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…
This phrase from John 2:5 is part of the account of Jesus turning water into wine. Mary told servants at a wedding to listen to the Lord. Implicit in this instruction is a belief that whatever Jesus said would be the right thing to do. And Mary was proven right – a wedding that had…
The atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell once said, “It is evident as a matter of logic that, since [the world religions] disagree, not more than one of them can be true.” He is absolutely right. The different religions and spiritual teachings in our world differ so dramatically on some of the most basic issues that they…
John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known sentence in Scripture (“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”). In this digital age, John 3:16 is the most ‘Googled’ Bible verse. It gives a clear summary of the best…
During a recent holiday, my wife and I were able to do something we haven’t had much chance to do since becoming parents – go on a date! We all need pampering from time to time. With our daughter being looked after by grandparents, Rachel and I went out for lunch at a very nice…
The American singer Frank Sinatra is known for popularising the song “My Way”. His iconic voice combined with the grand instrumentation made it one of his most popular numbers, his signature song. But Sinatra himself is said to have ended up loathing “My Way” because it glorifies self-centredness. The song basically argues that it doesn’t…
Edwin Hatch (1835-1889) is known for the simple but moving hymn ‘Breathe on me, breath of God’. This is a prayer that God’s Spirit would shape the hearts of His people. The opening verse is as follows: “Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost…