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Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me..." (Mt 28:18) You're not as a big a fan of change as you think you are. I used to think I was a lover of change. The truth is, I now realize I love change that I can control - which when you think about a typical week, is not as much as you might assume. In a year of major world events - including our bushfires closer to home, and then the global pandemic - change has been thrust upon us, and it's been change none of us have had much control over. There are many reasons why we resist change. Here's a few from a helpful Harvard Business Review article worth reading if you're interested. We resist change: When it implies a loss of our personal agency. When it implies increasing future uncertainty. When it comes upon us suddenly. When it throws our patterns of life out of whack. The list goes on, but I have experienced each of these states this year, and I'm sure you have too. But we haven't been able to choose this global change, so we've just had to accept it, right? Maybe... Change versus transition I've got some good resources of change that I am drawing upon for these posts. An important point to first understand in any context of effective change is the difference between change and transition: "Change is the new situation we are trying to create [a new job, a new relationship, a new pattern of behaviour, a new way of life in the world]. Transition is the psychological process [we] have to go through to reach or create the new situation. If you want to change jobs then the change is the nature of the new job. The transition starts long before the change and continues long after you have begun the new job." [p.90, The L Factor, Ian Jagelman] To put this all into the context of the year 2020. We've experienced a totally new set of situations thrust upon us since COVID-19 went global, but with limited to no time to transition into the new situation to start with. This is why: You may have experienced heightened and non-specific anxiety early in COVID-19 developing. You may have gotten deeply frustrated with situations, people, or processes you otherwise did not prior to COVID-19. You may have experienced feelings similar to mourning, grief, loss and despair at points throughout this whole time. You may have experienced a heightened sense of stress in an area of personal vulnerability during this time - a predisposition to worry is aggravated, or anxiety, or nervousness, etc. This is the psychological lag of having change forced upon us we had no chance to get ready for. Give yourself permission to feel these psychological states. Name them - they are, in part at least, the result of having change forced upon you without the time to psychologically adjust. But we're not going to get stuck in these states. You've hopefully steadied the ship over the last few months. But the truth of it is, no matter if you have or haven't, we're going to be experiencing more changes in the coming months and years ahead, the scale of which is unknown. So how do we do this year of significant change well and not get stuck? Together. With God. And His wisdom. Together - I may have given you cause for a little relief in acknowledging the impacts of this year upon me. That's because we need to realize - we're not the only ones struggling with things. If you haven't already, get on the phone, this week, and talk out what's been hard in this time with a trusted friend. Better yet, book them in for a coffee and talk things over. With God - It was Jesus who said, "All authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18) in one of His final resurrection appearances before returning to heaven. God is in charge right now with full authority - and He is for us. This is reason for comfort, for praise, and for seeking His guidance through prayer and reading His word. God has got this year, and we're with Him. And His wisdom - God's word and God's world are full of wisdom to shed light on these challenging times. We're going to seek out His wisdom together over the coming few weeks. Study change in the bible Over the coming weeks, we're going to unpack the change that God brought about in and through Israel - from being a slave people in Egypt to being a free people in the Promised Land. God is the great leader of change, but He makes it about more than change for change sake. God is about our transformation. From something lesser, to something greater. From something we were not, to something we never thought we could be. Over the next few weeks, we're going to see how we can become more of who He calls us to be, led by Him, rather than get stuck or left behind in this season. Let's together, with God, find His wisdom to become more of who we're destined to be in a world that has changed, is changing, and will continue to change - global pandemic or not. #change #transition #transformation #becoming #COVID #wisdom

"No one who has treated me with such repeated contempt will see [the Promised Land].” [‭‭Numbers‬ ‭14:23,‬ ‭MSG‬‬] These are pretty arresting words from God. There's a cycle that the people have "repeated" - contempt that has brought on God's appropriate judgement. How do we break such cycles of negativity, towards God, towards ourselves, towards the world around us? 10 Israelite leaders were the latest to practice this contempt of God - but the Israelite's hadn't long moved beyond their previous decision to treat God and His promises with great disrespect. Notice it takes repeated contempt against God to bring on the judgement of God. We must never make the mistake of allowing the final decision of God to judge our poor choices to create a picture of a vengeful and vindictive Deity just looking to pick out our ever misstep and mistake. But the question remains: How do we break such cycles of negativity towards God, ourselves, and the world around us? Fear You are thinking, "what are you on about?" Fear is key to breaking the cycle of negativity. But not just any fear. Fear of God. It's referred to throughout the bible, especially in the Old Testament (E.g., Psalm 111:10), but also in the New Testament: "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience." (2 Co 5:11) It sounds like Paul, who wrote this above quoted verse, is speaking with great freedom - working to persuade people because he had nothing to hide from God or the Corinthian church. The fear of the Lord brings freedom. Sounds like a sentence that doesn't make sense. How can fear bring freedom? Avoid or Advance If we live a life where we listen to the negative - towards God, ourselves, and the world around us - we end up without trust in God and we soon enough find ourselves in stuck in places lacking faith, hope and the power to fulfill the destiny God has got us on the planet to advance into. Avoiding the scary or hard only reinforces the belief that you cannot handle it. On the other hand, facing our negativity towards God, ourselves and the world around us teaches us to discover His all-sufficient grace and strength for every situation and need. Facing your challenges is never going to be easy - the Israelite's did have to fight the Canaanites who were a formidable enemy. But, as Jesus Himself teaches us in the New Testament: "With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mt 19:26) A healthy fear of God keeps us with the God for whom all things are possible. The Israelite's in Numbers got into a cycle of negativity and fear of everything but God. Get a healthy fear of being against God, which is another way of explaining what the fear of God is, keeps you with the Mighty Maker of Heaven and Earth. Only He can break any and every cycle. Only He can help you advance into the destiny He made you for. So as we go about this week and start really going back into the world, remember to keep examining how you think and interpret things and focus on being with God, rather than against Him. Written collaboratively by Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist) and Rob. #Lockdowntoolkit #Faith #Hope

"Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, “Let’s go up and take the land—now. We can do it." But the others said, “We can’t attack those people; they’re way stronger than we are.” [‭‭Numbers‬ ‭13:30-33,‬ ‭MSG‬‬] In previous weeks we have talked about how Joshua and Caleb returned to the Israelites describing a completely different promised land to their 10 other companions. We know that all men visited the same land but their perspective ended up entirely different. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and choose to focus on the positive; the other men focused on the negative. Similarly, we know that in any situation we can choose what we focus on – what perspective we take. Our attribution biases will influence how we initially interpret the situation, but we have the ability to stop, take a second to observe how we are thinking and then chose to think about it a different way – a Godly, positive way. This is known as our “observing self” and the more we engage in our observing self the easier it becomes to get to a Godly, positive perspective on our situation. So how do we do this? I want to you start by imagining that you are standing in the middle of the road – the M7 perhaps. All around you are cars, truck and motorbikes rushing past you. Some are slow and steady; others are moving very fast. Its noisy and overwhelming and probably a little scary when that Double B truck is coming right at you. Now these cars, motorbikes and trucks represent the thoughts, emotions, memories, ideas in your mind. Anything and everything that is going through your brain at any one time. Some of these thoughts are fleeting; for example, a 'motorbike' thought like “I wonder what is for dinner tonight”; others may last longer, like remembering the slower 'truck' of an argument you had with your partner last night. Often, as these thoughts pass by, we end up inside the vehicle, surrounded by the memory instead of calmly crossing the road. Now I want you to look at the side of the road. Notice that there is a large, open park with a very comfortable seat positioned looking at the road. Slowly, carefully, make your way to the side of the road and onto the seat. You may find that as you walk to the side of the road you accidentally end up in a few other thought vehicles along the way. Recognise this, hop out and keep walking. Eventually you will get to the side of the road. Take a seat in the comfy chair and start to relax. Look back at the road in front of you and notice the cars. Look at their shape, colour, their size. While you are there, start noticing that there are other cars, trucks, motorcycles. These vehicles represent other perspectives on your life. I want you to consider them – consider how they can help you or not. The person standing on the side of the road is your “observing self” and by practicing exercises such as this, it is possible to start thinking about and seeing your life in a different, more Godly and positive perspective. So, this week, give it a try and see if you can get to know your observing self. Written by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist). #Lockdowntoolkit #Faith #Hope

"Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night." [Numbers 14:1] Sometimes it’s really hard to quieten the voice of fear or doubt when it is whispering to you. Especially in these uncertain times, when both the mainstream media and social media can be quite focussed on reporting the negative, maintaining a Godly and positive perspective can be tricky. In Numbers 14, Joshua rebukes the Israelites for being afraid of the people of Canaan, reminding them that “the Lord is with us; do not fear them” (Numbers 14:9). Similarly, we can know that God is with us during this time and we can “cast our anxieties on him” (1 Peter 5:7). Specific techniques to help with doing this can include: Prayer with God - Psalm 40:1 tells us that in "waiting patiently" for the Lord He "turns to us and hears our cry." Reading the Bible - when you're unsettled, focus on a really short passage or verse of scripture and think on it and how it relates to you right now. Visualisation techniques - imagine physically handing God a bag full of your worries. It's amazing how tangible this makes letting go of things. Writing a letter/journal - To God about your thoughts and fears, and ask for His help and perspective. Written and sourced by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist). #Lockdowntoolkit #Faith #Hope

"The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us." [Numbers 14:7-8] In Numbers 13 and 14, Moses sends 13 men to explore the Promised Land of Canaan. Ten of them return describing the people who lived there as “strong” and the cities “fortified” (Numbers 13:28). They did not believe that the Israelites could defeat the men and were afraid. Meanwhile Caleb and Joshua, who also went, reported instead that the land was “exceedingly good” and that God “will bring us into this land and give it to us” (Numbers 14:7). Much like these men, we also interpret situations, experiences and events. Most of the time, however, we do it automatically; without even thinking about it. These “attribution biases” then influence how we respond – whether it is deciding to trust in God and therefore present an optimistic account to the Israelites like Caleb & Joshua did or being fearful and deciding to present a negative account like the 10 other spies did. Although we do this automatically, we also have the ability to reflect upon how we respond and with God's help choose differently. So, this week, as you go about your daily activities, reflect on your inner (and outer) thoughts. Are they positive, helpful or uplifting? Or are they negative, fearful and pessimistic? And if they are, reflect on how to change them. We'll be speaking to this more over the coming weeks. Written and sourced by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist). #Lockdowntoolkit #Faith #Hope

"Over the next two weeks, we are going to explore some different strategies that will help you manage and even thrive in these uncertain times." Wondering how to thrive in the midst of our current COVID-19 Restrictions? Here are this weeks 4 strategies, in full, to put in place or to reflect on in light of your current practices to help us all not simply survive but thrive in these current times: Get some sunlight - God created this world in all of its beauty and glory (Genesis 1) and said that it was “good”. Spending time outside (while maintaining social distancing) is important for maintaining good mental and physical health. Stay connected to others - God said that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Remaining connected to your friends and family; whether it is through text messages, phone calls or online catch ups. Try Mindfulness - Mindfulness is a form of meditation which is focused on being conscious of and observing the present moment while acknowledging and accepting one’s feeling, thoughts and physical sensation. God encourages us to “renew” our mind (Romans 12:2) and to schedule time to rest and relax (i.e. the Sabbath). There is an app called “Abide” which is a Christian Meditation App; alternatively you can visit here for some free audio recordings. Seek support and help - Sometimes, no matter what we do, we need additional care and support. While turning to God will always help, God has also placed in our lives additional care and support. Even Moses was counselled by his father in law, who encouraged him to seek support from others (Exodus 18:14- 15). Talk to members of your care group, the church Pastors, your GP or visit Beyond Blue for a list national helplines and websites. Most importantly, if you feel you are in crisis, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) for support. Written and sourced by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist).

"Send someone you miss a hug via the mail." We all have friends, family and loved ones that we haven’t been able to see or hug in a number of weeks now. This week, I encourage you to get in touch with someone you or your family haven’t been able to see and send them some love. You could even mail a hug! See these pictures for a fun craft idea [Link to the originator of this idea HERE]. Written and sourced by our Kids Church Leader, Jacqui French.

"Over the next two weeks, we are going to explore some different strategies that will help you manage and even thrive in these uncertain times." Wondering how to thrive in the midst of our current COVID-19 Restrictions? Over the next two weeks, we are going to explore some different strategies that will help you manage and even thrive in these uncertain times. You'll find below 4 key strategies to put in place or to reflect on in light of your current practices to help us all not simply survive but thrive in these current times: . Look to God Your Father - God is our Father who loves us and is faithful to us (Deuteronomy 7:9). He instructs us to cast our anxiety on him and turn to him in times of strife (Philippians 4:6-7). It is through regular communication with God via prayer and reading the Bible that he will comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3). Keep to a daily routine - God made the world with a natural rhythm (Genesis 1) and we would be wise to take note of this, and practice likewise. Maintain or modify your previous routine. Go to bed and wake up the same time, eat your regular meals and keep a clear boundary between your work and home hours. Exercise regularly - God described our body as his temple (1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20), and we need to treat it with respect. Further, it has been shown that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and help improve your physical health; all it takes is 30 minutes of brisk walking, five times per week. Have compassion for yourself and others - It is important to recognize that this is a challenging and confronting time for humanity globally. It is normal and understandable for you (and others) to have a variety of emotional responses. God calls us to “love our neighbour as [ourselves]” (Mark 12:28 - 31) and “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Some particular ways to demonstrate compassion to yourself (and others) can include watching the language you use to describe yourself and others; treat yourself the way you treat others or practice techniques (for additional information about self-compassion see this article on God's love as our self-compassion source. And if you want some techniques, go to this site here and particularly use the "Practices" tab) Written and sourced by our Hospitality Leader, Ashleigh Crosilla (who is also a qualified Psychologist).

"Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them." [1 John 5:10a, GWT] "Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!" [1 Thessalonians 1:8, MSG] The verses today are quite powerful to think on. We have the testimony of God in us. How often do I think of my story as not that impressive, or not enough, or not particularly exciting or inspiring. How much have I missed the truth of 1 John 5:10. I don’t just have any story to tell. I have the testimony of God Himself to tell the world around me. And I have that testimony at work in me. This connects so strongly to 1 Thessalonians 1:8 in The Message. As I embrace the testimony of God in me, and at work in me, I surely become the message of God to my world. I carry the most impressive, the most full and complete, the most exciting and inspiring story that I could ever carry in me. The testimony of God Himself. The testimony of God, becoming in me, and being declared through me. In my heart, in my words, and in my deeds. Oh God, may you cause your testimony to dwell even more richly, and deeply, in me. May the fruit of this rich dwelling in me be the transformation of my heart and mind, and the easy and free telling of the testimony of God to the hungry and needy world around me. In Jesus name, Amen. Written by Ps Rob Waugh #Testimony #Yourstory #ShareYourStory

"For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." (Job 10:8, TLB) "They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!” (Isaiah 43:21, GNT) When I became a Christian in August 1984, such a love and relief consumed me.  I was then baptised in the Holy Spirit in May 1985 and my heart and passion changed.  I didn’t care what anyone thought about me, I wanted to serve Jesus till the day I die.  In 1986 I joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and spent the next 3 years (for me Bible College) – learning about God, learning how to hear from the Holy Spirit, and learning how to sacrifice my personal desire for “His Kingdom”. I came to the following conclusions: Begin – serve in something and God will reveal your gifts, purpose and passion along the way. Everything is an opportunity.  If you are asked – say yes.  Along the way God reveals what you are good at and what you need to work on. As we give (financially and in service) – God gives back to us.  He reveals Himself to us.  He reveals our Heart within us. AS WE DO AND BECOME – GOD REVEALS. It is a discovery of ourselves and a discovery of God Himself God gave me a scripture in 1988 when I left YWAM Hong Kong.  John 21 v 15-19 – “Susan feed my sheep, Susan feed my lambs, Susan take care of my sheep”. In 2004 – I felt the Lord lead me back to this scripture and He said to me:  “I called YOU to be a Pastor, not because you married Richard.” 16 YEARS!!  A similar time to Joseph imprisonment. I discovered WHAT I AM HERE FOR.  I discovered that I AM Loved. Lord for everyone who reads this may you give them a scripture – a life scripture.  Help everyone to discover the meaning of their lives along their journey.  Reveal it to them we pray. Written by Ps. Sue Botta #WhatOnEarthAmIHereFor #Testimony #LifeCHANGE

"So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love." [1 Corinthians 13:3b, MSG)] "And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love." [2 John 1:6, NCV] These 2 verses have a lot to say about love. No matter what I say, believe or do, I’m bankrupt without love. I looked up ‘bankrupt’ and it means “completely lacking, impoverished or depleted.” So everything I do and everything I say is “completely lacking” and “impoverished” unless I do it or speak it in love, even if what I am doing is a good thing. For example – it is good to give to others who may be in need, but if I do it resentfully, or even just dutifully, without giving in love, my actions are as poverty-stricken as their wallet may be! Doing and saying everything in love is a hard ask! I know that I fail in this many times each day. Sometimes I act selfishly, sometimes I act in anger or jealousy, sometimes I just act mechanically, doing whatever seems to be the most efficient timewise, without taking the time to love. What is the opposite of being bankrupt in love? The answer is in the second verse above. God commands us to live a life of love. That means choosing to love in everything we do and say, not just when we feel warm towards others. In fact, we are showing more love if we choose to act lovingly when we don’t feel like it, than when we do. How do I do this? I think it starts with loving God and asking him to give us his everlasting and complete love for others. It is making a commitment every day to look for opportunities to love others and then choosing to act on them. How often do I think of doing something which I know will bless someone else, but then run out of time (not prioritise it) or not bother (act selfishly)? Heavenly Father, thank you for your absolute and complete love for each one of us. Please help me to follow you – to see the opportunities you give me to show love to others, and to take them. Please work in me Holy Spirit, so I can grow in knowledge and depth of love. Written by Megan Cornell

"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." [Numbers 6:25, NLT] "Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live." [Ps 119:135, MSG] The point to ponder is “God smiles when I trust him”, and I find the word “smile” rather challenging, especially as it is telling me that God smiles at me when I trust him. For me, the word smile is a very personal, a very friendly expression. To smile at someone is a way of showing that you like that person, that they are a friend, or that you want to be friends with them. It is an action that draws you closer to a person. So, when God instructs Moses and Aaron to bless Israel with these words, it is a reminder that God wants to be close to us, not distant. The blessing continues “and be gracious to you”. I can think of many times when I fall short of what I think God expects or demands, things that should or can create distance between me and God. But in this blessing, God wants to be gracious, he will be gracious, and he is understanding of our mistakes. We will try to please God, try to trust him, try to do so many things, and fail, yet God is gracious to us and smiles at us. We may think that our mistakes push God away, but they don’t. God is gracious to us and his smile invites us to come closer to him. Father, thank you for your smile, thank you for your grace towards us, thank you for drawing us closer to you. Teach us the right way to live. Written by Andrew Martin #WhatOnEarthAmIHereFor #Purpose P.s. If you would like to follow our blog series alongside our What On Earth Am I Here For preaching series, follow the link here