steve penny

The smallness test

Steve Penny — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:24:26 +0000

The smaller the world – the bigger the opinion
The smaller the man – the bigger the dog
The smaller the woman – the bigger the ring
The smaller the vocation – the bigger the weekend
The smaller the heart – the bigger the head
The smaller the church – the bigger the world
The smaller the offense – the bigger the wound
The smaller the vision – the bigger the obstacle
The smaller the gift – the bigger the favour
The smaller the smile – the bigger the frown
The reverse is also true for all the above

Run the Race

Steve Penny — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:29:01 +0000

I am sitting at Mooloolaba watching the workmen prepare the course for the Triathalon this weekend.
People of all shapes and sizes have descended upon Mooloolaba for what has become a very important event in our annual competition calendar.
Because competing in such a race is a lot like our journey though life – I want to share a few thoughts on Running to win.
1. Visualize the course – Make sure you know the course. Where are the best vantage points to watch the race.
Where are the cafes – toilets etc.
2. Know your limits – Know how long you can last before you need another Latte – and how far you can stray from the coffee shops.
3. Always have a partner – Make sure you have a partner who can carry the supplies – or go collect the coffees.
4. Endure the pain – make up your mind – there will be hours of sheer boredom – standing in the heat – waiting for someone you know at the back of the field to stumble past.
5. Look for the finishing line – and stay away – as the crowds are just too thick and noisy. Find a quiet spot away from the crowds where you can just hear the faint whoosh of cyclists peddling past at a frenetic pace.
6. Prepare well for the event – I have decided to go to New Zealand when the event is on – as the place becomes a cauldron of hot sweaty bodies – swarming all over the place – like ants on a sticky lolly paper.
Ahh New Zealand – what great adventures await me there.

People of a lesser realm

Steve Penny — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:42:56 +0000

I have been considering of late the things that distinguish achievers and leaders from the masses that fill the grandstands of life watching while other valiant souls put everything on the line to achieve their dreams.
People of a lesser realm have certain characteristics that are plain to see.
1. They have no personal dreams
2. They live to satisfy their present desires
3. They choose the safe options in life
4. They think from the bottom of the pile – not from the top – problem not promise
5. Their words are always cautious – considering and comparative
6. They would rather be a big fish in a little puddle – than partner with people ahead of them to achieve greatness.
7. They only believe what they know in their little world
8. Money and resource is always their primary concern.
9. They are always too busy to visit bigger worlds
10. They obstruct the road to greatness by setting up roadblocks for the young visionaries about to overtake them.
My advice – Do everything you can to live in the world of your dreams – and find someone capable – to help you get there.

Morning Walks

Steve Penny — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:00:28 +0000

Have just arrived at Mooloolaba on my morning walk. Now sitting watching the wind tossed sea argue over the lines that have been set for its waves to lose their power and settle gently along the sea shore.
People are walking along the beachfront oblivious to the awesome power lying in the depths of the ocean at their feet.
The reality is that God has set lines or boundaries for all of creation so that there is order and structure in all He does. These lines and boundaries are for our protection and blessing and it is only when something goes horribly wrong that we see these lines being broken and devastation being inflicted.
The same is true within the human soul.
God has set boundaries and rules for our protection and blessing. It is only when we break these rules and cross these boundaries that devastation and disappointment occur.
It is heartbreaking to watch people consistently cross these lines and break these rules and reap the devastation that sin yields.
Some hints on living with boundaries
1. Thank God for His love in setting default lines of behavior within every human being.
2. Choose to find out what God’s rules and lines are for your life. Ignorance is no excuse.
3. Decide to set your own lines for your life. Make sure they line up with God’s rules. The ones you set are the ones you will keep.
4. Declare that the lines of your life are set in beautiful places so enjoy living in their protection and blessing.
5. Boundaries are a blessing – as they help you focus on what you should be in life.

Rubbish Removal

Steve Penny — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:08:10 +0000

On my walk to Mooloolaba this morning I came around the corner past a block of units and was greeted with a very strong pungent smell.
I discovered the smell was coming from a huge line of rubbish bins along the curb in front of the apartments.
I had left for my walk very early before the sun was up and so the rubbish removal truck had not yet been past to empty the bins.
The smell got me thinking about life in the real world.
1. We are created to produce and eliminate rubbish and waste.
2. It is not healthy to hold onto waste as it will pollute and clog the system.
3. There is a proper way and a proper place to dump your waste.
4. Rubbish stored will back up and overflow at the wrong time and place.
5. God has provided us with a rubbish dump called Calvary.
6. There is nothing like the feeling of freedom experienced after a visit to the cross.
7. Practice coming to the cross daily and unloading your burdens at the foot of the cross – and leave free and clean for another day of healthy abundant life.

Schools back

Steve Penny — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:17:19 +0000

It is Monday 23 Jan 2012 and it is the first day of school for a new year.
It is one of my favourite days for the whole year – let me tell you why.
1. The cafes along the waterfront at Mooloolaba return to normal with all the tourists gone and the locals now sitting back in their favourite seats.
2. The sounds of screaming coming from homes all over the suburbs as little creatures face their first encounter with a scary teacher.
3. The sounds of shouting as stressed out mums attempt to get their little creatures dressed in clothes that fitted so easily yesterday – but today refuse to fit.
4. The sounds of singing as Dads leave for work extra early to miss the mayhem.
5.The sounds of sirens as frantic mums speed down backstreets in an attempt to offload their cargo before all hell breaks loose.
6. Most of all the quiet smile of grandparents as they watch their children reaping the harvest of their own childhood tantrums as now their children repay the favour.
Ain’t life so sweet.

Think More

Steve Penny — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:45:50 +0000

Talking to a friend recently who made the comment – If I had more money I would be able to help so many people.
I love the sentiment expressed – but dislike the prevailing attitude.
So many people are waiting until they get more – before they begin being a blessing to others.
The truth is – you have to “think more” continually if you want to live a generous life.
How would you treat your family and friends – if you had more time?
How would you act when it came to paying the bill when out with friends – if you had more money?
How would you respond to those who hurt you – if you had more love?
How would you treat those who are going to hell – if you had more compassion for lost people?
Truth is – we never have enough of anything to live in our world of dreams. We must start by thinking more abundantly – and then act upon such thoughts.
You will find more time! You can pay the bill! You must forgive others! You must include lost people in your world.
You have to start by thinking more – if you want to enjoy the truth – it is more blessed to give to others -than it is to live a self focussed life.
Stop adding to your bucket list – and try pouring some of what you now have out onto others.
Think more – so you can give more and it will come back to you – pressed down, shaken together, and running out all over.

The year of inheritance

Steve Penny — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:40:01 +0000

God woke me up over Xmas and gave me a word – that this is the year for the church to possess its inheritance.
Israel was in captivity in Egypt for four hundred years and still grew to be a mighty nation while under the influence of the world.
It is 400 years since Martin Luther sounded the cry to Let my People go and since that time the church has become a mighty nation.
Now it is time to come out of the world system but go into the nations of people and march toward our Godly inheritance.
God is going to judge the world and increase His church at the same time.
There will be increased judgements of God upon the ungodly systems of the world but the people in the Kingdom of God will be protected by the Blood covenant made by our Saviour Jesus.
However Christians must now come out of the world system and clearly turn toward their promised inheritance.
The beginnings of a new revival of Godliness and Possession are beginning to emerge around the world.
The so called emerging church – which is focussed on convenience and comfort will soon disappear and in its place will emerge a new movement of people committed to possessing ALL their inheritance in Christ.
Our inheritance in Him is souls – souls – souls.
It is time to lift up your eyes and see the Lord now standing over the nations of the world – as His fields of harvest.
We must arise and go forth into the fields of the world – and there we will find our greatest enheritance ever.
I believe we will see great increase and expansion as the church stops trying to impress the world and leaves its system for a better place – Life in Christ. This is what the people of all nations are searching for – Life in Christ.

The year of inheritance

Steve Penny — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:39:38 +0000

The Love of God

Steve Penny — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:36:29 +0000

When someone becomes a Christian they are not the same anymore. All the old ways have gone and amazingly everything has become brand new.
2 Corinthians 5:17.
When we receive Christ into our lives, the love of God explodes within us and engineers a complete work of regeneration.
We become brand new by the love of God. From that moment on – God’s love within us, is at work enabling us to love what God loves.
1. We love His word – it becomes our daily bread and is sweet to our taste.
Don’t get into the word? Check your love for God.
2. We love people – God’s love helps us see the good in everyone and forgive the wrong in someone.
3. We love the church – Christ loved the church so much He died for it.
Jesus also said – I will build my church. Struggling to help build His church? Check out your love for God.
4. We love to give – For God so loved He gave His best. One of the clearest indicators of lost love for God, is a loss of generosity in all things.
5. We love life – Jesus came so that we might have life in abundance. If you have lost your ability to dream of more life – then you have lost your love for an awesome God. God’s love turns people into aspirants.
There is something amazing about the love of God within us.
1. It gives you permission to be you.
2. It gives you potential to be more than you can dare imagine.
3. It gives you power to be like Jesus.
Thank God for His amazing love.