But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

Just one question: How prepared are you to give an answer for your faith in Jesus?  For many of us whenever we are asked about our hope we are not sure where to start.  Try starting by telling others the difference Christ has made in your life.  People cannot argue with your own personal story.  Testimonies of how you came to Christ can be a really powerful tool that God can use.  Writing your own testimony may help you to be “prepared” to give the reason for the hope that you have.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.  All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:1 – 3

Another reminder that all my plans, no matter how pure my motive and how good my intentions are, they are imperfect. Lord, help me to commit all my ways to you, that I might give you room to establish your plans in my life and your church.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13

In Christ we are enjoy a wonderful freedom. Paul wrote to a people who had been used to conforming to many rules and regulations as part of their religion. The point of this verse is not about us doing whatever we like but rather that we should think of the impact our actions will have on others who still struggle with some of the restrictions on how a Christian should live.  How can you show consideration for others in what you do this week?

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11

It is not a difficult thing to make connections with people in our community. There will always be those around us with needs. What a great place to start connecting. Lord, show us where the needs around us are and give us the strength, courage and resources to meet those needs.

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Romans 15:20

Instead of building on someone else’s foundation, preach the Gospel where Christ has not been known yet.  There are always people, communities and areas like that.  The harvest is always plentiful.  Do not ‘ease’ your ministry by ministering where there is already someone’s foundation.  That may not be the place where you may experience God at work in you and through you.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38

In today’s world of immediate gratification and lack of patience we are often pray quickly and just as quickly, stop praying, often thinking that God didn’t hear us. Today’s verse reminds us of perseverance in prayer. The verse is about Jesus closest disciples who failed to stay awake in one of Christ’s most challenging hours but it also an encouragement to us, as Christ continues to love and teach his disciples to grow in their relationship with Him.

1.  Connecting with God and expecting Him to act
2.  Prayerful dependence
3.  Dynamic leadership
4.  Discerning our context
5.  Healthy and vibrant relationships
6.  Appropriate and functional systems for effective ministry
7.  Active participation in mission.

Intentional ministry is the 2012 theme for Queensland Baptists.

Connecting with God and expecting Him to act.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Focus plus presence equals steadfastness!  Life is not about me, but God! Keep God in sight – always.  How do I fit in with Him?  Acknowledge His intimate presence.  He will NEVER leave or forsake you.  Steadfast, unwavering, firm, constant, integrity.  Hallelujah, what a Saviour!  

…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:5

Paul the Apostle knew the power of team when it came to mission.  He referred to the Philippian church as being partners in the gospel.  Their partnership with Paul came in the form of warm fellowship, prayer support and they also helped to meet Paul’s physical needs while he was in prison.  Mission is so much more effective when it is not just “me”, but “we” at work with God to fulfill the Great Commission.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10

How often have you heard of people who are skeptical of churches because they think the church is full of hypocrites and people who don’t get on together? Our unity and how we treat one another does not only impact church life but is part of our testimony to the wider world. How can we contribute to the unity of our local church?

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27

Understanding who God is and all he has done is foundational to loving him with our whole being. Loving our neighbors is often dependant on God’s love indwelling us. When we truly love our neighbors, like Christ, we will understand who they are, see their needs and begin to earn the right to share God’s love with them.