MIKE HARDIE

10 Year old preacher! Classic.

How the Mighty Fall

Just started reading Jim Collins new book, How the Mighty Fall (author of Good to Great and Built to Last). This is immediately a sobering read.
I'll probably post a few thoughts on this as I read and reflect on my own life; church and culture.
But I just wanted to start by saying, there's a lot in the title itself. Here is a few thoughts.

* Beware if you think you're mighty, you may be more vulnerable than you think.

* Mighty people fall all the time for a thousand different reasons. Collins notes that there are more ways to fall and far less ways to succeed and stay standing.

* This book is about the business world apparently. I think the underlying issues are about human nature and personal character.

* This book is already jolting me into reflecting carefully by God's Spirit (Ps 139:23-24) on my own heart and character and making serious plans to develop my character and not assume that because things are going ok that I may always be ok. Due diligence is needed in personal character.

So as I keep reading this book I will also be praying and reflecting and inviting God to use this secular book to stir my faith and passion to live a life that honours him and his grace shown to me. The good news is...

"Though I fall, I will arise. Though I sit in darkness the Lord will be my light." Micah 7:8 

P.s. Collins talks about this too.

EXPLORE, COMMUNITY, CAUSE

I'm getting excited as we start building the team and planning hard to create a new environment for young adults.

THE PROBLEM:

There are too few environments where Christians can bring their friends to EXPLORE faith in a relevant environment. 

ONE OF MANY SOLUTIONS:

So we're going to have a go. "Perhaps God..." (1 Samuel 14:6)
In a few months we launch a gathering at a local night club. It's got a great atmosphere!

The vision is to create a relevant environment for people to EXPLORE FAITH, EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY & join a world changing CAUSE.

EXPLORE:

We don't often give people the chance to EXPLORE. We "tell" them and expect them to believe us. Sure I believe in the power of the Gospel proclaimed to impact and change people. I also believe it's important like a missionary to build relationship; trust and integrity, respecting the journey people are on. This is why I love ACTS 17 (Paul @ Mars Hill). He built relationship; spoke in their cultural language and was invited into their community. At times Paul would reason with people. This is all part of the journey of exploring if the good news is GOOD NEWS. We think it is but want to give people the chance to EXPLORE it for themselves.

COMMUNITY:

There is nothing like a community of people seeking to genuinely do life together. We dream of people becoming friends; finding a loving community; learning how to become a loving community.

CAUSE:

Most people want to make a difference in the world by reducing poverty; standing up against injustice and bringing peace. We think the people of God have more reason than anyone to live out the Kingdom of Heaven cause (Isaiah 58 and the rest).
How great would it be to have people part of a world changing cause while they explore faith in Jesus.

So we're establishing a grwoing team of people to turn the dream into reality.

Want to help?
WE GOT A BIG VISION. It will require a BIG TEAM with BIG HEARTS and BIG SACRIFICE.

Perhaps we will be celebrating something amazing 12 months from now.

My best leadership question

I love asking good questions to myself. There is often a gap between the leader and pastor I desire to be and even feel called by God to be and the leader / pastor that I actually am in reality.

I've begun to ask myself a great question on a daily basis that is helping to move me in the right direction to becoming the leader I need to be.

The question is:

"What would a great leader do?"

Do you have a mentor? Do you have any examples of people you look up to?
I do. And sometimes I ask myself in different situations, what would "so and so" do here?

I asked myself today this question at least three times and it gave me great motivation to tackle a few projects and tasks that I have been finding easy to put aside.

This question, "What would a great leader do?" helps me in the following ways.

* Gives me motivation:

In my heart I desire and feel called to be a great leader because if I am less than God has called me to be then this can effect people that follow me and the church I lead and the dream and vision will be left unrealised.

* Helps me make wise decisions:

Sometimes I'm not sure what to do in a situation and by asking the question, I end up asking God for wisdom and considering what other wise leaders have done in similar situations.

* Builds trust with those I lead:

I find when I ask this question regularly and act on what I know is right this builds trust among those I lead. They see me giving my best; seeking to act with integrity and gives them hope that they too can become better leaders and people.

* Helps me stay humble:

It reminds me that I don't know everything and that I am not there yet. I'm not an expert, I'm a learner. The best leaders I know are life long learners.

Ask yourself next time you feel like procrastinating; not sure what to do or where to start; leading a team or getting quite confident in your progress..."What would a great leader do?"

If you care about this question it's probably because in your heart you believe you have a gift of leadership and you should lead diligently. (Romans 12:8)

P.s. Just don't make a wrist band out of this question.

ENERGISER Part 1

I spoke on Sunday using the phrase 'ENERGISER' as a way of communicating a picture of an encourager. I am passionate about equipping people to be 'energised energisers' (a play on words similar to Tom Wright's 'Rescued rescuers').

I'm challenging the THRIVE COMMUNITY to be energisers. What's an ENERGISER?

Someone who:

Updated

We updated our THRIVE website. We're improving things all the time.

www.thrivecommunity.com

Daily Scripture reading.

I am so glad that I have a high view of Scripture and a habit of reading the Scriptures daily. I don't have a lot of great habits but this is one I am proud of. I am proud of it not because it gives me spiritual status but because it's saved me and helped me so many times. Here's why the habit of daily Bible reading has helped me...

1. It reminds me of my dependency on God for wisdom; grace and hope.
2. It challenges my selfish mindsets.
3. It softens my heart towards God and his people.
4. It gives me hope as I read about the people God used for his purposes despite their failings.
5. It's helps me discover more and more in fresh new ways who God is and what his character is.
6. It's gives me examples of faith to follow and learn from.

I do want to point out that anytime Bible reading becomes a means of trying to win God's favour or a way that one measures their spiritual growth there must be caution. You can read the Bible everyday and still not be transformed into the likeness of Christ. We must submit to the Word of God and let the Spirit change our hearts and be obedient.

Bible reading isn't the goal. Transformation to be like Christ is the goal. Scripture and regular reading is the tool to assist us.

I thank God for those who were burnt at the stake and sacrifices greatly so that we can have personal Bible's in a langauge we can understand.

I'm reading slowly through 1 & 2 Peter at present. Loving it. Challenged by it. may I let God change me through it. What are you reading at the moment?

It's so true...

Proverbs tells us that where there is no revelation or vision the people cast off restraint or run wild. I'm so thankful I have vision. I feel like I have too much vision sometimes. But each day I get up with a sense of purpose and passion because the vision seems so important. As a matter of fact the vision becomes compelling and worth fighting for when you get the conviction that this MUST HAPPEN.

True vision is when we see something that could happen; should happen and then must happen. There is an urgency. If the vision doesn't happen things will not be right. I believe God puts the vision in our hearts via dreams and desires that cannot be shaken even in the light of discouragement; adversity and self-doubt. Something beyond ourselves compels us in a forward motion.

Sometimes people tell me they are worried because they don't have a vision or dream. I didn't used to be able to understand this. But now I do a little more. I believe there comes a point where something will grab your heart that you're passionate about. It may start with you or it may start with someone else. Keep your eyes open to what God may want to do to get you living for something greater than yourself.

I have a dream. What's your dream? or what's a dream someone has that you might be able to be part of?

Update

Hi there blog readers. I am in the process of updating and working towards a new look blog. In the meantime here is a few things that's been going on keeping me away from this blog:

* We just got new offices! We have been blessed with a great set-up at the Kiora Centre in Miranda right near Westfields Shopping Centre & the Kiora Mall. This will help us significantly with volunteer staff  and administration. If you want to catch a glimpse you can check out www.thrivecommunity.blip.tv and watch news update for the 29th March.

* The church is growing which means exciting times but challenging times getting things working well and seeing people get connected. Growing fully devoted disciples of Jesus is never a quick process. It involves as Jesus demonstrated a concentrated effort at spending time together; wrestling out what real faith looks like and challenging people to trust the ways of God over their own former desires.

* Every week it seems I talk with people who are really having a tough time with the harsh realities of life in general not to mention the strain of the global financial crisis. I am humbled as I listen to people's stories. I am challenged to find ways to to truly encourage people by being present; listening well; offering hope and standing with them in their challenging hour.

Anyway...More soon.

Courtney's Story

THRIVE MEDIA 09

Amazing kid. Great story.

Books

I love this photo of Tom Wright (Bishop N.T. Wright) sitting in his study. I have no doubt he has read almost all of these books behind him. The books he's authored reveal that. But it got me thinking about the place that reading has in our lives.

I had never read a full book (adult book meaning not a golden book) until I was 18 years old (1992). I struggled to read. I didn't have the focus at the time. But I knew that God was calling me to lead, pastor and teach God's people. I knew that if I didn't "study to show yourself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15) I would be in risk of leading people away from God's truth or at least ripping them off from unknown truth.
So I prayed for help. The I started reading. I read a page at a time till I finished a 200 page book. Then I picked up another book and by faith kept reading.

Now I can't stop reading. It's changed my world view; teaching; values; understanding of God and so much more.
So read good books.
Reflect well.
Live larger.
What are you reading now?

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

Maybe this is too hard to do. Maybe this is too simplified. Israel & Palestine. I seem to recall the prophets saying that God's people will bless the nations. Is that too controversial? Stick figures rule! (Thanks KL).

AN ATHEIST ON WHY AFRICA NEEDS GOD

A friend sent me this link to a Times article. May our faith continue to transform lives from the inside out and bring about the results Isaiah prophesied about hundreds of years before Christ.

An honest article and reflection.

An Atheist on why Africa needs God

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year everyone and I pray you are gearing up for a brilliant 2009.

Pray.
Dream.
Plan.
Take Action.
Celebrate.

This is my plan to not let 2009 be sabotaged by mediocrity and indifference.

What I need from my church; friends and family:

* Partnership for the areas where I am weak but need to overcome.
* Encouragement in large proportions to build on my strengths and not rest on them.
* Prayer.
* Celebration: be happy with me when I succeed because I am also cheering you on and will be celebrating with you when you succeed.

Why do this?

Because life is precious and our Saviour King deserves our best stewardship of what he has entrusted to us. It's not about personal fulfilment; it's bigger than that. It's about fulfilling the purpose God has for us that will bring him great glory. This is what brings fulfilment and joy to the believer. God gives dreams and desire to us so we are motivated to do what will glorify him.

2008 may have been painful and hard and 2009 may be too but we press on regardless and take hold of that which Christ is calling us towards.

Amen.

Phil Pringle Pastor Painter

Conspire to 'STRESS LESS'

Summary from Sunday's teaching at THRIVE

Stress is massive problem in our culture and few of us a immune to it. Stress happens. But we do have a God who invites us to a life with a lighter burden than the burden of Pharisaical rules and burdens and the worlds pressures. This Christmas I am conspiring to flee  so much stress and prepare my heart to fully engage God in worship and others in love and service. Hard to do but not impossible.

Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace give life to the body”

BIG IDEA: “Stress is a SIGN and an INVITATION”

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me…” an invitation to do something about your burden.

•    A burden (stress) is a SIGN that something is not right.
•    Jesus says, ‘Come to me...” this is an INVITATION to be free & at peace.

3 Practical ideas to reduce stress & so be able to give yourself more fully this Christmas.

1.    SIMPLIFY:
a.    Proverbs 17:1 crust or feast?
b.    Less is more (sometimes)
c.    Clear the clutter

2.    SOLITUDE & SILENCE:
a.    Psalm 46:10 – Be still
b.    Elijah running – 1 Kings 19 “God was in the still voice”
c.    Jesus went into desert to be with the Father.

3.    MARGIN:
a.    You weren’t meant to live on the edge.
b.    SABBATH is a gift of rest after living under slavery 7 days a week.
c.    A break from making bricks (Egypt).
d.    Create margin financially; morally; relationally; time.

I love this video too...'BRIAN BUSHWAY can see'

MOSAIC Great story...

Conspire to make Christmas free...

Christmas should be free! Should it?
Just a thought.
I am excited about the journey I am on in rethinking how to capture the joy and wonder of the Christmas story and at the same time embrace the great things about our culture that help us celebrate and encapsulate the story.
I love celebration.
I love presents and generosity.
I love Christmas carols and songs of hope and peace and joy.
I love Christmas lunch...and so much more.
BUT!
I am learning to positively resist (focus on what I am for rather than what I am against) the things that oppress and enslave us in our society.
I am resisting my own propensity to spend more than I should; to give less than I have been entrusted with and get so busy and stressed that I have no emotional energy to be relationally present.

So this Christmas and hopefully next Christmas...

* I want to resist the consumerism that enslaves so many.
* I want to focus on relational giving (gifts that build relationship and community).
* I want to redistribute my wealth: give so others are blessed.
* I want to worship fully. This is my desire. Does Christ our King deserve anything less?

Join with me and many others in conspiring how we can make this Christmas a blessing rather than a curse.

This is freedom and this freedom is free for us but cost God dearly.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9