Training for a marathon teaches you one thing – repetition. As I trudge bleary-eyed along the promenade, I watch the sun rise each day from the same spot while the waves consistently crash against the shore. The repetition reminds me of King Solomon’s words – “What do people gain from all their labours at which… Continue reading Ecc 1v3-7 – Cycles
The joy and the trials of choosing a name for a baby. There are so many things to consider – the sound of the name, what it means, how easy it is to spell. But, more important than all these is the association of the name. Is it associated with something positive? Is it a… Continue reading Zec 14v9 – One name
“Turn right in one kilometre. Continue straight. Turn left.” We are travelling to where we will stay for two nights and following Google’s directions. However, as we continue, the area begins to look worse and worse. Silently we are all hoping that this is just an area we are driving through until Google cheerfully declares,… Continue reading Psa 16v11 – You have arrived
Wars, floods, deadly viruses, earthquakes, famine, people who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. There is no doubt we are living in the last days. Even scientists and environmentalists are warning us that unless something changes drastically, this world as we know it is heading for catastrophe. Greed, hatred, envy, selfishness, pride,… Continue reading Luk 21v28 – The last days
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” (Nelson Mandela). Often the circumstances of a situation appear to be overwhelming, until suddenly, if we have faith and perseverance, the goal is achieved. The prophet Habakkuk shares a picture that looks remarkably like our world today. “Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded… Continue reading Hab 2v14 – It will happen!
“Come and sit, the meal is ready.” We are seated around a table. While this scene is sadly unusual in our eat-in-front-of-the-TV world, this was even more unusual. We are camping in Botswana, meters away from hippos and crocodiles. Our campfire light dances across our table while a hyena whoop wafts in the night air.… Continue reading Luk 12:27 – The dinner table
The heat is relentless as it bakes down on the dry, cracked earth. Life is impossible here. However, despite this, the slightest hint of water changes everything. In the harsh Namibian desert poking through the parched soil we find a flower, delicately juxtaposed atop a thorny plant and the cracked clay below. Sometimes life feels… Continue reading Isa 35:1-2 – Flowering desert