Yesterday was Australia Day. I love Australia. I have travelled to 27 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places ... but there is no place like home. Let's continue to pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon our nation ... that we might be a light … Continue reading Australia Day 2011
A Picture of HOPE
During January, our theme at CityLife is Faith, Hope and Love. This weekend our teaching team spoke about hope. Our Associate Pastor, Paul Molyneux, began his message by referring to a well-known painting by George Frederick Watts RA (1817-1904), entitled "Hope." Here is a description of the background of this painting from the book "Famous Paintings" … Continue reading A Picture of HOPE
Jesus and Prayer
Here are a few insightful comments from Jesus about prayer ... When you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, … Continue reading Jesus and Prayer
Prime Minister Julia Gillard backs Chaplain Program
Some old but good news ... in August last year, new Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard promised to extend the use of state funds to put staff chaplains in both public and private schools (as it has since 2007) through to 2014. State-funded chaplains now serve 2,700 schools and Gillard wants to add another 1,000. … Continue reading Prime Minister Julia Gillard backs Chaplain Program
Muslims defending Christians …
Some of you may have heard about the brutal attacks from militant Muslims on Christians in Egypt at a New Year's Eve Mass. Tragically, at least 21 people were left dead at the Saints Church in Alexandria after a car bomb exploded outside. The attack rocked the nation. This kind of religiously motivated terrorism is … Continue reading Muslims defending Christians …
Life – Comedy or Tragedy?
The ancient Greeks told a story of two philosophers. One used to come out of his front door in the morning and roar with laughter. The world was such a comical place that he couldn't help it. The other came out in the morning and burst into tears. The world was so full of sorrow … Continue reading Life – Comedy or Tragedy?
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.9)
Putting it all Together Progress is step by step. One grade at a time. One town at a time. You never just arrive - you must take the journey. It's part of the process and just as important as the destination. Go for consistency - doing well for the long haul. Not just quick bursts of enthusiasm. … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.9)
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.8)
Season #4 – Autumn (or Fall) Autumn is a time for harvest. This is when the crops are brought in. It is a time for celebration, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. [Of course, different crops are harvested at different seasons throughout the year, but for our purposes we are focusing on Autumn representing harvest … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.8)
Devastating Floods in Queensland
Australia's beautiful state of Queensland is experiencing horrific floods right now, the worst in our history. Over one third of the state is a disaster zone. Lives have been lost and many people are missing. The floods have now hit the city of Brisbane, Australia's third largest city, with many 1000s of people having to … Continue reading Devastating Floods in Queensland
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.7)
Season #3 - Summer In many ways, most summers are marked by long, hot, tedious days. Many people endure summer but do not enjoy it. It is easy to simply mark time, walking through one long day to the next, seeking relief and relaxing during the holidays. For the farmer, summer is a season for watering … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.7)
New Year’s Resolutions
We are already one week into the new year - 2011. Did you make any new year's resolutions? ABC NEWS ran a story explaining why many people fail to keep their resolutions. The Barna Group recently conducted an extensive research project about Americans and their new year's resolutions. Read the full report here. It explains … Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.6)
Spring is a Season to Stop Procrastinating The book of Exodus records the intriguing encounter of Moses with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The entire land was filled with frogs and Pharaoh had had enough. He asked Moses to get rid of the frogs. Moses gave Pharaoh the option for determining the time for the … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.6)
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.5)
Season #2 - Spring After a long winter, you wonder if things will ever change. The first day of spring is a wonderful time – flowers and colors appear, birds sing, clouds clear, gentle breezes blow and the sun begins to shine. It is a time of refreshing and encouraging renewal. New life emerges. For some, … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.5)
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.4)
After dreaming, the farmer begins to formulate a plan for his work in the soon coming season of spring. Without a plan and goals, dreams remain abstract and we coast along without any sense of progress of achievement. God is the great time manager. He is also a great planner and goal setter. He has a plan, a design and a purpose He is working to accomplish. … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.4)
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.3)
Season #1 - Winter In the natural, the winter season is a time of cold, rain and frost. It's a time to be inside keeping warm. It’s wet, cold and windy outside. In many parts of the world, winter is accompanied by snow and ice. We can also go through personal seasons of winter. Everything … Continue reading Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (Pt.3)