The word prodigal means ‘wasteful’ or ‘extravagant’, and is often associated with Jesus’ well-known parable in Luke 15. A son asks his father for his share of the inheritance before his father is even dead, and then goes and spends it all on partying. This foolish and rebellious son spared no expense in treating himself…

If you were to die tonight, where do you think you would go, and why? I remember talking to an elderly person who knew that her time on earth was drawing to a close. I mentioned to her how she could have the assurance of eternal life with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The…

The Bible is much more than an object of academic, cultural and historical interest. It is the living Word of God, which reads us as much we as read it. As Greg Mathis famously said, “I have read the Bible and found many errors, all of which were in me.” Or as Paul Hovey put…

You may be familiar with the film and book of this name, written by Rhonda Byrne. It promotes the pseudoscientific and spiritual teaching known as the ‘law of attraction’, which claims that mere thoughts can influence our circumstances. If you think positively, you will bring into existence the circumstances and success you desire. While no…

“You might have a happy family, nice house, fine car, you might be successful in real estate. You could even be a football star. You might have a prime-time TV show seen in every home and bar, but you can’t take it with you.” These are lines from the Paul Kelly song “You can’t take…

Before the widespread use of electricity, performers on stage in the 19th century were illuminated by ‘limelight’ (a flame fed by oxygen and hydrogen directed at calcium oxide, or ‘quicklime’). While this method has of course been superseded by electric lighting, the phrase ‘in the limelight’ is still used to refer to someone who is…

It’s amazing how many problems in our lives and relationships are caused by pride. For example, sometimes we undertake tasks we are not qualified for or no longer able to do, because we are too proud to accept the truth. Or in our relationships with others, we may not be willing to admit when we…

Another Fathers’ Day has come around. I have very fond memories of my late father and miss his presence on earth. For almost five years now, I have also had the immense joy and privilege of being a father myself. But it is a big responsibility, and can be challenging at times. Raising children is…

This week’s reading bears witness to this truth. John 6:1-15 tells us about the greatest catering feat of all time: Jesus’ feeding of thousands of people with just five loaves and two fish. We see here the love, compassion and generosity of Christ, who wanted to care and provide for people’s physical needs. We also…

You may have heard the expression “an honest man’s word is as good as his bond”. This phrase comes from Spanish writer Miguel de Cervante’s famous novel Don Quixote. When a person is of good character, you can trust their verbal promises to be just as reliable as a written, signed, legal contract. I know…