I arise today through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who desires me ill,
Afar and a near,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
Lorica, St. Patrick
Thursday 30 December 2010
Thursday 23 December 2010
Audacious (live) MOVE IN ME
Love this song and think the guys at Audacious nailed it! I TRUST IN YOUR PLAN.
WHO CAN SEPERATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST?
Awesome - well done guys.
MOVE IN ME - Audacious
Intro: C F Am C
Verse (same rhythm as intro)
C F Am C
Who can seperate us from the love of Christ
C F Am C
What can come between us when we're in your light
Dm F C
I trust in you, always
Dm F
I trust in you
Chorus
C F
I know you're moving
Am G
I know you're moving in me
Verse 2
Whether rich or poor I am content in you
In life or death my faith will not be moved
Dm F C
I trust in you, always
Dm F
I trust in you
Chorus
C F
I know you're moving
Am G
I know you're moving in me
Bridge
Am G
Move in me, move in my soul
C G
Be my God, take control
Am G
I will praise, though I don't understand
C Dm
I submit, I choose your plan
Repeat Chorus
Build up
Am C x4
Tag
C F Am C
Wo-ah, we are found in you
C F
Who can seperate us from the
Am C
Love that is in Christ Jesus
End on first line of verse
C F Am C
Who can seperate us from the love of Christ
Monday 20 December 2010
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Friday 10 December 2010
7 Examples of Shallow Leadership
Check out this article below:
November 23, 2010 in Change,Innovation,Leadership,Organizational Leadership,Team Leadership with 20 Comments
Growing in our leadership abilities, knowledge and relationships should be a goal for every leader. Many leaders settle for status quo leadership rather than stretching themselves as leaders. They remain oblivious to the real health of their leadership and the organization. I call it shallow leadership. Perhaps you’ve seen this before in leadership. Maybe you’ve been guilty of providing shallow leadership. I certainly have.
Here are 7 characteristics of shallow leadership:
Thinking your idea will be everyone’s idea…
Believing that your way is the only way..
Assuming you already know the answer…
Pretending to care when really you don’t…
Giving the response that makes you most popular…
Refusing to learn something new…
Ignoring the warning signs of an unhealthy environment…
Have you seen shallow leadership before? What would you add to my list?
November 23, 2010 in Change,Innovation,Leadership,Organizational Leadership,Team Leadership with 20 Comments
Growing in our leadership abilities, knowledge and relationships should be a goal for every leader. Many leaders settle for status quo leadership rather than stretching themselves as leaders. They remain oblivious to the real health of their leadership and the organization. I call it shallow leadership. Perhaps you’ve seen this before in leadership. Maybe you’ve been guilty of providing shallow leadership. I certainly have.
Here are 7 characteristics of shallow leadership:
Thinking your idea will be everyone’s idea…
Believing that your way is the only way..
Assuming you already know the answer…
Pretending to care when really you don’t…
Giving the response that makes you most popular…
Refusing to learn something new…
Ignoring the warning signs of an unhealthy environment…
Have you seen shallow leadership before? What would you add to my list?
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Questions for leaders to ask
Read this excellent post by Make Lake that really challenged me. Check it out and I hope it challenges you too!
7 Leadership Development Questions to Ask Yourself
Not many people are satisfied with the level of leadership development taking place in their organization. Yet few take serious strides to really do anything about it. Leadership development requires focus and discipline. Here are 7 questions to stir your thinking at the beginning of the week.
1. Am I rewarding and celebrating the reproduction of leaders?
2. Am I challenging older leaders in our organization to reproduce themselves?
3. Am I making leadership development and mentoring simple enough?
4. Am I tracking and measuring the development of leaders?
5. Am I modeling a lifestyle of leadership development for others in my organization?
6. Am I talking with my key leaders on a consistent basis about the up and coming potential leaders in our organization?
7. Am I taking a risk on any young talent in our organization?
None of us are likely to be doing all these things perfectly but if we focus and plan we can improve by 1% this week, 1% next week and over time with concentrated effort it will make a big difference.
7 Leadership Development Questions to Ask Yourself
Not many people are satisfied with the level of leadership development taking place in their organization. Yet few take serious strides to really do anything about it. Leadership development requires focus and discipline. Here are 7 questions to stir your thinking at the beginning of the week.
1. Am I rewarding and celebrating the reproduction of leaders?
2. Am I challenging older leaders in our organization to reproduce themselves?
3. Am I making leadership development and mentoring simple enough?
4. Am I tracking and measuring the development of leaders?
5. Am I modeling a lifestyle of leadership development for others in my organization?
6. Am I talking with my key leaders on a consistent basis about the up and coming potential leaders in our organization?
7. Am I taking a risk on any young talent in our organization?
None of us are likely to be doing all these things perfectly but if we focus and plan we can improve by 1% this week, 1% next week and over time with concentrated effort it will make a big difference.
Here are a few of the things I’ve been learning lately…
Relevant ideas are born out of listening to others. If you need an inspirational idea, listen for need.
Interest is not the same as commitment. Many people are interested in what we lead but not everyone is readily committed to join the cause.
Enthusiasm alone does not make a movement
Mission is born when the leader spends time understanding the heart, intention and calling of God.
Values have to be expressed daily in order to truly become ingrained in your churches culture.
Leadership is a well that runs deep and requires a lifelong process of learning.
You don’t have the right vision until it makes your heart race.
Be who God created you to be not what others expect you to be or what your insecurities tell you to be.
Growth comes in waves, so be ready to ride it when it comes.
What are you learning? Write it down, apply it, reinforce it through repetition and teach it to others.
Interest is not the same as commitment. Many people are interested in what we lead but not everyone is readily committed to join the cause.
Enthusiasm alone does not make a movement
Mission is born when the leader spends time understanding the heart, intention and calling of God.
Values have to be expressed daily in order to truly become ingrained in your churches culture.
Leadership is a well that runs deep and requires a lifelong process of learning.
You don’t have the right vision until it makes your heart race.
Be who God created you to be not what others expect you to be or what your insecurities tell you to be.
Growth comes in waves, so be ready to ride it when it comes.
What are you learning? Write it down, apply it, reinforce it through repetition and teach it to others.
Saturday 4 December 2010
Failure – A One of a kind teacher by Rick Warren
This is a great read from Rick Warren. Thanks Rick for your continued wisdom.
Failure is one of God’s primary tools in making you the kind of person—and leader—He wants you to be. He’ll use failure to mold you, shape you, and develop your character. The truth is, we rarely learn anything from success. When we succeed we immediately think, “It’s just because of my sheer natural talent.” We don’t figure out why we succeeded.
But if we’re wise we’ll use our failures to our advantage. Wise people make the most of failure. It’s a stepping-stone to greater days.
So how can failure benefit me? There’s lots of ways, but here are three of the most important.
1. God uses failure to educate me. (Psalm 119:71) Mistakes are a learning process. You figure out what doesn’t work and eventually you’ll figure out what does work. We only learn certain things through failure. It’s just trial and error. At Saddleback, we’ve done more that didn’t work than did. Eventually, we find something that works, hold a seminar, and pretend like we knew what we were doing all along.
2. God uses failure to motivate me. (Proverbs 20:30) We don’t usually change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat. Sometimes God has to use a little pain to get us to change and steer us in a new direction. Remember when God dried up the little brook that Elijah depended upon for refreshment (1 Kings 17). God wanted him to move on. Sometimes it takes failure to make us do what God wants us to do.
3. God uses failure to help me grow. (Romans 5:3-4) Failure can actually cultivate our character and help us grow. Romans 5:3-4 says we should rejoice when we run into problems and trials because they “are good for us.” Why can we rejoice in failure? God uses problems to cultivate our character. Failure has a way of softening our hearts. It makes us sensitive to others. It makes us less judgmental. It makes us more sympathetic.
Failure in our lives does not automatically educate us, motivate us, or help us grow. Failure only benefits you if you respond correctly. I know a lot of people who have been through problem after problem, and they’re still jerks. Why? They haven’t responded in the way God wanted them to so God couldn’t use it.
You may want to forget your worst failures, but God wants to turn them into teachable moments.
Failure is one of God’s primary tools in making you the kind of person—and leader—He wants you to be. He’ll use failure to mold you, shape you, and develop your character. The truth is, we rarely learn anything from success. When we succeed we immediately think, “It’s just because of my sheer natural talent.” We don’t figure out why we succeeded.
But if we’re wise we’ll use our failures to our advantage. Wise people make the most of failure. It’s a stepping-stone to greater days.
So how can failure benefit me? There’s lots of ways, but here are three of the most important.
1. God uses failure to educate me. (Psalm 119:71) Mistakes are a learning process. You figure out what doesn’t work and eventually you’ll figure out what does work. We only learn certain things through failure. It’s just trial and error. At Saddleback, we’ve done more that didn’t work than did. Eventually, we find something that works, hold a seminar, and pretend like we knew what we were doing all along.
2. God uses failure to motivate me. (Proverbs 20:30) We don’t usually change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat. Sometimes God has to use a little pain to get us to change and steer us in a new direction. Remember when God dried up the little brook that Elijah depended upon for refreshment (1 Kings 17). God wanted him to move on. Sometimes it takes failure to make us do what God wants us to do.
3. God uses failure to help me grow. (Romans 5:3-4) Failure can actually cultivate our character and help us grow. Romans 5:3-4 says we should rejoice when we run into problems and trials because they “are good for us.” Why can we rejoice in failure? God uses problems to cultivate our character. Failure has a way of softening our hearts. It makes us sensitive to others. It makes us less judgmental. It makes us more sympathetic.
Failure in our lives does not automatically educate us, motivate us, or help us grow. Failure only benefits you if you respond correctly. I know a lot of people who have been through problem after problem, and they’re still jerks. Why? They haven’t responded in the way God wanted them to so God couldn’t use it.
You may want to forget your worst failures, but God wants to turn them into teachable moments.
Thursday 2 December 2010
Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!
Click here
http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com - On Nov.13 2010 unsuspecting shoppers got a big surprise while enjoying their lunch. Over 100 participants in this awesome Christmas Flash Mob. This is a must see!
This flash mob was organized by http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Special thanks to Robert Cooper and Chorus Niagara, The Welland Seaway Mall, and Fagan Media Group.
http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com - On Nov.13 2010 unsuspecting shoppers got a big surprise while enjoying their lunch. Over 100 participants in this awesome Christmas Flash Mob. This is a must see!
This flash mob was organized by http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Special thanks to Robert Cooper and Chorus Niagara, The Welland Seaway Mall, and Fagan Media Group.
Thursday 18 November 2010
Penny's Heart: An Inspiring Story
The Gorman family share the story about how God has given them strength as they fight to keep their little girl, Penny, alive. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Listen to the story
Listen to the story
Friday 12 November 2010
John Wesley’s Twelve Rules for Preachers
John Wesley (1703-1791) was one of the key leaders of the Evangelical Awakening in Britain during the mid-18th century. Circumstances drove Wesley to adopt itinerant evangelistic preaching, an idea he picked up from his friend and former student George Whitefield. Once Wesley embraced itinerancy, he extended his movement’s influence by appointing other itinerant preachers to serve various “circuits” (regional networks) of “classes” (small groups)–Wesley hoped this strategy would bring evangelical renewal to the Church of England. It did bring some renewal, but the greater fruit was the Methodist denominations that were birthed in both North America (1784) and Britain (1795).
Wesley laid out twelve rules for preachers who wished to serve as Methodist itinerants. While some of the rules themselves are not strictly applicable to a settled, non-Methodist ministry, there is still much wisdom to be gleaned from the principles Wesley articulated. The following is taken from John Telford’s The Life of John Wesley (Hodder & Stoughton, 1886), which is available online at the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University.
Wesley’s name for his itinerants was “preachers” or “helpers.” The preacher whose name stood first in the appointment for any circuit was the assistant, now known as the superintendent, who had oversight of all the work of the circuit. “In what view may we and our helpers be considered?” was another question. “Perhaps as extraordinary messengers (i.e., out of the ordinary way), designed—1. To provoke the regular ministers to jealousy. 2. To supply their lack of service towards those who are perishing for lack of knowledge.” Wesley’s twelve rules of a helper are still cherished as the guiding principles of a Methodist preacher :—
1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never while away time, nor spend more time at any place than is strictly necessary.
2. Be serious. Let your motto be, ‘Holiness to the Lord.’ Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking.
3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women, particularly with young women.
4. Take no step towards marriage without solemn prayer to God and consulting with your brethren.
5. Believe evil of no one unless fully proved; take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction you can on everything. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner’s side.
6. Speak evil of no one, else your word, especially, would eat as doth a canker; keep your thoughts within your own breast till you come to the person concerned.
7. Tell every one what you think wrong in him, lovingly and plainly, and as soon as may be, else it will fester in your own heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.
8. Do not affect the gentleman. A preacher of the Gospel is the servant of alL
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin; no, not of cleaning your own shoes when necessary.
10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep them, and that for conscience’ sake.
11. You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most.
12. Act in all things, not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel, and in union with your brethren. As such, it is your part to employ your time as our rules direct: partly in preaching and visiting from i house to house, partly in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all, if you labour with us in our Lord’s vineyard, it is needful you should do that part of the work which the Conference shall advise, at those times and places which they shall judge most for His glory.
“Observe, it is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care merely of this or that Society, but to save as many souls as you can, to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance, and, with all• your power, to build them up in that holiness without which they cannot see the Lord. And, remember, a Methodist preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist discipline. Therefore you will need all the grace and sense you have, and to have all your wits about you.”
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Generosity matters
The Bible instructs believers to be generous in every area of life.
If you are going to be a faithful steward, I challenge you to:
1. Declare who is Lord of your life
2. Understand what a faithful steward is
3. Be thankful for what you have, you have more than you realise
4. Give to God first
5. Give to God systematically
6. Give according to your means
7. Give cheerfully
8. Give regularly
Everything you will ever own in this life belongs to God and we are only stewards of it for a while!
If you are going to be a faithful steward, I challenge you to:
1. Declare who is Lord of your life
2. Understand what a faithful steward is
3. Be thankful for what you have, you have more than you realise
4. Give to God first
5. Give to God systematically
6. Give according to your means
7. Give cheerfully
8. Give regularly
Everything you will ever own in this life belongs to God and we are only stewards of it for a while!
Sunday 7 November 2010
Great post by John Maxwell
Leading with Excellence: Setting Personal Standards of Success
"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." ~ Zig Ziglar
Wise leaders set personal standards of excellence rather than allowing external forces to define success or failure for them. They set their standards above and beyond what others require, consistently delivering results that surpass expectations. In honoring their standards of excellence, credible leaders go first and give the most, modeling the work ethic they desire to see from teammates.
On the other hand, when leaders accept standards placed upon them by others, they sacrifice self-control. They begin to live inauthentic lives, chasing after "goals" they didn't set and violating their values in ways they never would have thought possible. In my experience, there are four common culprits that leaders foolishly allow to override their personal standards.
1) Competition
Allowing the competition to set your standards pulls you off mission and away from your unique strengths and values. Being overly concerned with your rivals may cause you to copy their unethical tactics or to engage in unprincipled behavior in an effort to win at all costs. In leadership, you have to chart your own course. Never allow the competition to choose the path for you.
2) Circumstances
Since there are so many factors beyond our control, in leadership we cannot gauge excellence solely on short-term results. Outcomes are important and goals have merit, but at times circumstances will conspire to block our progress. Consider the economic downturn. For leaders with standards of success tied to stock prices or bottom line profits, the last two years must seem like miserable failures. Keep your personal standards independent of life circumstances so that no matter what is going on around you, you can still achieve excellence.
3) Critics
As a leader, you will be criticized. You'll be scrutinized, second-guessed, and disparaged. Don't confuse excellence with pleasing others. If you do, you'll always feel like a failure, because it's impossible to please all of the people all of the time. Stay true to your personal standards and don't sacrifice them to pacify your critics.
4) Cheerleaders
When you're successful, you gain the applause of everyone around you. The applause massages your ego and begins to substitute for the fulfillment of meeting personal standards. If you're not careful, you can develop an addiction to applause. Instead of pursuing excellence you play to the crowd, craving their adoration. Seeking popularity over principle, you allow others to measure excellence for you and to define your worth.
To avoid the trap of pandering to applause, surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. The higher you go in leadership, the harder it becomes for your teammates to give you honest feedback. Make a point to stay humble and approachable so that you do not become self-deluded.
Thursday 4 November 2010
47 lessons life has taught me!
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque!
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. Choose to love always - true love will always win.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait until you are old to wear bright colours!
24. Choose service above self.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Choose to walk through life with humility.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
46. Love God passionately.
47. Love your wife as much as Christ loves his church!
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque!
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. Choose to love always - true love will always win.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait until you are old to wear bright colours!
24. Choose service above self.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Choose to walk through life with humility.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
46. Love God passionately.
47. Love your wife as much as Christ loves his church!
Friday 15 October 2010
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
Check this out Amazing - Congrats to Liu Wei!
Losing his arms in an accident at age 10, Liu Wei from Beijing never gives up on his dreams. He has learned to do everything with his feet and started to learn to play piano at age 19. His dream is to become a musician—and he has done just that! He just won the China's Got Talent Show on Oct. 10, 2010. In the final, he played piano and sang the song "You're Beautiful" as a reminder that everyone is beautiful despite outward appearances.
Losing his arms in an accident at age 10, Liu Wei from Beijing never gives up on his dreams. He has learned to do everything with his feet and started to learn to play piano at age 19. His dream is to become a musician—and he has done just that! He just won the China's Got Talent Show on Oct. 10, 2010. In the final, he played piano and sang the song "You're Beautiful" as a reminder that everyone is beautiful despite outward appearances.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
The Gospel - IS Good news
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . .” -1 Corinthians 15:1–4
What is the Gospel? The word gospel simply means “good news.” The central message of the Bible is the gospel, or good news, about the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Paul provides the most succinct summary of the gospel: the man Jesus is also God, or Christ, and died on a cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sins; three days later He rose to conquer sin and death and give the gift of salvation to all who believe in Him alone for eternal life.
The great reformer Martin Luther rightly said that, as sinners, we are prone to pursue a relationship with God in one of two ways. The first is religion/spirituality and the second is the gospel. The two are antithetical in every way.
Religion says that if we obey God He will love us. The gospel says that it is because God has loved us through Jesus that we can obey.
Religion says that the world is filled with good people and bad people. The gospel says that the world is filled with bad people who are either repentant or unrepentant.
Religion says that you should trust in what you do as a good moral person. The gospel says that you should trust in the perfectly sinless life of Jesus because He alone is the only good and truly moral person who will ever live.
The goal of religion is to get from God such things as health, wealth, insight, power, and control. The goal of the gospel is not the gifts God gives, but rather God as the gift given to us by grace.
Religion is about what I have to do. The gospel is about what I get to do. Religion sees hardship in life as punishment from God. The gospel sees hardship in life as sanctifying affliction that reminds us of Jesus’ sufferings and is used by God in love to make us more like Jesus. Religion is about me. The gospel is about Jesus.
Religion leads to an uncertainty about my standing before God because I never know if I have done enough to please God. The gospel leads to a certainty about my standing before God because of the finished work of Jesus on my behalf on the cross.
Religion ends in either pride (because I think I am better than other people) or despair (because I continually fall short of God’s commands). The gospel ends in humble and confident joy because of the power of Jesus at work for me, in me, through me, and sometimes in spite of me.
Sunday 3 October 2010
I need thee every hour...
Used this video on Sunday. I was asked several times for it so here it is - Enjoy!
Thursday 16 September 2010
The Story of Grace By Andy Stanley
Read this by Andy Stanley today - totally awesome!
Grace.
What I crave most when my guilt is exposed. The very thing I'm hesitant to extend when I'm confronted with the guilt of others—especially when their guilt has robbed me of something I consider valuable.
Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It's this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It's the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. Contrary to what is sometimes taught, the opposite of grace is not law. As we will discover, God's law is actually an extension of grace. The opposite of grace is simply the absence of grace.
To say that someone deserves grace is a contradiction in terms. You can no more deserve grace than you can plan your own surprise party. In the same way that planning voids the idea of surprise, so claiming to deserve voids the idea of grace. You can ask for it. You can plead for it. But the minute you think you deserve it, the it you think you deserve is no longer grace. It is something you have earned.
But grace can't be earned.
To earn something is to find an equivalent. There is no equivalent where grace is concerned. Grace is birthed from hopeless inequity. Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve. Thus, it cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are. It is the knowledge of what we do not deserve that allows us to receive grace for what it is. Unmerited. Unearned. Undeserved. For that reason, grace can only be experienced by those who acknowledge they are undeserving.
From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. Yet history has shown that the church and Christianity in general fare best when characterized by grace. The church is most appealing when the message of grace is most apparent. Yet grace is often an early casualty in the world of organized religion. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. Instead of defining itself in terms of what it stands for, the church often takes the less imaginative and easier path of defining itself in terms of what it is against.
The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders. So we should not be surprised when we get to the end of the Gospels and discover that the people who crucified him were those who claimed to know God but knew little of grace. In doing so, they confirmed everything he said about them.
Grace is not a New Testament idea. Grace didn't begin with Jesus. But it was certainly personified by him. John tells us that he was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14; emphasis added). Not the balance between, but the embodiment of. John speaks of "the fullness of his grace" (1:16), the idea being that in Jesus we get as clear and as close a look as we will ever get of what grace looks like in an otherwise graceless world.
In Jesus there was no conflict between grace and truth. It is that artificial conflict that throws so much of Christianity into disarray. It is our misunderstanding of grace, as modeled and taught by Jesus, that leaves us feeling as if grace allows people to "get by" with things.
But grace doesn't dumb down sin to make it more palatable. Grace doesn't have to. Grace acknowledges the full implication of sin and yet does not condemn.
But not just any grace.
The grace of God.
Grace.
What I crave most when my guilt is exposed. The very thing I'm hesitant to extend when I'm confronted with the guilt of others—especially when their guilt has robbed me of something I consider valuable.
Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It's this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It's the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. Contrary to what is sometimes taught, the opposite of grace is not law. As we will discover, God's law is actually an extension of grace. The opposite of grace is simply the absence of grace.
To say that someone deserves grace is a contradiction in terms. You can no more deserve grace than you can plan your own surprise party. In the same way that planning voids the idea of surprise, so claiming to deserve voids the idea of grace. You can ask for it. You can plead for it. But the minute you think you deserve it, the it you think you deserve is no longer grace. It is something you have earned.
But grace can't be earned.
To earn something is to find an equivalent. There is no equivalent where grace is concerned. Grace is birthed from hopeless inequity. Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve. Thus, it cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are. It is the knowledge of what we do not deserve that allows us to receive grace for what it is. Unmerited. Unearned. Undeserved. For that reason, grace can only be experienced by those who acknowledge they are undeserving.
From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. Yet history has shown that the church and Christianity in general fare best when characterized by grace. The church is most appealing when the message of grace is most apparent. Yet grace is often an early casualty in the world of organized religion. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. Instead of defining itself in terms of what it stands for, the church often takes the less imaginative and easier path of defining itself in terms of what it is against.
The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders. So we should not be surprised when we get to the end of the Gospels and discover that the people who crucified him were those who claimed to know God but knew little of grace. In doing so, they confirmed everything he said about them.
Grace is not a New Testament idea. Grace didn't begin with Jesus. But it was certainly personified by him. John tells us that he was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14; emphasis added). Not the balance between, but the embodiment of. John speaks of "the fullness of his grace" (1:16), the idea being that in Jesus we get as clear and as close a look as we will ever get of what grace looks like in an otherwise graceless world.
In Jesus there was no conflict between grace and truth. It is that artificial conflict that throws so much of Christianity into disarray. It is our misunderstanding of grace, as modeled and taught by Jesus, that leaves us feeling as if grace allows people to "get by" with things.
But grace doesn't dumb down sin to make it more palatable. Grace doesn't have to. Grace acknowledges the full implication of sin and yet does not condemn.
But not just any grace.
The grace of God.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
One is too small a number to achieve greatness
A Chinese Proverb I recently read states. 'behind an able man there are always other able men.' The trust is that teamwork is at the heart of every great achievement. The question isn't whether teams have value. The question is whether we acknowledge the that fact and become better team players.
Einstein once remarked, 'Many times a day I realise how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labours of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received'. WOW!! How awesome is that.
President Lyndon Johnson said, 'There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few we can solve ourselves.' Why try and go it alone? You've probably heard this before but, even the Lone Ranger rode with Tonto!
I am convinced that team work is and has always been essential where there is anything significant happens.
Teams involve more people that hols more resource, ideas and energy than anyone individual can have.
Teams maximise a leaders potential and minimise weaknesses.
Teams provide multiple perspectives on how to meet a need or reach a goal.
Teams share the credit for victories and the blame for losses. I think this is at the core of fostering genuine humility and authentic community.
Teams are accountable for keeping the goal in focus.
Individuals play the game, but teams win championships.
Einstein once remarked, 'Many times a day I realise how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labours of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received'. WOW!! How awesome is that.
President Lyndon Johnson said, 'There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few we can solve ourselves.' Why try and go it alone? You've probably heard this before but, even the Lone Ranger rode with Tonto!
I am convinced that team work is and has always been essential where there is anything significant happens.
Teams involve more people that hols more resource, ideas and energy than anyone individual can have.
Teams maximise a leaders potential and minimise weaknesses.
Teams provide multiple perspectives on how to meet a need or reach a goal.
Teams share the credit for victories and the blame for losses. I think this is at the core of fostering genuine humility and authentic community.
Teams are accountable for keeping the goal in focus.
Individuals play the game, but teams win championships.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Sunday 22 August 2010
Drawn to a winning cause
Read a quote this week that inspired much thought:
'People are drawn to a winning cause. People are not drawn to groups that complain, lament, scold, whine. Most of them have enough of these negatives in their loves. People are drawn to groups that help them grow, develop, advance and build their lives. Congregations having the confidence that they are participating in the winning cause of God's mission will grow in generosity and the more people will be reached in your locality. People always give to a winning cause not a sinking ship!'
WOW... So much in this! Thoughts:
Jesus must be prominent and seen as the KING of kings and head of HIS church
Creating the right culture in church is crucial
Confidence in leadership and the vision,
Participation of everyone
The church is to be a discipling and equipping environment
Jesus mission must be our focus
Generosity
Community impact as church and resources are released
Now there's a series just from a quote!
Over the last few years at MKCC we have been engaged in a major building project to extend our current facilities to allow us to grow. Every day there has been change and progress taking place and I have enjoyed watching it. This is how it ought to be in church life as Jesus is the builder and is actively at work in us daily by his Holy Spirit. Movement, change, activity, progress, obstacles, developments...etc - Just normal really. If Jesus is building his church then there is always something happening! If there's not to much happening or changing, the warning light should be flashing in your life or church!!
As we move forward into the purposes of God, I believe that people want their lives to count by having a part in a spiritual movement, not a monument! Church suppose to be alive, relevant, influencing society and actively making a difference in the community.
Let's all get fully involved - Someone else's miracle is waiting on the other end of your obedience! God is waiting for you to say, here I am use me. Let's start BEING the church and quit ATTENDING church. Let's follow Christ with passion and and serve his purposes together to the end.
'People are drawn to a winning cause. People are not drawn to groups that complain, lament, scold, whine. Most of them have enough of these negatives in their loves. People are drawn to groups that help them grow, develop, advance and build their lives. Congregations having the confidence that they are participating in the winning cause of God's mission will grow in generosity and the more people will be reached in your locality. People always give to a winning cause not a sinking ship!'
WOW... So much in this! Thoughts:
Jesus must be prominent and seen as the KING of kings and head of HIS church
Creating the right culture in church is crucial
Confidence in leadership and the vision,
Participation of everyone
The church is to be a discipling and equipping environment
Jesus mission must be our focus
Generosity
Community impact as church and resources are released
Now there's a series just from a quote!
Over the last few years at MKCC we have been engaged in a major building project to extend our current facilities to allow us to grow. Every day there has been change and progress taking place and I have enjoyed watching it. This is how it ought to be in church life as Jesus is the builder and is actively at work in us daily by his Holy Spirit. Movement, change, activity, progress, obstacles, developments...etc - Just normal really. If Jesus is building his church then there is always something happening! If there's not to much happening or changing, the warning light should be flashing in your life or church!!
As we move forward into the purposes of God, I believe that people want their lives to count by having a part in a spiritual movement, not a monument! Church suppose to be alive, relevant, influencing society and actively making a difference in the community.
Let's all get fully involved - Someone else's miracle is waiting on the other end of your obedience! God is waiting for you to say, here I am use me. Let's start BEING the church and quit ATTENDING church. Let's follow Christ with passion and and serve his purposes together to the end.
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Psalm 23 - An eye opener!
Some have probably never thought or looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they read it or say it over and over again.
The Lord is my Shepherd - That's Relationship!
I shall not want - That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters - That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul - That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - That's Guidance!
For His name sake - That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - That's Testing!
I will fear no evil - That's Protection!
For Thou art with me - That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil - That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over - That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - That's Security!
Forever - That's Eternity!
You have no idea how much God loves you!
The Lord is my Shepherd - That's Relationship!
I shall not want - That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters - That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul - That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - That's Guidance!
For His name sake - That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - That's Testing!
I will fear no evil - That's Protection!
For Thou art with me - That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil - That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over - That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - That's Security!
Forever - That's Eternity!
You have no idea how much God loves you!
Thursday 5 August 2010
A poem - What God has promised..
Someone sent me this poem today that I found incredibly encouraging.
When you face difficulties, trial or pain in your life let this little poem speak to you.
God has not promised...
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
BUT God has promised...
Strenght for the day
Rest for the labour
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love
Let's focus our thoughts on what God has promised even in the storms and know that he WILL carry us through it all.
When you face difficulties, trial or pain in your life let this little poem speak to you.
God has not promised...
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
BUT God has promised...
Strenght for the day
Rest for the labour
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love
Let's focus our thoughts on what God has promised even in the storms and know that he WILL carry us through it all.
Thursday 8 July 2010
You need others around you!
'There isn't a single person in the world who can make a pencil. The wood may have come from a wood in Washington, the graphite from a mine in South America, and the eraser from a Malaysian rubber plantation. Thousands of people cooperate to make a pencil.' Milton Friedman
Simple cooperation between people will always enhance work or ministry efficiency and/or effectiveness!
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no-one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
Moses said...'I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden of these people is too heavy for me' ....So the Lord said .... 'Gather to me seventy men....I will take of the spirit that is upon you and will put the same spirit upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone'. Numbers 11:11-17 NKJV
Nothing of significance is ever achieved by an individual alone.
Simple cooperation between people will always enhance work or ministry efficiency and/or effectiveness!
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no-one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
Moses said...'I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden of these people is too heavy for me' ....So the Lord said .... 'Gather to me seventy men....I will take of the spirit that is upon you and will put the same spirit upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone'. Numbers 11:11-17 NKJV
Nothing of significance is ever achieved by an individual alone.
Friday 25 June 2010
I know it v's I DO IT!
In today’s world we are fortunate to be saturated with unlimited information. There is a book you can buy, a podcast to watch, a Google search to assist, a course you can attend on anything you need etc etc... Whether it is personal development and growth or tackling the many complex issues you may face in your life or career.
For me in my work, if I had enough money and time I could go from one conference to another collecting notebooks full of leadership insights. I really think that finding the knowledge and information regarding the challenges of leadership is easy now a days.
So why is it that after spending hours on the internet, reading books and listening to experts so many of us still make mistakes?
As I’m exposed to leadership principles I often find myself thinking, “I know that.” To be honest most leadership is simply common sense, so when we’re exposed to leadership principles it’s easy to think, “I know that.”
BUT “I know that” doesn’t mean a thing unless I apply it. Knowledge has no significant effect unless it impacts my behavior.
So as I am researching, reading or listening to essential leadership principles my focus must change from “I know that” to “I do that”. If I can’t say “I do that” then I should stop, write down the principle and find a way to put it into practice immediately. Then after repeated practice I can begin to say, “I do that”. And that’s when you really begin to grow as a leader.
For me in my work, if I had enough money and time I could go from one conference to another collecting notebooks full of leadership insights. I really think that finding the knowledge and information regarding the challenges of leadership is easy now a days.
So why is it that after spending hours on the internet, reading books and listening to experts so many of us still make mistakes?
As I’m exposed to leadership principles I often find myself thinking, “I know that.” To be honest most leadership is simply common sense, so when we’re exposed to leadership principles it’s easy to think, “I know that.”
BUT “I know that” doesn’t mean a thing unless I apply it. Knowledge has no significant effect unless it impacts my behavior.
So as I am researching, reading or listening to essential leadership principles my focus must change from “I know that” to “I do that”. If I can’t say “I do that” then I should stop, write down the principle and find a way to put it into practice immediately. Then after repeated practice I can begin to say, “I do that”. And that’s when you really begin to grow as a leader.
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Thoughts & Destiny
Read this recently and it really made me think!
'Carefully watch your THOUGHTS, for they become your WORDS
Manage and watch your WORDS, for they will become your ACTIONS
Consider and judge your ACTIONS, for they have become your HABITS
Acknowledge and watch your HABITS. for they shall become your VALUES Understand and embrace your VALUES, for they become YOUR DESTINY'
So where do you need to do some work?
'Carefully watch your THOUGHTS, for they become your WORDS
Manage and watch your WORDS, for they will become your ACTIONS
Consider and judge your ACTIONS, for they have become your HABITS
Acknowledge and watch your HABITS. for they shall become your VALUES Understand and embrace your VALUES, for they become YOUR DESTINY'
So where do you need to do some work?
Tuesday 25 May 2010
What’s the difference between discipleship and leadership development?
This is a good question. Mac Lake explains that fundamentally the process is the same, but the focus is different.
Discipleship I learn to live like Jesus
Leadership development I learn to lead like Jesus
Discipleship is primarily about character
Leadership development is primarily about competencies
Discipleship is about leading self
Leadership development is about leading others
Discipleship is about cultivating intimacy with God
Leadership development is about cultivating influence with people.
What other distinctions would you add to this list?
Discipleship I learn to live like Jesus
Leadership development I learn to lead like Jesus
Discipleship is primarily about character
Leadership development is primarily about competencies
Discipleship is about leading self
Leadership development is about leading others
Discipleship is about cultivating intimacy with God
Leadership development is about cultivating influence with people.
What other distinctions would you add to this list?
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Our words are SO important
Words inspire, encourage and empower. The facts are they either build or destroy the people in your life!
The words we use as leaders can make a world of difference in the energy level and performance of our team members.
Here are a few words we need to use on a regular basis…
We
I’m sorry
Thank you
It’s your decision
Try it again
Great job
You can do it
We can do it
I trust you
Let me know what you need
Post this list of words somewhere prominent and see how often you can use them in your life intentionality.
The words we use as leaders can make a world of difference in the energy level and performance of our team members.
Here are a few words we need to use on a regular basis…
We
I’m sorry
Thank you
It’s your decision
Try it again
Great job
You can do it
We can do it
I trust you
Let me know what you need
Post this list of words somewhere prominent and see how often you can use them in your life intentionality.
Thursday 6 May 2010
Friday 23 April 2010
Leaders change the way we see the world
Leaders bring hope to the hopeless
Leaders make the impossible seem possible
Leaders find opportunity in the midst of obstacles
Leaders bring clarity out of confusion
Leaders inspire movement where there is stagnation
Leaders see potential in people
Leaders model the mission
Leaders change the way people see the world.
Leaders make the impossible seem possible
Leaders find opportunity in the midst of obstacles
Leaders bring clarity out of confusion
Leaders inspire movement where there is stagnation
Leaders see potential in people
Leaders model the mission
Leaders change the way people see the world.
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Amazing Grace - HOW SWEET THE SOUND!
I shed a few tears today over this video. Think you might too!
Thank God for his amazing restoring grace in your life right now.
Thank God for his amazing restoring grace in your life right now.
Sunday 18 April 2010
Looking at the Life of the Apostle Peter
Further to my preaching today, check out this video on the life of the Apostle Peter. I know you will find it inspiring and helpful.
A look at the life of the Apostle Peter
Jesus impacted Peter's life to make an impact in the world around him. That is exactly what he wants to do in and through every believer. May Peter's journey of obedience, surrender, faith, forgiveness, courage, boldness and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit inspire us as Christians to carry the baton passed to us to share the gospel in this generation.
A look at the life of the Apostle Peter
Jesus impacted Peter's life to make an impact in the world around him. That is exactly what he wants to do in and through every believer. May Peter's journey of obedience, surrender, faith, forgiveness, courage, boldness and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit inspire us as Christians to carry the baton passed to us to share the gospel in this generation.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Building the Confidence of others around you
What’s the confidence level of the people around you? Is it high or low?
Let me ask you a question. Are you intentionally building the confidence of those around you? Your family, friends, work colleagues, or those you lead?
It is so easy to neglect or take for granted the good people you have around you in life. We need to take the time to encourage and build their confidence which in turn will help them achieve far more.
A note for leaders: People’s level of confidence is generally tied to the type of leadership they receive: Affirmation, communication and feedback help boost confidence, while criticism, neglect and lack of coaching deplete confidence.
This problem is often rooted in the fact that as leaders we get so focused on results that we fail to look more closely at the person who delivers those results. Ever been guilty of that?
Someone who lacks confidence will not deliver their very best results. So we need to find ways to boost their confidence as much as possible.
What can you do today to build the confidence level of someone around you?
Let me ask you a question. Are you intentionally building the confidence of those around you? Your family, friends, work colleagues, or those you lead?
It is so easy to neglect or take for granted the good people you have around you in life. We need to take the time to encourage and build their confidence which in turn will help them achieve far more.
A note for leaders: People’s level of confidence is generally tied to the type of leadership they receive: Affirmation, communication and feedback help boost confidence, while criticism, neglect and lack of coaching deplete confidence.
This problem is often rooted in the fact that as leaders we get so focused on results that we fail to look more closely at the person who delivers those results. Ever been guilty of that?
Someone who lacks confidence will not deliver their very best results. So we need to find ways to boost their confidence as much as possible.
What can you do today to build the confidence level of someone around you?
Thursday 8 April 2010
NINE LESSONS IN LEADING CHANGE
Had an email from George Ridley Director of Lightforce International today who forwarded this to me. Check it out - Brilliant!
Came across the theme in a magazine so have taken the skeleton, added a thought or two and thought it might be helpful in the various environments of church, business, training and voluntary organisations in which we work and serve.
1. Cut hard and early – in challenging times always be ready to bite the bullet, face the situation and deal with it sooner rather than later.
2. Trust your instincts – often we over analyse and fail to use our gut instincts. Especially true when we face issues about people.
3. Outline your vision early- sometimes we fail to set out the vision for the change that needs to happen. Failing to lay out the clear picture of what needs to happen can often stop our staff getting on board.
4. Spot the terrorists – be clear about who is on board, sometimes the early allies can turn out to be saboteurs! Finding your real friends is one of the most important skill to develop.
5. The senior team in crucial – we must have a senior team around us who share the vision and work to bring others on board. Everything else will flow from this.
6. Be honest about unpopular decisions – change is often motivated by crisis. It is always necessary to be completely honest about the scale of the challenge we face.
7. Use peer mentors – impartial voices of experience are invaluable.
8. Bring in external input – use reliable, experienced people to help work through the process of change. These people can help you think the unthinkable.
9. Be totally honest with your Eldership/Board – if you want total support and backing it will come through being totally honest and walking together through the process.
Came across the theme in a magazine so have taken the skeleton, added a thought or two and thought it might be helpful in the various environments of church, business, training and voluntary organisations in which we work and serve.
1. Cut hard and early – in challenging times always be ready to bite the bullet, face the situation and deal with it sooner rather than later.
2. Trust your instincts – often we over analyse and fail to use our gut instincts. Especially true when we face issues about people.
3. Outline your vision early- sometimes we fail to set out the vision for the change that needs to happen. Failing to lay out the clear picture of what needs to happen can often stop our staff getting on board.
4. Spot the terrorists – be clear about who is on board, sometimes the early allies can turn out to be saboteurs! Finding your real friends is one of the most important skill to develop.
5. The senior team in crucial – we must have a senior team around us who share the vision and work to bring others on board. Everything else will flow from this.
6. Be honest about unpopular decisions – change is often motivated by crisis. It is always necessary to be completely honest about the scale of the challenge we face.
7. Use peer mentors – impartial voices of experience are invaluable.
8. Bring in external input – use reliable, experienced people to help work through the process of change. These people can help you think the unthinkable.
9. Be totally honest with your Eldership/Board – if you want total support and backing it will come through being totally honest and walking together through the process.
Sunday 4 April 2010
Let others around you make decisions and GROW
Leaders are decision makers.
I heard someone say, “The leader gets paid the big bucks not to make the most decisions but to make the tough decisions.” However, there are some leaders who feel it’s their job too make most of the decisions and as a result hinder the development of others on their team. If you want to help potential leaders, give them some decisions to wrestle with. When you allow others to make decisions you GIVE them a gift and you GET great benefit.
When you give them the power to make decisions you’re GIVING them:
1. The opportunity to feel greater contribution and ownership
2. A greater sense of confidence
3. A greater feeling that you trust their judgment
4. The opportunity to gain leadership credibility among others experience, experience, experience
On the other hand you GET:
1. The opportunity to watch how they make decisions and see their leadership
potential
2. The chance to coach them before, during and after the decision
3. Leaders who are increasingly confident to make more difficult decisions
4. A potential successor who could one day take your place
A Challenge: What decisions can you give away this week?
I heard someone say, “The leader gets paid the big bucks not to make the most decisions but to make the tough decisions.” However, there are some leaders who feel it’s their job too make most of the decisions and as a result hinder the development of others on their team. If you want to help potential leaders, give them some decisions to wrestle with. When you allow others to make decisions you GIVE them a gift and you GET great benefit.
When you give them the power to make decisions you’re GIVING them:
1. The opportunity to feel greater contribution and ownership
2. A greater sense of confidence
3. A greater feeling that you trust their judgment
4. The opportunity to gain leadership credibility among others experience, experience, experience
On the other hand you GET:
1. The opportunity to watch how they make decisions and see their leadership
potential
2. The chance to coach them before, during and after the decision
3. Leaders who are increasingly confident to make more difficult decisions
4. A potential successor who could one day take your place
A Challenge: What decisions can you give away this week?
Saturday 3 April 2010
gaining respect in your leadership
Most people want to be respected! I read a few challenging things from Mac Lake the other day that I think are well worth reading.
Every leader I’ve ever met wants to be respected and held in high regard. We feel this way in part because we know if people don’t respect us they won’t follow us. But sometimes we feel this way because of our insecurities.
An egotistical desire to be admired can cause a leader to act in ways that keep people from giving him the very thing he so desperately seeks. In fact the insecure leader leads out of a pride whose sole purpose is Image Management rather than Kingdom Influence.
One of the greatest dangers for us as leaders is to find our identity in our leadership rather than The One who called us to leadership. Those who lead from a spirit of pride ultimately discover that it destroys their leadership reputation.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:12, “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.” The Hebrew word for honor is kabowd which means “abundance or dignity“. It’s interesting that the root of this word means “to be heavy or weighty.” In other words humility gives weight or credibility to your leadership.
The temptation of every leader is to try to impress, command, have all the answers, divert blame or brag in order to gain the respect of others. But secure leaders who find their sense of identity through their relationship with Christ are free to operate from a spirit of humility. They understand the long term respect needed to gain leadership influence is preceded by humility not image management.
Every leader I’ve ever met wants to be respected and held in high regard. We feel this way in part because we know if people don’t respect us they won’t follow us. But sometimes we feel this way because of our insecurities.
An egotistical desire to be admired can cause a leader to act in ways that keep people from giving him the very thing he so desperately seeks. In fact the insecure leader leads out of a pride whose sole purpose is Image Management rather than Kingdom Influence.
One of the greatest dangers for us as leaders is to find our identity in our leadership rather than The One who called us to leadership. Those who lead from a spirit of pride ultimately discover that it destroys their leadership reputation.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:12, “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.” The Hebrew word for honor is kabowd which means “abundance or dignity“. It’s interesting that the root of this word means “to be heavy or weighty.” In other words humility gives weight or credibility to your leadership.
The temptation of every leader is to try to impress, command, have all the answers, divert blame or brag in order to gain the respect of others. But secure leaders who find their sense of identity through their relationship with Christ are free to operate from a spirit of humility. They understand the long term respect needed to gain leadership influence is preceded by humility not image management.
Thursday 1 April 2010
So what is a disciple? (Part 5)
This will be my last blog on this...
A disciple is someone who:
5. Is dedicated to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)
These words are known as the great commission but sadly in many Christians lives and churches it is more like the 'great omission'.
The ultimate goal of our discipleship is to disciple others. We are not called to make converts only but to make disciples.
We can only disciple others in those areas in which we have become a disciple ourselves.
So....How are you doing?
There are other things I could continue to write about but feel my last 5 blogs are some of the areas in which I have been challenged about.
A disciple is someone who:
5. Is dedicated to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)
These words are known as the great commission but sadly in many Christians lives and churches it is more like the 'great omission'.
The ultimate goal of our discipleship is to disciple others. We are not called to make converts only but to make disciples.
We can only disciple others in those areas in which we have become a disciple ourselves.
So....How are you doing?
There are other things I could continue to write about but feel my last 5 blogs are some of the areas in which I have been challenged about.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
So what is a disciple? (Part 4)
I am still focused on some of the effects of a person who is fully following Jesus.
A disciple is someone who:
4. Is committed to others in sacrifical 'Koinonia' fellowship
Rick Warren says that true meaning of fellowship is 'being committed to one another as we are to Christ'. WOW, think about that!
This is a great testimony and witness to our discipleship (John 13:24-35)
This is more than just ordinary human love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated to us. It is unconditional love that does not look for a return to stimulate it's action. God loved us while we were still sinners!
1 John 4:10-11 (New International Version) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
The only chance of this happening is to open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that, 'God has poured out his love into our hearts by his spirit'(ROM 5:5)
A Question to ponder: Is my heart filled with God's love to such an extent that I am able to love others in a sacrificial way?
So...... YOU GUESSED IT.... How are you doing?
A disciple is someone who:
4. Is committed to others in sacrifical 'Koinonia' fellowship
Rick Warren says that true meaning of fellowship is 'being committed to one another as we are to Christ'. WOW, think about that!
This is a great testimony and witness to our discipleship (John 13:24-35)
This is more than just ordinary human love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated to us. It is unconditional love that does not look for a return to stimulate it's action. God loved us while we were still sinners!
1 John 4:10-11 (New International Version) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
The only chance of this happening is to open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that, 'God has poured out his love into our hearts by his spirit'(ROM 5:5)
A Question to ponder: Is my heart filled with God's love to such an extent that I am able to love others in a sacrificial way?
So...... YOU GUESSED IT.... How are you doing?
Sunday 28 March 2010
So what is a disciple? (Part 3)
My thoughts today are around the effects of Jesus at work in the life of a person who is fully following Jesus.
What is a disciple?
A disciple is someone who:
3. Lives in a fruit-bearing relationship with Jesus
Before Jesus went to the cross he told his disciples what his desire for them was, that they 'bear fruit and fruit that lasts'. (John 15:4-5) NIV. A key word in this passage is 'remain'. If you are REMAIN IN the vine, the promise is that you will bear much fruit; THEN A WARNING...apart from me you can do nothing.
Watlon Moore writes: 'Our union with Christ makes possible a life through which others can be saved. When a tree is so full of sap that it can no longer hold it, the result is fruit! When a Christian is so full of Christ, others see him and hear about him and are then spiritually reborn into the Kingdom of God. Thus, new believers are one fruit of discipleship'
While it is good and desirable to display the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23), it also carries the thoughts of personal witness, evangelism and soul winning. Without this kind of fruit-bearing in our lives the Kingdom of God will not be expanded.
I want to challenge you today to be passionate about your relationship with Christ. Do not allow anything to take your eyes off Jesus. Allow his word and his spirit to fill you continually and overflow from your life - bearing fruit.
How are you doing?
What is a disciple?
A disciple is someone who:
3. Lives in a fruit-bearing relationship with Jesus
Before Jesus went to the cross he told his disciples what his desire for them was, that they 'bear fruit and fruit that lasts'. (John 15:4-5) NIV. A key word in this passage is 'remain'. If you are REMAIN IN the vine, the promise is that you will bear much fruit; THEN A WARNING...apart from me you can do nothing.
Watlon Moore writes: 'Our union with Christ makes possible a life through which others can be saved. When a tree is so full of sap that it can no longer hold it, the result is fruit! When a Christian is so full of Christ, others see him and hear about him and are then spiritually reborn into the Kingdom of God. Thus, new believers are one fruit of discipleship'
While it is good and desirable to display the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23), it also carries the thoughts of personal witness, evangelism and soul winning. Without this kind of fruit-bearing in our lives the Kingdom of God will not be expanded.
I want to challenge you today to be passionate about your relationship with Christ. Do not allow anything to take your eyes off Jesus. Allow his word and his spirit to fill you continually and overflow from your life - bearing fruit.
How are you doing?
Friday 26 March 2010
So what is a disciple? (Part 2)
The second point today is a great challenge to us all but crucial.
A disciple is someone who:
2. Commits their life COMPLETELY to the Master.
TOTAL commitment!! A half-hearted commitment is not enough for Jesus to teach us effectively. Full Submission to him is a important to Jesus because he looks at our desire, heart and trust in him and his ways. He leads us in his love and he is committed to our spiritual growth.
Lets understand something here. Jesus has the right to demand a full on commitment to us as he gave his life for us. NO-ONE ELSE did! Jesus knew that the way to fruitfulness was the path of total commitment and so he point his followers in the same way. (Matt 16:24-25)
Hey, HIS commitment to us is sealed in his own blood, what he wants from us is a commitment of our total love. This is so that we will TRUST him in every step as he takes our life and moulds it in accordance to his will. The Apostle Paul caught the meaning of this in 2 Corinthians 5:15.
So how are you doing?
A disciple is someone who:
2. Commits their life COMPLETELY to the Master.
TOTAL commitment!! A half-hearted commitment is not enough for Jesus to teach us effectively. Full Submission to him is a important to Jesus because he looks at our desire, heart and trust in him and his ways. He leads us in his love and he is committed to our spiritual growth.
Lets understand something here. Jesus has the right to demand a full on commitment to us as he gave his life for us. NO-ONE ELSE did! Jesus knew that the way to fruitfulness was the path of total commitment and so he point his followers in the same way. (Matt 16:24-25)
Hey, HIS commitment to us is sealed in his own blood, what he wants from us is a commitment of our total love. This is so that we will TRUST him in every step as he takes our life and moulds it in accordance to his will. The Apostle Paul caught the meaning of this in 2 Corinthians 5:15.
So how are you doing?
Wednesday 24 March 2010
So what is a disciple? (Part 1)
I have been thinking much about following Jesus recently...
A believer is called to follow (He is the leader!), to learn from him and to his example. We have been called to become what Jesus is the son of the father in whose life the will of God is fulfilled through commitment and obedience.
A disciple is someone who:
1. Lives continually by the words of Jesus (John 8:31).
This is not an occasional obedience rather one who is commits himself to follow through the teaching of the master. Don't go super spiritual on me here!! It is simply all about putting into practice the inspired word of God - The Bible, that has already been given to us.
NO TRUTH IS LIVING TRUTH UNTIL IT IS LIVED OUT!
Without the stable foundation of obedience to the word of God as the basis of our discipleship we are at the mercy of every subjective notion or feeling that comes along. I challenge us all who profess to be followers of Christ to be fully committed to obedience to God's word.
Like the man who built his house on the rock, we would be well prepared to weather any storm that comes our way.
So how are you doing?
A believer is called to follow (He is the leader!), to learn from him and to his example. We have been called to become what Jesus is the son of the father in whose life the will of God is fulfilled through commitment and obedience.
A disciple is someone who:
1. Lives continually by the words of Jesus (John 8:31).
This is not an occasional obedience rather one who is commits himself to follow through the teaching of the master. Don't go super spiritual on me here!! It is simply all about putting into practice the inspired word of God - The Bible, that has already been given to us.
NO TRUTH IS LIVING TRUTH UNTIL IT IS LIVED OUT!
Without the stable foundation of obedience to the word of God as the basis of our discipleship we are at the mercy of every subjective notion or feeling that comes along. I challenge us all who profess to be followers of Christ to be fully committed to obedience to God's word.
Like the man who built his house on the rock, we would be well prepared to weather any storm that comes our way.
So how are you doing?
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Love has come for US ALL
This song inspired me today, totally anointed. Listen to the whole song. I am so thankful for what Jesus has done for me. 'EVERY heart is set free love has come for me. Marvel at his amazing Grace for you, the revelation of his love for you will bring us all to our knees in worship FOREVER MORE.
Awesome - Thanks to Mark Schultz and his band.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Success = Fulfilling the Great Commission
This is a great article By Rick Warren.
"Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible."
Jesus has given the church a job to do. We will either succeed or fail at it. I define our success as fulfilling the Great Commission. Using this definition, every church should want to be successful!
What is the alternative? The opposite of success is not faithfulness, but failure! Any church that is not obeying the Great Commission is failing its purpose for existing, no matter what else it does.
Jesus defined faithfulness in terms of behavior - it is a willingness to take risks that require faith in order to be fruitful.
The clearest example of this is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The two men who doubled the talents the master gave them were called “good and faithfulservants.” In other words, they proved their faithfulness by taking risks that produced fruit. They were successful at the task that they had been assigned, and they were rewarded for it by the master
The passive, fearful servant who did nothing with the talent he was given produced no results to show the master when he returned. He was called “wicked and lazy” in contrast to the two servants called “faithful” who produced results.
"We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful."
The point of the story is clear: God expects to see results (fruit) that demonstrate our faithfulness. While others defined faithfulness as orthodoxy, Jesus defined faithfulness as productivity!
Faithfulness is accomplishing as much as possible with the resources and talents God has given you. That’s why comparing churches is an illegitimate way to measure success. Success is not being larger than some other church; it is bearing as much fruit as possible given your gifts, opportunities, and potential.
Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible. We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If you’re not taking any risks in your ministry, then no faith is required to do it. And if your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful.
How do you define faithfulness? –
* Are you being faithful if you refuse to learn new methods that work?
* Are you being faithful to the message if you insist on communicating it in an outdated style?
* Are you being faithful if you insist on doing ministry in a way that is comfortable for you even though it doesn’t produce any fruit?
* Are you being faithful to Christ if you value man-made traditions more than reaching people for him?
I contend that when a church continues to use a method that obviously isn’t working- that is unfaithfulness!
"Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible."
Jesus has given the church a job to do. We will either succeed or fail at it. I define our success as fulfilling the Great Commission. Using this definition, every church should want to be successful!
What is the alternative? The opposite of success is not faithfulness, but failure! Any church that is not obeying the Great Commission is failing its purpose for existing, no matter what else it does.
Jesus defined faithfulness in terms of behavior - it is a willingness to take risks that require faith in order to be fruitful.
The clearest example of this is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The two men who doubled the talents the master gave them were called “good and faithfulservants.” In other words, they proved their faithfulness by taking risks that produced fruit. They were successful at the task that they had been assigned, and they were rewarded for it by the master
The passive, fearful servant who did nothing with the talent he was given produced no results to show the master when he returned. He was called “wicked and lazy” in contrast to the two servants called “faithful” who produced results.
"We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful."
The point of the story is clear: God expects to see results (fruit) that demonstrate our faithfulness. While others defined faithfulness as orthodoxy, Jesus defined faithfulness as productivity!
Faithfulness is accomplishing as much as possible with the resources and talents God has given you. That’s why comparing churches is an illegitimate way to measure success. Success is not being larger than some other church; it is bearing as much fruit as possible given your gifts, opportunities, and potential.
Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible. We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If you’re not taking any risks in your ministry, then no faith is required to do it. And if your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful.
How do you define faithfulness? –
* Are you being faithful if you refuse to learn new methods that work?
* Are you being faithful to the message if you insist on communicating it in an outdated style?
* Are you being faithful if you insist on doing ministry in a way that is comfortable for you even though it doesn’t produce any fruit?
* Are you being faithful to Christ if you value man-made traditions more than reaching people for him?
I contend that when a church continues to use a method that obviously isn’t working- that is unfaithfulness!
Friday 12 March 2010
A right attitude is so important
From an early age I realised having the right attitude was important. I watched people rise and fall, achieve or fail, get chosen or get passed by solely on the basis of their attitude. I have always tried to make the right decision to choose to display the right attitude daily as I recognise it influences the people around me. I remember an old teacher telling me, 'Mark your attitude is a choice' and that comment has remained with me to this day and I believe it to be true.
I am learning a few things:
1. I need to take responsibility for our own attitude
2. Decide to change areas in my life where I know I have a bad attitude
3. Think, act and conduct myself life the person I want to become
4. Place a high value on people
5 Start to really appreciate life
Everyday I want to make adjustments necessary to keeping my attitude right. This really matters to me because it is all about personal growth. Remember, no one is going to be more passionate about it than you!
Make adjustments! I challenge you to start to look for something positive in everything. Find someone positive in every situation. Say something positive in every conversation. Remove negative words from your vocabulary. Express gratitude to others daily.
I am learning a few things:
1. I need to take responsibility for our own attitude
2. Decide to change areas in my life where I know I have a bad attitude
3. Think, act and conduct myself life the person I want to become
4. Place a high value on people
5 Start to really appreciate life
Everyday I want to make adjustments necessary to keeping my attitude right. This really matters to me because it is all about personal growth. Remember, no one is going to be more passionate about it than you!
Make adjustments! I challenge you to start to look for something positive in everything. Find someone positive in every situation. Say something positive in every conversation. Remove negative words from your vocabulary. Express gratitude to others daily.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Are there days you just want to quit?
Everyday there are leaders who’ve responded to God’s calling that find themselves tempted to give up. The thing that once stirred passion in their soul somehow became a burden, a chore or an anxiety they could no longer endure. Quitting isn’t always a bad thing, in fact there are times it’s the wise thing to do. But other times a leader finds himself in a dangerous place spiritually, emotionally or physically where he feels he just can’t go forward.
Elijah reached this point in 1 Kings 19 when Jezzabel was seeking to take his life. He said, “I have had enough Lord take my life.” 1 Kings 19:4. He had hit a quitting point.
So why do we sometimes find ourselves tempted to quit? There are lots of possibilities….
1. We get… tired, discouraged, criticized, opposition
2. We run out of…time, money, opportunity, resources
3. We lose… support, confidence, faith, passion, vision Regardless of what got us to that point the fact is we find ourselves in a place where we’ve lost hope.
So how do we reduce the temptation to quit?
1. Get rest – An angel came to Elijah in his depressed state and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” (1 Kings 19:7). When a leader is physically drained he becomes emotionally weak and finds it easier to give up. Get rest, eat right and exercise and you will regain the energy to keep going. A wise leader pauses regularly to rebuild his reserves.
2. Get Perspective – Elijah moaned that he was the only righteous one left and was feeling isolated and abandoned. So God told him, “Go out and stand before me on the mountain.” 1 Kings 19:11 It was there God spoke to him and gave him a whole new perspective. Most of the time when we’re tempted to quit we’re looking at our situation from a wrong perspective. It’s easy to find ourselves looking through the lens of discouragement or criticism. Instead we must discover God’s perspective on our situation.
3. Get a Fresh Direction – God spoke to Elijah and gave him instructions for what was next, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” 1 Kings 19:15-16. Sometimes simply getting clarity on our next step is all we need to gain the strength to move forward.
4. Get Support – God directed Elijah to find Elisha and anoint him as his understudy. “So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat…then he went with Elijah as his assistant.” 1Kings 19:19,21. When discouraged it’s essential that we surround ourselves with others who’s faith is strong. Leaning on someone else in times of discouragement is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
What helps you push through quitting points?
Elijah reached this point in 1 Kings 19 when Jezzabel was seeking to take his life. He said, “I have had enough Lord take my life.” 1 Kings 19:4. He had hit a quitting point.
So why do we sometimes find ourselves tempted to quit? There are lots of possibilities….
1. We get… tired, discouraged, criticized, opposition
2. We run out of…time, money, opportunity, resources
3. We lose… support, confidence, faith, passion, vision Regardless of what got us to that point the fact is we find ourselves in a place where we’ve lost hope.
So how do we reduce the temptation to quit?
1. Get rest – An angel came to Elijah in his depressed state and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” (1 Kings 19:7). When a leader is physically drained he becomes emotionally weak and finds it easier to give up. Get rest, eat right and exercise and you will regain the energy to keep going. A wise leader pauses regularly to rebuild his reserves.
2. Get Perspective – Elijah moaned that he was the only righteous one left and was feeling isolated and abandoned. So God told him, “Go out and stand before me on the mountain.” 1 Kings 19:11 It was there God spoke to him and gave him a whole new perspective. Most of the time when we’re tempted to quit we’re looking at our situation from a wrong perspective. It’s easy to find ourselves looking through the lens of discouragement or criticism. Instead we must discover God’s perspective on our situation.
3. Get a Fresh Direction – God spoke to Elijah and gave him instructions for what was next, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” 1 Kings 19:15-16. Sometimes simply getting clarity on our next step is all we need to gain the strength to move forward.
4. Get Support – God directed Elijah to find Elisha and anoint him as his understudy. “So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat…then he went with Elijah as his assistant.” 1Kings 19:19,21. When discouraged it’s essential that we surround ourselves with others who’s faith is strong. Leaning on someone else in times of discouragement is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
What helps you push through quitting points?
Friday 12 February 2010
Radical devotion comes from an accurate view of Jesus
This blew me away today and I hope it challenges you all!. By Perry Noble
Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, spoke about radical devotion at this week’s Radicalas. Here is an excerpt from his message:
Radical devotion begins with an accurate view of Jesus. I don’t think we would speak to Jesus the way we speak to Jesus sometimes if we just understood who he was.
‘Jesus, I’m over my head!’ I know.
‘Lord, God, I’m so powerless!’ Duh.
‘God, I don’t know what to do.’ I know; that’s why I called you.
I think before we can discover what Jesus wants, we’ve got to see who he is … I believe when we discover who Jesus is, our hearts will beat for the same things that his heart beats for and we will understand what he wants us to do.
We don’t have a resource problem in the church today; we don’t have a staffing problem; we have a Jesus problem and, if we will take the church and bring it back to Jesus -- because it is his to begin with -- that’s when we will see some supernatural things take place among us -- like the Bible says can and should be happening in his church.
Pastor, let me ask you a question: do you want you people to see who you are or do you want your people to see who Jesus is? You can tell by how many pictures of you are in the church vs. how many pictures of Jesus there are. If it’s all about Jesus, pastor, why don’t you go back to your church and take all the pictures of you down and instead point people to the cross -- because if they believe in you, they will go to hell.
Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, spoke about radical devotion at this week’s Radicalas. Here is an excerpt from his message:
Radical devotion begins with an accurate view of Jesus. I don’t think we would speak to Jesus the way we speak to Jesus sometimes if we just understood who he was.
‘Jesus, I’m over my head!’ I know.
‘Lord, God, I’m so powerless!’ Duh.
‘God, I don’t know what to do.’ I know; that’s why I called you.
I think before we can discover what Jesus wants, we’ve got to see who he is … I believe when we discover who Jesus is, our hearts will beat for the same things that his heart beats for and we will understand what he wants us to do.
We don’t have a resource problem in the church today; we don’t have a staffing problem; we have a Jesus problem and, if we will take the church and bring it back to Jesus -- because it is his to begin with -- that’s when we will see some supernatural things take place among us -- like the Bible says can and should be happening in his church.
Pastor, let me ask you a question: do you want you people to see who you are or do you want your people to see who Jesus is? You can tell by how many pictures of you are in the church vs. how many pictures of Jesus there are. If it’s all about Jesus, pastor, why don’t you go back to your church and take all the pictures of you down and instead point people to the cross -- because if they believe in you, they will go to hell.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Forsaken that we might be forgiven
Wept today as I was impacted by God's love for me and you!
Read Luke 23:32-49
If you are like me, I have heard and read this story many times. Yet the significance of this heart wrenching scene is often missed. This was not just a good teacher or a prophet being crucified for his beliefs. It was Jesus the messiah, God in human form who hung on a cross, bridging the gap between sinful people and a holy God.
Matthew's gospel tells us when Jesus hung on the cross he cried out, 'My God my God, why have you forsaken me?' Many Bible scholars believe that this marked the very moment at which God placed the sins of the world upon his son. A Holy God had to turn his face and pour out his wrath upon his own son! Jesus, received the wages that were due us. In those moments Jesus was alone and the ear of the father closed so that it might never be closed to us.
Thank you Jesus. I am ruined by your grace forever!
Read Luke 23:32-49
If you are like me, I have heard and read this story many times. Yet the significance of this heart wrenching scene is often missed. This was not just a good teacher or a prophet being crucified for his beliefs. It was Jesus the messiah, God in human form who hung on a cross, bridging the gap between sinful people and a holy God.
Matthew's gospel tells us when Jesus hung on the cross he cried out, 'My God my God, why have you forsaken me?' Many Bible scholars believe that this marked the very moment at which God placed the sins of the world upon his son. A Holy God had to turn his face and pour out his wrath upon his own son! Jesus, received the wages that were due us. In those moments Jesus was alone and the ear of the father closed so that it might never be closed to us.
Thank you Jesus. I am ruined by your grace forever!
Monday 1 February 2010
The greatest demonstartion of love
Blown away today!!
The necessity of the death of Jesus on the cross shows just how radical our situation was and is as fallen people. I heard it once said that you can tell the depth of a well by how much rope is lowered into it. When we look at how much rope was lowered from heaven, we realize how grave our situation really is. It wasn't the Roman soldiers or the Jews alone that put Jesus on the cross we are ALL guilty, it was our sins that made it necessary for Jesus to volunteer for this torturous and humiliating death.
Rom 5:6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Jesus didn't die for us while we were his friends but while we were his enemies - opposing him by our sinfulness! Yet in spite of all this, God demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross. He died for you and for me! Gal 2:20 says that Christ loved ME and gave himself for ME. This is where it gets personal. You need to know this for yourself a personal revelation and life changing encounter with Jesus.
Listen, whenever you are tempted to doubt God's love for you, take a LONG look at THE CROSS on which Jesus died. Know this, I do not think it was nails alone that held him there on the cross, but HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME.
We sang on Sunday, 'I will fall at your feet, I will fall at your feet and I will worship you here' I think that is our ONLY response to Jesus.
The necessity of the death of Jesus on the cross shows just how radical our situation was and is as fallen people. I heard it once said that you can tell the depth of a well by how much rope is lowered into it. When we look at how much rope was lowered from heaven, we realize how grave our situation really is. It wasn't the Roman soldiers or the Jews alone that put Jesus on the cross we are ALL guilty, it was our sins that made it necessary for Jesus to volunteer for this torturous and humiliating death.
Rom 5:6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Jesus didn't die for us while we were his friends but while we were his enemies - opposing him by our sinfulness! Yet in spite of all this, God demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross. He died for you and for me! Gal 2:20 says that Christ loved ME and gave himself for ME. This is where it gets personal. You need to know this for yourself a personal revelation and life changing encounter with Jesus.
Listen, whenever you are tempted to doubt God's love for you, take a LONG look at THE CROSS on which Jesus died. Know this, I do not think it was nails alone that held him there on the cross, but HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME.
We sang on Sunday, 'I will fall at your feet, I will fall at your feet and I will worship you here' I think that is our ONLY response to Jesus.
Thursday 28 January 2010
When things don't go to plan..
I read a great post today by Mac Lake and wanted to share it...
No matter how good our plans there are times we as leaders face disappointments. The dictionary says, Disappointment is a feeling of being let down, a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected, or because something hoped for did not happen” As I look back over my years in ministry there have been several times I can recall having this disheartening emotion. Unchecked disappointment leads to discouragement, cynicism or even a sense of resignation.
It’s interesting that God encourages us to plan, yet allows unexpected detours or interruptions to those plans. While frustrating, detours are beneficial because they remind me that I’m not in control and keep me listening to the heart of God.
I have to remind myself that it ’s frequently God’s plan that things not go as I planned. And God desires to use the detours, interruptions and obstacles to grow my courage, persistence, patience, endurance, character and humility. When a leader engages disappointment by listening to the Truth of God he hears, “Keep on believing, keep moving forward, I’ve not abandoned you…I’m simply growing you.”
Facing an unexpected disappointment today? Check out Jesus words in John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prune so that it will be even more fruitful.
Brilliant!!
No matter how good our plans there are times we as leaders face disappointments. The dictionary says, Disappointment is a feeling of being let down, a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected, or because something hoped for did not happen” As I look back over my years in ministry there have been several times I can recall having this disheartening emotion. Unchecked disappointment leads to discouragement, cynicism or even a sense of resignation.
It’s interesting that God encourages us to plan, yet allows unexpected detours or interruptions to those plans. While frustrating, detours are beneficial because they remind me that I’m not in control and keep me listening to the heart of God.
I have to remind myself that it ’s frequently God’s plan that things not go as I planned. And God desires to use the detours, interruptions and obstacles to grow my courage, persistence, patience, endurance, character and humility. When a leader engages disappointment by listening to the Truth of God he hears, “Keep on believing, keep moving forward, I’ve not abandoned you…I’m simply growing you.”
Facing an unexpected disappointment today? Check out Jesus words in John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prune so that it will be even more fruitful.
Brilliant!!
Tuesday 19 January 2010
If you want to be a good leader, Listen more
One of the most overlooked competencies in leadership today is the skill of listening. Listening enables the leader to maximize what God’s doing while minimizing mistakes, maximize team member’s strengths while minimizing their weaknesses, maximize employee engagement while minimizing misunderstandings. As leaders we can’t afford not to listen because the price is too high.
But leaders like to move fast which doesn’t always lend itself to listening. A large part of leadership is about understanding, discerning, reading people, assessing your culture, hearing God and then taking action. All which require listening. I mean really actively listening to people. I find it interesting that Solomon, a ”get it done” leader himself, repeated the instruction, “Listen” over 20 times in the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Perhaps he emphasized it so much because we aren’t quite as good at listening as we think.
So what is the taletale sign that you are a good listener? Your people feel valued, respected, esteemed, appreciated and loved.
But leaders like to move fast which doesn’t always lend itself to listening. A large part of leadership is about understanding, discerning, reading people, assessing your culture, hearing God and then taking action. All which require listening. I mean really actively listening to people. I find it interesting that Solomon, a ”get it done” leader himself, repeated the instruction, “Listen” over 20 times in the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Perhaps he emphasized it so much because we aren’t quite as good at listening as we think.
So what is the taletale sign that you are a good listener? Your people feel valued, respected, esteemed, appreciated and loved.
Monday 11 January 2010
A moving Story..The sound of opportunity and potential
Use your gifts and make the most of your opportunities. You gifts have been given to you for a purpose; so that you might feel fulfilled, be a blessing to others and bring glory to God! Don't get focused on what others have and rob yourself others and God, use what you have - YOU ARE UNIQUE!
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