serving the purposes of God in my generation...

Who Are We?

2009-03-09T09:40:00.006Z

And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him (ESV)... Then the right to the priesthood will be theirs by law forever. (NLT)

Exodus 29:6-9

God of this City. Chris Tomlin

2008-11-20T14:43:00.004Z

Harvest Attitude

2008-11-01T14:46:00.008Z

...but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galations 6:8-9

In everything you do for God, be it putting out the chairs or preaching to thousands, always recognise that you are sowing to the Spirit, for this will change the attitude by which you serve.

When you recognise that you are sowing to the Spirit you don’t grow weary, because you have faith for the harvest!

Pure Strength

2008-10-27T09:45:00.011Z

Show me a Christian without joy and I'll show you a weak one.

Show me a Christian with joy and I'll show you a strong one.

Living in Grace

2008-10-21T19:52:00.012+01:00

There's a small fly burning out the last of its short life's energies in a futile attempt to fly through the glass of the windowpane. The whining wings tell the poignant story of the fly's strategy: Try harder.

But it's not working.

The frenzied effort offers no hope for survival. Ironically, the struggle is part of the trap. It is impossible for the fly to try hard enough to succeed at breaking through the glass. Nevertheless, this little insect has staked its life on reaching its goal through raw effort and determination.

The fly is doomed. It will die there on the windowsill.

Across the room, ten steps away, the door is open. Ten seconds of flying time and this small creature could reach the outside world it seeks. With only a fraction of the effort now being wasted, it could be free of this self-imposed trap. The breakthrough possibililty is there. It would be so easy.

Why doesn't the fly try another approach, something dramatically different? How did it get so locked in on the idea that this particular route and determined effort offer the most promise for success? What logic is there in continuing until death to seek a breakthrough with more of the same?

No doubt this approach makes sense to the fly. Regretably, it's an idea that will kill.
Trying harder isn't necessarily the solution to achieving more. It may not offer any real promise for getting what you want out of life. Sometimes, in fact, it's a big part of the problem.

If you stake your hopes for a breakthrough on trying harder than ever, you may kill your chances of success. Price Pritchett.

So Blessed

2008-10-15T18:35:00.004+01:00

I thought I would dedicate this, my 100th post, to someone very special.

I cannot believe that God would bless me this much, in giving me such an amazing and beautiful woman of God to be my fiancée. I love her with all my heart.

'The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favour from the Lord.' Proverbs 18:22

Integrity

2008-10-14T19:06:00.013+01:00

To thine own self be true.

So long as you have integrity, you are able to walk away from every conversation with your head held high and in fullness of peace, no matter what the accusation.

Free To Dream

2008-10-10T09:48:00.012+01:00

'... and we will see what will become of his dreams.' Genesis 37:20

These were the words of Joseph's brothers, when deciding to kill him.

If God has given you a dream or a promise, no human hand can take the reality of it coming to pass away from you.

Hungry?

2008-10-08T09:56:00.008+01:00

What you feed on - you will hunger for.

If you feed on the Word of God, even if only a little, you will find a hunger within you for more of it. The same will happen if you feed on the things of the world.

Changed Forever

2008-10-07T09:28:00.019+01:00

'Then he said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel.' Genesis 32:28

Throughout the Old Testament we read several times of God giving people new names.

This reminded me that when God took a hold of my life, he gave me a completely new identity. I was given a new nature, a new heart and a new purpose.

The world is searching, not for a religion or philosophy, but for something real that will change lives. This is what Jesus does. He takes your life and transforms it.

Pursued By Blessing

2008-09-23T16:24:00.006+01:00

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, Psalm 23:6

Children have rights that others do not. I do not need to run after a blessing, the blessing will run after me.

Chosen For Greatness

2008-09-12T09:42:00.006+01:00

A risk free life is a victory free life. It means a life surrendered to the mediocre, and that is the worst defeat of all.

Too many Christians do not truly believe they were born for greatness. That is why they become settlers.

I do not believe that anyone who is chosen in Christ was saved to simply to be a Sunday morning attender. You were born to do something incredible in this world.

If you believe you were born for greatness it will determine what you see around you and how you react to it. Stepping deeper into all God has for you is all about trusting in someone, his name is Jesus.

Something Fresh

2008-09-11T12:15:00.009+01:00

A common question that is brought up time and time again within our churches is this: how do we engage our children in the worship on a Sunday morning?

We recently had a wonderful time at our Bible Week summer conference with the 8-11s. We saw children come into the presence of God, bring powerful prophetic word and heal the sick. There was a real freshness to what we saw. I believe in these days our children will add something fresh to the dynamic of what God is doing amongst us and in our cities.

So where does the responsibility lie on us in seeing this happen? Clearly those leading our meetings play a significant part. However, I believe it is the role of parenting that is key. Here are a few encouragements for those parents who want to see their children come into all God has for them.

Do not be embarrassed to talk with your children about spiritual things. You would be surprised at how many parents actually are. Be real and open with them about the things of God. Let them see that exercising the gifts of the Spirit, hearing God or praying for the sick is part of normal life for a Christian, and not just what the ‘adults’ do on a Sunday morning. Look for consistent opportunity to let them experience these things within everyday life and let them see that life as Christian is the most exciting life you could live.

Secondly, develop an attitude on a Sunday that 'as a family we are going to worship the Lord together'. This is who we are as a family and this is what we do, together. It is not just for mum and dad but it is for me as well. If you allow your child to play games in the corner while worship is taking place they will grow up thinking that church is boring or that it is just for the adults. Some parents will need to develop new habits and disciplines for their children within this area.

And lastly spend time reading the Word with your children. The Word of God is powerful and produces maturity. I believe as you let the Word wash over them, you will be surprised at their rapid spiritual growth and hunger for God.

Do not underestimate your children. They are the ones who will see the things we have longed for in this nation.

The Big Bang Experiment

2008-09-10T12:06:00.009+01:00

Christianity and science are not opposed to one another as many believe. To understand that God is the author and creator of all things means that one is never intimidated by the discoveries of science. New scientific revelations of that which is truth will always prove that all things were created by him and for him.

Despite failing at science during school, I have always had a fascination with the universe, it's vastness, complexity and that of the unknown. For me, it speaks of God's awesomeness, and helps me to understand just a little of how big God is. The following is taken from what i read in this morning's headlines.

Three decades after it was conceived, the world's most powerful physics experiment has sent the first beam around its 27km-long tunnel. The £5bn machine on the Swiss-French border is designed to smash particles together with cataclysmic force. This will re-create conditions in the Universe moments after the Big Bang. "We will be able to see deeper into matter than ever before," said Dr Tara Shears, a particle physicist at the University of Liverpool. "We will be looking at what the Universe was made of billionths of a second after the Big Bang. That is amazing, that really is fantastic."

A key aim of the experiment is to find the Higgs boson. According to their theory, particles acquire their mass through interactions with an all-pervading field carried by the Higgs. Amusingly for us, this has been named by scientists as the 'God Particle'.

The latest astronomical observations suggest ordinary matter - such as the galaxies, gas, stars and planets - makes up just 4% of the Universe. The rest is dark matter (23%) and dark energy (73%). Physicists think the LHC could provide clues about the nature of this mysterious "stuff".

I don't know how God did it but what I do know is this: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

He... ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

Ephesians 4:10

Words

2008-08-20T09:52:00.013+01:00

'...the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said...' Genesis 1:3

The creation of all things took place as a result of the Spirit of God and God's spoken word. Because the Spirit of God now lives in me, and because I have a mouth, when I speak I am able to excercise that same power and authority.

This means that instead of asking God to take away sickness, I am able to command it, by my spoken word.

As we read in James 3 and throughout Proverbs, it is so important to understand every day and in every situation that our words are powerful.

Special Times

2008-07-29T11:42:00.008+01:00

Kids Club End of Term BBQ.

8-11's Kids Ministry at Bible Week.

Enjoy Life Now!

2008-07-08T23:03:00.008+01:00

'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden... And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free...'
Genesis 2:15

More than anything else, God wants you to enjoy life, because he loves you passionately.

The first thing God did after he created man was to bless him (Genesis 1:28). When I watch and listen to some Christians, I often think that the first thing God will say to us when we see him face to face is 'why did you not enjoy what I gave you?'

Nothing brings God greater pleasure than seeing his children blessed. Life is to short to miss this.

Get Real

2008-06-18T20:47:00.008+01:00

Recently I have started writing a diary, or what you might call a prayer journal, simply to keep track on what God is doing in my life.

Amongst other things, I have discovered the value that comes from being real with God at the end of each day.

I have been so encouraged with the peace experienced from being honest with him about who he is, who I am, and what is going on in my life.

If you are struggling to give time each day to being in God's presence understand that it is a relationship God desires with you not a legalistic meeting. Yes it is a discipline, but look forward to spending time with your father and be real with him.

These beautiful verses capture the simple heart of what it is I am talking about:

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

A Man Of Character

2008-06-06T20:51:00.011+01:00

Character is preaching the same thing you preached 30 years ago.

Character is standing your ground when everyone else walks away.

Character is integrity.

Character is consistency.

Character is making the right decision regardless.
Character is not compromising.

Character is about the will not the whim.

Character is obeying even if not understanding.
Character is who you are, not how you feel.

Character is revealed when the pressure comes.

Character is more impressive than miracles.

Character is the simple act of unquestioning obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Character is being radical.

Character is taking God seriously.

Character is unassuming.

Character is being completely submissive to the Word of God.
Character is steadfast.

Character is not what you do, it's who you are.
Character is uncomplicated obedience.

Character is not about position or recognition, but is about identity.

Character is what makes God proud.

Give Up Trying

2008-05-26T16:45:00.015+01:00

To live a Christian life is not hard work, it is impossible. That is why you need the Holy Spirit.

I meet so many Christians who struggle and strive each day, trying desperately to live in all God has for them. They think that if they just try that little bit harder they will somehow manage to attain a life pleasing to God and be worthy of serving his purposes.

To live a life like this is to reject the truth of what has been achieved through the work of Christ. God did not save you to live a life of trying, he saved you to live a life of victory.

You see, in my own strength I am helpless: it is impossible for me to live a life free from sin, for me to work signs and miracles, to see the restoration of all things, to love as Christ loves, or to live everyday in complete fullness of joy. So stop trying! It will only prove to dissapoint.

Jesus new it would be impossible for me to live this supernatural life and this is why he baptised me with his Spirit, that I might be empowered to do all things, living by the Spirit of God.

To attempt to live even one day in all God has for me without the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car without an engine.

Just For Today (Psalm 118:24)

2008-05-07T17:23:00.007+01:00

Just for today, I’ll enjoy each moment to the full and try not to tackle my whole life’s problems at once. Just for today, I’ll try to improve my mind by learning more than I know; I’ll read my Bible because it’s my source of wisdom and strength. I’ll be open to those Scriptures that require obedience, action and commitment.

Just for today, I’ll be agreeable, wear a smile and make sure my words are seasoned with grace. Just for today, I’ll have a plan and a goal which I’ll reach towards and chase after. Just for today I’ll develop my character. I’ll do a random act of kindness and keep it secret; if anyone finds out it won’t count.

Just for today, I’ll do something I don’t naturally want to do, which will train my spirit to rule my flesh and my faith to rule my emotions. Just for today, I won’t be afraid to love or to risk; I’ll take steps of faith that stretch me beyond my comfort zone. I’ll enjoy all God’s blessings and believe that every seed I sow in His kingdom will be multiplied back to me many times over.

This is how I’ll live – just for today – and when tomorrow comes, I’ll do it again.

(UCB – the Word 4U 2day, Feb-Mar-Apr 06)

Cuba Mission April 08

2008-05-05T15:14:00.005+01:00

Epic colonial architecture, libidinous young salsa dancers, Che Guevara murals, white-powder sandy beaches, swaying fields of sugar cane - the images of Cuba are as transfixing as they are timeless. This is an island of unique historical heritage floating amid a sea of encroaching globalisation.

(Yahoo Travel Guide)

This describes the experience I had when travelling around Cuba several years ago. But last week I encountered something very different, something far more beautiful.

I met with a people.

A people overflowing with a love so strong, it could only have come from God Himself.
A people whose hunger for God to move, has changed the way in which I look at my daily circumstance.
A people who live in a Kingdom that breaks beyond the shores of an island.
A people who belong to a family that covers the world, and continues from generation to generation.

Despite being so distant from the familiar, I was home - and it was beautiful.

At His Table

2008-04-06T11:00:00.008+01:00

And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones... Luke 22:29-30.

At his table I know that the victory is won; I know that it is finished; I know that my sins are forgiven; I know my sickness is healed; I know that I am surrounded by favour; I know that his storehouse is open to me; I know that I am a recipient of his power; I know that my youth is renewed.

The whole purpose of the cross and the ressurection was so that the Spirit of God could fill our lives. I can now do all things through Christ.

To approach the table in an unworthy manner is to be unaware of the full assurance of what he has done.

Uncle Jezman!

2008-04-04T10:25:00.008+01:00

BIG congratulations to my sister who this week gave birth to my gorgeous neice, Ffion Grace.

...the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23-24

Worry Free

2008-03-31T13:04:00.014+01:00

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27

A worrying mind robs you of precious time. Most of what a person worries about never actually happens.

Do not let your life be affected by something that does not even exist.

God has been teaching me recently that I can trust in him completely. Being his child means that I am always able to live in peace: what an amazing privilege!

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Thessalonians 3:16