What have you seen?

Vision is seeing something that most others cannot, like the potential for a flower to grow out of a mass of bricks.

Once you see something, a vision of a future God has given you, don't let go of it. Many things will try to crowd out your time, and distract your attention from what you have seen.

I have been reminded this week to keep pushing through, until bit by bit, what I saw so many days and weeks ago, comes into being.

Don't give up on your God-given vision; it is what God has created you to do, and no-one else can do it, except for you.

No footprints

"Your path led through the sea,
Your way through the mighty waters
Though your footprints were not seen".

(Psalm 77:13 TNIV)

The Israelites faced a mighty sea before them, but God made a path. They walked on dry land while mighty waters rose up beside them. Though they saw no footprints, the God who led them out of Egypt walked with them, leading them once again along his path through the sea, his power once again being displayed mightily in their lives.

Sometimes we can feel as if we are fighting alone. We look at the raging waters and doubt we will ever be strong enough to push through them. But God has made a way! We may not be able to see very far ahead but the path is there if we trust Him to lead us. I don't have to fight in my own strength; I just must stand strong and follow the Lord. And though at times I may not be able to see His footprints, He surrounds me and holds the waters back so that they will not crush me.

I will pass through.

A Holy Ghost Strategy

You have been assigned to lead a new youth ministry. Where do you start?

The last few months I've had so many ideas, and I've had so many ideas suggested to me, about what I can do with the youth ministry next year. I could read this, watch that, talk to him, meet with her, set up this program, run this seminar, and so on, and on and on. When we start from scratch, there are so many options. We could do anything! So where should I begin?

I've been asking God for a strategy. I refuse to simply copy what the growing churches are doing, or to follow the recommendations of the latest book. I want a strategy that is from God, for our church, in our city, that addresses the needs of our community.

During the last week I've had phenomenal times with God, particularly during a local youth conference. And God has shown me clearly; begin with what is most important. Don't go running around wearing yourself out, start with the one thing you must have before any growth will happen.

That is, teach the young people to seek the face of God. We have about three to half a dozen young people associated with our church. The first thing I am going to do is teach them to pray, to cry out to God for our city. Why would we start with anything else? I believe God will grow the group simply by us seeking God and learning to live and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit.

When we have this happening, only then will we begin to develop strategies and programs to reach the young people. And I can tell you, these strategies will be spot on in terms of effectiveness and fruitfulness, because they have been given to us by God as we have committed to seeking his face.

“One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple…
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek…
Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path…
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.”

Psalm 27:4,8,11,14 (NIV).

Rescue Me

What do women want? I think that deep within the heart of the average woman is the desire for a hero; a brave, dashing man who she could adore, who would sweep her off her feet with his love. This is the kind of man who would walk across broken glass for her, who would cherish and protect her, one who would call her beautiful and treat her accordingly.

And yet, most men we meet are pretty disappointing. Something has taken the dashing-ness out of today's man, instead, people want him to be tame. Many men do not treasure nor cherish the women in their life; they are more likely to use, abuse, or abandon them.

Did you know, however, that most women have missed their hero? A strong, brave man, who has gave up his life to win their heart? A man who tenderly cares for and empowers women to be all they can be? This man is Jesus! In Him I have discovered everything I need. He has rescued me from hell, and fights for me so that I can be all I was designed to be. His friendship and love never leave me. I am happy to serve him as my heavenly Master, and he graciously gives me all I need and more. Most of all, his love for me never ever dies, even when I let him down.

God calls men everywhere to imitate Jesus, which is what it means to be real hero. Men who are husbands, as well as those who are not, are called to be heroes to the women around them. They are called to represent and set an example of Christ to the women in their lives, and to treat them as Jesus treats them.

So, men, if you want a princess to rescue, look around you. Be a hero, just like Jesus, to the women in your life, and watch them be set free to be the beautiful, graceful, world-shaking women God has called them to be!

the Wonderful Gazing

The deepest part of my being responds to God.
I find Him, not as an unfamiliar character,
but a One so much better than the nicest things
I have ever seen, felt, heard, and loved.
He Is what the best version of me wants to emulate.
He is not far off, but Near,
not Unlike; but on the other hand,
infinitely more Great
than the greatest parts of myself.

His and my heart lock hands,
because they were Meant to be together.
He needs me not, of course;
but Reached toward me anyway.
I don't ever attain to His limitless Good,
But my life is a Wonderful Gazing
toward His Loving Face,
Small shreds of his Likeness
Being shown in mine.

Transition

God spoke wonderful words of comfort to me while I was in church this morning. At the moment the best word I could use to describe my life is "mess". Lots of good things are happening, but in this time of transition and change, I sometimes feel lost in all of it. I'm going through intense spiritual struggles - funny, I thought things would get easier over time; they don't - you just get more and more challenged as you give more of your life to God. Every area of my life is being stretched and tested as God shapes me for the tasks ahead. I see a lot of obstacles and problems; I can do nothing but give them to God and trust Him to provide.

It is good to be in the hands of a loving God, who disciplines us because he cares for us deeply. It's just a difficult time. But as I reach through the darkness and cling to God, I know he carries me through. I rest in His hands of grace, and while the world rushes around me, I hear His voice:

"Come," He said, "And I will show you the view from the mountain top...".

Brick by Brick

Last Saturday night we had a pretty laid back meeting to throw around some ideas for the youth ministry. It was good; I enjoyed getting to know some of our young people and praying about the future. Things are happening, slowly but surely. "Brick by brick", as one of the ladies in the church said.

We had pizza too, which was goood. I realised that when we finally move, I'll have to find out where all the good places to eat are, where all the streets are, shops etc. One great place I know of already is Nandos, my absolutely most favourite restaurant.

I'm feeling a lot more encouraged after the weekend. The people in the church are just great - we feel so welcome already. It was sad to return home today... I can't wait to go back and visit the church again!

Test

A lot of amazing things have fallen into place in order to get to this point.
That's why I must keep trusting God through these testing times, because I know he will provide what I need to fulfill the dreams he has put in my heart.
I must fight to hang on to my faith that God will bring about what he has called me to do, no matter what happens or how much I become discouraged.

Lord, I'm hanging on.
I trust you with my life, my future.
Help me to have the strength
to not lose hope,
no matter what.

New Horizons

I have decided to begin a new blog as I begin a new phase in my life. In January next year, I will begin working as a youth pastor in regional Victoria. I will also complete my Bachelor of Arts (Ministry) degree that year.

It's all new and exciting, and I look forward to sharing many good and challenging experiences with you.