Decisions

by Peter Starr

Decisions are yours to make. It’s your life. You have a free will. Yet with so many options and pressures that people are facing in life, the art of good decision making is needed by all.

We may live with the consequences of our poor decisions for the rest of our lives. If we make quality decisions then we will also live to enjoy the benefits. If we make poor decisions then we will be stuck with the consequences of something that may have been done in a moment of time.

Of course sometimes life can just throw something at us that we have not asked for or deserved, maybe even unfair but we still have to decide how to deal with such things.

I’ve found the following helpful:

1. I like to pray about the decisions I need to make.

Why not pray and ask God to guide you? I’ve known people to make poor decisions and say that they should have gone off their gut instinct or an inner feeling etc.

‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.’ – Prov.3:5-7

2. I have found the Bible relevant to the things I face in life.

Of course we need to be careful to take things in the right context. There is an old saying, “a man is as good as his word.” I have personally found God and His Word to be good.

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.’ – Ps 119:105

3. Sometimes prayer and Bible reading is not enough. I need to ‘phone a friend’.

‘Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety‘ – Prov.11:14

4. I try and see the big picture and think in terms of consequences.

‘I’d love a puppy but I don’t really want a dog?’ Sometimes our decisions are governed by fears or pressures and as a result we may feel driven by such things. Many make poor decisions because people want to please others or feel like they have no control. Much of the advertising uses language like ‘you need’ for a better life with the time frame of ‘hurry or you will miss out’. Another one is ‘enjoy now’ but often we don’t grasp the ‘pay later’ meaning.

The Weapon of the Wooden Spoon

The Wooden Spoon and Words of Mass Destruction.

By Peter Starr

(media release)

A Victorian woman has been questioned by police and threatened to be charged with assault after hitting her 9-year-old daughter with a wooden spoon. Claire Davidson was warned by police that she risked an assault-with-a-weapon charge after her child revealed in a classroom discussion that her mother hit her with the spoon. “We only use the wooden spoon and that is only when she is being naughty and we give her fair chance to rectify the situation and we talk her through it,” she told the Herald Sun.

Like most of my generation we were smacked when we were children by parents and others who were in authority like teachers. The experience was never pleasant and sometimes completely wrong in how it was administered.

Physical pain, however, does not last but words do and these are far more damaging to us as people because words can damage our soul or our identity.

We have all heard words spoken to children like “You’ll never amount to anything” or “You’re a naughty little girl”. Often these words are spoken without thought or in anger. This kind of speech is wrong, damaging and can never be justified.

“death and life are in the power of the tongue” – Proverbs

Statistics on violent crime show a connection to violent movies and video games. Also a connection with “death metal” music is a proven link to violence. There is no such proven link to balanced parental disciple which is given in love and self control.

All children need:

1. Security

2. Consistency

3. Love

4. Words of affirmation

5. Provision

And….Discipline

“The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but the child left to himself brings shame to his mother” – Prov.29:15

Kids and the little bird.

by Peter Starr

A story that has been getting a lot of media in Australia is the debate regarding Jessica Watson, a 16 yr old female and her dream to sail around the world.

Are the parents right in allowing this? If you say “yes” to this spirit of adventure then it may be a 14 yr old next year as we humans seem to want to push the limits and break the records etc.

Where to draw the line is a problem. A so called sailing expert has indicated that the risk involved in her proceeding would be 30% that she will lose her boat and another 30% that she will lose her life. Now that’s risky but what would be an acceptable percentage of risk seeing that all life involves some kind of risk. Hey “fortune favors the bold!”

Having raised 4 children who are now adults I realise that there is a time to let go. To over protect our children will do them no favor as the need to develop their own skills.

I’ve heard it said that if you see a young chick pecking away as it tries to break free of the egg shell. Don’t help it! If you do then you may well kill the bird. Just leave it pecking away because the bird is actually developing muscles that it will need in life.

5 Keys to a Healthy Marriage

by Marie Starr

Ephesians 5:22-33

1st Key: Pray together

• Is an act of surrender, let both of you be wrong and God be right.
• Get the mind of Christ, seek out His ways.
• Let things go.
• It makes us soft to God’s will.
• Allow the Spirit of God to change you.
• You are more likely to go the distance.

2nd Key: Read the Bible together

• Teaches you how to live.
• Gives you principles on His Kingdom
• Teaches you how to worship, love, give, provide for one another, your family, God & others
• It’s our manual on how to live this life God’s way

3rd Key: Make decisions together

• Communicate with one another
• Spend time together just talking
  
• In counselling you talk – find out what each other truly meant or didn’t mean just by spending time to talk with one another
• Respect each others opinion – be kind – big decisions are best made when you both agree…God commands a blessing when there is unity

4th Key: Attend church together

• God says “you build my house I’ll build yours”
• During tough times stand on God’s promises – it’s funny how before church we can be having a disagreement & get flustered but these are the times to get to church together!
• Church is a place of healing, good teaching, friendships & a place to give to others together

5th Key: Continue Dating

• or start dating!
• If you dont know what to do ask someone for ideas, be creative & spontaneous with each other
• Find out each others ‘love language’ each of us have different needs – find out your partners love language & give accordingly! It might be through words – gifts – time etc

It takes two committed people to have a good a good marriage – it’s not a stroll in the park – it’s hard work at times but the rewards are great. At times it may take one partner to take the higher road and save the marriage, we need to be a strength for each other in times of need & this alternates over the years, but the importnant thing is we are there for one another.

God is all powerful & in the business of changing lives for the better!

Women Who Know Their Place (And Their Husband’s)

Barbara Walters of Television’s 20/20 did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan several years before the Afghan conflict.

She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands. She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. From Ms. Walters’ vantage point, despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women walk even further back behind their husbands and appear happy to maintain the old custom.

Ms. Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked ‘Why do you continue with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?’ The woman looked Ms. Walters straight in the eyes and without hesitation said ‘Land Mines.’

The moral of the story is (no matter what language you speak and where you go): BEHIND EVERY MAN THERE’S A SMART WOMAN.

2 sleeps to go…

Please help us spread the word! Click here for more info…

Verse of the Week – 1 Corinthians 4:20

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

Verse of the Week – Kingdom of God

“…live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory”

1 Thessalonians 2:12

You say, God says.

You Say, God Says

You say, “It’s impossible.”
God says, “All things are possible.”
(Luke 18:27)

You say, “I’m too tired.”
God says, “I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say, “Nobody really loves me.”
God says, “I love you.”
(John 3:16 & Jeremiah 31:3)

You say, “I can’t go on.”
God says, “My grace is sufficient.”
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say, “I can’t figure things out.”
God says, “I will direct your steps.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say, “I can’t do it.”
God says, “You can do all things.”
(Philippians 4:13)

You say, “I’m not able.”
God says, “I am able.”
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say, “It’s not worth it.”
God says, “It will be worth it.”
(Romans 8:28)

You say, “I can’t forgive myself.”
God says, “I forgive you.”
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say, “I can’t manage.”
God says, “I will supply all your needs.”
(Philippians 4:19)

You say, “I’m afraid.”
God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear.”
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
God says, “Cast all your cares on me.”
(I Peter 5:7)

You say, “I’m not smart enough.”
God says, “I give you wisdom.”
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say, “I feel all alone.”
God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5)

Political Donations – Ban Them or Not?

by Peter Starr

Let’s start by identifying the problem and that is that political parties have given favoritism to those who donate to them. We call that corruption and this has kept ICAC in business for many years.

Now we live in a democratic and capitalist society. That means that the people and the government have no money but the business community is loaded with cash. For example a multinational company may talk in terms billions of dollars profit being normal while our government has to take loans and pay interest to make ends meet. This means that charities and sporting organizations do well financially when they get corporate sponsorship for their activities.

Political parties need money to run a campaign. To make this illegal will not fix anything as “Where there is a will there is a way”. Corrupt will still be corrupt! The heart of this problem is the problem of the heart and unfortunately no system or law can fix that.

A Crooked Man

A poem by Marie Medlyn.

There was a crooked man who had a crooked house

He lived up on a hill with a crooked little mouse

Then he heard about a man who healed the deaf and blind

‘I’ll find out who he is’ he thought

And then he went online

He learned the man named Jesus was as good as his word

The Son of God he said he was

And then a voice was heard

“If you want to know more, go and find a church”

The man did so and

His back it was made straight

His joy was something to behold, and then he thought ‘But wait’

His hand went to his pocket, and he heard the silent plea

And saw the little face that said “What about me?”

Compassion filled the man, and he lifted high his friend

To be healed as he had been

And no this is not the end

The crooked house has been rebuilt, and on the rock it stands

Tall and straight, a testimony to all throughout the land

That Jesus is the Son of God

With healing in His hands.

Winter Sleepout 09 – A community effort

There was a great article in today’s Illawarra Mercury on our church’s community initiative – Winter SleepOut 09. Read the article here.

Over $14 000 has been raised for the St Vincent de Paul Men’s Shelter in Coniston and the Warilla Women’s Refuge.

65 people spent Friday night sleeping out in Wollongong Mall in icy conditions to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless in the Illawarra.

It was so encouraging to see individuals from the community using this opportunity to jump on board and make a difference as well as the many local businesses who sponsored the event.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated and supported.

Verse (& painting) of the week – Grace

Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.

Psalm 85:10

‘Mercy and Truth are Met Each Other, Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other’ by William Blake.

An interview with the Zietsch’s

Here is the promised update from the Zietsch’s!

Michael, Bianca & Jiah Zietsch are a family from our church who moved to an island in South East Asia to serve God in February 09. They are one of the organisations that our church supports weekly and are also supported by generous individuals in our church. To read more about local and global works that our church is a part of, click here.

1. So what have you guys been up to since you arrived in South East Asia?

Well, the first few months have been trying to just find our feet in a new country and a new culture. We are renting a house in a village and have made some great relationship bonds already. We have started language and Jiah our daughter goes to playgroup while we are at language study.
There is a saying here that time is called elastic time so it takes a lot longer to do things here than at home. An example of this is every month we have to renew our visa so instead of going once to the office which is about 1 hour drive from our house to hand forms in, pay and pick them up all at once we have to go into the office three different times on different  days of the week. Once to drop forms in, once to pay and the third time to pick them up and this is every month!

2. What are the main priorities of your ministry for this year?

Our main priorities are learning the language and the culture in the first year as without these things we can’t do any ministry. We have to be at the level where we can share about our faith without needing an interpreter.

3. What are your more long term goals?

Our long term goals here is to empower local believers to rise up and minister to their own people. We are realising more and more that we are never going to be the same as the locals and our religion may seem foreign to them but when the ways and words of Jesus are coming from their own people mouths and hearts, leaders who have hopefully been helped by us and they are ministering to them they will accept Jesus fully.
We are also hoping to serve the community here through social needs like English lessons etc too.

4. What do you love about your new country?

The people are beautiful, the food is great and just knowing that we are where God wants us is the best feeling in the world.

5. What has been difficult?

We have had our fair share of hardships since being here. Sickness nearly every week, difficulty with language etc but all part of the journey. God never said when you follow him it will be easy! But so worth it!

6. What things have you learnt?

To rely on Him for every aspect of your life. There were days in Oz when we would go the whole day with out even thinking about Him but you are so aware of Him when you really put yourself out there and trust him with even the little things we think we can do by ourselves like driving and eating food.

7. Any funny stories?

We have quite a few funny stories. The best one that is still a running joke at the moment is Michael getting his words mixed up and instead of saying saya pulang which means ’I am going home’ he says saya pulong which means ’I am a cake’. The ladies are hilarious cos they always say it now and laugh their heads off as they go home from our house.

Verse of the week – Grace

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message Bible)

Thoughts on Leadership

Thoughts on Leadership

by Peter Starr

Leaders are pro-active and therefore exert a sphere of influence. They are not known for compromise or complaining but they have momentum all by themselves. They are going somewhere. They see something. And because of this they stand out. They cannot be ignored. They are the change agents who help people make a positive and permanent change for the better.

I love the motivating speech of the above. It’s a positive – can do kind of talk and I love it! No complaining, making excuses or compromising! Maybe that’s why I initially become a leader?  However leadership does have its down side. There is a cost. There are many dangers for us all but the leader is on show for all to see.  Many of today’s leaders seem to be targets for others to blame. Personally, I didn’t realise that more would be expected of my children because I am a leader. I’m not sure if that is a downside of leadership or not?

I recently read the following:

‘Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead’. This scarcity makes leadership valuable. If everyone tries to lead all the time, not much happens. Its discomfort that creates the leverage that makes leadership worthwhile.

In other words, if everyone could do it, they would and it wouldn’t be worth much.

It’s uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers.

It’s uncomfortable to project an idea that might fail.

It’s uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.

It’s uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.

When you identify discomfort, you’ve found the place where a leader is needed.

If you’re not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it’s almost certain you’re not reaching your potential as a leader’

Seth Gordon from the book “Tribes”

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.

We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

2 Cor 4:8 (NLT) 

An interview with Paul Sommerville of Empower Asia

One of the passions of our church is to empower others both locally and globally. On a global scale, one of our main focuses would be the support of a great organisation called Empower Asia who work with youth in South East Asia. Empower Asia is run by New Zealand couple Paul & Carly Sommerville (Carly will be the guest speaker at this year’s Life Womens Conference) who have lived for many years with their family in Thailand.   

We asked Paul a few questions about his life & Empower Asia:

When did you and your family first move to Thailand?

We moved to Thailand in 1990.

How did Empower Asia begin?

I went to Bangkok with a NZ friend of mine back in 1988. While there we encountered a number of young children getting picked up for sex by white foreign sex tourists. Basically that was the catalyst for wanting to move there.

Why Empower Asia?

Basically we esteem our Christian brothers and sisters overseas and feel that they can do a better job looking after kids from their culture better than we can. Missionaries only last on the field 3-8 years so it is a no brainer to resource our Asian friends to do the job instead. In many of these countries there is a shortage of quality – integrity Christian leaders hence we work to develop Chrisian leadership that will be lasting and significant.

What are the biggest challenges for you guys?

Finance. We have alot of kids making genuine Christian commitments but we are always so pressed financially. Right now too we have a lot of Nepali kids gaining entrance to university so this is an extra burden. Also we could dramatically expand in Burma but we are hard pressed too because of money.

Tell us about living overseas with your family.

It is a great way of living cos your kids get exposed to so many diverse and new things that they would never encounter in the west. Missionary kids are generally academically smarter than normal western kids and have a pretty balanced view on life. In NZ we think that it is a great place to bring up kids. Not so. Living in rural Thailand like we have done in a community of 50 or 60 people has been by far and away superior. Sometimes missionary parents try to compensate for their kids cos they have to live in another country. By and large I think that this is a mistake. If at all possible let your kids hang out with all of the locals and dont feel sorry for your kids. Involving them in the ministry has been great too.

What are the future plans for Empower Asia?

To continue on in empowering our young people to take over the leadership of the organisation in our various countries of operation. `We would like to develop another 3 – 5 homes in Burma. Plus we would like to find a couple who would give their lives on behalf of the poor in Calcutta. Also we wanna set up new work in the South of Thailand when we can find the “right” Thai couple.

SCCCT gives weekly to support the various works of Empower Asia and there are lots of ways you can practically support this great cause too. Our upcoming Cooking Show & Life Womens Conference are major fundraisers for Empower Asia and if you are a business that would like to sponsor one of these students through university, please contact our office for more information - +61 2 4268 1588 or thirroul@sccc.com.au

Fore more information on Empower Asia, see www.empower.asia

Following & Friends

by Tara Skipp

In our modern world of social networking, we ‘follow’ people (Twitter) and ‘add freinds’ (Facebook). But are we really following the One who matters and are we really connecting with people in a significant way?

You’ll find our church on Twitter & Facebook and I think that’s great. But as pointed out in Ps Phil Pringle’s latest blog post, following Jesus has a very different connotation than following someone on Twitter! And if our connections in life aren’t any deeper than ‘Facebook friendships’ we’re missing out on life-changing relationships that shape us and our lives.

Computers are great, and the networks and possibilties that they open up are something I am very grateful for. But there’s a big world out there to explore, don’t forget to log off sometimes.

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Kahlil Gibran

Swine Flu in perspective…

by Pete Starr

After hearing so many scary reports on the swine flu over the past month I asked a young person I know whose family lives in Mexico how they are doing. I was surprised and very glad to hear the reply “No worries” given with a laugh! Straight away her husband spoke up and told me that the media have blown the story out of proportion.

It made me think of some years ago when the words “weapons of masss destruction” were repeated far to often while wrongly inferring that these weapons could only be found in some Middle Eastern countries.

To put things in perspective, here is a graph showing the comparison between Swine Flu and Malaria.

Something to think about…

Building your Future with Purpose

Here are 31 days of scriptures to inspire you in this month’s topic – ‘Building your Future with Purpose’.

Every month we will be posting a calendar full of Bible verses to inspire you for the month.

Feel free to print it out, share it with friends and READ – THINK – PRAY – LIVE.

Bible Verse Calendar – May 2009

Enjoy!