Last week I met a man, we’ll call him “M“, who was dealing with a lot of regret. The hopes and dreams M had for his daughter didn’t pan out, resulting in a teen pregnancy. The desires and plans he had for his grandson were dashed by a jail sentence when the boy was 21 years old.

M was so hopeless. He told me he wondered what things would be like if he had made different decisions.

In the few minutes we chatted, I could see the weight of regret weighing M down. I reminded him that his grandson made the decisions that landed him where it has. His daughter made her choices, despite M‘s requests that she not sleep with her then-boyfriend. M felt regret over things that were out of his control. The only thing I felt I could do was pray for M and his family and remind him that there is still hope for them.

Whether they are decisions we have made or that have been made for us, we all experience some level of regret over life’s choices. Please remember that those choices do not have to be the end for you. There is still hope. There is still time to make a change, get a second chance or ask for forgiveness. Do what needs to be done. Don’t get stuck in a cycle of regret, beating yourself up or tearing yourself down over the past. Make the change.

 Seek God’s Will:

Most of us have asked questions about our future and wondered if God has a definite plan or opinion in the matter. With that in mind, here is some good news: God is vitally interested in your life, and He does want to lead you in your decisions.

Jesus called his followers friends (see John 15:15). As God’s friend you already have an ‘inside track’ in discovering God’s will for your life. It is called the Bible. There you will find God’s general will for your life (such as putting God first in all you do and following God’s guidelines for marriage, relationships etc.), as well as some principles to follow when seeking his specific direction in your life. In the end, finding God’s will comes down to living out what you read in the Bible and then living by faith. Here are six steps you can take as you seek God’s will.

1. Unconditionally surrender your life. Certain conditions must be met if you want to know God’s will for your life (see Romans 12: 1 – 2).
2. Realize that God has a plan for your life. Your life has purpose and meaning, and God wants to reveal it to you (Ephesians 1:7 – 9).
3. Act upon what God has already revealed in scripture. God has already given us some specific guidelines to follow in his Word (1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 8).
4. Trust God completely. There is nothing more reassuring than entrusting an unknown future to a known God (Philippians 4:6 – 7)
5. Listen to God’s voice. Sometimes God speaks to us in a quiet voice (John 10:27).

High Impact Network

Pastor, do you want to equip your Sunday school personnel/youth leaders to teach without any hindrance and without technology, now is the opportunity!!! Walk Thru the Bible and Kidz at Heart would like to invite you and your Sunday school personnel/youth leaders to the Kidz at Heart teaching scheduled to take place on Wednesday 08 and Thursday 09 May 2013 from 09h00 to 17h00 at the Agape Family Church, Kathlehong.

As a High Impact Network Member you are invited to attend the teaching on an exclusive offer of R200.00 per person for both days (Save R100.00) Please click on Kidz at Heart to register  on line for this LifeChanging learning experience. Please remember to indicate when registering that you are a High Impact Network member and furnish your unique High Impact Network number to qualify for your discount. Do not miss out…On this and other training opportunities.

More on Kidz at Heart:

KidZ at Heart training is designed to equip those who work with children to teach creatively, in ways that help them to really engage with God’s Word and learn how to have a growing, personal relationship with Him. Since a child’s beliefs and values are developed in early childhood and firmly established by the early teens, a church’s commitment to the spiritual formation of its children is a wise investment that will reap eternal dividends.

The following themes are covered:
How KidZ L.E.A.R.N. best
8 Wonderful Ways KidZ L.E.A.R.N.
Bring the Bible to Life
How to Lead a Child to Christ
Helping KidZ L.E.A.R.N. to Pray

The addition of KidZ at Heart ‘live’events to the Walk Thru the Bible training calendar will provide additional opportunities for churches to strengthen their impact, by equipping them to reach children for Christ, disciple them to become mature believers, and instill in them a vision to make a difference in their communities and the world!

For more KidZ at Heart and other LifeChanging teaching opportunities please click on ‘Live’ Events: Schedule

These opportunities are subject to: Limited-time availability and offer could be withdrawn at any time; only while applicable stocks last. This offer expires on Monday 06 May 2013. South African VAT inclusive; Shipping additional. Interested? Please submit the online response, BELOW, today, or call 011-782-4222. Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to enlarge your personal growth.

For more LifeChanging resources available to you feel free to look at our online catalogue on LifeChange Warehouse.com

“Until Every Community Is Impacted!!!

Walk Thru the Bible
E-mail: info@wtb.co.za
Tel: (011) 782-4222    Fax: (011) 782-3977
International Tel: +27-11-782-4222 International Fax: +27-11-782-3977
Postal Address: P.O. Box 48690, Roosevelt Park, South Africa, 2129
Web Site: www.bible.org.za

High Impact Network

I always wondered if it is really possible to overcome some lifelong habits and bad decisions which so negatively influenced my life. Until a friend introduced me to the Miracle of Life Change DVD curriculum presented by Chip Ingram.  I managed to get hold of this audio kit and while driving in the hectic traffic managed to spend more quality time listening to it again. This DVD and audio series managed to let me understand that one can become the person God meant one to be. Chip Ingram took me through the principles of transformation of life change and also gave me five stages of spiritual training that equipped me for success in my transformation process. (Manny Gonsalves)

Pastor, do you want to equip your members to experience a real Miracle of LifeChange?  

As a High Impact Network Member Walk Thru the Bible would like to grant you the opportunity to teach your Congregation, small groups and Community on the “Miracle of LifeChange”. The Miracle of LifeChange DVD Curriculum is available to you on an exclusive benefit of R395.00 each (includes 1 free study guide, resource CD and 1 free Miracle of LifeChange audio kit)

The Miracle of LifeChange DVD Kit contains 4 DVD’s with 10 teaching sessions and includes a resource CD with course outlines, leaders guide, A2-, A3- and A4 posters and an A5 pamphlet and the audio CD Kit contains 6 audio CD’s with 6 teaching sessions. Make traveling on long distances or in peak hours, worth your while and equip yourself for real life change.

These opportunities are subject to: Limited-time availability and offer could be withdrawn; only while applicable stocks last. This offer expires on 31 May 2013. South African VAT inclusive; shipping additional. Interested? Please submit the online response, BELOW, today, or call 011-782-4222. Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to enlarge your personal growth.

For more LifeChanging resources available to you feel free to look at our online catalogue on LifeChange Warehouse

“Until Every Community Is Impacted!!!

I realised again that children need to be a part of the lesson. I also learned how important it is to prepare well for each lesson.

Lurenzo Groom

Asking the right question during a lesson is very important – it tests the children’s understanding and helps them think about what they have learned.

Gift Chiloane

It is important to simplify lessons to the level of the specific age group that you work with.

Wendy

I enjoyed presenting the Bible story, because I love teaching children.

Nelio Khumalo

I learned that in children’s ministry you need to consider all the children when preparing a lesson and you should always prepare well.

Zodwa Mabiyela

I enjoyed everything, but especially presenting a lesson to the other groups.

Robyn Helling (12 years old)

I never realised before how important it is to ask meaningful questions during a lesson!

Yika Thandeka

I remembered the lessons we presented to each other better because of the way it was presented: I can trust God always because He will help me in difficult situations to overcome! I will remember this during the year when I go through hard times.

Roce

The way I think about kids has changed. I always thought of children’s ministry as serious and boring. Now I will be able to present lessons differently and teach the Word of God differently.

Hloni Mncube

Application and one key point = very important!

Kholeka Mngoma

I enjoyed the singing and making up new songs and I have learned to build relationships with children.

Roce  (Joshua group, MES)

The teaching on multiple intelligences was very meaningful to me, I understand myself better. The ideas I got will be very helpful for our outreaches!

Marlinée (UJ student)

I will be able to use everything I have learned. I learned not to be narrowly-minded, but to be open to new ideas, to be more effective in children’s ministry.

Ute (UJ student)

The singing and acting and stories were so much fun! The most important thing I have learned is to apply Biblical truths to the lives of the children. I have grown in these 2 days. My views have been changed on how to handle kids. I am proud to have taken part in this course.

Mikovhe (Joshua group, MES)

I learned how to relate to different age groups. I love children even more now! I grew closer to the Lord.

Nelio (Joshua group, MES)

The L.E.A.R.N. principle opened up my eyes. I also realised how important it is to apply the Word of God to the children’s lives. It is also important to make the lessons fun and practical for kids.These 2 days enhanced my spiritual life.

Tubatsi (Joshua group, MES)

Children need to participate in the lessons, in that way they remember it better. This training will be very useful in our work!

Esther (Joshua group, MES)

It was a wonderful and fun experience for me. I have never done something like this before. It confirmed what I know – I love to work with kids.

Malehlohonolo (Joshua group, MES)

The session I enjoyed the most was on story-telling and I realised how effective it can be in our work with the children. I also learned not to use big words when working with children.

Kholeka (Joshua group, MES)

I enjoyed being part of the lessons and stories. The session on prayer really opened up my eyes and taught me how to talk with God!

Gift (Joshua group, MES)

The KidZ At Heart training made me more interested and curious about children’s ministry. I have learned a lot and I will encourage others to do the training as well.

Zodwa (Joshua group, MES)

Lessons should not be boring! I have learned to put myself on the level of the children and to have fun. I am so thankful to MES for sending us on this training.

Gugulethu (Joshua group, MES)

I didn’t know there were so many different techniques to tell stories!

Thandeka (Joshua group, MES)

I always thought restless kids are just plain naughty. Now I know that it might just be a kinaesthetic-learner! The training was fun and very productive.

Mbali (Joshua group, MES)

I feel more confident and equipped to work with children, thank you.

Lurenzo (Joshua group, MES)

The whole program was enjoyable and I have learned so much – it has changed the way I have been thinking about presenting lessons and teaching kids.

Wendy (Joshua group, MES)

Helping kids to pray was a powerful session.

Ntombi (Joshua group, MES)

- Ephesians 4:29

Finding the negatives in any situation can be the easiest thing to do. You could be in the most spectacular location with your favourite people (or alone if you prefer) and having the best day of your life! But despite all that, some of us still focus on what’s missing or what’s not perfect.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Yes, there are times when we should have serious conversations of the not-so-fun variety. But when the opportunity arises spread joy, life and hope with what you say. Make every word count!

Summer is a time for challenge and change, so this summer we dare you to listen to your words. Are they joyful or angry? Do they build others up or tear them down? Are they encouraging or crushing? Keep an eye on what you say and if all else fails, just do what the folks from ImprovEverywhere did!

I was hanging out with some friends one night when we were in high school, and we decided to go get some pizza. A good friend of mine was old enough to have her driver’s license, so, of course, she drove.

When we finished eating and came out of the restaurant, we noticed she had a flat tire. “We’ll take care of this,” a couple of us guys confidently volunteered. It didn’t seem to matter that I had no idea how to change a tire. I wanted to help.

She had a weird jack that you twisted instead of pumped up and down, so I rifled through her glove compartment in search of an owner’s manual. (Like I said, I’m not very handy.) As I was looking, I came across an envelope with her name on it. It said, “In case of an accident, read this.”

That’s pretty weird, I thought. But this was in the same ballpark as an accident, so I opened the envelope. Then my conscience caught up with the fact that the envelope had her name on it, so I handed it to her. “Hey, you better open this,” I said.

She pulled out a note, read it, and then started to cry and handed it to a couple of us. Under the lights of the parking lot, we could barely make it out. “If you are reading this,” it said, “it probably means you’ve been in an accident. And you’re probably wondering now what’s going to happen when you call and tell me that you’ve wrecked the car. I just want you to know that a car can be repaired, and if it can’t be repaired, it can be replaced. But you’re the only daughter I have, and if you’re okay and you’re reading this, then this is really a great day after all. So please don’t be afraid to call me. Let’s get this fixed. I love you, Dad.”

That’s a great illustration of how a parent’s compassion focuses on the person, not the behavior. In the story of the Prodigal Son, when did the father feel compassion? Before the son confessed. Even before the father could verify his son’s repentance, his love overflowed. I’m sure he had hopes for complete repentance, but he really didn’t know. In fact, he didn’t even know after the son said all the right things, because words are easy when someone is as hungry as the son was. But it was encouraging just to see the boy come home. His father chose to focus on him, not his behavior.

Jesus demonstrated this. “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36). Why? Was it because they were so repentant? Because they were so righteous, or because they were really good people? No, none of that is even mentioned. He had compassion because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34 adds an interesting detail: “So he began teaching them many things.” The pattern is that compassion is the internal feeling that prompts us to take action. Whether that’s giving to the poor, ministering to those who are hurting, teaching, forgiveness, giving a hug, writing a note, or making a call, compassion shows itself in what we do.

The hard part for a parent is navigating that tension between our compassion for our children and allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions. We want them to learn discipline without short-circuiting the process with mercy. At the same time, we’re filled with compassion. Sometimes a situation calls for grace.

How do we know when to enforce discipline and when to mercifully withhold it? I believe that’s the job of the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us. When we’re filled with compassion, that may be a signal that it’s time for grace. It’s His way of specifically directing us. Our sense of compassion is often a prompt from Him.

Regardless of the situation, we need to remember: discipline focuses on a child’s behavior, but compassion is deeper. It focuses on the person. If we follow the model of the prodigal’s father—and the father of my friend with a flat tire—we’ll remember which is the greater priority.

For more on Raise Up a Child click here

Phil Tuttle is the President of Walk Thru the Bible International

What exactly is a total commitment? Listen to Chip Ingram explain this view in this free message download:

How to give God what He wants most

To learn more about the r12 Church Campaigns, click here.

In the last edition of “Postcards,” I said that if we are going to change an organization, we must begin by changing ourselves.  Change is not a once and for all kind of thing – if only it were that easy.  No, changing ourselves is a lifelong process.  Not only that, but we must be intentional about how we want to change.  I have found that:

(Remember what we learned last time)

1) When you change your thinking, you change your beliefs.

2) When you change your beliefs, you change your expectations.

We pick up this week by understanding that:

3) When you change your expectations, you change your attitude.

Positive expectations produce feelings of excitement, desire, conviction, confidence and enthusiasm.  Here is where a natural-born pessimist can re-program his or her basic outlook on life. What a difference it makes when you expect the best, not the worst – the possible, not the impossible!

4) When you change your attitude, you change your behavior.

Once we begin to see change as being the key to a better future, it’s easy to modify our behavior accordingly.  Going the extra mile no longer seems out of the question; in fact, we do so willingly, knowing it is taking us closer to where we want to go.

5) When you change your behavior, you change your performance.

I find that we often make two mistakes in this area.  First, we often sit around and wait for God to change our circumstances. Second, we wait for circumstances to change our behavior.  Is it any wonder that some people change so little?

I’ve seen the following changes in my own life as I’ve applied these principles.  When I began to change my normally playful behavior and became more disciplined, it opened up a myriad of opportunities for me.  When I changed my bent toward people-pleasing to become a God-pleaser, I began to make tremendous strides as a leader.  When I broadened my focus from the local church to a national focus, it resulted in a burdened heart for leaders, especially pastors.  When I shifted my behavior from being a leader of people to a leader of leaders, I began to see exponential growth around me.  This is all to say:

6) When you change your performance, you change your life.

Most people fail to see that life is moving on at a rapid speed. None of us have all the time we’d like.  If you see an area you need to change, CHANGE NOW.  I’m not talking about cosmetic changes.  That’s where we change our talking but not our thinking, our environment instead of our expectations, our appearance instead of our attitudes, our business instead of our behavior, and our biases instead of our beliefs.  Rather than focus on changing ourselves, too many of us content ourselves with dreaming about the results we desire from life and wonder why they remain just that – dreams.

Making Changes That Count

Consider the following six questions carefully.  Each addresses a critical area of life that may need improvement.

* What areas of my thinking do I need to change?

* What beliefs do I hold that hold me back?

* What expectations hinder my personal growth?

* What attitudes hurt my success?

* What behavioral areas must I change to give me a boost?

* What things are keeping me from a peak performance?

Making changes in yourself is a prerequisite to leading any organization through change.  Once people around you begin to see the results of personal growth, you gain both credibility and respect.  With those two things, change in your organization moves from possible to probable.

Dr John C. Maxwell, Founder of EQUIP Leadership