What a match....never doubted them for a second!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Steps to Growth
Taken from Paul Benger’s message in church last night. 4 Levels of Growth that help us to build flourishing lives and flourishing churches. 4 sequential steps:
1 Timothy 6:17-19: (17) Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. (18) Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. (19) By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.
Level 1 – Enjoyment
God has given us all we need...we should enjoy being Christians! Enjoying life and God. The Joy of the Lord is our strength.
Level 2 – Servanthood
Be rich in good works. ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’. Be willing, volunteers in the House of God.
Level 3 – Giving
Be ready to give, positioned to give. (Not just about money). Having an attitude of generosity.
Level 4 – Carrying the Load
The apex of Christian life. Willingness to share the load. Standing together. In the home, church, relationships. A selfless attitude.
Great stuff!
1 Timothy 6:17-19: (17) Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. (18) Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. (19) By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.
Level 1 – Enjoyment
God has given us all we need...we should enjoy being Christians! Enjoying life and God. The Joy of the Lord is our strength.
Level 2 – Servanthood
Be rich in good works. ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’. Be willing, volunteers in the House of God.
Level 3 – Giving
Be ready to give, positioned to give. (Not just about money). Having an attitude of generosity.
Level 4 – Carrying the Load
The apex of Christian life. Willingness to share the load. Standing together. In the home, church, relationships. A selfless attitude.
Great stuff!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
In a galaxy far, far away.....
Saw Star Wars Episode III yesterday. Loved it!
The Buddhist themes certainly came through strong this time....along with quite a lot of references to what’s been happening in the political world recently re America/Britain/EU and the war in Iraq.
Here’s a quote that made me sit up - speaking of the Dark Lord, Obi-Wan utters the words, ‘Only a Sith thinks in absolutes’. Implying what?!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
You know you're getting old...
It was by birthday this week…I’ve reached the grand old age of 37! I’m not quite there yet BUT you know you're getting old when...
You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywhere the night before.
You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
You're proud of your lawn mower.
You have a party and the neighbours don't even realise it.
You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!
People are constantly putting a mirror under your nose while you nap to see if you're breathing.
You finally find something you've been looking for, for ages but can't remember why you wanted it.
You get to work before you discover you forgot to get dressed.
Tightening your belt becomes uncomfortable under your armpits.
You can't finish a conversation, because you don't remember what you were talking about.
Most of your sentences begin with, "When I was your age..."
You had to get rid of your dog he kept trying to drag you to the garden to bury you.
Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
You feel like it's the "morning after", but you didn't go anywhere the night before.
You sit in a rocking chair but can't get it going.
You bend over to tie your shoes and ask yourself, "Is there anything else I need to do while I'm down here?"
You sit down to the breakfast table, and the snap, crackle, pop you hear isn't your breakfast cereal.
People call at 9:00 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
You're proud of your lawn mower.
You have a party and the neighbours don't even realise it.
You finally know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions!
People are constantly putting a mirror under your nose while you nap to see if you're breathing.
You finally find something you've been looking for, for ages but can't remember why you wanted it.
You get to work before you discover you forgot to get dressed.
Tightening your belt becomes uncomfortable under your armpits.
You can't finish a conversation, because you don't remember what you were talking about.
Most of your sentences begin with, "When I was your age..."
You had to get rid of your dog he kept trying to drag you to the garden to bury you.
Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
A Big Fat Greek Wedding
We’re at a wedding today and really looking forward to it. A work colleague is marrying her Greek/Cypriot partner so it’s going to be a Greek wedding and a whole new experience for us. The service is being held at a Greek Orthodox Church and will be all spoken in Greek.Here’s to Karen and Andy!
Monday, May 09, 2005
Star Wars III - Revenge of the Sith
Here are some of the first reactions from the critics. Sounds promising. The question is did Chris Tookey of the Daily Mail see a different film? Or maybe the question should be is he not on Lucas’s payroll? That was a bit low...sorry.
Mysteries of the Universe
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
What is the speed of darkness?
If you send someone 'Styrofoam', how do you pack it?
If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on bigger suitcases?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up about every couple hours?
If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
What is the speed of darkness?
If you send someone 'Styrofoam', how do you pack it?
If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on bigger suitcases?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up about every couple hours?
If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Happy Retirement Dad
My Dad’s early retirement began today. It was his last day at work yesterday...and he’s only 57! (Sorry Dad)
He got a card from us with a few verses from Joshua 14:9-11 speaking about Caleb:
(9) So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.' (10) "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! (11) I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.
Life begins at 85! No retirement yet Dad...well not as far as God is concerned anyway!
We’re out tonight for a slap-up Indian meal.
He got a card from us with a few verses from Joshua 14:9-11 speaking about Caleb:
(9) So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.' (10) "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! (11) I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.
Life begins at 85! No retirement yet Dad...well not as far as God is concerned anyway!
We’re out tonight for a slap-up Indian meal.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Living Stones
A new nightclub in town has recently opened. It is called ‘Livingstones’.
This got me thinking about the true Living Stone or living stones. I will be sharing these thoughts this Sunday in church.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10
What are we building? How are we building? In respect of the building there are two important things we need to consider - Who Jesus is? Who we are?
Who is Jesus?
Peter uses one key word to describe who Jesus is. He is the stone upon which the whole church is built. You can see that in four different places in our text:
In verse 4 - he is the ‘the living Stone’
In verse 6 - he is ‘the cornerstone’ (Basis, base, foundation, fundament, groundwork/A stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies)
In verse 7 - he is ‘the capstone’ (A final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination
A stone that forms the top of wall or building)
In verse 8 - he is the "stone that causes men to stumble."
Who are we?
In verse 4 - we are the people who come to Christ by faith.
In verse 5 - we are also living stones being built into a spiritual house/a holy priesthood.
In verse 6 - we are the ones who will never be put to shame.
In verse 7 - we are the ones to whom Jesus is precious.
In verse 9 - we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.
In verse 10 - we are now the people of God who have received his great mercy. (Once you were not…now you are!)
We are not meant to be loan bricks! A brick is not a house on its own. Church is vital for our growth.
We’re doing life/church together…bricks/living stones joined together.
We belong to Christ – hewn from the Living Stone – being built into something so wonderful and precious to God.
This got me thinking about the true Living Stone or living stones. I will be sharing these thoughts this Sunday in church.
Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10
What are we building? How are we building? In respect of the building there are two important things we need to consider - Who Jesus is? Who we are?
Who is Jesus?
Peter uses one key word to describe who Jesus is. He is the stone upon which the whole church is built. You can see that in four different places in our text:
In verse 4 - he is the ‘the living Stone’
In verse 6 - he is ‘the cornerstone’ (Basis, base, foundation, fundament, groundwork/A stone in the exterior of a large and important building; usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies)
In verse 7 - he is ‘the capstone’ (A final touch; a crowning achievement; a culmination
A stone that forms the top of wall or building)
In verse 8 - he is the "stone that causes men to stumble."
Who are we?
In verse 4 - we are the people who come to Christ by faith.
In verse 5 - we are also living stones being built into a spiritual house/a holy priesthood.
In verse 6 - we are the ones who will never be put to shame.
In verse 7 - we are the ones to whom Jesus is precious.
In verse 9 - we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.
In verse 10 - we are now the people of God who have received his great mercy. (Once you were not…now you are!)
We are not meant to be loan bricks! A brick is not a house on its own. Church is vital for our growth.
We’re doing life/church together…bricks/living stones joined together.
We belong to Christ – hewn from the Living Stone – being built into something so wonderful and precious to God.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Lessons from Sir Alan
Sadly The Apprentice draws to a conclusion tonight. Here are some lessons from the man himself, Sir Alan Sugar....
1. Respect authority
KEY LESSON: Authority must be respected. If individuals trying to shine in a competitive situation do so at the expense of their colleagues they will fail.
2. Listen to your colleagues
KEY LESSON: "If a room full of people tell me I'm wrong then even I will listen to them," Sir Alan said.
3. Be flexible
KEY LESSON: When you're out in the field, keep an open mind, learn from others and take action.
4. Know your market
KEY LESSON: Knowing your market gives you the upper hand.
5. Control your costs
KEY LESSON: Margin is king and the place to check for potential profit is not in the day's takings but in the amount of wasted food.
6. Don’t pretend
KEY LESSON: As a candidate, never try to be someone you are not - you may well get caught out.
Read more
1. Respect authority
KEY LESSON: Authority must be respected. If individuals trying to shine in a competitive situation do so at the expense of their colleagues they will fail.
2. Listen to your colleagues
KEY LESSON: "If a room full of people tell me I'm wrong then even I will listen to them," Sir Alan said.
3. Be flexible
KEY LESSON: When you're out in the field, keep an open mind, learn from others and take action.
4. Know your market
KEY LESSON: Knowing your market gives you the upper hand.
5. Control your costs
KEY LESSON: Margin is king and the place to check for potential profit is not in the day's takings but in the amount of wasted food.
6. Don’t pretend
KEY LESSON: As a candidate, never try to be someone you are not - you may well get caught out.
Read more
Monday, May 02, 2005
Lost for Words with All to Say
Paul Benger brought an impromptu message last night in church as his wife, Jeannie, who was due to speak, was literally lost for words...sadly she’d lost her voice!
Paul was able to continue from where he’d left off, sharing from Ephesians chapter 1.
(6) So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (9) God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centred on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. (10) And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth. (11) Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. (12) God's purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. (13) And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. (14) The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.
It was a great message of hope for those who’d experience rejection in the past that we have been accepted in Christ.
Accepted because of WHO WE ARE and not because of WHAT WE DO.
God, our Father, is our BIGGEST FAN! Just like the Dad’s at the football match cheering on their kids.
He then went to speak of the mysteries of the Gospel that have been revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
On thing that really stood out for me…
Salvation is available to ALL. No one is outside of God’s grace and love. Not one! The ‘reservoir of Heaven’ is always full.
Paul was able to continue from where he’d left off, sharing from Ephesians chapter 1.
(6) So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. (7) He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. (8) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (9) God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centred on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. (10) And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth. (11) Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. (12) God's purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. (13) And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. (14) The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.
It was a great message of hope for those who’d experience rejection in the past that we have been accepted in Christ.
Accepted because of WHO WE ARE and not because of WHAT WE DO.
God, our Father, is our BIGGEST FAN! Just like the Dad’s at the football match cheering on their kids.
He then went to speak of the mysteries of the Gospel that have been revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
On thing that really stood out for me…
Salvation is available to ALL. No one is outside of God’s grace and love. Not one! The ‘reservoir of Heaven’ is always full.
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