Worry is a normal part of the human condition. Our minds naturally drift towards thinking about what could or is going wrong in our life or our world. Jesus understood this and addressed it (Matthew 6:25-34), as did the apostle Paul. When writing from prison to the church at Philippi, Paul said: Philippians 4:6-8. Don’t … Continue reading Overcoming Worry
The Race of Life (Part 4)
How is Your Race Going? 4. Are You Detoured? Sometimes we take a wrong turn. We're going the wrong way. We might even be lost. Even Jesus said that there is a wide road that seems attractive but it doesn’t always lead to life. Think of the prodigal Son who left home for the … Continue reading The Race of Life (Part 4)
The Race of Life (Part 3)
How is Your Race Going? 3. Are You Stopped? Sometimes we stop because of tragedy. Bad things happen to good people. Pain, hurt and tragedy touch most people’s lives. We don’t always know why. Life tends to ‘freeze frame’ in these moments. We need healing and comfort. Grief, which is a normal response to ‘loss’, is … Continue reading The Race of Life (Part 3)
The Race of Life (Part 2)
How is Your Race Going? 2. Are You Slowing Down? Maybe you are slowing down for various reasons. You could be tired or fatigued. You've been through a busy patch that has felt like running up a steep hill. Maybe you've been working too many long hours, running too fast for too long, and now … Continue reading The Race of Life (Part 2)
The Race of Life (Part 1)
As we begin the New Year together, it's a good time to reflect on our life - where have we come from, where are we now, and where are we going? Through the course of time, we all move through: age stages (child, teenager, young adult, adult, senior adult), faith stages (seeking, finding, growing, maturing), … Continue reading The Race of Life (Part 1)
Suffragette
In the holidays, we went to see the movie Suffragette. It was very moving - showing the struggle of women to gain the right to vote in Britain back in the early 1800s. The movie does not claim to be a comprehensive exploration of every activist who falls under that broad term, but instead revolves around one … Continue reading Suffragette
Relax
Today, some words from Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:31-34 (Message Bible translation). What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both … Continue reading Relax
Jesus’ Ministry
The Gospel of Matthew tells us this about the ministry of Jesus: Matthew 9:35-37. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them … Continue reading Jesus’ Ministry
The Power of Focus
Proverbs 4:25-27 says (Message Bible translation): Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. Here is some good and helpful advice for life: 1. Look straight ahead. We need to have a … Continue reading The Power of Focus
An Invitation
John tells us that when Philip and Nathanel met Jesus he gave them an invitation - "Come and see" (John 1:39). Jesus does not offer them an argument but an opportunity to enter into a daily relationship with him. Here are some more profound comments from Jesus: Matthew 11:27. The Father has given me all … Continue reading An Invitation
Has Science Buried God? with John Lennox
Unfortunately, many people today see science and faith as enemies rather than friends. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of scientists and intellectuals who are speaking out about their faith. John Lennox is one of them. John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy … Continue reading Has Science Buried God? with John Lennox
Living a Joy-Filled Life
In order for us to live the joy-filled life God desires for us, we need to be on guard for joy robbers. This takes some work. It doesn't happen by just saying, “Don't worry, be happy”. We need a strategy. 1. Overcome Irritations with PATIENCE. We can't avoid irritations coming our way. We have to … Continue reading Living a Joy-Filled Life
Joy Robbers
Yesterday, we talked about Christmas joy - the message of "good news of great joy for all the people." Yes, joy is God's will for your life ... all because of Jesus. But, we have an enemy! Jesus made this very clear ... John 10:10. “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I have come … Continue reading Joy Robbers
Christmas Joy
Christmas is probably a distant memory for most of us now but it is good to be reminded of the core message that it brought - one of "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10) because of the arrival of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The One who would bring salvation and … Continue reading Christmas Joy
Laughter is Good Medicine!
When was the last time you laughed? I mean, really laughed? One of those big belly laughs that goes on and on and brings tears to your eyes. If you are lucky it was in the last couple of days but if you are like most people you have been so busy trying to get … Continue reading Laughter is Good Medicine!