Busy Days...
Well, its been a while....this is what happens when you move house during holidays and have no regular source of internet....But at lots been happening! I wont bore you with the whole week, but you'll be happy to know i've settled into the new house (although boxes remain piled throughout the house) and holidays have been enjoyed managing to get a little work done too!
Exploring the Infinite Abyss
I've recently started reading John Piper's Desiring God, a book that challenges where you look for your joy. I just thought i'd share with you one quote that i liked so far: "There once was in man a true happiness of which now remain to him only the mark and empty trace, which he in vain tries to fill from all his surroundings, seeking from things absent the hlp he does not obtain in things present. But these are all inadequate, because the infinite abyss can only be filled by an infinite and immutable object, that is to say, only by God Himself." I have to say this is so true and makes so much sense its scary - an infinite abyss filled only by something equally infinite, and the only thing that infinite is of course God! All I can say is what was so wonderfully phrased in Garden State: good luck exploring the infinite abyss!
Meanwhile, some highlights of the week...
Cronulla
Monday, a holiday, and a day blessed with absolutely beautiful weather. This weather was to be made the most of, and i think we did a pretty good job! What could be better than a walk along cronulla beach to be followed by a swim and a whole lot of lazy floating in the sun on a bay. So relaxing and so good!
Me making the most of the sun and some r&r on a lovely autumn day
The relaxing in the sun was shortly followed by some more, well, relaxing, as movies and good food were consumed. Getting to know some new friends thrown in there too, and this was a pretty top day!
The beautiful location where the floating took place
One of the films watched that day was
The Constant Gardener. If you have seen this film, please let me know your thoughts! I personally thought it was good quality! Good acting, beautiful cinematography and gripping and emotional story line.
What particularly struck me about this film, though, was the fact that characters die for what they believe in. And they die grusome deaths too. Its full on. But its challenging. To what extent would you be willing to die for what you believed?!
It was quite fitting with the previous day's sermon which looked at proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There were not only eyewitnesses for this event, who not only went on to proclaim the word boldly and faithfully, but who also died for this message. You wouldnt die for something that wasnt true now would you?!
The people in
The Constant Gardener died for a good cause, for sticking to what they believed and supporting those they felt needed their help. What more should you be willing to do for Jesus if he already has died for you?!
There have been many other exciting and enjoyable events this week. An engagement party saturday afternoon saw me lying in the sun at Dee Why catching up with some good friends, an even that seemed to prove just how small christian circles can be and how amazing unity as believers is! Good times!
And this morning was my first talk at TC. Thank you so much to those who prayed for me. God is good and its amazing what an experience it is speaking knowing He is working in and through you. As far as i can tell it went pretty well for my first go, which is exciting, and im glad i had the experience!
Ok, i'll let you go now and get back to your more important lives, but thank you for getting this far and well done! Dial-up isnt ideal for photo loading, but I managed to include a few more pics this time to hopefully brighten up the space again - Enjoy!
Its April Already!?!
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
I cannot believe it was 4 months ago I was sipping wine in a little pub at this place pictured above, Fox Glacier township, with my cousins.
April already! Where does the time go?!
Well this simple fact that the weeks and months fly by at the blink of an eye, suggest just how key it is to recognise the fleeting nature of time in this world. All the world has to offer is temporary.
I do not say this to be negative. Many of these fleeting things are precious, beautiful, fun and enjoyable. It doesn’t change the fact that they will not necessarily be here tomorrow.
If time is fleeting and all we have will pass away, what comfort and hope can be given?
Where in your life do you need hope?
Where do you look for that hope?
Where do you search for your source of comfort?
If you feel lonely, on whom do you call?
Do you strive for peace on this earth? In this lifetime? In the present day?
Ecclesiastes tells us that life under the sun is meaningless. That instead meaning is found in life under the Son.
And as you’d expect, if life under the sun has little meaning, there aint much hope offered there either! Once again, this is to be found under the Son.
The love, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ offers us this hope.
His death conquered sin once for all. His resurrection conquered death.
And offered with it a new life – a new hope – for us as children of God and followers of Him.
Not only hope beyond this life – but an offer of peace – a peace that cannot and will not be found in this life.
You want peace on earth?
I suggest you look unto Jesus, who will offer you peace for eternity.
“I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.”
All this you may know and have heard before. If that is the case, I challenge you, do not forget it! And do not be selfish – share your knowledge of the source of comfort to all you know and love!
And think about what you really do with every moment, cos this time is limited - what would God really want you to do with this fleeting time?!
