Akish’s Adventure

July 31, 2015 | nourishwomen

Meirav was worried. Her son had been gone all day long. Akish was headstrong like his father. His dark hair and features reminded her of Samuel. She missed Samuel’s strong hands, the warmth of his generous laughter. Meirev sighed. If only she’d had more time with him. It was now nearly two years since Samuel was snatched from their lives. Everyone was aware of the dangers of the storms that rushed down the valley swirling from the Mediterranean or further north. The lake was notorious for sudden storms, swooping in and taking all before them.

Other widows had brought comfort, saying that time would heal the wound in her heart. She still ached when some smell or sound reminded her of Samuel.

At times, she would look at Akish and see her husband in him. His boy’s voice was beginning to deepen, there was a gangliness about him, as he was now rapidly surpassing her in height.

Meirav kneaded the meagre barley loaves wondering whether she should have let him go for the day. She had heard great things about this new Rabbi.
Akish was friends with most of the other fishermen in the village. Surely no harm had come to him. It was late. She thought back to the morning.
“I’m not sure. You can’t tell me where you are going?”
“I just want to follow the Rabbi about. He does amazing things.” Akish’s eyes had sparkled with delight. “I was there when he healed that lame man yesterday.”
“He tells stories that make you think. Crowds follow him to see what he will say and do. I’ll just follow and see what happens.”
Akish asked again. “Please?” Meirav was torn; she ignored the question.
Akish tried one more plea. “You never let me go like the other boys. I hate it. Let me go so I can see for myself.”
His dark eyes pleaded. So much like his father. Her son tried one more plea. “At least I’ll be with Andrew.”
That had sealed it for her. Andrew; respected by all, kind, gentle. Whenever she bought fish from him she knew his portion would be generous.
Meirav relented “Alright, but stay with Andrew.” Akish had grinned. She had packed the lunch and wrapped it carefully into the bag.
“Take this. Share it with Andrew, or anyone else.”

That was over twelve hours ago. That was only this morning, and now it was past dark. There was much about this teacher that made her uneasy. No more of that. It was done.

The rhythm of the kneading comforted her. She patted the barley rolls into shape. Her daily ritual was making five loaves, two each, and another for any guest. If the last wasn’t used she would share with her son. She often gave him the extra portion.
Where was he now, she wondered? She glanced out the door. No moon tonight. Her precious son’s journey home would be in the pitch dark. He wouldn’t be travelling coming home alone. Meirav had watched as others from the village streamed past her door, all heading in the same direction.

Her instincts told her not to worry. But she would be happier when Akish was home.
She laid the loaves aside to let them rise on the hearth stones.
Her revelry broke. She heard rushing footsteps on the stones outside. She turned to see her boy’s shape framed in the doorway, a darker inkiness. Relieved, she turned.
He rushed in, words spilling out. He came into the light inside. “Mother. You should have come. Incredible. You won’t believe what happened.” His eyes looked deep into hers, openly, honestly sharing his heart.

Meirav shuddered. He looked more like his father whenever he was excited.
“So something amazing happened today? More healings?”
“You won’t believe it. Incredible. No one will think it was possible.” Akish’s face beamed. “I don’t know how he did it. It’s incredible.” The torrent of words stopped suddenly then he frowned.
“Well?” She waited.
“I don’t know he did it but he did.” Meirav looked at her son. He had a quizzical look on his face, but then beamed again. “You won’t believe me, when I tell you.” He smiled as he teased her.
“Of course I will. You were there, not me.. Now, tell me.”
“I don’t know how he did it but he did.” Akish shrugged. “I saw it. My lunch, he took my lunch.” Akish paused again.
“He did what? He took your lunch?” Meirav wondered, was that it, pride he had been generous to this teacher? She waited. There was more here.

“Yes with my lunch. With my lunch. With it he, he fed the crowd.”
The words then struck home. “With my lunch he fed the crowd.” What did the boy mean? How could this be?
‘Tell me again.” She wanted to be sure if she heard correctly.
“I don’t know how, but he did. With what you gave me, he fed the crowd.”
“The whole crowd?” Mierev asked.
“Yes, all of them. I watched. He broke it and broke it and shared it out. Over and over again. I heard someone say it was over five thousand. Five thousand ate my lunch.” Akish was proud, puzzled. He paused again. “Andrew told me it proved this Rabbi was greater than Elijah and Elisha. He is the one, the Messiah.”
“Are you telling me your lunch fed that many?”
“Yes. I don’t know how, but he did.” Akish added, “Andrew said it was a sure sign. He is greater than those prophets who fed a few. We were told those stories in the synagogue last week.”

Meirav could see the wonder, excitement and a new certainty in her boy. She didn’t want to lose him to some wandering preacher. She had heard of John with his wild clothes and wild ways. She had wandered over to the Northern part of the lake with others and seen the crowds.
“What do you mean he is greater than Elijah and Elisha? No one can be greater than those prophets?”
“Elijah fed the widow and her son for two years with the last of her barley grains and a little oil. Elisha fed a hundred with twenty barley cakes.” Don’t you see? He is greater. He fed over five thousand with my five barley cakes and two fish.”
“I don’t know what happened out there.” This was too sudden, too unbelievable for her. “This is too hard to believe.”
“Mother, I was there and I saw. He is greater than any who have come before. He is greater than Moses. The Manna only lasted a day. There were leftovers like Elisha. Twelve baskets full. Twelve.. the number of all the tribes of Israel.” Akish paused. Akish said with certainty. “He is the One. I want to try and follow him.”

Perhaps that is how it went for a young boy years ago. I re-read this story today where Jesus fed a crowd, a young boy’s lunch, a crowd, a miracle that is beyond our experience.
What would you have thought if you were there? Disbelief? Impossible? Incredible? Imposter? A natural explanation? His miracles and His teaching make us have to decide about Him. I don’t know what your take is on that day. How does this story challenge you?
For me, Jesus takes a little and makes it great. He takes what is offered freely and makes it inconceivably wonderful. He is the one of more than enough. He is the one who meets needs head on. He is the one we can come to. What do you think Jesus? Is He The One?

Written by Peter Swift

Back to reality.

July 24, 2015 | nourishwomen

Over the last few months I’ve had this realisation: I don’t like reality. Now when I say that, what I’m really saying is my body doesn’t seem to like it. In theory, who wouldn’t want to live in the moment every day, relishing every experience and squeezing every bit out that life has to offer?

The truth of it is, not me. This is what I’ve noticed about myself.

Look, I’ve always been a fairly optimistic person in life. I have been blessed enough to have a minimally traumatic run. Obviously, I’ve had my share of rubbish and issues, but don’t we all? Most of the time, I get quite excited over life. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I began to notice a change.

Do you remember getting all excited over Santa delivering presents at Christmas, until that year you realise it’s just your mum and dad? The magic of butterflies in your tummy with your first kiss and ten years later, you’re still kissing, but there’s no butterflies. The excitement of driving your car by yourself the very first time you get your licence, then getting into the seat of the car for the fifth time that day years later to run your kids somewhere. The moments seem the same but the emotion that goes with them creates memories that last a lifetime. Good or bad.

It’s like the older you get, the more it takes to evoke an emotion to link to moments you’d like to have, or even the moments you couldn’t care less about, like some advertisement on TV that made you cry because something sad happened (I know the girls will understand).

I’ve realised I’ve ended up on this road of life, feeling like my heart’s going down a different road. My experience and my reality are not the same.

I’m just hoping I can make the two meet up again down the track and not check out of the reality of my life.

It’s like Peter Pan, the boy who never wanted to grow up. Part of me can identify with this. Who wouldn’t want to live having all the fun and no responsibility? Part of my ability to cope with life is to try to relax and separate myself from the reality of the situation that needs my attention, as much as I can. I’m sure I’m not alone in this.

I believe there is a God and I try to do the best I can to know Him. I do spend time praying and reading my bible, so why can’t I deal with this obvious problem, emotional disconnect from reality? Maybe because when it comes down to it, I don’t really want to deal with heart stuff. I don’t want to really hear what God has to say about it. What if it is painful to hear? What if I have to get a bit of discipline and responsibility in my life?

Living in reality means wounds and wounds hurt. I can even name a few and am aware that I need to deal with them, but somehow by naming them I’ve used that as an excuse, for actually going deeper and dealing with it.

It’s like saying “wow, my leg’s broken,” and then not doing anything about it. To fix it, you decide you can just sit down and not walk on it. This may seem an answer to the issue in the moment, and truthfully, in the long term it will most likely heal. Just not how it should. You won’t feel the immediate pain anymore, but when you walk, you walk with a limo.

The passage that comes to mind is Proverbs 4: 20-27.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.

It’s all about paying attention to God and His word and keeping it in your Heart. I note that the most important message of wisdom was to “Above all else Guard your heart, for everything flows from it.”
Right – everything flows from it. So I needed some serious change of heart.

I’ve always looked at that verse and assumed that it was about protecting it from others, bad situations or issues that happen. However, on reflection, I think guarding your heart has more to do with how you think, feel or respond to situations. You’re the keeper of your heart and you, and only you, can allow what stays in there to colour it. You absolutely cannot stop what life throws at you, but you absolutely can decide how you’re going to process and move through it, allowing what will go, and what will stay to shape your life. So annoying, honestly, right there, is a reality of life I don’t feel like doing. Even as I write this it seems hard.

But in all my dislike, I am grown up enough to know that in the long term this would do me well. Like eating healthy. Doing exercise… All sounds okay, until you have to do it and you don’t feel like it!

I have had this light bulb moment of realisation: if you don’t deal with your “heart stuff,” you won’t have the emotional energy or right frame of mind going on to appreciate the moment in the moment, which is reality, for what it is.

Frankly I’m tired of this mismatch. I think it time to take a look, and be willing to not feel so good, while I sort out my heart.

Team Night: July 22

July 22, 2015 | nourishwomen

Hi Church!
We are so excited for all that is happening in Creative. There is a new thing brewing, a new hunger for the presence of God! We hope you are just as pumped to discover all that God has in store for us as a team, as a church and as individuals.

Tonight is Team Night! There will be time to let our hair down, time to pray together as a team, time to hear a brand new original song by one of our very own, and time for some masterclasses. There will be something for everyone, so make sure you get there and bring a buddy along with you!
And as if that wasn’t enough – there will also be PIZZA – so every reason to be there!

Team nights are all about gathering and connecting EVERYONE who is part of creative ministries, or anyone who would like to get involved. We seek to build a culture of belonging – so if you want to belong, you do! We are committed to helping you find your fit. Our vision is to “tell God’s story” through the creative arts in all it’s forms. At team nights, there are opportunities to develop our skills, as well as the chance to collaborate around our creative ideas.

Our creative team is open to everyone! Join us for Team Night tonight (6:15pm – 8:15pm)!
You’d be welcome! (and invite your friends to ‘try it out’)
We look forward to seeing you there!

Josh & Katie

Home is where the conviction is.

July 21, 2015 | nourishwomen

nourishwomen

Have you ever wanted to run away from home?

Most of us would have a memory of wanting to run away from home as a child, in varying degrees of seriousness! However, in recent times, I have been experiencing this desire for real, as a grown up. I’m sure I’m not alone!

I was ready to pack up my family and my dog (and my cat, at a stretch) and take off to find some sunshine.

You see, this year has been crazy (and yes, I’m well aware that we are only halfway through). My husband and I have stepped deeper into ministry than ever before and I’ve gone back to work full time for the first time since becoming a mum.

To say I’ve felt overwhelmed at times, would be an extreme understatement!

So, when we hit a significant setback in our university ministry and Simon lost his job…

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A Note from Dave: Sunday July 19

July 17, 2015 | nourishwomen

Hi everyone,

This year our theme is “ Do It Different” so we can make difference.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, the city was broken and defenseless. It had no influence or impact on the surrounding region. As work commenced on the walls, people started to take notice. The first responses from the surrounding people were cynical, mocking and critical. Basically Jerusalem had become a bit of a joke.

As the work progressed the mood changed and Jerusalem began to be taken more seriously, to the point where when:
all their enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.
(Nehemiah 6: 16 NIV)

To make a difference, God’s work in our lives needs to be evident and undeniable in our lives. Let’s not be discouraged about our imperfections and brokenness, but rather see it as an opportunity for God’s work to be seen and for our enemies to become disheartened.

Let’s engage “The God Factor” and we will continue to do it different and make a difference!

Sunday is shaping up to be very exciting with guest speaker Rudy from Planetshakers, baptisms, youth returning form camp and some parents of youth potentially in Church.

Lets come filled with faith and engage in pre-service prayer! We’re praying for salvations and new people to be connected.

See you in Church

Ps Dave

The Key: Part 4

July 12, 2015 | nourishwomen

The Bible tells us that the heart of every human has a door and that outside that door, salvation stands knocking: not a pounding, demanding knock, but a quiet, inquisitive tap.
“Are you listening?”
“Are you open?”
“Are you ready?”

Some hearts are open; they spring their doors wide at the first tap. Others are closed, cold, tightly protecting their inner chambers, indiscriminate of the nature of the intruder.

These locked up hearts have been slammed shut for a reason and often the key has been thrown away, lost.

But the one who stands just outside, gently tap-tapping, is an expert in finding that which has been lost. He finds the keys to those locked-tight hearts in the gutters and garbage of life, in mistakes and regrets. He holds those precious keys I. His scarred and bleeding hands momentarily and then, in an act of momentous trust, he passes them to us. To us is entrusted the opportunity to give those keys, those hearts, a chance to find a place in which they fit.

He chooses the imperfect to demonstrate a path to perfection. He uses those wrapped in natural flesh to make supernatural truth plain; to show those locked up hearts that beyond their barred doors, all hearts are, in essence, the same, because eternity is written on them all.

By Jen Grubb

A Note From Dave: Sunday July 12

July 11, 2015July 11, 2015 | nourishwomen

Hi everyone,
When Nehemiah was seeing great progress with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, in fact they nearly had the project nailed; there were no more gaps in the wall, all that remained was to hang the gates. The progress drew one last ditched effort from Sanballet and the enemies of Jerusalem. Sanballet hatched a cunning plan to draw Nehemiah down to one of the villages for what appeared to be nice warm peace talks, or even a few days holiday.

Nehemiah discerned that this was a trap and a distraction. I love his response: I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you? (Neh 6:3 NKLV)
It was Nehemiah’s connection to not just a good work, but a truly great work that meant he was able to discern the plot and not become distracted.

Distractions come our way all the time. There are many “Good” things that compete for our attention. When we’re connected to and part of a ‘Truly Great Work’, it’s much easier to see the distractions and pitfalls for what they are!

In the Kingdom we are connected to and part of a really Great work, that will help us to engage and focus in a way that stops distractions and prevents us majoring on minors and maintaining our Kingdom effectiveness.

We’re part of a great work as we build lives, families, a great church and community and ultimately the Kingdom.

Let’s continue to engage the focus factor, because God is doing a great work among us!

Dave

Postcard from Hillsong Conference – Pastor Dave

July 4, 2015 | nourishwomen

Hi everyone,
Alix and I and some of our team have had a brilliant week in Sydney at Hillsong. The theme this year was “Speak We’re Listening”, which was a great theme woven throughout the week; the importance of not just knowing God but recognising and tuning in to His voice.

Last night the message was powerful but incredibly personal to nearly all of the 30,000 people in the arena. Jenzen Franklin talked about Jacob wrestling with God.

We’re probably familiar with the thought that Jacob was not prepared to let go of God until He was blessed. But why did he need to wrestle all night? It wasn’t like God was struggling to over power him. The wrestle was all about Jacob – not God! God doesn’t change, nor does He need to prove Himself.

What God did need to do was get all of Jacob out of Jacob, so much so that He gave him a brand new name, which meant, “He who prevails or presses into God”. The struggle was to come to grips with who he really was and get to a point where he had “Power with God and favour with Man”.

Maybe we need to be more intentional or even aggressive as we press into God for the things that we’re believing for. As we do, He can bless us because we are empty of ourselves and can receive. We have a new name; the one that God has given us, not the one from our past, our disappointments, our hurts or people’s perceptions.

This Sunday let’s press into God like never before, walk in His favour and expect great things!

See you in church,

Dave

The Key: Part 3

July 4, 2015 | nourishwomen

He carefully chose the key from the bunch nestled together on the silver ring. It was larger than the rest, with special markings: three numbers and the letter A, clearly marked. It had an extra hole drilled through it and the locksmith’s details recorded, just in case.

He knew it was special. It was one of only a few, entrusted to a small group. It allowed him access to the building he stood before.

It was a privilege to hold one of these keys. He remembered the day he had been ushered into a tiny office and had signed his name in the book. The date next to his signature was a long time ago now, but the record of his privilege remained. With privilege had come responsibility. He’d been aware of these responsibilities on that day, and they remained at the forefront of his mind still as he typed the code into the keypad, the other kind of key which had also been entrusted to him so long ago.

The key had only been used on special occasions.

Today was cold and frosty; his hands stung as he fumbled the bunch of keys. It was early on Sunday morning. He was, as usual, the first there. His was the privilege of opening up for everyone else.

Carefully, he pushed the key into the lock, he twisted it slowly to the right, appreciating the perfect fit. The tumblers engaged, each of them clicking into place, each one vital to the success of the whole. He was in.

He punched in the code for the alarm, the six digits he knew so well that he didn’t need to look at the keypad. Already his eyes were sweeping the building, composing his list of tasks. There were the lights to switch on, the heaters to crank up, the coffee pot to be filled.

Few had the privilege of being first. He would open up, warm the building in preparation for the worshipers, prepare for the day with his service and his prayers. He couldn’t sing well and had never learned to play an instrument, but his praise was to be there at first light, preparing the way for the saints to gather. His praise was practical, but no less vital or valuable.

His master was smiling; “well done, well done my faithful one. Although your worship is invisible to many, it is precious to me. Well done, you know my heart, for you open the way for others.”

Written by Peter Swift