Honest with God??
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, what do you do? Where do you turn?
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, what do you do? Where do you turn?
Do you rack your brains? Phone a friend? Take out your anxiety on family members? Stay awake through the night worrying about it? Run and hide? Anaesthetize it?
When David is under the pump, he prays. In Psalms 50-59, we find a number of David’s prayers of lament. Several of these Psalms have headings that indicate what David was facing at the time. Between a rock and a hard place, David turns to God. For example:
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
In God I trust; I will not be afraid. (Ps 56:3-4 NIV)
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Ps 57:1 NIV)
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Ps 57:1 NIV)
No matter what he was facing, David trusted God’s unfailing love. Whether he landed in a mess made by others, or a mess of his own making, David knew that he could always turn to God for mercy. In the LORD, David found sanctuary, security and strength.
How is it with you?
One of the things we can learn from David is being honest with God. When we stop trying to impress God – and instead engage in “straight shooting” with him – then we’re living as people after his own heart.
Authentic. Unpretentious. Open. Real. Vulnerable. Fair dinkum. Humble. This describes the God we encounter in Jesus. We can talk with Him about anything. As the writer to the Hebrews reminds us:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:15-16 NRSV)
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Message Series: - This week in the series ‘A person after God’s heart (David)’ you will be asked to cooperate with God and do life together. Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au This week’s bible readings are from: 1 Samuel 23:7-18, Mark 3:13-19.
Weekly Prayer Requests
Not included in this newsletter but if you have a prayer request or would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter.
Not included in this newsletter but if you have a prayer request or would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter.
Children’s and Family Ministry
NEW Bible Activity Kits – Now Available for Borrowing
Remember to borrow a Bible Activity Kit for your children. They will really enjoy taking these kits home. These kits can be a great tool for parents, as you have the privilege of introducing your children to God’s love for them. Your whole family can learn together to share a spiritual learning journey. If you don’t have a church library card, you could ask for one on your welcome card this week.
FREE School Holiday Activity
Come along to the church hall on Wednesday 29th September. Arrive any time from 9:00am, finishing at 11:30am. There will be a ‘Bible Story Trail’ around the hall, as well as many activities such as painting, dress-ups and crafts along the way. Children choose a prize when they complete the trail. Trails are available for 3-6 year olds and 7-11 year olds. Younger children are welcome too. Parents will need to stay and share this time with their children. Morning tea provided. Please RSVP by 21st September. Phone: 8363 5087 or email: lcarson@paravista.org.au
Ignite Youth
Calling all Master Chefs!
This week youth are cooking up a storm for Food for Families. Youth starts at 7.00pm so come along and help out. The school has very kindly lent us the use of the Gym during youth. If you think you might enjoy playing some sport at youth on a Friday night, please wear white soled sports shoes. Can’t wait to see you there!
This week youth are cooking up a storm for Food for Families. Youth starts at 7.00pm so come along and help out. The school has very kindly lent us the use of the Gym during youth. If you think you might enjoy playing some sport at youth on a Friday night, please wear white soled sports shoes. Can’t wait to see you there!
For the Term 3 timetable check out the youth notice board or head to the website: http://www.paravista.org.au/index.php?section=ministry&subsection=youth&page=youth
Keep an eye out for the Term 4 timetable, which will be out within the next two weeks.
Blessings,
Sophie Gerrie
Youth and Young Adults Team Leader
Mission
Coming Events
Maranatha Health: This Sunday 12th September
Michael and Kim Findlay from Maranatha Health will be sharing their vision in each of our services this Sunday. At the morning services they will share an overview (10 mins) however, they will be taking the entire 6 pm service so come along and hear about this exciting vision.
Maranatha Health is an Australian not-for-profit organization that is committed to raising health outcomes, empowering the poor, and making positive, lasting change in Uganda, Africa. Learn more at http://www.maranathahealth.org/index.html
Scones and cards will be available after both morning services on this Sunday to raise funds for missions.
Sausages also available after the 10.45am service. Wow!! Why not stay and make it an informal social lunch and catch up with fellow worshipers. Remember to invite a friend to service and introduce them to new friends.
Safe Place Training for Para Vista
It is not too late to enrol.
It is not too late to enrol.
The LCA has developed a Safe Place Policy.
This policy deals with the interactions between adults (over 18). This alerts members to dangers and consequences of inappropriate behavior towards other people in the church. It also provides mechanisms and procedures, based on the Word of God, by which we can work through painful and serious matters. We, along with the LCA, encourage all involved in ministry with people over 18, especially Team Leaders, to complete the training. This will help make Para Vista a safe place for all.
Eventually all involved in leading ministry involving adults will need to do this training. Training is valid for 3 years so everyone trained prior to 2008 will need to do a refresher course.
Remember the 2 opportunities for training at Para Vista
This Sunday starting at 12.45pm. Lunch will be provided if you contact John on 0409 819 864.
\Wednesday 15th September 7:15 to 9:30pm.
Ministry Opportunities
You can make a difference
For more information please call the Church Office on 8263 5087 orvisit http://www.paravista.org.au/index.php?section=home&page=home log in and go to the opportunities to serve area. Have you responded yet?
General
PART-TIME CHAPLAIN NEEDED for the City West campus of UniSA.
This will involve one day a week for the 26 university weeks of the year, and an honorarium of $4000pa. For further details, see the noticeboard, of contact Pastor Mike Pietsch on 8370 3615, or 0409 725 573, or mike.pietsch@lca.org.au
Applications due by Monday 11th October 2010.
LORD what do you want me to do?
Spend a day with Naomi Reed – Christian Author of the year 2009 - at a PLUS missions workshop at the Adelaide College of Ministries. From 9.30am to 4.00pm on Saturday 16 October including a Nepalese lunch. Registration forms can be found in the church Information Corner, alternately phone 8369 1414 or email reception@acm.sa.edu.au
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Alva Edison
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Alva Edison
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
388 Montague Road
Para Vista SA 5093
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092
Phone: 8263 5087
Fax: 8395 2680
