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December 2014
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February 2015

Proverbs 31

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 31 in the Message Bible. Vs.4-7. And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. Drinking too much alcohol can be a person's downfall. Either don’t drink at all or... Read more →


Discouragement

Questions, doubts, disappointments Like a wet blanket settling down Lower, deeper, darker Feels like your going to drown Can't cope, can't breathe Intense pressure mounting Will it ever ease? A burden, a weight, heaviness Dark clouds, stormy wind, rainy days Frazzled mind Numb heart Spirit down Weak will Is there a light? Is there a word? Is there a song? Will it be long? Dawn slowly conquers the night A new day born Words break silence Peace stills the storm He is here He is good Truth will prevail Faith will triumph Breathe IN Courage Hope Love Peace Joy [Mark... Read more →


Australia's Defining Traits

As a nation, there are traits that have defined Australia for decades, but as the times shift and trends emerge McCrindle Research takes a look at the extent to which these are still relevant in defining us today. 1. The Lucky Country Statistics show that Australia is doing better than ever when it comes to health, education, economic opportunities, and even political participation. The economy is on a steady increase, even despite a recent global economic crisis. Cash flow is increasing with the net disposable income for everyday Australians now $10,000 more than it was a decade ago. We value... Read more →


Proverbs 26

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 26 in the New Living Translation. Vs.2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an unfair curse will not land on its intended victim. Curses can’t affect you unless there is a reason for them to do so – like a ‘foothold’. Vs.5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation. With fools, you can’t win either way! Vs.11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool... Read more →


Lighthouse

Be a light In stormy sea and gusty wind Show the way Faithful and true Solid and strong Built on the rock Unmovable Shine bright Be clear Stay at your post True to your calling [Mark Conner - 6th January, 2015] [Picture taken near Point Londsale, Victoria] Read more →


Should We Move Australia Day?

On Monday, the 26 of January, we celebrate 'Australia Day' - the official national day of Australia. I love Australia. I have travelled to around 30 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places ... but there is no place like home. Amidst the fireworks and BBQs we remember the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788. That was when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the flag of Great Britain at that site. We can celebrate and be grateful for this beautiful nation... Read more →


Seasons

Seasons come and seasons go The sun rises then sets Day turns to night Summer to winter Time is always moving It never stops Ceaseless forward motion The cycle of life The past is gone The future’s not yet here The present is all we have Right here, right now Be at peace Let anxiety go Say goodbye to regret Worry’s a waste, you know Live in this moment Fully present Fully alive God is the great I AM Feel His love Never far away Wake up! This is your life Love and be loved Be a force for good... Read more →


Proverbs 19

Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 19 in the Message Bible. Vs.2. Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. Enthusiasm and passion are terrific but not without knowledge. Energy needs direction and focus. Planning on the front end affects execution on the back end. Ready - Aim - Fire. The 'ready - aim' steps are crucial. Vs.3. People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed. God gets blamed for so many things, yet much brokenness and even evil in the world... Read more →


Life's Journey

The journey is difficult at times Shadows fall Can’t quite see A little dark Sunshine is far away The path is narrow Seems confined Can’t go back But can’t see far ahead Take the ancient path Ways well trodden Pilgrim travellers Spirit led Going home That’s the call Keep on walking Not alone [Mark Conner - 5th January, 2015] [Picture taken on pathway near Point Lonsdale, Victoria] Read more →


The Dark Side of Charisma

When we think of charisma, we think of inspiring, bold, self-confident leaders who attract many followers who believe in their clear and compelling vision. But is there a danger in an organisation becoming too dependent on a particular person and of a cult of personality developing? We want to build organisations that thrive beyond one person and that understand that a whole team of people are leading the organisation. Some leadership researchers have noted the dark side of charisma: 1. Leaders sometimes go from confident to arrogant, from bold to excessive in their risk taking. 2. They begin to have... Read more →


Proverbs 12

Today we continue with more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 12 in the Message Bible. Vs.10. Good people are good to their animals; the "good–hearted" bad people kick and abuse them. Animal lovers will love this proverb. It's a good reminder that all of God's creation is good and to be treated with care. Vs.11. The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies. Diligence leads to blessing. Slowly by slowly wealth is built, along with the character to sustain it. Vs.12. What... Read more →


In Memory of Andrae Crouch

Gospel singer, Andrae Crouch, passed away last Thursday at the age of 72. [Read the full story] I'll never forget listening to my first Andrae Crouch album and being touched by the life, the energy, and the love for Jesus that exuded through Andrae's music. Here are my favourite Andrae Crouch albums: Live at Carnegie Hall - a classic! Live in London. Finally. Mercy. Here are my favourite Andrae Crouch songs in order: I Don't Know Why Jesus Loved Me. My Tribute - To God be the Glory. The Blood Will never Lose It's Power. Soon and Very Soon. It... Read more →


Leadership Myths

What do you think of when you hear the word 'leader'? We all have different idea and perceptions of what a leader is and what they are supposed to do. Often this is based on our own upbringing, our environment, our personal experience and our learning. Here are five leadership myths that need busting (by Michael A. Roberto in the course "Transformation Leadership"): 1. "Leaders are born, not made - some people come of of the womb ready to lead others." 2. "Leadership is the act of lone genius, often thought of as the person at the top of the... Read more →


New Year's Resolutions?

One week of 2015 is already over. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Research tends to support the view that New Year's Resolutions don't work for most people. Consider the following statistics: 25% of people abandon their New Year's Resolutions after one week. 60% of people abandon them within six months. The average person makes the same New Year's Resolutions 10 times without success. Even after a heart attack, only 14% of patients make any meaningful change around eating or exercise. That's not good news. Clearly, change is hard and resolutions alone aren't enough. However, planning and taking steps... Read more →


Year-in-Review: Barna's Top 10 Findings from 2014

Every December, Barna Group compiles its top findings and trends from research conducted in the USA in the past year. From legalizing marijuana to increasing secularization trends to America’s complicated relationship with sports — 2014 was an interesting year. 1. Bible Skepticism Is Now Tied with Bible Engagement. 2. Young Adults Question the Value of Their College Degree. 3. Global Poverty Is on the Decline, but Almost No One Believes It. 4. Millennials Want a Church to Feel Like a Church. 5. Protestants Like Pope Francis, Too. 6. Americans Favor Legalizing Pot but Believe It’s Morally Wrong to Use It.... Read more →


Proverbs 5

For our first week of ther new year we continue with more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 5 in the Message Bible. In this chapter, the wise teacher talks to a young man about the dangers of yielding to sexual temptation (see vs.1-23). How relevant this to every generation. God's ways are best for us but sin always appears in alluring ways, promising more than it ever delivers and always leaving us with painful consequences. Vs.3-5. For the lips of an immoral woman (or man) are as sweet as honey, and her... Read more →


Starting the New Year Well

Happy new year! I hope the year has started well for you. At the beginning of any new season it's a good thing to pause, reflect and prepare for what lies ahead. Check out my recent BLOG post on Getting Ready for the New Year for a few ideas on how best to do that. The apostle Paul had this to say about our attitude towards life and time: "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but... Read more →