YOUth - Issue #4 2015 by Wahroonga Adventist Youth

ISSUE 4 // DECEMBER 2015 A WAHROONGA ADVENTIST YOUTH PUBLICATION

WAY TH YOU the

NEWS AND EVENTS | OPINIONS | GET TO KNOW YOU | HUMOUR | HOW TOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S & MORE

ISSUE 4: DECEMBER 2015

WELCOME

Editors Letter:: Maryellen Fairfax

contents

OPINIONS The Storm 4 Passionate Prodigies 6 Words of Wisdom 10

REGULARS Upper Room Recap Updates and Events Get to know YOUth Practicalities Photos Thoughts You Think Curly Questions Tell Me A’More Bible Study Prayer Thoughts Eclectic Collections Apps, Music and Food

3 3 5 7 8-9 11 11 12 13 13 14 15

THE GENUINE ARTICLE

f you have ever watched Mulan, you’re probably familiar with a song entitled ‘Reflection’. You know, the one where she stares intently into the mirror and wipes the makeup from her face, as a tear runs down her cheeks. This song really resonated with me when I was younger, and forced me to face my identity head on. (I also loved and would dance to ‘I’ll Make a Man Out of You’, but mostly because I was compensating for my lack of physical coordination). Anyway, to summarise, the lyrics go like this: ‘Look at me, I will never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter… When will my reflection show who I am inside?”

To risk being cliché, listening to this song again recently inspired the theme for this issue, ‘Reflection’. It made me think about the world’s concept of perfection, what it means to reflect Christ and our identity in Christ. As many of us well know, the Bible tells us that we are children of God, (John 1:12; 1 John 3:10), adopted and accepted (Romans 15:7) to become part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). God has set us apart (Jeremiah 1:5) so that we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). Finally, we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and therefore temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

It is easy to know and understand the beauty of these concepts. They are both humbling and empowering, but living as a reflection of Christ and putting these theway.wahroonga@gmail.com principles into practice is a much, much harder feat. We are sinners – selfish, insecure, emotional, careless, forgetful, and plagued by lying influences that DESIGN/ EDITORIAL tell us the opposite of what God does. Reflecting Christ does not come Maryellen Fairfax Photography: naturally, goodness, it is impossible.

WahroongaAdventistYouth

Robbie Fatt / Mitchell Ferris / Nicole Fatt / Ben Turner / Tahlia Armstrong PUBLISHING Precision Printers Youth Pastor: Richard Reid | 0414 440 790 Youth Leader: Scott Fatt | 0421 743 001 If you'd like to advertise, create content or publish an opinion, email theway.wahroonga@gmail.com, or message WahroongaAdventistYouth on Facebook.

The problem is, it is almost ‘taboo’ to openly and specifically discuss personal struggles at church. Each and every one of us, at some point, has put on the ‘good Christian’ facade and pretended to have it all together when temptation, sin or shame has raged inside. We seem to forget that even the term ‘good Christian’ is a ruse that tricks us into believing we can be better of our own accord. ‘Yep, I can deal with this; next week I’ll be better’. Philippians 1:6 says, ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus’. Notice that it doesn’t say ‘He will perfect you now and then you’ll be free to do life on your own’ or ‘press the magic red button and God will make your life easy’. No! God says that

sanctification is a process which takes time. As Christians, we must ask ourselves if what we’re displaying on the outside reflects what’s happening inside. It is dangerous to project a perfect exterior, when inside we are struggling like everyone else. It not only turns people off Christianity, but becomes a barrier of pride which separates us from coming to and relying on God. However, being genuine isn’t easy. Being genuine means being vulnerable and weak… or maybe I should say ‘human’. James 4:10 says, ‘Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.’ I guarantee that once your interior and exterior are in sync with one another that you will find joy, peace and comfort in God’s strength. So, next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself, ‘…when will my reflection show who I am inside?’ The answer lies in God’s marvellous grace. I hope you enjoy this issue of YOUth!

The question we must ask ourselves is this: what are we doing to contribute to the culture of Sydney? Are we actively engaging with others outside the church, or isolating ourselves? We have been called to bring the gospel to all the nations. Salt is only good when it is outside of the shaker, after all. God is telling us to get our hands dirty, like He did when He sent his Son to die, or when he made Adam and Eve out of the ground. We have been challenged! ‘Preach the gospel everyday. If necessary, use words’.

UPDATES

EVENTS

Youth Bible Studies

When: 7.30pm every Friday Check FB for updates.

UPPER ROOM

RECAP I

t seems like ages have passed since the last Upper Room on August 14. A big thanks to Marcus Pereira for speaking to us! To sum up what he said into one word, it was to ‘assimilate’. It you can cast your mind back that eve (let alone remember what you had for dinner last night… the struggle is real), he drew principles from Jeremiah 29. This chapter was a message to the Israelite captives exiled to Babylon, forbidden from returning home - think of Daniel and his friends.

Despite being in a foreign place with different beliefs, values and traditions, God’s message to the Israelites starting from verse 4, was to marry and have children, plant gardens, settle in and make the land prosper. God did not tell them to separate themselves from their culture or stop associating with ‘foreigners’.

FEB

Join us downstairs every Friday night and draw closer to God through Bible study and fellowship. Will be beginning February 2016.

Christmas Service When: 9:30am youth room or 11am main church.

Join us downstairs in the Youth room for the last Sabbath school of 2015, or upstairs for the main service. Hope to see you there!

DEC

The Weak @ The Upper Room When: Times TBA Check FB for updates. 28-5 Wahroonga is having a MAR WOSE in early March! We have so many exciting things planned, so we’d love to see you there. Join us as we learn and grow closer to God.

Sabbath School When: 9:30am Check FB for updates Sabbath school will be combined downstairs until January 30.

30 JAN

THE STORM Ben Turner

he pitch black sky was like a glowing inferno as lightning traversed across the heavens, the deafening roar of the restless sea was exceeded only by the continuous clap of the thunder. But a solitary command enters the scene, spoken without fear, pomp or display, and in quiet confidence the words “peace be still” are uttered from his lips. All at once the scene is changed, the clouds roll back to reveal the magnificence of the heavens, the mountains of water crashing over the tiny vessel return to the flat planes of tranquillity. In just a few moments total terror subsides to amazed reflection. Just at the moon’s reflection glimmers over the crystal waters, the disciples hearts are reflecting, “what manner of man is this”.

It takes the disciples a few moments to get over their near death experience, before questions arise about the power they have just seen. Not just a power to bring conquering armies valiantly against the tyranny of Rome; but an unstoppable power to bring peace, even to an unwilling and restless sea. They had already seen the dead raised, blind people’s sight restored, demons cast out and the rolling tides of demonic oppression held back. They had seen His power to gently restore any shipwrecked soul. But while gazing into the face of the now calm clear waters shimmering with the leftover light of the stars, their contemplation deepens. Trying with all their intellectual fervour, they cannot begin to plunder the treasure of who or what Jesus really is. No longer are they afraid of being swallowed up in the blackness of the foaming abyss of Lake Galilee. They are only fearful of the power one man has that the rolling waves and howling wind subside as his very whim. As the disciples glided over the lazy sea that night, one of the greatest lessons that Jesus taught was starting to settle into their minds. Layer by layer he had been building it up, each lesson rolling in with intensity and impact than the one before it, until the shoreline of their mind is completely overwhelmed by the tsunami of the limitless power of Jesus Christ.

story in our Bibles, but so that when the story continues in our lives we can recognise it. Next time you are gazing out your open window, as the cool of evening caresses the sunset, invite Jesus to allow you to remember, and reflect on the times he stepped into your reality and calmed your sea of circumstance. The beauty of that star studded night on Lake Galilee isn’t what started out a perfect night, with a full moon dancing over the ripples of a majestic lake. The beauty comes from the storm pounding ferociously on a cold, wet and frightened collection of men in over their heads, obeying the all-powerful command to be still. I have heard that voice, maybe not audibly, but in life, I have had my fair share of storms, and he has calmed them all. The torrential rain of separation of loved ones by death. Jesus comforted my soul, and walked on the face of those waves with me. When in the electric storm of a broken marriage would have flat lined my pulse, Jesus was again walking the troughs with me, sheltering me from the buffeting emotions, rejection and pain. Yes, the pain of unrequited love, the monsoon of financial pressures, the drought longing for a lover to return, the overcast nothingness of acceptance of this. Jesus bought me back to the surface of the wide ocean, to victoriously walk over the face of them all. The reflection of my walk with Jesus is only painful if I forget to see the rainbows he has made just for me, all throughout my journey. And right now, the sea of my life reflects the majestic mountains carved by the same voice who spoke peace into my life.

Just like the disciples, when they reflect on that dark and rough night, as they would tell their story, the focus wouldn’t be on the angry waves or crashing thunder, but on the unlimited power of the man who could utter peace be still and speak calm into their existence. That’s how my story goes too, it’s not the turbulence of the storm that is in focus, but the tender yet firm grip of Jesus hand in mine as he pulls me above the storms of this life. I challenge you to look for Jesus in the memory banks of your personal storms too. You’ll find him, and if you want even more peace But Jesus did not establish his authority over the sea in your current storms, invite him to captain your heart, 4 only for the disciples, or even so we could read the in a new way, right now.

GET TO KNOW BEN TURNER Occupation IT Systems Administrator for the SPD. It takes me overseas for 2 weeks out of every 12. What do you see when you look in the mirror? I can see that my hair is starting to follow this fashion trend called ‘grey streaks’! What do you think the first thing people notice about you is? That when I pull up with the top down in my BMW, the music is too loud. And that I usually have a camera over my shoulder. Which Bible character most closely resembles you? That’s a tough one. I love the book of Luke, but I think I have to go with Boaz. Not because he’s an older guy who ends up with a younger woman, but because he cared for those around him, made sure he respected everyone, and followed the correct processes, and as a result, God richly rewarded his keenness. What hobbies do you have? Photography, travel, not getting speeding tickets!

ANNIQUE FABIEN

JESSICA BRIDCUTT

Occupation Occupation Student nurse, one more year to I’m a student - studying a Bachelor go! Also, I’m an Assistant in of Arts - Psychology with a Nursing at the SAN. Bachelor of Human Sciences majoring in community service at What do you see when you look Macquarie University (yep it's a mouthful!) in the mirror? I see a young woman who still has a lot to learn about life. I moved What do you see when you look in out of home 2 months after I the mirror? turned 18. That was a big deal to A warrior. my parents. I soon realised that I didn’t know even half of what I What do you think the first thing thought I did about life. I like to people notice about you is? think that my head is screwed on I like to think people first notice my straight, but some decisions I’ve happy face (or I hope so anyway). made in the past prove that my path isn’t as straight as I’d like it to What hobbies do you have? be. I'm still learning. I love reading, music and being in the outdoors - nature is a must! What do you think the first thing Also I volunteer for a youth people notice about you is? organisation called Oaktree which My smile. I'm usually smiling when aims to alleviate poverty. I'm meeting someone new. I think I've got pretty nice teeth. What is your favourite Bible verse? 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your worries What hobbies do you have? on Him because He cares for you” Reading. Mostly fiction, some nonfiction including biographies, real war stories and the like. I also love When is one time you saw God listening to music: as in, the radio. working in your life? There hasn’t really been a single Is that a genre? moment. He's been working consistently throughout my whole What is your favourite Bible verse? life. It’s a mash up of Psalm 46:10, & Jeremiah 29:11. ‘Be still and know that I am God for I know the plans I have for you...’

What is your favourite Bible verse? Oh so many, but Matthew 6:33 is my childhood favourite, along When is one time you saw God with Isaiah 40:31. working in your life? When is one time you saw God At the start of the year, I had no money. If I was going to stay on in working in your life? When God called me to Sydney to continue my studies, I Avondale, he very directly desperately needed a job. I got answered a particular prayer, in really stressed out and told God a story you'll have to ask me straight up that He had better provide for me, because He said about to find out. He would. 'Claim the promises that you know are there' as my mumma always says. And I'm still here and employed, so He's definitely come through.

PASSIONATE PRODIGIES daniel akrawi �

YOUR BODY IMAGE AND GOD

associated with LOWER levels of disordered eating and body image concern. The religious beliefs were characterised as being devout in nature, with deeply internalised beliefs manifested through strong religious observance and commitment. Specific beliefs consisted of the body having sacred qualities and being a manifestation of God. One study of note provided strong evidence that reading body-affirming Biblical material was effective in coping with body dissatisfaction. Thus deriving identity and self worth from God’s love instead of societal standards has scientifically proven benefits.

tand in front of a mirror, and you will see light being reflected off its surface to produce a carbon copy image of you. However, modern culture and media paint unattainable standards of body shape, weight and size. The objectification of women describes a view where a woman’s value is purely derived from her physical characteristics. The treatment of women as objects has led to self worth being derived from appearance and sexual appeal. These pressures lead some women into extreme diets, radical exercise regimes, and purging. Data reveals Conversely, a superficial faith coupled with a doubtful that 17% of female students suffer from a predicted and anxious relationship with God were associated eating disorder (Anorexia, Bulimia etc.), with 61% with GREATER levels of disordered eating and body having subclinical disordered eating problems. image concern. A superficial faith was characterised

by religion being pursued for social reasons, and seen The mirror’s reflection contrasts with the light that God as a way of achieving status, acceptance and offers through scripture: security. Beliefs were loosely held to serve other interests and lacked internalisation. Doubting and Psalm 139:14: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and questioning of religious beliefs reflected greater wonderfully made; Marvellous are Your works, And religious uncertainty, while religious worry and angst that my soul knows very well. contributed to an anxious relationship with God. Thus Luke 12:23: For life is more than food, and the body religious uncertainty and being ‘lukewarm’ in faith has scientifically proven disadvantages. more than clothes. 1 Corinthians 6:19: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? With the staggering prevalence of disordered eating, and the guidance offered through the Bible, I conducted my honours research project exploring religiosity/spirituality in relation to disordered eating and body image concerns. My research, recently published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, revealed some interesting results.

Overall, the main findings to emerge were that strong and internalised religious beliefs coupled with having a secure and satisfying relationship with God were

Society is saturated with images of young, thin and wrinkle-free models throughout movies, magazines, billboards, TV and advertising. These images promote the idealisation of unattainable standards which leads to anxiety, dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control practices. However there is light at the end of the tunnel! Next time you gaze into the mirror with displeasure or find yourself comparing your body with others, remember God’s promises. He tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. While man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart. Work to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, explore His abundant love, and may your identity be found in His unfailing grace. It has been scientifically proven to work.

PRACTICALITIES HOW TO:THE ART OF REFLECTION one sentence journal

Put your phone down. Go outside. Spend time in the sunshine. Get away from the distractions. Sit down with your Bible. Try and clear your mind. I guarantee that within about half an hour you will be reflecting on things in a different way. Pray that God will give you wisdom and show you where he wants you to go (see page 13).

meditate on the word video journal

write yourself a letter

THE

If you’re not much of a writer or can’t be bothered to keep a journal, try a video diary. You can keep it private, of course (or upload it to YouTube; who knows you might just be the next big star). It’s an effective way of recording events and memories so that in two years time you can re-watch and think ‘wow, that hair… what was I thinking?’ 750words.com is a website that will send you reminders to write 750 words per day. You can log on and write about whatever comes into you mind (and it stays private). Tried and tested, it improves your writing, spontaneity, thought flow and also helps you record everything that’s going on.

750 words

donate

Do you ever worry that you will forget important life events, inside jokes or funny memories? Writing in a journal or recording these events seems like the perfect solution, but takes up a lot of time - time we often don’t have. Instead, why not challenge yourself to sum up each day into one sentence?

Similar to a time capsule, writing yourself a letter and asking someone to take care of it until a certain date is an awesome way of seeing how you have grown as a person. Write down what you are thankful for, are struggling with, how you think people perceive you and whatever else you like. Then it’s just a waiting game! Patience, sapling.

We have an amazing vision for the youth of Wahroonga Church, but in order for this to become a reality, we need your help! By the grace of God, we want to reach out to greater Sydney and show the love of Jesus to as many people as we can ! Your donation could help fund this magazine, youth socials, events and outreach programs! Please accept my donation of: □$10 □$25 □$50 □$100 □My choice: ________

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WORDS OF WISDOM Shirley Lewis & Val Hillier

COME TO CHURCH. CLING TO JESUS

hroughout our lifetimes, we have made going to Sabbath School and church a regular habit, and believe that our spiritual relationship with God benefits from doing this. When asked to reflect on why we believe this to be true, we present these thoughts:

discipline. Making the effort to come to worship at Sabbath School and Church is part of our way of showing God that worshipping Him is important in our lives. In contrast, attending church sporadically for lack of commitment reveals an attitude that other things are more important in our lives than God. It is very easy to lose the importance of following God in isolation.

• Further, we believe that attending worship services on time reflects our attitude that spending time with God is important to us. It requires discipline and • We believe in the fundamental doctrines of the forward planning and presents a good example to Seventh-day Adventist church to be Biblical Truth. our families and others. • We truly believe in God.

• We believe that the church is a place specifically dedicated to God and His worship, where His presence can be found when we pray. Coming into the dedicated House of God should be taken seriously. • Hebrews 10:25 stresses the benefits of worshipping with others. Conversely, when we isolate ourselves, it is easy to stop prioritising God in our lives. By being with other like-minded people in worship, we can be encouraged and be an encouragement to others. This is “inreach” evangelism. • We believe that to love God, you need to know him. Knowing him comes through diligently studying God’s word. Sabbath school Bible study, church sermons, singing and prayer encourages and assists our personal home Bible Study and gives us spiritual vigour throughout the week. • Seventh-day Adventism is a way of life, not just a “tack on”. Romans 12:1 says that we should present ourselves as a living sacrifice. We wish to commit to honouring and serving God, our Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, Advocate and Judge through our life actions and choices.

• We believe that Jesus’ second coming is not far away and we want to be ready to go to heaven with Him. We believe that Satan is throwing as many challenges as possible in our way to prevent or discourage us from clinging to Jesus. We need all the help we can muster to “Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” Heb 10:23 NIV. Now, more than ever, we must cling closely to Jesus, which can be encouraged and grown by our Seventh-day Adventist “support group” from attending church. Sabbath school discussions helps us to get to know each other better and form closer relationships. • We need to continue to work, study, and associate generally with people who do not have Christian ideals and whose life is based on other principles. However, in the light of the apostle Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:2 “ Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity,” we should to be well grounded in the ways of Jesus, to resist influences which will lead us away from Jesus, discern the cunning lies of Satan and know the truth of God so we will not be deceived.

• This commitment to loving and serving God requires Our advice to you is summed up in this way:

Study God’s Word diligently – even if at first you don’t see much relevance or need to do so. As you open yourself up to God, He will lead you.

Pray to God privately – talk to Him just as you would speak to a friend. He will hear you and answer your prayers, maybe not as we would ask, but as He knows what is best for you.

Don’t segregate yourselves as youth – mix with lots of members within the church fellowship. We can all learn from others and older members love to be with the youth. Know that other members of the Church, both older and younger are happy to support you, just make yourself known to them. They may have faced something in their life they can share to assist you.

YOU THINK THAT YOU THINK NOBODY ELSE THINKS… “Technically, nothing is stopping me from turning my steering wheel into oncoming traffic right now. Not that I would, but whoa, I’m so powerful.” “If I eat this dessert,, will anything happen, really? It’s not as if a centimetre of fat grows on my thighs every time I eat cake. Or does it? Maybe I should start measuring myself.” “I wonder how expensive liposuction is?”

Grasp every opportunity – to associate with Seventh-day Adventist Christians in Bible Study, fellowship and friendship, encouraging one another in the Love of Jesus. Regular attendance and participation in Sabbath School and Church Services will add to the strength of your Christian walk.

Realise we all are human – don’t be discouraged by people’s actions. Look to Jesus rather than people for your ultimate example.

“Maybe I am tone-deaf and people are just being polite to me by letting me sing up the front. Aww, they’re so nice.”

questions

May God bless you all as you strive to be His followers. Shirley Lewis & Val Hillier

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? If you have curly questions, weird thoughts, or would like to write an article, FB message Maryellen Fairfax or send an email to theway.wahroonga@gmail .com, and you could be featured in the next issue!

Confidence is highly valued in society. You need it to climb the social ladder, acquire positions in the workplace, and woo that special someone. How can we, as Christians, exude ‘confidence’ when humility and death to self are so heavily emphasised in the Bible? Is God’s definition of ‘confidence’ different to what we think? Ephesians 4:2 1 Peter 3:3-4 James 4:10

Galatians 2:20 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 13:6

TELL ME A’MORE Dear Aunt Agatha, Lately I have been looking in the mirror and not liking what I see. I have stretch marks, baggy bits and forming wrinkles. The longer I look at them, the more depressed I become. How can I accept the fact that I am never going to be the sort of person people stop and stare at? How can I love myself, embrace my flaws and get my confidence back before I lose my sanity? .

At the end of the day though, feelings of inadequacy are only your own comparisons with those around You should know that you don’t necessarily have to you. I’m not suggesting that these thoughts are be beautiful or even attractive for people to stop and wrong, but maybe you should seek another person’s stare. Here are a list of things you can do each day perspective (please do not send me a photo - I have that will definitely make people stop and stare: cataracts from staring at my husband for 60 years and he really was ugly). ● Stop showering and washing ● Stop wearing clothes in public (this may or may So what to do? I know what it means these days not be illegal) when you ‘have a nice personality’ but lets get real, ● Become a celebrity, though in your case, I when you ‘re old and wrinkly like me, people only like wouldn’t get your hopes up you for ‘who' you are. That being said, you didn’t ● Get a job on an incredibly annoying mention anything about having a nice personality, advertisement on You Tube, you know one of the so if I were you, I’d memorise some jokes. I’d also 30 second ones that you can’t skip (“We’re here suggest you stop looking in the mirror. Though, in my garage with my Lamborghini…”) … and unfortunately your phone camera would probably the list goes on. be too tempting #selfielyf (yo I’m totes up to date on the youth culture #whatofit?) So instead, try to Not that I would know, but I’ve heard that being stop picking yourself apart when you do look. Sure, unpopular is caused by your feelings of inadequacy you may see stretch marks or wrinkles but so what? (emphasis on the ‘your’). Unless you’re a narcissist, or Are you just a walking set of wrinkles with legs? (NB completely deluded like my demented neighbour, I If you are I can’t help you, please see a psychiatrist). guarantee you that everyone has felt inadequate at Look past those silly things on the surface and reflect one point, even me! I remember 90 years ago when on the things that make you who you are: your laugh I was young, beautiful, popular and top of the class, (loud/silent/spitting everywhere), the quirks that your but now look at me! I’m a wrinkly bag of bones friends and family love, the mistakes you’ve made covered in saggy skin. Worse still, I’m stuck writing for and learnt from. Once you’re happy with who you this dodgy magazine column, and am forced to drink are and love yourself, I think the confidence bit will soup though a straw. Nevertheless, I still love myself fall into place. (emphasis on the ‘myself’; I wouldn’t get your hopes Yours Truly, up about me liking you in real life).

Dear Sad-to-be-saggy

Aunt Agatha

#WORD A BIBLE STUDY ABOUT HOW TO

Reflect: What happens when we die to self? If we are still anxious about things, does this mean our walk with God is not strong enough?

As humans, we are bound by time. We cannot see into the future, and often forget the past. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, ‘For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.’ The human journey could be well described as a ‘fumble in the dark’, or a swift blur that is one moment here, and the next gone.

Matthew 5:13-16, Ephesians 6:10-13, James 1:22-25, Acts 1:8

REFLECT ON THE WORD God, however, exists outside of time. Hebrews 13:8 says that He is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever. Unlike God, we go through huge changes in our lives. Follow this study to unveil the many things God is doing your life, and how you can be open to these changes.

Reflect: What is the relationship between what we are called to do, and the verses in the previous section about anxiety? How can we be bold and fulfil our purpose?

Proverbs 16:3, 9, James 4:1-4, Ephesians 5:16, Jeremiah 29:11 Reflect: Why is it important to open ourselves to change now, rather than later? Does it really matter if we don’t die to self every day? Or, does God have more good things in store than we could ever imagine?

2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 1:6 Reflect: If we are not open to God’s work in our lives, can anything change? Is being open just once enough to result in significant changes, or is it a daily process?

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Reflect: Does this change require effort on our behalf, or does God do the work for us?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Proverbs 16:9, and James 4:13-15 Reflect: Does God care about our plans on earth? How can we know if our plans align with God’s major plan for us? How much freedom of choice do we have?

Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20 Reflect: How can we ensure that our plans align with God’s plans for us?

1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:10-12, Psalm 139:23-24 Reflect: Is death to self a complicated process? What do we have to do to die to self?

Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:6-7

THINGS YOU MAYBE MIGHT NOT

HAVE THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR Pray that God will reveal to you what you should be praying for in the first place. Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Pray that he will reveal his will to you. Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

ECLECTIC COLLECTIONS

STARVING 5 FUN summer MOCKTAILS 1 2 3 4 5 14

‘LOL JkS’ Rosie Fairfax

Joke: A man is driving with his blonde girlfriend, when he asks her to check if the blinker is working. So, she puts her head out the window and says, “yes…no…yes…no…yes”

peach-ginger ice tea

Riddle: I am more powerful than God and more evil than satan. the poor have me, the rich need me, and if you eat me I will kill you. What am I?

Mash 6 canned peach halves with 1 1/2 cups of the juice, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon grated ginger in a pitcher. Add ice and 6 cups cold herbal tea of your choice

honeydew-ice Purée 1 cup of frozen honeydew melon, and 1 cup of frozen diced cucumber. Add the juice of 1 lime, some ice, and sugar to taste.

fruity protein shake Purée 4 tbsp silken tofu, 1 cup frozen fruit of your choice, 1/4 cup fruit juice, 1/2 cup soy milk and a little honey.

pink lemonade Boil 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and 1 cup raspberries in a saucepan, and let it cool. Strain into a glass, then stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 cup cold water and ice.

iced-chai Boil 6 tea bags in 1L water with a 1-inch piece ginger and 2 teaspoons chai spice blend. Cool, strain, and stir in 1/4 cup honey. Serve over ice with sweetened condensed milk.

WORDY WISDOM The word “queue” is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed. “Almost” is the longest word in English with all the letters in alphabetical order. “Rhythm” is the longest English word without a vowel.

APPS: This is one of the best freelibraries I have yet come across. Vyrso is an app that Price: FREE gives you access to a bunch of Christian books free of charge. Of course, there are plenty available for purchase as well. You can read many versions of the Bible, as well as books by authors such as C.S. Lewis, Beverly Lewis, John Piper, Max Lucado and many others. It even lets you highlight pages, make notes, search your history and choose favourites. All in all, this is a great app - tried and tested! I highly recommend!

SONG

Josh Hacko

TRACKS

THE TIME HAS COME CAME TO MY RESCUE FROM THE INSIDE OUT SOVEREIGN HANDS

United we stand. A quick review. As Paulie D would say; "Put it this wayâ&#x20AC;Ś You've heard the songs on this album before. Whether it was at summer camp 5 years ago, jumping around to Take It All, or a Friday night program a few prophetic weeks back singing your heart out to From The Inside Out. I guess I love this album so much not because it's fantastically mastered, or that it shows incredible musical talent, or that it has Nigel Hendroff in his peak playing the maddest, raddest and baddest riffs you've ever heard, or that it was recorded live and every time you hear Matty Crocker or Joel Houston or J Douglas or Brooke Fraser yell out "JEEESSSUUUSSS" you can feel their cry of praise resonate throughout your entire being, consuming your existence making your only wish to praise God. No. I love this album because each song has a specific memory attached to it, one of joy, another of reverent praise, another of complete surrender, it's the definition of individual and personal praise.p

If I was stranded on an island with a CD player and I absolutely HAD to choose one album to keep me company: United We Stand. If I was in need of a set of songs to bring in a state of worship, maybe before reading the Bible or having a theological discussion: United We stand. If I was with friends and I wanted to chuck on a few songs to mellow out the mood: United We Stand.â&#x20AC;? You might get the point. I'm kind of joking, but I'm kind of not. Anywho, I highly recommend this album, it's super easy to listen to and doesn't demand anything from the listener, chuck it on in the background and go on with your day. You will subconsciously fall in love. If you don't have the time to sit down and listen to the whole thing, definitely check out the recommended tracks above.