I had a most unusual experience as I was shopping at Anaconda. As I was being served the server was frustrated with the scanning not working properly and swore quietly a couple of times using "Jesus" as his swear word. I am normally like a bull in a china shop but instead of being abrupt I very quietly mentioned that I found his language offensive and would appreciate if he didn't use "Jesus" in that way.
His reply was something like, "well you probably wouldn't like the fact that I'm gay either".
My response, much kinder and wiser than normal, was that I had no problem with that, but as a Christian I didn't like hearing "Jesus" used as a swear word. I also mentioned that I understood it was probably pretty hectic working at Christmas time and I wasn't trying to offend him or be rude.
Interesting his response suddenly changed. He mentioned that he had been kicked out of a church because he was gay. I didn't respond with any judgement, just said that I was sorry he had been treated that way.
In the following short conversation I mentioned being a Pastor and he asked where I went so he could visit one day.
The conversation ended with this young man thanking me for bringing a smile to his day.
I am simply astounded by God who can take such an unlikely opportunity and bring good and blessing out of it.
I am learning, slowly, that quiet respectful gracefilled comments have much more ability that judgemental hard comments to touch the heart of people in whom God dwells even when they are far from him.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
The wise old woman
Sometimes in conflict we need to step out of the situation. There is a middle Eastern story about a Father who dies and leaves his 3 sons with 17 camels. The oldest gets 1/2, the 2nd gets 1/3 and the youngest gets 1/9. Since 17 cannot be divided by 2, 3 or 9 they could not resolve how to divide the camels, so they went to a wise old woman for help. The old woman thought about it for a while and then said, "Well I have a camel I don't need so why don't you have it so you can have 18 camels." They took the 18 camels and the oldest got 1/2, that is 9, the 2nd son got 1/3, that is 6, and the youngest got 1/9, that is 2. After the dividing there was 1 camel left which they gave back to the old women.
This story comes from http://www.ted.com/talks/william_ury.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2010-12-07&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email
This story comes from http://www.ted.com/talks/william_ury.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2010-12-07&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email
Monday, December 06, 2010
Answer these two questions after reading the following 3 quotes:
- What act of love from someone else have you been blessed by in recent times?
- What act of love is God calling you to make in the near future?
- “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
- Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
Quote from John Piper (www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/resources/how-to-kill-sin-part-1)
- If you are going to be the kind of person who gets up when you get knocked down and instead of planning revenge, plans fresh strategies of love; and instead of questioning God, submits to his wise and good sovereignty; and instead of whining, rejoices in tribulation and is refined like steel, then you will have to learn to kill the sins of self-pity and pride and grudge-holding and loving the praise of man. In other words, Christians who joyfully presses on in some great Cause of love and justice don't come out of nowhere. They come out of the fiery furnace of warfare with sin – fought mainly in their own souls.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Matthrew 7:6
Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Have you ever had the experience of trying to help someone and had them respond in anger?
You were trying to help, you were giving them the wisdom of your experience, you were trying to help them avoid the cost or pain of making a mistake, but they responded ungratefully.
Someone once said that the only lesson people learn is the lesson they learn for themselves. This might not be completely true, but it is true enough to be considered anytime we want to help someone.
Whenever we see a person in trouble or in need of help and we step in to save them, we are in danger of having our help thrown back at us, our care returned with hate.
This is equally true of the truths of God when we impart to someone God's truth when they have no desire to hear.
So a first step we might take is to ask ... Does this person indicate a desire to learn or grow? If not, is there something I can do (eg ask a question) that gives them an opportunity to recognise an area they want to grow in?
If there is a desire to grow then ask ... Is there a way I can empower this person to discover an answer?
Perhaps this is why so often Jesus told a story and didn't provide an explanation of the meaning?
If you want to influence someone and not be seen as interfering spending time thinking and doing things that will raise the quench for help is better than jumping in with an answer.
So, is there a quench in your life?
Have you ever had the experience of trying to help someone and had them respond in anger?
You were trying to help, you were giving them the wisdom of your experience, you were trying to help them avoid the cost or pain of making a mistake, but they responded ungratefully.
Someone once said that the only lesson people learn is the lesson they learn for themselves. This might not be completely true, but it is true enough to be considered anytime we want to help someone.
Whenever we see a person in trouble or in need of help and we step in to save them, we are in danger of having our help thrown back at us, our care returned with hate.
This is equally true of the truths of God when we impart to someone God's truth when they have no desire to hear.
So a first step we might take is to ask ... Does this person indicate a desire to learn or grow? If not, is there something I can do (eg ask a question) that gives them an opportunity to recognise an area they want to grow in?
If there is a desire to grow then ask ... Is there a way I can empower this person to discover an answer?
Perhaps this is why so often Jesus told a story and didn't provide an explanation of the meaning?
If you want to influence someone and not be seen as interfering spending time thinking and doing things that will raise the quench for help is better than jumping in with an answer.
So, is there a quench in your life?
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Influencer: The Power to Change Anything
I'm currently re-reading the book 'Influencer: The Power to Change Anything'. In it the authors suggest the need to find 'vital behaviours', that is those behaviours that have a disproportional impact on achieving outcomes.
Here are a couple examples of vital behaviours.
For Long Term Significant Weight Loss (Influencer, P.42) research indicates three vital behaviours of those who have lost significant weight and kept it off for over 6 years.
Here are a couple examples of vital behaviours.
For Long Term Significant Weight Loss (Influencer, P.42) research indicates three vital behaviours of those who have lost significant weight and kept it off for over 6 years.
- Exercise on home equipment
- Eat breakfast daily
- Weigh yourself daily
- Smile
- Make eye contact
- Identify yourself
- Let people know what you are doing and why
- End every interaction with “Is there anything else that you need?”
Matthew 7:1-5
Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Here we come across a passage commonly misinterpreted. We are encouraged in other parts of scripture to hold each other accountable, so this passage is not about never judging, it is about being very careful and merciful in our judgements.
In which areas of your life are you likely to judge others more harshly than yourself? (Example: I often complain when I see someone using a phone while driving, and then find myself answering my phone when I'm driving.)
Stephen Covey has a great book called '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and one of those habits is 'seek first to understand ... then to be understood'. How might this habit help us to be less judgemental?
Consider an area of judgementalness that you struggle with. Spend some time imagining the reasons why the person is doing what they are doing. Now spend time praying for that person and asking God for guidance on how you can be more merciful and loving towards that person.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Here we come across a passage commonly misinterpreted. We are encouraged in other parts of scripture to hold each other accountable, so this passage is not about never judging, it is about being very careful and merciful in our judgements.
In which areas of your life are you likely to judge others more harshly than yourself? (Example: I often complain when I see someone using a phone while driving, and then find myself answering my phone when I'm driving.)
Stephen Covey has a great book called '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and one of those habits is 'seek first to understand ... then to be understood'. How might this habit help us to be less judgemental?
Consider an area of judgementalness that you struggle with. Spend some time imagining the reasons why the person is doing what they are doing. Now spend time praying for that person and asking God for guidance on how you can be more merciful and loving towards that person.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Matthew 6:28
Matthew 6:28-34 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What worries you the most? Is worrying about the matter making any positive difference?
Too often we worry about things we cannot do anything about or use worry as an excuse not to take action that is difficult. Which of these practices is most true for you?
How do you feel about God knowing about your needs?
Which priorities do you believe God is calling you to focus on? (What can you do to seek and bring about his kingdom?)
God's solution to worry is two-fold. His first solution is to concern yourself with greater matters. The greater matter (his kingdom) will crowd out the lesser matters. And secondly, to focus only on the troubles immediately in front of you, those concerns of today, that is those concerns you can do something about right now.
Ask God to give you a greater vision of his kingdom and the part you play in bringing about his purposes.
What worries you the most? Is worrying about the matter making any positive difference?
Too often we worry about things we cannot do anything about or use worry as an excuse not to take action that is difficult. Which of these practices is most true for you?
How do you feel about God knowing about your needs?
Which priorities do you believe God is calling you to focus on? (What can you do to seek and bring about his kingdom?)
God's solution to worry is two-fold. His first solution is to concern yourself with greater matters. The greater matter (his kingdom) will crowd out the lesser matters. And secondly, to focus only on the troubles immediately in front of you, those concerns of today, that is those concerns you can do something about right now.
Ask God to give you a greater vision of his kingdom and the part you play in bringing about his purposes.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Because ...
I have just discovered the power of the word 'because'. I was just told that I was doing a really good job, yet I felt vaguely unsatisfied. I realised afterwards it was because he never used the word 'because'. An encouraging comment made without specific reference to a particular behaviour is just a platitude. An encouraging comment which specifies 'because' is incredibly motivating and powerful. So don't forget the 'because ...'.
Habits
Habits can helpful in that they enable us to get things done without having to make decisions all the time. I have a habit of running which means I don't have to decide how I am going to exercise. I have a schedule written down and I just follow it, no major thinking or decision needed.
Habits can also be like ruts that keep us tied in. We have always done this thing this way and we don't even consider doing things differently.
Christians have a habit of meeting for church services weekly. This could be a good habit in that it helps us connect and grow. This could also be an excuse for not thinking about whether this is the best way of achieving God's purposes.
Think about some of your regular habits and ask the question: Is this habit achieving the purpose for which I started the habit? If yes, just continue or refine. If no, then spend some time thinking about your higher purpose and what changes might be required to form a new better and more productive habit.
Habits can also be like ruts that keep us tied in. We have always done this thing this way and we don't even consider doing things differently.
Christians have a habit of meeting for church services weekly. This could be a good habit in that it helps us connect and grow. This could also be an excuse for not thinking about whether this is the best way of achieving God's purposes.
Think about some of your regular habits and ask the question: Is this habit achieving the purpose for which I started the habit? If yes, just continue or refine. If no, then spend some time thinking about your higher purpose and what changes might be required to form a new better and more productive habit.
Matt 6:25-27
Matt 6:25-27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
What is the challenge for you from these verses?
Stephen Covey in his classic, and highly recommended book, '7 habits of Highly Effective People' talks about keeping the 'First Thing First', that is focus on the big and important issues rather than the trivial issues. What is the big issue in this passage for you?
What habits might help you keep focus on the big issues? (Brain storm ideas and then pick one technique that might work for you. Examples: Writing a daily list of goals to keep focus on the big things. Putting trivial issues on a notepad where you can attend to them when you have time and don't need to worry about remembering them. Reading the bible everyday. etc.)
Spend some time in prayer/contemplation about the ways that God is providing for you. Give thanks for all he is doing.
Discipleship Habit 13 Healthy Living
What is the challenge for you from these verses?
Stephen Covey in his classic, and highly recommended book, '7 habits of Highly Effective People' talks about keeping the 'First Thing First', that is focus on the big and important issues rather than the trivial issues. What is the big issue in this passage for you?
What habits might help you keep focus on the big issues? (Brain storm ideas and then pick one technique that might work for you. Examples: Writing a daily list of goals to keep focus on the big things. Putting trivial issues on a notepad where you can attend to them when you have time and don't need to worry about remembering them. Reading the bible everyday. etc.)
Spend some time in prayer/contemplation about the ways that God is providing for you. Give thanks for all he is doing.
Discipleship Habit 13 Healthy Living
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Changes Happening
Overview: In the next little while I'm re-organising previous and new blogs to focus around the 13 core discipleship habits that form the basis of Impact Community Church of which I am the founding and current Pastor. I will still make comments on a variety of themes, but the guts will be writing daily devotionals based on a systematic exploration of the New Testament and organised into the 13 Discipleship habits. You can find a list and explanation of these at www.impactcommunitychurch.net/discipleship.html
Matthew 6:24
Matt 6: 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Do you control money or does money control you? When money controls you, you aren't free to serve God as he calls you to.
Here is an interesting definition of being wealthy. 'You are wealthy when you earn more money than you spend!' Are you wealthy? A truly wealthy person has the ability to make choices to serve in ways that a person controlled by money can't.
According to this definition, that I personally really like, wealth is not about how much you earn, but how you have control over what you spend.
There are lots of people who earn heaps and spend even more and thus really are poor.
But let's go further. I believe true financial wealth is ... (1) the ability to spend less than you earn, and (2) the ability to give away significant amounts of what you earn to help others.
I believe a practice most people can realisitically achieve is this. Give away the first 10% of what you earn. Invest the next 10% in long term investments. Save the next 10% for special expenses such as holidays and the like. Then live on the remaining 70%.
If that seems too much then start with 1% in each area and seek to increase it by 1% every 3-6 months until you have control over money. If you are at 10% then consider going even higher by increasing by 1% each year.
Imagine if you could look back over your life and rather than consider how much you have earned and gained could focus on how much you'd given away to help others.
Imagine instead of seeking to be a millionaire you had a legacy of having given away a million dollars.
Discipleship Habit 07 Generosity
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
Do you control money or does money control you? When money controls you, you aren't free to serve God as he calls you to.
Here is an interesting definition of being wealthy. 'You are wealthy when you earn more money than you spend!' Are you wealthy? A truly wealthy person has the ability to make choices to serve in ways that a person controlled by money can't.
According to this definition, that I personally really like, wealth is not about how much you earn, but how you have control over what you spend.
There are lots of people who earn heaps and spend even more and thus really are poor.
But let's go further. I believe true financial wealth is ... (1) the ability to spend less than you earn, and (2) the ability to give away significant amounts of what you earn to help others.
I believe a practice most people can realisitically achieve is this. Give away the first 10% of what you earn. Invest the next 10% in long term investments. Save the next 10% for special expenses such as holidays and the like. Then live on the remaining 70%.
If that seems too much then start with 1% in each area and seek to increase it by 1% every 3-6 months until you have control over money. If you are at 10% then consider going even higher by increasing by 1% each year.
Imagine if you could look back over your life and rather than consider how much you have earned and gained could focus on how much you'd given away to help others.
Imagine instead of seeking to be a millionaire you had a legacy of having given away a million dollars.
Discipleship Habit 07 Generosity
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Matthew 6:22-23
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matthew 6:22-23 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
We live in a culture where our eyes are assaulted daily with messages contrary to that which is good for our soul.
Which issues particularly impact you through your eyes? (Consumerism that seeks to entice you to buy what you don't need, sexually explicit images, etc)
Someone once said that seeing something wrong isn't the sin, it's dwelling on it that is the issue. This is only partly true, as sometimes we place ourselves in situations where we can see things that we ought not to see. Where might these places/situations be for you?
Do you have strategy for moving the focus on your eyes to better things? What is it and is it working for you?
Is there anything you need to ask God and/or others to help you with in regard to your eyes?
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matthew 6:22-23 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
We live in a culture where our eyes are assaulted daily with messages contrary to that which is good for our soul.
Which issues particularly impact you through your eyes? (Consumerism that seeks to entice you to buy what you don't need, sexually explicit images, etc)
Someone once said that seeing something wrong isn't the sin, it's dwelling on it that is the issue. This is only partly true, as sometimes we place ourselves in situations where we can see things that we ought not to see. Where might these places/situations be for you?
Do you have strategy for moving the focus on your eyes to better things? What is it and is it working for you?
Is there anything you need to ask God and/or others to help you with in regard to your eyes?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Matthew 6:19-21
Discipleship Habit 07 Generosity
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
This is one of the most important teachings in Scripture in terms of our current consumerist culture where we equate the 'good life' with what we have.
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
This is one of the most important teachings in Scripture in terms of our current consumerist culture where we equate the 'good life' with what we have.
- Take an inventory of what you own and compare this with what you've given away.
- How much do you earn each week and compare this with what you give away each week.
- What if God asked you to give away some of your treasured items, would you?
- Consider how much time and effort you give to gathering resources compared to how much time and effort you give to deepening your relationship with God and loving others.
- Where is your treasure, really? Ask God to reveal what is in your heart and ask him to give you a heart that truly seeks after him as your ultimate treasure.
Matthew 6:16-18
Discipleship Habit 03 Devotional Life
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Fasting is spiritual discipline whereby we stop something for a period of time to exercise control and honour God. It might be like Jesus and Moses did, fasting from food for 40 days, or it might be fasting for example from one meal a day for one week, or from a particular form of food for a period of time, or from a habit such as watching TV, or even from normal sexual relations with our husband/wife. (But the bible warns this must be done with mutual consent and only for a short period. See 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.) Normally the time that would be used to eat/watch etc, would be used to spend in prayer.
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Fasting is spiritual discipline whereby we stop something for a period of time to exercise control and honour God. It might be like Jesus and Moses did, fasting from food for 40 days, or it might be fasting for example from one meal a day for one week, or from a particular form of food for a period of time, or from a habit such as watching TV, or even from normal sexual relations with our husband/wife. (But the bible warns this must be done with mutual consent and only for a short period. See 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.) Normally the time that would be used to eat/watch etc, would be used to spend in prayer.
- What does this passage say about the attitude we should have while fasting?
- What is the result of right fasting?
- Have you ever fasted, from what and for how long and what was the result?
- Is there an area of your life that you want spiritual breakthrough in, could fasting be something you could try as a means by which God can give you spiritual strength and/or insight?
- A few good books on Fasting are: 'This Chosen Fast' by Matt Madigan (friend of mine) or 'Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough' by Elmer L Towns.
- It is a general guideline to start your fasting habit in a small way and it maybe helpful to ask others about their fasting habits to get some ideas and insights.
Matthew 6:9-15
Discipleship Habit 03 Devotional Life
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Some people use this model prayer as something to recite, which may be helpful, but is not really its purpose. The purpose of it is to provide a framework to pray with our own words.
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Some people use this model prayer as something to recite, which may be helpful, but is not really its purpose. The purpose of it is to provide a framework to pray with our own words.
- Go through the prayer line by line and summarise in your own words the key themes that come up.
- Now pray using the key theme's as prompters.
- Share your outline and the results of your prayers with others.
- Write the key themes on a small card and place it in your wallet to refer to whenever you have time throughout the day to spend some time in prayer. For example each time you have to wait in a line you might pray for the next theme and in this way pray through all of the themes each day.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Matthew 6:5-8
Discipleship Habit 03 Devotional Life
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Jesus begins to teach us about one of the central practices of a follower of God, the practice of private prayer.
Discipleship Question: Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Jesus begins to teach us about one of the central practices of a follower of God, the practice of private prayer.
- What do you learn from this passage?
- Spend some time in reflection on the practice of prayer in your life up to this point, how does it measure against the principles of this passage?
- Describe what prayer means for you, how you've practiced it, and the place it has for you now.
- Think of at least one person that you admire as a person of prayer and ask them to describe their prayer habit to see if you can learn from them.
- Consider what a prayer goal for you might be. Example 1: I will at least 5 times a week rise at 6am and spend 15 minutes in private prayer. OR Example 2: For the next week whenever I ... I will spend a few minutes in prayer.
- Buy the book 'The Hour that Changes the World' by Dick Eastman. It is available at Koorong.com.au or Word.com.au
Matthew 6:1-4 Part 2
Discipleship Habit 07 Generosity
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
As part of Matthew's arguement he uses the idea of giving to the needy, it isn't the essence of what he is teaching, but it is an assumption of something we should do.
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
As part of Matthew's arguement he uses the idea of giving to the needy, it isn't the essence of what he is teaching, but it is an assumption of something we should do.
- In what ways do you help those less fortunate than yourself? Write down what percentage of your income is given away and actually helps the poor or those in need.
- As a local church we give 10-20% of our offerings away to others. How much of your local church offering is used to help those who need help?
- It is important not only to give money but also time. What are some ways you can use your time to help others?
- How could you use your energy to help others. Example: The church I was Pastor of took 16 people to Fiji to build a home for a widow. We weren't all builders but we could use our labour to help.
- Make a list of some of your skills. How could these be used to help others? E.g. If you are an accountant you might help others with their budgets.
- What specifically are you going to do in the next 28 days to help someone else?
Matthew 6:1-4 Part 1
We are introduced in verse 1 to a very interesting idea, the idea of reward. In verses 1,2,3,6 & 17 this word reward is used. Interestingly it is not a reference to eternal life, for that is not a reward for actions but an act of mercy and grace received by faith. Here it seems there is reward in addition to eternal life.
- What do you think the reward might be referring to?
- How do you feel about the idea that for those who get eternal life, there are additional rewards according to our obedience and faithfulness here on earth?
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Verse 11 says that the only foundation is Jesus Christ. Verse 12 following talks about what we build ON that foundation, that is our good works. That is we are saved by faith in Jesus, but upon that foundation we ought to build a life that honours God by good works for which those who have eternal life will be rewarded.
- Do you realise that there is no work you can do to earn eternal life, you must simply believe in God's promise of life through Jesus to you? (See John 3:16-21)
- Those who believe Jesus will then naturally seek to do works that honour him, and our faithfulness in this matter will have a reward. How might this truth influence the way you live now?
Matthew 5:43-48
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Jesus continues to hammer at us about this theme of love and narrows it down to a very specific action, that of loving your enemies.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Jesus continues to hammer at us about this theme of love and narrows it down to a very specific action, that of loving your enemies.
- Make a list of people in your life who would fall into the category of those you dislike, who oppose you, whom you might call an enemy. (If you find it hard, think about people who you are uncomfortable in the presence of, people who you wouldn't like to be stuck in a room.)
- For each person think of what specifically it is you don't like about them or what they've done to you or someone else.
- Now ask God to help you pray (v44) for each of these people and begin to give you a heart of forgiveness and love for them.
- For three of these people, what is one practical action of love you could take to reach out to them and to extend forgiveness through your actions. (Examples: You might like to send a note thanking them for somethign you appreciate about them. You might like to invite them for a coffee. You might look for an opportunity to say something nice about them in a conversation.)
Matthew 5:38-42
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Here we have a teaching that strikes at the heart of a Christian worldview that is so contrary to the world. It is from passages like this that Martin Luther King and Gandi got their views about non-violent protest and resistance from.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Here we have a teaching that strikes at the heart of a Christian worldview that is so contrary to the world. It is from passages like this that Martin Luther King and Gandi got their views about non-violent protest and resistance from.
- How does this passage relate to Matthew 5:9?
- What are the practical challenges that come to mind when reflecting on this passage?
- Are you a violent or non-violent reactor by nature, why?
- In what situations do you find it hard to respond in the way described in this passage?
- When looking at the life of Jesus we find he never defends himself, though there are a few occassions he defends others. Can you think of any occassions where Jesus defends others?
- Spend time asking God to create in you a heart that seeks to forgive and not respond, particularly pray for the situations and/or people that stir you to a more violent or demonstrative reaction.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Practice of Forgiveness using REACH
[from 'Authentic Happiness' by Martin Seligman]
RECALL the hurt, in as objective a way as you can. Do not think of the other person as evil. Do not wallow in self-pity. Take deep, slow, and calming breaths as you visualise the event.
EMPATHISE by trying to understand from the perpetrator’s point of view why this person hurt you. This is not easy, but make up a plausible story that the transgressor might tell if challenged to explain. To help you do this, remember the following:
- When others feel their survival is threatened, they will hurt innocents.
- People who attack others are themselves usually in a state of fear, worry, and hurt.
- The situation a person finds himself / herself in, and not his/her underlying personality, can lead to hurting.
- People often don’t think when they hurt others; they just lash out.
ALTRUISTIC gift of forgiveness. First recall a time you transgressed, felt guilty, and were forgiven. This was a gift you were given by another person because you needed it, and you were grateful for this gift. Giving this gift usually makes us feel better. As the saying goes:
If you want to be happy … for an hour, take a nap … for a day, go fishing … for a month, get married … for a year, get an inheritance … for a lifetime, help someone.
But we do not give this gift out of self-interest. Rather, we give it because it is for the trespasser’s own good. Tell yourself you can rise above hurt and vengeance. If you give the gift grudgingly, however, it will not set you free.
COMMIT yourself to forgive publicly. Write a letter of forgiveness to the offender, or write a poem or song, or tell a trusted friend. These are all contracts of forgiveness that lead to the final step.
HOLD onto forgiveness. This is another difficult step, because memories of the event will surely recur. Forgiveness is not erasure; rather, it is a change in the tag lines that a memory carries. It is important to realise that the memories do not mean unforgiveness. Don’t dwell vengefully on the memories, and don’t wallow in them. Remind yourself that you have forgiven, and read the documents you have composed.
Matthew 5:33-37
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
We are called to be people of our word, that when we say something we mean it, and there is no room for misunderstanding about it.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
We are called to be people of our word, that when we say something we mean it, and there is no room for misunderstanding about it.
- Who is the person who best illustrates this truth in your life? What do you admire about them?
- Who are people/professions that you naturally distrust because their word is untrustworthy?
- In what circumstances in your life are you likely to hedge on your commitments?
- In what ways do you add additional words to your yes or no? E.g. I've heard people promise on the life of their child/mother/bible etc.
- Spend some time asking God for insight for things you need to confess and clean up in your life regarding being a person of integrity.
- What thing do you need to change in your life as a result of this lesson?
- Who might you share this insight with and ask to pray with or for you about this?
Matthew 5:31-32
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
This passage is a good example of being careful not to read a few passages in isolation. The teaching of the bible on marriage and divorce can be a bit difficult to get to grips with. You may wish to do some wider reading on the topic. Books like 'Counterpoints: Remarriage After Divorce in Today's Church (3 Views)' by Paul Engle (Ed) give a variety of viewpoints on this important topic.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
This passage is a good example of being careful not to read a few passages in isolation. The teaching of the bible on marriage and divorce can be a bit difficult to get to grips with. You may wish to do some wider reading on the topic. Books like 'Counterpoints: Remarriage After Divorce in Today's Church (3 Views)' by Paul Engle (Ed) give a variety of viewpoints on this important topic.
- On reading this passage what thoughts or questions are raised?
- In this particular passage Jesus was replying against an easy divorce position which was that you just had to give a 'certificate of divorce' to your wife and you were divorced. Why might Jesus have been so tough on an 'easy divorce' situation?
- Who is the party that Jesus is criticising the most? (A unmarried women in Jesus culture could find it hard to survive, hence she would need to re-marry quickly, whose fault is this in this passage?)
- Does the passage on adultery (5:27-30) that precedes and the passage on oaths (5:33-37) that follows this passage, give you a wider perpsective on the issue of divorce discussed here?
- Important note: God's purpose is to love us, he forgives us for our failings and calls us to love in action in our future, so if you've been divorced don't allow this passage to condemn you, seek forgiveness and healing and then move forward in the love of God for you.
Matthew 5:27-30
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Often our concern is primarily with the outside behaviour not the inside attitudes, Jesus challenges this.
- As you read this text what questions and thoughts are raised?
- Jesus equates lust with adultery, how do you feel about this?
- Jesus solution is a radical one. Most people believe he is not literally saying 'pluck out your eye' but is using an analogy to make a strong point that has been termed 'radical amputation' by some. What do you think?
- Are you prepared to take Jesus seriously in dealing with any sin in your life? If not, why not?
- Write down what you believe is an issue in your life the God wants to deal with and change.
- What would you need to get rid of to help you live in holiness in this area of your life? (Example: If pornography is a problem you may need to get rid of internet access.) Create a list, prioritise them and then ask God what he is asking you to do and do it!
- For dealing with issues such as pornography, over eating, substance abuse, etc, check out the recommended website www.settingcaptivesfree.com/
Matthew 5:25-26
Discipleship Habit 07 Generosity
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
Here is a situation where it a person is being taken to court for a debt that they have incurred and we are informed that it would be wise to deal with the situation quickly and early rather than waiting for a judge to make a decision.
Discipleship Question: Are you generous in giving away to others?
Here is a situation where it a person is being taken to court for a debt that they have incurred and we are informed that it would be wise to deal with the situation quickly and early rather than waiting for a judge to make a decision.
- What natural and spiritual lessons do you draw from this short illustration?
- Take an inventory of your life. What debts do you owe? Spiritual, emotional, financial?
- Think through your debts, what is a possible negative outcome of not dealing with that debt in long-term?
- Pick the debt you feel is weighing you down the most and devise a simple plan of how you can dispose of that debt. Ask God for wisdom to know what to do and to have courage to do it.
- Be open to sharing your struggle with a fellow believer and to ask for their support and help.
- Tell the story of your victory or success in your small group when it is done.
Matthew 5:23-24
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Reading: Matt 5:23-24
One of the problems we face is doing the important versus easy thing. Giving an offering is needed but is relatively easy as it involves our wealth but not our self. Dealing with reconciliation is a much harder thing as it will necessarily involve sacrificing some emotional energy and maybe much much more.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Reading: Matt 5:23-24
One of the problems we face is doing the important versus easy thing. Giving an offering is needed but is relatively easy as it involves our wealth but not our self. Dealing with reconciliation is a much harder thing as it will necessarily involve sacrificing some emotional energy and maybe much much more.
- What are some of the habits of your faith that you find relatively easy to do?
- What are some of the habits of your faith do you avoid because they are much harder?
- Is there any particular things you know you ought to do but have been procrasitinating on?
- Is there anyone in your life you need to reconcile with?
- Even if the fault is 99% with the other person, which is unlikely, what is at least some part that you can take responsibility for?
- Are you willing to go to that person, acknowledge the aspect you are responsible for, and seek to reconcile?
- You may require some outside help. If this is so, who might you go to for wisdom and help?
- What is the next step for you? (It might be as simple as committing to pray for that person every day for a week.) Once that step is complete what will be your second step, and so on until the reconciliation is complete?
Matthew 5:21-22
Discipleship Habit 01 LoveDiscipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Matthew 5:21-22
- What is surprising to you in this verse?
- Does it seem extreme to compare anger with murder? Why might Jesus be doing this?
- When was the last time you were angry or said something in contempt? What happened and why?
- What are some situations that you are most likely to get angry and think about why.
- Ask God to bring to mind situations in the past that you need to ask forgiveness for and seek his forgiveness.
- Is there anyone that you need to go and apologise to or seek forgiveness from? Ask God for the courage and opportunity to do this.
Explanation Note: You probably have a reference after murder in verse 21. When you go the reference at the bottom of the page it will refer to where this passage came from in the Old Testament, in this case Exodus 20:13. Use these references to get a better understanding of the context of what is being said or referred to.
Matt 5:17-20
Discipleship Habit 02 Faith and Baptism
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 5:17-20
• You can check out Wikipedia to get an idea of what the ‘Law or the Prophets’ is or you could check out what a commentary at www.biblegateway.com says. (Go to biblegateway home page, select ‘Additional Resources’ then ‘Commentaries’ then ‘Matthew’ and then check out the passage you want to look at.)
• What role does obedience play in this passage?
• How obedient are we called to be?
• Read John 3:1-21 in light of this passage, what do you learn?
• Focusing on John 3:18, how do you stand with God?
• You may wish to talk to a mature Christian leader about where you are in your relationship and standing with God.
Recommended website to read bible online: www.biblegateway.com
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 5:17-20
• You can check out Wikipedia to get an idea of what the ‘Law or the Prophets’ is or you could check out what a commentary at www.biblegateway.com says. (Go to biblegateway home page, select ‘Additional Resources’ then ‘Commentaries’ then ‘Matthew’ and then check out the passage you want to look at.)
• What role does obedience play in this passage?
• How obedient are we called to be?
• Read John 3:1-21 in light of this passage, what do you learn?
• Focusing on John 3:18, how do you stand with God?
• You may wish to talk to a mature Christian leader about where you are in your relationship and standing with God.
Recommended website to read bible online: www.biblegateway.com
Matt 5:13-16 Part 2
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:13-16 Part 2
• Jesus is referred to as the ‘light of the world’, and we are to be his light bearers in the world.
• What is the value of being a bearer of Christ’s light in the world?
• List the areas of your life that you have opportunity to be a bearer of light.
• In each area of your life how are you going?
• Imagine looking at your life from outside yourself, what would you see?
• Spend time seeking God’s wisdom and power so you can be an effective light bearer today!
Recommended website to read bible online: www.biblegateway.com
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:13-16 Part 2
• Jesus is referred to as the ‘light of the world’, and we are to be his light bearers in the world.
• What is the value of being a bearer of Christ’s light in the world?
• List the areas of your life that you have opportunity to be a bearer of light.
• In each area of your life how are you going?
• Imagine looking at your life from outside yourself, what would you see?
• Spend time seeking God’s wisdom and power so you can be an effective light bearer today!
Recommended website to read bible online: www.biblegateway.com
Matt 5:13-16 Part 1
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:13-16 Part 1
• Salt is something that preserves against food going bad, and also as a flavour enhancer, how do you think these characteristics relate to being a follower of Jesus?
• Describe a recent time in your life where you have being a positive influence rather than joining in the corruption of sin?
• Describe a recent time in your life when you have been a flavour enhancer, that is been a positive joyful influence in the life of someone?
• How would you describe your life in terms of this analogy? (Salt that couldn’t preserve food or enhance flavour was used on the roads, hence thrown out.)
• Think of a situation in your life where you have not been salty but would like to be, spend some time asking God for wisdom and strength about what to do in that situation.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:13-16 Part 1
• Salt is something that preserves against food going bad, and also as a flavour enhancer, how do you think these characteristics relate to being a follower of Jesus?
• Describe a recent time in your life where you have being a positive influence rather than joining in the corruption of sin?
• Describe a recent time in your life when you have been a flavour enhancer, that is been a positive joyful influence in the life of someone?
• How would you describe your life in terms of this analogy? (Salt that couldn’t preserve food or enhance flavour was used on the roads, hence thrown out.)
• Think of a situation in your life where you have not been salty but would like to be, spend some time asking God for wisdom and strength about what to do in that situation.
Matt 5:10-12
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:10-12
• Someone once described the modern world something like this: “In reality there is nothing more beautiful than good and so horrible as evil, but in fantasy such as TV there is nothing so boring as good and as exciting as evil.” Righteousness is not something appreciated by the world, for the world would rather we act an do things that allow them freedom to do whatever pleases them.
• Have you ever been persecuted for doing or saying the right thing? Spend some time thanking God for this opportunity to honour him despite the cost.
• Who do you know who most exemplifies righteousness in their life. Spend time thanking God for that person and think of a way in which you can thank or encourage that person.
• Are there any areas of your life that you are compromising, not doing what is right for fear of the consequences? Ask God for forgiveness for you sin and ask him for strength to stand up in the face of the cost of obedience in the future.
• Reread over the section Matt 5:3-12 and list up to three actions you feel called to make in your life as a result of this teaching of Jesus.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:10-12
• Someone once described the modern world something like this: “In reality there is nothing more beautiful than good and so horrible as evil, but in fantasy such as TV there is nothing so boring as good and as exciting as evil.” Righteousness is not something appreciated by the world, for the world would rather we act an do things that allow them freedom to do whatever pleases them.
• Have you ever been persecuted for doing or saying the right thing? Spend some time thanking God for this opportunity to honour him despite the cost.
• Who do you know who most exemplifies righteousness in their life. Spend time thanking God for that person and think of a way in which you can thank or encourage that person.
• Are there any areas of your life that you are compromising, not doing what is right for fear of the consequences? Ask God for forgiveness for you sin and ask him for strength to stand up in the face of the cost of obedience in the future.
• Reread over the section Matt 5:3-12 and list up to three actions you feel called to make in your life as a result of this teaching of Jesus.
Matt 5:9
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Matt 5:9
• One of the hardest things in life is to make peace where there is only anger and aggravation, but this is one of the great characteristics of Christ-followers. How are you going at being a peacemaker?
• In what situation do you find it hard / easy to be a peacemaker?
• Is there a situation you need to deal with at present, to be a peacemaker between people?
• What are things you can be and do that can encourage peace between people?
• Pick one of the things you can be that you are struggling with and make this a point of prayer and plan how you might grow in that area.
• Ask God to help you be a peacemaker in the coming days or weeks.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Matt 5:9
• One of the hardest things in life is to make peace where there is only anger and aggravation, but this is one of the great characteristics of Christ-followers. How are you going at being a peacemaker?
• In what situation do you find it hard / easy to be a peacemaker?
• Is there a situation you need to deal with at present, to be a peacemaker between people?
• What are things you can be and do that can encourage peace between people?
• Pick one of the things you can be that you are struggling with and make this a point of prayer and plan how you might grow in that area.
• Ask God to help you be a peacemaker in the coming days or weeks.
Matt 5:8
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:8
• We’ve humbled ourselves, going down three steps to see our true position in God, now we’re coming up. Coming up we start to seek to develop some positive attitudes, in v6 to hunger and thirst for his righteousness, in v7 to be merciful, now in v8 to be pure in heart.
• Purity of heart speaks of the intention of our heart, do we have the right motivations, why are we doing what we are doing, is it about God or about us?
• Think about some of the good/virtuous things you have done in the last week, and examine the reason WHY, why did you do that thing, was it pure in intention?
• Spend time confessing the times that you lacked pure intentions.
• Write down this verse on a small card and put it in your pocket, and during the next 24 hours keep on reflecting on your motivations about what you are doing.
• Perhaps each day you could write down a bible verse and keep it in your pocket as a reminder of that biblical truth for the day, this is a good way to get the Word of God from your head into your daily actions.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:8
• We’ve humbled ourselves, going down three steps to see our true position in God, now we’re coming up. Coming up we start to seek to develop some positive attitudes, in v6 to hunger and thirst for his righteousness, in v7 to be merciful, now in v8 to be pure in heart.
• Purity of heart speaks of the intention of our heart, do we have the right motivations, why are we doing what we are doing, is it about God or about us?
• Think about some of the good/virtuous things you have done in the last week, and examine the reason WHY, why did you do that thing, was it pure in intention?
• Spend time confessing the times that you lacked pure intentions.
• Write down this verse on a small card and put it in your pocket, and during the next 24 hours keep on reflecting on your motivations about what you are doing.
• Perhaps each day you could write down a bible verse and keep it in your pocket as a reminder of that biblical truth for the day, this is a good way to get the Word of God from your head into your daily actions.
Matt 5:7
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Matt 5:7
• Who has been the most merciful person in your life?
• When have you been merciful to others. What was the circumstance and how and why did you extend mercy?
• In what ways has God been merciful to you?
• Who in your life at present requires you to be merciful to them? How could you show mercy?
• Spend time thanking God for people in your life who have extended to you mercy and think of a way you could express your gratitude to them. It might be a quick call, a card, a gift, etc.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others?
Matt 5:7
• Who has been the most merciful person in your life?
• When have you been merciful to others. What was the circumstance and how and why did you extend mercy?
• In what ways has God been merciful to you?
• Who in your life at present requires you to be merciful to them? How could you show mercy?
• Spend time thanking God for people in your life who have extended to you mercy and think of a way you could express your gratitude to them. It might be a quick call, a card, a gift, etc.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Matt 5:6
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:6
• We’ve gone three steps down in the previous beatitudes where we’ve humbled ourselves and seen our true position in light of God. Now we start coming up with positive attitudes.
• Write in your own words Matt 5:6.
• Check out in a dictionary or online what righteousness means. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Righteousness)
• On a scale of 1-10 (10 is highest), how hungry and thirsty are you for the righteousness of God. Why did you put yourself at this level.
• Think of three things in your life that holds you back from fully pursuing the righteousness of God?
• What are you willing to do to remove the blocks? Do it.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:6
• We’ve gone three steps down in the previous beatitudes where we’ve humbled ourselves and seen our true position in light of God. Now we start coming up with positive attitudes.
• Write in your own words Matt 5:6.
• Check out in a dictionary or online what righteousness means. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Righteousness)
• On a scale of 1-10 (10 is highest), how hungry and thirsty are you for the righteousness of God. Why did you put yourself at this level.
• Think of three things in your life that holds you back from fully pursuing the righteousness of God?
• What are you willing to do to remove the blocks? Do it.
Matt 5:5
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:5
• What are you initial thoughts when you hear the word ‘meek’?
• The word translated ‘meek’ is used in other literature to describe a wild horse that is under the control of the rider, hence ‘meek’ is not a term of weakness but that of ‘power under control of the master’.
• Understanding meekness in this way how does it seem now?
• So we’ve come 3 steps. (1) Recognising our spiritual poverty; (2) Being sorrowful of the fact we offended God with our spiritual poverty, our sinfulness; (3) Recognising that we need to have our strength under the control of the Master, God.
• Spend some time reflecting and praying about how you are going meeting the conditions of being under the blessing of God.
• What is the major issue you need to deal with in your life at the moment? What is one step you need to take? Do it!
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 5:5
• What are you initial thoughts when you hear the word ‘meek’?
• The word translated ‘meek’ is used in other literature to describe a wild horse that is under the control of the rider, hence ‘meek’ is not a term of weakness but that of ‘power under control of the master’.
• Understanding meekness in this way how does it seem now?
• So we’ve come 3 steps. (1) Recognising our spiritual poverty; (2) Being sorrowful of the fact we offended God with our spiritual poverty, our sinfulness; (3) Recognising that we need to have our strength under the control of the Master, God.
• Spend some time reflecting and praying about how you are going meeting the conditions of being under the blessing of God.
• What is the major issue you need to deal with in your life at the moment? What is one step you need to take? Do it!
Matt 5:1-2 (focus on 5:4)
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
DiscipleshipReflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 5:1-2 (focus on 5:4)
• In verse 3 we notice the first step of blessedness is to recognise our spiritual poverty, the fact that we have nothing of worth to make God love us, but that he loves us anyway because he created us and loves us as his children.
• In verse 4 we have a second step of blessedness which is to be mournful about our spiritual failings, not sorrow we have been caught in sinfulness, but mournful of the offence of our sinfulness to God.
• What do you think is the difference between being mournful because we have been caught versus being mournful for doing something wrong even if nobody knows?
• Being mournful or sorrowful for sin happens when we recognise that sin is an offence against God and is the reason Jesus had to come and die for us. Do you or have you felt mournful for the things you have done that were part of the reason Jesus had to die on the cross for you?
• What offences exist in your life at present that you need to come mournfully to God about, to confess them and seek to his help to change that aspect of your life?
• Spend some time confessing and receiving his comfort that those things are forgiven and that God loves you in spite of any of our failings.
DiscipleshipReflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 5:1-2 (focus on 5:4)
• In verse 3 we notice the first step of blessedness is to recognise our spiritual poverty, the fact that we have nothing of worth to make God love us, but that he loves us anyway because he created us and loves us as his children.
• In verse 4 we have a second step of blessedness which is to be mournful about our spiritual failings, not sorrow we have been caught in sinfulness, but mournful of the offence of our sinfulness to God.
• What do you think is the difference between being mournful because we have been caught versus being mournful for doing something wrong even if nobody knows?
• Being mournful or sorrowful for sin happens when we recognise that sin is an offence against God and is the reason Jesus had to come and die for us. Do you or have you felt mournful for the things you have done that were part of the reason Jesus had to die on the cross for you?
• What offences exist in your life at present that you need to come mournfully to God about, to confess them and seek to his help to change that aspect of your life?
• Spend some time confessing and receiving his comfort that those things are forgiven and that God loves you in spite of any of our failings.
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:3)
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
DiscipleshipReflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:3)
• Spend a few minutes meditating on this verse and writing down anything that comes to mind, ask God for insight.
• Like a patient going to a doctor, there needs to be a recognition of sickness before a medication will be taken, what is the sickness that we must acknowledge in this verse?
• Spend time in confession, confessing to God where you have failed, and accept his offer of forgiveness for each thing you have given over to him.
• Is there any failings you need to confess to someone else? There is incredible release brought about when we bring sin into the light. If there is a confession you need to make, then make a plan as to what, when and how you are going to do that.
DiscipleshipReflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:3)
• Spend a few minutes meditating on this verse and writing down anything that comes to mind, ask God for insight.
• Like a patient going to a doctor, there needs to be a recognition of sickness before a medication will be taken, what is the sickness that we must acknowledge in this verse?
• Spend time in confession, confessing to God where you have failed, and accept his offer of forgiveness for each thing you have given over to him.
• Is there any failings you need to confess to someone else? There is incredible release brought about when we bring sin into the light. If there is a confession you need to make, then make a plan as to what, when and how you are going to do that.
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:1-2)
Discipleship Habit 02 Faith and Baptism
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:1-2)
• Notice the two specific groups mentioned in v1-2, the crowd and the disciples. What do you think is the difference between them?
• Look up a dictionary and find the definition of ‘disciple’. Now write a definition for being a disciple of Jesus.
• How is being a disciple difference than just attending church?
• In terms of Jesus, are you in the crowd or one of the disciples?
• Reflecting on the rest of the passage v3-12, what is the most challenging aspect of this for you at the present time?
• Are you willing to live your life as a disciple and not just one of the crowd? Dedicate yourself to God and respond as a disciple to the thing you are being challenged about in this passage.
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 5:1-12 (focus on 5:1-2)
• Notice the two specific groups mentioned in v1-2, the crowd and the disciples. What do you think is the difference between them?
• Look up a dictionary and find the definition of ‘disciple’. Now write a definition for being a disciple of Jesus.
• How is being a disciple difference than just attending church?
• In terms of Jesus, are you in the crowd or one of the disciples?
• Reflecting on the rest of the passage v3-12, what is the most challenging aspect of this for you at the present time?
• Are you willing to live your life as a disciple and not just one of the crowd? Dedicate yourself to God and respond as a disciple to the thing you are being challenged about in this passage.
Matt 4:23-25
Discipleship Habit 11 EvangelismDiscipleship
Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Matt 4:23-25
• What are the three things that Jesus did as he went about Galilee?
• What can we learn from the priorities of Jesus?
• Jesus spent time ‘teaching in the synagogues’, that is he began in the religious institutions of his day, a place where they should have known who he was, but didn’t.
• Is there anyone who is part of your community of faith (church) that you think might not be comprehending the truth of the gospel?
• Spend some time praying for anyone you are concerned about and the leaders of your community.
• Is there one action you feel called to make? Do it!
Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Matt 4:23-25
• What are the three things that Jesus did as he went about Galilee?
• What can we learn from the priorities of Jesus?
• Jesus spent time ‘teaching in the synagogues’, that is he began in the religious institutions of his day, a place where they should have known who he was, but didn’t.
• Is there anyone who is part of your community of faith (church) that you think might not be comprehending the truth of the gospel?
• Spend some time praying for anyone you are concerned about and the leaders of your community.
• Is there one action you feel called to make? Do it!
Matt 4:18-22
Discipleship Habit 02 Faith and Baptism
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 4:18-22
• In this passage Jesus exercises his authority to call people to follow him. You see that they respond (a) immediately and (b) without reservation by laying down their nets, that is their livelihoods.
• What other things do you notice in this passage?
• Jesus described their new purpose in terms of their old career. How might this speak to you where you are?
• To follow Jesus without reservation is their anything in your life you need to leave behind? Make a list.
• Prayerfully work through the list and begin to give up those things and act in accordance with the consequences of giving those things up.
• What do you believe is the major thing God is calling you to do with your life to honour him? If this is unclear you might take time over the next month to really think it through.
• Seek out help or wisdom if need be.
Discipleship Question: Am I declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel in the way that Jesus asks me to?
Matt 4:18-22
• In this passage Jesus exercises his authority to call people to follow him. You see that they respond (a) immediately and (b) without reservation by laying down their nets, that is their livelihoods.
• What other things do you notice in this passage?
• Jesus described their new purpose in terms of their old career. How might this speak to you where you are?
• To follow Jesus without reservation is their anything in your life you need to leave behind? Make a list.
• Prayerfully work through the list and begin to give up those things and act in accordance with the consequences of giving those things up.
• What do you believe is the major thing God is calling you to do with your life to honour him? If this is unclear you might take time over the next month to really think it through.
• Seek out help or wisdom if need be.
Matt 4:12-17
Discipleship Habit 11 EvangelismDiscipleship
Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Matt 4:12-17
• One of the amazing things is that the life of Jesus fulfils many prophecies made in the Old Testament many hundreds of years earlier.
• Click on the title to go to a link that lists Old Testament prophecies of Jesus fulfilled in the New Testament.
Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Matt 4:12-17
• One of the amazing things is that the life of Jesus fulfils many prophecies made in the Old Testament many hundreds of years earlier.
• Click on the title to go to a link that lists Old Testament prophecies of Jesus fulfilled in the New Testament.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Matt 4:11
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:11
• At the end of the temptations the angels come and attend to Jesus. How do you think God attends to your weaknesses and batterings from temptation experiences?
• How might you be a valuable resource to others who are experiencing difficult times in their walk with God and seeking to live in holiness?
• Think of at least one person who you think might be having a difficult time at present and spend some time praying for that person.
• Is there something practical you could do to help the person? E.g. If they are a parent maybe you could offer to look after the kids so they can have a break for a few hours.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:11
• At the end of the temptations the angels come and attend to Jesus. How do you think God attends to your weaknesses and batterings from temptation experiences?
• How might you be a valuable resource to others who are experiencing difficult times in their walk with God and seeking to live in holiness?
• Think of at least one person who you think might be having a difficult time at present and spend some time praying for that person.
• Is there something practical you could do to help the person? E.g. If they are a parent maybe you could offer to look after the kids so they can have a break for a few hours.
Matt 4:1-11 Part 5
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 5
• In verses 8-10 we have the third temptation, how would you describe or explain this temptation?
• What questions or thoughts come to mind for you about the issues raised by this temptation?
• You have been challenged to memorise some scripture in the last few exercises, have you done this? If yes, then keep learning the verse(s) and look for opportunities to make use of these verses to fight temptation. If not, then why not? What are the reasons you have for not trying to memorise at least a few passages of the bible.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 5
• In verses 8-10 we have the third temptation, how would you describe or explain this temptation?
• What questions or thoughts come to mind for you about the issues raised by this temptation?
• You have been challenged to memorise some scripture in the last few exercises, have you done this? If yes, then keep learning the verse(s) and look for opportunities to make use of these verses to fight temptation. If not, then why not? What are the reasons you have for not trying to memorise at least a few passages of the bible.
Matt 4:1-11 Part 4
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 4
• In verses 5-7 we have the second temptation, how would you describe or explain this temptation?
• What questions or thoughts come to mind for you about the issues raised by this temptation?
• Again Jesus uses the Word of God to argue against this temptation. Practice memorising the passage you found to fight your major temptation.
• Make a list of a couple more verses you would like to memorise over the next few weeks. Why not set a target of say learning 1 verse per week.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 4
• In verses 5-7 we have the second temptation, how would you describe or explain this temptation?
• What questions or thoughts come to mind for you about the issues raised by this temptation?
• Again Jesus uses the Word of God to argue against this temptation. Practice memorising the passage you found to fight your major temptation.
• Make a list of a couple more verses you would like to memorise over the next few weeks. Why not set a target of say learning 1 verse per week.
Matt 4:1-11 Part 3
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 3
• In verses 1-4 we have the first temptation, what do you think this temptation symbolises?
• How did Jesus fight this temptation?
• What is the greatest temptation you are fighting in your life at the moment?
• Find, or ask for help, to find a bible verse related to your area of temptation and memorise that passage during the next week.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 3
• In verses 1-4 we have the first temptation, what do you think this temptation symbolises?
• How did Jesus fight this temptation?
• What is the greatest temptation you are fighting in your life at the moment?
• Find, or ask for help, to find a bible verse related to your area of temptation and memorise that passage during the next week.
Matt 4:1-11 Part 2
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 2
• One disturbing aspect of Matt 4:1 is that Jesus was led into a place where he was then tempted. We are told in James 1:13 that God does not tempt, but in the book of Job (See Job 1:6 and following) we find that God may give permission to Satan to tempt us.
• How does this make your feel? What questions does it raise in your mind?
• We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that we are not tempted beyond what we can handle? What does this tell you about when you have failed in the past?
• Read 1 John 2:1-2. We are encouraged not to sin, but if we do to confess and go to Jesus because he speaks to God the Father on our behalf.
• Spend some time in prayer seeking forgiveness and asking God to give you wisdom and strength to face and beat temptation in your life.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where these is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 2
• One disturbing aspect of Matt 4:1 is that Jesus was led into a place where he was then tempted. We are told in James 1:13 that God does not tempt, but in the book of Job (See Job 1:6 and following) we find that God may give permission to Satan to tempt us.
• How does this make your feel? What questions does it raise in your mind?
• We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that we are not tempted beyond what we can handle? What does this tell you about when you have failed in the past?
• Read 1 John 2:1-2. We are encouraged not to sin, but if we do to confess and go to Jesus because he speaks to God the Father on our behalf.
• Spend some time in prayer seeking forgiveness and asking God to give you wisdom and strength to face and beat temptation in your life.
Matt 4:1-11 Part 1
Discipleship Habit 03 Devotional Life
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 1
• Reflect on Matt 4:1, what are at least 3 questions that come to mind from this verse? (Remember Rudyard Kipling’s poem which helps think of good questions to ask.
"I keep six honest serving men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
• How do you experience the leading by the Spirit? (If you don’t know or can’t see when you do then spend some time asking God to give you insight into this.)
• Henry Blackaby suggest there are a number of sources of guidance: the Word of God through the Bible, the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the circumstances of our life and the Wisdom of the Church eg other Christians. Which of these do you find easy? Which do you find hard?
• Think of one question or decision you need guidance about – how could you seek guidance in a way that is not natural or easy for you? (Stretch yourself.)
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune and build up your personal relationship with God?
Matt 4:1-11 Part 1
• Reflect on Matt 4:1, what are at least 3 questions that come to mind from this verse? (Remember Rudyard Kipling’s poem which helps think of good questions to ask.
"I keep six honest serving men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
• How do you experience the leading by the Spirit? (If you don’t know or can’t see when you do then spend some time asking God to give you insight into this.)
• Henry Blackaby suggest there are a number of sources of guidance: the Word of God through the Bible, the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the circumstances of our life and the Wisdom of the Church eg other Christians. Which of these do you find easy? Which do you find hard?
• Think of one question or decision you need guidance about – how could you seek guidance in a way that is not natural or easy for you? (Stretch yourself.)
Matt 3:13-17
Discipleship Habit 12 Holy and Peaceable Life
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 3:13-17
• Jesus, God the Son, lives in such a way as to please God the Father. We are told in John 8:38 that he only did what he was told to do by the Father.
• In a parable (see Matthew 25:21) the servant hears the words ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’ What do you think are 3 things that are pleasing to God in your life? What do you think is at least one thing that is less than pleasing to God in your life?
• How do you feel about living all of your life, 100%, for the purpose of pleasing God?
• What is the biggest challenge to you about pleasing God as the focus of your life?
• Who/what might help you grow in pleasing God?
• List 1-3 steps you are going to make, how and by when, to please God through your life.
Discipleship Question: Are you living a holy and peaceable life that is attractive to others?
Matt 3:13-17
• Jesus, God the Son, lives in such a way as to please God the Father. We are told in John 8:38 that he only did what he was told to do by the Father.
• In a parable (see Matthew 25:21) the servant hears the words ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’ What do you think are 3 things that are pleasing to God in your life? What do you think is at least one thing that is less than pleasing to God in your life?
• How do you feel about living all of your life, 100%, for the purpose of pleasing God?
• What is the biggest challenge to you about pleasing God as the focus of your life?
• Who/what might help you grow in pleasing God?
• List 1-3 steps you are going to make, how and by when, to please God through your life.
Matthew 3:1-12
Discipleship Habit 05 Accountability
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where there is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matthew 3:1-12
• Repentance means to have a change in mind and to go in the opposite direction. We repent when we acknowledge that our life, or a particular part of our life, is not in the direction God wants it to go and we chose to change our mind about that direction and act in accordance with a new direction.
• Spend some time asking God to reveal areas of your life that you need to repent in.
• Consider which is the highest priority area and spend some time talking with God and asking for his insight about what you need to do to change the direction of your life in that specific area.
• Meditate on Matthew 3:8 and consider how this impacts your decision above.
• Who could you share this decision with for support and help to make the changes you need to make?
• Realise that change can be difficult, moving away from habits of sin are particularly hard, so you should expect it to be difficult and you will need help and encouragement to make this change last.
• If the area is in the area of sexual sin, alcohol, or overeating you might like to check out courses at http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you meet with others for mutual accountability where there is confession of sin on a regular basis?
Matthew 3:1-12
• Repentance means to have a change in mind and to go in the opposite direction. We repent when we acknowledge that our life, or a particular part of our life, is not in the direction God wants it to go and we chose to change our mind about that direction and act in accordance with a new direction.
• Spend some time asking God to reveal areas of your life that you need to repent in.
• Consider which is the highest priority area and spend some time talking with God and asking for his insight about what you need to do to change the direction of your life in that specific area.
• Meditate on Matthew 3:8 and consider how this impacts your decision above.
• Who could you share this decision with for support and help to make the changes you need to make?
• Realise that change can be difficult, moving away from habits of sin are particularly hard, so you should expect it to be difficult and you will need help and encouragement to make this change last.
• If the area is in the area of sexual sin, alcohol, or overeating you might like to check out courses at http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/
Matthew 2:13-23
Discipleship Habit 03 Devotional Life
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune, and build up your personal relationship with God?
Read Matthew 2:13-23
• God guides us in many ways, one of those ways can be dreams. Make a list of the different ways that God can guide us e.g. dreams, bible, etc.
• Have your dreams ever been a guide to you? If so, spend some time reflecting on what happened and how God guided you.
• For one week keep a dream journal. (Ask God to guide you as to whether he wants to use dreams to communicate with you or through you.) Write down your dreams and have conversations with other people about whether their dreams have guided them. Keep a note in your dream journal about anything you have learned.
• Read the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, this is a different Joseph to the one in Matthew, and notice the place of dreams in his life. (See Genesis 37 – 41)
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you set time aside on a regular basis to be alone, commune, and build up your personal relationship with God?
Read Matthew 2:13-23
• God guides us in many ways, one of those ways can be dreams. Make a list of the different ways that God can guide us e.g. dreams, bible, etc.
• Have your dreams ever been a guide to you? If so, spend some time reflecting on what happened and how God guided you.
• For one week keep a dream journal. (Ask God to guide you as to whether he wants to use dreams to communicate with you or through you.) Write down your dreams and have conversations with other people about whether their dreams have guided them. Keep a note in your dream journal about anything you have learned.
• Read the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, this is a different Joseph to the one in Matthew, and notice the place of dreams in his life. (See Genesis 37 – 41)
Matthew 2:1-12
Discipleship Habit 11 Evangelism
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Read Matthew 2:1-12
• The Magi (v1) were men who sought wisdom through the stars, they were astrologers, that is they worshipped a false God, and yet the true God used this to serve his purposes, to bring these men to worship Jesus.
• Looking back at your life identify how God has taken your search for truth and used even things that were not true to bring you to this point.
• Part of helping others discover the truth of God is not to condemn their search but instead use their search to bring them to God. Think about someone you know who is searching for God in the wrong places – without validating their mistakes, what about their journey can you encourage and support?
• Take some time to ask someone and really listen to their answer to a question like: “You seem to be searching for God, tell me about your journey and what you’ve discovered so far?”
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you pray for unbelievers and respond to opportunities God gives you to share the good news of Jesus?
Read Matthew 2:1-12
• The Magi (v1) were men who sought wisdom through the stars, they were astrologers, that is they worshipped a false God, and yet the true God used this to serve his purposes, to bring these men to worship Jesus.
• Looking back at your life identify how God has taken your search for truth and used even things that were not true to bring you to this point.
• Part of helping others discover the truth of God is not to condemn their search but instead use their search to bring them to God. Think about someone you know who is searching for God in the wrong places – without validating their mistakes, what about their journey can you encourage and support?
• Take some time to ask someone and really listen to their answer to a question like: “You seem to be searching for God, tell me about your journey and what you’ve discovered so far?”
Matthew 1:18-25
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others? (Focus on loving self.)
Read Matthew 1:18-25
• We have in this story an interesting situation, Joseph and how he relates to Mary. What do you think the challenges for Joseph were in a culture where conceiving a child out of wedlock was a great shame?
• Joseph was willing to honour Mary by trusting the message of God and protecting her from shame by marrying her despite any embarrassment or shame to himself. Can you think of a situation where you were/or should have been willing to take the blame even though you were not in the wrong?
• We are told in passages like Luke 12:11 not to defend ourselves, how do you feel about this? When is it hardest for you?
• Go through today consciously aware of not defending yourself or seeking to make yourself appear good before others. (Let you actions speak louder than your words.)
• Reflect afterwards on how the experience went.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others? (Focus on loving self.)
Read Matthew 1:18-25
• We have in this story an interesting situation, Joseph and how he relates to Mary. What do you think the challenges for Joseph were in a culture where conceiving a child out of wedlock was a great shame?
• Joseph was willing to honour Mary by trusting the message of God and protecting her from shame by marrying her despite any embarrassment or shame to himself. Can you think of a situation where you were/or should have been willing to take the blame even though you were not in the wrong?
• We are told in passages like Luke 12:11 not to defend ourselves, how do you feel about this? When is it hardest for you?
• Go through today consciously aware of not defending yourself or seeking to make yourself appear good before others. (Let you actions speak louder than your words.)
• Reflect afterwards on how the experience went.
Matthew 1:1-17
Discipleship Habit 01 Love
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others? (Focus on loving others.)
Read Matthew 1:1-17
• In Jesus lineage there are a number of ‘skeletons in the closet’ that you may not have picked up.
• Using google, a bible website like http://www.biblegateway.com, or some other resource, do some research on at least one of the following characters in Jesus lineage. ‘Rahab’, ‘Ruth’ the mother of Solomon ‘Bathsheba’.
• In loving yourself you need to accept who you are. What are things in your lineage or past that hinder who you are today?
• Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you put the past in the past so you can move into the future.
Discipleship Reflection Question: Do you live a life that evidences that you love God, Self and Others? (Focus on loving others.)
Read Matthew 1:1-17
• In Jesus lineage there are a number of ‘skeletons in the closet’ that you may not have picked up.
• Using google, a bible website like http://www.biblegateway.com, or some other resource, do some research on at least one of the following characters in Jesus lineage. ‘Rahab’, ‘Ruth’ the mother of Solomon ‘Bathsheba’.
• In loving yourself you need to accept who you are. What are things in your lineage or past that hinder who you are today?
• Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you put the past in the past so you can move into the future.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Joy blog end
Like normal I get bored after a while, think I will move on to something other than the joy blog.
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