2008/02/25

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
by Jon Walker

“Excel in showing respect for each other.” (Romans 12:10b, GW)

Respect begins with a godly perspective.

Respect means we see one another through our Father’s eyes as eternal beings (John 3:16) chosen by God “for the high calling of priestly work … God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him ….” (1Peter 2:9, Msg). It also means seeing each other as “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, NIV).

Respect means we consistently remember we’ll soon be sharing heaven with other believers whom we know from our churches, our neighborhoods, our places of work -- anywhere we meet other people. We give respect even to those whom we have difficulty respecting.

We give respect other believers, regardless of their so-called station in life, understanding that God “put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity” (1 Corinthians 12:24, NLT).

Respect also means we recognize that all human beings, regardless of their beliefs, are eternal beings created by God. C.S. Lewis notes this in “Mere Christianity,” that all men and women are created for eternity; the significant question is where they will spend eternity – with God or away from God.

A significant part of showing respect is simply listening. We offer our presence and open our ears—listening to the hidden hurts and heartaches, the deepest dreams and desires of one another. The God of the universe listens to our prayers; Jesus listened to those around him; we should listen to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of listening means we don’t rush to fix things or to give an answer; we respect others enough to let others share their full story. Sometimes all another person needs is for someone to hear what’s on his or her heart, just as we need for others to listen to us.

Respect means we trust others, instead of assuming they’ll get it wrong, or not do it as well as we would (Philippians 2:3). In other words, we don’t insist that others wear our armor, as King Saul wanted David to do when the young shepherd went into battle with Goliath. We respect the way God has Shaped them, understanding they may do things in a different way.

We also demonstrate respect by doing what we can to protect the reputation and dignity of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of listening to malicious gossip about others, or contributing to the spread of rumors, we let our love cover over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8, NIV).

What else does this mean?

· Tactful, not just truthful -- Tactfulness is thinking before you speak, knowing that the way you say something will influence how it is received. Criticism is best received when it is presented in a loving manner and, as mature Christians, we’re to “know the whole truth” but “tell it in love” (Ephesians 4:15, Msg). Before you speak frankly with someone, ask yourself, ‘Why am I saying this? Will my words build them up or tear them down?’ “Kind words bring life but cruel words crush your spirit” (Proverbs 15:4, TEV)

· Understanding, not demanding -- We respect others when we treat them the way we would want to be treated (Luke 6:31). When people are interacting with you, do you want them to demand or understand? We should be considerate of one another’s feelings and stresses: sometimes people don’t feel good, or they’re just having a bad day. The Bible says, “A wise, mature person is known for his understanding” (Proverbs 16:21, TEV). The best place to start practicing this is in our homes and Bible study groups. It’s sad, but true that often we’re more polite to strangers than we are to the people we see every day.

· Gentle, not judgmental -- Even when we disagree with one another, we should still be courteous and respectful—focusing on our own behavior first: “… Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block in your brother’s way” (Romans 14:12–13, NIV).

· Polite, not rude -- When others are rude to you, you’re not required to respond with rudeness (Although it’s amazing how often we act as if a rude response is a requirement). As Christ-followers, we are taught to respond with kindness: “Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21, Msg).

‘Help Me Not To Doubt’
by Jon Walker

“I do believe, but help me not to doubt!” (Mark 9:24, NLT)

Recently, I've been thinking my life verse should be Mark 9:24: “… I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (NIV)

I do believe, yet I have so much unbelief in my life. I walk in faith, yet my faith is often more in the things I see than the things I don’t see. I follow God, yet I repeatedly find myself stumbling down a path of my own choosing.

Paul teaches this is a common disorder among Christians, but he also says the cure for our unbelief is, quite simply, to believe God.

In the midst of our complex negotiations with God on the subject of belief, Paul sums up the issue with one simple phrase: "Abraham believed God …." (Romans 4:3)

· Abraham believed God to be a loving Father;

· Abraham believed God wanted fellowship with him;

· Abraham believed God would speak with him;

· Abraham believed God would listen to him;

· Abraham believed God wanted to use him in a great mission;

· Abraham believed God knew more than he did when the childless patriarch was called to birth a great nation;

· Abraham believed God was telling him to go, even if it was to a land he did not know;

· Abraham believed God would guide and provide step-by-step.

· Abraham “went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Abraham acted on his belief because he was in intimate fellowship with the Father, and this “up-close and personal” relationship showed Abraham that God could be trusted to do the things he said he would do and to fulfill the commitments he promised to complete.

Abraham believed God. Paul believed God.

I believe; God, help me overcome my unbelief --

· I believe; help me live like I believe.

· I believe; help me make decisions like I believe.

· I believe, my Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you.

“Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led,” writes the great saint Oswald Chambers. “But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing him who calls us to go.”

What does this mean?

· ‘Help my unbelief’ – You cannot work yourself up to greater belief; rather, your belief will deepen as you deepen your fellowship with God. Tell him, “I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”

· Believe God, not yourself – As you face decisions today, ask yourself: “Is this decision based on my belief in God, or my belief in myself?”

· Move from ‘if’ to ‘of course’ – God's desire is that you to move from “if God can do this” to “of course, God can do this!” He doesn’t expect perfection from you; if you could be perfect, then Jesus needn’t have died on the cross. Even Abraham failed to believe God at points along his journey.

· Listen to Jesus – When we say, “Help me, if you can,” Jesus says, “If I can? Don’t you understand that everything is possible to you when you believe?” (Mark 9:21-23)

· Keep confessing – Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief.

Poster Batch No.

Thoughts

Poster Batch No.

Thoughts

01

A GOAL IS “A DREAM BEING ACTED UPON”.

24

IN A MARATHON RACE, THE WINNER IS NOT ONLY A GOOD INNITIATER, BUT ALSO A GOOD FINISHER.

02

IMAGINATION IS A WORKSHOP WHERE ALL PLANS ARE CREATED.

25

IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE.

03

IT IS NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT WHERE YOU WERE OR YOU ARE, IT IS IMPORTANT WHERE YOU ARE HEADING TO

26

NONE OF US IS EQUAL TO ALL OF US.

04

LEADERS CREATE TURBULANCE IN THE THOUGHTS OF FOLLOWERS

27

CONSISTANT WATERFALL EVEN WEARS THE HARDEST ROCK

05

COURAGE IS NOT ABSENCE OF FEAR, IT IS OVERCOMING OF FEAR

28

GLOBALISATION = VALUE FOR CUSTOMER’S MONEY.

06

ASPIRE FOR HIGHER EXCELLENCE

29

TEAMWORK MAKES DREAMWORK.

07

VISION IS YOUR LIGHT HOUSE

30

LEADERS DO NOT CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF WIND BUT ADJUST THE SAILS.

08

IF YOU CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THEN THE ENVIRONMENT ALSO CARES FOR YOU.

31

VISION IS THE BLUEPRINT ON THE INSIDE OF A LEADER, BEFORE HE EVER SEES THE PLAN ON THE OUTSIDE.

09

CHALLENGE THE IMPOSSIBLE

32

COMPETITION IS DYNAMIC BALANCING.

10

TEAM SPIRIT

33

COMPETITION IS LIKE LEARNING HOW TO SWIM ALONG WITH THE SHARK, WITHOUT GETTING EATEN UP.

11

GREAT MINDS HAVE PURPOSES;OTHERS HAVE WISHES

34

GOAL BECOMES BOTH, THE TARGET & THE FUEL

12

TEAM = TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVE MORE

35

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS A LIFETIME JOURNEY - NOT A BRIEF TRIP.

13

YOUR ATTITUDE IS YOUR WINDOW TO THE WORLD, THROUGH WHICH YOU SEE IT.

36

FAITH IS “ BELIEVE BEFORE YOU SEE IT”

14

SUCCESS BEGINS IN MIND

37

IN A SPRINT, WINNER IS NOT ALWAYS WHO IS SWIFT BUT THE ONE WHO IS CONSISTANT.

15

LET YOUR GOAL BE IN CONCRETE & PATH BE IN SAND

38

YOU MUST DO THE THINGS TODAY THAT OTHERS WILL NOT DO, SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE THINGS TOMORROW THAT OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE.

16

TRUE LEADERS BUILD FOLLOWERS

39

LEADERS ARE THOSE WHO RISK TAKING A FALL WHEN IT MEANS A CHANCE TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

17

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS CONTROL CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT CAN CONTROL YOUR OWN THOUGHTS.

40

BURNING DESIRE TO REACH HEIGHTS

18

LEADERSHIP IS THE CAPACITY TO TRANSLATE VISION INTO REALITY.

41

ATTITUDE & TEAM PLAYING WILL DECIDE YOUR ALTITUDE

19

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS OFTEN TRAVELS THROUGH ADVERSITY.

42

COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVE COMMON GOALS

20

SUCCESS IS USUALLY ACHIEVED BY CLIMBING ONE STEP AT A TIME.

43