John 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus and it reveals what was important to him. After praying for himself (vs.1-5) and his disciples (vs.6-19), he prayed for all who would believe in him – for the church yet to born (vs.20-26).… Read the rest
The Power of Encouragement
Someone once said that “encouragement is like oxygen to the soul”. Each one of us thrives in an environment of affirmation and encouragement. No one likes to be in an atmosphere where we are being torn down or ridiculed.
So think about what you are doing to those around about you. Are… Read the rest
Emotional Intelligence
Well known psychologist, Daniel Goleman has done a lot research on the components of success, especially in the work place. His conclusion is that Technical Skill and Intellectual Intelligence (or IQ) are very important, but that the quality of Emotional Intelligence (or EQ), is the most essential.… Read the rest
The Art of Loving Confrontation
Life can be very rewarding and fulfilling. It can also be very difficult at times. Two of the hardest things to do are handling criticism and confronting people, not that we should love confronting people (!) but learning how to do so in a loving manner.… Read the rest
Think Win/Win
In his best selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey noted that when it comes to healthy relationships, mature people think “win/win”.
Win/Win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all situations, agreements and solutions.… Read the rest
Happy Mother’s Day (2016)
It’s Mother’s Day: a century-old tradition of taking time to thank and honour our amazing mums. Mums are special people we owe so much to – in addition to our very existence! Most mums are faithful, loyal, hard-working, loving and caring people.… Read the rest
Stories Around the Cross – The Denial
The Denial (Mark 14:27-31, 66-72)
The theme of abandonment overshadows many of the Stories Around the Cross. Jesus was abandoned by betrayal (Judas), by indifference (the disciples sleeping three times in Gethsemane), and by denial and desertion (Peter and the Twelve).… Read the rest
How’s Your Cultural Intelligence?
The apostle Paul worked hard to relate to a wide variety of people. Have a read of this from his letter to the church at Corinth in the first century:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose–living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized––whoever.… Read the rest
The Power of a Clear Conscience
The apostle Paul spoke a lot about a 'clear conscience' back in the first century. Here are two examples:
- "Friends, I've lived with a clear conscience before God all my life, up to this very moment." Acts 23:1. MB
- "I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people."
Grief
Ten tips for supporting someone who is grieving:
• Offer practical support such as meals, shopping, gardening, errands, lifts, etc. especially in the early days.
• Accept that everyone grieves differently. Grief is a normal and natural response to loss but everyone grieves differently.… Read the rest
Responding to Domestic Violence
Right now, our vision as a church is to see over 10,000 stories of transformation. Recently, we have had a number of moving stories about individuals coming out of domesitc violence situations. These are people who once felt isolated, hopeless, and helpless. Now they feel cared for and looked after. These… Read the rest
“Porn Kills Love” by Josiah Conner
We fight the drug of porn with the power of love
Ephesians 5:1-14
[Josiah Conner kicked off our Modern Family series last weekend with a message entitled "Porn Kills Love" (watch or listen). Here is a summary, along with some reflection questions]
Steak: We have taken the good gift of sex and turned it into something it is not.… Read the rest
Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
As a pastor and church leader, I have a confession to make:
The church has not handled the matter of domestic violence well.
Let me be more specific:
1. We have not done a good job of helping to prevent domestic violence, of confronting it when it does occur nor of helping those involved – both the perpetrator and victim.
… Read the rest Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time
Christmas is a joyful time for most people. But for some it can be a difficult time, especially for those who have lost a loved one. Christmas reminds them of what or who is gone. The pain of that grief can be quite unbearable.… Read the rest
Two Simple Questions to Improve Your Marriage
In most marriages, one person is wired a little more relationally than the other. Often it is the wife … but not always.
If so, husbands, find a quiet time and place and ask your wife these two simple questions:
1.… Read the rest