An Increase In Faith Precedes An Increase

Rohan Dredge
Executive pastor
Shire Christian Centre
www.shirelive.com

In the time I have been in ministry and in with the people I have been ‘doing life’ with faith and the exercising of it has been the key to taking great steps forward for what we have been called to do.


Acts 16:5 (NLT) reads “So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers.” An increase in faith always precedes and increase in any area of your life.


Here are three ways I have found your faith can increase:


1. Increase in God’s Word

What you feed thrives and what you starve dies. My wife Megan and I have had two herb gardens in our married life, the second is thriving, full of healthy, juicy and good for you herbs – the original suffered from a lack of time, attention and water! What we feed our soul with God’s word thrives, what we starve dies. Take Paul’s encouragement to Timothy and jump into the Word because “it straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

2. Increase In God’s Presence

“Presence changes perspective.” Psalm 73:17 teaches me that, all these things the writer wanted until they “entered the sanctuary of the Lord” then it all fell into place, they got back on top of life instead of the other way round, the end of those that failed to follow God became all too clear, because they went well and deep into the presence of God an increased in faith.


3. Increase In Action

Take your faith out for a ride, take a risk, attempt something significant for God and see that he will time and time again prove he is trustworthy. This is not a stand alone guarantee that no challenge will ever touch you again but I am confident that as your stretch from an increase in faith God shows himself trustworthy every time!

What is on the other side of an increase for in your faith?

© Rohan Dredge 2005

Sexual Purity

Allan Meyer posted an article at http://www.philbaker.net [a fantastic read] about abstinence and teenagers. Those that signed a 'pledge to purity' were waiting about 18 months longer to consummate their relationship that those that didn't. What he said really struck me when he noted 'they are waiting till 19 to lose their virginity rather than 18'

I think there is such room for good counsel in this area, used will sex and sexuality can be such a blessing, used poorly it can be so destructive.

The site is a great read and full of witty and insightful information!

Telling The Truth

I recently wrote an article that has been posted on my friend's website [www.chriscaine.com/freshinsights] and was sending it to my friends and family and challenged myself when you say things like..."I thought you'd like to know" and "Well, I'll let you go now" code for I want you to know I am proud of this and I want to go now please - WHY do I succumb to this and all other sort of polite but essentially untrue conventions?

Suffice to say I wrote my email say I want you to know I wrote this because I am rather proud, and rather honoured by the opportunity, thanks Nick and Chris, keep influencing the world.

BAYSIDE LIVE// Has begun!

We have made history! BAYSIDE LIVE// has begun - We are so grateful to God and to the magnificent team that made it happen.

As a leader how do you reflect on something like this? For my part it's with gratitude and humility. What God has accomplished through HIS people is absolutely incredible, it astounds me to see how many people continued faithful in prayer before the lead up to a venue being secured and the first service starting. Michael's unending faith and optimism that it can be accomplished. The emerging and wonderful leadership that Kon shows, the dreams being fulfilled by Kathleen and Jade, Julie's commitment to the kids, Jane's to new people, Jean Marc and Vincent to a great Venue, John and Nick in logistics, Noelle and Suzanna - thanks! Bronnie and Jeff, your support and belief in BAYSIDE LIVE// is fuel, thanks Brian for pulling it all together, YOU GUYS ARE MANY MORE ARE AMAZING.

This is what is so humbling about BAYSIDE LIVE// The amazing people making it happen.

We have a significant opportunity ahead of us, to serve and influence the St George/Rockdale area. Let's continue to believe for a fantastic season!

Roh

1 Church 2 Locations - BIG VISION

Our First Service Begins

Girl Power!!

Chairs out (They WILL be filled)

Set Up Underway

Making Ready