Organic

I'm reading an excellent book by Neil cole called Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens.

One quote I like is "Shoving the light down the throat of the darkness."

Words

Heres an anonymous poem about words :

Did is a word of achievement, Won't is a word of retreat,Might is a word of bereavement,Can't is a word of defeat,Ought is a word of duty,Try is a word of each hour,Will is a word of beauty,Can is a word of power.-- Unknown Author

I remember a number of years ago there was a fad that occurred in a number of churches that was referred to as the “Name it and Claim it” gospel. Primarily it was based around scriptures like :

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
John 14:13 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Many people interpreted that to mean that “Whatever you ask for you can get”
I don’t agree exactly with that interpretation but I do believe that the words that come out of our mouth carry a lot more power that we realise.

When I grew up I was told over a number of years by teachers at school that I was lazy and would not amount to much. I am glad to say that they did not know what they where talking about, despite that, their words held a power over how I perceived myself. Only a few years out of school did someone in authority take an active interest in me and tell me that I could achieve what I set my mind to. Before that I had failed most of my attempts to complete a part time accounting diploma over 5 years but once I had this positive affirmation I completed it without failing anymore and took on a full time computer course and a part-time university diploma. I passed all with good marks. Just a few words – had so much power.

I had a boss earlier in my career who always used the words : “Of course you can !” whenever we asked something reasonable – it was much more than a “ok go ahead” or “yes” – it always amazed me that those few words sounded liberating – they empowered me to feel that he trusted me.

Mother Teresa once said :

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."-- Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

Words can be used to bind and constrict or we could use words to free others and ourselves. Words are very revealing about what is going on inside of us :

Mark 7:21
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts,”
You see – the words come from inside us and give away our thoughts
James 3:5 says “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire…”
Did you know that one of the most common reasons for marriage breakdown is the saying : “I don’t feel I love him/her anymore”
A piece of advice that marriage counselors give is “Start saying and doing loving things for your partner and keep doing them – think about ways you can show kindness and it will start changing the way you see the other person”

My friend was taking his rubbish out to the bins near his apartments and there was a family coming out of the swimming pool area a mother and some kids – one little girl – about 3 or 4 was saying “mommy I’m so cold – can I have a hug” over and over – the mother shouted back profanities at the child and said “not now stop bothering me !” Given a number of years of verbal abuse like that when seeking affection and our children will seek love elsewhere – food, addictions and unhealthy relationships.

Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

So where am I going with this ? What words have been spoken to you that bind you, what words have you spoken over others without thinking them through ? It is in your power to break those words that bind you and release those people who you may have inadvertently spoken over or even deliberately said things that could have hurt.

Did you know that you have the power to break the hold that they have over you - did you know that it is only you who allow them to bind you ?
Did you know that you have the power to correct the things that you may have said over others – it may be embarrassing but it could set you and the other person free…..

Heres what God say about us : (from http://www.ccesonline.com/godsanswertomythoughts.htm)

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 & John 3:34)
You say, "I can't go on." God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (Psalm 91:15 & II Corinthians 12:9)
You say, "I don’t know which way to turn." God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say, “I can't do it." God says, “Through Me 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.” (Roman 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 don't have enough faith."God says, “I've given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
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)

Does size matter ?

I think it does but I dont believe there is a wrong size or right size.What I mean is that smaller is better for relationship building, higher percentage involvement and accountability but God is not contained by our limited view of life. God can use bigger.

From Jesus example I can see that He spent time with the twelve and some others, like Mary, Martha, Lazarus etc. but He took three of them to places the others were not directly invited by Him. (John, Peter and James eg. see Mark 9:2) I've read a number of books and blogs and spoken to various people about the size of the church. (the local context - the gathering of two or more)

The challenging article I did read was by Wayne Jacobsen on "Why House Church is not the answer." This was during my paradigm shift of what is church and it challenged me to again turn to Jesus, and not just expect a new format or way of thinking to be the answer I sought.After typing this - I think Jesus matters more.....

YouTube by Floyd McClung

Just watched an interesting video on Youtube :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccbj3xFei2U

Have a look - great core values !!