Well I'm about to go on holidays for a month - yipeeee! So I might not get to the blog much. Have a fantastic Christmas and lets not forget the one that is really all about.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Monday, December 06, 2004
coincidence?
Incredibly within 10 seconds of writing the last post I opened a peace of mail advertising a speaker on the subject of "Overcoming Violence". It is being presented by a group I would not normally attend but in this case I think I will. It wouldn't hurt to have my mind stretched!
self defence
I'm somewhat confused. My confusion is in regard to whether or not a Christian should ever be involved in violence.
When Jesus was physically attacked he never defended himself. People like Martin Luther King would argue that passive resistance is in the end the other way of truly gaining a victory.
But what about when we might be attacked on the street? It is just a random act of violence and we are not defending a principle in the way that Jesus was or in the way that Martin Luther King was.
I must acknowledge that my tendency is to physically defend myself, is this wrong?
Jesus says to love your enemies, does this involve letting them transgress or is there a line in the sand we must defend?
The more I think about this the more I am confused. But being confused is not always a bad thing since it means there is an openess to new insight.
"Lord God, I ask you to give me insight into your truth so that my life might be increasingly reflective of who you are as revealed in Jesus."
When Jesus was physically attacked he never defended himself. People like Martin Luther King would argue that passive resistance is in the end the other way of truly gaining a victory.
But what about when we might be attacked on the street? It is just a random act of violence and we are not defending a principle in the way that Jesus was or in the way that Martin Luther King was.
I must acknowledge that my tendency is to physically defend myself, is this wrong?
Jesus says to love your enemies, does this involve letting them transgress or is there a line in the sand we must defend?
The more I think about this the more I am confused. But being confused is not always a bad thing since it means there is an openess to new insight.
"Lord God, I ask you to give me insight into your truth so that my life might be increasingly reflective of who you are as revealed in Jesus."
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
customer complaints
From http://www.50secrets.com/
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
customer complaints
From http://www.50secrets.com/
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
customer complaints
From http://www.50secrets.com/
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
When I first ventured into the working world I landed a job that required a great deal of customer service.
There were some valuable lessons I learned on the job that I now use at home.
Those who work in customer service are taught that when customers have complaints, that we should first listen to them. We are often tempted to try to solve their "problem" before we even hear them finish telling us why they are upset. If we listen to their whole story, sometimes that in itself satisfies them. They just needed to let off a little steam.
The second step in good customer service is to acknowledge the problem and to be genuinely sorry that everything did not go as they expected.
A simple, yet sincere apology satisfies many situations.
Only after we have fully heard the complaint and have acknowledged their suffering can we truly offer them some sort of compensation. In many cases if you ask a customer how they would like the situation remedied, they will offer a solution that is both very fair and will have them very satisfied.
The next time your mate comes to you with a complaint, don't butt in, but fully listen to them. Understand and express sympathy for their hurt feelings. Ask them what you can do for them to make them feel better. If you want your beloved to keep coming back, treat them like they are your number one customer.
Something to think about...
Friday, November 26, 2004
the cost of confronting evil
Someone once said that all it takes for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.
Yesterday I confronted someone I saw stealing bananas from a local small grocery store. The result was that I was punched and then kicked repeatedly by two young men, and other than the person who stopped their car, everyone else did nothing.
Most of my wifes friends who've heard the story wonder why I did what I did, their solution is to turn a blind eye. For me this is not an option. As a follower of Jesus I feel I must stand against evil whenever it shows itself.
The reality is that I live in one of the worst suburbs in Sydney, Redfern, and its getting worse because people are afraid of confronting evil.
But things will not change unless followers of Jesus chose to live in the worst places and confront evil whenever they see it.
Yesterday I confronted someone I saw stealing bananas from a local small grocery store. The result was that I was punched and then kicked repeatedly by two young men, and other than the person who stopped their car, everyone else did nothing.
Most of my wifes friends who've heard the story wonder why I did what I did, their solution is to turn a blind eye. For me this is not an option. As a follower of Jesus I feel I must stand against evil whenever it shows itself.
The reality is that I live in one of the worst suburbs in Sydney, Redfern, and its getting worse because people are afraid of confronting evil.
But things will not change unless followers of Jesus chose to live in the worst places and confront evil whenever they see it.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
christmas fun
For a bit of sick Christmas fun go to http://ww10.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm and shack the snowglobe.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
justice
Over the last year I've discovered the peace that comes from knowing that in the end justice resides in the hand of God. I really don't know how people who don't believe in God and in justice beyond this life cope when they don't get justice from the temporal authorities.
Just over a year ago my eldest brother was hit and killed by a driver who did not stop. Indeed he took active steps to hide. Eventually the man was caught and went through the justice system claiming innocence until the first day of his trial where he finally pleaded guilty.
And what was his punishment? 180 hours community service and a $10,000 fine.
Is this justice for a man who in all probability was drunk at the wheel? Is this justice for failing to stop and for all he knew render life saving help.
Instead a following car hit my brother and now a family has to live with having hit someone through absolutely no fault of their own.
In the end justice is administered by God and it is in his hands my peace resides and so I can truly pray.
"Lord I pray that you would reveal yourself to this man and bring him to a knowledge of you that enables him to truly acknowledge his sin and then find the peace that only you can give."
Just over a year ago my eldest brother was hit and killed by a driver who did not stop. Indeed he took active steps to hide. Eventually the man was caught and went through the justice system claiming innocence until the first day of his trial where he finally pleaded guilty.
And what was his punishment? 180 hours community service and a $10,000 fine.
Is this justice for a man who in all probability was drunk at the wheel? Is this justice for failing to stop and for all he knew render life saving help.
Instead a following car hit my brother and now a family has to live with having hit someone through absolutely no fault of their own.
In the end justice is administered by God and it is in his hands my peace resides and so I can truly pray.
"Lord I pray that you would reveal yourself to this man and bring him to a knowledge of you that enables him to truly acknowledge his sin and then find the peace that only you can give."
sexual purity
"Holiness is not some nebulous thing. It's a series of right choices. You needn't wait for some holy cloud to form around you. You'll be holy when you choose not to sin. As a Christian you're already free from the power of sexual immorality; you are not yet free from the habit of sexual immorality, until you choose to be - until you say, 'That's enough! I'm choosing to live purely!"
Page 92, "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker.
Page 92, "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
leadership
Are you interested in leading an organisation forward?
"Good to Great" by J Collins is one of the best books I've read in a long time on what it takes to make a great organisation. The lessons are challenging yet seem to be in tune with some of the other research I've seen.
The salient lesson seems to be that high profile leaders are not the ones to model ourselves on. The best results, instead of just pr, are often by people who few people have heard about because they don't have the sexiness that our culture seems to desire of our icons.
Purchase the book and be ready to have your paradigm shifted.
"Good to Great" by J Collins is one of the best books I've read in a long time on what it takes to make a great organisation. The lessons are challenging yet seem to be in tune with some of the other research I've seen.
The salient lesson seems to be that high profile leaders are not the ones to model ourselves on. The best results, instead of just pr, are often by people who few people have heard about because they don't have the sexiness that our culture seems to desire of our icons.
Purchase the book and be ready to have your paradigm shifted.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
donald trump
from INJOY's The Pastor's Coach: Volume 5, Issue 20
Donald Trump is the archetypal businessman and dealmaker, and best-selling author of The Art of the Deal. In terms of the speaker line up for the day, Trump was batting clean up, and boy did he clean up! What a character! Now I know why his TV series The Apprentice is so hugely popular. He is just flat out likeable. Whether or not you ascribe to his life principles, "The Donald" is a force to be reckoned with. One of the great insights that Mr. Trump offered us was that in order to be successful you must absolutely love what you do. That is so true. Each of us has only one life and it is short at that. Take some time to reflect on what you do. Do you sense God's call and affirmation? Are you doing exactly what you were meant to do? Are you having fun? (fun doesn't mean it's easy) Are you productive? Do you love what you do? If not, is it time for a change?
Donald Trump is the archetypal businessman and dealmaker, and best-selling author of The Art of the Deal. In terms of the speaker line up for the day, Trump was batting clean up, and boy did he clean up! What a character! Now I know why his TV series The Apprentice is so hugely popular. He is just flat out likeable. Whether or not you ascribe to his life principles, "The Donald" is a force to be reckoned with. One of the great insights that Mr. Trump offered us was that in order to be successful you must absolutely love what you do. That is so true. Each of us has only one life and it is short at that. Take some time to reflect on what you do. Do you sense God's call and affirmation? Are you doing exactly what you were meant to do? Are you having fun? (fun doesn't mean it's easy) Are you productive? Do you love what you do? If not, is it time for a change?
marriage
"If culture moves further and further away from valuing marriage, women will experience, by far, the worst of it, having kids without fathers. Marriage changes men substantially on how they behave and think about women and children. Cohabitation does not change that. Young men earn more and achieve more and are more willing to sacrifice when they marry." --Scott Stanley, codirector of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at Denver University - The Independent (Feb 12-18, 2004)
"If your own marriage has grown stale, look in the mirror and ask God how he can use it to transform the person looking back at you. If you’ve let bitterness seize your heart, stop praying for your spouse to change and ask God to change you. Most marriages can survive temporarily 'falling out of love.' But you’re headed for disaster if you ever let yourself fall out of repentance." - Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage (Zondervan, 2000)
"If your own marriage has grown stale, look in the mirror and ask God how he can use it to transform the person looking back at you. If you’ve let bitterness seize your heart, stop praying for your spouse to change and ask God to change you. Most marriages can survive temporarily 'falling out of love.' But you’re headed for disaster if you ever let yourself fall out of repentance." - Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage (Zondervan, 2000)
Monday, November 08, 2004
FIRST-PERSON: I still love homosexuals
"Unsure how I, a former homosexual, received an invitation to speak two consecutive weeks to a gay/lesbian organization at a major university, I readily accepted. I arrived well ahead of time to mingle with the students, shake hands and get to know them ...
Check out the rest of the article at http://www.pastors.com/RWMT/default.asp?id=179&artid=5022&expand=1
Check out the rest of the article at http://www.pastors.com/RWMT/default.asp?id=179&artid=5022&expand=1
believing in v believing
Have you ever stopped to consider the difference between 'believing in God' and 'believing God'. The little word 'in' makes a tremendous difference.
Do you 'believe in God?' or 'believe God?'
Many a person who is opposed to God believe IN God, but they do not BELIEVE GOD!
Obviously to 'believe God' you have to 'believe in God'. But to 'believe in God' does not necessarily mean you 'believe God.'
Being a follower of Jesus is to believe God when he reveals Jesus is his Son. It means to believe God that their is no way to God except through Jesus. It is to believe that God who raised Jesus from the dead, can also raise us up from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Where are you today? Are you a believer IN God or do you BELIEVE GOD?
Do you 'believe in God?' or 'believe God?'
Many a person who is opposed to God believe IN God, but they do not BELIEVE GOD!
Obviously to 'believe God' you have to 'believe in God'. But to 'believe in God' does not necessarily mean you 'believe God.'
Being a follower of Jesus is to believe God when he reveals Jesus is his Son. It means to believe God that their is no way to God except through Jesus. It is to believe that God who raised Jesus from the dead, can also raise us up from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Where are you today? Are you a believer IN God or do you BELIEVE GOD?
Faith is believing God
Romans 1:5 says ... "Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith."
As I was reading this verse late last night the relationship between faith and obedience really struck home. It is travelling the road of obedience, but the door way to the road is the doorway of faith. And what is faith? Faith is believing God. So the verse could be written "... to the obedience that comes from believing God."
Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." That is what we believe is critical to what we do. Action follows our true beliefs.
So often the battle is not what we do, but what we truly believe.
If I want to change that bad habit I have to change what I really believe. Bad habits are the natural result of believing that the bad habit will bring a benefit. Good habits are the result of believing that the good action is truly the better thing to do.
So next time you do something you are not happy about, consider what belief stands behind that action, and then ask God to 'transform your thinking'.
As I was reading this verse late last night the relationship between faith and obedience really struck home. It is travelling the road of obedience, but the door way to the road is the doorway of faith. And what is faith? Faith is believing God. So the verse could be written "... to the obedience that comes from believing God."
Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." That is what we believe is critical to what we do. Action follows our true beliefs.
So often the battle is not what we do, but what we truly believe.
If I want to change that bad habit I have to change what I really believe. Bad habits are the natural result of believing that the bad habit will bring a benefit. Good habits are the result of believing that the good action is truly the better thing to do.
So next time you do something you are not happy about, consider what belief stands behind that action, and then ask God to 'transform your thinking'.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
hitting
"The unforgivable crime is soft hitting. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly."- Theodore Roosevelt
romance
Amongst all the garbage on the net there is some good stuff. In particular I recommend the FREE newsletter that is available from http://www.theromantic.com/. The subject is relationships and he gives lots of good and sound ideas and advice.
goofballs
The boys at www.xxxchurch.com are dedicated to discussing issues that are often not well discussed in church. These guys have made it to the New York Times and even had been written up in an article in Playboy.
Check out their promo that can be found at http://www.thegoofballs.com/# and click on the option under "Experience the Message".
What they are saying is a challenge to live for God in the dark places of this world.
Check out their promo that can be found at http://www.thegoofballs.com/# and click on the option under "Experience the Message".
What they are saying is a challenge to live for God in the dark places of this world.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
bible reading plan
Looking for a bible reading plan? I did a google search under "Bible Reading Plan" and came up with lots of options.
My favourite one is found at at http://www.navpress.com/Magazines/DJ/BibleReadingPlans.asp?mscsid=DRK9S6UQNX8S9KJNC8LPUA4WCS0MFNH5
There are all sorts on plans on the net. You can do in Chronological order, by Topic, in the order of the Bible, etc. Have a look and find one that suits you.
There is a three year reading plan found at http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/biblereading-3yr.html
There is a reading plan for beginners at http://www.learnthebible.org/bible_reading_intro.htm which covers about 40% of the bible in 170 days.
This one found at http://www.biblehistory.webcentral.com.au/visitor/JonFitz.htm is good in that it gives an option to do basic readings and also additional readings.
My favourite one is found at at http://www.navpress.com/Magazines/DJ/BibleReadingPlans.asp?mscsid=DRK9S6UQNX8S9KJNC8LPUA4WCS0MFNH5
There are all sorts on plans on the net. You can do in Chronological order, by Topic, in the order of the Bible, etc. Have a look and find one that suits you.
There is a three year reading plan found at http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/biblereading-3yr.html
There is a reading plan for beginners at http://www.learnthebible.org/bible_reading_intro.htm which covers about 40% of the bible in 170 days.
This one found at http://www.biblehistory.webcentral.com.au/visitor/JonFitz.htm is good in that it gives an option to do basic readings and also additional readings.
google it
Just had fun checking out all the extras offered by google. When you go to www.google.com notice that above the search line there are different options ie images, groups, etc. Check out the more option and see all the other things google offer. The 'google desktop search' option is absolutely stunning and brilliant. It it a really really really fast way of searching your own files.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
pain
I believe pain and suffering can never be completely answered by logic. Though there are some very good answers, these answers in the end do not lessen the pain in our heart. For me one of the most helpful thoughts is not the logical arguement, but the fact that God walks with me in my pain. This is well summed up in the famous poem that follows called "Footprints" by Mary Stevenson
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he waswalking along the beach with the Lord. Across thesky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, henoticed two sets of footprints in the sand: onebelonging to him, and the other to the Lord. Whenthe last scene of his life flashed before him, helooked back at the footprints in the sand. Henoticed that many times along the path of his lifethere was only one set of footprints. He also noticedthat it happened at the very lowest and saddesttimes in his life. This really bothered him and hequestioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said thatonce I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me allthe way. But I have noticed that during the mosttroublesome times in my life, there is only one setof footprints. I don't understand why when I neededyou most you would leave me." The Lord replied,"My son, My precious child, I love you and I wouldnever leave you. During your times of trial andsuffering, when you see only one set of footprints, itwas then that I Carried You."
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he waswalking along the beach with the Lord. Across thesky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, henoticed two sets of footprints in the sand: onebelonging to him, and the other to the Lord. Whenthe last scene of his life flashed before him, helooked back at the footprints in the sand. Henoticed that many times along the path of his lifethere was only one set of footprints. He also noticedthat it happened at the very lowest and saddesttimes in his life. This really bothered him and hequestioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said thatonce I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me allthe way. But I have noticed that during the mosttroublesome times in my life, there is only one setof footprints. I don't understand why when I neededyou most you would leave me." The Lord replied,"My son, My precious child, I love you and I wouldnever leave you. During your times of trial andsuffering, when you see only one set of footprints, itwas then that I Carried You."
Monday, October 25, 2004
addiction
Addiction is something that can strike anyone. The educated and the uneducated. The young and the old. It can and may even be a reality in your life. I know it has been at times in my journey.
Here are some websites you may find helpful on your journey into freedom. The first one is something that has been of huge benefit in my life. The others seem to have some useful information.
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
http://www.pureintimacy.org/
http://www.newlife.com/resources/
http://www.minirthclinic.com/
http://www.celebraterecovery.com/index.asp
Here are some websites you may find helpful on your journey into freedom. The first one is something that has been of huge benefit in my life. The others seem to have some useful information.
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
http://www.pureintimacy.org/
http://www.newlife.com/resources/
http://www.minirthclinic.com/
http://www.celebraterecovery.com/index.asp
wpolraky
Here's a new word for you today - wpolrak.
In the best jobs, work and play are intermingled. Why not wpolraky today!
In the best jobs, work and play are intermingled. Why not wpolraky today!
the prayer of faith
Check out the sermon entitled 'The Prayer of Faith' (8 August 2004) by Barry McMurtrie. It is an excellent, balanced and encouraging message on the bibles teaching about healing.
five myths of marriage
Click on the link to get the full article discussing each of the following marriage myths. Of particular interest to me is Myth #3 as many of the over 200 couples I've married have been living together.
The article doesn't go into any numbers but the research I've read suggests that those who live together before marriage are twice as likely to divorce as those who don't live together first. And those who have been divorced are twice as likely to divorce a second time.
Myth #1: Marriage benefits men much more than women.
Myth #2: The keys to long-term marital success are good luck and romantic love.
Myth #3: Couples who live together before marriage are able to test how well suited they are for each other and have more satisfying and longer-lasting marriages than couples who do not.
Myth #4: People cannot be expected to stay in a marriage for a lifetime as they did in the past because we live so much longer today.
Myth #5: Marriage will make me happy.
The article doesn't go into any numbers but the research I've read suggests that those who live together before marriage are twice as likely to divorce as those who don't live together first. And those who have been divorced are twice as likely to divorce a second time.
Myth #1: Marriage benefits men much more than women.
Myth #2: The keys to long-term marital success are good luck and romantic love.
Myth #3: Couples who live together before marriage are able to test how well suited they are for each other and have more satisfying and longer-lasting marriages than couples who do not.
Myth #4: People cannot be expected to stay in a marriage for a lifetime as they did in the past because we live so much longer today.
Myth #5: Marriage will make me happy.
Friday, October 22, 2004
otherness
"For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God." (Facedown, p23)
The otherness of God is magnificent was of highlighting the fact that God is not just a superhuman human being. God is not a white bearded old man in the sky. God is not an angry petty diety waiting for us to foul up.
It is true that we are created in the image of God and so we have some characteristics that God has. But to then just treat God as a blown up version of us is to dishonour who He is.
Our view of who God is and what He is like we invariably influence how we view His position in our lives. It is not until we come to see the magnificence, the eternalness, the power and the grace He has that we will bow our lives down to Him.
The fact that God is not wholely other means we can know something of Him. But in knowing something of Him we must never let go of the fact that He is far greater than our heads will ever understand.
"Oh God grant that we your children might glimpse to a greater degree your otherness so that we might fall on our faces and worship you."
Other quotes ...
"Otherness gives us a sense that God is so pure, matchless and unique that no one else and nothing else even comes close." (p24)
"But He is not like us. He is utterly incomparable - beyond the furthest horizon of our imaginations. He is off the scale of our comprehension. We have merely known the shallows of the mighty depth." (p25-26)
"But the call is to venture out into the ocean, to encounter the extraordinary and to explore the mighty depths of God." (p26)
The otherness of God is magnificent was of highlighting the fact that God is not just a superhuman human being. God is not a white bearded old man in the sky. God is not an angry petty diety waiting for us to foul up.
It is true that we are created in the image of God and so we have some characteristics that God has. But to then just treat God as a blown up version of us is to dishonour who He is.
Our view of who God is and what He is like we invariably influence how we view His position in our lives. It is not until we come to see the magnificence, the eternalness, the power and the grace He has that we will bow our lives down to Him.
The fact that God is not wholely other means we can know something of Him. But in knowing something of Him we must never let go of the fact that He is far greater than our heads will ever understand.
"Oh God grant that we your children might glimpse to a greater degree your otherness so that we might fall on our faces and worship you."
Other quotes ...
"Otherness gives us a sense that God is so pure, matchless and unique that no one else and nothing else even comes close." (p24)
"But He is not like us. He is utterly incomparable - beyond the furthest horizon of our imaginations. He is off the scale of our comprehension. We have merely known the shallows of the mighty depth." (p25-26)
"But the call is to venture out into the ocean, to encounter the extraordinary and to explore the mighty depths of God." (p26)
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
interesting
Two men were fishing on a lake, feeling guilty that it was a Sunday morning, that they were not attending church, and the fish were not biting.
The first guy eventually says: "I should have stayed home and gone to church."
To which the other angler replied: "I couldn't have gone to church, anyhow.
My wife is sick in bed."
The first guy eventually says: "I should have stayed home and gone to church."
To which the other angler replied: "I couldn't have gone to church, anyhow.
My wife is sick in bed."
want to know more about faith in jesus
Here are some websites worth checking out.
www.christianityworks.com
http://www.tryjesus.com/
If you know of others that are worth checking out then let me know.
www.christianityworks.com
http://www.tryjesus.com/
If you know of others that are worth checking out then let me know.
graphs
If you love statistics or graphs or just want to find some comparative information about countries then this link will make your day. It allows you to create graphs and charts on a wide range of areas such as religious attendance, democracy, wealth, health, etc.
I discovered that Australia has the highest turnout in the world for elections. Whether that is good or bad is up to you.
I discovered that Australia has the highest turnout in the world for elections. Whether that is good or bad is up to you.
the olympics
The link goes to a very funny (in a warped way) olympics type graphic. The wait is well worth it as its the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
quotes
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Gandhi
"Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's rebellion." - Alice Cooper, in Sunday Times (London)
"Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's rebellion." - Alice Cooper, in Sunday Times (London)
when people come to faith
The link takes you to an interesting article by George Barna Research on when people make a decision to follow Jesus. For me the most interesting part is the pivot role that parents play in bringing their kids to a relationship with Jesus. If the parents don't do it then many will miss the opportunity.
useful resouces
If you are looking for some short video clips to use to start a discussion or as a visual input in your services check out the link for these excellent and FREE video clips.
begin today
START NOWBy Dr. John C. Maxwell
In the early 1970's, I had the opportunity to hear a speech by W. Clement Stone, co-author of one of the best-selling motivational books of all time, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.
At age 6, Stone was hawking newspapers on the streets of Chicago to help his widowed mother pay the rent. He had his own newsstand at 13, and later founded what would become a multibillion-dollar insurance empire with $100 of his hard-earned savings.
Stone's own rags-to-riches story convinced him that, with a positive mental attitude, anyone could become successful. The formula for achievement that he shared with us that day allowed no room for procrastination, however, "When you wake up in the morning, start with the phrase, 'Do it now, do it now, do it now, do it now,'" he said, adding that we should repeat those three words 50 times in the morning and 50 times before bed.
The message he wanted to ingrain in our heads was simple: If you want to be successful, don't wait for tomorrow. Just do it now.
(For the rest of the article click on the link.)
In the early 1970's, I had the opportunity to hear a speech by W. Clement Stone, co-author of one of the best-selling motivational books of all time, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.
At age 6, Stone was hawking newspapers on the streets of Chicago to help his widowed mother pay the rent. He had his own newsstand at 13, and later founded what would become a multibillion-dollar insurance empire with $100 of his hard-earned savings.
Stone's own rags-to-riches story convinced him that, with a positive mental attitude, anyone could become successful. The formula for achievement that he shared with us that day allowed no room for procrastination, however, "When you wake up in the morning, start with the phrase, 'Do it now, do it now, do it now, do it now,'" he said, adding that we should repeat those three words 50 times in the morning and 50 times before bed.
The message he wanted to ingrain in our heads was simple: If you want to be successful, don't wait for tomorrow. Just do it now.
(For the rest of the article click on the link.)
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
what is worship?
The link is Danielle DuRant speaking with worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman in the summer of 2004 in Atlanta about his new book Facedown (Regal Books, 2004) and the companion CD. Matt has written a number of songs sung by churches worldwide, including “Better Is One Day,” “The Heart of Worship,” and “Blessed Be Your Name.”
The interview explores the nature our of worship of God and how it needs to develop and reclaim the awesomeness of God.
Personally the interview has inspired me to purchase his CD and book. I'll let you know what I think of them.
The interview explores the nature our of worship of God and how it needs to develop and reclaim the awesomeness of God.
Personally the interview has inspired me to purchase his CD and book. I'll let you know what I think of them.
money II
Here's a piece of advice I give to anyone asking me about budgeting. Give 10%. (The first 10% is the easiest to give.) Save 10%. Play with 10%. (Do it in this order.)
Once this is a habit you can then ramp up the giving and saving sides.
The playing with 10% is really important. We need to enjoy life. A frugal life with no joy is a life missed and a reckless life of spending without giving or saving is a life wasted.
Once this is a habit you can then ramp up the giving and saving sides.
The playing with 10% is really important. We need to enjoy life. A frugal life with no joy is a life missed and a reckless life of spending without giving or saving is a life wasted.
money I
John Wesley made this comment about money. "Earn as much as you can. Save as much as you can. Give as much as you can." Now that is good advice and keeps money in perspective.
The link above is for an article called "10 things you shouldn't buy new." It makes some good points and helps us have more money to give to important causes.
The link above is for an article called "10 things you shouldn't buy new." It makes some good points and helps us have more money to give to important causes.
more fun
And more more distraction try the link for this test. Don't take more than 10 minutes and see how you went. I got 7. What about you?
wierd fun
For the sicko's who would like to be an angry god for a day displaying your wrath this link will allow you to vent your aggression. A bit sick but funny never the less.
Monday, October 18, 2004
goal setting
Do you set goals? Apparently only about 4% of people do and that correlates pretty strongly with success and interestingly happiness. I guess that makes sense because unless you have a goal you don't know if you've achieved your goal.
A method I use is to set a minimum and maximum goal for each thing instead of just one goal.
Example of a single goal might be to exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week.. A minimum & maximum goal might be to exercise between 2 and 4 times per week.
The advantage of a range is that it allows me to set what is the bare minimum I'd be happy with, but also gives me a target I can stretch for.
The problem with a single goal is that if I set it too low I don't have the sense of achievement when I reach it. But if I set it too high it can feel impossible and demoralises me.
Other secrets in goal setting are ...
1) Set activity and not just result goals. You have control over your activity but not so much over the result.
2) Make goals in partnership with other people. Partnerships are much more likely to succeed than solo acts.
3) Set a maximum of 3-7 goals. Beyond 7 is just too many to focus on. Better to have a few goals that are achieved than many goals that are ignored.
4) Review your goals often. I normally make them a part of my daily time with God so that they are constantly before me.
A method I use is to set a minimum and maximum goal for each thing instead of just one goal.
Example of a single goal might be to exercise for 20 minutes 3 times a week.. A minimum & maximum goal might be to exercise between 2 and 4 times per week.
The advantage of a range is that it allows me to set what is the bare minimum I'd be happy with, but also gives me a target I can stretch for.
The problem with a single goal is that if I set it too low I don't have the sense of achievement when I reach it. But if I set it too high it can feel impossible and demoralises me.
Other secrets in goal setting are ...
1) Set activity and not just result goals. You have control over your activity but not so much over the result.
2) Make goals in partnership with other people. Partnerships are much more likely to succeed than solo acts.
3) Set a maximum of 3-7 goals. Beyond 7 is just too many to focus on. Better to have a few goals that are achieved than many goals that are ignored.
4) Review your goals often. I normally make them a part of my daily time with God so that they are constantly before me.
growing up religious
I grew up as a Catholic and I reckon about 1/3 of the people I work with have a Catholic upbringing. Here are some thoughts about having a faith conversation with someone of the Catholic tradition.
1) Don't write off the Catholic tradition. I've gone through the whole range of hating to loving my upbringing. Now I'm old enough (35 almost 36) I've learnt to recognise that benefits and negatives in my experience.
2) Catholics are a little more prone to have a view of God and the Church that misses the point of a personal relationship with Jesus. (But this isn't just a Catholic thing.) So it's important to always check a persons understanding by asking questions. Never assume anything! The reality is that a lot of people grow up in the church but never get to grips with the core teaching of Jesus.
3) Learn to appreciate the deep heritage that Catholics bring to spirituality. I have found that the some of the best writings on prayer come from the Catholic tradition. For me they tend to be more profound and realistic that some of the triumphalistic protestant writings.
4) Always challenge people to seek out the teaching of faith via reading the bible for themselves. A discovery that is personally made is much more profound than a truth handed on a platter. We need to encourage everyone to go on the journey of faith and trust that God will guide them and help them.
5) Recognise that everyone has to come to a point of being challenged by the call of Jesus to follow him. The point is not that they agree with all your views of the bible. The point is that they come to a point of committing their lives to follow Jesus as a disciple and doing what he calls them to do.
6) Acknowledge that their are committed Christians in the Catholic tradition. I personally made my decision to follow Jesus as a young Catholic and my early growth was a direct result of being mentored by the youth leaders in our local parish. I thank God for their vibrant faith and the way they were used by God to establish me in the journey of following Jesus as my God, Saviour and Lord.
1) Don't write off the Catholic tradition. I've gone through the whole range of hating to loving my upbringing. Now I'm old enough (35 almost 36) I've learnt to recognise that benefits and negatives in my experience.
2) Catholics are a little more prone to have a view of God and the Church that misses the point of a personal relationship with Jesus. (But this isn't just a Catholic thing.) So it's important to always check a persons understanding by asking questions. Never assume anything! The reality is that a lot of people grow up in the church but never get to grips with the core teaching of Jesus.
3) Learn to appreciate the deep heritage that Catholics bring to spirituality. I have found that the some of the best writings on prayer come from the Catholic tradition. For me they tend to be more profound and realistic that some of the triumphalistic protestant writings.
4) Always challenge people to seek out the teaching of faith via reading the bible for themselves. A discovery that is personally made is much more profound than a truth handed on a platter. We need to encourage everyone to go on the journey of faith and trust that God will guide them and help them.
5) Recognise that everyone has to come to a point of being challenged by the call of Jesus to follow him. The point is not that they agree with all your views of the bible. The point is that they come to a point of committing their lives to follow Jesus as a disciple and doing what he calls them to do.
6) Acknowledge that their are committed Christians in the Catholic tradition. I personally made my decision to follow Jesus as a young Catholic and my early growth was a direct result of being mentored by the youth leaders in our local parish. I thank God for their vibrant faith and the way they were used by God to establish me in the journey of following Jesus as my God, Saviour and Lord.
Friday, October 15, 2004
an interview with God
I hesitating checked out this link thinking it was a joke sent by a friend. I instead discovered that on occassion he can be serious and this is a very moving presentation of an interview with God. Beautiful graphics and moving transcript. It's worth checking out.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
the struggle of belief
One of the reasons I find the bible encouraging and refreshing is because of the realistic way it depicts the major characters. They are real life people with real life struggles who experience the ups and downs of life. There isn't a glossing over of their character flaws. There is no 'happy all the day' kind of thinking. Their isn't the simplistic 'just be happy' kind of teaching.
Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, Ruth, Deborah, Sarah and even Jesus, had good days and bad days. Sometimes things worked out perfectly while other days confusion was part of the journey.
This matches my reality. Some days life is brilliant and I couldn't be happier if I tried. Other days life is a misery and no matter what I do it seems to just be a struggle to get out of bed. Friends, that seems to me to be the reality of life.
But I think there is this hope. Life in Christ, though still up and down, is lived at a higher level than life without Christ. The knowledge that Jesus walks with me, that the Holy Spirit lives in me, and that the Father hears my every cry brings a comfort that I don't have when I don't know Jesus.
Someone once used this illustration. They said that life is like a jeep ride along a dirt track going up a mountain. Whether on the plain or going up the mountain the road is still bumpy and there are ups and downs. But the downs when half way up the mountain are still higher than the ups when on the plain.
The walk with Jesus continues to have ups and downs. But the down in Jesus is still better than the up without him!
Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Peter, Ruth, Deborah, Sarah and even Jesus, had good days and bad days. Sometimes things worked out perfectly while other days confusion was part of the journey.
This matches my reality. Some days life is brilliant and I couldn't be happier if I tried. Other days life is a misery and no matter what I do it seems to just be a struggle to get out of bed. Friends, that seems to me to be the reality of life.
But I think there is this hope. Life in Christ, though still up and down, is lived at a higher level than life without Christ. The knowledge that Jesus walks with me, that the Holy Spirit lives in me, and that the Father hears my every cry brings a comfort that I don't have when I don't know Jesus.
Someone once used this illustration. They said that life is like a jeep ride along a dirt track going up a mountain. Whether on the plain or going up the mountain the road is still bumpy and there are ups and downs. But the downs when half way up the mountain are still higher than the ups when on the plain.
The walk with Jesus continues to have ups and downs. But the down in Jesus is still better than the up without him!
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
from "the problem of pain"
If the first and lowest operation of pain shatters the illusion that all is well, the second shatters the illusion that what we have, whether good or bad in itself, is our own and enough for us. Everyone has noticed how hard it is to turn our thoughts to God when everything is going well with us. We ‘have all we want’ is a terrible saying when ‘all’ does not include God. We find God an interruption. As St Augustine says somewhere, ‘God wants to give us something, but cannot, because our hands are full-there’s nowhere for Him to put it’. Or as a friend of mine said, ‘We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it is there for emergencies but he hopes he’ll never have to use it.’ Now God, who has made us, knows what we are and that our happiness lies in Him. Yet we will not seek it in Him as long as he leaves us any other resort where it can even plausibly be looked for. While what we call ‘our own life’ remains agreeable we will not surrender it to Him. What then can God do in our interests but make ‘our own life’ less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible source of false happiness?
- from The Problem of Pain
- from The Problem of Pain
the nature of God
"It turns out God is not some predictable, domesticated, passionless deity preoccupied with our personal theology, morality and happiness - an unfortunate impression left by much modern spirituality. He is the untamed, ferocious lover of our souls." (AliveMagazine, Oct/Nov 04, p.23)
We seem to want to make God into a god who meets our needs and fits into our little boxes. When will we allow ourselves to see God as who he is - the magnificent creator of this immense universe and the astounding one who died on the cross for you and me?
One of the first steps to allowing God to be God is to resolve in our own hearts that we don't have to have it him all sorted out, to allow mystery to have a part in our journey of faith.
We seem to want to make God into a god who meets our needs and fits into our little boxes. When will we allow ourselves to see God as who he is - the magnificent creator of this immense universe and the astounding one who died on the cross for you and me?
One of the first steps to allowing God to be God is to resolve in our own hearts that we don't have to have it him all sorted out, to allow mystery to have a part in our journey of faith.
marriage - what the research says
Go to the link for this very interesting discussion of the value of marriage to society.
the shoes
I actually own a pair of shoes that have done a marathon. (see last blog) They are the shoes of my brother that died last year. (He was 38.)
My brother Chris was a fantastic runner and after he died I got a number of pairs of his shoes. I hope that one day I'll be inspired enough to use them to do what they were brought for.
But at the moment they remind me that knowledge and knowing really are fundamentally different things. I have knowledge about running but I don't really know about running in the way that a daily runner knows about running.
Perhaps tonight I might begin the journey.
My brother Chris was a fantastic runner and after he died I got a number of pairs of his shoes. I hope that one day I'll be inspired enough to use them to do what they were brought for.
But at the moment they remind me that knowledge and knowing really are fundamentally different things. I have knowledge about running but I don't really know about running in the way that a daily runner knows about running.
Perhaps tonight I might begin the journey.
i have a dream
I have a dream that one day I will run a marathon, it's on my list of a 100 things I want to do in my life time, but the problem is that I don't train. I'd also love to do a parachute jump but I'm terrified of heights.
I reckon the parachute jump might happen because I just have to get the guts together to go to a weekend training. The marathon however needs a year of daily discipline. Running needs to become a part of my life if that dream is ever to happen.
Knowing Jesus is like that marathon. If I really want to know him as more than an aquaintance on the street he has to become part of my daily life. I need to practise the daily discipline of sitting in his presence and "be still and know that I am God."
I reckon the parachute jump might happen because I just have to get the guts together to go to a weekend training. The marathon however needs a year of daily discipline. Running needs to become a part of my life if that dream is ever to happen.
Knowing Jesus is like that marathon. If I really want to know him as more than an aquaintance on the street he has to become part of my daily life. I need to practise the daily discipline of sitting in his presence and "be still and know that I am God."
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
trust v expertise
“Most of us look for someone who has a marginal advantage over us in information. I tend to opt for trust over expertise, and I ask my brother.” (Lovemarks, p.173)
Hence the reason why the average follower of Jesus who is exhibiting real love for their friend is much better placed than the 'paid Christian' to share the message of Jesus.
As I'm fond of saying, "I'm paid to be good, you are good for nothing." And it is precisely because you are not paid to toe the party line, not paid to be good, that your voice has much more weight with those you work and play with, than the professional Christian.
Hence the reason why the average follower of Jesus who is exhibiting real love for their friend is much better placed than the 'paid Christian' to share the message of Jesus.
As I'm fond of saying, "I'm paid to be good, you are good for nothing." And it is precisely because you are not paid to toe the party line, not paid to be good, that your voice has much more weight with those you work and play with, than the professional Christian.
the cross
"There is a place where all our Christianity has to come. There is a place where all our ambition has to be laid. There is a place where our human heart has to break. And that place is Calvary. Too often we parade our Christianity, relish our ambitions and rejoice in our heart for things, which is our capacity to shine and our will to survive.
But everything must come to the Cross. Nothing should pass. What escapes the Cross and refuses to let itself be dealt with by the Cross becomes a rogue and rampant element in our life.
The centrality of the Cross reveals itself in the Christian phrase 'the crucified believer'. Everything is us has be dealt with by the Cross. Nothing in us can exalt itself above the Cross. That which is in us that cannot tolerate the Cross cannot be tolerated."
(Quote from AliveMagazine, October/November 04, p.19)
But everything must come to the Cross. Nothing should pass. What escapes the Cross and refuses to let itself be dealt with by the Cross becomes a rogue and rampant element in our life.
The centrality of the Cross reveals itself in the Christian phrase 'the crucified believer'. Everything is us has be dealt with by the Cross. Nothing in us can exalt itself above the Cross. That which is in us that cannot tolerate the Cross cannot be tolerated."
(Quote from AliveMagazine, October/November 04, p.19)
knowing
If you had to define what 'knowing' means what would you say?
I am of the belief that a primary problem with Western Christianity is that we have too much knowledge and not enough knowing.
Knowledge is head stuff while knowing is living stuff. Knowledge often leads to intellectual arrogance while knowing leads to empathy. Knowledge can come from books, while knowing comes through relationship.
Satan has knowledge of God, knowledge of Jesus, knowledge of the ressurrection but he doesn't having knowing of God. He doesn't have the intimacy of relationship that is knowing.
With all the resources at our hands we can easily have knowledge about God, about the bible, about how to do amazing things, but do we know Jesus in an intimate, personal, life changing way?
I am of the belief that a primary problem with Western Christianity is that we have too much knowledge and not enough knowing.
Knowledge is head stuff while knowing is living stuff. Knowledge often leads to intellectual arrogance while knowing leads to empathy. Knowledge can come from books, while knowing comes through relationship.
Satan has knowledge of God, knowledge of Jesus, knowledge of the ressurrection but he doesn't having knowing of God. He doesn't have the intimacy of relationship that is knowing.
With all the resources at our hands we can easily have knowledge about God, about the bible, about how to do amazing things, but do we know Jesus in an intimate, personal, life changing way?
Monday, October 11, 2004
love your customers
Now here's a challenging thought.
When a customer comes in we have a choice to treat them as a nuisance, treat them with respect or to honour them with superior service.
Treating customers with honour is both good for the person, good for the business and actually really good for us as well.
Personally I hate asking for directions in shops, but when I do I always appreciate the person who not only tells me the answer to my question, but actually takes me to where I need to go.
I wonder if today we might treat our customers with honour and make the world a better place.
When a customer comes in we have a choice to treat them as a nuisance, treat them with respect or to honour them with superior service.
Treating customers with honour is both good for the person, good for the business and actually really good for us as well.
Personally I hate asking for directions in shops, but when I do I always appreciate the person who not only tells me the answer to my question, but actually takes me to where I need to go.
I wonder if today we might treat our customers with honour and make the world a better place.
happiness II
"After all, there is surely no more important issue in our lives than our happiness." (Better than Chocolate, introduction)
What about feeding the poor? Or caring for the abused? Or healing the sick? Or visiting prisoners? Are we meant to put these lower down the scale than our own happiness?
Hitler was about being happy! Sadam Hussain thought happiness was a great idea! Stalin liked the idea as well!
Happiness is not unimportant, but it is far from being the most important thing in our lives.
When happiness because our primary measure then God help us!
People lets reject this happiness tripe and begin to discover the joy of life found in a life selflessly given away rather than selfishly lived.
What about feeding the poor? Or caring for the abused? Or healing the sick? Or visiting prisoners? Are we meant to put these lower down the scale than our own happiness?
Hitler was about being happy! Sadam Hussain thought happiness was a great idea! Stalin liked the idea as well!
Happiness is not unimportant, but it is far from being the most important thing in our lives.
When happiness because our primary measure then God help us!
People lets reject this happiness tripe and begin to discover the joy of life found in a life selflessly given away rather than selfishly lived.
monday morning blues
They say that ministers should never resign on a Monday. Others say you should never make major life decisions when you are on a high or a low. All good advice - so instead I think I'll eat some chocolate and see if that helps.
better than chocolate
I've picked up a new book. A little book called "Better Than Chocolate" by Siimon Reynolds. (A$16.95 at Dymocks.)
A flick through has already provoked me to disagree, but that's okay as there is no learning and growing without tension and disagreement. I'll let you know how I go.
A flick through has already provoked me to disagree, but that's okay as there is no learning and growing without tension and disagreement. I'll let you know how I go.
happiness
"The secret to happiness is to find something more important than you are, and then dedicate your life to it." (Lovemarks, p.206)
Zig Ziglar says somewhere in one of his books. "The secret to getting whatever you want is to help other people get whatever they want."
Success, fame and fortune. These seem to be things our culture think are the routes to a happiness. But it seems to me that happy people are happy not because of success, fame or fortune, but because they are focused on something beyond themselves.
When I become the center of my universe I am less satisfied than when others are. Just ask Mother Theresa where she found her joy. She found it in serving the dying poor.
Today's question is ... What can you do today to place someone else in the center?
Zig Ziglar says somewhere in one of his books. "The secret to getting whatever you want is to help other people get whatever they want."
Success, fame and fortune. These seem to be things our culture think are the routes to a happiness. But it seems to me that happy people are happy not because of success, fame or fortune, but because they are focused on something beyond themselves.
When I become the center of my universe I am less satisfied than when others are. Just ask Mother Theresa where she found her joy. She found it in serving the dying poor.
Today's question is ... What can you do today to place someone else in the center?
Friday, October 08, 2004
great relationships
"Great relationships thrive on learning, anticipation, and surprise. When you know everything there is to know, there is nothing left to discover. No more wonder, no more opportunities." (Lovemarks, p82)
Recently I was in my office having a chat with someone I had pegged as an average ordinary older conservative Christian BUT then I heard her story and was blown away by how God had been active in her life. Her story paralleled some of my own story but at points went much deeper than mine. Her story has reminded me that God is an amazing God doing extraordinary things in the lives of otherwise ordinary people.
The more I listen the more I discover the incredible ways that God is active in and through the lives of seemingly average people.
"Lord help me listen more so that I can hear and be inspired by the ways you are actively and significantly at work in the lives of those around me."
Recently I was in my office having a chat with someone I had pegged as an average ordinary older conservative Christian BUT then I heard her story and was blown away by how God had been active in her life. Her story paralleled some of my own story but at points went much deeper than mine. Her story has reminded me that God is an amazing God doing extraordinary things in the lives of otherwise ordinary people.
The more I listen the more I discover the incredible ways that God is active in and through the lives of seemingly average people.
"Lord help me listen more so that I can hear and be inspired by the ways you are actively and significantly at work in the lives of those around me."
Thursday, October 07, 2004
the solid foundation of science?
"The essence of the scientific method is what is called empiricism (the acquisition of knowledge through the experiences of our senses). Science, then, does not begin with what is definitely known. Instead, it allows evidence, which must be interpreted, to lead the inquirer where it will. Our scientific laws are simply the result of observed uniformities. If I let go of my car keys, they fall to the ground. This happens each time I drop them; so we theorize and construct the Law of Gravity. Although we accept this as a fact, it is not proved as such. Instead, we have reached a conclusion (or proposed a theory) by induction, not deduction. Induction is a philosophical term given to the process of using evidence to reach a wider conclusion: The evidence infers that your conclusion is the best explanation. "
"In science there is no certainty, only high or low probability. Any scientific hypothesis only requires one contrary instance to pull the whole thing down. For several hundred years Newton's theories seemed to be proven, and then along came Einstein. Who knows what will be next? Molecular biologist Dr. Andrew Miller says, "It is certainly not a scientific matter to decide whether or not there is a God."
Quotes from the linked article.
"In science there is no certainty, only high or low probability. Any scientific hypothesis only requires one contrary instance to pull the whole thing down. For several hundred years Newton's theories seemed to be proven, and then along came Einstein. Who knows what will be next? Molecular biologist Dr. Andrew Miller says, "It is certainly not a scientific matter to decide whether or not there is a God."
Quotes from the linked article.
does God exist?
Either God exists or he does not. There is no middle ground. Both cannot be true. No amount of philosophical trickery can hide from the greatest antithesis of them all. Either God is or he is not. We cannot leave this question for the intellectuals, scientists, philosophers, and theologians alone; we must answer it as well. We must answer it for ourselves.
(Click on link for the full article.)
(Click on link for the full article.)
emotion v reason
"The essential difference between emotion and reason is that emotion leads to action while reason leads to conclusions." (Lovemarks, p42)
I think we mostly make decisions by emotion and then justify them by reason. I think that's why I struggle to support Aussie teams - my heart is still a Kiwi. My citizenship says Australian and my reason tells me I ought to support the Aussie teams, but my heart is still Kiwi through and through.
But for some immigrants coming to Aussie was an emotional experience. It was the chance for a new beginning, a leaving of trouble and a coming into a safe prosperous place. I think that emotional experience makes it more natural to become a passionate Aussie and get emotionally involved in supporting the Aussies as they compete.
Perhaps one day the green and gold will tug at my heart strings. But for now give me Black'n'White anyday.
I think we mostly make decisions by emotion and then justify them by reason. I think that's why I struggle to support Aussie teams - my heart is still a Kiwi. My citizenship says Australian and my reason tells me I ought to support the Aussie teams, but my heart is still Kiwi through and through.
But for some immigrants coming to Aussie was an emotional experience. It was the chance for a new beginning, a leaving of trouble and a coming into a safe prosperous place. I think that emotional experience makes it more natural to become a passionate Aussie and get emotionally involved in supporting the Aussies as they compete.
Perhaps one day the green and gold will tug at my heart strings. But for now give me Black'n'White anyday.
it really is simple
Every once in a while God has to kick my bum and remind me of the simplicity of it all. It really is just about LOVE. About loving God, loving others and loving self.
Lord help me today to love others in a way that reflects your immense love for each of us. And Lord thanks for reminding me once again of the simplicity of it all.
Lord help me today to love others in a way that reflects your immense love for each of us. And Lord thanks for reminding me once again of the simplicity of it all.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
lovemarks quote 2
"Stop racing after every new fad and focus on making consistent, emotional connections with consumers. If you stand for nothing, your fall for everything."
Lovemarks, p.36.
Lovemarks, p.36.
two extremes
It seems to me there are two extremes when determining if something is true.
There is the gullible extreme where a person accepts everything. Or there is the other extreme of scepticism whereby nothing is believed without a high level of evidence.
The problem with the first is that it switches the brain off. It doesn't use the gifts of intellect we have all been given and encouraged to use.
The problem with the second is that it is founded on a false premise. The sceptic says that I won't believe it unless there is lots of evidence. But how does one determine what evidence is credible. In the end the sceptic makes an assumption that for example 'seeing is believing'. But where is the evidence for this?
In the end I believe we should seek to avoid both extremes. We should seek to believe those things that seem reasonable while we continue to probe and challenge and test.
I like that idea that Francis Schaeffer puts forward. That we need to test our beliefs against the experience of how we live life. For example we believe in gravity because it matches our everyday of experience.
I personally believe in that Jesus is God and follow him as such because my reading of the bible makes sense of my everyday life.
I find it hard to understand the how a person who believes we are just the result of chance can get upset when they find themselves lonely, because surely if we are merely an accident then truly we are alone in the universe.
There is the gullible extreme where a person accepts everything. Or there is the other extreme of scepticism whereby nothing is believed without a high level of evidence.
The problem with the first is that it switches the brain off. It doesn't use the gifts of intellect we have all been given and encouraged to use.
The problem with the second is that it is founded on a false premise. The sceptic says that I won't believe it unless there is lots of evidence. But how does one determine what evidence is credible. In the end the sceptic makes an assumption that for example 'seeing is believing'. But where is the evidence for this?
In the end I believe we should seek to avoid both extremes. We should seek to believe those things that seem reasonable while we continue to probe and challenge and test.
I like that idea that Francis Schaeffer puts forward. That we need to test our beliefs against the experience of how we live life. For example we believe in gravity because it matches our everyday of experience.
I personally believe in that Jesus is God and follow him as such because my reading of the bible makes sense of my everyday life.
I find it hard to understand the how a person who believes we are just the result of chance can get upset when they find themselves lonely, because surely if we are merely an accident then truly we are alone in the universe.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
makes me think
Just got back from Blackstump which is a huge Christian Festival where I heard Tony Campolo. Tony makes me laugh and at the same time slips a knife through my heart and changes me.
The thing that got me this time is when he talked about Jesus healing. He made the point the even the healing Jesus performed was transitory. For example he raised Lazarus from the dead, but Lazarus died again.
Tony's point was as amazing as the healings were, the primary point was that healing was always an expression of his profound love. He loved therefore he acted in power. His love is the primary issue, the act of power in healing is important but secondary to his love.
Though I may never raise someone from the dead I can at the very least be motivated to act out of love to do all I can.
The question for me today is whether I am prepared to love others no matter the cost - because that is the example Jesus calls me to follow.
The thing that got me this time is when he talked about Jesus healing. He made the point the even the healing Jesus performed was transitory. For example he raised Lazarus from the dead, but Lazarus died again.
Tony's point was as amazing as the healings were, the primary point was that healing was always an expression of his profound love. He loved therefore he acted in power. His love is the primary issue, the act of power in healing is important but secondary to his love.
Though I may never raise someone from the dead I can at the very least be motivated to act out of love to do all I can.
The question for me today is whether I am prepared to love others no matter the cost - because that is the example Jesus calls me to follow.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
lovemarks quote 1
The book is mine (see next blog) and already I'm fired up, I'm inspired, and I'm ready to explode.
I agree wholeheartedly, and even more than that with Kurt Vonnegut when he says ... "I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center." (p19)
Kevin Roberts says ... "I believe 'edge cultures' will have even higher value in this millenium. Great ideas can come from anywhere, but most of them turn up on the edge. The places that are restless and resourceful. The place that don't understand 'can't be done.'" (p.18)
I wrote this only yesterday when emailing a friend ... "Somehow I think it is both/and not either/or. I think the traditional forms of church done well and can provide the resources and support to spin off innovative groups that will push the boundaries. The new groups need to be given free reign along with resources if that is to happen. A lot of it comes down to whether people/churches are willing to resource things that might not work and to keep their hands off it as it experiments."
This is reinforced by one more quote ... "When species change, it almost always occurs first at the fringes. Here the population is most sparse and the orthodoxies of the centre are weakest. Here you can flourish isolated from formula and rules, free from the corrosive belief that everything great has already been done." (p.19)
I agree wholeheartedly, and even more than that with Kurt Vonnegut when he says ... "I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center." (p19)
Kevin Roberts says ... "I believe 'edge cultures' will have even higher value in this millenium. Great ideas can come from anywhere, but most of them turn up on the edge. The places that are restless and resourceful. The place that don't understand 'can't be done.'" (p.18)
I wrote this only yesterday when emailing a friend ... "Somehow I think it is both/and not either/or. I think the traditional forms of church done well and can provide the resources and support to spin off innovative groups that will push the boundaries. The new groups need to be given free reign along with resources if that is to happen. A lot of it comes down to whether people/churches are willing to resource things that might not work and to keep their hands off it as it experiments."
This is reinforced by one more quote ... "When species change, it almost always occurs first at the fringes. Here the population is most sparse and the orthodoxies of the centre are weakest. Here you can flourish isolated from formula and rules, free from the corrosive belief that everything great has already been done." (p.19)
lovemarks
The following quote is from an interview of Kevin Roberts about his book "Lovemarks" which I'm going out to buy this afternoon.
"So what are you seeing? You're seeing people hungry for relationships, hungry for intimacy. They've lost trust in all our institutions. Does anybody trust the Church anymore? You gotta be kidding me, right? Does anybody trust government? You sure as hell don't trust the company you work for, right? Because that's going to be Enron, or they're going to lay you off anyway next week and outsource you, etc., etc. So there's no trust. You can't trust the family unit because you probably haven't seen your father. People are looking for relationships, they're looking for intimacy, they're looking for bonding. They're not interested in transactions.
They're frightened s**tless by the fact that we're at war, by terrorism and brutality, and who knows what's going to happen next. They are looking for a relationship, whether that's with an author, an idea, a brand, a product. If you don't give them that, you're certainly never going to be able to charge a premium. You've got to remember, brands are only invented to charge a premium. That was the purpose of a brand; it didn't have any other. "Recognize me, desire me, have faith in me, trust me, pay more for me."
You would think he's talking about something important, but he's only talking about business transactions. Come on followers of Jesus, we need to think about this stuff and how it impacts on the truly important issues in life.
"So what are you seeing? You're seeing people hungry for relationships, hungry for intimacy. They've lost trust in all our institutions. Does anybody trust the Church anymore? You gotta be kidding me, right? Does anybody trust government? You sure as hell don't trust the company you work for, right? Because that's going to be Enron, or they're going to lay you off anyway next week and outsource you, etc., etc. So there's no trust. You can't trust the family unit because you probably haven't seen your father. People are looking for relationships, they're looking for intimacy, they're looking for bonding. They're not interested in transactions.
They're frightened s**tless by the fact that we're at war, by terrorism and brutality, and who knows what's going to happen next. They are looking for a relationship, whether that's with an author, an idea, a brand, a product. If you don't give them that, you're certainly never going to be able to charge a premium. You've got to remember, brands are only invented to charge a premium. That was the purpose of a brand; it didn't have any other. "Recognize me, desire me, have faith in me, trust me, pay more for me."
You would think he's talking about something important, but he's only talking about business transactions. Come on followers of Jesus, we need to think about this stuff and how it impacts on the truly important issues in life.
conspiracy of kindness
"Conspiracy of Kindness" by Steve Sjogren is a book that will get under your skin. It is a challenge to do acts of love for people simply because God loves them more than we ever can.
"An outbreak of kindness is about the only thing that can make the gospel credible in a world that thinks it has already heard it. Let's show the world, frozen with fear and resentment, what First Corinthians 13 love can accomplish. Real kindness is a supernatural reality of the cross and the resurrection. It breaks the grip of evil wherever it goes."
I've given away about 20 copies of this book and am planning to buy more to give away. This book has the potential to help us get up and truly love others.
"An outbreak of kindness is about the only thing that can make the gospel credible in a world that thinks it has already heard it. Let's show the world, frozen with fear and resentment, what First Corinthians 13 love can accomplish. Real kindness is a supernatural reality of the cross and the resurrection. It breaks the grip of evil wherever it goes."
I've given away about 20 copies of this book and am planning to buy more to give away. This book has the potential to help us get up and truly love others.
how unequal is our world?
While you read this page, around 400 babies will take their first breaths. And every proud parent will wish the same thing for them – that they get a decent chance at being healthy and happy. But where these babies are born will dramatically affect how their lives will unfold.
The chances of today’s newborns surviving the birth or even childhood will vary widely. In fact, 90 percent of children due to be born today in Ethiopia will not be delivered by anyone with any medical training.
If they are born in one of ten countries including Australia, they can expect to live for more than eighty years. If they are born elsewhere, their life may be as short as only 34 years. Over ten million children every year – a staggering 30,000 children a day – will die of causes that are either preventable or can be easily cured.
The chances of the new arrivals being born into a family who can adequately provide for them will be slim for most, whilst others will have more wealth than they need. Two thirds will be born to parents who have less than A$3 a day to live on.But those born to parents with the income of an average Australian family, will be in the richest 6 percent of the world.
To find out more go to the link and read on.
The chances of today’s newborns surviving the birth or even childhood will vary widely. In fact, 90 percent of children due to be born today in Ethiopia will not be delivered by anyone with any medical training.
If they are born in one of ten countries including Australia, they can expect to live for more than eighty years. If they are born elsewhere, their life may be as short as only 34 years. Over ten million children every year – a staggering 30,000 children a day – will die of causes that are either preventable or can be easily cured.
The chances of the new arrivals being born into a family who can adequately provide for them will be slim for most, whilst others will have more wealth than they need. Two thirds will be born to parents who have less than A$3 a day to live on.But those born to parents with the income of an average Australian family, will be in the richest 6 percent of the world.
To find out more go to the link and read on.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
books that change your life
I'm wondering what books have been most powerful in my life? What about yours? This is something I will ponder and get back to you about.
Oh well here is one to start off with. Newsell by Dr Michael Hewitt-Glesson. It totally changed my view in regard to sales. Check out his website for a his School of Thinking which is free. (You can register at the home page.)
Some of his thinking is pretty scary at times, but what's the point of only reading what you agree with, might as well just get out a video and blob on the couch.
Oh well here is one to start off with. Newsell by Dr Michael Hewitt-Glesson. It totally changed my view in regard to sales. Check out his website for a his School of Thinking which is free. (You can register at the home page.)
Some of his thinking is pretty scary at times, but what's the point of only reading what you agree with, might as well just get out a video and blob on the couch.
learn to dance the soul salsa
The introduction of "Soul Salsa" by Leonard Sweet begins like this ...
"Faith in God is dangerous thinking. Even more, faith in God is dangerous living."
The challenge for me is whether or not my faith journey is in any way 'dangerous living?'
Leonard continues ...
"This book enrolls you in a lifestyle seminary where you can get a life degree in artful, soulful living. Soulsalsa hopes to make you an artist in being."
Cool! Get the book and begin to dance the salsa of life.
"Faith in God is dangerous thinking. Even more, faith in God is dangerous living."
The challenge for me is whether or not my faith journey is in any way 'dangerous living?'
Leonard continues ...
"This book enrolls you in a lifestyle seminary where you can get a life degree in artful, soulful living. Soulsalsa hopes to make you an artist in being."
Cool! Get the book and begin to dance the salsa of life.
truth
"If God held all truth in the right hand, and in the left hand held the lifelong pursuit of it, God would choose the left hand." - Soren Kierkegaard
Monday, September 27, 2004
e.p.i.c.
Leonard Sweet one of my favourite author suggests that if we who follow Jesus want to help people connect into the journey of walking with Jesus then we need to do things that are E.P.I.C. That is does it allow someone to EXPERIENCE something, PARTICIPATE in, communicate via IMAGES, and CONNECT people into community?
Frankly we in the church are pretty hopeless at this. We have the greatest product the world has ever known and yet we market it as though it were trash. Now that is something worth getting upset about.
Frankly we in the church are pretty hopeless at this. We have the greatest product the world has ever known and yet we market it as though it were trash. Now that is something worth getting upset about.
poverty
I read this interesting quote this morning.
"It should have become clear that the right response to the good news is not merely about giving money to the poor. The theology of wealth is about true discipleship - one that embraces the poor like Jesus. It is about identifying with those in humber circumstances by giving up one's own priviledges, power and status."
As I read the article I realised that though I give to the poor, what I give is the easy part, money. It's so so much hard to 'identify' to 'give up one's own priviledges'.
As part of the white middle class it is really easy to help from a distance because getting involved is time consuming, is costly, is painful.
The quote is from an article in Grid (see http://www.worldvision.com.au/getinvolved/churchpartnerships/).
"It should have become clear that the right response to the good news is not merely about giving money to the poor. The theology of wealth is about true discipleship - one that embraces the poor like Jesus. It is about identifying with those in humber circumstances by giving up one's own priviledges, power and status."
As I read the article I realised that though I give to the poor, what I give is the easy part, money. It's so so much hard to 'identify' to 'give up one's own priviledges'.
As part of the white middle class it is really easy to help from a distance because getting involved is time consuming, is costly, is painful.
The quote is from an article in Grid (see http://www.worldvision.com.au/getinvolved/churchpartnerships/).
Friday, September 24, 2004
should I cry or should I dance
A few weeks ago I was privileged to meet one of those people that you know right away is gifted and Godly ... (Click on the link for more of the article.)
Thursday, September 23, 2004
psalm 2
To read Psalm 2 click on the link
Prayer: "Lord why do we keep on trying to go our own way? Help me today to walk hand in hand with you."
Prayer: "Lord why do we keep on trying to go our own way? Help me today to walk hand in hand with you."
the challenge
One of the most challenging statements I've ever heard is found in the words "And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that." (Luke 6:33)
Oh how easy it is to be kind and generous and patient and kind to those whom I like and love. But to be kind to the person who continues to treat me rudely. To give to the person who receives without appreciation. To listen with compassion to the person who never listens to me. These things are hard, but it is precisely these things that show that God is truly alive in me.
I have found that when I do act in this way, not as often as I would like, that it is because I have been aware of the fact that "God loved me while I was still an enemy of God", that is God's love for me begins with his grace, and so my love for others must do the same.
This living of faith is so much harder than being orthodox, but it is the journey Jesus calls us to walk when he said "take up your cross and follow me".
Often I yearn for an easier path, but I'm glad God continually provokes me to walk the narrow path that leads to him.
Prayer: "God it is really hard to love people who do not love me. Grant me your strength to show love despite my feelings, to be your hands and your feet to those who need it most, those unable to reciprocate and therefore of most need of your touch of grace."
Oh how easy it is to be kind and generous and patient and kind to those whom I like and love. But to be kind to the person who continues to treat me rudely. To give to the person who receives without appreciation. To listen with compassion to the person who never listens to me. These things are hard, but it is precisely these things that show that God is truly alive in me.
I have found that when I do act in this way, not as often as I would like, that it is because I have been aware of the fact that "God loved me while I was still an enemy of God", that is God's love for me begins with his grace, and so my love for others must do the same.
This living of faith is so much harder than being orthodox, but it is the journey Jesus calls us to walk when he said "take up your cross and follow me".
Often I yearn for an easier path, but I'm glad God continually provokes me to walk the narrow path that leads to him.
Prayer: "God it is really hard to love people who do not love me. Grant me your strength to show love despite my feelings, to be your hands and your feet to those who need it most, those unable to reciprocate and therefore of most need of your touch of grace."
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
am I a closest sexist?
I went to a presentation last week and was surprised when a young women (around 25 or so) got up to lead the presentation. For some bizarre reason I was expecting an older male. My reaction really surprised me. It made me realise how much I have to learn.
"Lord forgive me for viewing people through the lens of male superiority."
"Lord forgive me for viewing people through the lens of male superiority."
my second confession of the week
Okay here's another confession. I'm a control freak. But the redeeming fact is that I'm slowly discovering the bizarre truth that the more control you exercise the less you actually have.
One of the reasons the economies of the West have done better than the controlling economies of communism is that control has been released. (Yes that's simplistic.)
At the moment I'm involved in a very uncontrolled discussion about faith issues called the 'post alpha discussion group', and I'm discovering (slowly) that when you release people to explore issues then you don't have to be so concerned about controlling the outcome.
The secret I think is to make less dogmatic statements and ask more exploring questions.
I'm still learning but this is my prayer.
"Lord help me become a master question asker."
One of the reasons the economies of the West have done better than the controlling economies of communism is that control has been released. (Yes that's simplistic.)
At the moment I'm involved in a very uncontrolled discussion about faith issues called the 'post alpha discussion group', and I'm discovering (slowly) that when you release people to explore issues then you don't have to be so concerned about controlling the outcome.
The secret I think is to make less dogmatic statements and ask more exploring questions.
I'm still learning but this is my prayer.
"Lord help me become a master question asker."
moral obligation
Lately I keep on hearing the term 'moral obligation'. For example "James Hardie has a moral obligation to pay asbestos victims."
My question is this. What is the basis for talking about a moral obligation?
Does it mean 'the majority'? In that case moral obligation changes depending on the feeling and knowledge of the electorate.
Does it mean 'feeling'? That is I feel they have an obligation.
Or is it based on something more substantial?
One of the reasons I am a follower of Jesus is precisely because I then have a rationale for life decisions. Respect others because God created them and loves them, not because I have a 'moral obligation'.
Francis Schaeffer once said something like this. (I paraphase in my words.) "All we need to do is to push people to the logical conclusion of their belief system and they will discover either despair or embark on a seeking journey towards God."
My question is this. What is the basis for talking about a moral obligation?
Does it mean 'the majority'? In that case moral obligation changes depending on the feeling and knowledge of the electorate.
Does it mean 'feeling'? That is I feel they have an obligation.
Or is it based on something more substantial?
One of the reasons I am a follower of Jesus is precisely because I then have a rationale for life decisions. Respect others because God created them and loves them, not because I have a 'moral obligation'.
Francis Schaeffer once said something like this. (I paraphase in my words.) "All we need to do is to push people to the logical conclusion of their belief system and they will discover either despair or embark on a seeking journey towards God."
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
an interview with Ravi
My favourite communicator is the apologist Ravi Zacharius. An interview with him can be found by going to the link. He shakes me from my lazy thinking so that I begin to really think. Boy does that hurt!
His website is http://www.rzim.org/
My second favourite communicator is Barry, he can be found at http://www.crossroadschurch.com/media/
His website is http://www.rzim.org/
My second favourite communicator is Barry, he can be found at http://www.crossroadschurch.com/media/
psalm 1
Go to link to read Psalm 1
One of my favourite Psalms is Psalm 1. Why not spend some time in quiet reflection and contemplate how God might be wanting to communicate with you today through this marvelous Psalm.
Lord, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (Ps 119:18)
One of my favourite Psalms is Psalm 1. Why not spend some time in quiet reflection and contemplate how God might be wanting to communicate with you today through this marvelous Psalm.
Lord, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (Ps 119:18)
self-reflection
David, in Psalms, prays "Lord search me and see if there be any wicked way in me". Self-reflection is a key to growth so I thought this would be a good starting point. [From Aish.com] This Jewish approach examines where our sins may lurk.....add to it the wonder of the cross and one has a powerful combination.
"A prime feature of the Yom Kippur service is recitation of the 44 mistakes known as "Al Chet." That's a long list. What does it all really mean?"
(Stolen from www.philbaker.net)
"A prime feature of the Yom Kippur service is recitation of the 44 mistakes known as "Al Chet." That's a long list. What does it all really mean?"
(Stolen from www.philbaker.net)
Monday, September 20, 2004
answered?
I've got back into the habit of writing down all my prayers and keeping a record of how they are answered. Funnily enough I'm rediscovering the fact that God answers my prayers in inconvenient ways.
Usually when I ask God to use me he doesn't send the nice people of this world into my life, mostly they are the irritating and socially inept ones. I guess God knows that my greatest need is to learn to love more unconditionally. That I guess is the core of being a true follower of Jesus.
Usually when I ask God to use me he doesn't send the nice people of this world into my life, mostly they are the irritating and socially inept ones. I guess God knows that my greatest need is to learn to love more unconditionally. That I guess is the core of being a true follower of Jesus.
imagine
I have a confession to make. Every few years I buy a lotto ticket and dream of winning the big one. I buy the ticket and then usually that night I write a plan about what I would do if I won the 19 (or whatever it is) million dollar prize. The plan normally involves who I would seek advice from and how I would go about investing and distributing the funds.
The funny thing is that I don't think winning the big dollars would necessarily make me happier or change my mind about what I love to do with my life. Sure it would open some opportunities but would it necessarily mean I'd be a better person, love people more, be kinder, be more joyful?
What would you do if you won the big prize?
Guess what, the biggest prize is actually available for free, by grace, for those who seek God and willing to acknowledge their inability to be good enough to make it in their own strength.
In the end I'm glad I haven't won the big prize, but I guess in another year or so I'll pay my $5 and try again.
The funny thing is that I don't think winning the big dollars would necessarily make me happier or change my mind about what I love to do with my life. Sure it would open some opportunities but would it necessarily mean I'd be a better person, love people more, be kinder, be more joyful?
What would you do if you won the big prize?
Guess what, the biggest prize is actually available for free, by grace, for those who seek God and willing to acknowledge their inability to be good enough to make it in their own strength.
In the end I'm glad I haven't won the big prize, but I guess in another year or so I'll pay my $5 and try again.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
new beginnings
One thing I love about life is that every day is a new beginning. This is particularly true for the person who walks with Jesus.
I love the idea found in the bible that there is only one thing God forgets - he forgets the sins we have repented of.
Someone put it this way. God takes our sin and throws it into the deepest ocean and then puts up a sign that says "NO FISHING!". Now that is cool.
I love the idea found in the bible that there is only one thing God forgets - he forgets the sins we have repented of.
Someone put it this way. God takes our sin and throws it into the deepest ocean and then puts up a sign that says "NO FISHING!". Now that is cool.
under the water
Today I'm going to do some meditation - the kind of meditation that can only be done under the water. I'm a scuba diver and so shall enjoy the quietness from the city that can be found 10 metres under the sea. Life is tough sometimes, but I guess someone has to say hi to the fish.
spiritual bi-polar
Here's a confession, I wonder if anyone can relate. I sometimes feel I have a problem I call spiritual bi-polar. I seem to have highs of absolute certainty of faith followed often rapidly by lows of uncertainty. The highs are great but the lows are a real challenge.
I guess from a biblical perspective that's not an unusual thing. But so often speakers in church make it sound as if its all about the highs - I'm not so sure about that.
I once remember hearing someone say that we should never make major life decisions when we are either on a high or a low. I think that's pretty good advice. I can't wait to experience a day in the middle. Bless ya and have an interesting day. :)
I guess from a biblical perspective that's not an unusual thing. But so often speakers in church make it sound as if its all about the highs - I'm not so sure about that.
I once remember hearing someone say that we should never make major life decisions when we are either on a high or a low. I think that's pretty good advice. I can't wait to experience a day in the middle. Bless ya and have an interesting day. :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
your image
The images we use to describe or talk about the faith experience have a huge effect on how we live and how communicate it with others.
Do we think and communicate in terms of a line we must cross? That is the idea we are on one cliff, and we need to go over the cross of Christ to the other cliff. (Known to some as the four spiritual laws.) In some ways this is a useful idea, but it falls down when we seek to enter true dialogue with others as we tend to insist they get all the facts right so they can cross the line from unfaith to faith. We can easily become the theological immigration officer checking peoples passport to make sure they have all the correct visas to enter.
I submit a more useful image is the combination of two images. The circle and the compass.
I think the circle represents the biblical concept that there is a time we enter into the circle of relationship with Jesus, that is there are some truth boundaries, such as the answer to Jesus question, "who do you say I am?"
The compass respresents the direction of our lives, is it pointed towards Jesus?
Imagine this image. A circle with dots inside and outside the circle representing where various people are in their journey. Each dot has an arrow representing there focus.
In this image it is possible to be in the circle but pointing outward, or be on the outside of the circle pointing inward, or in the circle pointing inward, or outside the circle pointing outward. or other variations.
The dot that is inside the circle pointing outward represents a person who has committed to the truths but is now walking away from journeying with Christ. The dot outside the circle pointing in, is the person who is considering the claims of Jesus and giving them serious consideration.
Where are you? What does this mean? What is the next step for you?
Do we think and communicate in terms of a line we must cross? That is the idea we are on one cliff, and we need to go over the cross of Christ to the other cliff. (Known to some as the four spiritual laws.) In some ways this is a useful idea, but it falls down when we seek to enter true dialogue with others as we tend to insist they get all the facts right so they can cross the line from unfaith to faith. We can easily become the theological immigration officer checking peoples passport to make sure they have all the correct visas to enter.
I submit a more useful image is the combination of two images. The circle and the compass.
I think the circle represents the biblical concept that there is a time we enter into the circle of relationship with Jesus, that is there are some truth boundaries, such as the answer to Jesus question, "who do you say I am?"
The compass respresents the direction of our lives, is it pointed towards Jesus?
Imagine this image. A circle with dots inside and outside the circle representing where various people are in their journey. Each dot has an arrow representing there focus.
In this image it is possible to be in the circle but pointing outward, or be on the outside of the circle pointing inward, or in the circle pointing inward, or outside the circle pointing outward. or other variations.
The dot that is inside the circle pointing outward represents a person who has committed to the truths but is now walking away from journeying with Christ. The dot outside the circle pointing in, is the person who is considering the claims of Jesus and giving them serious consideration.
Where are you? What does this mean? What is the next step for you?
Monday, September 13, 2004
a grammatical apology
This is my general apology for the sometimes shocking grammar I display in my blogs. The fact is I can never work out where comma's or apotrophies go! Please excuse me and don't hesitate to correct as it is appreciated and will be followed up. Bless ya.
expectation
I'm discovering more and more that the problem with consumerism is the expectation of getting happy. Let me unpack that a little.
It seems to me that when something good happens that I don't expect I experience joy more than when I get something I was expecting. Somehow my expectation deminishes the joy I end up experiencing. So the more expectations I have, the less I enjoy anything.
Now the killer is this. If I have an expectation that is not met then I'm really crushed. But I'm not affected when I don't get what I don't expect.
Think about this in terms of relationships. When someone does something for me that I wasn't expecting I get a real buzz. But when they do something I expected from them then I'm just as likely to wonder why they didn't do it better, sooner or greater.
Well my head hurts from too much deep thinking. But what did you expect!
It seems to me that when something good happens that I don't expect I experience joy more than when I get something I was expecting. Somehow my expectation deminishes the joy I end up experiencing. So the more expectations I have, the less I enjoy anything.
Now the killer is this. If I have an expectation that is not met then I'm really crushed. But I'm not affected when I don't get what I don't expect.
Think about this in terms of relationships. When someone does something for me that I wasn't expecting I get a real buzz. But when they do something I expected from them then I'm just as likely to wonder why they didn't do it better, sooner or greater.
Well my head hurts from too much deep thinking. But what did you expect!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
reimagining
Reimagining Spiritual Formation: A Week in the Life of an Experimental ChurchDoug Pagitt, Zondervan 2004
"To say that we are a missional community is to say that we are not the end-users of the gospel, our belief in God and our living in the way of Jesus are not for our benefit alone. Rather we receive these so that we may be equipped and sent into the world to love our neighbours and serve 'the least of these'. In this sense, Solomon's Porch doesn't have a mission - it is missional."
For more of this article go to the link.
"To say that we are a missional community is to say that we are not the end-users of the gospel, our belief in God and our living in the way of Jesus are not for our benefit alone. Rather we receive these so that we may be equipped and sent into the world to love our neighbours and serve 'the least of these'. In this sense, Solomon's Porch doesn't have a mission - it is missional."
For more of this article go to the link.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
my manifesto
Have you worked out why you are here? Here's my personal mission and a list of my six core principles, use them as a springboard for developing your own unique core principles.
I seek to honour God by developing passionate, vibrant and holy disciples, cells and churches. To do this by practicing and helping those I have the priviledge of sharing life with to practice the principles of ...
1) ENGAGING: to engage deeply, lovingly and significantly with God and with others, particularly those who have yet to discover the journey of faith. (Matthew 22:37-39)
2) EXPLAINING: to be ready to give the reason for the hope that I have to anyone who asks. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
3) ENCOURAGING: to encourage others in every way I can. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
4) EQUIPPING: to help other develop the skills they need to achieve their life purpose to glorify God. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
5) EMPOWERING: to release others to do great things for Jesus. (Luke 10:1-17)
6) ENLARGING: to create room that others can join in the journey of faith (Isaiah 54:2-3)
I seek to honour God by developing passionate, vibrant and holy disciples, cells and churches. To do this by practicing and helping those I have the priviledge of sharing life with to practice the principles of ...
1) ENGAGING: to engage deeply, lovingly and significantly with God and with others, particularly those who have yet to discover the journey of faith. (Matthew 22:37-39)
2) EXPLAINING: to be ready to give the reason for the hope that I have to anyone who asks. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
3) ENCOURAGING: to encourage others in every way I can. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
4) EQUIPPING: to help other develop the skills they need to achieve their life purpose to glorify God. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
5) EMPOWERING: to release others to do great things for Jesus. (Luke 10:1-17)
6) ENLARGING: to create room that others can join in the journey of faith (Isaiah 54:2-3)
don't look back
"Don't look back" by Phillipa Tyndale is the story of David Bussau who abandoned as a child became a champion of the poor.
This man, whom I'm priviledged to know, is a man who has been used by God to impact millions of the world's poor. If you have a concern for the poor, or a desire to do something significant with your life, then this book is a great read.
I found my copy at Dymocks, but its available in lots of book stores. I believe its about $18 at Big W while about $30 at Dymocks.
This man, whom I'm priviledged to know, is a man who has been used by God to impact millions of the world's poor. If you have a concern for the poor, or a desire to do something significant with your life, then this book is a great read.
I found my copy at Dymocks, but its available in lots of book stores. I believe its about $18 at Big W while about $30 at Dymocks.
perfect world
I reckon it must be depressing when you think politics will bring about a world worth living in. When will we get it through our think heads that perfect politics will never get us a perfect world because its made up of us imperfect people. (The bible calls that being a sinner.) But so often we expect politics to solve the problems of the world.
When will we realise that even if the whole budget were given to health, we would still have health problems and waiting lists. When will we realise that if we gave our whole budget to education, we would still have gaps in the education system.
Jesus said it in these words, "you will always have the poor among you". Not meaning we are uninvolved or unconcerned, but instead challenging us to get our thinking right.
The answer of Jesus is that though we can have glimpses of the kingdom of God now, it will not happen in its fullness until he returns.
When will we realise that even if the whole budget were given to health, we would still have health problems and waiting lists. When will we realise that if we gave our whole budget to education, we would still have gaps in the education system.
Jesus said it in these words, "you will always have the poor among you". Not meaning we are uninvolved or unconcerned, but instead challenging us to get our thinking right.
The answer of Jesus is that though we can have glimpses of the kingdom of God now, it will not happen in its fullness until he returns.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
mother to many
"Christ has no body now on earth but yours,no hands but yours,no feet but yours,Yours are the eyes through which He is to look out,Christ's compassion to the world.Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good;Yours are the hands with which He is to bless men now."
~Mother Teresa
~Mother Teresa
photo of jesus
What does Jesus look like? Check the link to see some interpretations. I think laughing liberator is my favourite.
biker
I reckon there are alot of people out their doing tough ministry and towards the top of that lot must be the God Squad. Check out the link to find out more about this bikie ministry where the message of the love of God is taken into the heart of the bikie culture.
Monday, September 06, 2004
shit
A famous Tony Campolo line goes like this ... "Thirty thousand children will die today because of preventable diseases and hunger, and you don't give a shit. You know what's worse? You are more concerned that I said shit than about the 30,000 children who will die!"
Now that makes me think about where my priorities are. More information is available at the link for "Urban Neighbours of Hope".
Now that makes me think about where my priorities are. More information is available at the link for "Urban Neighbours of Hope".
orgasmic pleasure
I was a conference last week put on by Forge. We were discussing the theme of being a community of God's people in the 21st century. One of the guys used the term 'orgasmic pleasure' to describe what the people of God should be for the communities in which they live. That's not a term I normally associate with church but I sense it really should be. The followers of Jesus are called to be the 'salt and the light' in a dark world. In the language of the 21st century consumerist society, Jesus just might have said ... "you are to be the orgasmic pleasure of the world", the one's who show the world what it really means to live life, and live it to the full.
safeeyes
For anyone out there who has travelled to or been tempted to travel to the darker side of the net then the internet filter found at safeeyes.com is essential. If an alcoholic shouldn't keep a beer in the fridge, then a porn junkie needs an internet filter. Also really valueable for keeping your kids safe from the excesses of the net.
Friday, September 03, 2004
answered prayer
I keep on asking God for a sign and he keeps on speaking quietly into my soul. This aspect of God I find disturbing but ultimately it refreshes me in ways I don't understand.
grace
I haven't been in the greatest space with God in recent days and its made me contemplate what the nature of grace is. Here's my attempt at a definition. Let me know what you think about grace. Grace is ... when I deserve nothing, but receive something.
In my relationship with God this means that though I don't deserve his mercy he has freely given it to me in Jesus. For me that is an awesome and life changing truth.
In my relationships with others it means that I need to treat others not as they deserve, but in the same way God has treated me, with mercy and compassion. Now that is tough.
"Lord help me my heart to grasp what your grace to me is so that I might treat others with grace."
In my relationship with God this means that though I don't deserve his mercy he has freely given it to me in Jesus. For me that is an awesome and life changing truth.
In my relationships with others it means that I need to treat others not as they deserve, but in the same way God has treated me, with mercy and compassion. Now that is tough.
"Lord help me my heart to grasp what your grace to me is so that I might treat others with grace."
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
random act of kindness
Pizza boy given $820 tip 02.08.2004By JULIET ROWAN
An Auckland pizza deliverer is thanking God for a very big tip.
Hong Fei Li, a part-time worker at Pizza Hut, delivered two pizzas to a Mt Eden church last night. Thanks to a generous congregation, he walked away with more than $800.
Mr Li, a pizza delivery worker for only two months, had no idea he was going to the Christian Life Centre.
Nor did he know that the presiding pastor had asked the congregation to dig deep to make the pizza delivery boy's night.
Associate pastor Phil Camden placed the order during evening service.
He ordered the pizzas and some garlic bread for the three sons of the head pastor, who is away overseas.
He made the call with the phone on "speaker" function so the congregation could hear, telling them, "Let's give the guy the biggest tip he's ever had".
While the pizzas baked, he passed the collection bags round the church.
The 900 members of the congregation handed over everything from 10c and 20c pieces to $10 notes.
The collection was still going on when Mr Li, a hospitality student at the New Zealand Management Academy, arrived at the church.
The 21-year-old was invited in and directed to the pastor's sons.
He gave them the food and was asked to wait a few minutes.
Despite the large number of people in the room, he still did not know where he was.
"I thought it was a meeting," he said.
A short time later, he was handed two heavy bags full of money.
Mr Li couldn't believe his luck.
"I think God gave me the money," he said from his home on the North Shore last night.
He still had not had time to count his blessings, believing the bags probably contained about $500 to $600.
But congregation member Terry Koumakis said the tip was $820.
He said Pastor Camden had concocted the idea as a "random act of kindness".
He had told the congregation that pizza workers were often robbed so it would be nice to do something for one of them.
Mr Li, who came to New Zealand from China three years ago, said he was very grateful for the money.
As a student he could do with the cash, he said. "I'm very lucky."
The windfall had made him believe in God. If he had time, he said he might even go to church.
An Auckland pizza deliverer is thanking God for a very big tip.
Hong Fei Li, a part-time worker at Pizza Hut, delivered two pizzas to a Mt Eden church last night. Thanks to a generous congregation, he walked away with more than $800.
Mr Li, a pizza delivery worker for only two months, had no idea he was going to the Christian Life Centre.
Nor did he know that the presiding pastor had asked the congregation to dig deep to make the pizza delivery boy's night.
Associate pastor Phil Camden placed the order during evening service.
He ordered the pizzas and some garlic bread for the three sons of the head pastor, who is away overseas.
He made the call with the phone on "speaker" function so the congregation could hear, telling them, "Let's give the guy the biggest tip he's ever had".
While the pizzas baked, he passed the collection bags round the church.
The 900 members of the congregation handed over everything from 10c and 20c pieces to $10 notes.
The collection was still going on when Mr Li, a hospitality student at the New Zealand Management Academy, arrived at the church.
The 21-year-old was invited in and directed to the pastor's sons.
He gave them the food and was asked to wait a few minutes.
Despite the large number of people in the room, he still did not know where he was.
"I thought it was a meeting," he said.
A short time later, he was handed two heavy bags full of money.
Mr Li couldn't believe his luck.
"I think God gave me the money," he said from his home on the North Shore last night.
He still had not had time to count his blessings, believing the bags probably contained about $500 to $600.
But congregation member Terry Koumakis said the tip was $820.
He said Pastor Camden had concocted the idea as a "random act of kindness".
He had told the congregation that pizza workers were often robbed so it would be nice to do something for one of them.
Mr Li, who came to New Zealand from China three years ago, said he was very grateful for the money.
As a student he could do with the cash, he said. "I'm very lucky."
The windfall had made him believe in God. If he had time, he said he might even go to church.
a joke stolen from phil baker
A new mother went to the psychiatrist worried. "Doctor," she said, "Since I had the baby I can't sleep at night. When I'm in the next room, I have this dreadful fear that I won't hear the baby if he falls out of the crib at night. What should I do?" "Easy," said the doctor. "Just take the carpet off the floor."
stolen from phil baker
Prov 30 v19 roughly says..."Three things are to wonderful for me...no four. The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship in the sea and the way of a man with a maid...."
What the first three have in common is that they leave no tracks. The following verse extends this to adultery, [she wipes her lips and says I have done no wrong]
Like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey often how we live morally is not visible on the inside yet leaves indelible marks on the inside. The eagle, ship, snake all have gone somewhere you just cannot see how they got there.
[ I am not sure what I am saying but it is deep people, deep!]
What the first three have in common is that they leave no tracks. The following verse extends this to adultery, [she wipes her lips and says I have done no wrong]
Like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey often how we live morally is not visible on the inside yet leaves indelible marks on the inside. The eagle, ship, snake all have gone somewhere you just cannot see how they got there.
[ I am not sure what I am saying but it is deep people, deep!]
somedays
Somedays I wake up and just can't wait to see what the day will bring. Somedays, like this morning, I wonder about the meaning of it all. But as the saying goes, "Every day you wake up is a good day!"
In the end I guess it doesn't matter how you feel as you wake, but what you choose to make the day to be. Will it be a day of selfish indulgence like self pity, or will it be of making it a better place to live by smiling and joyfully serving each person you meet today?
I wonder what kind of day it will be for me today? I guess in the end the choice is mine, and mine alone.
In the end I guess it doesn't matter how you feel as you wake, but what you choose to make the day to be. Will it be a day of selfish indulgence like self pity, or will it be of making it a better place to live by smiling and joyfully serving each person you meet today?
I wonder what kind of day it will be for me today? I guess in the end the choice is mine, and mine alone.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
an interesting journey
I'm discovering the longer I hang out with God the more I discover that I know very little. I've been hanging out with God over 20 years now and in some ways feel like I'm just beginning. This walking with Jesus is sure an interesting journey. Somedays I feel like I know what this journey is all about - other days, like today, I just can't get my head around it. Aren't relationships funny things, and my relationship with Jesus is no different.
join the revolution
A friend of mine has joined the blogging revolution. She's just beginning but I'm sure will have some interesting and challenging things to say. Check out her site at http://uncontained.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 30, 2004
success
In light of my last blog - here's a question. "What is success anyway?" Try finishing this statement: "I am successful when ..."
Here's some of my answers to get you going.
I am successful when ... my kids know I'm available just to hang out with them ... my wife feels appreciated ... people ask me about Jesus because of how I live ... relationships are more important than my bank account ...
Now why don't you give it a go.
Here's some of my answers to get you going.
I am successful when ... my kids know I'm available just to hang out with them ... my wife feels appreciated ... people ask me about Jesus because of how I live ... relationships are more important than my bank account ...
Now why don't you give it a go.
the "56 hour secret"
Did you know the average successful business person or minister works 56 hours a week! That is the number I've heard from a few places lately. Success it seems is a result of both a great idea and hard work. The question for me is this: "Am I willing to pay the price?"
a flash of brilliance
I'm never ceased to be amazed by what happens when a person with passion is allowed to run with an idea. Sure having control is much more comfortable, is less stressful, and often means a more consistent result, but ultimately results in something that is "ordinary" or "nice".
This week I want to award to a friend of mine the "flash of brilliance" award for her efforts organising a brilliant cafe church. Kell you are one of my heroes. Go girl!
This week I want to award to a friend of mine the "flash of brilliance" award for her efforts organising a brilliant cafe church. Kell you are one of my heroes. Go girl!
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
disciplines
What a strange word combination "Spiritual Disciplines" is. But have you noticed that in life freedom actually comes through discipline not laxness. The freedom that is the result of health is a result of the discipline of healthy living. The freedom of the spirit comes from the spiritual disciplines. Check out the link for an interesting article called "Spiritual Growth for Leaders."
gorilla moments
A 30-second film shows six people playing basketball, three in white shirts and three in black. Volunteers are asked to count how many times the white shirt team pass the ball. At the end of the film, they are asked if they saw anything unusual. Most do not. The unusual thing is: halfway through the film, a man wearing a gorilla suit walks through the players, beats his chest to the camera, then walks off.
When shown the film again, people are utterly surprized to see him, to the extent that they often believe a different film has been substituted for the original one. Their focus on one task has blinded them to a truth.
This film trick illustrates a simple fact - that if we are only looking for one thing, we do not usually see anything different. This forms the basis of Professor Richard Wiseman's new book 'Did You Spot the Gorilla? How to Recognise Hidden Opportunities'. The point at which people finally see the unexpected is what he calls a 'gorilla moment'.
(This comes from "Web Evangelism Bulletin" found at http://www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/webull04aug2.php)
When shown the film again, people are utterly surprized to see him, to the extent that they often believe a different film has been substituted for the original one. Their focus on one task has blinded them to a truth.
This film trick illustrates a simple fact - that if we are only looking for one thing, we do not usually see anything different. This forms the basis of Professor Richard Wiseman's new book 'Did You Spot the Gorilla? How to Recognise Hidden Opportunities'. The point at which people finally see the unexpected is what he calls a 'gorilla moment'.
(This comes from "Web Evangelism Bulletin" found at http://www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/webull04aug2.php)
10 things to settle by age 40
Maxwell writes ... "When I was 40, I put together a list of 10 powerful, practical things every young leader should do early in life—by the time he or she turns 40, at the latest. We've already discussed one of them: Develop your philosophy of life. In this issue of Leadership Wired, I'll cover four more, and in the next issue I'll complete the list. Here we go:
1. Know yourself.This isn't some philosophical mystery; it's actually quite simple. Knowing yourself means being acutely aware of your strengths and weaknesses. It means knowing what you do well and what you don't do so well. That way you can work in your strength zone, where your most significant opportunity for growth and success lies, as opposed to focusing on your weak zone, where all you'll find is frustration and stagnation.
2. Settle your family life.Identify the issues that are affecting your family and figure out how to deal with them. Marriage always takes work, but it's pretty sad when two 40-year-olds are still struggling with the same problems they had when they got married 18 years ago. You may not resolve every issue entirely; you and your spouse may have to agree to disagree on some items. The key is to be comfortable with your differences so you can move forward together.
3. Determine your priorities.By the time you hit 40, you should have your priorities set. You should know how you want to spend your time and to what you want to devote your life. The following statement, which I've carried in my briefcase for years, highlights the importance of this:
"He who seeks one thing,May hope to achieve it before life is done.But he who seeks all things wherever he goesMust reap around him in whatever he sowsA harvest of barren regret."
4. Get physically fit.Early in life, people give up their health to gain wealth; later in their life, they give up their wealth to regain their health. That's how it often works, but it doesn't have to be that way. I'm not saying you have to be able to run a marathon. Just exercise and get yourself in decent shape. Don't put it off until later; start today. Trust me—whatever sacrifice this requires will pay dividends later.
You won't get these issues resolved overnight—they take time, thought, and in some cases, a great deal of sweat. But don't let the complexity of the task discourage you from starting the process. Remember, the sooner you settle all this, the better off you'll be.
(Note: click on the link and you will get the article online. You can then subscribe to the FREE newsletter.)
1. Know yourself.This isn't some philosophical mystery; it's actually quite simple. Knowing yourself means being acutely aware of your strengths and weaknesses. It means knowing what you do well and what you don't do so well. That way you can work in your strength zone, where your most significant opportunity for growth and success lies, as opposed to focusing on your weak zone, where all you'll find is frustration and stagnation.
2. Settle your family life.Identify the issues that are affecting your family and figure out how to deal with them. Marriage always takes work, but it's pretty sad when two 40-year-olds are still struggling with the same problems they had when they got married 18 years ago. You may not resolve every issue entirely; you and your spouse may have to agree to disagree on some items. The key is to be comfortable with your differences so you can move forward together.
3. Determine your priorities.By the time you hit 40, you should have your priorities set. You should know how you want to spend your time and to what you want to devote your life. The following statement, which I've carried in my briefcase for years, highlights the importance of this:
"He who seeks one thing,May hope to achieve it before life is done.But he who seeks all things wherever he goesMust reap around him in whatever he sowsA harvest of barren regret."
4. Get physically fit.Early in life, people give up their health to gain wealth; later in their life, they give up their wealth to regain their health. That's how it often works, but it doesn't have to be that way. I'm not saying you have to be able to run a marathon. Just exercise and get yourself in decent shape. Don't put it off until later; start today. Trust me—whatever sacrifice this requires will pay dividends later.
You won't get these issues resolved overnight—they take time, thought, and in some cases, a great deal of sweat. But don't let the complexity of the task discourage you from starting the process. Remember, the sooner you settle all this, the better off you'll be.
(Note: click on the link and you will get the article online. You can then subscribe to the FREE newsletter.)
rejoice
This morning I did something I haven't done for a while. I wrote a list of things that I could thank God for from yesterday. As I got going I came to realise that I had more to rejoice about than I thought. Frankly, it made me realise what an ungrateful person I can become despite how blessed I am. "Lord help me recognise your multitude of blessings that I receive every day."
serial learner
I confess that I'm a serial learner. I love to read and learn and think about new things. Now that's in many ways a good trait, except when I keep on learning rather than applying.
I suspect that people who grow in wisdom are people committed to application as much as learning.
Here's an exercise that might drive this home.
Write a list of things that you know would be good to do but you're not doing.
Here's a few of mine: (1) Get up at 6am to spend time with God. (Started applying this yesterday and already experiencing the benefits.) (2) Do at least 3 lots of exercise each week. (3) Make the kids lunches more often. (This is something that my wife really appreciates.) (4) ... that's enough for now!
The idea is not to get legalistic about all this. The point is that most of us know more than we apply and every once in a while we need to stop and ask this type of question.
I suspect that people who grow in wisdom are people committed to application as much as learning.
Here's an exercise that might drive this home.
Write a list of things that you know would be good to do but you're not doing.
Here's a few of mine: (1) Get up at 6am to spend time with God. (Started applying this yesterday and already experiencing the benefits.) (2) Do at least 3 lots of exercise each week. (3) Make the kids lunches more often. (This is something that my wife really appreciates.) (4) ... that's enough for now!
The idea is not to get legalistic about all this. The point is that most of us know more than we apply and every once in a while we need to stop and ask this type of question.
Monday, August 23, 2004
i'm just slow i suppose
Every once in a while I realise just how slow I am. I was praying the other day - moaning actually - about how God isn't answering my prayers. I was having a jolly good old winge and then I realised something - you might say God spoke into my heart - and he made me realise that most of my prayers were really just requests for God to do what I didn't want to do.
I think I'm come to realise that God won't act when I can. If I have a problem with someone and am not prepared to talk to them about it, then its my fault not Gods. But he will work when I really am at the end of my strength.
I think I'm come to realise that God won't act when I can. If I have a problem with someone and am not prepared to talk to them about it, then its my fault not Gods. But he will work when I really am at the end of my strength.
hearing god
Had an interesting discussion with my 10 year old daughter this morning. She told me that God doesn't speak to her. How do you explain to a 10 year old how God speaks. Honestly I've never heard God speak in a audible way - but I'm sure that I've heard from him pretty clearly in other ways. But I understand where she is coming from. At times I wonder if what I've heard is just in my head, just something I've wanted to hear.
I've got to acknowledge that I'm alot like Thomas - I just want to see and hear and touch Jesus to know he's really real. This living my faith is really really hard sometimes, .... and then God touches me in some way and I just know, really know, am absolutely convinced that my friendship with God is very real.
I've got to acknowledge that I'm alot like Thomas - I just want to see and hear and touch Jesus to know he's really real. This living my faith is really really hard sometimes, .... and then God touches me in some way and I just know, really know, am absolutely convinced that my friendship with God is very real.
Friday, August 20, 2004
loneliness
Do you ever feel lonely? I've come to the conclusion that people who never feel lonely have yet to learn to live.
My gut feeling is that the only people who never feel lonely are the people who never spend time in real silence. Thesd days we live such noisy busy lives that it's easy to never be really alone, really in silence, really thinking.
I used to feel really uncomfortable with loneliness until I read a life changing book called "Inside Out" by Larry Crab. Now I recognise loneliness as a symptom of not yet knowing God in a way that I will one day know him. Loneliness is essentially thinking I need someone or something to make me feel valued, rather than realising that my essential sense of who I am can only come in a full relationship with God.
I dare you to spend some time in real silence and learn to live with the reality of some loneliness in life.
My gut feeling is that the only people who never feel lonely are the people who never spend time in real silence. Thesd days we live such noisy busy lives that it's easy to never be really alone, really in silence, really thinking.
I used to feel really uncomfortable with loneliness until I read a life changing book called "Inside Out" by Larry Crab. Now I recognise loneliness as a symptom of not yet knowing God in a way that I will one day know him. Loneliness is essentially thinking I need someone or something to make me feel valued, rather than realising that my essential sense of who I am can only come in a full relationship with God.
I dare you to spend some time in real silence and learn to live with the reality of some loneliness in life.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
little things
Have you noticed that little things are not always so little. One of the most significant caring things that anybody has ever done was when a friend simple turned up and mowed my lawn. I hated mowing my lawn and my friend was caring enough to do something for me that I would really appreciate.
There is a great book called "Love Languages" by Gary Chapman (I think!) which helps you discover how you can give and receive love in a way that really counts.
Often it's not the 'size' of what you do, but 'what' you do that really makes the difference.
So why not do something for someone today that they would appreciate rather than what you think you would appreciate. But here's the real rub - you have to care enough to find out what they would appreciate in the first place.
There is a great book called "Love Languages" by Gary Chapman (I think!) which helps you discover how you can give and receive love in a way that really counts.
Often it's not the 'size' of what you do, but 'what' you do that really makes the difference.
So why not do something for someone today that they would appreciate rather than what you think you would appreciate. But here's the real rub - you have to care enough to find out what they would appreciate in the first place.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
fat
Just the other day my wife reminded me of my first every sermon. It was on the FAT principle. The FAT principle is about the characteristics we need to develop in our life. That of being Faithful, Available and Teachable. I guess if you want my definition of what I mean by "the heart" (see previous blog) then that's it.
Personally I look for people, who have some talent, but mostly who are FAT! FAT beats pure talent any day of the week.
Personally I look for people, who have some talent, but mostly who are FAT! FAT beats pure talent any day of the week.
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