LU4E / love you forever

Can you fall in love and stay in love forever?

Great question to be sure, and most of us, if not all of us would say yes it is possible, even though we may not have seen it or perhaps experienced it ourselves. Part of the challenge is that it has never been easier to fall in love but it has never been harder to stay in love.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

I look at this verse and it can be so easy to gloss over it, but don’t. Pause for a second and let it sink in. This is the model; this is how we should love. This was never a suggestion. If you are a follower of Christ then this is a command, this is how you must love … like He did.

This takes love from being a noun (I feel love) to a verb (I choose to love you). The Creator of the Universe stepped down and lived this. Coming not to be served, but to serve, to show us exactly what He meant.

When we remove all the excuses, when we silence all the reasons and justifications for how and what we do and want, it comes down to this … will you love others the same way Jesus loved and loves you. 

Will you chose to be the one who loves first, who is more concerned with relationship than being right?

Will you make love a verb?

BLESSED

I kind of find it funny that some people react to this in a negative way. I know there are certainly excesses out there when it comes to the prosperity message, but there are excesses out there for everything.

I will never apologise for preaching the BLESSED message. I am one of those people who actually still believe the Gospel as the GOOD NEWS …. The reality for a Christ Follower is that they ARE BLESSED, right now. Unless you can really get that, you may never see it no matter what the bank account says.

Some of the meanings for blessed are – consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: divinely or supremely favoured; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends; blissfully happy or contented.

James 1:17 says, Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens…

When you look at this verse, the meanings of BLESSED, and the message of the Gospel then something should stir within you and remind you of the goodness of God, the Grace of the Lord Jesus and the future we have in Him.

I am BLESSED, and because I know that I have a responsibility now to live in such a way that glorifies a God who has BLESSED me, and be a blessing to a world that is yet to meet Him. You are BLESSED, no matter what you are facing right now; you face it as someone who is already BLESSED.

Now you may need to work that out into your present circumstances. Circumstances always change, but God and His Word will never change. Something always ends up shifting and if you are planted on the Word, you won’t shift, your circumstances will.

Why? It’s simple really, you are BLESSED.

But maybe that is just what I believe and you may disagree, that's okay, it doesn't change the reality for me, I am BLESSED. 

Truth

John 18:38

Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”

Great question – what is truth? One definition tells us - That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.

But HOW could we ever possibly know, really know if something is actually TRUE.

People will so often just tell you what they want you to hear, or what they think you want to hear. Others feel free to tell you simply what they think – based upon their experiences or preference. Still others will share the truth they have heard from someone somewhere or testify it must be true because I found it on Google!

Back to Pilate and Jesus talking together just before the Crucifixion – the question is asked by Pilate to Jesus …. WHAT IS TRUTH?

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus said He didn't just know the truth, HE WAS THE TRUTH.

So maybe we put ourselves in Pilate's shoes, standing before Jesus, standing before the TRUTH. Asking the question – WHAT IS TRUTH?

Maybe we don’t really want an answer.

Perhaps it was just a rhetorical question to fill in the space.

If there is truth to be discovered and we don’t have it, then there is the chance, however small it might be: That we actually could be wrong, that we could be deceived, that we do need to meet the truth and make a decision to accept Jesus … who is standing right in front of us.

The Truth is He is faithful and able to not only forgive us but make us free.

The truth is, He already has.

We just need to make a decision to accept it.

WALK don't run

We see this sign almost every day. Why would they want to slow us down, are these people trying to hold us back?

What about our success, our vision, momentum, our moment of breakthrough … are you serious, you want me to walk, not run?

As a Dad I hear myself saying all too often to my boys, “slow down, walk”. The why, is easier to understand as you get a little older and hopefully smarter.  Mistakes happen when we run too fast. We burn out quicker; we expend a heap of energy and maybe even fail to finish what it is we started.

Galatians 5:16, 25

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Why walk?

You get into the rhythm of Grace that holds you to your convictions. When you walk you can go the distance. Anyone can start well but are you going to be there a year from now?

One of the greatest legacy's we can leave is the resilience to keep moving forward.

Almost anyone can run, but it is the ability to just keep stepping it out day after day.

Don't simply aim to be inspirational, aim to actually be there.

Maybe, instead of looking how quickly you can retire rich, work at staying employed, saving money and having enough to not just meet your needs but someone else’s.

More than being the Father of the year - be a Dad who is present.

Greater than posting a blog on relationships each month, enjoy a date night each week, so you are still married next year.

So each day, every day, day in and day out …. WALK, don’t run.

How can I help you?

What if transformation for me begins not with a decision I make but rather a question I ask of someone else?

Not a complicated question?

This question used to be part of the everyday, but somehow we lost it and now just tend to view everyone with an agenda.

Assumptions will still the voice that asks the question.

As simple as THE QUESTION is I tend to shy away from it, no sooner is it out in the open I know it could cost ME.

But I know the power of this QUESTION. I have watched lives be transformed when some brave soul took up the challenge and asked THE QUESTION.

Mark 10:51

So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

What if I changed all of my encounters to start with THE QUESTION, more than an assumption, or an expectation?

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

This simple question changes everything starting with our focus right through to our outcomes. Perhaps, you are one of those brave souls who will endeavor to put this to the test and see what transformation happens in your world when you simply touch someone else’s world.

It’s a thought!

Fasting, or just hungry?

One of the lesser known disciplines of a Christian is that of ‘Fasting’ which is not practised as often now days and even less understood. I think we have, by in large, gotten pretty slick and polished and along with that we have systems, strategies, plans & a plethora of resource to equip us for almost any endeavour we could imagine.

But, there is still that ache for some, deep inside, to be closer; to be more connected. To know that the clarity you see is not just from good planning but from practised surrender. So for some, we embrace the call to Fast.

It is important to note that when we fast we all experience different things. For some, the moment they start a Fast the Heaven's open, Angels sing, the Word leaps from the pages, the Devil runs & hides and great mysteries are revealed ... for others; they get really hungry & it seems God is busy with those always sharing the new revelation they got directly from the Throne room.

Fasting is not about what you feel, and not really even about what you get out of it, because that is subjective. When you fast, you seek God, you plant seed, and you position yourself. God will hear and God will move. How and when is up to Him, but never doubt the power of the choice you have made.

Our desire must be to seek His face more than just seeking His hand. This goes way beyond the clever cliché. I find it so easy to seek God for what I NEED, and the pressing concerns of the day, but when you Fast, things do tend to slow down a little. You make more time to reflect, meditate, think a little deeper, and even ask God … what He wants.

So, are you Fasting or simply getting hungry?

It’s FINE, don’t worry about it.

I love swimming in the ocean, out past the breakers, past the heavy swell, just moving in tune to the currents and stretching out my stride. 

Then pausing, floating back and enjoying the moment … but then I start to think about what is under me.

How far out am I?

How deep is this water?

Was that a dark shadow just over there?

Next minute I am looking around, sure I am not alone; replaying scenes from the Jaws movie I probably should not have just watched and trying to remember Psalm 8 where I am sure it says I have authority over what is in the sea … that I can’t see.

Anxiety moments come to us all, but the Bible tells us not to be anxious. Okay, don’t be anxious … there may be a shark under me about to eat me … but don’t be anxious …. 

ARE YOU KIDDING? How?

Philippians 4:6 says PRAY. Take it to God, with a heart reflecting on what you can be thankful about. It is amazing when we settle back into the right place with God … peace floods in and worry has to find a new address.

Don’t complicate it, keep it simple … your feet will follow your focus. It’s fine.

Thoughts from Isaiah 54

Isaiah 54:2, 3 (AMP)
I very rarely do this but this passage of Scripture has been in my heart since COC National conference in September.  

There are some key things we can reflect on as we head towards 2013.

Enlarge the place of your tent,

You need to make space for the place. Stop shrinking back, there has been a time of consolidation but now is a time to enlarge.

and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;

Too many people getting stressed instead of getting stretched. You can't stretch if you are not green, not dry & hard. Not proud but humble. As we stretch out we create a place of covering. We extend our place of covering.

spare not;

This is a time of generosity. Gather containers & not just a few. Like the woman in the Bible told by the Prophet. The oil only stopped because she had run out of containers.

lengthen your cords and strengthen your  stakes,

You need to go deeper if you want to go higher. We are only as strong as the weakest link. We know that often it is first natural then the spiritual. Maybe you need to pray more / lengthen your cords. Maybe you need to be in the Word of God more / strengthen your stakes.

For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left;

And The Lord added DAILY / multiplication. Increase by multiplication is a lot more exciting than addition. Be it in your walk with God, your business or your area of ministry.

and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate
cities to be inhabited.

This is generational. Not just to occupy but to POSSES.  A place that had no life now supports life. We are to bring that life. And MAKE a place of habitation. God inhabits the praises of His people.

STOP!

        As we come closer towards the end of another year I try and evaluate what has “crept in’’ over the course of the last twelve months. So many extra things can get added to what we had set out to do, and often these are the very things that can tip us over the edge and cause us to then feel tired, worn out, and lacking in passion as we settle in for the home stretch to Christmas.

I don’t want to grow weary so there are some things I need to stop – maybe you could stop a few things also.

10 Things You Need To STOP Doing… Right Now!

    I.        Stop placing your job above your family.

  II.        Stop doubting yourself.

III.        Stop believing the lies.

IV.        Stop settling for second best.

   V.        Stop procrastinating.

VI.        Stop making excuses.

VII.        Stop standing in awe of the success of others.

VIII.        Stop tippy-toeing on that line of sin.

IX.        Stop being consumed with what other people think.

   X.        Stop saying “I Can’t!” – Remember: can’t never could!

When Boys become Men

I'll never forget a conversation I had with my Granddad when I was just a young boy. Like most boys I was intrigued by war stories, of heroes and overcoming impossible odds.

One thing he said that hung in the air as he said it and has stayed with me since. He said, “We went over as boys and came back as men. “

So what does it take for a BOY to become a MAN - does he need to go war for this to happen? Surely not!

Most of us have heard the words BE A MAN. Maybe your own Dad spoke it over you, or perhaps you have said it to yourself or a friend has challenged you in a time of need to BE A MAN.

But often two really important things are missing?

•         A clear, grounded, intentional & Biblical definition of Manhood.

•         A well-defined process that challenges the Boy to embrace the clear definition.

We need men to rise up and know who they are.

Not boys in bigger clothes, not trying to still prove themselves against undefined set of scales that fail to inspire or equip.

So, what is it about a man that makes him a man?

1 Corinthians 15 – Two men who serve as a snapshot of manhood.

Adam and Jesus Christ.

Paul refers to them as the first and last Adams.

1 Corinthians 15:45

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

Every man will end up drawing his masculinity from the Adam of Genesis or from Jesus Christ. This is a great passage of Scripture to work your way through and meditate on.

A man is someone who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously and expects a greater reward.

Robert Lewis.

Our society needs men who will take a stand for moral absolutes – but where are these men?

Jesus was more of a man in the manger than Adam ever was in the garden! – He laid aside all his ‘rights’ and gave ALL for what He stood for.

Adam, when faced with his moment to shine and protect and cover his wife, just stood by and watched the serpent unfold his plan.

Real manhood begins with a decision to reject social & spiritual passivity when it almost seems natural and effortless to simply follow the crowd.

Leadership demands that men have the COURAGE to master their passions and emotions and arm themselves with Biblical truth.

The courage to lead with truth rather than surrender to feelings always separates the men from the boys.

A boy, a good boy knows how to follow.

A man, a real man, knows how to lead.

CARING, when it hurts

1 John 3:16-17 (message)

This is how we've come to understand and experience love:

Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves.

If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

If God has called us to love others then there is a richness to discover in the process.

When God opens up our hearts it hurts – but play your part; and allow God to bring you through.

I promise the view from the top of the hill after the valley will be worth the journey.

“Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we shall soon see them in their proper figures”. – Joseph Addison (essayist, dramatist 1672-1719)

Don’t let the pain of yesterday steal the joy of tomorrow.

Stay the noble course and refuse to end up being defined by your circumstances – that is always your choice.

You don’t need to be thankful ‘for’ something, but you can stay thankful ‘in the midst’ of whatever challenge you find yourself.

‘What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognise it as such. – Henry Miller (author, writer 1891-1980)

This is the great call for Christ Followers – anyone can care when it is easy, when the pressure is on someone else.

But to care in the midst of the great challenges, the injustice, and the betrayal – that is divine.

Whatever you are going through – choose to keep going through and don’t stop!

Remember whatever life throws at you, you have a choice to be bitter or better – CHOOSE LIFE! 

RESILIENCE

WHY do some make it, while others seem to fall?

WHAT do I need to bounce back from a set back?

What are the keys to be adaptable but anchored, to be flexible but focused. We need RESILIENCE.

One definition of resilience is ... 

A process of positive adaptation despite adversity...

 - If it is a process then this means – YOU CAN LEARN IT.

RESILIENCE IS BUILT THROUGH PROBING THE BOUNDARIES OF YOUR EXPERIENCES.

Maybe you are not totally to blame for ending up where you are today, but you must understand that you are the only one who can keep you from moving forward.

Resilience is built from a foundation of taking responsibility.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (CEB)

²⁶ So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight.

I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. 

²⁷ Rather, I’m landing punches on my own body and subduing it like a slave.

I do this to be sure that I myself won’t be disqualified after preaching to others.

What if the goal was not to always be looking for a way out of the struggle, but rather looking for the way through? Trouble always comes, tough times happen to us all, but we need to remind ourselves there is more in us and more for us.

We are not defined BY our circumstances, but to a large degree we are defined IN our circumstances – in other words, take another step, get up one more time, just keep breathing …. RESILIENCE is building, and you are becoming so much MORE.

I am currently doing a series on RESILIENCE and covering some ‘must have’ keys to building resilience and setting yourself up to overcome the pressures of life, to minimize stress, and limit anxiety. Grab hold of the 4 messages and get equipped to live life to the full.

BREAKTHROUGH

“Possessing your future changing somebody else’s is all dependent on what you do and what you will invest and give in the now!”

Ps. Mark Ramsey

Have a quick read through Matthew 25:14-28, the parable of the talents.

Too many people worrying about what they don’t have – rather than making the best use of what they do have!

People are so often so busy looking at what other people have, or what they want – they fail to see the way forward is to use what they already have!!

Opportunities aren’t lost; they are just given to somebody else.

God never asks us to do something we can’t do, or to give something we don’t have.

The question is always – what will you do with what you have?

If you want God to move you into your future, you will need to do something, give something in your present! Look at what you have – you do have time, you do have some gifts and talents, you do have a little treasure.

Everything we possess is a starting point for the future.

Whatever we have is enough to move us to another level.

Even though it seems a little – in His hands it can achieve much! What are you going to do with what God has blessed you with today?

Daddy's Girl

My daughter turned 18 the other day. I have been through this before with my son who is now nearly 20, but for some reason, this was different.

Maybe, it’s because there is something seriously wrong with this world – we objectify women and turn love into lust, desire into depravity, concern into coveting, and serving into selfishness. Our failing morality is at the cost of someone’s little girl ... how can this be?

Or, we expose them to a world they are not ready for, they grow up too early, expectations are unrealistic, standards are set by pop culture, and opinions shaped by the masses who are fickle at best.

Let me share a tiny portion of a letter I wrote to my little girl.

She is turning 18, oh wait, it has happened already, so soon,

I wasn’t ready.

I remember when you were so small, so dependent, so helpless,

You were looking out of those big beautiful eyes at a world before you, with wonder and amazement.

You embraced life from the start with a passion and zeal, you danced in the rain, you sang your own song, and ... you were my little girl.

Cheeky, but focused; playful but purposeful. Each new task, each new day an adventure. I watched you grow so quickly before my eyes.

... and then this at the end ...

So how do I feel? Happy, proud, sad, blessed, expectant, alone.

I only have one little girl and in my heart that will always be, but as I look; As I steal a glance there is a young woman standing where my little girl used to be.

Be that woman of God and leave a legacy that changes your world for the glory of God.

Dad’s go hug your sons, love your daughter’s. Mother’s don’t miss a moment to encourage, inspire and embrace them. For soon, so soon, they will be grown and you will hold your breath as they step out of the nest to fly. Pray you have done a good job, pray they are ready, pray they live a life that glorifies God and make a difference.

PRAYER

Here are a few thoughts on prayer / great to reflect upon.

Prayer is more than simply communicating. It is more than the dictionary meaning or the frail understanding of humanity.

Prayer rises through the defiant lips of the one who stands in the gap for breakthrough. It shouts with declarations of faith and victory in the midst of overwhelming odds.

Prayer whispers in the recesses of emotion of what could be, if only.

Prayer bubbles out in the tumult of sorrow that threatens to engulf. Not always manifested by cleverly constructed phrases, but at times evidenced by groaning and unknown words from the breaking soul.

Prayer grows in the background conscience of the one caught in a web of their own destruction, as they desperately try to navigate through the closing darkness. No longer to be contained it seeps through in simplicity as a cry from the lost soul to a known or unknown creator.

Prayer celebrates the journey and petitions for the path untravelled. It rises around to bring hope and comfort, direction and clarity.

Prayer shows us what is and what could be, it opens us to another perspective and reveals us as we really are. It strips down the layers and builds up wholeness.

Prayer is breathing out the cares and distractions of this world and breathing in the grace and peace of God.

BEING RIGHT IS SO OVER-RATED

1 Timothy 6:11

But you man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Question.

Is there a difference between being RIGHT & being RIGHTEOUS?

Where we go wrong is when we treat our preference as a principle. It seems like a principle, maybe it is even a conviction for you, but it could still be a preference.

Maturity is when you get a tiny inkling in the back of your mind that there is the smallest possibility, no matter how unlikely, that you just could in fact potentially be wrong / or not know quite as much as you were sure you knew before.

Perhaps there is more to learn.

More than being right, I want to be known as one who pursues righteousness.

Right is all about you

Righteous is all about God

Would you choose the CROSS?

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs. - Vance Hayner

1. YOU have to go UP.

God was constantly ticked at the Israelites because of the images set UP at the high places.

Look at the High places that we SET UP in our lives - possessions, work, hobbies, habits; actually anything that comes between us & God can be a high place – spouses, children, even ministry!

We need to make a conscious decision to shake off all the extra stuff if we want to go UP.

2. What are you lifting UP?

John 12:32

But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.

John 8:28

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.

There is a double meaning hidden in here – YES this speaks of the crucifixion but it is so much more than that – we need to be Lifting Jesus UP!

Sometimes we tend to LIFT UP our problems more than our solutions.

It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. - M. Scott Peck

3. Time to TAKE UP the CROSS.

The image of the cross is discernable in every area of Christianity.

Most of us have a cross – we where it as jewellery, as a token of our faith. I know for most of us we don’t want to belittle it – but the reality is we don’t understand the cross like it was ….

Jesus’ life was dominated by the CROSS – it was His noble pursuit.

Many people interpret the cross as ‘a burden to bear, a challenge to overcome, or a part of life they just have to press through. Most Christians would view the cross as a symbol of atonement, forgiveness and grace.

BUT … make no mistake that is not what the Disciples thought … to a person in the 1st century the cross meant only one thing: death by the most painful and humiliating means human beings could develop.

Taking up the cross meant torture

Taking up the cross meant certain death

Taking up the cross meant humiliation

And none of this was symbolic or to be avoided. Once the cross was on your shoulders there was only one outcome.

Would you choose the cross?

It is said of the missionaries of the 19th century, embarking on missions overseas, that they often packed their belongs in a coffin instead of a trunk so they would have something to be buried in. They never expected to return.

Would you choose the cross?

The cross is painful / no pain no gain.

The cross is certain death / dying to ourselves every day. More than a decision made at an altar call.

The cross in external & internal / it demands sacrifice.

Would you choose the cross?

Kicking goals with your goals!

How many things have you read about setting goals, achieving your goals, reaching your goals, confessing your goals, and the list just goes on and on?

Then we tend to swing back the other way and decide to not set any goals, rather than drown under the weight of expectation that we have created for ourselves. The only thing is though, without a goal, without a clear objective you can’t be sure that you are actually making progress, moving forward, making the most out of the year before you.

Proverbs 16:9 needs to be read in conjunction with Proverbs 16:3. We make our plans, and then we commit them to the Lord that is our part; God then directs and determines the best course of action that is His part. If you haven’t done your part how can you expect God to bless your ‘nothing’?

So this year, maybe look at having fewer goals but just make sure they are S.M.A.R.T – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time sensitive – and then be sure to submit them to the Lord.

Simplicity of focus brings clarity of purpose.

Let it go

Ever make NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

Most of us do / most of us struggle to keep them past a few weeks

Why?

They are often great ideas / but we just got to much going on – too much baggage, too much undealt with stuff.

BAGGAGE!

We tend to drag it around year after year, adding to the pile.

Maybe it's time to clean up and get rid of the junk.

Maybe we need to let something GO so that in 2012 we can GROW!

Grab a pen / pencil and a piece of paper and spend some time reflecting on this year and some of the areas that perhaps it is time to deal with so that you are setting yourself up for success in 2012.

1) What didn’t I give my best to this year?

How often do we hold back, prioritize other things, and instead of giving our best, we tend to give what is left.

2) Revisit your values.

Am I on track?

Does what I am doing line up with my values?

It may not be that we just went bad, but as we reflect maybe we just got a little off-track.

What has crept into my world that I really need to let go?

3) Sort out relationships.

Sometimes Christmas can be pretty stressful, especially if you have some stressful relationships.

This isn't about who was right and who was wrong, this is about relationship.

Maybe you can't even see this person, but you can still forgive them - forgiveness is about releasing you.

Do you have ANYTHING AGAINST ANYONE? Write is down.

4)Deal with unresolved inner conflict.

What is bringing you internal stress?

Maybe it wasn't even your fault, maybe it was - does it matter at the end of the day - maybe today is time to let it go?

What about - God is this what I should be doing?

You can't move forward with uncertainty.

Getting Relationships right

Here is the deal, the stats tell us that currently around 50% of marriages end in divorce. If I was to tell you there is an intersection just up the road where if you drove through you would have a 50% chance of crashing and getting seriously injured ... you just wouldn’t drive there. You would be crazy to get into a car and head towards that intersection ... especially if you just saw the car in front make it through.

Yet this is what we have been doing when we play THE DATING GAME.

There has to be a better way, if God created this thing, then there must be a way to navigate it and still enjoy life – because God is into SEX, He invented it. But we have lost our way and are off the freeway of blessing and into the rugged roads of compromise.

Let’s face it – for most of us the way we play the game doesn’t come from any great revelation but from watching – Parents, family, TV, movies, others. So at the end of the day we have to come to the conclusion we are pretty well just giving it a go based on what we think we know!

I think we need to come back to the Bible and find out what God has to say about relationships and how to navigate the journey rather than just being led by POP culture or opinions of the day – just a thought!