TIME BRINGS CHANGE

So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13: 6-8

In its former days this jetty, circa 1880′s, would have been the pride and joy of the entire town. In those pioneering days along the coastal regions of Victoria, before roads had been established the only way in and out would have been by sea. So the significance of a jetty meant that produce could be bought and sold, supplies and people have a link to the rest of the world. Trading ships and fishing boats would all benefit from a timber construction of hardwood logs and rough sawn planks that provided a life line to the world beyond the horizon.

But one big storm and everything can change. Eventually the efforts to repair and maintain the old jetty were abandoned as road and air transport routes opened up. Time brings change. Nothing stays the same forever except for one thing… That’s Jesus.

No matter what challenges you may be facing this year remember.. don’t get caught just doing things the way you have always done them. Be open to change and expectant that God has more out there for you. There is no room for fear when we are living our lives by faith!! Times change but the love of God for us will never waiver or be hindered by the storms of life.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91: 1-2

Thanks for checking out the weekly Prayer Points.

Godspeed,

Pictured: The decaying piers of an old jetty near the town of Lorne, Victoria

SUCCESS FROM FAILURE

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Where does your hope and confidence find rest in an ever changing world? Who do you turn to when the system or when people let you down?

We rely so heavily on our governments, on technology and on established religion and yet they will all fail us eventually. Relationships also can change in a moment when people become fearful, selfish or proud.

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Genesis 37:5-8

I look at the life of Joseph who at different seasons in his life was rejected, abandoned, falsely accused, imprisoned, and completely forsaken. A young man with big dreams and great favour over his life. Yet God allowed him to go through seasons of deep failure in order to build his character and convictions. Sold as a slave by his brothers, condemned by his masters… yet never losing hope in God’s destiny or the dreams of his youth. His success came from knowing the favour of God, the fear of the Lord, on staying focused to his call.. and always having a forgiving and faithful heart.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Genesis 45:4-5

When we stay true to our call and remain faithful… when we put our trust in the Lord and not the powers of this world… then we will achieve our dreams.

Praying the dreams you have for this coming year will be blessed by the Lord.

Godspeed,

Pictured: Looking up at two forms of power. Taken in Geelong, Victoria on tour last year.

HOPE ALWAYS FLOATS

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 5-8

Depression is the end of hope. A place where despair convinces you that past failures and the consequence of decisions made has robbed you of a future. It is a dark cloud that lingers over the landscape and oppresses any creative thoughts and dreams. Everywhere I travel I meet people suffering from depression, the gloomy curse of self pity… I can relate to it because I have been there at different times in my life. It is a silent war many people battle with alone…. an existence of self condemnation.

I passed by this old fishing trawler the other day. It was small and insignificant in contrast to the massive modern fishing boats moored in the harbour. But this two tone green and white antique seafarer captivated me… It must have seen some storms and perilous days. It must have had some stories and been through some violent seas.. But with courage and fortitude the men onboard would have fought for their lives knowing that their only hope was in their faithful vessel. I like that. Hope floats. Depression can be defeated when we get our eyes off our circumstances and back to the horizon. When we see ourselves in God’s bigger picture it all makes sense, even the storms… Don’t ever allow the enemy to rob you of the hope you have been given for life.

The best way to fight depression is to get out there and start serving someone with a vision. There is great healing in the spirit of giving… In taking action that breaks the bondage of self pity.

Jesus is our hope. The word of God is our lighthouse that leads us through every storm. Keep looking to Jesus..

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer as we take on 2012.

Godspeed,

Pictured: An aged fishing trawler that has seen many a stormy sea off the Illawarra coastline. North Wollongong Boat Harbour, NSW.