All Change
Life is getting busier!
“I know, I know!!!!”, I hear you groaning, “tell me something I don’t already know!?!”
Well, for me it will be soon. I’ve just heard that I’ve been accepted to study an MA in “Leading Innovation & Change” (affectionately called “MALIC”). This will make life with a fulltime job, active social life, church responsibilities and 3 young children somewhat chaotic.
Be Realistic
Change is all around us – change is our reality. Our lives are in a constant state of flux as we move from one thing to the next, endeavouring to manouver successfully and positively through this mystery we call “Life”. I personally love change and I’m looking forward to it – it will have it’s stress days I’m sure, but on the whole I feel energised by shifts in life that lead forward into the unknown.
Be Anchored
Change requires that our lives are anchored. Where or who is your anchor? My wife and kids keep me down to earth and grounded in reality. My faith also keeps me grounded. What anchors you and ensures you make good choices?
Be Positive
Change makes some of us terrified and some of us excited. Some of us thrive on it while others aim just to survive in it.
I am looking forward to my life changes. I look forward with a strong idea of the realities and challenges I face, but I am positively confident of my suceess because I feel well anchord in my core relationships and in my strong sense of faith that god is also in control.
All change. What helps you deal with changes in your life?
The Secret to Becoming a Fisher of Men
Have you ever deeply reflected upon the command/invitation of Jesus to His disciples:
“Follow Me and I will make you to become fishers of men.”
This simple statement is incredibly wonderful. First, it typifies the essence of the new covenant: God’s commands have been transformed into self-fulfilling prophecies for those who believe. Note that Christ is not commanding us to become fishers of men.
7 Life Lessons from Dr. John Piper
7 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM DR. JOHN PIPER
By Mark Driscoll
Recently Bethlehem Baptist Church hosted a celebration event to honor Dr. John Piper, who retired from the pulpit after more than 32 years of faithful service. I was genuinely saddened that I was unable to attend, as I needed to serve at Mars Hill Church.
While much can be learned from John’s life, I wanted to share seven lessons I’ve learned from his example that are especially helpful for younger leaders.
The Dark Night of the Soul
I’ve been thinking recently about how life can be difficult ay times. One phrase to describe these times is “the dark night of the soul”. It can appear that God has abandoned you and his presence cannot be felt. At such times have simple faith in Gods word – he will never abandon you! God brings beauty and blessing through our breakdowns, difficulties and hardships. Keep on keeping on in faith. Morning always comes after the dark night. Hold firm and be blessed.
A missional revolution – some disjointed thoughts late at night
A Missional Revolution is what happens when Jesus captures your heart, soul and mind. Jesus lived an extra-ordinary life during which he said and did some really amazing stuff. He taught revolutionary principles such as “Love God” and “Love your neighbour as you love yourself”. But he went further still. He said “Love your enemy” – now that is revolutionary. Jesus’ way of living was like that – he did not do what the status quo expected; he did not act as his followers expected; he did not live to win the affirmation and adulation of other people – he lived to do only the will of God the Father. He may look meek and mild in the image I have placed here, but he was far from it. The religious establishment reviled him; his own followers tried to rebuke him; in his time of need they abandoned him – all because he followed through on what he taught!
Jesus lived what he taught – and he died for it too!
The basics principles of what Jesus taught were as follows:
Repent and believe because the Kingdom of God is near
Wait for the holy Spirit
Watch and Pray
Break Bread
Go and make disciples
Love God, neighbour and enemy
Be Generous
Do not be afraid
As you look at that list what does it make you think? – easy? difficult? Jesus called his disciples to follow him wholeheartedly without looking back. Try living even one of these directives and see how difficult it really is – you might also begin to glimpse their revolutionary nature as you live them out.
Invictus
I watched the movie “invictus” and was moved by the poem in it:
Invictus BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
