Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Helen Oppenheimer's Journey To American: I Can Only Imagine
We have all heard "stories" of how Ferdinand Weyland met Helen on the boat as she was immigrating to America and Ferd was returning to the U.S. after a year of studying Semetic languages in Germany. And then getting married some 3 years later right after Ferd was ordained as a Lutheran pastor.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Sowing Seeds of Life
A picture is worth a thousand words!
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:3-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
Sowing Seeds of Life!
What's Your S.H.A.P.E ?
The Shape of things to come!
A short video: Living for the Line
What's going to matter after we die!
What's Happening close to home!
Local Heros!
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
A Prayer of Endurance
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35
"LORD You are my strength, my sanity, my security, my salvation. Your hand upholds me, Your grace sustains me, Your power supports me. Keep my feet moving forward, keep my faith looking upward, keep my hope pointing homeward. Make a roadway through every rugged mountain, make a pathway through every stormy sea, make a highway through every dark valley.
I do not put my faith in my own timetable, but in Your perfect plan. LORD, however long it takes, I will trust You I receive Your grace to endure all things with pleasantness of spirit, calmness of soul, and thankfulness of heart."
Quoted from His Footsteps, My Pathway. A one minute devotional from Christian Art Gifts.
November 22. Christian Art Gifts: Daily Devotionals
"LORD You are my strength, my sanity, my security, my salvation. Your hand upholds me, Your grace sustains me, Your power supports me. Keep my feet moving forward, keep my faith looking upward, keep my hope pointing homeward. Make a roadway through every rugged mountain, make a pathway through every stormy sea, make a highway through every dark valley.
I do not put my faith in my own timetable, but in Your perfect plan. LORD, however long it takes, I will trust You I receive Your grace to endure all things with pleasantness of spirit, calmness of soul, and thankfulness of heart."
Quoted from His Footsteps, My Pathway. A one minute devotional from Christian Art Gifts.
November 22. Christian Art Gifts: Daily Devotionals
Book is out of print.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Spiritual Gifts:Tests and Assessments: How important are they?
At our local Saturday morning "Men's Group", we had a short teaching on Ephesians 4:1-16, and "spiritual gifts"
Our small table Discussion Questions:
1. How should we live in the light of our Calling?
2. What spiritual gift do you have to build up the church?
3. Why is unity Important?
It was interesting listening to answers to Question #2 that it was apparent that there were different "gifts" that men had that were not among the common "gifts" listed in various scripture passages. Some were "Strengths" that could be common to all people...believers and non believers.
We use our "Strengths" every day! In our families, careers, jobs, business's.
Strengthsfinder.2.0 Assessment gives one a good 16 page pdf printout showing how you can use and develope your strengths and use them every day!
One of my prior posts explains this more fully.
Also that none of the men at my table had ever taken a "Spiritual Gift Assessment" and that there was such an "Assessment"
I had taken several such assessments years ago...and was asked to bring some resources next week.
After doing alittle research...I decided to make this blog post with some resources.
Be wary of tests and assessments: Best to be wary of Spiritual Gift Tests & Assessments
Different "Assessments" and "Tests" have different "gifts".
Alot has to do with our understanding of scripture and the denomination we come from.
A good list and definition of "Spiritual Gifts"
A fairly good Assessment
Why is this all important?
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1st Peter 4:7-11
You might also check out these verses in various Biblical translations~
Check out 1st. Corinthians 12.
Going from ME to WE.
One body. So whatever our "gifts" are...we are part of the body. Each part of the body is important and needed. So we should be in a local body of Christ, where we are encouraged to serve...whatever our gifts and strengths are.
Bottom line: We are given "gifts" to serve.
Any "Assessment" one takes, requires a fairly good amount of time...but it is worth it! Helps us find our place in ministry.
The difference between natural talents or strengths and Spiritual Gifts
Hope this is of help.
Blessings
Richard
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Wisdom from my Blogs
In Jesus Christ God gives us our identity, our purpose and our meaning in this life and in the life to come.1 Peter1:1-12
●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, strengths and a unique personality with different experiences. Helping people with the puzzle and putting the pieces together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful
servant."
I have 3 blogs. Created at different times for different purposes and audiences
https://bloomwhereyouareplantednow.blogspot.com/
Helping people to be "rooted", "grounded" and "grow" and so bloom" where they are "planted" in their neighborhood, world and career...using their "Passion", "Abilities","Gifts","Strengths" and prior "Experiences" God has gifted them with and thereby bringing glory and honor to the LORD. 1st Corinthians 10:31
https://northshorefinishingwellgroup.blogspot.com/
Mobilizing the body of Christ globally to join Jesus in His mission, especially among the least-reached peoples,transforming lives, relationships & communities. Reaching the "Unreached People Groups" in the 10/40 window. There are endless opportunities to help complete the Great Commission, whatever your interests and abilities are.
http://neighborhoodtransformationmilwaukee.blogspot.com/
Neighborhood Transformation (NT) trains church lay-people how to enter a nearby poor neighborhood, develop relationships and identify assets already found in the neighborhood in individuals and groups. Building on these assets, the goal is to see the gospel bring true poverty alleviation over time.
1. My blogs are Searchable...see small box on right hand side of blog.
You could experiment with different "words" to find what you might be looking for.
2. After a little experimenting today...I discovered that most of you find my blog because of a post I put on Twitter! And you find it in a few minutes of my Tweet!
If you did NOT find this post on Twitter...click HERE and you can see all my Tweets, even if you are NOT on Twitter!
To a lesser extent others find my blog because we are "connected" on LinkedIn.
You can Connect with me on LinkedIN HERE
4. If you scroll down to the very bottom of the blog...you will see the most popular viewed posts in the last week.
5. You can also leave comments at the bottom of each post. Would love to answer any questions, etc.
As you all know...one can find anything we want on the internet...lots of knowledge out there.
6. I hope to impart some "wisdom" that you could use in your life! Whatever reason would you be searching or looking at my blog?
Blessings on your life and year!
My Latest Tweets
Richard
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Finding your place to put your gifts & strengths to work, making a difference for eternity
"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world." A good vision or mission statement!
The Journey of Life: To Be God's people..."Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world"!
How can one do that?
Start with prayer!
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."-Albert Schweitzer
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
If we truly are Jesus's hands and feet in the world...how can we be good stewards and invest our lives for His glory? So we can truly make a difference in the world!
● When searching for Nonprofits to invest in...either as a volunteer or as an investor, what should I be looking for and why?
● Start with your church! Look at your churches' website. What is their Mission statement and Vision for your city and the world?
● It should jump out at you! And then a clear statement as to how you can serve with them to help fulfill the Lord's vision both for your city and the world! Simple!
● Maybe even a few short "Serving descriptions" with a 3 minute video of a volunteer telling what they do?
● What is your PASSION?
● This is the most important item to consider. Need some help in clarifying your passion?
● Now you need to know your Strengths! Strengthsfinder 2.0.
● The $19.99 version is great to use. It gives you your top 5 "Strengths" of the 35 "Strengths."
You get a beautiful 16 page printout of your "Strengths" and how to use them.
● If you still aren't convinced to do the "Strengthsfinder 2.0" Assessment...contact me and I will send you my 16 page printout. Just a sample of what you would receive.
● Set up a visit with your church Volunteer Coordinator, or your favorite non profit.
Be sure to bring along your Strengths" printout to show them and ask how you can use your "Passion" and "Strengths" in advancing their Mission and Vision! Simple!
● Do they have a plan to integrate your Passion, Gifts and Strengths into their ministry and outreach? Don't get discouraged. This may be something new to them. Set up another meeting.
Are they interested in seeing how your "Strengths" can be a vital part of them fulfilling God's vision and mission with you partnering with them or are they just looking to fill an empty position? Has anyone in their organization taken the assessment? Maybe you spoke with the wrong person? May be time to move on...
● Don't give up on your church! Send them a link to this post!
You can take an assessment and they will get back to you with possible places to use your S.H.A.P.E. It's a good assessment, but they don't look at your "Strengths".
Would love to hear your experience! Connect with me on Linkedin or Twitter.
● With the thousands of non profits out there...how can I evaluate them?
● With our instant access to information on the internet, we are probably already searching and can easily get confused. What are we really looking for and why?
● Even if we don't know it...we are looking for an organization that aligns with our passion...our desires. We all want to make a difference in the world, don't we?
● The best way is to start as a volunteer with an organization if possible.
● So start by looking at their website!
● What you want to find immediately when looking at their website:
1. Mission Statement
2. Vision Statement or their strategy for reaching their mission.
● This is what I am telling charities that they need on their website!
The Basic info you need on your site!
● But what are donors really looking for?
● You already had some idea of who you wanted to donate to!
● It's all about Passion and Relationships! What am I passionate about? A Clue
● What is Passion? "..passion is morally neutral. It is simply a strong feeling or deep longing for something." ..."Passion is the God-given ability to feel so deeply about something that it causes us to move toward the object of desire. This passion stems from an urge given by God-a burden, an emotional response to a need or opportunity He wants us to move toward. It's not a feeling that we experience and then lose easily. It's persistent and powerful. We can't ignore it." Discover Your Destiny by Bill & Kathy Peel.
"The thing is to understand myself, to see what God wishes me to do...to find the idea for which I can live and die"-Soren Kierkegaard
"The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” —William James
"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world." A good vision or mission statement!
● So, what is your passion?
● We must have clarity about the Vision and Mission of an organization. If I am looking for a charity that I can volunteer with, I look for people I respect who are practical-minded. I want to be sure it's the sort of project that I can bring something of value to, and in which I'm being involved in a meaningful way. So I always ask myself: Is it a mission I believe in? Do I believe in the people who are in it? and does it use my talents and gifts in a way that engage me?"
● So one of the best ways to evaluate a charity is to volunteer with them...if they are in your area or have a local chapter...like The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army...just two examples! They are looking for volunteers! They have FREE training, both online and classroom . ● No matter what your passion, gifts, abilities, past experience, personality etc. are, each of these organizations has a place for you! You just have to have patience and talk to people at the organization...and start getting connected. The same for any organization. These are just two International organizations that have local chapters around the country within easy driving distance. Obviously, there are probably other similar organizations that have local chapters.
● When contacting an organization...consider calling and talking to Communications Director or Volunteer Director. But do your research on their website first!
● This is what you want to immediately see and clearly understand!
1. Vision Statement
2. Mission Statement
3. Their Strategy for reaching their Mission
4. It's also great if they have some testimonies from reciepients of their ministry!
● There's a lot of noise going on in the world. We need to listen to God speaking to us and that it is God that is speaking.
● When I stand before Jesus one day, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Isn't that what you want to hear?
So what are we asking ourselves as we view their website and consider if we should invest in their cause?
So what is God calling me to do?
We all know there is no I in TEAM.
What is God doing in the world through this organization?
● Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause? As a volunteer and or investor. Yes, it's our cause!
● If we are already volunteering with an organization...do we feel a part of the TEAM?
How?
How do they communicate with you?
Newsletter?
Phone call for funds?
Phone call to see how you are doing and if you would like prayer?
If you are on social media, do you promote your favorite organization? Tweets and Retweets.
Status Updates on Linkedin. Does organization acknowledge your efforts?
Have I prayed about how I might be a good steward and use God's funds to further His cause through this organization?
● Do I need more help in evaluating this organization?
● How To Make Wise Choices When Investing Your Funds In A Charity!
How can one do that?
Start with prayer!
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."-Albert Schweitzer
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
If we truly are Jesus's hands and feet in the world...how can we be good stewards and invest our lives for His glory? So we can truly make a difference in the world!
● When searching for Nonprofits to invest in...either as a volunteer or as an investor, what should I be looking for and why?
● Start with your church! Look at your churches' website. What is their Mission statement and Vision for your city and the world?
● It should jump out at you! And then a clear statement as to how you can serve with them to help fulfill the Lord's vision both for your city and the world! Simple!
● Maybe even a few short "Serving descriptions" with a 3 minute video of a volunteer telling what they do?
● What is your PASSION?
● This is the most important item to consider. Need some help in clarifying your passion?
● Now you need to know your Strengths! Strengthsfinder 2.0.
● The $19.99 version is great to use. It gives you your top 5 "Strengths" of the 35 "Strengths."
You get a beautiful 16 page printout of your "Strengths" and how to use them.
● If you still aren't convinced to do the "Strengthsfinder 2.0" Assessment...contact me and I will send you my 16 page printout. Just a sample of what you would receive.
● Set up a visit with your church Volunteer Coordinator, or your favorite non profit.
Be sure to bring along your Strengths" printout to show them and ask how you can use your "Passion" and "Strengths" in advancing their Mission and Vision! Simple!
● Do they have a plan to integrate your Passion, Gifts and Strengths into their ministry and outreach? Don't get discouraged. This may be something new to them. Set up another meeting.
Are they interested in seeing how your "Strengths" can be a vital part of them fulfilling God's vision and mission with you partnering with them or are they just looking to fill an empty position? Has anyone in their organization taken the assessment? Maybe you spoke with the wrong person? May be time to move on...
● Don't give up on your church! Send them a link to this post!
What one church is doing helping people assess their S.H.A.P.E
Your Spiritual gifts, Heart or Passion, Abilities, Personality and Experiences.You can take an assessment and they will get back to you with possible places to use your S.H.A.P.E. It's a good assessment, but they don't look at your "Strengths".
Would love to hear your experience! Connect with me on Linkedin or Twitter.
Meeting for coffee to further discuss your opportunities!
This Blog is searchable...by Keyword. Try Strengths, Ministry, Calling, Volunteering, Mission,Vision, Faith, S.H.A.P.E, Passion, Boomer, Eastbrook...to see previous posts going back 8 years.
● With the thousands of non profits out there...how can I evaluate them?
● With our instant access to information on the internet, we are probably already searching and can easily get confused. What are we really looking for and why?
● Even if we don't know it...we are looking for an organization that aligns with our passion...our desires. We all want to make a difference in the world, don't we?
● The best way is to start as a volunteer with an organization if possible.
● So start by looking at their website!
● What you want to find immediately when looking at their website:
1. Mission Statement
2. Vision Statement or their strategy for reaching their mission.
A great place to start to volunteer is in your own neighborhood...and you set the schedule!
● This is what I am telling charities that they need on their website!
The Basic info you need on your site!
● But what are donors really looking for?
● You already had some idea of who you wanted to donate to!
● It's all about Passion and Relationships! What am I passionate about? A Clue
● What is Passion? "..passion is morally neutral. It is simply a strong feeling or deep longing for something." ..."Passion is the God-given ability to feel so deeply about something that it causes us to move toward the object of desire. This passion stems from an urge given by God-a burden, an emotional response to a need or opportunity He wants us to move toward. It's not a feeling that we experience and then lose easily. It's persistent and powerful. We can't ignore it." Discover Your Destiny by Bill & Kathy Peel.
"The thing is to understand myself, to see what God wishes me to do...to find the idea for which I can live and die"-Soren Kierkegaard
"The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” —William James
"...Embodying the love of Jesus Christ in the city and the world." A good vision or mission statement!
● So, what is your passion?
● We must have clarity about the Vision and Mission of an organization. If I am looking for a charity that I can volunteer with, I look for people I respect who are practical-minded. I want to be sure it's the sort of project that I can bring something of value to, and in which I'm being involved in a meaningful way. So I always ask myself: Is it a mission I believe in? Do I believe in the people who are in it? and does it use my talents and gifts in a way that engage me?"
● So one of the best ways to evaluate a charity is to volunteer with them...if they are in your area or have a local chapter...like The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army...just two examples! They are looking for volunteers! They have FREE training, both online and classroom . ● No matter what your passion, gifts, abilities, past experience, personality etc. are, each of these organizations has a place for you! You just have to have patience and talk to people at the organization...and start getting connected. The same for any organization. These are just two International organizations that have local chapters around the country within easy driving distance. Obviously, there are probably other similar organizations that have local chapters.
● When contacting an organization...consider calling and talking to Communications Director or Volunteer Director. But do your research on their website first!
● This is what you want to immediately see and clearly understand!
1. Vision Statement
2. Mission Statement
3. Their Strategy for reaching their Mission
4. It's also great if they have some testimonies from reciepients of their ministry!
● There's a lot of noise going on in the world. We need to listen to God speaking to us and that it is God that is speaking.
● When I stand before Jesus one day, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Isn't that what you want to hear?
So what are we asking ourselves as we view their website and consider if we should invest in their cause?
So what is God calling me to do?
We all know there is no I in TEAM.
What is God doing in the world through this organization?
● Can I be a part of their TEAM by donating to Our cause? As a volunteer and or investor. Yes, it's our cause!
● If we are already volunteering with an organization...do we feel a part of the TEAM?
How?
How do they communicate with you?
Newsletter?
Phone call for funds?
Phone call to see how you are doing and if you would like prayer?
If you are on social media, do you promote your favorite organization? Tweets and Retweets.
Status Updates on Linkedin. Does organization acknowledge your efforts?
Have I prayed about how I might be a good steward and use God's funds to further His cause through this organization?
● Do I need more help in evaluating this organization?
● How To Make Wise Choices When Investing Your Funds In A Charity!
● Where Would You Like to Volunteer?
● If you have questions about the non profits mission and if they are TRUE to the founders original mission, Is The Organization You Want to Volunteer With, True To Their Mission? and why it is important!
● Has your favorite non profit drifted away from it's original vision and Mission? A good read on this subject of "Mission Drift"
Finding peace with God
I welcome your thoughtful insights. Richard
N
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