I love Autumn! It is one of my favourite seasons of the year. The somewhat cooler days, the clear blue skies, and the glorious colours of the leaves. Change is in the air. The cycle of life is moving forward. Nicole and I moved back to Melbourne last May after 18 months of living in … Continue reading Seasons (Part 1)
How’s Your Spiritual Journey?
As we near the end of another year, it's a good time to pause and reflect on our lives. There are many metaphors and images through which to do so. One of those is through that of a journey. A journey usually has different sections, hills and valleys, twists and turns, and a few surprises … Continue reading How’s Your Spiritual Journey?
NEW Book: “The Spiritual Journey – Understanding the Stages of Faith”
In December last year, one of my goals for 2018 was to publish three books. Well, number three was released a few weeks ago. It's called The Spiritual Journey: Understanding the Stages of Faith. I am really excited about it as I believe this material will be of help to many people in their spiritual … Continue reading NEW Book: “The Spiritual Journey – Understanding the Stages of Faith”
Navigating the Storms of Life
Nahum 1:3. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. NKJV
The book of Nahum is one of the 12 minor prophets found at the end of the Old Testament. Nahum lived in the seventh century BC during a time of great political upheaval due to the rise of the Assyrian Empire. His messages sought to encourage God’s people who were being oppressed by a seemingly invincible foe. The book opens with a song of praise to God for his power and justice. The spectacular manifestations of nature are symbolic of his power.
Navigating the Stages of Faith
A few years ago, I wrote about stages of the life of faith. I have been thinking about this again recently and I strongly believe that this is an insightful way to view our faith in and relationship to God. I have edited the number of stages and their names, as well as some of … Continue reading Navigating the Stages of Faith
Flight Mode
I was travelling overseas recently and as the airplane took off the pilot reminded us to turn our phones off or put them in 'flight mode'. Flight mode suspends radio-frequency signal transmission on the device, thereby disabling Bluetooth, telephony, and Wi-Fi. As a result, during this time you can't receive any incoming phone calls, messages or … Continue reading Flight Mode
Your Story Building Project (Part 3)
God’s work of renovation is designed to make us more like Jesus so that we can have a greater positive impact on our world. Ask yourself, “Is there anything about my life that makes being a Christian attractive to the world?” We are to be a sweet smelling aroma not someone carrying around stinking attitudes. Sadly, there … Continue reading Your Story Building Project (Part 3)
Your Story Building Project (Part 2)
How Do We Co-Operate With God's Work of Renovation is Our Lives? Firstly, let go of the past. See yesterday's post. Secondly, deal with what is happening today. God is more interested in who we are becoming (our character) than what we are doing for him (our achievements). So what is God up to in your … Continue reading Your Story Building Project (Part 2)
Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 4)
As we said when we began these reflections, the writer of Psalm 139 was facing many challenges from unjust people and oppressors. In this context, a hymn of adoration was crafted, declaring that (1) God is always with us, (2) God's affections are towards us, and (3) we have a unique purpose. In concluding this … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 4)
Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 3)
Psalm 139 not only reminds us that (1) God is with us and that (2) we are objects of his affection. It also shows us that we have been crafted for a specific purpose. Crafted for a PurposeVs. 15. You know me inside and out,You know every bone in my body;You know exactly how I … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 3)
Reflections of Psalm 139 (Part 2)
As we continue our reflections on Psalm 139, we move on from the awareness that God is always with us to the understanding that you, like every other human being, are made in the image of God. Let's read on ... Vs.13-15. Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;You formed me in my … Continue reading Reflections of Psalm 139 (Part 2)
Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 1)
This beautiful Psalm begins by boldly declaring that God knows all about us, will never let us go, and has been involved with us from our earliest beginnings (vs.1-18). The latter part of the Psalm provides the context - one of feeling the injustice of people who go about doing wrong and need to be … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 139 (Part 1)
Another Work Week …
As we come to the end of the weekend (a long one for those living in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia), another work week awaits for most people. It is interesting that in the ancient Hebrew mindset, the day begins in the evening - with rest (see Genesis 1 where it repeatedly says "... and the evening … Continue reading Another Work Week …
Trinity
A few years ago, when I was on a week-long prayer and silent retreat, I had just finished dinner and I walked out to the retreat centre's garden area. A lot of it was over-grown and unkept but there were some beautiful spots. Great places to sit, meditate, reflect and pray. I had this image … Continue reading Trinity
Is it time to SLOW DOWN a little?
Many years ago, not long after moving to Chicago into a new fairly high pressured ministry position, John Ortberg asked his mentor, Dallas Willard, “What do I need to do to stay healthy and alive spiritually?” Long pause. “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life”, he said at last. Another long pause. “Okay, I’ve … Continue reading Is it time to SLOW DOWN a little?