God is in control of world events - even though so much seems to be going wrong. He has a plan - and it is good! Even in dark days, God guides his people. We can trust his perfect plan - and perfect timing!

His plans are the best-laid plans!

Jeremiah 29:4-10, Jeremiah 28:1-4, Jeremiah 29:11-14, Daniel 2:48, Isaiah 45:1, Galatians 3:29, 1 Timothy 2:1-4

The parables of the mustard seed and yeast teach a vital principle of the Kingdom of God: something small can become something big - and have a significant impact!

This is spectacularly displayed in Acts as we read of a small group of disciple makers who impacted their city, their nation and the world!

This principle still applies - we can do the same! Even one disciple who makes disciple makers can start a movement that grows exponentially! We may be small, but we can have a big impact!

Matthew 13:31-33, Acts 2:1, 41 & 47, 8:1, 4-5, 13:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Matthew 28:16-20

We need to learn the secret of contentment, but we shouldn't become complacent! God has more in store! He has prepared good works for us to do and he wants to keep transforming us!

Let's keep pressing on - to understand and achieve God's purposes for us and to become more and more like Jesus. Let's not allow our past mistakes and present struggles to hold us back; let's stay thankful and stay hungry for more!

Philippians 3: 13 -14, Philippians 4:11-13, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11

The parable of the wheat and the weeds teaches us valuable life lessons:

- those who belong to Jesus must live alongside those who do not

- we'll face many temptations - we need to resist

- we'll face trials & opposition - we need to persist

- this is also a great opportunity - we live in the mission field!

- our different thinking & living shines light into darkness.

Matthew

You are not a "mistake"; you are God's workmanship! You are not called to imitate anyone - or compete with anyone - you are a unique creation! So be content with

Psalm 33:13-15, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 2:10, Acts 17:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:18, 1 Samuel 17:38-40, Romans 12:6-8

The parable of the sower teaches us that the condition of our hearts determines whether our lives will be fruitful or not.

We should therefore guard our hearts - and work on our hearts - so that we will be like fertile soil that is fruitful for God.

We should also be faithful in presenting the gospel to others, not giving up when we don't see the response that we'd hoped for, but rather praying for their hearts.

Matthew 13:3-9 & 18-23, Luke 14:26-28, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 7:24-27, Romans 1:16

A right kind of faith

...can be recognised by our lifestyle

...recognises that we have been set free from sin so refuses to allow win to reign

...recognises that we are saved by grace through faith, so does not try to earn salvation, but seeks to honour the name of Jesus

...lives a life of confident faith and increasing evidence of the transforming work of Jesus

Titus 1:16, Romans 6:1-14, James 2:14-20, Isaiah 61:10, Ephesians 2:8-9

Hardness of heart keeps us from hearing what God is saying and from understanding what he is doing.

Heart hearts are selfish, stubborn and not fully surrendered to God. They need concessions, wanting the ways of the Kingdom to be adjusted to suit them.

Soft hearts are fully yielded to the will of God. They earnestly seek to hear whatever God is saying.

Soft-hearted disciples have ears that hear, eyes that see and hearts that understand.

Matthew 13:1-2, 10-17, Matthew 19:3-8, Mark 8:15-18, Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 3:7-12

Jesus offers us rest for our souls. This rest comes when we submit our lives to him.

When we "yoke in" with Jesus, we find that we supernaturally live lives of righteousness, purpose and inner peace.

We yoke in by deciding to submit our lives to his rule, by choosing daily to obey him and

Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 15:5-11, Matthew 23:1-4, Matthew 12:1-2, Matthew 23:23-24, Colossians 2:20-23, Ephesians 3:20-21, Philippians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 7:24-25

We can learn many things from the beginning of Jesus' ministry:

- The Kingdom of God is for ALL who believe

- Ministry includes proclamation/evangelism, justice and compassion

- We must both "go out" AND "attract in"

- We must minister without discrimination

- We need the power of the Holy Spirit to do this

Luke 4:14-30, Luke 5:32, John 8:12, 1 Kings 17:1-16, 2 Kings 5:1-15