1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
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Have you noticed all the training resources in 'soft management skills'. At considerable cost, businesses are teaching their staff: people matter more than things; that how you do things matters as much as what you do; how to handle other people's aggression; and how to prevent internal stress from crippling the individual and the business. All good stuff (mostly!), but hardly original. Jesus demonstrated how to do it all perfectly and the Bible has been training the followers of Jesus to live like Him for 2000 years. It is simply normal Christian discipleship.
Today's verse, reminds us that anxiety affects Christians. Even the Apostle Paul admitted to ministering in weakness and fear (cf 1 Cor 2:3): it is a part of our human frailty, our internal corruption and the destructive potential of the world in which we live. But the Christian is commanded to handle it differently. Yes, some people have an easier temperament than others, whether they are Christians or not: but without the certain knowledge of a loving caring Heavenly Father, they have no other resource except themselves. However, the born-again believer is never alone, and has the massive benefit of being able to give all fears and worries to the Lord.
Salvation that comes by Jesus Christ, is not to make us nicer, but to transform our hearts - the very place where fear wants to roost like a vulture. A new confidence comes, not through psychological tricks but simply by knowing that we are loved, and cared for, by God. A teenager once told me, "It is a privilege to be loved by somebody as special as God!" This Christian certainty comes from the objective evidence of the Scriptures and the subjective assurance by the Holy Spirit (cf Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6). But this knowledge needs to be used! If He cares, and He certainly does, then entrust your fears (many of which are lies from Satan to destabilise us) onto the Lord. The verse says every anxiety, not just some, should be deposited with God. Trust Him to resolve the issues behind your anxieties, and then you can get on with your service for Him, unhindered and joyful.
Prayer: Faithful God. Thank You for this invitation to transfer all my anxieties to You, so that You take the responsibility of dealing with them. Help me to keep trusting that you will work in power, to dismiss Satan's lies from my mind and to deal with people and circumstances, so that You will be glorified and that I will know Your blessing. For Jesus Christ's sake, Amen.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
LONG TERM BENEFITS
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (NIV)
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Peter has just told church leaders not to serve with reluctance, or being greedy for money or power (1 Peter 5:2-3). Such behaviour is the way of the world, inspired by Satan's lies and is unprofitable to God's kingdom. Instead, 1 Peter 5:1 says that suffering is the inevitable pattern for Christ-like leadership; yet there is a wonderful reward, a share in the glory of God.
However closely we seek to follow Jesus, the Bible recognises that devotion and duty alone will not sustain the leader who is weary or staggering under the pain of unjust suffering. We also need the assurance that the Lord sees everything and knows how to reward His faithful servants. Peter started his letter with the promise of an unfading inheritance reserved for those who stay true to Christ (cf 1 Peter 1:3-9), and now he reminds the church leaders that they have an unfading crown of glory awaiting them.
The Lord knows how much leaders need that encouragement. They suffer in many different ways and may often be tempted to retreat to the side-lines of ministry (or even leave the field of battle): this word is for them. Keep on pressing on! That was also Paul's testimony and exhortation (cf Phil 3:12-14). Every church member should also take special care to encourage their leaders rather than criticise. If God is preparing a crown for them, surely they are worthy of respect. It was the same for Jesus, but the cross always comes before the crown; and it will be so for us too. But the great news is that the Chief Shepherd is coming, and will award His crowns. With such certainty, don't give up ... but press on to receive His reward!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for every encouragement that you give to me, and to the leaders of my local church, to press on - in the certain hope of sharing in Your glory. Thank You for knowing how much I need the incentive of Your Word to sustain me; to keep me from falling away, or dodging my responsibility of serving You. Help me to look beyond the trials and pain which come because I am faithful to You, as I eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
THE SPIRITUAL CHAIN OF HUMILITY
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
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In the same way that church leaders must accept the authority of the Lord Jesus (cf 1 Peter 5:2-4), younger men should submit to the leaders. Young and energetic men often feel an urge to steal power from their elders: but that is a fleshly impulse, encouraged by the Evil One. Those who are truly spiritual will want to accept the authority that God has placed over them.
The same applies to everybody in the church; there is no virtue in proud assertions or self-seeking. Those who claim to serve the Servant King should want to serve others in the fellowship; to lift them up and to seek their good. Peter saw the trail of pride over the early churches, threatening to destroy the immature fellowships; and alas it is too common a sight today also. The way of the world is to crush the weak. But the way of the cross is to raise the weak by self-sacrificial service.
The principle extends beyond the church to every area of life: God opposes the proud, wherever! It is true in the workshop and the ship; the hair salon and the airport. God's opposition to arrogance does not stop at the church door. His anger is roused by pride on the building site and in the board room, as well as the home and the hospital. But, by contrast, He pours out His grace on all who humbly accept the authority He has placed over them. Test Him out: change your attitude to authority and see how much blessing and grace He will shower upon you.
Prayer: Almighty God. Forgive me for my vain self-assertion, and every action that is motivated by pride. Help me to see how offensive this is to You. May I reconsider my attitude at work and home, as well as in the church, so that You will be glorified and that I can be blessed as you pour out Your grace into my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
________________________________________
In the same way that church leaders must accept the authority of the Lord Jesus (cf 1 Peter 5:2-4), younger men should submit to the leaders. Young and energetic men often feel an urge to steal power from their elders: but that is a fleshly impulse, encouraged by the Evil One. Those who are truly spiritual will want to accept the authority that God has placed over them.
The same applies to everybody in the church; there is no virtue in proud assertions or self-seeking. Those who claim to serve the Servant King should want to serve others in the fellowship; to lift them up and to seek their good. Peter saw the trail of pride over the early churches, threatening to destroy the immature fellowships; and alas it is too common a sight today also. The way of the world is to crush the weak. But the way of the cross is to raise the weak by self-sacrificial service.
The principle extends beyond the church to every area of life: God opposes the proud, wherever! It is true in the workshop and the ship; the hair salon and the airport. God's opposition to arrogance does not stop at the church door. His anger is roused by pride on the building site and in the board room, as well as the home and the hospital. But, by contrast, He pours out His grace on all who humbly accept the authority He has placed over them. Test Him out: change your attitude to authority and see how much blessing and grace He will shower upon you.
Prayer: Almighty God. Forgive me for my vain self-assertion, and every action that is motivated by pride. Help me to see how offensive this is to You. May I reconsider my attitude at work and home, as well as in the church, so that You will be glorified and that I can be blessed as you pour out Your grace into my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Family Health International (FHI) is dedicated to improving lives, knowledge, and understanding worldwide through a highly diversified program of research, education, and services in family health and HIV/AIDS prevention and care. We are seeking qualified candidates for the following position to work in our
Project Director, TB/HIV Program
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Director will be responsible for overall project management. S/he will provide technical leadership of a multi-dimensional team that will design and implement various activities for the HIV/TB program in one region of
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
BS/BA and 9-11 years relevant experience with international development programs; or MS/MA in public health or related field and 7-9 years relevant experience. 10+ years experience developing and implementing large-scale complex public health projects and budgets with multiple partners required. Experience working in developing countries or
Offer is contingent upon awarded proposal.
FHI has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI’s Global Staffing Database at https://recruiting.fhi.org. AA/EOE/M/F/V/D. Applications to be received not later than July 28th 2009, kindly note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements.
LEADERSHIP DIVERSIONS
1 Peter 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
________________________________________
It is not easy to be a leader, in any field. Although this passage refers to spiritual leadership in the church, the principles also apply in the professions, business, academia and in the family. Indeed, it is amazing to see how modern books on leadership, management and parenting advocate a return to Christian ethics (even if they are not described as such, nor their Biblical origin recognised). Shakespeare was a good observer; he wrote, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them" (Twelfth Night Act III Scene I). The key question, though, is how do we deal with the challenge?
Christians accept that God is the ultimate authority and that humans merely have delegated authority. In the church, the flock are God's sheep and not the Pastors' - they serve as 'foremen' but not owners. Those who have 'greatness thrust upon them' can either resent their role, or value it as a privileged appointment from God Himself. Spiritual leadership that is resentful is out of order with God. Leaders must not be 'in it for what they can get out of it', but eager to give everything they can (even if they get little in return). Those who calculate their ministry by the money or benefits they receive are hardly fit to be the Lord's servants.
The potential to misuse God's delegated authority to get personal power, is seen in churches as well as businesses, in charities as well as banking. Jesus was different; He demonstrated servant-leadership. He laid down His own life so that others might live. Phil 2:1-13 graphically draws the parallel between Jesus and those who claim to follow Him. Where the church is led by those who live like that, it grows to God's glory. Such people are not weak, but they have chosen to place their strength at the Lord's disposal. Yes, leadership will always be lonely; but if we are willingly submitting to the Lord, we will never be alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for reminding me that no human being has ultimate authority. I pray for my leaders that they may serve in a Christ-like way; and where I have responsibility for people, help me to willingly accept the privilege You have given to me. May I not exceed the authority you give me, nor serve You in a calculating way, but as an example to others; following the example of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
Share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
All the 'back copies' for the series in the Bible books of Mark, Ephesians and James can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
________________________________________
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
________________________________________
It is not easy to be a leader, in any field. Although this passage refers to spiritual leadership in the church, the principles also apply in the professions, business, academia and in the family. Indeed, it is amazing to see how modern books on leadership, management and parenting advocate a return to Christian ethics (even if they are not described as such, nor their Biblical origin recognised). Shakespeare was a good observer; he wrote, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them" (Twelfth Night Act III Scene I). The key question, though, is how do we deal with the challenge?
Christians accept that God is the ultimate authority and that humans merely have delegated authority. In the church, the flock are God's sheep and not the Pastors' - they serve as 'foremen' but not owners. Those who have 'greatness thrust upon them' can either resent their role, or value it as a privileged appointment from God Himself. Spiritual leadership that is resentful is out of order with God. Leaders must not be 'in it for what they can get out of it', but eager to give everything they can (even if they get little in return). Those who calculate their ministry by the money or benefits they receive are hardly fit to be the Lord's servants.
The potential to misuse God's delegated authority to get personal power, is seen in churches as well as businesses, in charities as well as banking. Jesus was different; He demonstrated servant-leadership. He laid down His own life so that others might live. Phil 2:1-13 graphically draws the parallel between Jesus and those who claim to follow Him. Where the church is led by those who live like that, it grows to God's glory. Such people are not weak, but they have chosen to place their strength at the Lord's disposal. Yes, leadership will always be lonely; but if we are willingly submitting to the Lord, we will never be alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for reminding me that no human being has ultimate authority. I pray for my leaders that they may serve in a Christ-like way; and where I have responsibility for people, help me to willingly accept the privilege You have given to me. May I not exceed the authority you give me, nor serve You in a calculating way, but as an example to others; following the example of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
Share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
All the 'back copies' for the series in the Bible books of Mark, Ephesians and James can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
Friday, July 24, 2009
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