Well it's been a while since my last blog, have been busy though. This last weekend I have been at the Star Home Show. Our shop had a small stand there and I was manning it for three days; 10 am to 6 pm. There were over 20,000 people walking through that place and lot of them either noticed my stand or made some kind of contact with me. Very positive outcome as far as brand recognition went, although would have liked to sell more product.
My stand was about three quarters along and many people by this stage were getting a little tired so when they saw the chair I had on display they were happy to sit down and rest and chat. Also some of the other stall holders popped over and rested their weary backs.
The stand next to mine was an insurance stand. There was a nice young man on the stand, clean shaven, just an honest looking type of guy. You know almost from the beginning I thought he might be a Christian. Some people have that look, especially that conservative, Evangelical kind of look. During one of our chats he happened to mention that he had been a 'missionary'! Been overseas a number of times with YWAM. So we had a bit of talk about churches and families. Actually had a few chats with different stall holders but thinking back didn't take advantage of the situation to talk about 'deeper issues'! Do you feel guilty sometimes because you didn't use the opportunity to bring in Christ to the conversation? I hope that I no longer feel guilty about not always manipulating conversations to talking about Christian things. However I do feel guilty if I don't sometimes get past the surface pleasantries. So many people are just waiting for someone to be interested in them, to listen to their story. They are very willing to tell it too.
Had a good chat to another couple who used to attend Opawa, they attend another gathering of believers now. During our conversation I found out this guy was meeting a another friend that Bronwyn and I have been walking with through marriage problems. These two guys hadn't known each other before but had meet and the guy I was chatting with wants to encourage my friend as well through this rebuilding journey.
Last but not least, the shop had its highest turnover this last month. Praise God.
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Thats me in blue with cycling friends at Lake Taylor NZ
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Opportunities Come Along Once
This sounds terrible but I didn't have time to sit down and talk with God today. Had a lot of people in the store and also some running round to do at the beginning, that's when I usually try and sit down with the Bible and pray. I did talk to God through out the day, you know those little sentence prayers. I was going to say I didn't do much listening, but then that all depends on how you expect to hear from God. When I think about it, He speaks through many different ways; that's what looking for signs of the kingdom is all about.
I'm starting to develop a bit of a friendship with my local TVNZ rep, he pops in from time to time to see if everything is okay with my advertising. We sit down and end up chatting about a host of things. At the moment we are talking about what happens at the weekend, might start talking about families soon. He's just a young guy, I think rather typical of guys in their late 20's. Plays a bit of rugby, goes to the gym, socialises and then watches Coronation St!
Actually I have been following the TV programme, "The Amazing Race". One of those reality programmes. This one is about people in pairs racing round the world doing certain tasks and each program the last pair to arrive at the destination point is eliminated. The pairs are made up of many different relationships; like two sisters, husband and wife, two gay Anglican Priests, a young man and his Grandfather, a young couple in a new relationship and a father and daughter. That is just a few of the types, any way last night was the final. We had three pairs left: father and daughter, new couple and son and grandfather. At the beginning of the race most of the pairs would have major fall-outs with each other. The father and daughter were a classic case. The father always criticized the daughter if things went bad, he would often loose his temper. It was a very fractured relationship. Ronald & Christina, the father/daughter Team, are competing in the Race to make up for lost time. Since Ronald was constantly traveling for work throughout much of his daughter's formative years, Christina hopes the Race will allow her father--a self-proclaimed workaholic--to stop and smell the roses and provide them with some meaningful time together. Throughout the race that happened, slowly the father saw the beauty in his daughter and her amazing talents, he stopped talking and running her down. He even started to praise and encourage her. They only came second but said after the race that the most valuable thing that they had learnt and gained was a real father daughter bond and love; they both felt they finally were a father and daughter.
Lost opportunities don't often get a second chance, God gives us windows of opportunities, it what we do with them that can make the difference. I thank God that he used that programme to remind me to work out my priorities.
I'm starting to develop a bit of a friendship with my local TVNZ rep, he pops in from time to time to see if everything is okay with my advertising. We sit down and end up chatting about a host of things. At the moment we are talking about what happens at the weekend, might start talking about families soon. He's just a young guy, I think rather typical of guys in their late 20's. Plays a bit of rugby, goes to the gym, socialises and then watches Coronation St!
Actually I have been following the TV programme, "The Amazing Race". One of those reality programmes. This one is about people in pairs racing round the world doing certain tasks and each program the last pair to arrive at the destination point is eliminated. The pairs are made up of many different relationships; like two sisters, husband and wife, two gay Anglican Priests, a young man and his Grandfather, a young couple in a new relationship and a father and daughter. That is just a few of the types, any way last night was the final. We had three pairs left: father and daughter, new couple and son and grandfather. At the beginning of the race most of the pairs would have major fall-outs with each other. The father and daughter were a classic case. The father always criticized the daughter if things went bad, he would often loose his temper. It was a very fractured relationship. Ronald & Christina, the father/daughter Team, are competing in the Race to make up for lost time. Since Ronald was constantly traveling for work throughout much of his daughter's formative years, Christina hopes the Race will allow her father--a self-proclaimed workaholic--to stop and smell the roses and provide them with some meaningful time together. Throughout the race that happened, slowly the father saw the beauty in his daughter and her amazing talents, he stopped talking and running her down. He even started to praise and encourage her. They only came second but said after the race that the most valuable thing that they had learnt and gained was a real father daughter bond and love; they both felt they finally were a father and daughter.
Lost opportunities don't often get a second chance, God gives us windows of opportunities, it what we do with them that can make the difference. I thank God that he used that programme to remind me to work out my priorities.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Now But Not Yet!
I had some nice conversations today; a couple from Halswell in the shop, the husband about 85 and still skiing. He has bad knees but is forgoing an operation because he been told he would have to give up skiing. He keeps active and has learnt to manage his pain. It made me think about how I handle misfortune, pain or the uncomfortable struggles in life. I have in the past allowed those situations to tie me up, I have let them make myself sit in a pool of self pity. Why me Lord or do bad things happen to good people? This man is enjoying life when it would be easy to moan, lie down, and feel bitter.
It reminds me of the passage in 2 Corin 6: 1-10 & James 1:2-4. Paul did not let the problems hold him back but continued to work for the kingdom. James also saw beyound the pain to joy that was his in Christ. It's beautiful to see but not always so easy to live.
Also talked with a young man from India now living in New Zealand, although away from his home he was enjoying his new life here. It was interesting that he still loved his old country but did not want to return, his home was now New Zealand. There are many situations where we hold in 'creative tensions' aspects of our life. Thinking about the kingdom reminds me of some of those tensions; the kingdom is now amongst us but is still to come. "He (Christ) inaugurated it (the kingdom) but did not bring it to its consummation. Like him, we are called to erect signs of God's ultimate reign- not more, but certainly not less either...once again God's reign will come, since it has already come." (Bosh)
It reminds me of the passage in 2 Corin 6: 1-10 & James 1:2-4. Paul did not let the problems hold him back but continued to work for the kingdom. James also saw beyound the pain to joy that was his in Christ. It's beautiful to see but not always so easy to live.
Also talked with a young man from India now living in New Zealand, although away from his home he was enjoying his new life here. It was interesting that he still loved his old country but did not want to return, his home was now New Zealand. There are many situations where we hold in 'creative tensions' aspects of our life. Thinking about the kingdom reminds me of some of those tensions; the kingdom is now amongst us but is still to come. "He (Christ) inaugurated it (the kingdom) but did not bring it to its consummation. Like him, we are called to erect signs of God's ultimate reign- not more, but certainly not less either...once again God's reign will come, since it has already come." (Bosh)
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Remarkable Discovery
Looking back over the week of blogging I have noticed that signs of the kingdom have happened in small ways, very much in the every day occurrences; but still of significance. Relational seems to be a theme, either people coming and speaking to me or me listening and speaking to others. Moments of encouragement from God as one made their way through usual business activities.
One thing I have noticed, that it's easy to miss signs or to be always looking for 'big' signs but often the signs are there, we just need to open our eyes.
I have also been reminded of what a precious gift the kingdom of God is. I'm taken back to the two parables told by Jesus to illustrate the kingdom to his disciples. Matthew 13: 44-46 describes finding the kingdom likened to finding treasure. Sometimes we stumble across the kingdom and other times we go searching for it, both stories are the same; a great excitement upon making such a discovery. The kingdom is always found, it's not ours by right. God reveals its splendour and richness to us, he even offers us the 'keys' to the secrets of the kingdom (Matt16:19).
Finding the kingdom is one thing but what we do with the kingdom is another thing altogether. Do we truly recognise the value and significance of our find? These riches, in turn, make it possible for us to do the work we have to do, and to live our lives, in the strength, joy, and peace of Christ. The kingdom strenghtens and deepens our understanding of Jesus.
This little exercise has helped me to start searching again and to truly value what I find.
One thing I have noticed, that it's easy to miss signs or to be always looking for 'big' signs but often the signs are there, we just need to open our eyes.
I have also been reminded of what a precious gift the kingdom of God is. I'm taken back to the two parables told by Jesus to illustrate the kingdom to his disciples. Matthew 13: 44-46 describes finding the kingdom likened to finding treasure. Sometimes we stumble across the kingdom and other times we go searching for it, both stories are the same; a great excitement upon making such a discovery. The kingdom is always found, it's not ours by right. God reveals its splendour and richness to us, he even offers us the 'keys' to the secrets of the kingdom (Matt16:19).
Finding the kingdom is one thing but what we do with the kingdom is another thing altogether. Do we truly recognise the value and significance of our find? These riches, in turn, make it possible for us to do the work we have to do, and to live our lives, in the strength, joy, and peace of Christ. The kingdom strenghtens and deepens our understanding of Jesus.
This little exercise has helped me to start searching again and to truly value what I find.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A Business Prayer
This week has been really good from my business situation. I have been praying each day for the success of the shop, some days immediate 'answers' other days silence! This week has been one of my busiest, so many people coming in and buying product. A lot of small sales but they all add up. So has God answered my prayers? When the sales didn't happen was God silent?
I believe that God is answering my prayers and he has blessed the business, maybe not every day but overall. Even a place of business can see signs of the kingdom.
Also I have had some good conversations with customers about their situation. No God talk mainly just listening, not even always sales talk, just listening. There so many people out there who just want others to hear their story.
Actually this week has been a bit of an international week; people from Finland, Ukraine, Korea, China, England, Ireland, & the US. It just reminded me that the Kingdom of God is very mission in its intent, and that it reaches beyond national borders. I hope I showed each of these people a small reflection of Christ as we talked.
Man the world must get such a messed up message about what being Christian really is! Just finished hearing the news; a Catholic Brother up on sex charges, Mugabie claiming that God had put him there, and in the States Obama, Clinton and Bush all claiming to speak for Christians.
I believe that God is answering my prayers and he has blessed the business, maybe not every day but overall. Even a place of business can see signs of the kingdom.
Also I have had some good conversations with customers about their situation. No God talk mainly just listening, not even always sales talk, just listening. There so many people out there who just want others to hear their story.
Actually this week has been a bit of an international week; people from Finland, Ukraine, Korea, China, England, Ireland, & the US. It just reminded me that the Kingdom of God is very mission in its intent, and that it reaches beyond national borders. I hope I showed each of these people a small reflection of Christ as we talked.
Man the world must get such a messed up message about what being Christian really is! Just finished hearing the news; a Catholic Brother up on sex charges, Mugabie claiming that God had put him there, and in the States Obama, Clinton and Bush all claiming to speak for Christians.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Putting Things Right
As I have been thinking about kingdom signs, it came to me that what happens if I don't see any signs, does that mean God is not here! I started to panic, hey I'm going to have blank spots on my blog. But then it dawned on me that God can be active in many different ways, not always in activities but sometimes in the thoughts you think, or through a passage from his Word.
I was reading Matt 11:2-6 and it really spoke to me about some signs that we should see when we are living in the Kingdom places. The Spirit should be active; there should be a close link between the presence of the kingdom and the activity of the Spirit.
If some one said to me, "show me the kingdom of God", what would I say or what could I show them? It's not just full churches or 'right living' believers, its' not Christians saying "I love you".
I need to be able to show them that love, show them what that 'right living' means to them. Which ever way you read the passage above; either literal or spiritually, there is something happening, people are being affected by the Spirit.
I was also praying the other morning, praying for success in my business but then I began thinking about the many great believers all round the place that pray for God to bless them too. Does God always give them blessings; many of them are fighting for their lives, suffering extreme physical pain, have no hope for even shelter over their heads. Here am I praying for business success! Where is God in this context, is it legitimate for me to pray my prayer?
A friend of ours whom owns a very successful business, recently had some kind of heart surgery only to suffer a stroke and was unable to communicate properly. She had some Aussie surgeons come over and they preformed some special surgery on her today, life saving I think and the latest news is that she has come through okay. She is a believer. So another sign of the Kingdom after all!
I was reading Matt 11:2-6 and it really spoke to me about some signs that we should see when we are living in the Kingdom places. The Spirit should be active; there should be a close link between the presence of the kingdom and the activity of the Spirit.
If some one said to me, "show me the kingdom of God", what would I say or what could I show them? It's not just full churches or 'right living' believers, its' not Christians saying "I love you".
I need to be able to show them that love, show them what that 'right living' means to them. Which ever way you read the passage above; either literal or spiritually, there is something happening, people are being affected by the Spirit.
I was also praying the other morning, praying for success in my business but then I began thinking about the many great believers all round the place that pray for God to bless them too. Does God always give them blessings; many of them are fighting for their lives, suffering extreme physical pain, have no hope for even shelter over their heads. Here am I praying for business success! Where is God in this context, is it legitimate for me to pray my prayer?
A friend of ours whom owns a very successful business, recently had some kind of heart surgery only to suffer a stroke and was unable to communicate properly. She had some Aussie surgeons come over and they preformed some special surgery on her today, life saving I think and the latest news is that she has come through okay. She is a believer. So another sign of the Kingdom after all!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Neighbours
I was having one of those days at work when one wonders if there was any point in coming in! Hardly any customers, only a few small sales.
After I had had a few minutes with God, you know, just having chat as one does in the middle of your work place; I was encouraged after reading 1 Peter 5 and the verse that says: "casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." or .. stop worrying about things that are outside your control because God is intimately concerned with what's going on in your life.
About an hour or so after that a friend pops in for a chat, we talk about the weekend and the rugby and other little things. Hey thank you God, that was so thoughtful.
In the afternoon one of my neighbours calls in with two coffees! We just have a chat about the weekend and rugby and how he was feeling a bit depressed a while back because of a slow healing leg and the job not going so good but now he's much better. Also he gave me a free ticket to the coming All Blacks test in Christchurch.
Didn't do much business today but had two really encouraging visits. Thanks God, you just popped in on time.
After I had had a few minutes with God, you know, just having chat as one does in the middle of your work place; I was encouraged after reading 1 Peter 5 and the verse that says: "casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." or .. stop worrying about things that are outside your control because God is intimately concerned with what's going on in your life.
About an hour or so after that a friend pops in for a chat, we talk about the weekend and the rugby and other little things. Hey thank you God, that was so thoughtful.
In the afternoon one of my neighbours calls in with two coffees! We just have a chat about the weekend and rugby and how he was feeling a bit depressed a while back because of a slow healing leg and the job not going so good but now he's much better. Also he gave me a free ticket to the coming All Blacks test in Christchurch.
Didn't do much business today but had two really encouraging visits. Thanks God, you just popped in on time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Why...
Sorry I forgot to say why I'm doing this "Kingdom Signs" blogg. Well, put rather simply; my Pastor asked me to. Although I think it's a great way of seeing God working in the every day, down to earth situations. We don't always see or recognise the operation of the Kingdom in our context and often it's because it's in the ordinay, small and still wispers that God operates.
I want to be aware and involved in the Kingdom that is here amongst us. Thanks... Phillip
I want to be aware and involved in the Kingdom that is here amongst us. Thanks... Phillip
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Hi, my name is Phillip Haussmann and I'm starting a blog about "Kingdom signs"! But first a little background comment about ...why?
I'm a follower of Jesus, an apprentice of his. Been so since 1966 or there abouts. It's been a journey that has seen highs and lows but I can look back and say that God has been working in my life, changing me and making me into the person he wants me to be, still a way to go.
Took my family over to live in Indonesia for three years and learnt a lot about how God works; that God is not confined to alocal church but is involved in the Kingdom. It's not so easy to define the Kingdom or to set its boundaries. I found that the Kingdom of God can be found in the middle of a Mosque! That the Kingdom is often seen in the messy places and likes to invite people that others do not always think about into it.
Signs of His Kingdom always seem to be unexpected; like someone coming up to you and asking how a specific thing is going and saying that they are praying for you. You are surprised that they knew what was going on and you know that they will pray and often.
Or coming in to have a chat with you because they know you have a lot of 'alone time'.
I have a lot of interest in our Muslim friends and am amazed to see signs of His Kingdom in their lives...but more of this another day. Phillip
I'm a follower of Jesus, an apprentice of his. Been so since 1966 or there abouts. It's been a journey that has seen highs and lows but I can look back and say that God has been working in my life, changing me and making me into the person he wants me to be, still a way to go.
Took my family over to live in Indonesia for three years and learnt a lot about how God works; that God is not confined to alocal church but is involved in the Kingdom. It's not so easy to define the Kingdom or to set its boundaries. I found that the Kingdom of God can be found in the middle of a Mosque! That the Kingdom is often seen in the messy places and likes to invite people that others do not always think about into it.
Signs of His Kingdom always seem to be unexpected; like someone coming up to you and asking how a specific thing is going and saying that they are praying for you. You are surprised that they knew what was going on and you know that they will pray and often.
Or coming in to have a chat with you because they know you have a lot of 'alone time'.
I have a lot of interest in our Muslim friends and am amazed to see signs of His Kingdom in their lives...but more of this another day. Phillip
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