Shepherd?
January 26, 2012
Romans 8v28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
The dictionary describes a shepherd as an individual who will guide, direct or watch over.
God’s purpose is that we are all shepherds. We are all on earth to support the lost, guide the lost, help the lost, look out for the lost and go after the lost.
Through you ‘a’ shepherd they can see ‘The’ shepherd.
The very first shepherd was Abel. Abraham and Moses were shepherds. King David was the best-known shepherd of Bible history.
Shepherds were the first people to see the newborn Jesus Christ.
Shepherds are servants, shepherds are committed, shepherds are loyal, shepherds are focused and shepherds would lay down their life for just one of their flock.
There is a commonly held belief that shepherds in Bible times would break the legs of lambs that constantly wandered away.
The shepherd will then bind up the broken leg; carry the sheep upon his shoulders and hand feed the sheep. In this way the sheep learns dependence and trust in the shepherd and learns to respond to his voice.
Now I am clearly not saying God inflicts pain! A loving Father would never do that to His own son or daughter. What I am saying is that God can use all things to work together for good. He can take a bad financial situation, dysfunctional relationship or family breakdown and turn it around. Through that process He allows the individual to recognize His voice again while being carried on His shoulders. In our weakness He is our strength.
Sometimes people wander so far from God they get into situations where they ask themselves “how did I get myself into this mess” Where is God now when I need him?
This is where you step in. The loyal shepherd who has been a friend no matter what the individual chose to do.
The shepherd who did not judge but loved.
The shepherd who cared more about the person than the problem.
The shepherd who went after the one.
Attractive?
January 18, 2012
Acts 4v32 All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had.
This is the book in the bible where the church started. The church took form, the church grew, the church was like nothing that had ever been before.
The church was attractive and people were joining. The church was growing naturally, organically because of the raw transformation in the people.
The people had one heart and one mind. That was the heart and mind of Jesus, the heart and mind that focused on others. The heart and mind that resulted in sharing their homes and belongings with others.
One thing I notice in this passage is that they don’t actually go out looking for people.
People came to them.
People saw the authentic community and they want to join.
I am all for outreach. I am all for reaching the lost and the poor. I am all for going after the ‘one’. However the truth is that when we mimic, copy, reflect the heart and mind of Jesus people are attracted.
As we come to an end of this months focus ‘the one’ I encourage you to focus on your own personal walk with Christ. Your own personal journey of transformation.
As you become more like Christ your community can see more of Christ.
Your actions demonstrate Faith, Hope and Love.
You are Jesus with skin on and sometimes the only glimpse of Jesus people will see.
True attractiveness is not how good looking you are,
It is how good Jesus is looking in your life
The ONE
January 5, 2012
Focus: The one.
Matthew 18:12-14 (MSG)
“Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and ONE of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the ONE? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.
When I was growing up I collected football stickers. Every weekend I would spend my £1.50 pocket money on 6 packets of boyish fun. Some days I would get a ‘shiney’, which was a rare football sticker of one of the best players. Finding one was like finding the Golden ticket in a Willy Wonker chocolate bar.
If God was the sticker collector and we were the stickers can you imagine how we would feel if God had favorites? Imagine if God saw some people as rare ‘shinny’s’ and others as common? Imagine if God only went after SOME instead of the ONE.
The good news is that Jesus died for everyONE,
God wants a relationship with everyONE.
Freedom is for everyONE
Grace is for everyONE
His love is for everyONE
Because our God is a God who goes after the ONE we should be sons and daughters who go after the ONE.
People who do everything we can to help people back to Gods presence.
No matter what inconvenience comes your way make 2012 a year focused on the ONE.
New years resolution?
December 29, 2011
John 21v25 There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.
The last verse in the book of John draws attention to the fact that more happened than is mentioned in the bible. More people were saved, healed, restored, forgiven and transformed. More people were touched by Jesus but did not feature in the bible.
This indicates that what is in the Bible, is the most significant, the priority. The message that we read is what God wanted us to know and remember, what He wanted us to apply to our lives.
So what do we make a daily priority so that we live out the message?
Over Christmas people worry about what they eat in-between Christmas and New Years Eve but really what matters is what they eat in between New Years Eve and Christmas, as it is this that makes all the difference. Not what you do for one week of the year but what you do every day of the year.
It’s not what you do every now and then but what you do day in and day out that makes a difference. Your daily habits mold your future and change the lives of others.
It is easy to focus on the big ‘change’. “This year I will start… Soon I will give up… However it starts with the small and often, it starts with your daily priority.
If you’ve got more energy for changing the world than changing yourself, you’ve got it out of order. The world is changed when individuals change into the likeness of Christ.
They say that when you introduce a new discipline every day for one month it will become a habit. Something you do without thinking, like going to brush your teeth or getting dressed.
So maybe the challenge is not setting new-year resolutions but setting a daily priority that will become a habit for 2012
What could bring you closer to Jesus or help someone with his or her walk with Jesus? Allocating some time in the morning to sit-down with your bible and journal while reading the church devotionals? Dedicating five minutes a day to give someone an encouraging phone call?
As we head into 2012 with so many goals, dreams and ambitions why not focus on Jesus and think about what priority you could you apply daily to your life to make it a habit and start this year strong.
The stories that made it into the bible are there because they are a priority for us to know. When we prioritize the message of Jesus as a daily discipline the message becomes accessible to others.
A leap into the future starts with one small step in the present.
When Jesus is at the centre everything else falls into it’s right place
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
Try something new?
December 21, 2011
John 18v8-9 (MSG) “I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”10Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.
Here Jesus is about to be taken away by the roman soldiers. His ‘hard as nails’ mate Simon Peter then cuts off the right ear of Malchus, one of the men there to take Jesus away to be crucified.
In Luke 22v50 you can see that Jesus then heals the ear of Malchus.
The man who was there to take Jesus to His death was then blessed by Jesus.
A key part to forgiveness is blessing your enemy. It sounds so foreign because it is the opposite reaction we see in movies, TV and in our culture today.
An example of this can be seen in this story.
There was a pastor who grew a church, which helped the homeless and the drug addicted.
He did a great job but for some reason a newspaper reporter decided to write lies about him each week saying that he was a fraud and a liar. The Pastor started to develop a hate for this man and that hate took over his life making him negative, bitter and angry. He cried out to God asking him for a solution and he read:
Proverbs 25:21 If you see your enemy hungry go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.
So he decided to bless his enemy. He put $100 each month into the reporters account. The newspaper reporter had no idea where the money was coming from.
The Pastor said that after blessing his enemy he felt compassion and love for him instead of anger and hate. The reporter still wrote negative stuff, however every time the pastor read the articles he smiled and felt an even more urgent need to pray for him.
When we can bless the person we find it so hard to love and forgive we see change. God can change our heart and bring freedom!
When people are rude and unfriendly bless them with the warmest welcome.
When people are negative and destructive be the most positive and constructive blessing you can be.
When people mistreat you, belittle you or bully you stand your ground, be strong and then shower them with a grace that only can take place because you are connected to the love of the Father.
Question: Am I struggling to forgive? Have I considered blessing my enemy?
Tis the season to forgive
December 15, 2011
John 20v23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
So we are only a few days from Christmas. The festive mulled wine, the excessive pairs of socks, a huge stuffed turkey and the fun family games. No matter what age I am I will always have fun using the wrapping paper tube as a light Sabre.
Over the seasonal period the past can sometimes be brought up, bitterness can creep in and we can start to realize that forgiveness is a lot harder than we originally thought.
Forgiveness or un-forgiveness is relevant to everyone because it affects us all. We all have people we stru
ggle to forgive or just won’t forgive and there are also people who we would like to forgive us.
Un-forgiveness can lead to several things: bitterness, anger, insecurity, loneliness and pain.
It actually damages you more than other people. It molds who you are and shapes your future.
Forgiveness does not mean forget. The old tale says ‘forgive and forget’ but this is not how it works. It’s an added bonus when you can forget but from experience I have found for most people this is not the case. For example if a girl is abused by her boyfriend she can forgive him and even find peace but the chances of her forgetting it are very slim.
The most important element is the forgiveness.
We are called to embrace salvation and transform into the likeness of Christ. This includes forgiving people. This is what separates us from the world.
No revenge, no backstabbing just Grace.
It actually takes a choice. A choice to forgive. A choice to grow into the likeness of Christ
People want more of Christ but they don’t want to be more like Christ.
It is hard to forgive but it is not something we are asked to do it is something we are called to do.
Jesus forgave us for all our sins. His GRACE covers us.
How well behaved we are is irrelevant. How religious we are means nothing.
By his GRACE, by the CROSS we can follow in the footsteps of Jesus and forgive others like he did.
V is for Visionary (Part 2)
December 9, 2011
Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls.
These six steps show how his visionary plan unfolded.
1) SEE THE NEED-Nehemiah 1v4
Nehemiah weeps and prays to God when he hears the news of the demolished city walls. He recognizes the need.
The British TV show Dragons Den supply’s us with hours of entertainment. The content of the show involves many visionary individuals with a new idea or concept.
The definition of a visionary is: Thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom.
The imaginative and creative people on Dragons Den have not sat down and tried to squeeze out a visionary idea. They have just gone about their daily business and then have seen a need. From a car seat improvement to an Ipod app. They have seen a need and then used their imagination and wisdom to fix, improve or change it.
What need do you see in your community? What need would break the heart of Jesus? Does it break your heart?
If we act on the needs that Jesus would, we will be doing the will of God.
2) STEP OUT -Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah was compelled into action because his heart broke for the people.
He goes to see the king to do something about the wall being down.
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision and action can change the world.
Are you Visionary or Stationary?
A leap into the future starts with one small step in the present.
3) FOLLOW THROUGH-Nehemiah 2v8
Nehemiah asked for wood to build a house. He was committed to the vision and He was not moving until it came to pass.
HE WAS AWARE OF THE DREAM BUT FOCUSED ON THE DAY.
He was part of Gods visionary plan so his action was commitment.
Are you planted or do you move from church to church? From team to team? From vision to vision?
4) DREAM BIG-Nehemiah 2v11
Nehemiah now has the plans to rebuild the wall but they are big plans. The vision is rather large.
The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.
Nehemiah knew who he was connected to God so he could dream big.
If you can see the invisible, through you He can do the impossible.
Moses stood in front of the red sea
David stood in front of Goliath
Sampson stood in front of thousands of Philistines
Jesus stood in front of death
They all knew whom they were connected to
The situation in front of you is never as big as the power behind you
5) SEE WHAT OTHERS DON’T SEE -Nehemiah 2v17
Nehemiah then gathered all the leaders and shared with them the vision to rebuild the wall.
It seemed strange that the people of Jerusalem had not considered rebuilding the wall.
They had become accustomed to the wall being down
Nehemiah saw what others did not see. He saw the need because he had not become accustomed to it.
What have we become accustomed to? The sort of need we walk past but do not register it because we see it all the time?
A visionary like the Wright Brothers who flew the first aircraft saw what others did not see.
They will dream what others do not dream.
They will build what others do not build.
Nehemiah 2v19- MAKE A STAND
Nehemiah gets heckled by a few men who were listening to his visionary speech about rebuilding the wall.
There are always people who will try and pull you down. Destructive, negative people who will put much effort in to stopping Gods plan unfolding in your life.
A visionary will stand no matter what the cost.
A visionary will persevere no matter what words are said.
A visionary will lay their life down for the dream, vision and cause because it is what gets them up everyday. It is their calling, their purpose. It is what their heart breaks for.
Don’t worry about words of man trust in the word of your maker
A vision that doesn’t cost anything is just a day dream
Christmas Gift
December 1, 2011
John 3v16: New Living Translation (NLT)
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Have you ever had a Christmas present that you were not expecting? When I was nine I was a Jurassic Park fanatic. Jurassic Park is all about dinosaurs for those of you who did not get to see the epic blockbuster.
All I wanted for Christmas was the Jurassic park red jeep (the toy version). I made it so obvious to my parents and was confident I would receive it on the crisp winters morning of December 25th.
On Christmas day I woke and saw a wrapped rectangle box which was in the shape of the Jurassic Park red jeep. I ran, embraced the present and started ripping off the wrapping paper with joy and uncontainable excitement. I was deeply disappointed to find that it wasn’t the Jurassic Park jeep at all; it was a pair of light up LA Gear trainers! The black ones that flash like a Spanish discothèque when you walk.
I was really upset, the gift I expected was not what I received.The present I had hoped for never arrived.
One week went by and I was back at school and everyone loved my trainers. I had no idea they would be such a popular attraction. My original disappointment quickly turned to joy as I paraded my flashing footwear like I was strutting down a London Catwalk.
When Jesus was born He was not what people expected.
They expected a King that they would serve but instead received a king who served them.
They expected a King who was about position but instead they received a King who was about people.
They expected a king with a metal sword and armor but instead they received a King who had the word and Holy Spirit.
They expected a King who would reign for a generation or two. They received a King who changed history.
History is now His-Story
Gods gift is a free gift because He so loved the world.
Gods gift is Jesus
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, in every way.
Merry Christmas
SAVED
November 28, 2011
When I was 18 I worked as a waiter at an up market seafood restaurant. During this period I served Prince Harry, The English Rugby team and a famous Violinist whose name I can’t seem to remember. One of my customers asked me what I did when I wasn’t a waiter. I went on to explain how I am studying Theology at Bible College. He asked if I had been brought up in a Christian home to which I responded yes! “There you go” he said. Slightly troubled I asked him what he meant. He said that people only have their faith because it is the way they are brought up.
I knew my faith was real to me and that’s that but I found myself asking myself how many people would have this mind set and actually believe that this was the only reason for believing. So I have put together this simple but understandable way in which people get saved! I guarantee that if you are a Christian you will be able to put yourself into one of these categories.
SUPERMAN
Superman has had his super powers his whole life. He has been lifting cars since the age of four and using his X-ray vision for various things during his teenage years. He has always been Superman! Although sometimes he struggled with his identity he has had his powers since the day of his birth.
This is like the Christian who has grown up their whole life in church and has always been a Christian. From a young age they gave their life to God and have never looked back. Although sometimes they might have struggles with their identity they have had a relationship with God, from the beginning they were SAVED.
BATMAN
When Batman was a young boy he saw a bat fly into him. This captured him and changed his life. He lived his teenage years and early 20′s as Bruce Wayne with cars, money and girls. However this didn’t satisfy him and he was searching. He remembered the bat from when he was a young boy and from that point on stepped into his destiny and became BATMAN!
This is like the Christian who might have gone to Sunday school, a Christian school or had a Christian friend when they were younger. They heard about Christ and it captivated them! a seed was sown which could change their life. The person carries on searching for wealth, relationships and success but still finds themselves empty. They remember what they learnt about Jesus or the truth of a living relationship with God so they give their life to Christ and step into their purpose and Destiny they are SAVED.
SPIDERMAN
Spider man is Peter Parker during the day. A normal geeky guy who no one has particularly noticed before. One day he gets bitten by a freak spider which changes him over night. He wakes up with new powers and a new destiny. He steps into his purpose and becomes Spiderman.
This is like the Christian who has had no Christian up bringing or knowledge. They go through life not really knowing they could have a relationship with God. One day they have a freak accident. They might walk into a church, loose a loved one, become sick, read the bible or feel the presence of God. Something which causes them to look to God and Find him. It is at this point they receive Christ as their Lord and savior, they find their purpose and destiny THEY ARE SAVED!
It doesn’t matter how you got SAVED! a ten year drug dealer or a ten year librarian.
How you got saved is your story and it is powerful!
We are all SAVED by GRACE! Ephesians 2v8
Lighten up
November 23, 2011
Luke 8v16 No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hide it under a bed. A Lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.
The great thing about light is that even the smallest of light can make a big difference in the dark.
A few years ago I went on a youth camp where I ended up squashed in a little tent with five other male youth leaders which was like sleeping on a London tube during rush hour. Finding my toothbrush at night was mission impossible until I got out my trusty Blackberry and shone the light from the screen. It was not a big light but it lit up the whole tent, enough for me to find my runaway toothbrush.
I tell you that story because we have the light. Let me rephrase that
WE ARE THE LIGHT!
Jesus is now living in us so when people see us they see Jesus. You might be the only Jesus your friends get to see. They may never go to church but they can see something different about you.
The problem is that for some reason we shine our light on a Sunday and keep it hidden for the rest of the week. We shine it so bright at church events we need to wear sunglasses. Light makes the biggest impact in the darkness just like it did in my tent.
So where is the darkness? Where Jesus is not.
You might not think your light is bright but it makes more impact in the darkness than you could ever imagine.
So I encourage you to love the people that have never been to church, hang out with friends who do not know Jesus and expect your light to shine at your work, school and home.
Let me leave you with some groundbreaking lyrics:
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine x3
Let it shine, let it shine let it shine
Question: Do you have friends outside of church? Where are you shinning your light?
