Every year a new word is added to the English dictionary. In 2014, it was 'shirt-front', thanks to our Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott. In 2013, it was 'selfie'. Yes, taking a self portrait. Doesn't that capture the spirit of our age! We even have selfie sticks to get a better view of ourselves and … Continue reading Life is not about ME!
Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
As a pastor and church leader, I have a confession to make: The church has not handled the matter of domestic violence well. Let me be more specific: 1. We have not done a good job of helping to prevent domestic violence, of confronting it when it does occur nor of helping those … Continue reading Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
A Light in the Darkness
Are you afraid of the dark? When I was a kid, I sure was! We lived in Portland, Oregon in this old 4-story house. Often at night I’d hear footsteps coming up the stairs, getting faster and heavier with each thump … only to discover it was my heart beating. Around this time, a friend and I … Continue reading A Light in the Darkness
Eva Burrows
From her tireless work on the streets of Melbourne to her rise as global leader of the Salvation Army, Eva Burrows has been remembered for a lifetime dedicated to the less fortunate. Retired General Burrows, known as "the People's General", died late on Friday night. She was 85 years old. Dr Billy Graham, with whom General … Continue reading Eva Burrows
Church Attendance in Australia (McCrindle Research)
Australia has more churches (13,000) than schools (9,500), and more Australians attend a church service each week (1.8 million) than there are people in South Australia (1.6 million). And while the latest Census results show that Christianity is the religion with which most Australians identify (61.1%), well above the second most popular religion in Australia, … Continue reading Church Attendance in Australia (McCrindle Research)
Decisions
As you think about your life right now, what do you really need? Is it more information? Probably not. If we are honest, most of us know that we are educated beyond the level of our obedience. For example, we know we should pray, forgive, exercise, serve, give, etc ... but it's in the application … Continue reading Decisions
Vision
Around 3,000 years ago, one of the wisest men to ever lived made this observation: Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no revelation (vision or insight), people cast off restraint (they perish, run wild or live carelessly); but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. NIV A vision can be defined as "a picture of a preferred … Continue reading Vision
Never Too Old to Learn
In our series of BLOG posts on the wisdom we glean from the Book of Proverbs, we noted frequently how the person of wisdom is continually open to learn and grow. In contrast, the arrogant person believes that they already know it all and therefore aren't open to new things or to feedback from others … Continue reading Never Too Old to Learn
Temptation
"If you don't want to slip, don't go where it's slippery!" Alcoholics Anonymous Maxim