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Established for Increase.

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In November 2020 we prepared a book study on the book, “Next Generation Leader” for our Leadership Team. Here are the videos from that study.

Part 1 - Competence

How do I develop priorities?

Part 2 - Courage

What is stopping me from moving forward with what needs to be done?

Part 3 - Clarity

How do I make decisions and manage uncertainty?

Part 4 - Coaching

Who do you go to, to help you grow?

Part 5 - Character

“Who do I want to BE?” before “What do I want to DO?”

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What is communion all about?

The most famous story of communion in the Bible is the story of The Last Supper. It was Jesus’ last dinner with His disciples before He was killed. You can read the story (and if you’re going to host communion you’ll definitely want to) in Matthew 26, Luke 22, and Mark 14. It happened as part of the celebration of Passover which was actually a festival that began in the Old Testament period. Jewish people would have celebrated Passover as a way to remember how God brought them out of Egypt and spared their lives in so many ways. The eating of the bread and drinking of the wine that led to what we call communion is still a regular part of celebrating Passover that Jewish people and some Christians celebrate each year.

With Passover as the setting, Jesus took the bread, broke it, yet didn’t follow the typical Passover tradition. He said, “Eat. This is My body.” Then, with the cup of wine, He explained further.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” Matthew 26:27-28 NLT

In Luke’s Gospel, he included a few more of Jesus’ words from that evening, “do this in remembrance of me.” Those six words, and the Apostle Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, are the motivation for why we take communion together as Jesus followers. Jesus asked us to carry out this simple tradition to remember that He gave His life for our lives. That He was poured out to wash away our sins. Like baptism, communion is a spiritual symbol and reminder of what Jesus has done. But it holds power not only as a symbol, it also reminds us to invite the Holy Spirit to examine our lives and to continue to do His work of washing us by the grace of Jesus.

After taking communion, Jesus and His followers walked to the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed His famous prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane only hours before He was arrested and eventually died so that we could truly live.

Taking Communion At Home

Jesus and His followers used wine and unleavened bread, but it’s simplest to use grape juice and whatever bread or crackers you have available. If you really want to use unleavened bread, a matzo cracker is a great option. If you can’t find grape juice, another juice will do. What’s important is focusing on the meaning of this spiritual symbol.

Ask one person to pray for the bread and lead the group in this first part of communion. Here’s an example.

Hold the bread, a symbol of Jesus’ body. Jesus asked us to eat this to remember that He gave His body for us. Let’s pray. God, thank You for sending Jesus who not only lived for us, but died for us. The Son of God, who came in the body of a man, gave Himself up so we could live! Thank You that His body was raised back to life. Thank You that because of the grace of Jesus we have real life, and we can live forever in You. Amen. Okay, go ahead and eat the bread.

Next pray for the cup in this second part of communion. Here’s an example.

Hold the cup, a symbol of Jesus’ blood. Jesus asked us to drink this cup to remember that our sins are washed by the powerful new covenant Jesus made possible between us and God. Let’s pray. God, what an incredible picture this is of Your love for us. You allowed Your only Son to literally be poured out so that we could be in a fully restored relationship with You. Thank You, Jesus, for giving your blood. Amen. Go ahead and drink the cup.

Remembering what Jesus did while taking communion can feel like a somber moment, and that’s okay. But don’t forget, this is an incredible reason to celebrate. Ask some people in your group to come ready to share a story of something that Jesus has restored in their life. Encourage your group to not just experience the symbol of communion but to live in its truth. We are set free because Jesus is alive and giving us life to the full.

Reflect and share anything they felt like God might have been helping them to see or remember while they were taking communion.

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We would like to send out a call for Life Church Portlaoise to spend some extra time in prayer and fasting this weekend. Starting Friday 20th March through to Sunday, 22nd March we will be running three days of prayer and fasting. In particular the hour of 8pm to 9pm on each of these three days we will dedicate to focused prayer.

Please use the following points below as a helpful guide as you pray.

It is time for our church to rise up and pray and stand in the gap and intercede for this nation and the people.

1. Seek the Lord’s face regarding the pandemic.

Joel 2:12-1

“Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and abounding in love,and he relents from sending calamity.

Jermiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

2. Pray the Lord to intervene & heal our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

3. Healing for people who are sick.

Psalms 107: 19 -20

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.

He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

4. Pray for the people who are in the frontline for protection.

Psalms 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5. For People of the land to turn their hearts to Jesus & for peace.

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Psalms 9:9-10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

6. Wisdom for leaders of the country as they make important decisions.

Proverbs 8:14-16

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.

7. And most importantly, let’s wait on the Lord and hear what He has to say to us.

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We recently completed a sermon series titled “How to Pray” at Life Church in Portlaoise. The final sermon included practical ways to help you pray which we would like to review here.

We know that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, yet many of us don’t have regular times of prayer. The reason is not so much that we don’t want to pray but that we don’t plan to pray. We have not chosen a place for prayer. We don’t have a set time for prayer. We don’t have a procedure for prayer.

Prayer will change your life, your family, your community, and the world. We must pray, so let’s commit to a plan for prayer that is not just a boring ritual, but the spark to a living relationship with our Heavenly Father.

What is your PLACE for prayer?

In Matthew 6:6 Jesus encourages us to, “go into your room and shut the door” for prayer. The principle being that it is important to minimize distractions and connect with God.

Some people love to pray in their room, others enjoy praying outdoors. In this season of my life I pray when I go on walks outdoors. Maybe you like to pray kneeling at a specific chair, or pray while having a cup of tea. Years ago I had a cliff face that I would sit at for my time of prayer. I always found it interesting that John Wesley’s mother found a place of prayer in the midst of her busy life as a mother by covering her head with her apron.

We are creatures of habit, the only questions is: “Will you have good habits?” Choose a place for prayer and stick with it.

What is your TIME for prayer?

Choose a time every day for prayer. For most people the best time will be in the morning. Prayer first thing in the morning is a great way to commit your day to God.

Make enough time every day for prayer. There is no rule on how long your prayer time should be, but it should be long enough to be meaningful.

What is your biggest BLOCK for prayer?

We have an enemy that does not want us to pray. He will tempt us with sleep, with distraction and anything else to discourage us from entering into this vital aspect of our relationship with God.

Use God’s Word to fight this battle.

If sleep blocks you from prayer memorize and speak the Scripture from Isaiah 40, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

If distraction blocks you from prayer memorize and speak these Scriptures:

• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
• And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

What is your PROCEDURE for prayer?

Prayer is more than just ASKING. If you read Jesus “Master Prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13 where he taught his disciples about prayer you will find that he includes praise of God, thanksgiving, confession of sin, along with asking.

Most of us know how to throw up prayers that ask God for things. This is not a bad thing, but if it is the only thing then we are missing out on the pattern of prayer that Jesus teaches us.

I would encourage us to take time and really emphasize times of prayer that include Praise of God. When God is bigger our prayers will become bigger in faith.

SAMPLE PROCEDURE (30 MINUTES FOR PRAYER)

PRAISE (5 minutes)

Spend time reminding yourself who God is. Some are encouraged in this by singing songs or praise, others lift their vision to God the Creator by being inspired by spending time out in nature and viewing creation.

THANKSGIVING (5 minutes)

Psalm 100 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” What are the things you can be truly thankful for in the last 24 hours?

BRING THE LIST (5 minutes)

Bring your heart-level needs and requests to God in prayer. Give God the list of things on your mind and ask for his help that you will not be anxious or distracted.

RESPOND TO GOD (10 minutes)

Open God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to read the Scripture. Consider following a bible reading plan so that you do not need to search for what to read.

As you read mark what stands out to you and respond to it.

For example: If you are reading about an aspect of God this may lead you to more praise, or asking the Lord to reveal this aspect of Himself more to you or others you know. If you are reading about a form of sin this may lead you to a time of confessing sin to God. If you are reading about a promise of God this may lead you to thank God, or ask Him to give you faith to believe this particular promise. If you are reading an exhortation to action (ie “seek to show hospitality”) you may pray for strength, courage or an opportunity to respond.

COMMIT YOUR DAY TO GOD (5 minutes)

Example: “Father, I belong to you. Make this day what you want it to be. Help me to do what You want me to do.”

May this post be a spark to encourage you in your walk with the Living God. Prayer is powerful. Prayer will change your world. Prayer can undoubtedly be a delight, but it usually must begin as a discipline. Bless you as you commit to a new venture with God in prayer.

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One of my prayers for Life Church Portlaoise is that we will be a people full of knowledge and experience of God’s generosity toward us. I am confident then that we will be known as a people who overflow with joyful generosity toward God and others.

Grace and Peace,

Noel

P.S.  During our last two Sundays there were two messages spoken on this very topic. The first was from the Old Testament story of a widow woman who was on the verge of losing everything and how God intervened (Give God: Great Expectations) the second was from the New Testament of the example Jesus and the Apostle Paul gave us through a lifestyle of giving. (More Blessed To Give Than Receive.)

SERVING OPPORTUNITIES

There are already dozens of people who faithfully serve in a multitude of ways at Life Church. From Life Group leaders, Kids ministry teachers,  musicians and singers to greeters and building cleaners. If you are interested in finding out how you can be a part of serving with us, please take a minute to fill out the form we have made especially for you.

https://portlaoise.lifechurch.ie/service-opportunities/

WAYS TO GIVE FINANCIALLY

You may not know that there are a variety of ways to give financially. This link to our website explains the various options such as online giving, direct debits, as well as a brief description about tax relief donations.

https://portlaoise.lifechurch.ie/give/

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Current Classroom Layout

Future Classroom Layout (mockup)

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This morning I read Paul’s words to the Corinthian church, “…You are God’s field, God’s building.” These two metaphors for the church stood out to me as I have reflected on the last 6 months as we have transitioned into some news things in our church.

First of all, as God’s building I am thankful that James and Rachel have laid a good FOUNDATION, which is Jesus Christ. They have often reminded us to keep it “simple”. We are called to be disciples and make disciples as we live out our lives in authentic connection to God each day of the week. Structures, programs and events can be helpful, but we MUST be relentless to keep Christ central in our lives, in our home, our work, and on the streets… 

Secondly, as God’s field, I am absolutely convinced that God wants us corporately and individually to be FRUITFUL. When we think of the word “fruitful” it may seem very intangible in terms of our lives and the life of the church. But it is more tangible than we may realise. This fruitfulness can often be seen in numbers of people gathering in a local church, but more importantly it will be seen in lives changed by the power of God… minds renewed, hearts transformed and people laying down their lives in love for God and in service to others. I don’t know much about horticulture but I think I am safe to say that there are a number of factors required for a field to be exceptionally fruitful. 1) The faithfulness of the farmer. 2) The state of the soil. and 3) The weather. Each of these have something to do with how that field will be fruitful. When all of these things are working together we can be confident to expect growth. Ultimately, it is God who makes us to grow. Our job is to continue to plant seed and soften the soil of our hearts. Then may the rain of the Spirit and Light of God do a miracle that will allow us to bear fruit for His Glory. This is my prayer.

– Noel

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