Nature versus nurture. A common debate. Scientifically, we can view this debate as genetics vs epigenetics. Genetics is the DNA we are born with, the unalterable part of us, and epigenetics is the expression of the underlying gene code. The field of epigenetics shows how external factors, such as stress, can affect gene expression patterns… Continue reading Nature vs Nurture
The story of Jesus spending 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the desert and ignoring temptation is an amazing example of self-control and focusing on what is important. Now, whilst we won’t all have deserts we will be led into for reflection and testing, we can make a conscious effort to change our behaviours… Continue reading Self Control
Proverbs 17:3 states, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Each and every day, we are being tested, from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. We are being thrown into a fire, a furnace. Anything that is fake, plastic, and not pure gets… Continue reading Pro 17v3 – The furnace
Is captivity a good thing or a bad thing? We might think it is terrible because the captor restricts the freedom of the captive. However, putting dangerous criminals in prison keeps them from hurting more people. So, captivity is also good. It depends on who or what is in captivity and who the captor is.… Continue reading 2Co 10v5 – Captive thoughts
We were hiking up a mountain; however, I had chosen the wrong hiking socks, and one kept slipping down. I kept stopping to pull it up, but a few minutes later, it would slip down again. Eventually, I decided to try something different, so I turned the sock around with the heal portion on top.… Continue reading Jer 13v23 – Nothing’s changed
Along the Seapoint promenade in Cape Town are a set of trees that, over the years of exposure to the regular Cape southeaster wind, are growing bent 90 degrees over. Amazingly, these trees are standing. However, should a vicious storm suddenly arise, it’s these trees that will survive, not the ones that the wind hasn’t… Continue reading Eph 3v16-17 – Bent trees
The joy, the tears, the laughter, and the applause all mingle together in a weave of celebration at the graduation. I’ve attended many graduations as a lecturer, but this one is special as each student’s struggles and strengths are shared at this celebration. Their paths, all different, have not been easy, yet despite this they… Continue reading Col 3v24 – Graduation day!
Fire assaying is a traditional method of refining silver that involves heating the silver at a high temperature until the impurities rise to the surface where they can be removed. Once the silver is pure, it can be used for jewellery or other purposes. “Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to… Continue reading Pro 25v4 – The refiner
Coaches like to find the best athletes and help them succeed. That’s why it’s rather surprising to hear God say, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This was God’s reply to Paul when he appealed to Him for help. God doesn’t need us to be strong… Continue reading 2Co 12:9 – Power in the weak
I enjoy reading different Bible translations, as they can give me new insights into a verse I might have read many times. I recently listened to an audio Bible being read in the New King James version. When Proverbs 16:3 was read, I saw the verse in a new light. “Commit your works to the… Continue reading Pro 16:3 – God’s thoughts