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.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
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.
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