Wodonga District Baptist Church Daily Blog

Daily Journal for Tuesday 29th of March 2011

2011-03-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Rescued

S - 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

O - 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.

A - There are a number of points of application that come straight to mind from reflecting on these verses...

It's rare today to be wretched. 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.
Even Christians can try to be good when they're wretched. 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.
I am wretched but rescued. 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.

P - 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.

Daily Readings - Leviticus 1-2 & Romans 7:7-25

Daily Journal for Tuesday 22nd of March 2011

2011-03-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

More of Your Presence!

S - 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?" Exodus 33:15-16

O - 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.

A - 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.

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.

P - 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.

Daily Readings: Exodus 33 & Romans 2:17-29

Daily Journal for Tuesday 8th of February 2011

2011-02-07T13:37:00.001-08:00

A Dream Comes True

S - 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

O - 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.

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.

A - 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!

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.

P - 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.

Bible Reading - Genesis 43 & Matt 28

Daily Journal for Wednesday 2nd of February 2011

2011-02-01T14:02:00.001-08:00

They Knew Nothing...

S - "...they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." Matthew 24:39.

O - 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.

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.

A - 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 'the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold' (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."

P - 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.

Daily Readings Genesis 37 & Matthew 24

Daily Journal for Tuesday 1st of February 2011

2011-01-31T13:32:00.001-08:00

A Hearts Cry

S - "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.
Matthew 23:37

O - 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.

A - 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.

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.

P - 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.

Daily Readings Genesis 35 -36 & Matthew 23

Staff Meeting 2011

2011-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick snap of our team at staff meeting last week.

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!

Daily Journal for Friday 28th of January 2011

2011-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

If You Believe

S - 'If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' Matthew 21:22

O - 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.

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!

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.

A - 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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading: Psalm 7-8 & Matthew 21:1-22

Daily Journal for Tuesday 18th of January 2011

2011-01-17T13:48:00.001-08:00

Obeying Whatever the Cost

S - "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

O - 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?" (see Genesis 12:1-3). "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."

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.

A - 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.

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.

P - 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.

Daily Readings - Genesis 21-22 & Matthew 13:1-23

Books I've Read in 2010

2011-01-10T16:28:00.001-08:00

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.

So here are the books I have read for 2010.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

What are you reading? What would you recommend?

Daily Journal for Tuesday 30th of November 2010

2010-11-29T13:08:00.001-08:00

Sharing in Christ's Glory

S - He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

O - 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.

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.

A - 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.

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.

P - 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

Daily Reading - 2 Thessalonians 2-3

Church Meeting Tonight!

2010-11-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Daily Journal for Wednesday 24th of November 2010

2010-11-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

No Grumbling or Arguing!

S – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

O – 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.

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.

So don’t grumble and don’t argue.

A – Instead of grumbling and arguing I need to pray and dialogue.

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.

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).

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.

P – Thank-you Father, you speak through your Word to me. Help me to put into practice the truth you have shown me today. Amen.

Daily Readings Philippians 2-3

Belonging Together

2010-11-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

Paul wrote in Romans 12:5 “…So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” When I become part of God’s family, I not only belong to God through faith in Christ, I actually belong to other believers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When other people see this they’ll notice and want to belong too!

"All Things"

2010-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

S - 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. Romans 8:28

O - 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!

A - 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.

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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading - Romans 8

Weekend Key Leaders Retreat

2010-10-04T14:28:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

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.

Build your church Lord!

Daily Journal for Tuesday 5th of October 2010

2010-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

An Important Message! Spread it!

S - But the word of God continued to increase and spread. Acts 12:24

O - 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 - But the word of God continued to increase and spread.

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.

A - 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.

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.

P - Father , help me to have the courage to put myself in dangerous places, to boldly share your good news where I am today. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 12

A Few Days in Lorne

2010-09-07T22:34:00.003-07:00

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

So look out for a life changing series in February 2011!

See you! Jonathan

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!

Daily Journal for Wednesday 8th of September 2010

2010-09-07T15:59:00.001-07:00

A Time Will Come

S - "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

O - 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.

A - 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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading - John 5

Daily Journal for Tuesday 24th of August 2010

2010-08-23T20:00:00.001-07:00

Qualifications of a Disciple of Jesus

S - "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

O - 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."?

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 love 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.

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.

A - 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.

P - Father, thank-you for sending Jesus. Help me as I seek to continually love him first, even more than myself. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 14

Daily Journal for Thursday 12th of August 2010

2010-08-11T15:53:00.001-07:00

Growing Wiser and Stronger

S - Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people. Luke 2:52 CEV

O - 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.

A - 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.

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.

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!

P - 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.

Daily Reading - Luke 2

Daily Journal for Wednesday 4th of August 2010

2010-08-03T16:01:00.001-07:00

Love the One You're With

S - "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

O - 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.

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.

A - 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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading Mark 10

Daily Journal for Tuesday 3rd of August 2010

2010-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

How To Be Truly Great

S - "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

O - 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.

A - 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.

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.

P - 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

Daily Reading Mark 9

Daily Journal for Tuesday 20th of July 2010

2010-07-20T00:33:00.001-07:00

I Can Only Imagine!

S - "When God raises people to life, they won't marry. They will be like angels in heaven." Matthew 22:30

O - 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.

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.

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.

C. S. Lewis wrote...

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.

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!

A - 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.

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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading - Matthew 22

Daily Journal for Tuesday 13th of July 2010

2010-07-12T15:39:00.001-07:00

Get Out of the Boat!

S - "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. Matthew 14:29 TNIV

O - 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.

A - 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.

P - 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

Daily Reading - Matthew 14

Daily Journal for Friday 9th of July 2010

2010-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Give My Life To You?

S - Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

O - 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.

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.

A - 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.

P - 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.

Daily Reading - Matthew 10

Farewell to Gayle and Warren Hill

2010-07-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday 21st of June we invited the church to come together and express our thanks to God for Galye's ministry at Wodonga Baptist Church for the last 10 years.

After a welcome and opening prayer Pastor Jonathan Stark invited anyone who would like to share any thoughts or reflections to do so. Over the next hour many people shared about the way in which Galye had been used by God to touch many lives in our church. One shared of his marriage being strengthened through Gayle's preaching, a letter was read sent from Marg and John Docking in Uganda, and a number shared how Gayle's encouragement had helped them take a step up in their own ministry. Those who were on staff shared of the encouragement she was to serve on team with.

The Rev Dr Graeme and Maria Smith attended and Graeme reflected on the times from when Galye first came on to the staff and the way she has flourished since that time.

Senior Pastor Jonathan Stark shared about the great blessing Gayle and been to the church and the staff. He spoke about Gayle's many gifts and strengths and shared how he was sure that God will continue to use her greatly in the future.

Through all of this sharing Warren too was thanked and acknowledged as a strong support for Gayle in her ministry. Many acknowledged Warren's great work as a deacon, on the building committee and as a leader prayer ministry. His quiet strength was emphasised throughout the night.

Gayle and Warren responded with a speech thanking everyone. Warren expressed how much he loves to see Gayle doing what she loves and really felt that his ministry was to support her. Gayle said that they weren't sure what the future will hold but felt sure that God was leading them to Melbourne.

The church then presented Gayle and Warren with a gift which they had played a part in choosing. It was an antique unit that they will place in their home in Melbourne.

People came forward and laid hands on Gayle and Warren and together we thanked God for their ministry among us, prayed for God's blessing on all that they do in the future and we committed them into God care.

After this time of sharing and praying we enjoyed a big supper together which everyone who was able bringing a plate. It was a wonderful night.

Thanks to all who came and made this a special night for our church family. Gayle and Warren have been dearly loved and will be greatly missed!

Daily Journal for Wednesday 7th of July 2010

2010-07-06T15:26:00.003-07:00

Under Authority

S - But the centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Matthew 8:8

O - The centurion had come to Jesus and told him that his servant was paralyzed at home and suffering great pain. When Jesus said, "I will come and heal him," the man objected saying that he was not worthy. He was a leader, a man who was under authority, and who had people who were under his authority. He knew what it was like to just say the word and it would be done. He was saying here to Jesus, "I know that you have authority over sickness. I know that all you need to do it say the word and my servant will be healed." It's no wonder that Jesus' response to this man was so overwhelming, "I have not found such faith with anyone in all of Israel."

A - The greatest faith found in all of Israel came from one who asked Jesus and recognised his authority. "Just say the word" was the request of a man with great faith. For those who I pray for today all that it would take is one word from Jesus and healing can take place. For the problems that burden our souls one word from Jesus and they can be changed. For the hard hearts of those we love who resist God's love, one word, just one and their hearts can melt. I believe it. Jesus has authority over all things.

P - Jesus, heal the sick that I know today. One word can do it Lord. Jesus for the deep longings of my heart, that you would revive your church, touch the lives of those in this region, just one word Lord. Awesome sovereign Lord Jesus, stiller of the storm, raiser of the dead, feeder of the thousands, your will be done! Amen.

Daily Journal for Tuesday 6th of July 2010

2010-07-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

The Golden Rule

S - So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

O - What simple yet profound words. Whatever I would wish that people would do for me, I should do for them. Treat people how you want to be treated. This appears easy and straight-forward. Everyone wants to be loved, valued and respected. I should do this to others.

The greater challenge is to do the things I know I would want others to do to me if I didn't know what I do know now! Two areas come to mind immediately. Firstly, now that I know Jesus is Lord, that he died and rose again, and that fulness of life is found only in him, if I didn't know that, I would want people to let me know. But some people would not want me to because they don't want to know. Or maybe it's just that they don't know. Because I have never met someone who has come to know Jesus who is not incredibly grateful to the person who let them know what they initially didn't want to know.

Secondly, I would also want people to speak the truth to me in love. Yet when I see something and want to share that with someone to help them, it can be painful and people sometimes don't want to face the very things that they 'need to know to grow.' These people would not want me to do to them what I would want them to do for me, because I would want people to tell me the hard things even if it hurt. Yet when people do learn and grow I have rarely found anyone who regretted getting healthier, just like a smoker never resents the fact that they gave up.

A - Do I really want to do to others the things that I would wish they would do unto me? If I do I will share with others about Jesus. If I want to do this I will speak the truth and seek to help people grow to be more like Jesus. If I really want to be more than just treating people 'nicely' I will do what I really believe is for their best. Sure they can say, "No thanks!" or "Back off!" but as long as I have genuinely tried, then I am living the golden rule. It's a harder rule than first expected!

P - Father, the Golden Rule is much harder than I realised. I'm going to need your help and your Holy Spirit's empowerment to really do for others what I wish others would do for me. Help!! Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 7

Church Extensions Opening!

2010-06-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday 13th of July was a great day of celebration for our church family. We thanked God for the completion of our extensions to the church that have been completed without a cent owing on the $416,000 project.

Special guests, Bill Tilley, Member for Benambra and Rev. Grant Stewart, Regional Minister for the Baptist Union of Victoria, attended the opening with Grant sharing some reflections before Bill opened the extensions by cutting the ribbon.

This project has been the fifth in a series of building projects on the Melrose Drive site since 1987, the first of which was a manse which is now being used as the administration office. The core of the existing church building was erected in 1990, followed by the south hall, the north extension and some side rooms.

In 2006 our congregation agreed to extend again, mainly to accommodate the growing children's ministry and to more broadly meet the need of church growth. The cost were estimated to be $498,000. Yet with the use of many people from within the congregation, largely volunteers the project came in well under budget.

Special thanks was expressed during the morning service to the Building Committee, the workers and volunteers, to Allen Cummins and Graham Brewer who gave of themselves so generously throughout the project, and to all who contributed financially.

We can only say that through these last four years God has supplied all our needs. We have continued to generously give to mission throughout this time in Malawi and Uganda and God has seen our faithfulness.

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Daily Journal for Wednesday 30th of June 2010

2010-06-29T15:35:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah!

S - The twenty-four elders and four living creatures fell down and worshipped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" Revelation 19:4 (TNIV)

O - The heavenly beings and angels, fell down and worshipped God. The vision that John sees points to the absolute majesty of God. If we could just glimpse this, just see this for a moment, we too would uncontrollably fall and worship. Hallelujah is derived from two words and means "Praise the Lord." Amen means firm, surely, trustworthy. The cries are saying, "This is definitely and surely true - praise be to the Lord!"

A - God is to be praised. If were just to get a glimpse I would fall down and worship. But I have read and understood that Jesus has come to earth, God in the flesh. As I have trusted and believed, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit has filled me. I know for certain that God is my Lord and is to be praised. Therefore, today, though I have not seen God on his throne in all his majesty, I will worship him with all that I am knowing that he has saved me, lives in me by his Spirit and that one day I will fall before him in eternity.

I also am reminded that I am made in his image. God has made me a little lower than the angels, and crowned me with glory and honour. I too will one day be given a new heavenly body. Today I will treat people with honour and value knowing that each is made in God's image and one day, through faith in Christ, they might be a being that in their eternal heavenly form I would be tempted to worship, such will be their splendour.

P - Father, Hallelujah! Praise be to you the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Amen and Amen!

Daily Reading - Revelation 19-20

The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

2010-05-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

In a world where so many are no longer looking upward to God for their identity, so many are looking horizontally for their image. To be "cool", "sexy" and "glamorous" in other people’s eyes has become the answer for so many who are trying to understand who they really are. How can we help those who are not interested in looking up to even begin to desire to find their true identity in Christ?

Mark Sayers argues that the answer is for those who follow Christ to actually live vertically, finding our identity in who we are in Christ. Sayers urges us to pursue radical holiness not by retreating from the world but by pursuing your true self and show those who we engage with what it means to be truly human.

I found this book really engaging. There’s so much timely wisdom here! I felt challenged and inspired to actually live a life of radical holiness. He has inspired a new resolve in my life to do this intentionally. The way Mark writes is warm and engaging. He includes great content about the culture and the way the world is shaped by it.

I would recommend this book to you to read. It’s a biblical message told to a contemporary culture that is desperately needed to be heard by Christians today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Daily Journal Tuesday 1st of June 2010

2010-05-31T15:19:00.001-07:00

Unbusy and Greatly Encouraged

S - May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2-3

O - God's desire is that I should be changed because of saving faith. The changes he wants to make should result in good deeds and words (sharing the gospel and speaking kindly). Paul's prayer here is that they would be encouraged and strengthened by Jesus himself and by God's loves and grace and that this would be seen in their good works and speech.

A - So often we are so busy in "good deeds and words" that we leave so little time in our lives for prayer and for reading God's Word so that his love and grace encourage and strengthen us. We can become hollow people, madly rushing and running to do good and yet with little time to ponder why. I need to be a man of prayer, a pastor who prays, one who really knows God and is encouraged and strengthened by Him. Then I will encourage and strengthen others as I work and speak. I need to actually schedule time to read, pray and study so that I am strengthened for deeds and word. Simply making it a priority and putting it in my diary is what is needed. This is a wiser approach than madly trying to meet every need and fix every problem and then see if there is time left over for God to encourage and strengthen me.

P - Father, thank-you for all that you have done for me and our church. Thank-you that you are a God who wants to encourage and strengthen me. I will make time to receive this from you. Amen.

Daily Reading 2 Thessalonians 2-3

A Couple of Days with Dr. Grant and Kathy Mullen

2010-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

A Transforming Conference!

On Sunday Dr. Grant and Kathy Mullen arrived from ministering in the Blue Mountains. They spoke at our Sunday evening service and then five times on Monday and gave a final talk before heading off to Bendigo on Tuesday.

The message that Grant brought us was that God want to transform us. We are either in recovery or denial! Why would we need to be in recovery if we are Christians already? Though we are saved through faith in Christ and our spirit is completely transformed, and our bodies though unchanged are going to one day be renewed, our personality is still the same as it was before only we are now saved. In our personality we have all the past experiences and hurts and unforgiveness that remains. The attacks of Satan, our past wounds and chemical imbalances are all major factors that keep us from living in the reality of what Christ has done.

When we take these issues seriously instead of denying them or pretending that they are not there we resign ourselves to living a life that is now victorious.

We had a great turn out of people and many people bought resources.

We pray that this will continue to help us all growing in our love and knowledge of Jesus!

Go to www.drgrantmullen.com for more information.

Daily Journal for Friday 28th of May 2010

2010-05-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

Thriving Each Day in Christ

S - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6

O - Paul would have nothing to do with a kind of "Bar Code" faith (as Dallas Willard has described) where at the check-out we receive the "beep" of salvation and are placed in a bag to sit and wait until Christ returns. Salvation is not the end, it's just the beginning of a journey of transformation. Just as we received Christ, CONTINUE to live your lives in him, rooted and built up, strengthened in the faith. Growing is a crucial part of what it means to follow Christ.

A - How am I growing today? How deep and firm are my roots? Is my faith being strengthened? I want to be the best example possible of a growing christian for all who might see. Yesterday was a day for rest. I rested from morning till night after two very busy weeks. For me growing stronger in Christ meant yesterday, slowing down, resting, reading, and taking it easy. It was just what I needed. I was refreshed by watching a Harry Connick Jr DVD and trying to play Jazz songs on the piano. I finished reading "The Vertical Self" (Mark Sayer) and went for a jog. This was very satisfying and extremely good for me in my growth towards maturity!

P - Father, thank-you that even resting is part of your plan for me to live a life of thanksgiving. Help me continue to grow each and every day in my life with you. Amen.

Daily Reading Colossians 2-3

Daily Journal Tuesday 18th of May 2010

2010-05-17T20:47:00.001-07:00

Seeking Restoration

S - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

O - Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to strive for "full restoration". In other translations it says "aim for perfection" (NRSV) or "put things in order" (NIV) or "be made complete." He is encouraging them to be more that saved. He's calling them to be restored. Paul desire is that they be made perfect in Christ. That they become in fact what they are declared in Christ by faith. He wants them to not believe one thing and act a different way.

This is surely a struggle. David courageously slew Goliath yet was tripped up by woman in a bath on a roof-top. This is hard work but everyday, God want us to strive, to work hard, to wrestle at being holy!

The interesting thing is that we are not trying to become something that we are not. We are seeking to become who we truly are. We were made in the image of God. Through Christ we have been declared forgiven and righteous. The call now is to become who we really are.

A - Today, I should not be surprised at how every little decision is a choice to be restored or be further and further away from who God made me to be. Though I fail time and time again, I must never give up! Today my choices, my actions, my struggles, are worth facing! If I am able to with the Spirit's help strive to be fully restored the God of love and peace will dwell with me.

P - Father, thank-you for saving me, through faith in Jesus. Help me to live today toward becoming the person you made me to be, fully restored through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen。

Daily Reading - 2 Corinthians 13 - Galatians 1

Daily Journal Thursday 13th of May 2010

2010-05-13T00:16:00.001-07:00

Hidden Treasure

S - "But we have this treasure on jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

O - Treasure was hidden inside old worthless looking jars of clay, in the jars that people would least expect to find it. Paul is saying that we are nothing special, we are ordinary, we face suffering, we do not look that impressive at all. But that just makes it clear to everyone that the treasure, the gospel, is from God not us. The power of the gospel is God at work, transforming lives, and this is not something we can claim as our doing. One look at us and you'll know this is true!

A - I am a person who make mistakes so often on the road to seeking to be holy. I get tired, upset, often feel overwhelmed and sometimes it feels like God could have chosen someone with far greater gifts and skills for the work he has called me to. This just reminds me that this is exactly the point. I'm not the one that matters most. It's in how much I realise who I am (a jar of clay) and who God is (the life-giver) that I will be most effective. I will pray, depend, cry out, ask for help more and more if I understand that I can't do anything without the power of the gospel.

P - Father, in my tiredness, busyness, feelings like there is more to do than I can possibly do, I come to you. Help me to pull aside and depend on you more. Help me to be guided and led by you each and every day. Help me slow down and allow your gospel to work through me in power. Thanks Father. Amen.

Daily Reading - 1 Corinthians 2-4

Daily Journal Tuesday 4th May 2010

2010-05-03T15:18:00.001-07:00

What we tolerate we become!

S - Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new batch - as you really are. For Christ our passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 (TNIV)

O - Sin, when left, when tolerated, when allowed to remain, can affect the whole person. A person who is holy becomes unholy when they boast, are sexually immoral, or when they slander. To think that sin does not matter is a grave error. It does! Like a little bit of yeast - it affects the whole batch. The same is true with sin.

The circumstances that Paul is addressing at Corinth are to do with sinful and immoral people who claim to be Christians but live a completely different way. Paul says, "Don't even eat with them" (v.11), and "expel them from among you" (v.13). Why? Because they can spoil the whole batch. They can affect the whole church.

A - What we tolerate we become. If I tolerate gossip I become a gossip. If I tolerate slander I become a slanderer. What our church tolerates we become. We must with firmness seek to address situations where people who claim to know Jesus act consistently in an unrepentantly sinful manner.

I must model in my own life an eagerness to confess my sin and turn from it. I must model this in my leadership too so that our church leaders and our church refuse tolerate what we don't want to become.

P - Father, I pray that you would help us as a church to be willing to address sin and as a result become the church you have in Christ declared us to be - your bride, pure and without blemish.

Daily Reading - 1 Corinthians 4-5

Daily Journal Tuesday 20th of April 2010

2010-04-19T15:59:00.001-07:00

Hearing from Angels

S - "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, "Don't be afraid Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you." Acts 27:23-24

O - An angel spoke to Paul. It might have been in a dream, a vision or just plain straight out appeared. The angel was from God and spoke clear, strong words of assurance, "Don't be afraid Paul." The angel knew Paul's name, knew his situation, knew Caesar's name, knew that the lives of the people on the boat were in danger.

A - God knows us. He knows me and my situation, the dangers I face, the things that concern me. What an encouragement this must have been to Paul. That God would reassure him by sending an angel must have given him great confidence. Sometimes God has sent people who have encouraged me with a word from God. Sometimes a letter, a book, a point a preacher has made, God has used to encourage me. Sometimes I have read a verse and had a strong impression that I have known was God speaking. It encourages me to know that God knows and when he feels necessary he can speak directly to me. Most of the time I just need to do what he's already told me to do in his word, the Bible.

P - Father, today I am reminded how you speak and guide. Speak Lord to me today. Let me hear and respond to your promptings and to obey your word each and everyday. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 27

Daily Journal Monday 19th of April 2010

2010-04-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Making The Most of Every Opportunity

S - Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:29

O - Paul, before King Agrippa, Bernice, high ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city, gave his defence. There was great pomp and ceremony and Paul's life was in danger. But Paul saw the situation not as one where he could save his own skin and escape death, but rather as another opportunity to share the gospel so that some might hear and be saved. This was his longing. This was his prayer.

A - I too, like Paul need to remember, that no-one, no matter how rich, how "beautiful," how seemingly all together they appear, no matter how important their position, no-one is beyond reach of the gospel. And vice versa. No matter how poor, lonely, broken, angry, violent, estranged and bitter a person is, they are not beyond reach of the gospel. I must remember, every opportunity to share is an opportunity for people to respond. I must never say people's "no" for them as they might just say "yes."

P - Father, help me have the courage and willingness to share with great and small, the truth of the gospel. I pray that many would come to know you Jesus through my faithful witness. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 26

Daily Journal Tuesday 13th of April 2010

2010-04-12T21:15:00.001-07:00

I Must Confess!

S - Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. Acts 19:18

O - Fear gripped the people when they realised that demons were afraid of Jesus and Paul but not of the seven sons of the Jewish High Priest. The were filled with fear and honoured Jesus' name. They confessed openly their sins. They burnt their scrolls even though they were worth a lost of money. And the Bible reveals the result..."In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."

A - There was fear of God, there was honouring of his name, there was confession, there was spreading of the word and there was a growing in power. Today I guess its so often the opposite. People tend to not fear God, they blaspheme his name, they claim their own righteousness and the word of God is not spread and the church doesn't seem to grow in power. We say this is cultural, its Western culture, but it may be that we have lost the fear of a holy God, heartfelt and genuine confession that leads to repentance and great faith.

Is there mighty, powerful things that God is wanting to do in and through me but my lack of fear, confession, repentance, and faith is stopping this? What about in our church? What about our cities churches? Has being a church become more about services and programs rather than the confession and prayer to a holy, powerful God. I need to ponder this more. What do I need to confess? What do I need to burn?

P - Father God, mighty in power, help me honour your name in everything I do, for your glory, Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 19

Daily Journal Wednesday 31st March 2010

2010-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Don't Neglect the Word!

S - So the twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables..." Acts 6:2

O - The number of disciples were increasing greatly and the demand on the apostles were increasing. When people complained that their needs we're being adequately met, the twelve apostles, instead of just reacting and trying to stretch themselves further took a moment to consider priorities. "Would doing more in serving people by waiting tables cause us to neglect the ministry of the word of God?" they wondered. "Then this would not be right."

A - I would guess that many, many pastors would be lamenting a scripture like this. Today so many have neglected the word of God and preparing diligently in their preaching and teaching of it because of the many demands of 'running' a church. Whether it's a pastors unwillingness to ask gifted administrators, the high expectations that churches can have on their pastor to do everything, or the pastor's inner need to be needed, the end result is the tragic same - the ministry of word of God is neglected.

Today, our associate pastor is in Africa and there are many pastoral needs for me to attend. There are administrative tasks needing to be done. I have responsibilities for mentoring and meeting with leaders. Yet this weekend I will give two of the most significant messages I will be asked to give. "The Death the Leads to Life" on Good Friday and "Alive!" on Easter Sunday. I am thankful for the preparation I have already put into these messages and am thankful that tomorrow is completely devoted to these two messages. I must take these words seriously. Never neglect the ministry of the word. Never allow good things to stop me from the very best.

P - Father, thank-you for revealing yourself through your word. Help me to not neglect it, to always be well prepared and studied. As I diligently prepare in the midst of a busy week, speak to your people through your word and change lives I pray. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 6

Daily Journal for Tuesday 30th of March 2010

2010-03-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Good News

S - "The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead - whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:30-32

O - Peter and the apostles stood before the High Priest and proclaimed the good news. God, the one God, who down through the ages men and women have worshipped and followed, raised Jesus from the dead. The tomb that was full is now empty! The religious leaders had killed him by hanging his on a cross by God raised him. From the lowest depths of humility though, God raised him to the highest place - the right hand of God, a place of power and authority. Now the risen Christ is able to bring forgiven through his death and resurrection to those who come to him in repentance. Those who do know that this is true. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and confirms it. We know it's true. It's undeniable.

A - What was true in the message Peter and the apostles proclaimed is true today. Good news is found in Jesus Christ. He died so that we can be forgiven. As we turn around, repent and believe, God forgives us, Jesus has paid the price we deserved. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives. He confirms that what we believed by faith is true. This Easter, I will proclaim this good news at our church. I will pray that as Jesus is lifted up, as the good news is proclaimed that many come to believe.

P - Father, thank you for this good news! Help me proclaim it with boldness. Holy Spirit move and convict people to respond. Jesus be exalted. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 5

Daily Journal for Monday 29th of March 2010

2010-03-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

Signs and Wonders

S - Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:30

O - The believers were praying together after Peter and John had been released from their arrest. They prayed not timid prayers for safety, that no-one would get hurt, but rather they prayed for boldness to speak God's word. Then they ask that God would stretch out his hand and heal and perform signs and wonders. They asked God, not a traveling miracle man. They asked God so that people would know see and come to know God. They asked that this be done in and through the name of Jesus.

A - Jesus heals! God today still responds to the prayers of his people. There are sick people and people who are filled with doubt. I want to be like those first believers. I will pray for God to move powerfully in my life, in our church and in our city so that many are convinced that Jesus is alive and changing lives. I will pray that as a result people will hear and be saved, that the news of God's power and might would cause a ripple effect through our city.

P - Almighty God, this Easter time, stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus, Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 4

Daily Journal for Saturday 27th of March 2010

2010-03-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Best Decision Ever

What is the best decision you could ever make?

S - Peter replied, "Repent and baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

O - Peter had shared with crowd that Jesus Christ, who they had put to death, was actually both Lord and Messiah. They responded and understood the implications. "What shall we do?" was their question. The answer was clear and simple. Repent - change your mind - turn around. Be baptised - the sign to show that they had repented and put their faith in Jesus was baptism. The out working of faith in Christ and repentance is forgiveness of sin, being born again, becoming a new creation. The Holy Spirit fills us as we believe! This is a gift from God!

A - Today, the same is true, everyone who understands who Jesus is, that he actually came and lived and died and rose again, and puts their faith in him, should be baptised. Their turning from their sin and having faith in Jesus leads to new life, forgiveness and being fill with the Spirit. Have you done this? This easily be the best decision you could ever make! This Easter go to a local Christian church with an open heart. Seek to know more about Jesus.

P - Thank Father, for sending your Son. I pray that many people make the best decision ever this Easter - to respond in faith to him. Amen.

Daily Reading - Acts 2

Daily Journal Wednesday 24th of March 2010

2010-03-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

The Influence of a Crowd

S - From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." John 19:12

O - The crowd can be very influential. The crowd gathers, someone yells, others join in and before long the momentum begins and the shouting turns to violence and the violence turns to death. Their arguments were aimed at causing fear in Pilate. "You are no friend of Caesar" was a threat that if he didn't do what they wanted he would be defying Caesar by saying that Jesus was King and they only acknowledged Caesar. Pilate, an influential figure is swayed by the crowd. Pilate, who is worried and concerned about who Jesus really is, disengages from his questions and concerns, buries his enquiry, and follows the crowd!

Recently the Global Atheists Convention in Melbourne saw 2,500 people give Richard Dawkins a heros welcome as they listened intently to him talk claiming that those have faith in God are stupid...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/dawkins-preaches-to-the-deluded-against-the-divine/story-e6frg6zo-1225841086925

Last Friday in Oakleigh, more than 2,000 protesters stood by and cheered as a protest about a cancelled race turned into a riot. Windows were smashed, cars damaged and people taking pictures punched, all to the cheers and excitement of a crowd hungry for action.

A - Today there are crowds of people who claim to know the important and unimportant things in life. Some shout loudly to me about needing more, about looking better, about becoming stronger. Others look at me with disdain if I don't agree with a moral position the hold or if I don't accept their behaviour. The big question is who am I following? The crowds aren't always right. In fact they are most often wrong.

Jesus said, "Come follow me." He didn't try to whip us up into a frenzy. He didn't try to stir up an irrational response. In fact the call is to leave the crowd, to obey whatever the cost, to trust whatever the circumstances, to share whatever the response. He calls us to follow even when no-one else follows.

Today I will be more aware of the crowd and their cry. Today I will ensure that I don't blindly follow. Today I will think more about how and what practical steps I am taking to follow Jesus' call.

P - Father, help me follow you with my mind, my intellect, my will, my heart, my spirit. With all I am.

Daily Reading - John 19

Daily Journal Tuesday 23rd of March 2010

2010-03-22T14:09:00.003-07:00

Jesus is the Truth

S - Jesus answered, "You say that I am king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. John 18:37

O - Jesus came to testify to the truth. The truth is that Jesus is king. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14":6). The very one Pilate was questioning, the very one who he would reluctantly hand over to be crucified, was the one, the only one who could save him! Jesus is the truth. In him is life. Those who believe in him are on the side of truth and are saved. (I notice here too a truth from Sunday's message. In this passage Jesus turns an ordinary conversation into a spiritual one).

A - Because Jesus is the truth, I must remember that it is not about rules, getting people to do this or that program, or anything else, but rather, to help people come to know Jesus. The desire and passion I must have, our church must have, is to know Jesus and make him known. To help them Thrive! in Christ. This week in conversations I have with people who don't know Jesus I will pray that I will have opportunities to help people understand more about him.

P - Thank-you God, for making it so clear and so simple. Jesus is the truth. Amen!

Daily Reading - John 18

Daily Journal for Friday 19th of March 2010

2010-03-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Love and Obedience

S - "If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

O - Jesus makes it clear that if we love him, we will do what he commands us to do! Like faith in God, which leads to action, love for God is seen in our obedience to his commands. If we understand who God is then we will know that even though his commands might be tough, seem unfair to us, or feel too difficult for us, God knows what he doing. He loves us and knows what is best for us.

A - A simple question to ask myself today is, "Am I obeying God?" My answer will say a great deal about my love for God. Are there areas I need to confess, ask for his forgiveness and turn away from? Are there behaviours and attitudes I know that God wants me to change? I must respond and do them. This is how I show how much I love God.

P - When I think of your love for me, your grace, mercy and forgiveness, how could I but love you? How could I but obey you, follow you and do what you command. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 14

Daily Journal Thursday 18th of March 2010

2010-03-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

What to do with power

S - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. John 13:3

O - Jesus knew, he understood and grasped that God had put 'all things,' everything, all authority, all control, under his own power. So what did he do? He washed the disciples feet. He showed them that he would use the power he had been given for the benefit of others. He would be crucified, and rise again and down through the ages whoever believes in him is forgiven, set free and given eternal life. What a way to use power!

A - In meetings, in family discussions, at crucial times in people's lives I can become aware that for what ever reason I have become the person in the room with the most power. Whether it is because of the trust others have for me, the experience I may have had, or the position I hold, the words I say next I know will hold great power. They may change the minds of people in the meeting, they may affect the way our family moves, they may be acted on by a person seeking wisdom in a difficult relationship. How should I act then?

I must leverage my power for the benefit of others. When I am the most powerful person in the room I must leverage my power in a way that serves the good of those in the room, in the church, in the family. This is what Jesus did. I must follow his incredible example.

P - Father, today, help me be like Jesus. Whenever I am given authority or power, help me to use it for the benefit of others, just like Jesus did, washing his disciples' feet. Just like Jesus did, dying on a cross.

Daily reading - John 13

My thoughts in today's reflections are shaped and influenced by Andy Stanley's Leadership Podcast for March "The Most Powerful Person in the Room" - it's free from itunes.

Trusting in God Whatever the Circumstances

2010-03-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

Many people are facing trouble. If you are not now you can be sure that someday you will be facing it. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. So the question is not "will I face trouble?" rather it's "how will I face trouble?" Will I flounder or flourish when trouble comes? Will I dive or thrive?

God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah who were trusting in themselves. They thought that because of the Davidic covenant and because of the Temple, that God would protect them. They began to worship idols and disobeyed God. So these words come as a strong warning and a challenge to us as we face trouble.

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who trust in mortals, who depend on flesh for their strength and whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. Jeremiah 17:5-6 (TNIV)

Here is a picture of a person who is trusting in themselves. They are depending on their own strength and in doing so they turn their hearts away from the Lord. This can happen in difficult circumstances when people pray. Instead of trusting in the God who is trustworthy, people begin to trust in outcomes rather than God and what can happen is that if God doesn't answer their prayer the way they trusted he would they get angry or upset with God.

"God I trust in you, no matter what" is how the prayer begins, but then as trouble hits the prayer changes subtly to "God is trust that you will heal me." Now there is nothing wrong in asking for healing or for a miracle but when we trust in that instead of God, we can be in danger of trusting in outcomes rather than trusting in the God who can be trusted regardless of the outcome. God may sovereignly choose not to heal me but instead to draw me closer to him through the suffering. If so he knows what he's doing and we should keep trusting him whatever the circumstances and however he chooses to answer our prayer.

So pray to God, ask for healing, ask for a miracle, but always pray trusting in God, and that he knows best, and is trustworthy whether he answers us how we want him to or not.

We have a God who can be trusted!

Daily Journal Wednesday 17th of March 2010

2010-03-16T14:10:00.001-07:00

Jesus - High and Lifted Up

S - "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12:32

O - Jesus faced the most horrible death. Crucifixion was a long, painful and humiliating death. For an observer it would have seemed completely obvious - Jesus wasn't who he said he was. But nothing could be further from the truth. What appeared as a victory for evil, what seemed to be Satan's greatest blow, was actually his crushing downfall.

Jesus' death made life possible. His dying meant that I could live. I could live forgiven because Jesus took my place, paid my price, died my dead. I could live forever because death was defeated by Jesus, he died but he rose, I too will rise, I will live forever. I could live victorious because Jesus overcame the power of Satan, he won, and I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

When the Son was lifted up - all people, old, young, rich, poor, black, white red and yellow were able to be saved. What an incredible event.

A - As Easter approaches, I am looking forward to proclaim this truth. I will diligently prepare these services and pray that many come to know Jesus personally and are saved through the forgiveness, eternal life and victory that he offers them. Help me share this life changing news with others so that they can know and love Jesus too.

P - Jesus, thank-you for dying for me. You are now high and lifted up forever. Draw people to yourself as I live and proclaim the great news of who you are what you have done. Amen

Daily Journal Tuesday 16th of March 2010

2010-03-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

The Cost of Following Jesus

S - "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temples and our nation." John 11:48

O - After many had witnessed Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, many Jews put their faith in him. This was enough to get the Pharisees and the Chief Priests together. They didn't doubt that the miracle had happened, they just hated seeing their power slip away as people believed in Jesus. They felt their temple and nation were under threat. Even though the power of Jesus was undeniable losing their power was unthinkable.

A - Many people don't believe because they don't want to lose their power. Many people know that if they acknowledge who Jesus is and his power it will affect their lives. Many people realise that, if Jesus is Lord then the only response would be to worship him, to place him first, to do what he wants and not what I want. And so, even though they see the evidence, they refuse to believe not because its not believable but because it would cost them. They would lose their power to be Lord of their lives.

Pastors can be tempted to seek more power than they should. My role is helping people to love and follow Jesus. That means that the more people grow in their love for Jesus, the less they should become dependent on me. This good and healthy. My job is to keep giving glory to Jesus and people follow him, not me or my church. I want to always remember this. My measure of success should never be how much people like me, but how much they love Jesus.

P - Thank-you Father for sending Jesus. Thank-you Holy Spirit for reminding me constantly of your guiding presence. Help me to live today for your glory God. May I continually bring you glory and help others surrender their power and control to you. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 11

Daily Journal Wednesday 10th of March 2010

2010-03-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

Crossing Over

S - "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

O - Faith comes through hearing and reading Jesus' words and through believing in God the Father. This faith leads to eternal life! This faith leads to not being judged! This life is mine now the moment I have faith. I have already crossed over!

A - Today I will remember that I have eternal life, will not be judged, and am now living - really living! I have crossed over already from death to life.

P - Thank you God for sending Jesus. Thank you that he paid the price - took my penalty. Thank you for eternal life. I live today, life to the full, by faith! Amen.

Daily Reading - John 5

Daily Journal Tuesday 9th of March 2010

2010-03-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

It's Personal!

S - They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man is really the Saviour of the world." John 4:42

O - The Samaritans heard the woman's testimony so they went to Jesus, urged him to stay, listened to what he said, and somewhere along the way, it became personal. It changed from being a testimony they had heard, to a person they now knew.

A - I want to share my testimony with as many people as I can. I need to remember though that sharing what Jesus has done for me is just the beginning to God making it personal. As God reveals himself to people personally and they respond then people are not just listening to a powerful story but they are getting to know the Saviour behind the story.

I need to pray for people who have heard about Jesus, that they come to know him personally.

P - Father, I thank you for the people I know who have heard about you. I pray this morning specifically that they would take the next step and come to know you personally. Reveal yourself to them powerfully. Change their hearts and lives. Amen

Daily Reading - John 4:42

Daily Journal for Monday 8th of March 2010

2010-03-08T13:04:00.001-08:00

Believe!

S - "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them." John 3:36

O - What we do with Christ is crucial. It's the difference between life and death. If we believe in him, putting our trust and faith in him we have eternal life. If we reject the Son, not believing in him, turning away from him, we will not only not see life, eternal life, but God's wrath, his anger, his judgement remains, and continues to remain on us.

A - Faith and trust in Jesus Christ, his life, death, resurrection, his reigning as Lord, his being God, are to be where my trust and faith are firmly placed. I want to grow stronger and deeper in my relationship with Jesus, each and every day.

P - Thank you Father, for sending your Son, Jesus. Thank you for life to the full, found only in Him. Amen.

Daily Reading - John 3

Daily Journal for Wednesday 3rd of March 2010

2010-03-02T13:16:00.001-08:00

Jesus is praying for me!

S - "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32

O - Satan had asked to sift the disciples. Satan wants to destroy. He can think of nothing more delightful that destroying disciples of Jesus. But Jesus prays for his disciples. He prayed for Simon-Peter. He pray specifically that his faith would not fail. Under temptation, under opposition, under difficult, challenging circumstances, we are most in danger of failing in our faith. Satan is wanting us to fail. Jesus is praying that we will not. If we do fail, (and we pray that we don't) if we do in moments of doubt and pressure fail in our faith, Jesus points to us that we can return, we can repent, we can turn back. And when we do we will have a ministry of strengthening others in their faith. Peter did this. He failed under the enormous fear and experience of the trail and crucifixion of Jesus. But Jesus restored him and he definitely did strengthen the brothers, becoming the leading figure in the early church.

A - God wants me to have a faith that is strong. Satan wants me to fail. Jesus is praying for me that I may not fail. Today I will pray in agreement with Christ, that I would be strengthened in my faith.

P - Father I pray that whatever challenges, temptations, conflicts, I face in the future, that I would remain strong in my faith, hope and love for you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 22

Daily Journal Tuesday 2nd March 2010

2010-03-01T13:28:00.001-08:00

I Am Indestructible!

S - "Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life." Luke 21:17-19

O - Jesus was warning that tough times were up ahead. His followers would be persecuted, even family members would betray them and some will even be killed. To sum up all that lay ahead, Jesus says, "Everyone will hate you because of me." But the encouragement for them (and for us) is "not a hair of your head will perish." This can't be true literally speaking because many died in the fall of Jerusalem and many Christians have died down the ages, not just hair perishing but their whole body being stoned, burn or drowned. What did Jesus mean?

What he meant was of great encouragement to those who love Jesus and are even facing death. Jesus said that "not one hair on your head will perish" and "Stand firm, you will win life." Spiritual life and eternal life cannot be taken away from by persecution and death. Though people kill us, we will have heavenly bodies, not a hair out of place, that will never corrupt, that will never die. One condition - stand firm!

A - I am indestructible! ...if I stand firm in Christ. Today, I will remember that nothing can stop me from having eternal life. Jesus has given it to me and nothing can take it away. I will also have boldness in my sharing, knowing fear of my own life is a misplaced fear!

P - As I prepare for my weekend message - "Trust God Whatever the Circumstances," help me to remember that trusting you leads to life eternal - whatever the circumstances. Thank-you Father.

Daily Reading - Luke 21

Daily Journal for Friday 26th of February 2010

2010-02-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

Just Doing My Job

S - "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" Luke 17:10

O - Jesus instructs his followers to do their duty, to be faithful in service, obedient to the instructions given, and trustworthy in getting everything done - and then don't ask for a medal! Why? Because you've really only done what everyone should do. Don't think you should be fussed over for doing what you're asked.

A - The fact that today, many people don't do what they say, don't finish a job, don't turn up on time, don't stay till knock off time, should not make me think that just because I actually do those things I deserve recognition because of it.

So many people have a misplaced justice streak. "I have done all of this and that is the thanks I get?" Many who have felt unloved or not valued in their family of origin can grow up getting hurt or upset when people don't appreciate them enough. Often the reason they try to do a good job is so that people will love and value them.

The key is that I am to do a great job whether I am thanked or not. If I recognize that ultimately I'm working for God and his glory I can know he sees and notices even if no-one else does. Just doing what you've been asked with excellence should be my desire no matter who I am working for!

P - Father, as I do many tasks today, help me to do them joyfully and with excellence. Holy Spirit, prompt me to do what my employer requires to the best of my ability regardless of the thanks or absence of thanks. And in all this may you be glorified. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 17

Daily Journal for Thursday 25th of February 2010

2010-02-24T23:01:00.001-08:00

How to Use Wealth Best

S - "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." Luke 16:9

O - Jesus had just told a story about a manager who had acted shrewdly because his time was running out for him in his role. So he acted in a way that leverage his relationships and win him friends so that after he had gone people would think well of his and maybe even help him if he was down. He used was he could shrewdly for his advantage.

Jesus says that people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than people of the light. Just like the shrewd manager - we are facing a final day when our lives end. Time is running out. Instead of hanging on to our resources as though there is no end, we can use it to help others in need, those in debt, those really struggling. They will be helped greatly and when we do die we will enter into eternal dwellings and many people we meet will be very thankful to us. The greatest way we can help others is to leverage our resources so that people are helped and ultimately come to know Jesus. This way they will enter eternal dwellings in heaven too and be forever grateful.

A - How am I using my wealth? Building it up or investing it for eternity in people's lives? Am I using it to help others or saving it for my comfort? I love how our church is helping people in need. I heard two stories yesterday, one family gave their car away to a person who needed one and a small group took it upon themselves to help buy groceries and provide money for petrol for a mother and son in need. I want to do that kind of thing more often too!

P - Father, help me to be wise - even shrewd with the way I use my resources so that others are helped and become my friend and friends with Jesus! Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 16

Daily Journal for Wednesday 24th of February 2010

2010-02-23T13:55:00.001-08:00

Everything I Have Is Yours

S - " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.' " Luke 15:31

O - The older brother had been 'slaving away' for years, never disobeying his father's orders. In his mind the father had never given him anything. Yet the father's response is, 'everything I have is yours.' How could the son have gotten it so wrong? Instead of not giving him anything he had given him everything. He was slaving to get the father's stuff when the father had longed for him to know that he was his much loved son and because of that there's nothing that he had to slave for - it was already his.

A - 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God!' (1 John 3:1). Jesus told the story in Luke 15 as a warning to the Pharisees who judged others and tried to control God by doing good and demanding blessings from him. I must never get mixed up in my motives. My acts of kindness are not to be done to earn God's favour, but rather, because God has shown me favour, not to gain God's stuff but because God has given me everything in him. I have received the Father's love, grace and mercy through Jesus death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit empowers, strengthens, and lives in me. I have everything! Today I will delight in serving my generous Father!

P - Thank-you Father. You have loved me and given me a glorious inheritance. Receive my service that flows from my knowing and experiencing your lavish love! Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 15

Daily Journal Tuesday 23rd of February 2010

2010-02-22T13:11:00.001-08:00

Counting the Cost

S - 'Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build but wasn't able to finish." ' Luke 14:28-30

O - There's a cost to being Jesus' disciple. Like building a tower I have to estimate the cost. "Jesus doesn't want people to make a blind naive commitment to him" (Notes in TNIV Study Bible). This would be like saying "I want to build but I can't afford to pay." So many people begin to follow Jesus mistakenly thinking that it's not going to cost them in any way. What could go wrong? How can it be anything but sunshine be ahead? The problem is that when tough times actually come (and they do come) the way we respond has a great deal to do with whether or not we have counted the cost. If we have, these times, often, are the very events and struggles that build strength in our lives and help us stand firm for the long term.

A - When I face difficulties, when I experience temptations, when I grow weary, I want to remember the great foundations that have been laid and all that God has done in my life in the past. But more than that. I want to remember that being Jesus' disciple is costly and that tough times are expected (in fact essential) in building a strong tower. I will see them as just part of the cost of following Jesus.

P - Father, you gave your Son so that I could be your disciple. It cost you greatly. May I live with great thanks and with eyes fixed on you as I build my life on you.

Daily Reading - Luke 14

Daily Journal Tuesday 16th of February 2010

2010-02-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

Love that Flows from Forgiveness

S - "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

O - The way this woman expressed her great love for Jesus was evidence to Jesus and to all that she had received forgiveness and had truly experienced what it means to no longer be condemned but be completely clean. This happened when she put her faith in Jesus (v 50), the only one who can forgive us of our sin.

A - Is my life filled with thankfulness, praise and overwhelming joy for what God has done for me? When I am not so thankful is usually when I have forgotten the incredible grace and undeserved favour I, a sinner, have received from Jesus. Today I want my life to be seen by all as filled with love for the one who saved me.

P - Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for saving me, for forgiving me. I want to live for you in response to your love. Amen.

Daily Reading - Luke 7

Daily Journal for Monday 15th of February 2010

2010-02-14T14:24:00.001-08:00

The Strength that Comes From Obedience

S - (Jesus said) "As for those who come to me and hear my words and put them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundations on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built." Luke 6:47-48

O - Those who hear Jesus' words and put them into practice, begin to live the kind of life that is unshakeable in the storm. Why? Because when their lives are hit with grief, illness, disappointment or mishap they are living right with God, they know he's in control and they trust him.

A - As a pastor, these words are a great challenge to me. I read, study and meditate on God's word every day. I preach and teach from God's Word. I am blessed to know what it says. I must always seek to do what it says. The more I do the stronger I will stand during the tough time which will certainly come. What do I need to do today in obedience to Gods Word?

P - Father, thank-you for the Bible. Help me obey it today in all I do. Amen

Daily Readings - Luke 6

Daily Journal for Wednesday 10th of February 2010

2010-02-09T13:46:00.001-08:00

Growing Strong In Spirit

S - And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. Luke 1:80

O - John the Baptist was prayed for by his parents even before he was conceived. These loving, godly parents and their influence on John must have shaped his early years. He lived in the wilderness, perhaps after his parents (who were already old), died. That experience too must have shaped him. But in all these circumstances this phrase stands out to me, "the child grew and became strong in spirit." He could have grew and became wicked but he didn't. Influences and circumstances can make it easier or harder but in the end John had to choose to live for God and grow strong in spirit.

A - As a father, I too have an enormous opportunity to influence my children. I will either be a great influence or an influence that makes growing strong in spirit difficult. This is the same in regards to my influence with young men and women in the church.

I need to live today in a way that will help and not hinder the young "John the Baptists" around me, but rather influence them so help them grow 'strong in spirit.'

P - Father, I pray for my children, for the youth in our church, for the young adults. Help my influence to be one of great encouragement so that they may not be hindered in growing strong in spirit.

Daily Reading - Luke 1

Daily Journal for Tuesday 9th of February 2010

2010-02-08T13:23:00.001-08:00

Not Control - Worship!

S - Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?" Mark 16:2-3

O - They were worried about a real problem. They wanted to anoint Jesus' body but there was a stone. The stone was big and heavy, they were not strong enough to move it. Who would help them move the stone? Nothing could have prepared them for what they found.

A - The tomb was empty! Christ has risen! And important for me, Jesus is coming again. He will return. I know I will be surprised. I know I won't be completely ready for the amazement of what lies ahead and what I witness.

I am reminded today that problems might not be as big as I anticipated when God is involved.
I am reminded that God can answer any prayer and turn a situation around completely.
I am reminded that the one true God is a God of surprises!
I am reminded that I cannot control God therefore I will simply worship him.

P - Thank-you Father for empty tombs, for miracles, for wonderful surprises. I'm keeping my eyes wide open today to what you might do. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 16

Daily Journal for Monday 8th of February 2010

2010-02-07T14:08:00.001-08:00

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

S - And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?). Mark 15:33

O - Jesus had been nailed to the cross at 9am and at 12 noon darkness came over the land. At 3pm he cried out in a loud voice just before he died. The pain of his cry shows the depth of what Jesus was experiencing. Not only was the pain excruciating, but the guilt, the shame, the dirt and filth of all the sin of the world on this sinless Son of God was overwhelming. The holy God could not look on the Son, Jesus expressed the pain of feeling that God had forsaken him, left him on his own. God the Father whom Jesus the Son was one with, felt so far away, God had turned his face away from the Son and now Jesus experienced the pain of being cut off.

But what in fact was the hardest moments, were in fact what makes Jesus the Saviour of the world. God knew what Jesus was accomplishing and out of despair came forgiveness, reconciliation and everlasting life for all who would look to Jesus.

A - Sometime I don't know why I experience the things in life that I do. Sometimes the suffering around me and in this world seems to make us wonder why God doesn't step in and change the circumstances. God can seem so distant. But he knows what is going on. He can take the most difficult, despairing circumstances and turn them into reasons for hope. I must remember that I see only part of the story and for the parts I don't see I will trust that God knows what is going on. Even when I feel forsaken, God has promised never to leave me. I can trust he is in control.

P - Father, help me live my life surrendered to you and your will. For times when I don't understand help me to remember that you know and you are with me even if I feel you are far away. Thank-you for Jesus death and resurrection and for the forgiveness, hope and new life it has brought to my life! Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 15

Daily Journal for Thursday 4th of February 2010

2010-02-03T13:53:00.001-08:00

Prayer not Exploitation!

S - And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' Mark 11:17

O - God's heart is that all people would hear the gospel and be given opportunity to respond. Black, white, red, brown, yellow, all people are welcomed to the house of God! The church is diverse - old and young, rich and poor, new believers and mature Christ followers. But it is the forgiveness and grace of our God and the call to live in a prayerful communion with him that unites us. People who don't know God can think that it is about works, religion, power and the use of the house of God for their own ends. Control, manipulation or exploitation was never God's desire for his church. In fact Jesus shows disdain for what was supposed to be a diverse community worshiping and praying to God. He overthrows table, stopped people carrying goods through the temple. God hates it when leaders misuse power to control.

A - I must remember that the church is God's. He has called people from every nation, forgiven them, shown them his love, grace and mercy. As a pastor, my role is to help people know, love and pray to the Father, to model it in my own life and to never use or abuse or control people in the process. It's God's house not mine. It's diverse. It's for prayer not exploitation. Prayer is deep, joyful, free communication with God, through the Holy Spirit and in Jesus name.

P - Father, I pray for our church. That our leaders would be servants of you. That we would serve diligently yet not think that gives us a right to claim the church as ours. That we would never seek to control, exploit, bully or abuse but rather love, encourage and model the joy of participating with God's people in the practice of prayer! Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 11

Daily Journal for Tuesday 2nd of February 2010

2010-02-01T22:08:00.001-08:00

Jesus says "Stop setting limits on me!"

S - "If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24

O - Since childhood a father had helplessly watched his own son suffer. He had witnessed the demon seizing his son, he had felt inadequate and overwhelmed as the boy convulsed, being thrown toward a fire, or into water, trying to kill him. To a desperate father who had faced the problem every day, Jesus' questioning of the man's willingness to believe might seem harsh. But Jesus is calling him to have faith that God can do anything - even heal his son. By saying, "Everything is possible for one who believes," Jesus is showing him that the question is not whether Jesus could heal (he could), but rather, does the father have the faith to believe it? The TNIV Study Bible adds, "A person who truly believes will set no limits on what God can do." The father's response is beautiful! "I do believe," (ie 'I have a little faith, just a small mustard seed sized kind of faith). "Help me overcome my unbelief." That was enough!

A - Jesus wants me to have faith, to believe, to not set limits on what he can do because everything is possible. I have needs. I have longings. So many people I know would find life so much more manageable if they were healed from their sickness and oppression. I believe that I need to increase my faith in my prayers for these people. I need Jesus to help me overcome my unbelief.

P - Father, I believe you can do anything but I believe it only a little. Grow my faith, help me keep praying, help me overcome my doubts.

Daily Reading - Mark 9

Daily Journal for Monday 1st of February 2010

2010-01-31T15:16:00.003-08:00

How to Be A Disciple

S - Then he (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." TNIV Mark 8:34

O - There was a crowd which means there were lots of people. There was a call that Jesus made to them, "Come follow me!" There was a cost - it cost everything. Deny yourself means to cease making yourself the object of your life and actions. To take up your cross was to live as someone condemned to death and required to carry the beam of their own cross to the place of execution. Following Jesus required total surrender. Not everyone was willing!

A - How hard we find it to deny ourselves. I find it difficult to let go and surrender to God. How hard it is to die to self and to do whatever the Father says. The Pharisees had turned faith into rules to earn God's approval. As a pastor, help me to never try to control you or tell you what to do! I want to spend all of today remembering, that I am your servant. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Jesus you live in me.

P - Father, I want to do your bidding. What ever you ask of me I will do. I want to serve you, be your disciple and follow you, today, tomorrow, and for all of my days. Amen

Daily Reading - Mark 8

Book Review

2010-01-27T16:21:00.001-08:00

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier, MD & David L. Henderson, MD

At 14 years old I was told that I was failing every subject and that I would need to find a new school. After the first year of Bible College I opened a report card that revealed I had failed three out of my five first year subjects. Looking back, what I learnt from those experiences I wouldn’t change for anything.

In life we will face pain – it’s inevitable. But what if rather than seeking to avoid pain at all costs we actually sought to discover a purpose in the pain we face and use it for good. This book helps you do just that. Drs. Meier and Henderson address the major causes of pain in our lives. Injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death are the universal experiences we all face which cause us pain.

I gained a greater understanding of the responses of those I meet with in pastoral ministry. The content comes from a rich Biblical basis and I was able to grasp the teaching and apply it to my own setting. There were many illustrations from the lives of real clients which I found compelling.

This book offers hope to those who are trying to make sense of pain. I would gladly recommend it to those wanting to grow in the midst of pain and discover God’s purpose beyond your pain.

Daily Journal for Thursday 28th of January 2010

2010-01-27T14:30:00.001-08:00

Jesus is Here!

S - He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39

O - Jesus speaks and a furious squall becomes completely calm. In the stillness of the calm, while everything was so completely still, Jesus asks, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" and the disciples ask who is this? Jesus is Lord! He is in control. In the middle of the storm he is the one to look to. I must have faith.

A - There are times in my life where the storms rage. I can so often look at the waves, complain about the winds, worry about the rain. How much energy I would save by just taking it to Jesus. Christ is Lord! He is in control. He left the empty tomb. He conquered sin and death. Today I will ask for Jesus' help in my storms. Today I will trust him with the future with faith.

P - Father, I do have faith. I have faith in Jesus. I trust you Jesus. I look to you in the storms of life. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 4

Daily Journal for Wednesday 27th of January 2010

2010-01-26T14:24:00.001-08:00

Being in God's Family

S - Then Jesus looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:34-35

O - Jesus here points to those around him - those seated, listening to every word, those ready to obey - and says, "Here are my mother and my brothers!" He explains that those who do God's will are in the same family, God's family. In John 15:14 Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do what I command." God is building a family. A family that will last forever. Those who accept the words of Jesus and obey are part of God's family, and this family are more significant eternally than even our own families here on earth.

A - My family are those who love and obey Jesus. How can I love, encourage and build up God's family today? Who do I know that is standing for God in obedience, trusting him, living the Christian life, that I could encourage? So many young people are taking significant steps of faith in their lives. So many older people are making faith-filled decisions. Today I will give thanks for those who are in my spiritual family and seek to encourage those I see doing God's will.

P - Father, thank-you for saving me. I am your child. Today I will celebrate and acknowledge that each person I meet who loves and obeys you is part of your family and part of my family. Amen.

Daily Reading - Mark 3

Daily Journal for Friday 22nd of January 2010

2010-01-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

Really Loving Others

S - 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:35-36

O - Jesus is teaching what it will be like when the Son of Man returns. He will reward people for the things they have done and the people's response will be, "When did we do that?" "We didn't know!" It will be the things we didn't do for a reward - things that flow out of a heart that has been changed by God. Things that love and serve others, the least. That's what we'll be rewarded for!

A - Who do I know who is hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothes, sick or in prison? Those that come to mind now I will write down and put in my diary for the coming week to visit or call or give to. I'll seek to show God's love to these people in the coming week.

P - Father, help me show your love to people so that they realise that they are precious to you. Help me really love people like you do. Amen.

Daily Readings - Matthew 25

Daily Journal for Thursday 21st of January 2010

2010-01-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Being Good With What You're Given

S - "So who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns." Matthew 24:45-46

O - Jesus was addressing those who were living in an environment where the religious leaders were not feeding their people. They were not living what they were preaching. They were laying a heavy burden on the people (see Matt 23). Jesus was saying to those religious leaders, there is a master God and you are his servants. If you are a leader of others be faithful and wise. Why? The master is returning! Little did they know that they were talking to the Master!

A - I am a leader of God's people. I live in a time when there are a many leaders who try in many ways to be famous, or become rich, or gain recognition. This passage challenges me to feed the people. For me today that means to complete the administration task I have so that I can get stuck into the study of God's Word so that Sunday's message is clear, practical and God-breathed. I must use my time effectively today and everyday so that when Jesus returns I am found to be faithfully caring for his servants.

P - Father, while the people of Haiti suffer so terribly, may I use this day, this time, where I am, free to work, think and live life to the full, for your glory and for the benefit of your precious servants. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 24

Daily Journal for Thursday 7th of January 2010

2010-01-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Friends Indeed

S - Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, "Take heart son; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2

O - Community is so important. In this verse it meant the difference between forgiveness and healing for a paralyzed man. That some men brought him was a feat in itself. People who were physically challenged in Jesus day would have found it extra difficult to find community. The looks, the stares, the likely need to beg would all put this man on the outer. Yet a group of men cared more about him than his disability. They saw a person. They saw a person of value and carried him to Jesus.

A - Today so many people can feel worthless, left-out, on their own. Whether it is a physical disability or a feeling of not being attractive, or a fear of rejection, feeling of loneliness or any other barrier, a small group of people who will look past the external can help enormously. Small group of people who will accept you for who you are, love you without judgement and help lead you to Jesus are better than 1,000 friends on Facebook!

This year I will intentionally help support and our Samll Group Ministry Leader facilitate the growth of small groups in our church. I will seek to enable the small group of staff who meet together each week to be a place where we can help love and led each other closer to Jesus. I will continue to meet with my two mentors who help me journey with Christ. I will also seek to help lead others this year by intentionally mentoring two or three younger men preparing for future ministry.

P - Father God, thank-you for community. Thanks for small groups who love us in spite of what we might see as obstacles and who help lead us to your feet. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 9

Daily Journal for Wednesday 6th of January 2010

2010-01-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

Demons Flee!

S - When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases." Matthew 8:16-17

O - Jesus drove out the spirits so simply - with a word. And Jesus healed all the sick. Jesus is Lord - the demons knew it. Even the effects of sin and living in a fallen world are easily made right in the presence of Christ. Jesus is Lord!

A - As we lift up the name of Jesus by surrendering to him, worshipping him as Lord and Master, crowning him King in our lives, Satan and his demons must flee. No need for a big song and dance, but we should expect people who have been engaged in witchcraft and the occult to be set free.

P - Thanks Father God that you are sovereign. Lord Jesus, have your way in my life and in the lives of people in our church. Set them free by your power. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 8

Daily Journal for Tuesday 5th of January 2010

2010-01-04T13:21:00.001-08:00

Persistent Prayer

S - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

O - Ask, seek and knock are all Greek present imperatives which means "ask continually" "seek and keep seeking" "Knock and continue to knock." What this verse is teaching is that we are to persist in prayer. The promise that goes with it is that it will be given, I will find, the door will be opened. God rewards persistent prayer! My Pa knelt at 82 years of age and wept as he was baptised. Gran had been praying for him since they first became friends and more than 60 years later Pa's resistance gave way.

A - I am praying for the healthiest church in Australia. I long that we would read God's Word, pray, worship, love, serve, grow and share our faith with joy. I pray that for my marriage and for my children - that we would be able to thrive while firmly grounded on the Rock.

P - Father, you are my Rock. I pray that you would hear and answer my prayer. I pray that your church in Wodonga would grow in health as right across our family we become more and more like your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Reading - Matthew 7

Daily Journal reading for Tuesday 15th December 2009

2009-12-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

FINALLY - THERE IS NO OTHER

S - "To him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen !

O - This beautiful and wonderful scripture comes at the end of the book of Jude. It summarizes the work of our God through Jesus Christ, and the appropriate response to Him from us. He is the glory. We are to honour and give glory to Him. He can prevent us from falling away. Jude cautions those who do so. He is able to help us to continue in our faith. He is the one and only true God. He is our Saviour, for all time, eternally.

A - I have a God who knows me, who loves me, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and in whom, all things are possible. i need to continually praise and honour and give glory to this amazing God. He is everything to me, and I hope, everything to you. Honour His glorious Name!

P - Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to help me remain in you. Help me to honour and give glory to you in the way that is fitting. Help me to continue to live my life in a way that honours your Name. Amen.

Daily Reading 1 John5 - Jude 25

Daily Journal Reading for Monday 14th December 2009

2009-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

TRUE LOVE

S - "God is love. whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" 1 John 4:16b

O - Love is, as we know, the greatest and most essential of all emotions and powers. Yet love is so confusing. In all of us, it seems, we have an innate ability to need love, and to give love. But here, the scriptures are clear, that "true love" can never be experienced apart from God. God is "love". True Love. And if we live a life of love, we cannot live it apart from God. God's essential nature and character is "love". Therefore, as we live a life of love, we live a life filled with the awareness of God. Even more, this awareness of God, becomes more intimate. As we love, we live in Him, and He in us. The two, love and God, are inseparable.

A - As I live on this earth, I know my greatest challenge is to truly love God and others as God intends me to. That is, willingly, sacrificially, and intentionally. Sometimes this is hard, as essentially I am selfish; but love and selfishness can never exist together. So, this scripture, encourages me to live more intentionally a life of love, in the awareness and knowledge that as I do, I am truly loving God. Love and God are inseparable.

P - Father, help me to be more loving and to be more aware of the need to deepen my love for you and others as I live a life of love. Thankyou that your essential nature is truly love. Amen.

Daily Reading 1 John Chapters 2-4

Daily Journal for Friday 11th of December 2009

2009-12-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

EARNEST PRAYER!

S - Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced it's crops. James 5:17-19

O - Elijah was a great man but really he was just a human being like me, with the same limitations and opportunities as me. He us what he had to pray earnestly and God answered - rain stopped for three and a half years. What a prayer! Then he prayed again and it rained again. What bold prayers, what amazing answers.

A - I can pray. I have everything Elijah had. What enormous prayer am I praying? What am I earnestly praying for? The healthiest church in Australia? 5,000 people worshipping in our church within 10 years? That God would use my kids to greatly impact the world? That I might raise up 25 men & women for full-time Christian ministry within five years? Revival right across the region?

P - Father, I want to earnestly pray that our church would be the healthiest church in Australia and would double in size within the next two years. I will keep praying this prayer earnestly for the coming two years.

Daily Readings James 3 - 1 Peter 1

Daily Journal for Wednesday 9th of December 2009

2009-12-08T14:54:00.001-08:00

A REASON TO PERSEVERE!

S - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

O - Because of the example of the great men and women of faith who lived and died looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and a heavenly home, enduring hardship and suffering, we should live in the same way. We should follow their example. How? Run the race! Run it with perseverance. Run the race that God has marked out for us, the one he's called us to run. Remove all the obstacles that might get in the way and the sin that can trip you up and run.

A - Today, I look to the example of the Biblical men and women of faith. I also look to people like Spurgeon, Finney, Keith Green, my Nanny and Grandad. I also look to men and women alive today, Bill Hybels, Andy Stanley, Gayle Hill, my wife Mandy. And I run. I run, seeking to do God's will, knowing that the promises are ahead and are true no matter how challenging it may be now.

P - Father, thank-you for the hope we can have in the promises you have given us. Help me to remember the example of so many Christians as I run my race. Amen.

Daily Reading - Hebrews 11-12

Daily Journal for Tuesday 8th of December 2009

2009-12-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

THE MOST DREADFUL THING!

S - It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

O - The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews were in danger of hardening their hearts, falling away, stopping meeting together and throwing away their confidence. The reason seems to be because they were facing persecution (Heb. 10:32-34). The writer explains in chapter 10 that Jesus has made it possible to be forgiven and come to God once and for all and he urges them to draw near to God.

Then the writer pens verse 31. "It is a dreadful thing." I've experienced dreadful things happening to others like tsunamis, car accidents and abuse. There's a horror and fear perhaps like when you realise your child is missing in a crowd. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. We won't have to give an account of our lives to our mockers or persecutors, the media or our friends but we will have to give an account to God. To be unprepared, fallen away, to have thrown away your confidence - what a terrible, horrible thing! The living God will judge justly. Nothing but the blood of Jesus will save me.

A - Who is trying to shape my life? Who are I most in danger of following? It's it the desire to have more? Is it the influence of my friends, or the television's thoughts and influences? God has made a way for what is most important. Now that I have been covered with the blood of Jesus, once for all, I want to live everyday obeying, serving, loving, the God I have drawn near to in Christ. Today I live without fear, without hard hearts - but with confidence that God is my God and Christ has taken the dreadful punishment I deserved on himself.

P - Father, thank-you. This verse gives me just a glimpse of the horror you have saved me from. You are good to me. Help me to share this good news with others so that they can be saved too. Amen.

Daily Reading - Hebrews 9-10

Daily Journaling for Monday 7th of December 2009

2009-12-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

JESUS SAVES, AND PRAYS!

S - Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

O - Jesus' name means "one who saves". Jesus is able to save utterly, completely, perfectly, those who come to God through him. There is no other way - Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But those who come to the Father through Jesus, are absolutely, emphatically, forever saved. And the reason? Not only has he paid the price for our sins and risen again so that we are completely saved, but also he intercedes for those who have come to God through him. He intercedes always, without ceasing. Right now his is interceding for us. In fact this verse he always lives to intercede for us. This is Jesus' constant stance towards us. Praying to the Father so that we who are completely saved continue on in this state, finding the strength of live each day for Him.

A - I have been saved completely! What an incredible gift of grace. There is nothing I have done to earn it. There is nothing more I need to do to keep it. Jesus has completely forever saved me. This fills me with assurance and confidence. Not in me but in Christ. I will live today with a fresh awareness that Jesus saved me completely.

Today too I am filled with wonder and awe and feel I am in a position of overwhelming grace to realise that Jesus is interceding for me. Whatever I face, Jesus is praying. Whatever challenges, Jesus is interceding. When I come to the Father, Jesus is presenting my requests.

P - Thank-you Jesus for your saving grace. Thank-you for your constant prayers. Help me to live in the truth every day that I am completely saved and you are praying for me always! Amen.

Daily Readings - Hebrews 6-8

Daily Reading for Tuesday 8th December 2009

2009-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

A SACRIFICE ONCE AND FOR ALL

S - "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever, those who are being made holy" Hebrews 10:12-14

O - We have been studying in our small group the book of Hebrews. The title is called, "From Shadow to Reality". The Law was the shadow of the fulfillment of Christ's death and sacrifice for the sins of man. No substitute such as the blood of goats or bulls could ever really appease a Holy and righteous God. The High Priest was unable, in reality, to take away the sins of the people through obeying the requirements of the law. That is why he had to repeat the offerings. Now Jesus, who is our Great High Priest, has come, and through the death of his body, he made the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, and overcame sin. This victory, is victory indeed. Jesus has triumphed over His and our enemies, and in the process has made us perfect.
A - I can hardly imagine, believe, or be thankful enough, for this enormous gift from God. In daily life, how little we treat sin; intentional or unintentional. Yet God went to such enormous lengths to redeem that sin, through his Son, Jesus Christ. I need to be constantly aware of the cost and the sacrifice of this. This understanding should direct my behaviour, thoughts and attitudes, so that I endeavour to try to sin as little as possible.
P - Father, Help me to be more aware of the extent of your hatred for sin, and the enormous lengths you have gone to to combat sin, through Jesus. Help me to be aware of the incredible gift I have of redemption, and to walk in your ways. Amen.
Daily Readings Hebrews 9&10

Daily Journal for Thursday 3rd of December 2009

2009-12-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

LETTING GOD'S GIFTS BURN BRIGHTLY

S - For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

O - Fan into flame, Paul says, the gift of God. This may've been his spiritual gift or his calling as a pastor which was recognised when Paul laid hands on him and prayed for him. Whatever it was, Timothy was not to let the smoldering embers go out, but to breathe fresh wind onto the gift so that it ignites into flames and gets stronger. Gifts aren't given fully developed. We need to use them and become more and more skilled in using them. Timothy was to do this facing any fear with courage, having faith in God's power, showing great love and self-discipline.

A - One of the key gifts I've been given is the call from God and from the congregation to be their pastor. I must continue to fan into flame this gift. The other is the gift of preaching. Is it a hugely important gift that can easily be neglected. I must continually fan this gift into flame, so that many, many others will hear and respond to the good news of the gospel.

P - Father, I feel I have a rare responsibility. The opportunity to speak to hundreds of people each week who are coming to hear your voice. Help me to guard this gift and fan it into flame. Amen

Daily Reading - 1 Timothy 5 - 2 Timothy 1

Daily Journaling for Wednesday 2nd of December 2009

2009-12-01T14:05:00.001-08:00

HOW ARE YOU GROWING TODAY?

S - Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15

O - Paul says to Timothy, "Be diligent!" Persevere with care. Pay close attention as you keep going without giving up. He also says, "give yourself wholly" meaning be totally committed to it, giving all that you have completely to it. To what? To these matters. To what matters? To the gospel, to the preaching and teaching of God's Word, to training in godliness, to setting an example for the believers, to using the gifts God has given to us. Why? So that everyone may see your progress and in seeing this others will follow your example.

A - I must be constantly growing. As a pastor, Paul speaks to me. "Work hard!" "Grow!" He urges me to continually learn and grow in the task of being a pastor. Learn more, read more, pray more. Grow in preaching and teaching skills. Grow in my personally holiness. Grow in the example I set. Grow in the use of the gifts I've been given.

Instead of asking "How are you going?" I need to ask myself each day "How am I growing?" When it comes to my grow how could I be more diligent?

P - Father, thank you for my salvation - a gift given to me through Christ death and resurrection. Help me to be intentional today in growing. May I be so diligent that others see my progress. Amen.

Daily Reading - 1 Timothy 1-4

Daily Journaling for Tuesday 1st of December 2009

2009-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

GIVE IT OVER TO GOD

S - God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

O - God is just! He does see when people do evil things. He does notice the violence of war, exploitation of children, the agony of hunger caused by brutal leadership. God is just! He does notice those who trouble me. When people hurt, criticise unfairly, lash out or even willfully try to harm me, God sees. More than that - he will payback trouble on them. They will be judged for the pain and hurt caused. It may not happen now but when Christ comes in all his blazing glory - it will happen.

A - God is just! Therefore, I can leave the issue of "putting things right" when I am troubled by others, in God's hands. "Vengeance is mine" says the Lord. All that energy that I could spend on trying to make sure that I am not unfairly treated can be thrown into working for God and his glory. I can rest assured that God will judge fairly.

This verse is also a challenges to me. How I treat people is seen by God and he'll judge justly. I must always seek to treat others with respect and love.

P - Father, what a good thing it is to know that you are just. You are pure, right, holy. There is no wrong, sin, unfairness in you. I give all my troubles over to your care. Amen.

Daily Readings 1 Thess 5 - 2 Thess 3

Daily Journal for Wednesday 26th November 2009

2009-11-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

SEALED BY THE SPIRIT

S - Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory" Ephesians 1:13b-14

O - Jesus not only died for us but he also was raised from the dead. He not only substituted himself for our sins, but he didn't leave us alone. He gave us His Spirit. This Spirit is "sealed" in us, like a deposit which "guarantees" our inheritance (eternal glory). Can we really grasp the full extent of the majesty, the wonder, the awe and the grace of such a blessing.

A - Every day I want to live my life to the fullest surrender to Him, who has given me, and us, so much. I am alive because of the Spirit that is already in me. But I also want to continue to focus on the fact that I have eternal life with Jesus. This life starts now and continues forever. Praise God!

P- Father how can I thank you enough that you have given us such a gift as the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us. Help us to honour and deepen our relationship with your Spirit I pray. Amen.

Daily Readings Chapters Galatians 5 to Ephesians 1

Daily Journaling for Tuesday 24th of November 2009

2009-11-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

A FAMILY OF FAITH

S - You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

O - Paul was reminding the Galatians who they were. They were already son and daughters of God. Not slaves but sons. Not those who must slavishly obey a harsh and demanding owner but those who have been adopted by a loving Father whose love is not based on works but on relationship. How did this happen? Simple - through faith in Christ! (see Rom 10:13 & John 1:12)

A - I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I therefore can agree with certainty that I am God's child - his son. I am accepted not by works but by a loving Father, through faith in Jesus Christ. I will today delight in knowing that I am loved. That this love is not dependent o my actions. I will give, serve, and obey my Father who loves, confident of his unconditional love and the relationship I have with him through faith.

P - Father, thank-you for the privilege of being your Son, of being able to call you "Abba," "Pappa," "Daddy." Thank-you for Jesus. Thank-you that through faith in him I am part of this new family - your beautiful bride - the Church - all one in Christ. Amen

Daily Reading - Galatians 3-4

Daily Journal for Thursday 19th of November 2009

2009-11-18T15:40:00.001-08:00

BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD CHARACTER

S - Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33

O - Bad company corrupts good character. Being in the presence of people with questionable morals or behaviour, hanging around with them for long periods of time, becoming a companion to somebody who is bad, will have an affect. It will corrupt the godly values that lead to good character.

The fact that most people don't believe this and become friends with whoever is available, is why Paul begins this verse with a strong warning - "Do not be misled." Often our desire to be loved or accepted over-rules our judgement and we follow people who can hurt us, control us and lead us in the opposite direction to where we want to go.

On yesterday's news a group of three men were jailed for beating many people on random attacked over a number of weeks. On one occasion, while one was beating a defenseless man with a baseball bat, the other stopped him and took the bat off. "You're not doing it right" he said and then gave the man the blows which cracked his skull leaving him almost dead.

A - If I feel that God wants me to grow in godly character, it just doesn't make sense to become companions with people who have no desire for that. It would be like going north along the Hume Highway to get to Melbourne! No matter how much I want to get there and no matter how fast I drive, I wont get there. I've started heading in the wrong direction.

I can love these people, show kindness and hospitality to them, and spend time getting to know and help them. But those I am one with, those I hang with, those I give permission to shape and nurture me, I want to be good company not bad.

That's why I need to choose my friends wisely, not marry someone who doesn't know and love Jesus, take seriously my role as a father by lovingly shaping my kids and by having godly character myself and creating a home environment that helps this to happen. That's why I need to be careful about the time I spend and the content I view on television. That's why selecting leaders in the church is so important. They influence others. They must be people who people have great confidence in, not in their skills alone but in their character.

P - God, help me be a man of good, godly character. Help me gather around me a group of people who will help to fan into flame, godly character and not corrupt it. Amen.

Daily Readings 1 Corinthians 14-16

Daily Journal for Wednesday 18th November 2009

2009-11-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

LOVE

S - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
1 Cor 13: 4-7

O - This description of love is so complete, so radical and confronting. Here we have the what and the how of love, as well as the outcomes of love. What love should be? - patient and kind. How does it achieve this? By not boasting, being proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, not delighting in evil, but rejoicing in truth. The outcomes of love should be, protection, trust, hope and perseverance in love, and love alone.

A - When I am confronted by this beautiful and amazing description of love, I am humbled and ashamed. So often my love pales into insignificance to this description. How I am challenged to be better at loving. I know i need all the strength that the Holy Spirit can give me in order to enable me to love as God intended.

P - Dear Jesus, please help me, by your Spirit to love more deeply and selflessly every day I pray.

Amen.

Daily Readings from 1 Corinthians Chapters 12 to 14

Daily Journal for Tuesday 17th November 2009

2009-11-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

STANDING FIRM

S - "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"

1 Cor 10:12-13

O - Paul has just finished telling us about the Jews who wandered in the desert for 40 years and died, as they were tempted by idols, immorality and grumbling. I don't think anything in all of mankind has changed. We are still tempted by these things every day. But the scripture here gives a warning and an encouragement. The warning is to not take your faith for granted. To remain standing firm. This is the first part of a familiar scripture to which, the second is often only quoted. God is faithful. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will provide a way out for us, but we must stand firm in Him first.

A- How often I am tempted, especially in the area of grumbling. I grumble when I am tired, when I am hurt, when I am taken for granted. Yet I fail to see so often the blessings that God has given me. On Sunday we had an amazing service of Thanksgiving to God, and it reminds us that He is our rock, and that we have so much to be thankful for. Praise God that He is thankful.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for being tempted in so many ways. Help me to remain faithful and steadfast in you so that when I am tempted, I am reminded of the strength and support I have in you and the faith to overcome. Amen.

Daily Readings from 1 Corinthians Chapters 10&11

Daily Journal for Friday 13th November 2009

2009-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

OUR LIVES ARE NOT ABOUT FOOD AND DRINK

S - For the Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men" Romans 14:17-18

O - Eating and drinking are a joy and one of the most wonderful ways in life to celebrate and connect with people.

As you sit with someone over a meal, you seem to be better able to share and experience real intimacy. It truly is a joy. However, here, Paul has been writing in the context of individual deeply held beliefs about abstaining from certain foods which may be clean or unclean to the person you are with. He is not saying that food and drink in and of themselves is bad, they are not, but he is saying that for some people, the eating or drinking of certain foods and liquids may offend a person's deeply held held belief. In this case, we should be careful what we eat or drink in front of others. He then goes on to say, that in God's Kingdom, eating and drinking is secondary to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

A - Wow! These thoughts are so revolutionary, as today we live in a world saturated and almost obsessed with food and wine. In many ways these have become symbols of sophistication, wealth and prestige. I was with some refugees this week, and they find it hard to not pray for "daily bread" every day in a real way. Their friend said, "You don't have to pray for this here in Australia". They have learned to live in extreme faith. Our abundance has caused us to lose sight of the important things in the Kingdom of God. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

P - Dear Lord Jesus, help us as Western Christians to understand, that although we have so much, we also have so little. Help us to truly honour the important things in life, the things of the Spirit. Help us also to be more generous and to give more our of the abundance we have. Amen.

Daily Readings from Romans Chapters 14-15

Daily Journal For Wednesday 11th November 2009

2009-11-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF GOOD NEWS

S - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

O - Paul has been talking about the fact that the Good News has become known to the Gentiles as well as the Jews; that God is sovereign, and He desires that all people everywhere would know about Jesus Christ. Then, he says this amazing thing: "How will anyone know about Him, if people do not speak and go!. Previously he said that it is with our mouths we confess, and with our hearts we believe. Why should this amazing news be kept to just ourselves.

A - When I stop and really think about his, I am humbled and convicted. I have the most amazing God who loves me so much and cares deeply for me. I understand what true life is because of Jesus. I understand that there is nothing better in life than to be empowered by His Spirit, and to serve Him. I know that that is truly "New Life". Why should this amazing truth be kept secret? I am convicted in how very irregularly I proclaim the message to others.

P - Dear Jesus forgive me for not speaking out more about you and the life we have in you. Lord Jesus, help me to be a person who takes every opportunity to speak out about your greatness I pray. Amen.

Daily Reading Romans Chapters 9 to 11.

Daily Journal for Wednesday 4th November 2009

2009-11-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

THE CHILL OF GRACE

S - "And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:22-24

O - There is a spiritual beauty in winter in the Alpine area where we live. We go there many times during the season. There is a quietness, a silence, a majesty, an awe, and and unpredictability that makes the season and the area, at once glorious, and also terrifying. Paul was miraculously saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. But because of his persecution of the believers, earlier, in Acts, Jesus says that "I will show him how much he will suffer for my name" Chapter 9:16 . Grace was costly for Jesus. It seems that if we are prepared to truly follow Jesus, compelled even, there are no guarantees of what life will bring. Paul's life was not easy. There was a "chill factor", to the incredible warmth of grace that Christ showed to him. Paul was forgiven and saved for all eternity to be with Jesus, but his life on earth was not easy. Yes, it was full of glory, but also at times, terrifying hardship. The Gospel of Grace is dangerous, powerful and unpredictable. Incredible that God allows incomplete and broken vessels like ourselves, to handle and be responsible for it.

O - How easy it is to fall into the rhythm of taking grace for granted; believing we understand it's power to save in ways that are appealing and not too confronting for others. Yet grace is completely confronting. It is completely dangerous. I think the scriptures here are saying that there are consequences to being a recipient of the Gospel of Grace. It can be dangerous in your own life, because Christ expects you to respond to it, by sharing it with others in ways which might be inconvenient and uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous and chilling, when we see others receive this grace, when we don't think they deserve it either. Either way, there is an extreme "chill" factor to grace, which we need to "factor" into our thinking. And there is a greater need for us to be prepared to be like Paul, and persevere with the gospel of grace, no matter what the cost.

P - Dear Jesus, Help us all to understand more completely your deeper meaning of grace to us. Help us to be prepared to follow you, no matter what the cost, no matter how hard or uncomfortable it may be. Amen.

Daily Reading Chapters 20&21

Daily Journal for Tuesday 3rd November 2009

2009-11-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

PLAYING WITH FIRE

S - Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of the Lord Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out!" Seven sons of Sceva a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you? Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding".

O - The name of Jesus is so powerful that both light and darkness respond to it in extreme ways. These Jews were more than likely unbelievers but working in Jesus name. It seems as if they were having success, driving out demons. But, then they cam to a man with a demon who didn't recognize to whom they belonged. It's incredible to think that when we belong to Jesus the demons also recognize and know us. This must be a truth for all believers. These men were playing with fire. They were working in Jesus' name (which was so powerful) yet were not covered by His name. (because of their lack of personal commitment to Him). As a result - they were beaten and overcome.

A - This is a timely reminder of the power of Jesus, and the authority he has given to us as His children. In His name, mighty miracles can be accomplished by ordinary people like me. As a believer even the demons know who Gayle Hill is! As a daughter of the King, and as I remain in him, I am open to claiming the authority I have "in Him". This authority extends to invoking demons to flee "in His name". But it is also a timely reminder of the real power that is at work in the heavenlies, light and darkness.

P - Dear Jesus, help us all to become more aware of the your powerful name in fighting the enemy. Help us to remain deeply within you so we are protected in this battle - in your Holy name, I pray. Amen.

Daily Reading from Acts Chapters 18&19