The word 'Pentecostal' creates a variety of images and impressions as soon as it is mentioned, depending on an individual's background and personal experience. Pentecost was a feast that the nation of Israel began celebrating at the time of Moses. This day also marked the birth of the church as the Holy Spirit was poured … Continue reading A New Kind of Pentecostal
Known by our Love
Jesus’ dream was that his followers would be known by their love (Jn.13:34-35). Think of all the various qualities Jesus could have told us to be known for – truth, justice, holiness, or righteousness. All of these are very important, yet Jesus’ desire was that LOVE be the mark, measure and goal for his new … Continue reading Known by our Love
Tough Love
Jesus calls us to a life of love. Sometimes love has to be tough, especially when there has been a conflict. Arguments and disagreements separate people and create division between friends, families, communities, and even in the church. It takes a great deal of courage, wisdom and sensitivity to resolve conflicts and restore relationships. Jesus … Continue reading Tough Love
Understanding Women …
Men and women use same words but they sometimes have different meanings. For example when a woman says, “I feel like you never listen,” she does not expect the word “never” to be taken in a literal sense. It is simply a way to communicate the frustration she is feeling at the time. When it … Continue reading Understanding Women …
East Africa Emergency Appeal
Many of you would be aware of the dire situation in East Africa right now. More than 11 million people in the Horn of Africa countries, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, are in need of our prayers for relief from one of the worst prolonged droughts in 60 years. Children are especially in need of … Continue reading East Africa Emergency Appeal
Corrie ten Boom – the Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is never easy - even when someone apologises and asks for it ... Corrie ten Boom spent spent time in Nazi concentration camps for hiding Jews in her home during the Holocaust. 52 and unmarried, she had lived at home with her elderly father and older sister Betsie. All three of them had been sent to … Continue reading Corrie ten Boom – the Power of Forgiveness
Common Questions about Forgiveness
Here are some common questions about forgiveness: 1. “Is it wrong to be angry?” It is not necessarily sinful to feel angry. Anger is a warning system alerting us that something is wrong and needs our attention. The key is to not convert angry emotions into angry behavior. Allow your emotions to settle down then … Continue reading Common Questions about Forgiveness
Awkward Love
The Christian God exists eternally in a Trinity of loving relationships – Father, Son and Spirit. God created us as the object of his love and invites us to participate in a community of loving friendships. As we fully understand how much God loves us, we are able to love others from a strong foundation … Continue reading Awkward Love
Choosing to Forgive
Robert Enright (2008) Forgiveness is a Choice: A Step by Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope Washington DC: American Psychological Association Dr Robert Enright was called the forgiveness trailblazer by Time Magazine. He is the unquestioned pioneer in the scientific study of forgiveness. He is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University … Continue reading Choosing to Forgive
Differences between Men and Women
There are lots of similarities between men and women ... and also lots of differences (far beyond the fact that men can't get pregnant). Here are a few that I have read about (and yes, there are exceptions to every one of them!): 1. The average man has 6 items in his bathroom - a … Continue reading Differences between Men and Women
Men and Women Communicating
Men and women process information very differently. Women often think out loud, sharing their process with any interested listener. Men, before they talk, silently mull over or think about what they have heard or experienced. Women tend to process things by talking them through. Men tend to process things by thinking. A female brain is organised for multi-tracking – … Continue reading Men and Women Communicating
An Excellent Study Opportunity in Australia
I am commited to life-long learning and have thoroughly enjoyed the formal studies I have done over the years (an MA in Theology with Ridley College and a Doctor of Ministry degree with Fuller Theological Seminary). There are many excellent training colleges in Australia including the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) has a partnership with … Continue reading An Excellent Study Opportunity in Australia
Common Questions Women Ask About Men
In the book Why Men Don't Have a Clue and Women Always Need More Shoes, the authors discuss common questions women ask about men, based on over 5,000 letters they have received. Here are a few of them. [Note: I take no responsibility for the information or opinions presented in this BLOG post] 1. Why … Continue reading Common Questions Women Ask About Men
Australian 2011 Census
This coming Tuesday, August 9th, is national census day here in Australia for all residents. The census seeks to give a clear snapshot of our nation and is conducted every five years. Participation is mandatory for all households. The census can be completed via a paper form or on-line. For full details about the census click … Continue reading Australian 2011 Census