Ps Keith Ainge : February 21

Pastor Ainge is the national treasurer of the Australian Christian Churches. Keith’s passion is the local church and his goal is to see local churches to more effectively fulfil their destiny. Keith was great when he last visited and we can expect an inspiring morning again this time around!

 

Stacking up against the next guy

"You Shall Not Covet..."  (Exodus 20:17)  

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage, 'Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?' The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle.  

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, 'So, Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?'  

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic... "Try doing it with the engine running."  

Everyone has gifts. The Bible tells us that God has graciously bestowed them upon us. At times we may look at someone near us and compare what they have with what we have. It is unwise to do this. Each man or woman has their path to travel and each is equipped with particular abilities to get there. Do not envy or covet what another person has. Just remember when the world's greatest basketballer, Michael Jordan, decided to try his hand at baseball and left behind his true calling. He ended sitting on a bench watching others play ball! What a waste of talent and time... Jordan then came to his senses and returned to further glory and victories.  

Love what God has given you instead and you will be the best you can be at your given ability.   Ps Alex  

 

Winning Quote:  

"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consist not in the abundance of the things which he possesses"

- Jesus (Luke 12:15)

 

 

get into LIFE!
life groups	february 2dec 27
welcome to life - intro to church night	february 3dec 27
ps alex speaking	february 7 hour on friday, dec 25 at 9.30am
keith ainge guest speaker	february 21 7
for more info call us on 9791 1400 or 9724 4290.

 

Over To You

Nothing changed for the Prodigal Son until he said, 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say... 'I have sinned'...' (Luke 15:18 NKJV) His story ends well; yours can too, but you must:

(1) Decide to take control of your life before circumstances or other people do. The solution begins with you. A new business partner, a new job or a new house won't cure what's wrong if the cause lies in your own attitudes and actions. You may have 101 excuses for the way things are in your life right now, but what are you willing to do to change them? The prodigal's father didn't pick him up and carry him home; he had to do the leg work.

(2) Face reality as it is, not as you think it should be or wish it was. The prodigal had to discover that the rules he rebelled against at home were essential to his happiness, that all the fun he thought was waiting for him out there, wasn't, and that he must acknowledge his mistakes and correct them before he could get his life back on track: 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and...return to the Lord...' (Isaiah 55:7 NKJV) God will intervene, but only when you operate on the H.O.W. principle: Honesty, Openness, Willingness.

(3) Act now, while you still can. The law of evolution says things evolve and improve on their own. No, certain things left unattended and uncorrected get worse, not better. That's so whether it's your health, your marriage, your children, your finances, or your walk with God. So, face reality and take action while you still can.

From Bob Gass, Word For Today at: www.thewordfortoday.com.au