The bible tells us ‘you do not have because you do not ask,’ James 4:2. But what about hen we have asked and still don’t see an answer? That has been my experience recently as I have battled with excruciating back pain over a number of weeks and it is still here. I’ve asked, and plenty of others have also asked on my behalf, so why isn’t God answering? I’m sure Paul must’ve asked the same question when he asked the Lord repeatedly for healing of whatever problem he had, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. God chose not to answer by healing … Continue reading →

Can you be a Christian and not go to church? It is something I have been thinking about, because I have not been to church for three weeks. However, in my defense I can say it is not by choice. The sprit is willing. Unfortunately the body is not. And I miss it. I miss leading the congregation in song. Thankfully God has provided others to step up in the interim and help out in that way. I miss hearing God’s Word preached and our pastor’s sermons. I miss hearing people praying for each other. It is often during those … Continue reading →

Continuing on with my theme from last week’s blog about an apt illustration, here are some more lessons that apply to footy as well as to the Christian life. Most important for any football team is that they listen to the coach and listen to their captain. You see them before the game, at the quarter time and three quarter time huddles and at half time listening intently to the coach and captain. No-one interrupts or tries to talk over them. They listen. Every eye is fixed on the one speaking, so they do not miss anything. We need to … Continue reading →

Sometimes God uses interesting ways to illustrate His Word and the point He is making. Last week we’d heard a sermon about the importance of keeping on in the Christian faith and not coasting along or resting on your laurels and thinking you’d done enough. It was illustrated practically that afternoon when we watched a football match. Our team, the Sydney Swans had in the first part of the game had the majority of ball use and yet trailed on the scoreboard, because they did not kick accurately for goal. It seemed their efforts were being wasted. Sometimes in the … Continue reading →

When God gives commands there is a good reason for them. Yet how easily people ignore God and what He has said and instructed. God through Moses gave Israel statutes and commands before they entered the Promised Land. He gave them these instructions, so they would know how to live in the land. He gives us commands and instructions, so we know how to live. We find them in the Bible. Deuteronomy 4:2 is very clear about not adding to or taking away from what God has said. This is as important for us today as it was for the … Continue reading →