As we come near the end of another year, it is a good thing to pause and reflect on our life, as well as our relationship with God. Here is the prayer of Moses, a man who spoke to God face to face. Psalm 90:12. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain … Continue reading If Life were a 24-hour Clock, what Time is it for You?
After presenting an extensive genealogy, something that would have been very important to his Jewish readers (a high value for heritage, inheritance, legitimacy and rights), Matthew moves on to tell us about the birth of Jesus ... It’s a unique story about a unique person with a unique conception and a unique message and ministry. … Continue reading The REAL Christmas Story (Pt.2)
The Christmas season is upon us again and with it all sorts of nice Christmas stories. One of my favourite is the The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss (1957). The Grinch hates Christmas and wants to stop it from coming. So he forms a devious plan: to impersonate Santy Claus and to steal the Whos’ Christmas presents. … Continue reading The REAL Christmas Story (Pt.1)
What would have happened if it had been three Wise Women instead of three Wise Men? They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought practical gifts, and there would be peace on earth. But what they would have said when they left...? "Did you … Continue reading What if the Three Wise Men Were Women?
Christmas draws our attention to the arrival of Jesus on the earth as a small baby over 2,000 years ago. It provides an opportunity to reflect on his life and how He intersects with our life, wherever we may be on our journey. Jesus is known by many titles, each describing part of who he is … Continue reading Jesus, Born to be King
Here's a clever clip from www.ignitermedia.com - a Social Network Christmas. It's an artistic take on how the story of the nativity night. Enjoy ... Without the birth of Christ, it would always be winter, but never Christmas. [C.S. Lewis]
NEWSFLASH: The Government is considering diverting money from poverty-reducing aid. The Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, recently admitted plans to divert at least $375 million of Australia's poverty-focused aid program to fund rising refugee support costs at home in Australia. Not only would this reduce the amount available for poverty-focused programs overseas, but it would make Australia … Continue reading Australian Government Considering Diverting Money from Poverty-Reducing Aid
A well-written article by Greg Boyd, worth re-posting: To no one’s surprise, yet to the sadness of many of us, several Christian spokespeople, including James Dobson, Mike Huckabee and Bryan Fischer, are blaming the shootings in Newtown, Conn, on abortion and gay marriage. This is sadly reminiscent of Jerry Falwell’s hurtful response to 9/11 when he divined that “the … Continue reading Finger-Pointing and the Impulse to Judge (by Greg Boyd)
Regardless of personality, most people when asked what they want out of life usually answer something like, "I want to be happy" (in addition to world peace, of course). We want to experience positive feelings. As a result, for many people, life is a pursuit towards happiness. We try to find happiness in a number … Continue reading Christmas Joy
Lifeway Research reports: While the majority of churchgoers desire to honor Christ with their lives and even profess to think on biblical truths, a recent study found few actually engage in personal reading and study of the Scriptures. "Bible engagement" is one of the eight attributes of discipleship identified in the Transformational Discipleship study conducted … Continue reading Bible Engagement in Churchgoers Hearts, but not Always Practiced
So what's your favourite - cats or dogs? I grew up loving cats (especially kittens) but ended up having a number of dogs after getting married (my wife, Nicole, was allergic to our first cat!). Here's something funny my daughter just sent me ... A dog's daily diary: 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite … Continue reading Cats or Dogs?
Here is a challenging message from Jesus to the church at Laodecia: Revelation 3:15-19. I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my … Continue reading A Letter to the Church at Laodecia
Jesus had John write another letter to the church at Sardis. Revelation 3:1-6. I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone dead. Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there's life in you yet. But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; … Continue reading A Letter to the Church at Sardis
Here is a copy of a letter from Jesus to the church at Ephesus in the first century, as given to John as he was in the Spirit praying ... Revelation 2:2-7. "I see what you've done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can't stomach evil, that you weed out … Continue reading A Letter to the Church at Ephesus
According to the word on the street (yet to be confirmed by www.snopes.com), cucumbers are more than meets the eye (or taste buds)! 1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Just one cucumber contains vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, … Continue reading The Wonder of Cucumbers
