Why Anglicans Don't Do Full Immersion...

Coming from a baptist background myself, I can appreciate the humour in this...

Happy Incarnation

Today I feel so spoilt that I am a minister. I mean, I get paid to study the Bible and tell others about Jesus. This morning I spent preparing my Christmas sermon- I’ve settled on Philippians 2- one of my favourite passages in the Bible. That afternoon I went and visited one of the elderly saints from church who is in hospital (and probably will be for Christmas). She is such an encouragement. I shared my Christmas message with her, and she said ‘I’ve always marveled at that hymn O Worship the King…there is a line that goes:

Thy mercies how tender! how firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.'

She went on: ‘Why would he want to be our friend, when we are so vile? But he became one of us and identifies with us!’

Truly an amazing thought.

Small Village Churches

Lately I've been thinking that the mega church is not the way to reach the suburbs, but the small country church that meets in the local community centre has a lot going for it. My church continues to encourage me. It was my first Sunday back from holidays. One of the ladies at church wanted to chat. She asked me what had I been encouraged about lately in my Christian life? I answered 'contentment'. She said she was thinking about that too. I told her I'm planning on reading a sermon on Spurgeon's on it to help me think about it (so stay tuned). All this at 8am this morning! It was an intense conversation, but well worth it!

Then at the 10am family service we had a new family, and some of the local kids came as well fopr the first time. During the prayer time, the new guy asked us to pray for his Nan, who is dying. He also has family that live behind our church, so it would be exciting if they came! (I used to despise transfer growth until I realised that new people often bring unsaved people with them to church). Later that night, after evening church and after a long jog with my dog, I went shopping at Woolies. I ran into the new guy who was at church (still all red and sweaty from my jog). We chatted for a bit in the vege section about his Nan who was dying. Its great being part of a community of believers where we can build each other up outside of church meetings. That's the way it should be. Plant village churches in the suburbs- they're awesome!

Small village churches are intimate and caring. Even though we want to grow in size, I pray we will remain caring and intimate.

Stem Cell Bill Passed

As the souls of endless humans cry out
Who were never given the chance to live
Or the opportunity to reach their full potential
The investigator delights in the potential of his findings.
Their life is created, only to be snuffed out
In order to save another
As though that made it right.
Such mindless brutality…
If the roles were reversed
And the power lay in the hands of the powerless
Then would they understand
The senseless extermination?

As the souls of endless humans cry out
The God of the orphan and widow is grieved
Because of the barbarity.
Ways of doing evil have been invented
And the powerful are handed over
To lavish in their wickedness.
The powerful will only think of their own mortality
And will use whatever means it takes
To control their diseases
And ease their pain
Even if it means the murder of the innocent and helpless.
But all they do is prolong their final destiny.

Good Times in Cairns

OK, so here are some of the highlights from my week here in Cairns....

-Swimming in the Redlinch Cascades.
-Reading Saturday's SMH on Palm Cove Beach.
-Reading 'The Minister's Fainting Fits' by Spurgeon (Lectures to my Students- look for it on the web- an excellent essay on the vulnerability of the minister to depression and its benefits...)
-Catching pufferfish at the wharf.
-Day-dreaming about preaching the gospel in the future (wherever that may be!) and being used by God for His glory.
-Swimming in the pool at the resort at Chris's place (and meeting some people from Moore in the same pool!)
-Being challenged to think (from Chris) that every time I preach, God is speaking through me.
-Getting the smallest meal on record at dinner tonight (why is quality never proportionate to quantity?)
-Reading The Commonwealth of Thieves (Tom Keneally) and appreciating our convict heritage and loving our history...
-Chris nearly getting a stomach bug from the waitress who admitted she had been puking all day and could bearly stand up to serve us...
-The same waitress left a shift early so we could bearly get our meal...
-Sharing the gospel with Mad-Mike the Yugoslavian piano player at the same restaurant.
-Jogging by the beach in Palm Cove.
-Getting training advice from Chris (who just happens to be a tennis coach with ample advice on much needed core strength).
-Going to an Independant Baptist Church (well that's the plan for tomorrow...Chris and I are both looking forward to revisiting our church heritage!)
-Flying home to Sydney on Monday and preaching on 2 Peter 3 on Sunday (my next sermon...how exciting- to speak about the end of the world and calling on people to repent! Please pray.)
-Feeling refreshed to preach over the Christmas Season.
-Abi- abi- abi...that's all folks!

Comics and Clothing

I prefer reading DC comics but I like wearing Marvel clothing. I know, I'm weird. The meaningless things we think about when we are on holidays!

Bliss

Ahh holidays...I just want to stay here...jogging every day by the water, swimming at the beach, reading novels and comics, drinking coffee...and 10 more days to go!

Say no to Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Last week the Australian Senate passed an amended Bill which could potentially allow for embryonic stem cell research. It has now passed onto the Lower House for discussion.

The problem I have with this Bill is that stem cell research involves cloning and killing embryos. And embryos are humans. And they are people made in the image of God.

Whatever you think about Bush, one thing I admire about him was that he fought for banning abortion, keeping the definition of marriage as between male and female, and banning stem cell research. And according to the SMH, stem cell research using discarded embryos is high on the Democratic agenda (a real issue now that they have a majority in the US Congress).

The problem is that this issue is highly emotive. Like the woman today who angrily said to me after church, 'I hope you're not going to make me sign that petition!' (We invited people to sign a petition that would be send to our Federal MPs against the cloning Bill). She seemed to be in favour of scientific advancement over killing embryos. Or maybe she didn't understand the consequences of stem cell research. I hope it was the latter. I don't know, she was too angry to discuss it.

But there are other arguments other than scientific advancement that are put forward in favour of embryonic stem cell research. People argue (rightly) that the embryo has no developed nervous system so it can't feel pain. But since when did a painless death justify murder? People argue that all kinds of diseases have the potential to be cured using stem cells. But since when does killing humans in order to save humans become right? People argue as well (I'm rusty on the scientific process involved in this) that cloning doesn't have to involve a sperm cell, so it is not really a human that is being created. But if the clone that is created has the potential to be a human, then you are still killing someone who was made in the image of God.

It will be a sad sad day when murder in the laboratory in the name of science is legalised. Pray it doesn't happen. And take action by writing to your local Federal MP.

Friendships

Tonight was a rare chance for me to catch up with one of my friends- let’s call him Steveo. (Because that just happens to be what his real name). Ahhh Steveo. He is a friend who works hard at understanding me. I treasure his friendship. He asks me questions. He is interested in who I am. I’ve often wondered why we have remained friends for so long. (Over 10 years now). I think its because we laugh a lot. And we try and understand each other. (Mind you we’ve had our share of blues!) But most of all, we encourage each other to find our strength in Christ and be like Him. Treasure your friendships. Work at them. Take initiative. It’s worth it.

A Victim of Adultery

The following is a true story.

I passed a woman on the street in the city this morning. I know her husband cheated on her. Don’t ask me how I know her husband cheated on her, I just know. Trust me. I have good sources. She looked sad. I could see it on her face, but she couldn’t. She just looked at me as I walked by, kind of sad, kind of down. I’m sure she knew the relationship wasn’t what she thought it should be. I wonder if she blamed herself. I’m sure she knew something was up, but couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. Perhaps she even blames herself.

I wanted to tell her. I wanted to scream at her. ‘Don’t you know your husband cheated on you? Don’t you know he doesn’t want you to know?’ But obviously I didn’t. Its none of my business really. I’m not the moral police here.

Then I thought of the husband. What a terrible slavery to be part of for the rest of your life. To know you’ve done the dirty on your wife, and not to tell her. Now, who am I to throw stones. Goodness knows I’m no better. But it does make you stop and think- how wonderful it is to be saved- to walk in the light. To be able to freely admit your sin and to bask in God’s acceptance of you. To know that we are sinful, yet we are free to admit it. To God, yourself and each other.

How sad and pathetic it is to be hiding from each other, covering over our sins- especially from the people we love. This is slavery. This is ugly. This is why Christ died. And these are the things that Judgement Day will reveal and will leave us who have not been washed by the blood of the Lamb prostrate with embarrassment and shame.

Discipleship Training

Currently I've instigated a training course upon my unsuspecting parishoners- Preparing Just for Starters, produced by Matthias Media. Its a great course, teaching people how to follow up new Christians in the basics of Christianity.

So much of what we are being taught in our training days is to start up new ministries as a key to growth. Doing something like Preparing Just for Starters encourages people to meet up with other Christians to teach them the basics of Christianity. The course is based on 7 'basic' Bible studies. Already 2 people are starting to meet up with others. Such discipleship is essential to growing churches.

Another advantage is that it teaches people in the parish a 'philosophy of ministry'. I've been thinking about this lately. Everyone has their own philosophy of ministry. I suppose mine is that one-to-one ministry is the essential backbone of the church. The more one-to-one ministry relationships that are taking place behind the scenes, the stronger the church is, and the more equipped it is to grow. The reason why churches often don't grow is because they don't grow beyond their capacity to equip and care for its people. Learning to disciple new Christians is an important key in the future growth of any church.

Any, just some random ramblings. I'm trying to blurt out what I know about one-to-one ministry to my parishoners to enthuse and encourage them to be involved in this essential work! After all, we are all priests; we are all ministers.

Pray God would use this new training venture to grow His church.

Guess What...

I've got a dog. No joke.

Reflections on Going from Bible College into Ministry

The following are some comments on being a Bible college student and being in ministry, for what they are worth. They are my own personal experience, and hopefully, if you are in Bible college or in ministry, you can be encouraged by it. Its from an email I sent to some of my college friends.

As a single man, there is no one who understands the isolation of ministry. It is quite a lonely job at times, and without the support of those who understand, it is quite daunting. This is much different from the college environment, and in particular, singles quarters, where everyone is in similar situations, which I often drew strength from. This is why I chose to work where I am, because of proximity to family and those close to me.

Interesting question you ask about how college affects our relationship with God. I think I struggled with seeing the Bible as my text book rather than God's precious letter to me. I resonate with your comments about being a SON first. Not losing sight of your first love. Being in love with the God who has saved you. College doesn't teach us this. I found at the end of 4th year I was less passionate about God than when I came into college, and I had to regain that, rather than have a technical, laboratory type attitude to the Bible. (I think an extended holiday after college helped me regain that, not to mention some good heart-to-hearts at the Marly on Friday arvo's in 4th year...as well as my own brokeness of a break-up and the death of my grandmother...nothing like shattered dreams to throw yourself upon the big goodness of God).

Personally, I'm excited to be in ministry now. (At the moment at least!) Its hard work, its painful, sometimes I feel like there is no fruit...but then I see people changed by the Word. I've seen someone come to Him. And suddenly its all worthwhile again.

I guess the key is to remember we are ALL broken. We all need to draw strength from Christ and not in our own resources/gifts/charisma/personality etc. Only Christ can take our feeble good works and turn them into fruit for His Kingdom. My prayer today was that I would not get in the way of His working that which is pleasing in His sight.

I think a warning is waranteed to those starting Bible college- something to prepare them for the years ahead. I remember reading a paper about combining my academic studies with my personal devotions, and I found this mentality a great help to getting through college.

I was very encouraged by the recent Retreat. I think it helped me refocus on what my role is- to preach the Word. Acts 20 is such a key passage to us in ministry, and thank God he has preserved these words of Paul's as God's Word to us. I may be lacking in energy at times to keep going in ministry, but it taught me to use whatever energy I have to spread the Word and get others excited whenever I can about the Word. Heaven and hell are very real!!!! Paul warned people with tears! Currently I'm trying to meet with men to share with them a vision for ministry and serving others. (As we were reminded at our last training day...it is good for people to serve others...I really believe this, and am seeking to encourage people and push them to be serving others.)

I've also drawn strength from my own study of the Scriptures for sermons. Its such a hard slog preaching each week. There are some weeks that I wake up on a Sunday morning and wish that someone else could do it, and I could just have a simple 9-5 office job. But just finishing Colossians lately...I'm in Christ!! How amazing is that? And how big is Jesus?? If my congregation can see a man who is in love with God's Word, then hopefully that will be infectious. If they take away only one thing from my sermon..then its worthwhile.

May God use our feeble efforts to bring glory to Himself. In weakness, then we are strong.

From a recovering college student, but well-trained nonetheless.

David

Shark Attack!

On Saturday I was swimming at Bondi Beach and the shark alarms went off. At first I couldn't hear them, but people were telling me to swim to shore. Thousands of people clammered out of the water while we watched a helicopter and 2 jet skis attempt to scare the sharks away. The SMH reported that there were in fact 2 sharks.

Not many were willing to go swimming after that. Trust a couple of sharks to ruin a perfectly good day at the beach!

I guess gospel preaching is a bit like that- warning people to swim to shore in order to escape the impending danger. Preach it!

Bludging on God's Grace

Today my neighbour saw me at the local Orange Blossom festival, a huge community event in our shire, and he asked me to explain to him what it means to be a Christian.

He said 'I was reading your article in the local newspaper and you said that to be a Christian you have to be a bludger (do nothing)...my understanding is that God helps those who help themselves...so I would like to understand why you say you must do nothing!'

I was basically describing that the way of salvation is by faith, not works...by God's grace, not our own efforts. Tomorrow I plan to share the gospel with him after lunch, via Ephesians 2:8-9

'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.' (ESV)

So please pray for me as I share the gospel, and for him as he listens and understands. God can even grant repentance to 80-something-year-old-Romanian-men! I don't share this to parade this opportunity, just to humbly ask for your prayers for my next door neighbour. And rejoice that God doesn't help those who help themselves. He helps those who allow Him to do ALL the work in saving us. All we can do is bludge on his generosity.

In Christ

You are IN CHRIST.
Seriously- think about what this means this week.
It will amaze you.

More on Self-Esteem

Blogging Builds Self-Esteem

While we are on the topic, apparently blogging builds self esteem. Or so they say.

I have to be honest- its SO true! When my site meter gets higher and I get lots of comments on my posts I feel so good about myself.

The Work of the Trinity in Self Esteem

Our self esteem must come from the fact that the Father made us, the Son died for us, and the Holy Spirit indwells us.

Attachment to Stuff...

While we were hearing an excellent sermon on generosity, someone was breaking into JT's car and stealing his laptop.

Theft makes me angry. Why do people think that they can take that which is not theirs? Its human selfishness at its worst.

But at the same time, it is a constant reminder not to get too attached to the things of this world. They are passing and fading. Our true inheritance is in heaven.

All this happened while we were reminded from 2 Cor 9 that we are stewards of what belongs to God. He chooses to give to others through our generosity. And theft reminds me in a fallen kind of way that I haven't really worked for it. Its all because God allows me to be the manager of it. We don't own anything. Its all God's.

The Last Word on Flirting

Confession time. I love a good flirt. I love the playful exchange of banter, that lingering look of desire, those fluttering eyelashes, that playful exchange, the affectionate touch on the arm, the comment that forces me to want to read between the lines…*nudge nudge wink wink*

Flirting makes me feel good about my self. It builds my esteem. I remember one guy, after he had a playful exchange with a female stranger, said ‘I still got it!’ I wanted to ask ‘got what?’ But I knew what he meant. Flirting is good for my ego.

This post is about some reflections I’ve had on flirting. I’m not writing this because I’ve flirted with anyone or anyone has been flirting with me (just let me make that clear- this is not about you!) But for some time I’ve come to the conviction that flirting is sinful, even though I am the first to admit that I’m not innocent in this regard.

I suppose we should start with a definition of flirting. What do we mean by flirting? A good question. Because as we will see, that’s part of the problem with flirting. Its hard to know when someone is flirting with you. That’s why it is often asked ‘Are you flirting with me?’

For example, consider the following exchange between Boy and Girl (not their real names):

Boy: “Hey there, how have you been?”
Girl: “It was OK, but I missed you”
Boy (excited): “You did?”
Girl (breathing): “Yeah. I’ve been so lonely without you!”

How should Boy interpret this? He can think “OK, Girl really likes me!” But then he might actually say to Girl: “I get the impression you like me…well I want to say that I like you too!” But then Girl can turn around and say “Oh, I meant nothing by that! You read too much into it!”

Karl Barth says that flirting is ‘a playing with love undertaken as such in full awareness by both parties’. Flirting is a game that we play. And that is exactly the danger of flirting. Both parties do not always participate in full awareness of what is going on. Sometimes only one person is aware that flirtation is taking place, and the other party is left to interpret it. It’s a playing at love, but its left open to interpretation.

And because flirting is a game, it is safe but confusing. You can safely communicate to someone that you like them without actually embarrassing yourself. Its easy to hide behind a playful exchange or an innocent touch without actually communicating that you like her. The flirter is able to communicate in a very safe way that he is interested. The flirtee is left to interpret this playfulness, and can be left confused. And all this lies behind a flirter who in the end only wants to protect themselves from the hurt and pain that may come with speaking clear words. This is just another example of how self protective and fear-driven we truly are!

So flirting turns to avoidance and avoidance turns to silence. And silence is not golden. It is deadly, because silence kills relationships. The essence of a good relationship is clear words, not silence. We need to know where we stand with each other. Ambiguity and chaos are characteristic of this fallen world. In the words of Crabb: ‘Speaking is the gateway to relationship. Silence is the gatekeeper.’

This is the sin of flirting. It is a selfish act because it involves no vulnerability. As Barth says, ‘The danger of flirtation consists, of course, in the possibility of its turning into a deceitful trifling.’ Flirting is deceitful, for it happens behind the actions of ambiguous gestures. And we all know that deception is of the devil.

Imagine what it would be like if we had a God who flirted with us. Imagine if He only hinted at the fact He loved us. Imagine if His love was only a gesture that left us wondering.

I’m so glad that He has spoken clear words to us in the cross of Jesus, for there we see His unquestionable love for us. He doesn’t want us to be left in the dark about our intentions, His longings and his desires. He doesn’t flirt with us. His love for us is clear. And in case you are in the dark about his love for you, check out Romans 5:8! The words of love that come from our God are words of life (John 6:63)!

Now please don’t think that if you look at me funny or innocently touch my arm I will think you are flirting with me. Especially if you are a guy! And I know that you don’t just walk up to a girl and ask her to marry you the first time you speak to her. Don’t get me wrong- there is a place for flirting. But that place is within the security of a relationship where clear words are spoken. Otherwise it is unkind, uncaring, and in the end, deceitful. And that makes it sinful. Let me say it again- flirting must not end in flirting. It must end in clear words that give clear meaning to those ambiguous flirtatious gestures. Flirt with me, fine. But tell me you like me! The last word on flirting must be a clear word.

Clear enough?

The Wounds of a Friend

Tonight I was talking to a close friend of mine and he pointed out some home truths to me about myself. They are things I’ve known about myself but I don’t like. And to hear him articulate them was rather unsettling and a little scary.

It made me realise- after leading a Bible study tonight on the subject of 'thankfulness'- that trustworthy friends are something to be cherished. Having a friend who is courageous enough to point out things that no one else does is a thing to be treasured.

At first I just wanted to cut the conversation short and hang up. But then I realised ‘this is actually really good for me.’ I really valued my friend’s honesty tonight. The wounds of a faithful friend are precious. The hard part was letting my friend inside to say things to me that no one else can, when deep down inside, I was really quite terrified. But I can only grow and move forward in my relationship with Christ now.

I know that this friend accepts me for who I am- a fallen human being in Christ. But thank God that I am raised up with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms. I know I’m not perfect yet…but I’m getting there…and one day I will be what I am not now. In the meantime, I’m sure my friend will point out more of my faults. But I know he doesn’t judge me. He only means me good, not harm, even though it hurts. The way I look at it is, if your friends can’t and don’t help you grow in Christ, who will?

Mundane News??

To summarise the news as I saw it today: Andrew Johns swore (how many times must we go over this story?); the murderer of JonBenet Ramsay fessed up; and we are debating whether or not to include 3 more 'planets' in our solar system (or for that matter, discussing what exactly is a planet!)

I know these are all important issues (I remember feeling quite sad about the JonBenet murder when I first heard about it in '96), but I guess that the news will always reports murders... there will always be new planets to discover...and our sporting heroes will always swear.

The news is so mundane. Last Friday the front cover of the Sydney Morning Herald reported that our Olympic champion Thorpie had become a little fat. Really people, is this the most interesting news to report on?

The news might appear mundane lately, but the reality of life is this...we will ALL stand before the judgement seat of Christ. And only those washed in the blood of the Lamb will be found holy, blameless, and free from accusation. So are you in? Is this what occupies your thinking?

So tell me what matters. News never changes. Its always the same old same old. But Judgement Day changes everything. Maybe I've been spending too much time in Ecclesiastes lately. Maybe its late. Or maybe some things just get more sharply focused late at night...

Getting Old

On Sunday I was preaching from Ecclesiastes 12 and talking about growing old. I made a confession- I don't want to grow old. Im afraid of being feeble and helpless and not being able to do the things I do now.

Afterwards a older woman came up to me and said, 'Why are you afraid of growing old?'
'Well...I suppose its having the aches and pains and all that' I said.
'So what you are telling me David is that you are just a sooky!' was her reply.

I had no comeback.

Did Jesus Commit Suicide?

Did Jesus commit suicide? This was the question I got asked in school Scripture today as I was explaining the meaning of the Passover. As I told the kids that Jesus shed his blood for us (just as the Passover lamb did in the Exodus) one of the kids put up their hands and asked ‘does that mean Jesus committed suicide’?

I was stumped at first. I’ve never been asked that before. Suicide is when you willingly choose to end your life. And Jesus’ death was certainly voluntary.

Eventually I said that Jesus didn’t commit suicide because there was a point to his death- his death is like a husband who takes a bullet for his wife. That’s not suicide, that’s a sacrifice.

And come to think of it, my definition of suicide was flawed. Suicide is when the only and central intention of the act is the death of the individual. There are no other consequences in view. Jesus certainly doesn’t die in order to merely die. He dies so that the world might be saved.

Tonight at the Moore Annual lectures, Dr Gerald Bray said that the will Jesus had to live is seen most clearly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prays ‘not my will, but yours be done’. It’s an unnatural thing to want to die. Jesus was not suicidal- he wanted to live. (And not face the Father’s anger- but this wasn’t really fleshed out).

So there you have it- Jesus was not suicidal. His death, although intentional, saves people, and he had a will to live. That’s love. And that’s obedience.

Speaking of obedience- something else struck me from the lecture. Dr Bray said that the Christian life doesn’t get any easier- it gets harder. But that will have to be the subject of another post.

The Lost Art of Meditation

Our recent church 'Day Away' gave me the opportunity to reflect upon our use of the Bible.

I’ve been thinking lately about how there is a lost art to meditation. I don’t really take the time to meditate upon God’s Word. I read the Bible, I pray, but then I shut my Bible and go on with my routine. I should do some more meditating! But then I got to thinking about what this actually means. Does it mean sitting on a mountain top somewhere and emptying my mind of all but God’s Word? Or mulling it over and chewing the fat? Well, I found some answers in the very first Psalm (1:2):

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

The word meditate is translated from the Hebrew word hegeh. Hegeh actually means ‘muttering, musing or whispering’. Some kind of utterance that may be heard is involved. When the Psalmist says that the blessed man ‘mediates day and night’, he is calling upon us to mutter God’s word to ourselves!

In the Psalms, hegeh can refer to audible muttering. For example, in Psalm 35:28 the Psalmist says that ‘his tongue will speak (hegeh) of your righteousness’. That is, the same word for meditate can mean speaking with your tongue. Its an audible sound.

But hegeh doesn’t have to mean an audible utterance. Another example is in Psalm 77:12:

‘I will meditate (hegeh) on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.’

Here meditating is parallel to the quiet contemplation of considering the mighty deeds of God. It doesn’t necessarily involve a muttering that is heard.

Who mutters about God? Back in Psalm 1, the blessed man who delights in the law of the Lord mutters it. But there are another group of people who mutter about God. Consider the very next Psalm (2:1):

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot (hegeh) in vain?

When you consider that Psalms 1 & 2 are supposed to be the introduction to the whole book of Psalms, the contrast couldn’t be starker. There are 2 ways to mutter about God. You can mutter to plot against God, and against his Anointed One. Or you can mutter about his divine Word. The choice is simple.

What do we mutter about? I find that the things that I mull over in my mind are the things that worry me. The things that occupy my thinking and ‘muttering’ are my own personal anxieties. But then I stop there. I don’t go on to mutter in light of God’s Word. I need to allow God’s word to speak to me in my troubles. Martin Lloyd Jones, in his book Spiritual Depression, puts it like this:
‘The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: ‘Why are you cast down’- what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself…and say to yourself: ‘Hope thou in God’- instead of muttering in this depressed unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, who God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged himself to do.’

I think he has understood the lost art of meditation.

So folks- mull over your thoughts and worries. Mutter to yourself! But DON’T stop there- take the next step of thinking about what God’s Word says to your worries. Give yourself a talking to! Mutter to yourself what God’s Word says about the things you worry about! Preach to yourself. Allow the living and active Word of God to speak to your heart. God’s Word is a provision he has given us to allow us to ‘cast all our anxiety on him’ (1 Peter 5:7).

Its Official...

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

Rainy Days in Sydney Town

At the moment Lyndell & Deb are visiting from the US and are staying in my house with the giggly Gately girl(GGG) while I'm staying at my parents' house. But today it was raining. Now what would you do if you were American and its a rainy day in Sydney?

Answer: You would go out to the mall and you would buy your host a teddy drop-bear! And you would dress it up in a Superman outfit! Then, you would take pictures of it on the escalator, sitting in a cafe and reading, and standing next to a Superman action figure. But you also have to be careful, because it might fall on you unawares and try to eat your neck, which is what drop-bears do. Especially when they have Superman outfits on. And then you would put it in situations which you think might sum up your hosts' life- preaching in the pulpit, reading theological books and Greek grammar books, posing in the local church, and casually hanging out by the fish tank. Then you would show your host when he came to visit that evening. And his face would be hurting from laughing...

So today it rained- the local farmers were pleased, 2 Americans & GGG were amused, and I was thoroughly entertained. All is good in Sydney Town.

Take a Guess...

The way it was on Sunday

Church this morning- I'm excited- a man we have been praying for came to church. Pray he'll come back. We've started a new series in Ecclesiastes. I'm going to enjoy preaching on this book! Then I had lunch with my Nan at Yum Cha. Ohh-la la! And tonight some good times were had in the rectory with Shannyn, Gheever and JT. We had pizza, and the Gheev-meister managed to down half a chocolate cake. I don't know how the big guy does it. Then we sat around the outdoor fire afterwards and chatted. About aliens and shooting stars. Some laughs were had, some quotable quotes were made, some discussions about tonight's sermon, and some pyromaniac behaviour from one of our group. Can you guess who?

Distant Thoughts of Poland

Over the last few days my thoughts have been overseas...in the land of Poland. My parents are visiting there as I type this. My Dad is meeting his cousins for the first time (he has never ever set foot in his native country). He even met his uncle the other day. They are taking him to the place of his grandfather's grave. He has been enjoying being able to speak Polish in his homeland.

My thoughts are there because for a long time it has been on my heart to go to the land of my heritage and tell them about Jesus. My deep desire is that Polish people would come and drink of a deep relationship with God.

Late last night I called my parents because I was excited about their trip and the people they are meeting. They told me that they went to a Polish Baptist church on Sunday where they met some Australian and American missionaries! Praise the Lord! AND- they got some contact details for me so I can email/ write and talk about about ministry opportunities there with them. If I start forming friendships with people over there, the thought of going wouldn't be so daunting.

My next step is I am going to start up a Polish prayer group, so that people here can start praying for Poland. That will motivate me to write to some missionaries there, and fuel the desire I have to see God's glory declared in Poland.

I know I have a lot of decisions to make before I even go there. I also know I have things to work on in my own life. But I'm very excited!!! My parent's trip has really helped me to re-focus upon the urgency for mission. Lately I feel as though I have lost the passion- the sense of urgency to declare the gospel. Call this blog entry something of a confession. But the question that I keep asking myself is 'Give me a good enough reason why I shouldn't go?'

P.S. Kid's club is on at church at the moment. There are many opportunites to share Jesus here. The sense of urgency is here too... please pray.

For his glory...not my own.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14).

Woo-hoo!

I just conducted my first wedding.
Woo-hoo! *a jump in the air and a click of the heels*

Ode to Keppel

Disclaimer- the following blog is not intended to represent the worship of creation, but rather to celebrate its beauty.

I'm home now from Great Keppel Island, but my mind is still there. And so, dear friends, a tribute. No, more than a tribute: an ode to the island that is Great Keppel.

As the sun adorns Keppel
I will dream of thee as one dares to dream
Of a place now in the recesses of my mind.
Where time stood still
Yet eternity was witnessed in your starry expanses and vast horizons.
Where people forget
And remember that haven you offer.

Shadowy declines ease to sandy plains crowned by coral.
Renewing blue waters and calming bushlands whisper that same sweetness: 'hush!'
Commanding coastlands and unattainable depth beckons dangerously.
The wonder of your beaches alone
Do not justify their isolation.
I would embrace them in a moment!

Your distant sisters remind me
I float in a sea of isolation,
Almost like a prison.
Yet your serenity liberates me.
Nonetheless I am captivated.
You are fed from without.
You feed me from within.

I do not even hold your lighthouse against you Keppel,
For you Keppel, can do me no wrong.

You be the judge

Imagine climbing an old, historic lighthouse with breathtaking oceanic views over crashing rocks on Great Keppel Island... :D

The only problem was that to get there, its a 4 hour return trip across rocky mountains :(

But I bravely started out on my expediation *insert drumroll* and as I got there, the excitement was mounting as I saw this (notice the lighthouse) :D


Imagine my disappointment when this is what I saw...


:(

(Notice my shadow taking the picture...the whole thing is like a 2 metre tall solar powered lighthouse...for Smurfs!!! Seriously, can ships really see that????) >:[

When I got back, I justified the 4 hour trip to see a piddly little lighthouse to Dave R by saying:

1. I needed the exercise

2. The views looked like this:

:D

You be the judge.

About that Soccer Game...

Its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...its only a game...

*sigh*

Everything is meaningless.

Field Report

Day 3.

Island exploration has commenced. The landscape is rocky, with bushlands and long deserted beaches. The ocean is unlike any Sydney beach I have seen- a clear, milky blue. We are down to our last can of tuna and 3 sausages. From now on, strict rations apply. In the meantime, our appetites can be satisfied by the abundance of oysters that populate the island. Tonight, our allusions of island exploration, survivial and isolation will be temporarily interrupted while we watch Australia play Italy with the other natives and marooned visitors.

End of field report.

Good Coffee, Bad Water

Day 1.
Dave and I have landed on the Island which is known as Great Keppel. The natives are friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Today we explored the island. I'd like to say that we went hunting for our lunch but that would be a lie.

Quote of the day:
Dave R "The water here makes the coffee taste bad."
Dave M (seriously) "Perhaps we should try boiling the water"
Dave R- "What do you think is in the coffee?"

OK, so Im on holidays....

Ahhh Holidays...

Steve and I at Nelson Bay


Kevin Conner, the artist once said 'I would be happy if I could draw for the rest of my life and not show anyone...'. Well, I'd be happy to draw for the rest of my life, but I'd love to show you- so here's a picture I drew of my niece, Jade. More to follow when I get back! Ahhh...holidays!

Adelaide: 17th June, 2006

Congratulations Jay and Jo!

Australia 3, Japan 1

So I did watch the soccer last night between Australia & Japan. But I am kicking myself now that I decided that it was too late to keep watching, and as a result I missed all the fun in the last 8 minutes when we won 3-1.

But people- let's get some perspective here. The Socceroos are not going to win the World Cup. This is only Round 1. One newspaper called this victory the 'greatest sporting moment in Australian history'. Wait a minute- what about Phar Lap? What about Makaby Deva? What about Cathy Freeman? Or the America's Cup? Stephen Bradford? My latest trip to the gym (my mother would be proud anyway...)

Training Days

The good thing about being an Anglican is that the diocese puts effort in training us in the years out of college. Today we had a training day in the city on hatch, match and dispatch (that's thanksgiving services, weddings and funerals in the Anglican context).

Funniest quote of the day:
Seminar leader: (about a groom at a wedding) 'He was the kind of guy who calls a spade a spade.'
Minister: (bluntly) 'Why? Did he work in a hardware store?'

CU Blues

I've got the Cedarville blues.

Normality Sets in

Today was a normal day. I got up early, read my Bible and prayed while I ate my porridge. Then I drove into the office, wrote an answer to a question the ladies had in Bible study (finally!), started writing a report for a grant application, started planning a 'Day Away' conference for 2 months time, decided to run a 'Challenging Da Vinci' Sunday, met up with Matt and Kylie for the afternoon, rushed home to cook dinner. Was still eating dinner while people from Bible study arrived. Bible study. Ate dinner after Bible study. Blogged.

Today Shannyn and I reminisced about the week that was Cedarville. Until next year. Can't wait.

Oh Man!

Today I spent the day taking the Cedarville team around the city and Manly (don't worry- I've swapped my day off for this week, for those of you who think I'm bludging!) It was a glorious day- the kind of day that makes you glad you are alive and living in such a beautiful city like Sydney. Sydney turned on a winner of a day...breezy on the Parramatta River but warm enough to notice the sun. The beach was inviting- the water fresh, and the company great!

Of course, I'm sad that my time with the team is coming to a close...only a few more days before their trip to Melbourne. We've had so many laughs, and shared so many good times ministering together. Its hard forming such good friendships, only to say good bye. And I still miss last year's team as well. I'm so glad I will have heaps of friends in Glory. This is yet another good reason to call heaven my Home. And may the good times continue.

Cedarville has Landed!

The 2006 team from Cedarville is finally here! This week we are hosting 15 university students from CU this week. We had a great day in church yesterday with them, and the week can only get better. Today we are all taking a much needed day off and going into the city to see the sights. If you get a chance, and if you live in the same country, head on over to church hear the team sing about Christ.

The Holy Spirit in Scripture

Today in Scripture I was teaching about the Holy Spirit. The students had to write down in their work books something about who the Holy Spirit says he is. Here's what one kid write:

'Yo! I'm the Holy Spirit! Get Down! Yo Bro! Wassup?'

I admit, I had to laugh. And then wonder about my teaching skills...

All things Kermit

Call me a weirdo, but people who have known me more recently don't realise this about me.... I have a soft spot for a certain green frog. I have followed his career for quite some time, and have grown to love the little green dude. I felt like a part of him was gone when Jim Henson died, and my favourite childhood toy was a Kermit puppet that I still have.

Imagine my surprise when my brother sent me a link showing me that you can actually buy a Kermit the Frog replica....of the original Muppet puppet. How cool would that be! My capacity for doing kid's talks in church just suddenly escalated.

The only downfall is that he costs $199 US.

Mundine Annoys Me

I just happened to be listening to the radio last night and Anthony Mundine was on the sports programme. I don't get annoyed easily, but I must say that his arrogance irritated me. Here's what he was saying about his upcoming fight with Danny Green:

"He's going to find it hard to hit me and he's going to be hit more often than he's ever been. You can't train for speed, man. Very few fighters in the world have got it, like I've got it. It doesn't matter if he is sparring Superman or the Six Million Dollar Man."

"I can defeat anybody the way I am feeling right now and that's going to start with Green. I want to reign this division and prove that I am the best of the best."

And serisously, what's with the get up dude? Definitely not Superman or the Six Million Dollar Man. More like Mr T gone formal.

Previously on Lost...

Currently Watching
Lost- Season 1

Some would call it self-induced tiredness...I reckon its just reckless fun staying up until all hours and watching Lost. So what am I blogging to you for...I'm gonna go watch this glorified-Gilligan's Island TV show. Thank goodness for sleep-ins on days off... Tootles!

The Ministry Opportunities our Government Gives us

I'm a big fan of teaching Scripture in the local public school, even if I do complain about how naughty the kids can be. This week I actually prayed that they would listen to what I had to teach them and God answered my prayer beyond what I could hope for!

In the first class, the students just fired me with questions, which I answered one by one!

Like:
· How did we get the Bible?
· Who wrote the Bible?
· How can you believe something we can’t see?
· How can Jesus be God?
· How do you know God is real?
· Who made God?

Its interesting the questions kids are asking today- very similar to the ones adults were asking years ago.

In the second class, as I taught about the resurrection, and a sweet and sincere little girl came up to me afterwards and asked ‘If I say sorry for all my sins will I go to heaven?’ So I explained the gospel to her!

Its opportunities like these to teach the gospel that our Government gives us by allowing Scripture to be taught in our NSW public schools. If you don't do it already, plan to pray regularly for future opportunities to teach Scripture in our public schools for generations to come. Who knows how many people will be in heaven on the Last Day because of School Scripture.

Sermon in Progress

983 words and counting!
(Sorry, I couldn't resist...it seems like a lot of my friends are taking me on a ride with them when they write their essays these days...just thought I'd join in the fun!)

Good things

Dark chocolate with lime is really good.
So is Pete Murray live.

What Adolf and I have in common

Drinks, Chinese food, ice cream, good friends, good family. What more could a guy ask for?

Note to self...

Note to self- don't have coffee past 8pm on a Saturday night...hello! Im still wide awake! And bouncing!

An Ideal World

In an ideal world there would only be love
and no hate.
In an ideal world happiness
would be the only fate.
In an ideal world there would be
no Kosovo or Rwanda or Iraq or Pol Pot.
Only heroes. Ones that fight crime and fly,
like Superman.
Except (of course) there would be no crime
in my ideal world.
In my ideal world
A heart would never break
or grieve or ache.
Your heart would only get
that butterfly feeling.
The kind you feel when you go down a rollercoaster,
only better.
Equations would not need parameters or constants.
K-values would be a thing of the past.
So would accusing and cheating and gossipping and lying and regretting.
And crying.
But the lessons learnt would be there.
In my ideal world
childhoods continue.
So would the 1950's.
You’d have the naivety of a 6 year old
and the wisdom of one who realises that
my ideal world is not here.
Yet.

Warning- Sermons in Progress

I've loved getting into Mark's gospel today to think about the resurrection. I don't think I appreciated enough how Mark sees that the resurrection of Jesus floods in the kingdom of God. From the start of Mark's gospel, the coming of the kingdom of God has been anticipated until the end. Mark wants us to see that the resurrection of Jesus signals a new era- the long anticipated time has arrived at last. The kingdom of God is here! And its so significant that the women leave the tomb screaming! That ending leaves me with my jaw hanging open. And I think Mark intends me to feel that way, because something momentous has just taken place. Wow.

I've also been thinking about the Garden of Gethsemane scene. Jesus is so overwhelmed by what is about to happen on the cross that it is killing him before his time. All because of our sin. And I get to preach on this tomorrow night in a local retirement village church service!

Apart from a day of trying to understand these accounts better so I can preach on them this Easter, I also went to visit an elderly retired minister who is coming to do Communion for us this Sunday. I always enjoy talking to men like him- an older man who has walked where I have, and who would have so much wisdom to offer me. Not only has this man been in ministry for much longer than me, but he was also in the war, and then finished Moore College in the late 40's. (This is a man I have heard who used to take suitable men away on weekends to talk to them about going into ministry- the original Club 5!) I found myself wishing I had more time to hear some of his stories and lessons about life in ministry. Perhaps that will make for a good afternoon tea one day soon.

Then, while in the village, I had lunch with my dear Nana. She's a sweety.

Day One- The New Church

Praise the Lord!!! Today was the public opening of the new congregation. To be perfectly honest with you (after all, its between you, me and the internet right?) I was a little nervous about how the new church would pan out. But it was SO exciting and I was pleasantly surprised when I got there that there were people there that I didn't recognise. (I arrive there late because I run 2 services on a Sunday morning.) People came to our new church! There were a few new adults (29 in all), as well as new kids (27), and most people I didn't recognise. God is good! Not that numbers are important, but its exciting to see it grow after a core group of only 13 adults. The weeks ahead will be telling, as I'm sure the numbers will settle down, but it has started off well.

The service has a nice casual feel to it. People appreciated being able to have a cup of coffee in hand while church is on. I quite like that too. It was mildly amusing when I got up to preach when I picked up the music stand and the whole top of it came off! Off to a great start. My sister came through with the goods again and played some wonderful songs for us. I wish I could sing like her. One woman even came with her pony, which was appropriate for Palm Sunday. The kids loved it.

Pray that the new families will come back and that more people will come for Easter. Pray that the sermons would be interesting, engaging, and most of all, Biblical. Pray that the families that come will know Christ. Pray that the familes who aren't saved will know Christ. Just pray, because God has answered so many of our prayers relating to this church so far, and so many are praying, and God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine! Pray, pray, pray!!! Because God is good and His work will continue, no matter what.

Intense Orange

Someone put a whole block of Lindt Dark Chocolate (Intense Orange!) in my letterbox today!!! How nice is that??!! In next week's sermon I am going to mention my passion for good quality chocolate ice-cream.

Dark Chocolate Snob

I admit it, I'm a chocolate snob. Allow me to describe to you my experience of eating fine quality Lindt dark chocolate. My fingers gently break peel off the cardboard cover. The foil crinkles. I break the thin layer with a gentle snap. As I smell the rich, sweet scent, my mouth begins to imagine the taste. So I take a little bite at first. The combination of rich tasting smooth flavour with just enough bitterness is matched by the sweetness of it all. I take a bigger bite- this time the flavour fills my whole mouth, with a combination of liquid and solid. The taste is gorgeous! And soon there is a chocolatey-taste left on my tongue, which I wash down with a mouthful of coffee. Now for the next bite.

This was the introduction to my sermon today on being passion driven for the gospel. (Thanks Adam for the idea!) As a result, someone told me that Aldy sells similar quality chocolate at a much lower price...

Wonderings of the Soul

Why did God forsake his only Son for me?
I don’t deserve His love.
Why did God the Son hang upon a tree?
I don’t deserve this love.
Why does He want to show me mercy?
I don’t deserve His love.
And why am I holy when I’m so unworthy?
His love is more than I deserve.

It was nothing of value or worth that He saw in me.
It was only because He wanted to give.
It wasn’t because I’m good or deserving.
It was only because His nature is to give.
And it’s my nature to take.

Let me not forget to wonder
Why you would chose me.
Let me not forget to ponder
Why you would want me.
Even though I’m not worthy
or thankful
or deserving
or caring
or kind…
You wanted me.
Me of all people.
And I don’t even know why.
Since I’m such a fake.

Kids say the darnest things...Or do they?

Here are some of the questions I got asked today by my 10 year olds in Scripture:
'Did everyone come from Adam and Eve?'
'Who made God?'
'How did God make the world?'
'When did you start to follow Jesus?'

But as great as these questions were because of the opportunities they gave me, one question in particular stood out today:

Student 1: 'Do you have a wife?'
Me: 'No'
Student 2: 'But you are handsome'
Me: 'Um...err....(speechless)...thanks'

Flattery aside, it was interesting that Students 1 & 2 were both male...and equally interesting that kids equate physical attractiveness with one's marriagability...(I think I just invented a new word). And even more interesting that we don't move much beyond this mentality in our adult years.

Listen to kids. They often show us what we think as adults. They are just more open and honest about it.

Church Plant on Track

I did promise an update on the new church plant...so here goes!

The first 2 weeks have been SO exciting! I was a little nervous at first about the whole thing, but I'll tell you what- setting up a new church is rewarding. Its been personally encouraging that people simply turn up each week, and stick around to talk to one another. One woman even told me that she looks forward to coming to her new church each week.

I like to think of the new church as relaxed but relevant. Casual but clear. Bible and Christ-centered. Laid back but organised. I joked with Matt that we are projecting our own personalities onto this congregation!

Its been a thrill to see people getting in and making it work, allowing the new church to work. Just pray we don't burn people out. There's so much to do. And not enough people just yet. Things like morning teas, setting up, welcoming, teaching children- all things we take for granted, but all areas where we desperately need more helpers. And on April 9 we open our doors to the public.

But God has got us to this point- he has allowed so many things to fall into place- giving us the location, providing the core group, and working out the time details. And it looks like we have access to a large hall nearby, which will make for an AWESOME kid's ministry on Sunday mornings. (Rather than the cramped room they currently meet in). I'm learning to trust Him, and be thankful in the process.

I feel rather stretched myself at the moment. Thank goodness for days off where I can read comics, draw and paint, drink coffee at the beach with my cousin and just plain relax... whichever comes first. Well, some of those things will happen tomorrow, Im sure!

Over and out.

Here's Johnnie!!

During his work hours, my brother met our Prime Minister today, John Howard!!! Apparently he came to open up their new office. He even asked him to get his photo with him. How cool is that? And how nice was Johnnie to oblige? I think I'll vote for him.

My First Baptisms

Today I did my first baptism. Well, 3 of them! Full immersion, in a deep dam, in good old local Kenthurst. Basically I have been meeting up with Bec, Matt and Libby, and reading the Bible with them. They asked me to baptise them. And today I finally did, in their own dam. I had to tread water the whole time while they came in and out of the water, and about 50 people were there to watch. Even though I've been swimming at the beach quite a lot lately, I was quite out of breath when we came out, which made it hard to keep the little service rolling. The dog even jumped in the water and wanted to be baptised as well! I'm so thankful for this opportunity. And a good thing too that it was a hot day today.

I'll blog about the church plant tomorrow- we had our first meeting today...exciting stuff!

Its Church Planting Time!

Sunday was a busy day. We voted on a time change for the existing congregation to make way for a new congregation. We settled on 8:30am, which doesn't suit everyone, and there were some tears. Then that afternoon, I had over the families who will be a part of the new congregation. Some of them met for the first time. It was exciting to hear them meet each other and talk about their previous church experience. Next Sunday we will have our first service. Nervous? Yep! Excited? Definitely.

Road Soccer

I went to a one day conference on Church Planting today. I almost ran over a soccer ball on the way home. These two events are not related.

Here is the picture that was in the Sydney Morning Herald. (Hi Mum!) Any thoughts for a funny caption?

Famous Again...

Apparently I'm famous again. We had a rehearsal yesterday for Saturday's ordination, and my mug made it into the newspaper. Anyway, if you look here, or on page 5 of the Sydney Morning Herald, you just may spot me....not that I like the limelight or anything, but hey.

Gadgets

I now have a new mobile/PDA/MP3/GKWE (goodness knows what else). I am now officially a yuppie.

Stoked about sums it up.

So here I am, another Saturday night where I am reflecting on the day ahead of me tomorrow, and the awesome responsibility that it is to stand up in front of God’s people and teach His Word.

And I must say, that I am stoked. That’s elated for all you Americans out there. Stoked, bedazzled, inspired, star-struck, and spun out. Stoked by the opportunity to help people know God better, enthuse and excite their trust in Him, and motivate people to want to love Him more. Pray that my sermon on Psalm 13 will speak to people's hearts and minds.

God is good. I know it. You know it. Lets never forget it.

Good Times

Well good times are being had in the rectory at the moment... Tim is staying with me during his college holidays, and we are having a hum dinger of a time. Its nice to come home and hang out, talk about blokey stuff and just generally chill. Good times! Dynamite! And as JT would say, 'bring it on!'

Eeek! A Snake!

As I was coming home in the afternoon, there was a snake right outside my back door!! It was big and long and green. As soon as it saw me it slithered away into the bushes. Or maybe even under the house. I'm sure I saw it looking at me through the floorboards. At the moment every little noise when at home makes me think about that snake... Can anyone tell me- are the green ones dangerous???

Should I stay or should I go?

Last week I spent the week at CMS Summer School. I find it so challenging when I hear about missionaries who have given up so much to go overseas to take the gospel to places where it hasn't been taken. Its especially challenging when I know a lot of these missionaries personally. These are people that I was on a mission team with in Sydney's suburb of Liverpool- a hot, unattractive, ethnic suburb. These are people just like me who love their family, love living in Sydney, and love doing ministry. So why shouldn't I go?

Well to be honest, I can't think of a good reason. Except that I love my family. I love my city. I want the security of owning my own home one day. The thought of struggling with another language for a few years terrifies me. I get lonely, even here in Sydney. Am I emotionally capable? Am I thick skinned enough? I have just become an uncle. There are so many maybe's at the moment...

But what it boils down to is that there is a great need outside of Sydney for people to hear the gospel. Without Jesus, people are going to hell. And God has blessed me with a Polish heritage and I have a heart for seeing them saved. In my heart of hearts I really want to be a missionary. Pray for me. And pray for Poland.

New Orleans Jazz in Sydney...and Katrina.

Tonight was jazz in the Domain. I loved the exciting atmosphere and the misty rain that soothed the hot day. The New Orleans guys were great- they belted out some tunes which I'm sure could be heard in Blacktown. Its not often that there are good quality jazz concerts on for free!

Even though there was much dancing and merriment, there was also a tinge of sadness at the reminder of Hurricane Katrina. The only thing I didn't like was how New Orleans was presented as a city that would endure. As one singer said, 'No matter what they throw at us, we will continue'. Or something like that. Another form of trusting in men rather than trusting in God.

Speaking of Medicals...

My eye doctor goes to our church. On Friday I went to see him and there were other people from church in the waiting room, so while I was waiting, 2 or 3 people waved to me and called out my name and came over to talk.

Today I found out that the guy who saw the doctor after me was a little confused. When he went in to see the doctor, he asked 'who was that guy out there?'

The doctor explained that I was a minister. The guy said 'Oh! So many people in the waiting room knew him, I thought he was a rock star!'

I guess its about time for another hair cut eh?

Relevant Medicals

I've just had a medical done as part of the process for my up-coming ordination....which prompts me to ask...why do the Bishops etc need to know what's in my body fluids???

All Quiet

My house guests have gone home now. I don't know what to do with myself!

Just for fun, here is a conversation between Luca (almost 2 years old) and Jodie:
Jodie- Come here to Mummy.
Luca- OK.
Jodie- You have got such an obedient spirit, don't you?
Luca- No!

Welcome to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification.

If you know me, you know that I am a reflector. That's why I tend to like New Year's because it offers me the opportunity to do that which suits my personality- to think about the year that was, and to consider the year that will be. So today in church, I inflicted my 'reflectiveness' on the congregation. I had a series of questions which I have found very helpful in previous years as I have thought about what God has done the past year, and how I would like to grow in 2006. Hopefully you you also might find them helpful too!

Questions for Reflection:
1. What can you thank God for over the past year?
2. How have you grown in your relationship with Him?
3. How have you seen God answer prayers?
4. What have been your struggles?
5. How do you want God to help you overcome your struggles?
6. What can you pray for in the light of 2006?
7. How do you want to grow in:
- your knowledge of God?
- your godliness?
- in ministry to others?

Anyone want to share any answers?