It's time for our weekly wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Today we are up to chapter 29 (from the Message Bible translation): Vs.1. For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them. Do you take feedback seriously and with an open heart? Are you teachable? Do you listen to your critics? Or are you defensive? It's wise to listen and learn ... Vs.11. A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over. Vs.20.... Read more →

We have a problem—and the odd thing is we not only know about it, we’re celebrating it. Just today, someone boasted to me that she was so busy she’s averaged four hours of sleep a night for the last two weeks. She wasn’t complaining; she was proud of the fact. She is not alone. Why are typically rational people so irrational in their behavior? The answer, I believe, is that we’re in the midst of a bubble; one so vast that to be alive today in the developed world is to be affected, or infected, by it. It’s the bubble... Read more →

In our world of social media, it seems like everyone has a platform from which to share their opinion. The benefit of this is that it gives everyone a voice and it encourages open dialogue. The downside is when people get to preaching without listening or considering their tone and the impact that their words have on the listeners. The apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy over 2,000 years ago. I reckon it's a good credo for anyone who BLOGs, tweets or posts on Facebook. 1 Timothy 1:5-8. The whole point of what we're urging is simply love – love... Read more →

Here is some more valuable wisdom from Proverbs 22 (from the Message Bible translation): Vs.1. A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. People can damage your reputation but that can't damage your character. That's your choice. Ultimately, our character, who we really are, shapes a lot of our reputation - what we are known for. So many people focus on acquiring wealth today. There is nothing wrong with money but who we are is much more important. How will you treat people today? Always be gracious ... with... Read more →

Physical health gives us the energy to enjoy life and carry out our God-given purpose with enthusiasm. God is interested in every part of our being - spirit, soul and body. Health doesn't just happen. It is the result of habits. Habits such as what we eat, the activity we engage in, and the rest we take. I highly recommend Tom Wrath's practical book Eat Move Sleep which is about the big impact of small daily choices. It's an easy read but highly motivational and full of good advice for improving your health and well-being. Well worth the investment. Read more →

Here is some timeless and timely wisdom from Proverbs 15: Vs.4. Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim. Words have the power of life and death. Who can you help today through some encouraging or healing words? Vs.8. God can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers. Prayer is simply honest, open conversation with God. Keep it real. Vs.9. A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line. We have one life to live. This is not a dress rehearsal. Discover your purpose and go for it. You... Read more →

A book that is not aimed at Christians has won the Australian Christian Book of the Year for 2014. The Great Bible Swindle is a book designed for Christians to give to “Uncle Fred”, a relative or friend who expresses curiosity about the Bible. It leads the reader gently into an understanding of the wonder of the Bible. It was written by Greg Clarke, CEO of Bible Society Australia, who in the wake of a long love affair with the Bible, has a passion to share his love of the book, and the big story within it. The “Swindle” in... Read more →

It is becoming apparent that far from dwelling at the ‘end of history’, as was naively envisaged at the fall of Communism, we are, in fact, living in perplexing, turbulent and dangerous days. One of the most troubling, if overlooked, features of our times is the appalling extent and depth of the persecution of Christians. Thirty years ago when we Christians talked of martyrs, we used the past tense; not any more. Whether in North Korea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Egypt, Syria, China, Pakistan or Columbia, Christians are being persecuted and killed for no other reason than... Read more →

Here is some insight available for us today from Proverbs 8 (from the Message Bible translation): Vs.1. Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madame Insight raising her voice? God is personified here as a woman calling out to young men and offering him wisdom and insight for life. In the busyness of the day and the cacophony of sounds around us, do we hear her voice? Are we tuning out the noise to tune in to her heart? How much better life will be if we follow God's way, live life as he intended to be lived.... Read more →

I loved this BLOG post written by Peter Scazzero. You know you need a Sabbath when: 1. The only time you are alone is in the bathroom. 2. It takes you over thirty minutes to fall asleep because your mind is racing about things you forgot to do. 3. You think rest is standing still in traffic. 4. You go to check your e-mail for a moment and are still there an hour later. 5. You cannot remember anything you ate the last 3 days. 6. You drove for an hour and had so much on your mind that when... Read more →

Warren Bird and William Vanderbloemen have written an excellent and much-needed book about leadership succession within the local church: Next - Pastoral Succession that Works. The book is based on over 200 case studies and 50 in-depth interviews with pastors and churches who have navigated the succession territory - either effectively or badly. There is much to learn here on this essential topic. Here are a few key insights and facts from the book: Every pastor is an interim pastor. The day when a successor takes over will come for everyone in ministry. Planning for that day of succession may... Read more →

Here is some terrific wisdom available for us today from Proverbs 1 (from the Message Bible translation): Vs.7. Start with God - the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom. To fear God means to acknowledge that he exists and that he is with us at all times. That awareness leads us to think smart and make wiser choices. Take some steps to live today with a greater awareness that God is with you - Emmanuel. Include... Read more →