 6:30pm - 9pm cost is $20, this would be a great opportunity to do an event with your small group and support chaplaincy in WA.

Dave Gibbons in his book "the monkey & the fish" asserts that 'when you look at history its undeniable that diversity, especially cultural and ethnic is a huge asset when it comes to innovation, creativity and problem-solving. It just makes sense...diversity brings forth fresh viewpoints, approaches, perspectives, learning, ideas,insights and sensibilities...which in turn lead to breakthroughs." ('Monkey & the Fish' Zondervan 2010 p151)
I would like you all, area leaders / small group leaders & participants to join with me to pray and consider how 2011 might look in small groups. I want to be consultative with our leadership and those that participate in our small groups to really get my 'finger on the pulse' for now and seek what God may be saying in regards to changes. Of course the vision & mission of small groups will stay the same (please review this from your small groups manual) but how we achieve this I think needs periodic review. I am welcoming your input (here is your big chance!) and will use this to form a fresh strategy for this new year. I will post a survey online and a hard copy for you to distribute to your groups. This will have the option to be anonymous so we can capture peoples candid feedback.

Please encourage your participants to provide feedback, as we value there perspective.

I may invite people to an informal meeting to discuss proposed changes before next year, based on the quantity and content of the feedback.

I appreciate the wonderful diversity and giftedness that exists in our church and our small groups ministry and want to tap into this to provide the best possible decision making and small group experience possible.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

Ps Rhett.

Why belong to a local church?

2010-11-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:5 says, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

One of the first symptoms of spiritual decline is inconsistent attendance at worship services.Without a church home you're like a child without a family - you're a spiritual orphan.
Your church is a classroom for learning how to get along with God's family - for practising unselfish love. There you learn to care about others and share in their experience.
We belong to a local church because it helps you develop spiritual muscle. As each part does its own work, it helps all the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy.
Isolation breeds deceitfullness. It's easy to fool ourselves into thinking we're mature when there's no-one to challenge us. Real maturity only shows up in the give and take of relationships.

Belonging to a church can keep you from backsliding. no-one is immune to temptation. We're all capable of blowing it.
"Mind your own business" shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We're called to be involved in ech others lives. If we know someone who's wavering spiritually, it's our responcibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.
Whenever a child is born, it must become a member of a specific family in order to receive nurture and care and grow up healthy and strong.
The difference in being a church attendee and a church member is committment. Attendees are consumers; members are contributors. Attendees want the benefits without any responcibility or accountability.
Belonging to a church promotes honesty. Too many of us wear masks. We act as if everything in the garden is rosy when it's not. Such attitudes are the death of real fellowship.
Belonging to a church provides support. We are more consistent in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us.
When we belong to a local church we experience mercy. Fellowship is a place where mistakes are rubbed out not rubbed in. We all need mercy because we stumble and need help getting back on track.

Michelle Cozins

Session 3 'The pastor's heart' - The Good shepherd

2010-10-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

In the 34th Chapter of the book of Ezekiel God rebukes the neglectful shepherds of Israel through the prophet " Woe to the shepherds of Israel" He lists the duties of a good shepherd as...

Feeding & tending the flock
Strengthening the weak
Healing the sick
bandaging the wounded
bring back the strays
seeking the lost

I encourage you to read the 34th chapter of this book, as God speaks in the strongest terms about his concern for the flock. In it we find a great 'template' for pastoral care - As a pastor its one of my favourite chapters & my most frightening, as I realise that one day I will be held accountable for my care of God's people! Its a great parallel passage to our portion in John.

Lets turn together to John 10 verses 7-10
"I assure you I am the door of the sheep, All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them; I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy, I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." (HCSB)

We have a 'Verily, verily' statement or a 'double amen' (Heb 'awman' faithful & reliable -a pillar truth) He has alluded to this in his first attempt to communicate his point, now he states it directly and plainly! "I AM the door of the sheep." prefaced by the 'double amen' there could be no stronger affirmation of this key truth. Astoundingly he repeats himself AGAIN! 'I AM THE DOOR' - do you get the feel Jesus is wanting to make sure we don't miss this? Notice he dosn't say 'I am the door TO the sheep' - but that he is 'the door FOR the sheep'? Don Flemming comments on this: "To explain further, Jesus likened himself to a door, by which people could come to God and so find life, freedom, protection and provision. The Jewish leaders, instead of leading people to God, exploited and oppressed them" (Bridge Bible Handbook on John 10 p118) Jesus is our point of entry to the abundant life of the Kingdom. We as leaders are pointing people to him, and making sure they have safe access in/out of the fold. The Religious leaders were opportunistic & prevented people from relationship with the shepherd of their souls. As a thief comes to exploit and ravish the flock without a care to its welfare, to contrast, Jesus comes as the safe door to kingdom abundance. The reality is that each of us must pass through Jesus to find this quality of life. We are under shepherds guiding people through to 'greener pastures' in Christ. I consider this to be the absolute priority of pastoral work. How are you bringing others into this in your small group?

Next week Session 3 'The pastor's heart' - 'Wolves & Hirelings' or 'good help is hard to find!'
Have a great week in God.
Ps Rhett

Accountability

2010-10-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Being accountable to someone gives us more incentive to be even more like Christ. One of the reasons we slip in our christian walk is that generally we answer to no-one.
We must choose carefully who we are accountable to. Proverbs 13:20 says, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
An "Accountability Partner" is someone who can ask us questions, and we are able to give them true answers.

Even though God knows every sin we've committed and will do in the future, God loves us enough to provide for our salvation through Christ - and He continues to love us. But He will still hold us accountable for our actions.
Accountability is essential for us to grow and produce godly character and fruit. Acountability allows us to be answerable to one another. We give an answer for what we do, and understand where we need help in areas where we are weak and struggling, and to be encouraged. "Mind your own business" shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We're called to be involved in each other's lives. If we know someone is wavering spiritually, it's our responcibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.

In accountability, the goal is our spiritul formation which is christian maturity, growth and character derived from God working in us and our working out our faith with one another.
Accountability is not about confrontation. We may, at times, need to be confronted and to confront one another, but accountability is more about challenging one another to grow in Christ. Accountability is essential for every christian to help reach his or her full potential, it is mandate to those in leadership and ministry.
Accountability is not just for those who are weak, needy, or for whimps; it is for the strong who want to become stronger, and for the unconnected who need to be connected.

Accountability helps us in our freedom in Christ, because we give up on our self-will and focus on His will. Accountability is letting Christ drive. Accountability becomes the map to keep us moving on His road to His destination; if we throw away the map, then we go in the wrong direction, we will never get to the destination, and perhaps crash.
When we are accountable to others we learn of one another's battles which helps us with ours, and ours helps with theirs. Being accountable will promote healing and growth in all aspects of your life.

When looking for an accountability partner, or are accountable to someone, remember:

To look for someone who you respect, trust, are mature in their faith and character, and from whom you can learn, so you can develop closeness and share shortcomings.

Make sure you use God's word, it is your standard for faith, and practise it.

Make sure no-one dominates. Have equal airtime so all can be involved.

Be willing to be flexible and surrender your time when another person needs extra time and care.

Respect the feelings and time of others, and speak the truth in love.

Seek those who can help you adhere to God's standards rather than the worlds standards.

Be committed.

What you do not want is people disciplining you who are prideful, who only care about themselves, or who are irritable.

Do you need to be accountable to someone this week?

Michelle Cozins

Session 2 'The pastor's heart' - I hear voices!

2010-10-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hi incredible leaders & influencers,
Leo Harris, author of 'Operation outreach' makes this observation in Chapter 8 entitled: 'Ministries in the New Testament church' (which is an analysis of the Ephesians 4:8-11 five fold ministry giftings list.)
"Here (in Ephesians 4) the Greek word is 'poimen' meaning 'a shepherd' The pastor is a shepherd who cares for and feeds the flock of God." Under the heading of 'Teachers' Ps Harris comments; "The Greek is 'didaskalos' meaning an instructor, there is a close relationship between the ministry of Pastor and Teacher suggested in the structure of the text - Moffat translates this verse thus; "He granted some to be evangelists, some to shepherd & teach."
Intrinsic then to the Pastoral 'gifting' is the concept of a shepherd who both guards & guides the flock. If this is your gifting (ordained or lay; paid or volunteer) there will be a strong desire & demonstrated ability to function in this way. Closely akin to this may be the gifting to instruct & teach (and these two distinct giftings can often appear together i.e. the Pastor/teacher)

As small group leaders its important to understand that your primary ministry 'gifting' is for the church to care for and guide God's people and can be developed, expanded, and added too with further individual gifts of the spirit to enhance your effectiveness. Our prayer as a leadership & pastoral team is that each of our leaders (us included!) minister in our primary ministry gift, and that we all go on to grow, develop & add to this with a greater effectiveness in our local church.

Lets now turn our attention to John 10 vs 1-3
(you can read this in your daily use bible, in my bible it has the title 'the ideal shepherd')
"I assure you anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the door but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The doorkeeper opens it for him..." (HCSB)
We understand that there is a proper entry to the flock; the ancient 'fold' had high walls and a narrow entry enclosed by a gate and attended by a 'gatekeeper', or in the case of the remote fold, the shepherd himself would lie across the entry and become both gate & keeper himself. There were those who sought illegitimate access to the fold & the sheep to steal them away for profit. The shepherd however approaches in the right way, is known to the gatekeeper and to the sheep on an intimate basis. His access is 'frontal' and his interest with the sheep is to further their care and provide protection & guidance to them. I have observed over the years individuals make a illegitimate approach to the flock (usually by infiltrating small groups or 'under the radar' through relationships outside the corporate meeting) for the purpose of exploiting them for their own ends. Stop Thief! Robber! That is why we have a pathway for the identification & appointment of known, credible and trusted shepherds for our small groups. These ones rarely if never approach leadership or Pastoral staff, and avoid any interaction with them - be assured the "gatekeepers' of the church watch continually for 'hands on the wall tops' and Intel from watchful sheep about who is in the fold and what they are there for.

Vs 3-5 "and the sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them."
Often in these mixed folds, several flocks may be gathered, requiring the shepherds to call to their flocks, (sometimes individually) to lead them out to pasture. In the 'mixed' flock of the church world - it is comforting to know that we have Pastors and leaders devoted to our care, and they know many of their flock by name, and are acquainted with them personally. Once outside the fold the Eastern Shepherd, went out ahead of his own leading them to food & water. Shepherd leadership requires us to 'know the way, show the way & go the way' In one sense Jesus leads us, and brings us to a predetermined destination; As leaders ourselves we provide much needed direction and security for people who trust that we know were we are going, and that it is not an aimless wander in the wilderness, hoping to chance upon food.

"The sheep follow him because they recognise his voice. They will never follow a stranger, instead they will run away from him, because they don't recognize the voice of strangers."
The reason sheep follow a shepherd? relationship. intimacy. trust. (in that order!)The voice of a leader who is known and knows them. Pastoral work requires a huge investment of time & care - but it involves investing yourself into other people. A tip! this will not always be appreciated, regarded or reciprocated! the effective shepherd however cannot withhold himself from these relationships if they want the flock to follow their lead. The answer to safe guard our flock from 'stranger danger' is to invest more of ourselves in them - at the end of the day ministries come & go, strange voices come and go - but you will have 'relational currency' with people and they will trust you - many times keeping them from strange ideas and strange people! (usually the ones who bring the strange ideas!) your ability to develop this rapport is crucial for the safety of the sheep.

Vs 6 "Jesus gave them this illustration, but they did not understand what he was telling them."
I love this! Shepherd life was well know to the people of the day as it was a very contemporary illustration of everyday life. However the disciples had a 'block' and couldn't seem to get to point of his story and apply it to either Jesus or to themselves! Surprised? don't be. In every generation however clear God is speaking to his people - we will all have to deal with 'spiritual block' In the next session we will look at Jesus second attempt to get through to his disciples..
verse 7 says "So Jesus said again" - I'm so glad God does not give up after the first attempt to open our understanding! - I think that this is such a key understanding that he earnestly restates and clarifies further this shepherd/sheep analogy, as it would become a so important to the disciples when they later led the growing NT church.

Next week 'The Pastor's heart' Part 2 "The good shepherd"
John 10:7-13
Be baaaaaack soon!
Ps Rhett

'The Pastors Heart' introduction

2010-10-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hi incredible leaders & influencers,
I want to introduce a new series entitled "The Pastor's heart" primarily we will be looking at John chapter 10 in depth, and one of the most profound 'I am' statements of Jesus; "I am the good shepherd" John 10:11 is embedded in this portion. As we know with all metaphor, limitations apply. But in relation to how the Savior relates to his church he chose to reveal through the lens of scripture the relationship between sheep & a shepherd. We will try not to cross the boundaries of what scripture reveals here, but from chapter 10 verse 1 to 30 we have much to consider. There are many other examples Jesus uses as to who he is, and how he relates with us, and us with him - each of them provide a facet or composite revelation of the nature of this unique & astounding relationship. I have chosen to highlight this particular understanding because it is the foundation of Pastoral ministry, both lay & ordained, paid or volunteer - and is the priority need within the church, historically, present & future; and especially as it concerns our small groups within our local congregation.

Throughout the scriptures God has used many 'known' and contemporary examples of who he is and how he wished to be understood by the people he was communicating with. The 'known' to reveal the 'unknown' What is God like? How does he feel & think towards us? can we know him? can we have relationship with him? what form will that relationship take? Through the Prophets God was in constant communication with his people unfolding, revealing, defining and redefining himself. In the person of his Son, he reveals himself and makes complete the demonstration of his nature in bodily form.

The first mention of God as a shepherd I find in Gen 49:24
"But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)"

Another allusion to this is found in Numbers 27:17
"who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd."

Again in 2 Sam 5:2 (See also 2 Sam 7:7 - the same sense applies)
"Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.'"

1 Kings 22:17 says this:
Then he said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, 'These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.'"

From the Psalms:
"A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Ps 23:1
"Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever." Ps 28:9"A Contemplation of asaph. O GOD, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?" Ps 74:1
"But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;" Ps 78:52
"From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance." Ps 78:71
"So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations." Ps 79:13
"To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A Testimony of asaph. A Psalm. GIVE ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!" Ps 80:1
"For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:" Ps 95:7
"Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Ps 100:3

'It is clear that this shepherping paradigm was to be the primary way God wanted to relate to his people; and the primary way God wanted his people to think about themselves.'

As leaders we are about to embark on a journey of discovery regarding the intimate heart of God, and the true reality and identity of ourselves as leaders and shepherds in the midst of God's flock, his church, the individuals he has draw to himself.
Join me next week for Part one. "I hear voices!" John 10:1-6
Ewe all keep safe till then!
Ps Rhett.

Fulfil your ministry

2010-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone should be in full time ministry because we are not part time christians.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

In Mark 16:15 it says, and he said tothem, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

It doesn't matter if you go overseas or just across the street. The bible says 'all nations' this includes your own.
Mission is not an optional extra for those who like that sort of thing. It should be a way of life. Christ's body are God's agents and representitives.

2 Timothy 4:5
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangalist, fulfil your ministry.
God has given every christian the ministry of sharing their faith with others and to lead people to Christ. God wants all His children to fulfil their ministry.
All christians should develop their spiritual skills and confidence to share their faith.

Witnessing isn't an activity, it's a way of life. Witnessing is looking at Jesus and then telling others what you've seen.

We are called to share. As in the courtroom, we're called to be a witness for the gospel. We're not the lawyer, judge, or jury. We need to leave that up to God.

Philemon 1:6
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith.

We need to step out in faith and not be afraid to be seen as imperfect or weird.

God knows what can be accomplished with the little that we have to offer him. God has called us, we are answerable to him with what we do.

The strongest way to be a witness for Christ is to walk in His ways and live in His freedom.

Michelle Cozins

Doing Good Works

2010-10-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

If we don't have to "earn" our salvation, why do our actions matter? Why do good works?
Before salvation, we are foolish, selfish and hateful. But when we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins His work of cleansing us and making us new. As He transforms us, we choose to live what we believe by obeying laws, serving our community, honoring our relationships, respecting the church, and working hard for our employers. Through these actions our lives become a testimony that reveals the nature and character of God to others.

In some instances, words are as effective as deeds in doing good, especially as a means of encouragement and comfort.

Too much of even the best can be a bad thing. All commitments take emotional energy. All obligations take time and effort. We need to know our own limitations when it comes to time, skill and emotional energy. Many spend too many hours at work or in the ministry to the neglect of their families or their own health or well being. Output always needs to be balanced with input.

We must distinguish between doing good works for the honor of the Father and doing good works for our own honor.

Throughout scripture we're taught to do good
1. We are to do good to all people whether they are christians or not. Galations 6:9-10
2. Doing good should be a natural result of our salvation. Ephesians 2:9-10
3. Doing good involves what we say as well as what we do. Ephesians 4:29
4. Employee-employer relationships help give us unique oppurtunities to do good. Ephesians 6:5,7-8
5. Our prayer, like Paul's, should be that we bear fruit in every good work. Colossians 1:10
6. A christian should repay evil with good. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

What good works are you doing this week?

Michelle Cozins

Walking in the fullness of who you are

2010-10-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

To walk in the fullness of who you are, and be the person God created you to be, you must first deal with those things that are holding you back from your own potential.

Cleaning out, sorting or repairing the damage in your inner self is much like cleaning out a damaged basement. It's hard work. Nobody else may see or appreciate what you are doing, but it is hugely beneficial. When you fully embrace and grow in your awareness of God's love for you, you are set free to explore all that you might do and become.

You didn't become who you are in a day. You won't fully understand yourself in a day. The discovery process never ends, and it should never be hurried.
You cannot conquer what you don't confront.

We cry when we hurt, but what we often fail to recognise is, that God is using our tears to flush out the "old" from our lives and prepare us for the new thing He has ahead for us. Tears are part of the healing process. Tears are intended to cleanse us of emotional wounds deep within. We need to cry freely, but in our tears, we need to listen to God's voice.

The cleansing of your mind is like water flowing over rocks in a river. Over time, the rocks rough edges become smooth. Over time, God renews and refines your thinking.

Every person needs some degree of renewal. There's always room for more change, more development, and more improvement. You will never be fully perfected, but you can put yourself in a position to experience greater perfection, which means there is continual room for growth and expansion. God renovates in a way that brings about your best future.

Don't be afraid to get to know the real you. God made you exactly the way you are and has a unique plan and purpose for your life. Strive to understand who you are, why you do the things you do, and why you think the way you think. Understanding the authentic you is life long journey. Along the way, you will find there are challenges, opposition, mundane moments, times of exhilaration, and seasons of great oppurtunity. Keep exploring, keep learning, keep asking yourselves the tough questions and seeking the best answers. Keep believing, loving and reaching to become all God created you to be. Enjoy the journey and appreciate the beauty in each moment, realizing that your life is a gift given by God with a specific design unique to you.

If something stretches you, it will change you so that you grow in confidence, self-respect, and faith. If you are willing to trust God, you can go into any situation, any place in the world, and be yourself and give what you have to give.

Are you walking in the fullness of who you are?

Michelle Cozins

Perception

2010-09-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

When we have faulty reception, we have unsatisfying and inaccurate perception. When we aren't fed accurate truths about ourselves, we develop a perception of self that is based upon lies, partial truths, and myths. How you see yourself is critical.

All self-appraisal begins with perception. Your perception is the basis for your self-identity and self - esteem. It is the foundation on which you build any relationship. Your self-perception gives rise to your choices and behaviour. It is the predictor of your future prosperity and success.

If the perception that you hold of your own life is dull, you will act in a dull way, attract dull people, and live a dull life. How you see determines to a great extent who you will be.

The perceptions you hold about human experience, relationships, and identity are directly related to your emotions. How you feel is an indicator of what you perceive.
Your perceptions of yourself drive your relationships. You attract people who are similar to who you think you are.

You always have a choice about how you perceive yourself and other people. Will you choose to perceive yourself according to what others say about you or will you choose to perceive yourself according to what God's word says about you?

Everyone has flaws, but if you think only of that person's flaws, you will lose sight of his good points. Everyone has a good side - even if it's dormant, buried, or not yet realized.
If you concentrate only on another person's negative qualities, you will eventually come to dislike or even despise that person. But that isn't all. You will also find that your attitude in general begins a downward spiral. You may think you are seeing only the negatives of that person, but you are actually developing a perspective of negativity that will extend to other peple and to yourself.

Perception and perspective improve as we begin to really see and understand what is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

How or what do you perceive?

Michelle Cozins

Getting Thtrough What You're Going Through parts 7-10

2010-09-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Getting Through What You're going Through

Part 7

This session is talking about Psalm 23 where it says, Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The rod was used for punishment and justice, but the staff was used for rescuing and comforting. The rod has a variety of uses. If a wild animal or a rustler tried to make off with one of the sheep, the shepherd could crack open the head of the invader with one swift blow. The rod could be used to spread the fleece of the animals so they could be inspected for cuts, bruises, parasites, infections, or dislocated bones. The rod could also be used to nudge and prod hesitant sheep to move back to the safety of the herd. The rod was a source of authority, power, and protection.

The staff was in constant use to rescue sheep from dilemas and to help them in times of need.

God's rod is his sense of justice, the examining he does of our lives. God also has a staff of assistance to help us. (Jesus) When we become entangled in sin, God's staff responds to our prayers of need and pulls us free again. When we become wedged admist the troubles of life, Jesus pries us loose and leads us back to the safety of His watch and care.We must endure the disciplining and cleansing as part of the rescuing and comforting.

We must recognize the need for cleansing in order to draw us closer to God. Sin seperates us from God. The cleansing power of the rod enables us to be drawn closer to God. God forgives us freely and allows us to retain our honored positions in His family.

God restores our honor before hm. Having restored our honor, we are then open to opportunities for service, positions of leadership, and the development of a personal determination to be successful.
God often stretches us to breaking point before stepping in.

Opportunity minded people discover opportunities to advance because they are looking for opportunities.
Perspective makes all the difference in assessing a situation. If your perspective of yourself is that you are worthless, you will not find opportunities before you.

God wants us to slow down at time and appreciate what we have.
When God says yes to our prayers we have to be ready. When God says go, he will hold you.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 8

We need to believe we can do it. Our trust in God should outweigh our fear of our enemies. Through God we are more than conquerors. God is not hesitant to place us in the midst of our enemies. The bible contains numerous accounts of how God brought his spokesmen before their enemies in order that His power and strength would be evident.

Often what we fear most is more imaginary than real. We often discover that our enemies are nowhere near as fierce as we imagined them to be.

With God on our side, we become the ones whom others tremble over. If God is for us, who can be against us. Why should we be afraid of anything or anyone? God protects us even in the worst of situations. He's always there to watch over us and to put a protective arm around us. For greater protection, we only need to draw closer to God.

We cannot expect God to alter His spiritual laws for us. If we stray from Him, we must not be surprised by the injuries we may suffer as a natural consequence of our folly.

Anytime you doubt your capabilities you become your own worst enemy.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 9

We need to learn how to relax and allow God to heal us from within.
The difficult takes a day, the impossible takes a little bit longer.
Everyday we must determine to let God's spirit and love direct our actions.
Every thought affects the body in some way, and every physical movement or change is accomplied by some mental alteration.
The possibility's creed is:
When faced with a mountain, I WILL NOT QUIT! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath - or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God's help.
If you were the think negatively you would never be able to accomplish the things that need to be done. We need to think positively. We can move mountains if we try.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 10

Being christians does not mean we are always going to be happy. Happiness isn't a matter of "being" anything. It's a conscious decision we make. Our feeling of sorrow and depression don't go away. Life continues as normal - but with a difference. We can face our problems with faith.
Christianity does not make you a better person than your neighbor. Christianity makes you a better person than you would be if you were not a christian.
Christianity builds faith.
We no sooner come out of one going through stage than we enter another. We are just pilgrims. But those of us who know Christ as our saviour never walk alone. God can use our going-through stages to prepare us for greater things.

Christians who are eternally secure in Christ have a sense of security that lifts them above the worries of life and even above the fear of death. People who know where they are going can move with confidence and assurance.

With Gods help we can get through what we're going through.
Michelle Cozins

MEMO: Extraordinary workbooks

2010-09-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Just some last minute instruction regarding the use of the Extraordinary workbook.
We will be preaching from the 'Extraordinary' Source book by John Bevere - this will be a summary of the main points, scriptures & themes of the individual chapters (As each chapter is quite comprehensive we will need to condense and fit this into our 30 min presentations)
The workbook follows a similar format, but takes material from the source book in a summary fashion. He has also added questions and points to ponder, as is the usual with workbooks adapted from 'novel' style material.
You are not required to do all the material in the workbook chapters as you will not be able to fit this into a 25 min guided discussion. Here are my tips on best utilization of the work book

Have it with you when the Sunday message is being preached - take your own notes and highlight thoughts, themes & scriptures that resonate with you.
Read through the workbook chapter before the small group week and select what sections / questions you are going to use
Review your notes from the Sunday sessions and add whatever thoughts you think are the most important to capture
Encourage your group participants to do the same and when you come together - you can have a great 25min guided discussion before fellowship time.

There you have it! have a 'Extraordinary' time in your small group!

Any problems call / speak to me when I'm back from holidays or Contact Cale Begley or Greg George who will be covering for me while we are away.

Ps Rhett.

Sixth 'P' = Perseverance

2010-09-15T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hi increadible small group leaders! Here is the final session in our series the 6 "P's of Influence, I hope it has inspired and challenged you.
We have looked at the various aspects of influence and the importance of pursuing them - but to finalise, it is one thing to have these aspects, but its perserverance in them that will bring results in the long run. Many times we fail to realise that the process itself is just as important as the outcome, indeed many times it is the process that guarrentees the outcome!

The emperor moth is the most majestic species among all the moths. It has wide wings spanning out majestically when it flies. Before it can become a full grown moth, it has to be a pupa in a cocoon. Now, the interesting fact about the moth’s cocoon is that the neck of the cocoon is very narrow.In order that it become a moth, the pupa of the moth must squeeze its way out of the narrow neck. One day a man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. He sat and watched the moth struggling to force the body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It just seemed to be stuck.Then the man being kind decided to help the moth. So he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He expected that the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

A few days later, it died.What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was the way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight. Once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the emperor moth of this crucial process, and its ability to fly.

You see the struggles of life, heartaches and pains are necessary if you want to be great; (and have great influence) understand that while you are experiencing them, they are part of the making of a man or a woman of God & your development as a leader.

I have a favourite poem that I often read or recite (as best I can from memory) when I am feeling overwelmed with life, ministry & everything! I have found it to be a great encouragment - perhaps just read through it as we finish this session. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will quicken this poem to you and the area of need you are feeling right now!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

Kind of says it all doesn't it?
Lets continue to serve the Kingdom together
Ps Rhett

Fifth 'P' = Prudence

2010-09-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

Prudence: noun \ˈprü-dən(t)s\1: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs. 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources. 4: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.
Origin of PRUDENCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alteration of providentia — see more at providence (i.e. divine guidance or care) First known use: 14th century.

Synonyms: alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, caution, wariness (Websters online dictionary)

I believe one of the crowning glories of leadership is the attribute of 'Prudence' - this is more than just good decision making or managment savy - But as we can see from Webster's definition, its roots are closley linked to the latin concept of 'providentia' or providence, which is also defined by Webster's as 'divine guidance or care' The 'prudent' leader taps into God's wisdom & seeks divine guidance to lead & care for God's people.

In 2 Chronicles 1:1-13 we find Solomon, King David's son assuming the leadership of Israel, after David has passed away. The scriptures record that he 'strengthened his hold' on the Kingdom; (organised and solidified) 'Spoke to all Isreal;' (communicated & guided) 'Went up to the tent of meeting to inquire of the Lord;' (led by example) 'Offered sacrifices in the Lord's presence;' (sought God's blessing) All of which are tremediously insightful actions in themselves. (I will let you ponder each of these yourself)
That night God appeared to Soloman and got out heaven's 'chequebook' licking the end of his pencil, God says; 'hit me!' What should I give you? - WOW this is a defining moment in Solomon's life! Read his response to God and God's response to him in 2 Chronicles 1:8-13 to paraphrase 'I need your wisdom to lead your people' God's says RIGHT ON! You will get exactly what you have asked for - and i'm writing a personal cheque for all that you didn't ask for! Oh this is gold! are you ready for this? the Hebrew word 'chokmah' (H2451) translated as 'wisdom' means; a) skill (in war) b) wisdom (in administration)c) shrewdness, wisdom d) wisdom, prudence! (in religious affairs)e) wisdom (ethical and religious)(from Strong's Hebrew lexicon)Solomon felt the enormity of the task before him and knew that his greatest need was for 'chokmah' - God's prudent guidance to guide others. As leaders we cannot rely on reason alone, we cannot trust logic by itself, we fail if we trust human managment or corporate principles - if all of these are not subjugated to Divine prudence. Have you prayed? Fasted? inquired of the Lord as Solomon did? waited on God? sought Godly council? If we want to have prudent & powerful infuence as a leader and take people along the path to their destiny, as Proverbs says we will need to: "Get wisdom(prudence) get understanding" Prov 4:5. I remember reading that Billy Graham would read the book of proverbs every month (31 chapters!) as he recognised that without spiritual wisdom residing in his soul he defaulted to schemes, programs, human logic, feelings, peer pressures and this led to flawed and carnal decision making - the impact and damage being the Church & God's people being led away from God's purposes to lesser things.

I trust we will all seek prudent God-provided wisdom in our responsibilities as leaders, and grow in our reliance on this crowning attribute of leadership.

Ps Rhett bids you well!

Next week: The final 'P' of leadership influence = Perserverance
Coming soon new series: 'Developing a Pastor's heart' - Studies from John Ch 10

Getting Through What You're Going Through part 5 and 6

2010-09-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 5

We need to face our fears with faith.
To overcome our Goliath, we first must have vision. "I believe I can conquer my mountain. I believe I can do the impossible."
Critics and sometimes even loved ones who wish us the best may try to dim our vision.
To overcome your goliath, you must be able to face critisism and ignore negative comments.
Tongue Twister - A fighter full of faith always conquers his fears and foes and makes his future a fantastic, fruitful friend.
To overcome your goliath, you must have faith in God and in the ability he has given you. Together you can conquer any mountain.
God cannot carry you if you don't give your problem over to Him completely and allow yourself to be carried. It takes alot of faith to let go and let the hand of God lift you, but you can't feel God's power until you do. You have to pray the prayer, "carry me, Lord" then relax in God's arms and feel him carry you.
How can we preach to broken hearts if ours has never been broken.
The difference between winners and losers is the way we respond to failure.
One way to get through what you're going through is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
Rejection can cause our self-esteem and self-dignity to be destroyed It's how we deal with rejection that makes the difference in our lives.
There is no such thing as absence of faith, It's a matter of degree.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 6

We cannot forgive ourselves unless we are willing to forgive others.
Ask God to show you his vision for your life, then see yourself as God sees you.
God will not impose himself on you. He has given us free will.
Most of us harbor grudges deep down inside which influences everything we do. Consequently we are never really seeing or hearing life as it is, we are just seeing the present through the tons of repeated fragments of distorted old memories.
When you belittle yourself, you're belittling God. When you insult your neighbor, you're insulting God.
A negative prayer is never answered.
Fear is the barrier that keeps us from feeling God's love. We want to follow on our terms and we fear that we will lose this freedom. So we put God in a box
Every step we take, God is walking beside us.

Will you let God carry you this week?
Michelle Cozins

Fourth 'P' = Presence

2010-09-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

We want to discuss the power of 'presence' in this session. It is crucial to positive, effective leadership influence that we be present in two ways; present 'in the moment' or possessing 'presence of mind' in situations & also to be 'physically' present and accessible to the people you are seeking to lead. I want to address the second aspect.

In the famous shepherding Psalm, David the Shepherd/King writes: "Yea Though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of death, thou are with me..." Psalm 23:4 In real terms David had faced many near-death experiences in life; He was aware of the comforting presence of God with him. As leaders do you realise how much of a comfort you can be to those walking through difficulty? Just as David drew strength from his faith in an 'ever present' God (we also want to teach others to do the same) But your presence as a leader can also make a powerful difference, just a call, an email, sms, a personal visit, an intentional touch as you pass by in the crowd to those who are suffering. An awareness of your presence with them in their trials can be of great value.

John the revelator describes Jesus in his incredible vision "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was One like the Son of Man..." Rev 1:12-13 John is allowed to see the Glorified Jesus, but his appearance is in a context - in the midst of Lamp stands; representative of the churches he was about to address. Our leadership influence always has a context; not apart from - but within the church surrounded by those we are ministering to. I hope you are comfortable with this - because an aloof or absentee leader fails to comprehend the proximity principle of influence and with out this vital relationship with others we diminish our power of influence.

Did you know that one of the covenant names of God is 'Jehovah-Shammah' (God is present or 'near') YHWH Shammah – (‘The LORD is there’) “and the name of that city shall be , YHWH Shammah – the LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:35 This scripture is in context to the millennial reign of God, with him as even present God, dwelling in the New Jerusalem. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.He being (continually) in the midst. Are you 'There' for others? are you 'There' at services, prayer meetings, small group? on the phone, by personal visit, electronically - are you 'accessable'

I wonder about the 'celebrity' style leaders who roll up to meetings moments before they speak, deliver their oratory and are whisked away by 'minders' who carry their briefcases for them! before and after services they are quarantined in 'green rooms' (Why Green?) from the rank and file who have no intimate access to them. In John 10:3-4 Jesus, the great Shepherd says "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice." There is probably no more poignant picture of a shepherd in the midst of his sheep; With them, In the midst, 'There' surrounded by, and in and loving relationship with those he calls his own. From this place of 'With-ness' (is that a word?) he leads them from that place to health, wholeness, growth, to 'safe' places - It starts with relationship leaders! your 'Presence' is vitally needed as starting place to greater influence!

Be 'present' this week in the midst of your small group.
Ps Rhett
Next week: Fifth 'P' = Prudence

Getting Through what You're Going through part 3 and 4

2010-08-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 3

The guide that we choose makes a great difference in any trip we make. We need to choose God as our partner and guide
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. We must surrender our wills to the guides; we must trust him with our lives.
Every day we must renew our faith in our instructor. We must surrender again our wills to the shepherds.
There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still. When we allow God to control our lives, miraculous occurences are possible because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
God calls every one of us to walk in our own shoes and he gives us the right pair of shoes for our journey of faith. He also gives us the map, the steps and the guidance so we become the person he wants us to be.
God will sustain us with his promise of never leaving us, never forsaking us and of his everlasting love.
Be strong and courageous, because you can succeed.
We choose what we listen to, we choose the thoughts we think and we choose the way we see situations.
God's ability to lift our spirits out of the valley is a miracle. We need to allow God to lift us out of our problems.
God is ready and eager to guide us and restore our souls. Even in our most depressed times, God can pull our souls out of the valley and put us atop the mountain.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 4

We need to replace guilt with grattitude. Guilt can form an endless cycle of self-recomstration. It gets to the point that no matter what we do, we feel some form of guilt about it.
Each of us has a God instilled desire to be perfect. But the scripture teaches that perfection is not attainable here on earth.
We are judging ourselves when we feel guilty. We have no right to judge ourselves or others improperly. We need to leave judgement to God.
It takes faith to release a feeling of guilt or fear.
Forgiveness is an act of grace from God. People must have the faith it takes to accept this forgiveness.
In order to get through what you're going through you must eliminate the guilt you feel and then express an attitude of grattitude. We should be continually grateful to God, for his grace and mercy.
Wenever we are in stressful situations, we are willing to pledge ourselves to God and to praise him for his goodness. When the stress passes, however, we ignore God and go on our own way.
We need to live our lives in an attitude of grattitude. We need to rejoice in what we can do and stop focusing on what we can't.
Success is not measured by what we've done. It's measured by what we can become.

Are you getting through what you're going through?
Michelle Cozins

Third 'P' = Power

2010-08-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

The prophet Micah exclaims; "But truly I am full of *power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might, To declare to Jacob his transgression And to Israel his sin." Micah 3:8

*Heb 'Koach' used of a) human, angelic, God's power and animal strength. b) strength that produces i.e. wealth, fruit of the soil. From an unused root word to be 'firm' in regards to virile strength.

Our great need in life & ministry is POWER! The world is desperate to come with a clean, renewable, inexhaustible power supply; much funding and effort has been directed to fusion technology (the Sun's power source) as a way to meet the growing power demand. Micah has tapped into God's Spirit as it rests upon him to energize his prophetic ministry. I notice that Micah is 'full' - I regularly have to recharge my iphone, as regular usage tends to drain its battery. I must also get regular sleep and rest as ministry demands drain my personal resources. The prophet is 'fully charged' in his being to fulfill his ministry demands. We have the indwelling Spirit of God to 'quicken' us in all that we must be & do for God. Are you drawing from this inexhaustible spiritual 'fusion' supply? Note to Self: Must pray, allow Spirit to quicken me - & find my 'plug-in' point with God.

1 Cor 4:20 "For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Paul was chastising those religious prigs who resisted his ministry with disputes over aspects of the law and petty issues presenting themselves as 'experts' & seeking to assert a 'superiority' over Paul's ministry. The Apostle clears away the junk in the yard to expose the real issue: Ministry validity is not based on education, rhetoric ability, theological accuracy, all though these are all good attributes - God validates his ministers with endowment & demonstration of divine power. Do I evidence a transformed life? Do I have a dimension of Power in/through my ministry? Can you point to one life transformed for eternity? The religious say 'show us your credentials' Paul says 'Show me your power!'

Back to Micah, 'Koach' - power to produce results - I like that! results for who? Power for powers sake is often squandered on self and used to further inflate our already swollen egos. If you seek power for your own ends you clearly demonstrate how dis-empowered you actually are. Power from God is 'granted' to help you personally overcome your weakness & human deficit so you can walk as a son/daughter of God - and 'bestowed' to you as a minister/leader to bring divine help to others. If your 'need' for power/control/influence is a selfish one - i.e. filling a 'identity' need - it will elude you. They only truly own power who least need it for themselves - ironically they are the ones who can be truly trusted with it! If your sincere prayer is "Oh God empower me to meet the overwhelming needs of others around me" - then you are ready for the spirits power.
If we want to be leaders of influence we need to be full of God's power, primarily for others sake.
Go and be powerful this week! Ps Rhett
Next week Fourth 'P' = Presence

Getting Through What You're Going Through

2010-08-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 1

In order to get through the valley we need to evaluate where we were before we can decide where we are going.
Grace is a gift from God and not something we earn through good works.
One of the ways to keep going when trouble seems to be overwhelming is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
God can turn impossibilities into possibilities.
Remembering how God has helped you in the past is a key to knowing that he will help you too in the present and in the future.
God sees where you are going, not where you've been. God sees what you're going to do, not what you've done.
If you get lost in self-pity, you can't get through the valley. You're stalled by bitterness and you can't begin to heal. You must decide to move ahead.

Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 2

When we're down we need to look up.
We need to be persistent.
Most trees have root structures that are just as wide and just as deep as their leaf lines are wide and high. The redwood is the one exception. It's low lying roots spread across the ground in many different directions, instead of reaching deep into the earth. As the redwood grows higher and higher, it's root structure only grows wider, not deeper. Theoretically, a redwood cannot stand alone! But redwoods always grow together and their root structures intertwine with each other. Redwoods hold each other up. Togther they are strong.
Christ expects us to help other people. But we cannot help others and they cannot help us if we do not share our problems. We must be willing to take some risks.
God comforts us during the difficult times if we confess our problems and say "comfort me, Lord."
God doesn't force us to do things that are against our desires or needs.

How are you getting through what you're going though?
Michelle Cozins

Being Transformed

2010-08-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Our transformation into the image of christ is an ongoing process. God desires for all of us to grow into the fullness of Christ so that others will see Christ in us; just as God sees Christ in us when we are saved and made righteous in His sight.

Transformation involves dying to sin and becoming alive in and through Christ. As the Holy Spirit begins the process of transformation or sanctification, he removes the chains that bind us and gives us the power to walk in freedom from sin. Christ died to free us from this bondage and gives us an abundant life of peace and joy in the Lord.

Becoming the person we would all like to become in christ is not about doing, but about being. when we grow into a real close and personl relationship with Jesus Christ, the grace of God becomes manifest in our lives and we want to obey instead of 'have to.' We grow into this relationship through getting to know Jesus better, and better through His word, worship and fellowship with other believers.

As we abide in the word, God's grace purifies our hearts and fills them so full of love that there is no more room for strongholds of sin in our hearts. The more we abide we will have more and more answered prayers because we will be praying with the mindset of Christ. We will experience Jesus' joy. We will become not just aquaintances, but close personal friends with Christ. As we become more and more aware of His love and His character. We will begin imitating Him more and more and our lives will reflect the truth that Jesus has moved from our heads to our hearts.

Are you ready to be transformed?

Michelle Cozins

Second 'P' = Purpose

2010-08-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

It was the great Apostle Paul who said "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:13-14

It seems like Paul is actually doing three things here! (1) Forgetting what's behind, (2) reaching forth to the future and (3) pressing towards the mark - Yet he says 'This one thing I do' (?) Did Paul have a problem with Maths? Great letters Paul! just a bit out with the counting..

I think this is a mix of what & how he maintained his focus in life. His central purpose in life - his 'One thing' was to pursue the high calling of God in Christ, which he considered a 'prize' worth devoting his whole life to. Lets examine that for a moment - the 'What' of purpose.

Do you have this 'One thing' ? Paul did. If we are to be effective leaders we will need to have this 'One thing'. Sounds too restrictive? blinkered? rigid? restraining? No - you don't understand how busy I am! how many things I need to do, achieve, be - exactly! That's why many of us are not effective spiritual leaders (Ouch! That's harsh Ps Rhett)

Listen! the high calling of God in Christ deserves everything you are if you are to realise it.
Imagine you are running with all your might to win the 100 mtr dash, Imagine you are a policeman giving chase to a dangerous criminal, every cell of your body is engaged in a passionate pursuit of your goal; this is the picture the Greek gives us. The mark ('Skopos') is a distant point, (Think of a rifle 'scope') a point of reference in the physical distance or a mental goal we are attaining too. For Paul it was to attain and be all that God had for him & the full realisation of his salvation in every way. As spiritual leaders we must be focused on this ourselves before we can effectively bring anyone else into it.

Now lets look at the 'How' of purpose - Paul was very deliberate in how he achieved this 'One thing' - he did not allow his past to drag him back. He 'forgot' his unfruitful past. One man has said "its difficult to embrace the future, when your wrists are chained to the past." A life of regret will paralyze you from positive action in the present - we need to burn that movie reel we continually play in our heads and write a new script, starring you - the apprehender of a glorious future! Call it 'Adventures in God - on the road to Glory!" written by God, directed by the Holy Spirit, and featuring you. The second thing Paul did was to 'reach forth' for the future this was a deliberate mindset to make every moment in his present contribute positively to his future. I remember the story of Gene Cernan, Apollo astronaut who tells of his journey to the moon in his book "Moonwalker' - as a young teenager he was enthralled with the idea of getting to the moon, at 12 he tells his grandmother "I will walk on the moon one day" of course the family thought the poor child was lunatic! he says that from that day forward he applied himself at High school, ccollege, the military, on to Nasa and eventually the Apollo training program, and eventually was part of the Apollo 16 moon mission - almost 20 years later. He made a deliberate decision to apprehend a preferred future, and every decision and action was made to contribute to this.
The third thing Paul did was to 'press toward' this 'one thing' as we have said with all his mental, physical, emotional & spiritual strength. This is the power of a singular purpose in leadership, if we want to be influential. Its not enough to just have a good purpose, or even a noble purpose - but do you have this purpose - the 'One thing' Paul was specifically speaking about here? The 'high calling of God in Christ Jesus'
I trust that as leaders in God's house this is our purpose - to know this and to make this known to others.
Keep up the good work!
Ps Rhett
Next week: Third 'P' of purpose = Power

Memo to small groups leaders

2010-08-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

ATT: All leaders - 'Extraordinary' series will begin on Sept 19th (combined service day)

We will be working out of the 'Extraordinary' participants workbook available now for $10 from the Church info desk. All leaders are advised to get a copy of the book and encourage all their group members to buy a copy as well. The price of the book has been subsidised from the Church. This series will take us into December - so all the material you will need to conduct your small group session will be in the workbook - the preaching will run parallel to this - subjects presented from John Bevere's original 'Extraordinary' book by those scheduled to preach.

Dave & Sue have asked that no books be taken or distributed without payment first. We have plenty of stock available so get your book asap and begin to prepare your mind & spirit for an Extraordinary journey!

Regards,
Ps Rhett

Being Spiritual Athletes

2010-08-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Paul compared the christian life to that of an athlete running to win a trophy or prize. Like an athlete, the true christian must learn self-discipline and endurance. Christians must learn how to bring their bodies and flesh under god's control by the power of the Holy Spirit

Just as christans must give up certain things in order to win a race, so christians must be prepared to give up certain things in order to be all that God created them to be.

A careful distinction should be made between the prize and the gift. The free gift of justification cannot be the result of good works. However the prize or crown is the reward for endurance and suffering for the cause of Christ.

In the race that we run it's not about how we start off that matters or even the journey, but it's how we end the race that counts. Our vision should be on a spiritual goal. There is no end to our training until we receive the crown. we shouldn't believe with a lazy presumption that God will take care off everything. No effort means no victory.

The spiritual athlete knows that their continual choices of good over bad will make them grow and flourish and that it requires suffering.

2 Timothy - An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.

A christian cannot allow themselves to do some of the things the world does because of their commitment to spiritual discipline.

Michelle Cozins

FIrst 'P' = Passion

2010-08-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

It is recorded of Jehu: "2 Kings 9:20 "Again the watchman reported, he has reached them but hasn't turned back, Also the driving is like that of Jehu the son of Nimshi - for he drives furiously!" Jehu was a man with a prophetic gifting on his life and also divinley appointed by the prophet to be king over Isreal for a time - specifically to depose Ahab and deal with his coniving wife. The happless watchman involved in this story is observing Jehu approach from a distance, and obviously Jehu had a reputation for being a man of passion! Yep thats Jehu alright! look at the way he is driving that chariot up on one wheel! - it seems that passion was evident in this leaders life.

Our first principle of influence is PASSION. As a leader you will have to get a 'fire in the belly' for your God, your ministry, your life and for people. It records in the Gospel that as Jesus was going bezerk in the temple - whipping, slapping, pushing, kicking tables over 'escorting people off the premises' with shouts, yelling and much gusto - the disciples were looking on (I can just see them with mouths open - in the corner of the room) they remembered that it was written "the zeal of God thath consumed me" John 2:17 Where are the leaders consumed with a passion for the 'House of God'? Where are leaders whose lives are defined by passion? - Like Jehu, when people observe you from a distance - they know when your chariot swings by, things are going to get a bit messed up! We must however make allowances for leaders of differing temperaments, maturity and confidence; You may be the 'strong, silent type' - but are you ministering our of a passionate heart for God? I hope so.

Passionate leaders
> Initiate care for God's people - have their eyes/ears/hearts open to the needs around them; move quickly and act practically.
> Will be seen at prayer / worship /services - try and keep them away! they will be heard as well!
> Live out of a passion to support / build / defend / God's house.
> Live generously, dangerously, intentionally, inspirationally, for God.
> Are influencing others around them / drawing them along in their wake!

Is it any wonder when the disciples came to Thessalonica that they were described as the "Ones who have turned the world upside down have come here also!" Acts 17:6 They had been with the one who had so influenced them with His passion - that they became world changers. Stir it up leaders! live from the' fire in the belly'. See how many people you can 'ignite' for God.

Next week: PURPOSE

Grace House Weekly Devotions Which tent are you living in?

2010-08-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which do you live?

The contented person looks beyond circumstances and sees a better day;
The discontented person looks at circumstances and sees no other way.
The contented person understands the purpose for which he or she was born;
The discontented person looks at others' success with a face filled with scorn.
The contented person has surrended to a purpose that demands his or her best;
The discontented person has selflishly hoarded much and grasping for more, will not rest.
The contented person has placed his or her values on things that will forever last;
The discontented person has placed his or her values on things that will soon past.
The contented person is anchored to clear goals and is hardly ever swayed;
The discontented person has no goals that anchor him or her and is many times dismayed.
The contented person counts his or her blessings and names them one by one.
The discontented person counts other's blesings and thinks he or she has no fun.

Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which one do you live?

Phillipians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard for need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Why is contentment a great and privileged part of christian living? It is because contentment brings heaven into our lives. Contentment, when practised in faith, becomes a wellspring of heaven to us. In heaven we shall lack nothing and experience no wants, needs, or desires. In heaven all will be fullfilled and to have contentment here on earth already is to seize heaven now. Being content requires discipline, prayer and often a climb back to the altar of self-sacrifice.Contentment and whinning can never dwell in the same space. They are two sides of one coin.

Being content with life is being content with Jesus. The closer our relationship with Him is, the more content we are. True contentment is found in the strength of Christ.
We can be in the perfect place to have what we need but we miss it by reaching for something else. We are always striving for something more or different. What we have is never enough.

One of the ten commandments is "thou shall not covet." Coveting is a desire to have what is not yours. But it goes much deeper than that to include the desire for anything that prevents us from being content with what we have or where we are in our lives. Are you saying to God, " Your blessings are not enough for me" or " You are not enough for me"

Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which do you live?

'A leader of Influence' - 6 'P's"

2010-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Incredible leaders,
I want to start a 6 part devotional series on "A leader of influence' I am suggesting 6 'P's or principles of the influential leader. I actually came across these six principles as I had been musing over what it means to be a leader of influence for a number of weeks and felt quickened one morning (quite early) by the Holy Spirit. The fact that there were 6 things that he spoke to me, they all started with 'P' , had a logical flow convinced me that it was of the Lord, (and the fact that I could remember them all later on that day!)
By way of introduction I want is to consider our influence. As leaders at any level it is my conviction that our primary concern be 'How am I influencing others?' notice the question is not "Am I influencing others" - as leaders by virtue of our very reality amongst those we are called to serve, we will exert either a passive or active influence on the lives of others. I think of it just as an isotope of radioactive material in a room will 'irradiate' every object in its vicinity; So to we will exert a powerful spiritual, emotional, at times physical influence on others, just by virtue of our inherent reality. The issue for leaders then becomes searching out, considering, adopting, continuing & reviewing definite principles and their adjunctive behaviors to ensure that our influence is active, positive and effective to developing and shaping the lives around us for Christ & the Kingdom.

To let you into my life and experience - I remember several powerful influences in my own life, my Step father both actively and passively (i.e. the things we do & the things we don't do)infuenced me; He was often antagonising and belittling towards me; or dismissive & alienating - This communicated to me a devaluing of my 'person hood' - At a time when I was desperately trying to establish identity - it imparted an insecurity that took me many years to overcome as I have since learned that my 'identity security' is in Christ, and I am seen by God as 'a beloved son' - My Mother on the other hand, though expressing love more often, had a rather impossible standard of behaviour and obsessive control over our lives. ( She has mellowed over the years, and I dearly love her!) This taught me that love was 'conditional' i.e. more earned than bestowed, and contingent on performance & conformance. Two images come to mind; one of the cruel headmaster, just waiting to catch you out with their 'list of rules' and administer a fitting punishment, or that of the ring master cracking their whip and demanding that the hapless animals jump through the appropriate hoops; obedience earns you a reward & praise, disobedience you get scolded, or worse ignored. I again have managed to overcome (to a measure) this mentality that communicates value based on performance, the 'rationing' of acceptance and controlling behaviors. I have an intrinsic value as a child of God. My performance does not affect this status, and I by faith, enjoy the liberating smile of God on my life. See with me that in these two primary relationships of life a powerful 'shaping' is taking place, and we can see this principle of influence at work. It was a cathartic moment in my life, when I realised, as an adult that my parents behaviours where influenced by others as well! i.e. They were just living out the shaping of others on them.

Translate this now over to the realm of Christian leadership and care of people, and you will begin to understand how critically important our leadership influence is. I encourage you to take some time, grab a journal and write some responses to the following questions: Perhaps buddy up with your spouse or another trusted leader to discuss together.

1. As a leader I am continually influencing others every day. It is both passive and active / do I consider this in every interaction with others?
2, Who were/are some of the significant 'shapers' in my life?
3. What were some of the negative mentalities or behaviors I have learned? ( & what do I need to avoid in my interactions with others?)
4. What were some of the positive mentalities or behaviours I have learned? ( & what do I need to adopt or continue in my interactions with others?)
5. What are some practical ways I can grow my leadership influence?

I hope that this triggers healthy reflection and positive change in you, as we all continue to grow together as powerful influences in this local church.
NEXT WEEK: the first P of influence = "Passion"

You are all awesome!
Ps Rhett

Whom am I that I should go?

2010-07-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Whom am I that I should go?

God asked Moses what he had in his hand. Only a rod. a shepherd's rod. A simple tool. And look what he did with it. Moses felt insecure because of a lack of elequence. Yet God said He would give him the words to speak. Even Jonah had doubts. He was sure the people wouldn't listen to him.

How did God feed the multitudes? With a little boys simple lunch a multitude of people were fed, sustained and satisfied. What would have happened if the boy held back 'knowing that it wouldn't be enough?'

Do you have great talents, great abilities, or great goodness? If you do, you stand alone. If you do God might not need you. He might not be able to use you, that is until you realise that even your greatest abilities are small in comparison to God. God does not ask for greatness, strengths or goodness.

It's not who or what we are but in our dedication to him. Are we willing to release that little thing for God to use for his purpose? Are we willing to give God free reign? Only then will we be given freedom - released to serve. God does not ask you to be perfect. Just willing, obedient and faithful in what you have been given.

We need to step out in faith and use the talents and gifts that God has given us and not be afraid to be seen as imperfect or as a failure. Our greatest abilities are very small compared to God. Our talents and giftings may be small but God uses even the smallest things.

The secret is not in who we are or what we are but in our dedication to Him. God knows what can be accomplished with the little we have to offer Him. It all depends on whether we are willing to give Him free reign.

What God leads people to do does not always make logical sense to his mind. His spirit may affirm it and his mind reject it, especially if it would be out of the ordinary or unpleasant or if it would require personal sacrifice or discomfort.

Fear of rejection, mistakes and failure cause people to make the worst mistake of all - that of doing nothing. If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would astound ourselves.

It is satan's task to convince every individual that they are unworthy. God has called you - you are answerable only to Him, not satan or other people.

God keeps track of how faithful you are to your calling, how concerned you are over lost souls, how willing to be obedient you are, how close a walk you have with Him.

We don't have to be gifted in speaking to speak for God. God uses ordinary people who may have limited abilities. God wants people who are available to be used by Him.

From little things big things grow.

It's not what we have that counts, but what we do with what we've got. Focus on what you've got, not with what you haven't. Don't focus on what you can't do. Excel in what you can do and do it well.

Remember, we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.

Michelle Cozins

Small groups Worship night

2010-07-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

"...for God is seeking such to worship him"
Tuesday night we had a refreshing time of worship. Many thanks to the leaders who prioritised this time and joined us. I wonder if you have ever considered these words from the Lord to the Samaritan woman. God seeks (searches out) genuine, unpolluted, unforced worship. As Leaders we worship out of our 'being' it is what we are before what we do! I feel this is the best 'Leadership development' for us. Are you on this 'journey' of worship? - as you can't take people where you have not been yourself in Kingdom life.

We also read John Chapter 10 again, the great 'Shepherding' discourse from Jesus. 'I am the good shepherd' I encourage all our leaders to familiarize themselves with this passage as I believe it is the definitive leadership model for us as NT believers. Its metaphor is rich with meaning and application to the life of the developing shepherd of God's people.

Some general issues around small groups were:

-August is our 'difficult questions' month we have two sessions 8 & 22nd I will post session notes up to the web asap.

-We will be launching the 'Extraordinary' series on Sept 19th - this is our combined service day.
-All groups are required to get numbers in for their 'Extraordinary' workbooks asap to Kathy Barlow @ Grace office.
-The next Small groups LD night is as per the calendar for 2010. (Tues Oct 12th 7-8:30 Grace Cafe')
-The next Area leaders meeting is on Sept 26th 12:30 in the Auditorium Creche

We had about 24 leaders away on Tues night and many of you did not rsvp. I am asking you to prioritise these LD nights as a rule, or at least inform if you cant make it - this is a courtesy to me, and a key leadership criteria.

Have a great term 3 and remember my door is always open & my ear always available.
Kind regards,

Ps Rhett
Small groups coordinator

Session # 9 NAC 'God's annointing'

2010-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Leaders,
This is the last of the sessions from the National conference - Scott Hanzy launched out of Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good, and curing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil"

After all we had heard during the conference particularly in regards to the Church having a social profile and meeting need as a way of ministering to our communities - about the church not becoming a corporate or 'business' entity - modeled after the world and building itself up in a vertical way - Scott reminded us that the core mission of the church is to 'preach the gospel' with signs & wonders to convict, convince & convert a lost world. The anointing is given to do the ministry of the Christ - specifically, preaching a sharp, convicting, no-nonsense gospel message of repentance, To heal the sick, to cast out demons, to break chains and to raise up disciples to teach others to do the same. This is setting captives free, dealing with spiritual oppression & ending the despotism of hell in peoples lives.

Scott spoke about Moses plea; "If your presence does not go with us" - Moses desired the visible, tangible presence of the Lord to go before Israel in her journey to the promised land. Ps Scott asserted that while social programs are beneficial we must be true to our Pentecostal roots and seek God for supernatural power. As leaders are we 'whole' ? Can we say with the prophet Micah ' But as for me, I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, of justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his rebellion, and to Israel her transgression' ? You can only impart that which you already possess - to impart power we must be walking in it ourselves. The Pentecostal Baptism is essential for moving in a powerful anointing that realises all that God has intended for us. Scott finished with the story of William & Catherine Booth. It was Catherine Booth that said ' We must go to him for the equipping & for power."

That finishes my notes on the National Conference, I hope that they have been of some inspiration to you and that as leaders we can seek this anointing together in the context of small groups to see Christ glorified, lives unlocked, and amazing growth in people coming to Jesus.

You are all amazing leaders

Ps Rhett

Why Be A Witness To The Lost

2010-07-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Who are you witnessing to?

People are watching you. They are examining the christian life. Are we confusing them? Are we hurting the cause of Christ by just listening to the word and not being doers of the word? Are we giving them a reason not to take that step of faith to accept Christ?

Witnessing is taking a good look at Jesus then telling others what you hve seen. Witnessing isn't an activity, it's a way of life - good or bad. Witnessing is simply sharing our heartfelt faith in Christ - what He's personally done to change our lives. Witnessing isn't an effort, it's an overspill.

Witnessing won't always be easy and many times be unpopular. However we have to overcome our fears because the lives of the lost in our world lie in our hands. You can never speak to the wrong person about Christ. We are a representitive of the kingdom. We are the hands that God uses to touch people.

The strongest way to be a witness for Christ is to walk in His ways and live in His freedom.
We're not called to argue or debate anyone into heaven. We're called to share. We're called to be a witness for the gospel, not the lawyer, judge or jury ... Leave that to God.

Sharing Christ is about being real and demonstrating our faith with passion, conviction and sincerity. In order to witness one must have experienced something and be sure about it.
Christianity is contagious; but if christians quarratine themselves, no-one will ever catch what they have.
God cannot use christians to witness to the lost if they are in too much of a hurry to stop and listen to people Much can be done for the kingdom of God if christians will leave margins in their schedule.
Christ has given a clear command to every christian to go and make disciples.

Who will you witness to this week?

Michelle Cozins

Session # 8 NAC "Blueprint for Revival"

2010-07-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Incredible leaders,
Nathan Claridge presented this session from Luke 10:27 - The story about the good Samaritan. Nathan encouraged us to pursue 'revival' i.e. the awakening and multiplication of our churches the 'Samaritan' way by being attentive to the desperate needs right around us.

He encouraged us to identify with the broken & the needy and give of ourselves & our resourses to do what is needed to 'save' the individuals. The Priest and the Levite both saw the same need - but hurried along in their religious mindset and activity - the Samaritan (who was an enemy of the Jew) saw the need as an opportunity to exercise mercy. This week I encountered a battered and broken individual - I had two choices; See it as an inconveinience, or see it as a God opportunity to minister mercy. I chose mercy.

As a Pastor/Shepherd I must be 'alive' and awake to the condition of souls around me. Admin can wait, managing the Church can wait, there is no more urgent need that a damaged soul before me - they must immeadiatly go to the top of my priority list. The poor man in our story was effectivly 'bleeding out' and an immeadiate response was needed. As leaders and Shepherds lets always remember that our first priority is to people in need. If you are first on the scene - then do what you can immeadiatly - before calling the Paramedics (Pastors) We all need to be well trained in spiritual first aid! If you feel that you are not equipped - then ask for training! - This is what the LD nights are for for Small group leaders! :)
See you at the Worship night
Ps Rhett

Why Read The Bible Grace House Devotions

2010-07-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Bible is a book of life,
A treasure chest of truth -
... reviving the soul
... making wise the simple
... giving joy to the heart
... giving light to the eyes
... more precious than gold
... sweeter than honey
and in obeying it's teachings there is a great reward

The more of the bible you know, the more in line with God's purposes will be your decision making. If people were more familiar with the bible, then there would be much less confusion as to how they should act in difficult situations.

We can overcome satan by using God's word. And to be able to use it we must know it. We need to meditate on the word for it to be in your life. It needs to be in your life so that you can apply it.
It is not sufficient to just receive the word, one must respond to it an active obedience. Do not merely listen to the word, do what it says.

God's word is:
Inspired by God
Alive
Authoritive and
Truth

Don't worry about what you do not understand. Worry about what you do understand in the bible but do not live by.
The word of God provides footings for our faith.

Most people do not research the word of God very deeply. As a result they get confused about why they are not powerful christians living victorious lives. Most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the word. A person will get out of the word what they are willing to put into it.

The word of God is a two-edged sword. It must be used against the enemy. A sword in it's sheath won't do any good in an attack. The word of God is the only offense/weapon we have. The rest of the armour of God is used as defense. See Ephesians 6 from Verse 10

To find out more about why we need to read the bible read Psalm 119

Have a great read

Michelle Cozins

Session # 7 National Apostolic Conference "Esau's birthright"

2010-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Tim Jack delivered a powerful session on Esau's birthright from Gen 25:34

"This is how Esau despised his birthright"

Esau was legitimately entitled to the family birthright as first born - nevertheless he 'despised' this privilege by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Overwhelmed by his temporal & immediate physical needs he traded his future inheritance. We as Churches can fail to comprehend the awesome privileges and scope of our heavenly inheritance, by prioritizing the immediate, the trivial, or that which is only beneficial to our local needs.

• We have a personal birthright...

It is recorded of Isaac that he prayed for Rebecca, his barren wife and "the LORD heard his prayer" He stood in the place of priest and interceded for his wife, exercising the prerogatives and authority of the spiritual position given him. So to we need to stand in the spiritual authority and position we have graciously been given and exercise a priestly ministry on behalf of those who are unable to get a breakthrough for themselves. As leaders in God's house we need to understand our 'birthright' and begin to function in it.

• We have a 'Birthright' as individuals & as a movement...

Holiness - The apostolic movement is identified as a Holy people. We must all be striving for a Holy life; in word, in deed, and in thought. As leaders we must prioritize this as many are looking to us to see this modeled. Sexual immorality in the church needs to be lovingly confronted and judged according to scripture. Dishonesty & lying need to be forsaken for truth & transparency. Division must bow to unity, everything 'un' holy in our lives must be willingly forsaken, repentance and restoration applied, and a striving to embrace the life of Christ, through the empowering of Grace. It’s important that every member of the local church understands the impact of their life on the corporate community. So let’s 'get our Holy on"

Missions - The roots of the Apostolic/Pentecostal movement are unashamedly missional. It is a 'distinctive' of this movement that defines us as a people of/for God. The Welsh revival birthed missions to Australia that started the growth of ACA in this nation, in turn missionary initiatives were birthed in New Guinea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, and now Laos. Countless souls have been impacted and the Kingdom advanced because the responsibility and priority of missions was held onto.

Sacrifice - Many individuals have sacrificed much to contribute to the advancement of the Kingdom through the ACA over the years. We honored Ps Harry Reer at the conference; at 91 he is still serving God and ministering to God's people. Ps Harry pioneered in the Highlands of New Guinea with his wife, building a house in the jungle with his own hands and serving the Highland natives with the Gospel of Jesus. Long and difficult was his journey - but many Highlanders came to know Christ. I wonder as leaders what is the extent and depth of OUR sacrifice for the Kingdom? The local church? your brothers & sisters around you? God is calling many of us to a new demonstration of personal sacrifice for the greater good. I think 5 minutes talking to Ps Harry about his time in the Highlands would challenge us to the core about what it really means to be a servant of God.

The Apostolic 'Pattern' is leaders functioning as servants / equippers / developers / imparters of vision, gifting, enabling to do the work of God in the world. It is the well known Eph 4 mandate - and it is all the more pertinent today for leaders & Pastors. Paul said to Timothy "All seek their own and not the things that are of Christ Jesus" We have become a self-seeking, indulgent, shallow, indolent generation of believers generally; But God is shaking & waking us up to the glorious opportunity we have to move in our 'inheritance' recapture our distinctives, and raise up a fully equipped, God enabled people to do his work in our generation; the salvation of souls.

This is our time as leaders, Pastors, workers in the local Church!

Hooah! Ps Rhett

Time to worship

2010-07-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hi church as the song says 'Now is the time to worship'
Put aside our busy lives and connect to the divine; Jesus told the woman by the well God is seeking worshippers; will we answer the call.
C u in worship soon
Ps Rhett

Session # 6 National Apostolic Conference " What gets you out of Bed?"

2010-06-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Session 6 saw Ann Hill take the podium; what this woman lacks in stature she sure makes up for in spirit! Ann launched into a firey message and asked the probing question: "What gets you out of bed in the morning?" One of the 6 key factors in leadership is 'Passion' - we must have a consuming passion that motivates, & impels us to do what we do. For the Hills it is orphaned children and their plight in Indonesia.

Chris Foster says that there are 'No magic wand' for a lot of life's situations - but the need is for ordinary people to do what is in their power to do. (thats US the Church!)

Acts 1:4-5 Speaks of believers receiving power to 'be' witnesses ('Marytrs') for God's purposes. Ann spoke of them coming down from the 'communion' table and into a 'commissioning' for God. She said that most of us linger a little too long at the 'communion' table (i.e doing church stuff) instead of getting down from that room and out into the community we are commissioned to reach - its then that the power comes to 'be' Christ's wittnesses.

It was the visionary / missionary David Livingston who said: "The Heavenly commission is an honour" He spent his life serving in the African jungles bearing testimony to Christ.

What is your vision? What gets YOU out of bed in the morning?

This was a stirring call to arms by a great missionary/visionary couple. The Hills are doing a wonderful work here in Australia and through Aid Indonesia.
Have a great week in God!
Ps Rhett

Session 5 Apostolic National conference "The Prodigal God"

2010-06-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Church, These are thoughts from session 5, Dave spoke from Luke 15 & the story of the prodigal Son, speaking about the desperate place that this son had come to and his 'ephiphany' "I will arise and go to my father" in response to this, when the Father saw the son approaching he "ran" to his returning son and embraced him lavishly (kept on kissing him is a better translation.) Dave feels that the story is about a 'Prodigal' God (i.e. extravigant, lavish) who vavishes love and acceptance on the unworthy. As the church we need to reflect a 'lavish faith' in Radical generosity and quick forgivness to returning sons & daughters.

I didn't take too many notes in this session as I was totally absorbed in the story and the way Ps Gibbons was communicating this truth and appling it to our lives. I wonder are we like that with others? With visitors who come to our services, to those 'returning' sons & daughters that have come back to the Kingdom? Ps Dave said that if people really believed this was the case - our churches would not be big enough for the influx of returnees! Let us practice this 'lavish' love on one-another, and look with faith for lost people to return to the Father.

Blessings to/on/through you in Jesus name!
Ps Rhett

Session 4 Apostolic National conference "Messiah complex"

2010-06-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Ps Dave started this session with the story of a therapy group comprised of people who thought they were all Jesus. Sufferers of the 'Messiah complex" have a superiority mindset and find it hard to acccept that they are falible. Jesus spoke about 'a city on a hill' illustrative of the church being a 'lighthouse' for humanity reflecting the Glory of God - not its own glory. Dave went on to examine the 3 temptations of Christ in the wilderness, specifically the lure to turn stones into bread and feed his human needs - this is the 'fast food' generation - we want it all & we want it now! What are we serving up to our churches?, what they want or what they need, as there is a vast difference. We need to be pointing all to Christ as the ultimate sourse for all need.
Satan was tempting Jesus to act independantly of God's will and use the power he was given to meet his own needs and further his own cause. We need to carefully examine our personal motives and assess the ministry of our local church. Working alone or independantly can become a stumbling block to our effectivness in fullfilling the will of God for our lives. Dave asserted that we need to be focused on the 'essence' or end result of our minisrty in producing 'servant leaders' not independant or rouge disciples.
A probing question for leaders "Are you addicted to 'spectator approval' or the applause of men?" Dave noted that in the Welsh revivals - the Holy Spirit broke out in the context of small communities and moved in a systematic way (the point being that God moves in the context of community as a rule, not in isolation - but he has the perogative to do both)

Forgivness of sins assured people of God's approval
Baptism of the Holy Spirit empowered people with God's fire
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit enabled people in God's grace
The great commission thrust people into God's purposes

Quote: "Those that forget the past cannot be pioneers"

Dave explained that the Jesuit model for ministry or insignia is a picture of a priest with one foot raised / this signifying a willingness to 'Go" wherever the Lord would guide them and open doors. (Wow what an attitude! are you willing to lift up your foot?)
PS Gibbons finished this session with the reply that Jesus gave Satan "Man shall not live by bread alone (but it is a legitimate need) but (primarily) by every word that comes from God's mouth (divine revelation & inspiration are to be the higher priority)
Great session! again provided much opportunity for soul searching and a purging of motives.
Hope that this inspires you - c u next time.
Blessings
Ps Rhett

Session 3 National conference 'Towers of Babel'

2010-05-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

Hi incredable leaders! Dave Gibbon's next session began with a humourous video of the new 'corporate' unemployed - fighting over a job offer from a latino business owner, the point was that the world is not the same anymore there have been huge shifts in where the 'needs' are, but is the church 'shifting' with this change and identifiing where it needs to be?
At the recent TED conference Ps Gibbons coined the phrase 'vertical obsession' - where he is observing that mega churches are obsessed with a 'vertical structure' along a corporate model and missing the horizontal move of God, i.e. the Pastor as a corp 'CEO' rather than a shepherd, servant & equiper of the church for the 'horizontal' ministry in relationship with the community. We can MAKE it happen or RESPOND to the leading of the Holy Spirit i.e. Jesus responded to what the father was doing.
Ps Gibbons likes to get involved with the locals in any city that they have a presence - he affirms that the locals always know more about how to reach the people than we do!
He went on to liken many of the 'signifigant' ministries operating today in the 'Mega-church' stream as Christian 'Babels' (Ouch) Idol-like structures bringing glory to men, methods & movements. This was in direct disobedience to God's command to "fill the earth & subdue it" (not build vertical 'Structures') What makes the Christian church unique is that we minister to the community on the horizontal level and love the unlovley, focusing on the 'essence' of what it really means to be Christian; The Holy Spirit initiating & we responding to the need. The quantum mindshift needed is that with 'less we can do more' - we don't need huge churches to get God's work done. 300 men in Gideon's army achieved victory as God was focused on quality not quantity.
Dave's throughts on the task of a leader:
1. To love, learn & serve in any culture (where is the need? ask a local!)
2. Build trust (trust & respect are the fruit of genuine love)
3. Bear pain ('endure hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ' Paul to Timothy)
Daves poinant question finished this session "What does it really mean to lay down your life for the next generation? again 'less is more' or 'small is the new big' He encouraged us as leaders to apply the principle of 'concentrate' to our leadership; (small but potent) & we all need to start somewhere and apply faith to rise above relational, emotional, finacial, circumstancial, & habitual factors.
I was deeply challenged to assess the 'essence' of my own leadership and redefine my ministry focus. I trust as leaders we can move together through this ministry mindshift and find a more productive impact on our community.
Ps Rhett.

Session 2 National conference "A colony of Heaven"

2010-05-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Incredible leaders, here are some notes from session two of the conference, the speaker was our new national leader Tim Jack.

Tim spoke about the wonderful work 'Eternity' church are doing in Sydney and asked us the question 'how are we engaging with the community around us?' His Scripture was Heb 3:1 'Consider Jesus the Apostle and high priest of our faith.' Tim explained what the concept of an 'Apostle' was; lit a colonizer of heaven bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. They were 'sent ones' , ambassadors establishing distinctive communities where God reigns supreme. I wonder is that the way you see yourself? The 'Go ye" command is an apostolic command & our heritage is distinctly Apostolic in theology practice - it was the early pioneers of the Apostolic movement that obeyed the 'Go Ye' and brought this movement to Australia.

Tim sees the future of our movement as being very exciting. Opportunities abound locally & internationally.
there are 3 phases of change the national leaders want to initiate:
1.Every Church 're - engineer' change inward to outward / our focus must be outward to the needs in the community. (How are you doing this in your personal life / small group?)
2.Cultivate a selfless spirit. Sacrifice was the hallmark of early apostolic pioneers - we need to focus on the quality of our churches not quantity. Our members living out of a full gospel experience, a grand vision for their lives and a readiness to make sacrifices ( If your service to God is not 'hurting' you anywhere then are you living a 'sacrificial' life for Christ?)
3. Passion for souls translated into practical mission. the ACA has a desire to plant churches and ministry into Loas and is looking as a movement how to do this in the near future. (Love is the fuel of missions can you honestly say that you love the lost - and do nothing / give nothing to see them won to Christ?)
This session was a pivitol 'word' from God for me to review the relivancy of my leadership and ministry. I was heartened as some of it was also an encouragement and affirmation by God as much of this has been stirring in me this year. I challenge you as leaders across our church to let this sink deep into our spirits and allow God to 'shift' us and 'reposition' us with a loving dedicated & practical focus on the lost for the rest of 2010.
In Christ
Pastor Rhett.

Conference leadership notes

2010-05-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi incredable leaders,
As you know we attended the Apostolic conference in Melbourne last week, It was a great time of focus and gathering as leaders to encourage each other in the work God has given us to do. I was deeply challenged and renewed by the 'Chief Shepherd' in term of maintaining a 'shepherding' focus to my leadership - Dave Gibbons reafirmed that its 'all about people' and not a structure or the managment of a 'corporate' entity. I have summarised some of my personal notes below:

Its important that we define our mission as an 'Apostolic' fellowship - i.e. look into our history and remind ourselves of our roots. Dave spoke about 'running' towards the purpose of God and David the Shepherd/King ran towards Goliath. (Sometimes our mission seems GIANT!)
Isa 58:1-5 was his text. Are we in the worship 'business'? distracted by corporate branding, Styles, forms & fads over essence, nature and the impact of our faith on the community around us? (Measure of success is not numbers its impact, influence & transformation)
He spoke of the 'Glory' or beauty of God as our rear guard and that which 'attracts' people to our minisrty. He cautioned us not to become so consumed with building a movement or monument to ourselves that we forget about individuals & their needs.

What is the Sabbath for? it is a soul searching rest to re focus us on whats in our hearts - a spiritual audit time to remind us of whats important ( I thought that was a great understanding!)

We trend towards vertical structures over horizontal relationships (Akin to Babel! Owch!) Dave gave three factors that effect each local church or movment of churches in their ability to impact a community

Calling - What are we uniquely called / gifted by God to do?
Context - It what 'setting' are we ministering? i.e. City, rural, third world etc.
Capacity - what are the limits of our capacity

Dave finished this session with the thought of 'Blessing' in the Hebrew context:

Blessing can be 'tactile' imparted by touch, laying on of hands
Blessing can be visual, demonstated by practical prosperity
Blessing can be verbal, spoken over our lives, into the lives of others.

Parable of the lost son demonstrated all aspects of blessing in the actions of the Father toward his lost son. Dave closed this with a video of returning soldiers & the joy of family reunions.

More notes to come...

2010-04-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Small group leaders and participants have a look at this article I came across in my personal leadership development research: visit their church website at http://www.mentoringleaders.com/index.html

Leadership Definitions

Wayne Cordeiro

An interview with Wayne Cordeiro about leadership.

Question: "Wayne, in your opinion, what are the top three qualities of, or contributing factors to a good leader or good leadership?"

1. The top quality of a good leader is Noble Passion.
This is a deep conviction held within a person that can enable others toward good and toward God's best for a situation or life. It rises not simply from what lies before them but from what lies within them. Everyone is motivated or provoked to action by one or more sources. It could be deconstructive fuels such as insecurity, greed, avarice, or lust. On the other hand, it could be beneficent ones. Such noble passions are love for God, love for people, evangelism, justice, or humanitarian service.

2. The second is Discipline.
If you are without discipline, you will be without power when it is most required, and your leadership will be stranded. It is the self-initiated disciplinary virtue that optimizes a person's potential, hones his skills and develops his gifts. It is discipline that corrects internal drifts and mitigates waste. Self-discipline gives endurance. It is what builds the tinsel strength of character and the inner might of fortitude. Without it, leadership will be limited to a sporadic spark rather than a consuming flame.

3. The third is Wisdom from on High.
Leadership is all about resolving problems, and the book of James reminds us not only of wisdom's characteristics but also of its counterfeits. Problems that are rectified by selfish motives or for personal gain may bring a temporary cease fire, but it will never accomplish peace. True leadership acts consistently upon what love and wisdom dictate, without regard to personal promotion. Good leadership utilizes an inner compass whose true north is fixed by the pursuit of God's wisdom in resolving every problem.

1. The top derailer to good leadership is Hubris.

Conceit, self-importance and over confidence can slowly corrode and finally corrupt a once great leader's ministry. It was the preface to Lucifer's fall (Ez. 28:17). Hubris comes in many sizes and packages, and often it is undetectable to the carrier. These internal parasites often can only be uncovered through extreme crisis or ultimately, failure.

2. The second cause that often derails leadership is Success.
Not many can survive success. It must be viewed as a gift to be stewarded well. Like the nitroglycerin in dynamite, it is fragile and it is powerful. It is beneficent and it is destructive. Unguarded, the road to success and the road to a marital breakdown can be one and the same. Success is a trust that is not often stewarded well.

3. The third cause for derailment is Ungratefulness.
God is more concerned about our gratefulness than just about anything else in leadership. It is a safeguard. It is the conscience of success and the assigner of true credit. Gratefulness reminds the leader that when the ticker tape and confetti ceases, we all return, not to palatial dwellings, but to the Servants' Quarters. That is our home. That is our hearts.

A good overall description of a good leader might be defined as this:

"A leader is a servant who takes the initiative to serve, and to serve well. He possesses a sense of eternal assignment that comes in tandem with a bias for action. He does not only love people but also the potential that lies within them."

Dr. Wayne Cordeiro
I'm lovin' on you Ps Wayne! / team hope that this inspires and challenges you as a leader!
Regards,
Ps Rhett

Term 1 ends - Hello Holidays!

2010-03-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hello small groups! Well term 1 has now come to an end and we have had a great time exploring 'Vision' in small groups and in our corporate services. I hope there are a few more 'visionaries' and 'dream chasers' that will join with us at Grace to see the purposes of God realised. We will be moving onto the theme of 'Prayer' in April and I am looking forward to this theme; One man has said "Prayer is the most potent force on the planet & Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees"

Dates for Term 2:

School Holidays April 2 - 18th Enjoy the break & drive safe
Prayer night Monday 19th 7-8pm Why not bring your Small group to 7:14?
Sunday 25th April Small groups resume looking @ prayer & praying people

Have a great holiday break and be safe & blessed in the Great shepherds care
Regards,
Ps Rhett

2010-03-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Church! News flash!

We are excited about the year ahead and have 22 groups this year Our new groups include the Durells in Gelorup; the Leathards in Donnybrook; Ps Sue Moore (Soulfire) in Eaton; the Myburgs in Dalyellup; Michelle Cozin in Eaton; the McDonalds in Gelorup & Kate Brussen starting a new womens group in Glen-Iris. We welcome back many of our regular groups; The Gremengers,O'Shannessy, Thams, Ryders, Msapendas, Ruth Chase, The Rennies, Sheehys, Paulettes, Dr Yeo, Bron & Elle, Cale & Catherine, and Sharlene Grobler. (Well Done!)

Overseeing all this we have our Area leaders; The Georges, McQuades, Nev, Earnie, Ps Sue & Gaynor (ATT: I need a supervisor for Australind / Eaton groups asap)

New logo & concept for small groups
Vision launch night for leaders 2 Feb well attended
Small groups focus for Feb 'connection'
Working on a streemlined process for integration of new participants TBA
FAQ's section TBA
confidential feedback on small groups TBA

We have a great team of new & existing leaders & supervisors this year to help make the small groups experience at Grace the very best it can be - however the vital ingredient is YOU! see you at a small group soon. Ps Rhett

Small groups are reaching people

2009-12-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hi all, small groups are making a great impact in the church with groups doing acts of service and seeing to the needs of their members.
Keep up the good work

mobile post

2009-12-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

Small groups for 2010

2009-12-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all those who use blogger - I am excited about small groups this year! my desire is that leaders & members will become 'Champions' of the small group ministry and help to create the best envionment for success that we can.