Thorndale Zion United Churches
245 King St N0M 2P0 Thorndale, QLD, Australia

Running any long race takes preparation; endurance and focus I believe focus is the most important of these. Paul equates our life to running a race it’s not a sprint but a marathon maybe a a cross country trail is closer to the truth with its unpredictable terrain of ups and downs and rugged patches. Regardless, Paul is on to something in his comparison. To live a victorious life in Christ we need the same three elements: preparation, endurance and focus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3CHI_b60WM

When we walk it is important that we know we are walking on victory ground. Our walk is how we work out from our salvation, not work for but out from. There are two very important aspects in our walk. Firstly we walk with God. Secondly , we walk in love. David walked with God and we can learn a lot about how this looks from Psalm 143. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yZnFUvsHD8

We stand equipped for battle. When we wear the full armour of God we can stand against the schemes of the devil. In fact, when we wear the armour our enemy is powerless against us So we can live an abundant joy-filled and peaceful life. So stand firm!! Know who you are and whose you are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgrpoibeaRk

We need to spend intentional time daily in God’s presence this will charge our batteries and calm our souls even Jesus did this when He was on the earth so how much more do we need to!! This quiet time with God reminds us that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives and quietly being with God gives God opportunity to share His plan with us and to speak His Rhema word God’s word for you now. Sitting is when change can happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgP8lRrTZjk

Did you know we were created to worship? God created us with a God size hole that only God can fill anything else we worship leaves us empty and unfulfilled. Satan knows the value of worship and so his final temptation of Jesus in the wilderness focuses on worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKi77Ecq_0A

In the second temptation of Jesus, Satan is trying to get Jesus to use God’s power like a genie, do something reckless and then call on the genie to rescue you. Satan even quotes scripture to try and make his suggestion sound reasonable. What might this look like for us, what kind of temptation would cause us to use God like a genie? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JICjS1JgjI&t=6s

EVERYONE is tempted by something at every stage of life. Some of us are tempted daily, others it comes in seasons. Thank goodness the first great lesson from Christ was how to deal with temptation. After all, it was Adam yielding to temptation that lead to all this trouble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H6nERiyVvY

Allow the godly wisdom of Stormie Omartian bless you as she teaches about the prayer that changes everything! https://youtu.be/imRjMpGFIUw

Not only is kindness a Fruit of the Spirit but it is an essential part of who God is. Listen and learn of the many benefits of being kind. https://youtu.be/hbkd_K-6Wnw

Researchers have found that we have an uncanny ability to hear our own name above the clatter of our surroundings. Whether the clatter is external noise or internal chaos speaking someone’s name draws their attention. In our bible story today Mary is at the tomb of Jesus. Jesus cuts through the chaos and turmoil of her grief by speaking her name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuv5kgDQpp8

Jesus knew that this would be his last night with his disciples. He knew that tomorrow he would be crucified. He had one last night to impress on them the core of who He is and who they were to become. He chose this opportunity to serve them in a very tangible and demonstrative way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgGKZ0kSgj0

A well known quotes of Jesus is For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost It comes from the story of Zacchaeus. The powerful life changing conversation we will hear today is for the most part a mystery. The Holy Spirit chose not to have the complete dialogue recorded for us all to examine. But even still something extraordinary happens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DghslGP7lj0

Jesus is all together lovely. In today’s conversation as recorded in John 8, Jesus illustrates the beauty of his forgiveness and mercy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPZWIRXyLb0