Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 16:18
Mindset is an amazing thing.
Every aspect of who we are comes from the paradigms that we possess. These patterns or framework of our thinking create the capacity of what we do for God; how we interact with our communities and church; the strength of our relationships; and the possibilities of our tomorrows.
The Bible clearly says (Proverbs 23:7) 'For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.'
From this I am continuously challenged that, as church, we can be more, reach more, climb higher, build bigger, praise more passionately, shout louder and even conquer greater opportunities. I am most aware that the New Testament relentlessly challenges us to be more than conquerors, be legends of the Faith and do even greater miracles.
For this reason alone, I choose to believe my God is bigger than I can possibly comprehend and that nothing is impossible when serving Him.
In building this kind of church and living this kind of lifestyle I very often hear the sceptic say, 'it'll never last.'
If this sceptical mindset is one that you possess, please allow me the courtesy of encouraging you in four areas that may help you to break free from what I believe to be a restrictive mindset, thus releasing you into an absolutely awesome adventure serving your King amidst your generation!
Jesus Said It
Matthew 16:18: 'I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.' For me this is simple enough. I am a disciple of Jesus. Like Peter, if Jesus says it, I'm up for it.
Please don't allow the pervading atmosphere of defeat to dictate to your framework of belief. Grab hold of the Red Letters in your Bible. Look at how much Jesus believes in you. Allow His word to be the most vocal. Tune out the critical. Tune into Jesus' absolute conviction that you are worth giving His life for.
I've Read It
I find it amazing how many Christians don't read the Bible. Honestly, we seem to be the generation that has the most freedom to access information and we choose this rather than divine revelation. We choose to read the magazines, Facebook, Twitter, Sky News and the other vast array of media and allow all these voices to shape our understanding of what is possible.
I read a lot. I even read stuff that I totally disagree with to help me understand the wider context of the generation that I am serving. But the categorical foundation on which I build my life is the Bible.
Let me encourage you to get in to The Book. When I open the Bible on a Sunday morning in my church, our congregations stand, shout and cheer. We celebrate and champion God's Word. It's THE BIBLE!