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. … Read the rest
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.… Read the rest
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 held to account (vs.19-23).… Read the rest
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 and the morning were the first day").… Read the rest
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.… Read the rest
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.… Read the rest
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).
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.… Read the rest
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 of Christ and to choose to serve others, willingly and joyfully (Mt.20:25-28.… Read the rest
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 4)
Some more spiritual disciplines …
3. The Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. It contains his thoughts about life. It is our guidebook for life – how we are meant to live in the kingdom of God here and now (2 Tim.3:16-17).… Read the rest
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 3)
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are like ‘habits of effectiveness’ for the spiritual life, much like exercises, are used to develop habits of effectiveness for other areas of life (sport, music or language). Richard Foster says, “The disciplines place us before God so that God can transform us.”… Read the rest
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 2)
Spiritual Growth is a Process
When we commit our lives to Christ, a new life begins (2 Cor.5:17). We are “born again” or have a chance to start over. It’s not just turning over a new leaf. It’s getting a new life and a fresh start.… Read the rest
Spiritual Disciplines – Growing Spiritually (Part 1)
This term we are doing some training with our staff on genuine spirituality. I'd thought I'd put a summary of our teaching up on the BLOG for everyone's benefit.
Spiritual Growth
As we get to know God, his desire is to transform and change us to be like him.… Read the rest
Jesus: I AM the Vine
John 15:1-6. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.… Read the rest
Your Home Base
Luke 5:16. As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. The Message Bible
This is an amazing description of how Jesus lived and did ministry.
- He loved solitude - by the sea or in the country, on a boat or in a garden.