G’day from Steve,

NEVER GET WEARY OF DOING GOOD

The more I read of the Apostle Paul the more amazed I become at his ability to never give up… no matter what the circumstances this man always found a positive way to praise God and remain faithful to his original vision. He would use just about anything to inspire non believing crowds that this man called Jesus was Messiah, God as man on earth to reveal the fullness of His grace and love for all humanity.

I got these thoughts from reading some of Kerrie’s Bible study notes this week.

Paul went through seasons where he would support himself by making tents, other times he would be supported by the brothers and be freed up to minister. He stayed in this one place in Ephesus for 2 years.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Acts 19:11-12

God was even using handkerchiefs and aprons! He can use anything in our hands if we are willing to have a go!!

As in many Mediterranean countries there is always a 5 hour break, (siesta time) in the afternoons. But instead of going and sleeping, or resting, Paul chose to teach the Word. He was showing his genuine love for the Ephesian people. He genuinely cared for them. Faith works by love. The people new that Paul loved them. He did not have an easy life. He worked so hard to stay on the road and never manipulate finances from the local churches. Some seasons he was well supported and other times he went back to making tents so that he could fund his missions.

Miracles will happen if we will practically love someone by the sweat of our brow. You and I can be used like Paul if we: “Take our eyes off our problems, our challenges, our temptations, our tribulations, our struggles, our dilemma.” Miracles happen when genuine unconditional love is put into action.

Pray with us for this next season.. Ironically, we can identify with Paul so much. There are some years where our ministry is well supported by praying friends and other seasons where we have to get creative and work hard for finances. At the moment we are selling quite a few things because we believe we must not stop doing evangelism in Australia and beyond. Like paul…. out of authentic love for people, some hard work and a few sacrifices we will see miracles happen!!!!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Like an old farm shed!!!! Keep standing strong and keep being useful to those around you!!

Godspeed,

Pictured: An old shed in the Pacific Highway near Ulmarra NSW. Still standing and still useful after many decades of work.

Posted in: G'day From Steve,Steve's Blog
on February 12, 2012

G’day from Steve,

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

Posted in: G'day From Steve
on February 5, 2012

G’day from Steve,

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.