Holy Days and Holidays 1 – Sabbath: A Time to Recalibrate
The notion of Sabbath, a principle deeply embedded in Biblical history and still observed by Jews today, is passed down to us from the time of Moses, and his encounter with God on the mountain at Sinai/Horeb. On that day the Lord gave him Ten Commandments to govern the life of the People of Israel, not just in the wilderness, but in their community life over thousands of years to come.
Summer Reflections: introducing a new blog series
“There is something unique and special about the experience of taking a holiday, whether that is an extended stay in some exotic clime, a couple of days away just a few miles down the road, or even a true ‘staycation’, time carved out at home which includes days out either locally or slightly further afield.” (Louise Davis, writer)….This new series of posts will pick up on that idea, and consider whether there is more that is holy about our holidays than we might realise.
Better Together – Small Groups for Discipleship
In July 2017, I visited a Catholic charismatic community in Fulda, Germany, and enjoyed the generous hospitality of their guest house, a former US Army barracks. One of the sisters talked with me about sharing your life with others. In response to the question, “what is the hardest part of being in community?”, she responded that it was the self-awareness and needed growth it provokes.
Presbyterians in New Zealand
The Presbyterian Church is one hapu in the wider iwi of Christian churches – people who seek to follow Jesus Christ, who lived 2000 years ago and who, we believe, is alive and present, willing and able, to shape our lives today.
A Useful Bible Reading Plan
Although a plan is useful – especially for new Christians – it is not compulsory. In fact even daily Bible reading is not essential for a follower of Jesus but down the centuries it has been found to be a useful and life-giving spiritual practice that has been likened to reading the letters of a loved one.
Get one word series 4 – look among
Many who have adopted One Word for themselves testify to the difference it makes to share their word with others. Some may decide to only tell spouse or family. Others use this tool in their small group. Many have found that sharing their word with a work colleague leads to a depth conversation about what word they might have chosen.
Get one word series 3 – look around
The one word we discover may be a character trait, a discipline, a person, a spiritual focus, an attribute or a value. As you listen to God in your search for your own Word, look around you for a sign or symbol that carries meaning for your life right now, or for what you hope for.
Get One Word series 1- look in
One Word came about in a faith community that realised that New Year resolutions don’t work. We often use January as an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start over, especially in New Zealand where weeks of summer holidays follow the excesses of Christmas.
Get one word series 2 – look up
The Scriptures are a rich resource, not just of good words, but of God words. Although the word to which God leads you for this year will not necessarily be directly Scriptural, the Bible is a great place to start your search.
Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices – and there are heaps of them – are tools for becoming aware of God within our daily life; they bring out the sacred in experiences that could otherwise seem just everyday.