Impacted by God

As we celebrated our 8 years of leadership and ministry at the Noarlunga Corps today, we were so encouraged and blessed by who was present at our celebration service.  We saw friends and colleagues who have partnered with us in ministry, those whose lives have been radically transformed, those who are still exploring their faith journey and those who have invested into our lives and ministry.  In addition to our regular congregation, this included...

...local business leaders who have generously invested financially into our ministry
...community leaders who have supported programs and events organised by our church
...other church leaders with whom we have partnered in the gospel through combined church events
...a Congolese pastor who contributed to the spiritual development of our leaders
...a missionary family who we financially supported to go to Kazakhstan
...a bible college student who generously shared her mission experience with our short term mission teams
...a young man who we supported into a drug and alcohol recovery program
...our neighbours with whom we have built a supportive relationship between both families
...the school principal who has valued our input into the school community
...an athiest friend who cares enough about our friendship to sit through a worship service
...former church members who returned to offer their support for the next phase of our ministry
...close friends from Darwin who made time in their holiday schedule to be a part of our farewell
...a family we became close to as we journeyed with them through their time of loss and grief
...school teachers who invested into the lives of our children
...parents from our kids school who valued Vanessa's relationship and input into their lives
...the local federal member of parliament who affirmed the impact of our leadership in the community
...the RSL president who has appreciated our annual support of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day

While those gathered graciously acknowledged the impact of our service, we honoured God  for the impact of the Holy Spirit in our lives and granting us the privilege of being used to serve our church and community.  Today, I saw the manifestation of Jeremiah 33:9 which has been the prophetic motivation behind our mission and ministry - "Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it." (Jeremiah 33:9)

Top 5 Influential Books

I was recently asked what is my top 5 list of books that have had the most impact on my leadership and faith journey.  Wow, what a tough question to answer!  I read so many amazing authors on such a variety of subjects, to narrow it down to the five most influential is a tough call.  Nevertheless, here goes the impossible.  I will choose a book I've read during the past couple of years for each of the categories of my EphesiansFour12 blog +1 that captures my life theme:

1.  Passion for the LORD:  The Divine Mentor - Wayne Cordeiro

2.  Passion for the LOST:  Just Walk Across The Room - Bill Hybels

3.  Passion for LIFE:  Chasing Daylight - Erwin McManus

4.  Passion for LEADERSHIP:  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni

5.  "Equipping the people of God for the work of the ministry":  The Equipping Church - Sue Mallory

This is a reluctant top 5 list, as there are so many other books that have had equal influence and impact in each category; then there are other subjects I'm passionate about that have also shaped my spiritual journey.  Maybe I will do a follow-up list identifying another top 5 books...in fact, it could be an annual top 5 list of books I've read that year - there's a thought!

Even Your Smallest Acts Of Kindness Will Be Remembered And Rewarded

40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life
Day 37 - Even Your Smallest Acts Of Kindness Will Be Remembered And Rewarded
 

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"  (Matthew 25:37-40)  

 

I don't think we can ever over estimate the impact that the smallest act of kindness can have on a person.  As a receiver of other people's kindness when it really matters, it is the seemingly small things that I remember the most.  Similarly, I have been surprised to hear years later the impact of something I've said or done, that I have long forgotten, has had on another persons life.

 

Your Giving In This Life Will Have An Impact On Your Experiences In Eternity

40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life
Day 35 - Your Giving In This Life Will Have An Impact On Your Experiences In Eternity
 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."  (Matthew 16:19-21) 

While serving in Christchurch after the earthquake I met many people who had lost everything they worked for and were questioning what was really important in life.  We can spend so much of our lives investing into things that ultimately don't last, or we can sow into life transforming ventures that have an eternal impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.