November 2014 - Mark Conner

November 28, 2014 Mark Conner Contemporary Culture, Current Issues

Christianity, Christmas and Consumerism

As we head towards the crazy Christmas season, it's a good thing to pause and think about consumerism and the follower of Christ.

At CityLife, we have a social justice LifeGroup and they have put together a paper designed to be a thought provoking series of questions and comments exploring some key issues which confront us in our Western, first world culture. We hope that it can be used to start discussion and to promote action in your family, your LifeGroup, your social network and your work colleagues!

1. On the Issue of “Stuff”

When is enough, enough? Or we could ask ourselves what would Jesus buy?

Thought Spot:

Jonathon Comford, in his article – Daily Bread: The Economy of Enough in the Bible – in Tear magazine, TARGET, posed the question:

“How much money do you need to be happy? The answer is: About 20% more than you currently earn.

At least that is what people think will make them happy. Research in the US has shown that people think that with an extra 20% in their pockets they could finally be content.”

The Pressure to Consume

We live in a high growth world where companies must make more profit year on year to meet shareholders’ expectations. How do they do that? By constantly marketing to us to BUY! Upgrade! It will make you skinnier! It’s the latest and greatest! If we are not careful we end up buying excessively, and over-consuming. Our rubbish bins are filled with stale leftovers, broken/outdated electronics and packaging wastes. Charity bins are littered with old toys and clothes. Our wardrobe is stuffed with clothes and yet we stare at it and say, “I have nothing to wear… I need new clothes!” Or have you observed the proliferation of “Storage Units” e.g. Fort Knox, Storage King? We now have so much stuff that we can no longer store it all in our homes and so we actually lease more storage space!

Packaging gives premium impressions and creates more value for its contents. We, humans, like the look and feel of ‘expensive’ packaging because it means the extra money paid was worth it. The growth in waste is placing continually increasing demands on waste management and disposal. Approximately 37% of landfill is filled with biodegradable waste, e.g. food waste, paper, cardboard, green waste, textiles and wood.

Quotes on Consumerism:

"The great danger in today's world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor."

"Let us be 'protectors' of creation, protectors of God's plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment." Pope Francis I (2013), Evangelii Gaudium

Thought, Discussion and Action Spot:

• How do your possessions end up owning you?

“The problem is not consuming to live but living to consume.” Skye Jethani

• Are you working harder, longer hours, working for a pay rise just to pay off your possessions?

“It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else that prevents us from living freely and nobly.”

Henry David Thoreau.

• Where could we learn to recycle and reuse, or buy second-hand or pass around? E.g. Share items of infrequent use with family and friends – things like ski gear, camping gear, luggage, baby items (i.e. Freecycle.org is a non-profit movement of people who are giving (and receiving) items for free in their own towns – reusing things and keeping stuff out of landfills! (https://groups.freecycle.org/group/MelbourneOzFreecycle/description)

2. On the Issue of Who Makes all that “Stuff”?

How can we be ethical consumers? Everything we buy has a start and an end called a supply chain. How do our purchases affect others and the environment? This is not a new consideration – James challenged his readers in the first century: James 5:1-7 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

How can we be responsible consumers when the supply chain is far from obvious? There are organisations that are willing to help us navigate through the sea of choices e.g. Fairtrade Australia http://fairtrade.com.au/ and Shop Ethical http://www.ethical.org.au/

Thought, Discussion and Action Spot:

• Do we “hoard wealth”?

• Do we live “in luxury and self-indulgence”?

We can feel overwhelmed by the myriad of choices facing us. Our shop shelves are stacked with duplicate products that have been made overseas in less than ideal conditions – possibly by people, many are children, who are trapped in abusive situations as modern day slaves

• Do we consider who has manufactured the product we are buying?

• Have they received a fair wage?

3. On the Issue of the Consumer Mindset and its Impact on our Christian Faith.

A potential consequence of consumerism is the danger of simply adding “Christianity” to our lives as another product worthy of consumption. Is our focus “How can Christianity serve me and my needs?” rather than “How can Christ in me serve my neighbour?”

Thought spot:

“But in consumerism the customer is king, not Jesus. As a result Christianity becomes just one more brand we integrate and display along with Gap, Apple, and Starbucks to express our identity. So Christians no longer carry an expectation of obedience and allegiance to Christ, but rather the perpetual consumption of Christian merchandise and experiences—music, books, t-shirts, conferences, and jewellery. And rather than living out the values and ethics of the Kingdom of God, we share the values of our consumer culture while our identity as Christians remains a veneer”. Skye Jethani

Paul challenges us in his letter to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Also Jesus, John and Paul, all warned of the dangers of loving the world and conforming to the world’s values.

Matthew 19:21-26 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The life that Jesus promises is not a life filled with material abundance, however, He promises never to leave us or forsake us. Luke 9:23-25 Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

Thought, Discussion and Action Spot:

In light of the Scriptures, it is sobering for us to consider:

• Do we place God first in our lives?

• How much of our time is spent concentrating on satisfying our many personal desires?

• Do we resume to consumerism as we exit the church?

• Do we challenge ourselves to give/tithe like we challenge ourselves to build a bigger house?

• Do we compete to share or help?

4. Faith in Action

Paul speaks of being content in all circumstances – of course this contentment can only flow from a life surrendered to Jesus. In the following passages Paul encourages us to find our satisfaction, our contentment, in Christ and His purposes for our lives.

Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Thought, Discussion and Action Spot:

• How can we be content in all circumstances?

• Do we need more than food and clothing to be content?

• Where is our treasure?

• What is our treasure?

Hebrews 13:5 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; never will I forsake you.”

ONE STEP AT A TIME…

Don’t be overwhelmed – we can decide to change one purchase and when that purchase becomes routine, change another. Every ethical choice we make will impact the life of someone for their improved welfare.

Is the answer to live more simply – acquiring only that which is necessary to live well? Of course the dilemma here is that what we perceive as being necessary is ever expanding – this is what drives consumerism. However, way back in the first century Jesus, John and Paul, all warned of the dangers of loving the world and conforming to the world’s values.

Final thoughts:

The challenge in today’s world is for us to discern how God would have us use our wealth i.e. time, energy and finances, to be His hands and feet, His voice, His body to impact this world for His Kingdom. We will need to resist the temptation to give in to advertiser’s demands to buy every new product that is available. In order to do this we will need to transform the way we think, to turn this world’s values upside down and be willing to deny ourselves and to bless our neighbour, to consider the poor, to be generous with not just our money but our very selves.

In the lead up to Christmas each year, we are bombarded with messages about spending and messages about “giving” that are really about buying and consuming. How about this Christmas we challenge ourselves about how we can give meaningful gifts without excessive spending – things like serving, encouragement, affection, words, hugs, and our time…

As the National Director of TEAR Australia, Matthew Maury, said:

We have the opportunity to find freedom and joy that is defined by Jesus, rather than trying to find meaning in the things we can buy.

Additional Resources:

1. Consumerism and Christian Ethics by Kenneth Himes

2. TARGET “Treasure in Heaven”

November 24, 2014 Mark Conner Bible

Proverbs 24

As we dig into today's Proverb, let's reflect on the wisdom coming to us from Proverbs 24 in the Message Bible.

Vs.3-4. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

What kind of a house are you building? A home takes time and effort to craft but it's worth it in the end. Think about the 'environments' you are creating – at home, at work, at church. Be an architect of places characterised by love, peace and joy.

Vs.5-6. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

Who are your advisers? Who do you look to when you need guidance? Make sure you have a good team of wise people around you. You'll be glad you do.

Vs.10. If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

Someone once said, "Don't pray for an easy life; pray to be a strong person." Strength is developed under pressure – during times of adversity. May you have the inner strength of the Holy Spirit growing in your life so that it is much stronger than any external pressure you may face.

Vs.16. The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

Failure is NOT final. Fail forward. You may fail but you are not a failure. Live and learn. Rise again. You'll do better next time and be much wiser for the experience.

Vs.27. Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

Do you take time to plan? Planning ahead on the front end saves heaps of time on the back end. Remember, "Ready, Set, Go." Don't go until you are ready and set. If we fail to plan we plan to fail.

Vs.30-34. I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Balance your activity and rest. Avoid the extreme of the workaholism that violates the Sabbath principle and leads to burnout. Also avoid the laziness that so easily creeps in and leads to lethargy, indifference and mediocrity.

November 21, 2014 Mark Conner Church, Leadership

Love Your Pastor

A good friend of mine sent me this earlier in the week. I thought it was quite funny but had some good points. Let's always seek to love and encourage those who lead us, in whatever capacity.

Pastors have a tough job. They get more kicks than kisses. If a pastor is young, he lacks experience; if he’s grey–haired, he’s too old. If he has five kids, he has too many; if he has none, he’s setting a bad example. If his wife sings in the choir, she’s being forward; if not, she’s not dedicated enough. If he preaches from notes, he’s dry; if his words are impromptu, he’s too shallow. If he spends too much time in his study, he’s neglecting his people; if he makes home visits, he’s not a good time manager. If he’s attentive to the poor, he’s after public approval; if he attends to the wealthy, he’s ingratiating. If he suggests improvements, he’s a dictator; if he doesn’t, he has no vision. If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the Bible; if he doesn’t use enough stories, he’s unclear. If he speaks against wrong, he’s legalistic; if he doesn’t, he’s a compromiser. If he preaches for an hour, he’s windy; less than that, he has nothing to say. If he preaches the truth, he’s offensive; if he doesn’t, he’s wishy–washy. If he fails to please everybody, he’s hurting the church; if he tries to please everybody, he has no convictions. If he preaches tithing, he’s a money–grabber; if not, he’s failing to develop his people. If he receives a large salary, he’s mercenary; if he doesn’t, it proves he’s not worth much. If he preaches on a regular basis, people get tired of hearing the same person; if he invites guest preachers, he’s shirking his responsibility. Wow! And you thought your pastor had an easy life! How’d you like to change places?

Bottom line: love your pastor.

"Jesus … gave some to be … pastors." Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

November 17, 2014 Mark Conner Bible

Proverbs 17

Another week rolls by and we come to our Proverb of the Day. Today it's some wisdom from Proverbs 17 in the Message Bible translation.

Vs.3. As silver in a crucible and gold in a pan, so our lives are assayed by God.

God tests us to see what we are made of. Times of pressure and adversity reveal our true character. Anyone can keep a great attitude during the good times. How do we navigate the challenging times?

Vs.9. Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and––good–bye, friend.

We all need the gift of 'thicker skin'. Choose not to be easily offended. Don't be touchy or overly sensitive. Most people don't wake up in the morning with a desire to annoy us. Give them the benefit of the doubt and remember that "hurt people hurt people".

Vs.10. A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.

How well do you receive feedback? Other people see aspects about us that we don't. We need their input in order to grow and change for the better.

Vs.14. The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.

Little things can easily become big things. When an argument develops, choose to close it down before it gets out of hand. A soft answer turns away anger.

Vs.17. Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Be a true friend today. Stick with your friends no matter what – through the good times and bad.

Vs.22. A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone–tired.

Happiness is based on what is happening to us – whether good or bad. In contrast, joy is an internal disposition that is independent of circumstances. Choose to be joyful today. It'll do you and others good.

Vs.24. The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.

God is at work right where you are. Seek to be more aware of him today and attentive to his voice. Wisdom is right there with you. Open you eyes and ears. Learn – right where you are.

November 13, 2014 Mark Conner Leadership

Spiritual Leadership Lessons from Farming

Let's read and reflect on the following related Scriptures:

James 5:7-8. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. NIV

1 Corinthians 3:6-9. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co- workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. NIV

Mark 4:26-29. Jesus also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” NIV

Here are the insights I gleaned:

1. The kingdom of God is organic in nature. It is not a machine that can be programmed or advanced by human effort alone. It is not about following a formula (A + B = C) but about learning spiritual principles and engaging with God who is already at work in our world. The kingdom grows "all by itself" – even while we are asleep!

2. There are things we can do to encourage spiritual growth. Our task is to create healthy environments for growth to take place. We can plant seeds and we can water them. We can also remove any growth inhibitors such as weeds or pests.

3. It is important to recognise the times and seasons. Life is cyclic. The seasons come and go: day and night, winter and summer, springtime and harvest. The wise farmer recognises then works with the seasons. He or she does not fight against them. What season is it for you right now? Good things and lasting fruit take time. Be patient – stay steady and strong.

4. GOD is the one who makes things grow. There are things we can do and things we can't. We can't make anything grow – at least of lasting spiritual value. We can't save anyone nor transform anyone. Only God can do that.

5. The Holy Spirit, like water, is vital to life. Farmers pray and wait for the rain. They water their crops from dams or wells. Is it time to re-dig the wells in your own life and ministry? Is there some clutter you need to remove? Who could help – a spiritual director, counsellor, or prayer ministry team?

What insights did God give you from today's reflection?

November 13, 2014 Mark Conner Contemporary Culture, Leadership

Leading in Changing Times

Back in 1964 Bob Dylan sang, "The times they are a changing." How true and the changes haven't let up. One business writer put it this way:

Winds of change are barrelling in from all directions. Competition is tougher than ever and coming from places you least expected. The customer is more sophisticated and demanding. Technological changes are incessant. Government regulations are tougher. And everyone is restructuring, reorganising, reinventing, downsizing, outsourcing – all at an ultra sonic pace.

Don't look for a safe place to wait out the storm, because these winds are unrelenting. If anything, they're getting stronger and coming faster, blowing the shutters off corporate headquarters and small businesses alike… The weather report? More of the same!

The speed of change is increasing and future changes will be bigger and come faster because the rate of change grows exponentially, not incrementally. So get ready for the storm of your life. The hurricane season has just begun.”

That's a good description of business world but it also accurately defines the wider enviornment we all live in. And it was written in 1996!

How leaders respond to and lead during times of change is vital. The first disciples of Jesus were about to experence revolutionary change. Listen to what Jesus said to Peter:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” [Luke 22:31. NLT]

My good friend, Dale Stephenson, noted recently that Satan's desire was to sift ALL of Jesus' followers but Jesus prayed specifically for Simon's faith, because of the influence he would have on the others. Smite the shepherd and sheep will scatter. No wonder leaders are such a target for extreme testing. Thats why our faith – our trust and dependence on God in all seasons and times, especially during times of great change, is so important.

The current reality is change and more change. We live in times of transition in multiple arenas that affects us all. We are in what Scottish cultural anthropologist Victor Turner a "liminal space" - “a space of transformation between phases of separation and re-incorporation. It represents a period of extreme ambiguity, a marginal and transitional state.” These times are characterised by darkness or fog – an obscuring of vision; an inability to see the road ahead. It's a period of flux - continuous change, passage or movement, a flowing or flow. This can create a lot of insecurity and as Virginia Satir said, “Most people prefer the certainty of misery to the misery of uncertainty!”

What should our response be?

I hear God saying to leaders: stay the course, keep at your post, be faithful, be strong and very courageous, do not be afriad, dismayed or discouraged, the Lord is with you, don't give up, stand still and see the salvation of God!

More Reading: Spiritual Leadership Lessons from Farming.

November 10, 2014 Mark Conner Bible

Proverbs 10

It's time for some reflections from our weekly Proverb and today is the 10th of the month so it's Proverbs 10 (Message Bible).

Vs.4-5. Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth. Make hay while the sun shines – that's smart; go fishing during harvest – that's stupid.

Life operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. We reap what we sow, there's a period of time between sowing and reaping, and we reap more than we sow. The wise sow diligence into their lives. Diligence leads to blessing, profit and happiness while laziness leads to judgment, loss and disappointment. What are you sowing this week – hard work or idleness? There's a time for activity and for rest. Getting the balance right is essential.

Vs.9. Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.

Someone once said that if you always tell the truth you never have to remember what you say. Honesty starts in the small things – avoiding exaggeration by giving accurate details and explanations, admiting it when we are wrong, and not twisting things to make ourselves look good. Honesty is always the best policy.

Vs.11. The mouth of a good person is a deep, life–giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. Vs.19-20. The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless. Vs.31-32. A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.

Once again, we learn about the power of our words and the importance of controlling our tongue. Garbage in = garbage out. Feed on wisdom. Fill your heart with good things because out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Choose your words carefully. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Let your words bring life to the hearers today.

Vs.14. The wise accumulate knowledge – a true treasure; know–it–alls talk too much – a sheer waste.

What are you learning right now – about God, about life, about yourself, about others and about our world? Wise people are never content but are always learning new things. How are you positioning yourself to learn or experience something new today? Is it investing time reading a book, listening to a message, or spending time with a mentor? If your inflow doesn't equal your outflow it will lead to your downfall.

Vs.17. The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be 'disciples' = disciplined ones. Each day we are called to take up our cross, die to selfishness, and live for God and others. We are to intentionally put off (or get rid of) the works of the old sinful nature and we put on the new nature which is created to be like Jesus Christ. That takes discipline on our part and the help of the Holy Spirit as our partner and helper in life and ministry.

Vs.22. God 's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.

Here is a wonderful promise. May you know and experience the fullness of God's blessing and favour on your life today.

November 7, 2014 Mark Conner Current Issues

An Open Letter to Prime Minister Tony Abbot re Treatment of Asylum Seekers

The inhumane treatment of asylum seekers here in Australia is extremely concerning. Thankfully, more and more people are speaking up about it. All year, Christian leaders have been peacefully protesting and writing letters.

I encourage you to do the same.

Here is a copy of an open letter to Prime Minister Tony Abbott I recently sent:

Dear Prime Minister,

Subject: Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Children in Detention

I am the Senior Minister of CityLife Church, Melbourne. We are a community of over 9,000 members representing people from over 105 cultural backgrounds who make up our diverse and beautiful nation. On behalf of these members, I am writing to raise grave concerns about the current direction the government is taking in the treatment of asylum seekers, especially children in detention.

As a minister and follower of Jesus, I cannot stand idly by whilst children and adults, who have sought refuge and protection on our shores, are languishing in deplorable conditions in detention under Australia’s control. Numerous reports and investigations have clearly shown that detention centers have an incredibly negative effect on the mental and physical health of already traumatised individuals.

I am writing to ask whether you would act immediately to change the processes so that children and their families can be housed in community in Australia? I also ask that you would allow all asylum seekers to be processed onshore with minimal periods in detention.

I pray for you as the appointed Prime Minister of Australia and I appreciate that you hold a difficult position with many requests vying for your attention. However, I would consider the health and safety of any and all children, and the health and safety of all individuals seeking refuge, paramount and a priority for the government.

I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Conner

November 5, 2014 Mark Conner Current Issues, Television

The Exchange TV

Good friends of ours, Rob and Christie Buckingham (pastors of Bayside Church here in Melbourne), host The Exchange, an interactive TV program that engages with a variety of current issues, including parenting, technology, dealing with loss, the sexualisation of children, and domestic violence.

The Exchange is like meeting with your friends in a coffee shop and discussing everyday stuff that affects us. It’s a half hour chat show that aims to share ideas on relationships, parenting, finance, wellbeing and social justice. Each week co-hosts Rob and Christie Buckingham invite guests around their table to get their take on a particular issue. The Exchange reporter Sandra Cavallo also hits the streets and finds out what the Australian public thinks.

The show is aired on Channel 31 and Foxtel's Australian Christian Channel. You can also watch episodes online. These can be a great tool and resource for small group discussion.

Worth checking out!

November 3, 2014 Mark Conner Bible

Proverbs 3

Here is some more amazing wisdom from the Book of Proverbs from the Message Bible:

Vs.5-6. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God 's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Life is a journey of faith and wisdom. Getting wisdom, a major focus of the teaching in the book of Proverbs, helps us to think about choices and their consequences, as well as to see life from God's perspective. Faith is the choice to trust God even when we don't understand what is going on or why. Many things in life are beyond our control yet God's hand of providence undergirds everything – our choices, good and bad, as well as the chocies of others that affect our lives.

Be aware of God and attentive to His voice through the various ways He guides us. He desires for you to be on track even more than you do. Thankfully, the steps of good people are directed by the Lord. He will show which way to take.

Vs.9-10. Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.

In an agricultural society, everyone wanted their barns bursting and their wine vats brimming over, just like everyone wants extra cash in hard and money in the bank today. How does this happen? Yes, through diligent work but also as a result of choosing to honour God with the first and best of everything we receive.

I love the simplicity and power of the 10/10/80 Financial Plan:

Give 10% of all your income to God's work through the church.
Save or invest 10% of all your income.
Endeavour to live on 80% or less of your income. If you can't, seek to increase your income or reduce your expenses. This may even require down-sizing your living standards.

If you do this consistently, over time you will be financially free. You will have honoured God, saved for your future and lived within your means. That's wise financial stewardship that God blesses!

Vs.11-12. Don't, dear friend, resent God 's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.

Choices have consequences. We reap what we sow. When we don't the results we are receiving we need to reflect on the causes. What is God teaching us? What do we need to change? What will we do different next time? Wisdom is a choice to live and learn. Often we learn more from our failures than our successes.

Vs.27. Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person.

Here is God's will for your life. See a need and meet it. Don't be like that priest or Levite who walked by the person who had been beaten and robbed, because they were focused on their religious duties. Get off your donkey and offer a helping hand. God will be pleased and lives will be touched with God's love. Are you ready?