Woo! We’re back from Newday!:)
You may say 'sad times.' And I do agree, because I do miss it a lot, and it is very weird that it has gone and went already: but I'm not too sad, really. I'm overwhelmingly happy for the amazing experience my week was, with incredible times meeting with God, making new friends and actually getting to know people who went to church but had never talked to :') However it is a strange feeling. Ever since I've been at Kings, Newday was always talked about with the highest praise; looked forward to with the greatest of anticipation. And now, finally, I can partake in
this!:) as it truly was an amazing week. God worked so so so much; and I think, for me, the outcome of the entire experience was a hench amount of awe for Him.
As a lot of you now know, haha, thanks to my overwhelming excitement, God worked specifically to a massive physical effect in me. Since roughly September 2009, I have suffered from a knee condition on both knees which was believed to be similar Chondromalacia patellae. After over a year and a half of visits to various physios, specialists, centres and so on; and treatments of acupuncture, therapy and epidurals; everyone had pretty much given up on me. I mean being the kind of person I am, I didn’t let it rule my life; however having been a keen triathlete and cross country champion, the inability to even run for 5 minutes on a treadmill without buckling and intense pain was heartbreaking. And if the use of a pull buoy to disable my legs for every swimming set wasn’t enough, over the summer tan lines grew around the knee strappings which I wore every day to minimize the pain!
But, anyway, I don’t think that, before Newday, I had thought a lot about God healing my knees. I guess I just accepted it as a disliked part of who I was. But I think it took the Freedom Course (run expertly by Anna and Amy, everybody go on it! It’s amazing) and the extra time with my Godly girls to maybe start to ask God to perform a miracle. A few times we prayed together before Newday; and when everyone arrived on the first Monday, Sally and I pledged to pray after every morning and evening meeting for my pins.
Well, anyway, this happened, and it took only 2 days for God to answer our prayers. On Tuesday night, after intense praying with my darling Sally and Anna too, I got up, did a few squats, .. ran up and down the aisle a bit .. ran to the toilets to remove my knee straps .. and, well, yeah, was very exciteful and grateful and so on. As you would be. But, enough of that, the final story is my knees were healed. My left knee is absolutely pain free, with just a little knock on from a weak ankle on my right: but I have absolutely 100000x less pain. It is crazy good. No more knee strappings for meee!:D Okay! I am back on the Newday subject now. Sorry Jez.(: so yes, there were some amazing meetings, too, and the worship was legendary. The band led my Simon Brading were amazing; the songs powerful and now the only annoyance is the wait before the CD is released in October! And also the fact that the guitarist looked like Michael from My Family:D So Steve Chong spoke 3 times in the morning, and well how could you not love this Chinese Australian. He thrilled us with his stories of his adorable sons, Reuben and Jacob, and humored everyone with his aussie ‘eskies’ and such. He spoke on how Jesus should be our everything, our ‘Bucket List’, on Jesus’ journey in the shape of a J (much like Sesame Street) and finally on Friday about bowing the knee to Jesus (I KNOW! I COULD DO THIS! XD) and going global with our ideas. Other morning preaches were lead my Stef Liston and Joel Virgo, and the evening meetings hosted powerful speakings from the likes of Stu Gibbs, Joel Virgo, Julian Adams and Adrian Holloway who led, like every year I heard, the incredible Thursday dedicated to healing and changing people’s lives around. On that night alone, 309 people were healed and an even more amazing 365 people gave their lives to the Lord!
So, it would be a mild understatement to say that God was there and working in these meetings. There were also daily seminars which were truly inspiring and thought provoking; things to tickle eveyone’s fancy with streams such as ‘How to answer tough questions’, ‘Jesus+’, ‘How to change the world’, ‘Redemption’ and Mobilise for the 18-30s.
There was also the ‘Just Looking’ seminars where questions could be asked, and in the afternoon talks for both sexes and also on dating and relationships.
Oh, gosh, there was outreach, too. That was one amazing experience of which I want more! Thorughout the week you could sign up to go into the local community in Norwich, and help out with a project. I went as part of Trev’s team on Wednesday, and we cleared a garden of a lovely old man in the glorious sunshine! It was hot and sticky and smelly, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and relished in the manual labour: and I’m sure that we spread the love of God to the community in our red t-shirts, too.(which we got to keep .. oh yeah.) In the time when we weren’t in senimars, sorry, seminars, :D I relished with my new knees in beautiful games of volleyball in the sports field. I made many a new friend, and even discovered old ones, singing whatever praise song was in my head and thanking God for the
(then) dry sunny weather!
Oh my, there is so much to talk about, the amazing food, shower queues, spanish graces, Newday Downpours .. but I better keep this blog short (:s) and sweet. To conclude, my first experience of Newday was truly amazing; and I felt my relationship with God grow stronger and stronger. I’ve come out of the week with, like I said, with my image of the Lord WIDENED 10000x, and I’m buzzing to be back in the world to spread the name of Jesus. Everyone I knew pretty much knew about my knees, so now they can all know about Jesus. That’s my plan, anyway. If you went to Newday 11, I hope that it was as refreshing an experience as I had, and that you’re just as excited to tell everyone the Good News as I am. And for next year? Already looking to go back.
23 Aug 2011
19 Aug 2011
Addicted to love...
Loving Jesus!
Hey guys, Gilbo here. I wanted to write a blog about something God was speaking and teaching me about at Newday, I want to talk about loving Jesus!
In Mark 12 v 28-30 it says:
The most important thing you can do with your life is love Jesus, over and above anything else! Out of loving God comes everything else, it is the foundation for everything. Out of your adoration for Jesus comes submission to him and his glory, it causes you to humble yourself and surrender ALL of yourself to him.
Why do we love Jesus?
It's simple because he first loved us! He is more than worthy to be loved and adored!
I know it's not always easy to love Jesus and I def struggle with it at times, it takes time and discipline. We need to make time and set aside time to spend with God, which i know i need to do and i challenge you to as well, we are building relationship. The more we know about God, the more we know about ourselves. Loving Jesus = getting to know God better. If you love someone you spend quality time with them!
Loving Jesus means your whole life becomes about Jesus, you can'thelp it.
1 Corinthians 10 31 says 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it ALL for the glory of God!'
We need to keep reminding ourselves of how worthy and good he is and then we can't help but love him but we quickly forget how good he actually is.
We need to love him in time of difficulty too, this produces character and gives us great strength only God can give. I can defintely testify to that!
When we love God, his heart and his will becomes ours, we get a heart to love others and i really pray and ask that you would daily bless the people around you, ask for God to abundently bless them! When we love God, our hearts are transformed and we become like Jesus!
I also pray that you do eveything you can to make sure your loving Jesus ALL the time, it is well worth your time and your entire life!
Gilbo
Hey guys, Gilbo here. I wanted to write a blog about something God was speaking and teaching me about at Newday, I want to talk about loving Jesus!
In Mark 12 v 28-30 it says:
'One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him,"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."I love this verse because Jesus is saying he wants ALL of you!
The most important thing you can do with your life is love Jesus, over and above anything else! Out of loving God comes everything else, it is the foundation for everything. Out of your adoration for Jesus comes submission to him and his glory, it causes you to humble yourself and surrender ALL of yourself to him.
Why do we love Jesus?
It's simple because he first loved us! He is more than worthy to be loved and adored!
I know it's not always easy to love Jesus and I def struggle with it at times, it takes time and discipline. We need to make time and set aside time to spend with God, which i know i need to do and i challenge you to as well, we are building relationship. The more we know about God, the more we know about ourselves. Loving Jesus = getting to know God better. If you love someone you spend quality time with them!
Loving Jesus means your whole life becomes about Jesus, you can'thelp it.
1 Corinthians 10 31 says 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it ALL for the glory of God!'
We need to keep reminding ourselves of how worthy and good he is and then we can't help but love him but we quickly forget how good he actually is.
We need to love him in time of difficulty too, this produces character and gives us great strength only God can give. I can defintely testify to that!
When we love God, his heart and his will becomes ours, we get a heart to love others and i really pray and ask that you would daily bless the people around you, ask for God to abundently bless them! When we love God, our hearts are transformed and we become like Jesus!
I also pray that you do eveything you can to make sure your loving Jesus ALL the time, it is well worth your time and your entire life!
Gilbo
16 Aug 2011
Newday: Just a holiday or a New Identity?
To all those who attended Newday, I write to encourage you to continue in your identity in Christ Jesus! 
As Stef Liston stated; Newday was not merely camping, socialising or a holiday, it was coming before God made possible through, and only through, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). It is through Jesus that we are made new, not just a better version of our old self but a brand new creation (Galations 6:14-15). We have been given a new identity in Jesus! Because of this we are called to live according to God’s good, pleasing and perfect will and to not conform to the ways of the world (Romans 12:2).
The media, friends, family may encourage you to partake in acts which will challenge your identity in Jesus. Do not compare yourselves to what the world believes to be perfection, for the world is far from perfection so how can something which is imperfect judge what is perfect? Instead believe what God says of each of us, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), God who is nothing less than perfection.
Therefore live by the standards of a perfect God, the standards set by Jesus. We are not expected to get everything right (Romans 3:10), if it were possible for us alone to achieve perfection we would have been able to save ourselves through our own acts! God understands that this is impossible for us to do and so sent Jesus so that through him we might receive eternal life (John 3:16)!
So, if Jesus has provided eternal life for all who have an identity in him, why then do we need to live according to his standards?
We live according to his standards so that we are aware of the sin in us (Romans 3:20) and are able to repent and therefore enjoy a remarkable relationship with a holy God! Yes Jesus died for ALL our sins, but to be forgiven we MUST repent and to repent we must be aware of the sins we commit! Furthermore, we are to be a light to those who do not know Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16) and by living according to the ways of Jesus we allow people to witness Jesus in us. I know of so many who have found a new identity in Jesus through simply witnessing another living according to his ways!
If you live according to Jesus, you are living FOR Jesus. What is more worthwhile than living for Jesus? Steve Chong used the example of a bucket list, a list of all you want to do before you die. This list not only reveals what you think is worth dying for but what you think is worth living for. Steve concluded that nothing is worth living for in this world other than what is done for the service of Christ Jesus. Indeed Paul, one of the most influential, early Christian evangelists, said he would speak of nothing except that which Christ has accomplished through him (Romans 15:17-18).
We have been commissioned by Jesus himself to make disciples of ALL nations. Jesus does not just want followers, he wants disciples, people who assist in spreading the gospel and teaching the ways of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20)! If we ourselves do not live according to the ways of Jesus how can we teach others to do so? We cant, it would be hypocritical!
I do not want to scare or overwhelm you, I mean to encourage and motivate you into living how God has intended you too! You are not to fear or feel threatened by tasks you might face for you are NOT alone (Matthew 28:20)! Remember that you can do anything through Jesus (Philippians 4:13) and that with enough faith in Jesus you are able to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
I am going to finish with a few points that Joel Virgo made; Firstly you don’t have to be good at everything (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). God needs you to be you and will provide you with all you need to fulfil his will.
Secondly, be aware that God gives you a compass in life, not a map! Live your heart out for Jesus and he will direct you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Submit yourselves to his will and do not worry about your future.
Thirdly, know that real change takes time. To change your behaviour, attitude and bad habits will require daily walking with Jesus so be patient and persevere.
Fourthly, understand that we have been sent by God now (John 20:21). Do not spend your life waiting for a great sign or signal from God, Jesus Christ was your signal!
Finally, ALWAYS remember that God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
As Stef Liston stated; Newday was not merely camping, socialising or a holiday, it was coming before God made possible through, and only through, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). It is through Jesus that we are made new, not just a better version of our old self but a brand new creation (Galations 6:14-15). We have been given a new identity in Jesus! Because of this we are called to live according to God’s good, pleasing and perfect will and to not conform to the ways of the world (Romans 12:2).
The media, friends, family may encourage you to partake in acts which will challenge your identity in Jesus. Do not compare yourselves to what the world believes to be perfection, for the world is far from perfection so how can something which is imperfect judge what is perfect? Instead believe what God says of each of us, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), God who is nothing less than perfection.
Therefore live by the standards of a perfect God, the standards set by Jesus. We are not expected to get everything right (Romans 3:10), if it were possible for us alone to achieve perfection we would have been able to save ourselves through our own acts! God understands that this is impossible for us to do and so sent Jesus so that through him we might receive eternal life (John 3:16)!
So, if Jesus has provided eternal life for all who have an identity in him, why then do we need to live according to his standards?
We live according to his standards so that we are aware of the sin in us (Romans 3:20) and are able to repent and therefore enjoy a remarkable relationship with a holy God! Yes Jesus died for ALL our sins, but to be forgiven we MUST repent and to repent we must be aware of the sins we commit! Furthermore, we are to be a light to those who do not know Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16) and by living according to the ways of Jesus we allow people to witness Jesus in us. I know of so many who have found a new identity in Jesus through simply witnessing another living according to his ways!
If you live according to Jesus, you are living FOR Jesus. What is more worthwhile than living for Jesus? Steve Chong used the example of a bucket list, a list of all you want to do before you die. This list not only reveals what you think is worth dying for but what you think is worth living for. Steve concluded that nothing is worth living for in this world other than what is done for the service of Christ Jesus. Indeed Paul, one of the most influential, early Christian evangelists, said he would speak of nothing except that which Christ has accomplished through him (Romans 15:17-18).
We have been commissioned by Jesus himself to make disciples of ALL nations. Jesus does not just want followers, he wants disciples, people who assist in spreading the gospel and teaching the ways of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20)! If we ourselves do not live according to the ways of Jesus how can we teach others to do so? We cant, it would be hypocritical!
I do not want to scare or overwhelm you, I mean to encourage and motivate you into living how God has intended you too! You are not to fear or feel threatened by tasks you might face for you are NOT alone (Matthew 28:20)! Remember that you can do anything through Jesus (Philippians 4:13) and that with enough faith in Jesus you are able to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
I am going to finish with a few points that Joel Virgo made; Firstly you don’t have to be good at everything (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). God needs you to be you and will provide you with all you need to fulfil his will.
Secondly, be aware that God gives you a compass in life, not a map! Live your heart out for Jesus and he will direct you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Submit yourselves to his will and do not worry about your future.
Thirdly, know that real change takes time. To change your behaviour, attitude and bad habits will require daily walking with Jesus so be patient and persevere.
Fourthly, understand that we have been sent by God now (John 20:21). Do not spend your life waiting for a great sign or signal from God, Jesus Christ was your signal!
Finally, ALWAYS remember that God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
9 Aug 2011
Blues blues go away...
After a week like last week it can often feel like we return to normality with a bit of a bump. The NewDay blues kick in big time...
"Last week I was surrounded by 80 other people I know well, amongst 6000 Christians hearing about and seeing God do some incredibly powerful things. Today I'm stuck in a house on my own 'cos my parents are at work, my prayers seem to bounce off the walls in silence..."
Normal life is always going to take a bit of readjustment to be honest after a week like that.
Here's a few tips to help get over the blues:
1) Look at photos of the week, listen to previous NewDay albums on Spotify, talk to friends about it & write down what you got out of it. In other words, squeeze it dry for all its goodness.
You may need to buy a notebook to contain all your thoughts.
2) Think about what James 1:25 says: 'God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget.' Hearing lots of good talks and being around lots of good people doesn't actually do you any long term good unless you apply it to your own life. Make a list of somethings you can do to ensure that last week's influence keeps on being a blessing to you.
3) Make the most of Sundays. Sunday morning is an amazing time for being refreshed in God and stepping back into all of the great things that happenned at NewDay. It'll be different for sure (you won't be surrounded by 6000 people for one) but Jesus is the same at Kings EBo/Seaford as he is at NewDay. The meetings are shorter and you get chairs to sit on, which is a bonus so in actual fact you should find Sundays easier! Avoid sitting in Vivo whilst the church meeting is on. Growing in God doesn't happen just by being in the same building as him, it requires you to act, to pursue him, to press into him and to encourage those around you to do the same. Catching up with people and chatting together can happen after church, remember we're after long term good in your Christian life.
4) Get thinking about others. Following Jesus is about going where he's going and Jesus is always going to be out among the lost and unsaved. Pray for your non-Christian friends, ask God to speak to you for them and sensitively and wisely look to share God's love with them. Don;t get drawn into fire-fights about who's cleverer than who or who is the most convincing, just love them, pray for them, share the gospel with them and let your good deeds do the reasoning. Get it and get going.
On a personal note. What helps me the most is getting stuck into a good book about what God's done in someone else's life. Read a biography.
God saves, God heals, God speaks and God moves regardless of where you are, how you feel or what's going on in your life. Trust him, pursue him - you won't be let down!
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