What have I learnt lately?

I pondered that question this morning, as I actually think it is very important.
Life isn’t just something to endure.
Following Christ is not just about surviving another day.
I think that if you are open to it, paying attention, seeking God, there will always be something to learn from each day...

Recently I discovered where I was at again with my trust, when we discovered our bank account had been hit with some faudulent activity.
Other experiences revealed to me my actual emotional status and what I need to work on.
A seemingly random call which was never random to God, gave me a chance to reflect on what God has miraculously done with me, about when I was a teenager and making choices that had potential to damage my life.

Jesus taught this concept, of what we call having a 'Childlike faith'...
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For me I think Jesus is saying to not be immature, but to have the same attributes as a kiddy to my life and faith.
Kids have an insatiable appetite for discovery, learning and experiences.
They love to take risks. Have adventures.
They never feel they have learned enough and aren't normally afraid to ask lots of questions.
I wonder how much I am still like a kid with my faith?

May you not be satisfied today with just staying where you are emotionally, experiential, spiritually - but always looking to grow in God.
So you can ask yourself "what have I learnt lately?" and follow that up with an answer.

Something to think about...

Don't go over _____

If you have ever wondered if it was possible to 'over do' something...
Whether you can go too far with a good or a bad desire, motive or action...
Well according to scripture it is possible!

I know plenty of well meaning and not so well meaning people who either try too hard or keep flogging something that is dead for too long.
It can lead and I to frustration, and worse even burnout.

There is a pace, and ebb and flow to life and ministry we each need to find with God's and others help.
You don't "prove yourself" but destroying yourself.
No one wins out of that scenario.
We each need to find our place in God's Kingdom, each sharing in each others burdens and ministries.
Trust me that it all works out fine we will all work it out together...

Dear friends, find a balance in between working hard or getting working.
You already probably know which end of the spectrum you are sitting?
Just be honest with yourself, let God help you, enjoy your life in Christ!

Something to think about...

This verse... #2

This verse got me thinking this morning...

15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
2 Chronicles 7:15-16 niv

I firmly believe that the accounts in the Old Testament are a type and shadow of what is to come for us today. And these few verses are no exception! In fact they should encourage you today my friend...

Solomon built an impressive temple (what we might call a church building these days) and after its completion and dedication, God made the statement you now have read.

Today God refers to our very bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
You are now the impressive place that God wants to pay attention too!
In fact without you having to make it happen, God actually is passionately paying attention to you.
He is right now looking at you.
He is listening to your words from your mouth and the cries of your heart.
And He plans to do this same thing forever!

Whatever you doing and whatever you are facing, your Father in heaven is ready for you right now.
Can I encourage to make the most of this amazing opportunity for yourself and those you come into contact with?

Something to think about...

This verse... #1

This verse got me thinking this morning...

When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, 
but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else.
1 Corinthians 15:37 niv

I wonder whether sometimes we don't get a harvest because we don't realise what the right seed is for it? We want the end result and miss the process to get us successfully there?

Paul was using a natural illustration to illustrate a spiritual principle.
You don't sow the tree, you sow the seed that will turn into a tree.
In fact your sowing is maybe a small part to a big result.
You can water the ground the seed for your tree is in, but God grows it out of your sight.

One of my kids recently has been having some fun with his own little garden. He planted some potatoes recently and was getting frustrated just watering them. At one stage he wanted to dig them up to see if anything was happening under the soil.
Now after a few short weeks he sees what only God could see after it has come to the surface.

As you begin your year, maybe you have a harvest in mind you would like from it?
Maybe you would like a relationship or maybe your current relationship to go better?
Maybe you would love to see God move in your life more and in the family of faith He has placed your in?
That is all really good! You probably just need to know what seed to sow now for that to happen...

Can I encourage you seek God by praying and asking Him what seed you need to sow?

Whatever it is, do it in faith.
Trust that when you do and even though the process maybe hidden from view for a time, it will indeed produce a harvest.

Remember my friend that you don't plant what you will finish up with but what it will take to get to what you want...

Something to think about...