Appraisals, are they interesting or what? I will have to be careful here as I will be made to practice what I preach (I am about to undergo an appraisal).
The thing that interests me is the way we can be so blind about ourselves, though I reckon I am pretty much self aware (maybe this appraisal will tell me otherwise, though I don't think so). I am surprised how people are blinded to the reality. Those who cannot see how they truly present.
Romans 12 is a tremendous chapter, I will have to come back to this at some time, as I love that instruction to be a "living sacrifice". Though this is not the verse I was drawn to tonight, rather:
Romans 12:3 (New Living Translation)
Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Why is it I hope I can take others observations of me? It is because I believe I can only be different or address deficiencies in my life as I become aware of them. Can I get hurt in the process? I appear to be rather human, so the answer is YES, of course I can, but I hope I can overcome this through filtering my responses through the faith I have in God and what He continues to reveal to me each day.
"Lord I really want to BE the person you have created me to BE. I understand that processes, such as an appraisal, can assist me to understand how others see me, an observation I may not interpret for myself. Help me to see clearly. Help me to receive the observations. Help me to address the deficiencies and the areas that need to change, so that I might serve you effectively."
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Amazing generosity ...
Well you might have expected this one, here we are on the evening of the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock and as I have reflected on the day (and years past), I cannot go past this thinking.
The Australian public are amazing in the way they continue to stand up and be counted. Each year I am blown away at the way they give so generously to The Salvation Army. It says to me they trust us and believe in us to continue the work we are renown for.
But there is more. I am really proud of so many of my fellow Officers and soldiers who give of themselves over these days to do their bit for the Appeal and the mission of The Salvation Army. Many hours spent walking the streets, standing in shopping centres and transit exchanges, etc. Thanks for doing your bit guys (all inclusive men and women).
As I have contemplated this, my mind has been drawn to remember again that all this is tremendous, how people give and give and give, yet, none will out give my God. Speaking of generosity, He is the instigator. He gives and gives and gives. Do I deserve this? At times the answer is a resounding, NO! Yet He continues to bless me EVERY single day. I am blessed with mates who are so amazing. Colleagues who are supportive, encouraging. A wife who is so supportive and generous in her own love of me. Children whom I am so very proud of. I love their love of life and the way they give of themselves for their friends. And most of all how they love and live their lives for God.
"Father, thank you for ALL you give to me, Your generousity amazes me time and time again. Help me that I might live generously for You and others."
The Australian public are amazing in the way they continue to stand up and be counted. Each year I am blown away at the way they give so generously to The Salvation Army. It says to me they trust us and believe in us to continue the work we are renown for.
But there is more. I am really proud of so many of my fellow Officers and soldiers who give of themselves over these days to do their bit for the Appeal and the mission of The Salvation Army. Many hours spent walking the streets, standing in shopping centres and transit exchanges, etc. Thanks for doing your bit guys (all inclusive men and women).
As I have contemplated this, my mind has been drawn to remember again that all this is tremendous, how people give and give and give, yet, none will out give my God. Speaking of generosity, He is the instigator. He gives and gives and gives. Do I deserve this? At times the answer is a resounding, NO! Yet He continues to bless me EVERY single day. I am blessed with mates who are so amazing. Colleagues who are supportive, encouraging. A wife who is so supportive and generous in her own love of me. Children whom I am so very proud of. I love their love of life and the way they give of themselves for their friends. And most of all how they love and live their lives for God.
"Father, thank you for ALL you give to me, Your generousity amazes me time and time again. Help me that I might live generously for You and others."
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The process ...
There have been a few people who have asked me, "why the blog?" So I thought I might give some insight into this - why I have commenced this.
Some time ago a friend introduced me to the journaling process as used by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. It focuses on the acronym of SOAP.
Scripture - a reading plan that will take you through the Old Testament once per year and the New Testament twice per year. As you read, underline or highlight whatever stands out to you whilst reading.
Observation - what is it you observe? What stands out, especially narrowing it down to a verse or two. What is God saying to you through this reading?
Application - how are you going to apply this to your own life? How does it impact your life? What is going to be different?
Prayer - pray about this.
(This is my condensed explanation anyway).
I got off to a good start some time ago, and then, tended to slacken off in relation to the journaling element (the record of what I observed). A good friend would often challenge me in this regard, as well as encourage me to get back on board with the process. We would often chat about what we had been reading and this was a part of the accountability of our spiritual journey.
Thus, I thought it was time to address this (or at least attempt to get it back on track), and at the same time I was reading someone else's blog and thought it was a way of being accountable and a means of sharing my journey with a few others.
I highly recommend that you read Wayne Cordeiro's book - Divine Mentor - Growing your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior. As far as I am concerned, I don't reckon there is a better place to be, nor a better goal to have, than to grow in my faith. I hope you too might take up the challenge!
"Father, help me to use my eyes to see and my ears to hear. What it is you have for me?"
Some time ago a friend introduced me to the journaling process as used by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. It focuses on the acronym of SOAP.
Scripture - a reading plan that will take you through the Old Testament once per year and the New Testament twice per year. As you read, underline or highlight whatever stands out to you whilst reading.
Observation - what is it you observe? What stands out, especially narrowing it down to a verse or two. What is God saying to you through this reading?
Application - how are you going to apply this to your own life? How does it impact your life? What is going to be different?
Prayer - pray about this.
(This is my condensed explanation anyway).
I got off to a good start some time ago, and then, tended to slacken off in relation to the journaling element (the record of what I observed). A good friend would often challenge me in this regard, as well as encourage me to get back on board with the process. We would often chat about what we had been reading and this was a part of the accountability of our spiritual journey.
Thus, I thought it was time to address this (or at least attempt to get it back on track), and at the same time I was reading someone else's blog and thought it was a way of being accountable and a means of sharing my journey with a few others.
I highly recommend that you read Wayne Cordeiro's book - Divine Mentor - Growing your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior. As far as I am concerned, I don't reckon there is a better place to be, nor a better goal to have, than to grow in my faith. I hope you too might take up the challenge!
"Father, help me to use my eyes to see and my ears to hear. What it is you have for me?"
Friday, May 28, 2010
What do you do with your joy ...
Back to my Prayer Coach ...
He (James L. Nicodem) poses the question in relation to those times when you have experienced something good, something joyful, what do you do? Are you like me and you have a tendency to be on the phone to a mate to let them know? It is great to receive good news and it is terrific to be able to share it with another, especially if they are a good friend who really is going to share in the joy with you.
Here's the challenge though:- do you remember the One to whom the joy might be attributed? Do you thank the creator for the stunning sunset, or the magical sight of the rainbow? Do you share your highs and excitement and joy with your God?
Throughout the Scripture there are examples of something special happening and the people letting loose and letting God know their delight and thankfulness, even better, they remember Him to be the source, and praise Him first and foremost.
This is the challenge for me. That God receive my acknowledgement. That God hear my joy. That I desire to share all these good and wondrous and marvelous things with Him. There is much to sing praise for (though this voice might not be the best instrument to do that) and He desires to be in on this celebrating.
"Lord, hear our praises as they rise up to You."
He (James L. Nicodem) poses the question in relation to those times when you have experienced something good, something joyful, what do you do? Are you like me and you have a tendency to be on the phone to a mate to let them know? It is great to receive good news and it is terrific to be able to share it with another, especially if they are a good friend who really is going to share in the joy with you.
Here's the challenge though:- do you remember the One to whom the joy might be attributed? Do you thank the creator for the stunning sunset, or the magical sight of the rainbow? Do you share your highs and excitement and joy with your God?
Throughout the Scripture there are examples of something special happening and the people letting loose and letting God know their delight and thankfulness, even better, they remember Him to be the source, and praise Him first and foremost.
This is the challenge for me. That God receive my acknowledgement. That God hear my joy. That I desire to share all these good and wondrous and marvelous things with Him. There is much to sing praise for (though this voice might not be the best instrument to do that) and He desires to be in on this celebrating.
"Lord, hear our praises as they rise up to You."
Listen and live ...
There is much that I could focus on tonight. For instance, try reading Romans 8 and not finding a tonne of stuff to write about. Or I could find myself expressing my deep concern for what I observe to be the laziness of some around me, those who seemingly just do not pull their weight, whilst others are so conscientious, that my concern is they will not finish the race because they will burn themselves out (another topic for the future I think). However, to something else.
I am drawn today to the following passages of Scripture:
My generation (I think I am sounding old at this point, even to myself) knew the wise counsel of listening to those with experience and the knowledge of life. The importance of following their instruction and even learning from their mistakes. And this is all good to do.
But, there is more, for the letter to the Romans does remind us that the real difference comes when the Spirit of God lives in us. The old, sinful life no longer, has to have control, because the Spirit of God cleanses, frees and gives us direction. Our work is complete. Our life is forever and this only gets better after an earthly death.
"Father, for I can call you this as your adopted son, please help me to listen to the counsel of Your Spirit, that my path might be straight and that where I take people will be of benefit to them."
I am drawn today to the following passages of Scripture:
Proverbs 4:4 (New Living Translation)
4 My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
Proverbs 5
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel.
My generation (I think I am sounding old at this point, even to myself) knew the wise counsel of listening to those with experience and the knowledge of life. The importance of following their instruction and even learning from their mistakes. And this is all good to do.
But, there is more, for the letter to the Romans does remind us that the real difference comes when the Spirit of God lives in us. The old, sinful life no longer, has to have control, because the Spirit of God cleanses, frees and gives us direction. Our work is complete. Our life is forever and this only gets better after an earthly death.
"Father, for I can call you this as your adopted son, please help me to listen to the counsel of Your Spirit, that my path might be straight and that where I take people will be of benefit to them."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Trust in the Lord ...
Yesterday I raised the issue of needing to keep focused so as not to become distracted by others, or things around us (as I easily can).
I am reminded in these verses (again) where my focus should lie and from where my wisdom must come. I am taken by the reminder too that this is not a piecemeal encounter or engagement, the instruction is to do this with all my heart, my whole being. It is serious. It is everything.
Another challenge lays within these verses, the seeking of His will. We tend to like it when it is easy, or there is not much effort required (I take ownership of this action). We might even excuse ourselves for decisions or actions because we did not have the full picture. This suggests to me that I have to take some responsibility here, I am required to seek the will of God for each and every circumstance, in all I do. I need to do some looking, praying, asking of others, so that I get this right. For God promises that the path will be right and good and beneficial and profitable, for me, for mine and for others.
Lord, help me to not be reliant merely upon the knowledge I have gained to date through experience and and action, whether mine or in observing others. Help me to seek afresh Your desire and will and plan for my life - each day and throughout the day!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
I am reminded in these verses (again) where my focus should lie and from where my wisdom must come. I am taken by the reminder too that this is not a piecemeal encounter or engagement, the instruction is to do this with all my heart, my whole being. It is serious. It is everything.
Another challenge lays within these verses, the seeking of His will. We tend to like it when it is easy, or there is not much effort required (I take ownership of this action). We might even excuse ourselves for decisions or actions because we did not have the full picture. This suggests to me that I have to take some responsibility here, I am required to seek the will of God for each and every circumstance, in all I do. I need to do some looking, praying, asking of others, so that I get this right. For God promises that the path will be right and good and beneficial and profitable, for me, for mine and for others.
Lord, help me to not be reliant merely upon the knowledge I have gained to date through experience and and action, whether mine or in observing others. Help me to seek afresh Your desire and will and plan for my life - each day and throughout the day!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Keeping Focused ...
I wonder, when I read of amazing young men like Solomon (1 Kings), renowned for his wisdom, and in his wisdom the way he was able to lead so well. We might recollect the building of the Lord's temple, and the royal palace for himself, the fact that the construction took some 20 years in sum total. So how can we read later of him not heading the clear instruction of the Lord. I am referring to the taking of foreign wives:
1 Kings 11:2 ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.
Do you wonder about this?
As I have thought about this today, I have been reminded how easy it is to become distracted from doing what I ought to be doing. How easy it is to be drawn into another conversation away from the purposed dialogue I set out to have with another, and before I know it, we have gone your separate ways and still haven't had the conversation I intended to have, or resolved the issue requiring attention. I recall the times I have gone looking for one thing and come back with something else that I was drawn to when I saw it.
It would be easy to condemn Solomon for his inability to stick with the implicit instruction of God and forget that I too am like him at times. I find other things aluring to the eye and before I know it this has my full attention.
Solomon and his family were to pay a heavy price for this failure.
"Lord, I desire to keep focused on that which is pure and right and in accordance with Your will for my life, please help me to remain focused!
1 Kings 11:2 ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.
Do you wonder about this?
As I have thought about this today, I have been reminded how easy it is to become distracted from doing what I ought to be doing. How easy it is to be drawn into another conversation away from the purposed dialogue I set out to have with another, and before I know it, we have gone your separate ways and still haven't had the conversation I intended to have, or resolved the issue requiring attention. I recall the times I have gone looking for one thing and come back with something else that I was drawn to when I saw it.
It would be easy to condemn Solomon for his inability to stick with the implicit instruction of God and forget that I too am like him at times. I find other things aluring to the eye and before I know it this has my full attention.
Solomon and his family were to pay a heavy price for this failure.
"Lord, I desire to keep focused on that which is pure and right and in accordance with Your will for my life, please help me to remain focused!
Monday, May 24, 2010
As if ...
I am reading this amazing book at present, it is not rocket science in it's content, but so profound in its simplicity, "Prayer Coach - for all who want to get off the bench and onto the praying field" by James L Nicodem. I am sure we are going to be sharing from this book over time.
Today's challenge (for me), was the thought of praying for others, "as if" I were in the same circumstance.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
I know that I have prayed for people in the past who have been suffering hard times, trials, even persecution. However, I am sure I have not thought about it to the extent of what it was really like, entering into their world, as if it was me experiencing these things. How different my prayers might have been, and will be in the future.
How do we remember - by praying. Nicodem says, "a love for these brothers and sisters doesn't lead to praying so much as praying leads to a love for these brothers and sisters."
This is my journey, it is my desire. I want to be on the praying field, I want this to be different.
Today's challenge (for me), was the thought of praying for others, "as if" I were in the same circumstance.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
I know that I have prayed for people in the past who have been suffering hard times, trials, even persecution. However, I am sure I have not thought about it to the extent of what it was really like, entering into their world, as if it was me experiencing these things. How different my prayers might have been, and will be in the future.
How do we remember - by praying. Nicodem says, "a love for these brothers and sisters doesn't lead to praying so much as praying leads to a love for these brothers and sisters."
This is my journey, it is my desire. I want to be on the praying field, I want this to be different.
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