Oxygen Church - Breathe

It’s amazing how many times a day we look in a mirror or see some other reflection of ourselves. It’s not about being vain, but, let’s face it, we all want to look good before we head out. Sometimes we may even have to work hard at this. If there’s something in the mirror that we don’t necessarily like – a hair out of place, a new spot or perhaps a wrinkle -  we go to great lengths to cover it, hide it or, at the very  least, draw as much attention away from it. The point is, when we see something we don’t like we do something about it. I find that when I read The Bible, I am often faced with myself. It’s at times like this that we are asked to take a good look at ourselves. As we read, God often show us areas that desperately need change. If we look, honestly look, we may see issues of bitterness, unforgiveness,  a lack of trust, poverty-mindedness, religious piety, self-pride or poor self esteem – just to name a few.

The Bible is described in many ways. In his letter James writes “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” [James 2 vs 22-24 - NIV] The great news is that God loves us, no matter how we look, but He also points out areas where he can do a great work in our character. Our prayer should always be, “God, when I look into the mirror of your word, show me all I can be in you and give me the courage and strength to trust you to change me.”

Recently, Cath and I have experienced a tragic loss in our family. It's often difficult to know what to say in these circumstances, isn't it? I mean, it's hard to even to know if we should say anything at all. There's just something in each of us that wants to simply fix the issue, perhaps make it go away. But we can't. And instead, we're left feeling helplessly overwhelmed by the difficulty of the situation where words simply fail to comfort or bring sense to it all.

The Bible is about life - real life, even the difficult aspects of it. Paul writes, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." [Romans 12 vs 16 - NIV] The Jewish custom for grief and mourning is a term known as shivah and literally implies just to simply sit, mainly in silence, and allow your presence to be known by those who are grieving. How beautiful that even after the loss of a loved one, your presence - in body, thought or spirit - can silently speak volumes. Does it take away the pain? Honestly? Not really. But it does speak of solidarity, friendship and family. It gently, but firmly, says 'I can't change the fact that you do have to face the pain of this loss, but you're not alone as you face it.' Perhaps, right at this moment, that's all that needs to be said.

We've all been there haven't we? It's a hot summer's day, the sun is relentlessly beating down and there's not even the slightest breeze to be felt. It's hot! Relief is found in the shadow created by a sun umbrella. Underneath its shade there is safety from the harsh elements of the burning sun. Here we can find rest.

Living with God in your life is like that. In fact, the Bible describes God as being our refuge, even a shelter, from all that life can throw in our path. The psalmist writes, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." [Psalm 91 vs 1 - New International Version] Every aspect of life is found in God - He cares for all that you are experiencing even right now as you read this. When you dwell in Him - place your life in his everlasting arms - you can be assured that in His shade you will find the rest and protection you are searching for.

I can't think of a better way to demonstrate teamwork than our achievements together over the last weekend. There were so many people who volunteered part, or all, of their weekend to producing a chutney to sell with one simple goal:to rescue people from slavery. Over the weekend people sliced onions, peeled tomatoes, grated beetroots, cooked spices, washed dishes, recorded numbers, stuck labels, minded children... the list goes on and on. Isn't it amazing how people can contribute totally different skills and talents and yet achieve the same goal? 

That is teamwork. People coming together - not one more important than the other - to achieve a goal. I love that about our church. It's not about one person shining brighter than anyone else but rather it's about people - ordinary and different people - shining brighter together - doing whatever it takes to be an extraordinary blessing to the world around them.

"In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing."[2 Timothy 2 vs 20 THE MESSAGE]

What an interesting time in the history of our great nation. For those who are overseas, the leadership of our nation has recently been called into question with a political leadership spill within the party currently in government. I know what you may be thinking, church and politics is a bad combination but I agree with the Apostle Paul's view on the current government, regardless of where you live and your political persuasion.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."[1 Timothy 2 vs 1-2 NIV] Simply pray for whoever is in leadership and authority over you - including those in government. Interesting that the context of this verse is actually stemming out of concern for those around us, even those in authority over us becoming spiritually shipwrecked - but that's another message. For now, Paul simply urges us to pray for our leaders and be thankful for them. Challenging thought? Who said Christianity was easy?

Anchoring. Heard of it? It's a way of statistically analyzing numbers in order to predict future performance. Scientists have been using it to track ocean temperatures. Stock brokers use it to look for market trends for future investments. Meterologists predict rainfall based on anchoring principles too. The basic premise of anchoring is that future performance is based on past behaviours. But, in a world full of so many uncertainties what if the predictions are wrong?

Thankfully, God's "performance" is constant and His character is consistent.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."(Hebrews 13 vs 8 a NIV) As far as anchoring principles are concerned, you couldn't get a future more assured than that! If you're concerned about an issue - any issue - put your trust in the One who promises to never leaver or forsake you. He never changes.

Whilst the history of Valentine's Day is quite an ambigious one, in essence we can all agree that it is a day to celebrate love. There are so many different expressions of love. Today many will send chocolates or roses. Others will choose to wine and dine the love of their life. But one expression of love has literally changed people throughout the generations. Its power has crossed international borders. Its language is love and it isn't even French.

It is that "... God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." [John 3 vs 16 - The Amplified Bible] Love can often be measured in what it causes us to sacrifice. And God's love for the world - you and I - is so great that He gave up and sacrificed His son Jesus Christ not only to impress us but also as a means to restore a relationship with his greatest love, humanity. Looking for true love? You'll find it at a cross.

One of the things I am most passionate about is the church being The Church. The Church is far more than just a building, or a programme – in fact, it’s so much more than just having a “great service.” I believe that a great church is one that understands who they are in Christ and what it is they are on earth to achieve. A great church is made up of ordinary people – just like you and me – who believe in God’s calling and purpose for their lives. When a church believes who it really is – watch out, things are about to happen. People are healed, families are restored, cities are revived and nations are renewed.

The Apostle paul writes, “The church is Christ’s body through which He speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.” [Ephesians 1 vs 23 - The MSG] When the church speaks, acts and is present where it really needs to be, Christ’s heart and love for the world is expressed and seen. As individuals, and together as a church, we long to start seeing God move powerfully in each of our worlds? Let’s start by believing and getting our hearts around the truth that God wants to use each of us in order to do so. 

“Act, and God will act.” – Joan of Arc

So how did you wake up yesterday morning? If you were like me and chose to keep watching the Australian Open tennis men's final into the early hour of Sunday night, you would've been a little tired. But, what an amazing game! Two of the greats in tennis, putting on arguably the greatest battles seen on a tennis court for a very long time. Have you ever thought how do they get so good? Sure practice, training and sheer hard work have a lot to do with it - but there's also the element of what a great competitor will bring out of their opponent. Each player is battling to outdo the other - and as a result tends to find themself gaining more skill, passion, stamina and inner resolve to win.

At oXygen church, we always talk about relationships. Who you do life with often determines where you go and what you achieve in life. The Proverbs puts it this way, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27 vs 17 - NIV] If you want to develop any area of your life, make sure you are spending time with those that will sharpen your thinking, sharpen your skills and sharpen your inner resolve to continue to move forward in that area. It couldn't be more true in our relationship with God - it's always going to develop the more we spend time with God and with those who are walking along side - pushing us to step up and into more of God's promise for our lives, those who are challenging us to believe God for more and willing us to make greater committments to God with our lives. Thank God for these people and do your best to be around them - they will get the best out of you.

Life is filled with beginnings. The month of January acknowledges the start of the new year - the beginning. But for some, standing on the precipice (great word!) of this year can evoke a sense of fear or faith for what the coming year could bring. I believe that the very first four words of The Bible are key to any beginning in life.

"In the beginning God..."[Genesis 1 vs - NIV]

God.

Simple isn't it?

God.

Right from the very beginning - the beginning of all beginnings - there was God.

And where God is you'll find endless blessings, purpose, potential, favor and possibilities. If you want God's outcomes for your life, start by including the God factor right from the very beginning and you'll build this year from a foundation of faith instead of fear.