Posts from 2025 (Page 2)

This parable destroys the idea that “looking good” equates to “being good”. To apply a modern cultural lens, we see ourselves as “long-time church going, clean-living Christians” who would never walk by a man lying half dead on the side of the street. And yet… Jesus felt the need to inform us of a hypocrisy that we see play out in our own hearts seemingly regularly.

Psalm 121 is a beautiful poem that reminds us of something we somehow keep forgetting—that we do not have to live in fear, because we have a God who keeps us. This poem is part of the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), a group of songs believed to have been sung by Jewish pilgrims as they travelled to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. It’s a passage that offers comfort…

The imagery of Ezekiel 17:22 is deeply evocative, filled with profound symbolism and a message of transformation. It speaks to a world where powerful nations oppress their weaker neighbours – a reality still prevalent in today’s headlines. Israel’s situation in Ezekiel’s time was no different. Yet, through Ezekiel, God provided a sure hope: His Kingdom would flourish once…

The Psalmist expresses joy in the people of God gathering together in the city (1-2).  In the Old Testament Jerusalem was a place of security (3), the centre of the Davidic kingdom (5), and a place of assembly for God’s people (4) for the annual feasts of thanksgiving, sacrifice and offerings at the house of God.  The temple was built and dedicated by Solomon (1 Kings 8)…

Living for God is not always easy. Christianity is sometimes met with disdain and mockery. The wonderful news about peace with God through Jesus Christ as Lord (Acts 10:36) is not always valued or met with joy and we end up bearing the brunt of people’s frustration at God. Today, let’s be encouraged to have our fear and faith in the right place as we look at two women who…

Do you look forward to your annual Apple Music replay or Spotify wrapped to see what your music trends have been for the year? This year my anthem song was City Alight’s His Glory & My Good. Its been both a challenge and encouragement to me especially as we have read through Isaiah this year. At the start of Isaiah he sees a vision of Jesus on the throne, God in all his…

What do Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Dinner have in common? During the dawn service and the minute silence we reflect on sacrifices made by thousands of soldiers for our country. What about at dinner? Dinner is an occasion for reflection on the greatest sacrifice made by one Man, at greater cost, with greater implications and worthy of far greater remembrance than these…

Read Psalm 23 I first learnt this by heart when a young child. In my early teens I gained an understanding that the Lord was my shepherd. Now as an older person I have been able to appreciate the richness of the meaning and how this Good Shepherd has been with me all my life and my future is secure for I shall dwell with Him forever.

If there is one word that sums up life for me, it is Discipline. Discipline is what prepares you for what is ahead. If you don’t discipline your kids, life will go easy at first but will become very difficult later. If you are not disciplined with what you eat, life will be comfortable now, but your health will pay the price later. And if you are not disciplined in…

Isn’t it frustrating when our human leaders let us down? We can be let down by our parents, boss, law enforcement or politicians. We all have an innate sense that this isn’t how things should be. 

Psalm 1 is a profound introduction to the book of Psalms, and calls the reader to consider carefully the significance of all that follows. Using the recurring motif of contrast the psalmist explores three dimensions of human life; our lifestyle choices (1-2), the substance of our lives (3-4), and our ultimate destiny (5-6). In each of these arenas the contrasts are…

Sometimes, despite our very best efforts, life just feels so mundane. Our daily routines feel repetitive. Our bible reading feels monotonous. Do you find yourself wondering if it’s worth opening the bible each morning? With a cloudy mind and distracted thoughts, will the bible teach me anything “new” today?