Do you wear glasses? Or are you a contact lens person? Maybe you don’t need to wear glasses at all because you have
20/20 vision. I don’t wear glasses myself, but I do see the world we all live in through a pair of ‘glasses’. If you like they are as much a part of me as breathing is. I can’t help myself and I have to be aware that I am wearing my glasses.
Jesus wore ‘glasses’, well, he didn’t because they weren’t invented ’til much later, but he did view the world through a pair of specs - they were ‘Kingdom’ specs. I think it is why so often we struggle to understand him, he just saw the world in a totally different way. It was because of the ‘glasses’ he wore.
‘Think’ is about being aware of the glasses we wear and the way we see the world, but it is also about how we wear glasses that help us to see the world as Jesus did, with Kingdom specs.
Small groups, of between 4 to 12 people, are a great way for us to begin changing our ‘glasses’ and the way we see the world. Many would say they are a vital part of being a follower of Jesus. (Indeed it is how the Methodist Church denomination began). They help us to encourage one another, pray for ourselves and others, get in touch with God the Father and talk to others about Jesus. Some folks meet in these ’small groups during the week - on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. They meet in people’s homes, pubs and at schools.
Sometimes the small groups are encouraged to meet together at the same time and location to get to know each other better and follow a particular course/discussion or material.
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. ………” Romans 12: 2 (The Message)
There is an interesting debate at the moment about the sort of questions and discussions people are interested in when they talk with followers of Jesus. It seems they do not want explore the big questions of life but would rather ask “how do I live life?”
Go and have a read.
What do you think?
Research has shown that Methodists live, on average, seven years longer than the rest of the population.
Why do you think that might be?
The Pentecostal Church Center, Burbage will be having a Evangelistic evening with Pastor Sujo John from USA on July 31, 2010 (Sat) and Aug 1st(Sun). Pastor Sujo is a survivor from the events on 9/11.
They are also hoping to have a Gospel Choir to take part the evening.
For more info go to
Football players all over the world will have dreamt about getting to play in a team that reaches the world cup final. Sadly that dream has ended for all players apart from those in the two teams left to play tonight’s final. Their dreams will have been shattered.
Think about the conversation that might go on [...]
If you have ever played the game Truth or dare then you know how much fun or….even scary it can be. So find some friends, a bottle and start playing. There are 10 truths and 10 dares below;
10 truths
Which is your most embarrassing moment so far?
Would you kiss the person next to you?
Do you love [...]
Revenge
Pain redirected Pain absorbed
Resentment Hurt
Pain processed
The Revenge Cycle
Joseph stopped the cycle through knowing his…….
Identity
Security
Significance
Dealing with the Pain
At any stage in the cycle the pain can be dealt with differently
Absorbed - is it my problem?
Processed - do I feel inadequate?
Redirected - God the pain bearer.