Mark Conner's Space

Are you a duck out of water?

Once upon a time, right after creation, all the animals formed a school. They established a well-rounded curriculum of swimming, running, climbing and flying. All the animals were required to take all the courses.

The duck excelled at swimming. In fact, he was better than the instructor! But he only made passing grades in climbing and was very poor at running. He was so slow, he had to stay after school to practise running. This caused his webbed feet to become so badly worn he became only average in swimming. But average was quite acceptable, so no one ever worried about it, except the duck.

The rabbit was top of her class at running. But after a while, she developed a twitch in her leg from all the time she spent in the water trying to improve her swimming.

The squirrel was a peak performer climbing, but was constantly frustrated in flying class. His body became so worn from all the hard landings he did not do too well in climbing, and ended up being pretty poor in running.

The eagle was a continual problem student. She was severely disciplined for being a nonconformist. In climbing class, she would always beat everyone else to the top of the tree, but insisted on using her own way to get there.

Each of the animals had a particular design. When they did what they were designed to do, they excelled. When they tried to operate outside their area of expertise, they were not nearly as effective.

Can ducks run? Sure they can! Is that what they do best? No! Given the limited time each of us has, doesn’t it make sense to serve where we are best equipped? Ducks can run and run hard. But they are slow and get tired quickly.

People in ministry can be like that. Like a duck out of water, we can serve outside our area of giftedness. We can do it, but it is not what we do best. That is why knowing your spiritual gift(s) is important. It enables you to do what you do best with enthusiasm and effectiveness.

Imagine a church led by leaders, taught by teachers, cared for by pastors, administered by administrators, with evangelists using their gifts, givers giving, mercy showers showing mercy, etc … That’s what every church should be like. This is the way God has organised the church and wants it to function.

Spiritual gifts are “special abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit to every believer according to God’s design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ.” God calls us to understand our individual uniqueness and appreciate the differences of other people. His intention is that we work together in interdependent relationships. By ourselves, we can’t accomplish much, but networked with other believers, we can accomplish incredible things for God.

Each person is unique with different combinations and expressions of gifts through their personality. There are different levels of gifting based on the different calling and capacity of each person. God wants each one of us to discover, develop and deploy our gifts for the benefit of the church and its mission.

Jump in and SERVE!

Stop Procrastinating

[Guest post by Rick Warren]

The Bible gives us five actions we can take to stop procrastinating:

1. Stop making excuses.

“The lazy person claims, 'There's a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!'" (Prov. 22:13, NLT). What have you been saying you’re going to do “one of these days”? What do you make excuses about? The number one excuse I hear is, “When things settle down, then I’m going to ...” Things will never settle down. You must make a choice to prioritize what is important.

2. Start today.

Not next month, next week, or tomorrow. “Never boast about tomorrow. You don’t know what will happen between now and then” (Prov. 27:1, GNT). None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.

3. Establish a planned schedule.

Proverbs 13:16 says, “Every wise person acts with good sense, but fools show how foolish they are” (Prov. 13:16, NCV). If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. You need to designate some specific time slots each week for the things you need to do. Whatever it is, put it on your calendar. And if it’s a big task, break it down into small pieces. Break it into bite-size pieces.

4. Face your fears.

We hate to admit we have fears, because we think they’re a sign of weakness. But fear is a sign of humanity. Only fools are not afraid. You’ve heard it said, “Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s moving ahead in spite of our fears.” The Bible says there is nothing you cannot master with the help of Christ who gives you strength.

5. Focus on what you gain, not the pain.

There are very few things in life that are easy. You must push through the frustration and look at the gain beyond the pain. Concentrate on how good you’re going to feel once you’ve finished the task. Galatians 6:9 says, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up" (NLT). Jesus never said life would be easy. There will be sacrifice and commitment. But there is tremendous reward when we do the things he calls us to do.

Talk About It

Don’t ask, “What do I feel like doing?” Instead ask, “What does God want me to do?”

Write down three things you know God wants you to do, one item each in these three areas: your family, your personal life, and your career. Choose one of those three, and start today. Even if you can only work on your goal 15 minutes a day, do it — you’ll feel so much better!

Jump in ... and SERVE!

This year our focus is DEVOTE 3. We want to DEVOTE ourselves to PRAY more passionately, SHARE more intentionally and SERVE more wholeheartedly.

When it comes to your call to SERVE ...

1. You were made for it.

God knew you before you were born (Jer.1:4), God planned you (Ps.139:16), God formed you (Ps.139:13-14), God thinks about you all the time (Psalm 139:17-18), God calls you (Jer.1:5), God saves you (Eph.2:8), God made you new (2Cor.5:17), God gifted you (1Pet.4:10. 1Cor. 12:7), God made adventures for you (Eph.2:10), and God loves you (Jn.3:16). Yes, each one of us have a plan and a purpose from God before we were born. God calls us into an adventure and he never leaves us alone. You were designed to SERVE. 

2. Do a Stocktake.

Acknowledging the good things God has placed within us is a key part of us being effective in life (see Paul's prayer for Philemon in 1:6). Do the stocktake and know what's been placed there by God. 

It is a myth to think that "You can be anything you want to be, if you just try enough." The truth is "You can be a lot more of who you already are."

One way to do this is to take a SHAPE survey or a spiritual gifts inventory. Another interesting reflection is to take something such as Gallop's Strengths Finder test or Marcus Buckingham's latest Stand Out assessment, which shows you the kind of role that best matches your strengths. 

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" Benjamin Franklin

"Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong ... and yet a person can perform only from strength." Peter Drucker

3. Jump in! 

Eventually, we have to get moving. Do something. See where it takes you ... that's why it's called an adventure. You can't steer a parked car. Are you waiting ... for what? 

As we get started, we discover what our gifts are (and aren't!), we give ourselves the opportunity to receive confirmation from others, and to see the affect of our efforts. Serving is the adventure. Those who help and serve others are the happiest people in the world.  

Check out the some current volunteer examples at CityLife.

[BLOG outline based on Andrew Robinson's recent Jump In! message at CityLife]

A Spacious Place

"He brought me into a spacious place ..." Psalm 18:19a NIV

"I am beginning to understand that life is not so much a search for answers, as it is a search for clearings. Clearings are the required stopping places in our lives when our lives get to be too much. A clearing is a place of shelter, peace, rest, safety, quiet and healing. It is a place where you can get your bearing, regroup, inspect the damage, fill out the estimate and make repairs. It is a place where mid-course corrections are made - where you can change course, even start over. A clearing is a place where you can see what you couldn't see and hear what you couldn't hear. Clearings are not optional. They are longings in disguise. They are the required rest stops of life when our exhausted souls run out of steam."

Mike Yanconelli

DEVOTE 3

As a response to God's relentless love for us, and the adventure that he has called us to embark on, we want to commit ourselves afresh to be devoted to God this year - to PRAY more passionately, to SHARE our faith more intentionally, and to SERVE with our gifts more wholeheartedly. As we do, we will see a greater fulfillment of our mission to be fervent followers of Jesus Christ reaching out to our world.

What will be different for you this year? What changes could you make that would result in a significant growth in your own life calling? What new habits would you like to form?

Here are some ideas:

PRAY

1. Set aside time each morning to talk to God and to hear his voice, including through the Scriptures.

2. Fast a meal (or day) once a week and use that time to have some prayer.

3. Go on a one hour prayer walk once a week.

4. Find a prayer mentor who can help you grow in your prayer life. 

5.Faithfully attend the prayer meetings at your church.

SHARE

1. Have a meal once a week with friends or family who don't yet know Christ, just to get to know them and show an interest in their world.

2. Invite someone to church or to an ALPHA course.

3. Make a list of three people you would like to come to know Christ and pray for them regularly. Evangelist D.L. Moody had a list of 100 people and he saw 96 of them come to faith in his life time. The other 4 commited their lives to Christ at his funeral! Never under-estimate the power of prayer.

4. Find a mentor who could help you grow in your confidence in sharing your faith.

5. Attend an equipping course or read a book on evangelism or missional living.

SERVE

1. Choose the attitude of a servant every day. Be a contributor, not just a consumer, a giver not just a receiver.

2. Seek to seek with a great attitude and with excellence, as to the Lord.

3. Find an area of ministry within your church and volunteer to help out.

4. Join with your small group and engage in a local community project, or overseas short team mission team.

5. Mentor someone else in your area of ministry.

What will 2013 be like? Some things are beyond our control and none of us can predict the future but we do have choices that we can make. We can choose our own adventure! As we do, we will be surprised at what God does in and through our lives this year.

God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9. MB

Choose Your Own Adventure

Life as Adventure

Have you ever thought of your life as an adventure? Our kids used to love reading the Choose Your Own Adventure book series when they were younger. The stories are formatted so that, after a couple of pages of reading, the reader, as the main character in the story, faces two or three options, each of which leads to more options, and then to one of many endings. The number of endings could range anywhere from 12 to 40. This allows for a realistic sense of unpredictability, as the reader chooses their own adventure. Life is a lot like that!

Every adventure starts with a calling or mission then proceeds through various challenges and struggles to an eventual destination. Adventure requires making a choice to step out of our comfort zones of safety into the risk of unknown worlds of opportunities.  There are dragons to slay and mountains to conquer. You choose you own adventure.

Have you ever thought of your life as an adventure? Every adventure starts with a calling or mission then proceeds through various challenges and struggles to an eventual destination. Adventure requires making a choice to step out of our comfort zones of safety into the risk of unknown worlds of opportunities.  There are dragons to slay and mountains to conquer. You choose you own adventure.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” [Mark Twain] 

 "A ship is safe in harbour, but that's not what ships are for." [William Shedd]

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” [Helen Keller]

“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone ... I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” [J.R.R. Tolkein in The Hobbit]

Father Abraham

Genesis 12 is the central passage of the book of Genesis. Here we move from the history of mankind, beginning with the creation of the world by God, to the history of Israel as a nation, beginning with the story of Abraham. Into a situation of hopelessness and barrenness, with no foreseeable future (Gen.11:30), God spoke and called Abraham to leave home and follow Him (Gen.12:1-3). Abraham was to become the “father of all who believe” (Rom.4:16). Abraham’s story introduces journey as a metaphor for the life of faith. We are called to follow God in a life of pilgrimage, moving with God through life, in a multi-generational journey of faith – an adventure.

The Adventure of Your Life

Like Abraham, God calls you to follow him … on this adventure called LIFE. But that invitation requires a response. We have a choice to make. Abraham was a man of faith and action – he went, he took, he entered, he built, he journeyed, and so on. He obediently acted on the revelation he received, despite the tensions created by his own age and the barrenness of his wife.

God’s will is not something extremely hard or unenjoyable. The apostle Paul called God’s will “good, pleasing and perfect (Rom.12:1-2).” Jesus described his burden as “easy and light” (Matt.11:28-30) and said he came to give us a “rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10)” in contrast to the thief who wants to steal, kill and destroy. There is much freedom in God’s will, with few prohibitions and many possible choices (Gen.2:16). Even God’s commands are “for our good” (Deut.6:24). Who will we trust? Yes, there is a cost to discipleship … but there is also a joy.

1. God is your companion and guide on your adventure.

God called Abraham into a relationship with Himself and to be a part of His covenant purpose for the world. In responding to God’s call, Abraham moved from being a pagan who worshipped many gods to becoming a worshipper and “friend” of Yahweh, the true God of heaven and earth. This was a conversion by faith and obedience, in response to a revelation from God.

God calls us too, as children of Abraham, into relationship with Himself. God speaks to us be His Spirit and His Word. Like Abraham (Gen.12:7-9), we are to respond by building an altar of worship and prayer in our lives, as an expression of our devotion to God. Our adventure is about honouring God, growing in our relationship with him, and seeking him for guidance along the way.

It’s a call to PRAY. Prayer is simply conversation or dialogue with God – sharing whatever is on our heart with him and listening to the voice of his Spirit. Through faith and complete trust in God we can overcome the unbelief, doubt, discouragement, and apathy that so often hinders our prayers.

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” [Saint Augustine of Hippo]

2. Your Adventure is a Shared Experience

Abraham was given two instructions: (1) leave and (2) be a blessing. Intertwined with these instructions, were two sets of three promises each. In the first set, God expressed a commitment to Abraham to make him into a great nation, to bless him, and make his name great. In the second set of promises, God said he would bless those who blessed Abraham, curse those who cursed (or showed disdain or contempt), and that all peoples on earth would be blessed through him. This was the highest goal for Abraham’s calling. God was working through one family for the benefit of all families. This included sharing the knowledge of God, which Abraham had possibly already engaged in with those he had taken into his household (see Gen.12:5).

We too are called to be a part of a community of faith, the church. No one is to do life alone. Together we can discover meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. From there we too can SHARE with others the good news about the God we worship and serve. Church exists for mission – for others. This starts with hospitality and flows out to sharing our faith in God.

3. Your Adventure serve a greater purpose.

In the middle of two sets of promises, God instructed Abraham to “be a blessing”. That is, Abraham was to let this blessing work in him and his family in order that he might become the agent through whom God might bless others. Unfortunately, blessing for the entire world never became a program for concerted action by God’s people until after the ascension of Jesus.

In the same way, Jesus calls us to follow him, to go into the world, and to be a blessing to whoever we come into contact with. Our adventure is for others. It’s about contribution, service and making a difference. God has shaped us for a specific purpose and he has some good works for us to do (Eph.2:8-10). Use your gifts to SERVE others.

DEVOTE 3 - Our Response

As a response to God's relentless love for us, and the adventure that he has called us to embark on, we want to commit ourselves afresh to be devoted to God this year - to PRAY more passionately, to SHARE our faith more intentionally, and to SERVE with our gifts more wholeheartedly. As we do, we will see a greater fulfillment of our mission to be fervent followers of Jesus Christ reaching out to our world.

Reflection Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to do something new.

2. What inspires you most about Abraham and his response to Gods call?

3. Consider the difference between pioneers and settlers. How can we keep that sense of adventure in our journey of faith?

4. Reflect on “God’s will” for our life and the different ways that he guides us.

5. What goals or changes you are going to make as a part of DEVOTE 3 in 2013?

6. Consider the concept of “motivation.” The first believers “devoted themselves” to some important practices (Acts 2:42-47). Where did this inner motivation come from and what fuelled it?

7. Remind yourself of an answer to prayer that really built your faith in God.

8. Write out your own story of coming to faith in Christ. Who shared with you?

9. Make a list of some people in your world who you would love to come to faith in Christ this year.

10.  What are some of the joys or benefits of serving through volunteering (inside or outside church)?

[Watch video of message] 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 14 (Share Again)

[Guest BLOG post by Godwin Shim]

Today our Bible reading is Acts 8. It is the story of the persecution and the scattering of the believers, Philip's preaching to the Samaritans, including Simon the sorcerer, and Philip's opportunity to share God's word to the Ethiopian Eunuch.

Acts 8:4. But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. NLT.

The believers went every where sharing the word. It's amazing to see the rage of the persecutors only extended the reign of Christ. Wherever you are "scattered" and positioned in the marketplace (schools, families, workplace, etc), be a church where people can discover Jesus and access His truth.

Acts 8:27. So Philip started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). NLT.

Are you bold enough to share about God when opportunity comes knocking? You don't fail if the Spirit prompts you to share and ask someone to follow Christ and the person doesn't. You fail when the Spirit prompts you but you are afraid to share. Howard Hendricks says: "In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering." You might not BE the answer to their problems, but you definitely HOLD the answer to their problems.

Share Your Faith Through Your Story

One of the many effective ways we can invite people to step into a relationship with God is to share our story. No one can argue with what you have experienced firsthand. Why story? No one understood the power of a well-told story better than Jesus. Jesus knew that the Kingdom is too important for rational explanation alone. Some things can only be understood through stories. Stories stick in memory over the years. People cannot change what they cannot remember. If your story stays with people long enough to bring spiritual truth along with it, then there is a high chance we'll see transformed lives.

Prayer Focus

1. Reflect on your approach to sharing the Good News. John 1:14 says Jesus was full of grace AND truth. Ask God to teach you how to embrace the narrowness of His truth and the broadness of His grace in sharing the Good News with others.

2. Your story and testimony does more than tell others who you are. It may also tell them why you are here. Pray and thank God for your journey.

3. So how do you share your story? One simple way is to pray, put it on paper and practice. Start with your life before Christ, and then tell how you encountered Him. End with how your life has changed because of Him. Try to articulate your story in a few minutes. You are a living testimony!

4. You are part of someone's story. Every situation is an opportunity to share and leave Christ's mark in someone else's story. God never fails writing, producing and directing love stories on earth all the time. It's just that He has so many "inexperienced actors". Reflect on various ways you can share the love of Christ with others.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 13 (Wisdom)

A few reflections on Proverbs 4

* Hear God's words and pay attention to them (vs.1, 20). Incline or lean your ear towards them so that you receive them into your heart (vs.10). Just because God speaks doesn’t mean we are listening or receiving his word. Hearing well requires focused and undivided attentiveness. Make sure you get them. Once you have received God’s words, retain and keep them (vs.4). Don’t forget them or turn away from them (vs.5). Embrace them (vs.8). Take a firm hold of them and do not let them go (vs.13). Keep them in front of your eyes and in the midst of your heart (vs.21). Make sure you hang on to them once you’ve got them. This is all about bridging the 'knowing-doing' gap. Otherwise, we are deceiving ourselves and not really changing. 

* Make sure you listen to those older and wiser than you (vs.1-4). Adopt the stance of a learner and maintain a teachable spirit.  Receive good counsel and take it to heart. Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other. Embrace it and integrate it into your life.

* Wisdom is worth giving everything for! Get wisdom above all and before all (vs.5-9). Make it the number one task on your priority list. Wisdom is the personification of Jesus Christ – in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is having God’s perspective on life and then living from that vantage point. Getting wisdom is so important. Listen to wisdom, tune your ears to it and keep its message in front of your eyes. Concentrate on it and learn it by heart. If you do, you’ll really live – a healthy body and soul.

* Proverbs contain clear directions for a life of wisdom (vs.11-13). Follow them and you won’t go astray. Ignore them and you’ll waste a lot of time and inherit much grief. Take this seriously – your life is at stake!

* What is the trajectory of your life – is it going up or going down, getting brighter or getting darker (vs.18-19)?

* Life is lived ‘inside out’. Guard your heart (vs.23). What’s inside is of vital importance. What’s in your heart is going to come out. All of life flows up and out (like a wellspring) from within. Deal with what’s inside first.

Wisdom

1. Ask God for wisdom for your life today - for the decisions and choices you will make, for your relationships, for your work or vocation, and for perspective on your own life's journey.

2. Determine to have a teachable attitude today. Make everyone your mentor - we can receive insight from anyone ... IF we are open to listen and learn.

3. Consider reading a proverb a day for the next few months, applying this practical wisdom to your life.

4. Write down what God has spoken to you over the last few weeks or months. Ask for God's help and strenght to obey and put into practice what he is saying to you. Start a journal and review your jounrey with God on a regular basis.  

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 12 (Share)

Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He did spectacular miracles among the people. God's anointing had spread beyond the twelve apostles to other people now (see Acts 6:8). Stephen was full of wisdom and able to defend the faith with great boldness. Opposition arose against him including a host of lies. He was arrested and brought before the Council. His face became as radiant as an angel's. He was able to tie the coming of Jesus to the Old Testament stories of Abraham and Moses. He confronted the leaders strongly resulting in great rage from them (Acts 6:9 - 7:53).

They mobbed Stephen and then stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-60). He gazed up toward heaven and saw Jesus standing at God's right hand. He surrendered his spirit to God and asked that this sin not be charged to his accusers. A young man named Paul stood nearby observing all of this. What an influence Stephen must have had on him.

Here we see courageous proclamation of the gospel and a willingness to die for the faith. We also see great opposition and persecution of the church, especially by religious leaders. Yet, the work of God continued to grow.

Share

1. Think about those who suffer or even lose their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. What kind of faith would be strong enough to do that? 

2. What is your story? Think about your life before Christ, when you encountered Christ, and what has been different since. Can you articulate this in just a few minutes? Maybe take time to write down your story. 

3. Pray for courage and wisdom to look for and respond to opportunities to share your story today with someone you know or someone you meet.

4. Who could you share a meal with today that could benefit from your love and interest?

5. Pray for friends and family members who don't yet know Christ. Pray for them to come to know God personally. 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 11 (Serve)

In Acts 6, the church at Jerusalem encounters a major problem (vs.1). Rapid multiplication led to rumblings of discontent. This resulted in complaints about discrimination. Movement often creates friction. Growth can cause pain. 

The apostles quickly gathered all the believers together an devised a solution. They dealt with the problem quickly and decisively. They didn't let it fester. They knew their priorities - prayer, preaching and teaching. They delegated the task out to other capable leaders among the people. They spread the load and increased the leadership base.

Note the qualities they looked for when selecting people to serve:

1. Wise - the ability to think clearly.

2. Full of the Spirit - anointed by God.

3. Well thought of by everyone - a good reputation.

Now it was implementation time. Seven men were chosen and then prayed for by the apostles (vs.5-6). The result was that God's message was preached in ever-widening circles (vs.7). The number of disciples increased vastly in Jerusalem. Many of the Jewish priests were converted too.

Here we learn that problems well-handled can be catalysts for further growth. This is a story of moving from stress to strategy to success.

Serve

1. Reflect on your call to be a servant, like Jesus.

2. Who are you called to serve and in what way?

3. What gifts, talents and resources do you have to offer God's work?

4. What are others doing that you could assist with, lightening their load?

5. Ask God to use you to serve with excellence and enthusiasm today.

6. Take this free online SHAPE survey to discover your gifts.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 10 (Generosity)

[Guest post from Godwin Shim]

Today our Bible reading is Acts 5. It is the story of the deceit and death of Ananias and Sapphira, the increase of the church through signs and wonders, the persecution of the apostles and their boldness to share the good news in the face of persecution.

Generosity Comes From The Heart (Acts 5:1-10)

After Ananias and Sapphira saw the great generosity of Barnabas and  they both desired the reputation of great generosity, without actually being remarkably generous. The apostle Peter acknowledged that the land  belonged to Ananias and he was completely free to do with it what he wanted. 

Their sin was fundamentally rooted in pride. They wanted everyone to consider them so spiritual that they “gave it all", when they had not. Their sin is projected in many ways today. We can create the impression that we are people of Bible reading or prayer when we are not. We can create or allow the impression that we love God with all our hearts when we do not. It is so easy to fall into the temptation of projecting an image of spirituality without the reality of spiritual life.

Their crime was not in withholding the money, but in deceptively implying that they gave it all. Ultimately, generosity comes from the heart.

2 Corinthians 9:7. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” NLT

Generosity comes in many forms. You can be generous with your time, money, ideas, talents, service, words, love and help to others. To be generous means giving something that is valuable to you without expectation of reward, return or even recognition. Many traditions measure generosity not by the size of the gift, but by what it cost the giver. It cost God everything when He gave His only Son for our sakes. He is the ultimate Giver. What does it mean for us today?

Prayer Focus

1. During this season of praying and fasting, why not take a breather and check your spiritual heart. 

Read and reflect on Colossians 3:23.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. NIV

Are you giving and serving to please God or people? Are you doing it from your heart conviction or for your image presentation? 

2. Reflect on your love for God.

Do you study the Bible to preach more than you study it to hear from God? Do you pray more often in public than you pray in private? Do you love ministry more than you love Christ? Remember, intimacy with God comes before ministry for God.

3. Read Acts 4:32-34 and reflect on various ways you can be generous to others. Recognize that our blessing can be curse if we put our heart in riches rather than in Him who richly provides. Thank Him for His provision and remember, always give with a cheerful heart.

The Purpose of Lent

Tomorrow is Lent, an important part of the liturgical year for many Christians, lasting approximately six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, repentance, generosity and fasting (or the giving up of certain types of luxuries). You may want to consider committing yourself to this journey as the next step after our own 14 day period of prayer and fasting.

YouVersion has put together a Lent For Everyone Reading Plan. Lent for Everyone is a devotional created and written by N.T. (Tom) Wright. For each day of Lent, there is a reading chosen from the Gospel of Matthew, plus a reflection by Wright. These readings have grown out of a project encouraging Lent reading in Northern England. 

Most people are more likely to follow through on their good intentions when they share the experience with others. As you're reading each day, you might reflect on one or two verses that really speak to you, and share them with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Also, we improve our chances of finishing what we start when we invite others to hold us accountable. Consider signing up to send reminder emails to yourself and a friend to track your progress through your Reading Plan. Simply sign in at YouVersion.com, go to your Reading Plans, select a plan, select Plan Overview, and then go to the Accountability tab. Just fill in a few simple blanks and you'll have an accountability partner. Of course, you can turn off reminder emails at any time, just as easily.

Why We Need Lent - by Canon J John [Guest Post]

This Wednesday is what is called Ash Wednesday in the church calendar and it marks the start of the forty-day period of Lent that runs up to Easter Day. There is a longstanding tradition and practice that some Christians follow of fasting during Lent. The principle is that during this period you voluntarily deny yourself something such as chocolate or alcohol – or even Facebook or television. It has to be something that you like (there is no merit in giving up something you dislike!) and it has to be something good; after all, if it’s bad you ought to give it up permanently, not just take a break from it. Now this whole idea strikes many people today as bizarre or even medieval.

On reflection, it seems to me that the idea of Lent and fasting has never been more needed. The reason is quite simply this: our modern culture is utterly fixated not simply on having things, but on having them now. The result is any number of messages in advertisements and the media encouraging us not to save, but instead to buy what we want on credit and have it immediately. This obsession with the instantaneous and immediate can be seen in almost every area. We want instant food (long live the microwave), television programmes when we want, instant messaging, real-time meetings (even if they end up being virtual) and instant downloads of music, films or books. We don’t ‘do’ waiting anymore. Whether it’s food, pleasure, sex or possessions, we expect to have them all now.

Yet there is something very dangerous about this demand for ‘instant gratification’ and it’s not just Christians who say so. The reality is that all good things (and food, pleasure, sex or possessions are exactly that) are truly at their best only when they are taken at the right time. Deliberately delaying a pleasure (and that’s what fasting in Lent is all about) is actually a wise thing. The ability to postpone our gratification may actually be critical to making us fulfilled human beings. After all, if you want your pleasures now, you are really going to struggle with things like learning to play the piano or acquiring a foreign language where it may be months before you can tap out that tune (which I discovered!) or engage in a meaningful conversation on holiday.

To decide to postpone a pleasure may even have been fundamental in making the human race what we are. Some people point out that the greatest breakthrough in history was when people realised that instead of eating grains of wheat or rice it was a far smarter thing to plant them and wait a few months until the crops sprang up. That discovery of cultivation allowed settlements, farms and ultimately civilisation to flourish. The ability to postpone taking something good and desirable is something that has continued to play an important part in culture. The Industrial Revolution came about because people (mainly Christians) decided that rather than spending their money on instant pleasure they would invest it in industries for long-term gain.

It’s not just history that teaches us about the disadvantages of instant gratification; there is also some hard psychological evidence on the subject. The ‘Stanford Marshmallow Experiment’ (you can Google the phrase for the details) is fascinating. In summary, what happened was this. In the early 1970s a group of four-year-old children took part in a psychological study. Each child was given one marshmallow and promised that, if they could wait twenty minutes before eating it, they would be given a second one. Some children could wait the twenty minutes and others couldn’t. Records were kept and sixteen years later the university researchers revisited the children and found that those who had been able to delay eating were scoring significantly higher in academic tests. The ability to say ‘no, not now’ seems to be vital to both civilisation and education.

With this in mind you can see where Lent fits in. By helping us learn to say ‘no, not now’ it teaches us self-control and an expectation and an anticipation of what God may reveal to us; Lent isn’t just a human exercise but a sacred discipline. Agapé, Revd. Canon J.John

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 9 (Praise)

Psalm 18 begins like this:

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies (vs.1-3).

Praise

To praise someone is to commend them for their character or their achievements. 

1. Take some time to verbalise your praise God. Consider his character, nature and attributes - who he is.

2. Recall the goodness of God in your life - answers to prayer, provision, open doors of opportunity, strength during times of adversity, and gifts of grace. Thank God for them.

3. When considering the challenges and struggles of today, reflect on the way God has brought you through similar experiences in your past.

4. Share a story of God's faithfulness in your life with someone else today. 

5. Determine that your mouth will be filled with praise - an attitude of gratitude. Notice the difference in the atmosphere of your own life and the positive impact this has on others. 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 8 (Courage)

Many people responded to this second message of Peter's (see Acts 3). So many, that the number of men alone came to be about 5,000. This is a phenomenal movement of the Spirit. Peter and John were persecuted for this and thrown in prison overnight (see Acts 4). The next day they were brought before the Jewish Council. Here was another opportunity and Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, seized it and began to preach. Peter spoke confidently, yet respectfully, about Jesus who had given them authority to heal this man. The Jewish leaders were surprised at the boldness of Peter, seeing they were uneducated non-professionals. They realised what being with Jesus had done for them. The religious leaders threatened them and told them not to speak in the name of Jesus. They refused to obey men rather than God.

The believers prayed together. They appealed to God's greatness and authority over all. They asked for boldness and healing power so that miracles and wonders would be done in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled them again in response to their prayer. The building shook, they were filled with the Spirit and spoke the word with boldness. 

Courage

1. Understand that God wants the church to grow.  Believe it and work towards it. Get this in your spirit.

2. Be on the look out daily for opportunities and then seize the moment. Be spontaneous and ready for the unexpected. Don’t be so locked into your schedule and plans that you miss divine appointments. One unplanned event can be a catalyst for amazing consequences.

3. Don’t be threatened or intimidated by anyone including people in high positions of authority.

4. Pray for boldness and healing power. God answers your prayer. Believe it and get ready for it.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 7 (Healing)

In Acts 3, Luke records a miracluous healing.

Peter and John attended a daily prayer meeting at 3.00 p.m. in the temple. They were open to divine appointments and unplanned opportunities to touch people for God. In the healing of the lame man (a 40 year sickness!), Peter commanded him to rise up in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. As Peter took the man by the hand and pulled him to his feet, he was healed. The crowd was extremely surprised at this miraculous healing. Later, all in Jerusalem came to know about this miracle (see Acts 4:16) and were praising God for it (Acts 4:21). Again, when the crowd gathered, Peter seized the opportunity and preached to the crowd.

Peter didn't see this healing as dependent on his own power or godliness. The man had been healed in Jesus' name. God gave them the faith and their faith was in Jesus. Peter pointed them to Jesus who was the long awaited Messiah. Peter challenged them to change their mind and attitude toward God and turn to him. The result would be that their sins would be cleansed away and times of refreshment would come from the Lord's presence. 

Healing

1. Pray for someone you know who is sick and needs healing. [Read some suggestions for how to pray for the sick]

2. If you are unwell yourself, ask for someone to pray for you. [Why are some people not healed?]

3. Do some reading on what the Bible says about healing.

4. Pray for an increase of signs and wonders in our time as testimony to the power of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 6 (Pentecost)

On the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit arrived suddenly, accompanied by (a) the sound of a roaring mighty wind, (b) flames or tongues of fire resting on people's heads, and (c) people receiving the ability to speak in languages they didn't know. Everyone present was filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).

People are drawn by the commotion and wonder what is going on (Acts 2:5-13). Godly Jews who were in Jerusalem for the religious celebrations were the ones who came. They were awed by the wound they heard and the fact that they heard the disciples speaking in their own languages (over 15 areas of the world are mentioned). They were hearing about the mighty works of God.  They asked, "What does this mean?" Some thought the disciples were drunk.

Peter's first sermon (Acts 2:14-39) started by grabbing everyone's attention - "Listen to me." He then connected with what had drawn the people and explained it - "They're not drunk". He then interpreted what was happening. This was the fulfilment of an earlier prophecy by Joel about God pouring out his Spirit on all people. Peter gave prophetic insight into current events.

God's Spirit is now for all people - sons and daughters, young and old, men and women and servants too. All can prophesy - know God's heart and mind, then declare it. The work of God’s Spirit crosses generation and gender divides. Prophecy, visions and dreams are the language of the Holy Spirit, along with signs and wonders.

The purpose of all this is that many people might call out to God for help and be saved. Peter preached the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, declaring him to be the long-awaited Messiah. This was God’s well-thought-out and deliberate plan.

Peter's words convicted them and moved them deeply. They wanted to know what they should do. Peter instructed them to turn from sin, turn to God, be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amazingly, 3,000 people responded to Peter’s message and were baptised that day. Together they formed the first church community (Acts 2:41-47) and devoted themselves to teaching, life together (in public and private meetings), the Lord's supper and prayer. They had the favour of the whole city. People in general liked what they saw. God added to their number daily. Every day their number grew and God added those who were saved. 

This is God's plan and design for the church. It can happen again. The first church is a pattern or a blueprint of what God has in mind for his church in all places and at all times in history.  

Pentecost

Pray for:

* The infilling of the Holy Spirit – for your life and everyone else. Spirit-outpouring is God’s initiative but it comes to praying hungry people. These 120 believers had been praying for many weeks, waiting on God for the empowering of the Spirit.

* Prophetic insight (God’s heart and mind), visions (seeing what God is doing) and dreams (revelation through pictures) from God – for you and everyone else. 

* Wisdom and prophetic insight to interpret current events in light of prophetic scripture. May we see what God is doing in our world and how his grand narrative is unfolding.

* A fresh empowerment to be Christ's witnesses in the earth.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 5 (Commission)

The Book of Luke was all about Jesus life and teachings – ‘what he began to do and teach’ (Acts 1:1-2). The Book of Acts was Luke’s second volume of the continuing story of Jesus building his church.

Before returning to heaven, Jesus … 

1.  Gave his disciples further instructions from the Holy Spirit over a period of 40 days.

2.  Proved to them in many ways that he was alive and that they were really seeing him. 

3.  Talked to them about the kingdom of God. 

4.  Told them not to leave Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them. This would be the fulfilment of the Father's promise. They would be filled with the Holy Spirit in a few days. Their mission could not be be fulfilled without the Spirit's power. John had baptised them with water. They would now be baptised (immersed) in the Holy Spirit.

5.  Told them not to worry about the times and seasons for the nation of Israel, which involve dates set by the Father. Instead they were to focus on being witnesses for Jesus and getting the gospel out to the whole world. The Great Commission should was to be their focus.

6. Informed them that the coming of the Holy Spirit was to give them power and ability to testify about Jesus' death and resurrection with great effect.

Note that Jesus’ last words were about: the kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit, power, and mission. That’s what we should be focusing on today. 

Acts 1:8. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Spend some time talking to God about these areas and how you could engage more in God's mission for our world.

* Ask for a fresh infilling and empowering of the Spirit as you go into your world today.

* Pray for mission workers in foreign countries - for health, strength, wisdom, faith, fruitfulness and provision.

* Pray for boldness to speak about Jesus as opportunities come along in your daily conversations.

* Ask God to place a specific country or people group on your heart for prayer. Consider being part of a short-term team.

* Pray for more workers to be raised up in the areas of evangelism, church planting, community outreach, social justice and foreign mission.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 4 (Guidance)

Today we read Psalm 16, a song written by King David. A few reflections for praying through this psalm ...

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

This psalm begins with a plea but is more of an expression of trust in Yahweh. The psalmist seems to be under pressure – from people who worship other gods and the threat of death. This is a psalm of self-encouragement. Our security is in God not any person or ourselves. Our protection comes from God.

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

Our most valuable possession is our relationship with God. Nothing else has meaning or worth apart from him. Nothing satisfies except knowing and serving him. This is a declaration of Yahweh as the only God. Declare that he is your Lord and the source of your support and provision. 

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. 

Our soul needs to be knit with those whose hearts are fully devoted to the Lord. Who are the other followers of Christ you are doing life together with?

The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.

Those whose hearts run after idols (whether they be selfish ambition or anything that is pursued or desired other than pleasing God) should not be followed or imitated. What other gods have you been tempted to worship lately?

LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

All that you have is given to you by God – your portion, your cup and your lot. Your inheritance is delightful and the boundaries set by God for you are pleasant and bountiful. You have been blessed in all you have received from the hand of the Lord. Take time to thank God for his blessing on your life.

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

God is your counsellor. He will advise and teach you in the way you should walk. Through God's Spirit, he will speak to you through your heart, even at night. He will teach you his way. Set the Lord always before you – in your mind, heart and thoughts. He is right beside you, therefore, you will not be shaken. Why? Because God is with you! God’s guidance comes from within you - your ‘heart’ (or kidneys or conscience). This assumes that Yahweh’s teaching is written on our hearts (see Deut.30:14).

What decisions do you need to make at the moment? Ask God for his clear guidance and direction.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

The result of all of this is that our heart can be glad and our lips can praise God. You are safe and secure in Him. He will not leave or forsake you. He will uphold you and carry you through. You can have joyful confidence in the future, despite the sense of pressure and vulnerability that you may feel right now.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. NIV

God will show you the path that leads to life. God will fill you with joy in your presence. He will give you eternal pleasures at His right hand. Yahweh will open up a way that leads to life. Godly people, not only survive, they enjoy abundant life. Your relationship with God is the key to your life right here and now. He knows and will meet all of our needs, as you seek Him first (Matt.6:33).

Spend time opening your heart to God, praising him and sharing your needs and concerns. Then take time to listen to his small still voice. What is He saying to you today? Follow his whispers and his promptings. 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 3 (Resurrection)

Today we continue reading in Matthew 28. It's the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, after his cruel crucifixion and 3 days in the tomb. It's the record of his commission to take the good news of the gospel to the world.

Resurrection

1. As you read the story, put yourself into the picture. How did the women feel ... and the other disciples? What was going on in their heart and head? Reflect on their emotions over the days leading up to this time. 

2. Reflect on what the historical resurrection of Jesus means to us today (see 1 Corinthians 15), and the hope that it provides us. 

1 Cor.15:58. My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

3. Reflect on the amazing truth that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you.

Rom.8:11. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

4. What does it mean to identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in our own life? In what ways does baptism signify this experience? 

Rom.6:4. We died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

5. Reflect on and pray about your commission into the world today, as Jesus' representative and witness to his life. Pray for those in your world who don't yet know Christ and that you will have an opportunity to share with them. 

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 2 (Sacrifice)

Today our Bible reading is Matthew 27. The passion story continues ... with details about Judas hanging himself, followed by Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as well as his death and burial. Again, read the story slowly. Enter into it. Put yourself into the picture. What do you see and how would you have felt? Allow the drama to impact you. 

Sacrifice

Jesus' death was not an accident. He did not die for his own sin or as a martyr for a good cause. On a natural level, Jesus' crucifixion was the end result of a plot from jealous religious rulers to get rid of the threat he posted to their influence of the people. He responded to their violence with non-violence, just as he had taught, allowing himself to take on the fullness of the world's hatred and injustice. But at a higher level, the Father was working out an incredible redemptive plan. Jesus came as Israel's long awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews. He also came as the Suffering Servant, the lamb who would become the perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.

Jesus died in our place, paying the debt of our sin and our rebellion. His death offers us life and no more sacrifice needs to be made. His death was a once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of all our short-comings.

Prayer Focus

1. Consider the immensity of Christ's love for YOU in allowing his life to be taken, even though he was innocent of any crime or wrong-doing.   

2. Reflect on these thoughts from Paul, as he commented on the purpose of the death of Christ.

Romans 5:6-9. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. 

3. What response do you feel is appropriate to Jesus' sacrifice for you? Consider the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. Compare it to Christ's sacrifice for you.

4. Reflect on the various ways you could live a more sacrificial life of love for others today.

1 John 3:16. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Prayer and Fasting - DAY 1 (Covenant)

Today we begin a 14-day season of prayer and fasting at CityLife Church. Jesus said that his Father's house was to be a place of prayer (Matt.21:13). Prayer has great power and produces wonderful results (Jam.5:16). Why not fast a meal each day during this time, or watch a little less TV, and spend that time on extra conversation with God. 

For your prayer time, spend time talking to God about what is going on your own heart and life. Take time to listen for his voice and anything He may want to say to you at this time. I'll also be sharing a few thoughts each day from our Bible reading that may be of help to you for your prayer time.

Today's reading is Matthew 26 and this chapter records the plot to arrest Jesus, his anointing at Bethany, the introduction of the Lord's Supper, Jesus' betrayal and arrest, as well as his trial, and also Peter's denial of Jesus. It's a long chapter, but take time to read it slowly and put yourself into the story. Reflect on what was going on in Jesus' heart and life, as well as the other characters in the story such as the religious leaders and the disciples, including Judas and Peter. 

Covenant 

Central to this story is the establishment of a new covenant between God and people (vs.28). This covenant, or agreement, was confirmed by the blood that Jesus was about to shed. His death would become a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins for many. 

All world religions could be summarised in one word: DO. They are about the works that we need to do in order to be accepted by whatever god we worship or to reach nirvana or heaven when we die. In contrast, Christianity is spelt: DONE. It is about what Jesus has done for us that we could never do for ourselves. 

This new covenant is about God offering us acceptance, love and forgiveness, not because we deserve it or because we have done anything to earn it, but because he has chosen to love us (John 3:16). Our response is simply to turn to God (repentance) and to believe fully in Jesus Christ (faith). The result is not only forgiveness, but a dramatic conversion experience that can only be described as a "new birth" (John 1:12-13). We are translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light and we become children of God (Col.1:13).

What then? We respond to God's love by loving and obeying him in return ... not in order to be accepted, loved and forgiven by Him, but because we already are! 

Prayer Focus

1. Read and reflect on the story recorded in Matthew 26. See and feel the drama of what was taking place - the climax of the redemption story.

2. Reflect on the new covenant God has made with us. Have your responded to this in repentance and faith? Have you had a conversion experience? What are the indicators? Each person's experience is unique, but it's very much like waking up.

3. Do you see your love and obedience to God as something that earns God's love for you or as a freely given response to his love for you?

4. Pray for others you know to know and experience God's amazing grace as reflected in the new covenant.

5. Join with some other followers of Christ and celebrate the Lord's Supper with some juice and bread. Express your appreciation to God for this new agreement that Jesus has made with us. 

The Search to Belong

In his most recent book, What Makes Us Tick?, Australian sociologist Hugh Mackay observes that “from the family to the workplace, from the school gate to the local coffee shop or pub, and from religious, political or sporting affiliations to friendship circles, both online and offline, we are as socially interdependent as ever. Our default position, as humans, is together, even for those of us who cherish time alone ... We need to belong.” He goes on to say that “this desire to belong drives our attachment to two kinds of groups: herds and tribes ... The herd, typically comprising seven or eight people linked by friendship, a common interest or purpose – nurtures our confidence and self-respect, and wraps us in the kind of security blanket only membership of a small group can provide. The tribe gives us a larger-scaled, more corporate, more public – and sometimes noisier and more passionate – sense of identity and belonging.” As followers of Christ, we believe that this desire to belong was placed in the human heart by God. It is a reflection of the image and nature of God, who is a community of three persons living in loving relationship to such a degree that they are truly ONE. God IS love and we were created just like him – to love and be loved; to belong … somewhere.

There are many ways and place in which we can experience a sense of belonging, such as our family, with our friends, and in various groups we are a part of. One of the most important groups God calls us to be a part of and to belong to is the church. The church is the one thing Jesus said he would build (Matt.16:16-18). It is a community of people called together for a common purpose. Being a disciple of Jesus means entering a relationship with God and then becoming a member of his family, where we do life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Church is NOT primarily a place you ‘go to’ or an organisation you join. It is a family you become a ‘part of’ and ‘belong to’ (read Acts 2:37-47).

A Program Shift

Back in 1995, our church embarked on a “program shift” – a shift from events to relationships. People need to belong not just believe. Rather than sitting in a large church gathering a few times each week (in rows), we would prefer people attend ONE Celebration meeting, be involved in ONE small group (sitting in a circle), and then serve somewhere. We believe that this approach, along with personal devotional time, positions a person for growth in Christ. After all, THE mark of a mature church is LOVE (John 13:34-35), something that cannot best be experienced in crowds of people.

God desires that we experience meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging, especially in a world increasingly characterised by individualism, loneliness and isolation. In a large church, the best environment for this to occur is within a small group. That’s why CityLife church has adopted a small group strategy, which we call Life Groups. Of course, merely gathering a few people together doesn’t guarantee close relationships or a sense of belonging. There are some factors that are vital for genuine community to become a reality for any group - whether that be a Life Group, a family or a work team.

Great Groups

1. GIVE something to your group. Approach your group with the intention of ‘giving’ something to the group rather than just being focused on ‘getting’ something out of it. This is a kingdom principle taught by Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).” Our life is most full and most joyful when we are busy being a blessing to other people rather than when we are totally centred and focused on our own needs. Any group made up of individuals who are simply in the group for what they can get out of it are bound to become dysfunctional. We need to embrace kingdom values – it’s in giving that we receive (Luke 6:38). Commit to making a contribution to your group.

2. RESPOND to the needs of others. The apostle Paul tells us, “Don’t look only for our own interests, but take an interest in others too” (Phil.2:4). The overwhelming emphasis of the New Testament teaching about church community is a mutual responsibility between believers to look out for “one another” and then respond to one another’s needs. Great groups are not made up of a leader who is desperately trying to pull everyone along to a meeting and then trying to meet all their needs. They are a place of mutual friendship where the entire group is committed to each other. This requires that we look and listen to those around us, being attentive to what is happening in their lives. See a need and then do your best to meet it or at least be a support to them.

3. OPEN your life to others. The level of intimacy or closeness in any relationship or group is directly related to the level of openness. Paul modelled a life of transparency and authenticity (see 2 Cor.6:11), continually being open and real about his struggles and the challenges he was facing (see 2 Cor.4:8-9, 16-18; 6:3-10; 7:5-6; 11:23-29; 12:7-10. 2 Tim.3:10-12), and Jesus did the same (Matt.26:36-38). Share how you are really doing (Jas.5:16). Our need is often a gift to someone else who may find joy in meeting that need or at least helping us through. Obviously, there are levels and degrees of openness and we need to discern what is appropriate in each relationship. Greater openness should only occur where we feel ‘safe’ and where we have established ‘trust’ with other people.

4. UNDERSTAND that relationships are essential to personal growth. Life change takes place best in the context of relationships. Character qualities such as patience, kindness and forgiveness are best developed in real life interaction with others. It is in the very process of doing life with other people that we grow and mature. Even a challenging relationship can be powerfully transforming (Prov.27:17). Every group has people who are different than you. These kinds of relationships provide the opportunity for us to grow. They draw us out of our comfort zones and stretch our loving capacity.

5. PLANT your life in the soil of God’s love. Groups are imperfect, as are the people in them. If we don’t recognise this reality, we can set ourselves up for disappointment. Don't put too much pressure on any one group to meet every need in your life. Ultimately, we need to build our lives on God’s love. His love provides us with acceptance, security, significance and value (Eph.3:14-21). God desires us to be rooted and established on his love – not our performance or people’s opinions of us.

Conclusion

Everyone wants to belong. Church is a family where people can experience meaningful relationships. Each one of us contributes to that becoming a reality. Life Groups have the potential to be a place of loving relationships characterised by care, discipleship, ministry and outreach. Let’s work together to create environments where the Holy Spirit can move and bring about change and growth in our lives.

Reflection Questions

1. Reflect on Hugh Mackay’s comments about the human desire to belong, and especially his observations about “herds” and “tribes.”

2. Read Acts 2:37-47 and imagine what church life was like in the 1^st century. What would it have felt like to gather in the temple area and then in homes?

3. What are some barriers people have in joining a small group? How can we help overcome these?

4. Review the five principles of great groups. Which one spoke to you the most?

5. How would you rate the level of openness or vulnerability in the groups you are a part of?

6. Think of a conflict or difficult relationship that helped you grow as a person.

7. How does our view of God and his love for us affect our relationships with other people?

Great Quotes

"None of us can do what all of us can do ... together." Max Lucado

"Your true belongings aren't possessions; they're your relationships." Leonard Sweet

"The future of the church depends on whether it develops true community. We can get by for a while on size, skilled communication, and programs to meet every need, but unless we sense that we belong to each other, with masks off, the vibrant church of today will become the powerless church of tomorrow." Larry Crabb

"The development of meaningful relationships where every member carries a significant sense of belonging is central to what it means to be the church." Randy Frazee.

"Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful - Christian community is the final apologetic." Francis Schaeffer.

"When it comes to fellowship, size matters. Smaller is better. You can worship with a crowd, but you can't fellowship with one." Rick Warren

"You are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian." Ephesians 2:19b. LB

Reflections from Proverbs 3

A few reflections from Proverbs 3:

1. Remember the words of wisdom taught to you. Don’t forget them. Store them in your heart and live them out. As a result, you’ll have a long and satisfying life. Things such as loyalty and kindness are essential. Write them deep within your heart and wear them so everyone can see them. If you do this, you will find favour with God and people, and you’ll gain a good reputation (vs.1-4).

2. Do you want to renew your health and vitality? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t rely on your own understanding. Seek to do his will in everything you do. He will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear God and turn from evil (vs.5-8).

3. Give God the best part of everything. God will bless us with the very best in return (vs.9-10).

4. Getting wisdom (seeing life from God’s perspective) is the most important thing in life – other than intimacy with God, which is the source of all true wisdom. Once you have wisdom – you have everything you need. Wealth comes along, yet more than that – life, honour, guidance, joy and genuine satisfaction. Wisdom is like a ‘tree of life’ to those who embrace her. Happy are those who hold her tightly and don’t let her go. Think about it – by wisdom the Lord founded the earth and established the heavens. Wisdom is the one requirement for creating or building anything (vs.13-18).

Wisdom is all – encompassing. It includes good planning and insight. These things bring you life, honour and respect. They keep you safe and free from fear. God is your security and he will keep you safe from the traps of the enemy.

5. God offers his friendship to the godly (vs.32). Think about it. The God of heaven, the creator of the universe, offers you the opportunity and the privilege of being his friend. He wants to take you into his confidence and share his secrets with you.

6. As we walk uprightly before God, his blessing is on our homes and we are free from the curse (vs.33).

7. As we keep humble, God shows his favour to us. He does not mock us (vs.34).

8. As we become wise, we will inherit honour and we will not be put to shame (vs.35).

Wisdom for life ...

The 10 Commandments From a Dog's Point of View

Our daughter, Natasha, turns 20 in a few weeks. We bought her a dog, with some help from the RSPCA. He is a labrador and is a little over 2 years of age. His name is Oscar. Oscar is very cute and has a peaceful nature.

While looking through a few other dog pounds with my wife, Nicole, we saw the following 10 Commandments from a Dog's Point of View. Worth repeating ...

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.

7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

[Source - Stan Rawlinson]

Season of Prayer and Fasting (February 4-17th, 2013)

During 2013, we really want to lift the level of prayer in our individual lives and that of the church. To help facilitate this, we will be having three "Prayer and Fasting" seasons, the first being from February 4-17th.

My BLOG will include daily prayer points, and some teaching on prayer and fasting. Why not start to think about what this 2-week period could look like for you. Fast a meal or something else (TV, sport, sweets, internet, etc), and devote that time to seeking God afresh.

A few Bible verses to encourage you:

Jeremiah 29:13. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Matthew 7:7-8. Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. NLT

Philippians 4:6-7. Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience Gods peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

James 5:16-18. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! Then he prayed for rain, and down it poured. The grass turned green, and the crops began to grow again.

1 John 5:14-15. We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Let's pray for a fresh wind of God's Spirit to breathe upon the church in Australia at this time, creating a great sense of spiritual hunger and momentum for all of our ministries as we pursue our God-given mission together.

The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

At CityLife Church, we are about to commence a two-week season of prayer and fasting. Jesus fasted for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry, releasing great power into his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), and he assumed that his disciples would fast also (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting can be a powerful personal discipline to train our will, to help develop self-control, and to tune our spiritual sensitivity towards God. 

In fasting we choose to intentionally go without something for a period of time (usually something pleasurable but not necessarily sinful). It could be food (in a variety of forms) or some other activity (TV, music, etc). Fasting teaches us a lot about ourselves. It quickly reveals how much we are dependent on the pleasure of eating. It also demonstrates how powerful our body is and especially our appetite! Fasting seeks to confirm our dependence on God by finding strength from him alone. After all, it is not food that gives us true life; it is God’s word to us (Matthew 4:4). Life is much more than food (Luke 12:33) and our belly is not to become our god (Philippians 3:19. Romans 16:18).

Fasting is one of the more important ways of practising the self-denial required of everyone who would follow Christ. Fasting teaches self-control and therefore trains us in restraint with regard to all our fundamental desires and drives. We learn the value of ‘contentment’ (1 Timothy 6:6). Fasting is not an easy discipline but its practice yields great benefits in our lives, especially when accompanied by time in prayer and other spiritual disciplines.

As we move through this period of fourteen days of focused prayer, why not consider including some form of fasting. Most important of all, use the time you would normally be eating for time in conversation with God. 

Here are some recommended resources on fasting:

1. An excellent guide to fasting by Dr. Bill Bright.

2. Some medical advice on fasting.

3. Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns

4. Fasting by Scot McKnight

5. Simplicity and Fasting by Jan Johnston

6. Fasting Made Easy by Dr Don Colbert

 

 

Reflections on Psalm 10

A few verses from Psalm 10, an ancient song with contemporary relevance ...

Vs.1. O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?

Vs.2. The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.

Vs.3. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the Lord ...

Vs.17. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless; surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

Vs.18. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Let's be honest, sometimes God feels far away, especially when we are facing trouble (vs.1). It's so easy to assume that if God were with us we would always be 'blessed' and life would have no problems. 

The wicked are arrogant and defiant of God. They think that all will be well and that they will never pay for their evil deeds (vs.2-11).

But God does see our grief and trouble. He considers it and takes note of it (vs.14). God encourages the needy and listens to their cry. He defends the fatherless and the oppressed (vs.17-18). He calls the wicked to account.

As followers of Christ, we walk by faith and not by sight, by truth and not by feelings. God really is Immanuel = "God with us". He never leaves us or abandons us. He is right here, right now ... always.

Life is a journey and we have to keep the end in mind. Although, there will be trials and challenges along the way, God will honour those who honour him, and eventually we all reap what we sow. God is true to his word and he does keep his promises. Of course, there is usually a delay or a gap between a promise and the fulfillment of that promise. Just ask Joseph.

Be encouraged today, whatever you may be going through. God loves you and he is actively working in your life, whatever the circumstances, bringing about his ultimate purpose. Instead of seeking to immediately get out of whatever pressure we may be under, sometimes it's good to ask God what he may want to teach us during these times. After all, the hard times can make us strong. 

Reflections on Psalm 9

The Psalms are a collection of ancient songs, reflecting Israel's experience with God. In Psalm 9, David opens his song like this (vs.1-2):

 I will praise the Lord with all my heart;

 I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

 I will be filled with joy because of you.

 I will sing prises to your name, O Most High.

Note the order here:

1. Thankfulness. David took time to think of all the good things God had done. This cultivated a grateful attitude and outlook on life. He was focusing his mind on the positive, not everything that might have been going wrong.

2. Praise. As a result, David's mouth declared God’s works. He spoke out his praise. 

3. Joy. As a result, David was filled with joy because of God. Gratefulness always results in joyfulness.

4. Singing. David's heart then erupted into song. 

What good things has God done recently for you? Take time to reflect on them, praise him for them and allow his joy and song to fill your heart and life. What a difference that makes to the atmosphere of our world.

Reflections on Proverbs 2

A few reflections from Proverbs 2:

1. Wisdom will save you from the immoral person. The path of lust leads to death and to hell. If you take that route you are doomed and will never reach the path of life. Think about it.

2. Instead of following evil and immoral people, follow the steps of good people and stay on the path of the righteous. Ultimately, only the upright will live in the land and people of integrity will be blessed. Wicked people will be removed from the land and destroyed.

3. Who are the ‘good people’ that you are following? Study their lives and the steps that they took. Learn from them and save yourself from folly. Wisdom is learning from the successes and mistakes of other people rather than from only personal experience, which can take much longer and be much more painful.

4.The way to life is through wisdom and godliness.  Any other option leads to death. It’s as simple as that. Believe this – make it your value – and live it out. Be smart.

5. Paradox: Wisdom is something we must strive vigorously to achieve, yet it is a gift from God. Yes, work hard at studying wisdom (primarily in the Scriptures), but knowing that wisdom ultimately comes from God chastens our pride and leads to humility. Thank God for it. The same paradox exists with the warrior in battle and the Christian in life (Phil.2:12-13).

6. Cycle (vs.5-6): Seek wisdom, find God; seek God, find wisdom. When you find wisdom, thank God for it.

7. There are no imperatives in this chapter, only an extended appeal from a father to a son to acquire wisdom. Yet, hear the urgency!

More wisdom for life.

Reflection on Proverbs 1

A few reflections on Proverbs 1

1. Two things that we need are ‘wisdom’ and ‘discipline’. ‘Wisdom’ is living from God’s perspective on life and ‘discipline’ is having the character to consistently do what you know is right.

2. We must have a hunger for wisdom and pursue it. Fearing God is the first step in the quest for a meaningful existence.

3. Acquiring wisdom is not a hard thing to do.

4. Who you hang around with has a huge influence on who you become. Choose your friends wisely.

5. Good things tend to flow from wise behaviour (but not in a magical or guaranteed way).

6. Wisdom yearns to set people free from their foolish ways and to impart a spirit of wisdom to them so that they will become wise. Wisdom proactively shouts and cries out to the simple-minded, urging them to change. How often she has called out to us. How often we have neglected her advice – to our own detriment.

7. If we reject the call of wisdom over and over again, we move beyond the reach of her help. We may then search for her but it will be too late. We will eat the bitter fruit of living our own way. Our own complacency will have destroyed us. What’s the point? Listen to wisdom! Accept her advice and pay attention to her correction. If you do, you will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.

8. Hear the urgency of Wisdom's appeal! Her appeal is made to all. To be complacent is as bad as outright rejection (vs.32). Wisdom wants the fool, the immature (simple), and the mocker to know the horrible consequences of not obeying her, so they will respond positively to her right away.

Great advice for wise living. 

Ravi Zacharias at CityLife Church

This coming Sunday, we are privileged to have Dr. Ravi Zacharias speaking at our two Sunday morning meetings at the CityLife Church Knox campus. At the 9.00 am meeting, Ravi will speak on "Jesus among other gods" and at the 11.15 am meeting he will speak on the "Incoherence of Atheism." 

For forty years Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world and in numerous universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and Oxford University. Ravi is one of today's leading Christian apologists and his ministry equips people through books, seminars, radio, television and podcasts. 

1 Peter 3:15-16. If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. NLT