Coaching might be simple but it’s not easy. I find that I have to work hard at clearing my mind to focus on those I’m coaching. It takes work to pray, study my notes from the last meeting, and think of creative questions. Joel Comiskey
A warm ride to visit Greg Nash and Susan Nash at their soon to be residence on Kaputar Road. The wind picked up for the return trip which made life a little bit harder. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Main points: Coaches should daily pray for their leaders. Coaches should both call their leaders and meet with them each month. Coaches should occasionally visit the cell groups. Joel Comiskey
Scripture
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things unseen. For the things we we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever
Observation
Paul is pressed on every side by troubles, but he is not crushed. He is knocked down, but not destroyed. The suffering of his body is a sharing in the death and the life of Jesus. He lives in the face of death, but he knows that this results in eternal life for others.
Paul continues to preach because he knows that as God’s grace reaches more people, God receives more glory. He never gives up gives up because these present troubles are small compared to the glory to come.
Application
Many people believe and act as if the material world is more important than the spiritual world. The Bible says the opposite is true.
The spirit world is more important because it is eternal, while the physical creation will eventually pass away.
Even if this were not true, it would still make more sense to invest ourselves in eternal values because that is where our home will be forever. Jesus told a parable about a rich man who died even while he was planning new store houses and ways to increase his financial wealth, but he had given no thought to eternity. God describes him as a fool. ( Luke 12:16-21)
Paul looked at the hardships he endured in this life as an investment in heaven. He rejoiced that God was being glorified as more people received the good news. His suffering was short and inconsequential compared to the joy and eternal life coming to himself and to his converts.
We must learn to see things from God’s perspective and to invest in what will last forever.
Prayer
Thank you Father for the privilege of eternal life with you. Please help me to invest with you in things that will yield an eternal reward. Amen.
A good ride along Yarrie Lake Rd this morning. The cows seem happy to see me. 😁#cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
The main objective of the coach during the meeting is to encourage. Affirm and support the cell leader in front of his or her group members. Joel Comiskey
Scripture
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God
Observation
God has given us this new way so that we should reject reject all shameful deeds such as distorting the word of God.
The Good News is hidden from those who are perishing because satan has blinded their minds. They cannot see the glory and and do not understand the message about Christ.
The same God who created light to shine in the darkness put the light into into our hearts so we can see the glory of God. We have the light in our hearts, but we ourselves are like jars of clay that contain a great treasure.
Application
We must never forget that satan is the god of this world. Those who choose to follow the world rather than follow Jesus are therefore following Satan, the father of lies.
This means that most of what the world says is good is in fact bad, and vice versa. It is the highest folly for individuals or churches to listen to what the world is saying.
Satan is a liar, but Jesus is the Truth. Everything must be tested against what Jesus teaches. Scripture is truth, and wherever it conflicts with the world, we must choose Scripture.
We are seeing an acceleration of the promotion of lies in the world. sexual deviancy, abortion, self-centeredness, communism, and many other false doctrines are being promoted by the self-styled elites who deny and mock the Father of Truth.
Into the darkness, every christian must shine the light of the glory of Christ. We must do this faithfully and repeatedly. Those who choose to walk in the darkness may take some time before they are able to see the light. We must persist.
Prayer
Thank you Father for saving me. Thank you for the Good News. Amen.
Nice ride past Bunnings and around the edge of town this morning. A bit of action at the silos on the highway north of town. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
The Spirit of God is the best coach. When coaches pray for their leaders, the Holy Spirit begins to work in their lives. He descends upon them, giving them the ability to hear and accomplish his will on a daily basis. Joel Comiskey
Scripture
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Observation
This new covenant gives us confidence. Moses used to put a veil over his face so the people of Israel could not see the shining glory of God. But now the veil covers the mind of people so that they cannot understand the truth. This veil only be removed by believing in Christ.
When we turn to the Lord, the veil is removed. We receive the freedom of the Spirit so that we can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. The Spirit makes us more like Him as we are changed from glory to glory.
Application
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. This verse is often interpreted by people to mean that where the Spirit of the Lord is, I can do whatever I want.
Freedom in the scriptures is not freedom from restraint. It is freedom to do what the Lord wants us to do. It is not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin.
Paul here is talking about the blindness that people have without Christ to understand God’s will. When we come to Christ, the veil is removed and we can read the scriptures and understand who God is.
The Spirit of the Lord gives us freedom to live a holy life.
The Spirit also gives us freedom to worship God. We start to see and reflect the glory of the Lord. We can see the Lord for who he is, and all of our false ideas are taken away. As we catch the glimpse of God’s glory, we worship him in Spirit and in truth. We are free to express our love for the Lord as our hearts are transformed by the Spirit.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you that you have removed the veil from my mind. Please help me to worship you and to live a life of holiness. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 