Book "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller

I just started reading this brilliant book in which the author discusses the most common reasons why people do not believe in Jesus.

He starts with a quote that is just hilarious:

"I find your lack of faith - disturbing"

- Darth Vader -

More about the content of the book chapters will follow in the coming weeks. I highly recommend reading the book.

What you believe is not what you say you believe but what you do

I read this challenging quote in Donald Miller's book "Blue Like Jazz".

It's true. Too many people say they believe in something but their lifestyle speaks a very different language. In this case their words are just empty phrases and do not reflect their real beliefs which are expressed in their daily actions.

An example: Many people today say that they strongly believe in the value of tolerance. Yet, they struggle with forgiving people that have caused them hurt in the past. If you truly believe in something you have to live it with your life. Otherwise your words are worthless.

How about yourself? Do you still carry unforgiveness and offence in your heart?

If so, why don't you try praying to Jesus Christ and ask for his help?

Even if you don't believe in him he might help you.

Good reminder and practical example of goal focus: Personal Evangelism

I thought it'd be a good idea to give you a refresher of how we set S.M.A.R.T. goals and really take action. I was really inspired by a recent session at our church about Evangelism.

That is why I set myself the goal of telling 150 people about God by the end of 31 December 2010.

I communicated this to several people that I see regularly and that will hold me accountable to this. At the same time taking action and moving closer towards my vision provides me with an incredible amount of energy. I often ask myself if anyone really can live a satisfying life without having a vision and goals in place.

It would be great to hear of some of your goals and practical actions you take to make them happen. I look forward to your posts.

Never underestimate the difference you can make in this world... one step at a time

Ever single one of us was born for a purpose, is significant and can make an important difference in this life. How amazing is the story of this old man who evangelised on the streets of Sydney for about 40 years without every seeing a direct benefit? He did what he was called to do, persevered despite all discouragement and made a tremendous difference in so many people's lives. Have a listen to this 9 min message here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdspKNEzH54

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is intellectually credible and existentially satisfying

Have a listen to here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAlinY1PUNs&NR=1

What do you think of what Tim Keller says here?

Some Thoughts on the Movie "The Castle"

I watched the Australian movie "The Castle" yesterday for the first time. This movie is considered by many to be the best and most typical Australian movie ever. Apart from the very refreshing and typical Australian humour the story of a family defending their home against compulsory acquisition by the multi billion dollar company Airlink can teach us some very valuable life lessions:

(a) Never stop standing and speaking up for the right and just things in life. Even if seems hopeless in the natural keep fighting if you know it's right and you're called to do so.

(b) A home is much more than just a house, comprises family and can't be purchased with money. It's vitally important to prioritise community and family values above money and career if you truly desire to be happy and joyful in life.

(c) If we treat all people with respect and genuinely socialise without expecting anything in return so many unknown doors open. The movie shows this in form the Queen's counsel appearing and e.g. Zig Ziglar has said "You can achieve anything in life you want as long as you help enough other people get what they want".

And how about you? In which ways are you applying those three lessons in your own life?

Breaking strongholds in your life – why it’s important and how to do it

A stronghold can be defined as a "system of wrong values or beliefs we yield our will to and give control to, which unchallenged, then lodge themselves into our soul, our very personality" (Dianne Manusama). Strongholds can occur in various areas including the following:

• Anger (constantly and severely overreacting)
  
• Rejection (manifested in striving, drawing self-worth from external things, rejected people tend to reject others until they fully face pain of own rejection)
  
• Pride (Stubbornness, Blaming, secretly thinking "I can do better")
  
• Lust (Addiction to pornography, sexual images etc.)
  
• Jealousy (Striving, envy of other's success)
  

Probably everyone can find him/herself to a certain degree in those and other areas. It's usually a stronghold if this area really has a significant influence on how we live our lives. Breaking those strongholds allows us to break free from this oppression and truly walk in the freedom and joy that already has been won for us.

The most powerful way to break the stronghold in your life is to get together in a group and

1. Identify the recurring areas / lies in your life you most struggle with
   
2. Find at least 2-3 scriptures and other evidence to 'counter attack' each of these areas with truth
   

One example: The reoccurring thought "Nobody loves me. I have no family and I am totally on my own to make this life work" can be counter attacked with Romans 8:35-39 and a list of close friends in your life.

So when are you taking action to break strongholds in your life? What exactly are you going to do, when and together with whom?