Bible readings plans

December 20, 2024

Over the last few months I have been working my way through some reading Bible plans on the Bible app. They are by a Pastor in the UK called Rob McFarlane.

I have really enjoyed these bite sized plans as they give you a Bible verse, some reflections and end with a prayer each day. It gives me something to reflect on as I go about my day.

If you are interested you can find them on the Bible app here. Pastor Rob also has more resources on his personal website here too.

It is all I have Lord

December 19, 2024

When we come to Jesus, he does not want much. We might think we have to have it all together and be perfect before we come. But the truth is, He just wants our hearts. He just wants us to come and follow Him.

Pay careful attention to your own work

December 19, 2024

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God tells us that He prepared good works for us to do before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10). When we focus on our own work, we are able to give it our best effort. We are also too busy to look around and compare ourselves to others and what they are doing. Focussing on our work helps us to be satisfied that we are playing our part in God’s unfolding plan for this world. Remember, we could have be born at any time in history, but God chose for us to live now to do certain things for Him. Let us all pay careful attention to them today.

Prayer

Lord, help me to keep focussed on the work You have created me for and called me to do. I pray that I will not compare myself to others and the work they are doing. Help me to remain focussed on You and Your work for me. Help me to give it my absolute best. Amen.

Six ways to be wise

December 17, 2024

Wisdom is said to be comprehensive knowledge put into practice. It is more than just knowing something, it is about doing something with it.

So how do we become wise? What things can we do to gain wisdom? Here are six ways to become wise.

  1. Fear and obey the Lord – Psalms 111:10 “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise Him forever!”
  2. Walk with the wise – Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
  3. Ask for it – James 1:5  “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
  4. Take advice – Proverbs 13:10  “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
  5. Walk with Christ – Colossians 2:3  “In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
  6. Study the Proverbs – Proverbs 1:5  “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”

So if you want to be wise. Start with these six things and mine the Scriptures for more.

Leadership reflections

December 13, 2024

Several years ago I was asked to speak to a small group of leaders on the topic of Christian Leadership. In this talk I was asked to share my top five thoughts. Here is a summary…

The talk emphasizes that Christian leadership extends beyond mere influence, highlighting the importance of a close relationship with God, a servant heart, and character integrity. Effective leaders must care for their community and commit to making disciples, following Jesus’ teachings to foster spiritual growth and fulfill the Great Commission in their ministry.