Confessions of an Ice Cream Eater

It is often said that pride comes before a fall and a short time ago I learnt that truth the hard way! Whilst on a church outing to a seaside resort I observed an incident, and made the comment to my wife that sometimes we need to be assertive in hanging on to our self esteem. It’s something I’ve had to work on, so perhaps I was being a little self righteous.

A little further down the pier I noted a stand that was selling ice cream. Ahhh! It was a long time since I had eaten an ice cream out of doors and I remembered the advice given by a lifestyle guru to occasionally spoil yourself and do something that you like. Have  you ever taken the advice of a  lifestyle writer and find that you  have bitten off more than you can chew? I asked for two scoops and the vendor piled them up, on top of a small cone. Delicious! The weather was warm and there was quite a strong wind and the ice cream started to melt faster than I could eat it. It started running down my arm, and however furiously I licked, I could not stop the trickle! Down it dripped onto my sleeve, and all around me on the pier decking. Eventually I was getting so sticky that I had no choice but to throw the rest in the sea - not something I would do lightly!

I started trying to mop up the mess on my coat but its amazing how far an ice cream can go! As I took my coat off to wipe up the mess I said to my wife, “Thank goodness there is nobody seeing this that knows me!”

Just a minute what is going on here? Why did I say that? Surely I was afraid of what they might think and that would knock my self esteem. What was that I had said earlier about the need to be assertive in hanging on to one’s self esteem in every circumstance?   One of the things I have discovered is that it is easier to give advice than to take it!

We live in a culture where we are are expected to perform well and to put across the perfect image.  At work we have to be seen to be efficient and we live in a society where appearances are everything.  We judge politicians by how well they ‘perform’, rather than what they believe, or how effective they are.  In our media-orientated society we emphasize image over content.  Even as children we are conditioned to be correct and perfect in all that we do.  We must pass exams as well as perform well in sport and music to be the popular star pupil.

The truth is that we all find it very hard to admit weakness or failure.  We cannot be seen to be less than perfect.  However, most entrepreneurs and innovators claim that they have only achieved what they are famous for on the back of many failures.  Many millionaires have lost their money more than once before they were able to get truly rich.  Thomas Edison, after so many failed attempts to produce an effective light bulb is quoted as saying, “I have not failed 1,000 times, I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb." Success in life is not the product of being always right but rather of making mistakes and learning from them.  Making mistakes is part of the learning process and sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than we do from our successes.

Often we need to ask who it is we are trying to impress.  Are we more concerned about what other people think than about being true to ourselves?  Let's face it most of the time the people around wouldn't care a jot.  They probably wouldn't think any less of me for having ice cream all over my coat!  At the end of the day it is what we think about ourselves that counts and not what other people think of us.  That is where our self-esteem lies.

Remind yourself that you have been made in the image of God and that the person you are is a person who God has created. He loves you just the way you are. Do you?

Have you got a tiger in your tank?

At first sight when we look around the nation there seems to be much in the way of encouragement. There is an array of Christian  organisations and prayer groups. Some of the churches particularly in the north east and south have grown quite large. However we do not seem to be influencing society, which is becoming more secular and and in some sectors more anti Christian. Also its standards of morality are being undermined.

All revivals and awakenings are born in prayer and if we are to see our nation restored we need to rediscover the roots of our spiritual power. Before the Welsh revivals many people gathered together for prayer and pleaded for God’s blessing. The nature of this prayer was one of heart-felt anguish. and Ewan Roberts prayed, “Bring your blessing or I die!” Ask God to give you a passion to see his kingdom come.

Let us reflect for a moment on the ministry of Jesus. He was very much a man of action. He was a healer and a teacher and travelled around from place to place. What was it then that equipped him and gave him the motivation to heal the sick and preach the coming of the kingdom? The Gospels reveal to us the source of his power. In Mark’s gospel we read that before Jesus chose the disciples he went up into the hills to pray. Behind his ministry lay the secret life of prayer.

It is important that we rediscover out passion for prayer and I have a vision to see individuals, twos, threes, groups and churches devoting themselves to praying for revival. Prayer is not confined to church and house group but can take place on the internet or on the beach. Remember when you are building your sand castle on the beach that God is described as a strong and mighty tower! Thank him and pray for his blessing of protection. Also pray for the protection of others.

We tend to think that prayer is something that we do either kneeling or sitting down and that we need to have our eyes closed in order to do it. Where in the Bible does it say that! Prayer should be as natural as breathing.  If we are living with a spouse we don't always engage in intense conversation but we do share our lives together. Maybe you are just brushing your teeth, - why not feel free to thank God for the day that has been or the new one that is to come? Share your burdens, simply ask God to help at a time of difficulty and have a natter with him at various times during the day. Also spend time reading the bible and listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say.

When you have started to develop your relationship with God it becomes easier to spend longer in prayer. It is also important to start praying for the needs of others and the work of the church. I have often heard people say they are not very good at prayer, but the truth is that none of us are and we all learn in gradual stages. Don't compare yourself with others and feel free to stand or sit as you feel more comfortable. Praise God for any progress that you make and be encouraged!

Prayer is the key to a successful life and in this dark world we need people who will pray.  Motivational theories are important but prayer is the fuel for our endeavours. Have you got a tiger in your tank – a prayer life that empowers you? It is the key to successful living  and to revival.

Where have all the hippies gone?

Having been brought up in 60’s I imbibed  the ethos of wanting to change the world. It was an era of colour, long hair, flared Jeans and of course flower power. Hippies were not just drop-outs but they wanted to shed the conventions and materialism of the establishment and in return establish a more carefree life. True many of its ideals were naive and contradictory but they did have a desire to change the world. In the mid 70’s I remembered a programme entitled “Where have all the flowers gone?” and it described how a few had remained true to their ideals but most were middle class and had gone into the professions.

There have always been those in every generation that have wanted to change the world and there seems to be a recurring pattern of the idealism of youth giving way to to disillusionment in midlife. Usually life changes us and often results in a pragmatic approach to life and a loss of passion.

We can’t all change the world but we can change the direction of our own lives and begin to change the world around us. One Hollywood film called “Payback” took up this theme. A class of children were asked to come up with an idea that would change the world and one pupil came up with a remarkable concept called ‘payback’. Basically you find somebody to do good to who can’t repay you, with the only proviso that they in turn help three other people.

I am not saying that we should necessarily adopt this  pattern, but it uncovers the principle of what Richard Foster called the “Mustard seed conspiracy”. In a parable, Jesus said that although a mustard seed started so very small, it grew to be very large. In the same way our random acts of kindness sow seeds that grow and multiply particularly if we encourage the benefactor to ‘pay it forward’.

It is a fallacy to think that we can change the world solely through politics or pressure groups although these might help. No one would underestimate the role of the anti-slavery movement or the suffragettes. However for the most part the world is changed one bit at a time by people sowing seeds of goodness in the lives of others. This according to Jesus is best done without show as the objective is to glorify God and help others, rather than giving us score points on the way to celebrity status. I am not in anyway downplaying the importance of theology in the Christian life, but virtues like love, kindness, and goodness are the characteristics that should ultimately define the kingdom of God. 

As we get older we may grow out of the naivety of youth, but let us never loose the passion to influence those around us by doing good. If you have felt let down in life don't let that  sap at your motivation but rather determine to give those around you a better deal. Remember  the scripture that says God causes the sun to shine on the righteous(good) and the unrighteous. Let us determine to change the world one bit at a time and not grow weary in doing good. In doing so we help to make the world a better place.

Appreciate Life and Hug a Tree

Have you ever stopped and enjoyed a view? Sometimes no words can sum up or describe this experience. I remember standing gazing at Niagara Falls and being awestruck at the gigantic geographical wonder that I was observing. At one point there was a rainbow which added to the wonder of the occasion and all I wanted to do was look and behold its beauty. This is a simple but natural form of what the mystics referred to as contemplation.

Sometimes practising this approach can be helpful in difficult situations. In the film ‘Forrest Gump’, his girl friend asks him if he was frightened in Vietnam. He goes on to explain that it was not all bad, and describes the moments in which he noticed the intense beauty of the countryside in which he found himself.

Another example of this experience is in the area of relationships. Lovers often lapse into silence when words fail, and without knowing it they become completely absorbed in each other’s company. Silence is an important part of relationship, and just being together is an important aspect of intimacy.

Contemplative prayer has often been described as ‘beholding the Lord’ - that is to  gaze upon Him  in the way that lovers do. It is in fact prayer or worship without words! A biblical example of this type of love is the relationship between the apostle John and Jesus. He was described as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’, and countless Christians and mystics down the ages have followed his example. Contemplative prayer is not about emptying the mind as often thought but rather focusing on his presence in an attitude of love and adoration. Whilst contemplative prayer is often associated with the monastic tradition it is practiced by people in most denominations even although it is not always officially recognised.

How does it help us?

Contemplation can therefore be viewed as spiritual wonder and is ultimately about the awareness of life and the divine presence of God. Einstein did not believe in a traditional theistic God but he did say that wonder was the key to knowledge and believed there to be a divine spirit behind the beauty and order of the universe. His contemplative approach motivated his desire to understand the workings of the universe. Learning to appreciate and learn about the world around us is as much a spiritual discipline as prayer and bible study. Contemplation gives us the motivation to learn new things.

Benefits!

I am in no way downplaying the Christian disciplines of bible study and talking to God, but rather seeking to redress a balance. Stillness and relaxation are important to physical health and therefore contemplative prayer is good for the body as well as the soul. We do not necessarily need outside stimulation to prompt contemplation. We can choose to look inwards and experience the presence of God. Jesus himself said “the kingdom of God is within”. When we sit in silence we are not just refraining from words but tuning in to God who inhabits us. This presence is described in the bible as the Holy Sprit. The presence of God within us is a source of creativity, love and power. It brings refreshment and strength. Words, knowledge and symbols express only inadequately the nature of God. When we focus on His presence and all that that entails, we can sometimes only approach Him in silence.

For more information on Contemplative Prayer visit my website at http://contemplative-prayer.com

When did you last do something different?

Have you ever noticed that people in a staff room, church or meeting hall tend to gravitate to the same part of the room? It almost as though we have an innate desire to do the same thing and be in the same place that we were in before.

We see this principle reflected in the story of the transfiguration. Jesus and his disciples had experienced an epiphany and they wanted  to stay in the presence of God. Jesus had to show them that after these times of empowerment there is a time to come down from the mountain and express our relationship with God in the real world. In other words the disciples needed to come down to earth and move on.

There is something scary about doing something new or different. Many of us like the security of knowing what is expected of us and staying in a safe place. In the Old Testament we see this reflected in the story of the children of Israel coming out of Egypt. Having crossed the Red Sea they found themselves in the wilderness and a bleak place this was. They were intimidated by their circumstances and wanted to go back to Egypt where things were orderly and they knew what to expect. 

It’s like the story of the Wind in the Willows where the Mole goes into the forest and discovers it to be dark. The animals of the Wild Wood threaten him under the guise of darkness and try to bully him into retreating. The unknown is a place of fear and insecurity. Whenever we step out and try and do something for God we will face what seems to be insurmountable objects.

However we resign ourselves to a boring and unfruitful life if we never step out of our comfort zones. Many of us find it difficult and make all sorts of excuses – just like Gideon when the Angel of the Lord called him to lead his people in to battle. Note the angel of the Lord called him ‘a mighty man of valour’. As a man thinketh so he is.  Our self image as a strong influence in the way we think and behave. We need to keep reminding ourselves that the Holy Spirit who dwells within us is a spirit who enables, equips and gives us confidence. Pray that the Lord will make you bolder and imagine yourself becoming so. Begin to see yourself as a person who is confident and be patient with yourself if you are not making progress as quickly as you like. Unlike Gideon we are not engaged in warfare but we do have to be confident in expressing the fruits of the spirit and living our everyday life.  

Becoming more confident to step out of your comfort zones is often best done in stages. Personally I have not found it is easy as I am not a natural extrovert, but I have found the best way of moving forward is one step at a time. Don't put yourself under pressure for what you can’t do and decide you are going to do something that is different but attainable - something that takes you out of your comfort zone but is not over demanding. This prepares you for the next step. You can step out of your comfort zones in many different ways.

Here are some keys to help you become a more outgoing person.

1. Talk to somebody you have not spoken to before.
2. Start a hobby that you have not done before.
3. When you get good at it you can take a more radical step and perhaps apply for that dream job that may be more demanding than you would feel confident with at the moment.

Doing new things will help build up your confidence and self esteem and this in turn will encourage your faith in the God  who has provided us generously with many gifts and talents. Pray that God will bless them and help you to use them for God’s glory and the good of those around.

Maybe you feel you are not a person who shines in any area, but you can still make the most of the talents that God has given you. To do this you need to grow in confidence. If you are only moderately good at cooking there will be times when you are just the person for the job. Never put yourself down, don't be afraid to be yourself  and don’t compare yourself with others. You have been created for a purpose and developing confidence to step out of your comfort zones is a key principle in personal development and an opportunity to develop trust in God’s willingness to help you. It will strengthen your faith.

Read for Encouragement!

  Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation where you can’t turn back, but moving forward takes tremendous courage? Maybe you rather half heartedly applied for a job, and one morning you pick up a letter and to your utter dismay you find that you have got an interview. Backing out is difficult but moving forward and going to the interview demands a lot of courage. Perhaps you have decided to start a business or step out into Christian Ministry. Whatever your situation moving forward takes courage and sometimes we want to be teleported out of a course of action we have decided on.                     Introduction to sermon on Moving Forward

I have included this  sermon on my other website http://fullmeasurelife.com 

 

What can we learn about motivation from the story of Joshua?

Check out the websites new image and be encouraged.  Also more articles of a motivational nature to appear on “Christian Motivation Online” Please feel free to browse this sight.

Best wishes

Karl

Is History Bunk?

John Dunne said that no man is an island and we are all shaped not just by those around us but also the generations that have gone before. There is a growing interest in history not only for its own enjoyment but also because we want to put our lives in context and learn more about who we are. This accounts for the growing interest in genealogy and the culture of the country of which we are a part.

Knowing our place in history is an important motivational key. It gives us a sense of purpose and helps us understand our strengths and weaknesses. Correctly handled it is the raw material we can use to build our self esteem and rise above circumstances.

In the UK we live in a society that often ignores its history. True we visit old houses nicely renovated by the National Trust but we are sensitive about the decisions and actions of our forefathers. Whilst  we can be sorry about past injustice, it is also important that we do not let the negative aspects of the past blind us to the achievements of those who preceded us. The benefits of the modern age such as our knowledge of medicine and science is the fruit of the sacrificial labours of those who have gone before us.

It is natural for people to want to find their place in the human family and seeing ourselves in  context gives us meaning. In the same way that it is helpful for us to lay aside our own  mistakes and weaknesses so it is also good for society. The achievement of people in past eras can be a tremendous source  of motivation and we can miss it when we only see the negative aspects. Look out for people from the past whose lives can encourage you and read up about them.

Also in our secular society it is easy to devalue the role of the Christian Church in laying the foundations of many things that we take for granted. Medicine, science, education and human rights were often pioneered by Christians, and monastic communities were the initiators of our schools and hospitals.  The two commandments of Jesus can be a source of tremendous inspiration and have been a motivating influence in the past. It was a love for God and people that lead William Wilberforce to campaign against the slave trade and Lord Shaftesbury to campaign for children's rights.

Christianity is an important aspect of our heritage but it can also be a source of motivation  to do good in the present. Maybe if we applied the teachings of Jesus to our lives we would spend less time pursuing our own interests and more time seeking the wellbeing of those around us. More than anything else our society needs people who are aware of the bigger picture and realise that it is indeed true that no man is an island. Whatever our world view let us seek to be a force for good in our society.