Tag: dailyprompt

Life without a computer

October 2, 2024

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Life without a computer. I could not imagine that now. I have been using a home computer since the early 1990s.

Initially it was for email, my studies and looking up a few websites, but over time it became more about ministry. I set up PASSIONAustralia.org in 1998 and it has been going ever since.

Since setting up PASSION a couple of things stand out to me…

1. Our website PASSIONAustralia.org has had tens of millions of visitors with many of them going to our salvation pages.

2. Our free discipleship booklet has been downloaded over 100,000 times and translated in to different languages.

When I was working as a Pastor I would come home after church and put my sermon text and audio online for people to read and listen to again or if they missed church that week.

Most of this has been done on my home computers I have had. More recently it has been on my iPads or my iPhone, but still I could not imagine doing ministry without a home computer.

So life without a computer, it would look very very different.

What skill?

October 1, 2024

What skill would you like to learn?

I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I have tried a few times, but I have never really committed any time to the practice.

I have always thought it would be handy for small group worship if I could play the acoustic guitar. Many years ago I learned to play the drums, but that would not really work for small group worship!

Maybe when I retire I can have that as a goal? That sounds like a good goal.

Best piece of advice

September 22, 2024

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Many years ago an older Pastor gave me some advice about marriage. He said, “The world thinks marriage is about give and take, but marriage is really about give and give”.

He went on to say that giving and serving your partner is the best way to have a long and happy marriage. I was a new Christian and had not met my wife yet, but the advice always stayed with me.

I can honestly say as a Christian man, this is the best advice I have ever received.

Peace bringer?

August 12, 2024

What brings you peace?

What brings me peace? Knowing Jesus and doing my best to follow Him each and every day.

In John 14:27 Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus said this as He was preparing to go to the cross. He knew chaos and confusion was about to be thrust on His disciples, so He gave them His comfort and His peace.

I find these words comforting myself too. So many times I have been worried or stressed out from the trials and tribulations of life, these words have been my comfort.

Many years ago I heard this saying, “No God, no peace. Know God, know peace”. I have found this to be true. Knowing Jesus has given a sense of peace and purpose that the world could never give me.

As I type I am reminded of the great passage from Philippians chapter four. It says…

[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

I love the way this passage encourages us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring it to God. Then God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.

This is the secret to knowing true and lasting peace. When we know this peace, we know God is with us and God holds us in the palm of His hands.

What brings me peace? Jesus!

Listening at work

July 22, 2024

What do you listen to while you work?

What do I listen to at work? Being a School Chaplain I listen to people. Listening is a big part of my job. Listening, asking questions and encouraging.

I must add though, being a Chaplain I am always conscious of listening to the Holy Spirit as I work. Most days I am prompted to go to a particular classroom or part of the school. Quite often there is someone there who needs encouraging or a listening ear.

So what do I listen to while I work? People and the Holy Spirit.