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The Proof of Love is Obedience

Love of Jesus requires us to be obedient. If we profess to love Him we cannot do as we please, we must be obedient to His commands, Jesus tells us, John 14:15. Thankfully we are not left to do this alone. Jesus promised a Helper to be with the disciples and to be with us forever, verse 16. This Helper is the spirit of truth. The spirit of truth helps us discern what is right and true. We can know Him because he abides with us and is with us, verse 17. How wonderful for the disciples and for us … Continue reading →

Battling with Discouragement?

It’s easy to fall into the pit of discouragement. I’d suggest discouragement is one of Satan’s greatest tools. It’s one I’ve been battling lately. Half the problem stems from a cold or flu bug that doesn’t want to leave and half from trying to get work done and not getting far with it, due to other problems. Sadly, discouragement affects too many people in our churches. It can be easy to feel that what you are doing is not appreciated or even noticed by anyone. It can be easy to wonder why you even bother. Your pastor is not immune … Continue reading →

What is a Christian?

Recently I heard several people describe themselves as Christian and there appears to be some misunderstanding over what a Christian is. Let’s start firstly with what a Christian is not. A Christian is not someone born into a particular denomination or religion. As someone said once being born in a garage doesn’t make you a car. A Christian is not someone who goes to church, though many Christians do go to church. A Christian is not someone who follows a set of rules or beliefs, though being a Christian will affect your choices. A Christian is not someone baptized or … Continue reading →

A Lifestyle Choice

Paul urges believers to be living sacrifices, Romans 12:1-2. What does that mean exactly? It means that being a Christian is a lifestyle choice. It affects who we marry, what work we do, the friends we have, what we choose to do with our time. It means that being a Christian affects our day to day choices and decisions. It’s no good being a Sunday Christian and thinking you can do what you like the rest of the week. That means nothing to God. That is not commitment. That is not letting Christ rule your life. These are the type … Continue reading →

Something for Nothing

These days everyone wants something for nothing it seems. This is the theory behind why supermarkets and shops offer coupons and reward cards. And I have to admit to being part of it. Not only have we managed to get a few helpful items through using our reward points, but I am one of the featured authors in a free book give away. To promote her new book The Listening Land, due out soon, Anne Hamilton is running a giveaway of 1111 books by Australian Christian authors. The list includes children’s books, poetry, non fiction and fiction. 3 of mine … Continue reading →

The Creator and the Created

This week I’m going to tell you about a book I’ve recently read. It has been published since 2006 but I only just now caught up with it courtesy of the library. The author wasn’t one I was familiar with but having read this book I am likely to read more of her work. The Novelist by Angela Hunt is about Jordan Casey who has written a number of Rex Tower novels. While teaching a writing course at a local community college she is challenged by one of her students that she is not investing enough of herself into her … Continue reading →

Three Things Needed for a Triumphant Christian Life

When we read Mark’s gospel we see that there were three things, which made it possible for Jesus to triumphantly enter Jerusalem. Those three things were 1. Obedience, 2. Sacrifice 3. Worship Jesus was obedient to the Father’s will. He knew what awaited him in Jerusalem but he willingly went forward to Jerusalem as the sacrifice for our sinsMark 10:45, Philippians 2:6-8.. His whole life was one of obedience and worship of His Heavenly Father, It is because of what Jesus has done in giving his life for us that we are able to enter into a relationship with the … Continue reading →

Why Are Children Disobedient?

Many parents and teachers will tell you that children these days are disobedient. Why is that so? Because they are learning it from us. Too often we know exactly what we should do in a situation and yet we don’t do it. Even as I wrote those words, God convicted me. I knew I was guilty of doing exactly that. Yesterday I thought about calling someone to see how they were but didn’t because I wanted to do all the things I had to do, so I could finish reading the latest Jodi Picoult book. So this time when I … Continue reading →

What Makes A Good Temperament?

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Different people value different personality traits in their pets. Some people look for a dog that will be highly protective of the house and family; some people want a dog that will be friendly and affectionate to friend and stranger alike. Things to think about in temperament: Obedience level. Part of being a responsible owner is knowing that your dog will respond to your commands under pressure. My Lally has a pretty high obedience level — she’s pretty attentive to me. Moose, on the other hand, needs more work. Trainability. Is your dog willing and able to learn new tricks … Continue reading →

Unhealthy Relationships

Relationships are something we have from the moment we are born until we die. Healthy or unhealthy, our relationships begin with our parents, families, schoolmates, friends and so on. Every one of these relationships can help us, enrich us, and make us better people as well as simply give us joy. Unhealthy relationships rarely promote any of these feelings. Unhealthy relationships can leave us feeling uncomfortable, sad and afraid. It is very difficult for people to let the realization set in that perhaps a friend, co-worker or family member isn’t treating them well or respectful, as they should be. It … Continue reading →