Do you actually want to grow in God or are you happy staying as you are? Are you willing to pay any price to learn more about God? Are you willing to travel anywhere just to get one step closer to being more like Jesus? Are you serious about becoming more like Jesus?
If the answer is yes and you are willing to do anything to become more like Jesus and grow in your relationship with him then look at the points below. I promise that if you take your relationship with God seriously your life will never be the same again.
Be truly honest and open with someone: To move forward in your faith you need to realise where you are starting from. I strongly recommend being honest and open with someone and not just anyone, pick someone who you respect because of their faith and relationship with God. When you have found someone answer the questions above with them and do your best to be as open and honest as possible. Remember the more open you are the faster you grow.
Memorise your Bible: This is simple but so effective! Getting the word of God inside of you is essential to growth. This is the primary way that God speaks to his church, so if you want to know God's opinion on something or if you want to know what he thinks about you, then read your Bible. Don't just read your Bible, memorise it! Memorising your Bible helps it to become easily accessible for you to use. If the devil is attacking you then you can go to your memory and say aloud 2 Thess 2:7, if you are doubting whether God is there you can remember Hebrews 13:5. Simple but effective.
Show God you mean business: Sometimes I think it is helpful to do something a little bit crazy just to show God that you mean business about changing the world, this happens all over the Bible just read 2 Samuel 6 - David dances around in his underwear just to praise God! I think it is healthy if we do something that is sacrificially crazy because it helps us take big steps in our faith. Why not try fasting, or staying awake a whole night just to pray or join the 6am prayer meeting, why not give all the money you have away, talk to a stranger about Jesus or outrageously bless someone with like an Ipad or something! If you want to show God you are serious about growing put yourself in sacrificial places in which you need to fully rely on him.
These are just three ways that can help you grow and to be honest there are loads of ways to help you grow in God. I listed these three because these have helped me the most in my life. Being open and honest with someone is so refreshing for me and I always leave those kind of meetings feeling so clean and refreshed. Memorising scripture has helped me so much in many areas of my life, it helps me evangelise, prophecy and to know who I am called to be. I have also had the most amazing God moments while doing something crazy like praying the for the whole night or trying to raise dead people.
We must continue to be proactive about growing in God, this world needs Jesus and we need to be serious about making him known.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Monday, 11 July 2011
3 reasons why you should celebrate when you get rebuked, corrected or disciplined
1) It shows that you have some level of humility.
We must not forget that although it is hard to receive RCD's, it is also very hard to give them out. It takes a lot of courage and boldness to RCD someone because you never know how they are going to react - someone could take all there anger out on you and turn against you for your honesty. Because of this danger most people will withdraw from RCD type conversations if they feel the person on the receiving end will not except the RCD with grace and humility. Therefore, if someone does want a RCD conversation with you, you should celebrate because at least you seem humble enough to take it!
2)We can become (insert name here) 2.0
Remember that we are just like everything else that has been created - we need updating! Just like the creator of the IPhone looked at the first ever IPhone and saw all the minor imperfections and thought to himself "we must update and fix these issues so that the IPhone can become all that it was created to be", I believe that God can look at us and see the imperfections in us and with absolute furious love God wants us to update so we can become all that we were created to be. I don't know about you but I get pretty excited to get the new IPhone updates. I am always excited to see what improvements they have made and how much easier they will have made my life! In the same way we should be excited and celebrate when someone wants an RCD chat with us because basically they are saying that there is an updated verison of yourself ready to go and all you need to do is download it.
3) It's a great oppotunity to give thanks!
RCD's are a great chance to remember that we have been let off so much as mankind. We must desperately try to keep in our minds and hearts that we have been let off an eternity in hell and someone else has paid that price for us. We should be celebrating, dancing on the rooftops and partying all the time when we have an RCD conversation because it will remind us of the fact that Jesus has paid the price for all our sin and because of his sacrifice so we can now go to heaven, forever! An eternity in torture, loneliness and pain swap with and eternity of happiness, partying and life in an instant. We should see it as a privilege to be able to work on ourselves because now there is something to work for. If we were all destined to hell what would be the point of trying to improve ourselves? but now that we can go to heaven I feel a drive to be better because I know I have a future.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking and training in righteousness"
We must not forget that although it is hard to receive RCD's, it is also very hard to give them out. It takes a lot of courage and boldness to RCD someone because you never know how they are going to react - someone could take all there anger out on you and turn against you for your honesty. Because of this danger most people will withdraw from RCD type conversations if they feel the person on the receiving end will not except the RCD with grace and humility. Therefore, if someone does want a RCD conversation with you, you should celebrate because at least you seem humble enough to take it!
2)We can become (insert name here) 2.0
Remember that we are just like everything else that has been created - we need updating! Just like the creator of the IPhone looked at the first ever IPhone and saw all the minor imperfections and thought to himself "we must update and fix these issues so that the IPhone can become all that it was created to be", I believe that God can look at us and see the imperfections in us and with absolute furious love God wants us to update so we can become all that we were created to be. I don't know about you but I get pretty excited to get the new IPhone updates. I am always excited to see what improvements they have made and how much easier they will have made my life! In the same way we should be excited and celebrate when someone wants an RCD chat with us because basically they are saying that there is an updated verison of yourself ready to go and all you need to do is download it.
3) It's a great oppotunity to give thanks!
RCD's are a great chance to remember that we have been let off so much as mankind. We must desperately try to keep in our minds and hearts that we have been let off an eternity in hell and someone else has paid that price for us. We should be celebrating, dancing on the rooftops and partying all the time when we have an RCD conversation because it will remind us of the fact that Jesus has paid the price for all our sin and because of his sacrifice so we can now go to heaven, forever! An eternity in torture, loneliness and pain swap with and eternity of happiness, partying and life in an instant. We should see it as a privilege to be able to work on ourselves because now there is something to work for. If we were all destined to hell what would be the point of trying to improve ourselves? but now that we can go to heaven I feel a drive to be better because I know I have a future.
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking and training in righteousness"
Thursday, 9 June 2011
20 things I learnt while in California
Over the past 8 days I have had the privilege of traveling to Chicago and California on a missions trip with Sola Osinoiki. Over the 8 days we visited 6 churches. We ministered to the pretty much anyone we met by praying, prophesying and encouraging them we sat down with leaders helping them with some strategic planning but also spent time out on the streets chatting to strangers and trying our best to show them the love of Jesus. I decided to write down a few things I learnt while on this 8 day adventure so that you can get a flavour of how this trip has impacted me.
1) When Sola says he is going to prophesy, you want to shut up and listen.
2) Reflectiveness has just as much importance as work.
3) American pancakes are better then English ones.
4) Having a loving Family is so important, so complicated and so amazing all at the same time.
5) Relationships are key.
6) God has bigger plans for my life then I do.
7) American chocolate sucks.
8) I have a lot to learn about being humble
9) Sola is a remarkable person and has a world wide impact for Jesus.
10) I can stand up on a surf board.
11) That spiritual dancing can actually add to a worship set.
12) This generation needs to be way more submissive and respectful to the generation above, especially in England.
13) I really do love our youth group.
14) That having a good team is vital to anything you do.
15) All Americans have great teeth.
16) I am a lot more materialistic then I thought.
17) Effectiveness is more important then fame.
18) Where the Beach Boys used to hang out.
19) Kiera Reitzin is the coolest/cutest girl in California and possibly the world.
20) That God and I have a great relationship.
Monday, 30 May 2011
LIFE on the streets.
On Friday, during the hours of 11-3, LIFE will be taking its passion and love for Jesus onto the streets and into peoples homes! Buzzin. We are doing this to fulfil a commandment that Jesus gave to his followers.
Matthew 7:12
"So whatever you wish others to do to you, do also to them."
The truth is we are all familiar with this verse but if we are honest it is a constant battle to make sure we are living it out. We often forget this simple truth or we become selfish, looking only to our own interests and sometimes we want to live out this commandment but we just don't know when or how!
Well Friday is providing an opportunity for us to get one up in the battle to live out this truth. Teams are going to be organised to go into different peoples houses and show them the love of Christ in whatever way we can! whether that means hoovering the floor, clearing out the garden or praying for people. Other teams will be sent down to town with one mission. Spread the love of Jesus.
This is gonna be an incredible day and a great opportunity to impact the lives of so many. if you want to be involved please let Amy Mehta know, you can turn up on the day but it would be great for Amy to know how many people will be there.
Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time will reap a harvest if we do not give up"
Matthew 7:12
"So whatever you wish others to do to you, do also to them."
The truth is we are all familiar with this verse but if we are honest it is a constant battle to make sure we are living it out. We often forget this simple truth or we become selfish, looking only to our own interests and sometimes we want to live out this commandment but we just don't know when or how!
Well Friday is providing an opportunity for us to get one up in the battle to live out this truth. Teams are going to be organised to go into different peoples houses and show them the love of Christ in whatever way we can! whether that means hoovering the floor, clearing out the garden or praying for people. Other teams will be sent down to town with one mission. Spread the love of Jesus.
This is gonna be an incredible day and a great opportunity to impact the lives of so many. if you want to be involved please let Amy Mehta know, you can turn up on the day but it would be great for Amy to know how many people will be there.
Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time will reap a harvest if we do not give up"
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 37:4
Fix your eyes on the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This statement is a promise from God, a promise that God will give you the desires of your heart.
I am so thankful to God that he keeps his promises. I have always had a desire to preach and have talked to God about this desire many times. I realised this morning that God has been so faithful with this desire he has provided me with so many opportunities to preach to so many different people. I would like to list some opportunities God has given me to fulfil this desire so that you can see how faithful he is.
The entire of Garth school over 1000 students - told them how a God has supernaturally provided for me and can do the same for them.
Life group - 6 passionate young people - talked about light always conquers darkness
Kerith Academy - 9 people who have given up a year to serve the church.
LIFE - An army of young people who want to change the world for God's glory.
Oakwood - 50 young people who are seriously searching
Next Steps - Unpacking the word of God with 40 young people
Kerith Community Church - got to speak at the baptism service, this is exciting because there were people there who have never heard or thought about Jesus before
Kerith Melle (In France) - a new but passionate church.
California - Get to travel with an outstanding man of God and have the chance to speak to some american young people
I tell you all these thing not to show how much I get to preach but to show that God is faithful in his promises! He is! There is no question, no dispute. It's a promise. It happens.
However at this point we need to realise the first part of the verse, fix your eyes on the lord. This is so key if we want to God to provide the desires of our hearts, we can't expect God to just give us what we desire if we aren't going to listen to him or follow him or ultimately love him. We need to keep ourselves fixed on the lord! Most of time we want to do this but we just don't know what fixing our eyes on him means, do we just look into the sky all day?! Something I found that helps me is by looking at the rest of Psalm 37 because there are key words in the psalm which give us a clue about what fixing your eyes on the Lord could entail. Take a look.
trusting, delighting, committing, being still, waiting patiently, not being jealous, doing good, hoping in God, enjoying peace, being humble, being content, taking risks, being generous, doing good again, speaking and living justice, not being afraid, refraining from anger, seeking God's wisdom and following his law.
If you don't know whether you are fixing your eyes on the lord then look at these words and phrases and then look at your life and see if you feel you are living these out.
We can't expect Biblical promises if we don't live out Biblical principals!
Monday, 9 May 2011
Time
Will you spend your time:
Facing your fears or simply being afraid
Face your insecurities or letting them ruin your life
Raising money for project 125 or just spending all of yours
Arguing with teachers or actually listen to them
Respecting life leaders or just ignoring them
Texting on your phone during a preach or using your phone to take notes.
Saying thank you or moaning
Chasing romantic relationships or chasing a relationship with God
With God or without him
Changing the bad things in your life or just moaning about the bad things in your life
Serving this church or demanding that this church serves you
On facebook or actually having proper conversations
Listening to your parents or arguing with them
Thinking only about the benefits for you or thinking about the benefit for others
Being influenced by the world or influencing the world to be better and greater.
Focusing on school work or focusing on avoiding work
Taking opportunities that are given to you or just shy away and hope no one notices you
Demonstrating love to all people or demanding that people just demonstrate their love to you
Bullying people over form spring, facebook or actually encourage people
Trying to live the lifestyle God asks of you or trying to convince God that you lifestyle is best
Doing life your way or doing life Gods way
Listening to how much God loves you or striving for the love of people around you
Trying exciting new things that challenge you or just staying safe an comfortable where you are
By actually stopping smoking or just pretend that you will do it the future
Becoming bitter about your past or becoming better by learning from your past
Wearing a mask and just pretending that everything is great or are you gonna find people you trust and get real
Expecting everyone around you to organise you or getting yourself organised
Praying for the impossible to be made possible or just not trying because your afraid of the outcome
Trying to eat a balanced diet or just eating McDonald everyday and then acting surprised when you get fat.
Believing that you can do everything on your own or realising that you need as much help as you can get
Thinking that your God and you know best or trusting in the one true God and humbly asking for his wisdom
Checking your actions and motives or just saying live a little!
Working hard to achieve your dreams or just expecting usher to see you on YouTube
Learning from mistakes or just repeating them and hoping for a different outcome ( definition of insanity)
Getting angry at everything or learning how to control your anger
Getting drunk or learning to enjoy life without the need of anything (we knew this as children but we lose it as we grow)
Stressed out or chilled out
Hating or loving
Friday, 22 April 2011
Because of the Cross.
I can never to truly express my respect, love and thankfulness towards Jesus on Good Friday using just words, it needs action. In Romans 12:1; Paul tells us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God and this is our true act of worship, our true act which helps me express my real feelings towards Jesus on this day....... but that doesn't help me write a blog, which needs words!...... or does it!
What I have decided to do for this blog is to write out as many amazing, crazy and mind-blowing things I have seen Jesus do in past five years. All the things I write are 100% true, they are not invented or exaggerated and I have seen it with my very own eyes. They have all happened because of the power Jesus and because we have been faithful in prayer. Enjoy.
Just before we start I want to make sure that Jesus gets all the glory! Thank you Jesus.
Because of the cross over the past five years I have seen:
A boys eye pop back into place (my favourite), A gangsters broken finger healed, a random stranger crying on the streets of Wimbledon because God gave us a word about the loss of a family member, people who shouldn't be giving birth falling pregnant, a women stepping out of her wheel chair, money randomly being posted through my door, prophesied the name of a women's son, symptoms of a allergic reaction fade away after prayer, money appear in my bank account without a traceable source, young girl testify to Jesus healing her grandma of cancer, a girl cart-wheel on her arm which was broken before we prayed, Holy-Spirit Sat-Nav direct me when I am lost, more doughnuts appearing when we ran out at Jesus and Doughnuts, 15 year-old boy healed of the injuries afflicted on him by his father, the number 2 gangster of Southampton weeping during worship at his first visit to church.
Lets just stop there and give glory to Jesus. Thank you for the cross Jesus because of your sacrifice all of these amazing stories have been made possible.
An old man who was gonna commit suicide decide to give his life to Jesus instead, 6 brave men pray for a dead friend and believe 100% that he can be raised (we will see this happen in our lives), many, many knee problems healed immediately, person with bad back who can barely stand run around the room after prayer, a young person who tried to commit suicide get baptised, a family serving in church because of the testimony of the daughter, headaches gone immediately, Satanist's deciding to worship Jesus, had people tell me exactly what I am thinking and feeling, I have told people exactly what they are thinking and feeling, many aches and pains all over the body healed, demons driven out of people, peoples legs grow, swelling on a ladies nose disappear, asthma suffers completely healed, depressed people finding everlasting Joy in an instance and finally God has given me many prophecies to say to people but they are to detailed to write out on here.
All Glory to Jesus, none of this is possible without his sacrifice. Its because he suffered, bled and died to repair our relationship with the father, to take away our sin and give us the honour to stand in victory with him. Only a fool says there is no God.
What I have decided to do for this blog is to write out as many amazing, crazy and mind-blowing things I have seen Jesus do in past five years. All the things I write are 100% true, they are not invented or exaggerated and I have seen it with my very own eyes. They have all happened because of the power Jesus and because we have been faithful in prayer. Enjoy.
Just before we start I want to make sure that Jesus gets all the glory! Thank you Jesus.
Because of the cross over the past five years I have seen:
A boys eye pop back into place (my favourite), A gangsters broken finger healed, a random stranger crying on the streets of Wimbledon because God gave us a word about the loss of a family member, people who shouldn't be giving birth falling pregnant, a women stepping out of her wheel chair, money randomly being posted through my door, prophesied the name of a women's son, symptoms of a allergic reaction fade away after prayer, money appear in my bank account without a traceable source, young girl testify to Jesus healing her grandma of cancer, a girl cart-wheel on her arm which was broken before we prayed, Holy-Spirit Sat-Nav direct me when I am lost, more doughnuts appearing when we ran out at Jesus and Doughnuts, 15 year-old boy healed of the injuries afflicted on him by his father, the number 2 gangster of Southampton weeping during worship at his first visit to church.
Lets just stop there and give glory to Jesus. Thank you for the cross Jesus because of your sacrifice all of these amazing stories have been made possible.
An old man who was gonna commit suicide decide to give his life to Jesus instead, 6 brave men pray for a dead friend and believe 100% that he can be raised (we will see this happen in our lives), many, many knee problems healed immediately, person with bad back who can barely stand run around the room after prayer, a young person who tried to commit suicide get baptised, a family serving in church because of the testimony of the daughter, headaches gone immediately, Satanist's deciding to worship Jesus, had people tell me exactly what I am thinking and feeling, I have told people exactly what they are thinking and feeling, many aches and pains all over the body healed, demons driven out of people, peoples legs grow, swelling on a ladies nose disappear, asthma suffers completely healed, depressed people finding everlasting Joy in an instance and finally God has given me many prophecies to say to people but they are to detailed to write out on here.
All Glory to Jesus, none of this is possible without his sacrifice. Its because he suffered, bled and died to repair our relationship with the father, to take away our sin and give us the honour to stand in victory with him. Only a fool says there is no God.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Relationships: Dating
Dating: Where two people of opposite sex, who are attracted to each other, get together with the focus on getting to know one another to build a solid relationship without involvement of physical/romantic intimacy.
This is what we should all be aiming for. We all long for a dating relationship with someone and so we should, we were created that way! but on our quest for this mysterious, exciting and awkward thing we can get a little bit lost in our feelings and emotions. So lets clear things up a little to make sure we know what direction we are going.
Before starting the quest:
When starting out on this quest it is important to start by asking the right question. The question is not, how far can I go? or How much can I date? the question needs to be flipped it should be, How can I honour God the most when pursuing dating relationships? We must keep this question in our mind and remember that honouring God is more important then dating and when we keep this question at the fore front of our thinking it will automatically answer the other questions we have.
When I use the term honouring God I want to make it clear that this doesn't mean becoming all Super-Spiritual and praying and fasting for that perfect partner and hope that they ring your door bell because there car has just broken down outside your house and its raining so you have to invite them in and you share a hot drink in front of a roaring fire!....I believe (and feel free to disagree) that God doesn't have one perfect person for everyone and I don't see any evidence for God planning perfect partners in the Bible, in fact it is the opposite read 1 Samuel 25, David meets a girl who helps him out and looks hot so David decided to make her his wife, Lad. I believe we have a choice in the matter, I believe God gave us the skills to look for our partners and choose for ourselves all God wants from us is that when we have found this person we do the relationship his way! not our own way
Keep on the quest's track:
A verse that helps me make sure that I am doing it God's way not my own is 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but I will not be mastered by anything.
This verse is extremely helpful in keeping on the right track because it helps us ask the right questions. Instead of looking at relationships and saying that they are wrong this verse us ask is this relationship beneficial, for me?, for the person I am dating? and for the kingdom of God? if the answer is No to anyone one of these questions then surely whats the point in continuing in that dating relationship! And you can know whether it is beneficial by asking yourself yet more questions: Does it help me in my faith? Does it make me feel secure in who I am? Does it help advance the kingdom of God? (Might sound like a deep question but what is the point of doing something if it doesn't extend God's kingdom) Is this person the type of person I have dreamed of? Does it help me strengthen relationships with friends and family? Does it mold my character in a positive way?
It is important that during a dating relationship we regularly ask ourselves these questions and also that we are honest about the answers. I also strongly recommend listening to people who you respect in the faith, ask them the questions you have asked yourself and listen to their advice.
The destination of the quest:
Before we get into a dating relationship I believe it is important that we are willing and have the intention of completing the quest not just running around on path for some fun or taking certain parts of journey because they seem the most exciting, there needs to be some level of commitment that says I am ready to complete this quest. I am aware that sometimes the dating relationship just wont work out and that is absolutely fine or maybe you thought you were ready but it turns out you still have some stuff to deal with, I just think there is a danger in the idea that we can enter a dating relationship with no intention of moving forward. The danger comes because isn't it just a massive waste of time to date someone without destination or purpose? aren't we then just doing it to fulfill our own selfish desires? Aren't we just putting ourselves in temptations way? The world is to broken for us to waste time in pointless relationships, i think Paul says it best:
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
"What I mean brothers, is that the time is to short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who use the things of this world, as if they were not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away"
This is what we should all be aiming for. We all long for a dating relationship with someone and so we should, we were created that way! but on our quest for this mysterious, exciting and awkward thing we can get a little bit lost in our feelings and emotions. So lets clear things up a little to make sure we know what direction we are going.
Before starting the quest:
When starting out on this quest it is important to start by asking the right question. The question is not, how far can I go? or How much can I date? the question needs to be flipped it should be, How can I honour God the most when pursuing dating relationships? We must keep this question in our mind and remember that honouring God is more important then dating and when we keep this question at the fore front of our thinking it will automatically answer the other questions we have.
When I use the term honouring God I want to make it clear that this doesn't mean becoming all Super-Spiritual and praying and fasting for that perfect partner and hope that they ring your door bell because there car has just broken down outside your house and its raining so you have to invite them in and you share a hot drink in front of a roaring fire!....I believe (and feel free to disagree) that God doesn't have one perfect person for everyone and I don't see any evidence for God planning perfect partners in the Bible, in fact it is the opposite read 1 Samuel 25, David meets a girl who helps him out and looks hot so David decided to make her his wife, Lad. I believe we have a choice in the matter, I believe God gave us the skills to look for our partners and choose for ourselves all God wants from us is that when we have found this person we do the relationship his way! not our own way
Keep on the quest's track:
A verse that helps me make sure that I am doing it God's way not my own is 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but I will not be mastered by anything.
This verse is extremely helpful in keeping on the right track because it helps us ask the right questions. Instead of looking at relationships and saying that they are wrong this verse us ask is this relationship beneficial, for me?, for the person I am dating? and for the kingdom of God? if the answer is No to anyone one of these questions then surely whats the point in continuing in that dating relationship! And you can know whether it is beneficial by asking yourself yet more questions: Does it help me in my faith? Does it make me feel secure in who I am? Does it help advance the kingdom of God? (Might sound like a deep question but what is the point of doing something if it doesn't extend God's kingdom) Is this person the type of person I have dreamed of? Does it help me strengthen relationships with friends and family? Does it mold my character in a positive way?
It is important that during a dating relationship we regularly ask ourselves these questions and also that we are honest about the answers. I also strongly recommend listening to people who you respect in the faith, ask them the questions you have asked yourself and listen to their advice.
The destination of the quest:
Before we get into a dating relationship I believe it is important that we are willing and have the intention of completing the quest not just running around on path for some fun or taking certain parts of journey because they seem the most exciting, there needs to be some level of commitment that says I am ready to complete this quest. I am aware that sometimes the dating relationship just wont work out and that is absolutely fine or maybe you thought you were ready but it turns out you still have some stuff to deal with, I just think there is a danger in the idea that we can enter a dating relationship with no intention of moving forward. The danger comes because isn't it just a massive waste of time to date someone without destination or purpose? aren't we then just doing it to fulfill our own selfish desires? Aren't we just putting ourselves in temptations way? The world is to broken for us to waste time in pointless relationships, i think Paul says it best:
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
"What I mean brothers, is that the time is to short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who use the things of this world, as if they were not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away"
Monday, 11 April 2011
Relationships: Friendship
The Bible gives us several characteristics of friendship. It gives us some great advice and guidance to ensure that we build the best friendships we possibly can. Check out these dynamite verses:
Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times
Proverbs 18:24- There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother
Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:10 - Do not forsake your friend.
These verses are powerful stuff and illustrate God's heart for friendships. God wants to bless all friendships and encourages us to build up strong friendships which are based on honesty, commitment and affection. The word friend literally means "someone who you like who likes you" if you have someone like this in your life then it is a good thing! treasure your friendships put work into it, make them feel appreciate and be honest with them even if it hurts sometimes like proverbs 27 says it is better to have a friend who is willing to actually be honest with you then a whole bunch of enemies that just boost your ego.
I pray that I would listen to my friends when they offer me honest advice, may I have the humility to accept their rebuke and I pray that I would also have the boldness to be a true friend to show them grace in all situations yet speak truth into their lives. Grant me this Lord.
Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times
Proverbs 18:24- There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother
Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:10 - Do not forsake your friend.
These verses are powerful stuff and illustrate God's heart for friendships. God wants to bless all friendships and encourages us to build up strong friendships which are based on honesty, commitment and affection. The word friend literally means "someone who you like who likes you" if you have someone like this in your life then it is a good thing! treasure your friendships put work into it, make them feel appreciate and be honest with them even if it hurts sometimes like proverbs 27 says it is better to have a friend who is willing to actually be honest with you then a whole bunch of enemies that just boost your ego.
I pray that I would listen to my friends when they offer me honest advice, may I have the humility to accept their rebuke and I pray that I would also have the boldness to be a true friend to show them grace in all situations yet speak truth into their lives. Grant me this Lord.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Push the Limits
What have you done that requires faith recently?
When was the last time you saw something impossible be made possible?
When was the last time you pushed the limits?
These are the questions that I regularly ask myself! I want to continually grow throughout the whole of my life. I never want to stop. Some people see this as a mentality of ambitious or proud people, but I always think to myself whats the point of stopping, why stop learning when there is a world of information, why stop the challenge because we can do more then we think, why stop discovering, have we experienced everything?, why stop working the harvest is plentiful, why stop growing in our relationship with God because he is endlessly mysterious and why stop loving people when this world is so full of hate!
2 Timothy 4:2-5
I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead , to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears long to hear they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Poem
When the Church of Jesus - Fred Pratt Green
When the Church of Jesus
Shuts its outer door,
Lest the roar of traffic
Drown the voice of prayer:
May our prayers, Lord, make us
Ten times more aware
That the world we banish
Is our Christian care.
If our hearts are lifted
Where devotion soars
High above this hungry
Suffering world of ours:
Lest our hymns should drug us
To forget its needs,
Forge our Christian worship
Into Christian deeds.
Lest the gifts we offer,
Money, talents, time,
Serve to salve our conscience
To our secret shame:
Lord, reprove, inspire us
By the way you give;
Teach us, dying Saviour,
How true Christians live.
Liam, from the view of EmzyK123@hotmail.co.uk
There once was a boy i know,
who's goal was to steal the show,
I asked him politely and he answered nicely,
Emily, jesus is my bro.
This statement I heard, which i first thought abserd, turned out to be entirely true.
But Liam said he, i have called you to be, the boy that does not drink of the brew
Good bye young liam, who always sings
the no drinker of brew, but yet he always brings,
the boy with all the love and so things
The master, the lord of all the rings.
who's goal was to steal the show,
I asked him politely and he answered nicely,
Emily, jesus is my bro.
This statement I heard, which i first thought abserd, turned out to be entirely true.
But Liam said he, i have called you to be, the boy that does not drink of the brew
Good bye young liam, who always sings
the no drinker of brew, but yet he always brings,
the boy with all the love and so things
The master, the lord of all the rings.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Rocknations FAQ's
Hello ParentsI thought it would be a great idea to write out a few frequently asked questions about Rocknations and the organising of the event.
What is Rocknations?
Rocknations is a Christian Youth Festival where 1500-2000 young people gather together at the Abundant Life Campus and will hear great preachers, have some great worship and get involved in loads of crazy (but safe) games.
What is a typical day at Rocknations like?
This is what a typical day at Rocknations looks like, however I would like to add that on one of the days this year we are going to take the whole of Kerith Youth Bowling at a local bowling facility which is walking distance from the Campus.
9.30 - 11.15am : First morning celebration
11.15 - 11.30am : Break
11.30 - 12.30am : Second morning celebration
12.30 - 1.30pm : Lunch
12.30pm : Activities open
1.30 - 2.30pm : Leadership seminar
3.00 - 4.30pm : Workshops
4.00 - 7.00pm : Hot Food
5.00pm : Activities close
6.15 - 7.00pm : Pre-meeting entertainment
7.00 - 9.30pm : Evening celebration
How much free time will the young people get and where will they be allowed to go during that time?
Our dinner at the hotel is at 5:30pm everyday, therefore all Kerith young people will be back at the hotel at this point. The workshops are optional so the young people may potentially have from 3-5:30pm as free time. During these time Rocknations puts on many actvities including games zones, girls and boys lounges, football competitions, rock climbing walls and many more. If the young people don't want to participate in them they can also use the starbucks facilities or chill out on the Abundant Life field inside the campus. Over 16's are allowed to town during free time as long as they are in a group and that their team leader is aware.
Is Bradford safe for the young people?
The outstanding facility of the ALC campus is home to Rocknations. There is 24 hour security on campus throughout the conference, as well as specific security throughout the meetings. All shuttle buses to and from the hotels have a "Bus Buddy" on board to ensure security. All activities at RN have been through strict health and safety checks and there is a trained first aid team on hand if needed. The staff and security are clearly identifiable.
Food?
We will start the day with breakfast at our hotel which will be a wide range of choice from a classic english fry up to fruit and crossiants. The hotel also make us a packed lunch everyday which consists of simple sandwiches, fruit, crisps, chocolate bar and a drink. In the evening we come back to the hotel for food which again is a wide range of food but there are always three choices available at every meal time including a vegetarian option.
Leaders?
We are planning to take 16 leaders with us to Rocknations, we will give the names of the leaders once they have all confirmed but the leaders that we are asking for have all been CRB'ed and also have served in some area in the youth for over 6 months.
If you have any questions or queries then please do not hesistate in contacting either myself or lorraine. liam.parker@kerith.co.uk; lorraine.wade@kerith.co.uk
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
People listen to lies
While I was in the shower enjoying the warmth of the water and doing that fun thing where you put your fingers in your ears and close eyes and then let the water run on the top of your head because in sounds all echo-ey and cool, God spoke to me.
Throughout the day I had been having conversations that all seemed to be negative and hurtful. What was worse about these conversations was that at the time the things that were said don't seem like a big deal but I know from experience that sometimes you need to take certain words captive to guard your heart - Because form your heart flows the springs of life (Pro 4:23)
The words in these conversations revealed the true nature of what the person I was speaking with was really feeling I know this- Because the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45). The phrases and words that these people were using showed that the heart was screaming things like: "I am not good enough", " I am not attractive enough", "I have no place here", " Who am I", "I'm broken", "I'm lost, "Does anyone love me". These lies come from all over and we are pretty much fighting against them all day. Lies come others, the world, the devil and most commonly ourselves.
These revelations into the human heart upset me and I decided to take the query and upset back to Jesus to see what he had to say about the matter. Of course Jesus having the sense of humour that he does doesn't tell me in my personal devotion time or whilst I am reading the Bible and he doesn't even tell me while I am chatting to men and women who are further along their spiritual journey then me, no! He tells me while I am having a shower. Very funny Jesus! we get it your omnipresent. Whilst Jesus was showing off he decided to tell/remind me that... "People listen to lies!"... after hearing those words I totally understood everything about those conversations. We listen to lies! lies about ourselves, lies about who we are, lies about promises made to us and lies about God and his character.
I then figured out that lies are constantly going to be around us and there isn't much we can do about that but we can, as Proverbs nicely puts it, guard our hearts! every time we have a lie pop into our head that says "were not good enough" or "God isn't strong enough" we need to say no to that lie in Jesus name before it sinks down into our heart. This discipline is important. If we fail to do it then as Luke says our words will speak what is in our heart.
If we allow lies to sink into our heart then lies will come out of our mouth.
Throughout the day I had been having conversations that all seemed to be negative and hurtful. What was worse about these conversations was that at the time the things that were said don't seem like a big deal but I know from experience that sometimes you need to take certain words captive to guard your heart - Because form your heart flows the springs of life (Pro 4:23)
The words in these conversations revealed the true nature of what the person I was speaking with was really feeling I know this- Because the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45). The phrases and words that these people were using showed that the heart was screaming things like: "I am not good enough", " I am not attractive enough", "I have no place here", " Who am I", "I'm broken", "I'm lost, "Does anyone love me". These lies come from all over and we are pretty much fighting against them all day. Lies come others, the world, the devil and most commonly ourselves.
These revelations into the human heart upset me and I decided to take the query and upset back to Jesus to see what he had to say about the matter. Of course Jesus having the sense of humour that he does doesn't tell me in my personal devotion time or whilst I am reading the Bible and he doesn't even tell me while I am chatting to men and women who are further along their spiritual journey then me, no! He tells me while I am having a shower. Very funny Jesus! we get it your omnipresent. Whilst Jesus was showing off he decided to tell/remind me that... "People listen to lies!"... after hearing those words I totally understood everything about those conversations. We listen to lies! lies about ourselves, lies about who we are, lies about promises made to us and lies about God and his character.
I then figured out that lies are constantly going to be around us and there isn't much we can do about that but we can, as Proverbs nicely puts it, guard our hearts! every time we have a lie pop into our head that says "were not good enough" or "God isn't strong enough" we need to say no to that lie in Jesus name before it sinks down into our heart. This discipline is important. If we fail to do it then as Luke says our words will speak what is in our heart.
If we allow lies to sink into our heart then lies will come out of our mouth.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
The Power of the Story
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of chatting to some young people about how their life has changed since to coming into a relationship with God and getting involved at Church. It was amazing to listen to their stories and also see the passion in which they were telling them.
I realised, while talking to them, that there is so much power in a story especially when it is a true story about someones life and for some reason these stories have the biggest impact on us, I can see the evidence of this when I look back over the past 16 months of LIFE: people were silent when listening to someone sharing their story, people always remind me of the preach I did about "Little Liam" and people are always asking if they can share there story!
At LIFE we really value the Power of Stories which is why we want to make a book about it! We are going to write a book as a Youth group, this book will be made up of our stories of our lives. I am so excited and passion about this: I believe it will help strengthen us as a youth group, will remind us of what God has done through us over the past 16 months and hopefully will encourage others all over the world.
So here is the plan:
I realised, while talking to them, that there is so much power in a story especially when it is a true story about someones life and for some reason these stories have the biggest impact on us, I can see the evidence of this when I look back over the past 16 months of LIFE: people were silent when listening to someone sharing their story, people always remind me of the preach I did about "Little Liam" and people are always asking if they can share there story!
At LIFE we really value the Power of Stories which is why we want to make a book about it! We are going to write a book as a Youth group, this book will be made up of our stories of our lives. I am so excited and passion about this: I believe it will help strengthen us as a youth group, will remind us of what God has done through us over the past 16 months and hopefully will encourage others all over the world.
So here is the plan:
- If you want to be in it write your testimony down on an A5 sheet of paper, feel free to be creative with how you write it and how it looks
- If you don't know what to write try answering these questions: What was life like before God? How was your first encounter with God? and How is life different now?
- Then send your story to liam.parker@kerith.co.uk and we will take it from there
I know some of you will be sitting there now saying "but my story is boring" and wont want to write one because of this reason but if you do that then you are a silly billy! Because when God changes lives it can never be boring.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Faith, Hope and Love
The other night I was chilling and chatting with Jesus, as I was telling me Jesus about my frustrations with the world today and about the state of holiness in our generation, Jesus rudely interrupted me with a mesmerising vision.
I saw myself hanging on a rope and the sense of fear and confusion washed over me, I was literally sitting in my room scared! for some reason I couldn't control my emotions, Jesus obviously wanted me to see something. I asked him to show me more. In my vision I looked up the rope to see what it was attached to, as I looked up all I saw were dark clouds filling the entire sky. I looked down to see what would await me if i let go and saw the ocean,going absolutely crazy! It looked like it wanted to eat me. At the sight of this I decided to close my eyes and grip my piece of rope tight, as tight as I could. In the vision I had found myself in the middle of a storm, stuck in the middle between fear and confusion not knowing what was going to happen next.
While the clouds continue to gather and darken and while the seas continued to roar I saw in the horizon a glimpse of sunlight which immediately reminded me of
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I asked Jesus how the verse and the vision connected and he told me that faith is believing that God holds the other side of the rope even if I cant see him. He told me that hope is the sun and the sun is a promise of a bright day to come and he told me that love is the greatest and my love for God is what kept me holding onto the rope.
We all have tough times in our life we all feel fear and confusion but no matter what happens to the world or us three things will always remain: faith, hope and love. I came around from my vision worshiping Jesus singing the lyrics
I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,
there will be an end to these troubles but until that day comes.
Still i will praise you, still i will praise you.
p.s I forgave him for rudely interrupting my prayer.
I saw myself hanging on a rope and the sense of fear and confusion washed over me, I was literally sitting in my room scared! for some reason I couldn't control my emotions, Jesus obviously wanted me to see something. I asked him to show me more. In my vision I looked up the rope to see what it was attached to, as I looked up all I saw were dark clouds filling the entire sky. I looked down to see what would await me if i let go and saw the ocean,going absolutely crazy! It looked like it wanted to eat me. At the sight of this I decided to close my eyes and grip my piece of rope tight, as tight as I could. In the vision I had found myself in the middle of a storm, stuck in the middle between fear and confusion not knowing what was going to happen next.
While the clouds continue to gather and darken and while the seas continued to roar I saw in the horizon a glimpse of sunlight which immediately reminded me of
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I asked Jesus how the verse and the vision connected and he told me that faith is believing that God holds the other side of the rope even if I cant see him. He told me that hope is the sun and the sun is a promise of a bright day to come and he told me that love is the greatest and my love for God is what kept me holding onto the rope.
We all have tough times in our life we all feel fear and confusion but no matter what happens to the world or us three things will always remain: faith, hope and love. I came around from my vision worshiping Jesus singing the lyrics
I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,
there will be an end to these troubles but until that day comes.
Still i will praise you, still i will praise you.
p.s I forgave him for rudely interrupting my prayer.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
I Can't Explain....
...how passionate and committed I am to building the biggest and the most powerful youth group to have ever existed on this earth!
I am gonna try explain though. Every single young person that lives in Bracknell and that comes to the Kerith does so because that is they way that God has planned it! Check out Acts 17:26 - Its strange to think that God has that much control over everything but to be honest it is stranger for me to think that God doesnt have control, otherwise he wouldnt be God. In a way it is strangely comforting. This verse tells me that I have a purpose and a reason for being at the Kerith and any young person that walks through the door also has a purpose and has walked through that door because God has said it will be so!
Now that I know that God has me here for a reason I feel empowered, excited and hungry to discover what he has instore for me. I think for me it is to rise up a generation of world changers who will be radical with their love, who will be passion about holiness and who will be deeply in love with their creator.
I am so fired up to see our youth group continue to grow both, numerically and spiritually!I want miracles to become a regular thing in the lives of young people, I want to see 1000 young people inside the Kerith on a weekly basis, I want young people to be in a real and satisfying relationship with God and I want to see young people gathering round their friends houses, not to get drunk but to pray and read their Bibles!
For the next season in my life I am comitted to this! I dont know how long that season is but as long as God has me here I will give every breath to making this dream become reality.
I am gonna try explain though. Every single young person that lives in Bracknell and that comes to the Kerith does so because that is they way that God has planned it! Check out Acts 17:26 - Its strange to think that God has that much control over everything but to be honest it is stranger for me to think that God doesnt have control, otherwise he wouldnt be God. In a way it is strangely comforting. This verse tells me that I have a purpose and a reason for being at the Kerith and any young person that walks through the door also has a purpose and has walked through that door because God has said it will be so!
Now that I know that God has me here for a reason I feel empowered, excited and hungry to discover what he has instore for me. I think for me it is to rise up a generation of world changers who will be radical with their love, who will be passion about holiness and who will be deeply in love with their creator.
I am so fired up to see our youth group continue to grow both, numerically and spiritually!I want miracles to become a regular thing in the lives of young people, I want to see 1000 young people inside the Kerith on a weekly basis, I want young people to be in a real and satisfying relationship with God and I want to see young people gathering round their friends houses, not to get drunk but to pray and read their Bibles!
For the next season in my life I am comitted to this! I dont know how long that season is but as long as God has me here I will give every breath to making this dream become reality.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Why We Live
The lyrics from RPM's song, Why We Live, Verse 1:
Listen close to what i'm saying, it's important you listen.
Church of God its time to wake up to the things that we're missing.
Causally Praying that we wanna live like Jesus did,
Open our eyes and let us see with a heart like his.
So now we can't react the same when we turn on the news.
Can't let it just wash over us, we gotta learn from it too.
We were called to clothe the hungry and feed the poor,
I want blessing but someone always needs it more.
The same twenty pounds I spend putting food in my mouth,
In the third world could put a brand new roof on a house.
And yeah, we can't all fly around the globe i know,
But we were called to reach the world outside our comfort zone.
I'm willing to pay the price because souls are expensive.
While we're living in a time of political correctness,
let's stop apologizing like our message is offensive.
People die and go to hell i think we really need to get this.
This ain't a dress rehearsal now, this isn't pretend
It's time to stop being dominated by decisions of men.
Cos we were called to be the fishers of men,
and Jesus died so we'd never be referred to as the victims again.
I'm determined to make a change cause he says that i can.
This is my generation so i'm taking a stand.
I push aside common sense this is straight from my heart.
God i refuse to leave this earth without making a mark for you.
This is why we live
Monday, 27 September 2010
Being a real Youth Pastor
Last week I received a facebook message from one of the young people that attends LIFE, this person has recently become a Christian and is totally sold out for God. They have already got involved in different areas around the church that are outside of LIFE and is a true inspiration to me and many other people.
In the facebook message the young person describe a problem that they were having and wondered if they could talk to me about it as they were really struggling and needed some advice. They asked if we could talk at LIFE but then the young person said that she understood if i couldn't meet with her or help her because she knew I would be busy.
The words in the message struck me, I am a Youth Pastor and what does a Youth Pastor do? Pastor Youth. after reading this message my mind only had one question in it....."Have I made myself to busy to be a real Youth Pastor?" My time should be filled with helping young people and pointing them closer to Jesus, in the excitement and growth of LIFE have I lost the reason why I started this.
When you look at the life of Jesus you read a story of one of the most famous man on planet, both at the time he lived and also today, however you also read a story of one of the most personal men on the planet. Jesus spent a lot of his time speaking to large crowds but he also spent time round peoples houses eating meals with them, Jesus saw some of the craziest miracles but he also sat an listened to people in need and Jesus could of made everyone fall to their knees and worship him because of the power he had but he decided to wash the feet of his followers instead.
There is nothing wrong with speaking in front of thousands or praying for the impossible however we must never lose the personal touch that Jesus demonstrated. I must make myself available for young people to talk to, I must do my best to remember the names of the young people I meet and I must be willing to serve them with whatever they need even if that means at some point I will have to wash their feet.
In the facebook message the young person describe a problem that they were having and wondered if they could talk to me about it as they were really struggling and needed some advice. They asked if we could talk at LIFE but then the young person said that she understood if i couldn't meet with her or help her because she knew I would be busy.
The words in the message struck me, I am a Youth Pastor and what does a Youth Pastor do? Pastor Youth. after reading this message my mind only had one question in it....."Have I made myself to busy to be a real Youth Pastor?" My time should be filled with helping young people and pointing them closer to Jesus, in the excitement and growth of LIFE have I lost the reason why I started this.
When you look at the life of Jesus you read a story of one of the most famous man on planet, both at the time he lived and also today, however you also read a story of one of the most personal men on the planet. Jesus spent a lot of his time speaking to large crowds but he also spent time round peoples houses eating meals with them, Jesus saw some of the craziest miracles but he also sat an listened to people in need and Jesus could of made everyone fall to their knees and worship him because of the power he had but he decided to wash the feet of his followers instead.
There is nothing wrong with speaking in front of thousands or praying for the impossible however we must never lose the personal touch that Jesus demonstrated. I must make myself available for young people to talk to, I must do my best to remember the names of the young people I meet and I must be willing to serve them with whatever they need even if that means at some point I will have to wash their feet.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Project 125
"You know your mind has been renewed when the impossible seems logical" - Bill Johnson
A problem has recently been brought to the attention of myself and about 400 young people that attend LIFE. The problem is this, that girls aged around 15 who live in Serenje, Zambia are struggling to finish their school education, in fact only 2% of them are making it through the entirety of their schooling life, which is 3 years. You may be thinking that maybe their isn't enough money for them to go to school or maybe that their families cant afford it or even that maybe there isn't enough teachers but no all these things are in place. The school is ready to have them, the teachers are ready to teach and the families have made sacrifices to ensure that the girls have some accommodation during the schooling term. The reason that 98% of girls aren't making it through school is because when they live away from their families during the school term they are beaten and raped by men living in the surrounding area. Most of the girls fall pregnant or catch HIV/aids and if neither of these things happen to them well they just run away out of fear....wouldn't you?
However there is solution. A youth group in Bracknell. This youth group go by the name LIFE and they don't like the fact that 15 year old girls are getting raped so they are going to do something about it. This inspiring, motivating, trend setting youth group have decide to raise £125,000 to build these girls a dormitory, a safe place that they can live during term times so they can focus on their education and be free from fear of abuse and rape. They have given this task a name Project 125! The young people of Bracknell see themselves as world changers! mainly because they are and they have decided to change the world of 100's of girls in Serenje. LIFE has taken on this challenge and some say that it is impossible.....hmmmm seems logical to me.
A problem has recently been brought to the attention of myself and about 400 young people that attend LIFE. The problem is this, that girls aged around 15 who live in Serenje, Zambia are struggling to finish their school education, in fact only 2% of them are making it through the entirety of their schooling life, which is 3 years. You may be thinking that maybe their isn't enough money for them to go to school or maybe that their families cant afford it or even that maybe there isn't enough teachers but no all these things are in place. The school is ready to have them, the teachers are ready to teach and the families have made sacrifices to ensure that the girls have some accommodation during the schooling term. The reason that 98% of girls aren't making it through school is because when they live away from their families during the school term they are beaten and raped by men living in the surrounding area. Most of the girls fall pregnant or catch HIV/aids and if neither of these things happen to them well they just run away out of fear....wouldn't you?
However there is solution. A youth group in Bracknell. This youth group go by the name LIFE and they don't like the fact that 15 year old girls are getting raped so they are going to do something about it. This inspiring, motivating, trend setting youth group have decide to raise £125,000 to build these girls a dormitory, a safe place that they can live during term times so they can focus on their education and be free from fear of abuse and rape. They have given this task a name Project 125! The young people of Bracknell see themselves as world changers! mainly because they are and they have decided to change the world of 100's of girls in Serenje. LIFE has taken on this challenge and some say that it is impossible.....hmmmm seems logical to me.
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