Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Great Plans

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is imperative that we help people to see that they can be greater than what they are today.

People are only worth something if they buy certain products or follow particular trends. From God’s perspective, however, there is no need to be under this pressure. Being made in His image He offers a plan for fullness of life beyond what we’ve ever experienced. It is to engage with this plan and move knowing there is so much more to life. As we travel encourage others who may feel defeated by various circumstances to come on the journey.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: See Things As They Really Are

Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17)

Many young people have a very limited worldview and giving people as broad and experience will help them to aspire.

It is amazing what seeing things from another perspective can do to attitudes. Often people behave and speak negatively because that is all that they have ever seen. In this episode Elisha’s young helper could only see potential disaster, but once he saw things from God’s perspective, his attitude could change from fear to faith. Seeing things God’s way encourages movement from past failures to future victories through a present that sees good opportunities in even the most trying situation.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Opportunities For All

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (Matthew 25:15)

As a provider of services … we have offer as many opportunities as possible.

Valuing others recognises that everyone has something positive to offer. What is often the case is that because of various circumstances opportunities are not given for these offerings to be made known to others. In the parable of the talents one thing clear is that opportunities are given for the servants to make the most of what they have been given. As a service – as a body of people who respect the worth in others giving them the opportunity to realise this reflects that value.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Justice & Fairness – In Ship Shape

But let justice and fairness flow like a river that never runs dry. (Amos 5:24)

Justice and Fairness are very powerful principles that if applied to the best of our ability will provide stability to face the challenges that are inevitable.

Nobody is perfect – we don’t always get it right. There is a difference between the odd mistake and an unstable life based on shifting moods and selfish requirements. Good decisions are based on foundations of what is fair – what is just. Such consistency and integrity may not always be pleasant or allow us to be popular, but such an approach will bring stability and success even in the most trying times of life.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: All In Life Is Fair

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Fairness has to be seen

‘That’s not fair’. This sense of right and wrong is evident from when speech is first learnt. Consider if these are fair.

·

2500 children die daily in Africa because of lack of basic needs
· There are roughly 143 million orphaned children worldwide.
· 13 million people in the UK live below the low income threshold
· Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in poverty, twice the rate for White people.

Not all unfairness can be addressed individually, but a difference can be made in considering the needs of others before our own.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: And Justice For All

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:5)

Justice has to be seen

Justice – the image of a law court, that statue of the woman with the weights is seen. Hope that the decision will likewise be balanced – mercy or reprimand where needed. The biblical idea of justice is about what is right. Justice then is not about favouring the majority or pleasing the powerful. Justice searches far deeper to what is right in each circumstance. Founded on love and truth justice goes to the heart of all those relational values – trust, honour and mutual respect. Right flows from these for the sake of healthy relationships.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Trust

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)

Trust has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

We see each other as God sees us; we place weight in relating. What makes a difference in relationships is being open and vulnerable while investing in others. With such hurt caused by the brokenness of humanity it’s the hardest thing to do to actually trust someone. We’re often told, trust no one. Yet the worth of another seen by God leads to placing confidence that the God-given character and ability of the person can be produced, against all odds, for their fulfilment and benefit to others.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Honour

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. (Romans 12:10)

Honour has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

In building relationships seeing each other as God sees us is important. From there it makes sense to attach certain weight to our actions and words to people that we see as precious. This weighty matter – not treating people lightly – is what is meant by giving honour. It’s not just about seeing each other it’s about acting accordingly in the light of what we see. This characteristic is encouraged from childhood with parents, so in adulthood always remember that people really are worth their weight in gold.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Relational Bricks – Mutual Respect

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

Mutual respect has to be built in order for meaningful changes to take place

We may not always love who we see in the mirror, but we will still look after that person because we love who we see. The word respect finds its roots in two Latin words that mean to view. Understanding the importance of relationships must start with a proper view of each other. Thus when we see each other in the same way – as God sees us – it’s the beginning of beautiful, fruitful relationships based on celebrating the remarkable vision of creation that is before us.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd

Daily Thoughts - Core Values: Diversity

Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. (1 Peter 4:10)

People have different abilities, roles and functions and we need to help each other to discover those individual abilities.

Creation is enriched with such variety – see the different climates, scenery, landscape and animals – it is no surprise that humans also come with a wide range of abilities. The tragedy is when life’s challenges inside and outside threaten to disrupt the opportunity for us to benefit from the individual’s gift. That which is within the individual – created in the image of God – is so valuable it is worth investing in ways to discover it and celebrate its use for the common good.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
da man cd