Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7 but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.Exodus 1:6-7Have you ever seen something grow? There’s something just so wonderful and encouraging about things growing (things that should grow that is). We have a little aquarium going...  Read More

For you created my inmost being;    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful,Psalm 139:13-14It’s a Psalm and a verse that has given comfort to many Christians across time. God knows us better than any other. He knows our fears, failures and faults. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He knows what He made us for.W...  Read More

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16Sometimes at night, when I go to close the blinds on my...  Read More

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them...  Read More

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4When we think of thanksgiving we typically (and understandably) turn to things that make us the happiest. We thank God for good times, go...  Read More

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.Westminster CatechismA lot can happen in the space of a few weeks. From Oscar winner to outcast. From peace to war. From drought to flood. But...  Read More

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.Matthew 7:24-25A house built on the beach (literally that is) sounds like a nice idea if there were no such thing as tide...  Read More

47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where“‘the worms that eat them do not die,    and the fire is not quenched.’Mark 9:47-48One of the realities of loving people is that you fear for them. You worry about them. Some of us more than others. But to truly love people is ...  Read More

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9Why doesn’t God destroy humanity at the first sin? Why does He preserve Noah and His family? Why make promises to humanity and persevere with Israel? Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet?Here we see God’s patience and mercy. ...  Read More

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.1 Timothy 4:13-14What is the primary job of the pastor? What is the thing above all else they should devote themselves to? I wonder what some would say? Would they say, feeding the poor? Or mak...  Read More

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.1 Peter 4:7-10On Tuesday we saw the first...  Read More

The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.Psalm 9:16As many know by now, I’m a sucker for a good reality doco. I’m not talking about MAFS or The Bachelor. Our family loves Lego Masters (and more recently, Survivor). But mainly I’m talking about documentaries that shed light on places and events, particularly injustices that would otherwise never b...  Read More