tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2898570814374262642024-03-12T19:09:46.702-07:00Wodonga District Baptist Church Daily BlogThanks for visiting our church blog! As we read through the New Testament together using the SOAP form of journaling please leave your own daily reflections in the comments sectionJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-19648895151734576182011-03-28T14:36:00.000-07:002011-03-28T14:36:10.154-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 29th of March 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Rescued</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7061559617054605512" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25a<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt5A9SzvBCYYzI3rRjL0Gngp35I7NiAKTliTy1IU3MnikYsfbjp1NerLbrD0C3MdDwY0lO652dx0RZuqOkjUH-QpLVEBpFH_XE72hJfjixSyvBbjNv_-JRHwCerskgDhEEbIHuG_jsa8/s1600/Sheep+in+trouble.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #5588aa; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt5A9SzvBCYYzI3rRjL0Gngp35I7NiAKTliTy1IU3MnikYsfbjp1NerLbrD0C3MdDwY0lO652dx0RZuqOkjUH-QpLVEBpFH_XE72hJfjixSyvBbjNv_-JRHwCerskgDhEEbIHuG_jsa8/s400/Sheep+in+trouble.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="347" /></a></div><b>O</b> - The sinful nature was alive and well even in Paul the Apostle. Though he lived a disciplined Christian life a war was being fought within. He felt like a prisioner. He felt like he was living in a body of death. "What a wretched man I am!" was his heartfelt cry. "Who will save me?" The clear answer comes - Paul is delivered from death through Jesus Christ and all the thanks goes to God.<br />
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<b>A</b> - There are a number of points of application that come straight to mind from reflecting on these verses...<br />
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<ol><li><b><i>It's rare today to be wretched.</i></b> There's not many people like Paul. Today it is rare to find people who wage this war in their bodies with sin. Many have either given up and surrendered long ago or have never tried to fight it because they haven't ever understood who God is and what his law requires. Others have known but prefered to make excuses and justify themselves rather than seek to fight it. </li>
<li><b><i>Even Christians can try to be good when they're wretched.</i></b> Many Christians have not got to the point of crying out "wretched man that I am!" and realised that before a holy God they are completely ruined and need saving. They instead try to be good and when they fail they pretend that they still are good when they know that they aren't. They console themselves that at least they are better than others and judge and look down on them. This is far from Paul's position.</li>
<li><b><i>I am wretched but rescued.</i></b> I need to constantly remember that I am a wretched man, saved by a wonderful saviour. This, when pondered and delighted in will not only assure me of my new status in Christ but will also compell me to seek to live a holy life, every day, waging war against sin.</li>
</ol><div><b>P </b>- Heavenly Father, thanks a million for sending Jesus. His death has brought me life, forgiveness and a whole new standing. Praise be to you! Amen.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Daily Readings - Leviticus 1-2 & Romans 7:7-25</b></div></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-46396554964074445982011-03-21T14:36:00.001-07:002011-03-21T14:36:19.481-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 22nd of March 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">More of Your Presence!</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - <i>Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"</i> Exodus 33:15-16<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1E_canhT68ZhecSzyMU04Yc-WId4hmOwdx0i0c3ncuN9gFBB5AVQKY6HUFdZ1pI5_qb-gYBTwAbxd2BvrPSpkPUFw4smiJD3Cc2Nu5ccaVhgjcd08Yiwm9g4UReqPaqvD_5LtFOzoRo/s1600/prayer_raised_hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1E_canhT68ZhecSzyMU04Yc-WId4hmOwdx0i0c3ncuN9gFBB5AVQKY6HUFdZ1pI5_qb-gYBTwAbxd2BvrPSpkPUFw4smiJD3Cc2Nu5ccaVhgjcd08Yiwm9g4UReqPaqvD_5LtFOzoRo/s320/prayer_raised_hands.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="191" /></a></div><b>O</b> - God's presence is crucial for mission! Moses asked God not to send him without his presence. We need God's presence with us as we do his work in the world. Why? These verses show that Moses wanted God's presence because it would clearly show to everyone who observed them that God was pleased with them. God's presence is a sign of God's pleasure. Also, Moses saw that God's presence would distinguish him and his people from all the other people in the world. They would be unique. They would stand out. They would be clearly seen as different because of God's presence. God's presence causes people to stand out in the crowd.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I long for a greater display of God's presence in my life and in our church. Like Moses, I want others to see us and know that God is pleased with us and goes with us. This Easter as people are invited to our gatherings my longing is that people will know God's presence and sense his favour on us. Jesus sent us out with a promise. "Go into all the world" and "I will be with you." He is with us. May this be known and experienced in our people.<br />
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I also long that God's presence would distinguish us from all others. I know that it already does, but I long for a holy reverence, an awe in our worship, a purity in our lives and a tangible expectation of God's transforming power when we gather together. I long that we would stand out, along with all the other churches in this region as those who know God and enjoy his presence.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, I pray for more of your presence. Fill us with your presence so others may see your favour and your people as uniquely yours. This Easter, show your glory! In Jesus name Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Readings: Exodus 33 & Romans 2:17-29</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-22143324436579345752011-02-07T13:37:00.001-08:002011-02-07T13:37:50.291-08:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 8th of February 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">A Dream Comes True</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S </b>- When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before hime to the ground. Genesis 43:26<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39uOpJVk8AUbGTBVvAo8Up5g5IAnNayvdN6ehKy4iiMCk6LkE-gY4IdclM8bFpoVEml-Nq3sxDUdzzCT13HXr06OqdVbRh4rFzBT92N023lAbz_NrrjmSHZ6EfcO6NNyYWxR6Wd0n0ys/s1600/Dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39uOpJVk8AUbGTBVvAo8Up5g5IAnNayvdN6ehKy4iiMCk6LkE-gY4IdclM8bFpoVEml-Nq3sxDUdzzCT13HXr06OqdVbRh4rFzBT92N023lAbz_NrrjmSHZ6EfcO6NNyYWxR6Wd0n0ys/s320/Dreaming.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="214" /></a><b>O</b> - Joseph had had a dreamed that his brothers would one day bow down to him. When he shared it they hated him. So much so that they sold him. When Joseph was thrown into prison for a crime that he didn't commit he must have felt like the dream God had revealled to him would never happen. He could have easily given up, lost hope, turned away. But he didn't. When asked to interpret Pharaoh's dream he didn't take the credit. He told Pharaoh that God would interpret his dream. He tursted in God to lead Egypt as Pharaoh increased his position of authority.<br />
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Here in this verse, as his brothers bowed down, right to the ground, Joseph must have realised that it was God who had shown him the dream and it was God who had fulfilled the dream. What a moment for Joseph. He must have deeply known at this point the faithfulness of God.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I haven't had any dreams of fat things being eaten by skinny things or any dreams at all that I have felt God trying to reveal to me his plans for the future. But I do know that whether by dream or by his Word or his Spirit's promtings God can be trusted. What he says he will do!<br />
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Jesus said, "I will build my church." I know I have felt God clearly call me to be serving him as a pastor. He has shown me this in many clear ways. Now I must continue to be faithful, obeying and seeking his will as I serve him and his people here in Albury/Wodonga. I long to see Jesus build his church. I will trust as he fulfills his promises.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, I thank you for the longings you have placed in my heart. Thanks for the signs that this year you may be up to a really great time of growth. I pray for our team of leaders and our church. We look to you. I trust in you. I will obey! Amen.<br />
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<b>Bible Reading - Genesis 43 & Matt 28</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-67712911733912202842011-02-01T14:02:00.001-08:002011-02-01T14:02:07.409-08:00Daily Journal for Wednesday 2nd of February 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2011/02/they-knew-nothing.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">They Knew Nothing...</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - <i>"...they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away."</i> Matthew 24:39.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iEmlRFAv1gZYXtrOQiKTWT3o3AIcAzKX8FAfmDjc6HMzLVXzcJlIPuNyEiYmld0qCEHgY34LjwQtJEXbHve7bXAmFgCjWa0P5IigAM7TwWOmRzHEprA3hdr0w7OUPTyFGcM5kDXQn6E/s1600/Waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iEmlRFAv1gZYXtrOQiKTWT3o3AIcAzKX8FAfmDjc6HMzLVXzcJlIPuNyEiYmld0qCEHgY34LjwQtJEXbHve7bXAmFgCjWa0P5IigAM7TwWOmRzHEprA3hdr0w7OUPTyFGcM5kDXQn6E/s320/Waiting.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><b>O</b> - In the days of Noah, before the flood, people were doing things that were displaying that they had no idea about what was coming. They were eating and drinking like there was nothing to worry about. They were getting married and planning their future lives when the rains started.<br />
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This Jesus says is what it will be like at the coming of the Son of Man. People will be unaware, caught off gaurd, knowing nothing about what will happen.<br />
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<b>A</b> - It's terrible to be caught off guard. Recent Queensland floods caught so many people completely off guard. Bush fires in Victoria 2009 caught so many people unaware. But Jesus wants us to know. He wants us to be prepared, to be ready and to be this will be hard firstly because of <b><i>'the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> (v12). I'll need to stand firm and be strong while so many around me grow colder. The other reason that this will be hard is because no-one knows the time when Jesus will return (v30). It could be anytime so I need to be ready. Being strong and being ready until the end will help me and whoever else I can tell before I die to not be one of those who they could say "they knew nothing."</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, I want to be ready for when Jesus comes again. I will seek to live each day standing firm and knowing that today could be the day he comes. Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Readings Genesis 37 & Matthew 24</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-10865270665180538712011-01-31T13:32:00.001-08:002011-01-31T13:32:13.793-08:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 1st of February 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">A Hearts Cry</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.<br />
Matthew 23:37<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VpXrWgaS6LS2Tw7JDY8fJlwRxyPCOOEGk2H4lM0hTYnDST7Un1V0CV1YTbVeiHohtpmdDuMZkPOAyEtxjJuqyxMWuZOB0EszGEh3Op1wB8b9uCwTFmjh-2KKB3Cd35UGgGUaD82DlKA/s1600/Mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VpXrWgaS6LS2Tw7JDY8fJlwRxyPCOOEGk2H4lM0hTYnDST7Un1V0CV1YTbVeiHohtpmdDuMZkPOAyEtxjJuqyxMWuZOB0EszGEh3Op1wB8b9uCwTFmjh-2KKB3Cd35UGgGUaD82DlKA/s400/Mother.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>O</b> - Jesus addressed Jerusalem. Perhaps he was referring to the religious leaders, perhaps the nation as a whole. He refers to them as those "who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you." God had sent many prophets to them but their response was murder! Yet Jesus loves Jerusalem. He longs to gather their children tenderly, to protect and care for them, just like a mother hen does with her chicks. But...they were not willing. What a sad response to a loving God.<br />
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<b>A</b> - Even those who should know better, those who see themselves as religious and 'right' can reject the very God they say that they know and do violence to his purposes. A hard heart, a know-all approach does not move us closer but further away. Like the older brother in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15), we can think that because of our good we are owed something by God, we deserve something from him, we are entitled to demand from him, and speak harshly to others on his behalf.<br />
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As a follower of Jesus and as a pastor, I must be careful to be constantly coming under Jesus's loving care. He is my all. He is the one who I want to be nurtured by and led by. I break his heart when I do violence to his advances.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Thank-you God for reaching out to me. You initiated our relationship! You softened my heart. I will do all that I can to keep a soft, responsive heart that is being shaped and cared for by you. Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Readings Genesis 35 -36 & Matthew 23</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-73989378553162176402011-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:002011-01-27T14:48:39.948-08:00Staff Meeting 2011Here's a quick snap of our team at staff meeting last week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjttFRGVFFsXHexULemNkwrff0fl48z_FgtC3hsdvHXGYZiYxaXUlmkyTYZQkebETRC9gGsUCmpd4S_VIRJluOQhScqkNhITPm_atd3J3QvrFcHhoRdleygm-VOCcI2b5cI3D9uFZDDLAe/s1600/WDBC+Staff+Meeting+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjttFRGVFFsXHexULemNkwrff0fl48z_FgtC3hsdvHXGYZiYxaXUlmkyTYZQkebETRC9gGsUCmpd4S_VIRJluOQhScqkNhITPm_atd3J3QvrFcHhoRdleygm-VOCcI2b5cI3D9uFZDDLAe/s400/WDBC+Staff+Meeting+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We're looking forward to a great year ahead with Matthew Thorp (top left) and Mason Taylor (top right) joining the team this year. Also Mary and Wendy aren't in this photo. As you pray for our church pray for us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-8294733234335638272011-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:002011-01-27T14:34:02.086-08:00Daily Journal for Friday 28th of January 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If You Believe</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - <i>'If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' </i>Matthew 21:22<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGEMx5rK-AIDdeuhN2O3VkCqb3wUrALg0TeJpIFF1zzvcOhvoX3taYscQItEU5Upfbqq-jK2pgCS65QAhOvolzD3nXxqC0iyGgd-7xertRbqVFuKgZ7QRsJVfaAHAtyh_0DtyP_lDev0/s1600/iStock_000003160253Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGEMx5rK-AIDdeuhN2O3VkCqb3wUrALg0TeJpIFF1zzvcOhvoX3taYscQItEU5Upfbqq-jK2pgCS65QAhOvolzD3nXxqC0iyGgd-7xertRbqVFuKgZ7QRsJVfaAHAtyh_0DtyP_lDev0/s640/iStock_000003160253Large.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>O</b> - Jesus says to his disciples, to his followers that if they have faith they could tell a mountain to go jump in the lake and it would! Then he adds, 'If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' He wasn't asking us to pray for real mountains like Huon Hill to get up and move. He was speaking figuratively. Huge problems, overwhelming circumstances, impossible situations, God can change completely if we pray.<br />
<br />
We should expect prayer to make a difference, a huge difference, when we face difficult circumstances. Why? Because of who God is. He is able to do anything. He can't do for people what is impossible for them to do. Nothing is too hard for God!<br />
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Believing in the God who is able is the key to prayers that move mountains. It's not the size of the problem that counts but the size of the faith in God who is able. And just a mustard seed is enough. We can't manipulate, dictate or get God to do what is not in his will but we can receive is power through believing prayer.<br />
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<b>A</b> - What are the mountains in my life? I have challenges and difficulties before me that need God's power. For up-coming meetings with people, for preaching on Sunday, for the people of this city I need these mountains moved. How much am I praying in faith that God would do what only he can do? I know more miraculous, amazing things would happen if I prayed more with greater faith. And I know that i'd pray more if I believed more.<br />
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<b>P </b>- Father, I do believe. Increase my faith. Help me grow in faith and love and prayer so that I can see mountains moved in my life, in your church and in this city. Amen.<br />
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Daily Reading: Psalm 7-8 & Matthew 21:1-22</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-82623702768871857652011-01-17T13:48:00.001-08:002011-01-17T13:48:08.079-08:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 18th of January 2011<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Obeying Whatever the Cost</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your own son." Genesis 22:12<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm2637kko7JraZQTurQlqLwZveWK_4fCaHVPXUUXJ-PoiemXMB2JTyxCbSmQru5Wwr6ON-kLOaj5doRKt4loxPpwvg9ULnvvW-SPU7EWtpDTUzy8VZM1MLmbwmwF7PE9OTuBoM-gCeAU/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm2637kko7JraZQTurQlqLwZveWK_4fCaHVPXUUXJ-PoiemXMB2JTyxCbSmQru5Wwr6ON-kLOaj5doRKt4loxPpwvg9ULnvvW-SPU7EWtpDTUzy8VZM1MLmbwmwF7PE9OTuBoM-gCeAU/s320/IMG_2154.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><b>O</b> - God knew that Abraham feared him because he was even willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in order to obey God. This was incredible because Isaac was the promised son. He was the one that Sarah laughed about. The thought of having a child at her age was a joke to her. Abraham had just sent off Hagar and Ishmael because God had said it was going to be okay because, "it is through Isaac that your offspirng will be reckoned" (Gen 21:12). So Abraham trusted God and let any back up plan he may've had for God to fulfill his promise of a nation go. The promise was all to do with Isaac now. Then God says, "Sacrifice him..." (Gen 22:2). This must have seemed crazy to Abraham. "But what about the promise?" (<i>see Genesis 12:1-3</i>). "How else will a nation be born through me?" "What other way is there that you can fulfill the promise?" "It's not fair!" "I can't be hearing right." "No."<br />
<br />
But scriptures don't record Abraham making any of these responses. Rather God says, "You have not withheld from me your own Son." Rather than telling God that he knew better, Abraham obeyed.<br />
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<b>A</b> - Trusting God, whatever the circumstances can be difficult but Abraham did it. Obeying God, whatever the cost - even when it seems to be putting the promises of God out of reach is very difficult, yet Abraham did it.<br />
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In my life, I feel that God has called me to make as great an impact on people's lives for Jesus as possible. I would love people to say about me that I helped them see Jesus. I would love them to be able to point to all the people that they have helped come to know and follow Jesus too. If I pursue this purpose only how I think best, I can miss what God might be asking me to do. What might appear hard or out of the ordinary I might ignore. But I must not ignore God's leading. Trust and obedience no matter what the circumstances or the cost will show that I love and fear the Lord.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, I pray that you would know without a doubt that I love you and am in awe of you. May my obedience to you no matter what SHOUT it to you every day. Amen.<br />
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Daily Readings - Genesis 21-22 & Matthew 13:1-23</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-35501456021144604802011-01-10T16:28:00.001-08:002011-01-10T16:28:59.785-08:00Books I've Read in 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This past year has been a year of goodbye's and searching for new members in our staff team at the Church. With our Associate Pastor leaving for Melbourne to study and pastor a church and with our Church Administrator retiring we have been saying good-bye and working hard to find new great staff. For the first time in my six years here at Wodonga I have not taken all of my holidays so my reading is less than the previous years. I missed a couple of good chunks of time on holidays when I love to read and secretly compete with my wife to see who can read the most. That said I feel like my regular reading in the throws of ministry has increased which is encouraging to me.</span></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
So here are the books I have read for 2010.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1peX2YYYhf1AkmKYaqRra0vleowPg04Ta3ljcedoz8-P3Q0r2Lp2IeKKGQHJd9RnYHqR41pyPMq-V6lDWO6YqbOdcK5uhfnvMz6M5lyG78kea8eaOVWaHdEDJHJ3rd3oI5QFU72dzqM/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1peX2YYYhf1AkmKYaqRra0vleowPg04Ta3ljcedoz8-P3Q0r2Lp2IeKKGQHJd9RnYHqR41pyPMq-V6lDWO6YqbOdcK5uhfnvMz6M5lyG78kea8eaOVWaHdEDJHJ3rd3oI5QFU72dzqM/s320/IMG_2197.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="239" /></a></div>Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain (Meir & Henderson), The Imperfect Board Member (Brown), How to Apply the Bible (Veerman), Death By Meeting (Lencioni), The Vertical Self (Sayers), 7 Practices of Effective Ministry (Stanley, Joiner & Jones), The Tipping Point (Gladwell), The Suprising Work of God (Edwards), Everyone Communicates Few Connect (Maxwell), Helping the Depressed (Ross), Colour Your World with NCD (Schwartz), Hudson Taylor (Taylor), The Contemplative Pastor (Peterson) and Short History of the Baptists (Vedder).<br />
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My favourite book would have probably been "7 Practices" or "The Tipping Point." I have tried to read books that really interest me while also broadening my reading so that I just don't stick to the categories I naturally love.<br />
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The only book not in the photo is "The Contemplative Pastor" which I have on my computer software "Logos 4." I read it by printing off sections at a time. I can't quite get into reading from a screen yet but I know this will increase in the coming years.<br />
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I've read two books for 2011 already as my holidays have just finished. Andy Stanley's "Principle of the Path" and have finished my first complete audio book "Vintage Church" by Mark Driscoll. I'm just finishing "Drive" by Daniel Pink and have been enjoying it too.<br />
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I think that what Rick Warren has said, "Leaders are readers" is true. Not all readers are leaders but people who are leading others need to be growing and learning so that they can serve the needs of those they lead.<br />
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As this year begins my pile of books are waiting for me to read and I am looking forward to growing as I read. We have a terrific new Administrator, a new Associate starting next week and plans for the full quota of holidays ahead!<br />
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What are you reading? What would you recommend?</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-51064352894855811782010-11-29T13:08:00.001-08:002010-11-29T13:08:38.423-08:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 30th of November 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/11/sharing-in-christs-glory.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Sharing in Christ's Glory</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - <i>He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. </i>2 Thessalonians 2:14<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHnwbDPuLic5vID0o9WjYKQjjZMsamrmJ7SMjD0LtWjwDRAMUvrFng51APJ6b-WKjdnIhsNIzugGa6IUKGTtxgsTCKStnw7fSdaFjcY_6MZz3n6-1PbUnx-2_5oj08GvI93n4Xcx_k_I/s1600/Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHnwbDPuLic5vID0o9WjYKQjjZMsamrmJ7SMjD0LtWjwDRAMUvrFng51APJ6b-WKjdnIhsNIzugGa6IUKGTtxgsTCKStnw7fSdaFjcY_6MZz3n6-1PbUnx-2_5oj08GvI93n4Xcx_k_I/s400/Girl.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><b>O</b> - God called the Thessalonians and he called me. He called me through the gospel, the good news, the good news which calls for a response. It gives me great comfort and assurance that God called me rather than me calling myself. God called me and he doesn't make mistakes. I did not save myself, God did. I am secure.<br />
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The reason that God called me here in this verse is 'that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.' God saved me to share in Jesus Christ's glory. Ultimately there is no other glory but his, but I get to be a part of that as Christ lives and works in me.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I will have confidence in my salvation today! God called me. He saved me. I cannot be snatched out of his hand. Because of this I will be bolder, stronger, standing firm in faith.<br />
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Today I also will be aware of the mystery that is why God saved me - to share in the glory of Christ. I will be more aware of this today. I will find out more about how I share in his glory. I will rejoice in bringing glory to God.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, thank-you for saving me. I will seek to live for the purpose for which you saved me by bringing glory to your son. Amen<br />
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<b>Daily Reading - 2 Thessalonians 2-3</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-36775162646407031052010-11-23T17:01:00.000-08:002010-11-23T17:05:14.022-08:00Church Meeting Tonight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuboRWuRKZ27z7ntIPpPT0FpdGZXMXuTEKbe0iFa5CtaXsYD_f3SFiGpy-ys5lHQl0RvADBOBTF0CbwrC6Hw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-44685032678965452102010-11-23T15:02:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:02:05.815-08:00Daily Journal for Wednesday 24th of November 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No Grumbling or Arguing!</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><b>S</b> – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu3EhMPHp8qA70xZEkqzHrB5V8gT-JpydBkEUq9CZ01MMk-SFeCAyVKKmLjh6Zo_aqOqzwATQ5XqLhF1X2Nfu9JyeyUlumNY5NnMm4COEHnsfaS8XfhF0VxKTtXES5rXVdChpsWGgBoo/s1600/Kid+youre+asking+the+wrong+guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu3EhMPHp8qA70xZEkqzHrB5V8gT-JpydBkEUq9CZ01MMk-SFeCAyVKKmLjh6Zo_aqOqzwATQ5XqLhF1X2Nfu9JyeyUlumNY5NnMm4COEHnsfaS8XfhF0VxKTtXES5rXVdChpsWGgBoo/s320/Kid+youre+asking+the+wrong+guy.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>O</b> – Paul knows that we are prone to grumble. We get in our heads an idea of how things should unfold, how God will help, how the ministry challenges will be met. And when they do not unfold how we thought, when God doesn’t intervene on time, and when our challenges aren’t met – we grumble. “Do you see what I’ve been doing!” “It’s not fair!” “Don’t you care!” Underlying all of these responses is a much deeper problem. I am revealing by my grumbling that that I am not really trusting God to do be faithful to his promises in his timing. I am showing that I think I know better, that I know the big picture when I don’t, that I am wiser than God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Paul also says, “Do everything without… arguing.” There are many issues where people have a difference of opinion. Some want things done one way, others insist that it is done another. Who is right? On most occasions both are right. It’s just opinions. To spend a great deal of time arguing over opinions when our clear and agreed upon urgency is clear and undeniable seems silly. Paul would have us spending a great deal of our time practically worshipping, loving, serving, preaching, teaching, equipping, praying and sharing the gospel far and wide. Arguing takes time and energy. It often is one ego against another. It often stops us from focusing on what God would have us do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So don’t grumble and don’t argue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A</b> – Instead of grumbling and arguing I need to pray and dialogue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If pray to God when I am feeling like grumbling I am letting him know my fears, my needs, my expectations, not to try to convince or control God but to give to him and trust the outcomes to him. When I pray I am trusting that our sovereign God is in control. This is far better that grumbling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcNiLD1A3lL6d4Oo7xcWxYYOqrhiSYrI2V0JIulvDADG1n_Z0JFi_qpuXJBJPz2tWvQPYs8kXhrQZ5aNJOXJwUvJGzgde90odh51P5T8T-5nMgNbgmfKQa24r8w4aaGVTLGdUFpnOhP0/s1600/Dog+with+Tennis+Balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #5588aa; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcNiLD1A3lL6d4Oo7xcWxYYOqrhiSYrI2V0JIulvDADG1n_Z0JFi_qpuXJBJPz2tWvQPYs8kXhrQZ5aNJOXJwUvJGzgde90odh51P5T8T-5nMgNbgmfKQa24r8w4aaGVTLGdUFpnOhP0/s320/Dog+with+Tennis+Balls.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a>If through dialogue with others, I share my thoughts on an issue not to get my way but to express my own feelings and to listen to others thoughts and their ideas, then the final outcome will be much better that when I just shared my own thoughts to get my way. Two are better than one (Eccles 4:9a). Especially when the other people in the discussion are followers of Jesus who are seeking to hear and discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. That’s why Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) said, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I will take my grumbling to God in prayer and give them to him, trusting him to do what he wants not what I want. I will also steer clear of people who only want me to listen to their opinion and who discard the thoughts of others. I will seek to listen intently to others to come to a wise decision rather than arguing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>P</b> – Thank-you Father, you speak through your Word to me. Help me to put into practice the truth you have shown me today. Amen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Daily Readings Philippians 2-3</div></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-40110077298161481992010-11-22T15:53:00.000-08:002010-11-22T15:53:31.513-08:00Belonging Together<div class="MsoNormal">I love golf. Well, I really like it at least. I wish I was better at it. But I know that in order to get better at it I will really need to do a few key things. I will need to upgrade my old set of clubs and I’ll need to play more regularly. Both of these cost money. A new set of clubs and a year-long membership at the local golf club will set me back quite a lot of money. So I guess I’ll just remain an ordinary golfer who likes golf but can’t really pay, I mean play.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YUITzDCc16kwXlGfH58eoDONbPQZ-g25WQyyRFNJ0cz__sS0AUEihyphenhyphenFHz2-cDFC9t_e7nECF38b7HLTK25LIp9XNj1Q2wyKcRWfUuHBoFa6i6C-kMT_jOmhzFwE0NBUpip832KLd3Jv_/s1600/Belonging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YUITzDCc16kwXlGfH58eoDONbPQZ-g25WQyyRFNJ0cz__sS0AUEihyphenhyphenFHz2-cDFC9t_e7nECF38b7HLTK25LIp9XNj1Q2wyKcRWfUuHBoFa6i6C-kMT_jOmhzFwE0NBUpip832KLd3Jv_/s400/Belonging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">God wanted me to be part of his family. So much so that he paid my entry fee. Jesus died so that I could be forgiven, be united with him and live the life he created me to live – life to the full. As a teenager at Boronia Baptist Church I responded to God’s invitation and became part of the family of God. My membership was free even though it cost God greatly. Through Christ I belonged to a family, the family of God.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Paul wrote in Romans 12:5 “…So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">belongs</i> to all the others.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I become part of God’s family, I not only belong to God through faith in Christ, I actually belong to other believers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In this new family my belonging is ‘in Christ’ and in Christ I am unified with other believers no matter how different we may appear! We are many. There are hundreds of Baptist Churches in Victoria, and they are all vastly different, but in Christ we are one body. We are many here at Wodonga, old and young, farmers and business people, early risers and night owls, New South Welsh people and Victorians but in Christ we are all one body.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have a great church building, but that is not what unites us. We have many really good programs, but they aren’t what unite us. We live in an amazing part of Victoria but even this is not what unites us. We are one in Christ. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was talking with a couple who have been a part of our church community for just over a year. They had noticed that the church was different to anything they had been a part of. “We’ve been in community groups, volunteer organisations, sporting clubs for my whole life, but this is different,” they said. What they were identifying was that people genuinely cared for them. They had received cards in the mail. People stopped to talk to them and showed interest in them. They were beginning to really experience God’s love and they felt like they belonged. This is priceless. This is the church. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love the church. God has gathered us together, different, but united. Do you celebrate this? Instead of sitting back and complaining from the sidelines, decide to become wholeheartedly committed to those who in Christ you are one with. Instead of lurking in the shadows why not become a member? Make a decision to worship regularly and consistently. Use your gifts for their good. Give to support the mission you all share. Love deeply those who you are one with in Christ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When other people see this they’ll notice and want to belong too!</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-30772277003415938822010-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:002010-10-25T14:13:06.303-07:00"All Things"<b>S -</b> <i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. </i>Romans 8:28<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HRhnwQtQZg3Htoqjnl6bM2z0UT2zBTPB1LrTu3_l7r9rzzvC-z8WWCWH0MEjzQnMoccpMMFrbWJ8Otcp2cr6U3bZb4rZWvvx6UB8jT1mbP5LH688ZgbF5YiodvYhtC01WKaVdF5nIufN/s1600/Help.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HRhnwQtQZg3Htoqjnl6bM2z0UT2zBTPB1LrTu3_l7r9rzzvC-z8WWCWH0MEjzQnMoccpMMFrbWJ8Otcp2cr6U3bZb4rZWvvx6UB8jT1mbP5LH688ZgbF5YiodvYhtC01WKaVdF5nIufN/s400/Help.png" width="300" /></a></div><b>O -</b> God's purpose is not my comfort or a life without challenge and struggle. God's purpose is for me to conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus. So, the struggles I face, the disappointments, even the complete flops in life are all circumstances not wasted on me. Instead they are events that God is able to use to shape and refine me to more like Jesus. What I might see as deeply disappointing, God can and does use for good. "In all things" means just that!<br />
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<b>A - </b>Instead of being disappointed when things go wrong, complaining when struggles persist, or focusing on the overwhelming circumstances I face, I will seek to acknowledge that this is opportunity for God to work on my image and make me more like Christ-like.<br />
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As I look back in my own journey, most of the conforming has taken place in the midst of the most difficult times. Today, I will seek to see my obstacles as opportunities, my problems as possibilities and my God as one who can change me whatever I face.<br />
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<b>P - </b>Thank you God for calling me and drawing me to you. I am one who loves you. Work for the good in my life today. Help me to see it. Amen.<br />
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Daily Reading - Romans 8Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-83140673617594753882010-10-04T14:28:00.001-07:002010-10-04T14:28:38.680-07:00Weekend Key Leaders Retreat<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Our Key Leaders spent the weekend at Valley Homestead just outside Ovens. We spent from Friday night until Saturday afternoon together for our fifth annual retreat.</span></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YvPp_ZQOZ8hdtHTvjqE3tuTVLdHEoGqnGAyuo0E1IQr_qAB5aX6125qitx3G7MxYBbJDOlsTz3jmm0Yrbx22OoTzfE_-sPjXsYfjAuNpyWBzU42D3rIin6zmmvxkCzUG7cqDnFcrbII/s1600/Key+Leaders+Retreat+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #5588aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YvPp_ZQOZ8hdtHTvjqE3tuTVLdHEoGqnGAyuo0E1IQr_qAB5aX6125qitx3G7MxYBbJDOlsTz3jmm0Yrbx22OoTzfE_-sPjXsYfjAuNpyWBzU42D3rIin6zmmvxkCzUG7cqDnFcrbII/s400/Key+Leaders+Retreat+2010.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This year the main focus was engaging with the results of a recent Natural Church Development Survey that our church had completed. We shared openly and honestly about the strengths and weaknesses, sought to hear what God might be saying about some of the important things to focus on in the coming year, and we prayed together for our church.<br />
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Even though it was the Grand final replay we all found the time very worthwhile. Now we are looking forward to sharing more widely our reflections with the wider church and engaging others in the discussions.<br />
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Build your church Lord!</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-28892255562958776702010-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:002010-10-04T13:43:18.572-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 5th of October 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/10/important-message-spread-it.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">An Important Message! Spread it!</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S - </b>But the word of God continued to increase and spread. Acts 12:24<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_T-nablOzGx3vpJ4Ex4sgtDEjdOVSzL_tgn_XR6Yfin5x_G2vtnMeyoyYQFv_awmZA-ZOkgTcsnZBgq33yJfSFM8fx1QtYHoloQhX3nOn8dvyGKo7l-n_gp2q-9ixD2WxTf0okNo68g/s1600/Sharing+Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_T-nablOzGx3vpJ4Ex4sgtDEjdOVSzL_tgn_XR6Yfin5x_G2vtnMeyoyYQFv_awmZA-ZOkgTcsnZBgq33yJfSFM8fx1QtYHoloQhX3nOn8dvyGKo7l-n_gp2q-9ixD2WxTf0okNo68g/s400/Sharing+Christ.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><b>O -</b> James was put to death, Peter was in prison awaiting death, Herod was on the rampage, the spread of the gospel looked in grave danger. The church were praying earnestly, Peter was led by an angel out of the prison, Herod had the guards executed and he himself was struck down by an angel of the Lord and worms ate him. So much in such a short chapter of the Bible and at the end of this chapter one verse gives us the broader view of what is happening - <i>But the word of God continued to increase and spread.</i><br />
<i><br />
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Nothing could stop the work God was doing. God was bringing about his purposes no matter how bleak it looked. His followers were courageous and obedient and even in the midst of the most difficult times God used their circumstances to enable his word to continue to increase and spread.<br />
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<b>A - </b>Today it seems that our culture is so caught up in themselves. There is so much wealth, so much food, various entertainment options, and so many opportunities to engage in pleasurable experiences. To share the gospel in this environment is a challenge. Intellects scoff, atheists mock, busy people ignore but the church must not hold back from finding ever opportunity we can to proclaim the good news today. We may face criticism. We may even face great resistance but God wants his message told.<br />
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How can I show the prayer, courage and obedience of the early church today? In my family, neighbourhood and city help me be a person who is part of spreading God's word.<br />
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<b>P -</b> Father , help me to have the courage to put myself in dangerous places, to boldly share your good news where I am today. Amen.<br />
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Daily Reading - Acts 12</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-26589579274158152042010-09-07T22:34:00.003-07:002010-09-07T22:34:36.207-07:00A Few Days in Lorne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6V0QYZakASuzVlDGr8CUO7zbmJPYZkADiM0e0rwukmwPVXe8rbFzoB1r1MEGxZN-Wo4ctlSnLmgscLFOVfxYgMi4cdruX_4v3b3nhWN-JqyVvV3clUDT_-ajRsW99acoH2LAZG-JYRA/s1600/IMG_1713%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6V0QYZakASuzVlDGr8CUO7zbmJPYZkADiM0e0rwukmwPVXe8rbFzoB1r1MEGxZN-Wo4ctlSnLmgscLFOVfxYgMi4cdruX_4v3b3nhWN-JqyVvV3clUDT_-ajRsW99acoH2LAZG-JYRA/s320/IMG_1713%5B1%5D" width="240" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last week I travelled to Lorne and spent from Monday evening until Thursday morning working on the beginnings of the Church-wide series that will begin in the first week or so of February 2011. The Sunday messages will be on the same topics as the material people study in their small groups.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This last year the Church-wide series was called "Thrive - Living the Life God Created You To Live!" and the year before our series was called "Living Church." The series is a great way to begin the year and to encourage people to join a small group for the series. Often 50 - 70 people sign up and join small groups for the first time during the series.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The leadership agreed to give me a week away to work on the series and were keen to see that I had adequate time for uninterrupted preparation. I looked for an opportunity where I might be able to get a few days clear and when I found one I took as many books as I thought I might need and I headed for the coast!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKwCCD8q5mURPzKFkpp2kASsjksVVEX1DTCo2Nzef4RzxohIlrmUd6_Gbfv4AMK-tMcnVLz292sTVId7n5XEk13DnTuB5JHn9uxory7w9NwzVUFZWJYVboPE4UaN_c7469m8s8-BKUA0/s1600/IMG_1712%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKwCCD8q5mURPzKFkpp2kASsjksVVEX1DTCo2Nzef4RzxohIlrmUd6_Gbfv4AMK-tMcnVLz292sTVId7n5XEk13DnTuB5JHn9uxory7w9NwzVUFZWJYVboPE4UaN_c7469m8s8-BKUA0/s320/IMG_1712%5B1%5D" width="240" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Usually I have tried to write both the messages and the studies but this year is going to be different! If I can get the main messages planned in the next few weeks another person in the church who is gifted and passionate about small group materials is happy to write the studies. This will mean that my wife will have plenty of time for proof-reading and double checking and our office staff will be able to produce the guides in their final form without huge pressure. The worship and creative arts team will also have lots of advance notice and planning time so that each service is packed with great creative elements as well as really appropriate music.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My prayer is that the end result will be lots of people using their many and varied gifts to help lots of people grow in their faith in Christ and love for God.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While I was there I took the chance to go on a few runs and to have a cafe latte at the restaurant at the Lorne Pier. I stopped and took these photos. It was very quiet there and there had been a lot of rain recently.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DmAHcOInmMA_CaQvriOkD3qYtfrV-gQWDpeemyNBYjvZnO_soxvkpCPcb-NKNQxAXIj6F64vzSpzlIAwmMIumYel8M5XRN0Rum0W_04StkZrI-rq1yEfXe-xP8fsjjgzFab2ALiVkCg/s1600/IMG_1715%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DmAHcOInmMA_CaQvriOkD3qYtfrV-gQWDpeemyNBYjvZnO_soxvkpCPcb-NKNQxAXIj6F64vzSpzlIAwmMIumYel8M5XRN0Rum0W_04StkZrI-rq1yEfXe-xP8fsjjgzFab2ALiVkCg/s320/IMG_1715%5B1%5D" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Although the time in Lorne was short and I felt like I was only really just getting into it when it was time to go home, I am really thankful for the times spent getting started. I will look for another opportunity in the weeks ahead to work more on what I have begun.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So look out for a life changing series in February 2011!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">See you! Jonathan</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">PS If you are every in Lorne a great thing to do is to buy fish n chips from the Salty Dog Fish n Chips shop and eat them on the beach. Unbeatable!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'MS Shell Dlg'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></span></span></span></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-20550743942810286822010-09-07T15:59:00.001-07:002010-09-07T15:59:22.062-07:00Daily Journal for Wednesday 8th of September 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/09/time-will-come.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">A Time Will Come</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "I tell you for certain that the time will come, and it is already here, when all the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live!" John 5:25 NCV<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrBiLnaiAkiRwsoQQZqcUh4i69zcgVE3c91PcKlLnnJAvfTDbY8VoQy41CAerXni-gi6Rdq9yMFjBOKHUK0r0Tt7S0fumhsVWo1BrlFezuJTSnVOwiERed4R4V4RHrvFDEHNBMKYQfF4/s1600/Road+to+Heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrBiLnaiAkiRwsoQQZqcUh4i69zcgVE3c91PcKlLnnJAvfTDbY8VoQy41CAerXni-gi6Rdq9yMFjBOKHUK0r0Tt7S0fumhsVWo1BrlFezuJTSnVOwiERed4R4V4RHrvFDEHNBMKYQfF4/s400/Road+to+Heaven.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="267" /></a></div><b>O</b> - Jesus tell us something that he says is true for certain. Those who are dead when they hear the voice of Jesus live! Those who are spiritually dead, who are dead in their sin, hear the good news and respond to Jesus' voice, they cross over from death to life. Jesus is also saying that a time will come when all the dead, everyone who has died will hear the voice of Jesus. People wonder about what lies beyond the grave and here is something that Jesus says we can be sure of. You will hear the voice of Jesus. Those have known him and put their faith in him will receive eternal life. Those who have rejected the Son and rejected God's love during their life will remain in a state of rejection for ever.<br />
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<b>A</b> - Today, respond to the voice of Jesus! In him is life, eternal life. As you hear his voice respond! And know that nothing can separate you from his love, not even death.<br />
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<b>P </b>- Thank you Father for sending your Son. You love is so clearly shown to me in sending him to take my sin and shame upon himself so I can be forgiven and have life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for caring about my lost state and for sending you Son to save me. I will hear you voice as I have today, forever. Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Reading - John 5</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-65851642112135749792010-08-23T20:00:00.001-07:002010-08-23T20:00:41.706-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 24th of August 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/08/qualifications-of-disciple-of-jesus.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Qualifications of a Disciple of Jesus</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you live you father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life." Luke 14:26<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YMFEMk66tk-tEJQyEm0G6KEh4h2PWwIiJt6kHETTiwwLcF4kgtkZdhIBm4Lk9pIz9TCvpulH3UzV8pkmmqrZ1rwnIIjMSMZRQKOhZX5bTnmzXNH224MqwmDTthGLeIdOhTRpRW8TIm4/s1600/edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YMFEMk66tk-tEJQyEm0G6KEh4h2PWwIiJt6kHETTiwwLcF4kgtkZdhIBm4Lk9pIz9TCvpulH3UzV8pkmmqrZ1rwnIIjMSMZRQKOhZX5bTnmzXNH224MqwmDTthGLeIdOhTRpRW8TIm4/s320/edge.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div><b>O</b> - Jesus says words that are very difficult to hear. "You cannot be my disciple unless...", "You cannot come with me unless..." Here we can wonder, is this the same Jesus who said, "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and rest."?<br />
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Jesus says that putting him second, third, or anywhere but first in our lives disqualifies us from being his disciples. This can make us feel like we've got prove ourselves by being better, being stronger, working harder, but notice what Jesus says... "unless you <b><i>love</i></b> me more than." It's not just about priorities, it's about having a deep love for Jesus. Unless I love him more than the people I love the most, my father and mother, my wife, my children, my brother and sister I can't be his disciple. This demands that I not only say he is Lord, but I love him as Lord more than even my own life. In order to genuinely love him I need to have adequate time worshipping him, praying with him, reading his words to me in the Bible, serving him, enjoying him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4glUSwjhGyU8t8TUsXPiOcFX0tsPky90XtoSZHoLzltvnbsehATXJ71ss4hslEWKy6RlseZZOV1we5dI9rcqCIldXJ3wpJZSb7X96vf2XKcUnCa6tVaU_HcYhYu0Iqu_mrELZAHk_VQ/s1600/Worship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #5588aa; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4glUSwjhGyU8t8TUsXPiOcFX0tsPky90XtoSZHoLzltvnbsehATXJ71ss4hslEWKy6RlseZZOV1we5dI9rcqCIldXJ3wpJZSb7X96vf2XKcUnCa6tVaU_HcYhYu0Iqu_mrELZAHk_VQ/s320/Worship.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a><br />
This call from Christ is to not work harder, do more things, get busier. No it's much harder than that. I and called to reflect on God's love for me, live in it and ensure that I live my life with him first in everything. Then my parents, my family, my dearly loved friends will experience my love as it should be, flowing from God's love.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I need to continue to fan into flame my love for Jesus. I need to spend more time expressing my love in worship, prayer and in quiet reflection. I want to spend more time lost in wonder and worship, enjoying Jesus. This week instead of jogging a message playing on my ipod I will listen to my new Hillsong CD and respond with joy to God's love. I will also spend half a day on a hill in Wodonga, unhurriedly communicating in prayer and enjoying God's presence.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, thank-you for sending Jesus. Help me as I seek to continually love him first, even more than myself. Amen.<br />
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Daily Reading - Luke 14</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-48381649869701897862010-08-11T15:53:00.001-07:002010-08-11T15:53:38.430-07:00Daily Journal for Thursday 12th of August 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/08/growing-wiser-and-stronger.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Growing Wiser and Stronger</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. Luke 2:52 CEV<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfG2e9OE2uMp6dQEXcAKjTzC4zLiW5jbibpUmWMJxlxENkKGtd1xva0aYhEXPhFqWxNORZbFwfAOUyR-CTwyMHg1cYwyzD__eDlMAkogkuivNouHsGjuxo_JrzO6oBrZgcXa9L2GW33E/s1600/Thoughtful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfG2e9OE2uMp6dQEXcAKjTzC4zLiW5jbibpUmWMJxlxENkKGtd1xva0aYhEXPhFqWxNORZbFwfAOUyR-CTwyMHg1cYwyzD__eDlMAkogkuivNouHsGjuxo_JrzO6oBrZgcXa9L2GW33E/s400/Thoughtful.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="318" /></a></div><b>O</b> - Each day that unfolded in Jesus, the twelve year old's life, became a another day to either choose to do the right thing or to not. He chose to do the wise thing. As he acted wisely, he grew strong. And as he grew strong God was pleased with him. And the people were also pleased with him. They were delighted in his knowledge, they were amazed at the answers he gave. Soon they would realise that he was the light of the world.<br />
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<b>A</b> - Jesus lived in such a way that he became wise. Jesus lived in such a way that he grew strong. How can I grow in wisdom today? How can I grow in strength today? Feeding my mind and taking care of my body is so important to pleasing God and people. If I am unwise I will not be able to help people and lead them well. If I am unhealthy I will not have the energy needed to serve well, the endure in the race, and to finish well.<br />
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Growing wise involves reading, understanding and living out God's Word in my own life first. It involves listening to and learning from others. It requires that I read widely and reflect often. Being wise requires the self-discipline to change what I know is wrong and start doing what is wise instead. It means praying for wisdom from the one true God who knows everything.<br />
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Growing in strength involves resting as well as working. It means getting enough sleep so that I am not tired throughout the day. It means exercising regularly (everyday for 30 minutes!) so that my heart is strong and my energy levels are high. It means eating well, fruit and vegetables. Less bad fats and more of the good type. It means finding life-giving hobbies and activities other than work so that I laugh often and am full of joy!<br />
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<b>P</b> - God, I want to please you, I really do! I want to feel your smile, your delight. Help me to grow in wisdom and strength so that you and all those who know me are pleased with my progress! Thanks for Jesus' incredible example of growth and strength. His continually trust and dependence on you is what I long to emulate. Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Reading - Luke 2</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-4567192580270681452010-08-03T16:01:00.001-07:002010-08-03T16:01:41.845-07:00Daily Journal for Wednesday 4th of August 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/08/love-one-youre-with.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Love the One You're With</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. They are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together. Mark 10:7-9<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCyEad5nmE6fyiby3m4tdeTnQff-f6klgTXhD8Rrmzblx424QAXsOs26IBcOQKcfND2Ib_AV6g-5QP6csEKACue1XXv1snuFF_EE4qU-uLPQHU9Kq02f9cXzCa1-C3Wg6oZdqnlM4vL0/s1600/PICT0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCyEad5nmE6fyiby3m4tdeTnQff-f6klgTXhD8Rrmzblx424QAXsOs26IBcOQKcfND2Ib_AV6g-5QP6csEKACue1XXv1snuFF_EE4qU-uLPQHU9Kq02f9cXzCa1-C3Wg6oZdqnlM4vL0/s400/PICT0422.JPG" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><b>O</b> - A child grows and becomes an adult. They leave their father and mother who have nurtured, loved and cared for them as best as they could. They become like one person with their wife or husband. Instead of being on their own they are now 'one.' They are united physically through sexual union and they are united emotionally to mutually love, care and support each other and they are united by God who has put them together. They are like one person, a union, a single identity. This is a joyful thing! It's very good when I am loving and serving and bringing out the best in my wife. To do this continually and genuinely I need more than my own resources. I need to look to the one who joined us together, to God, for the strength and commitment to keep loving even when it's hard.<br />
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To then look lustfully at another woman, to be comforted emotionally and physically by another woman, to be loved intimately by another than my wife would cause a break in the oneness, the unity, the togetherness with the one God has joined me together with. It would cause incredible pain, great loss and much sadness.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I am married! God has given me one wife to love, to be one with, to enjoy and journey with through life. She is one with me, I am one with her. Today I want to give, say, and show my deep love to her. I her to know my love and commitment to her by the way I express it and value her. This is good and is God's will for me in marriage.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, as you have demonstrated your love for me in sending your Son, I want to demonstrate my love for you by loving the woman you have joined me together with. May you be glorified by the way I love my wife. Amen.<br />
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<b>Daily Reading Mark 10</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-63810510697273224662010-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:002010-08-02T16:30:30.895-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 3rd of August 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-be-truly-great.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">How To Be Truly Great</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S - </b> "After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, "If you want the place of honour, you must become a slave and serve others!" Mark 9:35<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0ryelr-C7llH25q2Uz9VnZ4Bhv8tXEgYMZFWgvFQgQBjBBx0SZNUtfiydwS825qKU-twqFbV5zGV8EHQB2GPVBMYxaxnoSskFdBCwur-Kp1Po9RiRvn84NMQXV_D1QyXSwxdBptSwUE/s1600/Strange+Friends+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0ryelr-C7llH25q2Uz9VnZ4Bhv8tXEgYMZFWgvFQgQBjBBx0SZNUtfiydwS825qKU-twqFbV5zGV8EHQB2GPVBMYxaxnoSskFdBCwur-Kp1Po9RiRvn84NMQXV_D1QyXSwxdBptSwUE/s400/Strange+Friends+1.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div><b>O</b> - To people who want to be first Jesus says become a slave and serve others. To be honoured, honour people. The disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus says the greatest one is the one who serves others. Today is no different to then. Society is so so self-focused, self-obsessed, self-absorbed and ego driven. Even in Christian community people can seek positions of authority or power for any reason but to serve.<br />
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<b>A</b> - I want to be great in God's eyes. I really do want to have a place of honour in God's kingdom. The passage clearly say that I must serve others, become a slave, value, love, connect, care and seek to really honour others. Why? Because people matter to God. Jesus is my clearest example here. He said that he came not to be serve but to serve and indeed he did.<br />
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This week I am going to serve someone and tell no-one what I have done. I'm going to also thank three people who have really helped me by serving and helping me. I'll send them a note or an email.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, I want to be truly great in your eyes. Help me to value greatly those who you love. Help me serve others not myself. Help me do today what you have shown me through Jesus' example. Amen<br />
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<b>Daily Reading Mark 9</b></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-4700375539316216742010-07-20T00:33:00.001-07:002010-07-20T00:33:26.292-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 20th of July 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-can-only-imagine.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">I Can Only Imagine!</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "When God raises people to life, they won't marry. They will be like angels in heaven." Matthew 22:30<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianJtirNl4z4bOYPXJ5Pvy8M4Eehd2gMhaXeiLlWryVELxbpz7Y0pUcqAiVTSrXE-h5FAhYtv8JPjXheiWmvT2tbZF9-gdQTP28Bxcu5Cr5MCqe0AHoUfjY4bhg2jQBhrk7YlXgaVDPCU/s1600/Dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianJtirNl4z4bOYPXJ5Pvy8M4Eehd2gMhaXeiLlWryVELxbpz7Y0pUcqAiVTSrXE-h5FAhYtv8JPjXheiWmvT2tbZF9-gdQTP28Bxcu5Cr5MCqe0AHoUfjY4bhg2jQBhrk7YlXgaVDPCU/s400/Dreaming.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="267" /></a></div><b>O </b>- There is a new reality awaiting us, a time that we who are alive have not yet experienced. It's a different place. A new amazingly different reality. Jesus is giving us information about this new reality.<br />
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We won't be married or getting married in heaven. These verses don't tell us why this is the case but Jesus was rebuking the Sadducees for getting hung up on it and neither should I. I'll no doubt be lost in wonder and praise of God and I will love my wife as much as I love everyone. It won't be that I'll love her less, I'll love everyone more.<br />
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Jesus also says we'll be like the angels in heaven. The Bible speaks of angels as being so striking that when people come face to face with them they are terrified. But it doesn't seem to be a horrible fear, rather a fear of awe, a fear that this being is so incredible, so overwhelming that I am afraid. People tried to worship angels, thinking that they were God, but the angels refused to let them and encouraged people to worship God.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">C. S. Lewis wrote...<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<i><b>It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, culture, arts, civilization – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What a mystery awaits me! 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds." I can only imagine!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A</b> - Today I will seek to view people as those who are not ordinary. The way I treat people should not be on how I see them today but on what God might do in them as a result of faith in Christ, or who they might become through rejecting God (a horror of nightmare proportions). How I treat people today will either help them to grow towards either destination. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I too must live with the end in mind. I must remember that I am but a stranger passing through. This world is not my home! There is an incredible reality waiting ahead that I can only imagine. An incredible eternity awaits me. This is encouraging to remember especially when times get tough. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b>P </b>- Father help me to live with the end in mind and live and treat people with honour as I live as stranger awaiting this future you have for me. Thanks for this hope I have in you. Amen.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Daily Reading - Matthew 22</span></span></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-13353403766796477102010-07-12T15:39:00.001-07:002010-07-12T15:39:28.266-07:00Daily Journal for Tuesday 13th of July 2010<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://thriveinchrist.blogspot.com/2010/07/get-out-of-boat.html" style="color: #cc6600; display: block; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Get Out of the Boat!</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>S</b> - "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. Matthew 14:29 TNIV<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA1a4_GV2oqP-OyRxgyBhaWlVXVFBSIfh_AY0Nn5IM4ROHCmyVRPRU-cCgE_MhuIg23viVZjXKnE7bV2MjWKoIbAVvXqz3UAyMFM36yWjHp4Ge1cKIRb351ZIEERPAaqKqXPZMnETRck/s1600/Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #5588aa; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA1a4_GV2oqP-OyRxgyBhaWlVXVFBSIfh_AY0Nn5IM4ROHCmyVRPRU-cCgE_MhuIg23viVZjXKnE7bV2MjWKoIbAVvXqz3UAyMFM36yWjHp4Ge1cKIRb351ZIEERPAaqKqXPZMnETRck/s320/Boat.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" /></a></div><b>O</b> - Yes! The Bible says Peter actually got out of the boat and walked on water! People don't normally do this type of thing. A miracle is occurring here. Water which is liquid holds up the weight of a person. For Peter to have actually got down out of the boat, would have taken great courage and, even more significantly, faith. There were many more who stayed in boat, yet Peter didn't. He experienced what was previously impossible. He walked on water. Interestingly Jesus in the next verses says to Peter, "You of little faith!" Peter had faith to get out of the boat but he took his eyes off Jesus. Faith comes from trusting and obeying Jesus even in the storm.<br />
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<b>A</b> - What steps is Jesus calling me to take right now? They may seem impossible. They may seem completely out of the ordinary. Today, I want to say, "Yes" to steps of faith, no matter how stormy it might be around me.<br />
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<b>P</b> - Father, there are many challenges I face at the moment. I need to keep looking to you with faith in the midst of this time of transition with new appointments, new programs, and new opportunities help me keep my eyes on you. Amen<br />
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Daily Reading - Matthew 14</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289857081437426264.post-23515273092877884642010-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:002010-07-08T18:46:30.463-07:00Daily Journal for Friday 9th of July 2010<strong>Give My Life To You?</strong><br />
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S - Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLS4gY55yBQuALPipfbQzM7W2f8tLv1HzNPpK-lJAvn5TTwkz088uxqqX4w5qgetffhgSctwUnAHbJsGw3MMFTVZNPvvaOLyFd-bA7I2twR9EaJmqmVryGA6UjvZLTrVbAtAym7D0qbgX/s1600/Man_sitting_outdoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLS4gY55yBQuALPipfbQzM7W2f8tLv1HzNPpK-lJAvn5TTwkz088uxqqX4w5qgetffhgSctwUnAHbJsGw3MMFTVZNPvvaOLyFd-bA7I2twR9EaJmqmVryGA6UjvZLTrVbAtAym7D0qbgX/s320/Man_sitting_outdoors.jpg" /></a></div><strong>O</strong> - To give your life away is dangerous! To give my turst to a stranger is very foolish. To put my life in the hands of a control freak or an abuser would be crazy. In fact to put my total unreserved trust in anyone is unwise. Except for one. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." He claimed that he is all that we need to be nourished and satified. He said, "I am the living water."He claimed to quench our spiritual thirst. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." He claimed that by trusting in him we would live forever. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." Jesus is God.<br />
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I am right not to unreservedly trust my life to anyone - but Jesus is the exception. In fact the very opposite is true. I must lose my life - give mine completely to him to live. If I don't I will lose my life. <br />
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<strong>A</strong> - I know that Jesus is trustworthy. I need to urge others to entrust to Jesus what we would never trust completely to anyone else. My longing is that people would give him their lives completely. That they would acknowledge him as Lord, Master and Saviour. He alone is worthy. He is creator. He can be trusted. In him and him alone is fulness of life.<br />
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<strong>P</strong> - Father, thank-you for sending Jesus. I have unreservedly put my trust in you Lord. Help me to continue to do that everyday in all I do. Amen.<br />
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Daily Reading - Matthew 10Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02927713738795366825noreply@blogger.com0