Reminders of You
Back in 1983-1987 I was profoundly blessed to be in a youth group run by Gavin and Liz Hockly. It was through this Te Awamutu Bible Chapel youth group called “Word of Life” that I learned lots, was challenged to ‘grow-up’ and also had the blessing of being able to try the gifts God has given me. Big apology to everyone I used as guinea pigs back then. Recently I mentioned ‘The Box’, a records box of memories that had been missing for 10 years. A lot of the items were notes, poetry and newsletters I had kept from my youth group days. It was a habit that I would carry into the 90s...
Read MoreWedding Vows Forever
It’s often overlooked but Marriage isn’t a contract, its a covenant. If you are considering “tying the knot” with the ‘hunk’ or the ‘babe’ then take a moment to ask yourself is this for ‘convenience’ or ‘covenant’? Many enter into marriage particularly based on ‘young love’ for ‘the benefits’. The longer I’m married I realise the benefits are on the end of giving not taking. That's where the difference is from a contract to a covenant. In a contract the parties keep taking until there is...
Read MoreSucceeding through Self-Discipline
I would have to admit that the biggest battle of my life is with my ‘self’. I’m constantly having to pull my ‘self’ into line, give my ‘self’ a good talking to and keep an eye on my ‘self’. Sound familiar? Its very much the battle Paul talked about in Romans 7. Try reading from verse 7 onwards and see if Paul isn’t talking about your life?! I love Paul’s honesty as he deals with fleshly desires. Likewise he bring us back to Christ as the answer. A long time ago (like around 10 years ago) a friend gave me piece of paper with six points on it. The paper I had didn’t have...
Read MoreThe Power of Encouragement
Recently a friend told me how he had been having a bad ‘day’. Someone who knew he was battling sent him an SMS that simply said “Have a great day”. There was nothing profound in the words, there was no wisdom to write in stone, it was simply the words of a friend saying “I’m with you”. When my friend got this SMS he said it brought tears to his eyes. I read between the lines and felt he was saying that it was good to know he wasn’t alone. Someone knew, someone cared, someone acted. Back in 1999 I cried out to a friend that I wasn’t coping. He sent this email. It hit home so...
Read MoreReminders on Calling
Back when I first started working with United Christian Broadcasters in Australia around 1999 I faced a hard patch which tested me in terms of my calling and resolve. As much as I had youthful passion I recognised I didn’t have much ‘sticking power’. One time when praying the Lord gave me this encouragement which I wrote down (always a good idea), printed it out and kept it in front of me. Maybe its what you need today. I know that reading it has encouraged me again. You are here because God called you to this position. Now honour the Lord by praying about everything. Bless...
Read MoreBeating burnout
Back on 10th November 2004 I saw this devotional on www.word4U2day.com.au I printed it out and tucked it away. I saw the printout recently and with the launch of the new website for word4U2day I thought it was a good reminder for us all. If you haven’t registered yet then visit the new website and sign up. Wednesday, 10 November 2004 Help, God – the bottom has fallen out!… Psalm 130:1 TMIf you burn the candle at both ends, you aren’t as bright as you think! In these times of working harder but achieving less you can get irritable and cynical and lose your sense of humour....
Read More
Recent Comments