Library
Stop and Pause 5pm
Sermon Summary
This service focused on taking a moment to stop and reflect on God's generosity, the importance of being hospitable, and how we can mirror God's love in our daily lives. Please join us as Oliver Mensah (Engagement Minister) leads us to Stop and Pause.
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Today is our "Stop and Pause Sunday," a special time to reflect on our year so far and breathe deeply. We then focused on generosity, praying for God to give us generous hearts as we give back to our community and His kingdom.
We received updates from our mission partners, including Youth Alive events in Tasmania and the incredible work of Destiny Rescue, which has saved 1,886 people from trafficking this year. We also prayed for our other mission partners, including Ben and Christy Kumar in Cambodia, Bev and Luke Voss in Uganda, and Clifton and Priscilla Shipway in India.
We took a moment to practice deep breathing, inspired by Job 33:4, which reminds us that the Spirit of God gives us life. We revisited past teachings on generosity, hospitality, the Holy Spirit as our comforter, and reflecting God's love. We then spent time reflecting on how we can grow in these areas, with questions to guide our thoughts and prayers.
Finally, we looked ahead to upcoming events, including a special Father's Day service next Sunday, and encouraged everyone to participate in our community activities, such as the food pantry and historic tours of our building.
Key Takeaways
1. Generosity as a Reflection of God's Heart: Generosity is not just about giving material things but about embodying the generous heart of God. When we ask for a generous heart, God provides it, enabling us to give freely to others and back to Him. This act of giving is a spiritual exercise that aligns us with God's nature.
2. The Power of Rescue and Restoration: The work of organizations like Destiny Rescue highlights the importance of not just rescuing individuals from dire situations but also ensuring their holistic restoration. This involves personalised care, education, and pathways to freedom, reflecting God's comprehensive love and care for each person.
3. Breath of Life from the Spirit: Job 33:4 reminds us that the Spirit of God gives us life. This breath of life is not just physical but spiritual, empowering us to worship, pray, and live courageously. Taking moments to breathe deeply and reflect on this can rejuvenate our spirits and draw us closer to God.
4. Reflecting on Past Teachings: Revisiting past teachings on generosity, hospitality, the Holy Spirit, and reflecting God's love helps us to internalise these values. Reflecting on questions like "How can I be more generous?" or "How do I need the Holy Spirit's comfort?" can guide us in our spiritual growth and daily living.
5. Community and Prayer: Engaging in community activities and prayer is vital for spiritual growth. Whether it's participating in mission work, attending special services, or simply sharing a cup of coffee, these interactions strengthen our faith and our bonds with one another. Prayer, both personal and communal, is a powerful tool for seeking God's guidance and support.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Generosity Reflects God's Heart
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
Generosity is not just about giving material things but about embodying the generous heart of God. When we ask for a generous heart, God provides it, enabling us to give freely to others and back to Him. This act of giving is a spiritual exercise that aligns us with God's nature. Generosity is a reflection of God's love and grace, and it transforms both the giver and the receiver. By practicing generosity, we participate in God's work and extend His kingdom on earth.
Reflection:
Think of a recent opportunity you had to be generous. How did you respond?
Ask God to help you grow in generosity today - where or how is He showing you to give more?
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for the courage to give freely and joyfully, trusting that you will provide for my needs as you provide for others. Amen.
Day 2: The Power of Rescue and Restoration
Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-2
' The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord ’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; '
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
The work of organisations like Destiny Rescue highlights the importance of not just rescuing individuals from dire situations but also ensuring their holistic restoration. This involves personalised care, education, and pathways to freedom: reflecting God's comprehensive love and care for each person. Rescue is only the beginning; true restoration requires ongoing support and love, mirroring the way God restores us. By supporting such missions, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
Reflection:
Consider how you can support the work of rescue and restoration in your community. What practical steps can you take to help those in need?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I lift up organisations like Destiny Rescue in prayer, asking you to continue blessing their efforts to save and restore lives. Please show me how You want me to support them. Amen
Day 3: Breath of Life from the Spirit
Scripture:
Job 33:4
'The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Job 33:4 reminds us that the Spirit of God gives us life. This breath of life is not just physical but spiritual, empowering us to worship, pray, and live courageously. Taking moments to breathe deeply and reflect on this can rejuvenate our spirits and draw us closer to God. The practice of deep breathing can be a spiritual exercise that reminds us of God's presence and sustenance in our lives.
Reflection:
Take a few moments today to practice deep breathing. As you do, meditate on the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. How does this practice change your awareness of God's presence?
Prayer:
God, I ask You to help me find moments of stillness in my daily life to reconnect with Your Holy Spirit and rejuvenate my soul. Amen
Day 4: Reflecting on Past Teachings
Scripture:
'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Revisiting past teachings on generosity, hospitality, the Holy Spirit, and reflecting God's love helps us to internalise these values. Reflecting on questions like "How can I be more generous?" or "How do I need the Holy Spirit's comfort?" can guide us in our spiritual growth and daily living. This reflection helps us to see how far we've come and where we need to grow, keeping us aligned with God's will.
Reflection:
Reflect on a past teaching that has impacted you. How can you apply this teaching more fully in your life today?
Prayer:
I pray for a heart that is open to learning and growing in all of these areas, seeking to embody God's love in all my interactions. Amen
Day 5: Community and Prayer
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24-25'
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
Engaging in community activities and prayer is vital for spiritual growth. Whether it's participating in mission work, attending special services, or simply sharing a cup of coffee, these interactions strengthen our faith and our bonds with one another. Prayer, both personal and communal, is a powerful tool for seeking God's guidance and support. Being part of a community helps us to grow in our faith and provides a support system for our spiritual journey.
Reflection:
Think about your involvement in your church community. How can you deepen your engagement and support others in their spiritual journey?
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for a deeper connection with my church community, I ask you to guide me in building meaningful relationships. Amen
Day 6: The Generosity of God
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
'The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
In our service, we were reminded of the incredible generosity of God. Even when we turn our backs on Him, He continues to love and pursue us. This is a powerful reminder that our generosity should mirror His. As we give, whether it be our time, resources, or love, we are participating in God's work and reflecting His heart to the world.
Reflection:
Consider one way you can be generous this week. It could be through a financial gift, volunteering your time, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your boundless generosity. Help me to give cheerfully and abundantly, just as You have given to me. May my acts of giving bring others into Your kingdom and reflect Your love. Amen.
Day 7: Stop and Breathe
Scripture:
Genesis 2:7
'then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
In our Stop & Pause service, we took a moment to stop and breathe, reflecting on the breath of the Almighty that gives us life. Just as God breathed life into Adam, He breathes life into us every day. This breath is not just physical but spiritual, filling us with His presence and empowering us to live out His purposes. Deep breathing not only helps us to focus and relax; it can be a way for us to connect with the Holy Spirit and His comfort and peace.
Reflection:
Take a few moments each day this week to practice deep breathing and reflect on the life-giving breath of God. Use this time to pray and seek His guidance for your day.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the breath of life You have given me. Help me to be mindful of Your presence in every breath I take. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me to live in a way that honours You. Amen.
