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One post I watched, had a line "In reality, there is a lot more that makes us similar than makes us different" It's good to remember. In fact, the thing which makes us all similar is being made in the image of God. During a war, authorities are at pains to paint the enemy as something different, even to labelling the enemy with names to differentiate the people we are fighting against. If we can de-humanise the enemy we will be more effective fighters. Jesus points us in the opposite direction. He reminds us that we all are similar, and all need a way to salvation. For those who accepted this salvation, it is the first step of many, which imparts a direction to life previously not thought of! We are to see one another not in pessimism and fear but rather hope and love. For the Christ Child saw that his life was to be given to all nations and all peoples of all times. We are the same in the need to be saved, we are the same in that this salvation is universal i

A .W. Tozer said " Faith accepts quiet guidance; only unbelief demands a miracle." We look at this time of year to the miracle of Jesus birth, and we see the incredible intervention of God, into this world. We may wonder at the actions of Mary and Joseph, often considering ourselves unable to meet the trust they showed in God's promises. Before we dismiss ourselves, it's worth considering that until this point, Mary and Joseph were normal people. Righteous in their life towards God, trusting in his promises, but relying upon ordinary things to accept the guidence of God in their lives. They gathered at the correct festivals, they carried out a Jewish life of service to God! We can underplay this. For great things to be asked, we need to be faithful in the small things of life. Each one of us has an area of influnce, how we conduct ourselves in this influnce is important. It's not good to compare ourselves to others about what influnce we have, this

In the book of Daniel we read,  Daniel 1:11-14 (NLT) Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days. Daniel is a young man but is firm in his beliefs. The account carries on  Daniel 1:15-16 (NLT) At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others. We find that this believer in God makes a stand, and is put at personal risk to achieve it. Dear Reader

Donald Trump completed one of his campaign promises recently and announced the moving of the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It's polarised a lot of people, making many very angry and others very happy. It's easy to look on, watching a situation which doesn't impact on my own life and make judgement calls, without taking the time to look deeper into the historical, theological and cultural reasons behind the issues. In the Bible, we read that we as followers of the carpenter are called, as Paul recounts in his letter to the  Ephesians 6:19-20 (NLT) "And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should." Asking God for the right words, even when Paul was in prison for sharing them the first time! We don't

We are approaching Christmas. Through many years in western culture, we have been conditioned to what is expected from one day with our extended family. Given the changing circumstances of people's lives, extended families now meet and celebrate at differing times throughout the month. It can make what is meant to be a blessing, difficult! Many people wish to celebrate a season and be with family but have nothing to do with the historical Jesus. For believers in the carpenter, we need to show understanding. Jesus wasn't born on the 25th of December, historically the Christian community co-opted the date because it was easier using a date already used for celebration than creating a new one. We shouldn't be surprised when the worldview alters, people will celebrate without reference to the Carpenter. What we can do is offer hope. If Jesus was about peace between humanity and God, and reconciling humanity to each other, maybe that should be the focus of what we express.

A passage in the book of Ezekiel refers to actions taken by the people of God, in direct contradictions to the way God would have them conduct themselves. His response is to refuse to answer their cries for an explanation and to remove the people from their positions and land. Ezekiel 20:27-31 (NLT) “Therefore, son of man, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: Your ancestors continued to blaspheme and betray me, 28 for when I brought them into the land I had promised them, they offered sacrifices on every high hill and under every green tree they saw! They roused my fury as they offered up sacrifices to their gods. They brought their perfumes and incense and poured out their liquid offerings to them. 29 I said to them, ‘What is this high place where you are going?’ (This kind of pagan shrine has been called Bamah—‘high place’—ever since.) 30 “Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord: Do you plan to pollute yourselves just as

A poem by John Donne reads. No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were: Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.  John Donne In it, we find the correct assertion, that we were created for community. How we treat others, even our supposed enemies reflects upon us and affects our environment. The poem speaks of being "diminished by the death of others". Given that all die, one assumes the author is talking about how others die, not the inevitability of death. How we treat life reflects on our humanity.  The Carpenter was clear to show the community is the way people are meant to operate, and often the way to restore this community was to offer forgiveness

Where I Live it's getting hotter. We have moved from Autumn through to near Summer. Today should be 34C. Kids can now play outside, people do gardening, early rises walk our dogs. It's good. Yet it is hot! By 5PM when the heat is at it's highest, I hide indoors, and thankfully for the first time in my life I have air conditioning. 34C pushes my limits, I grew up with UK weather! After many years of living in Australia, I've sort of adjusted. A friend has resided in Africa, they think this is just a nice warm day. They have been cold for a few months, now things are getting OK. Heat, temperature, are all comparative. What we are used to, affects how we respond to the environment. Past history colours present experience. God is the same. One person I know had a poor example of a Father. They can never use that description regarding God, it's too painful, too loaded. I suspect they can never say the prayer Jesus taught us, "Our Father." Past hi

The British Science Fiction series "Dr Who" has a clever mechanic. The lead character can regenerate. In effect allowing one actor to pass the baton of the character to another. In this regeneration, memories can be passed down, but it allows for a new "persona" to become apparent. Useful for actors who have a wildly differing presentation of what is meant to be the same person. Sometimes the Doctor is charming, debonair, others hard and callous. The Bible considers humanity and through the actions of Jesus, offers each of us our own chance to regenerate. While we have old memories and consequences for past actions, we no longer need to let them define "who" we are for future endeavours. We can be counted a new person in Christ. We can have the opportunity to walk a fresh path and see a completely different, and superior destination. Better still, this blessing is not contingent upon us, but upon the carpenter Jesus. My life and actions are not relied

Acts 6:1-6 (NLT) But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. In this instance of perceived discriminati

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,   11  so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!-Phil 3:10 Dear Reader, many who claim to follow Christ focus on the Holy Spirit and his gifts to seek a life of power, others teach that Christians should be healthy and wealthy and wise, to the exclusion of all other options. Paul affirms he wishes to know the power of God, but shows that this path is walked by sharing in suffering. It takes wisdom. God does want us to live a life of freedom. He did indeed die so we could be healed of sin and disease. It is "just" to pray for these things; understanding that suffering for the glory of the gospel is often God's way of reaching those still trapped under the enemies influence.

God's aim Dear Reader, is for us, His creation to become more "Christ-like" That is, our actions, and reasons for these actions are a result of the faith and obedience that we have within the living saviour. This can help explain, why similar looking actions, "feeding the poor" for example are not defined "good" in and of themselves, but "feeding the poor in my name", is. 2 People, similar actions, viewed differently by God. God is looking for his fallen creation to become what they were always intended. This now is only possible through the life of Jesus, God's son. To deny this is to deny everything, and any actions taken judged "good" by the world, are tarnished in all ways because the sin of those who are in rebellion to God, even though he may use these actions to bring about his perfect and divine plan. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must be

God is love, but not all that is defined as love is of God. In God's definition of love, based on who he is, life has boundaries, and it is loving and wonderful for these boundaries to be clearly laid out, and maintained. In a game of soccer, both teams know the boundaries of the field. These boundaries allow the game to progress according to pre-described rules. It is these rules, and the maintenance of them, that allows the game to take place. It is not "loving" to allow the soccer player to do as they wish, even though they may feel good about it.  One player may feel more loved if they invite more friends onto their side. Another if they can pick the ball up, even when they are not in goal. A third feels better if they brick the goal up and relax the whole game. Just because players feel this way, does not give them the "right" to do so. It is not within the rules to do so and is not loving to do so. God is love, but love is not a feeling, ra

New laws were rushed into place in my home country of Australia. The aim was to prevent offensive dialogue or action between those on either side of the vote to "redefine marriage". What doesn't seem to be clear is "what is offensive" Jesus was divisive and this caused some to be offended, the gospel we are told is divisive. 1 Cor 1:18 " For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Many will find themselves railing at the teachings of Jesus . He claimed; To be God's only Son. To be the promised Messiah. To have the power to save and judge. To be the ONLY way to the right relationship with God the Father. To be God himself. This list above separates Christianity from all other religions. I would be surprised if Jesus claims do not offend people . I often tell people the Jesus was "not a nice guy", as nice guys don't get crucified! Jesus was a

A friend inspired an image in my mind. She was sharing how God allows various reasons for "trials" to enter one's life, one reason was testing. Some times only in testing can the real be shown different from the fake. Imagine "Safety Glass", how do you know if the glass you are protected by is indeed of the right quality? The answer is you test a sample. In my mind's eye, I saw two cars with windows, one with safety glass the other with normal. On the outside, they look the same but throw a sharp object at them, one shatters, the others show its true character. The same is for testing in our lives, by going through it, we and others around can see that God's hand is upon us.

Dear Reader in today's economy we have intense pressure to be efficient. Many times this pressure to be efficient takes priority over being effective. Our world can look at things and say, "how do we make this happen faster." Yet somehow "Jesus the Carpenter" was completely effective in his calling in the time and circumstances he found himself. This may not seem all that amazing at first, but upon reflection, it might have more benefit. Jesus could have come to earth at any time, if he had arrived now, instead of taking days or weeks to walk around Israel he could have driven. Instead of talking to one's and two, and managing "a large crowd of 5000", he could have used the internet to reach millions. Instead of relying upon "eye witnesses", he could have posted his Resurrection on Instagram for all to see. But Jesus didn't For some reason the time He came and the way He came was perfect. Efficient, maybe not, but effect

Some of our prayers may often be mutually exclusive. As an example, we pray for faith and we pray for finances. God in his wisdom knows that in this case, having one, finances, will reduce the other, faith. It doesn't have to just be about this trade off with finances, but may be anything which is hindering your walk with God. Faith comes by putting the promises of God into action within our life. What things are having an impact on your faith, and how can we place these under the promise of God?

A friend said "Being still and enjoying God is honouring to Him" We take the time to appreciate things, from classical music to sporting events.  From panoramic views to moments with loved ones. While some are appreciated by ourselves, others are better experienced and expressed in community. It is right that the one who performs sees the joy their music brings to others. The crowd cheering sporting heroes brings encourage to both player and supporter. Dwelling with a loved one and hot drink while sitting in silence is precious. So why not with God. We are so often taken up with a "to do" list, we forget the desire of God that we "be still" and appreciate who He is within our life, and thus who we are within His. Stop. Be Still. Appreciate Him.

Dear Reader, our identity, can be wrapped up in many levels. The believer in the carpenter of Nazareth is shown by God, that our identity is found "In Christ" This can take many forms and as we mature, we can see greater trust in his word and promises to us, and less desire to make life about us. Paul writes, in Romans 9 that the potter has the right to "make pots for noble purposes and some for common use" This is true, however, in a culture which has now set about defining each individual as their own "little God", it sits against the grain to state that we might be used for "common things", but this is the willingness that a follower of the carpenter comes to realise and accept. Tozer puts it eloquently " We may need to look closely to discover the relation between inflation and unbelief, but such a relation does nevertheless exist. The man of faith is so sure of his position before God that he can quietly allow himself to be ov

In the New Testament, a discussion takes place about whether believers should eat food offered to idols. It is discussed in a letter to the church from the believers at Jerusalem (Acts 15:20), and later in a letter from Paul to the church at Corinth (1 Cor 8) This is further expanded in 1 Cor 10, esp vs 23 onwards. 1 Corinthians 10:23-29 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” 27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of considerati

In American culture, Outlaw motorcycle groups call themselves "1%", referring to the fact the other 99% obey the law. Sometimes being in the minority is a badge of honour. While not agreeing with their premise, I can understand the position of holding fast to something even though you are in the minority. In the same manner; Survey: Less Than 1 Percent of Young Adults Hold Biblical Worldview Christianpost.com :  "A biblical worldview, as defined by the Barna study, is believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is completely accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today." I must admit that by the above definition, I am in the 1% minority. I am happy with th

Gardens recover Sacrifice timely given Rebirth new growth  A secret garden part the waterfall of blood behold the Presence

A recent news article argues that domestic abuse is handled poorly by "The Church." Dear Reader, it is beyond the scope of this blog to answer all aspects of this statement, but feel free to read the article first hand. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-18/domestic-violence-church-submit-to-husbands/8652028 There does need to be one key point made and that is of safety. Often those who are in domestic abuse situations believe they need to resolve these situations while physically located with the accused perpetrator. To "stay with" their spouse. Resolution of conflict is vital, but this resolution can be handled equally well while the parties involved are parted and those abused are in a place of safety. With this grounding in place, those abused can find equilibrium and decide the best course to move forward. Those who look on, not involved directly in this particular situation should offer support for both parties. How this support plays out can diffe

How much is enough? It's a constant question. The book that the Carpenter of Nazareth wrote contains much of wealth, the use of it, the acquiring of it, and it's effect on our lives and those around us. It is clear that Jesus teachings are "wealth doesn't bring happiness", but more clearly, it never brings contentment. The only way to find peace is to accept who we are within the plans of the creator. The conundrum, of course, is that we do have needs. The need to have security, housing, food, rest. If we live "on edge" all the time our lives can quickly spiral out of control. Jesus promises to meet these needs if we are wise enough to seek him first. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you ev

Dear Reader, we find the carpenter in a trap set by his adversaries.This is recorded in John chapter 8. It is known as the account of the woman caught in adultery. Her accusers are breaking their own law, bringing only one guilty party for justice instead of both people involved in this affair. Jesus is not fooled, nor is he caught by their attempts. He goes on to speak to the woman, once he has dealt with her accusers. "When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”- John 8:9-11 While we can see Jesus final statement as a warning to avoid the issues that brought her to his feet, I think there is more at stake. If we understand the gospel, we come to realise we were created p

Dear Reader, It is easy to become distracted in this world. Things which were firmly focussed in our thoughts. Planted deeply in our actions start to become forgotten.Usually, something new and supposedly more exciting comes along. This change can be beneficial, but in truth, our vices tend to stick our virtues wane. The Carpenter tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God. Specifically, it comes with a promise "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."- Matt 6:33 It should move us to consider, what does living righteously do for us regarding our needs? The answer may be contained in understanding that most things we want, are not needs. That within the context of Jesus guidance, within his kingdom, our needs are very few, and most likely not things we would apparently think to ask for! We may want more money, but we might need love for others, we may want a better job, but we may need a better attitude at

No one is post-modern in a pharmacy! Think about it. In this new world of ours, we have moved from “modernity" (set answers to the questions of life), to "post-modern" (my truth is as valid as yours), to "post truth" (I’ll pick what I will believe based on emotion, not facts). The issue is when you visit a doctor, and they give you a script, you expect the Pharmacist to dispense what's written in the script, not their interpretation! No one wants a pharmacist to pick and choose which part of the doctor's information is true or not. This world does believe that truth can be communicated, it just needs personal health to be at stake to make the point. The same is correct for God’s word. If God is all powerful, then by default He is capable of getting His word across in an accurate, timely and inspired manner. The Bible, a revelation of God’s character, claims this to be true. 2 Tim 3:16- "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach

Dear Reader, We find in Genesis 20:32, the culmination of a negotiation between Abraham and God regarding the fate of the city of Sodom, it concludes with  "Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”  It's fascinating to see that Abraham negotiates with God to save Sodom. We realise, with hindsight that God is showing Abraham how just God is. God agrees to not destroy the city if fifty righteous people are found. Abraham brings this number eventually down to ten. If ten people in a city can be found who are righteous the rest will be spared. Abraham rests at this point, he has done his part. Can ten people be found, the answer historically is no.Sodom is destroyed. The text takes on a deeper meaning when we realise that in later times ten is the number of Jewish males needed to form a synagogue in a city! God is

Ecc 3:9-12 records "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Dear Reader, we often underestimate the blessing of relationships. In the "Modern Day West," these are even more undervalued. In "Ancient Near East," without the benefit of mobile phones, quick transport systems, or comfy hotels people had to rely on each other.  Fail to be where you meant to be, only if someone who cared noticed was anything done about it. Need to keep warm and safe as you travel, find extra people to share warmth and protection. Two are better than one, and three are bett

It's popular to talk about "creating Margin". It means to find space where you can breath.Where you can think.Where you can set aside time from the doing of life, to spend time considering the being of life. It is the space between our loads and limits. The world portrays the "super-person" ideal. Perfectly presented, this financially successful individual walks through life with fulfilling relationships, aware of their future goals and how to reach them while still maintaining all present commitments, is with the family at all appropriate moments while somehow never leaving the office, but remains fit by regularly setting time aside for exercise and contributes to the community by volunteering at some worth cause. For the rest of us, just reading this description can be daunting! What is often missed in these super people's lives, and sadly in many lives is time with our creator. It is for the follower of Christ this act, this relationship which

The final part of growth from a Kairos moment involves actions that allow us to “Believe” These actions are, “Plan", “Accountability" and “Action". Having gone through the stages which allow us to “Repent”, we need to move forward.  We need to plan what we are going to do to seek the Kingdom of God, to move away from old habits, old ways of thinking, and to move towards more Kingdom minded ones. This will most likely call for us to acknowledge that some part of our life we have had a substitute for God in place, and now need to alter this state of affairs. If a plan is to succeed once again the body of Christ is designed to help. Accountability to another like minded believer is critical to success. Get that person to be your "living conscience”, someone who will lovingly prompt you to move forward with your plans in the manner you agreed to do. Finally, once a plan and accountability have been put in place, the time comes to act, to put into place

Dear Reader, we are talking of Kairos. A Kairos moment can be seen as the key to opening the way towards Kingdom living. Do we have the courage to step inside? Jesus teaches that to enter the Kingdom of God two actions are necessary, “Repent" and “Believe”.(We will deal with “Believe" in further posts.) “The time promised by God has come at last!” he ( Jesus ) announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”-Mark 1:15 Repent can mean confessing one’s sins, but the Greek meaning is metanoia, “to change one’s mind”. Put another way, to have a change of heart towards previous ways of living, in favour of more Kingdom living. In our life, change is not optional, but growth from it is! For repentance and growth from it, some steps can be taken.The first as stated is to observe and recognise the moment, then comes reflection. If in our observations we felt anger or insecurity, reflect on why these feeling come about? S

It is Dear Reader, customary in our household to ask guests the question “What is the highlight of your week?” Depending on the age and wisdom of the respondent this may range from a great sporting event to meeting friends. Those of true wisdom will share of how God has enacted in their life. This event might well still be a sporting event, but the guest has seen how the hand of God was present and upon their life.The have recognised a moment of significance. In effect, they have taken a moment of normal, linear time, (Chronos) and recognised it as a moment of Godly time (Kairos). Kairos is when God breaks through to reveal how we can move deeper into or towards the Kingdom of God. His “in- breaking" is just the first stage, what we do with this moment determines how much we grow from it. The first step occurs when we actually observe this in-breaking for what it is, God’s voice to us. These moments aren’t always positive experiences, but they will leave an impact on you,

A friend, who has recently witnessed flooding in their local area shared a beautiful thought , reflecting upon the transient nature of goods and chattle they said,  "we must tread lightly upon this world". We can over time build vast amounts of wealth in things. This can happen because of a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily be a problem. If this wealth becomes a burden, if it weighs us down, if it prevents light steps upon this earth, we need to act. Let us examine ourselves this day, to see if the items we own, or what we strive for are leading towards peace with the creator of this universe, or away from this goal.

Dear Reader, these posts are direct quotes from "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster. As the author of this blog site I hope you enjoy these posts, however I highly recommend you buy his book. They are just the practical issues of a bigger discussion which I tackled one day at a gathering of our "community of faith." All thoughts belong to Richard and all credit should be to him. First, buy things for their usefulness rather than their status. Cars should be bought for their utility, not their prestige. Consider riding a bicycle. When you are considering an apartment, a condominium, or a house, thought should be given to livability rather than how much it will impress others. Don’t have more living space than is reasonable. After all, who needs seven rooms for two people? Consider your clothes. Most people have no need for more clothes. They buy more not because they need clothes, but because they want to keep up with the fashions. Hang the fash

The follower of the carpenter called Paul tells us, in his letter to the Phillippians Phil 4:11-13 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  13 For I can do everything through Christ, c  who gives me strength.  Ancient followers of Jesus understood long ago the need for Spiritual disciplines to train the body, mind and spirit. These disciplines are now becoming more understood and applied to the generation of Christ followers. Gone is the format of acting in a certain way due to duty or history. Replaced by the call, to comprehend and apply the relationship with the Holy Spirt as He always desires us to. This call to contentment can only be acted upon if we as followers truly believe this a goal able to be reached. We need to consider the word "co

The Carpenter tells us that with his resurrection the comforter can come, in fact, it is recorded that in John 20:19  "That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Yet despite this event, we also acknowledge that the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in power during the day of Pentecost. From here we see that He reveals Himself to the Samaritans (Acts 8), and then to the Gentiles (Acts 10).It can be argued this staged process was necessary to convince a people (the Jewish nation and

A popular website encourages you to find a new career, or upgrade the one you have, it exists for this purpose (and to make a profit from you doing so),  it's desire is to make you put your energies towards this goal. The Jewish carpenter has a more profound purpose, for you to "seek first the Kingdom of God." The Carpenter is smart, for those who embark on this journey will come to realise it's not a "been there, done that" sort of adventure, one in which you find the "Kingdom of God" then move on. The Kingdom of God is all absorbing, it's pursuit is life changing, and it's realm ever expanding. To truly find one part of it, only begs the question, "what's around the next corner?" We move towards deeper understanding and deeper experience. To quote C.S. Lewis, "Further up and Further in" There is no other pursuit, there is no other seeking, for all else pales by comparison. This is the secret that those who take Jes

Dear Reader, we can often confuse what forgiveness looks like. I am not talking about forgiving others in this post. I am talking about those who ask for forgiveness. Is it genuine, how can you tell? The world has long learnt that saying "sorry" is a required expression for extrapolating oneself from consequence, and it has been employed many times. In the media, this has become a chosen profession with "Spin Doctors" hired by celebrities who have made unpopular actions. Barely a week goes by without some high profile person apologising, promising to change, and then running off to some clinic or other to clean themselves up. Do not misunderstand me, those who have erred, particularly about drugs and alcohol need help. Yet we need to look deeper than the world would go. A follower of the Christ has come to understand two truths. First, that their life and their failings of sin bring about a sense of sorrow. This is a deep heartfelt understanding of what

Romans 12:13 says, "Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. There are many places in this world that we could consider inhospitable, and that given a choice, we would prefer not to visit or reside within. Most that spring to mind have extremes of temperature, Deserts, or Ice flows. Some are downright lethal, such as areas where deadly gases exist, or contrary to our ongoing welfare, being found in the middle of a shark infest ocean might fulfil these criteria. All these examples are natural phenomena, but we invent plenty of our own. War zones aplenty exist, and persecution based on creed, colour, sex is rife. To find a place where one can reside in freedom and peace becomes a goal for many. To find a place where one feel welcome, to find a place where one can know, and be known is a blessing. To fully understand the depths of the heart of God we need to look at the deepest practice of Hospitality as understood from a biblical perspective.

Many seek sanctuary in the world. Most will fail to realise the word stems from "Sanctus" meaning Holy. Sanctuary conjures images of peaceful rainforests, with water drifting down. The perfect amount of heat at the right time of day. A place where the worries of this world are gone. Where threat is non-existent. None who seek harm are allowed into a sanctuary. Its inhabitants are those who sought and found peace. Who have chosen the path to leave the cares of the world behind. Yet this image can be misleading, for true peace is only found within the freedom of Jesus. The carpenter, by his sacrifice offers freedom from our sins. This acceptance by ourselves of the saving act, provides the sanctuary we so crave in our normal lives, it shows it is found in the life of the Christ. In turn we come to comprehend who we are "In Christ" Sanctuary can only exists when the inside of the person is at peace, and once attained, the outside matters little.

As I write, a Dam in America is under threat of bursting. Years of drought, followed by heavy rainfall has made use of the "spill lane" necessary for the first time in years, and it has failed. Authorities are warning residents in the potential flood zone and then helping them to evacuate to safer ground. The residents are taking what they can, but leaving their most expensive (not necessarily most valuable) assets, their houses, behind. I cannot comprehend what they are going through, but I admire they are taking the warning seriously and doing something about it. It must be hard for those carrying this warning to find their words are ignored by those who simply won't believe.I don't know the legal laws in the country, but I wonder when the authorities have the ability to force relocation.  As one who has chosen to follow the Carpenter, I know the fate I have now avoided. Where once my life was heading towards a place without God (Hell), now my eternity is to b

We read in the scriptures that the people of God were taught to bring a peace offering to the place of sacrifice,  Lev 7:16 “If you bring an offering to fulfill a vow or as a voluntary offering, the meat must be eaten on the same day the sacrifice is offered, but whatever is left over may be eaten on the second day.   17  Any meat left over until the third day must be completely burned up.   Interestingly this phrase today means the opposite of what it did to the people of the days of Leviticus.  A peace offering was to say "thank you" or to express a contentment in the heart. To physically demonstrate a spiritual truth of peace between a person and God. It was not the method by which peace was established. That was the role of a sin offering. Also, it is worth noting, that a peace offering was to be eaten, only a portion was to be sacrificed, yet if the animal was not eaten quick enough, God had words to say about it. Lev 7:18 "If any of the meat from the