Sobering video of war

Went to my first Anzac dawn service this year, it was a sobering event, the early 5.10am start ended up being a very small price to pay to remember those who've gone before us to fight for our freedom.
For those who ever consider glorifying war, here's a great little video clip that brings some reality. 'I was only 19' found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urtiyp-G6jY

worship inputs

Some sites worth checking out for creative video clips and other creative worship inputs are ...
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/
http://www.sermonspice.com/

A site that deals with lots of worship stuff is ...
http://www.worshipideas.com/

also I've been recommended to but haven't checked out yet ...
www.worshipmax.com

important questions

If you had to list the most important questions you ask yourself as a way of making decisions, what would they be?
Here are my top two: Who is God, really? Who am I, really?
I believe that what we do is a consequence of the answers to these two questions. And so if we want to change a behaviour we need to consider our beliefs before changing our actions.
Romans 12:2 say 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'
The transformation of our mind happens as we change what we 'really' believe. If I 'really' believe God exists that will impact my behaviour. If I 'really' believe God loves me or that he is Holy then this will impact my behaviour.
If I 'really' believe I am created by God, that I am a part of his family, that I'm loved by him, that I was made with a purpose, then this will impact on my behaviour.
We make a mistake when we focus on our behaviour, we need to focus on what we 'really' believe. Our behaviour is simply a good indicator of our 'real' beliefs.

Funny videos

Did you ever want to remember the elements. This is a funny song to do just that.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but I think its amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNfx0FO4hzs

But this is even funnier. A video about fainting goats. Shown to me by my daughter and is hilarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_3Utmj4RPU

Discipleship Direction (02) - see last post for 11 Discipleship Directions

This is a challenging quote that relates to Discipleship Area (02): Dr. Blackaby has said "People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem."
Now, that's something to think about.

Discipleship Covenant

Over the years I developed these 11 directions that I call the Discipleship Covenant. I think they are useful questions to consider as a Discipleship review.

Discipleship Covenant (Matt 28:19-20; 2 Cor 13:5)

On a five-point scale, where ‘5’ is extremely satisfied and ‘1’ is extremely dissatisfied, how satisfied are you with each area in your Discipleship Journey? (Circle one for each question.)

(01) 1 2 3 4 5 Publically declaring my faith in the truths of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) in the way that Jesus asks me to. (Acts 2:38; Matt 28:19)

(02) 1 2 3 4 5 Regularly setting time aside to be alone and commune with God to build up my personal relationship with God. (Matthew 6:6-18; Hebrews 11:6)

(03) 1 2 3 4 5 Seeking to make the world a better place for the poor & oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19; James 1:27)

(04) 1 2 3 4 5 Regularly meeting with others for mutual accountability where there is confession of sin. (James 5:16)

(05) 1 2 3 4 5 Regularly meeting with a small group of fellow believers where there is a focus on loving, learning, doing and deciding in the context of connecting with God. (Acts 2:43-47; Hebrews 10:23-25)

(06) 1 2 3 4 5 Making and following through on a regular generous giving decision. (Luke 12:13-34; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

(07) 1 2 3 4 5 Living a life that shows evidence of obedience to God’s personal direction as to how to use my gifts and skills to serve others and so fulfil God’s purposes in my life. (Matthew 6:10; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12; 2 Timothy 1:6-7)

(08) 1 2 3 4 5 Being equipped by the Word through personal study and via God’s gift of the five-fold ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17)

(09) 1 2 3 4 5 Regularly gathering corporately to worship God. (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7)

(10) 1 2 3 4 5 Regularly praying for unbelievers and responding to opportunities God gives to share the good news of Jesus with unbelievers. (Philemon 6; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:12-14; 1 Peter 3:15; Col 4:5-6)

(11) 1 2 3 4 5 Living a holy & peaceable life that is attractive to others. (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Timothy 2:1-4: Galatians 6:7-10; James 1:21-25)

Reflection Questions:
In what areas are you most pleased? Why?
In what areas would you most like to grow in the next three months?
What are some things you could do to grow in at least one of these areas?
What are you going to commit to do?

I'm back

Decided to do this blogging thing again. Will post sermons, thoughts, ideas, reflections and stuff about vision. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
Will primary focus around resourcing or reflecting on the the areas of 'More & Better Disciples, Groups & Congregations'