One final reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Make New Beginnings Possible Once Paul and his team had said their goodbyes, they were on their way … to Jerusalem then Rome (Acts 21:1), where he would spread the good news of Jesus even further, as well as speak to kings. Good days … Continue reading Seasons (Part 5)
Here is my next reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Involve Grief As Paul left Ephesus, not only were their final words and prayers, there were also tearful and painful good-byes, knowing they would never to see each other again. In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson translates this moment this way: "Then … Continue reading Seasons (Part 4)
Here is my next reflection on Paul's transitioning from the city of Ephesus where he had spent the last three years of his life (read Seasons - Part 1). Endings Require Us to “Let Go” of the Past Moving on, required Paul to let go and the church at Ephesus to let him go too … Continue reading Seasons (Part 3)
Here is my second reflection on Paul's life and the transition of seasons he was undergoing in leaving the city of Ephesus (read Seasons - Part 1). Seasons are Marked by Endings and Beginnings Paul felt an urgency that compelled him to leave Ephesus and go to Jerusalem, though he was completely in the dark … Continue reading Seasons (Part 2)
I love Autumn! It is one of my favourite seasons of the year. The somewhat cooler days, the clear blue skies, and the glorious colours of the leaves. Change is in the air. The cycle of life is moving forward. Nicole and I moved back to Melbourne last May after 18 months of living in … Continue reading Seasons (Part 1)
Every now and then when I am talking with someone, in the course of the conversation, they will mention their 'secular job'. I always pause and think about that statement. It actually grates me. Why is that? Unfortunately, many people have created a division between the “sacred” and the “secular”. This dualism is a product … Continue reading Do You Have a ‘Secular’ Job?
Depression has been called "the common cold of the emotions". Depression simply means "low mood". Every one has time when they feel down or experience low mood but sometimes those feelings can linger for days, weeks, even months at a time. This can be quite debilitating, especially when others around you don't fully understand what … Continue reading Freedom from Depression
I am excited to announce a new podcast of my teaching messages. This podcast is available directly from Podbean (including on their mobile Apps) or from Apple's iTunes (including all iTunes Apps) or from within Spotify (if you are a subscriber). It is not possible to publish podcasts on Google Play from Australia yet. Every … Continue reading New Podcast
Thank you to all of those who attended or watched the thanksgiving service for my dad, Kevin Conner, today at CityLife Church in Melbourne, Australia. We also appreciate the many messages that people have sent in, offering support and prayers, as well as commemorating my dad's life. On my dad's web site, you will find … Continue reading Celebrating the Life of my Dad – Kevin Conner
Kevin J. Conner My dad, Kevin John Conner, passed away peacefully today at 2.00 pm in Melbourne, Australia. Having just turned 92 years of age, dad has spent the last year or so in an aged care home where he has had excellent care and regular visits from family and friends. He lived a full … Continue reading Kevin Conner Passes Away Peacefully
Jesus said and did many things, a lot of which is recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament. But not everything Jesus said and did was written down (see John 21:25). The apostle Paul rarely quoted Jesus, but one statement that must have been passed on to him through 'oral tradition' (it's not … Continue reading The Blessing of Giving
A few years ago, TIME magazine published an article stating that distraction was the pre-eminent condition of our time. Not only are we busy, we are pulled in multiple directions constantly by distractions of all kinds. The antidote? Mindfulness. Mindfulness is about taking time to be still, to reflect, to meditate, to contemplate, to be … Continue reading Learning to Retreat
Many years ago, when Nicole and I were working for my dad, Kevin Conner, who was then the Senior Minister of Waverley Christian Fellowship (now CityLife Church), we had a number of people advise us to consider moving away for a few years. They thought it would be good for me to get out from … Continue reading Decisions – How to Know God’s Will For Your Life
Back in 2014, Nicole and I had the opportunity to be part of a tour of Turkey and Greece. It was a fascinating experience and we loved exploring the history of these iconic places. One of the highlights was a visit to Cappadocia in central Turkey. Cappadocia is an ancient name which means 'land of … Continue reading A Hot Air Ballooning Adventure
Happy new year! I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas season and that the new year has gotten off to a good start for you. Nicole and I have been living back in Melbourne since late May 2018. We thoroughly enjoyed our 18 months living in the Sunshine Coast but decided to come back … Continue reading Welcome to 2019!
