Year in Review - 2009

Team,

I thought I would collate a few thoughts from the year that was Ironmen 2009. If you could indulge me with your time, I have put down the following, with it a message for each of you:

Introduction:
I'm not to much of a sentimentalist or one to look back at the past, but there is a time to review what has been in order to get more out of the future. One of the 12 tribes of Israel - Dan, were the tribe of judges, who reflected and judged the future. That said, taking stock is a Godly, wise thing to do, so that we can get more from the future.

With that in mind, I believe 2009 was a year of building character and strength in us. A year of planting, of preparing out hearts..

I think it fair to say that in my personal interactions with each of you, 2009 was a year of laying strong foundations in the "inner man".

By spending time with each of you, it didn't take long to see that there were key personal challenges each of us were facing but more importantly no one was walking away from them.

To put a sales analogy on it, 2009 was a year of investing time and effort into reaping a reward (sale) in 2010. 2010 will be the year of harvest, of bearing fruit in each of us.

Wether it be in relationships, restored marriages, answers on employment and work, creation of new families, new business ventures, finding genuine purpose, money, sexual intimacy, personal intimacy with Jesus... I believe 2010 is a year of dividends...

Review:

In Jan 2009 we had about 5-6 guys coming regularly, by the end of 2009, there were 11 people on the team, with an average turnout of 6-7 each fortnight, largely dependent on people's travel itineraries. On occasions it jumped up to 10-11 which was great to see.

Topics ranged this year from:

Leadership
Forgiveness
Power of our speech
Intimacy with God
Spiritual Warefare
Seasons
Limiting God
Straying from the home
Communication
Goals
Faith
Parenting
Purpose of Work


The highlights for me were Dane's testimony of 911 and his move to Australia, Morne's story of his redemption from his old life and his spiritual restorative process, having Max Mclaren talk on Leadership at our meeting, Brendan's journey with Christine, Getting to know Simon and Sam, having Steve Hayes and Steve Chan join, and seeing you guys come back each week to be sharpened and sharpen others.

A word of encouragement for each of you:

John - You're a builder and conqueror, a taking ground person. A man walking in His Word. I remember clearly speaking over you in 2008 at a prayer night that we would be good friends and you would be that spiritual leader in your house as was required from you at the time. Both are coming to pass with the fruits to be enjoyed at home in 2010

Morne - You're a spiritual leader in the body of Christ, a man who is challenged with your time and your gifts. "a man in demand". To me it seemed 2009 was a year of asking the key questions in your heart and inner man. 2010 will provide those answers. God will help you pick less things, but pick the winners (so the speak) that will produce the best fruit.

Saul - You're a man full of inner spiritual character. 2009 saw you tested a few fronts, some issues have been ongoing for many years, while others were around key decisions. You don't run from them. God sees your heart and your walk as being congruent. I am praying that 2010 sees break-through in your family, for "we are more than conquerors in Jesus".

Brendan - You're a man dedicated to a positive outcome. A man who has overcome more than most of us will ever really know or wish to know. To watch what has unfolded in 2009 is a small miracle, many steps still to go in 2010, but I see your inner man being able to handle 2010 in better shape, as Jesus is protecting your heart. In my mind, you're a walking giant.

Simon - You're just a legend in my mind (as is all of the team!). And I know only a fraction of the journey. You're "the man", what each of us should aspire to be at certain junctures in our life. Just like the others, in 2009 you didn't walk away from challenges, though you had every reason to. There are two saying about God, that are true, 1. He takes a long time to do something in your life quickly and 2. He is doing more behind your back for our good than we realise. 2010 I am praying you have some major breakthroughs - quickly.

Dane - You're a preacher and teacher, a man full of the Word and nourishing food that comes out of your mouth. You commented to me one recent Sunday, that 2009 has brought you answers and intimacy with Him - peace in your heart. We hope to see you in 2010 as you bring a great element to the team. I believe our team has much to gain from your input and presence.

Sam - You're a walking talking example of a man undergoing inner and personal transformation. A man that has been touched by Jesus' peace and forgiving spirit. To know some of the things you have encountered and the way you have handled them speaks volumes of your character. To those that have yet to know much about you, I'd encourage the other guys to get some of your time. 2010 is a breakthrough year for you in your business. I would encourage you to share and sharpen your message on the spirit of "Enough".

Steve Hayes - You're a man with a strength of character and conviction that outsiders envy. Your input into the team has been a great asset because you always had some strong inputs. I only wish we had more of your time. 2009 had a couple of curve balls thrown at you -the thing that I respect in you is your ability to move on. I see 2010 being a year where you find answers to a couple of core questions you have about your future.

Steve Chan - It's great to have you join the team and walk with us on the journey. You're a rock. You will be a great asset in 2010. For those that have yet to get to know Steve, spend some time with him and get blessed.

Alex - You're my closest confident and friend and a supporter from day 1 back in early 2008. Thank you for your support. You're welcome back any time as a guest of honor VIP.

Conclusion

One of the core reasons I started Ironmen, was as you know because God told me to and have it based on Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens Iron, so a person sharpens the counsel of his friend". That is, based on the principle of investing in our inner person getting battle ready for when key decisions and challenges come up to meet us (planned or unplanned). To me, that core reason and purpose still remains. A man makes poor decisions because he's unprepared in his inner person, because Jesus is not his decision filter.

I think a good litmus test of what Ironmen brings to each of us, is what would we have done differently in those key challenges we all faced if we weren't in the Ironmen team? Now it doesn't have to be big, it could be something small, but powerful none the less. For me, it was choosing to invest in people and attempt to be a leader through example. It was also understanding there is a season and purpose and to embrace and learn from that season of challenge.

God Bless you and your family.

You are my heroes. I would like to be like each of you in some small way.

Ben.


"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ⁶ But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."
James 1:5-8

Ironmen,

Today, after much "encouragement" from Steve Hayes, I have finally set up the Ironmen blog.

This is where the content of our fortnightly discussions will be uploaded and shared.

This will hopefully be a convenient and efficient way to communicate, share and pass on to others in the team.

Admin notes:
Save the URL for future reference.

Thx Steve for the suggestion.

Ben