In today’s post I thought I would share a list of things he describes as common attributes of Introverts on page 42.

• Prefer to relax alone or with a few close friends
• Consider only deep relationships as friends
• Need rest after outside activities,even ones we enjoy
• Often listen but talk a lot about topics of importance to us
• Appear calm, self-contained and like to observe
• Tend to think before we act or speak
• May prefer a quiet atmosphere
• Experience our minds going blank in groups or under pressure
• Don’t like feeling rushed
• Have great powers of concentration
• Dislike small talk
• Are territorial – desire private space and time
• May treat their homes as their sanctuaries
• Prefer to work on own rather than a group
• May prefer written communication
• Do not share private thoughts with many people

Again I relate to many of these things on the list. People who know me personally could probably go down the list and tick them off one by one!

If you relate to a number of things on the list above, then this book might be helpful for you. It will help you to accept yourself as you are and allow you to move out into the world with greater understanding of how you are wired.

This will probably be my last post on the book. I am tempted to pass on things I find and relate to, but I don’t want to share too much because it might be more beneficial for you to buy the book if you relate to what I have shared so far.

God Bless,

Dave

Extroverts often gain energy by being around people and if they have an issue they talk it through with others. Introverts on the other hand need space and solitude to recharge and work things through internally.

On pages 35 and 36 it explains how Introverts find energy…

“Introverts are energised by solitude. We are recharged from inside out, from the forces of our internal world of ideas and feelings. Just as a geyser finds its power from a subterranean water source, introverts derive strength from hidden places. We generally fill our tanks in private or in the presence of one or two close friends, or else in a public place without interacting with those around us”.

Again I related to these ideas. For me finding energy is about being alone with my thoughts and alone with God. Often I can recharge by spending time at home or in a solitary place.

For me this is why my walks up Merredin Peak are a regular part of my routine. Especially when I feel overloaded from recent events and need space to process things that have taken place. It is also good to get my thoughts straight for things that are coming up.

As Christians I believe it is important to keep growing and moving forward. I am finding this book a great read and a tool that is helping me to further understanding my personality and the way I do things.

God Bless,

Dave

In the introduction section it talks about introverts and extroverts as Pastors and leaders. It talks about extrovert leaders being charismatic and magnetic, energised by the conversation and social interaction with the congregation, able to talk on all topics and speak with people of all social standing with ease. They are people who naturally draw people to themselves.

Then it turns to someone who is more introverted…

“I, by way of contrast, relished times of solitude, reflection and personal study. I enjoyed people, and I found satisfaction in depth of relationship and conversation, but even when I spent time with people I liked, I looked forward to moments of privacy. I found crowds draining. I could stand up and preach a sermon in front of hundreds of people without nervousness, but I often stumbled through the greeting time afterward because my energy reserves were dry”.

I can 100% relate to the second description types of personality. Over the years I have struggled with this and at times tried to be more like the first description, but could only keep it up for a short time. Eventually I would become tired and drained and have to withdraw to recover.

Because of this I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the book. As I read through I will share some of the things that jump out at me in future blog posts.

God Bless,

Dave

Because of this I am very reflective and I spend a lot of time praying, reading my Bible and meditating on the Word. While I am confident in small group I find the big crowds of most churches abnormal and uncomfortable. I also find a lot of people contact draining.

This is why the title of this book jumped out at me. Here is some of the blurb…

“Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it’s not as faithful to be an introvert.

Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship and even evangelize effectively.

Introverts in the Church is essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts. Discover God’s call and empowering to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom.”

I must say I am really looking forward to receiving this book and reading it. We have actually ordered two copies so my wife and I can read it together and maybe pass one copy on to someone else afterwards.

About the Author: Adam S. McHugh (Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary) is an ordained Presbyterian minister, a spiritual director and an introvert. He has served at two Presbyterian churches, as a hospice chaplain and as campus staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He and his wife live in Claremont, California.

As I read through the book I will pass my reflections on as I go. If you are interested in buying one you can find it here at Koorong Bookstore.

God Bless,
Dave

We started with Proverbs which we read one chapter a day. Then we moved on to Matthew reading one heading and passage with the footnotes a day. Now we are reading one heading a day in the Book of Acts with the footnotes.

It has been really nice to read the Bible daily with my wife. It is a great way to start the day in God’s Word. I find our Bible knowledge has increased and talking about the Bible has increased a lot too.

It is a really positive experience and one that has brought us closer together too. I would really encourage you to do it if you can.

God Bless,

Dave

One book I picked up again today is Roger Thoman’s Simple/House Church Revolution. It is a really simple book that talks about doing church differently. Something long term readers will know that I am in to!

In particular I really like chapter four of the book. It says that doing church is a way of life that involves five principles.

1. Reach – Reaching out. Loving others with no strings attached. An “outbreak of love”.

2. Disciple – Disciple making that everyone can do. Influencing others relationally and contagiously.

3. Gather – Experiencing dynamic, participatory  body-life with others.

4. Empower – Empowering others. A truly upside down understanding  of leading (facilitating) decentralized systems.

5. Multiply – Reproducing yourself. Becoming seed that brings forth a multiple harvest.

In the remaining chapters of the book he unpacks these thoughts. It explains how you go about putting these things into practice.

I first read this book about two years ago and posted some thoughts on it. Today I was prompted to pick it up again.

If you are interested in reading it yourself, you can download it for free at Roger’s website here  http://www.simplechurchrevolution.com/download.htm

God Bless,

Dave

My wife and I picked it up on a recent trip to Perth and she read it in a few days. Afterwards she handed it to me and suggested it was a “must read” for me too.

Here is some of the information about the book from the publisher…

“These troubled times demand that we are fountains for the great power of God, not simply knowing about the truths of God, but personally experiencing them.

Greater holy power in our lives means greater harvests for God. This book will help you be more effective in your walk with God by leading you into a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit, the person – not just to teach you about Him, but rather to bring you into connection with Him.

It will impart to you – hunger, thirst, and communion – with him, the Holy Spirit, God Himself.”

I have to say I really enjoyed it a lot. In many ways it confirmed some of the things God has been speaking to me about lately. Especially in the area of relying on the Holy Spirit to build and encourage the local church.

If you are interested you can find it here at Koorong Bookstore.

God Bless,
Dave

I have only been using LASB since the end of June but it has been a real blessing. We read the Bible text and then read the extended footnotes for each verse of passage that we are looking at. We have picked up so much extra insight from the footnotes.

Here is some information about the LASB…

“The “Life Application Study Bible” is today’s #1-selling study Bible, containing notes that not only explain difficult passages and give information on Bible life and times but also go a step further to show how God’s Word speaks to every situation and circumstance of your life It’s the one Bible resource that incorporates today’s top scholarship in answering your “now what?” questions. The “Life Application Study Bible” includes nearly 10,000 Life Application notes and features designed to help readers apply God’s truths to everyday life.”

I purchased four of these recently, so as a family we all have one each. Then as we get together we can read the same text and same footnotes. I also wanted it for my girls when they are reading the Bible alone so they can further understand the passages they are reading.

The one pictured above is the 25th Anniversary version and costs about $25 at Koorong and Word Bookstore. It really is a great resource if you are wanting to understand the Bible in a deeper and more practical way.

I have made the decision that when I give Bibles to new people, this is the one I will be giving. It will cost me a bit more money, but it will make a huge difference to their walk with Jesus.

God Bless,

Dave

“This completely revised and updated edition is the most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. A wealth of basic study information is found in more than 7,000 entries plus over 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides.Includes the Visual Survey of the Bible.

This dictionary puts at the reader’s disposal a wealth of the most current findings and insights to enrich one’s study and teaching of the Bible. Editors have drawn from the world’s finest evangelical scholars–no other dictionary features as much up-to-date information. A new 48-page section includes a guide to the most effective use of the dictionary for personal study or lesson preparation.”

I have three Bible dictionaries in my bookshelf but this is the one I find most useful. I really like the simple English explanations and colour images. It helps give you a lot of useful background information to places, people or situations. It also gives you many Bible references to help you dig deeper into God’s Word.

If you are interested you can find this at Koorong or Word Bookstore for about $40.

God Bless,
Dave

“For fifty years the New Bible Commentary has served Bible readers worldwide. This 21st Century Edition builds on the strengths of the previous three:

• a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible by an international team of contributors
• general articles on what the Bible is and how to read it
• an introduction to each Bible book
• commentaries dividing each book into sections for ease of reference

Designed to meet the needs of today, the New Bible Commentary is based on the simplicity and clarity of the NIV text, and makes use of recent international scholarship: 80% of the articles are entirely new and the rest have been rewritten. New maps, diagrams, charts and tables illuminate the text, and further reading lists are included with each article.”

I have found this a really useful resource over the years. It has really helped me with my Bible College studies, preparing sermons and Bible studies.

If you are interested you can purchase on at Koorong or Word Bookstores for around $40-45. It is well worth it.

God Bless,

Dave