Friday, March 29
4 Enemies of your Purpose
Uncategorized

4 Enemies of your Purpose

Purpose, isn't that what we all feel we want to be living for? It is probably one of the strongest forces in us, is the need to feel our lives have meaning. Growing up as a teenager I had a growing sense of what I wanted to do, no details, just a vague direction; I am living in that right now, 30 plus years later (who's counting anyway!) Here are some lessons I've learnt what the 4 enemies are to living a fulfilling sense of purpose. If you are searching more on this topic right now, try out our What is your meaning website. 1. All at once I want it, and I want it NOW. I have the vineyard, but I want the grapes also, in fact I want the champagne NOW! The desire for overnight success will be an enemy to your purpose. Little by little I will drive them out before you...
Seek God …
Personal Life, Uncategorized

Seek God …

He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 103:7,8 An interesting differentiation between the aspect of God that Moses got to see, and what everyone else got to see. Moses intentionally sought the face of God. He longed for the presence of God, he desired to know God deeply personally. In this search God was able to reveal to Him, who He is - His character. Moses called on God "Show me your glory" (Exodus 33). And God did, He visited Moses with His presence and revealed His character - compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love - the statement God used of Himself - revealed to Moses, not everyone else. For others, all they got to see was the ou...
The Royal Law
Leadership, Personal Life, Uncategorized

The Royal Law

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8 NIV The ROYAL law - to love others, whoever they might be, from whatever background, broken, whole, … this is dignity, this is carrying ourselves with honour, because we give honour.  There is no more supreme act of faith. When we love someone as ourselves we are showing 'royal' behaviour. It's supreme, it trumps all other behaviours, it is how disciples show the world that we are followers of Jesus, by our love for one another. It is how our communities discover a love that is beyond normal. I like to put it like this, we are here to be the hope on every street. How can I be hope to my street?  By being the pastor to my street - given the royal law, o
Safe people, safe places
Family Life, Leadership, Uncategorized

Safe people, safe places

If there was ever a time the world needed some stability it would be right now. We're going to take a few minutes to look at the behaviours and actions of a person you might call 'safe'. Because right now safe people, and safe places, might just be what people are needing. What if we could provide the community with some security, not so much in terms of what next month may look like, but in terms of people and places that are consistent, secure, predictable, with peace, hope, that are restorative, in other words safe people and safe places. Whilst the Bible is very much full of stories of travel, adventure, extraordinary feats of faith, injunctions to go, conquer, take ground; yet the greatest act of faith is to stand the ground of your inner world. To remain steady in t...
A Surprising Story
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A Surprising Story

It’s the closing of 2020. An unusual year to say the least, devastating for some, frustrating for all, and overwhelming for others.  So when I look back it's good to see the hand of God at work, because I know He is up to something in the midst of our turmoil. When I look back and see where we have come I am regularly surprised at the hand of God in so many unexpected ways. Before I share this story it should be noted that whilst I have an interest in property investment, I am not a property expert. And whilst I come from a family of entrepreneurs, I do not see myself as primarily that. I am primarily a local Church pastor, determined to see the very best for our church, and devoted to Jesus, determined to ensure He shines in what we and I do. So this story is more