Jesus wasn’t into an easy and attractive message. Not something
an advertising agency would want to address.
He calls us to take up the cross, to share the burden of the world.
Carrying the cross is a way of life. It is about putting God first.
NAIDOC Week was recently celebrated. The Uniting Church has
a long history of working with the First Peoples.
We are called to take the yoke upon ourselves as a nation, to ensure First peoples will have a Voice.
Through the Spirit we are called to live in new ways with justice and truth.
Discipleship beckons us to go to an uncertain future, question, consider
and change our minds.
We’re called to live out our beliefs and put our ideals into practice and travel a ‘Jesus way’ every day.
Life is about getting out of the harbour and going to ‘the other side’.
We need to not be afraid of what we encounter, prepare to have failures and step out with faith and trust.
The miracle is taking the first step, keeping our eyes on the goal and not being fearful of what may happen.
Have courage, Jesus is there with you.
“The Miracle of Multiplication” – whatever we offer and it is used well, is multiplied to become all that is needed and more.
The crowd learnt they could do more ‘together’ than
‘apart’! The promise is, not to just survive but to thrive!
What makes a nation powerful? God said his kingdom is comparable to a mustard seed or yeast.
In God’s kingdom something seemingly insignificant can have a big impact.
A smile, a word, a short prayer or a random act of kindness could change lives.
Small things can have a big impact!
Some gems are presented today along with some troubling ideas.
You may be ‘in or out’, you may be ‘wheat or weeds’. The Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness.
David asks God to search and to know him – to make him open to change.
In Romans we read there are 2 ways to live – follow our natural desires which may not be pleasing to God, or set our minds on what the Holy Spirit desires and live in a way that pleases God.
It is a life choice!
Carrying burdens can make us very tired and weary.
Focusing on the way of Christ in love, grace and forgiveness is a better burden for us all to carry. Forget passing ugly rocks around!
Sometimes we make God a “Heavenly ATM” with our requests.
God’s requests can sometimes be challenging but even in the darkest times He is with us and directing us.
