Pastors Blog

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 Judging Judges?

{This is a response written to a congregation member at NewLife who was struggling her way through the readings from Judges with their brutality and wondering how it engaged with God's plans in the wider world - even up to today} I believe what you’ve articulated is a concern that...

 Beyond Hope in Horses – Psalm 20

Horses are big and visible. They’re powerful and impressive. If you were an ancient King and had enough wealth they were also able to be kept in barns, counted, fed, and brought into the fight exactly when you need them. In short - horses are a very impressive resource you...

 Enough for today (Proverbs 30)

Just enough. Do we know when we’ve reached that state? Neither too much nor too little? Serving sizes don’t help do they? Often I’ll be served a burger and think to myself that it’s delicious but could reasonably be half the size. Or maybe it’s a drink.. the medium that...

 The aroma of friendship (Proverbs 27)

We are what we eat. What we put in privately will be revealed to the watching world whether we like it or not. Thus this simple but beautiful Proverb from Solomon; “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” (Proverbs 27:19 NIV11) The inner life of your...

 Living Words (Proverbs 26)

Our speech matters. There are good words, bad words, and sarcastic words. Words that build up and words that tear down. Today in Proverbs 26 we see that this is far from a new problem as this proverb of Solomon displays; “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death  is...

 Seeking the God who is there (Proverbs 25)

There’s a great big universe out there. Do you ever consider it?  It’s been a joy watching my boy catch an interest in black holes recently. “Dad did you know that nothing can escape a black hole’s gravitational pull? Dad did you know that some black holes are bright? Dad..”...

 Strength for today (Proverbs 24)

How are you tracking?  Feeling full of energy? Ready to take on the challenges of the world? Or.. maybe not? Today’s Proverb from the 24th chapter at first glance seems a little harsh; “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” (Proverbs 24:10 NIV11) Well,...

 The Fire of Zeal (Proverbs 23)

Passion. What grabs you? What gets the best of you? Where do you find yourself freely giving energy and attention - almost effortlessly? The answer is whatever ‘floats your boat’ - a hobby, a relationship, a place, an area of study, a favourite spot to fish. The line from the...

 Friendship (Proverbs 20)

Friendship. It’s a human need who’s value has been recognised for at least 3000 years from the time of Proverbs. Listen to these wise words from a few days ago: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV11) To...

 More than just Justice (Proverbs 18)

There’s more than one side to the story. We never feel this point more strongly than when we are accused or in the wrong. Of course there’s another side. We know our true motivations.. or is it simply that we know our *justifications*? At any rate, we are totally convinced...

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