Bob's Blog

In this morning's message at the Blended Church, Pastor Dehner Maurer preached a message about adversity having a purpose in our lives. You can see this message here on ustream. The message starts around the 36 minute mark and I highly recommend it. In this message, Pastor Dehner said, "You need an enemy." A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog entry on "Dying to Self" which included an article by Bill Britton. This morning's message reminded me of another article by Bill Britton entitled, "My Beloved Enemy." I have included some excerpts from that article below. The theme of both of these messages is that God uses our enemies to bring about Godliness and spiritual maturity. "My Beloved Enemy" Bill Britton YOU are not really my enemies at all. in reality you are some of the best friends I have. You who have lied about me, and about this ministry, who have tried to destroy people's faith and confidence in me, who have spread

Just ran across this on a blog written by Tim Stevens. Very good counsel. I have been guilty of all of them at one time or another. Some, many times. The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Communicating Expectations Barking out “marching orders” without making your directions clear enough that people fully understand and accept them. Assuming people need only one explanation in order to understand what you expect them to deliver. Failing to form an expectation clearly yourself before communicating it to others. Excluding any explanation about “why” you want something done within a specific time frame. Asking people to do something, but not clearly explaining when you need it done. Failing to describe the resources available to help people do what you want them to do. Issuing such specific instructions about what to do and how to do it, that people hesitate to “own it” themselves and think out of the box to ensure the result. From the book How Did That Happen? by Roger

In your life, for which of the two are you striving? All too often, I find myself seeking comfort rather than meaning. Then, I wonder why I am bored. To some extent I think it is human nature to seek comfort and safety. Especially in our current culture. We avoid pain at all costs.