Look up. Look down.
4
Feb
No, I am not pretending to be my eye doctor! Recently I have been thinking a lot about looking. ‘Look’ is a word we use in so many ways. Some weeks ago I heard a radio interview in which an … Read More »
Category Archives: Reflections on text and context
Rightly dividing …
13
Nov
I have heard many stories lately of community groups,, but especially church groups, that have split, or left the wider community or denomination to which they belonged. Or in one situation the denomination has kicked out several groups on the … Read More »
A time to tear down … and …
5
Nov
The demolition of buildings is an everyday experience it seems. In our suburb, and it seems all over the country, there is a building boom: but in so many instances what we notice first is the demolition. Homes where, over … Read More »
Now: the greatest gift of all
3
Sep
The word ‘present’ has two important meanings. One means ‘now’, the current time and situation. The other means ‘gift’, something given to us or to another. I am increasingly convinced that the two meanings are deeply inter-related. The present time … Read More »
Resisting the bargain price: what we owe to each other
20
Aug
One of the people we studied in my recent course of biographies was Wayne Oates. Wayne Oates was born in 1917 and died in 1999. He lived his whole life in the USA. He had a very difficult childhood: he … Read More »
Easter 2 ‘What are we doing in the upper room?’
29
Apr
On Sunday I preached at the Collins Street Baptist Church, on the theme ‘What are we doing in the upper room?’ I was encouraged by many who found these words helpful in relating an ancient story to our own situation … Read More »
When in trouble—what does our faith mean?
28
Feb
I’m sure I’m like so many others, wondering just what is going on in the world. Apart from those who imagine D J Trump is their messiah, what can a person of faith (of any faith) do or say about … Read More »
A matter of life and death: ‘Stone Yard Devotional’
11
Feb
I very nearly broke my rule and gave up reading this book half-way through. I am glad I didn’t, because it offers valuable challenges for reflection. Stone Yard Devotional is pitched as a novel, by Charlotte Wood, but it’s many … Read More »
What am I doing in the surf?— reflection for a new year
16
Jan
It’s a glorious, warm day and I am glad to ride a few waves in the local surf beach. Those who know some of my personal history may marvel, with me, that 15 years on from our tsunami experience, and … Read More »
Contemplating a different life
6
Jan
On holidays: a week spent in a different place, and different in so many ways. A week in which I did not see a news bulletin or newspaper once, but enjoyed food with family, sporting events, outings, and rest. And … Read More »