I have been a PC computer user most of my adult life. I started with a desktop and eventually moving to a laptop then a netbook. I have managed to find my way around a host of Microsoft Windows based software programs. They have been tremendously helpful to all sorts of tasks and aspects of work … Continue reading My Favorite MAC Programs
Masada
Another place we visited on our tour of Israel earlier this year was Masada. It is a stunning section of isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judean desert overlooking the Dead Sea.The cliffs on the steepest side are over 400 metres high. However, the top of the site is easily reached today via … Continue reading Masada
The Dead Sea
During our tour of Israel earlier this year, we visited the Dead Sea. It is an amazing body of water. It is 67 x 18 kilometres in size at it widest points, and it is over 400 metres below sea level. The reason it is called 'dead' is because there is inflow but no outflow. As a result, … Continue reading The Dead Sea
The English Language
They say the English language is a difficult one to learn and is arguably the largest language by the number of words. I've only ever spoken English - with a little Australian and American accent thrown in at different times. My wife speaks fluent German, her native tongue, as well as Afrikaans, after growing up … Continue reading The English Language
Kairos Time
While speaking about time, it is interesting to note that in the Greek language there are two words for time: chronos, which refers to the ongoing forward movement of time, and kairos, which refers to opportunity, or a favorable time. Jesus’ brothers wanted to push him into prominence (seeJohn 7:1-8). Jesus knew that there was … Continue reading Kairos Time
Time Traps
There never seems to be enough time nowadays, even though we all have the same amount of it - 24 hours or 1440 minutes each day. The classic book on time management is Alec Mackenzie's The Time Trap published many decades ago. I first read the 1990 edition and found it very helpful at the … Continue reading Time Traps
Mastering Management
Leading and managing a church, a ministry, a business, or a non-profit organisation is quite a complex task. There is the cause or the mission that needs pursuing. There are the staff and volunteers who need encouraging and inspiring, much like a community. Then there is the corporate or business aspects that need conducting with … Continue reading Mastering Management
Ancient Future Church
How did the early church grow from as few as 25,000 people at the end of the first century (100 AD) to as many as 20 million people two hundred years later (310 AD)? Now that's a question worth thinking deeply about. While considering this question we must note that Christianity was an illegal religion … Continue reading Ancient Future Church
Spain wins the World Cup
Well, it's over! Spain has defeated the Netherlands to win the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. I must admit, I only got up early once - to watch the Socceroos play Germany. That game wasn't worth my loss of sleep and the resultant German national anthem renditions in my house by my German-born wife became annoying after … Continue reading Spain wins the World Cup
Lebron James to the Miami Heat
The biggest news in professional basketball is the recent decision of Lebron James to sign with the Miami Heat, along with two of his best friends, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Lebron is without doubt one of the best basketball players currently playing the game, although he has yet to win an NBA championship. Until he … Continue reading Lebron James to the Miami Heat
The Book of Acts
Our church is currently reading through the Book of Acts. This is one of my favorite New Testament books as it tells us the story of the church, as God intended it to be. It was a church birthed by the Spirit, made up of normal everyday people and led by leaders who lived lives of … Continue reading The Book of Acts
New Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Julia Gillard became the 27th Prime Minister of Australia on June 24th, 2010. This occurred after the resignation of Kevin Rudd. Julia had served as the Deputy Prime Minister in the Rudd Government. She is the first woman Prime Minister in Australia and the first to have never married. She is also a red head - … Continue reading New Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Kevin Rudd
Kevin Rudd was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia. Under his leadership, his party won the November 2007 election against former Prime Minister John Howard. As the new leader, he made major announcements about climate change, education, a national broadband network, and health. He will be remembered for a number of things, including his reading of … Continue reading Kevin Rudd
Leadership Quotes
Here are some thought-provoking good leadership quotes: "Follow me as I follow Christ." [Apostle Paul] "Good leaders come up with answers but great leaders ask the right questions." [Jim Collins] "Leadership must be learned and can be learned." [Peter Drucker] "Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men - the other 999 follow … Continue reading Leadership Quotes
Your Holy Discontent
There are many things that can fuel us as we do life and ministry. Experiences such as God's salvation, God's grace and God's calling not only transform our lives but also motivate us to life purposeful lives. At other times, we also have seasons of struggle where frustration, discouragement and weariness can seem to take over, … Continue reading Your Holy Discontent