Remember?

WHEN I REMEMBER… Do you memorize Scripture regularly?
How well would you rate your memory out of 10?  I have at times (OK, often) had to apologize because I had forgotten to do something that I was asked to do.  You may know the feeling; panic....flurry ....too late... “Sorry, I forgot”.  I am constantly trying to improve my retention levels, however, I still find myself asking Tessa, as we drive out of our driveway, “Where are we going again?”
For as long as I can remember I have been learning memory verses and doctrinal texts.  It sure can be hard work; especially for my old brain.  I find myself forgetting texts and then re-discovering them again; only to have them disappear on me when I am trying to recall them.  Like most things, remembering Bible texts takes consistent effort.  Text memorization is a life skill: it never ends.  My old brain needs to keep learning.
God has created us with an amazing brain.  Studies vary greatly in their conclusions on the capacity of the human brain.  Most, however, agree that compared to computers, the brain has far superior ways of learning.  Recent studies of how the brain works has led to the development of an approach to teaching called ‘brain-based’ learning.  This approach takes advantage of the way our brains naturally learn.  By understanding how our brains learn we can enhance our ability to process, retain and make use of the information we receive.
Learning a text, remembering it for more than two days and then using it in my life is a great spiritual life skill.  It is one of the most thrilling experiences we can have.  Imagine, just like Jesus, you are tempted (or in any situation) and ‘pow!’ ancient words, holy words, power words, event-changing words, heart influencing words, life transforming words just burst out of your heart.
Do you memorize Scripture regularly?  Let’s start a revival - learn a new text today.
“When I remember that He died for me; rose again; ..coming back - I’ll never go back anymore.”

Kaikohe Comes Through

Far North pastor, Frank Toa(pictured above) and his team ran an excellent Northern Regional in Kaikohe last Sabbath.  The regional included members from Te Kao, Kaeo, Kaikohe, Dargaville, Whangarei and Tikipunga was held in the Kaikohe War Memorial Hall.  Special music for the day  was presented by the ‘Day 7’ Men’s Choir from Auckland.  The day ended with strong support for the Adventist Book Centre display in the Kaikohe Church hall.

The New Zealand Pacific Union Conference NZPUC Executive Committee met for their mid year meetings last week at Head Office.  Reports from the territories included an inaugural report from Pitcairn Island, which is an attached territory to the NZPUC.  Pr Ray Codling, on furlough from Pitcairn, has been on the 70+ person population island for two years.  Amongst his many duties is the challenge of increasing numbers beyond the 30+ who attend church on Sabbath mornings.

A copy of the New Zealand Conference NNZC report to the NZPUC executive will be available with the next issue of the NNZC magazine ‘North Newz’.

Have a great week everyone.  Shalom

One of the many blessings of Adventist Education is “Week of Prayer”.  Our youngest son invited me to his school(South Auckland) ‘Week of Prayer’ two weeks ago.  He was eager for me to attend.  It was interactive, student-led, Christ-centred and applicable to every day life.  No wonder he was having such a great time.  To have a week of spiritual emphasis as part of his educational program has been one his school highlights this year.

Queen’s Birthday weekend in Rotorua saw the opening of the ‘All Power’ seminar at the Rotorua Convention Centre.  Supported by the Rotorua church, the ‘All Power Seminar’ presented by Leo Schreven attracted hundreds of guests.  The seminar, which ends June 16, has now moved to the Rotorua church.  The seminar has moved from motivational presentations to Bible teachings.  Please pray for our pastor in Rotorua Les Worsley and his team as they continue to ministry to the 200+ attenders.

Julene Duerksen-Kapao’s message on the Luke 15 trilogy at the Queen’s Brithday Youth Rally in Auckland was a highlight for many of the young people in attendance.  With great music from various youth groups her message of grace and discipleship was opened further for our youth.  Our youth ministries team also ran another successful basketball tournament on the same weekend. [my team made it to the Mens A final! OK we didn’t win but..]