Jesus came to earth as the long-awaited Messiah to die on the cross for our salvation and for the redemption of humanity. He also came to establish the kingdom of God on the earth, which he saw as beginning small and somewhat unimpressive, like a mustard seed, but eventually blossoming to cover the entire earth. … Continue reading Reflections on the Parable of the Talents
A Rabbit on the Swim Team
Once upon a time, the animals decided they would do something meaningful to meet the problems of the new world. So they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects. The duck was excellent in … Continue reading A Rabbit on the Swim Team
Discover!
As a child, I am sure someone asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We each had ideas about what our future might one day become. Sometimes those dreams become reality while at other times our very desires change. However, one thing we all want to be is useful. None … Continue reading Discover!
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
Feeling the Weight of it All
In 2007, the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that 67.4% of Australian adults are overweight. Obesity is becoming as great a threat to health worldwide as hunger. When you are overweight, you tax your body and vital organs. The strain tires you out and causes fatigue. Feeling overweight can also be emotionally depressing. Over the last six months or so, I have managed to … Continue reading Feeling the Weight of it All
Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.4)
3. Renewing Your Spiritual Energy. Physical health and emotional health are both vital. However, spiritual health is probably the most important and it can have a positive affect on our every area of our life. The Gospel writers tell us that Jesus was "full" of the Spirit (Luke 4:1)! How do we increase our spiritual energy? … Continue reading Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.4)
Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.3)
2. Renewing Your Emotional Energy Physical health is very important as is renewing our physical energy. However, just as important is what is happening in our inner world. Unfortunately, this is often one of the most neglected areas of our lives. Our SOUL is made up of our MIND (our thoughts), our WILL (our decisions) … Continue reading Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.3)
Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.2)
1. Renewing our Physical Energy How do we increase our physical energy? God made our physical bodies – one of the most amazing of his creations. It has been designed for optimum performance IF we look after it and ensure that we take time to renew our physical energy on a regular basis. When we … Continue reading Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.2)
Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.1)
It's half way through the year. How is life going for you? A few weeks back I came across this statement from the apostle Paul in one of his prayers ... Oh, the utter extravagance of God’s work in us who trust him — endless energy, boundless strength! All this energy issues from Christ. [Eph.1:19-20. Message … Continue reading Solving the Personal Energy Crisis (Pt.1)
Some Productivity Insights
A recent article in the Harvard Business Review (May 2011) unpacked the idea of Being More Productive.They interviewed two leading experts, David Allen and Tony Schwartz, to discuss whether the secret to effectiveness is the right system or the right state of mind. Here are a few of their insights: From David Allen, best-selling author … Continue reading Some Productivity Insights
Renewing Your Energy
At our staff prayer meeting last week, I shared a few thoughts about ENERGY. In Psalm 23, we learn that God desires to "renew our strength" or "restore our soul." Energy is one of our most valuable resources (not just 'time'). When someone brings 'energy' to a meeting, appointment or interaction, what does it look like? We … Continue reading Renewing Your Energy
Remember Your Death
The following is a transcript of part of a speech by Steve Jobs at the Stanford University Commencement in 2005 (click here for the full text). As Moses said, may God teach us to number our days rightly so we may present to him a heart of wisdom (Ps.90:12). Steve Jobs When I was 17, I read a quote … Continue reading Remember Your Death
The Importance of A Life Plan
The first quarter of the year is history. Easter will soon be upon us and time continues to move forward, whether we like it or not. I am enjoying still being FORTY --- nine ... but not for long. I turn 50 in October this year. In fact, many of my friends have turned 50 … Continue reading The Importance of A Life Plan
Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.2)
Jesus’ instruction to Thomas was "Stop doubting and believe." Jesus calls us to develop a permanent attitude of openness and trust toward Him – not just to be open to him and trust him on any one occasion, but to be like this ALL the time. Yes, at times the Christian life is a lot like walking in the … Continue reading Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.2)
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)