Proverbs 31

Proverbs-Series

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 31 in the Message Bible.

Vs.4-7. And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

Drinking too much alcohol can be a person's downfall. Either don’t drink at all or be sure to drink in moderation.

Vs.8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Look out for the cause of the poor and needy. Stand for justice.

Vs.10-12 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life. 

Oh, the blessing of a wonderful wife! How valuable is she! She can be trusted and she will enrich his life, helping him continually.

Vs.13-16 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship; she brings her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

This woman is a wise home-builder.

Vs.17-19 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 

She is also a diligent and productive worker.

Vs.20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 

She has a heart for the poor and needy.

Vs.25-27 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. 

Her other character qualities include – strength, dignity, a sense of humour, wise words, kindness, responsibility and diligence.

Vs.28-29 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" 

Her children honour her as does her husband.

Vs.30-31 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. 

A woman who fears the Lord is the ultimate value – not charm or beauty. Value her and reward her.

Discouragement

Beating-Discouragement-620x300

Questions, doubts, disappointments
Like a wet blanket settling down
Lower, deeper, darker
Feels like your going to drown 

Can't cope, can't breathe
Intense pressure mounting
Will it ever ease? 
A burden, a weight, heaviness

Dark clouds, stormy wind, rainy days

Frazzled mind
Numb heart 
Spirit down
Weak will 

Is there a light?
Is there a word? 
Is there a song?
Will it be long?

Dawn slowly conquers the night
A new day born 
Words break silence
Peace stills the storm 

He is here
He is good
Truth will prevail
Faith will triumph

Breathe IN

Courage
Hope
Love
Peace

Joy

[Mark Conner – 2nd July, 2014]

Australia’s Defining Traits

AustraliaDay

As a nation, there are traits that have defined Australia for decades, but as the times shift and trends emerge McCrindle Research takes a look at the extent to which these are still relevant in defining us today. 

1. The Lucky Country

Statistics show that Australia is doing better than ever when it comes to health, education, economic opportunities, and even political participation. 

The economy is on a steady increase, even despite a recent global economic crisis. Cash flow is increasing with the net disposable income for everyday Australians now $10,000 more than it was a decade ago. 

We value independence but in a community-minded way. As Aussies we recognise that individual achievement rarely occurs without a helping hand from others. After all we call this the lucky country—we don’t take the credit for it all ourselves. Despite our differences we know that when adversity strikes, whether in the form of personal tragedy, natural disasters or international conflict, there’ll usually be a fellow Aussie there to help out. It’s the tradition of the digger, the character of mateship, and it’s still the essence of the Australian community

Fast Facts

  • Compared to the unemployment rate of the US, UK and France, Australia’s unemployment rate is lowest at just 5.8
  • The EU, G20, OECD and USA have all experienced a recession during the last 7 years, whereby Australia has not
  • Over the last 10 years Australia’s life expectancy has increased by 2 years
  • Over the last 40 years our life expectancy has increased by 10 years

2. Big Australia

Australia’s population exceeded 23 million on 23 April 2013. Having doubled since 1966, this rise is fuelled by an increase in birth rate, life expectancy and migration. These factors have allowed Australia to grow at a rate of 1.7% per year, above the world average of 1.0%. Not only is Australia the fastest growing OECD nation, but its population is increasing faster than Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.

Fast Facts

  • Australia’s population is growing by 1.7% annually
  • Australia currently has a population of 23 million people, with an increase of 397,200 people
  • Natural increase accounts for 40% of growth, adding 154,500 people to the population
  • Net overseas migration accounts for 60% of the population increase, increasing Australia’s population by 228,000 people
  • Australia’s population density is 2.99 people per km2
  • Vertical communities – with record population growth comes increase densification, where we now live up and not out
  • Traditional detached homes vs housing approvals. More new homes in greater Sydney are medium density than detached homes

3. The Clever Country

The Top 5 industries 30 years ago were all industrial (mining, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transport) whereas today there has been a shift to professional industries (Top 5 are mining, technical, IT, financial, and utilities). 

While once derogatorily referred to as the world’s quarry, it turns out that we are the clever country after all with more people than ever employed in science and technical roles. The Australian workforce has undergone significant structural change and we’ve moved from an industrial base to a knowledge base.

Fast Facts

  • The average years of schooling Australian’s engage in is 12 years
  • The number of patents granted by Australia annually is 17,877
  • 1 in 5 Baby Boomers, 1 in 4 generation X’s, 1 in 3 generation Y’s have a university degree and 1 in 2 generation Z’s will have a university degree

4. The Land of the Middle Class

Australia is the land of the fair go, where people are taken at face value and class and values based on where people are from or where they were educated don’t rate highly in interactions. Lifestyles are busy and our lives are complex but our culture is down-to-earth, and mainstream recreations are simple. Regardless of income or social status, there are rich pleasures offered in Australia, and these are all the more appreciated in times of rising living costs. 

It is a collaborative rather than individualistic culture and this teamwork, a mix of mateship and altruism, creates a context where neighbourhoods and communities are defined by diversity and connecting rather than class and hierarchies

Fast Facts

  • Australia’s median household income is $47,736. This is 2.6 times Spain’s average household income and 47 times the income of more than 30 other countries with household income below $1,100 (Spain’s is $18,531, Greece $15,823)
  • The average capital city house price in Australia is $2.5 million

5. The Small Business Nation

Australia has always been an entrepreneurial nation, with small business the backbone of the economy and the labour force. The Australian spirit of independence, a DIY attitude and the courage to give things a go are strongly demonstrated in these latest business statistics. The tough economic times and the terrain in which small business operates is having an impact, however, with only half (51%) of new business starts surviving 4 years in operation. For many Australians, the entrepreneurial dream is still alive but as demonstrated by the survival rates of new businesses, without better support, only a minority will achieve success.

Fast Facts

  • There are 2.1 million businesses in Australia
  • Just 39% are employing businesses
  • 69% of employing businesses are micro and have 1-4 employees, 6.2% are small (5-19 employees), 24.3% are medium (20-199 employees) while just 0.5% of businesses are large and employ over 200 employees
  • 50% of new businesses cease operation within 3.5 years of establishment
  • 1 in 10 cease operation every year

6. Land of the Long Weekend

Australians enjoy between 11 and 12 public holidays in addition to the 4 weeks annual leave for employees, which is more public holidays than many countries, and twice the annual leave of the average worker in the US. However Australians also work amongst the longest hours when compared to other developed nations and some of the most years of schooling. The “no worries” attitude is strong but it is more “no worries- we’ll sort it out” rather than “no worries- she’ll be right”. The “can-do” culture balances the “long weekend” mindset to shape a people who enjoy time off and know how to holiday- but work hard to earn the break.

Fast Facts

  • Australians enjoy 11 to 12 public holidays a year
  • Full time workers receive 4 weeks annual leave
  • On average, Australians work 38 hours per week, (41.0 for males and 35.8 for females)

7. The Tryanny of Distance

While Australia is warmly referred to as the land down under, the isolation and distance that the term once communicated is not the case today. While Australia is geographically a long way from the UK, it’s historical and population links with the “old country” remain strong. More importantly, it is closely located to the new epicentre of economic growth in Asia. Australia is a regional hub for many multinational organisations with operations in Asia, and is in its own right a globally connected, business influencer, cultural exporter and regional leader. The cultural cringe has given way to sophistication, cultural diversity and global influence.

Fast Facts

  • Australia’s region of Asia is home to 60% of the global population and the fastest growing nations on earth
  • China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines are all in the top 7 birth countries of Australians born overseas
  • In a 12 month time period Australia chaired the UN Security Council, hosted the G20 and will host the Cricket World Cup

For more on the facts and figures of Australia, be sure to check out the Australia Street Video Animation and Infographic (see below).

Australia-Street-McCrindle

[Source]

Proverbs 26

Proverbs-Series

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 26 in the New Living Translation.

Vs.2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an unfair curse will not land on its intended victim. 

Curses can’t affect you unless there is a reason for them to do so – like a ‘foothold’.

Vs.5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation. 

With fools, you can’t win either way!

Vs.11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 

Fools don’t learn from their mistakes. They keep doing the same thing over and over again without gaining any wisdom.

Vs.12 There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise. 

Do all you can to gain wisdom but don’t see yourself as ‘wise’. Keep learning and see yourself as someone with more to know.

Vs.13-16. The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "I can't go outside because there might be a lion on the road! Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there!" As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Some people are so lazy that they won't lift a finger to feed themselves. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counsellors. 

Lazy people make excuses. Wise people make decisions and take action.

Lazy people sleep away their time. Wise people rise early and maximise the hours of their day.

Lazy people think they have nothing to learn. Wise people are always hungry to learn more.

Vs.17. Yanking a dog's ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else's argument. 

Don’t get involved in someone else’s argument. Avoid triangulation!

Vs.27. If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will roll back and crush you. 

In life, we reap what we sow – for good or bad.

Lighthouse

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Be a light
In stormy sea
and gusty wind
Show the way

Faithful and true
Solid and strong
Built on the rock
Unmovable

Shine bright
Be clear
Stay at your post
True to your calling

[Mark Conner – 6th January, 2015]

[Picture taken near Point Londsale, Victoria]

Should We Move Australia Day?

Australia_day-thongs1

On Monday, the 26 of January, we celebrate 'Australia Day' – the official national day of Australia. I love Australia. I have travelled to around 30 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places … but there is no place like home. 

Amidst the fireworks and BBQs we remember the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788. That was when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the flag of Great Britain at that site. We can celebrate and be grateful for this beautiful nation we live in and at the same time understand how some people may not feel like celebrating on this particular day. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it isn’t a day of celebration. Instead, this day reminds them of how their way of life was invaded and changed forever. For others, it is Survival Day, and a celebration of the survival of people and culture, and the continuous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australia. This weekend, before 26 January, in the spirit of love and reconciliation, let us recognise these differences and reflect on how we can create a day all Australians can celebrate. 

My good friend, Rob Buckingham, has written a thought-provoking BLOG post called Let's Move Australia Day. Check it out. If you agree, why not sign the petition to the Australian government.

Let us pray for our nation, for unity and reconciliation, and for a future that is established in understanding and compassion. Let's also continue to pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon our nation … that we might be a light to all the nations of the earth.

[See also: Australia's Defining Traits]

Seasons

Sea

Seasons come and seasons go
The sun rises then sets
Day turns to night
Summer to winter

Time is always moving
It never stops
Ceaseless forward motion
The cycle of life

The past is gone
The future’s not yet here
The present is all we have
Right here, right now

Be at peace
Let anxiety go
Say goodbye to regret
Worry’s a waste, you know

Live in this moment
Fully present
Fully alive
God is the great I AM

Feel His love
Never far away
Wake up!
This is your life

Love and be loved
Be a force for good
Fight injustice
Work for Kingdom come

One day time will end
History’s great convergence
Into God’s heart
For Eternity

[Mark Conner – 6th January, 2014]

Proverbs 19

Proverbs-Series

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 19 in the Message Bible.

Vs.2. Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste.

Enthusiasm and passion are terrific but not without knowledge. Energy needs direction and focus. Planning on the front end affects execution on the back end. Ready – Aim – Fire. The 'ready – aim' steps are crucial.  

Vs.3. People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed.

God gets blamed for so many things, yet much brokenness and even evil in the world is simply the consequence of human decision-making. In life, we reap what we sow. It's that simple. Our lives today are in many ways the accumulated result of choices we made yesterday and the choices we make today will determine our future. Decisions, not conditions, determine our ultimate destiny.

Vs.8. Grow a wise heart – you'll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head – you'll find a good life.

A 'wise heart' and a 'clear head' – good advice. That takes time and effort. It also requires solitude and reflection. These can't be developed in the midst of busyness and task addiction. Climb a mountain. Get above the noise and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Connect with God. Review your life. Check the compass (your direction) not just the clock (your speed).

Vs.11. Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

Words are powerful. Wisdom follows the old saying: "Engage brain before opening mouth!" Who do you need to fogive today? Tear up those "I owe you" notes. Let it go. You'll be better off.

Vs.16. Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills.

God's commands are for our good – not to take the fun out of life but rather for our benefit. Like an owner's manual, we work best when we live God's way. That is true 'holiness' – living life the way God intended it to be lived. 

Vs.17. Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.

The way we treat people, especially the needy, reflects our attitude toward God. Who can you be kind to today? What resources do you have that you could share with someone less fortunate?

Vs.20. Take good counsel and accept correction - that's the way to live wisely and well.

Once again, we hear the timeless advice of the importance of listening to counsel and taking in feedback from others. Who's speaking into your life? Are you listening?

Life’s Journey

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The journey is difficult at times

Shadows fall
Can’t quite see
A little dark
Sunshine is far away

The path is narrow
Seems confined
Can’t go back
But can’t see far ahead

Take the ancient path
Ways well trodden
Pilgrim travellers
Spirit led

Going home
That’s the call
Keep on walking
Not alone

[Mark Conner – 5th January, 2015]

[Picture taken on pathway near Point Lonsdale, Victoria]

The Dark Side of Charisma

Char

When we think of charisma, we think of inspiring, bold, self-confident leaders who attract many followers who believe in their clear and compelling vision. But is there a danger in an organisation becoming too dependent on a particular person and of a cult of personality developing? We want to build organisations that thrive beyond one person and that understand that a whole team of people are leading the organisation. 

Some leadership researchers have noted the dark side of charisma:

1. Leaders sometimes go from confident to arrogant, from bold to excessive in their risk taking.

2. They begin to have delusions of their infallibility and begin to go from consultative to simply suppressing those dissenting views.

3. They alienate their followers because they begin to take all the credit for their success.

4. They fail to develop successors.

5. They begin to develop impulsive behaviour and  failure to acknowledge and learn from failure. 

Some leaders go way beyond the dark side and are examples of cults of personality, who cultivate hero worship among their followers. 

Professor Michael A. Roberto observes that "there are negative charismatic leaders who are described as having personalised power orientation: they want to get people devoted to them as individuals as opposed to an idea, concept, product or strategy. Positive charismatic leaders, on the other hand, have a socialised power orientation, which means that they seek internalisation of values in their followers. they're seeking devotion to ideas, not devotion to them as individuals." 

Some Reflection Questions:

1. How do you define 'charisma'? What are its ingredients and evidence?

2. What are the positive and negative aspects of charisma?

3. What are the dangers of being caught up by the charisma of a leader and neglecting to observe a person's character?

4. Jesus was clearly a charismatic leader. How did he use his charisma to influence people?

Other Articles

The Dark Side of Charismatic Leadership by Stephen Fogarty.

The Dark Side of Charisma by Tom Chamorro-Premuzic (HBR).

Proverbs 12

Proverbs-Series

Today we continue with more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 12 in the Message Bible.

Vs.10. Good people are good to their animals; the "good–hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.

Animal lovers will love this proverb. It's a good reminder that all of God's creation is good and to be treated with care. 

Vs.11. The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.

Diligence leads to blessing. Slowly by slowly wealth is built, along with the character to sustain it.

Vs.12. What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.

Never judge life in a moment. Life is a movie not a snap shot. Seasons come and go. Day and night. Good times and bad. In the end, serving God pays off. It really does.

Vs.13. Well–spoken words bring satisfaction; well–done work has its own reward.

Our words can bring life or death. Choose them carefully. Hard work is like sowing good seeds. It always reaps great rewards. 

Vs.15. Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.

Once again, we learn the wisdom of taking advice and listening to others, rather than being stubborn and headstrong.

Vs.25. Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.

Choose to be around people who lift you up, not tear you down. Then do the same for others.

Vs.27. A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.

Diligence leads to reward and enjoyment. You may not be a natural 'morning person' but making an effort to get up a little earlier each day yields good dividends in terms of productivity. Try it!

In Memory of Andrae Crouch

Andrae-crouch

Gospel singer, Andrae Crouch, passed away last Thursday at the age of 72. [Read the full story]

I'll never forget listening to my first Andrae Crouch album and being touched by the life, the energy, and the love for Jesus that exuded through Andrae's music. 

Here are my favourite Andrae Crouch albums:

  • Live at Carnegie Hall –  a classic!
  • Live in London.
  • Finally.
  • Mercy. 

Here are my favourite Andrae Crouch songs in order:

  • I Don't Know Why Jesus Loved Me.
  • My Tribute – To God be the Glory.
  • The Blood Will never Lose It's Power.
  • Soon and Very Soon.
  • It Won't Be Long.

No doubt, Andrae's in a better place … singing God's praises and maybe even leading heaven's choir!

Grateful.

Leadership Myths

Lead

What do you think of when you hear the word 'leader'? We all have different idea and perceptions of what a leader is and what they are supposed to do. Often this is based on our own upbringing, our environment, our personal experience and our learning.

Here are five leadership myths that need busting (by Michael A. Roberto in the course "Transformation Leadership"):

1. "Leaders are born, not made – some people come of of the womb ready to lead others."

2. "Leadership is the act of lone genius, often thought of as the person at the top of the organisation."

3. "Leaders must be charismatic extroverts in order to motivate and inspire others to get them to follow their vision."

4. "Leadership requires formal authority."

5. "All great leaders have a common set of traits."

In reality, none of these statements are true. Can you see why? 

Leadership can be defined most simply as 'influence'. In that sense, all of us are leaders in that we all influence someone in one way or another. The question is not whether we will be an influence but what kind of an influence we will be. 

Lead where you are … today. You can make a difference!

New Year’s Resolutions?

Ny

One week of 2015 is already over. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions?

Research tends to support the view that New Year's Resolutions don't work for most people. Consider the following statistics:

  • 25% of people abandon their New Year's Resolutions after one week.
  • 60% of people abandon them within six months.
  • The average person makes the same New Year's Resolutions 10 times without success.
  • Even after a heart attack, only 14% of patients make any meaningful change around eating or exercise.

That's not good news. Clearly, change is hard and resolutions alone aren't enough. However, planning and taking steps toward clear goals can bring about change in our lives if we go about it the right away. 

If you haven't done so already, check out my thoughts on Getting Ready for the New Year. I pray that this year is your best year yet!

Year-in-Review: Barna’s Top 10 Findings from 2014

10

Every December, Barna Group compiles its top findings and trends from research conducted in the USA in the past year. From legalizing marijuana to increasing secularization trends to America’s complicated relationship with sports — 2014 was an interesting year. 

1. Bible Skepticism Is Now Tied with Bible Engagement.

2. Young Adults Question the Value of Their College Degree.

3. Global Poverty Is on the Decline, but Almost No One Believes It.

4. Millennials Want a Church to Feel Like a Church.

5. Protestants Like Pope Francis, Too.

6. Americans Favor Legalizing Pot but Believe It’s Morally Wrong to Use It.

7. Practicing Christian Millennials Maintain a High View of Scripture.

8. Americans Say They Care Too Much About Sports.

9. Moms Are Stressed Out and Tired, but Satisfied.

10. Secularization Is on the Rise.

Visit the Barna Group web site to read the details.