There are a couple of characters in the Bible whom stand out from the rest because verylittle if anything is said negative of them. Perhaps the most that can be levelled againstthem is that they were ‘victims of circumstance’. Joseph is one, Daniel is the other.Joseph could be accused of arrogance, immaturity and possibly favouritism in the family,though some would argue that it was God’s favour rather than man’s favouritism …
We live in a world, where evidence is king, seeing is believing and materiality is progress. Yet, just like you cant take the ‘green out of grass’ or the ‘blue out of sky’ so you cant take ‘faith out of fact’. Intuitive to man, is to have belief. Belief in something, belief in anything, belief in nothing! Man must believe. Rationality and reason will satisfy the mind, but not the …
With the horrific abduction of 200 children in Nigeria, we are consciencebound to ask the question – how hardened can the human heart become? InGulu we have seen firsthand the cowardice of using children as human tools forpolitical and religious gain. There can be no greater cowardice than exertinghuman control on innocent lives. The 25 year civil unrest saw over 80% of thelocal population displaced into Internally Displaced Camps on …
1. Integrate to facilitate. Empowerment comes through enrichment. The Upper Room was not an escape but an encounter – with God AND with each other. 2. Integrate to delegate. You can’t delegate what you don’t demonstrate. You can’t demonstrate what you don’t differentiate. Knowledge brings information. Wisdom brings impartation. Knowledge builds the head. Wisdom builds the house! 3. Integrate to procreate. Experience creates empathy. Fellowship creates fruit. Empathy people feel, fruit people …
When we think of religion we often think of separation. Different clothes, different places and different lifestyles. Unfortunately for many it has gone to the extreme where purity is measured by protocol, position or pomp. Most faiths are marked by outward appearance, Jesus marked by inward transformation. Jesus moved the goalposts. By becoming a ‘friend of sinners’ he learned the art of integration. Paul put it like this ‘becoming all …
The Greek word for ‘power’ is often translated as miraculous power or the force of power to do things and make things happen. That is true, but there is another element which relates to the ‘ability’ to do something or make it happen. Ability is the skill set or competence is an area. When we think of power or authority, especially in relation to politicians or people in authority then …
When we think of waiting we often think of waiting for a bus, or waiting for something to arrive. I am sure we all remember Christmas Eve as children and the anticipation and expectation we felt as the ‘Big Day’ dawned and we couldn’t wait to see what presents we had received. Waiting in God is very different. It isn’t just ‘waiting FOR’ something or someone, but ‘waiting IN’ and ‘waiting UPON’. …
It is a sad fact but true, most people are motivated by self in relationships. There is always an agenda, always an ‘angle’, always a drive that leads to connection. Sometimes these are conscious such as money, ambition and power. Sometimes unconscious and in ignorance, such as insecurities, dependencies and fears.Jesus was unique among men. He neither responded to, nor related to – people’s agendas. He didn’t flirt with gossip, …
What a day! Being a Sunday, this was ‘church’ day. Team members visited and ministered in different churches. New experiences and opportunities for most, and overwhelmingly impactful. For me, it was TEAMS Church at Layibi, The Sanctuary. And what a joy to see 9 of the people who came to faith in the community evangelism yesterday (out of 15 – that’s 60%), coming to the church today. One man, came with his …
I heard the word ‘autumnal’ appear on the weather forecast for the first time tonight. What a great time to go to Africa!! I have lost count of the number of times, teams have gone out with us to Gulu, but one thing I do know – is that each team is unique and ‘right’ for that time. This mission is no different and I sense it could actually be …