Tuesday 29 December 2009

10 commitments for the New Year for me

1. I WILL equip more people and seek to do less of the ministry

Ephesians 4:11-12 says that the purpose of leaders in the church is to equip the people to do the ministry of the church.


2. I WILL build into the ministry of others rather than seeing them as tools to build my own ministry

Jethro told Moses that trying to be the solitary authority figure was wrong (Exodus 18:13-24). Jesus chose to invest into building 72 other ministers (Luke 10:1), 12 heavily, and three of them intimately so! I have heard many great leaders say that if they had their time again they would invest more in training and developing other leaders. Let’s have a plan!

3. I WILL develop a kingdom perspective, realizing that building the ministry of others will multiply the impact of my life

Jesus went out of his way to make sure people understood how much he demanded before they became his followers. For Christians, giving time to ministry is not optional! All must have a strong work ethic and give themselves completely in service to God. Someone once told me you will never build a great church and be able to go to the beach every other weekend. Think about your own commitment before judging others!!

4. I WILL be an encourager of others in ministry

In a world full of negative attitudes and criticism, I will demonstrate Christ’s love by celebrating the accomplishments of others more. I will seek to push others to excel and take steps of faith.

5. I WILL call people boldly to become who God has called them to be

I will boldly invite them to contribute their time to the most significant cause in the universe.

6. I WILL devote resources to developing others

I will seek more ways to assist the training and equipping of the leaders that work with me. I will continually challenge them to personal growth and development. I will give more constructive feedback,

7. I WILL laugh more!

The eternal consequence of one soul is worthy of the most serious effort there is for sure. However, the Bible speaks of love and joy as a hallmark of a follower of Christ. Infact, the Bible says that the joy of the Lord IS my strength. Laughter is like medicine to the heart and is crucial for the journey ahead.

8. I WILL forgive myself for past mistakes

God chose me to do what I do. He chose to work through me knowing that I am not perfect. I will spend time consciously determining what I need to learn from my mistakes and then I will join God in casting them into the Sea of Forgetfulness.

9. I WILL remember the ONE Thing

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus reminded Martha that while all her attempts to serve him were good, the ONE thing most important was developing a growing relationship with Jesus. I will remember that ultimately it is not about my ministry or my church. Ultimately, it’s about developing a growing relationship with Jesus.

10. I WILL keep these resolutions longer than the one about dieting and exercise

Don't need to comment any more on this.

If you are a leader, why not join me in this and see where we are by the end of 2010.

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Oral Roberts died

Dr. Oral Roberts, a legendary evangelist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, died today in Newport Beach, Calif., due to complications from pneumonia. His son, Richard, and daughter, Roberta, were at his side. The founder of Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and Oral Roberts University was 91.

Another general of the Christian faith is finally called home to heaven and to the saviour he loved and gave his life in service to spreading the gospel around the world. An extraordinary man with great faith and endurance who has inspired leaders for many years and has been used by God powerfully. I salute him and know that heaven would stand in applause of this man. His life has brought honour to the name of Jesus.

Oral will be sadly missed and my prayers are for his family at this time.

I am just left today thinking again about my own legacy and impact in this world for Christ. The baton is in our hands for just a short time and then it's passed on whether we plan to do it or not! We all grow old and will surely die. I want to make a difference with every moment of my life and not waste a single minute. I have prayed today that Jesus would strengthen me to run my race in my day with the same attitude as the Apostle Paul, like I have not obtained ANYTHING (become complacent and too comfortable) and stay focused on RUNNING (Urgency and effort) towards the goal of being Christ's ambassador here on earth.

Let's ask God to use us for his honour and glory in this generation.

Thursday 10 December 2009

Calling Jesus Lord is not good enough to get you into heaven!

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matt 7:21

Jesus reall just says it as it is. You see it's easy to just say the words but what Jesus wants from us is to be fully surrendered to his Lordship and living a life of obediance to God's will. I will say this again in case you missed it, OBEDIANT TO GOD'S WILL in your life. Many struggle with this and have even walked away from Jesus because the ask is to great. I think this is where the rubber really hits the road for us who profess to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

I once heard someone say, "It is not how high you can jump that matters, but how straight you can walk when you hit the ground again." You may be able to say all the 'right things'. but if your faith does not impact the way you live, it is meaningless. In truth, you may not have a real relationship with God!

I once read something that really challenged me and I will leave it with you to think about. This was engraved on a Cathedral wall in Germany:

Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us,

"You call me master and you obey me not;
you call me light and you see me not;
You call me the way and walk me not;
You call me life and live me not:
You call me wise and follow me not;
You call me fair and love me not:
You call me rich and ask me not;
You call me eternal and seek me not;
If I condemn you, blame me not."


I simply believe that God is looking for genuine believers whose walk matches their talk. What about you?

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Thoughts - Who is God?

Pharaoh once said, "Who is the Lord that I should listen to him?" What a question! I think many around us today would ask the same question. This is a challenging question to attempt to answer. The fact is that it is difficult for our limited minds to grasp hold of the limitless, eternal, omnipotent God!

The Bible promises one day everything about God and his character will be made perfectly clear to us (1 Cor 13:12) BUT until then we can find out everything about him in his word 'The Holy Bible'.

There in his word we discover the following:

1. God is ALL-knowing, EVER present and ALL-Powerful.
The creator of the universe knows every detail of his creation (Matt 10: 29-31)

2. God is Holy.
His holiness merits our worship (Rev 15:2-4)

3. God is Loving and Just. This is amazing but his justice is tempered by his love. (2Peter 3:3-9)

4. God is Personal.
This sets him apart from the so-called 'gods' of other religions (Acts17:22-31)

5. God is in Control. Even when things around us seem in chaos, he is in control! (Rom 11:33-36)

6. The God of the Bible is the One True God.
Only HE is worthy of our worship and devotion (1 Cor 8:4-6)

I could go on and on...... As we continue to dig into God's word there is so much more for us to discover about who God is... My comments above is just the start over the amazing revelation to us of how AMAZING and ALMIGHTY he truly is.

However, what is equally amazing to me is that ALMIGHTY God came to this world at Christmas time in the person of JESUS CHRIST so that the world might know who God is. Jesus said, 'if you have seen me you have seen the father'. We will get to know God by knowing the son. Christmas points us again to a saviour sent for us to take away our sin and a God who wants a relationship with us all mankind. TOTALLY AMAZING!!

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Determined to make a diffence in someone else's life



So what can you do for someone else?

As I watched this I was reminded that who ever we are and whatever circumstances we find ourselves in in this life, our attitude changes everything and can make all the difference. Infact, I believe having the right attitude mostly changes us.

Over the years I have seen people do great things, creative things, rise up and find solutions, to be an inspiration to many and make a real difference in the lives of others. How? Just by having the right attitude. What about you?

Monday 30 November 2009

Day of prayer & Fasting throughout November at MKCC

Throughout the month of November we called our church to a day of prayer and fasting and a weekly prayer meeting on monday nights. I really believe that this has been a significant time for us. Tonight was our last meeting and it was an amazing evening. It was so good to see around 100 people come together again to pray.

Right from the start the people came ready! The worship was intense and passionate and I knew that the next hour was going to be inspiring. We broke into four groups and moved around four prayer stations and everyone prayed. The stations focused on Expectation, Salvation, Compassion and Provision with specific points under each heading. It was amazing to see people pray with a sense of urgency to see God touch our church and the city. There was a spiritual thirst tonight that I have not seen before in our church and that excites me.

Whatever God has in store for us in the future as a church, I know that prayer is essential for us. We must understand that we are totally dependent on God's power and wisdom to fulfill his plan. A Christ follower is called to humble ourselves and pray. Humility before God is crucial to fulfill all he has purposed for us.

I really believe our church is on the threshold of God doing something great among us. Whatever you do don't miss it!




Monday 9 November 2009

Sunday 8 November 2009

Sunday thoughts....

Week two in our History Makers series 'All on the table or is it?'

Musos did a great job today just keyboard, acoustic guitar and vocals and it worked really well.

Emily was testing for the first week in-ear monitor system which she seemed to get on really well with. No amps on stage which is a massive change for the guys.

Songs worked brilliantly and I thing the whole day communicated the message from Rom 12:1-2 powerfully.

Numbers were up again this week as everyone was back from half term break and the weather was good today. Great to see new faces each week attending. I always enjoy saying hi to people in the guest lounge after services.

There was a strong challenge to our church to put everything on the table because everything belongs all to God. Everything I have, everything I am and everything I ever hope to be.

God is the owner I am the manager. I am to steward all the resources he has entrusted to me. I don't get to take ANYTHING with me when I die. He has asked us to offer our lives completely, willingly and whole heartedly - this is worship!

Do not be deceived with the methods and ways of this world where materialism and sin fight to be king. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world!

Our volunteers are the real heros at MKCC, just love and appreciate you guys.

Looking forward to our Day of Prayer and Fasting on Monday. Infact, every Monday throughout November. Last week saw around 90 people joining together to Pray. Make sure you are there every week at 7pm.

As from next week, everything changes on site at MKCC as our contractors Mansells get ready to commence construction of our new auditorium and supporting facilities. SO EXCITED!

Tuesday 3 November 2009

It ALL BELONGS to God - Don't forget it!

I Just love this from Rom 11: 33-36

God reminds us again that EVERYTHING we have in this life belongs to him and it is for a purpose.

33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?

35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?

36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.


Truly our God is an awesome God. Let's all remember EVERYTHING we have comes from God. It all belongs to him and NOT to us.

QUESTION? Are you willing to give it away if he asks you? Would you trust him?

Thursday 29 October 2009

The Churches best days are ahead

I loved this article by Perry Noble today so HAD TO post it...


Why I Believe The Churches Best Days Are Ahead… October 29, 2009

As I survey the landscape of church in America I am not buying into to the “doom and gloom” that some people seem to take joy in declaring…

IN FACT, I believe the opposite…I seriously believe the churches best days are ahead of her.

Acts 2 wasn’t something that happened that we are supposed “to get back to,” it was where we STARTED FROM…and should be FOUNDATIONAL and not just some ideal we strive for…

And I’m seeing that!

I see leaders stepping up and leading with CONVICTION and PASSION…and begging God for HIS permission instead of begging committees for their approval!

I see Jesus being preached and repentance being demanded…and people RESPONDING in droves because THE GOSPEL, not some non-eternal agenda, has taken center stage.

I see churches being planted and video campuses getting started by people who are more interested in seeing birth given to babies rather than trying to resurrect the dead.

I see networking taking place like never before…where people are reaching across denominational lines and loving and learning from one another. (THAT didn’t happen 15-20 years ago!)

I see the potential of a worldwide revival like that has NEVER happened right in front of our eyes!!! The internet was not given so we could view porn…but rather as a TOOL to advance His Kingdom.

I see passion in church leaders being unapologized for.

I see churches and leaders that are NOT AFRAID to take risks and do things different in order to reach people far from God.

I see churches buying into the SCRIPTURAL idea that people do not have to be perfect to come to church…and just because they are in church doesn’t mean they are perfect either.

I see churches embracing the fact that the pastor isn’t the one who is supposed to minister to all of the people…but rather it is the BODY that is supposed to minister to the BODY!

I see churches stepping up in their communities and not just being a mouth that speaks out about what it is against and for…but being hands and feet and serving those in the area.

I see “non-professionals” (you know, fisherman, tax collectors and tent makers) leaving the marketplace and entering the ministry…and making a difference!

I see people inviting their friends to church because they understand they won’t have to apologize the entire time because churches are actually embracing that if we are doing something for Jesus then we should give it our best!!!

I see religion being rejected so that it no longer matters what you wear to church!

I am seeing it…for those who think it’s over for the church, I’ve got news for you…Jesus is still Lord, the tomb is still empty and the church is STILL HIS PLAN!!!

Church…we’re not called to play “prevent defense,” let’s PREACH CHRIST, BEG HIM FOR SALVATION TO FALL LIKE RAIN…AND RUN UP THE SCORE!!!

Wednesday 28 October 2009

Faith & generosity are linked.. (Part 2)

The Journey towards mature faith and stewardship is crucial for us to understand.

I think there are different attitudes people have when it comes to giving and living a generous life.

1. You can give by imitating others stewardship

2. You can give sporadically when you think there is a good enough reason

3. You can give because there is something in it for you. Recognition, tax benefit, other personal gain

4. You can give in proportion to what God has given you

5. You can give recognizing that all you posses is from God and you find joy in giving

6. You can give focused entirely on God and others. Your eye is on eternal rewards rather than temporal rewards in this life. You are content with daily provision.

Where are you? God calls us to spiritual maturity, to a life of generosity, to give our lives for others as Christ did for us. I once heard someone say, The entrance to the Christian faith is free through Jesus but the annual subscription is everything - Following Christ will cost you EVERYTHING!

There are Many people who ask God for more...more money, a bigger house, a larger car, more influence, more power, more effectiveness.....etc.

My question is this to us all; Can he trust us with more? Or would more corrupt you and fill you with pride which could destroy you? Think about it! Be honest with yourself before God and get real!

Monday 26 October 2009

Faith & generosity are linked.

Growing faith is expressed in growing generosity.

Stop and think about this for a moment.

I really believe a generous spirit is a key towards true spiritual maturity. I am talking about much more than just money here!

Holding on to what we have and not living a generous life is actually saying:
1. I do not trust God
2. I am focused on my needs, my desires, my plans, my pleasures as a priority
3. I am disobedient to the words of Jesus
4. I am not growing in faith
5. I do not want to become Christ-like
6. All I have is mine and not God's
7. I am not interested in using my resources to build God's kingdom, I'll leave it to the few.

Jesus said, 'hold on to your own life and you will lose it.' A sobering thought hey! Living a generous life ultimately leads us to living a selfless life and desiring to fulfil the purposes of God in our daily lives. No short cuts here, it's a life that is NOT about ME but is a life fully surrendered to JESUS. To follow Jesus, we have to take up our cross and follow him. He said it! Think about this and what it means to you.

Are you holding on? God wants to use you but you have to be willing to die to self and live for Christ. All that we have and are belongs to him and we live in this life for an audience one one - Jesus.

Let's not hold on but rather be ready to release, share, let go, bless, and see what God will do.

Know this that you are blessed to BE a blessing. So.... let the blessing begin.

Can you imagine what 1000's of people living a generous life would look like?

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Get yourself along to Life Group this week!

Saw this and loved it. We all need to be challenged by this.



SO, check out where an MKCC Life Group is near you this week and get to it. There's no excuse!

Monday 19 October 2009

The Danger of Indecision

Read this article today and thought it was excellent - check it out!

Jim Rohn says, “Indecision is the thief of opportunity.” Some of my greatest regrets have been times in my own leadership when I struggled with indecision and shortly afterward I watched prime opportunities slip right past me. You see indecision becomes decision over time.

There seem to be four primary reasons a leader struggles with indecision.

1. They’re afraid of failing

2. They’re afraid of disappointing others

3. They’re afraid a better opportunity or more information will come along after they have made their decision

4. They’re afraid to totally trust God for the outcome (Proverbs 3:4-5)

So if you are struggling with indecision keep these things in mind…


My indecision may increases my stress level and decreases my ability to think clearly

My indecision may injure my leadership credibility with those who follow me

My indecision may cause my organization to miss a golden opportunity

My indecision may be permitting others who shouldn’t be in control, to be in control

My indecision may hurt the morale and momentum of the team

My indecision may cause me to miss a miraculous provision from God

In his book War As I Knew It, General George S. Patton wrote: “Don’t delay. The best is the enemy of the good. A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”

Decisions can make or break a leaders confidence and credibility, so decide now to decide well.

Wednesday 14 October 2009

What the church family should BE...

"The phrase 'one another' or 'each other' is used over 50 times in the New Testament.

We are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other's burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other.

This is what every believer should do, it's called 'works of service or the ministry and in my opinion is the best Pastoral system there is. We are all ministers of Christ, a royal priesthood and need to function.

This takes the responsibility off the leaders and frees them to do what they are supposed to do which is to equip the saints for the ministry. If we can do this I believe the church will grow because Jesus said it would!

Can you imagine what could happen if the church 'Christs body' took responsibility for one another rather than expecting leaders to 'DO IT ALL' which quite frankly is impossible.

True spiritual maturity is about serving others. So come on guys stop spectating and start participating! What do you need to do today?

Wednesday 7 October 2009

Does man flu exist?

Thanks for all the sympathy I have had from all my twitter buddies and face book friends. Yes I had the Man Flu! I have had some hilarious videos and comments sent to me - Thanks. Thought I would post this one as it tops them all.

Check it out...Girls guide to Man Flu

Tuesday 22 September 2009

True Greatness - Will you trust God?

Life throws at us some challenges doesn't it?

You can not guarantee everything will go well, always be alright and you somehow side step storms and difficulties throughout your life. Whether you are a believer or not storms will come. What is important is what you are standing on and that makes the difference.

Job once said, 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust him'. WOW!! What about you?

I don't know about you, but I choose to trust in God as I know these guys do in this video. Real people going through difficult times but still willing to trust God and praise him no matter what.


Thursday 17 September 2009

Reproducing reproducers by Mac Lake

One of the primary goals of leadership development is not just to produce a leader, but to produce a leader that produces leader. Developing a leader will last a season, but developing a leader that reproduces leaders lasts generations.

Several years ago a young man walked into my office and with great enthusiasm in his voice said, “Mac, if you know anyone who needs Jesus please give me their name because I love to witness and I just want to share my faith all I can.” Knowing this guy had the gift of evangelism and was leading people to Christ regularly, I said, “Tim, do you want to live a life of addition or multiplication?” He paused, thought, and said, “Multiplication of course, but what are you getting at?” I said, “You have an amazing gift for evangelism and you can keep winning people to Christ one at a time, living a life of addition or you can live a life of multiplication. Then looking him in the eye I said, “Tim, I want to challenge you to train 100 people in our church how to share their faith.” This was like pouring fuel on a fire, he was now a man on a mission and said, “Yes! That is what I want to do.” I gave him the Becoming a Contagious Christian curriculum and set him loose. Within six months he had trained dozens of people how to share their faith. He never made it to the 100 goal because during that six months God called him into ministry and he left to go to seminary. I still hear from him on occasion and he is still equipping people to share their faith, in fact he has trained way more than 100 over the years.

God’s impact through our lives will reach its maximum influence when we focus on reproducing reproducers. Are you focusing on raising leaders, or raising leaders who raise leaders?

Wednesday 26 August 2009

Monday 24 August 2009

Learning from others stories

What I Wish I'd Known Before I Got Divorced
By Georgia Shaffer


'Five friends and I were having breakfast one morning when our conversation turned to our friend Cindy.* She was convinced divorce was the answer to her problems.....'

Read more here.....

Thursday 20 August 2009

Book Recommendation for married couples



The Five love languages

New York Times Bestseller


How to express heartfelt commitment to your mate
by Gary Chapman.


This book also includes a five love languages personal assessment tool!!

Purchase it here for only £4.99

Tuesday 18 August 2009

Learning from others stories...


I Had an Affair

My husband wasn't making me happy. So why not look elsewhere for intimacy? Lyn Mackenzie

I don't know exactly when my affair started. My marriage of eight years had brought me three wonderful children and a beautiful home. While I'd like to say it brought me happiness, too, I couldn't. I questioned the direction of my career, I felt guilty leaving my children with a babysitter, and I believed my husband, Allen,* wasn't doing everything he could to make me happy........

Read the whole article here

Saturday 15 August 2009

Marriage - a few more helpful communication tips

6 Communication Connections

These tips can improve the way you and your mate communicate. But be aware, not all men and women will share these characteristics.

1. Women are inclined to want "feeling" conversations, while men lean toward problem solving. Ensure you are clear about the kind of conversation you expect to have.

2. Women give and want to hear lots of details; men go for the bottom line.

3. When a woman says, "Nothings wrong," something usually is. Husbands—offer to be a sympathetic listener when she's ready to talk.

4. A husband wants to be part of the solution to a problem, not viewed as the problem.

5. Men tend to dislike unsolicited advice—they presume their mate believes they can't handle things on their own.

6. When a woman is upset and emotional, just listen. Attempting to offer an explanation will frequently be taken as invalidation.

Friday 14 August 2009

Forgiveness - really!!

Unforgiveness is like taking poison in hopes that the other guy will die.

Forgiveness has more to do with your tongue than your head or heart. If you're still talking about it, you haven't forgiven.


Someone once said to Jesus, 'How many times shall I forgive?" What's changed in over 2000 years? Offering forgiveness is never easy for anyone in my book, especially when you have been hurt or betrayed in someone you love or have trusted. It takes a huge amount of courage, strength of character, faith and love to do it.

Jesus was and is passionate about forgiving others and calls his followers to do likewise. How many times....."70 X 7" - WOW!! That's not a formula to go and figure out how many times you need to actually offer forgiveness, Jesus was informing us of our way of life.

Jesus' mercy and grace know no limits and is the bench mark for us to move towards. Tough I here you say! Yes it is, and you need God to help you to forgive when your natural ability runs out. Jesus didn't just talk about forgiveness, he modeled it for a reason - FOR US TO FOLLOW.

The fact is, that when we release forgiveness to others we actually release ourselves from harboring bitterness, becoming critical, being defensive, angry, fearful etc. Every time you offer forgiveness to others there is a power released. Forgiveness will set you free and it will actually change you for the better. This is key to your own personal growth and equip you to serve and help others more effectively.

Remember, Jesus said, "Forgive as you have been forgiven". In other words keep your eyes fixed on the cross - on Jesus and remember the full extent of his love for you. Now go and do likewise!

Not an easy path to walk but I challenge you today to choose to forgive...

Wednesday 12 August 2009

Transforming the mind

"Sow a thought
... Reap an act,

Sow an act
... Reap a habit,

Sow a habit
... Reap a character

Sow a character
... Reap a destiny!"


No other comment necessary today!

Tuesday 11 August 2009

Think on this...

"If your church is serious about reaching the unchurched, you must be willing to put up with people who have a lot of problems…Fishing is often messy and smelly. Many churches want the fish they catch to be already scaled, gutted, cleaned, and cooked. That is why they never reach anyone." - Rick Warren

Friday 7 August 2009

Our Interesting Approaches to Tithing and what really works

Read this article by Jim Killam that I thought was great. A little long but worth the read.

As parents of three college-age persons, my wife and I now have an early-year ritual. We file the tax returns, and then we file something called the FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This shows us exactly how much financial aid our kids will not get for college in the coming year.

Once you plug in your financial and tax information, the government spits back your Expected Family Contribution. This produced quite a surprise the first year we did it.

"Look at the number," I said. "It's almost exactly the amount we tithed last year."

We both said, "Hmmm," and then quickly dismissed a thought.

Tithing has been part of our marriage from the beginning. We wouldn't change that, but over 24 years, I'd be lying if I said our accompanying attitude was always great. We've either experienced or witnessed some interesting approaches to tithing. Some were slightly out of balance. Others were seriously twisted. The list goes something like this:

Tithing as a bribe to God. We can't be the only ones who ever thought, We'd better keep tithing because we're afraid of what might happen to us if we stopped. It's sort of like paying off the neighborhood mob boss every month to keep the riffraff out of your store.

I remember hearing a sermon once where the pastor said that God evens everything out—that, for instance, when we tithe, maybe the car doesn't break down so often or the kids don't get sick. Maybe that's true for some, but I've often found the opposite: When we decide to give a little extra, that's the week the car gives out. Sometimes it feels like a test.

Tithing as a padlock. As in, "We'd really like to be able to help that needy person down the street, but all our extra money is locked into that weekly tithe check." We never did this consciously, but thinking back, we certainly did it. I pray we never do it again.

Tithing as a tax deduction. Hey, it crosses all of our minds. Why do you think late December is the biggest income period for churches? Is this wrong? Certainly I won't refuse the deduction, but if tax savings is the prime motivator for giving, then I'm pretty sure it's not honoring God. A good test: Do we think twice about giving—substantially—to someone in need if they're not an IRS-recognized charitable organization?

Tithing as a political weapon. We've seen people withhold their tithe when they didn't like a change in a church's musical styles. Or the youth ministry. Or a pastor's salary. Or any number of other reasons that totally lose the point of giving and that must truly grieve God.

Tithing as a game of keep-away: Is it really supposed to be 10 percent? Of the net or the gross? If it's the net, then do we need to tithe our tax return? Can we claim the kids as deductions? What about college tuition? What if it was a Christian school? If we also give to missionaries, does that count as part of the 10 percent or does that have to be extra? Can we depreciate that Bible we bought last year?

We turn God into the heavenly IRS. Giving becomes, "What's the least we can give and still pass?"

Tithing as punishment:
Longtime tithers, don't tell me that at least once you haven't looked at your friends with the bigger homes and nicer cars and better vacations and whined, "Well, gee, if we didn't tithe we could have some of those nice things too."

Tithing as an act of pride. Take the previous statement and add: "Good thing we're more spiritual than they are. They'll get theirs someday." You don't even have to say it aloud. Just let your mind go there and the damage is done.

Tithing as a sacrifice. As in, "Here, God, take what little extra we'd have had this week. We know it's for your kingdom. We'll just scrape along. Don't worry about us." Tithing certainly is a worthy sacrifice, but when we think of it chiefly as that, we start to resent it. And then we might as well not give at all.

Tithing as an investment: Viewed correctly, it's scripturally sound: Jesus told us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). What better way to do that than invest in efforts to help get people there? As pastor and author Mark Driscoll says: "You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead." The caution is, we can forget the words in heaven and quickly move from Jesus' teaching to the slot-machine model: Put a check in the offering plate and wait for the quick payout.
"Have to" to "Get to"

So where does that leave us, after 24 years and lots of mistakes? How about . . .

Tithing as an act of worship.
Everything we have is God's. We're just the temporary caretakers. What a privilege to be able to give a chunk of money back to him to be used for his honor. And if the word tithing holds too much legalistic baggage for you—or, conversely, if it's too limiting—then just call it giving.

Do we ever have a season where it's okay not to tithe? In our experience, no. We'll sometimes direct part of that tithe to different places if there's an urgent need. But I don't think it's a good idea to stop tithing to pay off credit-card debt or, I don't know, maybe college tuition. Financial expert Dave Ramsey once told me in an interview that he and his wife tithed all the way into deep debt and all the way back out—the latter half as a way of showing God they trusted him completely. In a bad economy, that still seems like good advice.

I'm convinced that God isn't as concerned about a percentage as he is about an attitude. My wife and I used to give 10 percent of net. Then we increased by 1 percent a year for several years, until we'd reached 10 percent of gross. Now we feel like that's a good base point, and it's supported biblically (Deuteronomy 14 and 26, among many other places). Sometimes we're able to give more and sometimes we're not. But there's no "have to" any more. Now it's "get to." We're free to give as God leads us, and it's a blast.

All of which Paul summarizes perfectly in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

As for those college costs? I don't think it was an accident that the numbers matched so closely to our tithes. We've come to think of it as God simply saying, "Trust me."

Jim Killam, a MarriagePartnership.com regular contributor, teaches journalism at Northern Illinois University and is co-author of Rescuing the Raggedy Man (Xulon).

Thursday 6 August 2009

The Lord's Prayer by a two year old - beautiful!



I bet that brings a smile to God's face.

What does commitment mean to you?

1. Why do you think commitment is important?

2. Are you more or less committed to your spouse than in the early years of marriage?

3. What do you think you can do to strengthen your commitment to your marriage today?

4. Does your spouse know that you are committed to them no matter what? Read again your wedding vows together again.

5. What difference do you think it would make if you were more vocal in your relationship about your commitment to your spouse?

Spend time with your spouse talking through these questions today. Come on, let's work at this together!

Monday 3 August 2009

Communication is crucial to really get to know someone

At MKCC we talked yesterday about one of the ingredients that makes a marriage work - communication. We talked about the need to invest quality time in doing this. Plan for it!

When did we last talk about.....?

1. Our Childhood....
2. Our wedding....
3. Our musical tastes....
4. Our finances....
5. Our hopes and dreams....
6. Our fears
7. Our Our sexual relationship
8. Our Christin beliefs and desire to follow Christ
9. Our dream Holiday
10. Our likes and dislikes within our relationship
10. Our future

You can remain at a superficial level in your relationship our discover the joy of intimacy in conversation and really get to know your spouse. I have been surprised many times in my role as a pastor how people can be married for years but do not really know each other. They have never taken the time to really talk and understand each other. Don't let this happen to you. It's your choice!

Talk with your spouse today and get some time booked out to talk together. If you do this, I garauntee it will make a world of difference in your relationship.

Thursday 30 July 2009

Making Marriage work

If you want to make your marriage work it's going to take some WORK. Great marriages don't just happen!!

Oh yeah and remember, the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence rather where YOU water it! So get your eyes and your thoughts off someone else and fix them on what you have, your spouse, and make a commitment to build your marriage.

Be honest and answer the following questions and take the time to talk them through with your spouse. Make sure you listen really hard to each other.

1. What is the biggest frustration in our relationship?

Which of these apply to our relationship?

a. Selfishness
b. Laziness
c. Unhappiness
d. Negativity
e. Boredom
f. Hurt
g. Busyness
h. Fear
i. Distance


2. How often do each of these affect our relationship?


3. What do we tend to slip into one of these traps?


4. How do we treat each other when we have slipped into one of these traps?

Sunday 26 July 2009

A Friday Rant…No Excuse For Yelling At A Woman!!!

I Thought this was excellent from Perry Noble and I highly endorse it.

The other night I sat down to watch “The Break Up” with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston and had to turn the channel…I could not watch it!

NOW…PLEASE…this is NOT a blog where I rip movies apart. I am not anti-entertainment…but something happened in the first five minutes of the show that literally broke my heart and pissed me off at the same time…

The man (Vince) yelled at the woman (Jennifer)–A LOT!!!

I can’t handle that!!! (I know, I know…in the movie they were not married–which is another issue altogether…just stay with me here!)

Dudes that yell at women (and/or hit a woman) are pathetic wusses! It is absolutely inexcusable!!! There is NO WAY a man can say he is loving his wife as Christ loved the church and also yell at his bride (see Ephesians 5:25-27…she’s supposed to be washed with our words–not tarnished with them! When she walks away from us she should do so without wrinkle or stain or blemish–period!!!)

And men, sometimes we yell when we don’t think we are yelling…

Very early in our marriage Lucretia and I had a disagreement…and we were “discussing” it. The next day after this had taken place we were talking about the incident and she made the remark that she didn’t like it when I yelled at her. I thought back to the argument and didn’t recall yelling at all, so I told her, “Honey, I didn’t yell at you.”

She then went on to explain to me that, though I didn’t yell, that I did raise my voice quite a few times…and to her that was the same.

Since that time I’ve had to be VERY careful when we “discuss” issues to not raise my voice and/or yell.

NOW…do I want to yell sometimes? YES!!! (I just yelled that by typing in all caps!) (One more thing…usually I want to yell when I am getting my butt kicked, thinking that will turn the attention elsewhere!)

BUT…I am constantly reminded that one of the fruits of the Spirit is SELF CONTROL (Galatians 5:22-23) I can’t be “out of control” and be in step with the One who lives in me.

Men, we can’t yell at our wives…they are to be treated as gifts so that our prayers will be effective (I Peter 3:7). God really does care about how His daughters are spoken to!!!

And single ladies…if you are dating a dude who yells at you now…drop him like a bad habit!!! Seriously…you deserve so much better than that. If he loses his temper with you now…well…in MOST cases it only gets worse!

Saturday 25 July 2009

Taking Care of your marriage (part 2)

Unfortunately,

we tend to take better care of our cars and houses than we do our marriages. We service them, fill the tank, check the tyres, periodically tune them and wash them. We change light bulbs, clean windows, paint walls, unblock toilets put new tiles on the roof when required etc.

But what have you done recently to take care of your marriage?

If you don't put the time, the thought, the effort and the tender loving care into your marriage, it will fail.

I have spoken to thousands of people who, at one time, insisted that it would never happen to them. But no one is immune! No the Prime Minister, not the pastor, not the kindest person in the world.

It's very simple!

If you don't take care of it, it wont last.

Friday 24 July 2009

Taking Care of your marriage (part 1)

It's very Simple really!

If you don't take care of it, it won't last.


Think about your car, your house, your health, your business, your pet, etc...

If you don't do certain things, it breaks down or falls apart or even dies.

When something is important to us, we treat it with respect and do what needs to be done to maintain it.

At most weddings, amidst the music and flowers, a man and a women make enorous promises to love, honour and cherish each other until death divides them.

A year or two later, amidst the pressures and demands of life, a man and a women hurt, frustrate and neglect each other in ways they swore never would happen to them.

Marriage is a fragile treasure and needs our devoted attention to nurture it, protect it and strengthen it every single day. This sacred relationship does not grow without laboour and selfless sacrifice.

Marriage = work, so get to it today, it awaits your attention.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Video Teaching in August is a must!


Join Pastor Mark & Alison Sherratt on
5th & 12 August at 7.00pm

Highly entertaining 2 part video teaching

Tale of Two Brains

Men’s Brains…Women’s Brains
with US national marriage expert, Mark Gungor

Unlocking the secrets to life, love and marriage.

Mark Gungor, explores the differences between men and women or what he calls, “The Laws of Relational Physics’. Specifically how men and women are wired differently. Mark explains that many of the struggles couple face in marriage are the result of a HEAD problem, not a HEART problem.

Light refreshments will be served.

Register today

Friday 17 July 2009

Why are we talking about Marriage at MKCC?

'iwantanewmarriage' (Current preaching series at MKCC)

Great question!

Here's six reasons why...

1 . Jesus talked about marriage…so the church should as well. Marriage was God’s idea and He hasn’t changed His mind about what He had to say.

2 . People are hurting! With around 50% of marriages ending in divorce…something isn’t right! Maybe people have tried every way to make things work except the right way!

3 . We want to help, encourage and challenge every existing marriage to build a strong, healthy and satisfying marriage.

4. We have singles! And we really want to help you get things right in their relationships right from the start.

5. We all have friends, work colleagues or family members who are married or in relationships who may be struggling at this time. God wants to use you! We encourage you to invite people so come along on Sundays to hear us talk about marriage and relationships..

6. It is our continued passion that in this series people meet Jesus Christ.

Throughout this series we will be sharing many relational principles that work in all our relationships.

Thursday 16 July 2009

Ten tips for building a marriage

Take encouragement or take action by thinking about the following points and how they can strengthen your marriage:

* You don’t have to feel loving in order to be loving.

* Love your husband/wife even when they don’t deserve it. None of us does all the time.

* Choose to treat your marriage partner with respect! Even when hurt or angry, at least be as polite as you would be to a neighbour or colleague. If you wouldn’t be rude to them, why should you be to your partner?

* Recognise that - just like you - your marriage partner sometimes needs somebody to comfort them. Give a them hug, a touch, a reassuring word or listening ear.

* Make a decision to listen to, and understand your husband/wife - before you expect them to listen to you.

* Remember, it’s not what you said, but what they think you said that is the issue. In a conflict, keep to the issue in hand.

* Resist the temptation to say ". . . and while we’re about it, another thing is . . .” It’s extremely difficult to resolve multiple issues at the same time.

* Help and support one another in the ‘little’ tasks of life.

* On sensitive issues, and during disagreements, feed back what you think your partner is saying or feeling - before you say what you think or feel about the matter.

* Appreciate your marriage partner. Be specific about what you like about them.

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Protecting your marriage from the affair

Read a good article today and thought I would post it.

The heaving platform began to empty as the train drew into the station, and I squeezed onto the first available carriage. As I stood shoulder to shoulder with London commuters, I noticed a young couple opposite who stood smiling, gazing into each other’s eyes. To their left was a poster that read in big bold letters, ‘Mind the gap’.

Wise words, not only for users of the London underground, but also for marriage. Because it’s when a couple fails to ‘mind the gap’ in their relationship that an affair is so easily entered into.

Sarah and Robert’s was one of the first weddings we went to after leaving college. Many commented at the time that it was a match made in Heaven. Robert came to see us a few months ago. He sat at the table with his head in his hands and told us the painful news – this same marriage now lay in tatters.

Away on business
Over the next hour, he told us his story. When they were first married they had so much in common, a good social life and jobs they enjoyed. After their first child was born, Sarah continued to work part time. The pressure of Robert’s work increased and he was often away on business. Imperceptibly, a gap began to open up between them. The life seemed to have gone out of their relationship.

It was against this backdrop that Robert’s employers sent him on a business course. On the first evening, he was introduced to Lisa, a manager in the same line of business. As they chatted, he found that they had so much in common, and a spark was rekindled in him. He remembered thinking that this was how it used to be with Sarah when they first met. At the end of the course, they exchanged mobile numbers and agreed to keep in touch. She phoned him the following week and he agreed to meet up to discuss a business plan. The encouragement and support that she gave him was a powerful magnet. The meetings became a regular event. One day she suggested that it would be easier to meet at her flat…

Unmet emotional needs
The truth was that a gap had opened up in the marriage and Lisa had filled it. Their story is not uncommon and, of course, it could just as easily have been Sarah having the affair.

The beginning of an affair generally has little to do with physical attraction but much to do with friendship, and someone other than a spouse meeting unmet emotional needs.

Protecting a marriage is about ‘minding the gap’, by learning how to show love to each other in a way we each understand, as well as seeking to meet each other’s needs.

In my experience of speaking to couples, the failure to meet one another’s needs is more often simply due to ignorance, rather than selfishness or a wilful refusal to put a partner first. The fact is that most men and women have very different needs. But most assume their spouse’s are the same as theirs, and then are frustrated when their misdirected efforts do not have the desired effect.

Despite their best intentions, they fail to connect simply because they do not understand each other’s needs. A husband’s need for sexual fulfilment is not met by his wife’s offer of intimate conversation. In the same way, her need for affection is unlikely to be met by his suggestion of an evening together at the gym.

Love needs nurture and care if it is to grow – and nurturing the love in a marriage will mean taking time to tell one another what our needs are, and then learning how to meet them. And this is not about an iron-willed determination to meet needs at all costs. Whilst it begins with a choice, the feelings often follow, as it’s when we feel loved that we feel like loving. As Michelle Pfeiffer says to Bruce Willis in the film ‘The Story of Us’, “It’s a dance you perfect over time. It’s hard, much harder than I thought, but you don’t just give up.”

Boundaries
Another important part of minding the gap involves putting boundaries in place to protect the marriage relationship. Most affairs start with intimate conversation. So putting boundaries in place may mean saying no to lunch à deux, and proactively taking steps to avoid being alone with someone of the opposite sex to whom we’re attracted.

When my friend Kate found herself attracted to a colleague, she decided to confide in a trusted friend. Immediately the bubble burst and she found that her feelings changed. She had put an important boundary in place.

The conversation with Robert was several months ago. He had the courage to choose to end the affair. The slow and painful process of rebuilding trust and learning to meet each other’s needs has begun.

As the train pulled into the station, the young couple pushed their way to the door and stepped down from the train. I watched them walk away down the platform hand in hand, as the familiar tannoy announcement reminded us to ‘Mind the gap’.

Mind the gap

* Discover an activity to enjoy together
* Talk honestly about how you feel
* Keep your sexual relationship alive
* Show appreciation and approval – be your spouse’s ‘Number 1 Fan’
* Set aside a regular time to be together
* Go on a marriage course (like The Marriage Course)
* Set appropriate boundaries
* Seek to understand and meet each other’s needs

Sunday 5 July 2009

A Healthy Soul Builds a Healthy Life

The last one today, I hope you have found my comments helpful..

5. Teach your soul to be accountable

We could talk about being accountable to God, your spouse, family, community, work, church but what about holding yourself accountable to YOURSELF. You make decision, promises, New Year resolutions etc - come on take responsibility for the outcome!

Blaming others or circumstances is typical of human behaviour. However, I believe that excuses only give us reason to stay the way we are! Building a healthy soul starts with accepting responsibility and accountability for our own life.

We need to get this right because YOU are your own greatest project! You are responsible for you and it is time to take things seriously. Your attitudes, thoughts, actions, outbursts, character flaws etc. YOU are responsible for being you! When I realised this, my life started to change course as I became passionately interested about changing somethings in my I didn't like.

Someone once said, 'don't be to hard on yourself', my reply was, 'why not?' After all he is never going to be as passionate about my life as I am and I wanted to change. With God's partnership in my life, the Holy spirit and I are working together to craft in me the character of Christ - LONG WAY TO GO STILL THOUGH!!

What do you need to take responsibility for in yourself you know that needs to change?

Friday 3 July 2009

A Heathy Soul Builds a Health Life

4. Teach your soul to boast in the God

'My soul shall make it's boast in the Lord' Ps 34:2

Those people who need to boast about themselves display all the evidence of insecurity. You need to develop a different type of boast that is focused on God and how good he is. Focus on His character, His purposes and His faithfulness throughout all generations. This will continually promote a humble lifestyle in us as his servants who are dedicated to serve the Lord and others

'How great is our God' is an awesome song written by Chris Tomlin and is sang by millions of Christians around the world and let this be our anthem for the rest of our lives. May these worlds be our first words in the morning, in our conversations throughout the day and be the conclusion to every day.

Do you need to change what you are boasting about?

One more tomorrow....

Wednesday 1 July 2009

A Heathy Soul Builds a Health Life

3. Fill your soul with HOPE

'This hope we have as an anchor of the soul. both sure and steadfast' Heb 6:19

Without hope, we have nothing to secure us in life's storms. Those who find themselves consumed with despair and hopelessness (and I have been there!! Any one else what to own up??) find themselves unhinged and then quickly drift of course.

It is easy to become filled with fear as the negative voices that seem to surround you. What is it that seeks to hijack your joy?

You can keep hope alive and strong by daily meditating on God's word. Practice reflecting and thinking on God's word throughout your day. POUR HOPE into your soul FEAST on God's word.

When Alison and I lost our 1st little boy named Luke (He lived for 6 hours), this as you can imaging was a difficult time for us, our family and our church. After the understandable time of Grieving and finding God to be our refuge and strong tower. As we read his word, strength came to our lives and hope filled our soul and assured us that he was with us, he had called us and we had a work to do. We were to to hold his hand and trust in him - and we did and the journey continues to this day.

You need to know that Jesus is with you, 'even to the very end of the age'. Hope will always lead you on, upward and forward.

Tuesday 30 June 2009

A Heathy Soul Builds a Health Life

I once had a personal trainer at the gym who helped educate me that I needed to do certain things to get fit. When I listened and put his words into practice, I quickly found the benefit in my life and work. Whilst being on mission and working in the north of Uganda in the bush, I saw a plaque on the side of a small school building that was seeking to promote a powerful message, it said, 'Education is your life'. I believe this and this message is to all of us.

Here's another thing you can do to build a healthy soul:

2. Educate your soul

'It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge' Prov 19:2

Many pursue intellectual knowledge in order to build their lives, but often fail to see the value of educating their soul. You can have qualifications and letters after your name, but ultimately it is what your soul knows that will direct the course of your life positively or negatively.

As you focus on God, be diligent in the scriptures get to know God, his character, his word and his ways and educate your soul to trust in him. This will all take time, discipline and appetite. Have you got it?

Monday 29 June 2009

A Healthy Soul Builds a Healthy Life

Don't neglect the health of your soul because it is a foundational key for a healthy life. This will take training, commitment and discipline and like the consistency of regular exercise, the benefits physically and to your health are felt and are often noticed by others.

1. Teach your soul when to be quiet

'My soul, wait silently for God alone
' Ps 62:5

There are many conflicting voices around us and even from within us. King David was always quick to silence these voices and instruct his soul to get his focus on the God. 'Be still and know that I am God' .

Think about this in your own life and situations at the moment and what do you need to say to your soul right now?

No matter what David commanded his soul to 'Bless the Lord at all times' infact, he say let EVERYTHING WITHIN ME bless his name. He was telling every conflicting emotion to be quiet and focus on God. Easy when everything is going well in your life hey!! But things we tough for David at the time and they might be for you right now. So what are you going to do?

Saturday 27 June 2009

A Heathy Soul Builds a Health Life

How healthy is your soul?

John once wrote, 'Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers' 3 John 2

What is happening on the inside affects what is happening on the outside! I believe the soul is the engine room of our lives. When the core of our being is unhealthy, it has a significant effect on everything else.

King David would often speak to his own soul when he felt distressed on the inside, ' Why are you cast down, o my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God' Ps 42:11

This verse particularly paints a picture of someone who refuses to be dictated to by unproductive feelings or negative thoughts. He takes responsibility and takes command over his own soul and pointed his inner world towards hope.

I love this and over the next few posts will share about how to build a heathy soul. Remember, no one will ever be as passionate about your personal health and development more than YOU, so make some good decisions and look after yourself.

Saturday 20 June 2009

Your responsible Dad...



Watch this and ask yourself the question, 'Is there anything I need to change?'

Thursday 18 June 2009

Do you really want to fully surrender to God?



Will you let God work in your life today? IT WILL BE PAINFUL AT TIMES!!! God longs for us to be completely honest with him and ourselves.

Dump your pride and become like a child and let God be God in your life.

I want to be God's masterpiece, what about you?

This reminded me of a few preachers I have listened to in the past!!

Thursday 11 June 2009

GREAT BEING A BLOKE!

Being a bloke is great because:

* Wedding plans take care of themselves.

* You don’t give a monkeys if someone notices your new haircut.

* Wrinkles add character.

* You don’t have to leave the room to make emergency crutch adjustments.

* People never glance at your chest when you’re talking to them.

* The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.

* You can throw a ball more than 5 feet.

* One mood, ALL the time.

* You can open all your own jars.

* Hairdressers don’t rob you blind.

* You can go to a public toilet without a support group.

* You can leave a hotel bed unmade.

* Your last name stays put.

* The garage is all yours.

* You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

* If someone forgets to invite you to something, he or she can still
be your friend.

* If you are 30 and single, nobody notices.

* Everything on your face stays its original colour.

* You can quietly enjoy a car ride from the passenger’s seat.

* Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

* You don’t have to clean your house if you invite friends around.

* You can sit in silence watching a football game with your mate for hours
without thinking “He must be mad at me.”

* If another guy shows up at the party in the same outfit, you just might
become lifelong friends.

* The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

* You don’t have to shave below your neck.

* One wallet and one pair of shoes, one colour, all seasons.

* You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.

* You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.

* Christmas shopping can be accomplished for 25 relatives, on December 24th,
in 45 minute


THE WORLD IS YOUR URINAL.

Saturday 6 June 2009

Life giver?

To bring life NOT death into every relationship, circumstance and opportunity is the call of a leader.

We are not called to participate in all the bad news, feeding and fueling it as if we have no alternative, no hope or anchor in this life. So many are filled with negativity, frustrations, anger, pride, arrogance, selfish opinions and ambitions and things do not get any better around these kind of people. Don't you think this world needs to hear some good news, encouragement, hope, love and grace from someone? What about YOUR world? Your Family, Friends, Work Place and Community?

If you know Christ, you are supposed to be a life giver! You have connected to the ONE who said, 'I have come that you might have life and have it TO THE FULL'. God is a life giver! He spoke life into creation and it came out of nothing. He breathed life into mankind and what was dust took shape and came alive. He breathed his word into the world to give direction, He sent Jesus Christ 'God in the flesh - fully God yet fully human' to pay the punishment for sin once for all so that all my live. Eternal LIFE is at hand!! The Holy Spirit now continues to give life to all and so should every follower of Christ. LIFE...LIFE.... LIFE!!!! God pumps this world full of life. He sustains and uphold all things by his power.. He is a life giver.

COME on Church I want to challenge us all to be life givers where ever we are and to whoever we encounter. Connect to God, stay close to the source of life, draw from the unending resource of the almighty and give out this life graciously.

Deal with the stuff that death may represents in your life today. Address the negativity, work on your character, change your attitude, see your pride and crucify it, reject and resist sin in your life - it will only introduce you to death. Be determined to change right now and be a life giver. That's what God intends you to be! BE HONEST, look at your life, your relationships, your circumstances and your opportunities and ask yourself the question what are you bringing to the table - Life or death?

Friday 5 June 2009

I Think Rick Warren nails it here

by Rick Warren
"But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech,
in knowledge, in complete
earnestness and in your love
for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity
of your love by comparing
it with the earnestness of others"
(2 Corinthians 8:7-8 NIV).

At the core of giving is the essence of love. When you love someone you
want to give to them. You can give without loving but you cannot love
without giving. If you say you love God, thenit's going to show up in
your generous lifestyle.

I can claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ. I can claim to love God.
But the Bible says there is one way to really test the sincerity of your love:
"Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in
knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see
that you
also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding
you, but I want to test the sincerity
of your love”
(2 Corinthians 8:7-8 NIV).

God tests the sincerity of your love by looking at your giving.

Why does He do that? God doesn't need your time. He doesn't
need your money. What does He need? He wants what your giving
represents—your heart—and He wants you to become like Him.
"For God loved the world so much that He
gave"
(John 3:16 NLT, emphasis mine). You can either become like God
and be a generous giver or you can become like Satan and be a
stingy hoarder.

I have discovered that there are basically two kinds of people—
cheerful givers and fearful givers.

Cheerful givers say, "I'm going to give. It all belongs to God anyway.
He gave it all to me. I wouldn't have anything without God so I'm
going to give it all to Him and He can take care of all my needs."

Fearful givers say, "I can't afford to do this. I can't afford to give.
I've got to hoard. I've got to watch what's for me. I've got to protect
my selfish interests."

Cheerful or fearful—you make the decision. But remember God
tests the sincerity of your love by howgenerous you are in life.
Everything we have comes from God.

Giving is as much an act of worship as singing, praying, thanking,
and listening. It's saying, "God, I love You so much I want to give
back to You. You saved my life and I want to give back to You."

Thursday 4 June 2009

Can't wait for 'ONE PRAYER' 2009


One Prayer begins this weekend and over 1,600 churches around the globe are taking part. So many incredible communicators contributed messages once again this year.

At MKCC I will be speaking the first in our series called, 'God is Our Refuge and Strength' **this Sunday**.

We are living in very challenging times where the very foundations of what we have all placed our trust in has failed us: Stock Market, Banks, Governments, Politicians, Investments, Pension companies etc. There are people all around us are hurting and disillusioned and many now are thinking is there anything or anyone in who we can ever trust again? Well, the answer is yes!

I want to encourage you all at MKCC to invite as many of your friends as you can this Sunday. God has been, is and always will be reliable, true and just. We can trust in God and know peace even the storms in life we face. I believe God is drawing people to himself at this time, so seize the opportunity and ask them to come along with you this week.


Extra messages available:
At lifechurch.tv, there will be 15 extra messages featured throughout One Prayer. These additional messages will be at Church Online. You are welcome to join in for any of those experiences! Get the full details (including the first week’s schedule) at the Church Online blog.

Saturday 23 May 2009

How can we be more content?

This week I had the opportunity to spend some time with Ian Mcmonagle a leadership coach who challenged me to the core. One challenging session was about inner freedom and I want to share a few things with you about this.

Apostle Paul once said, 'for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation...'

I discovered this week that the commandos, during world war two paraphrased this as their motto. Interesting...

Think about this for a while, 'Simplicity is not to do with what you own, but is to do with not letting what you own own you'

How can you be content?

1. Learn to be grateful

2. Do not be enslaved by the opinions of others. Be true to yourself.

3. Have realistic expectations. Know the facts, don't be ruled by your feelings

4. Simplify - the way to be rich is not by increasing our wealth, but by diminishing our desires

5. Have a clear sense of destiny, sort out your priorities, know where you are going, know what you're building

6. Slow down, get free from the tyranny of the urgent and discover what is truly important

7. Learn to enjoy the present

Suggest you STOP RIGHT NOW and take the time to think about what you need to do to be truly free.

Monday 27 April 2009

Do you want to be in my gang? Thinking about team..

Choosing the right people around you is crucial. So take your time and make sure you get it right or you will invite a huge amount of grief into your life.

Red Auerbach, said "How you select people is more important than how you manage them once they are on the job. If you start with the right people, you wont have problems later on".

You have to have people who:

1. Will want to know your heart as a leader. This may take some time but I believe you should look out for those who want to serve with you.

2. Show loyalty. These become an extension of you as a leaders and the vision you have.

3. Are trustworthy. These are people who will not abuse authority, power or confidences that are entrusted to them.

4. Exercise wisdom. This is important as decisions will have to be made by them as your ministry grows.

5. Have a servants heart. They carry the spirit of Christ. They are not involved to be recognised or to become great, but only want to make Jesus name great. They are prepared to do whatever it takes to serve Jesus and fulfill the vision.

6. Think. Our two heads are better than one!!

7. Will carry things through. The take authority and CARRY OUT the vision.

8. Have a heart after God. I believe that my heart for God is the driving force of my life. If that is true for me, then it must be true in those who serve with me.

Together we can make a HUGE difference for God and his kingdom and we choose to run together in this life and serve God's purposes.

Do you want to be in my gang? READ THROUGH THE LIST ABOVE AGAIN!

Wednesday 22 April 2009

Just love this and thought it was good to share..

Despite our best efforts to keep him out, God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities; a virgin's birth and an empty tomb. Jesus entered out world through a door marked "no entrance and left through a door marked "no exit".

Totally awesome!!

Think on this for the day and know that this is our God and with him all things are possible.

Friday 10 April 2009

Welcome home



When I saw this and thought about the fathers embrace of love of the prodigal son as he returned home and the overwhelming happiness the son felt. God loves you!

Wednesday 8 April 2009

NEWS from IBTI regarding John Wildrianne

News from IBTI

Hi everybody,

As you have already heard we are very sad to announce the sudden death of John Wildrianne. He went to be with the Lord in a most peaceful way, going to bed on the night of Friday 3rd April and did not wake up again. His heart failed. We are very thankful to God for this wonderful end to a wonderful life. John didn’t have to stop his activities, become frustrated at not being able to travel the world or be impaired by illness and old age. He was 77 years old. Doreen, Peter, and Diane know that you are praying for us and sending your love.

The funeral arrangements are as follow:

The Service will be on Wednesday 15th April, at 2pm.

At All Saints’ Parish Church, Lindfield, West Sussex

Followed by the burial at Cuckfield cemetery

Then refreshments at the IBTI for everyone who wants to come back with us.

Doreen and family have requested family flowers only but any donations in John’s memory to be sent for the IBTI building fund please.

Most of you reading this will be friends of the great IBTI family, past and present students, ministerial colleagues etc. So I can also tell you that we would appreciate extra prayer to cope with this time because it is also the wedding of our daughter Clara, John’s grand-daughter, on Saturday 18th April. Our emotions will be doing somersaults!
All God's best.

Michel, Diane and the IBTI family

Tuesday 24 March 2009

COME ON, LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE!

The Bible says over and over again, never compare yourself to anybody else. Think about this hard for the day.

“Those hired last came up and were each given a dollar. And when those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more.” Matt. 20:9-10a (Msg) In other words, they started making comparisons: “Look what they’re getting. So we’re going to get more. We ought to have more.”

Just don't go there! Dno't compare yourself with anybody else, the way you look, your income, your intelligence, your children, your husband or wife or your job or anything else.

For two reasons:

a) You are unique. God made you and your journey special. He made the mold and then He broke it.

b) It will always lead to one of two sins – pride or envy. If you think you are doing so much better than others, you can easily become filled with pride. Also by thinking others are doing so much better than you, it's easy to become filled with envy. Let's all be diligent here, these things can destroy you and others!

A lot of time I think we envy people because we don’t know the whole story behind their success. We see the glory but not the pain. If you knew their background or the sacrifice they’ve made, the pain or the cost to get what they have, you might not want it.

Let's get our eyes off others and focus on following God's path for our lives TODAY.