When we have faulty reception, we have unsatisfying and inaccurate perception. When we aren't fed accurate truths about ourselves, we develop a perception of self that is based upon lies, partial truths, and myths. How you see yourself is critical.
All self-appraisal begins with perception. Your perception is the basis for your self-identity and self - esteem. It is the foundation on which you build any relationship. Your self-perception gives rise to your choices and behaviour. It is the predictor of your future prosperity and success.
If the perception that you hold of your own life is dull, you will act in a dull way, attract dull people, and live a dull life. How you see determines to a great extent who you will be.
The perceptions you hold about human experience, relationships, and identity are directly related to your emotions. How you feel is an indicator of what you perceive.
Your perceptions of yourself drive your relationships. You attract people who are similar to who you think you are.
You always have a choice about how you perceive yourself and other people. Will you choose to perceive yourself according to what others say about you or will you choose to perceive yourself according to what God's word says about you?
Everyone has flaws, but if you think only of that person's flaws, you will lose sight of his good points. Everyone has a good side - even if it's dormant, buried, or not yet realized.
If you concentrate only on another person's negative qualities, you will eventually come to dislike or even despise that person. But that isn't all. You will also find that your attitude in general begins a downward spiral. You may think you are seeing only the negatives of that person, but you are actually developing a perspective of negativity that will extend to other peple and to yourself.
Perception and perspective improve as we begin to really see and understand what is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
How or what do you perceive?
Michelle Cozins
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Getting Thtrough What You're Going Through parts 7-10
Getting Through What You're going Through
Part 7
This session is talking about Psalm 23 where it says, Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The rod was used for punishment and justice, but the staff was used for rescuing and comforting. The rod has a variety of uses. If a wild animal or a rustler tried to make off with one of the sheep, the shepherd could crack open the head of the invader with one swift blow. The rod could be used to spread the fleece of the animals so they could be inspected for cuts, bruises, parasites, infections, or dislocated bones. The rod could also be used to nudge and prod hesitant sheep to move back to the safety of the herd. The rod was a source of authority, power, and protection.
The staff was in constant use to rescue sheep from dilemas and to help them in times of need.
God's rod is his sense of justice, the examining he does of our lives. God also has a staff of assistance to help us. (Jesus) When we become entangled in sin, God's staff responds to our prayers of need and pulls us free again. When we become wedged admist the troubles of life, Jesus pries us loose and leads us back to the safety of His watch and care.We must endure the disciplining and cleansing as part of the rescuing and comforting.
We must recognize the need for cleansing in order to draw us closer to God. Sin seperates us from God. The cleansing power of the rod enables us to be drawn closer to God. God forgives us freely and allows us to retain our honored positions in His family.
God restores our honor before hm. Having restored our honor, we are then open to opportunities for service, positions of leadership, and the development of a personal determination to be successful.
God often stretches us to breaking point before stepping in.
Opportunity minded people discover opportunities to advance because they are looking for opportunities.
Perspective makes all the difference in assessing a situation. If your perspective of yourself is that you are worthless, you will not find opportunities before you.
God wants us to slow down at time and appreciate what we have.
When God says yes to our prayers we have to be ready. When God says go, he will hold you.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 8
We need to believe we can do it. Our trust in God should outweigh our fear of our enemies. Through God we are more than conquerors. God is not hesitant to place us in the midst of our enemies. The bible contains numerous accounts of how God brought his spokesmen before their enemies in order that His power and strength would be evident.
Often what we fear most is more imaginary than real. We often discover that our enemies are nowhere near as fierce as we imagined them to be.
With God on our side, we become the ones whom others tremble over. If God is for us, who can be against us. Why should we be afraid of anything or anyone? God protects us even in the worst of situations. He's always there to watch over us and to put a protective arm around us. For greater protection, we only need to draw closer to God.
We cannot expect God to alter His spiritual laws for us. If we stray from Him, we must not be surprised by the injuries we may suffer as a natural consequence of our folly.
Anytime you doubt your capabilities you become your own worst enemy.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 9
We need to learn how to relax and allow God to heal us from within.
The difficult takes a day, the impossible takes a little bit longer.
Everyday we must determine to let God's spirit and love direct our actions.
Every thought affects the body in some way, and every physical movement or change is accomplied by some mental alteration.
The possibility's creed is:
When faced with a mountain, I WILL NOT QUIT! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath - or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God's help.
If you were the think negatively you would never be able to accomplish the things that need to be done. We need to think positively. We can move mountains if we try.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 10
Being christians does not mean we are always going to be happy. Happiness isn't a matter of "being" anything. It's a conscious decision we make. Our feeling of sorrow and depression don't go away. Life continues as normal - but with a difference. We can face our problems with faith.
Christianity does not make you a better person than your neighbor. Christianity makes you a better person than you would be if you were not a christian.
Christianity builds faith.
We no sooner come out of one going through stage than we enter another. We are just pilgrims. But those of us who know Christ as our saviour never walk alone. God can use our going-through stages to prepare us for greater things.
Christians who are eternally secure in Christ have a sense of security that lifts them above the worries of life and even above the fear of death. People who know where they are going can move with confidence and assurance.
With Gods help we can get through what we're going through.
Michelle Cozins
Part 7
This session is talking about Psalm 23 where it says, Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The rod was used for punishment and justice, but the staff was used for rescuing and comforting. The rod has a variety of uses. If a wild animal or a rustler tried to make off with one of the sheep, the shepherd could crack open the head of the invader with one swift blow. The rod could be used to spread the fleece of the animals so they could be inspected for cuts, bruises, parasites, infections, or dislocated bones. The rod could also be used to nudge and prod hesitant sheep to move back to the safety of the herd. The rod was a source of authority, power, and protection.
The staff was in constant use to rescue sheep from dilemas and to help them in times of need.
God's rod is his sense of justice, the examining he does of our lives. God also has a staff of assistance to help us. (Jesus) When we become entangled in sin, God's staff responds to our prayers of need and pulls us free again. When we become wedged admist the troubles of life, Jesus pries us loose and leads us back to the safety of His watch and care.We must endure the disciplining and cleansing as part of the rescuing and comforting.
We must recognize the need for cleansing in order to draw us closer to God. Sin seperates us from God. The cleansing power of the rod enables us to be drawn closer to God. God forgives us freely and allows us to retain our honored positions in His family.
God restores our honor before hm. Having restored our honor, we are then open to opportunities for service, positions of leadership, and the development of a personal determination to be successful.
God often stretches us to breaking point before stepping in.
Opportunity minded people discover opportunities to advance because they are looking for opportunities.
Perspective makes all the difference in assessing a situation. If your perspective of yourself is that you are worthless, you will not find opportunities before you.
God wants us to slow down at time and appreciate what we have.
When God says yes to our prayers we have to be ready. When God says go, he will hold you.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 8
We need to believe we can do it. Our trust in God should outweigh our fear of our enemies. Through God we are more than conquerors. God is not hesitant to place us in the midst of our enemies. The bible contains numerous accounts of how God brought his spokesmen before their enemies in order that His power and strength would be evident.
Often what we fear most is more imaginary than real. We often discover that our enemies are nowhere near as fierce as we imagined them to be.
With God on our side, we become the ones whom others tremble over. If God is for us, who can be against us. Why should we be afraid of anything or anyone? God protects us even in the worst of situations. He's always there to watch over us and to put a protective arm around us. For greater protection, we only need to draw closer to God.
We cannot expect God to alter His spiritual laws for us. If we stray from Him, we must not be surprised by the injuries we may suffer as a natural consequence of our folly.
Anytime you doubt your capabilities you become your own worst enemy.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 9
We need to learn how to relax and allow God to heal us from within.
The difficult takes a day, the impossible takes a little bit longer.
Everyday we must determine to let God's spirit and love direct our actions.
Every thought affects the body in some way, and every physical movement or change is accomplied by some mental alteration.
The possibility's creed is:
When faced with a mountain, I WILL NOT QUIT! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath - or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God's help.
If you were the think negatively you would never be able to accomplish the things that need to be done. We need to think positively. We can move mountains if we try.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 10
Being christians does not mean we are always going to be happy. Happiness isn't a matter of "being" anything. It's a conscious decision we make. Our feeling of sorrow and depression don't go away. Life continues as normal - but with a difference. We can face our problems with faith.
Christianity does not make you a better person than your neighbor. Christianity makes you a better person than you would be if you were not a christian.
Christianity builds faith.
We no sooner come out of one going through stage than we enter another. We are just pilgrims. But those of us who know Christ as our saviour never walk alone. God can use our going-through stages to prepare us for greater things.
Christians who are eternally secure in Christ have a sense of security that lifts them above the worries of life and even above the fear of death. People who know where they are going can move with confidence and assurance.
With Gods help we can get through what we're going through.
Michelle Cozins
Friday, September 17, 2010
MEMO: Extraordinary workbooks
Hi All,
Just some last minute instruction regarding the use of the Extraordinary workbook.
We will be preaching from the 'Extraordinary' Source book by John Bevere - this will be a summary of the main points, scriptures & themes of the individual chapters (As each chapter is quite comprehensive we will need to condense and fit this into our 30 min presentations)
The workbook follows a similar format, but takes material from the source book in a summary fashion. He has also added questions and points to ponder, as is the usual with workbooks adapted from 'novel' style material.
You are not required to do all the material in the workbook chapters as you will not be able to fit this into a 25 min guided discussion. Here are my tips on best utilization of the work book
Any problems call / speak to me when I'm back from holidays or Contact Cale Begley or Greg George who will be covering for me while we are away.
Ps Rhett.
Just some last minute instruction regarding the use of the Extraordinary workbook.
We will be preaching from the 'Extraordinary' Source book by John Bevere - this will be a summary of the main points, scriptures & themes of the individual chapters (As each chapter is quite comprehensive we will need to condense and fit this into our 30 min presentations)
The workbook follows a similar format, but takes material from the source book in a summary fashion. He has also added questions and points to ponder, as is the usual with workbooks adapted from 'novel' style material.
You are not required to do all the material in the workbook chapters as you will not be able to fit this into a 25 min guided discussion. Here are my tips on best utilization of the work book
- Have it with you when the Sunday message is being preached - take your own notes and highlight thoughts, themes & scriptures that resonate with you.
- Read through the workbook chapter before the small group week and select what sections / questions you are going to use
- Review your notes from the Sunday sessions and add whatever thoughts you think are the most important to capture
- Encourage your group participants to do the same and when you come together - you can have a great 25min guided discussion before fellowship time.
Any problems call / speak to me when I'm back from holidays or Contact Cale Begley or Greg George who will be covering for me while we are away.
Ps Rhett.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sixth 'P' = Perseverance
Hi increadible small group leaders! Here is the final session in our series the 6 "P's of Influence, I hope it has inspired and challenged you.
We have looked at the various aspects of influence and the importance of pursuing them - but to finalise, it is one thing to have these aspects, but its perserverance in them that will bring results in the long run. Many times we fail to realise that the process itself is just as important as the outcome, indeed many times it is the process that guarrentees the outcome!
The emperor moth is the most majestic species among all the moths. It has wide wings spanning out majestically when it flies. Before it can become a full grown moth, it has to be a pupa in a cocoon. Now, the interesting fact about the moth’s cocoon is that the neck of the cocoon is very narrow.In order that it become a moth, the pupa of the moth must squeeze its way out of the narrow neck. One day a man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. He sat and watched the moth struggling to force the body through that little hole.
Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It just seemed to be stuck.Then the man being kind decided to help the moth. So he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He expected that the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
A few days later, it died.What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was the way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight. Once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the emperor moth of this crucial process, and its ability to fly.
You see the struggles of life, heartaches and pains are necessary if you want to be great; (and have great influence) understand that while you are experiencing them, they are part of the making of a man or a woman of God & your development as a leader.
I have a favourite poem that I often read or recite (as best I can from memory) when I am feeling overwelmed with life, ministry & everything! I have found it to be a great encouragment - perhaps just read through it as we finish this session. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will quicken this poem to you and the area of need you are feeling right now!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Kind of says it all doesn't it?
Lets continue to serve the Kingdom together
Ps Rhett
We have looked at the various aspects of influence and the importance of pursuing them - but to finalise, it is one thing to have these aspects, but its perserverance in them that will bring results in the long run. Many times we fail to realise that the process itself is just as important as the outcome, indeed many times it is the process that guarrentees the outcome!
The emperor moth is the most majestic species among all the moths. It has wide wings spanning out majestically when it flies. Before it can become a full grown moth, it has to be a pupa in a cocoon. Now, the interesting fact about the moth’s cocoon is that the neck of the cocoon is very narrow.In order that it become a moth, the pupa of the moth must squeeze its way out of the narrow neck. One day a man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. He sat and watched the moth struggling to force the body through that little hole.
Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It just seemed to be stuck.Then the man being kind decided to help the moth. So he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He expected that the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
A few days later, it died.What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was the way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight. Once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the emperor moth of this crucial process, and its ability to fly.
You see the struggles of life, heartaches and pains are necessary if you want to be great; (and have great influence) understand that while you are experiencing them, they are part of the making of a man or a woman of God & your development as a leader.
I have a favourite poem that I often read or recite (as best I can from memory) when I am feeling overwelmed with life, ministry & everything! I have found it to be a great encouragment - perhaps just read through it as we finish this session. I am trusting that the Holy Spirit will quicken this poem to you and the area of need you are feeling right now!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Kind of says it all doesn't it?
Lets continue to serve the Kingdom together
Ps Rhett
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Fifth 'P' = Prudence
Prudence: noun \ˈprü-dən(t)s\1: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs. 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources. 4: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.
Origin of PRUDENCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alteration of providentia — see more at providence (i.e. divine guidance or care) First known use: 14th century.
Synonyms: alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, caution, wariness (Websters online dictionary)
I believe one of the crowning glories of leadership is the attribute of 'Prudence' - this is more than just good decision making or managment savy - But as we can see from Webster's definition, its roots are closley linked to the latin concept of 'providentia' or providence, which is also defined by Webster's as 'divine guidance or care' The 'prudent' leader taps into God's wisdom & seeks divine guidance to lead & care for God's people.
In 2 Chronicles 1:1-13 we find Solomon, King David's son assuming the leadership of Israel, after David has passed away. The scriptures record that he 'strengthened his hold' on the Kingdom; (organised and solidified) 'Spoke to all Isreal;' (communicated & guided) 'Went up to the tent of meeting to inquire of the Lord;' (led by example) 'Offered sacrifices in the Lord's presence;' (sought God's blessing) All of which are tremediously insightful actions in themselves. (I will let you ponder each of these yourself)
That night God appeared to Soloman and got out heaven's 'chequebook' licking the end of his pencil, God says; 'hit me!' What should I give you? - WOW this is a defining moment in Solomon's life! Read his response to God and God's response to him in 2 Chronicles 1:8-13 to paraphrase 'I need your wisdom to lead your people' God's says RIGHT ON! You will get exactly what you have asked for - and i'm writing a personal cheque for all that you didn't ask for! Oh this is gold! are you ready for this? the Hebrew word 'chokmah' (H2451) translated as 'wisdom' means; a) skill (in war) b) wisdom (in administration)c) shrewdness, wisdom d) wisdom, prudence! (in religious affairs)e) wisdom (ethical and religious)(from Strong's Hebrew lexicon)Solomon felt the enormity of the task before him and knew that his greatest need was for 'chokmah' - God's prudent guidance to guide others. As leaders we cannot rely on reason alone, we cannot trust logic by itself, we fail if we trust human managment or corporate principles - if all of these are not subjugated to Divine prudence. Have you prayed? Fasted? inquired of the Lord as Solomon did? waited on God? sought Godly council? If we want to have prudent & powerful infuence as a leader and take people along the path to their destiny, as Proverbs says we will need to: "Get wisdom(prudence) get understanding" Prov 4:5. I remember reading that Billy Graham would read the book of proverbs every month (31 chapters!) as he recognised that without spiritual wisdom residing in his soul he defaulted to schemes, programs, human logic, feelings, peer pressures and this led to flawed and carnal decision making - the impact and damage being the Church & God's people being led away from God's purposes to lesser things.
I trust we will all seek prudent God-provided wisdom in our responsibilities as leaders, and grow in our reliance on this crowning attribute of leadership.
Ps Rhett bids you well!
Next week: The final 'P' of leadership influence = Perserverance
Coming soon new series: 'Developing a Pastor's heart' - Studies from John Ch 10
Origin of PRUDENCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alteration of providentia — see more at providence (i.e. divine guidance or care) First known use: 14th century.
Synonyms: alertness, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, circumspection, gingerliness, guardedness, heedfulness, caution, wariness (Websters online dictionary)
I believe one of the crowning glories of leadership is the attribute of 'Prudence' - this is more than just good decision making or managment savy - But as we can see from Webster's definition, its roots are closley linked to the latin concept of 'providentia' or providence, which is also defined by Webster's as 'divine guidance or care' The 'prudent' leader taps into God's wisdom & seeks divine guidance to lead & care for God's people.
In 2 Chronicles 1:1-13 we find Solomon, King David's son assuming the leadership of Israel, after David has passed away. The scriptures record that he 'strengthened his hold' on the Kingdom; (organised and solidified) 'Spoke to all Isreal;' (communicated & guided) 'Went up to the tent of meeting to inquire of the Lord;' (led by example) 'Offered sacrifices in the Lord's presence;' (sought God's blessing) All of which are tremediously insightful actions in themselves. (I will let you ponder each of these yourself)
That night God appeared to Soloman and got out heaven's 'chequebook' licking the end of his pencil, God says; 'hit me!' What should I give you? - WOW this is a defining moment in Solomon's life! Read his response to God and God's response to him in 2 Chronicles 1:8-13 to paraphrase 'I need your wisdom to lead your people' God's says RIGHT ON! You will get exactly what you have asked for - and i'm writing a personal cheque for all that you didn't ask for! Oh this is gold! are you ready for this? the Hebrew word 'chokmah' (H2451) translated as 'wisdom' means; a) skill (in war) b) wisdom (in administration)c) shrewdness, wisdom d) wisdom, prudence! (in religious affairs)e) wisdom (ethical and religious)(from Strong's Hebrew lexicon)Solomon felt the enormity of the task before him and knew that his greatest need was for 'chokmah' - God's prudent guidance to guide others. As leaders we cannot rely on reason alone, we cannot trust logic by itself, we fail if we trust human managment or corporate principles - if all of these are not subjugated to Divine prudence. Have you prayed? Fasted? inquired of the Lord as Solomon did? waited on God? sought Godly council? If we want to have prudent & powerful infuence as a leader and take people along the path to their destiny, as Proverbs says we will need to: "Get wisdom(prudence) get understanding" Prov 4:5. I remember reading that Billy Graham would read the book of proverbs every month (31 chapters!) as he recognised that without spiritual wisdom residing in his soul he defaulted to schemes, programs, human logic, feelings, peer pressures and this led to flawed and carnal decision making - the impact and damage being the Church & God's people being led away from God's purposes to lesser things.
I trust we will all seek prudent God-provided wisdom in our responsibilities as leaders, and grow in our reliance on this crowning attribute of leadership.
Ps Rhett bids you well!
Next week: The final 'P' of leadership influence = Perserverance
Coming soon new series: 'Developing a Pastor's heart' - Studies from John Ch 10
Monday, September 6, 2010
Getting Through What You're Going Through part 5 and 6
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 5
We need to face our fears with faith.
To overcome our Goliath, we first must have vision. "I believe I can conquer my mountain. I believe I can do the impossible."
Critics and sometimes even loved ones who wish us the best may try to dim our vision.
To overcome your goliath, you must be able to face critisism and ignore negative comments.
Tongue Twister - A fighter full of faith always conquers his fears and foes and makes his future a fantastic, fruitful friend.
To overcome your goliath, you must have faith in God and in the ability he has given you. Together you can conquer any mountain.
God cannot carry you if you don't give your problem over to Him completely and allow yourself to be carried. It takes alot of faith to let go and let the hand of God lift you, but you can't feel God's power until you do. You have to pray the prayer, "carry me, Lord" then relax in God's arms and feel him carry you.
How can we preach to broken hearts if ours has never been broken.
The difference between winners and losers is the way we respond to failure.
One way to get through what you're going through is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
Rejection can cause our self-esteem and self-dignity to be destroyed It's how we deal with rejection that makes the difference in our lives.
There is no such thing as absence of faith, It's a matter of degree.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 6
We cannot forgive ourselves unless we are willing to forgive others.
Ask God to show you his vision for your life, then see yourself as God sees you.
God will not impose himself on you. He has given us free will.
Most of us harbor grudges deep down inside which influences everything we do. Consequently we are never really seeing or hearing life as it is, we are just seeing the present through the tons of repeated fragments of distorted old memories.
When you belittle yourself, you're belittling God. When you insult your neighbor, you're insulting God.
A negative prayer is never answered.
Fear is the barrier that keeps us from feeling God's love. We want to follow on our terms and we fear that we will lose this freedom. So we put God in a box
Every step we take, God is walking beside us.
Will you let God carry you this week?
Michelle Cozins
We need to face our fears with faith.
To overcome our Goliath, we first must have vision. "I believe I can conquer my mountain. I believe I can do the impossible."
Critics and sometimes even loved ones who wish us the best may try to dim our vision.
To overcome your goliath, you must be able to face critisism and ignore negative comments.
Tongue Twister - A fighter full of faith always conquers his fears and foes and makes his future a fantastic, fruitful friend.
To overcome your goliath, you must have faith in God and in the ability he has given you. Together you can conquer any mountain.
God cannot carry you if you don't give your problem over to Him completely and allow yourself to be carried. It takes alot of faith to let go and let the hand of God lift you, but you can't feel God's power until you do. You have to pray the prayer, "carry me, Lord" then relax in God's arms and feel him carry you.
How can we preach to broken hearts if ours has never been broken.
The difference between winners and losers is the way we respond to failure.
One way to get through what you're going through is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
Rejection can cause our self-esteem and self-dignity to be destroyed It's how we deal with rejection that makes the difference in our lives.
There is no such thing as absence of faith, It's a matter of degree.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 6
We cannot forgive ourselves unless we are willing to forgive others.
Ask God to show you his vision for your life, then see yourself as God sees you.
God will not impose himself on you. He has given us free will.
Most of us harbor grudges deep down inside which influences everything we do. Consequently we are never really seeing or hearing life as it is, we are just seeing the present through the tons of repeated fragments of distorted old memories.
When you belittle yourself, you're belittling God. When you insult your neighbor, you're insulting God.
A negative prayer is never answered.
Fear is the barrier that keeps us from feeling God's love. We want to follow on our terms and we fear that we will lose this freedom. So we put God in a box
Every step we take, God is walking beside us.
Will you let God carry you this week?
Michelle Cozins
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fourth 'P' = Presence
We want to discuss the power of 'presence' in this session. It is crucial to positive, effective leadership influence that we be present in two ways; present 'in the moment' or possessing 'presence of mind' in situations & also to be 'physically' present and accessible to the people you are seeking to lead. I want to address the second aspect.
In the famous shepherding Psalm, David the Shepherd/King writes: "Yea Though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of death, thou are with me..." Psalm 23:4 In real terms David had faced many near-death experiences in life; He was aware of the comforting presence of God with him. As leaders do you realise how much of a comfort you can be to those walking through difficulty? Just as David drew strength from his faith in an 'ever present' God (we also want to teach others to do the same) But your presence as a leader can also make a powerful difference, just a call, an email, sms, a personal visit, an intentional touch as you pass by in the crowd to those who are suffering. An awareness of your presence with them in their trials can be of great value.
John the revelator describes Jesus in his incredible vision "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was One like the Son of Man..." Rev 1:12-13 John is allowed to see the Glorified Jesus, but his appearance is in a context - in the midst of Lamp stands; representative of the churches he was about to address. Our leadership influence always has a context; not apart from - but within the church surrounded by those we are ministering to. I hope you are comfortable with this - because an aloof or absentee leader fails to comprehend the proximity principle of influence and with out this vital relationship with others we diminish our power of influence.
Did you know that one of the covenant names of God is 'Jehovah-Shammah' (God is present or 'near') YHWH Shammah – (‘The LORD is there’) “and the name of that city shall be , YHWH Shammah – the LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:35 This scripture is in context to the millennial reign of God, with him as even present God, dwelling in the New Jerusalem. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.He being (continually) in the midst. Are you 'There' for others? are you 'There' at services, prayer meetings, small group? on the phone, by personal visit, electronically - are you 'accessable'
I wonder about the 'celebrity' style leaders who roll up to meetings moments before they speak, deliver their oratory and are whisked away by 'minders' who carry their briefcases for them! before and after services they are quarantined in 'green rooms' (Why Green?) from the rank and file who have no intimate access to them. In John 10:3-4 Jesus, the great Shepherd says "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice." There is probably no more poignant picture of a shepherd in the midst of his sheep; With them, In the midst, 'There' surrounded by, and in and loving relationship with those he calls his own. From this place of 'With-ness' (is that a word?) he leads them from that place to health, wholeness, growth, to 'safe' places - It starts with relationship leaders! your 'Presence' is vitally needed as starting place to greater influence!
Be 'present' this week in the midst of your small group.
Ps Rhett
Next week: Fifth 'P' = Prudence
In the famous shepherding Psalm, David the Shepherd/King writes: "Yea Though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of death, thou are with me..." Psalm 23:4 In real terms David had faced many near-death experiences in life; He was aware of the comforting presence of God with him. As leaders do you realise how much of a comfort you can be to those walking through difficulty? Just as David drew strength from his faith in an 'ever present' God (we also want to teach others to do the same) But your presence as a leader can also make a powerful difference, just a call, an email, sms, a personal visit, an intentional touch as you pass by in the crowd to those who are suffering. An awareness of your presence with them in their trials can be of great value.
John the revelator describes Jesus in his incredible vision "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands, and among the lamp stands was One like the Son of Man..." Rev 1:12-13 John is allowed to see the Glorified Jesus, but his appearance is in a context - in the midst of Lamp stands; representative of the churches he was about to address. Our leadership influence always has a context; not apart from - but within the church surrounded by those we are ministering to. I hope you are comfortable with this - because an aloof or absentee leader fails to comprehend the proximity principle of influence and with out this vital relationship with others we diminish our power of influence.
Did you know that one of the covenant names of God is 'Jehovah-Shammah' (God is present or 'near') YHWH Shammah – (‘The LORD is there’) “and the name of that city shall be , YHWH Shammah – the LORD is there.” Ezekiel 48:35 This scripture is in context to the millennial reign of God, with him as even present God, dwelling in the New Jerusalem. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there." Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.He being (continually) in the midst. Are you 'There' for others? are you 'There' at services, prayer meetings, small group? on the phone, by personal visit, electronically - are you 'accessable'
I wonder about the 'celebrity' style leaders who roll up to meetings moments before they speak, deliver their oratory and are whisked away by 'minders' who carry their briefcases for them! before and after services they are quarantined in 'green rooms' (Why Green?) from the rank and file who have no intimate access to them. In John 10:3-4 Jesus, the great Shepherd says "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice." There is probably no more poignant picture of a shepherd in the midst of his sheep; With them, In the midst, 'There' surrounded by, and in and loving relationship with those he calls his own. From this place of 'With-ness' (is that a word?) he leads them from that place to health, wholeness, growth, to 'safe' places - It starts with relationship leaders! your 'Presence' is vitally needed as starting place to greater influence!
Be 'present' this week in the midst of your small group.
Ps Rhett
Next week: Fifth 'P' = Prudence
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