The Christmas holidays and the miserable form of Australia's cricket team has afforded a great opportunity for reading over the past week!
I've just finished 'A Short History of the 20th Century' by Geoffrey Blainey, which I thoroughly recommend! It's a fascinating read, very well written and gives a great general knowledge of the last 100 years, without getting bogged down in the details. Another book by Blainey, 'A Short History of the World' will definitely be on my reading list for 2009.
Today I also finished Lance Armstrong's 'It's Not About the Bike', which I found incredibly inspiring. His journey from cancer patient to Tour de France champion provides compelling reading.
Lessons which I learnt from Lance Armstrong's story:
1. Public Prizes are earnt in Private Discipline
In his preparation for the 2000 Tour de France, Armstong had a severe crash while training on the Hautacam, the Tour's most difficult ascent.
'A month later [after the crash], I went back to the Hautacam, alone except for Johan [Armstrong's coach], to complete my training ride... It was a bitterly cold and rain-splattered day, and it took me four hours of hard riding to get to the top. Johan pulled up in the follow car and handed me a jacket and some hot chocolate. "Great job - now let's get you warm," he said. But I didn't feel right about it.
"I don't think I understood the climb," I said.
"What do you mean?"
I meant that I didn't feel I had fully mastered it...
"What do you want to do?" Johan asked.
"I'm going to do it again," I said.
And that's what I did. We drove back down, and I climbed it again, another four hours of uphill work. I was pretty sure I was the only fool who was willing to climb it in that weather even once, much less twice. But that was the point.'
2. The Difference is in the Details
From weighing his food before eating to ensure that calorie input was lower that energy output, to preparing his bike with pedantic precision, Armstrong shows an enormous attention to detail, earning him the nickname 'Mr Millimeter'.
3. Pain can be Productive
Naturally, most of us pray that our lives be problem free, mistakingly thinking that a pain-free life is the greatest life. Armstrong defies this.
'The truth is that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't know why I got the illness, but it did wonders for me, and I wouldn't want to walk away from it. Why would I want to change, even for a day, the most important and shaping event in my life?'
'The truth is, if you asked me to choose between winning the Tour de France and cancer, I would choose cancer. Odd as it sounds, I would rather have the title of cancer survivor than winner of the Tour, because of what it has done for me as a human being, a man, a husband, a son, and a father.'
I'm keen to read 'Every Second Counts', Armstrong's second book. Has anyone read it, and would you recommend it?'
December 31, 2008
December 23, 2008
On Meeting God
I enjoyed this, written by Hardy Shaw in his shell-hole in the midst of the horrors of the Vietnam War:
Lord God, I have never spoken to You,
But now I want to say how do You do.
You see God, they told me You didn’t exist,
And like a fool I believed all this.
Last night from a shell hole I saw Your sky,
I figured right then, they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I’d have known they weren’t calling a spade a spade.
I wonder, God, if You’ll take my hand,
Somehow I feel that You’ll understand.
Funny I had to come to this hellish place
Before I had time to see Your face.
Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,
But I’m sure glad, God, I met you today.
I guess zero hour will soon be here
But I’m not afraid since I know You’re near.
The signal! Well, God, I’ll have to go
I like you lots, I want You to know.
Look now this will be a horrible fight,
Who knows I may come to Your house tonight.
Though I wasn’t friendly to You before,
I wonder God, if You’d wait at your door.
Look, I’m crying, I’m shedding tears,
I’ll have to go now God, goodbye.
Strange now that I’ve met You I’m not afraid to die.
Lord God, I have never spoken to You,
But now I want to say how do You do.
You see God, they told me You didn’t exist,
And like a fool I believed all this.
Last night from a shell hole I saw Your sky,
I figured right then, they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I’d have known they weren’t calling a spade a spade.
I wonder, God, if You’ll take my hand,
Somehow I feel that You’ll understand.
Funny I had to come to this hellish place
Before I had time to see Your face.
Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say,
But I’m sure glad, God, I met you today.
I guess zero hour will soon be here
But I’m not afraid since I know You’re near.
The signal! Well, God, I’ll have to go
I like you lots, I want You to know.
Look now this will be a horrible fight,
Who knows I may come to Your house tonight.
Though I wasn’t friendly to You before,
I wonder God, if You’d wait at your door.
Look, I’m crying, I’m shedding tears,
I’ll have to go now God, goodbye.
Strange now that I’ve met You I’m not afraid to die.
Creed of the Modern Thinker
English journalist Steve Turner writing in a secular newspaper on society’s absence or right and wrong, or any absolute point of reference.
Here is the creed for the modern thinker:
We believe in Marx, Freud and Darwin.
We believe that everything is okay as long as you don’t hurt anyone, to the best of your definition of hurt and to the best of your definition of knowledge.
We believe in sex before, during and after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin; we believe that adultery is fun; we believe that sodomy is okay; we believe that taboos are taboo.
We believe that everything is getting better despite evidence to the contrary. The evidence must be investigated and you can prove anything with evidence.
We believe there is something in horoscopes, UFO’s and bent spoons. Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammad and ourselves. He was a good moral teacher although we think basically that his good morals were really bad.
We believe that all religions are basically the same; at least the ones we read were. They all believe in love and goodness, they only differ on matters of creation, sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.
We believe that after death comes nothing, because when you ask the dead what happens, they say nothing. If death is not the end, and if the dead have lied then it’s compulsory heaven for all except perhaps Hitler, Stalin and Kahn.
We believe in Masters and Johnson - what’s selected is average, what’s average is normal and what’s normal is good.
We believe in total disarmament. We believe there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed. American’s should beat their guns into tractors and the Russians would be sure to follow.
We believe that man is essentially good, it’s only his behaviour that lets him down. This is the fault of society, society is the fault of conditions and conditions are the fault of society.
We believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him and reality will adapt accordingly. The universe will readjust; history will alter. We believe there is no absolute truth, except the truth that there is no absolute truth. We believe in the rejection of creeds and the flowering of individual thought.
If Chance be the Father of all flesh, disaster is His rainbow in the sky. And when you hear “State of Emergency”, “Sniper Kills Ten”, “Troops on Rampage”, “Youths Go Looting”, “Bomb Blasts School”, it is but the sound of man worshipping his maker.
November 13, 2008
A Day in the Life
Known as 'the father of modern missions', William Carey is famous for his pioneering missionary work in India.
Here is the record of one his days in India, reconstructed from his diary in 1806.
He rose at a quarter to six, read a chapter from the Hebrew Bible and spent some time in private devotion.
At seven the servants came in for family prayers in Bengali, after which, while waiting for his chota (i.e., little breakfast), he spent some time reading Persian with a munshi and then a portion of Scripture in Hindustani. The moment breakfast was over, he settled down to the translation of the Ramayana from Sanskrit into English.
At ten o’clock he went to the college, where his classes and other duties kept him until two o’clock. On returning to his lodgings he examined a proofsheet of his Bengali translation of Jeremiah until dinnertime.
After this meal, assisted by the chief pundit of the college, he translated most of the eighth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel into Sanskrit, until six o’clock when he sat down with a Telugu pundit more fully to study that language. At half past seven he preached in English to a congregation of forty persons, including one of the judges (from whom at the close of the service he got a subscription of five hundred rupees toward the new chapel).
At nine o’clock, “the service being over and the congregation gone,” he sat down and translated Ezekiel 11 into Bengali—which took him nearly two hours. He wrote a letter to a friend in England; then, after reading a chapter from his Greek Testament by way of private devotion, he went to bed.
"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."
Benjamin Franklin
Here is the record of one his days in India, reconstructed from his diary in 1806.
He rose at a quarter to six, read a chapter from the Hebrew Bible and spent some time in private devotion.
At seven the servants came in for family prayers in Bengali, after which, while waiting for his chota (i.e., little breakfast), he spent some time reading Persian with a munshi and then a portion of Scripture in Hindustani. The moment breakfast was over, he settled down to the translation of the Ramayana from Sanskrit into English.
At ten o’clock he went to the college, where his classes and other duties kept him until two o’clock. On returning to his lodgings he examined a proofsheet of his Bengali translation of Jeremiah until dinnertime.
After this meal, assisted by the chief pundit of the college, he translated most of the eighth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel into Sanskrit, until six o’clock when he sat down with a Telugu pundit more fully to study that language. At half past seven he preached in English to a congregation of forty persons, including one of the judges (from whom at the close of the service he got a subscription of five hundred rupees toward the new chapel).
At nine o’clock, “the service being over and the congregation gone,” he sat down and translated Ezekiel 11 into Bengali—which took him nearly two hours. He wrote a letter to a friend in England; then, after reading a chapter from his Greek Testament by way of private devotion, he went to bed.
"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of."
Benjamin Franklin
November 12, 2008
Sunday Night at Northside
Last Sunday night I preached at Northside Christian Church, led by Pastor Murray and Jane Averill. There was a hot atmosphere in the service, the crowd largely made up of young adults. They have a great team who Sarah and I loved connecting with.
Ruth Lumkin is one of the pastors on team at Northside and has an excellent blog which is well worth the time spent visiting. Ruth's articles approach current issues in society from a Christian framework, and are printed periodically in the Courier Mail.
Ruth Lumkin is one of the pastors on team at Northside and has an excellent blog which is well worth the time spent visiting. Ruth's articles approach current issues in society from a Christian framework, and are printed periodically in the Courier Mail.
Always Look Back
Yesterday was Remembrance Day, when Australians recall the end of World War 1 on November 11th 1918. I think there's power in remembrance and I believe that it's a habit that God wants us to exercise.
In 2 Samuel 7:8-9 we read of God's conversation to David, through the prophet Nathan:
'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have destroyed all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth."
Some people say 'never look back!' - I disagree.
1. Looking Back Reminds Me From Where I've Come (resulting in Gratitude)
"I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel."
Unless I deliberately look back into my past I can forget the incredible grace that God has shown me in my life. If I fail to look back I can fall into the trap of believing that 'God has done nothing remarkable in my life', when in fact he has taken me from following sheep to leading His people.
2. Looking Back Reminds Me to Appreciate Today's Opportunities (resulting in Perspective)
At times David may have 'wanted out' from the pressures of Kingship, however when he looked back and saw what he was doing compared to the opportunities before him now, there was no comparison.
Similarly, people can become tired, familiar and unappreciative of their job, partner, home or church until they learn to remember from where they've come. In David's life, remembering the paddock gave him a fresh perspective of the palace.
3. Looking Back Reminds Me of God's Continual Presence (resulting in Confidence)
"And I have been with you wherever you have gone..."
Sometimes it is only the power of hindsight which causes us to recognise God's presence with us through all seasons of life. When I look back I realise that his promise to never leave or forsake me has been true in my life.
Looking back allows me to approach today with renewed confidence in God's continual presence, causing me to join with Newton in saying: "T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home."
4. Looking Back Reminds Me of Victories (resulting in Faith)
"...and have destroyed all your enemies from before you..."
There are no victories in my future that I can draw confidence from, only challenge and opportunity exist there. The past is the only place I can look to if I want to find victories to instill faith in my life. To not look back is to rob myself of one of the greatest resources of faith available to me!
David already understood this truth when he approached Goliath. He mustered faith to defeat the giant ahead of him only by looking to the string of dead carcasses behind him.
Whatever you do - look back!
In 2 Samuel 7:8-9 we read of God's conversation to David, through the prophet Nathan:
'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have destroyed all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth."
Some people say 'never look back!' - I disagree.
1. Looking Back Reminds Me From Where I've Come (resulting in Gratitude)
"I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel."
Unless I deliberately look back into my past I can forget the incredible grace that God has shown me in my life. If I fail to look back I can fall into the trap of believing that 'God has done nothing remarkable in my life', when in fact he has taken me from following sheep to leading His people.
2. Looking Back Reminds Me to Appreciate Today's Opportunities (resulting in Perspective)
At times David may have 'wanted out' from the pressures of Kingship, however when he looked back and saw what he was doing compared to the opportunities before him now, there was no comparison.
Similarly, people can become tired, familiar and unappreciative of their job, partner, home or church until they learn to remember from where they've come. In David's life, remembering the paddock gave him a fresh perspective of the palace.
3. Looking Back Reminds Me of God's Continual Presence (resulting in Confidence)
"And I have been with you wherever you have gone..."
Sometimes it is only the power of hindsight which causes us to recognise God's presence with us through all seasons of life. When I look back I realise that his promise to never leave or forsake me has been true in my life.
Looking back allows me to approach today with renewed confidence in God's continual presence, causing me to join with Newton in saying: "T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home."
4. Looking Back Reminds Me of Victories (resulting in Faith)
"...and have destroyed all your enemies from before you..."
There are no victories in my future that I can draw confidence from, only challenge and opportunity exist there. The past is the only place I can look to if I want to find victories to instill faith in my life. To not look back is to rob myself of one of the greatest resources of faith available to me!
David already understood this truth when he approached Goliath. He mustered faith to defeat the giant ahead of him only by looking to the string of dead carcasses behind him.
Whatever you do - look back!
October 31, 2008
Hillsong Mens Conference
This afternoon I'm heading to Sydney for the Hillsong Men's Conference. Mal Fletcher is one of the guest speakers so I'm looking forward to a great 24 hours! I'm heading down with a friend from school who I haven't spent much time with for years, so will be a great trip.
Get back Saturday night in time for our huge morning on Sunday as we do "Church for Others", round-table, brunch style. Then moving house Sunday afternoon, and on Monday...camping at Double Island Point for a week!
What a great weekend coming up!
Get back Saturday night in time for our huge morning on Sunday as we do "Church for Others", round-table, brunch style. Then moving house Sunday afternoon, and on Monday...camping at Double Island Point for a week!
What a great weekend coming up!
Lessons from the Building Trade
Last night at KTC we hosted guest speaker Corey Passey, Managing Director of Smith & Sons. Smith & Sons is a new business launched by G.J. Gardner Homes, which focuses on home renovations and extensions. I invited Corey to speak to demonstrate to our students that ministry is not about what's in your hand, but what's in your heart. Ministry is not a vocation to which some are called; it's a calling which Christians fulfil through many vocations.
At age 21 Corey and his wife purchased a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise in New Zealand and moved from the Sunshine Coast to have a shot at business. Starting from scratch they grew the annual turnover of the franchise from zero to over $10,000,000 in ten years, positioning them in the top three G.J. Gardner franchises internationally.
I picked up some great thoughts from the night:
"Satisfied customers is not enough. You've got to create raving fans."
"Leadership: Guide. Energise. Excite"
"Leadership is not about making yourself more powerful, it's about making those around you more powerful."
At age 21 Corey and his wife purchased a G.J. Gardner Homes franchise in New Zealand and moved from the Sunshine Coast to have a shot at business. Starting from scratch they grew the annual turnover of the franchise from zero to over $10,000,000 in ten years, positioning them in the top three G.J. Gardner franchises internationally.
I picked up some great thoughts from the night:
"Satisfied customers is not enough. You've got to create raving fans."
"Leadership: Guide. Energise. Excite"
"Leadership is not about making yourself more powerful, it's about making those around you more powerful."
October 28, 2008
October 15, 2008
The Highest Calling
I am always frustrated when I hear people joke about the ministry as a being a job for soft headed slackers. This perception may have been caused by the thrusting of ill-prepared people into the ministry who possessed a nice heart and little else. I believe that Christian leadership is the highest calling and therefore deserves the highest calibre of people available!
History tells us that the Egyptians held the role of priest in such high regard that a person for this role could only be chosen from the most learned of their philosophers. Further to this, when the nation chose their kings they would select from the priests. They recognised that the best of the best should be given to the work of God!
I love the fact that Kings is filled with some of the most outstanding young people in our community. As Christians, let's be of such quality that should our government want leaders they could do no better than look to the church.
History tells us that the Egyptians held the role of priest in such high regard that a person for this role could only be chosen from the most learned of their philosophers. Further to this, when the nation chose their kings they would select from the priests. They recognised that the best of the best should be given to the work of God!
I love the fact that Kings is filled with some of the most outstanding young people in our community. As Christians, let's be of such quality that should our government want leaders they could do no better than look to the church.
October 14, 2008
Self Watch
1 Timothy 4:16 writes: "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
On this verse Spurgeon commentates:
"We are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore must keep ourselves in order. If I want to preach the gospel, I can only use my own voice; therefore I must train my vocal powers. I can only think with my own brains, and feel with my own heart, and therefore I must educate my intellectual and emotional faculties. I can only weep and agonise for souls in my own renewed nature, therefore must I watchfully maintain the tenderness which was in Christ Jesus.
It will be in vain for me to stock my library, or organise societies, or project schemes, if I neglect the culture of myself; for books, and agencies, and systems, are only remotely the instruments of my holy calling; my own spirit, soul, and body, are my nearest machinery for sacred service..."
On this verse Spurgeon commentates:
"We are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore must keep ourselves in order. If I want to preach the gospel, I can only use my own voice; therefore I must train my vocal powers. I can only think with my own brains, and feel with my own heart, and therefore I must educate my intellectual and emotional faculties. I can only weep and agonise for souls in my own renewed nature, therefore must I watchfully maintain the tenderness which was in Christ Jesus.
It will be in vain for me to stock my library, or organise societies, or project schemes, if I neglect the culture of myself; for books, and agencies, and systems, are only remotely the instruments of my holy calling; my own spirit, soul, and body, are my nearest machinery for sacred service..."
October 8, 2008
On Human Dignity
So where does human dignity comes from? There is no way to contrive it or to enforce it; human dignity must be essential. Here, the Christian teaching is unique. Professor Peter Kreeft of Boston College has lucidly pointed out this difference between Christianity and secular thought.
In the economy of God's creation, there was intended an egalitarianism among human beings; that is, each person was equal in essence and dignity. On the other hand, there was to be an elitism in ideas, meaning that not all ideas are equal - some ideas are clearly superior to others.
Antitheistic thinking has inverted that economy - indeed, it is compelled to - because its starting point leads to the opposite conclusion; people have been rendered elite, and ideas are egalitarian. As a result, we exalt some individuals or races while rejecting others and at the same time foolishly argue that all ideas are equal.
If the scourge of racism is ever to die, it will only do so on the biblical basis of who we are as human beings as we learn to respect each person in his or her distinctive and essential splendor - granted by virtue of creation. Ironically, in rejecting any part of humanity we essentially reject ourselves.
- Excerpt from "Can Man Live Without God" by Ravi Zacharias
In the economy of God's creation, there was intended an egalitarianism among human beings; that is, each person was equal in essence and dignity. On the other hand, there was to be an elitism in ideas, meaning that not all ideas are equal - some ideas are clearly superior to others.
Antitheistic thinking has inverted that economy - indeed, it is compelled to - because its starting point leads to the opposite conclusion; people have been rendered elite, and ideas are egalitarian. As a result, we exalt some individuals or races while rejecting others and at the same time foolishly argue that all ideas are equal.
If the scourge of racism is ever to die, it will only do so on the biblical basis of who we are as human beings as we learn to respect each person in his or her distinctive and essential splendor - granted by virtue of creation. Ironically, in rejecting any part of humanity we essentially reject ourselves.
- Excerpt from "Can Man Live Without God" by Ravi Zacharias
October 7, 2008
On Worship
"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by His beauty, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. All this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of all expressions of which we are capable."
- Archbishop William Temple (1881 - 1944)
- Archbishop William Temple (1881 - 1944)
September 27, 2008
Quotes from Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton (1874 - 1946) , an English born poet, essayist and novelist, is regarded as one of the greatest Christian minds of the modern era. His work is legendary, and has become a point of reference and inspiration for many Christian thinkers since.
Here are some of his gems:
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”
“How you think when you lose determines how long it will be until you win.”
“A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.”
“Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
“Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”
“Do not free a camel of the burden of his hump; you may be freeing him from being a camel.”
“New roads; new ruts.”
September 26, 2008
Henry on Golgotha
Matthew 27:33&35
"And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull...they crucified Him..."
In commentary of this verse, Matthew Henry writes (and I love his concluding statement!):
They came to a place called Golgotha, near adjoining to Jerusalem, probably the common place of execution... Some think that it was called the place of a skull, because it was the common charnel-house, where the bones and skulls of dead men were laid together out of the way, lest people should touch them, and be defiled thereby.
Here lay the trophies of death’s victory over multitudes of the children of men; and when by dying Christ would destroy death, he added this circumstance of honour to his victory, that he triumphed over death upon his own dunghill.
"And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull...they crucified Him..."
In commentary of this verse, Matthew Henry writes (and I love his concluding statement!):
They came to a place called Golgotha, near adjoining to Jerusalem, probably the common place of execution... Some think that it was called the place of a skull, because it was the common charnel-house, where the bones and skulls of dead men were laid together out of the way, lest people should touch them, and be defiled thereby.
Here lay the trophies of death’s victory over multitudes of the children of men; and when by dying Christ would destroy death, he added this circumstance of honour to his victory, that he triumphed over death upon his own dunghill.
Hefner and Affection
Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, when asked about his upbringing:
"I was raised in a setting in which [sex] was for procreation only and the rest was sin...Our family was Prohibitionist, Puritan in a very real sense... Never hugged. Oh, no. There was absolutely no hugging or kissing in my family. There was a point in time when my mother, later in life, apologized to me for not being able to show affection. That was, of course, the way I'd been raised. I said to her, 'Mom, you couldn't have done it any better. And because of the things you weren't able to do, it set me on a course that changed my life and the world.' "
"I was raised in a setting in which [sex] was for procreation only and the rest was sin...Our family was Prohibitionist, Puritan in a very real sense... Never hugged. Oh, no. There was absolutely no hugging or kissing in my family. There was a point in time when my mother, later in life, apologized to me for not being able to show affection. That was, of course, the way I'd been raised. I said to her, 'Mom, you couldn't have done it any better. And because of the things you weren't able to do, it set me on a course that changed my life and the world.' "
September 24, 2008
September 23, 2008
A Bridge in Ramadan
Muslim's across the world are currently observing the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and there are several reasons why the Islamic community consider it important. Muslim's believe that the Qur'an was revealed during this month, and that at this time the gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell closed.
A Christian church in the Indonesian city of Solo has recognised an opportunity to build a bridge to their community during Ramadan, by providing meals at sunset for fasting Muslim's.
Check out the BBC video report here
Preaching & Walking
I enjoyed this story, included in J. John's weekly e-news last Friday:
One day, St Francis of Assisi invited a young monk to join him on a trip to a local village to preach. The young novice, delighted to be singled out to be Francis’ companion, accepted with enthusiasm. They walked through the main streets, turned down many of the alleys, made their way into the suburbs and then returned to the monastery. As they returned, the young novice monk reminded Francis of the original intention: ‘You have forgotten, Father, that we went to the town to preach.’
‘My son,’ Francis replied, ‘we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by so many, our behaviour has been closely watched; it was thus that we preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach, unless we preach everywhere as we walk."
One day, St Francis of Assisi invited a young monk to join him on a trip to a local village to preach. The young novice, delighted to be singled out to be Francis’ companion, accepted with enthusiasm. They walked through the main streets, turned down many of the alleys, made their way into the suburbs and then returned to the monastery. As they returned, the young novice monk reminded Francis of the original intention: ‘You have forgotten, Father, that we went to the town to preach.’
‘My son,’ Francis replied, ‘we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by so many, our behaviour has been closely watched; it was thus that we preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach, unless we preach everywhere as we walk."
September 22, 2008
Great Quote
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Nathan Hale (1755-1776) - considered to be America's first spy; officer for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War against Britain.
Nathan Hale (1755-1776) - considered to be America's first spy; officer for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War against Britain.
September 21, 2008
The Worst Type of Luxury
I love this thought taken from Steve Penny's Leadership for Life lecture on Thursday night at Kings Training College.
"Successful leaders do not allow themselves the luxury of defeat."
"Successful leaders do not allow themselves the luxury of defeat."
September 20, 2008
September 19, 2008
Violence in the name of God
I am currently reading 'Can Man Live Without God' by Ravi Zacharias, and highly recommend it.
In chapter one Ravi addresses a common, yet ill-understood charge that many people lay upon Christianity: 'What about the thousands of people who have been killed in the name of religion?'
Before forcing the Christian to answer this emotion-charged question, the responsibility falls upon the atheist to explain all the killings that have taken place at the hands of those who have lived without God, for example Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and Mao. Those who are quick to lay blame for violence at the door of the religious, very often are not so enthusiastic about distributing blame to the irreligious.
People who bring this attack to religion have failed to recognise that history's large-scale slaughters at the hands of antitheists were the logical outworking of their Godless philosophy. On the other hand, violent crimes committed in the name of Christ would never have been endorsed by the Christ of scriptures. Indeed it was the self-focused, power hungry politicizers of religion whom Jesus most opposed in His life and teaching.
In short, whenever violonece has spawned in the name of Christ, it has been in contradiction to the gospel. However when violence is spawned in the name of atheism, it is the logical outworking of a philosophy void of morals or any basis for human value.
The frightening outworking of a Godless philosphy hang upon a wall in the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. These are the words of Hitler - his vision of a generation of youth devoid of conscience:
I freed Germany from the stupid and degrading fallicies of conscience and morality... We will train young people before whom the world will tremble. I want young people capable of violence - imperious, relelentless and cruel.
Ravi completes the chapter in summary of Hitler's Nazi Germany, their heinous crimes and their inextricable link with antitheism:
"That this was conceived and nurtured in the mind of the most educated nation at that time in history and brought forth on the soil that had also given brith to the Enlightenment almost denies belief. But it was atheism's legitimate offspring. Man was beginning to live without God."
In chapter one Ravi addresses a common, yet ill-understood charge that many people lay upon Christianity: 'What about the thousands of people who have been killed in the name of religion?'
Before forcing the Christian to answer this emotion-charged question, the responsibility falls upon the atheist to explain all the killings that have taken place at the hands of those who have lived without God, for example Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and Mao. Those who are quick to lay blame for violence at the door of the religious, very often are not so enthusiastic about distributing blame to the irreligious.
People who bring this attack to religion have failed to recognise that history's large-scale slaughters at the hands of antitheists were the logical outworking of their Godless philosophy. On the other hand, violent crimes committed in the name of Christ would never have been endorsed by the Christ of scriptures. Indeed it was the self-focused, power hungry politicizers of religion whom Jesus most opposed in His life and teaching.
In short, whenever violonece has spawned in the name of Christ, it has been in contradiction to the gospel. However when violence is spawned in the name of atheism, it is the logical outworking of a philosophy void of morals or any basis for human value.
The frightening outworking of a Godless philosphy hang upon a wall in the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. These are the words of Hitler - his vision of a generation of youth devoid of conscience:
I freed Germany from the stupid and degrading fallicies of conscience and morality... We will train young people before whom the world will tremble. I want young people capable of violence - imperious, relelentless and cruel.
Ravi completes the chapter in summary of Hitler's Nazi Germany, their heinous crimes and their inextricable link with antitheism:
"That this was conceived and nurtured in the mind of the most educated nation at that time in history and brought forth on the soil that had also given brith to the Enlightenment almost denies belief. But it was atheism's legitimate offspring. Man was beginning to live without God."
September 17, 2008
The Weekend
Sarah and I spent the weekend with James & Sam Macpherson at Calvary Christian Church in Townsville.
Our time there coincided with their 'Body, Soul, Spirit' womens conference with Janine Kubala and Jo Geerling, which Sarah loved.
Janine preached a hot message on Sunday morning on the subject of extravagance, and I preached Sunday night from the thought 'Intended for Influence'.
During Calvary's Sunday night service they featured a segment called 'Jesus in Real Life', where they interview a member of their church as to how they bring Jesus into their workplace. Local Hot FM radio host Steve Lanzon was the guest, and I have not laughed so hard in a while!
Last week Steve also posted a video on YouTube entitled 'Leave Stephanie Rice Alone', inspired by the now famous 'Leave Britney Alone' video. James Macpherson has posted the video on his blog today; to view click here.
Our time there coincided with their 'Body, Soul, Spirit' womens conference with Janine Kubala and Jo Geerling, which Sarah loved.
Janine preached a hot message on Sunday morning on the subject of extravagance, and I preached Sunday night from the thought 'Intended for Influence'.
During Calvary's Sunday night service they featured a segment called 'Jesus in Real Life', where they interview a member of their church as to how they bring Jesus into their workplace. Local Hot FM radio host Steve Lanzon was the guest, and I have not laughed so hard in a while!
Last week Steve also posted a video on YouTube entitled 'Leave Stephanie Rice Alone', inspired by the now famous 'Leave Britney Alone' video. James Macpherson has posted the video on his blog today; to view click here.
September 13, 2008
Activating Drive & Desire
I'm currently reading 'Developing the Leaders Around You' by John Maxwell.
Here's a great excerpt on activating the drive and desire in team members:
Great leaders know the desires of the people they lead. As much as potential leaders respect the knowledge and ability of their leaders, these are secondary matters to them. They don't care how much their leaders know until they how how much their leaders care...about their needs, their dreams, their desires.
Once a leader is genuinely interested in the well-being of those around him, the determination and drive of the people in that group are activated in a remarkable way. The starting point of all achievement is drive, determination, and desire.
Napoleon Bonaparte is known as one of history's greatest leaders. One of his leadership secrets was knowing the needs of his men. He first determined what his men wanted most. Then he did everything possible to help them get it. He knew this was a key to successful motivation. Most leaders do the opposite. They first decide what they want. Then they try to persuade others to want the same thing as much as they do.
Here's a great excerpt on activating the drive and desire in team members:
Great leaders know the desires of the people they lead. As much as potential leaders respect the knowledge and ability of their leaders, these are secondary matters to them. They don't care how much their leaders know until they how how much their leaders care...about their needs, their dreams, their desires.
Once a leader is genuinely interested in the well-being of those around him, the determination and drive of the people in that group are activated in a remarkable way. The starting point of all achievement is drive, determination, and desire.
Napoleon Bonaparte is known as one of history's greatest leaders. One of his leadership secrets was knowing the needs of his men. He first determined what his men wanted most. Then he did everything possible to help them get it. He knew this was a key to successful motivation. Most leaders do the opposite. They first decide what they want. Then they try to persuade others to want the same thing as much as they do.
September 12, 2008
People - the indispensible asset
"You can take my factories, burn up my buildings, but give me my people, and I'll bring my business right back again."
- Henry Ford
- Henry Ford
September 11, 2008
blogs everywhere!
Blogs are emerging everywhere from the amazing young people of KINGS.
Here are some of them - check them out.
Reuben Skewes
Francine Nicholls
Olivia Spies
Jazza Vock
I love young people who can put their faith into words, and love the raw edge to their posts.
Here are some of them - check them out.
Reuben Skewes
Francine Nicholls
Olivia Spies
Jazza Vock
I love young people who can put their faith into words, and love the raw edge to their posts.
Leaders & Teamwork
American college football coach Bear Bryant is legendary in his sport for his incredible winning record as a coach.
I like his view of leadership and teamwork:
'If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, then we did it. If anything goes real good, they did it.'
It's little wonder why he won people and games.
I like his view of leadership and teamwork:
'If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, then we did it. If anything goes real good, they did it.'
It's little wonder why he won people and games.
September 4, 2008
The Rich & the Rest
Today's Adelaide Advertiser ran an interesting article titled "How the Rich Differ from the Rest". The article outlined some great insights into the ethos and attitudes of the very wealthy.
Here's an excerpt:
Mr Grey said common characteristics of wealthy people included:
*Living well below their means all their lives.
*Allocating time, energy and money to increasing their wealth.
*Believing that financial independence was more important than displaying a high social status.
*Their parents did not provide financial handouts.
"They are extremely focused and passionate about their business or occupation and about earning strong income from that. They are also driven to live within their means, which enables them to invest on a regular basis,'' Mr Grey said.
To read the entire article click here
Here's an excerpt:
Mr Grey said common characteristics of wealthy people included:
*Living well below their means all their lives.
*Allocating time, energy and money to increasing their wealth.
*Believing that financial independence was more important than displaying a high social status.
*Their parents did not provide financial handouts.
"They are extremely focused and passionate about their business or occupation and about earning strong income from that. They are also driven to live within their means, which enables them to invest on a regular basis,'' Mr Grey said.
To read the entire article click here
September 3, 2008
Private Values & Public Performance
Do private values affect the public performance of public figures?
This was the key question in a BBC World News debate featuring Mal Fletcher. The debate was inspired by the recent Max Mosley court case in London.
In the debate Mal makes some great points regarding the indispensability of trust and integrity in leadership.
To view the debate on YouTube click here
This was the key question in a BBC World News debate featuring Mal Fletcher. The debate was inspired by the recent Max Mosley court case in London.
In the debate Mal makes some great points regarding the indispensability of trust and integrity in leadership.
To view the debate on YouTube click here
September 2, 2008
How we Learn
On Sunday afternoon I read a small book by Les Giblin, Skill with People.
In the introduction Giblin outlines three interesting human insights:
Insight #1 - How We Learn (and Buy)
83% through SIGHT
11% through HEARING
3.5% through SMELL
1.5% through TOUCH
1% through TASTE
Insight #2 - How We Retain Information
10% of what we READ
20% of what we HEAR
30% of what we SEE
50% of what we SEE & HEAR
70% of what we SAY AS WE TALK
90% of what we SAY AS WE DO A THING
Insight #3 - Methods of Instruction
Telling when Used Alone
70% recalled 3 hours later
10% recalled 3 days later
Showing When Used Alone
72% recalled 3 hours later
20% recalled 3 days later
Blend of Telling and Showing Used
85% recalled 3 hours later
65% recalled 3 days later
In terms of communication, the conclusion is that effective public speaking and preaching should be visually stimulating, including multi-media in such a way that it adds to, not detracts from from the message delivered.
Also, people need to in some way participate in the message via speech or action if they are to have a greater chance of retention. If there is no retention, both audience and orator have wasted their time.
"Pastor," said the worshipper, "what a wonderful sermon!" "That," replied the preacher, "remains to be seen."
In the introduction Giblin outlines three interesting human insights:
Insight #1 - How We Learn (and Buy)
83% through SIGHT
11% through HEARING
3.5% through SMELL
1.5% through TOUCH
1% through TASTE
Insight #2 - How We Retain Information
10% of what we READ
20% of what we HEAR
30% of what we SEE
50% of what we SEE & HEAR
70% of what we SAY AS WE TALK
90% of what we SAY AS WE DO A THING
Insight #3 - Methods of Instruction
Telling when Used Alone
70% recalled 3 hours later
10% recalled 3 days later
Showing When Used Alone
72% recalled 3 hours later
20% recalled 3 days later
Blend of Telling and Showing Used
85% recalled 3 hours later
65% recalled 3 days later
In terms of communication, the conclusion is that effective public speaking and preaching should be visually stimulating, including multi-media in such a way that it adds to, not detracts from from the message delivered.
Also, people need to in some way participate in the message via speech or action if they are to have a greater chance of retention. If there is no retention, both audience and orator have wasted their time.
"Pastor," said the worshipper, "what a wonderful sermon!" "That," replied the preacher, "remains to be seen."
September 1, 2008
National Child Protection Week?
The tiny hand of a fetus reaches out from a mother's womb to clasp a surgeon's healing finger. It shows a 21-week-old fetus in its mother's womb, about to undergo a spine operation designed to save it from serious brain damage.
Currently before the Victorian Parliament is new proposed abortion legislation. The Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 will be debated in Parliament from 9 September which, ironically, is National Child Protection Week.
If this becomes law, there is no doubt that it will serve as a precedent for law reform in other Australia states. Not only will abortion be decriminalised up until 24 weeks of pregnancy, but second and third trimester abortions will be far more accessible.
At 21 weeks old, this baby could be legally aborted by the proposed legislation before the Victorian Parliament.
The Right to Life website reports:
'The Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 is a radical attempt to legalise abortion in Victoria throughout the entire 9 months of pregnancy, without any real limitation. The Bill was introduced, ironically, by Minister for Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand MP.
Section 4 of the Bill mandates abortion on demand up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. We know that babies are now capable of being born alive at 22 weeks. This section therefore declares all abortions, for any reason, can be carried out on babies capable of being alive. No restrictions...'
For step by step instructions and ideas on how to write to your local politician regarding this proposal, visit www.makeastand.org.au
Genesis 25:23
And the Lord said to her [Rebekah]:
"Two nations are in your womb..."
Currently before the Victorian Parliament is new proposed abortion legislation. The Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 will be debated in Parliament from 9 September which, ironically, is National Child Protection Week.
If this becomes law, there is no doubt that it will serve as a precedent for law reform in other Australia states. Not only will abortion be decriminalised up until 24 weeks of pregnancy, but second and third trimester abortions will be far more accessible.
At 21 weeks old, this baby could be legally aborted by the proposed legislation before the Victorian Parliament.
The Right to Life website reports:
'The Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 is a radical attempt to legalise abortion in Victoria throughout the entire 9 months of pregnancy, without any real limitation. The Bill was introduced, ironically, by Minister for Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand MP.
Section 4 of the Bill mandates abortion on demand up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. We know that babies are now capable of being born alive at 22 weeks. This section therefore declares all abortions, for any reason, can be carried out on babies capable of being alive. No restrictions...'
For step by step instructions and ideas on how to write to your local politician regarding this proposal, visit www.makeastand.org.au
Genesis 25:23
And the Lord said to her [Rebekah]:
"Two nations are in your womb..."
August 25, 2008
The End of the Gladiator
In a recent message entitled "Is There Not a Cost", Ravi Zacharias concluded with this story of the martyrdom of Saint Telemachus: This is a story of a monk by the name of Telemachus. Telemachus was a dominionative man who lived amongst flowers and nurseries and reclusive settings.
One day the word of God came to him and told him to go to Rome. He did not want to go to Rome, he was not a city man; he despised the noise and the clanging, and the artificiality of city life. He wanted to live in his monastic reclused setting.
But God has strange ways. He raised Moses in a palace in order to use him in a desert, he raised Joseph in a desert in order to use him in a palace. He takes Telemachus out of a reclusive setting in order to use him in Rome.
Telemachus said ‘Okay God, if you want me to go, I’ll go. I don’t know why you want me to go, but I’ll go.”
As he is marching into the streets of Rome, he was quite overwhelmed by its monumental buildings, its spectacular edifices, the statues, marble sculptures and painting of man glorifying himself in self-worship. While walking into Rome he a saw huge crowd elbowing it’s way into the Colosseum. Telemechaus did not know where they were going but he was involuntarily dragged in by them and entered.
To his utter credulity as he sat in the bleachers there, he looked down and saw that what would that was going to entertain these sadistic masses was blood-letting orgies of hatred and sadism, as they were going to see the gladiatorial spectacles and fights; human beings tormenting and butchering one another.
He couldn’t believe it! As soon as the first sign of that violence was shown, in that huge amphitheatrical setting, he rose to his feet and screamed out “In the name of Christ, forebear! In the name of Christ, stop this thing!”
That amphitheatre had the ability to carry even a whisper to a marvellous crescendo of sound, and as he screamed, everybody heard him. He ran down the stairs, vaulted over into the centre arena, all the while shouting “in the name of Christ, stop this thing!”
He became a kind of innocent side show, and one man yelled from the stands, “Run him through!” A muscle-bound gladiator heaved him away, took his spear and thrust it through the body of Telemachus. As he bent over, clutching himself, the blood spilling out of his body and moments away from his death, the crowd now listening carefully, he speaks audibly once more for everyone to hear: “In the name of Christ, stop this thing.”
There was silence; then one man stood up and walked out. Then two; then three; then the thousands until everybody had left the Colosseum; they were gone.
The historian writes this: “Many other factors were brought to bear, but the death of Telemachus crystallised the opposition so that never again was there a gladiatorial fight, ever fought in the Colesseum.”
The entire message by Ravi Zacharias is exceptional and is available on his weekly podcast "Let My People Think".
August 15, 2008
On Character
"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
August 13, 2008
August 12, 2008
Burning Your Plastic Jesus
Mark Driscoll is the founding and preaching pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, USA. Driscoll is speaking in various locations in Australia in August, his key theme entitled 'Burning Your Plastic Jesus'.
I loved this quote from Driscoll in explanation of his message:
“In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand and the commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship. I cannot worship the hippie, diaper, halo Christ because I cannot worship a guy I can beat up. I fear some are becoming more cultural than Christian, and without a big Jesus who has authority and hates sin as revealed in the Bible, we will have less and less Christians, and more and more confused, spiritually self-righteous blogger critics of Christianity”.
I loved this quote from Driscoll in explanation of his message:
“In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand and the commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship. I cannot worship the hippie, diaper, halo Christ because I cannot worship a guy I can beat up. I fear some are becoming more cultural than Christian, and without a big Jesus who has authority and hates sin as revealed in the Bible, we will have less and less Christians, and more and more confused, spiritually self-righteous blogger critics of Christianity”.
Keller on the Problem of Pain
In December 2004, a massive tsunami killed more than 250,000 people around the rim of the Indian Ocean. Over the following weeks, newspapers and magazines were full of letters and articles asking "Where was God?" One reporter wrote: "If God is God, he's not good. If God is good, he's not God. You can't have it both ways, especially after the Indian Ocean catastrophe." Despite the confident assertion of the columnist, the effort to demonstrate that evil disproves the existence of God "is now acknowledged on (almost) all sides to be completely bankrupt." Why?
... Just because you can't see or image a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn't mean there can't be one. Against we see lurking within supposedly hard-nosed skepticism an enormous faith in one's own cognitive faculties. If our minds can't plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can't be any! This is blind faith of a high order.
... If you have a God great and transcendent enough to be mad at because he hasn't stopped evil and suffering in the world, then you have (at the same moment) a God great and transcendent enough to have good reasons for allowing it to continue that you can't know. Indeed, you can't have it both ways.
Excerpt from 'The Reason for God' Chapter 2 - How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
... Just because you can't see or image a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn't mean there can't be one. Against we see lurking within supposedly hard-nosed skepticism an enormous faith in one's own cognitive faculties. If our minds can't plumb the depths of the universe for good answers to suffering, well, then, there can't be any! This is blind faith of a high order.
... If you have a God great and transcendent enough to be mad at because he hasn't stopped evil and suffering in the world, then you have (at the same moment) a God great and transcendent enough to have good reasons for allowing it to continue that you can't know. Indeed, you can't have it both ways.
Excerpt from 'The Reason for God' Chapter 2 - How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
August 11, 2008
We've Come a Long Way
In terms of Christian TV, thank God we're advancing.
Case in point - click here
Case in point - click here
August 5, 2008
Hmmm.
Have you noticed that when you walk into the elaborate homes of many highly successful people you will see an office or study with a large bookcase against the wall, packed with hundreds of books.
Do you think they became successful, and then decided to buy some books with the money?
Do you think they became successful, and then decided to buy some books with the money?
August 4, 2008
The Perfect Problem
I preached yesterday at Kings Noosa on the topic of "The Perfect Problem".
I think that we often tell ourselves that 'once I get through this stuff, then I'll really start progressing in God'. Little do we recognise that God has allowed the 'stuff' in our lives as the means by which we will progress. Problems aren't meant to pause our Christian growth, but instead are sent to perfect our growth. It is when the river is at it's fiercest that we progress most quickly upon it!
Here are four things we must remember in the face of problems:
1. God's Connection with My Reality
It's a trap to believe that our problems separate us from God. Hebrews 5 demonstrates that Jesus shared in all points of our human experience (except in sin). Therefore our problems don't separate us from God, but provide common ground upon which we relate. Jesus came as our 'High Priest'; fully human that He might have relativity with my situations, yet fully God that He might have authority to change my situations.
Jesus spent thirty years building relativity before embarking upon three years of ministry. The paintings of Jesus in which he is surrounded by mystical aura with blow dried locks and spotless skin are a lie! Jesus was so 'normal' that Judas had to kiss him to identify him to the Roman guards.
Because Jesus shared in the 'normality' of the human experience, I can confidently approach him in prayer knowing that he has felt what I feel.
2. God's Ability & His Sovereignty
Hebrews 5 alludes to Jesus' experience in Gethsemane. Mark 14:36 writes:
“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Jesus believed in the Father's ability ("Everything is possible for you"), while continuing to trust in the Father's sovereignty ("Your will be done, not mine").
I will never stop asking God for miracles with faith in His supernatural power. And if my prayers go unanswered, I will trust in His goodness and sovereignty to do what is right. Our faith must be in both God's power and His nature.
3. God's Declaration Concerning Me
Jesus is God's son, yet he still faced life's problems.
My sonship before God does not remove me from the realities of life; the realities of life do not remove me from my sonship before God.
4. God's Desire to Develop Me
Contrary to what I would love to believe, God's greatest desire for me is not my comfort; it is my development. He loves me too much to leave me.
Hebrews 5:8 tells us that Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered. The Greek word used for 'learned' means 'to learn by use and practice'. This is not an intellectual learning, but an experiential learning.
James 1:2-4 shows us that life's trials are productive. Muscle is developed by resistance, not ease.
You never learn that God is your rock until you go through uncertainty. You never learn that God is your joy until you go through some pain. You never learn that God is your comfort until you go through some discomfort. You never learn that God is the lifter of your head until it gets knocked down!
God uses all these problematic situations to perfect and complete us. If you've got problems, that's perfect!
I think that we often tell ourselves that 'once I get through this stuff, then I'll really start progressing in God'. Little do we recognise that God has allowed the 'stuff' in our lives as the means by which we will progress. Problems aren't meant to pause our Christian growth, but instead are sent to perfect our growth. It is when the river is at it's fiercest that we progress most quickly upon it!
Here are four things we must remember in the face of problems:
1. God's Connection with My Reality
It's a trap to believe that our problems separate us from God. Hebrews 5 demonstrates that Jesus shared in all points of our human experience (except in sin). Therefore our problems don't separate us from God, but provide common ground upon which we relate. Jesus came as our 'High Priest'; fully human that He might have relativity with my situations, yet fully God that He might have authority to change my situations.
Jesus spent thirty years building relativity before embarking upon three years of ministry. The paintings of Jesus in which he is surrounded by mystical aura with blow dried locks and spotless skin are a lie! Jesus was so 'normal' that Judas had to kiss him to identify him to the Roman guards.
Because Jesus shared in the 'normality' of the human experience, I can confidently approach him in prayer knowing that he has felt what I feel.
2. God's Ability & His Sovereignty
Hebrews 5 alludes to Jesus' experience in Gethsemane. Mark 14:36 writes:
“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Jesus believed in the Father's ability ("Everything is possible for you"), while continuing to trust in the Father's sovereignty ("Your will be done, not mine").
I will never stop asking God for miracles with faith in His supernatural power. And if my prayers go unanswered, I will trust in His goodness and sovereignty to do what is right. Our faith must be in both God's power and His nature.
3. God's Declaration Concerning Me
Jesus is God's son, yet he still faced life's problems.
My sonship before God does not remove me from the realities of life; the realities of life do not remove me from my sonship before God.
4. God's Desire to Develop Me
Contrary to what I would love to believe, God's greatest desire for me is not my comfort; it is my development. He loves me too much to leave me.
Hebrews 5:8 tells us that Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered. The Greek word used for 'learned' means 'to learn by use and practice'. This is not an intellectual learning, but an experiential learning.
James 1:2-4 shows us that life's trials are productive. Muscle is developed by resistance, not ease.
You never learn that God is your rock until you go through uncertainty. You never learn that God is your joy until you go through some pain. You never learn that God is your comfort until you go through some discomfort. You never learn that God is the lifter of your head until it gets knocked down!
God uses all these problematic situations to perfect and complete us. If you've got problems, that's perfect!
August 3, 2008
Wesley on Value
I believe that where we direct our money is a great indicator of what we believe to be valuable; John Wesley provides an outstanding example.
Wesley donated to mission causes by sacrificing personal comforts. Living simply, he was able to give more than $500,000 to missions in his lifetime.
When asked about this personal sacrifice, his answer was, "Gladly would I again make the floor my bed, a box my chair, a box my table, rather than that men should perish for want of the knowledge of the Saviour."
Wesley donated to mission causes by sacrificing personal comforts. Living simply, he was able to give more than $500,000 to missions in his lifetime.
When asked about this personal sacrifice, his answer was, "Gladly would I again make the floor my bed, a box my chair, a box my table, rather than that men should perish for want of the knowledge of the Saviour."
July 30, 2008
Keller on the Trinity
I'm currently preparing for a lecture this Friday at Kings Training College on the topic of the Trinity (I understand; you're trying to suppress the jealousy), and have found Keller's The Reason for God to be particularly helpful, particular his chapter titled 'The Dance of God'.
Many writers on this topic become confusing and difficult to grasp. Keller's writing is logical and practical. Here's a snippet:
Christianity, alone among the world faiths, teaches that God is triune. The doctrine of the Trinity is that God is one being who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity means that God is, in essence, relational...
If there is no God, then everything in and about us is the product of blind impersonal forces. The experience of love may feel significant, but evolutionary naturalists tell us that it is merely a biochemical state in the brain.
But what if there is a God? Does love fare any better? It depends on who you think God is. If God is unipersonal, then until God created other beings there was no love, since love is something that one person has for another. This means that a unipersonal God was power, sovereignty, and greatness from all eternity, but not love...
However, if God is triune, then loving relationships in community are the "great fountain... at the center of reality."... In the Christian conception, God really has love as his essence...
Ultimate reality is a community of persons who know and love one another. That is what the universe, God, history, and life is all about. If you favor money, power, and accomplishment over human relationships, you will dash yourself on the rocks of reality...
You will never get a sense of self by...making everything revolve around your needs and interests. Unless you are willing to experience the loss of options and the individual limitation that comes from being in committed relationships, you will remain out of touch with your own nature and the nature of things.
Needless to say, the whole chapter is a brilliant yet easily understood explanation of the Trinity.
Many writers on this topic become confusing and difficult to grasp. Keller's writing is logical and practical. Here's a snippet:
Christianity, alone among the world faiths, teaches that God is triune. The doctrine of the Trinity is that God is one being who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity means that God is, in essence, relational...
If there is no God, then everything in and about us is the product of blind impersonal forces. The experience of love may feel significant, but evolutionary naturalists tell us that it is merely a biochemical state in the brain.
But what if there is a God? Does love fare any better? It depends on who you think God is. If God is unipersonal, then until God created other beings there was no love, since love is something that one person has for another. This means that a unipersonal God was power, sovereignty, and greatness from all eternity, but not love...
However, if God is triune, then loving relationships in community are the "great fountain... at the center of reality."... In the Christian conception, God really has love as his essence...
Ultimate reality is a community of persons who know and love one another. That is what the universe, God, history, and life is all about. If you favor money, power, and accomplishment over human relationships, you will dash yourself on the rocks of reality...
You will never get a sense of self by...making everything revolve around your needs and interests. Unless you are willing to experience the loss of options and the individual limitation that comes from being in committed relationships, you will remain out of touch with your own nature and the nature of things.
Needless to say, the whole chapter is a brilliant yet easily understood explanation of the Trinity.
July 29, 2008
Zacharias on Prayer
Ravi Zacharias was the 2008 Honorary Chairman of America's National Day of Prayer. Below is an excerpt of his keynote address at The Cannon House in Washington, on May 1, 2008. Typical of Zacharias, the address is thorough, insightful and loaded with excellent quotes and illustrations.
"...I’ve spoken to our troops in Doha Qatar and at Ramstein prayed with our wounded. In many of the bases I have been, at the end of each meeting there’s a line up of some of the finest young men and women in the world, armed with some of the finest weaponry, asking if you’ll just put your hand on their shoulder and pray for them. They want that power that is greater than what the military might alone can bring.
"...I’ve spoken to our troops in Doha Qatar and at Ramstein prayed with our wounded. In many of the bases I have been, at the end of each meeting there’s a line up of some of the finest young men and women in the world, armed with some of the finest weaponry, asking if you’ll just put your hand on their shoulder and pray for them. They want that power that is greater than what the military might alone can bring.
The famed John Chrysostom, writing in the 400s, said this,
“The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire; it hath bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, subdued evil instincts, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-sufficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine which is never exhausted, a sky unobscured by the clouds, a heaven unruffled by the storm. It is the root, the fountain, and the mother of a thousand blessings."
To view the entire speech, click hereOn Absolute Claims
You can't say, "All claim about religions are historically conditioned except the one I am making right now." If you insist that no one can determine which beliefs are right and wrong, why should we believe what you are saying? The reality is that we all make truth-claims of some sort and it is very hard to weigh them responsibly, but we have no alternative but to try to do so.
From the Leap of Doubt: Chapter 1 - There Can't Be Just One True Religion
From the Leap of Doubt: Chapter 1 - There Can't Be Just One True Religion
July 28, 2008
Keller & the Reason for God
I've just finished reading Timothy Keller's The Reason for God. Keller pastors Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhatten, which has nearly 6,000 regular attendees, mostly young adults of ranging ethnicities.
In summary, the book is written in two parts, with each part consisting of seven chapters.
In Part One, Keller puts forward his case that skepticism is actually based on a set of beliefs...
"But even as believers should learn to look for reasons behind their faith, skeptics must learn to look for a type of faith hidden within their reasoning. All doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs. You cannot doubt Belief A except from the position of faith in Belief B... Every doubt, therefore, is based on a leap of faith."
The first half of the book reviews the seven biggest objection and doubts about Christianity, the second half examines the reasons underlying Christian beliefs. The key points are outlined below:
Part One: The Leap of Doubt
1. There Can't Be Just One True Religion
2. How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
3. Christianity is a Straitjacket
4. The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice
5. How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
6. Science Has Disproved Christianity
7. You Can't Take the Bible Literally
Part Two: The Reasons for Faith
1. The Clues of God
2. The Knowledge of God
3. The Problem of Sin
4. Religion and the Gospel
5. The True Story of the Cross
6. The Reality of the Resurrection
7. The Dance of God
Over the next week I will post some excerpts that I found particularly brilliant. I encourage any thinking Christian to grab a copy for yourself, particularly for any young person embarking upon university studies.
In summary, the book is written in two parts, with each part consisting of seven chapters.
In Part One, Keller puts forward his case that skepticism is actually based on a set of beliefs...
"But even as believers should learn to look for reasons behind their faith, skeptics must learn to look for a type of faith hidden within their reasoning. All doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs. You cannot doubt Belief A except from the position of faith in Belief B... Every doubt, therefore, is based on a leap of faith."
The first half of the book reviews the seven biggest objection and doubts about Christianity, the second half examines the reasons underlying Christian beliefs. The key points are outlined below:
Part One: The Leap of Doubt
1. There Can't Be Just One True Religion
2. How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?
3. Christianity is a Straitjacket
4. The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice
5. How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?
6. Science Has Disproved Christianity
7. You Can't Take the Bible Literally
Part Two: The Reasons for Faith
1. The Clues of God
2. The Knowledge of God
3. The Problem of Sin
4. Religion and the Gospel
5. The True Story of the Cross
6. The Reality of the Resurrection
7. The Dance of God
Over the next week I will post some excerpts that I found particularly brilliant. I encourage any thinking Christian to grab a copy for yourself, particularly for any young person embarking upon university studies.
Attributes of Great Employees cont.
Titus 2:9-10
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
1. Great employees understand servanthood and subjection
2. Great employees understand the heart of their master
3. Great employees create a good atmosphere
4. Great employees understand that all things matter
5. Great employees understand unified leadership
"...not answering back..."
There are few things more frustrating than hearing an employee gripe about their boss in earshot (or directly to) their customers. Instantly your trust in the product and company management is diminished and the service experience soured.
The Greek word used for 'answering back' is antilegō, meaning 'to speak against, contradict, to declare oneself against'. If an organisation's own employees are against it, on what grounds should I place faith in the organisation?
Great employees recognise that every person within the organisation is a leader in the eyes of outsiders.
6. Great employees commit themselves to faithfulness
"...showing all good fidelity"
Faithfulness is a most attractive characteristic. Even the person with least natural ability can become a valuable team member if they commit to faithfulness.
It's interesting that Paul notes that our fidelity ought to be 'good', meaning 'useful, pleasant, joyful, happy, excellent and honourable'. To faithfully check in to work with a bad attitude and negative vibe is no blessing to any employer. Fidelity is only beneficial when flavoured with joy, excellence and honour.
7. Great employees see the greater purpose
"...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
The doctrines of Christianity are made attractive or abhorrent according to the way we conduct ourselves at work. Despite what we may believe, the Christian faith is not beautified by our sharp and savvy Sunday services. In Paul's opinion, the doctrines of God and salvation are adorned, or embellished with honour, by the way we conduct ourselves in the day to day matters of life.
The most attractive advertisement for Christianity is it's pragmatic demonstration in our workplaces by our work habits.
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
1. Great employees understand servanthood and subjection
2. Great employees understand the heart of their master
3. Great employees create a good atmosphere
4. Great employees understand that all things matter
5. Great employees understand unified leadership
"...not answering back..."
There are few things more frustrating than hearing an employee gripe about their boss in earshot (or directly to) their customers. Instantly your trust in the product and company management is diminished and the service experience soured.
The Greek word used for 'answering back' is antilegō, meaning 'to speak against, contradict, to declare oneself against'. If an organisation's own employees are against it, on what grounds should I place faith in the organisation?
Great employees recognise that every person within the organisation is a leader in the eyes of outsiders.
6. Great employees commit themselves to faithfulness
"...showing all good fidelity"
Faithfulness is a most attractive characteristic. Even the person with least natural ability can become a valuable team member if they commit to faithfulness.
It's interesting that Paul notes that our fidelity ought to be 'good', meaning 'useful, pleasant, joyful, happy, excellent and honourable'. To faithfully check in to work with a bad attitude and negative vibe is no blessing to any employer. Fidelity is only beneficial when flavoured with joy, excellence and honour.
7. Great employees see the greater purpose
"...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
The doctrines of Christianity are made attractive or abhorrent according to the way we conduct ourselves at work. Despite what we may believe, the Christian faith is not beautified by our sharp and savvy Sunday services. In Paul's opinion, the doctrines of God and salvation are adorned, or embellished with honour, by the way we conduct ourselves in the day to day matters of life.
The most attractive advertisement for Christianity is it's pragmatic demonstration in our workplaces by our work habits.
July 26, 2008
On Faith and Feelings
“The life of faith is not only totally different from, but also diametrically opposite to a life of feeling. He who lives by sensation can follow God’s will or seek the things above purely at the time of excitement; should this blissful feeling cease, every activity terminates. Not so with one who walks by faith. Faith is anchored in the One whom he believes rather than in the one who exercises the believing, that is, himself. Faith looks not at what happens to him but at Him whom he believes.”
- Watchman Nee from his book “The Spiritual Man”
- Watchman Nee from his book “The Spiritual Man”
July 18, 2008
Preaching and Preparation
Martin Niemoller, heroic Christian leader and war prisoner in Nazi Germany, told of a young German minister who said that instead of study, he trusted the Spirit for his sermons.
An older colleague commented: "As for me, the Holy Ghost never spoke to me in the pulpit. Yes, I remember, he did speak to me once. When I was going down the pulpit steps after a poor sort of sermon, the Holy Ghost spoke to me. He said only three words, and what he said was, 'Heinrich, you are lazy!'" In other words, "the Holy Spirit has much more important work to do than to substitute for human indolence."
An older colleague commented: "As for me, the Holy Ghost never spoke to me in the pulpit. Yes, I remember, he did speak to me once. When I was going down the pulpit steps after a poor sort of sermon, the Holy Ghost spoke to me. He said only three words, and what he said was, 'Heinrich, you are lazy!'" In other words, "the Holy Spirit has much more important work to do than to substitute for human indolence."
July 14, 2008
A Positive Outlook
Setting: Battle of the Bulge WWI
“For the first time in the history of this campaign we are surrounded on the East, West, North and South. We can now attack the enemy in all directions.”
- General Creighton William Abrams
“For the first time in the history of this campaign we are surrounded on the East, West, North and South. We can now attack the enemy in all directions.”
- General Creighton William Abrams
July 13, 2008
Attributes of Great Employees
1. Great employees understand servanthood and subjection
2. Great employees understand the heart of their master
...obedient to their own masters...
Great employees and team members understand that no two 'masters' are the same. These people recognise that they are not on team to do a job, but to bring to fulfillment the dream of 'their own master'. They understand the unique likes and dreams of their master and shape their work accordingly.
Like Joseph, great employees understand that when interpreting dreams, there is no 'one size fits all' solution.
3. Great employees create a good atmosphere
...to be well pleasing...
Some people carry a bad atmosphere. Crowded House were right when they sung 'everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you'! Great employees manage their feelings to ensure that they create and maintain a good atmosphere for other team members; this is particularly important for leaders; the King sets the culture of the Kingdom.
4. Great employees understand that all things matter
...to be well pleasing in all things...
It is the little things that speak most about any organisation. Yes, I understand that being polite and courteous to customers may not be in your position description, nor is ironing your shirt, doing your hair or having fresh breath! But all of these have a huge impact on a person's overal perception of the whole organisation.
Great employees understand that organisations become exceptional because they do all things well. These people intuitively the right way to handle 'all things'.
2. Great employees understand the heart of their master
...obedient to their own masters...
Great employees and team members understand that no two 'masters' are the same. These people recognise that they are not on team to do a job, but to bring to fulfillment the dream of 'their own master'. They understand the unique likes and dreams of their master and shape their work accordingly.
Like Joseph, great employees understand that when interpreting dreams, there is no 'one size fits all' solution.
3. Great employees create a good atmosphere
...to be well pleasing...
Some people carry a bad atmosphere. Crowded House were right when they sung 'everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you'! Great employees manage their feelings to ensure that they create and maintain a good atmosphere for other team members; this is particularly important for leaders; the King sets the culture of the Kingdom.
4. Great employees understand that all things matter
...to be well pleasing in all things...
It is the little things that speak most about any organisation. Yes, I understand that being polite and courteous to customers may not be in your position description, nor is ironing your shirt, doing your hair or having fresh breath! But all of these have a huge impact on a person's overal perception of the whole organisation.
Great employees understand that organisations become exceptional because they do all things well. These people intuitively the right way to handle 'all things'.
July 2, 2008
7 Attributes of Great Employees
In Titus 2:9-10 we read Apostle Paul's idea of a great employee:
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
From these verses we can identify 7 attributes of great employees. Today, number one:
1. Great employees understand servanthood and subjection
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters..."
Servanthood and subjection don't sound very enticing to the average worker. In fact, many employees believe that the way to enjoy work is to gravitate toward the opposite. However great employees understand that the quickest way to promotion and stewardship is to serve within their organisation, subjecting themselves to the vision and plan of their 'master'.
This is the example of Christ has left us. God the Father had the plan; God the Son had the task. Philippians 2:7 says of Jesus that He, 'made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant...'; that was Jesus' choice. Philippians 2:9 continues, 'Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name...'; that was God the Father's choice.
Because of Jesus' choice to serve and subject Himself, God made the choice to exalt and esteem Him, thus providing us a pattern for the master/servant relationship; should we deviate from this pattern?
> More attributes over the next few days
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
From these verses we can identify 7 attributes of great employees. Today, number one:
1. Great employees understand servanthood and subjection
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters..."
Servanthood and subjection don't sound very enticing to the average worker. In fact, many employees believe that the way to enjoy work is to gravitate toward the opposite. However great employees understand that the quickest way to promotion and stewardship is to serve within their organisation, subjecting themselves to the vision and plan of their 'master'.
This is the example of Christ has left us. God the Father had the plan; God the Son had the task. Philippians 2:7 says of Jesus that He, 'made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant...'; that was Jesus' choice. Philippians 2:9 continues, 'Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name...'; that was God the Father's choice.
Because of Jesus' choice to serve and subject Himself, God made the choice to exalt and esteem Him, thus providing us a pattern for the master/servant relationship; should we deviate from this pattern?
> More attributes over the next few days
Ultimate Frisbee
I met an interesting uni student a few weeks ago, the son of a couple at Kings Noosa. When I asked what he did for fun he quickly introduced me to Ultimate Frisbee, which ensued a fascinating conversation!
Turns out that he was in Brazil last December, representing Australia at the International Ultimate Frisbee Championships! I was in the presence of one of our nation's greats and I didn't even know it!
I also learned that there is a tinge of arrogance in the sport's title. It's called 'ultimate' frisbee simply because they believe that it's the ultimate sport. Imagine if every sport adopted this motto: ultimate darts, ultimate bowls, ultimate fencing, ultimate lacrosse. Anyway, I admire their confidence.
He told me that I had to check the sport out for myself via YouTube. It actually looks cool and the athleticism, vertical leap and marking is reminiscent of AFL , thereby making it cool. Check out the video and ignore the cheesy music.
Turns out that he was in Brazil last December, representing Australia at the International Ultimate Frisbee Championships! I was in the presence of one of our nation's greats and I didn't even know it!
I also learned that there is a tinge of arrogance in the sport's title. It's called 'ultimate' frisbee simply because they believe that it's the ultimate sport. Imagine if every sport adopted this motto: ultimate darts, ultimate bowls, ultimate fencing, ultimate lacrosse. Anyway, I admire their confidence.
He told me that I had to check the sport out for myself via YouTube. It actually looks cool and the athleticism, vertical leap and marking is reminiscent of AFL , thereby making it cool. Check out the video and ignore the cheesy music.
July 1, 2008
Inspiration from Latimer
I'm currently reading (and really enjoying) The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. In the book he tells of the martyrdom of Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, who were burned at the stake in Oxford in 1555 for their Protestant convictions.
Hugh Latimer was a Religious reformer, preacher and Bishop of Worcester during the 16th century. His story caught my attention as my nephew's middle name is Latimer, named after this man.
In his final moments and as the flames leapt up, Latimer is quoted as having calmly said to Ridley, "Be of good comfort, Mr Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God's grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out."
Inspirational.
Hugh Latimer was a Religious reformer, preacher and Bishop of Worcester during the 16th century. His story caught my attention as my nephew's middle name is Latimer, named after this man.
In his final moments and as the flames leapt up, Latimer is quoted as having calmly said to Ridley, "Be of good comfort, Mr Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God's grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out."
Inspirational.
June 30, 2008
Progressive Expectancy
We have an amazing church! This weekend in Kings was our Miracle Cash Offering and Pledge Sunday toward our Campus development. Over $2.4 million was pledged for the coming twelve months, which will allow us to destroy our current debt to open the door to our future dreams.
Kings also gave a cash offering of about $100K yesterday toward our building fund. This is brilliant, but particularly amazing when you consider that just last weekend we gave almost $25K to the work of Watoto, for the care of orphans and raising of leaders in Uganda. A few weeks before that we gave our Sunday AM offering of $19K toward aid relief in Burma and a few weeks before that gave a spontaneous $100K toward our building development.
Many churches experience a slump in financial support toward their building programs once they have moved into new facilites, as paying off a debt can be far less compelling than possessing new facilities. However we have received our biggest pledge (up $600K on previous best), one year into our new facility, the Champions Centre.
I think that this unusual generosity could be attributed to two things:
Firstly, the fact that our church gave to the poor. Proverbs 28:27 states, 'He who gives to the poor will not lack...' Few Senior Pastors would have faith enough to give almost $45K out of their offerings in the weeks leading up to a building pledge. God gathers possessions for him who will pity the poor (Proverbs 28:8).
Secondly, the power of progressive expectancy. From the moment Kings moved into the Champions Centre we have known that it is only stage one of our campus development. The progressive vision is clear and compelling. We know that we have not yet 'made it' and there is still much to do; this is the greatest way to live.
The weekend's events reminded me of this from J. John's E-letter on June 19th:
About 350 years ago a shipload of travellers landed on the north east coast of America. The first year they established the site for a town. The next year they elected a town government. The third year the town government planned to build a road five miles westward into the wilderness.
In the fourth year the people tried to impeach their town government because they thought it was a waste of public funds to build a road five miles westward into a wilderness. After all, they thought, who needed to go there anyway?
These were people who had the vision to see 3,000 miles across an ocean and overcome great hardships to get there, who nevertheless couldn’t see the point in venturing five miles further out of town, a few years later. They had lost their pioneering vision. With a clear vision of what we can become in Christ, no ocean of difficulty is too great. Without it, we rarely move beyond our current boundaries.
A missionary society wrote to pioneer missionary David Livingstone and asked, "Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you." David Livingstone wrote back: "If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."
When Julius Caesar landed on the shores of Britain with his Roman legions, he took a bold and decisive step to ensure the success of his military venture. Ordering his men to march to the edge of the cliffs of Dover, he commanded them to look down at the water below. To their amazement, they saw every ship in which they had crossed the channel engulfed in flames. Caesar had deliberately cut off any possibility of retreat. Now that his soldiers were unable to return to the continent, there was nothing left for them to do but advance and conquer. And that’s exactly what they did...
Let’s be expectant, adventurous and let’s embrace the motto of another great missionary William Carey: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."
To receive J John's newsletter visit www.philotrust.com
Kings also gave a cash offering of about $100K yesterday toward our building fund. This is brilliant, but particularly amazing when you consider that just last weekend we gave almost $25K to the work of Watoto, for the care of orphans and raising of leaders in Uganda. A few weeks before that we gave our Sunday AM offering of $19K toward aid relief in Burma and a few weeks before that gave a spontaneous $100K toward our building development.
Many churches experience a slump in financial support toward their building programs once they have moved into new facilites, as paying off a debt can be far less compelling than possessing new facilities. However we have received our biggest pledge (up $600K on previous best), one year into our new facility, the Champions Centre.
I think that this unusual generosity could be attributed to two things:
Firstly, the fact that our church gave to the poor. Proverbs 28:27 states, 'He who gives to the poor will not lack...' Few Senior Pastors would have faith enough to give almost $45K out of their offerings in the weeks leading up to a building pledge. God gathers possessions for him who will pity the poor (Proverbs 28:8).
Secondly, the power of progressive expectancy. From the moment Kings moved into the Champions Centre we have known that it is only stage one of our campus development. The progressive vision is clear and compelling. We know that we have not yet 'made it' and there is still much to do; this is the greatest way to live.
The weekend's events reminded me of this from J. John's E-letter on June 19th:
About 350 years ago a shipload of travellers landed on the north east coast of America. The first year they established the site for a town. The next year they elected a town government. The third year the town government planned to build a road five miles westward into the wilderness.
In the fourth year the people tried to impeach their town government because they thought it was a waste of public funds to build a road five miles westward into a wilderness. After all, they thought, who needed to go there anyway?
These were people who had the vision to see 3,000 miles across an ocean and overcome great hardships to get there, who nevertheless couldn’t see the point in venturing five miles further out of town, a few years later. They had lost their pioneering vision. With a clear vision of what we can become in Christ, no ocean of difficulty is too great. Without it, we rarely move beyond our current boundaries.
A missionary society wrote to pioneer missionary David Livingstone and asked, "Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you." David Livingstone wrote back: "If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."
When Julius Caesar landed on the shores of Britain with his Roman legions, he took a bold and decisive step to ensure the success of his military venture. Ordering his men to march to the edge of the cliffs of Dover, he commanded them to look down at the water below. To their amazement, they saw every ship in which they had crossed the channel engulfed in flames. Caesar had deliberately cut off any possibility of retreat. Now that his soldiers were unable to return to the continent, there was nothing left for them to do but advance and conquer. And that’s exactly what they did...
Let’s be expectant, adventurous and let’s embrace the motto of another great missionary William Carey: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."
To receive J John's newsletter visit www.philotrust.com
June 23, 2008
10 Questions Leaders Ask
Pastor Rick Roberts of Gympie Christian Church spoke at Kings Training College last Friday. He passed on to me 10 questions that leaders ask themselves, helping to take stock of their progress.
1. Am I investing in myself?
- This is a personal growth question
2. Am I genuinely interested in others?
- This is a motive question
- Mature leaders motivate by moving people for mutual benefit
3. Am I doing what I love doing and loving what I do?
- This is a passion question
- If I go to work only to fulfill processes and functions, I am effectively retired
- Passion gives you the energy advantage over others
4. Am I investing my time with the right people?
- This is a relationship question
5. Am I staying in my strength zone?
- This is an effectiveness question
- I don't have to be a jack of all trades
- Delegation frees me to focus on what only I can offer to the organisation
- The church needs more genius and less average
6. Am I taking others to a higher level?
- This is a mission question
- Longterm influence is determined by the seeds I sow
- My mission is to add value to leaders who will multiply value to others
7. Am I taking care of today?
- This is a success question
- Success is determined by my daily agenda
- Are my habits utilizing my time or frittering it away
8. Am I taking time to think?
- This is a leadership question
- A minute of thought is greater than an hour of talk
- Taking time to think allows me to live life purposefully
- I author my life by clearing my schedule for thinking
9. Am I developing leaders?
- This is a legacy question
- Am I striving to create successors who go beyond myself
10. Am I pleasing God?
- This is an eternity question
- Is my conscience clean before God and man?
1. Am I investing in myself?
- This is a personal growth question
2. Am I genuinely interested in others?
- This is a motive question
- Mature leaders motivate by moving people for mutual benefit
3. Am I doing what I love doing and loving what I do?
- This is a passion question
- If I go to work only to fulfill processes and functions, I am effectively retired
- Passion gives you the energy advantage over others
4. Am I investing my time with the right people?
- This is a relationship question
5. Am I staying in my strength zone?
- This is an effectiveness question
- I don't have to be a jack of all trades
- Delegation frees me to focus on what only I can offer to the organisation
- The church needs more genius and less average
6. Am I taking others to a higher level?
- This is a mission question
- Longterm influence is determined by the seeds I sow
- My mission is to add value to leaders who will multiply value to others
7. Am I taking care of today?
- This is a success question
- Success is determined by my daily agenda
- Are my habits utilizing my time or frittering it away
8. Am I taking time to think?
- This is a leadership question
- A minute of thought is greater than an hour of talk
- Taking time to think allows me to live life purposefully
- I author my life by clearing my schedule for thinking
9. Am I developing leaders?
- This is a legacy question
- Am I striving to create successors who go beyond myself
10. Am I pleasing God?
- This is an eternity question
- Is my conscience clean before God and man?
June 21, 2008
On Provision
“Depend on it. God's work done God's way will never lack God's supplies."
James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
June 16, 2008
Example and Leadership
I was reading 1 Timothy 4 this morning and reminded of the imperative of leading by example. Paul is writing to Timothy, his disciple and now young pastor in the city of Ephesus, about personal conduct and leadership in his life and ministry. In chapter 4:12, Paul writes, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers..."
Paul's advice to Timothy is that a life of example will silence any critics who believe that he is too young for the responsibility of leadership. Leadership credibility is earned through example, not received with a title.
Why is example so important in leadership?
1. Example is more readily followed than instructions
The most helpful instruction manuals contain more than just points and principles, they contain pictures. In my experience it is the pictures that I look to first and that are most helpful to me (maybe it's a guy thing). The same is true in leadership. People follow the example of other people more readily than they follow a set of principles or teachings.
Robert Grosseteste, bishop of Lincoln, England, from 1235-1253 once wrote, “The life of the pastor is the book of the laity.” Leaders are readers and leaders are read.
34th President of the USA, Dwight D. Eisenhower said it this way: "Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all."
2. Example joins people to the leader
Paul writes in Philippians 3:17, 'Brethren, join in following my example...' It's interesting that Paul doesn't simply say 'follow my example', but instead includes the word 'join'.
The leaders who (by his words or lifestyle) says 'Do as I say, not as I do' creates a great divide between himself and his followers, creating a 'them and us' scenario. The leader who says 'join in following my example' creates an 'us' environment.
Command based leadership alienates people from their leader. Example based leadership inspires people toward their leader. It is interesting that when Jesus wanted some fishermen to be joined to Himself, He did not say 'Obey my teaching', but instead declared 'Follow me'. The disciples joined themselves to the person of Jesus before they did the principles of Jesus.
Command based leaders sit above their followers and give directions. Example based leaders walk amongst their followers and give inspiration. People obediently follow those who direct them; people willingly follow those who inspire them.
3. Example creates a pattern to follow
In Titus 2:7 Paul writes, '...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works...' Forgive me for returning to Primary School arts and craft time, but the most simple feature of a pattern is its element of predictability. Patterns allow people to predict a future action by reason of past habits.
The beauty of example in leadership is that it affords followers the confidence to guess how their leader would act in a given situation. Therefore, when their leader is not around the follower can confidently answer the question 'what would my leader do in this situation?' and act accordingly. This comfort is reserved for the followers of predictable, exemplary leaders.
This does not remove from leaders the responsibility to be creative, rather it reinforces the leaders responsibility to be consistent. Creativity and consistency in leadership are not at odds with each other, but instead are indispensable to each other.
4. Example recognizes an entrustment
1 Peter 5:23 says, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, nor for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being masters over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock..."
Leaders who view their followers simply as 'employees' or 'resources', care little about the example that their leadership provides. Why? Because this type of leader is not concerned with building people, but is only concerned with building their own empire.
On the other hand, when the Christian leader knows that their followers are an entrustment from God they live in such a way that provides a positive example, which followers can emulate to bring good success to their own lives.
In committing to build people, leaders of example attract people to themselves who willingly fulfill the common vision. Why? Because the leader's vision has become the followers vision. Why? Because the follower recognises more than just vision in their leader's heart; they see themselves in their leader's heart.
Renowned officer of the US Navy, Admiral James B. Stockdale once said:
“Leadership must be based on goodwill…It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers…What we need for leaders are men of heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.”
I agree emphatically! From my experience, the leaders who I follow most devotedly are those who I know are committed to my wellbeing. Although this can appear to be a relationship based on selfishness, it's actually a relationship built on trust.
My commitment to an exemplary life is proof positive of that fact that I view people as an entrustment from God; I care too much for them to give them a bad model to emulate.
Paul's advice to Timothy is that a life of example will silence any critics who believe that he is too young for the responsibility of leadership. Leadership credibility is earned through example, not received with a title.
Why is example so important in leadership?
1. Example is more readily followed than instructions
The most helpful instruction manuals contain more than just points and principles, they contain pictures. In my experience it is the pictures that I look to first and that are most helpful to me (maybe it's a guy thing). The same is true in leadership. People follow the example of other people more readily than they follow a set of principles or teachings.
Robert Grosseteste, bishop of Lincoln, England, from 1235-1253 once wrote, “The life of the pastor is the book of the laity.” Leaders are readers and leaders are read.
34th President of the USA, Dwight D. Eisenhower said it this way: "Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all."
2. Example joins people to the leader
Paul writes in Philippians 3:17, 'Brethren, join in following my example...' It's interesting that Paul doesn't simply say 'follow my example', but instead includes the word 'join'.
The leaders who (by his words or lifestyle) says 'Do as I say, not as I do' creates a great divide between himself and his followers, creating a 'them and us' scenario. The leader who says 'join in following my example' creates an 'us' environment.
Command based leadership alienates people from their leader. Example based leadership inspires people toward their leader. It is interesting that when Jesus wanted some fishermen to be joined to Himself, He did not say 'Obey my teaching', but instead declared 'Follow me'. The disciples joined themselves to the person of Jesus before they did the principles of Jesus.
Command based leaders sit above their followers and give directions. Example based leaders walk amongst their followers and give inspiration. People obediently follow those who direct them; people willingly follow those who inspire them.
3. Example creates a pattern to follow
In Titus 2:7 Paul writes, '...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works...' Forgive me for returning to Primary School arts and craft time, but the most simple feature of a pattern is its element of predictability. Patterns allow people to predict a future action by reason of past habits.
The beauty of example in leadership is that it affords followers the confidence to guess how their leader would act in a given situation. Therefore, when their leader is not around the follower can confidently answer the question 'what would my leader do in this situation?' and act accordingly. This comfort is reserved for the followers of predictable, exemplary leaders.
This does not remove from leaders the responsibility to be creative, rather it reinforces the leaders responsibility to be consistent. Creativity and consistency in leadership are not at odds with each other, but instead are indispensable to each other.
4. Example recognizes an entrustment
1 Peter 5:23 says, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, nor for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being masters over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock..."
Leaders who view their followers simply as 'employees' or 'resources', care little about the example that their leadership provides. Why? Because this type of leader is not concerned with building people, but is only concerned with building their own empire.
On the other hand, when the Christian leader knows that their followers are an entrustment from God they live in such a way that provides a positive example, which followers can emulate to bring good success to their own lives.
In committing to build people, leaders of example attract people to themselves who willingly fulfill the common vision. Why? Because the leader's vision has become the followers vision. Why? Because the follower recognises more than just vision in their leader's heart; they see themselves in their leader's heart.
Renowned officer of the US Navy, Admiral James B. Stockdale once said:
“Leadership must be based on goodwill…It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers…What we need for leaders are men of heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.”
I agree emphatically! From my experience, the leaders who I follow most devotedly are those who I know are committed to my wellbeing. Although this can appear to be a relationship based on selfishness, it's actually a relationship built on trust.
My commitment to an exemplary life is proof positive of that fact that I view people as an entrustment from God; I care too much for them to give them a bad model to emulate.
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