Our daughter, Natasha, turns 20 in a few weeks. We bought her a dog, with some help from the RSPCA. He is a labrador and is a little over 2 years of age. His name is Oscar. Oscar is very cute and has a peaceful nature. While looking through a few other dog pounds with … Continue reading The 10 Commandments From a Dog’s Point of View
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
At CityLife Church, we are about to commence a two-week season of prayer and fasting. Jesus fasted for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry, releasing great power into his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), and he assumed that his disciples would fast also (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting can be a powerful personal discipline to train our will, to … Continue reading The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Reflections on Psalm 10
A few verses from Psalm 10, an ancient song with contemporary relevance ... Vs.1. O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? Vs.2. The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. Vs.3. For they brag … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 10
Reflections on Psalm 9
The Psalms are a collection of ancient songs, reflecting Israel's experience with God. In Psalm 9, David opens his song like this (vs.1-2): I will praise the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing … Continue reading Reflections on Psalm 9
Reflections on Proverbs 2
A few reflections from Proverbs 2: 1. Wisdom will save you from the immoral person. The path of lust leads to death and to hell. If you take that route you are doomed and will never reach the path of life. Think about it. 2. Instead of following evil and immoral people, follow the steps … Continue reading Reflections on Proverbs 2
Reflection on Proverbs 1
A few reflections on Proverbs 1 1. Two things that we need are ‘wisdom’ and ‘discipline’. ‘Wisdom’ is living from God’s perspective on life and ‘discipline’ is having the character to consistently do what you know is right. 2. We must have a hunger for wisdom and pursue it. Fearing God is the first step … Continue reading Reflection on Proverbs 1
Your Life is an Adventure
I think it is quite significant that two big-time movies helped to kick off 2013: Les Miserables (based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo), which is about living life as forgiven people who forgive others, letting go of revenge and embracing redemption, and The Hobbit (based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkein), which is … Continue reading Your Life is an Adventure
An Invitation from Jesus (Reflections on Matthew 11:28-30)
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus is quoted as saying, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, … Continue reading An Invitation from Jesus (Reflections on Matthew 11:28-30)
The Changing Shape of Temptation (Barna Report)
It’s that time again — the beginning of a new year when people resolve to make some changes in their lives. New Year’s resolutions are certainly nothing new. In fact, for many people, they are the same year after year. Making and breaking resolutions is something of a tradition. A new study from the Barna … Continue reading The Changing Shape of Temptation (Barna Report)
Leadership Lessons from the Bonsai (Guest Post)
I really enjoyed the insights from this BLOG post on leadership by David M.Dye ... A mature bonsai tree commands attention. With just one tree a master evokes an entire landscape and tells a story of power, perseverance, struggle, or abundance. As I’ve studied bonsai, I realized that the art of growing these trees has … Continue reading Leadership Lessons from the Bonsai (Guest Post)
Stages of Life (Late Adulthood)
The pool of those living beyond 100 – the centenarians of society - is increasing in leaps and bounds (70,000 in USA in 2007 increasing to 834,000 in 2050; over 4,252 in Australia as of June, 2011, up from 203 just 40 years ago). Demographers are now starting to the number of ‘super-centenarians’ – people over the age of … Continue reading Stages of Life (Late Adulthood)
You’re Blessed!
The Gospel of Matthew records five main teaching discourses from Jesus. Matthew 5-7 is Jesus' call to righteousness, which is about doing the will of God. Jesus is teaching his disciples and the multitudes from the mountain. Jesus begins with what is commonly called The Beatitudes which are the blessings of God (Matt.5:1-12). The Latin word for "blessed" isbeati. … Continue reading You’re Blessed!
Stages of Life (Mature Adulthood)
In medieval times the Catholic worldview of the human life span was often depicted as a circle. In the centre was the image of Christ. Around this divine hub, were illustrations of the different ages of life from infancy to the grave. Each age, like a spoke, was equidistant from the hub. This suggested that every point in … Continue reading Stages of Life (Mature Adulthood)
Stages of Life (Midlife)
Like the sun sweeping through the sky, midlife (ages 35-50) is like noon-time, dividing the first and second halves of life. At the stroke of noon, the descent begins. Note that what we consider midlife, was for most of history in fact the end of life for most people. As recently as 1900, the life span of the average adult in … Continue reading Stages of Life (Midlife)
Stages of Life (Early Adulthood)
Early Adulthood (20-35 years of age) is a time of leaving the familiar world of family, parents, community, school and entering the big unknown world. It is a break with the past and a move into future. Of course, the very term "adult" is very hard to define. When do you become an adult? When … Continue reading Stages of Life (Early Adulthood)