I'm Ready For New

Last year, I recall sitting in a car listening to ‘New Wine’ by Hillsong Worship, and knowing in my spirit that this was a word for me and for those who call Civic home.

Many years ago, I tried my hand at pottery. I saw firsthand how it is the potter who determines the shape and the outcome of the clay.

A few years back, I had the absolute joy of visiting Israel. One evening, I had the opportunity to travel on a boat on the Sea of Galilee under a full moon.

Many years ago, I invited a guest to share with a group of students about their experience in the Philippines.

Philippians 4:11-12 (AMP) [bible-link v=”Philippians+4%3A11-12+&version=AMP” c=”light”]… I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) [bible-link v=”Proverbs+3%3A5-6&version=NIV” c=”light”] Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways

We’ve been reading about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who built into their lifestyle a readiness and willingness to be tested.

Regularly of an evening, I find myself looking into the clear night sky with a cup of tea. These are times I treasure. I pray and talk with God, and marvel at His handiwork.

In our verses today, we’re looking at three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and their resolve to make tough decisions in times of testing.

I love to watch rugby league, and hailing from Townsville, it’s only natural that the North Queensland Cowboys would be my team!

Abraham had a close relationship with God. He had grown accustomed to hearing His voice and following every instruction He gave.

Our loving Heavenly Father had a plan for His people, the Israelites. The plan involved a time of testing to strengthen their faith and give them access to His rest.

As a former school teacher and principal, very rarely would I see joy on the faces of students when they found out they had to sit a test.

There are a few methods for refining gold. One way is to heat it to melting point, so that the impurities that cannot melt form a thick layer on the surface of the molten gold.

We live in uncertain times. Often, the only constant we face is change, and this can leave us feeling insecure about the future and anxious about what’s to come.

When I’m at community events, meeting with civic leaders and other guests, I’m often asked, “Where do you find such quality people?” It’s one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive. I am so grateful for our team.

Part of learning to drive is learning to observe the road signs. Your ability to understand these signs helps you understand what’s immediately in front of you, or what’s up ahead.

It’s no secret that I love spending time in my garden. I’m certainly no master gardener, but thoroughly enjoy planting, nurturing and seeing something new flourish.

I remember the days when Margaret and I pioneered a Christian school in North Queensland. Together, we firmly believed God was asking this of us, though we were only very new to faith.

Before a day at the beach or outdoors, one of the things we regularly do is check the weather forecast. Knowing the predicted conditions helps us prepare appropriately.

People must have thought Noah was crazy. “A flood? An ark? You’ve lost it. Just let us live our lives, we’re doing great.” What they didn’t know was that there was a tidal wave on the horizon.