The movie Inception was great for multi-layered realities; You never quite knew what was real.At one point, Cobb (Played by DiCaprio) says to Saito: “This is a dream… we have to wake up”. This was Cobb’s particular talent; He could perceive what was real even in a dream and could guide others out (or in, as was the concept of Inception).

It struck me that this is what Christian evangelism is like. Everybody is walking around in a dream that is this life, this reality; They don’t know what’s truth anymore so they make up their own. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Jdg 17:6) Some people wake up from their life (they read The Secret or something) only to start another different dream!

We Christians are also active participants in this reality, but we know that there is a reality outside of this world – the Kingdom of God. When Jesus preached he said: “The Kingdom of God is near” (Mk 1:15). He was preaching another reality that most people were unaware of.

Are you too lost in this dream? Are you going through day to day stuff, just living out this life, or are you living like the real kingdom is near? Does someone near you need ‘waking up’? They might be in a happy little daydream or a nightmare, but they both need to hear the truth of the Gospel.

Don’t be ashamed of the gospel, it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.(Rom 1:16) You, like Cobb, can help wake people from their own dreams and avoid certain death. The kingdom of God WILL come and there WILL be judgement. No one will stand His wrath.

It won’t be easy, people like their dreams, even if they are trapped, a new reality is a scary thing. God wants none to perish (2 Pe 3:9), so his spirit is working in everyone you know. Go on! Start praying, start using your new found power for good! Start shaking people (gently) and see if you can’t guide someone to the truth.

Steve Kerrigan: Dad, there’s a guy here who says Life’s what you make it, that God was made up by superstitious people to explain stuff they can’t understand!

Darryl Kerrigan: Tell him he’s dreaming!

I overheard a conversation the other day about relationships, it went something like:

“Those intense feelings, the early ones of ‘love’ and infatuation will eventually fade, so don’t make your mind up based on feelings. Love is more about choice.”

This is good advice, because love is an ACTION. In fact, there is no such thing as love, only PROOF of love. (I stole that quote from a bad Keanu Reeves movie)

In other words, you can say you love someone with all your heart, but your actions prove if that’s true. Compare this to what James says about faith: “What good is it my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith, but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?” James 2:14

Last but not least, feelings make babies, love changes nappies. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I write because just last weekend I took my wife to a place called the ‘Pyramids’ – a natural wonder that walks out onto Victory beach (Dunedin) – just an amazingly beautiful spot. The thing is, I took her there 15 years ago, on like our 2nd or 3rd date! This time I went with tired kids in tow and an aged relative. A lot has changed in those 15 years!

However, at the halfway point we sat together on the sand and had a cup of tea from the same thermos just like back in the day. We have had years of experience both sad and happy together and just between you and me, I love her now more than ever. In fact I can’t describe how incredibly beautiful she is and how spending my days with her excites me more now in every way possible. Without her it was just a beach, with her it was spectacular.

I know I have Jesus to thank for teaching me what real love is. I have to act in love (which is an effort of will), but I get a lot more back! (in feelings) Compared with 15 years ago, my feelings for her are now far more powerful and far more compelling.

I just thought the young romantics would like to know this.

The Flatter’s Financial Guide

After a considerable sabbatical from blogging, a peculiar urge has arisen today to rekindle the fire and impart some pearls of wisdom. As a disclaimer, it must be mentioned that this rekindling is fuelled by chronic sleep deprivation; hence may contain varying degrees of sense. However life in general contains varying degrees of sense and it therefore seems only fitting to model my blog after this fact.

My purpose today is to highlight responsible financial management for the budding individual who desires to spread their wings and fly into the realms of independent living. Contrary to what my physique may suggest, I have learnt to survive off little more than a daily pack of noodles and glass of water – following from nearly 3 years of flatting.

Flatting may be a daunting financial prospect for some, however, with a dose of planning and a pinch of common sense, you too may enjoy freedom and independence; like a young buck roaming free through the tranquil streams and mountain passes of the Southern Alps…

1. Never do your grocery shopping when hungry. One invariably purchases items that promise instant gratification rather than value. Have your dinner first, and then make your way to the nearest Pak ‘n Save.
2. Never purchase an item at full price. By utilizing ‘friend’ discounts at stores and sales, I can’t remember when last I paid full price for an item. That’s what friends are for; like Jacob at Rebel Sport…
3. Always fill your car with $40. That way, as petrol prices increase, it makes no difference to your budget…hmmm?
4. That brings me to the 4^th point: have a budget. Or at least keep track of your spending – that way you feel guilty after unnecessary splurges. www.sorted.org.nz is brilliant and shows you the cumulative cost of all those BK runs. Plus, it has a mouse on the homepage.
5. Get a job. I’ve heard many a lazy student complain of lack of time as a result of assignments and exams. Take off your nappy, sell the Xbox and work. If you can’t hack that, then mummy should probably still be making your sandwiches and tidying your room. But ‘you don’t understand!’ I hear you cry, oh but I do. Harden up.
6. If possible, buy groceries in bulk. Doing the grocery shopping together as a flat will cut your bill in half – literally. Ok not literally as in physically, but literally as in financially. There was a good pun in there somewhere but I killed it. Yes, I do consider myself a bit of a Navy Seal at times… – and yes, that does make sense if you think about it hard enough.
7. When the mercury drops, put on an extra layer. Heaters can double your electricity bills in winter; which is a waste when nanna has knitted you that cute jumper for a reason. Or snuggle with a hairy friend. Actually, I take that back – no snuggling. Sorry AK.
8. Become a label reader. Calculating the mass vs price ratio of grocery items will not only ease the crunch at the till, but will increase your mental arithmetic. This in turn will save time in your exams.

That’s about as much wisdom as I am able to produce for today. Come to think of it, the aforementioned was nothing more than stating the obvious – which really wouldn’t qualify it as being wisdom at all. However, you’d be surprised how few people utilize these points. The benefits of a little bit of financial discipline are so obvious, yet we so often choose to ignore it. Kinda like devotions sometimes…

“Thanks John, unfortunately Easter Camp 2011 has been bought to a close for the year but this does not mean to say that the fun HAS to stop. Join me as we look over these highlight reels.”

With the tents pitched, stages set and marquees raised, it all began. That’s right Northcross FM officially went live for the first time. With Segments such as; ‘Singing in the shower’, ‘It MUST stop’ and our favourite ‘Observations’, the broadcast was met with raving reviews and was broadcasted insistently, throughout the weekend.” (Even if it was only Han and Dan who insisted that it played).
Never the less the youth of Northcross Community Church descended upon Mystery Creek, and avidly took up their position as THE RED HAT MAFIA. As criminal as it sounds the only offense came from the seat bludging of Converge. From that point on the challenge had been accepted to make ourselves known “who who who we were.” But the controversy didn’t stop there, nor did the bludging. As Windsor Park adopted the “Just-kick-it-out” philosophy in order for them to advance through to the league football finals, robbing the Mafias place despite an impressive no conceded goal record. Standout performances from Anna Neville and Steffi Wedge saw the Mafia grace their way to the social touch final, despite Daniel Ward’s repeated, ‘Where is the try line?’ debacle. Yet, controversy struck again as they were robbed of the crown leaving the supporters yelling “REFF!!!!!”

Day by day as the fun continued, bonds were formed and a community started to grow. Yet the reason we were there became more and more real with the presence of our living and loving God actively dwelling amongst us the entire weekend. Having been blessed with impacting speakers such as Mike Pilavachi and Jared Noel (all of whom presented a very REAL God) we were challenged to find our true identity and value that is found in Christ.

Sorry there John, I’m just going to have to interrupt you as I have Alastair Bland here on the sideline ready to comment on his thoughts regarding Easter camp, Alistair?  “It was awesome meeting lots of other Christians and learning more about how we can live our lives for God.”

There you have it John, it really sounds like God’s presence moved and impacted the youth of Northcross this past weekend. Coincidently, this too can probably explain why both Pastor Andrew and his wife made it through to the finals of the Wave youth table tennis tournament, blatant match fixing as far as I can see. Similar to the sly moves made by Daniel Ward during the infamous Northcross Talentless quest where he ‘oh so conveniently’ placed his parents on the judging panel. No biggy I hear you say? He got two of the three awards. Just saying.
In all fairness the rapping antics of the Ying Yang twins did prove to be too SKUXX to handle and was justifiably awarded. On a side note, I would like to start a petition to get a YouTube video uploaded of Mr. Ward’s single. I know you all agree. It’s viral material.

Overall, wrapping these incredible four days I would like to thank all the youth for tuning in. It has been both a blessing and an honour to see you get involved over the weekend with such passion and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you at Wave and life groups throughout the year. Remember, SKUXX it up and don’t study your geography.
Finally, we have Jaco De Villiers holding on line three. What to do you have to say for yourself Jaco?
“Ja, I feel that due to the amazing prayer night and the great speakers that many barriers and walls were broken down in my life and now I am able to see the world in different shades.”

“Back to you John”

- Andrew Kinzett

When God called Moses, he asked him what he had in his hand. (Ex 4:2) His simple shepherd’s staff was used by God to perform great wonders. Moses’ skills tending sheep eventually lead him to tend over millions of people.

David had a sling, Sampson a jawbone, Mary had perfumed oil, (I’m sure you can think of others). What do you have right now that you can use to serve or honour God?

Your skill or talent may be unnoticed, (especially by you!) perhaps an everyday, unrelated or just ‘what I do’ kind of talent, but God can use the simplest items in incredible ways. Perhaps what you’re doing now is practice for a much greater task at hand.

Mat 25:23 “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

I need to be faithful with what I’m doing; To pay attention; To practice hard, to hone my skills well. I need to be ready!

Now where did I put my ophicleide…?