New wineskins
Alan at Ngaruawahia church 3 August 2014.
We must stay close to Jesus to determine when the new wine is becoming old so that we know the timing for a new wineskin
The prayer life of Jesus
Ngaruawahia church 22 June 2014, by Alan
We see from Matthew 1:35 that Jesus connected with His Father in prayer. If He needed to then so do we.
We walk by faith and not by sight
Authentic Church 15th Feb 2014 by Alan.
When we look to Jesus and the word of God and don’t rely on what our eyes and ears are telling us, we realise that a closed door on earth hasn’t shut an open window in heaven.
Jesus and Zaccheus
This was a message I gave at Horsham Downs Community Church Sunday 19th January 2014.
The Pharisees observed that Jesus had “gone to be the guest of sinners” – He still does the same today.
Despite the bad in us Jesus says “I’m coming to dinner – if you want me.” And it’s because of his love and our potential that he also says “I’m coming to dinner – because I want you”.
Whoops……I made a mistake
We pick up the story in Matthew 16:5……..
The disciples get in the boat and the following discussion ensues:
“Have you got the bread James?”
“Nah – Philip said Peter was going to get it”
“Peter! Didja grab the loaf”
“Me? I thought you had it in your bag!”
…..small silence as eyes are sheepishly cast downward
“er……….Jesus……. we forgot the bread”.
Jesus: “Why even bother talking about it. Don’t you remember guys? It was only yesterday! How many loaves did we start with? And how many baskets of leftovers did we end up with?”
Even when we make mistakes, God’s grace covers. Jesus doesn’t berate them for their mistake (forgetting to grab the packed lunch) but for their unbelief now that they have experienced heaven’s supply (the multiplication of the loaves and fishes just a few hours before).
As one who has made mistakes with my “bread” and now finding the cupboard is a little less full than what I would like, I take great comfort in this. Although the principle of sowing and reaping is relevant and must be respected, Jesus reaped on the cross from all of the bad seed I’ve sown. Thus I can now reap from heaven’s supply as I am not bound to past mistakes.