Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
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7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
Charles Nobles once said, “first we make our habits, then our habits make us.” We are what we repeatedly do. And if we ever want excellence in our lives, we need to remember that it “is not an act, but a habit.” Some habits are good, others very bad and still some are of no value or eternal significance. However, to effectively impact the people around us and leave a lasting impression, we must develop good habits and do everything in our power to unlearn bad ones.
I would like to leave you with 7 Habits of highly effective christians. By their constant practice of 7 biblical principles they do not only excel in their knowledge of God, devotion to the Lord, ministry and calling, they also effectively inspire and challenge others to personal development and growth.
They give cheerfully
Their primary motivation is not what they will get out of their giving. They are more interested in being a blessing than receiving a blessing. They are kingdom driven and what ever promotes the work of the kingdom they are ready to step up.
They serve humbly
They have come to realize that God has called them to serve their generation. They are aware of the fact that every gift and talent given by the Father was given to serve others. They have come to realize that any “definition of a successful life must include serving others.” George Bush
They Pray selflessly
The only people who make a real difference in the world are those who selflessly pray for others. They almost never need to even pray for themselves because with the measure they selflessly give, they always get back in return. When they tell you “I’m praying for you” or “I will be praying for you.” they really mean it.
They Pursue God Relentlessly
A young man came to a very wise man and said, “I want to know God, teach me how.” The wise man said, “follow me and you will learn.” One day while they walked along the road, they came to a little creek and the wise man said to the young, “well, here is your first lesson – baptism.” The young man was excited and so presented himself to be baptized. Well, the wise man submerged the young man under the water but didn’t bring him up quickly, but kept him there for a while until he began to pant for air. After kicking and screaming for a while, the wise man brought him out of the water. But the young man was furious and asked if the wise man wanted to kill him. To that the wise man said, “if you want to know God you need to desperately seek him just like you were desperately seeking air when you were held under water.” Highly effective christians are desperate for God.
They live purposefully
Most highly effective christians have a plan for where they want to go. They do not, as in Paul’s words, “run like one who runs aimlessly.” They don’t, as in Celestine Chua’s words, “leave things to chance and outside world.” With the Lord’s help they take steps of faith. Though they can’t see the staircase, they take purposeful steps of faith.
They handle difficulties wisely
When life is painful and difficulties set in, they are not frantic. They are skillful at crisis management. They seek the Lord in prayer, they seek wisdom from his word, they confide in trusted friends and mentors and remain hopeful that God is able to keep what they’ve committed to him for that day. That kind of attitude is contagious.
They invest strategically
They use their time wisely. They don’t waste it on frivolous things. They use their money wisely, investing it instead of throwing it away on expensive toys. They value relationships, family, and friends. They also make themselves available to coach or mentor others, passing on valuable life’s lessons to the next generation.
I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of Christian I strive to become. How about you?
Check out 7 Habits of effective Leaders
Don’t Toot your own Horn
Take heed that you do not your give alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father in heaven.
Therefore, when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
When it come to bragging or boasting about our accomplishments or achievements, some people have a hard time reining it in. Because of that lack of self-control they come across as proud, boastful and obnoxious. I understand that there is usually tension, especially for professionals, between selling oneself and humility. To be frank, even people who find themselves on church staff or on staff at other christian organizations, struggle with the tension between humility and standing out.
But whatever situation you find yourself, the biblical principle of humility still stands. And I will argue, especially if you are a christian. unfortunately, I know a lot of christians who are egomaniacs. So, before I loose my cool and go off on them, let me share with you a few tips about how to stop tooting your own horn.
- Show don’t tell. Stop declaring and acting like you are the best. If you are, than you are smart enough to know that it is obvious to everyone. Plus, it doesn’t impress anyone to brag about yourself. It just makes you look annoying and unpleasant, and people like to avoid obnoxious folks.
- Avoid the front row seat mentality. “Do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.” Luke 14:8
- Don’t tell other they are dumb. That is insulting. And it implies that you are smarter that they are.
- Don’t be dismissive of others. If you do not agree with someone’s opinion, don’t just shut them down. That is a little rude and disrespectful.
- Avoid speaking to others with condescension. Avoid an attitude of superiority and looking down on others.
- Stop taking yourself too seriously. Seriously!
- Let others toot your horn for you. The way you do that is to let your work speak for itself. but also, genuinely and sincerely give praise to others, because with the measure you give, it will be given back to you.
- Avoid false humility. In everything you do, carry yourself with confidence. But, be careful and don’t let your confidence turn you into an egomaniac.
- Let God work behind the scenes for you. Never undermine others to promote yourself. Never lie about other to get a raise or promotion. Never stab others in the back to win favors. Stop playing politics to your advantage. Instead, let God promote you. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up in due time.
- Buy a “toot your own horn” mug and T-Shirt to remind yourself not to toot your own horn. Place the mug on your desk and wear the t-shirt often.
Tabitha Arise
The raising of the dead to life is something humanly speaking too difficult to even comprehend. Is it really possible for a dead person to live again? Many a few doubt that it is possible. But for those of us who have faith in the one who Made the heavens and the earth, it is not only possible, it should be expected in this life and for the life to come.
The raising of the dead to life is something only God can do. It is exclusively reserved for God. He alone holds the key to life and death. He alone can give it and he alone can take.
There are several places throughout the bible about the dead being raised to life:
- The widow’s son in 1 Kings 17:17-24, God used Elijah.
- The Shunamite’s son in 2 Kings 4:20-37, God used Elisha.
- The dead man tossed into Elisha’s tomb in 2 Kings 13:21, God used bones of Elisha.
- The widow’s son who lived in Nain in Luke 7:11-17, raised by Jesus Christ
- The Synagogue ruler’s daughter in Mark 5:35-43, raised by Jesus Christ.
- Lazarus in John 11:1-44, raised by Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Christ rose from the dead (Matt 28:5-8; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5-6).
- “Many bodies of the saints,” in Matt 27:51-53, raised after Jesus Christs resurrection.
- Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas in Acts 20:7-12, God used Paul.
- Also, it is incredibly possible that Paul himself raised to life after he was stoned and left for dead in Acts 14:19-20. It says “He rose up.”
- Also possible, though the Bible doesn’t say, the young man in Mark 14:51-52.
Tabitha also called Dorcas in Acts 9:36-41, God used Peter. “But Peter put them all outside, and knelt and prayed; and turning to the body the said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.”
The Greek verb for “raised her up” is the same word used throughout the NT for Jesus’ resurrection. Though her restoration to life was not permanent, it served to remind Christians of their promised resurrection in Christ. Because Jesus lives we can face tomorrow. We should not only believe it – we should expect it!
Now, God forbid, you had a loved one, who, like Tabitha, fell sick and died. Is it possible for God to bring your loved one back to life? There are hundreds of stories today about people who died and God brought them back to life. But let me tell you a story from the bible:
Jesus is friends with a guy named Lazarus. Lazarus has two sisters and Jesus is friends with them as well. Lazarus dies and Jesus doesn’t show up until four days after. At this time Jesus comes to Martha and asks her a question: “Didn’t I tell you, if you believe you will see the glory of God? “Yes,” she replies, “and I look forward to seeing him again in the resurrection,” speaking of seeing him in heaven. But Martha didn’t get it until the command, “Lazarus, come out” was given, and life entered the dead man as he walked out, at the command of the one who holds the key of life and death.
I think we could see extraordinary miracles – even the raising of the dead, if we would just tune in with what God wants to do. If we would just get with what God is doing, we would see extraordinary things. Martha was thinking about a heavenly reunion, while Jesus was thinking of an immediate earthly reunion. Jesus said, “the words I speak to you are Spirit and life.” We need to be listening to what the Spirit is saying no matter how dire the situation. This is key to tapping into the miraculous.
On the other hand, too many people are holding on to their assumptions calling it faith. Faith is not blind, it has substance and substance is embedded in solid promises. If God promised to do it, than believe until it is done. But if God didn’t say anything, than it is time to let go.
Let this verse be a guide:
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
15 Tips on Blogging from John Newton/ Part 2
6. Blog to offer both converting and comforting grace to your reader.
“Oh, that my heart may take fire as I write! Surely I am in my better judgment persuaded, that life is not worth a desire, but as affording opportunity to spread the savor of his name, to set him forth in my ministry, for the comfort of his people and the salvation of poor sinners” (6:153–154).
7. Make it your constant aim to blog with the intent of prospering your reader in God.
“The hour is approaching, and, at my time of life, cannot be very distant, when my heart, my pen, and my tongue, will no longer be able to move in their service. But I trust, while my heart continues to beat, it will feel a warm desire for the prosperity of souls; and while my hand can write, and my tongue speak, it will be the business and the pleasure of my life, to aim at promoting their growth and establishment in the grace of our God and Savior” (3:304–305).
8. Be extra careful when handling controversy on your blog, and if you do engage it, know that it carries with it extra responsibilities, first in the tone of how you write, secondly in requiring you to sincerely pray for your opponent(s) before you engage them, and thirdly in requiring that you address your opponent as one who has an eternal soul, and who will either be lost forever, or as one that will be your brother or sister in heaven for all eternity.
“I shall, however, keep you particularly in my eye while I write, that a just sense of the candor and affection with which you have always treated me, may regulate my pen, and preserve me (if possible) from that harsh and angry spirit, into which writers upon controversial points are too often betrayed” (5:3). “As to your opponent, I wish, that, before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing” (1:268–269).
9. Bloggers should aim to write from personal experience.
“To be affecting and useful, they [essays] must be dictated rather by the heart than by the head; and are most likely to influence others, when they are the fruits and transcripts of our own experience” (2:17).
10. Bloggers should also write from their observations of others. “The knowledge I have of what passes there, I have gained more from observation than from actual experience” (1:226).
15 Tips for blogging from John Newton – Part 1
15 Tips for blogging from John Newton – Part 3
By Tony Reinke
An Evening Prayer
Dear Lord I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear I am aware that this world can be cold and cruel I am afraid, cuz sometimes this path can be very lonely Please hear these words of mine:
Be with me now, hold me together, Be forever near me, lighten my darkness, Pour over me Your holiness
15 Tips on blogging from John Newton
Maybe some of you have lost your way and need to reevaluate your purpose and motives for blogging, or
maybe some of you have thought about blogging but you don't know how or what to blog about especially as
a believer - I have just the right post for you. Something that will inspire you to greatness.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you should know that I’m new to blogging in so many ways and I am still learning new things. For many months, I felt the loneliness in the blogger-sphere and wanted to give up. But I found inspiration, encouragement, friendship and got some gentle corrections and very good tips from many of you. I’m still not really good at writing, my funny accent causes me to spell thing the way I pronounce them, but I’m making progress. I actually wanted to say that I make my living from talking (after all, 12 years as a radio host and 21 years as a pastor is a good excuse), but I realized that it was a poorer excuse. So, I guess the accent ‘thing’ did work en? 🙂
In any event, I really enjoy blogging. I enjoy meeting new people, reading, learning new things, and participating in uplifting discussions. But I still have lots of room for improvement. That’s why I am resurrecting this old post because it reminds me why I blog and how I can improve my work. But before that, I want to take the time to say thanks to all of you for coming along side of me on this journey.
May the Lord bless all of us in our endeavors to make Him famous!
I urge you to prayerfully consider these 15 blogging tips from John Newton. This is an article that Tony Reinke wrote many years ago and it is packed with valuable coaching tips on how to blog to edify your readers. There are 15 tips, but I will post 5 for the next 3 days. I strongly suggest going through at least five a day so that it is more profitable to you. If you want it all right away, you can find it here.
So, Here we go… the first five blogging tips from John Newton…
1. Bloggers should write to learn, to meditate, and to remember.
“I think you would likewise find advantage in using your pen more: write short notes upon the Scriptures you read, or transcribe the labors of others; make extracts from your favorite authors, especially those who, besides a fund of spiritual and evangelical matter, have a happy talent of expressing their thoughts in a clear and lively manner: you would find a continued exercise in this way would be greatly useful to form your own style, and help your delivery and memory” (2:76–77).
2. Bloggers should write to edify, therefore it is preferable to write simple truth than to spread eloquent trifles.
“Language and style, however, are but the dress. Trifles, however adorned, are trifles still. A person of spiritual discernment would rather be the author of one page written in the humble garb of Bunyan, upon a serious subject, than to be able to rival the sprightliness and elegance of Lady M. W. Montague, unless it could be with a view to edification” (2:16–17).
3. Bloggers should expect the well to run dry at times, and understand some of the personal factors that explain this barrenness.
“My silence has been sometimes owing to want of leisure; and sometimes when I could have found leisure, my harp has been out of tune, and I had no heart to write. Perhaps you are ready to infer, by my sitting down to write at last, that my harp is now well tuned, and I have something extraordinary to offer: beware of thinking so, lest you should be sadly disappointed” (2:206).
4. Women should be encouraged to blog for the benefit of the entire church, since they naturally write in a style more enjoyable, and less stilted, than men are normally capable of.
“I have often wished we had more female pens employed in the service of the sanctuary. . . . In the article of essay writing, I think many are qualified to succeed better than most men, having a peculiar easiness of style, which few of us can imitate” (2:16).
5. Magnify Christ in what you write.
“I trust my pen is chiefly devoted to the praise of Jesus your beloved, and so far as I succeed, I am sure what I write will be acceptable to you” (6:349).
Biblical Descriptions of the Atonement
Sometimes we read the bible and it all seems like gibberish, nothing makes sense and nothing connects.
But with a closer look, everything falls in place.
When it comes to getting a message across, the Lord has done a great job making himself amply clear.
Nothing is vague, hidden or obscure, if, through the eye of the Holy Spirit, we could just stay patient and
dig a little deeper - That's when all these gems, treasures begin to unfold.
| Type of Language | Biblical Words | Human Need | The Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language of OT sacrifices | Blood, lamb, sacrifice | We are guilty | We are forgiven |
| Language of personal relationships | Reconciliation | We are alienated from God | We are brought back into intimate fellowship with God |
| Language of righteous anger at wrongdoing | Propitiation | We are under God’s holy wrath | God’s wrath is satisfied/quenched |
| Language of the marketplace | Redemption, ransom | We are enslaved | We are set free |
| Language of the law court | Justification | We are condemned | We are pardoned and counted as righteous |
| Language of the battlefield | Victory, deliverance, rescue | We are facing dreadful enemies | We are delivered and are triumphant in Christ |
I believe that God wanted us to know that the atonement is a very big deal, so he did everything in His power to make that amply clear.
To Love is to be vulnerable
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
C.S. Lewis (The Four Loves)
7 Livingstones
1. “God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.” 2. “All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book.” 3. “I will go anywhere, provided it be forward.” 4. “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.” 5. “Nothing earthly will make me give up my work in despair.” 6. "There is one safe and happy place, and that is in the will of God.” 7. “I will place no value on anything I have or may have except to the kingdom of Christ. ”
_______________________
7 Quotes from David Livingstone
Walter Bright 
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