As I was pondering a passage to share, God kept bringing me back to the Parable of the Talents.  I kept thinking thought that it was a strange passage to share at communion.  But God reminded me that communion is a time of thankfulness.  That at that time apart from thanking Father God for sending his son Jesus to die on the cross for us, that we can also take the time to thank Him for the gifts, skills and abilities that He has given and entrusted to us.

Secondly, I sensed that God is wanting to say to a number of people, “well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with the little and now it is time to be entrusted with the much.”

I can remember that after my wife and I spent a year in Saudi Arabia working, we came home and were very unsettled.  We had seen some miraculous things happen in our life during that past year, but I still had a question mark as to whether we should have stayed on, even if it was for another six months.  However about two Sunday’s after being back we had a prophet speaking in our church and he came up to me and said “Well done good and faithful servant you have accomplished that which I called you to do.” Those words brought such comfort and peace to my heart and I pray that they bring the same to yours!

Sometimes I think that we put way too much pressure on ourselves to achieve and achieve and achieve, yet God’s expectations are not as high as ours and so we carry a burden that we were not meant to carry.

At the end of this year I want to encourage you that you have done well, to hear the words of Jesus who said “well done”.

Thirdly, the Christmas/New Year period is a time of reflection, reflecting on the past and planning and moving forward for the future.

One thing that I often reflect on that is said about Mary is that she “pondered things her heart” personally I’ve felt like I’ve been doing that a lot lately, pondering things, listening to what has been said and reflecting on them.

“ponder” is a transitive verb it means to weigh in the mind : appraise <pondered their chances of success>,  to think about : reflect on <pondered the events of the day>.

Take time over this Christmas/New Year period to ponder the past year, reflect on what God has been saying, the events that have been taken place and ask God to open your eyes further on what you have learned.

Finally what has often struck me about this parable of the talents is that each one was given according to his “ability”. We need to be thankful for that ability, but also to act on our abilities. It could be to that we simply have not received what we have been expecting to receive because we have lacked ability.  What are you doing do increase your ability so that you can receive more?

So what ability do you have that you know that you have that up until this time you have not activated for the kingdom of God.

Take a moment and read afresh through the Parable of the Talents and allow God to “open your eyes” so that you may see some greater truth in this passage for you today!

Matthew 25:14-30

¹⁴ “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,^[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. ¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. ¹⁸But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

²² “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

²³ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

²⁴ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

²⁸ “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Take a look at Terah, Abraham’s Dad, in Genesis 11 we read:

^“27This is the account of Terah’s family line.  Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. ²⁸ While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. ²⁹ Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milkah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milkah and Iskah. ³⁰ Now Sarai was childless because she was not able to conceive.

³¹ Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there.

³² Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Harran.”

Terah experienced pain in terms of his son dying.  To me this is one of the questions I shall ask God, why should a child die before a parent, because it does cause the parent such pain.

Terah was called of God to leave his country and go to the Ur of Chaldeans, but on the way he came to a place called Haran, the same name of that of his son who had died.  Instead of going on and achieving what he set out to do, no doubt his grief caused him to camp there and so stopped him from entering into the blessings that God had for him and his family.

So it wasn’t until after he died that God’s call came to his son, Abram to take up the challenge and go to the promised land.

How often do we camp when we experience pain in our lives and so don’t experience the full measure of what God has for us.

Check out the rest of my message on “Achieving your God given dream here”:

Don’t camp when Oppostion comes to Achieving Your God Given Dreams and Visions

Check out her radio interview in relation to the breakfast here:

Vision FM Radio Interview with Wendy Simpson

To register for Friday’s Breakfast, download the flyer here:  Registration form for Brisbane CBD CBN breakfast with Wendy Simpson

Wendy’s Bio:

Wendy is Chair of Wengeo Group, an innovative diversified industrial group with investments in manufacturing, precision engineering, industrial property development, venture capital and new media.

Wendy integrates her faith into the business world by serving on a number of committees including the Sydney Prayer Breakfast, Chairman of the Australian Springboard, a venture catalyst program for women-led high growth companies, Australian Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Advisory Board.

Wendy also mentors women in leadership and emerging entrepreneurs.

She has been a senior executive with QBE Insurance, TNT and Alcatel. She also lived and worked in China for seven years serving as Asia Pacific Senior Vice President for Alcatel and then North Asia Trade Commissioner for the Victorian Government.

Wendy has been nominated three times for the Telstra Business Woman of the Year and was a finalist in the Shanghai Business woman’s awards in the category of business leadership.

That’s the message that guest speaker Wendy Simpson will bring to the next Christian Business Network Australia breakfast at Parliament House on Friday, November 18.

Chair of Australian Springboard – a venture catalyst program for women-led high growth companies – Wendy is dedicated to seeing the next generation of business leaders mentored and promoted.

She said business leaders embracing their vocational calling allowed them to live – and build – bigger.

“When I read the Bible, I don’t see God saying, ‘Keep your world small: try to live a small life, a safe life, and try to always hold back because you never know what’s coming around the corner’.

“That’s not the kind of life that God calls us to.

“It is one of challenge, where all things are possible to those who love Him.

“God is a God of constant change and renewal, and embracing that with the way He has wired you will transform your business.”

An active member of the Australian Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Advisory Board, Wendy said Christian men and women in business were uniquely placed to shape their business community and support other owners.

“If we actually think we’re called to business – that we believe we can make a difference through the business role that God has placed us in – then we will understand that we are serving the body of Christ by being the treasurer for our local professional group, or by getting around and praying for the owner of the business around the corner that’s having trouble sourcing staff.

“And, if we’re definitely called to business, part of our role will also be to start to speak up and shape the type of business community that we want.”

Known equally for her openness about her faith as her professional CV, Wendy is a past senior executive with QBE Insurance and TNT. She also lived and worked in China for seven years, serving first as the Asia Pacific senior vice president for Alcatel, and then as North Asia Trade Commissioner for the Victorian Government.

In 1992, Wendy was a key figure in launching the Telstra Business Awards, which have since become a key event in the Australian business calendar.

Presently, she is chair of the Wengeo Group, a diversified industrial group with investments in manufacturing, precision engineering, industrial property development, venture capital and new media.

The Christian Business Network breakfast will be held from 7-8.30am on November 18 at Parliament House, Brisbane, with doors opening from 6.30am. Members and non-members are all welcome. Cost is $40 per person – RSVP to brisbanecbd@cbn.net.au or 0427 976 614 or download the flyer for the breakfast and fax and/or scan and email back:  Registration form for Brisbane CBD CBN breakfast with Wendy Simpson
You can view videos of previous breakfasts at:

http://www.mediavisionz.com.au/cbn/2011/

In the wake of strong criticism about recent decisions by corporate leadership – from Qantas grounding its fleet to shareholder anger over CEO salaries – Wengeo Group chairman Wendy Simpson said it’s time for the business community to solve the problems it’s created.

“Australia’s got the business leadership we’ve created but rather than whinge about it, let’s do something,” she said.

Keynote speaker at a Christian Business Network breakfast at Parliament House in Brisbane on November 18, Wendy said she believed many business leaders had abandoned a true sense of purpose in their roles.

“It is about time business leaders stepped up,” she said.

“We have a responsibility to run our businesses in ways that benefit both our individual companies and the wider community.

“When we don’t, it gets messy.”

Chair of Australian Springboard – a venture catalyst program for women-led high growth companies –and member of the Australian Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Advisory Board, Wendy said she felt a strong sense of responsibility to seeing the next generation of business leaders mentored and promoted.

But she said every person in business should look beyond the walls of their own enterprise to consider the role they could play in shaping the wider business community.

“For those of us who know they are ‘called’ to business, part of our role is to start to speak about and shape the type of business community that we say we want,” she said.

“And the more we do that, the more we’ll create and promote and push forward the types of leader who can lead this community to the higher standard we deserve.”

Known equally for her openness about her faith as her professional CV, Wendy is a past senior executive with QBE Insurance and TNT. She also lived and worked in China for seven years, serving first as the Asia Pacific senior vice president for Alcatel, and then North Asia Trade Commissioner for the Victorian Government.

The Wengeo Group is an innovative, diversified industrial group with investments in manufacturing, precision engineering, industrial property development, venture capital and new media.

In 1992, Wendy was a key figure in launching the Telstra Business Awards, which have since become a key event in the Australian business calendar.

The Christian Business Network breakfast will be held from 7-8.30am on November 18 at Parliament House, Brisbane, with doors opening from 6.30am. Members and non-members are all welcome. Cost is $40 per person – RSVP to brisbanecbd@cbn.net.au or 0427 976 614.  Or download the registration form and fax or scan and email back:  Registration form for Brisbane CBD CBN breakfast with Wendy Simpson

Media inquiries: Wesley Leake on 0413 388 840.  Photo of Wendy Simpson available for publication.

We do live in a very sexualized culture.  From what we can watch on TV, to advertising, to what is available so easily on the internet.  Children from are being exposed to sex at a much earlier age than previous generations.  We had some very interesting discussions in our own household last week when friends brought their dog around to “mate” with our dog Max.

We know that a lot of people both men and women are abused as children. That means that there are perhaps millions of people who are carrying quite deep-seated hurts that need healing and that do affect their lives on a day by day basis whether they know it or not.

We know that strong marriages make strong businesses.

We know that strong marriages make strong families and strong communities, there is a lot of research based evidence to support this.

I’ve personally wondered whether the debate around gay marriage does stem from people not being able to come to terms with sexual encounters that they have had as young people and not being able to handle or process these.  I may be wrong and I don’t have research to back me on this, but it is a thought.

We know that God created sex to be one of the most beautiful expressions of love between a man and a women.  Yet so much of what the church has taught has been a lot about you can’t do this and you can’t do that and so the church has created a lot of stigma around sex and as someone who represents the church needs to take responsibility for this.

I’m no expert in this area, but I know that Allan Meyer from Careforce Church in Melbourne is brilliant.  So I’ve uploaded two sermons of his for you to listen to.  They are ones that he gave a Citipointe Church back in 2009.  I’m hoping they are ok to upload, if anyone thinks that they are not, than let me know.

Can I encourage you to listen to these?  Allan is very, very real and very very honest in what he says.  He deals with issues quite openly and in a matter of fact but humorous way.  You will enjoy them.

The Search For Intimacy – Part 1

The Search For Intimacy – Part 2

For more information about the courses that Allan refers to you can go to:  http://www.careforcelifekeys.org some of their courses are now online for you to do.

The introduction of such a Bill is simply another step closer to undermining Traditional Marriage. As you would be well aware Traditional Marriage has a couple of very significant benefits:

- Research clearly indicates a healthy marriage between a man and a woman is the best environment for raising children and

- Research clearly indicates a healthy marriage between a man and a woman enhances the fabric of society by maximising stability and certainty for themselves and those around them.

What are some of the issues with the recognition of civil unions?

- Research indicates that civil union legislation is simply one step closer to undermining Traditional Marriage.

- A practical impact of the recognition of civil unions is that the legislation provides a mandate for educational facilities, particularly State Schools to teach the concept of civil unions as a marriage equivalent.

- Commentators in the media report said that the recognition of civil unions will ensure equality for same sex couples on matters such as superannuation. This is incorrect. The Australian Government conducted a large scale legislative review in 2008 and has ensured same sex couples are treated for all intents and purposes like married couples on issues such as wills and superannuation.

What is the solution?

- Short Term – that a Civil Union Bill is not introduced into the Queensland Parliament.

- Long Term – that the Australian Government amend the Marriage Act to ensure State and Territory Governments are unable to legislate civil unions.

It has been reported that Mr Fraser plans to introduce a Private Member’s Bill due to his personal beliefs. Commentators say that this comment is patently ridiculous. As a Senior Minister within the Queensland Government, it is safe to assume that any sort of Civil Union Bill has been endorsed at some stage by all Cabinet Ministers and the Bill is destined to be introduced into Parliament in the near future.

As the next sitting of Parliament is this week, Tuesday 25th October, 2011. It is critical that you encourage as many people as possible to urgently contact senior Government Ministers and relevant local members no later than 5 pm on Monday 24 October, 2011.

This will ensure that if the Deputy Premier and/or the Queensland Government plan to introduce a Bill this Tuesday, not only will the Deputy Premier, but his senior Government colleagues, will hear the clear voice of Queensland’s Christians on this matter. Once legislation has been introduced it is very, very difficult to have it changed or thrown out.

Emails to Senior Government Ministries do not need to be elaborate. A few dot points on why a person agrees or disagrees with civil unions will be sufficient.

Email Senior Government Ministers:

The Honourable Ms Anna Bligh – Premier – premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au

The Honourable Mr Andrew Fraser – Deputy Premier – deputypremierandtreasurer@ministerial.qld.gov.au

The Honourable Mr Paul Lucas – Attorney-General – attorneygeneral@ministerial.qld.gov.au

The Honourable Mr Geoff Wilson – Minister for Health – health@ministerial.qld.gov.au

The website http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/members/current/list lists the contact details including email addresses of all current Queensland Members of Parliament.

Thanks to Wendy Francis, QLD State Director for Australian Christian Lobby for providing this information www.acl.org.au

Michael is also guest speaker at the Cre8 conference which out www.cre8conference.org on the 27th & 28th October.

111017 Michael Baer BUSINESS as MISSION

This is a quote from Michael Baer’s book on “Business as Mission” which is seen as one of the top reference books available today on Business as Mission.

Michael is in Brisbane for two days on Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th October.  You can have a chance to hear him at one of the following three events:

1.  Christian Heritage College – Wednesday 19th, 1 pm to 2:30 pm 

Michael will speak on Your Workplace, HIs Mission.  Based on Business as Mission, he will explain the four characteristics of a “Kingdom Business” and illustrate with encouraging stories of transformation in the workplace and comment on the relevance of Kingdom Business in contemporary society.  This presentation will be of interest to business owners and managers, pastors, students and anyone interested in breaking down the sacred-secular divide.

Place:  Citipointe Christian College, Science Centre theatre

Price:  Complimentary

RSVP:  devoffice@brisbane.coc.edu.au or phone 07 3347 5899

Download the flyer for the event here:  Micahel Baer CHC

2.  Pizza & Dessert Night – Wednesday 19th October at 6:30 pm

This night will give you an opportunity to meet with Michael on a more casual basis.  Michael will share some thoughts on Business as Mission and hold a question and answer time.

Time:  6:30 pm for 7 pm dinner to 9 pm

Location:  3 Solomon Cres, Tingalpa QLD 4173

RSVP:  wesleyl@businessblessings.com.au or phone 07 3390 8540

Cost:  $15/person.

3.  Brisbane CBD Christian Business Network – Thursday 20th October, 2011 at 7 am

Michael will be speaking at this monthly breakfast held at Parliament House in Brisbane. His topic will be Business As Mission.

Date:  Thursday 20th October, 2011

Time:  6:45 am for a 7 am – 8:30 am

Place:  Parliamentary Annex, Cnr George & Alice Sts, Brisbane

Price:  $40/person

RSVP:  Tickets can be purchased at www.koorong.com.au/tickets or 07 33908540 or brisbanecbd@cbn.net.au

Download the flyer for this event here: Brisbane CBD CBN Michael Baer Flyer

Check out a video presentation of Michael Baer here: http://youtu.be/2sj90GT9fFk

Claire Rogers is a finance executive with a career spanning many roles at ANZ, including Head of Commercial Cards, General Manager Direct Sales at Esanda, and Head of Financial Institutions, the latter role based in London.  Her current position, Head of Governance, Portfolio and Performance, is in the Technology Division and involves improving operational and commercial practices to enable Technology to be well-managed.   Claire is also the Chairman of the Board of Ridley Melbourne Mission and Ministry College, a training college conferring degrees for Anglican, Schools, Student and Lay ministries with approximately 300 enrolled students.  Claire has a Bachelor of Arts and an MBA from the Melbourne Business School.  She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Claire has an extraordinary husband and two awesome children, Lachlan 12 and Madeleine 8, who are great fun to be with and keep her work-life balance a priority.  In her (scarce!) spare time Claire enjoys cycling, tennis and watching Dr Who.

You can download the details and registration form for the breakfast here:  Brisbane CBD Sept 2011 Claire Rogers