willingness

MARY – WHAT AN INCREDIBLE LADY!

(December 10, 2022) Geri  B challenges us not just to believe the gospel message but to live it!

When Christmas comes around we naturally think of Jesus, born of a virgin, born in a manger, born to die on a cross for the sins of the world. That’s as it should be! There is no greater message to be proclaimed, nor any other focus that should be given.

But I would add that one of the greatest messengers of this truth is the mother of Jesus, Mary herself. Mary doesn’t preach this message, she lives it!

When we take time to go through the gospels and study this woman of God we find a very humble woman…

  • Great in faith
  • Persistent in prayer
  • Steadfast in her trust in God
  • Specific in believing that what He said about her son, Jesus, would come to pass
  • Willing to be willing!

Mary was willing to –

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ST PATRICK – RADICAL DISCIPLE AND MISSIONARY

(March 17, 2022), Alan Higgins brings a timely challenge…

It’s St Patrick’s Day today and I recall what our patron saint did with discipleship and mission.

The main scriptures – familiar to many – that I have chosen are Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 28:16-20 … scriptures, I believe, that must have been on Patrick’s heart.

What can we learn from them… and what do they tell us about Saint Patrick, the Irish legend?

1. Patrick’s life exemplifies Jesus’ command to reach the lost     
The gospels give us the following messages from the heartbeat of Jesus, not just Patrick, on the importance of fulfilling the great commission.

Matthew 28:16-20 is what Patrick set out to do in Ireland – to make disciples in this nation. His life and ministry teach us to be open to the call of God in our lives.

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MARY’S KEY – WILLINGNESS

(December 10, 2019) Geri B reminds us of a special lady who willingly trusted God to fulfil his word…

Almost Christmas! May I bring a particular aspect to the Christmas story – the biblical Mary that I see!

When we think of Christmas we naturally think of Jesus Christ –

  • Born of Mary, a virgin
  • Born in a manger
  • Born to die on a cross for the sins of the world.

And that’s as it should be at Christmas for it’s the real Christmas message way beyond the tinsel, sparklers, crackers and gifts! There is no greater message to be proclaimed, nor any other focus that should be given.

But… can I add that one of the greatest messengers of this truth is the mother of Jesus, Mary herself.

Mary does not preach this message, she lives it!

When we take time to go through the gospels and study this woman of God we find a very humble woman, great in faith, persistent in prayer and steadfast in her trust in God, specifically trusting that what he said about her son, Jesus, would come to pass.

Willing to obey
From the very beginning – Mary’s encounter with Gabriel, the archangel of God Most High – we see a woman who is willing to do the will of God, and to do that will without fanfare, complaint, or requested recognition.

In Luke 1:29-37 we read the conversation Mary had with Gabriel and her willing acceptance of God’s plan for her life – ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.  ‘May it be to me as you have said’ (v38). (more…)

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GET UP…!

(December 9, 2019) Dr George Forbes, missionary statesman, asks a challenging question …

2019 is almost gone! Christmas – a time when people are expecting good things and encouragements by way of cards and gifts – is only a couple of weeks away.

But beyond meaningful cards and gifts, churches and Christians will be celebrating that the heart of God and the gospel message that speaks of the greatest gift of all – God’s gift of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It’s every Christian’s responsibility to share the good news of the gospel. And, as the Holy Spirit leads, we can find opportunities to share the good news of the real reason for the season. We may not be a missionary overseas but even here at home we can fulfil the great commission in our local suburbs!

The babe of Jesus Christmas would grow up to become the Saviour of the world, calling many to follow him and share the good news of the gospel.

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WILLINGNESS – MARY’S KEY

(December 5, 2017) Geraldine Brandt reminds us of a special lady who willingly trusted God to fulfil his word…

May I bring a particular aspect to the Christmas story – the biblical Mary that I see!

When we think of Christmas we naturally think of Jesus Christ, born of Mary, a virgin – born in a manger, born to die on a cross for the sins of the world. That’s as it should be!  There is no greater message to be proclaimed, nor any other focus that should be given.

But can I add that one of the greatest messengers of this truth is the mother of Jesus, Mary herself.

Mary does not preach this message, she lives it!  When we take time to go through the gospels and study this woman of God we find a very humble woman, great in faith, persistent in prayer and steadfast in her trust in God, specifically trusting that what he said about her son, Jesus, would come to pass.

Willing to obey
From the very beginning – Mary’s encounter with Gabriel, the archangel of God Most High – we see a woman who is willing to do the will of God, and to do that will without fanfare, complaint, or requested recognition. (more…)

NO MORE EXCUSES

Maureen McQuillan(December 17, 2016) Maureen McQuillan looks beyond this joyous season …

No doubt all of us at one time or another has dreamed about whom we could become or about things we’d love to do for God. But then thoughts about circumstances, lack of education, experience or something else made us dismiss the idea altogether. Or we made all sorts of excuses or found ‘reasons’ why it just couldn’t happen.

And when we go down that track, we miss out on so much because we don’t go on to consider the possibilities in God. It seems that we don’t understand that Christians, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can discover abilities beyond our own natural skills.

A great truth to discover is that God’s Spirit can lift us above and beyond any excuse! (more…)

BEING AVAILABLE

Dr Robert & Maureen (2)Robert and Maureen McQuillan remind readers that ability is good but that availability is more useful to God.

In Galatians 5, Paul speaks very strongly regarding our freedom in and through Christ. The Message Bible version uses some down-to-earth wording in urging us to get rid of ‘stuff’ – such as ‘a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage…trinket gods; magic-show religion … small-minded and lopsided pursuits’ (v19-20). (more…)

‘FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS’

Mike ShreveMike Shreve, evangelist, pastor and author, reminds readers that every Christian lives in critical times – full of opportunity to serve the kingdom…

As we meditate on the present state of affairs in the world and our nations, no biblical passage comes to mind any more readily than the story of Esther.

It was a critical time for God’s people then, and so it is now – politically, monetarily, socially and spiritually. Listen to Mordecai’s exhortation to his niece, who had just been appointed as queen: (more…)

MORE?

Robert and OliverTwist_6957Maureen McQuillan challenge:

‘Please, sir, I want some more’ from Charles Dickens’ second novel Oliver Twist are words so famous that virtually everyone remembers them. The workhouse supervisor Mr. Bumble’s outraged response is well known too.

The musical Oliver portrays Bumble’s enraged reaction as ‘More? You want more?!!’ In other words, what you have already received is enough, more than enough!

Twenty years ago ‘More. I want more’ became the catchcry in church circles. Today as we minister around various denominations and pastoral care/mentoring, we still hear a cry for more from not just a mere few Christians. Unsettled hearts and lack of contentment in current circumstances results in Dickensian type expressions. (more…)