reflections (Page 3)
Check out and share this worship playlist
Here is a worship playlist for you – soak in some music to lift your soul.
Prayer – why pray?
Prayer – Have you ever read Romans 8? I find it a fantastic encouragement. The opening verse gives us that sense of belonging and comfort as we are reminded that condemnation has been laid aside for those washed with Christ’s blood. Having said that we still experience those times when things could be just that little bit better. Then we are reminded of an amazing promise that God give us… Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things…
You are Indispensable
You are Indispensable When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 Remember, you are unique. There is no one else on this planet like you. You are one of a kind, just as important as anyone else in this world, and the contribution you…
Not ashamed
When Nilton Cordeiro was young, he heard about the love and grace of Jesus Christ through an old hymn. This love and grace quickly captured his heart and would change his life forever.
The Names of Jesus
The names of Jesus. Jesus has many names revealed in scripture. Take time to reflect on these few and give thanks that He alone is Saviour. Cornerstone: (Ephesians 2:20) – Jesus is the cornerstone of the building which is His church. He binds together Jew and Gentile, male and female, all ages and cultures into one faith. Firstborn over all creation: (Colossians 1:15) – He Himself is not a created being, but the creator of all things so that He…
Who’s that knocking at my door?
We see in Revelation 3:20 the Lord ‘knocking at the door”. A request asking us to allow Him in and His invitation to dine with Him. What comes before regarding the church at Laodicea is intriguing. We see the terms hot, cold and lukewarm presented to a church that has clearly lost its way. The message from the Amen (Christ) was less than encouraging to say the least. Yet the temperature statements were not lost on them, they knew what lukewarm…
Easter – what is it all about
What is Easter all about? Each week at our church, we look back at the sacrifice of Christ through communion. The taking of the emblems, bread and wine, symbolizes the body of Christ and the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of the believer’s sin. Each emblem contributes to a stark reminder of the sacrifice Jesus undertook so that we who believe might have the hope (assurance) of eternal life in heaven. Easter likewise is another reference point when…
Not quite as good as you think
Over the years I have often heard – in response to a discussion regarding a Christ centered faith – I’m a good person. Truth be told prior to my or anyone else’s conversion for that matter, we might have trotted that out once or twice ourselves. What we probably came to realize is our goodness was only based on the comparison to others around us. Given there is probably someone around more wicked than all of us, we had a…
Beach Blessings
Last weekend I was sitting on the beach at Petone reflecting on God’s calling and the responsibility of being a Gospel bearer to a society which gives every indication it doesn’t require a Saviour. If one pauses and reflects too long in these thoughts the task at hand seems very daunting and has a high degree of personal cost attached. Fear of ridicule, being ostracised from family or friends and in extreme cases job security can way heavy on one’s…
The Priority of Relationships
“You must love each other just as I have loved you. If you love each other everyone will know that you are my disciples” John 13 v 34-35 One of the key things we know about God is that he is deeply relational. We see it in the relationships of the Godhead. We see it in his sacrificial love for us and we see it in his calling us to love each other. We were created in God’s image and…
Prepare Him Room
“Prepare Him Room” is the name of this year’s Christmas Eve Carol Service. The words come from the carol “Joy to the World” written by Isaac Watts in 1719. The full first verse is: Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing. What’s strange about “Joy to the World” is that there is nothing particularly “Christmassy” about it. Tradition means we sing this carol…
A Grateful Heart
Grateful 1 Chronicles 16 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! An old story goes like this – a king was concerned by the ungrateful nature of his court. He arranged a…