She Cares

She loves, She cares, she does, She is the change

Care

Having a heart of kindness and compassion.

Sometimes we think of care as worry - the cares of the world. But this type of care is about a genuine desire to to see the best done

It is to take a genuine interest in something. 

1 Peter 5:2-3, 6-7 NLT
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. [3] Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

[6] So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. [7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Worries  - cares, anxieties, distractions.

I love this idea that we can give God those things that distract us.

He cares for you - God cares about us.

Matthew 6:28-33 NLT
"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, [29] yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. [30] And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [31] "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matt 25
Those that cared about others were received into the kingdom

The words translated care are often more about action, about what people did.

Matt 27 - those that cared for Jesus - translated from ministered  - served, cared for the poor etc.

To care
to care for, look out for (a thing)
to seek to promote one's interests
caring or providing for

When the word care is used in the Bible the root word is often more about looking out for and taking notice of.

I think this helps us. It says that God is looking out for and taking notice of us, sustaining us, helping us etc.

So to be a woman who cares is to be one who looks out for other people, who takes notice of and a genuine interest in others.

This means that we have to put aside our own interests, cares, worries and distractions to be fully present to be mindful of others and to show genuine interest.

Proverbs 29:7 NLT
The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don't care at all.

The word used for care here is to consider, to think about, know about, learn about the rights of ...

To perceive, find out and discern.

The Proverbs 31 woman looks after her household

She takes a genuine interest in her family, her servants and in the wider community.

She cares about the poor, the needy.

This woman takes a genuine interest.

Luke 6:36 NLT
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Luke 6:35-36 NLT
"Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. [36] You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Luke 7:11-15 NLT
Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. [12] A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. [13] When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. [14] Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." [15] Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Luke 10:30-37 NLT
Jesus replied with a story: "A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. [31] "By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. [32] A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. [33] "Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. [34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. [35] The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.' [36] "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked. [37] The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."

Luke 15:11-32 NLT
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: "A man had two sons. [12] The younger son told his father, 'I want my share of your estate now before you die.' So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. [13] "A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. [14] About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. [15] He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. [16] The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. [17] "When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! [18] I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, [19] and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."' [20] "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. [21] His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.' [22] "But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. [23] And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, [24] for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began. [25] "Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, [26] and he asked one of the servants what was going on. [27] 'Your brother is back,' he was told, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' [28] "The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, [29] but he replied, 'All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. [30] Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!' [31] "His father said to him, 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. [32] We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'"

Think about these three passages of Scripture.

How does Jesus show genuine care?

What do we learn about genuine interest and care for others from the two parables Jesus told?

How can you apply this to your life?

Who is God challenging you to take a genuine interest in?

"She Loves"

Last week we discussed what it means to be the change and how we can be change agents by speaking up and by making changes in our own lives, by overcoming the things that limit or distract us from making personal changes.

This week we are discussing "She Loves".

How can we increase our love for others?

What does the word of God tel us about how we are to love?

1 John has a great deal to say on love. It's worth a read if you want to get God's heart on love.

Here's some other verses that underscore everything we will discuss today.

Romans 12:9
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

1 John 3:18:20
Little children let us not love by word and by mouth but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him. (RSV)
(NLT) Dear Children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

Romans 5:8
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Galatians 5:13-14
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy our sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "love your neighbour as yourself."

Ephesians 5:2
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us an offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to god.

Paul goes on to say in Galatians that love is a fruit of the Spirit within us. The more we allow the love of God in pour lives, and allow his Spirit to be at work in us, the more love will become an obvious fruit of our lives.

Jesus anointed by a sinful woman - Luke 7:36-48
We all owe a debt that only Jesus can forgive - in fact he has already paid for the price for it.

We are then encouraged to not have any debts except for the debt to love.

Romans 13:8
Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbour, you will fulfil the requirements of God's law.

WE are to love:
Each other
in the way Jesus loves us:
John 13:34-35 - "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples"

To love others:
(even when it is not easy)
as we love ourselves.
We want to look after ourselves, therefor we choose to obey by loving those around us. 

1 Corinthians 13
Love is:
Patient
Kind
Never gives up
Never loses faith
Always hopeful
Endures through every circumstance

Love is not:
Boastful
Proud

This is a great list of how love works.

How are we going on the love scales?

If we were to measure ourselves, how would we do?

What would you like to do more of, to love others more fully?

What areas of loving others do you struggle with?

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of lover, power, and self - discipline

Hebrews 10:24
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works

Our love should prompt us to do good works. We do not receive love because of the good works, rather the good works are a natural outcome of love for God and love for others

Love does not ignore wrongs, love forgives wrongs and does not hold it against people.

Peter says love covers a multitude of sins

1 Peter 4:8
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

That does not mean sweeping it under the carpet, it means loving in a way that the wrongs of others do not change how you treat them or how you love them.

Love always wants the best so this means sometimes making hard and difficult decisions because what is best is not always easy.

For those of us who have kids - giving in sometimes seems to be the easy way for peace and quiet, but long term, it is not loving - because love also teaches discipline.

God disciplines us because he loves us, Hebrews 12:6;' we discipline our kids because we love them.

What about other people, well good boundaries help us love in a way that is best for the person.

A simple check. Is this something they could or should be doing for themselves?

If so, maybe it's time to step back a little and let them feel the consequence - this is also love.

What would you like to take away from todays discussion?
What is God speaking to you about?
How will you put that into practice in your life this week?

She is the Change

She Loves, She Cares, She Does, She is the change.

Prov 31 Woman is a great example of a woman who is being the change in here sphere of influence - we will look more at her over the coming weeks.

Was going to start with She Loves, but I think She is the change is the first message. How is she the change - She loves, She cares, She does.

What does it mean to be the change in the world?

We live in a world where there are so many things going on in the world. It's easy to focus on the negative things that are happening - the terrorism, the hatred, the sin we see.

But God calls us to see the world differently - not to ignore what is going on but to see it differently and to react differently.

Roman 4 - God is able to bring the dead to life etc. He is able to make a way where there seems no way.

Romans 4:16-17New Living Translation (NLT)
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.”[a] This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

(Even when there was no reason to hope, Abraham kept on hoping - believing he would become the Father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!")

We are a community of women, a community of faith, called to trust god in difficult times, to think differently to the world around us and to act according to God's promise and not the external circumstances.

Romans 12:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)
A Living Sacrifice to God

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Behaviour of the world - tends to negative thinking, problems etc.

We are to see the world differently, to get God's perspective and to think differently - we are to think like God does - and to live out of the promise of God. This means making a decision that we will think about the way we think, make necessary changes and step out into what may seem an impossibility.

We are to see the possibilities that God places before us and to be the change to bring Jesus into those situations  - to love, to care, to do.

We are called to live our lives differently to others, not just living each day in a blur (although sometimes this is all we can manage!!) but to live each day with purpose and direction.

Finding God's purpose and direction for our lives leads us on a journey of change.
Change in self
seeing our world differently
changing attitudes

Then embarking on a journey of change that involves productive activity in our environment
pursuing purpose with determination
Stepping out in faith
Living with transition and uncertainty but excitement - no boring days!!

If God has called you to do it, it won't be difficult, it will be impossible (for us) - Christine Cain

But with God, all things are possible.

Definition of Change for our purposes.
Started with  dictionary.com

Change - verb (used without object), changed, changing.                  
10.  to become different:               

11.  to become altered or modified:               

12.  to become transformed or converted (usually followed by into):               

13.  to pass gradually into (usually followed by to or into):

14.  to switch or to make an exchange:              

Change - noun                  
19.  the act or fact of changing; fact of being changed:               
.
20.  a transformation or modification; alteration:               

21.  a variation or deviation:               

22.  the substitution of one thing for another:               

23.  Variety or Novelty
 
24.  the passing from one place, state, form, or phase to another:    

The key thing to be aware of is that change of a situation, or change of self, requires action on our part:
To change a behaviour as we grow in Character
Know what God is asking you to change
Share it with someone to be accountable
Do what you know God is asking you to do
To change a situation as we are able
Learn about the issues related to the situation
Be informed - not just Facebook informed
look for proper papers
Books
Academic writing
Trusted articles
Know what we can do
Do something
Keep learning and doing

2 really practical ways

1. Speak up
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Be active - what area of life grabs your heart, your passion, your emotion - get involved and speak up when others can't.

Proverbs 31:8-9New Living Translation (NLT)
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

What are you passionate about?

Say something
Ways to say something
Get yourself on the radio - Say it nicely if firmly
Think about what you want to say
learn how to say it well
Write a letter or an email - same rules apply
To the government
Your local member, council etc.
The newspaper
Start a blog

Actually there are lots of ways to say something

Dietrich Bonhoeffer - to remain silent is to be complicit

On April 9,1945, Bonhoeffer was killed at a concentration camp—just a few months after his 39th birthday. But his legacy continues. Even today, 71 years after his death, Bonhoeffer’s life is a challenge to us all to pursue justice even when it’s not popular, to care for and defend the persecuted and to relentlessly follow God’s leading
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/books/12-essential-bonhoeffer-quotes#iSwElMl5wrGWwFfV.99

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/books/12-essential-bonhoeffer-quotes#iSwElMl5wrGWwFfV.99

(Find a good example - In Acts, we see the food program for the poor - how can we extend what we are doing to help those around us live more fulfilled lives)

Where might you be able to volunteer your time? Make something

2. Get involved
There are many great causes, that's why it's important to know:
what you are passionate about
what is important to you
What time you can give to it - be realistic
Who you can partner with

God has given each one of us different gifts and talents - we can ignore them or use them - (the choice and the consequences are ours)

What limitations have you placed on yourself that have stopped you from getting involved somewhere?

What distracts you from getting involved somewhere?

Think about what is really important to you. Is this al; so important to someone else? How can we work together and help facilitate speaking up and getting involved?

Conclusion

Being the change isn't meant to be comfortable:
it is meant to be active and proactive
it is meant to make a difference.

Maybe you want to make some personal changes first
go ahead
we will work with you
coach you and encourage you to do so.

(Come see me if this is you and we will facilitate that.)

What is one thing you could do this week to get yourself started on the path of" She is the Change"?

Family Compass

With thanks to Heritage Builders and Focus on the Family

Family compass

What does it mean to have a family compass.

A compass is useful to help guide us on our way, especially if we are entering new territory.

It is a standard of normal, healthy living against which actions, beliefs and attitudes are measured.

For us God's word is our compass. 

Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light to my path.

A family compass is a tool in our heritage chest that lets us draw an accurate vertical straight line of what is right.

The kids need us to take the task seriously. They need us to clearly establish “normal” in their lives. This means order and rules, of course, as discussed in chapter 7, but it also means setting standards based on God’s rules.

1. Self-worth
Within the first year of life, the fragile worth of a child can be either established or seriously damaged. Nothing supersedes the value of positive affirmation at this point.

It is a major checkpoint along the entire life of your child. Closely aligned with self-worth is personal identity.

Each child had their own personality, talents and gifts. Each has his own personal growth pattern and direction.

We must allow each child to be distinct. Learn his or her personality type, and let each child’s identity survive intact as they enter adulthood. Self-worth and identity checkpoints are vital. Keep them at the family compass.

When you were a child what did your parents do that instilled a positive godly perspective of self-image?

What are we doing to affirm the self worth of our children or those in our sphere of influence?

2. Personal Responsibility
Conscience, character and commitment work together to lead us towards responsibility.

Story:

Of the boy who upended the wheel barrow. He was required to refill it by himself. The outcome - he did it.

His dad quietly said, “He needs to learn responsibility. He needs to accomplish this job alone. He wanted to work, so let him work.”

By his actions in making his boy finish the task without help, Dad was saying, If you start a job, stay with it until it is complete. Don’t make a mess and expect someone else to clean it for you. That was another brick mortared into the wall of his son’s character.

When a child is given some responsibility around the house, it teaches him or her that there is a spot in the family where he or she fits.

Model it
As parents we must model responsibility. Don’t call in to the workplace sick if you aren’t.

This is really important. Our children will model what they see us do and how they see is behave.

How well are wet modelling responsibility?

Teach it.
Tell your child why it is important to take responsibility seriously.

Discuss the consequences of laziness. Instill an appreciation for the work ethic.

Give it.
The best way for a child to learn the discipline of responsibility is to be placed in a responsible position. Chores, caring for pets, and completing paper routes are just

What age appropriate roles or chores can we involve our children in?

A note about delayed Gratification

Self-gratification is not helpful for children long term

A child must learn early to replace the “normal”of instant gratification with the “healthy”of delayed gratification.

E.g studies on delayed gratification.

And as author M. Scott Peck put it, parents have much to do with how well children learn the skill:

For children to develop the capacity to delay gratification, it is necessary for them to have self-disciplined role models, a sense of self-worth, and a degree of trust in the safety of their existence. These “possessions”are ideally acquired through the self-discipline and consistent, genuine caring of their parents; they are the most precious gifts of themselves that mothers and fathers can bequeath.1

3. Spiritual Exploration
Every child will begin to probe for answers to spiritual questions at some stage.

When a child begins to wonder about his spiritual being, he is giving you a natural opportunity to discuss standards, for he is considering his Creator to whom he is accountable.

As parents, we must respond as our child’s spiritual awareness and freely and honestly answer the questions they ask. 

“God has set eternity in the hearts of men” Ecclesiastes 3:11

We are Spiritual beings. Embrace tbe teaching moments.

"With their innocence, children can sense spiritual realities early, and they will ask about them. We must be prepared, both to influence their eternal destiny and to help them see that standards come from God."

We can help our children understand bu using an age appropriate example.

E.g a compass and a magnet. A compass is affected by the magnet but if the compass moved away from the magnet the effect is lessened. This is true with God. If we move away from him we allow him to have less influence in our lives.

4. Sexuality
Human sexuality must be both affirmed and channeled. The home is the most effective and appropriate place for this.

Our role as parents is to be models of a healthy sexual life in the context of lifelong commitment.

Human sexuality is both wonderful and dangerous. Let’s be sure to help our kids understand both aspects.

Both boys and girls will seek their identities partly through their sexuality.

Be ready to help your children accept their developing body and new emotions.

Don’t ignore or become casual about your children’s sexuality. Help them through the times of struggle, and coach them on appropriate behavior.

Teach him or her how to say no when tempted. Let your child know the painful consequences of giving away what belongs only to his future spouse.

A point on family roles
Both parents fulfil important roles in the family. Both fatherhood and motherhood have their own set of demands.

We have a responsibility to fulfil our roles and teach children how to grow into their ow role as adults (and hopefully parents).

What Is Normal?
Establishing  a plumb line depends on the reliability of the family compass.

Having the family compass—the Bible—in our heritage chest will create an accurate and normal standard.

The family compass gives wholeness to life and is a stabilizing influence to a growing child. Anything contrary to the “normal” (Scripture) is abnormal, and should be identified and recognized as such.

Let’s give our children that reliable standard.

Building a Positive Heritage

Family Traditions/Fragrance  (Much of this comes from Heritage Builders  - Focus on the Family Australia)

What is the AROMA of your home?

When we smell an aroma it is usually associated worth some kind of memory positive or negative. What was the aroma of your home as a child? Was it a positive one?

As adults weer have a chance to build a positive legacy and leave our children with a positive memory of a home filled with a good AROMA.

A - Affection
R - Respect
O - Order
M- Merriment
A - Affirmation

Affection
Power of touch

How do we nuture and admonish our children

Nuture
Listenning, positive touch, affectionate names etc

Admonish
Gently helping them to  see blind spots, one on one etc.

Children need to know they are accepted  and loved.

Respect
Respect and worth for the individual

1 Peter 2:17
Honour all. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.

Respect can be both entitled and earned.

Entitled - commanded by position
Parents, government positions, spiritually

Note - If we hold a position of entitled resoect this entitled respect should not be misused but taken seriously and with the intent to build a positive outcome.

E.g. command to honour parents, respect those in authority.

Eph 6:2 Honour your father and mother..

Romans 13:1 Submit to those in authority

Earned respect
Comes from what we do.
Our labour, services to others, performance in the family unit.

As patents we can foster respect in our children.

Spiritually  - true value
Emotionally  - sense of security
Socially - a foundation for treating others fairly

Order
Rules - boundaries - consequences - positive and negative

As parents we establish clear boundaries

Write them down and communicate them
Stick to them

Keep the list short and cover the important stuff

Be consistent

Roles
Every member has a role to play
Ensure that tbe roles are clear. Clear roles ate good training grounds

Rights
Each person in the family including children have a right to:
Be listened to
Voice their opinion
Express concern over how they are treated

This is done in a way that values others

Merriment
Establishing fun in the home

Joy and laughter being a family together

Prov 17:22
A merry heart does good like a medicine...

Exercise - butchers paper
5 creative fun ways to spend time as a family

Affirmation
Helping the child build self worth

Prov 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life

Encouragement  - to keep moving forward - not give up - learn lessons from difficulties

Keys to affirming
Declare the child's identity and place in your heart

Be enthusiastic rather than apathetic

Be engaged in their accomplishments and activities

Family traditions - more on developing these at the workshop

Tradition
Handing down stories, beliefs, customs

Establishes a sense of identity

Ritual

Ceremonial observance  - support the goals of tradition and not the other way around.

Traditions should be reshaped, reformed and refreshed to stay culturally relevant

Purpose - a strong sense of identity in the home

Traditions - a means to an end - reinforce truth - help our kids to love God

Some ideas
The Art of Tradition
Events
Birthdays
Dinners etc
Christmas and Easter

Stories
Photos and family treasures etc
Recalling past places

Basically story telling

E.g. stories handed down from one generation to the next.

My mum is particularly good at this.

Creeds - family or otherwise

Seasonal traditions planner
Note: Our Christmas tradition in our family and why it came about

Challenged

Hi. I'm sharing a quote from the book I'm reading. This is a seriously challenging read because it addresses the massive consumerist nature of our western culture and how easily we are sucked in to it. As I try to live as a follower of Jesus this book has highlighted those areas in my life that are not in aright rhythm and it challenges me to the core. Liz did tell me it would challenge whoever read it and she was totally right.

Here is the quote from
"7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker

- "My communion with God suffers not for lack of desire but time. And let’s be honest: I say I don’t have time, yet I found thirty -five minutes for Facebook and an hour for my shows. I found half an hour for YouTube videos on how to fix little black girls’ hair (my Ethiopian children are on deck, and I can’t have them looking nappy ). I found fifteen minutes for the radio and twenty-four minutes for a missed 30 Rock episode. So when I say I don’t have time, I’m a gigantic liar." Start reading this book for free: http://amzn.to/1UUiG1H

We have time for what we value. I say I value my time with God but so often it's overtaken by tv, Facebook and social media and solitaire games on my phone. I could justify it because almost every day I spend time with God. I really do. But if I'm honest, the quality of my time is seriously affected by the distractions around me. Any one else with me on this?

If I'm serious about simplifying to make room for relationships, I'm going to have to address the social media issue and the games issue and make solid changes to restore a proper rhythm to my day.

What Does God Require? Read on and find out.

Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly With God

 

What kind of community on mission do we want to build? What attributes do we want to develop that will signify to people who we are when they think of us?

Jesus said that they will know us by our love for one another. True love - desiring the best for each other - may involve several things at different times e.g. taking care of others or confronting harmful behaviours etc. But we are to love each other, and to work on our personal Discipleship  2 Peter 1

Growing in Faith [3] By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvellous glory and excellence. [4] And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. [5] In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, [6] and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, [7] and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. [8] The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But those who fail to develop in this way are short-sighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. [10] So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. [11] Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

And we are to treat others and to love among others in a way that honours God. What does God have to say?

 

Micah 6:6-8 NLT
What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? [7] Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? [8] No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

He has shown you...

It's not difficult. God has shown the way. The context is God speaking to his people about all that he had done for them. The prophet goes on to ask "what does God want". There are lots of practices the people had, some even that God had instituted but the people had lost track of what they were all about. The people were trying to earn God's notice by winning browning points but God says that is not what he wants.  He wants justice,  Mercy and humility.

Isaiah 58:1-12 NLT
"Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don't be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! [2] Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me. [3] 'We have fasted before you!' they say. 'Why aren't you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don't even notice it!' "I will tell you why!" I respond. "It's because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. [4] What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarrelling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. [5] You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? [6] "No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. [7] Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. [8] "Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. [9] Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. "Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! [10] Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. [11] The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. [12] Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

 

True fasting is what God wants, a heart that is right before him. It's sharing our belongings especially our food, treating people the right way,  not oppressing them, removing burdens and the chains that bind them etc.

Micah 6:6-8 NLT
What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? [7] Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? [8] No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

1. Do Justly 

Justice is about behaviour. Are we behaving in a way that treats others fairly, and with justice? This is about the way we live. Are we treating people in a proper and fitting way, with the right processes in place to ensure they are treated fairly. This includes ensuring that people are treated not just fairly in a legal sense but that we treat people according to what is right.

We have a whole fair trade commission and department in Australia to ensure people behave fairly in workplaces, in transactions,  tenancies etc. Which shows how we naturally do not live that way. God calls us to deal fairly with people.

In my dealings with others, am I treating them rightly and fairly?

 

What changes might I make?

 

2. Love Mercy

Mercy is an attitude of the heart that leads to acting in a way that treats people in a way that is best for them. Love Mercy -  in the way God loves,  we are to love; in other words, mercy without strings attached. Mercy when people don't necessarily deserve it. It's not just how we treat people, but with what motivation to we approach them.

 

Mercy is loving kindness and goodness towards others  and living faithfully. Are we treating people as they deserve or are we willing to show mercy in the same way God has shown mercy to us? God does not count our wrongs against us but chooses mercy. God forgives us and we are to have the same attitude. God forgives and does not hold our sin against us. 

Psalm 103:1-5, 11-13, 17 NLT
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. [2] Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. [3] He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. [4] He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. [5] He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!

[11] For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. [12] He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

[17] But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children

1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. [8] Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

 

What attitudes towards others do we struggle with?

What will you do to address the attitudes? What attitude does God want?

 

3. Walk humbly with God

 

Are we living in relationship with God? It literally means to go alongside, a way of life, that lives in humility in relationship with God and to act submissively (a choice we make) and modestly. God desires relationship with us. 

Romans 8:15-17 NLT
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." [16] For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. [17] And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Yes,  things like obedience are important, Jesus said that obedience to him are important and show we truly love him,  but it is from a place of relationship with him,  not from a place of condemnation or duty.

John 14:21, 23-24 NLT
Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." [23] Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. [24] Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

Jesus was clear about obedience and Relationship. Relationship, love for God, and obedience go hand in hand. Jesus spent three years building relationship,  but the was also a loving expectation of obedience that would flow from relationship. When we choose to walk humbly in relationship with God, we choose to live in obedience to him too.  God is a loving father who draws us into his family and says walk with me, in relationship.

 

How's your relationship with god?

 

So
Justice - Our behaviour towards others
Mercy - the attitude of our hearts
Walk Humbly - Relationship with God.

What will define our community?