I guess we all sense that we are entering unchartered waters this upcoming 2014. There’s precious little good news.
So …here’s 12 smiling tips for 2014 to consider.
1. Do Not put Yourself into Trouble
It is obvious to any casual observer of the news that the world is in bigger trouble than it has has been for a long time. So, there is no value in putting ourselves in a bigger hole of trouble. With a good sense of humour we can reflect upon and learn from our mistakes. There is a spiritual cause for every good effect …as much as there is for every bad effect. Good spiritual causes begin with our thinking, words and actions being in tune with God, our Creator and Saviour. “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip…
Heyyy! Come join lovely Lydia, our grand daughter, as she guides us around the beautiful and fun things at the Clermont country Show. There’s even pig racing and fireworks, too!
Lydia, at 18 months, already knows that “where my heart is …that’s my home” and her heart is with her Mum and Dad and her family, in God’s loving care.
Children like Lydia, remind us to “take time to smell the roses” and treasure the joys of living this life of adventure that God has given us.
After all …to a child like Lydia …love is spelt quality T-I-M-E.
So, let’s take time to relax and enjoy these magnificent prize winning roses.
Our talented niece, Wick is a second cousin to Lydia, and here is her 1st and 2nd prize artworks. Notice how she has a sparkling eye for detail.
Lydia knows “should you encounter a problem along your way …change your direction, but not your destination”.
As you can guess, Lydia is a ball of energy with plenty of get up and go! So, here’s her Dad, Rob, showing her how “what you lose on the swings you can always pick up on the roundabout of life.”
Ahhh yes …Lydia is a natural …and naturally …she loves all natural things. So, for her doing some cross-country riding on a real natural Shetland pony is so much fun, too!
After a cross-country ride on a Shetland Pony, Lydia can hardly wait to watch her next fun favourite .act at the Show..the piglets race!
Of course life is not all fun, beer and skittles. Lydia knows that there are some first time challenges …that even though we might be a little bit frightened or awestruck …we face the fear …and the fear just disappears!
…and isn’t that just so true of the ups and downs of the ferris wheel of the cycle of life?
For every low there is the sublime thrill of rising to achieve the natural highs in life.
When we apply the 7 Laws of Success we can enjoy the real joy of the excitement of fireworks in our life!
PS: You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request on the Church webpage …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to: Bible Study Course.
So glad you can join my son in law Martin, my son Robert, and yours truly on another Adventure 60 to Scawfell Island, on the outer Great Barrier Reef, 50 kilometres offshore from Mackay, Queensland.
With 60 minutes in every hour and 60 seconds in every minute, we are once again out to savour every second of this great adventure that we all share …life, in God’s creation!
The abovewater and underwater world of Scawfell Island testifies to the genius intelligence of God as our Designer, Engineer, spiritual Programmer of intelligence and instinct, Creator, Lifegiver, Lawgiver, and Sustainer.
For example, in this video you will see Clown fish, which rely on Anemone Polyps for their protection and provision of food, as does the Anemone rely on the Clown fish.
It is a symbiotic relationship of dependence on each other that had to come into existence at the same time or neither creature would exist.
Polyps, including the corals and sea anemones are much more complex in their engineered design, than first meets the eye, due to the development of separate tubular stomachs leading inward from the mouth and a series of radial partitions called mesenteries.
Incredibly the Anemone stings all fish prey but not its friend, the Clown fish. They have a very mutual beneficial living relationship with each other that God has set in place.
We too can learn wonderful lessons about life by observing how God has created things.
Just as the Clown fish and its Anemone companion for life are so happy together, we should apply that principle as well in taking care of each other.
PS: You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request on the Church webpage …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to: Bible Study Course
Welcome to ‘Adventure 60’ at Lord’s Table Mountain, between Clermont and Dysart, central Queensland.
Life is an Adventure, with 60 minutes every hour and 60 seconds every minute to enjoy to the max!
So come with us now and let’s join the talented Wick Brendan Jess and Abby on this exciting Adventure 60.
Yes, Adventure 60 highlights the values of making every 60 seconds of every 60 minutes part of the joy of living this thrilling Adventure of life, that we have all been given.
One of the best ways to instil Adventure 60 into our lives is to trek into the wilderness with some great friends and to develop adventurous talents in our lives, such as:
·the burning desire to achieve;
·family teamwork; and
·loads of happy fun.
What is the answer to the great mystery, of why many people do not succeed in life, even though they might have knowledge of the 7 laws of success??
Simply …to be successful we need to apply a burning desire to succeed.
Nothing of lasting value happens automatically in life. However, with a burning desire to achieve, we can accomplish great things, through desiring:
·close loving relationship with God and His Way of living;
·worthwhile goals in life;
·best education;
·good health;
·Godly drive and determination;
·resourcefulness and creativity; and
·persistence and stick-to-itiveness.
Taking on a challenging hike is like a “mini lifetime” within our lifetime, which reminds us that every obstacle, just like in life itself, is a positive opportunity to grow and develop closer caring loving relationships with each other and with our Creator God.
That’s why Family Teamwork is so important and is better than ordinary teamwork.
Family teamwork takes into account everyone’s strengths and weaknesses …utilising and make allowances for them.
In a loving family, there are all elements of talents and flaws, but when we caringly unite the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Adventure 60 family teamwork people know, that the glory does not go to the one who is first across the river, nor to the first one on top of the mountain. With Family Teamwork the reward goes to the one who helps the most other people reach the other side of the river or the top of the mountain …in the most enjoyable, pleasant, and fun way possible.
Ordinary, competitive, pecking-order Teamwork, of this world is?? …well remember at school when 2 captains were picked and each captain could alternately pick the best players down to the weakest? How did the poor weakest feel in themselves after such a debilitating experience? Lousy! Right?
Now, you’ve gotta say co operative loving Family Teamwork, is a whole lot better than ordinary competitive, pecking-order, teamwork.
Is there anything more memorable and beautiful than to experience together …in a loving Family Teamwork atmosphere …the Adventure in a magnificent sunrise …each artwork unrepeatable …each sunrise a unique expression of the awesome creativity and loving mind of God, for us all.
Just sit back with this You Tube video …and soak up this heady sunrise atmosphere saturated with the joyous adventurous calls of scores of Currawong birds …singing to the joy of life with the dawning of each new adventurous day.
Just beautiful isn’t it!? It really heightens our God given 6 senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch and spiritual.
Adventure 60 shows us how to do what a lot of people don’t do. It stimulates us to:
·look and to really see;
·to hear and to actually listen;
·to taste and to enjoy the savour;
·to smell and to sensitively scent;
·to touch and tenderly feel; and
·to sense with spiritual discernment. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Adventure 60 shows that the best leader in any group is not the first one to the top of the mountain, but the one who helps the most other people reach the top of the mountain …in the best and most enjoyable fun way possible.
Yes …as the old Chinese proverb goes… “When the best leader’s work is done …everyone says: “We did it!”” (Lao-tsu)
In Proverbs 13:19 is an adventure spirited verse: “The desire achieved is sweet to the soul” and when we take on the adventurous challenges of life together, helping each other, we can say with satisfaction: “None of us could have done this without each other!”
Adventure 60 stimulates us to think creatively in solving challenges that would otherwise be problems and headaches to lots of people.
Understanding that life is an Adventure 60, reminds us to be solution bound not problem bound.
Seeing life as an adventure, better equips us mentally, to visualise future prospects and goals and to bring them to fruition, with God’s inspiration and guidance.
We learn that the intrinsic true values of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, humility, kindness, faith, confidence in God and self control are our best weapons in the adventure of life in taking on life’s challenges. (Galatians 5:22-23)
For every effect there is spiritual cause.
Good effects have good spiritual foundational causes. Evil effects have evil causes.
Adventure 60 shows us that the way of give is better than the way of get …co operation is better than competition …love is better than the way of hatred …peace is better than war.
Working together in family minded co operative teamwork is better than competitive minded teamwork.
Just like every tree is unique and different, so each of us is unique and worthy of love and respect.
When we look at a beautiful tree it can symbolise a human being or God’s right way of life. The roots symbolise anchoring ourselves with knowledge, understanding and wisdom. The trunk symbolises Godly true character or it can be a twisted distorted nature. The branches and leaves symbolise aspects of Godly personality which gives shade to all.
Each day is the new dawning of an exciting ‘Adventure 60’ for you and me, in this miraculous body, that God has blessed you and me with.
Let’s make the most of the miracle …enjoy our Adventure, with well rooted foundation in the Word of God, trunk of the character and mind of Christ, and branches that spread out lovingly to God and loving goodwill to all humanity.Meantime …keep pumpin’!
PS:You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Requeston the Church webpage…OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:Bible Study Course AND Making Life Work.
PPS: “Why not have Your say?” Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.
As parents, because we love our children, we desire the best for them, don’t we?
We want them to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom and to really enjoy fun and true happiness and fulfillment in their lives.
So …Come with us now into the wonderful fun world of teaching our children.
Let’s join our grandson Matty as he takes us through the first 5 Commandments and whole lot more about loving God and having fun while enjoying God’s fascinating creation.
You know, as children begin their challenging walk of life in this confused world …we should consider the lesson of Timothy.
We know that from a young child, Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures and knew the Word of God well. Paul said of Timothy, “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Timothy’s knowledge of Scripture came about as a result of being taught, by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5).
We too, can teach our children using the everyday experiences of life to reinforce the laws of God and related principles expounded in the Word of God.
Using situations in everyday life to point out how the Word of God works practically, is so valuable for our children.
Teaching our children directly from the book of Proverbs in the Bible is an excellent way to give your child a head start in wisdom.
To do this in a practical way, simply read to them the Chapter in Proverbs coinciding with whatever is today’s date. For example, if the day is the 7th day of the month read to them and discuss Proverbs chapter 7. The next day being the 8th day of the month, read and have fun discussing with them Proverbs Chapter 7 …and so on …each day.
You will be amazed at the knowledge, understanding and wisdom your children will pick up. Better still …heh heh! …you’ll be even more amazed at what you pick up in wisdom, too!
Why not teach our children inspiring stories such as Gideon and his brave 300 men, who saved the nation.
“So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.” (Judges 7:5-7 …see this applied in the attached You Tube video “Matty shows the Way…”)
In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, God plainly told us Parents …and Grandparents that we are responsible for lovingly teaching our children about God, His principles, ethics and His law.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul (life), and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Parents …lets teach our children God’s Way of life using everyday experiences, so that we enjoy . raising well-adjusted happy children …who will be able to cope with this world, with certainty and confidence.
Beginning with teaching the 10 Commandments and Proverbs, daily, is a great place to start.
Today’s headlines are filled with bad news – Swine Fever killing scores of people in Mexico and spreading internationally; Taliban gaining in their takeover efforts in nuclear armed Pakistan; rising unemployment and deepening world economic crisis; famines, natural disasters, earthquakes, cholera, AIDS and other disease epidemics, and grinding world poverty.
Suffering and bad news is relentless …it’s time we had a break!
So, does Christ’s message carry any future hope …for you?
Well …the good news is that it does, but it is not the typical “turn-off” news you may have heard in the past about Christ.
Most people have heard a message about the life of Jesus …but hardly anyone has actually heard the futuristic message delivered by Jesus.
“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel (good news) of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
·we need to understand the good news and begin preparing for the coming Kingdom of God on this earth, when He returns to rule the world, by establishing His Government here on this planet. (Isaiah 9:6-7);
·we need to repent and turn to God with all our heart, mind …be baptised …and become converted, by developing the mind of Christ in our lives, with the gift of His Holy Spirit within us;
·we need to continue faithfully to believe and live by Christ’s good news message of how we should live by God’s right way of life;
·we need salvation, which can only come through Jesus Christ (Act 4:12) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
The message is clear …and the rewards are enormous.
Imagine being a son or daughter of God …and being able to help serve Jesus in His Government on this earth?
The real Jesus taught this message and gave His life in place of you and me …so that we might choose to take up the invitation to be in the Family of God.
Many are offered the invitation but few accept the invitation, and do something about it.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Did you notice that?
God the Father is the Head of the Family of God.
God is a Family.
You too can be part of God’s Family.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” (1John 3:1-3)
Did you realise that?
What is the purpose that God the Father has in mind for you?
What is the purpose of the Gospel of the Kingdom, which was the true message of the real Christ?
Yes! You can be a son or daughter of God …serve in His Kingdom when He establishes His Government on this earth …and live a happy life in His Family for eternity.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2Corinthians 6:17-18)
Did you grasp that?
You can be considered by God …as a son or daughter of God …now.
PS:You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Requeston the Church webpage…OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:Bible Study Course AND The Road to Eternal Life AND What is Your Destiny.
PPS: “Why not have Your say?”Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.
How often have you heard someone older and wiser say: “Ohh …it’s so hard to put an old head on young shoulders!”
The Wise Thinker
Is there a way for a young person to reverse that trend? The good news is …yes there is!
Yes, the Bible shows the way to do it. You can gain great wisdom years ahead of your time.
Does wisdom grow with old age?
To some degree it does and to some it doesn’t. It depends on how people grow in Godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom, seasoned with grace.
Sometimes the older people get the more they become set in a rut. Some say that they will put off turning to God , until they are old …but sadly, when they are older they are all too often, so set in their ways …they never turn to God.
Miracles can happen though. I know a very lovely lady, who recently, at 92 years young, turned to God and has been baptised.
So how can we attain a deeper level of true Godly wisdom?
1st Step in attaining wisdom?
Pray to God. Ask God to help you to gain Godly knowledge and understanding …so that you can apply Godly wisdom in your life.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8)
2nd Step in attaining wisdom?
Read the words of God so that you can understand how He thinks, how He speaks, and how He conducts Himself.
How do you do that?
Read the Bible. Why? Because it is the inspired words of God from 40 inspired writers in 66 books. We all know, don’t we that “we become like the company we keep”.
Let me challenge you with this simple reading in wisdom.
Proverbs 21
How many chapters are there in Proverbs? 31, right?
How many days are there in a month? 30 to 31, right?
Ok, so whatever the date is in the month …ie; today is 21 April …so, read Proverbs Chapter 21, ok?
Tomorrow is 22 April …so read Proverbs Chapter 22 …do you follow my drift?
The next day is 23 April so read Proverbs 23 …and so on each day. You know what I mean?
Just imagine how much wisdom you might glean …and be able to apply in 12 months …by effectively reading and re-reading Proverbs each month …based on reading the chapter corresponding to each day that you wake up. You could do it easily while eating your breakfast.
Now something else i have learned. Whenever you come across a jewel of wisdom in a chapter of Proverbs that you are reading …underline the words that have meaning to you, and put an asterisk* beside the verse
Asterisk Proverbs 21:21
Why put an asterisk* beside your personally encouraging verses?
Well, if ever you are feeling like a lift …just drop in on Proverbs and read your asterisks*.
Guarantee …you will feel great in no time.
This is especially helpful when studying God’s inspired wisdom in Psalms, which you can also read, using the same technique.
How many chapters in Psalms? 150, right? Ok, so divide 30 days of the month into 150 and what do you get? 5, right?
Ok, so today is 21 April …so read Psalm 21 add 30 and read Psalm 51 add 30 and read Psalm 81 add 30 and read Psalm 111 add 30 and read Psalm 141.
That’s 5 wise chapters of Psalms you just covered. Not bad, eh?
Tomorrow is 22 April …so read Psalm 22 …and then by adding 30’s …read Psalm 52, Psalm 82, Pslam 112, Psalm 142.
Asterisk * any verses that you find personally encouraging.
Whenever one of those cloudy days come along when you don’t feel so happy …just read your asterisked* verses in Psalms.
I can guarantee, you will be feeling stratospheric in no time! Heh heh!
God is a very loving, generous God.
Our Father and Jesus Christ our Saviour are so willing and happy to extend their wisdom to you.
The wisdom of God is yours for the asking …and the reading.
PS:You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Requeston the Church webpage…OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:Bible Study Course AND Is the Bible True AND How to understand the Bible.
PPS: “Why not have Your say?”Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.
I guess we all sense that we are entering unchartered waters this upcoming 2014. There’s precious little good news.
So …here’s 12 smiling tips for 2014 to consider.
1. Do Not put Yourself into Trouble
“That’s what you get for horsin’ around!”
It is obvious to any casual observer of the news that the world is in bigger trouble than it has has been for a long time. So, there is no value in putting ourselves in a bigger hole of trouble. With a good sense of humour we can reflect upon and learn from our mistakes. There is a spiritual cause for every good effect …as much as there is for every bad effect. Good spiritual causes begin with our thinking, words and actions being in tune with God, our Creator and Saviour. “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.” (Proverbs 26:2-3)
2. Aim for greater heights
We sometimes limit ourselves unnecessarily, when, with our Saviour Jesus Christ helping us through His Holy Spirit within us, we can rise to greater heights than we could have previously imagined. We need to let go …and let God.
All dogs are created, but some reach for greater heights
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
3. Stay focussed on your job
True, we should be focussed on giving a genuine day’s work for a genuine day’s pay.
We should be first to arrive at work, and keenly do a diligent job for our employer.
On the ultimate job and focus of our life, we need to keep in mind God’s promise to resurrect us into the Family of God for eternity.
Christ tells us to focus on seeking Christ’s Kingdom to be on this Earth AND set our will in tune with God to develop the mind of Christ with loving faithfulness to God’s laws. “But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ” (Matthew 6:33)
Focus eye to eye
4. Exercise to maintain good health
To be in extra good health involves being healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.
To be healthy spiritually we need to draw close to God in prayer, bible study (letting God talk to us), fasting and living by God’s laws and right way of life.
Loving God and loving all human beings is a great way to have excellent mental health.
We can also benefit ourselves with some physical exercise. “For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
Chin up and exercise daily
5. Practice loving Family teamwork
We have our blood line physical family to love and serve.
Similarly we have our extended family in the Church and we have our wider family in all mankind.
We have the incredible privilege that God regards us as part of His Family. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16)
practice loving family teamwork
6. Watch our partner’s back
When trials come we sure find out fast, who our friends are.
We need to make sure we are the best friend of all.
In good times and bad times, husbands love, respect, and be committed to lovingly caring for our wives tenderly …and wives likewise for your husbands.
Make sure we tell and show our children how much we love them by loving and encouraging words and actions.
Be a rock of encouragement to our family, fellow Church brethren, and friends. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
guard your friends back
7. Save for rainy days
Governments are telling people to spend as if there are no tomorrows.
We need to ask ourselves …”who is it that is telling me to spend?
Is this really sound advice?”
The people that survived the last Great Depression, kept their resources in tact. ‘Cash was king’ …for those who had saved a little of it.
We need to manage our physical and spiritual resources wisely, making sure that we are keeping “oil in our lamps” (Matthew 25:1-13). “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
save to shelter from the rainy days
8. Rest, relax and be refreshed
God’s people are the richest on the face of the earth. Why?
Because, God gives them a holiday every week …and bonus days and weeks throughout the year!
Imagine if everyone kept the weekly Sabbath day that God commanded us to keep for our own good.
Imagine if they kept God’s other holy days, like the joyous Feast of Tabernacles. Married couples would have quality time with each other and their children, at least one day per week.
The Sabbath is a gift from God for rest, relaxation, time to worship God together, and be refreshed spiritually, mentally and physically. “Speak you also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My sabbaths you shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am the LORD that does sanctify you. (Exodus 31:13)
Notice how the Sabbath is regarded by God as a sign of who God’s people are …the ones who worship the “true God” (1 John 5:20).
time to rest and refresh
9. Always give your boss and fellow workers a smile
So many people take their jobs for granted and think their boss owes them a living, when in reality the reverse is true.
If we don’t look after the goose that lays the golden eggs, pretty soon there ain’t no more eggs to collect.
Witness the difficulties in the Governments, bureaucracy, politicians, banks, manufacturing, services and mining industries.
So many managers and employees have been less than diligent about their work, both in management and on the shop floor, that the whole world is now in serious financial trouble. “Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.
For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:23-24). “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” (Ephesians 6:5-6)
If we grasp that we are ambassadors of Christ, working for Christ as our real boss, then it makes it a whole lot easier to be diligent and pleasant to our human boss and those we work with.
smile and the world smiles with you
10. Nothing is impossible
Many things can seem impossible for us to achieve. However with God to encourage us and help us to have the courage and bravery to persist we can go on to success and victory.
Our biggest challenge is to overcome our own self imposed limitations …especially in grasping the calling God gives to be invited into His family, through faith, repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands …and growing in conversion. “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
nothing is impossible
11. Never. Never. Never. Never give in!
Winston Churchill’s greatest speech was reported to be just 6 words in length. We must “never, never, never, never give in!”
“You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3) “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
“Never, never, never, never give in!!”
12. Always be warmly kind hearted to each other
Christ showed us the most incredible example of forgiveness and kindness to us, when He asked the Father to forgive us because we know not what we do.
He also showed us how to love even those who make themselves our enemies: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44). Well, since this is the way Jesus wants us to love our enemies …how much more should we love our family and friends as well as those that don’t like us. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
even love your enemies
Yes, 2014 is going to be a really wonderful year for you and me, as we put these things into practice.
We have been given such an incredible opportunity to be in God’s family as sons and daughters in His Family (2 Corinthians 6:8).
Peter reminds us of those sure promises of God:
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love (outgoing concern for others).
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:” (2 Peter 1:4-10)
Hey! …let’s put these tips into action in 2014 …and keep smiling!
PS: You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Request on the Church webpage …OR you can FREE download by clicking on to: Bible Study Course AND Making Life Work.
PPS: “Why not have Your say?” Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.
Ken Murray has been an Australian ordained minister of Jesus Christ, since 1982.
AAA World Witness has been established to assist in the Work of delivering Christ’s Gospel about His soon coming return and the establishment of His Government upon this earth (Isaiah 9:6-7) …and how we need to repent of our sins (Mark 1:15), be baptised and become converted …by developing the mind of Jesus Christ.
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end (of this age) will come”. (Matt 24:14)
At the end of this Age of Man’s many governments, under Satan, with all their disastrous consequences of wars, famines, disease, pain, suffering and misery …there will be a 1,000 year Millenium of Christ’s rule and Government on this Earth, of peace, prosperity, health, fulfillment and happiness.
What a wonderful contrast and lesson of enlightenment that will be for all of us.
You can be a son or daughter of God and help in serving millions of people in the Millenial rule of Jesus Christ’s Government on this earth. Daniel 7:18
AAA World Witness is offered freely, as an Australian All Around World Witness …to help people to gain Godly knowledge, understanding, and wisdom …to believe, love and respect God our Father and Jesus Christ His Son and our Lord and Saviour …our soon coming King of Kings.
Loving and believing in the “true God” (1 John 5:20) leads us to faith in God …which leads us to repentance from our sins (1 John 3:4), which is the transgression or breaking of God’s commandments, laws, principles and precepts.
We can then be baptised by immersion, and receive the gift of the power of God’s Holy Spirit within us, by the laying on of hands of one or more of Christ’s ministers. (Acts 2:38)
We then go on in life to live by God’s loving laws and God’s Way of life, to become converted Acts 3:19-21) and to develop the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5) …in the way we think, speak, and conduct ourselves.
Ultimately, it is God …who by His kindness and grace …will choose to resurrect us (1 Thessalonians 4:16) to eternal life in His Family (Ephesians 3:14-15) as Sons and Daughters of God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) …when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Government and Kingdom on this Earth.
We can begin to be a Son or Daughter of God, now, in this life (1 John 3-14) if we will only seek God now, “while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6-8).
As a minister of Jesus Christ, I am available to you at any time, if you wish to contact me.
There are those that make life happen! Those that life happens to them …and those that say “What happened??!”(Heh heh!)
Yes, life can be successful. Life can be like a roller coaster ride …and life can be like a wild roller coaster ride with a sudden end.Making Life Work can be risky …or rewarding.
Many people never experience the thrilling satisfaction of success, because they have never learned the 7 major laws that govern success.
One thing is certain …these 7 laws will do nothing for you, unless you have a burning desire.
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. (Proverbs 13:19)
2009 has been predicted to be a year of failure for many, many people …but the good news is, no human need ever become a failure.There is a way of Making Life Work.
For every effect there is a spiritual cause.
Here are 7 invisible spiritual laws or causes, that will give you the positive effect of success in your life.
1.Set the right Goal
Most people never think of having any purpose in life. They are not going anywhere in particular.Because they have no aim in life, they become the victims of circumstance.
So, the 1st Law of success is to SET THE RIGHT GOAL.Have a clear purpose and destination in mind.
The world makes way for the person who knows where they are going.
Imagine a magnificent passenger liner cast off from its moorings in Circular Quay, Sydney harbour.
Think …with no destination in mind, no understanding of how to get there, no charts or guidance systems, no leadership from the One- in-charge, no get-up-and-go to achieve anything …now tell me? …what chance would you give that ship of exiting the harbour safely, let alone reaching, say, New York, intact??
“Zilch!” I hear you say …and you are absolutely correct.
So, how do we set the right goals?
Well, there are goals that include Spiritual and Physical.Take the following suggestions. Add to them and personalise them for yourself.
Spiritual could include:
·Being in God’s coming Kingdom of God on this earth;
·Being a son or daughter of God in His family for eternity;
·Being close to God now in daily prayer, bible study, and
·Being a person who does His will of living His right way of life, now
Physical could include:
·Being educated, knowledgeable, with understanding and Godly wisdom;
·Being a caring loving helpful member of my community;
·Being a loving, understanding, encouraging husband or wife;
·Being a kindly, loving, guiding parent raising well balanced children;
·Being successful in my trade, profession, career; and
·Being in good health, with a healthy positive state of mind.
Consider Philippians 3:14 and 2 Peter 1:10
2.Education
Preparation in achieving your goals by gaining the right EDUCATION is the 2nd Law of Success.
One of the first things we need to learn – is that we need to learn.
A young student asked a wise man: “Teacher, I want to learn.”The learned teacher took his student down to the river and waded in, up to his waist. The young student followed. Suddenly, the teacher grabbed the student and held them under water.
The student fought and struggled and made it to the surface just long enough to gasp a breath, before being plunged under again. Again and again the student struggled, grappled and fought to the surface, each time, for another precious gasp of air.
Finally the Teacher lost his grip on the student and the student broke free and managed to stand up. Gasping, panting and gasping in air, the student cried: “Why on earth did you do that to me?!!!”
The Teacher calmly and wisely replied:“You know …when you want to learn, like you want to live …then you will learn.”
There is spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom and there is physical education.
Make it a goal to read the Bible daily …just use a bookmark and read it a chapter per day. You will be amazed what you will learn and the understanding and wisdom you will attain. Also, whatever date of the month …read that chapter of Proverbs (eg; 23 March …read Chapter 23 Proverbs. 24 March …read Proverbs 24, etc,)
The best education teaches true values.
Right education teaches us how to live successfully, not just how to make a living. It teaches the purpose of human life and how to fulfill it.
Consider 2 Timothy 2:15.
3.Good Health
Maintaining GOOD HEALTH, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually is the 3rd Law of Success.
We are 16 elements of chemically functioning existence with the invisible “spirit of man”, (which makes us different from animals).
You and me are only one miraculous heartbeat away from death.
Humans, we are what we think, eat, breathe, and do.
The 5 basic food groups of fresh vegetables; fruit; grains; meat; and dairy, in balance is important. Taking time to expire stale air and exercising our lungs with fresh air is helpful.
The Bible indicates that exercise, too, profits a little in maintaining good health (1 Timothy 4:8), but having a positive mind focused in God’s purpose and His way of life, is more profitable for good health.
Sufficient sleep, means getting to bed early, for the best value. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person healthy wealthy and wise”, as the old proverb goes.
Starting each day with prayer and bible study, makes your day poised for success.
Going for a daily brisk walk can be fun.In mine, I have adopted a long street, where I also stretch and bend over from time to time to pick up the litter.
I know my old mentor, who lived over 92yrs …spoke of having a brisk rub down with a towel after a shower, to stimulate the blood circulation, even to the extremities of toes and fingers. It is something that I have found of great value as well.
One thing that is common to all successful people, is positive mental attitude.
Think constructively; positively in a mental attitude of God given confidence.Allow no crevices for fear, worry or discouragement. 1 John 4:18; 2 Timothy 1:7.
Harbour no time for grudges, griping, or complaining…but rather reach for emotional balance, good humour, and harmony with God’s loving and forgiving way of thinking.
Consider Proverbs 3:7-8; Proverbs 14:30; and Proverbs 17:22
4.Drive
DRIVE is doing and DRIVE is the 4th Law driving Success.
Success is accomplishment. It is doing.Any old fish can float downstream, but it takes a really live one to swim upstream.
An inactive person will not accomplish. We need to have fun and keep a prod on ourselves. When difficulties come, see them as challenges and opportunities.
In every disaster is an opportunity.
Think about it. Each day is a living miracle. Do you have to think about making your heart beat? What about breathing? What about your thyroid making the 125 millionths of a gram of thyroxine each day that stimulates your pituitary under your brain, that then stimulates your brain to stimulate your heart and lungs to work so miraculously?No you don’t, do you?
God miraculously gives life to the just and the unjust, every waking and sleeping moment.
Often workers never rise above whatever job they do, because they have no drive to use this incredible miracle God gives to us each split second of every day we live.They slow down, poke around, sit down and waste time.Without a boss over them to drive them they’d starve.
It takes energy, drive, constant propulsion for a person to become truly successful.
Consider Proverbs 6:4-11.
5.Resourcefulness
When complications, obstacles, and unexpected circumstances block our paths we need to apply the 5th Law of Success – RESOURCEFULNESS.
Think solution …not problem.Be solution bound …not problem bound.
Overcoming …and understanding its rich value to our lives, in building the character of Christ within us, is a great key to having resourcefulness.Trials and problems take on a whole new fun challenge, which stimulates resourcefulness.
When sudden emergencies arise, we need a clear mind, calm nerves, rapid thinking and sound reasoning, with prayerfully received inspiration from God.
Consider 1 Peter 5:10 and Philippians 4:13.
6.Persistence
So many have come so close to success and fallen just short, because they didn’t apply the 6th Law of Success – PERSISTENCE.
Quitters never win and winners never quit!
Faith in God, perseverance, stick-to-it-iveness turns defeat into victory and failure into success, time and time again.
I know a man in Toowoomba, who bought an opal mining lease from a person who’d been digging it for years and found nothing. Yes, you guessed it …with the next backhoe scoop, my friend hit the reef of opal.He went on to persist in learning the fine art of cutting precious stones.
Winston Churchill gave his shortest and greatest speech of 6 words to a spellbound audience:
“Never!…Never!…Never!…Never give up!”
Keep shooting arrows.Keep shooting quiver after quiver of arrows.Never give up.
Consider the lesson of Joash – 2 Kings 13:14-19.
7.Contact, Guidance and Continuous Help from God
Yes, the 7th Law of Success is the all encompassing need for close contact, wise guidance and continuous HELP FROM GOD. This comes from loving and respecting God and keeping His laws.
Is it possible that the very living God who made us all, just might be a factor in determining the success or failure of our personal life?
Absolutely!
It is “only a fool that says there is no God.” (Psalm 14:1)…and it is only a bigger fool that does not “call upon God while He may be found.” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Yes …a wise person will heed the advice of the Wisest …God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.
“And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Going God’s way makes all of the 7 Laws of Success work for us.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live:That you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
PS:You can obtain FREE copies of this literature and the FREE Good News Magazine by contacting the United Church of God-Australia, Office on FREE CALL 1800 356202 or write to: PO Box 535, Brisbane, Qld 4001 OR as shown under Literature Requeston the Church webpage…OR you can FREE download by clicking on to:Bible Study Course AND Making Life Work
PPS: “Why not have Your say?”Feel free to click onto these next 4 words and drop me an email.
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AAA World Witness 