messages
May the Lord Bless YOU so abundantly that you fall to your knees in thankfulness.
May the Lord so Heal your broken heart that you can dance with all your might.
May the Lord reveal His amazing plans for you as you hear from Him.
May the Lord so renew your strength that you may have His power to fly as the eagle.
May the Lord give you peace so that you may rest in His presence.
May you know the Lord deeper this year than ever before.
May you be ALL that God has created you to be, no matter the season you are in.
God bless you all as you serve Him and each other in 2020.
Happy New Year
The story of the coming of Christ, as we know well, is more than angels and shepherds, and a baby in a stable. This is the gospel – the good news of Christ, leaving his glory in heaven – coming from the highest place – to take upon himself the form of a human
being. He came from heaven – took a downward journey of love that brought him to earth, to be born of a virgin and humbly placed in a manger. Even though he was king, he did not require the status of a royal birth, but instead took on the form of a servant – humility and lowliness – modelling a different kind of Kingship. He sought no earthly glory, but only to do the will of the Father. Mankind has a love of power that makes him grasp for more – more wealth, more recognition, more esteem. But Jesus came with the power of love, and became divine expression of God in human form and dwelt among us.
Jesus came as a servant did the work that we could not do for ourselves. His death on the cross paid the price for our sin, and reconciled us to the Father, giving us peace with God, and life everlasting through his resurrection.
God had a covenant plan for mankind. That is to bring all things into new life and restoration through his own intervention as the servant king. Through forgiveness of sin,
Jesus restores us to right relationship with God.
He is now exalted, seated at the highest place. This is our King. His is the name above all names. This Christmas when we the join in the carols, let us remember that we are no longer worshipping the baby in the manger, but the King of kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus the Messiah, the living embodiment of Jehovah, the full expression of God. The divine splendour of heaven came to earth at Christmas.
As we wind up the year, let us have this same attitude that Jesus did – the mind and heart of a servant. Let us think like Jesus, being kingdom minded, living a radically different way of life, expressing God’s love and light to a dark world.
Have a very happy and holy Christmas season, and let us look forward with great joy and expectation to what 2020 will hold for us.
May God bless you always,
With love,
Glenda
50th Anniversary Reflections
What an amazing weekend we have had celebrating this huge milestone together. It was so good to see so many guests – especially the Pastors of the past and their wives. What an impact they had on this church, this city and this region. It was like being surrounded by the “great cloud of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. I pray that as we looked back over the years, the example and testimonies of those who have gone before will spur us on to “run with endurance the race set out for us”. I am really excited to see what the future holds for us all.
I need to say a huge THANK YOU to all who worked so hard over the past months to bring the whole weekend together so beautifully. Those who gave time to prepare the building and the surrounding gardens and grounds, those who used their creativity to build the new stage and to prepare the different areas and settings for us to enjoy. Thank you to those who organised and prepared the incredible Sunday “grazing tables” with such a sumptuous spread. A huge thank you to Steve and Sandie who spent hours gathering stories and collating them into the wonderful document we now have of “That Settles It”, the first 50 years! (I hope you have your copy!) And also, thank you to Sandie for all the work done with sorting out the attendees to the dinner on Saturday night, and all the other “behind the scenes” things that you do that do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. What a great team we have!
But now, on to the next “era”. I received a word from Pastor Brian Heath from City Builders Church in Sale. He reminded me that “50” also represents Pentecost – and that “Gippsland will have a new move full of Apostolic power… it will resemble the past in some ways…but there will be many new dimensions. The old will be surpassed by the new. The New Wine has been saved until the last”.
He also referred again to the “trees that have been cut down”. There were at least 4 prophecies over the past month from different pastors referring to trees and the new growth coming forth. Let us take hold of these words of encouragement, and look with excitement, anticipation and great hope to the future, and with great faith in the God who calls, appoints, anoints and equips us for the task ahead.
Phil 3:13-14
…but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Pastor Glenda
This is our 50th year Anniversary, and we are looking forward to our celebrations. This means that this is the year of Jubilee. Leviticus 25:1 says, “You shall sound a ram’s horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the day of atonement you shall sound a horn all through your land. You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you. (Lev 5:1-4, 8-10 NASB) It is a time of liberty, restitution and simple living. It was a time of rest from labour. In the book of Luke, Jesus “stood up to read and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it is written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:19)
The Jubilee is fulfilled in Jesus who has come to forgive our debts, restore relationship between God and people, provide freedom from sin and rest to all believers. This is the wonderful Good News – the message of New Life to our Community.
I cannot wait to see lots of friends – old and new – at our celebrations over the weekend of the 18th, 19th and 20th of October. It will be a wonderful time of sharing stories, reacquainting with old friends and honouring our church history. But just as importantly, it will be a time to look forward to our future and take hold of the vision set before us. I believe that God has given us all we need to fulfil the call he has on each of us individually, and collectively. This
anniversary is a pivotal time for us as God takes us into a new decade. May the years to come bring a time of growth, revival and new life to our community as many find their hope and salvation in Jesus.
Pastor Glenda
Grand Final
There are two important things to note about September in Victoria— it is the first month of Spring — and it is Grand Final time!! Even if you do not play the game yourself, most of us have a team we follow – we dress up in their colours and cheer them on and try to watch the games as they move up the ladder to the semi-finals and on towards victory – and the winning team taking home the treasured silver cup.
Hebrews 12:1 speaks of “a great cloud of witnesses” who are there, cheering us on our way. They are those who have gone before us, many facing dangers, persecution and even death for their faith in Christ. They are encouraging us to “strip off every weight that slows us down”, and to “run the race God set before us with endurance.” We are heading for the last days, the “Grand Final” if you will. This is not the time to get discouraged or fall away. It is the time to encourage one another, to accept the discipline of the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to train us up, ready to bring our “A” game. There is much more at stake than just a medal or a cup, for there is a promise to every believer, “to the one who overcomes.” This is not an individual event, but a team effort, as it says in Hebrews 12:14-15. We are to live in peace with one another, working at living a holy life. We are asked to look after one another, so that no one fails to receive the grace of God. This is a lifestyle of self-discipline and commitment. It is allowing others to speak into our lives – not being critical or judgemental but encouraging and urging each other on towards the finish line.
So let us keep moving forward together – listening for the distant voices of the apostles as they cheer us on through the pages of God’s word – and through encouraging one another, and through the coaching, instruction and discipline of the Holy Spirit working with us, to bring us to holiness and godliness. . Let us run the race with perseverance, with discipline, and keep our eyes on the prize – Jesus, our champion, the author and finisher of our faith. I want to be there “when the final siren sounds”.
Pastor Glenda
Here at Moe New Life Christian Centre, we share a rich heritage with the CRC Churches International. Part of this written heritage is the work of Pastor Leo Harris, the founder of the CRC. Over the next couple of months, it is my intention to re-visit some of this great teaching, and see how it still applies, and still holds water several decades since his writings were first published. We will enjoy going deeper as we explore “Five Keys of Authority”, “Your Faith is Power” and “Victory over Satan”. It is so important to know God’s Word, and how it applies to our life. I can’t wait to share these wonderful truths over the coming weeks and pray that the Holy Spirit will open up our spiritual eyes and ears and make our heart ready to receive fresh revelation from His Word.
We are baptising several people the first Sunday in August. Baptism is such an important step in the life of a Christian. The Bible gives every believer a clear command to be baptised. Acts 2:28 says, “Repent and be baptised every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism symbolises the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life joined to Jesus.
It is a significant milestone in your Christian life. marks the separation from the past and indicates our stepping into our new life as a Christian, leaving the old life behind. We look forward to sharing this day with our new believers and pray that God blesses each one as you prepare for this most important day.
August marks the last official month of winter.
As we look forward to the warmer weather, we also look forward to the new season of refreshing and revival as we continue to pray for our streets and expect the continued moving of the Holy Spirit over our church, our community and our nation.
Pastor Glenda
I have wrestled with what to say – if anything – about the Israel Falou case. I am sure we all have our own thoughts and opinions on it, and I do not even want to offer my own opinion here. What I have decided to do today is to just say what I have found helpful when I have felt that I am under attack or challenged in any area of my life. I go to the Lord. I go to prayer. I go to scripture. I ask the Lord for wisdom and I ask him for a strategy to overcome the situation. He is good and faithful, and always provides a way.
Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.” And Psalm 32:7 says, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” God is our Defender. He is our deliverer and He is our “very present help in time of trouble”. (Psalm 46:1).
It is important to remember that we “do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in high places”. Behind many of the things we face is a spiritual battle. I agree, there are times these battles take us into the scary space of speaking up when we see injustice, bullying and social discrimination. In those times, we need to be sure of the battle, sure of the tricky wiles of the enemy, and sure of our standing and strategy in God. We can ask for wisdom, and he will give it to us in bucket loads!
The same God who delivered Moses and the children of Israel from the Egyptians, the same God who delivered Daniel from the mouth of the lion, the same God who delivered David from his enemies, this same God is with us today. “In You, O Lord do I put my trust, let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Thy Righteousness, bow down your ear to me…. Psalm 31. (why don’t you take 5 minutes to read through this psalm and meditate on God’s word today.)
When we call upon the Lord, we can be assured he has heard us, and has both the power and the desire to deliver us.
Pastor Glenda
Here’s the Newsletter for July
We here at Moe New Life Christian Centre love to open wide our “curtains”. We do not want to create barriers to people coming in and finding Jesus – we want to be Jesus in our church, our homes, our community and beyond. It is time to stretch the boundaries of our “tent”. How can you help to create entry points and not barriers?
What are some ideas for stretching the tent curtains, lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes?
Pray, pray, pray.
Create opportunities to strengthen relationships
Make a culture of connection – BBQ’s, afternoon tea, movie nights, home fellowships.
Have strong collective values that are reflected in every area of church life.
Love one another. Let that love flow out of you. Be filled with the Spirit and allow the fruit of the Spirit to grow in you. Keep short accounts with God and with one another -don’t let sin or lack of trust in God hold you back. Be “credible” witnesses. Tell your story. Let your lifestyle reflect authentic Christianity to your friends and family. Live the Gospel. Love people. Love the church.
Oh, and did I mention: Pray! Pray! Pray!
Glenda Noordam, Pastor
We have just observed the Easter season, followed by Anzac Day. Both commemorate suffering and sacrifice. The Bible says, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Here in Australia, we honour those who have gone to battle on our behalf. Their sacrifice is commemorated every year as we gather at Shrines and Remembrance ceremonies. We as Australians are grateful for those who fought to keep our nation free, to live and work and worship as we choose. Our Constitution tells us we have freedom of speech, expression and religious belief. We are free to vote and to elect a government to represent the people. The original Anzacs fought for “God, King and Country”, but it seems to me that these days, people are more concerned about their personal freedoms than the overall good of the country, or that there is something greater to fight for, to live for – or, yes, even to die for. As the elections draw near, I pray that these things will be considered as you go to the polls. Let us pray to be “Godly and quietly governed”, with a government who will stand for righteousness, for “righteousness upholds a nation.”
We also celebrated Easter – a time to reflect and rejoice in the greatest sacrifice of all – the death of Jesus, the Lamb who died to take away the sins of the world. Jesus’ death and resurrection bought for us the greatest freedom of all – freedom from the power of sin and death. “It is for freedom that Christ has made us free.” Let us live in that freedom, and the power and life of the resurrection. Free to live holy and fruitful lives, representing the Kingdom of Heaven, following and fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to “love one another” and lay our lives down at His feet, surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Just as we honour the Anzacs who fought for our nation and our freedom, let us honour the one who fought on our behalf to secure our eternal freedom, and give us the victory over sin and death. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-58)
We have the resurrection power of Jesus that not only gives us forgiveness, not only cancels the power of sin over us, but that same power that raised Jesus from the dead transforms us, and gives us the power to live out that changed life for His glory.
In May we also celebrate Mothers’ Day. We honour our mums and wish them not just one happy day – but lives filled with the blessing of God. May they know and be assured of our love, respect and honour every single day. Let us go out of our way to affirm them, honour them, pray for them and show our love to them. May God grant our mothers grace, courage, strength and wisdom to raise our children in godly love and nurture. May they be able to engage in those difficult conversations, lovingly listening and sharing godly perspective with guidance and discipline from His Word, encouraging good thinking, resilience and right behaviour. Like the mothers of Salem, may they be able to bring their children to the feet of Jesus where they can know Him, and receive Him, and live lives that would bring honour to Him, and to their parents. We honour our mums and acknowledge their sacrifice on a daily basis – time, finance, sleep and a whole lot of other ways you could only really know if you are a mum.
May God bless our church, our homes, our nation.
With love,
Glenda.
by Pastor Glenda
Recently I went to the beach at Seaspray. It was a warm, sunny day, and as I stood on the shore and looked out at the waves my eyes were drawn from the shallows where the waves were breaking, on toward the horizon. I was inspired by the vastness of the ocean, and as I took it all in, I asked the Lord what He was saying to me in that moment.
I believe the Lord is saying to us this year that He desires to take us deeper and deeper into His love, His character and His holiness. He wants us to nurture our soul as we spend time with Him and in His Presence. I believe as we are preparing for the year, organizing programs and events, we must always keep in mind that we must “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all the other things will be given to us.” Seeking Him, His face, His word and His ways comes first. So we first need to “Come” to Jesus. “Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
The second word that keeps coming up in my daily reading and devotion is “Wider.” God wants us to keep diving deeper into Him and His heart, but then He wants us to go wider, reaching out to our community and those around us with His love, with His word, and with the Gospel. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” That is our mandate. That is the mission of the church.
So here we go, into a new year – our 50th Anniversary year. Let’s be prepared to go deeper and wider than ever and to see God’s purpose manifest in our lives, in our church and in our community and beyond. As we learn to worship God in spirit and in truth, as we make His word foundational in our lives and allow it to do its work in us, as we are filled with the new wine of the Holy Spirit, refreshing and renewing us, then we can be the witnesses He has called us to be to the world around us.