I Am ALIVE!!! - Just had trouble logging ON!!!

Dear Loyal followers... Are there any out there?

I remembered my log on & now I am here again...

I will try to post more now...

SO Here is what I have been doing:

We have launched our church plant! www.sovgrace.org.au

I turned 40.

I am a chaplain for a Christian School.

My sister came from the USA for a month!

My parents are coming just after Christmas...

We moved to Mount Colah, NSW

We have an amazing God!

SOOOO much has happened and we are continually grateful to God! The kids are all doing well and loving the park & friends... God has been so very good to us! Thanks for praying for me and my family!

Drop a line if you are a follower, and I would love to hear how you are.

God Bless...

Patrick

Can't sleep

I have been awake since 2:00 AM and am unable to get back to sleep. As I have wrestled around in my bed praying, I thought I should just get up and have some time to pray and read. Then I think to myself, I have to go to work today and the enormity of what needs to be done is playing on my mind - just stay in bed.

I don't know about you and if this happens to you - but I want to testify that a lack of sleep can be something wonderful!

Something wonderful? Yea, something wonderful! Let me share...

So out of bed I fall, and stumble up the stairs. I check emails and facebook to wake myself, and then I open my bible. Here are the words that I have been greatly encouraged and effected by!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for
the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness and to purifyfor himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

The grace (undeserved gift) of God that brings salvation has appeared to each
and every man, woman and child! - How amazing and staggering to ponder and
meditate on this.

What is salvation you ask? Salvation is the work of God to rescue sinners (you & I) from death and separation from Him!

But this undeserved gift not only rescues us, it teaches us to say, "NO" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...

So what is ungodliness and worldly passions?

Let's quickly look at what godliness is and then see if we can define what ungodliness means. When God said let us make man in our own image it did not mean that we would be god-like. I think it meant that we were created with a make-up and capacity that would allow us to have things in common with God. In other words, we would be like God in very specific ways. So let me give you three ways I think we could be like God. 1) We would be able to think like God. 2) We would be able to do things God's way. 3) We would be able to work with God in His plans and purposes.

So if these three fundamental components of godliness are right then the opposite of them would be 1) not thinking like God does. 2) not doing things Gods way. 3) not working with God in His plans and purposes.

And what is strikingly confronting is that ungodliness can be the practice of the believer as well. God's people can think differently than God thinks. They can do things their own way & refuse to work with God and attempt to work independently from God. Not convinced? Have a read of the Exodus. Have a look at the Israelites history. Ask your pastor. It's true.

Now what are worldly passions?

Galatians 5:16-26 is helpful to understanding what these passions are. But in short they are the desires that are contrary (in conflict or opposite) to how we have been instructed/created to live.

So this grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

I find that so incredible. This grace enables us to live opposite to what we are being encouraged to participate in. So, for example - when I am seeking material security, which we are at all times pushed to seek after, I can preach to myself that God's Word says, "but keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; neither will I forsake you." Heb. 13:5 But conversely, when I am tempted to be lazy, which I can fall into sometimes. I can preach to myself that God's Word says, "Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependant on anyone." 1 Timothy 4:11,12

This grace of God that brings salvation is AMAZING. I'll share more about verses 13 & 14 soon!

I need to get ready for work - but before I go - time with God rejuvenates the soul and enables you to do all that God requires of you. If you are awake & can't sleep, get up and read God's Word! You will be refreshed and encouraged!

A wonderful place to live

Today we went to say goodbye to Merewether Beach. A place where we have celebrated b-day's, went to refresh ourselves on hot days, learnt to surf, learnt to swim, had breakfast, came for an early dip, came for exercise, came to just admire God's creation. We are so grateful to the Lord for this time. We will truly miss it - but we are so excited about what is ahead!




One happy man (husband / father) with his AMAZING family!!!



I love this picture!!!




How special do I feel, that my wife captured this great picture!

What a blessed man to have such a great wife and beautiful baby girl!

We have been living in a beautiful spot the last year and a bit. It has been wonderful and challenging! But we want to thank God for allowing us to live here for a season. As you can see, we were truly blessed!!!

Won't it be amazing one day when the roll is called up yonder?

What an amazing God to create such beauty!

What will heaven be like?

Discipline! Do not despise it...

Proverbs 3:11-12 states: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

Can I ask you a question? Are you delighting in your son/daughter before you are disciplining them?

It's a pretty good question to consider, don't you think?

Here's what I think it means practically. I think it means that we as dads would be keen to spend most of our time enjoying our children, encouraging our children, laughing with our children, being affectionate with our children, and dare I say, enjoying our children so that there is a deep bond of love and joy between us & our child(ren).

So why do we discipline?

So that we can keep them on the path of wisdom and righteousness (Prov 20:7). Not because we are embarrassed, frutsrated or angry, but so that we can train them in wisdom and righteousness.

Frankly dads, this has to be modeled to our children. Our wife and children need to see us submitting to authority and welcoming correction from those whom we love and respect (friends, family members, colleagues, our church family). They also need to see us repenting of our own sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking in restoration with God the Father by empowering grace. In other words, - "a good father will live out the gospel every day in fellowship with God and his child, and he knows what to do about sin in his child's life because he's been dealing with his own sin in his own life first". (Driscoll, Pastor Dad, pg. 8)

This is a big call men. Just the other night I had the opportunity to discipline my son, but I had to ask myself, have I delighted in him lately? I need to change in this too men, but I wanted to share with you what I am learning... May we as men rise up and walk in the role we have been entrusted with. To parent with an eternal perspective, by the grace of God!

My Bride is on a Personal Retreat...

After 13 years of marriage, my wife has gone on her first personal retreat. Boy does she need more of these! It's really a pretty sad reflection of my care for my wife, boys. Something I confess here, so you hopefully will not make the same choice I did and regret it - like I am...

So, 7 kids in bed. All washed, fed & sleeping. But now the house is silent, but for the dish washer whirling and my thoughts of what a legend my bride is.

Here is what I have learnt about my wife today while she has been away.

1) the laundry is a big job... washing, drying, folding, ironing, putting away. That's if there are no stains to be removed, soaked, sown or repaired.

2) the kitchen is never closed... breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning tea, afternoon tea & dessert. That's if there are no other requests for: extras & bottles to be washed and sterilised. Food to be prepped, pots and pans to be washed up and stove to be cleaned. Menu's to be prepared as well as shopping list to be made & most importantly, sticking to a budget at that.

3) there is ALWAYS someone to spend time with... any one of the 7 children, a phone call, an email, skype request, facebook request, relatives, friends & of course when my wife's husband comes home... he wants time too and most importantly, time with the Savior of the world. That's not to mention anyone who comes to the door for a surprise visit.

4) there is always something to tidy up or clean... dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the toilets, the bedrooms, the lounge room, the windows, mopping the floor, polishing the mirrors, the silver, removing cob webs around the place & just general tidying the place. That's if no one has spilt something or wee'd on the floor or spewed after you cleaned it up in the first place...

5) there is always someone to hold & hug... the kids, each other, a neighbor in need, a friend who pops around for fellowship, a friend on the phone or over the email... that's if we can stop what we are doing in order to hold and hug someone...

I have so much respect and appreciation for you, my love. Thank you for all you do. Let me know when you want your next retreat... I owe you many!!!

I am so grateful to my Savior that He has revealed this to me. Guys - book your wife a personal retreat - SOON!!!

5 Reasons why ... the Bible is inspired:

Do you ever question the inspiration of the Bible? If I am honest, I have had to address this question in my own thinking. I am often asked on the validity of the Bible, so when I read this explanation in a book, I thought I should share it.

The book is written by Corrie Ten Boom, who is known around the world for her work for the Lord.

Miss Ten Boom spent the first 50 years of her life living peacefully with her father and sister above the watch shop in Haarlem, Holland. When World War II broke out, her family instinctively began providing 'hiding places' for persecuted Jews. Miss Ten Boom and her family spent several months in concentration camps as a result of these illegal activities, but their faith sustained them during these times. Since Corries release, she has traveled the world captivating audiences with her inspiring story.

In her book, 'Tramp for the Lord' she writes out these 5 reasons why she believes the Bible is inspired.

1) It says so. "... holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 2 Peter 1:21

2) The effect it has upon all who believe and follow it.

3) Though some of it was written more than two thousand years before Jesus arrived on earth, yet all the writers agree.

4) The authors do not offer any excuses for their own faults and sins.

5) The writers record some of the most harrowing scenes which affected them greatly, yet they never express one word of emotion. The Holy Spirit wanted the facts recorded, and not their feelings about the facts.

How refreshing to read these thought out convictions on the inspiration of Scripture. What about you? Have you thought about how to answer the question, 'Are the Scriptures truly inspired by God'? I challenge you to think this through...

I also want to encourage you to add this book to your library. If you are able to get your hands on a copy of this book, it will serve you and your wife & perhaps your older children would appreciate the book as well. You can get yourself a copy by clicking on the title, which is highlighted.

May we grow in our understanding of the power and wonder of the INSPIRED Word of God!

WARNING, WARNING - what are your kids listening to?

Yesterday, I drove home 11 kids from a year 9 camp. Holy smokes! Have you ever heard of Lady GaGa? I was shocked by the words she sang. I at one stage turned the music down to ask the kids, "did she just say, 'she wants your diseases'"? The kids all laughed and looked stunned I would be shocked by that. Then they hollered, "yes, turn it back up"!


As I reflected on the music that I allowed to be played in my car, I was quite disappointed in myself. Why did I let them play that rubbish? But then I thought, I am quiet glad I did let them listen to it, because it gave me a better glimpse into their world.


Dads, the music industry is out to influence our kids, and it is not for the good, in my opinion. You know, every song was about sex and drugs. I kept thinking to myself about the people who wrote those songs, it exposes such a revelation of their hearts. Hurting, broken, hopeless, wanting out, wanting a cure for their pain. Here's the thing - dad's, listen to your kids, and ask them questions. They are being influenced by what they hear on the radio.


What's interesting to me is that, Lady GaGa speaks of wanting your disease, in quite a grotesque way, but in another way, someone else is able to take our diseases and cure them. In reality, Jesus Christ died for our diseases so we could have life (1 Cor. 15:3).


The pain that is trying to be subsided through sex, drugs, money and alcohol will only make things worse. Dad's, I encourage you to speak to your children and your friends children. Ask them specific questions as to where they are at. And help them sift through some of the lyrics they are listening to. Challenge them on what they are listening to & most importantly, share with them how Christ died for our sins & will cure the disease in our hearts!

30 House Rules

Hey Guys - Can I share with you 30 house rules I came across? They are gold!

1. Be at peace with each other (Mark 9:50)

2. Love one another (John 13:34)

3. Be joined ot one another (Romans 12:5)

4. Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)

5. Honour one another (Romans 12:10)

6. Rejoice with one another (Romans 12:15)

7. Weep with one another (Romans 12:15)

8. Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

9. Accept one another (Romans 15:7)

10. Counsel one another (Romans 15:14)

11. Greet one another (Romans 16:16)

12. Agree with each other (1 Corinthians 1:10)

13. Wait for one another ( 1 Corinthians 11:33)

14. Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

15. Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

16. Carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

17. Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)

18. Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

19. Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)

20. Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)

21. Teach and admonish each other (Colossians 3:16)

22. Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

23. Build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

24. Spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24)

25. Offer hsopitality ot one another (1 Peter 4:9)

26. Minister gifts to one another (1 Peter 4:10)

27. Be humble toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)

28. Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)

29. Pray for one another (James 5:16)

30. Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)

Trust this serves you as you read over them. I am humbled and encouraged...

Mum's - Do What You Can

Hey Guys - our experience has been that when you have little ones in the house, quite times, devotions, time to read God's Word can be quite minimal, especially for mum.

This can often bring discouragement and frustration. Yet how can we serve our wife in this?

Here is a great article, written to encourage mum's not to beat themselves up but 'doing what they can' when it comes to reading the word.

One mum says she has a bible in several rooms. Like in the baby's room, in the lounge room, in the kitchen. She finds that when she has just a minute, while the baby bottle heats up, she can read just a verse and think about that.

The important message is, you are not loved any less because you don't get to read God's Word. You are loved greatly & are fulfilling a wonderful role. Thank you!

Accountability

When you think of accountability, what sort of thoughts race into your mind?

I think accountability is a good thing. It is something that I need in my life and it is something I want in my life. But sometimes as guys we fear accountability. Especially when we read something like this:

These guys meant business!

Early in the 18th century, Samuel Wesley (brother of John Wesley) formed a religious society with regular small-group meetings. Called "Band Societies," these single sex groups were designed to facilitate mutual accountability. All who wished to join were required to answer the following questions as evidence of justification and an accompanying desire to grow in God:

Have you peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ?

Do you desire to be told of your faults?

Do you desire that every one of us should tell you, from time to time, whatsoever is in his heart concerning you?

Consider! Do you desire that we should tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning you?

Do you desire that, in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom?

Is it your desire and design to be on this, and all other occasions, entirely open, so as to speak everything that is in your heart without exception, without disguise, and without reserve?

After joining, group members could be asked the preceding questions "as often as occasion offers," while the following questions were asked at every meeting:
What known sin have you committed since our last meeting?
What temptations have you met with?
How were you delivered?
What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?

Now, I would have at one time dodged this sort of accountability, but for some reason I long for this kind of accountability. Why? Because I don't have anything to hide. You see, I hid many things from people I loved and it bound me up so badly. Then Jesus revealed to me that He died for my sins and would change me if I would put my trust in Him. You see, I need/want others looking and watching at how I am living my life. I know in my heart that I avoid accountability when I am doing something that I am ashamed of or in fear of being rebuked or found out for... Oh brothers - learn from my mistakes and make yourself accountable. Many of us are living like this man pictured below. And it ought not be!
Brothers I urge you, make yourself accountable. It will serve you as you seek to lead your wife and children.