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?
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 8)
A Few Important Qualifications Here are a few important truths about ‘spiritual disciplines’ (from John Ortberg): “Spiritual disciplines are not the barometer of spirituality”. The true indicator of spiritual well-being is growth in the ability to love God and people (see 2 Thess.1:3). The real issue is what kind of people were becoming NOT the … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 8)
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 7)
Today we will look at three final spiritual disciplines or exercises: 8. Fasting. In fasting we choose to intentionally go without something for a period of time (usually something pleasurable but not necessarily sinful). It could be food (in a variety of forms) or some other activity (TV, music, etc). Jesus assumed that his disciples … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 7)
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 6)
Here are some more spiritual disciplines ... 6. Solitude. Solitude is intentionally spending time alone with God away from people and from busyness or distractions. We choose to be alone. It is one of the most important and fundamental of the spiritual disciplines, especially if we are to do some of the other disciplines well. … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 6)
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 5)
Another spiritual discipline ... 5. Serving. A very important discipline is the discipline of ‘serving’. It helps us to work hard against our ingrained bent towards self-centredness. Naturally, we’d all prefer to ‘be served’ than to ‘serve’. However, in the kingdom of God, God calls us all to be servants – to take on the nature … Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 5)