You know those facebook survey things that pop up on your feed every now and again? “Fill out this survey to find out what super power you have.” Or, “answer this to find out which Harry Potter character you are.” Or…and this is my personal favourite…”complete this to find out which theologian you are” (Martin Luther? What do you mean… Read more →
Dirty little secrets
What are your dirty little secrets?! Just before you comment below, that was a rhetorical question. Please don’t bare your soul to the world! The reason I ask isn’t because I’m creep (hopefully — you’d tell me if I was, right?!?). I’m asking because this week at the Living Room we’re talking about being holy — which we might equate… Read more →
What Would Jesus Pray?
Ahoi-hoi! Yes, the title of this humble reflection suggests big things. Admittedly, I wouldn’t dare to presume what Jesus would pray. Fortunately, however, we know what Jesus has prayed (most famously in the Lord’s Prayer), and we know that he prayed regularly. So in a way, this awfully presumptuous title is justified. If I may, I’d like to mess with… Read more →
New Year’s Resolutions: How-to-guide
HA-ppy new year! As we head back from wherever we’ve holidayed, the time is now upon us: the time to turn our minds, dulled by fruit-mince tarts, Central-Otago cherries and sparkling wine, towards 2016. Like sun-kissed apricots we return slightly red (because we forgot we don’t tan well), fresh, energised, excited at the millions of possibilities that the upcoming year… Read more →
In defense of giving gifts at Christmas…
In defense of giving gifts at Christmas… Christmas has become a consumeristic machine. Most of us are aware that barely concealed beneath Santa’s jovial “Ho! Ho! Ho!” is the message “Buy! Buy! Buy!”. Yes, Christmas with all its consumer and material emphases has come a long way from the simple manger in a small Judean town. And as Christians we… Read more →
Intercession: Child Poverty in NZ
Santa wants us to spend a lot. We all know this. But just as we feel numbed by endless adverts, slogans, and tacky plastic reindeer bells, a horrifying reality hits us: Nearly one third of all New Zealand children are living in poverty. More than half of them will never escape it. That’s the grim reality painted by the recently… Read more →
Devotion: 15.11.15 Daniel
Young and Spirited (part 6) “Daniel” Devotional Notes Spend some time praying for those suffering from terrorism or extremism in the world. In particular, pray for Paris and Beirut where attacks happened within days of one another. Read, with hope, Daniel 2:44 Dan talked about this kingdom that God is setting up. It is defined by JOY, FREEDOM, and LOVE.… Read more →
Devotion: 8.11.15 Esther
Young and Spirited (part 5) “Esther” Devotional Notes Jayne reminded us of Esther’s story and spoke about her quality decision-making. These “pivot points” in her life (and in each of our lives) are really important. Thanks Jayne! For the study this week, I want to focus more on how the Jewish community responded to her story. See, the story of… Read more →
What’s happens if everyone on earth marches at the same time?
Hypothetical question… “What would happen if everyone on earth stood as close to each other as they could and jumped, everyone landing on the ground at the same instant?” It’s one on of life’s great mysteries …but a mystery it remains no longer. Click here for science. Besides being mildly interesting, there’s a reason for me bringing this up: On… Read more →
Devotion: 25.10.15 Timothy
Young and Spirited (part 3) “Timothy” Devotional notes If it’s a nice evening your group should totally head down to the beach for a campfire (check fire-bans!) or similar! Group: Share stories “around the campfire”. Perhaps, like Michael on Sunday, you could share your testimony if you’ve never shared it with the group. Alternatively, for a lighter activity, share… Read more →