The invisible powers of our western world move us on, like cars driving to the city in the morning commute. Our thinking, our efforts, our desires are steered towards seeking things like: Financial security and wealth. A house in a …
How deep are your foundations?
Several years ago I built a small building to house a composting toilet. My abiding memory of this experience is the effort to establish the foundation. The above ground building grew more quickly and with less effort than the foundation. …
Walking with God is not a walk in the park
I’ve always thought the idea of ‘walking with God’ sounded like a very dignified and graceful thing to do. But then I realised that walking with God implies two things: 1. You are on the move; and 2. God is …
How strong are my convictions?
Earlier this month I visited friends living in Indonesia. For over 40 years Peter has intentionally shared the Good News about God with people around him. Peters’ love for people and his passion to share the Good News caused me …
They are made in the Image of God
I’ve been pondering the verse in Genesis: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’” (Genesis1:26). Think of some of the different people you know: the over-happy gym-bunny, the deep reflective artist, the loud person …
More than a little bit pregnant
It would have been fascinating to be a fly on the wall when Mary said to Joseph, “Honestly, I haven’t slept with anyone. But I may be a little bit pregnant…” At Christmas, we celebrate God showing total commitment to …
Confronted by the Question of Success
Some people once came to Jesus and asked him ‘What do we need to do to lead a successful life?’ (Their actual question was ‘What is the greatest commandment?’, but in essence they were asking the same thing). Jesus told …
I Will Be With You
“I will be with you” is the ultimate response to our concern; “I can’t do this?” Have you said or thought; “There must be someone else, someone more experienced, more intelligent, more eloquent.” I will be with you reveals the …
God Speaks Chinese
Not long ago I had the privilege of visiting Taiwan. I met a number of people who were followers of Jesus and almost all of my conversations with them had to be translated. I could see the sincerity and depth …
Not my plan to save the world
If I was responsible for coming up with a plan for salvation, I don’t think I would have picked the plan we have. I would have started by making sure Jesus had a safe arrival into the world, rather than …