Breakthrough!

When you think of the word “Breakthrough” what comes to mind? Perhaps you see a scientist holding up a test tube, smiling because they have found cure for a terrible disease;  Perhaps you imagine a team of rescuers digging deep into a collapsed mine shaft, finally reaching those trapped inside; Perhaps you see two people, finally coming into agreement after a long period of misunderstanding.   

Breakthrough is a great word and it means so much to me. I have had many experiences in my life that could only be described as a “breakthrough”.  I remember when my eldest son was born with a major heart defect, I remember the 6 open heart operations he had and the day we were told that he didn’t need any more. I remember the sense of relief and freedom which comes from knowing that something good is at work in your life.  

Do you need a breakthrough in your life?  Are there areas of difficulty or challenge which just don’t seem to budge?  I have found that Jesus brings an answer to so many areas of need within and I am not ashamed to admit that I need His help and I am happy to report that He is more than willing to offer it.  

On 10 July we will be renaming our Church in Berowra and commencing a new Church in Hornsby.  It is called “Breakthrough Church” and I would love to take this opportunity to invite you personally to come along and to experience the breakthroughs you need in your life.  

Anniversaries

If you do something for a couple of days it could be just a fad or a whim; if you do something for a couple of months, it could be that a habit is forming; if you do something for a year it is probably becoming an obsession; if you do something for a couple of years it has become a discipline but what do you call it if you have been doing something for 20 years?  

This week Narelle and I celebrate our 20^th wedding anniversary.   For 2 decades we have been living together and making the constant choice to ‘become one’.  In many ways it doesn’t seem that long but at times I struggle to remember what it was like before we were together.   

To maintain anything over twenty years takes work.  If you don’t service your car for that long, it just won’t function:  The engine will seize and the wheels will fall off.  Unfortunately this is quite a good description of many people’s relationships.  They expect them to flourish and remain healthy even though they do nothing to protect and build upon them.  

The relationships you are in are important, they are more important than the possessions you acquire or the places you visit.  Building on your relationships is the most important thing you can ever do. So in honour of our 20th, will you do me a favour?  Think about the 4 most important relationships in your life and make a plan do something practical over the next week which will help them grow.