Hi, Akita here - Can you believe it is February already?

Lazarus Was Waiting.

While recently re-reading the story in John 11 about the Death of Lazarus, I have caught a glimpse of the story that before I had overlooked.

Having always known the end of the story, I had previously found Mary + Martha's timing expectation for the Lord to act, and level of faith was disappointing. This was rude of myself to think that, as I had access to the end of the story, while during that time the sisters obviously didn't.

All they knew was that their brother had died days before, his dead body is giving a bad odor, and if only Jesus had arrived earlier (their preferred timing) then all would of been okay. Mary said "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Many times we are in difficult circumstances or questioning moods... where things feel dead or situations are beginning to give a bad odor. Our sense of timing makes perfect sense to us and to our will and to our own desires.... but, what is best ... is God's timing, God's will, and God's desire for our lives.

Our expectations based on our timing for miracles or things to occur are inferior to His. Like the sisters, we don't have access to the end of the story. He is all knowing, not us... He is sovereign, not us... He is God, not us. Sometimes things don't make sense at all, and sometimes things don't make sense until a later stage in your life.

I heard a great tandem sermon two weeks ago from two local Youth Leaders. One was done by Jesse Roberts, he preached on The Mystery of God. It was fantastic and really brought the message home that: He is in control and we should chill out a bit as we can not do a better job than God. If you would like to hear the message go to: www.bunburyvineyard.org.au/sermons.htm

Occasionally we forget that we are "believers".... and a "believer" is someone who believes.

Blessings,

Akita.
1-2-07

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To visit the Oxygen Youth website:

If you have any praise points, encouragement, favourite verses, or short teachings you wish to share... please send me an email (I know there are some out there) and we will try to include.

Study/dinner night "1621" - Last year it was called "Q+A's".... this year it will be in a variety of venues... so stay tuned and collect a term planer fom church this Sunday. The first 1621 night will be on Sunday the 11th Feb, from 7-9pm. Aimed at ages 16yrs - 21yrs. The night includes time of hanging out, eating meal together, and a study/disscussion.

Oxygen - Kicking off the new year with a PRAYER RIOT. So THIS Saturday the 3rd of Feb all youth are welcome to come on down to CCC Bunbury from 8pm-12 midnight to pray for our city, our youth, our mission team, our country ... and more. This year is going to be great as we step out into an area God has called us. We have a few new events occurring as well as regular worship events, think BIG and keep your eyes glued to the website for further info. Note: all Oxygen events will be on the 1st Saturday of each month, so start preparing and write them into your diary.

Power House - This Sunday the 4th of Feb @ Church... there will be a term intro plus 2 great speakers. Time: 5-7pm. Hey young ladies.. Bec has planned some activities for you during term one... be sure to catch her this Sunday to find out more. It will be a blast.... get there! Power House planers are pinned on the youth board... they are pink in colour.

Prayer - every Sunday afternoon, 5-6pm @ church.

prayer: for the team from Oxygen going to Tanzania on 24th Feb 2007. Prayer for safety, funds, opportunities, effectiveness...etc. Team members: Aarron, Akita, Andrew, Danny, Dave, Jason, Jesse, Mandy, Stephanie, + Stephanie.

prayer: for the huge Student Battle of the Bands rally planned for Bunbury young people in March 2007. Prayer for the working team of this project. Prayer for acceptance into local high schools, tafes, and local uni. Prayer for sponsors to respond positively to requests. So far a good response, but still in need of major sponsors - big requests are going out this week, please pray.
Check out the Elevator website: www.oxygenyouth.com/elevator

.... if you have any requests you would like added here, please email me, contact details below.

Ecclesiastes 3 v 1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

Please feel free to forward this email-newsletter to friends + family.

Akita Olsen - Youth Pastor
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
Office phone: (08) 9721 3379
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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