Interviews?

I've done it again - and gone two weeks without writing anything. My apologies.

Just recently I've had a couple of interviews for various things and it's got me thinking of all the different types of interviews I've been to. Inside, outside, formal, informal, with strangers, with people you know, one on one, panel, closed setting, open setting, at home, in work place, casual conversation, interrogation, via internet link, via phone, face to face, off the cuff, planned precisely, confirming, vague. Now, i'm not saying i've been to 21 interviews but rather that the combination of situations i've been in, in interviews, compiles this list - quite extensive really.

Despite this, there are some common things between all of them which are good to remember. Now any interview is going to leave you feeling nervous or tense to some degree - for me this is minimal most of the time just because of my personality, that's the kind of easy going gal I am - never afraid to just be myself. So that's the first two points.

1. Feeling a bit tense or nervous is normal (it comes with the territory) and not something to be afraid of

2. Be yourself - they are interested in you not some fake persona, so be the you that you will be

Interviews differ depending on what's being applied for, the type of position, and so while sometimes a formal approach is required, other times it simply would not fit and so casual is best - but this is something for you to work out - within this, the way you address yourself should always be polite.

3. Be polite and well mannered, avoid using any questionable language (even in jokes - at least until you know the people better)

Body language says a lot about somebody - it is the words that we don't speak that finishes the story. So generally, it's best to hold yourself well - not just lope in and slouch down but taking strides and being confident in the responses you're going to give. One of the best ways to do this is to be aware of your appearance and make sure you've done your research.

4. Wear clean, well kept (ie, without holes or stains) clothes - doesn't matter the position, even for a grease monkey this is a good way to start.

5. Know what you're applying for - know your theory if you're applying for a trade, etc. - and know the business you're applying for (this is often 'common' knowledge but don't be afraid to actually read up on it properly if you need to)

There generally comes a point at the end of the interview where they ask you if you have any questions - it's generally best to actually have a question, and preferably not about the wage. If you realy don't have any questions - be honest 'the questions i did have about... you have already answered during the process of this interview'. Show that you're not just going yeah, sounds great - but are thinking about and taking in what they are saying and talking about.

6. Have a response ready for question time.

As a christian, something else I always to before an Interview is pray (and during, and after...) - asking that God would help to guide both my responses and also the interviewers decisions to the best outcome, whether that be for or against me - and that no matter the outcome that He would help me to continue to follow Him first.

There was one more thing - oh yeah, it kind of comes under the polite point, keep eye contact, speak clearly, and most of all - have fun. It's not a dreary time but a possible new beginning, approach it as such and don't be afraid to smile and laugh if it calls for it.

If you would like to ask me about any of my previous interviews, go ahead!

God Bless

Take Action (Jude, Part 5)

We ended last time with the question of what divisions within Christian community are a result of the mindset which leads to jealousy, greed, and pride. This question many are afraid to answer in case somebody’s toes are tread on. But remember what we are to do in response to those who are causing such divisions, in response to these divisions which are occurring... we are not to run scared – why do we insist on continuing to do just what we have been told not to do?!
 

Jude continues in instructing us on just how we should be responding. We have already been told to remember what we have been taught – what the apostles spoke, for us this is the New Testament of the Bible. But to remember on its own is not enough.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - Jude 20-21

Build yourselves up, pray, keep yourselves in, look for – these are all actions which follow from remembering what we have been taught, and believing what has been revealed to us. This is our response, but is also how we are to guard ourselves against such people.

Build yourselves up on your most holy faith – continue to learn and question and understand more and more about the faith which you have, meeting with others of like mind and being an encouragement to one another.

Pray in the Holy Spirit – come to know your God and share your life with Him, develop that personal relationship which we each have with our Father in Heaven.

Keep yourselves in the love of God – do not turn away from what you know or willingly succumb to sinful deeds but strive to be like God, like Jesus, to the best of your ability.

Look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ – as mercy has been shown on us, so show it on others, and look for it in others, sharing what you know with others that you might be able to better find it.

Unto eternal life – do this for always thinking of not your life here now, but the promise of what is to come.

This is how we are to respond and guard ourselves against these divisions and people causing such, but how are we to respond or act towards the people whom are the frauds, committing these acts. Jude does not leave us without guidance in this matter but continues...

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. - Jude 22-23

We are to be discerning in how we act and treat others depending on where their motivation comes from. Different people require different approaches however we are not to get caught up in this but the most important thing is that they are not left without opportunity to hear the true gospel, to see the error of their ways and repent for it, turning to the true God and finding forgiveness for their sins there.

We have heard again and again over the past few weeks in the previous verses of Jude just what is waiting for those who are not in Christ – just what is waiting for these men. So on some we are to have compassion, showing them the error of their ways, on others we are to save with fear – hating even what they touch as it has been ruined by their sinful flesh. We all are sinners and have been found guilty however for those who are in Christ, our sentence has already been paid. Don’t be gentle about it but stop them in their tracks and show them just what they are doing and just how it is wrong. Do not worry about saving a relationship with them or how they might feel but risk these things in the hope that they may come to Christ and so save their very soul – not saving things in this world but looking to save them for much longer – into eternal life with the Father.

It is a hard thing to do, to discern. Whom do you approach with compassion, and whom do you approach with fear – but in all cases approach with an unbending will, that you will not compromise the true gospel, a willingness to help lead them in the right direction in their new found life as given by His gospel, and a readiness to accept criticism and rebuke if you are in the wrong.

My question to you this time is how often do you think about the eternal fate of others whom you know and meet – your family, friends, acquaintances, or even the stranger walking down the street?

Coming up: Jude, Part 6

God Bless

Choose Your Mindset (Jude, Part 4)

Sorry I missed posting this last week. However, I will do three posts over the next week to keep on track with Jude (this one plus two more to finish!). I do not know about you but I was getting quite intrigued as reading through Jude to hear just what he would say next. It has been challenging.

Last time we started to hear just how relevant Jude’s words are to us today, and just why we should listen to them. God is speaking to us through them, and particularly into our society. There are those among us who live by jealousy, greed, and pride. We know what is marked out from them as has been revealed – and that is not eternity with Christ, which is our hope.

Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." - Jude 14-15

Judgement is coming! And it is going to be a time of much devastation – and much rejoicing. For everything which is done – so shall judgement come. While all are sinners, we who call ourselves Christians are born again of the Spirit in Jesus Christ – that we may know forgiveness of sins. Our God is a just and holy God; therefore judgement must come. But he is also a God of love, and by His grace he has saved a remnant.


We read in Philippians 2:9-11 -

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Where will you be and in what mind when every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord? Will it be in the light of forgiveness – of having been saved from the judgement deserved purely by grace, or in the light of condemnation – knowing the reality of the penalty you will suffer for eternity under right judgement?

Jude now continues in describing these men, these frauds, so that they might be recognised from among the flock of his people – this is how that jealousy, greed, and pride is shown in them, that we may recognise it. In so describing, Jude also describes how one would look who is walking in the Spirit – that is, the opposite to those who are not.

These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. - Jude 16-19

Not all have the Spirit, and it is these men whom do not that threaten to turn others astray. And what are we to do? Jude tells us quite clearly that we are not to run scared but remember what has been spoken already. In the last time there will be mockers who follow their own lusts, just as these frauds also do. We are in the last times, being after Jesus Christ has come and before his return. And so, here we can see one example of just how this is so. However, in remembering the words which were ‘spoken to us’, what we need to also do is remember the other words which were spoken, the words which hold the truth – the gospel. In remembering this and holding to this you will also be less likely to be swayed by persuasive words, but keep to the one true gospel.

Now my question to you – we hear in Jude 19 how these people without the Spirit cause divisions amongst us – what divisions can you see within ‘Christian’ communities (or community) which may have been caused by such mindsets?

Coming up: Jude Part 5

God Bless

Remember (Jude, Part 2)

So, what an amazingly encouraging start to a letter we heard last week. Now we can hear just what it was that Jude wished to write about. We do not know to whom he was writing but as it is not addressed it is often assumed that it is to a group of Christians that it might be handed around for many to read.

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. - Jude 3

Jude obviously feels very strongly about this. He loves them. He want to write to them about our Lord Jesus Christ, about the wonderful things which He has done for us, about such joy, about God and the time to come when we might see Him face to face. Such a wonderful letter that would be and easy to write. But no, Jude instead says, I wish I could write to you about these things but this is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT! Jude exhorts them, appeals to them, urges them, that they might earnestly contend for the faith which we have. Earnestly contend also translates as vigorous defense. Continue in your vigorous defense! Why is Jude so concerned and particular on this matter? We hear why in the following verse.

For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. - Jude 4

Look among you, says he. Do you  not see these impostors who are calling you astray and leading you asunder?? They are among you, and yet you do not see them. Be wary and listen with wisdom and discernment that you might not find yourself amongst them also, but keep your faith. Not only keep it, but defend it, and contend for it, that they also might see that they do not belong where they have placed themselves. As Jesus said 'whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.' - Matthew 10:33 They turn the grace of God on its head and make it look like a joke and add our own works into the equation, even though we know we can never be enough. But no, keep the truth.

Jude does not leave it there, with a strict warning, but gives the people examples of stories which they themselves know (from Israel's history and can be found in the Old Testament). Stories which confirm this of God, and affirm that what they are doing now is wrong. Be rebuked!

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. - Jude 5-7

The shape of this letter has changed somewhat from what we read last week. But while it is quite scary to read and think about it can be seen that it comes from genuine love and concern. Not only do we know what Jude is concerned about, he has also shown just what motivates his concern. His concern is that they are drifting from their faith, the one true gospel which has been revealed to us, as these other men have crept in and are spreading lies. The motivation behind this is that without having faith in the one true gospel, all are condemned to eternal damnation. So, Keep Strong.

The God we serve is a god of love, but He is also a Just and Holy God. God cannot be just and holy if he does not destroy and condemn those who do not believe. But we see also that He is a God of love, as he has made a way that we might live eternal with Him, by believing the one true gospel and living in such a way which reflects this.

Question: What is one thing which 'strikes' you from this passage?

Coming up: Jude, Part 3

God Bless

'God's Will'

A little while ago at church we went through a series on Divine Guidance looking at What is 'God's Will'?, Why is Decision Making so Hard?!?, and A Guide to Godly Decision Making. I was reflecting on what was spoken about during this time and a previous blog and thought that I should clarify or correct something which I had said in case it is taken the wrong way.

On June 14 of this year in Gods Guidance I wrote the following in the last paragraph.

'Who better to turn to when we have questions, are in grief, or are so relieved, happy, or joyful about something? I know God has something planned for me to do and in His time this will be revealed to me but for now it is best to do what you can while that time is still on its way. I'm waiting for that time but in this waiting, it is a preparation time and God is teaching me many things.'

God's will for us is quite simple and is given to us in the bible. That we live godly lives. This first means that we know Him and are in Christ.

'And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.' (John 6:40)

Then the question beckons, what does it mean to live a godly life? Is a missionary more godly than the old lady cleaning up after church, or a pastor more godly than those they serve? Based on their positions, the answer is no. Godliness as we read in the bible does not depend on what you do, but how you act. It is to do with our character, the motives behind what we do.

Paul tells the Colossians to

'put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another... but above all these things put on love' -3:12-14

And in his second letter to Timothy to

'Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.' -2:22

This is not to say that God does not also have a personal plan for each of our lives, he does! We read in Psalm 139 (1-4, 16)

'O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether...  

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was  none of them.'

God knows us personally, intimately, even before we ever know ourselves! And he has a plan for us but the wonderful thing is that we don't need to know what it is, and we can't stuff it up, no matter what! Even if we knew it, we couldln't stuff it up. When making decisions don't assume that one path is the one that God wants you to go on and the other is against God. Most of the decisions we agonise over are those where both paths are for God.. just choose one!

This brings me to the other point I wanted to make in response to what I wrote. God reveals things to us over time but everything we need to know he reveals to us through His word, the Bible. In the Old Testament we read of how God appeared to Noah, Moses and Abraham and told them what to do, and in the New Testament how he appeared to Saul. We read this and ask for the same thing, 'God, tell us what to do?' If we really read these stories though we will notice that these are the exceptions, not the norm. And they were not asking God to tell them what to do, in fact, most of the time it was quite unwelcome - they didn't want it, although they followed once it was given.

God reveals things to us through His word. The more we read, the more we spend time with God, the more we get to know Him and His character and are able to make decisions which align themselves with what we know of God. I find that most of the time I see things which have been revealed to me and the way God is helping me to make decisions and direct my life, after they have already happened. There is something to be said about looking back, and considering how God has lead you to where you are now.. just be sure not to dwell on the past.

So, this weeks question is what is something that you have learnt of God Character?

Coming up: a look at 'Personal Symbolism'

God Bless

Endings and Beginnings

Don't really have much to say today but thought I had better put something up as I am leaving tomorrow morning and I have a feeling that the next couple days are not going to leave me feeling like updating this thing anytime soon so..

I mentioned last time that I really do not like goodbyes. Part of this is because it is a focus on the past, on what has been, and sometimes we just get too caught up in this to look forwards to where we are heading, to where God is guiding us.

You know that saying that sometimes when a door closes another one opens. Well sometimes it seems like there is no other door, there is just a room with one door in and out.. look for a window! Not everything is in our face, or obvious, but God is always there for us and if we go the wrong way, He will put us back on the right path.

What I am looking at at the moment is a new beginning, and I am excited to be going and trying to find out what God has in store for me. After all, we are to spread the gospel and do his work, not just sit back in our comfort zone with our friends and family around us, but to keep them while going forth and making new ones as well.

So, let us be strong, unafraid, and go forth! After all, if we are with God, we know that no matter what happens it will all be okay in the end, as He knows what is best for us, even more than we do!

God Bless.

New Year

tick. 3. tick. 2. tick. 1. tick...

It is but a moment yet it can mean so much. What were you doing as midnight ticked over this New Years Eve to herald in the year of 2011? Perhaps you were asleep insistant that it is just another day. Perhaps you were out with friends enjoying the chance to celebrate. Perhaps you were at home with family. Perhaps you were on your own.

I do not know how your year has begun but this I can say.. how my year began! A lot has happened throughout 2010 and there is a lot to look forward to in 2011.. a lot that I know of, and even more that I do not know. More than anything in each coming year the thing I look forward to the most is what God has in store for me, what it is that he will teach me, and how through that I will come closer to him yet still.

This year as it began I was travelling, on my own, towards a celebration with friends. While it was slightly disheartening not to be there that little bit earlier I would not change it for the world. As it was getting closer to that moment in time I was reflecting on all that had happened, all that I had learnt in that year, and as that moment in time passed I was in prayer.

For all that has been since the beginning of time, for all that God has done, for the year just been, and the yera to come, for those around me, those whom are close and those not quite so much - and those whom I am yet to meet, for all the bad times and the good times, and in everything I am thankful and in everything I asked that it would be for Him, and through Him, with Him as our guide that we may stand and move forward to embrace the unknown of the year ahead and what it has in store for us all.

I know some people who try to give each year a label at the beginning.. the year of fulfillment, the year of fun, the year of negativity, the year of continued pretended normality. Well following this I thought I would give this year a label.

2011.. the year of PRAISE amidst many CHANGES.