Freedom from sin plan
June 10, 2026
I just completed another YouVersion plan called, “Freedom for sin”. It has some practical reminders about the sin in our lives and how Christ has forgiven and covered them all.
You can find it here.
D.I.S.C.I.P.L.I.N.E.
June 9, 2026
I was in the gym this morning and in between sets I was thinking about the word discipline. I wrote down the following in my notebook I record my training in.
D – Determined – getting fitter or stronger or losing weight starts with a determined mindset.
I – Intentional – once we have our goal we need to be intentional in how we are going to achieve it.
S – Strict – when we exercise we need to use controlled and strict form. Injuries set back goals.
C – Committed – commitment is need to see our plan through…even on days when we are not motivated.
I – Intensity – we need intensity of effort when we exercise. We need to push close to failure to improve.
P – Proud – we should be proud of our efforts, our discipline and our commitment to train.
L – Longevity – our goals should always feed in to our long term goal of being fit and healthy as we age.
I – Inspired – we should look around to find motivation and inspiration to fill us up. We can inspire others too.
N – Never quit – our long term goal should be to never quit our health and fitness training.
E – Everyday – we need to find 30 minutes everyday to move. It is an investment in our future lives.
Things needed for a good life
June 8, 2026
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
This is another good question today. What do we need to live a good life? Here are some off the top of my head.
- Family – for me to live a good life I need my family and the love and support they give me. My family gives me a sense of purpose that makes my life worthwhile.
- Home – I think we need a place to call home. A place that is a safe retreat from the world. It does not matter if it is a mansion or a tiny home, just a comfortable place for our families.
- Health – our quality of life depends a lot on our health. Sickness and disease can hold us back. Investing in healthy food and regular exercise can be a key to a good life.
- Purpose – we all need a God given purpose and work in and for His Kingdom. We need to use our gifts for the good of others to live a good life and have a sense of fulfilment.
- Income – a good income to meet the needs of daily life helps us to alleviate some of life’s stresses. We do not need to be rich, but to have enough to support ourselves and give to worthy causes.
- Community – a connection with our local community helps to keep people well mentally and physically. People who live long healthy lives in the Blue Zones have a strong sense of community connection.
- Jesus – we can live a good life without Jesus, but I think we need Jesus to live our best life. We all need to have Jesus as our Lord, Saviour and friend. Walking with Him daily is the good life!
These are just some of the things off the top of my head. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a general outline to help us live a good life.
Reading the Bible is so important
June 5, 2026
I just read these statistics on how reading the Bible affects our faith and our lives in a positive way.
Research from…Back to the Bible shows that when someone is in God’s Word at least four days a week, their life begins to radically change. They are 30% less likely to experience loneliness, 228% more likely to share their faith with others, 231% more likely to disciple others, and 407% more likely to memorize Scripture. That’s why our goal is not only to help everyone, everywhere have access to God’s Word, but also to help them engage with it every day.
Source: God’s Word, Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday Day 3 – YouVersion Plan
For me personally the Bible has transformed my life. It gives me hope, purpose and direction. Most importantly it pointed me to Jesus. This not only changed my life, it also changed my eternal destiny.
If you would like to begin reading the Bible or get back in to it, we have some ways to do it below.
- Our Bible readings page with nine two week plans.
- Our free discipleship Bible study.
- Read the New Testament in a year plan.
My biggest fear I overcame
June 3, 2026
What fears have you overcome and how?
My greatest fear that I have overcome is the fear of public speaking. I guess this is similar to most people.
I can remember being in primary school and being terrified of reading aloud in class. On days I had to do a talk I would take the day off school.
As an adult I would do everything I could to avoid public speaking. Even small things like doing a brief introduction of who you are in a training course terrified me.
I can remember in the early 1990s a friend asked me to be best man at his wedding. Rather than seeing it as an honour, my first thought was I will have to make a speech!
So how did I overcome this? Here are a few things helped me.
1. I prepared early and wrote everything I had to say out word for word.
2. I practiced even the smallest talk or reading about 100 times. Not exaggerating!
3. I prayed a lot. My biggest prayer was, “Please be with me Lord and please help me Lord”.
4. I wrote out scriptures and put them in my pocket. At every chance I would read them.
5. I got books from the library to help. These days you can look online for help on making speeches.
6. I asked for tips from people who were good public speakers. I spoke to Pastors and teachers.
7. I realised that public speaking is a great way to reach and encourage people towards God.
8. I looked for opportunities to speak publicly and overcome my fear. This was very very scary!
This process probably took about ten years to feel comfortable with speaking in front of others. It was a long hard road for me, but it was worth it.
So what were the main verses I kept in my pocket?
Philippians 4:13 NLT – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Ephesians 2:10 NLT – For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.