Justice

I have been pondering on concepts of Justice lately. One catalyst for this has been a movie called Black Gold about the injustice we can be part of unkowlingly through the coffee we buy. More about that later. Here are some thoughts from the Bible:

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right!
Seek justice,encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

Caring for the poor, the weak and the marginalized is central to the life of the Scriptures and its prophets.

God loves justice!

Psalms 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Psalms 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy:deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Micah 6:8 8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jesus was focussed on Justice

Matt 12:18-21
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.

Jesus also taught on it.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

We are charged to be justice-fighters for those who are unable to set things right on their own. Do we believe in these verses, not simply as words but rather a way of life?

Posted by Braden

Catalyst

We had a tremendous time out West Auckland at Catalyst. Pastor Chris Hope from Australia was our great speaker over the weekend. Pastor Chris, from Geelong heads up Unique Reapers International and is a great communicator with a passion to see young people saved. Pastor Chris travels extensively throughout Asia and we were really blessed through his ministry.

Friday and Saturday night saw hundreds of young people from dozens of youth ministries from around Auckland gather together. Our very own New Generation Band played for the first time and was awesome! Pastor Chris shared a great message about our need to step up and stand strong. Also, that we need to ‘take out the trash’. About 21 people responded to the salvation alter call!

Saturday morning was our training. Again Pastor Chris brought some great challenges.
Saturday night went off! Guest band, Empowered Young Disciples from the Tonga Assembles of God were awesome and the praise and worship with the New Generation Band was powerful. Pastor Chris preached about fulfilling the promises of God in our lives. God again moved powerfully.

It was awesome to see almost 300 people from different ethnic backgrounds worshipping. God is doing something significant.

Michael Guggliemucci

By now most of you would have heard about the recent news that Mike Guglielmucci has confessed that his so-called battle with terminal illness was a fraud. This is a mind-boggling turn of events that is sending shock waves throughout the Christian community.

A whole range of emotions emerge when something such as this comes to the surface - from anger to compassion. There are also some personal challenges that I identify:

One is for me to examine everything in the hidden depths of my heart.

The second is to look at my attitudes. At a time like this it is very easy for Christians to 'devour' each other. Hear is a question for you. When you heard about Mike did you run to the the phone to let someone else know, or did you pray for him, his family, and the many people who will be impacted by this event? Why? Hmm....

Also, why is it htat we often look to people for our foundations in faith rather than to God? Yes, people are going to let us down and dissappoint us, but our trust is not in them.

I am uncomfortable with many of the rants on the internet about the matter, so instead, my focus will be to examine myself.

Mal Fletcher has some insightful thoughts on the matter.

Mark Conner shares the following:

More details about the Mike Guglielmucci story continue to unfold. This tragic event may end up being just a minor blip on the radar as far as the media goes but the effects within the church world may continue to build momentum for quite a while yet. After all, he's one us - a follower of Christ.

Having read the myriad of comments on my and other blogs, it is clear that there is a diversity of thoughts and feelings on this issue. I think the challenge for us all at this time is to seek to find a balance of Grace AND Truth, two things that Jesus was filled with (John 1:14).

The danger is when we go to either extreme - Truth only without Grace OR Grace only without reference to Truth. Jesus modeled these two important aspects in perfect balance. His response to the woman caught in adultery was radical Grace - 'neither do I condemn you' - AND radical Truth - 'go and leave your life of sin'.

Posted by Braden Matson

Fijian Ethnic Youth Camp

I had the privilege recently of sharing with the Youth Leaders at the Fijian Ethnic Youth Camp. There are some great young men and women involved in the Fijian Churches who are passionate about God. I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in ther lives. Well done to Lolo and her team.

Posted by Braden

Summit

We just had an amazing time at Summit in Rotorua. Pastor Thomas Hansen was incredibly insightful in what he shared. A real highlight for me was the dinner on Friday night on the Lakeland Queen. A whole lot of people shared in a open and vulnerable way about the season they were going through. It stresses the need for our constant support of each other as Youth Pastors and Leaders.

Summit emphasised again the strength that we have as a movement.

Amos took a whole lot of photos for us so as soon as I get them I will put them up.

Posted by Braden

Youth Of The Nation V

We had another fantastic youth conference in Wanganui a few weeks back. Youth ministries from Palmerston North, Marton, Hamilton, Porirua, Wainuiomata, Hawera, Levin, Napier, New Plymouth and every denomination you can name almost converged on Wanganui for Youth Of The Nation V.
YOTN V was held at Wanganui's Central Baptist Church from Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th July 2008. This event is put on by the Wanganui Christian Youth Workers, a collective of youth workers from different denominations with the common goal of encouraging and empowering their young people to pursue Jesus Christ with a zeal that will impact their generation. It is exciting to see ministers from different church and denominational backgrounds come together and put on event, each bring different perspectives and flavours as they minister.

YOTNV brought to region a line up of great speakers. Ps Ben Houston accompanied by worship director Dean Ussher of Hillsong Northern Beaches were our international guests this year. Ps Ben communicated the amazing life that we live when we honour God with our lives. Joining him this year were Dave Wells, lecturer at BCNZ and director of Zeal Youth Centre in Auckland. Dave presented the scriptures as the whole story of Christ, very insightful. Ps Sam Bayly (The Meadows Church, Paraparaumu) spoke about decision's we make as young people and presented the gospel simply with fantastic results.

Left to Right: Dave Wiggins, Dean Ussher, Ps Braden Matson, Ps Sam Bayly,
Ps Ben Hoyle, Dave Wells, Ps Daniel Paikea & Ps Ben Houston

Among the other speakers were Ps Braden Matson (New Generation NZ Director), Ps Daniel Paikea (Teen Challenge NZ Director), Beki Hayward (Soul Survivor NZ, Wellington), Dave Wiggins (Clean Comedy Comedian, Auckland), Ps Ben Hoyle (YOTN Director), Ps Iliesa Tamaniyaga, Ps Andrew Stanbrook-Mason, Lorne Campbell, Ps Rob Thompson & Ps Neville Bartley (Speaker at YOTN IV).

YOTN V was a great success. 64 known commitments to Christ, electives on 12 various areas of equiping young people to live fruitful lives & a great time had by all.

Other guests included Tauranga rockers Outta Exile, Gisbourne rappers Zero-T and Palmerston North DJ Tom Watts. Something for everyone, with the highlight for many being Dave Wiggins' stand up comedy performance.

Dave Wiggins

YOTN Worship Leader Caleb Kingi with Dean Ussher

There's a stack more info and photos on the website www.yotn.net.nz
Information will be released on next years dates for YOTN6 very soon.

Posted by Ben Hoyle

The Butterfly Effect

The butterfly effect is a the theory that small variations of the initial condition of a system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of that system. For example, a ball placed at the crest of a hill might roll into any of several valleys depending on slight differences in initial position.

The term "butterfly effect" was coined by Edward Lorenz who refferred to the idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that may ultimately alter the path of a tornado or delay, accelerate or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado in a certain location. The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale alterations of events. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different.

In arguably the earliest illustration of the butterfly effect in a story on film, an angel in 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) shows George Bailey how rewriting history so that George was never born would detrimentally affect the lives of everyone in his hometown. In a subtle butterfly effect, snow is falling in one version of reality but not the other.

The 1998 British movie 'Sliding Doors' runs two parallel stories of the same woman, Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow). In one universe, Helen manages to catch a London Underground train home on time, and in the other she misses it. This small event influenced her life dramatically. In many cases, minor and seemingly inconsequential actions in the past are extrapolated over time and can have radical effects on the present time of the main characters.

The second episode in the "Back to the Future" trilogy also vividly illustrates the cascading and broad effects of what seemed a minor change in the course of events: because the loathsome Biff Tannen accidentally gets his hands on a record book from 2015, he is able to grow rich and corrupt Marty Mcfly's home town. When McFly returns to 1985, he finds it utterly degraded from what had used to be.

The lesson for us from the butterfly effect is that small events can trigger significant consequences. A small act can disturb the status quo and bring significant change.

If we make minor adjustments to our everday living, there can be signifcant effects further down the track. What can you do today to that could have a major effect later on?

It's our daily decisions that determines our destiny, and potentially the destiny of others as well.

Posted by Braden Matson

Trust, Hope, Love

1 Corinthians 13:13 (The Message)

Trust steadily in God,
Hope unswervingly,
Love extravagantly.

Backbiting

From Mark Batterson

Way too much sideways energy in the kingdom!

I think there are basically two kinds of people. People who are doing things and people who aren't doing things but they need something to do so they take potshots at people who are doing things.

There. I said it.

Come on, folks. Let's be about the Father's business.

In the words of Michelangelo: criticize by creating!

Can I be brutally honest?

The psychological tendency to try to feel better about ourselves by pointing out what's wrong with someone else is immaturity at its worst. And no where is it more prevalent than the church.

Posted by Braden Matson

Self-Control Part 4

How to exercise Self Control:

1. Have an open life.Sin, like bacteria, multiplies in dark places.

It is good to be accountable to trustworthy people for those areas of your life where you tend to stray. Be accountable.

2. Flee from temptation. God’s word is plain about this.

1 Corinthians 6:18
"Flee from sexual immorality. Run for your life!”

Yes, sometimes self-control requires physically leaving the scene of temptation, or avoiding such spots to begin with.

Our moral freedom, like other mental powers, is strengthened by exercise. The practice of yielding to impulse results in enfeebling self-control.

3. Flee angerSometimes self control requires shutting a heated moment down, in order to return to the topic later with a plan. We need to treat other people as something of value. Such self-control helps find resolution without harming the other person, whom God loves.

4. Build up your own spirit.If your Bible is only for Sundays or for a quick rushed “have to do this” kind of look into the Book; then you are starving yourself spiritually. Malnourished people can never be strong and resilient and exercise self-control.

Psalm 119:11 “I have treasured your word in my Heart, so that I may not sin against you.”

If the Bible is not powerfully in your life, don’t expect the fruit of the Spirit to thrive in you.We also build our spirit and strengthen our self-control by speaking in tongues.

5. Serve

As we surrender our will and serve we start to practice self-control.

The Bible says that self control is a “fruit of the Spirit,” that is, a result of surrendering our character and behaviour to God’s Spirit to influence us. As we submit to Holy Spirit He empowers us to exercise self-control.

Self-Control Part 3

Let’s look at some scenarios and questions concerning the presence of self-control in your life.

1.How are you as a finisher of responsible actions? When it is your turn to do the dishes for instance, and you look over at the overflowing countertop, do you go to it and complete the task in a reliable manner, or are you more likely to end up being a slothful couch potato for the evening, or to go do something fun, and simply fail to do your fair part?

2. Do you control your temper?

Proverbs 14:17
A quick-tempered man does foolish things”

3. When pornography pops up on the computer screen do you delete it every time, or do you tend to get drawn away by the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh?

4. Are you careful to not say negative things about people with whom you are upset, to third parties who are not involved in the situation?

5. When it is getting late, and you know that you need to be at your best at school or work early the next morning, do you shut off the TV, or put away the hobby and get the sleep God designed you to need, in order to be sharp.

6. When you need to finish your homework and also study for the quiz that’s coming at school tomorrow, do you shut of the video game and just do it, even though its no fun?

7. When you walk into the mall, and you have a pocket full of credit cards, what is likely to happen? Is your spending in control?

8. Is your eating in control? Do you take that extra biscuit?

There could be hundreds of scenarios suggested, and some of them are more drastic than these, but all self-control questions are important.

Self-Control Part 2

2 Timothy 3:2-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

Why is self-control so important?

1 Cor 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training (self-control). They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.A self-controlled life demands focus. They have a heavenly prize.

There must be purpose in every step. No distraction… No detours.

Self-control is using our freedom for Gods purposes. Using our freedom to bring blessing and impact others.

In proportion as a man habitually yields to intemperance or some other vice, his freedom diminishes and he does in a true sense sink into slavery.

Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control

“I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself.”
Pietro Aretino

“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.”
Seneca

“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.”
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Becoming 100% YOU - Part 5

4. To busy to fit ‘you’ in



Sometimes life can get so busy that we are rushing through days and weeks trying to get through a list of tasks without stopping to re-evaluate our lives. It is important to stop sometimes and think about why you are doing what you do. You may be doing some great things with your time but are they stretching you growing your life and taking you closer to being 100% you and accomplishing what you were put on this planet to do.



Everything we do should be leading us closer to who we are and if it doesn’t then we need to re-evaluate our lives. Don’t let yourself get so stuck in a routine of life that you don’t hear God whispering to your heart and nudging you in a particular direction in life. There are many things you can be too busy for but the Holy Spirit should never be one of them.


5. Can’t get up



One of the devils ways of hijacking your journey is comfort. He wants you to be so comfortable that you curl up in the armchair of life with a big duvet in front of the fire and refuse to move. An armchair is one of the hardest places to move from, especially if it’s raining and miserable outside. We can be like this in our spiritual life but being in a comfortable place is not good for us.



It can lead to spiritual laziness and it will take a hold of your life. You will lose interest in going any further on your journey. An armchair lifestyle will prevent you from discovering anything more about yourself. Often we can get so comfortable in our roles as a leader, mother employer, that we have no desire to go any further. Leaving your comfort zone will help you grow and stretch you and help you discover so much more about what God has put in your life.



In 2005 I went to Europe with Braden and at the end of the trip we went with a team to Thailand. I was looking forward to it all but Thailand. But I am blessed to have a husband who doesn’t let me sit long in my comfy chair and he really encouraged me that it would be ok. Once I was there I was so touched by the people and I had to trust God that he would come through so much. It really got me out of my comfort zone. And whenever I am in my comfy chair I am often reminded of my time in Thailand.



Are you sitting in your armchair or in the safety of your comfort zone? Maybe you were once on this journey but when it became painful and uncomfortable and you grazed your knee did you retreated back into the comfort of the chair. Please make a stand today to not do it again to get out of the chair as your armchair will become your prison and stop from becoming all you are called to be.



2 Timothy 1:6 ‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.'



The responsibility for kick-starting and maintaining your spiritual momentum lies with you, you need to chose to live differently to start listening to the holy spirit. You may feel like you have two left feet you may think you are out of practice and that you will never be able to keep in step with him again. Remove the excuses get up and live your life not someone else’s.



What’s stopping you? Identify it, address it and if necessary separate from it.



Do whatever it takes to become the real you. Once we truly understand just who we are, our job is to influence our world with it.



You have a responsibility to be the most amazing 100% YOU that only you can be.



Posted by: Andrea

Becoming 100% YOU - Part 4

3. Only an excuse away



How many times has an excuse stopped you from following your instinct? Are you the sort of person who says ‘I can’t do that because…’ I can’t is the language of excuses. And you will always be able to find plenty of reasons to stop you from journeying along. I am a culprit of this, I always used to say I can’t… I need to constantly remind myself to say that I actually can.



If you are constantly giving what you think are valid reasons for your lack of progress on your journey then be careful, because eventually your life will grind to a halt. You will end up spending years of your life in a dead end called excuses and the only person responsible for putting you there is you!



Your excuses will never change God’s mind about who you are. He sees past your excuses to the real you. All they will do is make your journey far longer than necessary and you will waste time taking pointless detours and delay finding out what God has for your life.



Posted by: Andrea

Self-Control Part 1

2 Peter 1:3-9
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

The text tells Christians to diligently add to there faith several things. Why? So you can be fruitful and functional.

He wants us to be fruitful. Not fruity!

You and I already know too many dysfunctional Christians! There are people who will not come to Christ because they know too many dysfunctional Christians.

Too often the church is like muesli – lots of nuts, flakes and fruits!

Salvation is a free gift! However we then become involved in the process of sanctification. We grow in Christ and reach New levels of living. It begins with faith ends with love.

From faith will grow virtue or holy living. We want to please God; he is our number one motivation for all we do.Out of virtue we add knowledge. From knowledge we will grow in self-control.

DEFINITION: Self Control =Temperance is the KJV word from 2 Greek words. “en” = fixed position, in place and “kratos” = power or strength. “The strength to stay in place.”

Gal 5But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Fruit is cultivated. Cultivation requires our involvement.

Becoming 100% YOU - Part 3

2. God’s master production

There are different people God wants to connect into your life at particular points on your journey other than the ones you currently see around you. The key for us is to realise who they are and not dismiss them.

Right now you may only be able to see lines on a refil pad, but God has the full script in front of him. He knows who is going to be in your life for a short time and a long time. There are going to be other people that he will bring across your path that you need to interact with to get along side and learn from. He puts them there by design not coincidence. We need to learn to follow his prompting.



John 6:5-9 ‘When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"



Challenging situations like this often uncover who we are and where we are at. In this situation, Philip had doubts and he spoke from his insecurity and negativity, Andrew however was a different character. He had enough confidence to make a suggestion. Yet God didn’t write Philip off as he knew he was on a journey and the negativity would not be the thing that would define him. Later on in Acts 8 we see that Philip was prompted by the spirit and had the courage to trust and step out and touch someone else’s life.



He was on a journey when he hit doubt but he didn’t let that stop him he kept journeying. God new ahead of time that doubt and negativity would not be a part of Philip’s life forever.



It’s the same with you and God. He already knows the things that do not define who you are and he already sees what you are going to become as you journey through finding out who you are. We just need to trust him and when things come up in our life its just God prompting us to work through them as he knows that they are not what will define us forever.



Posted by: Andrea

Fresh It Up Camp

Over Queen's Birthday weekend, the West Coast Region got together for their annual Easter Camp
(due to camp site being booked it was moved to Queen's Birthday for this year). The youth ministries from New Plymouth, Levin, Palmerston North & Wanganui converged on sunny Inglewood in Taranaki at Vertical Horizons Camp. The West Coast camps have been running for 9 years and have all had different flavours. Over the years speakers have included, Luka Robertson, Natalie Joyce, John Cameron, Paul Saunders, John Cairns & Andy Kubala.
2008 was an amazing time. Guest speakers Craig & Nadia Clark ministered in season with where we were at and the results were fantastic. 17 first time commitments on the first night was such great launching pad. The weekend got stronger and stronger as we felt the Anointing build. It was great to see the local youth pastors and leadership working together so strongly with what Craig & Nadia were leading us into. Many received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, healings were testified of, and many experienced a moving and manifest encounter with Jesus. It was just so wonderful experiencing God in such favour.
Ps Paul White from Levin challenged everyone to remember the events of the weekend, quoting Jacob building an alter in Genesis 28.
It was a hugely successful weekend and a huge thank-you must go out to Ps Julia Kuriger and her crew from New Plymouth for hosting the event so well. The food was out-standing (best camp food ever). I personally cannot wait for next years Camp.

Posted by Ben Hoyle

Catalyst

We had a great weekend at Catalyst. Held at Harvest Christian Church in Papakura, Friday night was a Youth Event involving about 10 Youth Ministries from around Auckland. Saturday was a Leaders Training Day.

Friday night we had a great move of God with many people recieving agreat touch from God and many people making decisions to follow Jesus.

Friday Night

Saturday Training:

Becoming 100% YOU - Part 2

How do we find out who I am?:



1. Stay in step



Galatians 5:2 ‘Since we live by the spirit let us keep in step with the spirit.’



Keeping in step with the spirit is only possible when we remain tuned in.



We can often have the courage to step out and start moving on this journey but then we gradually drift out of step, we can get distracted and no longer listen with the same intensity that we did in the first place.



If you want to be in step with God then you have to walk closely to him and you need to follow his every move. You can do this by being in constant communication with God, praying and reading the bible. Living out of step won’t make you a bad person, but it will slow you down on the journey to becoming 100% ‘you’.



You need to get to a place where you completely trust and listen to his voice and are tuned in to his whisper.



What does your journey with God look like? Is he dragging you around to discover more of what is in you or do you keep standing on his toes because you won’t let him lead or are you gliding gracefully and keeping up. Are you allowing him to teach and guide you or are you doing your own thing. The Holy Spirit wants to lead you, but he won’t force you. He will simply prompt you and then its in your court to follow and keep up.



Posted by: Andrea

Becoming 100% YOU - Part 1 of 5

This is a message I spoke at our young adults camp just recently. I really believe that it is something we need to continue to journey on our whole life. I hope these words will help you to either start your journey or be motivated to continue your journey to become 100% you.

Life is too short to do things that you don’t enjoy and not being yourself

People ignore the value of what they already have and who God has made them to be and are trying to be like someone else.

Nelson Mandella quoted a saying from Marianne Williamson
'Our deepest fear... is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.'

Have you ever asked yourself ‘who am I’?

If so what was your answer?

Do you answer with:
- I’m a teacher, graphic designer, connect leader, builder, student, wife, friend

Or do you answer with:
- I am a daughter/son of God, righteous, God gifted, loved.

It is important that we move beyond answering this question with a title, a label or role that you currently fulfil in your life. If you answer this question with a job description or an explanation of what you currently do in life, then this shows that you are hiding behind what you do.

This question ‘who am I’ challenges us to think about what makes us unique and makes us think about what God has placed in our life that sets us apart from everyone else. It also causes us to examine what makes us stand out from the crowd and makes us different from everyone else.

Who had trainer wheels on their bike when they were a kid?

While they were on, they protected and stabilised you and helped you go straight, but when your parents thought it was a good time to take them off, we begin to wobble and maybe fall off, but we get back on and do the same thing over again, until we learn how to balance.
This is what it’s like when we set off on the journey to discover who we really are.

I am still on this journey, while I was working at church I used to have people say to me all the time, you’re the pastors wife, you’re the girl behind the information desk, you’re the one in the church office, I would always respond with a smile, yeah that’s me. But on the inside there was something that was saying no actually I think I’m more than that. Yes that’s what I do, but it’s not who I am.

This is probably how they recognised me but we can often take that on board and hide behind these things that people put on us. But I didn’t know where to start to find out who I was. I began to hide behind the things I did, my job, Braden, but once I realised this I have been on a journey ever since to find out who I am in Christ and it is one I continue to battle with everyday.

The journey of identity I believe is a life long one which we must thoroughly explore if we are to discover who we really are. Once I decided to find out who I was I had to makes some sacrifices, I have had to detach myself from some people, comforts and securities and keep making a decision everyday to continue to do this so that I have nothing stopping me from moving forward.

Everyone has incredible potential but the only way to maximise it is to commit to the journey of becoming the person God created you to be.

When you are 100% confident in who you are as a person you need nothing else to define you.

Jesus is a great example of this. He wouldn’t conform to any mould placed upon him.

Matthew 16:13-16 ‘When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'

Jesus heard their answer but didn’t rush out to correct the people who said he was John the Baptist or Jeremiah and explain how wrong they were. It didn’t matter to him what the people thought of him.

This is such a great example of how we should be living our lives. Jesus modelled what it means to live being 100% yourself. He wasn’t held back by people’s feelings or approvals, He only cared about what His Father thought of Him.

So many Christians are not 100% about anything, especially their identity because many are not 100% sure of their own identity in him.

There is no one on this planet that is just like you or just like me. You have an individual thumb print, the iris in your eye is different to everyone else’s, you have a unique DNA code.

Braden and I get sent an email each week telling us where our baby is up to in its growth stage. This week it told me that it now looks like a miniature new born checking in at 10.9 inches (about the length of a ruler) and almost 1 pound. Its skin will continue to appear wrinkled until it gains enough weight to fill it out. Your baby's eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks some pigment. Your baby's lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line.

Isn’t that so amazing! God already knows all about our baby, and has already created it like no one else on this entire earth.
Sometimes it is so much easier stealing someone else’s identity than spending time to find out who you are.

For example, I can't be anyone of you who are reading this right now, I can only be myself.

Our personality is something we need to cherish about each other and help each other discover who we are. It is part of what makes you ‘you’ and we need to embrace it.

Posted by: Andrea

Life 08

It was great to catch up with so many New Gen Leaders at Life 08. Here are some photos from our Lunch. The conference was amazing, with some of my favourite speakers. If you were there, why don't you leave a comment about what you got out of the conference.

Posted by Braden

Working With Other Denominations: Part Two

The easiest answer is to do away with doctrines and just get on with it, but it’s not realistic. After all, doctrine is what gives us our identity as a Pentecostal, Anglican, Catholic, Brethren, and so on.

I have spoken with people, who genuinely believe that this is the right way to achieve unity. That we throw our doctrine and identity out the window and just become “disciples of Christ” together. I don’t know if you’ve heard this theory yourselves, but I really don’t think that will ever work. Because every believer receives different revelations on the word of God, and in reality not every opinion is wrong. There can be different perspectives on different practices. So naturally we begin to gather with others who share our convictions or perspectives. This is an important key to unity.

You see, I believe that unity starts with you identifying with one church and denomination, becoming planted in its house, vision and mandate. Once you have a home and you have established what your belief system is, you know who you are in Christ. I meet at an A/G church because I agree with the belief system of the movement, otherwise if I didn’t I’d go to another denomination where I felt I could identify with the belief system and go on to fulfil the call of God on my life. You see doctrine and belief systems are very important. They define us in Christ. We know who we are, and when we hear something that opposes or challenges that, we won’t be fazed by it.

So how do we establish relationship & unity with others who don’t share our belief system? The answer, in my experience, is Education. There is a big difference from accepting another person’s beliefs and understanding them. In the last part, I stated that most churches automatically put up divisions with churches that they don’t agree with. You can tell these sorts of walls are in place when you here statements like “we’ll come only if that youth group isn’t going to be there.” They are worried that the belief systems of the other group’s young people will begin to be accepted and then practiced by their very own youth. And this can happen.

If I have a heart for unity with the body of Christ, and one of my young people comes to me and says, “I visited one of my friends churches the other night and I witnessed something I’ve never seen before and honestly I don’t think its right.” I should find out exactly what it is and check to see if it is a doctrinal belief of that church. If it is and in most cases it will (sometimes not and that’s a whole other lesson), it’s my job to educate that young person on that doctrine so that the following is established:

1. A realisation that not every church is like ours.
2. An understanding of where their church stands on that belief (this may require research on your behalf. Talk with someone you know at that church if you feel you can)
3. An understanding of where our church stands on that belief (it may not be practised at all or practised differently and that should be explained – scriptures are the best evidence)

In this process, I feel it is important to not “put down” the other church, remembering that they are part of the body. Avoid statements like “That church are ignorant” or “They are wrong”, instead use statement style answers “They believe this because they have interpreted it this way”. Not negative or positive reinforced statements.

Remember your goal is to educate not judge. The person you are sharing with should leave feeling as though they could go into that environment again and not feel worried, because they understand what is going on, but also because their own belief system is not challenged. They are certain in what they believe.

I deal with youth workers in our city every week. Some of the guys (that means gals too) belong to churches that I have a completely different standpoint over doctrine. But, because I know who I am in Christ, that my belief system is stable, I can enter into relationship with them and build unity with them. I love the body of Christ. It’s so awesome meeting with people from different walks of life, and knowing that they are living for Christ also.

I hope what I’ve shared has got you thinking. If you want to call me about anything that I’ve stated on unity, feel free to call me. I have really only scraped the surface of this and there are other situations that arise in working with other denominations. I just pray that you desire to love the body of Christ even if you don’t agree on how your faith is lived to the stop.

Posted by Ben Hoyle

Lessons from the Land of Smiles

Lessons from the Land of Smiles

I have just had a couple of weeks in Thailand. Here are some thoughts based on five key areas of Thai culture.


1. Sabai – Relax (Everything is ok!)



The concept of sabai comes form the Buddhist idea of fatalism. It is reflected in their driving! Everyone pulls in front of each other, but it is all sabai. Nothing seems to phase them! If anything goes wrong it is fate.

We can learn something form this. Everything is sabai. When we trust in God we can relax.

Trusting in God’s sovereignty is not fatalism. We still have to make wise choices. However when circumstances are outside of our control we can relax and trust in God.

Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." (James 1:2-3)Job faced all sorts of trials but never drifted in his faith.Job 1:21 “I came naked from my mothers womb and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had and the Lord has taken away. Praise the name of the Lord.”Give your worries to God for He cares about you - 1 Peter 5:2.


2. Sanook – Fun

One thing the Thais love is fun. Everything they do must have an element of fun involved or it is just not Thai! We can learn something form that as well. Enjoy the journey! Live in the present

The bible abounds with the promises of God for our futures. For example:

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

However we can’t just focus on the future, we msut live in the present. William Booth said “To change the future you must disturb the present”.

Our daily decisions determine our destiny.

We must have a vision for the future, but look at it through the lenses of today.

Be In The Present
Learn From The Past
Plan For The Future

3. Mai ben rai – It’s nothing (literally – nevermind)

Mai ben rai is used in situations such as when someone has given you something they and you say “Thanks” they often reply “Mai ben rai” or “Its nothing”. It reflects a willingness to serve and put others first.

Here are some thoughts on serving.

To get ahead, put others first.

Mark 9:35 ‘Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’

We were put on earth to make a contribution. To add life, not just take it.

We serve God by serving others.
‘Whatever you do for the lest of these you do for me.’



4. Puapar -Generosity

I am always blown away by the generosity of people I meet in Thailand. Often they have very little themselves yet they give so much. I wonder if their generosity is a result of them having a simplicity of life which rejects a materialistic way of thinking.

We need to battle daily against materialism.


Here are some thoughts on generosity.

Your candle loses nothing when it lights another.

Proverbs 11:26 ‘A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.’

True generosity isn’t an occasional event.

Be grateful for whatever you have. Generosity rises out of contentment, and that doesn’t come with acquiring more. Millionaire John D. Rockefeller admitted, “I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness.” If you’re not content with little, you won’t be content with a lot. And if you’re not generous with little, you won’t suddenly change if you become wealthy.


Don’t allow the desire for possessions to control you.
Richard Foster writes, “Owning things is an obsession in our culture. If we own it, we feel we can control it; and if we can control it, we feel it will give us more pleasure. The idea is an illusion.” If you want to be in charge of your heart, don’t allow possessions to take charge of you.

Regard money as a resource
As E. Stanley Jones said, “Money is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. If it gets on top and you get under it, you will become its slave.”

Develop the habit of giving
Richard Foster advises, “Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon greed.” If you are enslaved by greed, you cannot lead.



5. Hi Giat - Honouring


The Thais are an incredibly honouring people. This is reflected in their greeting, the Wai, where they put their hands together as if they are prating and give a slight bow.

Eph 5:21 reminds us that we are to treat each other with respect and honour.


Honour is The OPPOSITE Of Judging, Loving UNCONDITIONALLY, having FAITH In Someone, listening, and enlargening others.

Posted by Braden Matson

Working With Other Denominations: Part One

In our city, we have been privileged to inherit a unity among the churches that is really amazing. Many folk from outside visit our place and end up asking a bunch of questions about how it has been achieved. I've also had leaders of national ministries come to me and tell me about the problems of running inter-denominational ministries, where some youth groups will only turn up if another youth group doesn't, or if a certain practice isn't exercised.

The reality that we have to face is that, the main problem we have with other denominations or movements is Doctrine. Doctrine defines our identity in Christ. There are churches that believe in speaking in tongues, and there are those who feel it is heretical. There are churches that believe in certain forms of baptism, that others have different interpretations of. There are so many different standpoints on giving and tithing across the church. So if we identify with certain practices that others despise or practice differently, we will tend to distance ourselves from those groups, after all they are not "in line" with our belief system.

The problem I see is, that as bible believing Christians, we read in John 17, as Christ is praying for the disciples and then goes on to pray for all believers, that He desires us to be united.
Verse 23 : "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

We all know the verse, "Where there is Unity, God commands a blessing", and quite often we put it in the context of our local church. You know?, that the pastors and leaders work together in one vision and God will bless the vision and so on. But, here in verse 23, Jesus is praying to the Father about ALL believers being ONE.

You see the devil has done such an outstanding job of dividing the church over the centuries to the point that we are more at war with each other than with the principalities and powers. This is it, isn't it. Our doctrines are what divide us. The funny thing is, that any church that agrees "Jesus is Lord" are Christians and therefore part of the body of Christ. Jesus desires those people to be united.

This is the hard part though. We have established that it is Christ’s desire for the church to be united. We have also established that it is our doctrines that divide us. So the question is: How do we achieve unity?

To Be Continued…
Posted by Ben Hoyle

Leadership Questions

One of the blogs I like to follow is Craig Groeschel's at LifeChurch.tv: Swerve.

Recently he posed some challenging self examination questions:

Are the people closest to me in ministry lifting me higher or dragging me down?

How have I intentionally developed the leaders around me in the past week?

Am I speaking transparently with at least two other close trusted friends on a weekly basis?

Am I submitting myself to the correction and coaching of at least two mentors?

Am I holding a grudge against someone?Am I speaking well of other ministers?

Am I falling for the temptation of comparing, complaining, criticizing or gossiping?

Are my words and relationships characterized by words of faith or negativity?

Do people enjoy being around me or am I often “down”?

Have a made at least three new ministry friends in the last year?

Some of the responses are good too.

Posted by Braden Matson

West Coast

Andrea and I had a great time Saturday and Sunday in Wanganui. Saturday was a combined event with youth from Palmerston North, Wanganui, and New Plymouth. We started with a raft race (which was hilarious to watch) and then had a rally in the evening. There is such a great sense of unity in the West Coast region and so refreshing to see such a commitment to serving each other.

Sunday morning I had the privilege of speaking at Faith City Church led by Pastors Iliafi and Fia Esera. They have been doing such an amazing work in Wanganui for a long time now, steadily building a strong, healthy church. They are such a great example of a releasing church. Their pastors are released to help build the movement and to minister nationally and internationally, and people are released to minister such as Dennis and Caroline Isaacs being sent to pastor a church in Kaipoi. It's all about being kingdom minded.

Posted by Braden Matson

Dessert Night, West Auckland

We had a great night last night at Waitakere City Church. Pastor Luka Robertson was really challenging and inspiring. It was great to see so many Youth Leaders from all around Auckland (and even Hamilton - you guys were legends for coming all the way for the meeting!!).

One of the most challenging things form Pastor Luka, I thought, was the need for a fresh revelation of God's love for the people we lead. How are we treating the people God has entrusted to us? How am I loving them?

I trust you were really blessed if you were able to be there last night.

Posted by Braden Matson

Increasing Your Influence

Here are some notes form the Dessert Night in Christchurch

Increasing your influence.


1. Lead yourself

Develop self discipline

People will seek you out because you have habits that people know are good, but neglect.

What areas of self-discipline do you need to improve?


2. Know the purpose of your influence.

Its not about you, your power, or ego.
Its about being a vessel of God. How will you influence people for him?

When people cross your path how will lives be different because they were influenced by you?


3. Get out of your way

Don’t let your age or personality limit you influence. 1 Tim 4:12

You have opportunities each day. Move out of your comfort zone.

How are you limiting yourself right now?


4. Raise the bar

If you have the same standards as everyone else, your influence is diminished. People are influenced by those they see ahead of them.

How could you raise the bar in your life?


5. Make people feel significant


People want to feel important. It is a basic human need. No one likes to feel insignificant.

If you, by your words, action or attitude make people feel significant, you will have influence with them.

Who can you make feel significant?


6. Develop your gifts

What are you doing to grow?

Use your gifts that God gave you, but develop them

Listen and learn.


7. Choose who will influence you.

Surround yourself with peers who will encourage you.
Find mentors who will help you grow.
Follow the writings of the experts in books and blogs.

Posted by Braden Matson

What will happen to me?

The third most important question is "What will happen to me when I die?"

Here are some quotes to help your thinking along these lines:

Evil can be cast out, not by man alone nor by a dictatorial God who invades our lives, but when we open the door and invite God through Christ to enter.

'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.'

God is too courteous to break open the door, but when we open it in faith believing, a divine and human confrontation will transform our sin-ruined lives into radiant personalities.
Martin Luther KingGrace

U2
Grace, she takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name
Grace, it's the name for a girl
It's also a thought that could change the world
And when she walks on the street you can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything
Grace, she's got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalkS
he's got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma, karmaSh
e travels outside of karma
When she goes to work you can hear the strings
Grace finds beauty in everything
Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flue for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition
What once was hurtWhat once was friction
What left a mark no longer stings
Because Grace makes beauty out of ugly things
Grace finds beauty in everything
Grace finds goodness in everything

King Solomon.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die.”

Famous last words.
General Jon B Sedgwick:“They couldn’t hit an elephant from this distance.”
H.G. Wells“Go away… I’m all right.”

Christchurch Dessert Night

Had a great time last night with Youth Leaders from the Worship Centre as well as the Fijian and Samoan churches. There was such a great sense of unity. I love it that we can get together from various churches and encourage each other. I spoke on how we can increase our influence. I have had a great few days meeting with Dave and Jackie Sampson in Nelson and Deon January in from Lower Hutt but I can't wait to get home to see Andrea and hang out with our little baby (even though it isn't born yet!)

What will I do with my life?

The second Question that Phillip Yancy posed while he lay somewhere between death and life was "What have I done with my life?" We can turn that around a little but to "What will I do with my life". Here are some quotes to get you thinking on this topic:

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish

When Alexander the Great had a vision, he conquered countries; when he lost it, he couldn’t conquer a liquor bottle. When David had a vision, he conquered Goliath; and when he lost his vision, he couldn’t conquer his own lust. When Samson had a vision, he won many battles; when he lost his vision, he couldn’t win his battle with Delilah. When Solomon had a vision, he was the wisest man in the world; when he lost the dream God had given him, he couldn’t control his own evil passion for foreign women. When Saul had a vision, he could conquer kings; when he lost his vision, he couldn’t conquer his own jealousy. When Noah had a vision, he could build an ark and help keep the human race on track; when he lost his vision, he got drunk. When Elijah had a vision, he could pray down fire from heaven and chop off the heads of false prophets; when he lost the dream, he ran from Jezebel. It’s the dream that keeps us young; it’s the vision that keeps us

“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop and I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will, and He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Martin Luther King

Be Planted
Psalm 92
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;planted in the house of the LORD ,they will flourish in the courts of our God.They will still bear fruit in old age,they will stay fresh and green.

Mark 8:34-37
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life unable to influence the unfolding of events which surround him.
Martin Luther King

Psalm 139:3
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Eph 1:23
The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

"Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look to the fields, that they are white for harvest." (John 4:35)

More quotes on love

Love is like pi
natural,
irrational,
and VERY
important.
Ovid

To be loved, be lovable.

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, it's what you are expected to give — which is everything
Robert Lois Stevenson

Billy Graeme at 87, “I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side. I am more in love with her today than when we first met … as students in college.”

Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. - Martin Luther King

C.S. Lewis put it, ‘To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.’

Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(TNIV)

Acts 2:42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Posted by Braden Matson

Dr Ian Jagelman

We had a great meeting last night with a few Youth Pastors from around Auckland with Dr Ian Jagelman. I love hearing Dr Ian, he has an amazing depth of wisdom. It was just a small group of people to give opportunity for discussion.

One of the key thoughts for me was the need to build leadership teams, not just ministry teams. There is a real challenge to develop teams of people who are empowered to make decisions and grow and area of ministry, rather than just perform the functions of ministry.

The other major thing for me last night was a reminder of the idea that leadership really comes down to gathering and building. We are to gather people, and build them.


If you were at the meeting last night why don't you leave a message about a key thing for you from the evening.

Posted by Braden Matson

First Most Important Question

The first important question to consider is, "Who in life do I love?"

The challenge for each one of us is are we actively loving them. I find it is those closest to us that we can neglect the most. Here are some quotes on love to encourage you as you ponder this question:

Doc Childre
Our true identity is to love without fear and insecurity. Our higher potential finds us when we set our course in that direction. The power of love and compassion transforms insecurity.

Doc Childre and Sara Paddison
Love is not automatic. It takes conscious practice and awareness, just like playing the piano or golf. However, you have ample opportunities to practice. Everyone you meet can be your practice session.

Jason Jordan
True love does not come by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Mother Teresa
There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

Christopher Morley
If we discovered that we had only five minutes left to say all that we wanted to say, every telephone booth would be occupied by people calling other people to stammer that they loved them.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame of that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other.

Swedish Proverb
Fear less,
hope more,
eat less,
chew more,
whine less,
breathe more,
talk less,
say more,
love more,
and all good things will be yours.

Post by Braden Matson

Three Life Questions

I recently heard about author Philip Yancy's close-call with death after a car accident. He said three questions went through his mind in the moments immediately after the crash as he lay somewhere between life and death ...

Who in life do I love?

What have I done with my life?

Am I ready for what comes after this life?

These are great questions. Perhaps the key to a great life is to ponder such questions daily rather than only in moments of grave need. Over the next few days I will attempt to share a few thoughts on these questions.

Post by Braden Matson