In business school, we were taught the key elements associated with acts of fraud. We learnt about a concept called the “fraud triangle”, which states that in most cases of fraud, three elements are present – Incentive, Opportunity, and Rationalization. These three elements are ever present, not only in the business world with financial fraud… Continue reading Rom 8v10 – Fraud Triangle
During lockdown, we volunteered at a community garden close to where we stay. One of our first tasks was to plant runner peas. The seeds were absolutely tiny. It was hard to believe these small seeds would grow into peas. We were so proud to see our harvest of delicious fresh peas after a few… Continue reading Gal 6v8 – Sowing life
Gardens require two types of attention. The first relates to what you do to help the plants thrive. This could be preparing the soil, watering the plants, pruning, providing nutrients, etc. The second is what you do to prevent anything from interfering with the plant’s growth. This could be removing bugs, creating barriers to stop… Continue reading Mal 2v7 – Guarding the garden
It’s one of the shortest books of the Bible, and it begins with, “Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied” (Jude 1:2). Why does Jude start like this? We might miss that Jude is starting his letter in a similar way to how the Bible begins. Back in Genesis, God’s first instruction and… Continue reading Jud 1v2 – Multiply
“It was all in vain. I worked so hard on trying to get the promotion, but I was rejected.” “I spent so much of my money on this, but it turned out to be a waste.” In life, we all have experiences where we have invested so much of our time, energy, and maybe even… Continue reading 1Co 15v58 – In vain
Fynbos plants, which grow in the Western Cape of South Africa, are one of the most botanically diverse in all the world. A relatively small area of just 470 km2 is home to 2285 different plant species. This is more botanical diversity than the richest tropical rainforest in South America, including the Amazon. But what… Continue reading 2Co 4:17 – Flowering glory
If you enjoy gardening, you know the pleasure it is watching young seedlings that you planted and nurtured grow into healthy trees or flowering shrubs. And then to see the birds and insects enjoying the fruit of your labour. To breathe in the beautiful scents of jasmine and other flowers in bloom. In a similar… Continue reading Isa 44:3-4 – Growing for God
Have you ever marveled at the vast quantity of grape clusters on a healthy vine? God loves fruitfulness. In fact, God’s first command was to be fruitful. “And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:22). It’s not just plants that God wants to be fruitful, it’s us too. Jesus said, “I am… Continue reading Gen 1:22 – Fruitful and multiply
Pain. We are camping in the wilds, and I have just realized after taking my shoes off at the shower that I’ve left the soap in the tent. Rather than put my shoes on, I hazard the short walk back over the stony ground to the tent. Pain, as the sharp stones make me regret… Continue reading Eph 6:15 – Peaceful shoes
We had an avocado tree that produced the most amazing avos. However one year it stopped producing fruit. And then after several years when it began again, the avos were small and watery. We finally discovered the reason – we had changed the soil beneath the tree by making a kid’s sandpit. We would never… Continue reading Mat 12:33 – Fruit trees