As a church we are having a change of pace over the summer months.  See our calendar page for details.  We decided that we needed to change what we were doing, and many of us needed a slower pace over the time.  I am going to be having a break from writing and other ministry tasks over summer and taking some time to rest, pray, play and pull back.  Sabath rest is something that even the Lord practiced and advocated.May your Christmas be refreshing and may you see Jesus afresh…the reason for the Season.

In my friends book, Movements that change the world, Steve quotes from Philip Yancey…”As I travel, I have observed a pattern, a strange historical phenomenon of God “moving” geographically from the Middle East, to Europe to North America to the developing world.  My theory is this: God goes where he is wanted.”    My question do you want Him?

Yesterday during yet another spring rain one of my children wanted to go for a walk.  Get all rugged up and go.  We discussed the logistics of this; getting wet, being sensible…I am glad we put that aside and went.  And then my son saw the first puddle, he ran and jumped in it, then my daughter, and then myself.  Again I hesitated before I did.  And the Lord said become like children.  As an adult it is so easy to forget.  To become sensible.  To only do the “smart”. My kids reminded me yesterday…we need to live.  Throw off the chains of adulthood and live.  I still held back when they rolled around in the puddle drenching their coats…but maybe next time I will take a leaf out of their book, and really live. Today, now, this moment…is all we have.  We need to be children, live and enjoy the moment.  

Continuing to read from Dallas Willard, this time from his book The Great Omission.  Classic Willard.He keeps making a statement which I think is brilliant.  Put this in your pipe and smoke it. Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning.  Just brilliant.  

Coaching in its various forms has grown as big industry in the last years.  I was reminded again the other day of the power of conversation and the power of coaching, of asking the right question or making the right comment.  In conversation with a friend, a comment was made…and clarity came to a “dilemma” I had.  All of a sudden the clouds parted and I saw life(at least an aspect) clearer again.  So simple but so profound.  

Have begun a discussion on the Book of James last Sunday as a church family.  The first section was a reminder about the trials we face and how we respond to them.  Amongst other things that section of scripture encourages us to endure.  The call is to “joyfully approach these trials, because they teach us to endure…which builds maturity in us.”   But with joy…now that is hard.  Yet have a look back a couple pages in your Bible from James to Hebrews 12:1-3 and see how Jesus chose to suffer.  The same adjective…with joy. We talked about that a bit. Jesus loved to obey His Father, he knew the benefit for us.  These aspects helped build the joy in the journey. So here is a question?  Someone answer…do you think we can choose joy when we face trials as believers, and if so how?  I await you the readers response? 

On Sunday we had a retreat sunday like we have 4 times a year…a chance to stop and as church encourage each other in a different way.  We met in groups of three or so and used the below questions to answer and therefore use to share our lives.  Perhaps they can be a challenge/encouragement for you.  Find a couple of friends and share your thoughts on what is below…

Scripture thoughts

Romans 12;1 ,2 (The Message)

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God.  You’ll be changed from the inside out.

Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Hebrews 10:24,25 (NIV)

…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Questions for sharing and reflection

1. Above are scriptures we have reflected on in the last few weeks; share aspects that grab you from the Word of God.
2. We read from Phil 3 today about the heart to know Jesus, share on your inner relationship and journey with Jesus.  How is it going?
3. On the recent DVD Peter Fitch said the journey is, from the image of God to the likeness of Christ. What area of character growth is God stirring right now in you?
4. How would your spouse/children say you are doing in the home?
5. Why has God placed you in the work you are in? 
6. Where could you connect in more than you are now within the church?  Where could the church support you more?
7. Did you have a Sabbath in the last week to play and rest?  When did you last spend time in nature?
8. Where can you see God at work that you are involved in or could be involved in?

Prayer in groups

On Sunday I shared with our church family some thoughts on Psalm 86:11. That scripture says; “Teach me your way, O Lord and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” Phrase one reminds us that if we want to walk Gods way we need Gods help to do it. Phrase two reminds us that at times our hearts get divided and when they do we are not respecting God as He deserves.  The meaning of the word undivided is the idea of being joined.  In other words your heart is not splintered between things but joined together-all towards God. We reflected on how easy it is for the heart to become divided and what areas of life God calls us to be undivided in or using a different word with slightly different meaning being wholehearted in. What a great prayer Psalm 86:11 is.  I want to walk your way Lord, so please help me.  Help my heart be undivided towards you so I give you all the respect you deserve.  There is a prayer the Lord will answer.  

As a church gathering together each Sunday at 10am we have recently been watching a dvd on worship called What is Worship put together by Vineyard Worship Resources.  Great to expand our view of worship and as a community we have enjoyed the input and the discussions in response.The message version of the Bible has this for Romans 12:1,2; a key text on worship…”So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you.  Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going -to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.  Instead, fix your attention God.  You’ll be changed from the inside out.   

It is early morning and I am preparing to walk 50 klm today to raise money for a big need.  Start walking at 5 am, be done by midnight.  Been training for 4 months.  The jokes about what condition I will be in have been running hot.  I will update later.