5. The I’m Ok, You’re Ok Guy. There are persons who just disregard feelings of rejection all together. When people turn them down, or criticize them, or all together disregard them, they say, “well that’s ok. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. As far as I know I am Ok. We are all ok. Everything is ok.”
The problem with this indifferent, hard-shell approach is that the I’m Ok-You’re OK person might miss an opportunity to evaluate self. If you don’t know how to handle rejection you either become angry and fail to grow. Assessing your anger and frustration helps you see whether your anger and frustration is valid or not. If its not, then there is room for growth as you evaluate your mistakes, shortcomings, or personality flaws and grow from the experience.
The I’m Ok -You’re Ok person is unaffected at all by any criticism or tends to disregard it as if the rejection or hurt does not exist. But the problem is at times the I’m Ok-You’re Ok types react to rejection by quitting. He says to himself, “Ok if that’s the case then I’ll quit.”
But the world is in great need of your ministry that when you just quit on what you stand for and don’t give a thought about it, God loses one of his best soldiers.
6. The Law Keeper. The Law Keepers have good reputation in their communities or society. These are the straight guys. They are the protectors of the standards of the church. They are the keepers of the flame.
The problem with some Law Keepers is that they dress to impress. They obey because the good name gives them the feeling of importance and acceptance. Their title and reputation means everything to them. And they are willing to keep it untarnished.
In my experience however the law keepers always had a past experience of rejection as a consequence of perhaps not obeying the rules or any failure on his/her part to be the best person he can ever be.
Since he or she doesn’t want other people to go through the same painful experience, the Law Keeper models a life of obedience. But like the Power Ruler he/she has a tendency to impose upon others his/her convictions. He/she becomes judgmental. Laws are kept for legalistic purposes and no longer out of love. What becomes important is that people are made to obey the rules rather than winning people’s heart to understand these rules and perhaps be convicted to obey them too.
How To Deal With Rejection (Part 2)
2. The Flamboyant Talker. We all want the respect, admiration, andappreciation of our love ones. No one likes to be disliked. No one likes his ideas to be disapproved or taken for granted. But when our personality clashes with other people, when people start disliking us or start to lose respect in us, the flamboyant talker tries to cover up for this low feeling caused by rejection by trying to get everyone’s attention. He measures self-importance through peer acceptance. In the case of pastors - acceptance by our colleagues. Acceptance is everyone’s comfort zone.
So how does one try to gain people’s respect and approval? In the case of the flamboyant talker he tries to gain people’s attention by being loud. He may become vocal about issues and call for people’s attention with his flamboyant personality. In crowds or meetings he becomes an animated, vibrant, and vivacious talking machine. Too often he goes to the sidelines and does not make a point. But the attention he draws gives
3. The Show-Off. Other people try to cover up for their experiences of rejection by diverting people’s attention on what they have acquired, attained, and experienced.
Wealth, power, education, and experience are not bad in themselves but if used as the foundation of our self-worth, self-acceptance to combat people’s rejection and gain their approval it becomes a wrong motivation for people’s acceptance.
4. The Power Ruler. Other people resort to martial law power. Rather than win people with conviction they impose their convictions on others. If majority of the people reject the Power Ruler’s opinion
Leaders who felt rejected are at times too foolish and hardheaded to look at their own flaws and understand other people’s point of view. Rather than go down to people’s level to listen and try to make a connection, they respond to people’s rejection by imposing their power and authority upon them. Instead of working towards mutual understanding they inflict force on others using subversive tactics of clever persuasion and logical reasoning. The Power Ruler become foolish enough to win people’s approval by intimidation and looks.
The Power Ruler uses power and intimation to enforce his views and convictions rather than use gentle persuasion through the power of the Holy Spirit . They don’t work to to win people’s heart. Instead they impose their ideas on them. This person believes that he has gained acceptance when people holds his views even if it means people follow them without truly becoming convicted.
So how does one try to gain people’s respect and approval? In the case of the flamboyant talker he tries to gain people’s attention by being loud. He may become vocal about issues and call for people’s attention with his flamboyant personality. In crowds or meetings he becomes an animated, vibrant, and vivacious talking machine. Too often he goes to the sidelines and does not make a point. But the attention he draws gives
him the high feeling of being noticed, of feeling important and not rejected.
3. The Show-Off. Other people try to cover up for their experiences of rejection by diverting people’s attention on what they have acquired, attained, and experienced.
People may want to use educational attainments to gain people’s respect which they desperately needed. Although academic pursuits should be taken for professional growth and self-improvement, some people have used academic degrees to get the respect and acceptance they wanted. Since our society today rates us based on our educational attainment and success in life, we also use the same position and power to get the self-importance we needed so much.
To bury past feelings of rejection, we cover it up by gaining people’s approval and attention through acquisition of stuffs that make us feel good about ourselves like new cellphones, laptops, cars, gadgets, clothes and other toys that subtly gives us a feeling of importance.
People also use their experience to gain leverage and advantage over those with less experience. To cover up possible rejection of people they share their wealth of experiences to draw people’s confidence on them as if to say, “Hey,better listen to me. I am more experienced than anyone else.”
Wealth, power, education, and experience are not bad in themselves but if used as the foundation of our self-worth, self-acceptance to combat people’s rejection and gain their approval it becomes a wrong motivation for people’s acceptance.
4. The Power Ruler. Other people resort to martial law power. Rather than win people with conviction they impose their convictions on others. If majority of the people reject the Power Ruler’s opinion
s and ideas, the Power Ruler then uses his status, power, and influence to enforce acceptance. His assertiveness and cunning logic are used with manipulation to get people saying “yes!”
Leaders who felt rejected are at times too foolish and hardheaded to look at their own flaws and understand other people’s point of view. Rather than go down to people’s level to listen and try to make a connection, they respond to people’s rejection by imposing their power and authority upon them. Instead of working towards mutual understanding they inflict force on others using subversive tactics of clever persuasion and logical reasoning. The Power Ruler become foolish enough to win people’s approval by intimidation and looks.
The Power Ruler uses power and intimation to enforce his views and convictions rather than use gentle persuasion through the power of the Holy Spirit . They don’t work to to win people’s heart. Instead they impose their ideas on them. This person believes that he has gained acceptance when people holds his views even if it means people follow them without truly becoming convicted.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
How To Deal With Rejection (Part 1)
Our Relationship With God Will Determine Our Relationship With People
Article by Pastor Ardison D. Bernardo
No one wants to be called a loser or a failure, nor be considered incompetent. Can you relate? You cried for help and received nothing but dead s
ilence. Your summons for assistance goes unnoticed. You begged for an extension and gets turned down twice. And being a Christian you offered your best services of love only to hear the words, “No, thanks!”
What does a leader do when the church board disapproves his agenda? When the congregation dislikes you? When people have no high regard for you? When your colleagues make fun of you? What do you do? When your very own family has abandoned you? When nobody subscribes to your dreams? When your employees rally against you? When your work of genius gets no warm welcome?
Rage is fathered by anger. Anger almost always goes with its brother named rejection. No one wants to be rejected. We all strive for acceptance. We all long to be loved and liked. So when someone else’s program and good ideas are not appreciated, he feels rejected. How does one deal with rejection?
People react to rejection differently. I have to admit that I have been in these various roles. May this help you become self-aware.
1. The People Pleaser. The People Pleaser try to gain people’s approval by coming up with good services and excellent programs. Like for instance if a church leader’s program failed or has serious faults causing the proponent of the program to be blamed, he switches to a defense mechanism. Rather than being humble enough to see his faults and learn from the experience, he tries to blame other people and comes up with better programs. He comes up with better programs because he wants this feeling of appreciation, of being adored, and loved by his people, church, or company. Since he has not dealt with the past feelings of rejections, he buries the pain in pleasant experiences of success where he feels accepted and appreciated.
And most of us tend to reminisce good thoughts and memories when we received our rewards, or when we have been lavishly appreciated. We keep our trophies, plaques, and medals. These awards become proofs of our acceptance. Rather than deal with the feelings of rejection we try to do away with it by coming up with actions that will please people. Once we receive this feeling we dwell on it and bury the painful experience of the past.
The people pleaser syndrome is deeply rooted in his experiences in the past when he might have been rejected or left unappreciated by his family, friends, colleagues. And he hates this feeling. And he will do anything to cover up this feeling. Covering up is a very insidious cure. The wound is there and you don’t want to do anything about it.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE FOR MACBOOKS
Labels:
apple mac life,
tech review
BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE FOR MACBOOKS
A mouse has always been friendlier to me than a trackpad. Consider what I have always wanted in a mouse and why I prefer a Logitech v470 mouse over Apple’s Wireless Mighty Mouse (WMM) for my Macbook:
1. BLUETOOTH WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY- wireless freedom. No messy wires. And no external USB receiver/dongle that takes up one of the USB ports. Both v470 and WMM have bluetooth.
2. LASER TECHNOLOGY - Laser precision : outperforms optical mice. Laser technology delivers smoother cursor control on virtually any surface. Both v470 and WMM have laser
3. TWO-BUTTON MOUSE- I find v470 easier to use compared to the WMM. The right-click in WMM works best when only one finger is in contact with the right part of the mouse.
4. FORM & STYLE- V470’s color is white and matches my macbook perfectly. It fits nicely into even larger hands and has a built in battery indicator near the scroll wheel. The WMM just feels so flat.
5. DURABILITY - V470 has a light and a very solid overal design. Logitech has been in the mouse business for years and is known for durability.
6. SCROLL WHEEL - The v470 has a wheel that can be rocked from side to side. Scrolling is smooth and accurate. The WMM’s scroll ball usually stops working when dirt gets inside the ball which means you have to clean it regularly or better yet washed your hands before using it.
7. BATTERY INDICATOR - The v470 has a battery indicator light built in the mouse whereas WMM has none. The v470 has a battery life of up to 4 months. There is an on-off switch to conserve the battery.
8. EXTRAS - The v470 comes with its own carry pouch to protect it from scratches.
9. BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE- I find all the features I want in Logitech’s v470 and is priced at 50 dollars compared to Apple’s WMM priced at 70 dollars.
A mouse has always been friendlier to me than a trackpad. Consider what I have always wanted in a mouse and why I prefer a Logitech v470 mouse over Apple’s Wireless Mighty Mouse (WMM) for my Macbook:
1. BLUETOOTH WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY- wireless freedom. No messy wires. And no external USB receiver/dongle that takes up one of the USB ports. Both v470 and WMM have bluetooth.
2. LASER TECHNOLOGY - Laser precision : outperforms optical mice. Laser technology delivers smoother cursor control on virtually any surface. Both v470 and WMM have laser
3. TWO-BUTTON MOUSE- I find v470 easier to use compared to the WMM. The right-click in WMM works best when only one finger is in contact with the right part of the mouse.
4. FORM & STYLE- V470’s color is white and matches my macbook perfectly. It fits nicely into even larger hands and has a built in battery indicator near the scroll wheel. The WMM just feels so flat.
5. DURABILITY - V470 has a light and a very solid overal design. Logitech has been in the mouse business for years and is known for durability.
6. SCROLL WHEEL - The v470 has a wheel that can be rocked from side to side. Scrolling is smooth and accurate. The WMM’s scroll ball usually stops working when dirt gets inside the ball which means you have to clean it regularly or better yet washed your hands before using it.
7. BATTERY INDICATOR - The v470 has a battery indicator light built in the mouse whereas WMM has none. The v470 has a battery life of up to 4 months. There is an on-off switch to conserve the battery.
8. EXTRAS - The v470 comes with its own carry pouch to protect it from scratches.
9. BEST VALUE BLUETOOTH LASER MOUSE- I find all the features I want in Logitech’s v470 and is priced at 50 dollars compared to Apple’s WMM priced at 70 dollars.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Affordable Macbook (& other laptops) Accessories
Labels:
tech review
Accessories and peripherals make MacLife exciting and productive.
My recommendations for those who are tight on budget:
1.2 GB 667 DDR2 Kingston memory. Increase performance of your macbook and do more with multitasking. Php 2,150.
2. Logitech v470 Bluetooth Laser Mouse. More efficient and durable that a wireless
mighty mouse. Php 2,100+
3. 22“ Samsung 2253LW 1680x1050. Php 12, 700. 5 Star good looking, sleek, excellent performing monitor for dual screen. Install an external tv tuner to it so it’s a tv when there is no computer work to be done. 45 w power consumption. Saves electricity.
4. HP C4280 Photosmart Printer. Color matches your macbook and it’s blazing fast. Print speed: up to 30 ppm for black; up to 23 ppm for color. Php 5,900. I converted mine to continuous ink s
ystem (CIS) so you can print without guilt. Php 3,000+ Note: There is no available CIS for this model in the market yet. Took me a day to make a custom-made CIS for my printer. Saves me thousands from ink cost.
5. External DVD Writer: Internal LiteOn DVD Writer Dual Layer with LightScribe Technology in a a generic USB 2.0 case- Stuck with a combo drive? Are you burning a lot of DVD's and CD's for business?Get one! Php 1,300+
6. CDR King Laptop Nylon Bag - Need an affordable laptop bag that carries your laptop with extra space for a weekend gig? Php 680
7. Security Lock -Secure your laptop at home and office. Php 120+
White"iPod" USB 2.0 Hub - Expand with 4 additional USB ports for your printer, HD, Writer, and mouse so you just plug into one USB port fo your MB and save the other for a flash drive or camera. Php 200+
8. Soft Cleaning Brush -Brush the dust off the screen. Php 100+
9. LCD Screen Protector (generic) -Protect your LCD display from unwanted scratches. Children can be naugthy! Php 250+
10. iWork sleeve with memory foam _Protect your macbook from accidental bumps. Php 1,500 at Greenhills.
11. iSkin - Prevent dust and unwanted stains from getting into your keyboard and palmrest. Php 700 Generic is 150+
12. Mini Vacuum Cleaner - If you don't like rubber on your keyboard and want it bare, clean it regularly with a battery powered mini-vacuum cleaner. Php 150+
13. Creative Stereo Speakers -If you are into movies or presentations, get those speakers for a full, clear, rich sound. Php 450+. A relative gave me a set of portable Bose speakers that delivers a crisp, powerful, and theater-quality sound. Php 7,000 Visit Bose.
14. Notebook Cooler with 4 additional USB ports/stereo speakers- Macbook's working hard? Cool it down and enjoy the music. Php 300 to 2200+
My recommendations for those who are tight on budget:
1.2 GB 667 DDR2 Kingston memory. Increase performance of your macbook and do more with multitasking. Php 2,150.
2. Logitech v470 Bluetooth Laser Mouse. More efficient and durable that a wireless
mighty mouse. Php 2,100+3. 22“ Samsung 2253LW 1680x1050. Php 12, 700. 5 Star good looking, sleek, excellent performing monitor for dual screen. Install an external tv tuner to it so it’s a tv when there is no computer work to be done. 45 w power consumption. Saves electricity.
4. HP C4280 Photosmart Printer. Color matches your macbook and it’s blazing fast. Print speed: up to 30 ppm for black; up to 23 ppm for color. Php 5,900. I converted mine to continuous ink s
ystem (CIS) so you can print without guilt. Php 3,000+ Note: There is no available CIS for this model in the market yet. Took me a day to make a custom-made CIS for my printer. Saves me thousands from ink cost.5. External DVD Writer: Internal LiteOn DVD Writer Dual Layer with LightScribe Technology in a a generic USB 2.0 case- Stuck with a combo drive? Are you burning a lot of DVD's and CD's for business?Get one! Php 1,300+
6. CDR King Laptop Nylon Bag - Need an affordable laptop bag that carries your laptop with extra space for a weekend gig? Php 680
7. Security Lock -Secure your laptop at home and office. Php 120+
White"iPod" USB 2.0 Hub - Expand with 4 additional USB ports for your printer, HD, Writer, and mouse so you just plug into one USB port fo your MB and save the other for a flash drive or camera. Php 200+
8. Soft Cleaning Brush -Brush the dust off the screen. Php 100+
9. LCD Screen Protector (generic) -Protect your LCD display from unwanted scratches. Children can be naugthy! Php 250+
10. iWork sleeve with memory foam _Protect your macbook from accidental bumps. Php 1,500 at Greenhills.
11. iSkin - Prevent dust and unwanted stains from getting into your keyboard and palmrest. Php 700 Generic is 150+
12. Mini Vacuum Cleaner - If you don't like rubber on your keyboard and want it bare, clean it regularly with a battery powered mini-vacuum cleaner. Php 150+
13. Creative Stereo Speakers -If you are into movies or presentations, get those speakers for a full, clear, rich sound. Php 450+. A relative gave me a set of portable Bose speakers that delivers a crisp, powerful, and theater-quality sound. Php 7,000 Visit Bose.
14. Notebook Cooler with 4 additional USB ports/stereo speakers- Macbook's working hard? Cool it down and enjoy the music. Php 300 to 2200+
A Pastor's Choice
Labels:
A Pastor4Life,
Leadership Tips,
Written Prayers
Lord, here am I in your presence. Asking for your gracious touch to transform me today. Praying that today you will make me a better pastor, a loving husband, a hardworking minister, a compassionate person, a faithful Christian, a responsible father, and a dependable friend. Pour out your life in me, Lord . Fill this day with many opportunities to break new grounds of ministry and mission. Take me to higher heights of your glory, Lord.
Let the sun’s rays warm my heart and being to live through the day in the spirit of worship. Permit the ground I thread on to become a witness of a life lived faithfully
TODAY, I am making a choice. A choice of eternal value.
Today, I decided to become religiously spiritual. Making God first, last, and best in everything I think, say, and do today. Today’s schedule will be preoccupied by the living, intimate God. A refreshing worship encounter minute by minute.
Today I decided to walk in humility. Yielding my life to the divine control of my Supreme Ruler, Master, CEO, Senior Pastor, and Boss. Respecting my co-workers and church leaders. Submitting my personal rights and sacrificing self for the sake of others.
Today I decided to become God’s wonderful masterpiece of creativity. I will allow God’s voice to shape and mold my thoughts that his mission may find new form, method, and ways of reaching his lost children. I will allow imagination to help jump-start a new ministry. I will think of new ways of doing old things which will be more effective and efficient. My thoughts will be filled with God’s imaginative creativity that molded me into what I was, I am , and will be.
Today I decided to mobilize my God given gifts, skills, and talents to good use. I will allow God to put them to work. I will invest my time for their good use. Harnessing, honing, equipping, and further enhancing my discovered gifts. I will allow the Spirit to give me a chance to discover other gifts and try them out. I will permit the Spirit to start new ministries using my God-given abilities. It will be unselfishly used for the expansion of the kingdom. I offer my heart, my hands, and my feet for the vicious mobilization of the gospel.
Today, Lord, I will go further than just discovering and knowing the spiritual gifts I already have. I will make use of them for a specialized ministry I love to do and enjoy doing.
Today I choose to do things extraordinarily better than what I used to do. I will excel in the area you want me to shine. Lord, I ask that you will help reshape my views of ministry and take me into new circumstances that will put this specialized ministry at work.
Today Lord I will innovate or help reshape an established ministry, introducing better methods, ideas, or forms. And it will be the product of the creative juice you’ve put inside me Lord, teach me to innovate for the sake of a more fruitful and functional ministry. How to do old things in a new manner with a fresh approach. I will not promote visionary innovation for the sake of change but for the sake of growth.
Today, Lord, I will concentrate on my goals. What the mind perceives is what the soul can achieve. And this mind is no longer mine. The mind of Christ is in me. Today I decided to focus only on good thoughts, on my purpose, my mission, my vision, and my Christ. Today I decided to concentrate on what truly matters most leaving no room for the devil to suggest unhealthy thoughts, selfish desires, egocentric behavior, destructive criticisms. And I choose a heart which is driven by the heart of Christ. Let this heart of mine be filled with your divine love.
And in all these,Lord, I resolve to be determined. Determined to live a godly life, exercise firmness in my purpose in life, steadfast resolution to excel.
Today, I decided to have the strength of Your will, the resiliency of Your character, the single-mindedness of focus, steadfastness in my faith, perseverance in life’s trials, commitment and dedication to You and You alone. I live for You alone, Lord. Take me now and help me live out my prayer. For I ask it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Truth Nuggets
Labels:
Modern Proverbs
When reading the Bible try to distill the principles you can extract and come up with a one- liner to summarize these life lessons. Here are a few I processed after a meditation on Matthew chapters 26 & 27.
- Self is first crucified in Gethsemane before Calvary.
- Self can either be hanged on a “Judas tree” or a “Jesus tree.”
- You deny Christ each time you live a moment without Christ.
- No human crosses are too heavy if you would but look at Mt. Calvary.
- Christ’s righteousness isn’t bough; it is sought.
What Youth Ministry Taught Me
Labels:
A Pastor4Life,
Leadership Tips,
Youth Ministry Hub
I spent the first 9 years of my pastoral ministry with young people. Four things youth ministry taught me.
1. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a church of young people. We better take youth ministry seriously. As of now the church has no well-established program that meets the needs of young adults and young professionals.
2. Youth ministry is based on relationships. Programs don’t win their hearts. The last thing young people need is a lecture or a sermon. They need a friend. A listening ear. Someone who will pray with them individually. That requires a lot of time. But when young people love you, most likely they will love your Savior. A youth ministry founded on relationships not only becomes appealing and attractive to young people but fruitful as well.
3. Youth Ministry takes risks. Young people are not robots. You have to reason with them and try to explain the Biblical principles behind the rules. God was never a dictator, why would you be one. Explain te why and be consistent. So when they get off the track of traditional views or fall into sin, love them more. ...and show it please.
4. Youth ministry is out of this world. It’s creativity and responsibility. What worked for you back then may not work now. Be innovative. There are a thousand ways of doing old things new. And please give everyone a responsibility. Young people just love being a part of something.
1. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a church of young people. We better take youth ministry seriously. As of now the church has no well-established program that meets the needs of young adults and young professionals.
2. Youth ministry is based on relationships. Programs don’t win their hearts. The last thing young people need is a lecture or a sermon. They need a friend. A listening ear. Someone who will pray with them individually. That requires a lot of time. But when young people love you, most likely they will love your Savior. A youth ministry founded on relationships not only becomes appealing and attractive to young people but fruitful as well.
3. Youth Ministry takes risks. Young people are not robots. You have to reason with them and try to explain the Biblical principles behind the rules. God was never a dictator, why would you be one. Explain te why and be consistent. So when they get off the track of traditional views or fall into sin, love them more. ...and show it please.
4. Youth ministry is out of this world. It’s creativity and responsibility. What worked for you back then may not work now. Be innovative. There are a thousand ways of doing old things new. And please give everyone a responsibility. Young people just love being a part of something.
Lifting and Influencing Leaders
Labels:
A Pastor4Life,
Leadership Tips
All leaders had had their own personal setbacks. I had mine. But instead of brooding over my failures and bitterness of the past I decided I will become an inspiration to the workforce of Central Luzon Conference.
I will resist the temptation of “status-quo-ministry.” I will develop creativity and innovation in my ministry and seek to inspire others to do the same. I will not be stuck with yesterday’s methods and prayerfully discover new ways of delivering the gospel. I will help enhance old procedures become more efficient and effective. I will shun politically-motivated church agenda and activities. I will attempt to look at things from different cultural and ministry perspectives. I will cease to depend on my wisdom and rely entirely upon the outworking and guidance of the Spirit.
I will also cease from waiting for the right opportunities before I improve myself. Instead I will enjoy and improve on the opportunities given me by God so that when the next big wave comes I will be ready for the ride of my life.
I wish to become a blessing to my fellow ministers and in so doing widen the sphere of my influence and friendship. As a leader I will always choose to lift and grow other leaders. So help me, God!
I will resist the temptation of “status-quo-ministry.” I will develop creativity and innovation in my ministry and seek to inspire others to do the same. I will not be stuck with yesterday’s methods and prayerfully discover new ways of delivering the gospel. I will help enhance old procedures become more efficient and effective. I will shun politically-motivated church agenda and activities. I will attempt to look at things from different cultural and ministry perspectives. I will cease to depend on my wisdom and rely entirely upon the outworking and guidance of the Spirit.
I will also cease from waiting for the right opportunities before I improve myself. Instead I will enjoy and improve on the opportunities given me by God so that when the next big wave comes I will be ready for the ride of my life.
I wish to become a blessing to my fellow ministers and in so doing widen the sphere of my influence and friendship. As a leader I will always choose to lift and grow other leaders. So help me, God!
Keep Your Family Day Holy
Labels:
Family Life
If salvation is by works many pastors will surely make it to heaven. Pastors keep their appointments. They faithfully perform their duties. They observe the Sabbath. But how many relish and keep their family days holy?
When pastors consistently take pleasure in taking a day-off in a week to be with their families, there will be a lot more disciple-makers in the church where now there is one.
When pastors consistently take pleasure in taking a day-off in a week to be with their families, there will be a lot more disciple-makers in the church where now there is one.
Questions Young Pastor Ask: How do I know if I am called into the ministry?
Labels:
Questions Young Pastors Ask
Question: How do I know if I am called into the ministry?
Answer: Surely one of the scariest questions you may hear is: Have you been called to the ministry? I encourage you to prayerfully consider the following text on the theme of ministry: Isaiah 6;1 Corinthians 4, 9, 12-14; Ezekiel 34; Ephesians 4:1-16; Matthew 4:18-22; 10; 28:16-20; Philippians 2:1-11. Please read Ellen White on Testimonies to Ministers, especially pp. 142-158
Answer: Surely one of the scariest questions you may hear is: Have you been called to the ministry? I encourage you to prayerfully consider the following text on the theme of ministry: Isaiah 6;1 Corinthians 4, 9, 12-14; Ezekiel 34; Ephesians 4:1-16; Matthew 4:18-22; 10; 28:16-20; Philippians 2:1-11. Please read Ellen White on Testimonies to Ministers, especially pp. 142-158
I am His child
Labels:
Our Daily Grace
Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. Hebrews 4:16
What do you need to fear when you know you can just get into God’s presence anytime? After all he is your great Father and Friend! There is no greater joy than knowing we can come to God anytime. He is just waiting for us. Not because He is far from us. He wants us to know that He is just beside us all the time. All we need to do is recognize He is beside us. So won’t you take the time to talk to Him right now?
What’s great with God is that aside from being our faithful Friend, He is also our majestic King. Imagine this. God in his throne overseeing the affairs of the universe. Perhaps busy holding an intergalactic meeting with other created beings of the universe. But anytime you call Him, He’ll leave his meeting behind just to be with you. And I can see God leaving his sit and walk towards you.
He is the personal God I know. And He is willing to leave everything behind. Even heaven itself. Why? He finds pleasure and joy simply by being with you. Can’t you see how much He loves you?
So the next time you feel abandoned by God remember he is just a door knock away. Open the door and ask Him, “Dad, can we just talk right now?”
“Sure! Let me just put Gabriel in charge of this meeting.”
And there is God beside you. Making no excuses from spending this special moment with you. You are His joy! So go meet our Dad. Our Abba- Father.
Who are you to ask such a thing? You are his child, for heaven’s sake!
- ADBernardo
What do you need to fear when you know you can just get into God’s presence anytime? After all he is your great Father and Friend! There is no greater joy than knowing we can come to God anytime. He is just waiting for us. Not because He is far from us. He wants us to know that He is just beside us all the time. All we need to do is recognize He is beside us. So won’t you take the time to talk to Him right now?
What’s great with God is that aside from being our faithful Friend, He is also our majestic King. Imagine this. God in his throne overseeing the affairs of the universe. Perhaps busy holding an intergalactic meeting with other created beings of the universe. But anytime you call Him, He’ll leave his meeting behind just to be with you. And I can see God leaving his sit and walk towards you.
He is the personal God I know. And He is willing to leave everything behind. Even heaven itself. Why? He finds pleasure and joy simply by being with you. Can’t you see how much He loves you?
So the next time you feel abandoned by God remember he is just a door knock away. Open the door and ask Him, “Dad, can we just talk right now?”
“Sure! Let me just put Gabriel in charge of this meeting.”
And there is God beside you. Making no excuses from spending this special moment with you. You are His joy! So go meet our Dad. Our Abba- Father.
Who are you to ask such a thing? You are his child, for heaven’s sake!
- ADBernardo
Questions Young Pastors Ask: Should I marry before internship or during internship? When is the best time to get married?
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Questions Young Pastors Ask
Answer. As a general rule, it is always best to get married when you are already a regular worker. By then you are already matured enough. You also avoid getting into debt at such an early age. Though God can work through your circumstances, many unnecessary troubles can be avoided due to untimely wedlock.
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
Questions Young Pastors Ask: I just finished college. What next?
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Questions Young Pastors Ask
Through the years I have been compiling questions young pastors ask and have attempted to share my views and encourage God’s young workers to remain faithful to their holy calling. Pastor Ardison D. Bernardo
Q. I just finished college. What do I do next?
A. Even before you finish college express your intentions and desire to become involved in the ministerial work force by setting an appointment with the ministerial secretary of your mission or conference. He can help you take the right steps. Also, take other pastors’ advise by heart and pray well. God will open doors and lead the way. Ministry is a life of faith so act by faith.
Q. I just finished college. What do I do next?
A. Even before you finish college express your intentions and desire to become involved in the ministerial work force by setting an appointment with the ministerial secretary of your mission or conference. He can help you take the right steps. Also, take other pastors’ advise by heart and pray well. God will open doors and lead the way. Ministry is a life of faith so act by faith.
Dealing With Failures
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A Pastor4Life
Pastors will do their best to equip members for ministries, yet there will always be problems along the way. There is no fool-proof strategy in ministry. As a pastor I must understand that people make mistakes, are not perfect, fail at times, or may become irresponsible. And that is normal. It’s okay.
But when is okay okay? When do you start telling people that it’s not always okay to be irresponsible? Challenging people to constantly improve themselves?
I don’t have to blame myself when people fail, or backslide, or when they become irresponsible. God is still in control. And when all things fail, I simply need to put them into God’s hand and let him handle the problem. Of course I have a crucial role in helping these people become effective and efficient ministers but I don’t have to blame myself when they do fail.
I do need to become responsible. For their failure might be rooted in my failure to disciple them. I must strive for excellence. And yet I can only go as far as sharing with them what God has revealed to me. I must not be fearful. I can only be bold.
But when is okay okay? When do you start telling people that it’s not always okay to be irresponsible? Challenging people to constantly improve themselves?
I don’t have to blame myself when people fail, or backslide, or when they become irresponsible. God is still in control. And when all things fail, I simply need to put them into God’s hand and let him handle the problem. Of course I have a crucial role in helping these people become effective and efficient ministers but I don’t have to blame myself when they do fail.
I do need to become responsible. For their failure might be rooted in my failure to disciple them. I must strive for excellence. And yet I can only go as far as sharing with them what God has revealed to me. I must not be fearful. I can only be bold.
Programs That Makes Sense
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Youth Ministry Hub
My district had the privilege to participate in a youth rally held at the Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies in Silang, Cavite. Part of the program was the open forum with Pastor Buraka Muganda, General Conference (GC) Youth Director. So during the open forum I grabbed the opportunity and asked, “Pastor, I always had a passion to reach out to young adults and young professionals but it seems that we are not reaching out to them. What is the church doing about it?”
With all honesty he admitted that the church is doing well in reaching out to ages 6 to 16 but has no well-established program for young adults and young professionals. The GC is now working hard to come up with programs to reach the 16-35 age group.
This is a challenge for all of us. We are losing most of our potential church leaders once they finish college and start working. So the next time a young account executive, or a newly promoted business manager attends your youth program, ask yourself, “What does our youth group have to offer them that will make sense in their lives?”
With all honesty he admitted that the church is doing well in reaching out to ages 6 to 16 but has no well-established program for young adults and young professionals. The GC is now working hard to come up with programs to reach the 16-35 age group.
This is a challenge for all of us. We are losing most of our potential church leaders once they finish college and start working. So the next time a young account executive, or a newly promoted business manager attends your youth program, ask yourself, “What does our youth group have to offer them that will make sense in their lives?”
Rule no. 1
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Family Life
Rule no. 1: Love you family with all your heart, mind, and soul. Your family will either break you or make you.
How God created women still amazes me. They are by nature creature of relationships .I believe that more women will make it to heaven than men just because they are creatures of love.
The lesson that struck me the most is to remember your wife at all times. There is no excuse for forgetting her. Love your wife and she will love you more. Take time with your family and you will be blessed.
I am blessed to have a wife like Cindy. She keeps me on track. She keeps me blessed and loved. And she makes me happy all the time. As a mother she really wants to give her best to her son. I really love my wife.
How God created women still amazes me. They are by nature creature of relationships .I believe that more women will make it to heaven than men just because they are creatures of love.
The lesson that struck me the most is to remember your wife at all times. There is no excuse for forgetting her. Love your wife and she will love you more. Take time with your family and you will be blessed.
I am blessed to have a wife like Cindy. She keeps me on track. She keeps me blessed and loved. And she makes me happy all the time. As a mother she really wants to give her best to her son. I really love my wife.
Leadership Teams
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Leadership Tips
Leadership teams. How can a pastor survive without one? Let me share with you what my past leadership teams taught me?
1. Leaders must be planted deep into the word of God. And that is my responsibility as a pastor. I must constantly feed upon the word of God so I can teach, preach, and share the word of God with my leaders. Leaders will only remain strong, accountable, passionate, loving towards one another and active in ministry when they are sufficiently nourished with the Word of God. The word of God needs to become their life- in their private time with God, in group studies, and in corporate worship.
As a pastor I must understand and see the importance of a heavy solid Bible study in my life so I can teach and preach powerfully. The Word must become the center of my life. There is no other way. Therefore it becomes a necessity that I spend more time in the study of the word of God. More than anyone else. I am called to study the word of God and deliver it to His people. God calls for a Mary-like spirit. I cannot become an effective minister of the word if I have not experienced the power of the Word.
It is just so easy to become frustrated with people and start pointing out their failures and shortcomings. Yet when you start pointing out people’s faults and fail to see where they really are and try to understand them, you will only lead those people astray. Instead, gently guide them with the word of God. Let the word of God rebuke them and inspire them to serve with excellence. There is no other way. Pouting on them, punishing them with silence or indifference will only estrange relationships. Let the word of God heal them and push them to do their best for God’s glory.
2. Equip leaders for their various roles and ministries. My chief role is to help God’s children discover their gifts, put them into ministries, engage them into active service, and constantly train them and challenge them to reach their set goals.
Communication is an important part in team effort. The team must know the plan, how to implement the plan, and what is expected of them. That’s how crucial it is.
Does my team know the mission, the vision, the goals and objectives of the organization? How do you get there? Does each one know their gifts and how they play an important role in accomplishing those objectives. Our work is focused on the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. Our young people need to see the relevance of the Word of God in their lives and know how they take part in service. Whatever it takes!
Equipping people means inviting people and offering them the opportunity to serve. But before that can take place they must be born again Christians. They need to know Jesus. They need to take him in their lives. Then and only then can they serve.
People must also understand clearly their leadership roles. It must be clear to them. It must be crystal clear to them what the leadership team expects from each of them
1. Leaders must be planted deep into the word of God. And that is my responsibility as a pastor. I must constantly feed upon the word of God so I can teach, preach, and share the word of God with my leaders. Leaders will only remain strong, accountable, passionate, loving towards one another and active in ministry when they are sufficiently nourished with the Word of God. The word of God needs to become their life- in their private time with God, in group studies, and in corporate worship.
As a pastor I must understand and see the importance of a heavy solid Bible study in my life so I can teach and preach powerfully. The Word must become the center of my life. There is no other way. Therefore it becomes a necessity that I spend more time in the study of the word of God. More than anyone else. I am called to study the word of God and deliver it to His people. God calls for a Mary-like spirit. I cannot become an effective minister of the word if I have not experienced the power of the Word.
It is just so easy to become frustrated with people and start pointing out their failures and shortcomings. Yet when you start pointing out people’s faults and fail to see where they really are and try to understand them, you will only lead those people astray. Instead, gently guide them with the word of God. Let the word of God rebuke them and inspire them to serve with excellence. There is no other way. Pouting on them, punishing them with silence or indifference will only estrange relationships. Let the word of God heal them and push them to do their best for God’s glory.
2. Equip leaders for their various roles and ministries. My chief role is to help God’s children discover their gifts, put them into ministries, engage them into active service, and constantly train them and challenge them to reach their set goals.
Communication is an important part in team effort. The team must know the plan, how to implement the plan, and what is expected of them. That’s how crucial it is.
Does my team know the mission, the vision, the goals and objectives of the organization? How do you get there? Does each one know their gifts and how they play an important role in accomplishing those objectives. Our work is focused on the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. Our young people need to see the relevance of the Word of God in their lives and know how they take part in service. Whatever it takes!
Equipping people means inviting people and offering them the opportunity to serve. But before that can take place they must be born again Christians. They need to know Jesus. They need to take him in their lives. Then and only then can they serve.
People must also understand clearly their leadership roles. It must be clear to them. It must be crystal clear to them what the leadership team expects from each of them
Welcome to GRACELED Ministry!
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GRACELED Ministry
Welcome to GRACELED Ministry! A dynamic ministry which was born out of my personal mission statement crafted in October 2001: So everywhere I go, my mission is to affirm, challenge, and persuade everyone to reflect and embrace the CROSS, to inspire worship and equip disciples for ministries with all the wisdom God has given me, that I may present everyone to God perfect (mature) in their relationship to Christ. This is my calling and I work hard at this as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
GRACELED (pronounced GRACE-LED) is an acronym for Grace-Revolutionized Adventist Churches Empowering Leaders & Equipping Disciples. This ministry exists to inspire and advance grace-oriented churches and empower grace-revolutionized Christian leaders and disciple-makers through uplifting contemporary praise & worship services, dynamic cell-group system, practical training seminars, interactive church-life workshops and creative Biblically-based discipleship resources for personal and small group growth.
This supportive ministry was born in October 2001 as the result of Ardison Bernardo’s renewed new-birth experience in Christ. A spiritual reformation which was rooted, motivated, and driven by a better understanding and personal experience of God's grace.
Ardison Bernardo is a Gen X pastor saved and driven by the love of Jesus, tenaciously connected to his wife, a hardcore Adventist theologian by passion, and a modern-day communicator of God's Word. I don't live to please anyone. My daily passion is to become Spirit-filled, purpose-driven, Jesus-centered, and mission-focused. This publication is a reflection of who I am-my purpose, mission, and ministry. It seeks to inspire and advance a movement of grace-oriented leaders and disciple-makers to plant and grow grace-revolutionized Adventist churches.
GRACELED (pronounced GRACE-LED) is an acronym for Grace-Revolutionized Adventist Churches Empowering Leaders & Equipping Disciples. This ministry exists to inspire and advance grace-oriented churches and empower grace-revolutionized Christian leaders and disciple-makers through uplifting contemporary praise & worship services, dynamic cell-group system, practical training seminars, interactive church-life workshops and creative Biblically-based discipleship resources for personal and small group growth.
This supportive ministry was born in October 2001 as the result of Ardison Bernardo’s renewed new-birth experience in Christ. A spiritual reformation which was rooted, motivated, and driven by a better understanding and personal experience of God's grace.
Ardison Bernardo is a Gen X pastor saved and driven by the love of Jesus, tenaciously connected to his wife, a hardcore Adventist theologian by passion, and a modern-day communicator of God's Word. I don't live to please anyone. My daily passion is to become Spirit-filled, purpose-driven, Jesus-centered, and mission-focused. This publication is a reflection of who I am-my purpose, mission, and ministry. It seeks to inspire and advance a movement of grace-oriented leaders and disciple-makers to plant and grow grace-revolutionized Adventist churches.
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Friday, July 18, 2008
Welcome to NGA Blog
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My Blog
Welcome to Next Generation Adventist Blog!
Mission: Next Generation Adventist (NGA) blog exists to motivate and inspire Christians to develop a deeper, closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, empower relationship-centered leadership, & equip disciples for ministries.
Vision: To become the leading Adventist web blog touching hearts and inspiring souls.
Goals:
1. Inspire readers who need a spiritual lift, a moment’s encouragement, a deeper appreciation for worship, and wisdom for a key decision.
2. Encourage a community of believers that savor the Living Word to deepen faith, strengthen relationships, nurture hope, build character, and ultimately enrich life.
3. To inform, educate, and entertain readers about the world of the new generation of Christians who struggle to survive and make a difference in the 21st century world.
4. To become an inspirational and centralized resource blog portal for the next generation Adventist pastors, nextgen leaders, nextgen disciples, and nextgen ministries.
NGA CATEGORIES
❑ Apple Macintosh Life - Life is easier these days with the use of Mac. Find out why.
❑ Adventist Next - Understanding the new generation of Adventists: Generation X (GenXer) born 1960-79 & Generation Y (also known as Net Generation or Millenials) born 1980-2001.
❑ A Pastor4Life - Chronicles my experiences in the field as a pastor.
❑ Autobiography - My personal profile & highlights of my career and experiences.
❑ Area Chronicle - News and updates in my area of assignment.
❑ AWE4Him - Get to know the ministry of a worship team leading congregations get closer to God.
❑ BIRTHPLACE - News on urban ministry
❑ Biblical Issues - A discourse on my biblical standpoint on certain biblical issues.
❑ Blog Exchange - Building a list of Adventist bloggers. You may submit your blog address here. Kindly put this blog on your blogroll
❑ Church Planting - Get to know what’s going on site of church planting projects.
❑ Community Life - Finding new ways to serve and love my community
❑ Discipleship Essentials - Learn essentials to growing disciplined disciples.
❑ District News - News and views in my present district assignment.
❑ Evangelism - Learning new ways of reaching the new generation for Christ.
❑ Family Life - An inside look to the struggles and triumphs in a pastor’s family.
❑ Fix It Now - Practical ideas i learned from various sources to fix common everyday problems.
❑ GameLab - Insights to new games i developed and discovered.
❑ GRACELED Ministry - A ministry that envisions Grace-Revolutionized Adventist Churches Empowering Leaders & Equipping Disciples.
❑ iDREAM - A ministry training young professionals to reach the secular world.
❑ Journey to the Cross - Learn new insights in improving JTTC-an interactive, full-sensory experience of Jesus’ last days on earth.
❑ Leadership Lessons - What does it take to be a leader?
❑ Modern Parables - Real life stories taken from personal and everyday life.
❑ Modern Proverbs - Practical nuggets, rich insights and impressions drawn from the Word and life experiences.
❑ Money Management - How you handle money determines how you enjoy life.
❑ My Blog - Welcome to my blog! Nice of you to drop by.
❑ My Creative Impressions - Literary compositions, short stories, comic strips, character sketches.
❑ My Music - A review of some contemporary songs that have changed my life, worship, & ministry.
❑ Our Daily Grace - My daily reflections of the Word.
❑ Prayer Requests - A list of prayer request I’ll include in my daily intercession.
❑ Sermon File - Selected sermons I wrote and preached to my congregation.
❑ Suggested Reading - Selected books and readings that have made an impact and influence in my life & ministry.
❑ Technology Review - Recent technology updates, gadgets, and tools that have changed my world and how I work.
❑ Worship Him - Experiencing the manifest presence of God on a daily basis.
❑ Youth Ministry Hub - Ideas, insights, strategies & resources to effectively reach out to the youth.
❑ Written Prayers -A record of my selected devotional prayers
Mission: Next Generation Adventist (NGA) blog exists to motivate and inspire Christians to develop a deeper, closer relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, empower relationship-centered leadership, & equip disciples for ministries.
Vision: To become the leading Adventist web blog touching hearts and inspiring souls.
Goals:
1. Inspire readers who need a spiritual lift, a moment’s encouragement, a deeper appreciation for worship, and wisdom for a key decision.
2. Encourage a community of believers that savor the Living Word to deepen faith, strengthen relationships, nurture hope, build character, and ultimately enrich life.
3. To inform, educate, and entertain readers about the world of the new generation of Christians who struggle to survive and make a difference in the 21st century world.
4. To become an inspirational and centralized resource blog portal for the next generation Adventist pastors, nextgen leaders, nextgen disciples, and nextgen ministries.
NGA CATEGORIES
❑ Apple Macintosh Life - Life is easier these days with the use of Mac. Find out why.
❑ Adventist Next - Understanding the new generation of Adventists: Generation X (GenXer) born 1960-79 & Generation Y (also known as Net Generation or Millenials) born 1980-2001.
❑ A Pastor4Life - Chronicles my experiences in the field as a pastor.
❑ Autobiography - My personal profile & highlights of my career and experiences.
❑ Area Chronicle - News and updates in my area of assignment.
❑ AWE4Him - Get to know the ministry of a worship team leading congregations get closer to God.
❑ BIRTHPLACE - News on urban ministry
❑ Biblical Issues - A discourse on my biblical standpoint on certain biblical issues.
❑ Blog Exchange - Building a list of Adventist bloggers. You may submit your blog address here. Kindly put this blog on your blogroll
❑ Church Planting - Get to know what’s going on site of church planting projects.
❑ Community Life - Finding new ways to serve and love my community
❑ Discipleship Essentials - Learn essentials to growing disciplined disciples.
❑ District News - News and views in my present district assignment.
❑ Evangelism - Learning new ways of reaching the new generation for Christ.
❑ Family Life - An inside look to the struggles and triumphs in a pastor’s family.
❑ Fix It Now - Practical ideas i learned from various sources to fix common everyday problems.
❑ GameLab - Insights to new games i developed and discovered.
❑ GRACELED Ministry - A ministry that envisions Grace-Revolutionized Adventist Churches Empowering Leaders & Equipping Disciples.
❑ iDREAM - A ministry training young professionals to reach the secular world.
❑ Journey to the Cross - Learn new insights in improving JTTC-an interactive, full-sensory experience of Jesus’ last days on earth.
❑ Leadership Lessons - What does it take to be a leader?
❑ Modern Parables - Real life stories taken from personal and everyday life.
❑ Modern Proverbs - Practical nuggets, rich insights and impressions drawn from the Word and life experiences.
❑ Money Management - How you handle money determines how you enjoy life.
❑ My Blog - Welcome to my blog! Nice of you to drop by.
❑ My Creative Impressions - Literary compositions, short stories, comic strips, character sketches.
❑ My Music - A review of some contemporary songs that have changed my life, worship, & ministry.
❑ Our Daily Grace - My daily reflections of the Word.
❑ Prayer Requests - A list of prayer request I’ll include in my daily intercession.
❑ Sermon File - Selected sermons I wrote and preached to my congregation.
❑ Suggested Reading - Selected books and readings that have made an impact and influence in my life & ministry.
❑ Technology Review - Recent technology updates, gadgets, and tools that have changed my world and how I work.
❑ Worship Him - Experiencing the manifest presence of God on a daily basis.
❑ Youth Ministry Hub - Ideas, insights, strategies & resources to effectively reach out to the youth.
❑ Written Prayers -A record of my selected devotional prayers
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