Last year, I shared a 5-part series of messages at Bayside Church in Melbourne around the theme of THRIVE. As we entered the year, our intention wasn't to merely SURVIVE another year, but to THRIVE. The English word ‘thrive’ means: to flourish, bloom, or prosper. It comes from an Old Norse root worth that means … Continue reading THRIVE
Jesus
I wrote this in my journal 7 years ago … Thinking about Jesus today ... He had no role within any organisation or religious system. Yes, at times he worked 'within' the religious system (speaking in the synagogues, for instance) but he was not employed by it or accountable to it. He also moved 'outside' … Continue reading Jesus
What is Happening to Christianity?
The statistics are in from the 2021 census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS: source]. Only 43.9% of Australians now identify with its most common religion - Christianity. This is down from 50% in 2016, 60% percent in 2011, and 71% not long before that. That's what I would call a 'free fall' - … Continue reading What is Happening to Christianity?
Reflections on the Game of GOLF
Nice to hear that golf courses are open again here in Melbourne … A few years ago, I was sitting in a nice cafe overlooking a beautiful golf course. I was enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, reflecting on my life, and writing in my journal. I have played a fair amount of golf over … Continue reading Reflections on the Game of GOLF
The Lost Art of Meditation
Mention the word 'meditation' today, and for many people, especially Christians, it will evoke images of someone sitting in a yoga pose with their eyes closed and endlessly chanting 'ohm'. Meditation tends to be associated with Buddhism, exotic Eastern cults, or new age philosophy. Yet the practice of meditation has strong historical roots for people … Continue reading The Lost Art of Meditation
Threshold Times
Good morning from Melbourne! It's getting a little cooler here as Autumn kicks in (or is it Winter already!?). I love this season, especially the beautiful autumn leaves everywhere. Walking each morning and evening in the nearby Edinburg Gardens with my lovely wife and our quirky pugalier is a highlight of my day. Today begins … Continue reading Threshold Times
Kobe Bryant Among Those Killed in a Recent Helicopter Crash
This time last Monday morning, I checked the news headlines on my phone. I read the top news release: "Kobe Bryant and his daughter killed in a helicopter crash." What a shock! I have been an avid basketball fan since I lived in the USA back in the 1970s. I have followed the National Basketball … Continue reading Kobe Bryant Among Those Killed in a Recent Helicopter Crash
Trust the Slow Work of God
I love this prayer I came across recently by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. It really spoke into my life experience and I hope it does to yours. May we truly be patient with the journey of our lives, trusting the slow work of God. Above all, trust in the slow work of God.We are quite … Continue reading Trust the Slow Work of God
God’s Love for Me
One of the most well-known Jesus stories is his interaction with a Samaritan woman at a well, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This woman had come to draw water from Jacob's well. She was alone and it was midday. This was probably due to her ostracisation from her local community due to her … Continue reading God’s Love for Me
Praying
I came across this short poem about prayer this week. I found it quite profound. It doesn’t have to bethe blue iris, it could beweeds in a vacant lot, or a fewsmall stones; justpay attention, then patcha few words together and don’t tryto make them elaborate, this isn’ta contest but the doorway intothanks, and a … Continue reading Praying
A Map of Life’s Journey
In a few months time I will be 58 years of age. As I grow older, I find myself reflecting more on my life. Where I've come from, where I've been, where and who I am now, and where I am going. I also observe other people in their own journey as they seek to … Continue reading A Map of Life’s Journey
Seasons (Part 5)
One final reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Make New Beginnings Possible Once Paul and his team had said their goodbyes, they were on their way … to Jerusalem then Rome (Acts 21:1), where he would spread the good news of Jesus even further, as well as speak to kings. Good days … Continue reading Seasons (Part 5)
Seasons (Part 4)
Here is my next reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Involve Grief As Paul left Ephesus, not only were their final words and prayers, there were also tearful and painful good-byes, knowing they would never to see each other again. In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson translates this moment this way: "Then … Continue reading Seasons (Part 4)
Seasons (Part 3)
Here is my next reflection on Paul's transitioning from the city of Ephesus where he had spent the last three years of his life (read Seasons - Part 1). Endings Require Us to “Let Go” of the Past Moving on, required Paul to let go and the church at Ephesus to let him go too … Continue reading Seasons (Part 3)
Seasons (Part 2)
Here is my second reflection on Paul's life and the transition of seasons he was undergoing in leaving the city of Ephesus (read Seasons - Part 1). Seasons are Marked by Endings and Beginnings Paul felt an urgency that compelled him to leave Ephesus and go to Jerusalem, though he was completely in the dark … Continue reading Seasons (Part 2)