Rich and Poor

I recently recieved an email from an older friend. Some of the content caused me some distress.
Here is why - they refered to me being in poverty.
And while this email was very loving and I could see the care and thought behind it, it also showed me a perspective of life that I haven't come across since I've left home.

You see, in Australia if you live in a low income suburb, far from the city, and your income covers your rent, food and transport you are considered poor.

Now I must admit that I use the phrase 'poor' often, usually in the sentence 'I can't do ...... I'm  a poor student,' but I never mean to use this sentence in a completely sincere manner.

You see, I am actually very rich. Not only compared to the millions of people around the world whose yearly income is the same as my daily train costs; but also spiritually.

Not only has the Lord provided for my immediate needs, he has also provided for me above and beyond what I deserve.

He gave us his son because we all fall short of God's purpose for us. And because of this short fall we can't reach God and know him fully. But through Christ we can be made whole again, and reach God.

God did this for you and I, and when you accept that gift and forgiveness for falling short due to wanting to make our own purposes, you are made whole again.


Galatians 1: 3-5
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



I am rich in all areas of life. Including financially, though many would disagree.

I think many people in our society needs to be reminded that our needs and our wants are not the same. In Australia, our needs are often met so often that it becomes assumed that our wants form into our needs instead.

But people! 

We don't need all the things we want! A lot of the things we want distract us from God and tell him that we don't think he's good enough, we don't think what he's given is enough.

But remember, God provides everything, so what more do we need than him?

So even though I can't save much money, even though I can't get a brand new bag when my current one is breaking, or shoes that will last years longer than the cheaper ones  I can afford that only last for months. I know that I am rich and God provides for me.

May I never say to God - "what you've given me is not enough."

Instead let me say - "Thank you for all you've given me, thank you for caring for me and providing all that I need. Thank you that I can often get what I want too. But most importantly, thank you for Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection."

Grace and Peace to you all!

John 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.


Here's a link to an article on using money mindfully: http://fervr.net/teen-life/six-steps-to-using-money-gods-way-2

Many Blessings!

the Selfishness of Telling

I've been reading a book from my Minister about Spiritual formation and teens.
Something in the book has struck me...

The selfishness of telling.
This kind of links back to a previous post: http://little-thoughts-on-a-big-book.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/what-makes-good-youth-group-according.html

There is a problem within some churches that nobody really realises exists. That is... more telling happens than pacing. This book I'm reading talks about an idea called pacing. That is meeting someone where they are at. Instead of having someone come to you and you just TELL them the whole gospel and exactly what to do, you have to listen.

LISTEN!

Meet someone where they are at, listen to them. Get in their head, think about what it would be like to walk in their shoes (cliché I know but its true!). Pacing means having patience and empathy. Its about forming relationships and telling little bits at a time. There's no point coming to someone and blabbing tones of information when they aren't even in the position to take it on.

Don't be selfish!

Telling is selfish because it only satisfies you - the person who is doing the telling.
The point of pacing is to serve the other person. Which is exactly what we are called to do!
When we meet someone at their level we can form bonds and trust. Then God really reveals where the TELLING is appropriate. Then God really starts working.

Isn't this exactly what God does with us?

I believe it is. Its been like that in my life. Many times I've gone through something and people haven't been here for me, instead they've just told me what to do. Then a few years later I remember what they've said what its actually applicable. Which is still a wonder of God! When I really think about it I would rather have been forming relationships with those people who TOLD me. I would rather have had them to listen to me and sit with me and comfort me.

So people don't be selfish and tell!  Think about if you were that person and what emotional needs they may have. Develop some patience! It's a fruit of the spirit.

Discipleship is what we're about... so lets go out and DISCIPLE THIS WORLD!

And remember...
 GOD'S TIMING IS BEST!

He will let you know when the timing is right. Don't go running in!

Blessings!

Also the book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Spiritual-Life-Students-Ministers/dp/0830822844

What makes a good Youth Group - according to Teens

According to my scripture class...
(A group of upper middle class 15 year old girls.)

A good youthgroup is:

• Bible Based - talk, small groups and games - all with the same biblical focus
• Relational - they don't just want leaders that say 'Pray and read your bible' they want leaders that are interested in their troubles and can offer practical advice and love.
• made up of Honest, God fearing leaders
• a place that makes them feel safe, comfortable and not-judged.
• Provides food

So to all you youth leaders out there - be living examples of God followers. Always be willing to answer questions and be honest that you don't know everything. Teens want you to be real with them, so see you as you are.

There is nothing better than bringing other to God but to do this we must first be with God.

Grace and Peace!

Not another Blog.

So this is another attempt at me making a blog. Lets see how long this one sticks around.
Purpose: To keep myself in my Bible.
Method: Read my bible and comment on it here. An open forum for my personal biblical accountability.