Hi, Akita here - this message is dedicated to our dear friend Dave, who had a special birthday last week.

40 Years.

Last week's message we looked at 40 weeks; being careful not to rush things as it often takes time for babies or projects or events to development. Today I want to look at the other side.... which I have given the tittle: 40 years.

I understand that we shouldn't rush things, but often we do have a role in assisting things to develop or occur. I struggle with the concept that some Christians sit down and claim that they believe God will do things and He will bring these things about in His own timing, and so they believe that they don't need to play an active role in that, just wait... no human responsibility required. When I think about this topic I straight away am drawn to the story of Moses and the promised land.

40 years is a long time! In Deuteronomy chapter 1, Moses and camp had now been in the desert for 40 years when God said "You have stayed long enough at this mountain.......go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers - to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and to their descendants after them." Instead of doing what they were called to do, they sent spies to scout the land, many of the spies were scared, didn't rely on God, didn't see that it was indeed for them and so decided to not enter into the PROMISED land. Not suprising, God was angry.

To cut the story short, after what the men had displayed God didn't want those people to enter into the land. So after 38 years (nearly another 40 years), when the entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, the camp then went forward to claim the land. The two spies who were keen to step into what God had for them; Joshua + Caleb were allowed to enter into the new land... but all the other fighting men of that generation were to die in the desert. Not nice.

Some may say that they are happy that their children will "seize the promised land"... but what about you and your generation??? It may be true that if you do nothing then your children may very well take the promised land or complete the task God has asked you to do, instead of yourself..... you can wander in the desert for 40 years... but I don't want to. My children and their peers will have their own battles and rewards.... why should I neglect mine..... there is a time and place for everything... I don't want to miss it. If you choose not to act, don't freak too much that the next generation may pick it up + run with it... but don't be proud of it.... as it may of been designed for you at a certain appointed time.

Can I encourage you to be a Joshua or Caleb, when you have a Godly task to do be bold and do it... don't look at all the giants or wait for every detail to be crystallized or in-order before acting. 38 or 40 years is a long time. Rarely is something totally crystallized or formed before you are asked to step out... other wise it wouldn't be called "stepping out".
Be bold.

Blessings,

Akita.
9-11-06

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To view some camp photos, or listen to the camp sermons online, or to enter the Oxygen monthly competition, visit the site to enter:

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.

BV Youth - New term planner out, for term 4, for all Bunbury Vineyard youth. Keep an eye out for the planer. Lots planned - heaps of fun + challenges!!

ROC 11+ - Next ROC 11+ activity will be Q+As @ G+As on Sunday the 12th of November. Bring some food, friends, questions, and praise points.

Tomatoes - On THIS Friday the 10th of November. 7-9pm. ALL welcome. Held @ church. Crew from Harvey + CCC will be joining us. Meal after service!!!!! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUU MMMMMMMUUUUUUSSSTTTTT CCCCOOOOMMMMMEEEEEE. This is for all youth + also adults... the more the merrier!

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

Oxygen - Next event will be on Saturday the 2nd of December. Held @ Grace.

Friday Nite Live - 24th Nov @ CCC Bunbury, all welcome to attend this youth service. Who knows what to expect!!!! Come along.

praise Him praise Him: Last month we had confirmation that we were successful in recieving a $3,000 grant from the Bunbury Recreation Entertainment Centre, for the Oxygen March music/rally planned. Thank you Lord..... with providing us favour, and assisting us since we took a step of faith + action.... you are amazing!

prayer request: for protection + financial support for a local youth named Joanne. Jo feels called to attend and serve in an upcoming YWAM mission. She has asked for prayer for safety as well as assistance financially, for the Summer of Service mission to Thailand in January 2007, with YWAM. If you would like further info on this please email myself. Thanks.

prayer: for the huge salvation rally planned for young people in March 2007.

prayer: for all the local school Chaplains out there doing His business.

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

Esther 4 v 12-16

When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

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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