Blog – Page 4 – Resources for Faith and Practice

Not as the World gives

Posted on 28 February 2023 by Brian28 February 2023

This evening, as I sat quietly listening to the Lectio 365 devotional for today, I pondered the pressures and distractions we live with every day. The devotional mentioned that Jesus spent time in the wilderness away from people and daily … Continue reading →

The Practice of Gratitude and Love on Valentine’s Day

Posted on 14 February 2023 by Brian17 April 2023

I woke this morning to the strong winds and driving rain of Cyclone Gabrielle as it slides down the east coast of New Zealand, and wondered about the extend of damage it has caused in my city and the country … Continue reading →

The Practice of Humility

Posted on 11 February 2023 by Brian17 April 2023

I can remember times in my life when I have been absolutely convinced of the accuracy of what I thought was true. Early in my career as a technician, I thought a particular piece of equipment worked in a certain … Continue reading →

God Doesn’t Need our Votes

Posted on 7 February 2023 by Brian1 February 2023

As New Zealand heads into another election year, it is worth noting that Jesus was born into a very undemocratic and much more dangerous society than our Western society. 2000 years ago, Israel was ruled by a tyrant (King Herod) … Continue reading →

You Will Practice What You Believe

Posted on 5 February 2023 by Brian5 February 2023

I was in a church small group discussion recently where a topic was raised that provoked some polarised views and strong opinions. It was a robust and respectful discussion, and inspired me to write this post. Our beliefs, particularly our … Continue reading →

It’s not just about me – contributed by Jon Matas

I’ve asked my good friend of nearly 40 years to contribute to my blog. Jon has founded a charitable organisation that sends workers into the least reached peoples of the world. He is a videographer and skilled communicator, as you’ll see in his video linked below. I’m hoping that we’ll see more of his work here in the future.

I often focus so much on what God is doing with me and through me, I often forget it’s not just about me. He’s got my kids too. I share my story below.

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humble

Jon Matas

For more information Jon’s ministry, click this link

What is the Nature of God?

Posted on 24 January 2023 by Brian24 January 2023

Our beliefs about the character of God will shape our thinking around the Bible and about God’s relationship with us and the world in which we live, and consequently how we respond to people and issues that affect our lives. … Continue reading →

Priests and Kings

Posted on 21 January 2023 by Brian21 January 2023

During the past few weeks I’ve been reading the books of Judges and I & II Kings. It was interesting to be reminded that at no time was a priest crowned king, and conversely, no king ever served as a … Continue reading →

The First and Second Coming

Posted on 27 December 2022 by Brian27 December 2022

God became human as a baby, hidden from the world but in plain sight, and remained on the fringe of society his whole life, only being accepted by those who were also on the fringe. The mainliners; the socially connected, … Continue reading →

The Practice of Advent

Posted on 29 November 2022 by Brian30 November 2022

Advent has been practiced in the Church for 2000 years, and remains a potent reminder of the first and second coming of Christ. The season of Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar, starting four Sundays before Christmas day. … Continue reading →