Daily Habits

Photo Credit: http://www.daff.qld.gov.au

I heard a great analogy the other day for why we need to draw close to the Lord every day.

Weeds.

Weeds grow, not through anything we actively do, but through us leaving our garden unattended. They simply sprout and before too long, if untreated, can consume a garden, making it both visually unattractive, but also can kill off the good plants, lawn and flowers, we may have painstakingly planted.

What’s also interesting about weeds is they can develop some very strong root-systems if allowed to grow freely for too long which can be very hard to dislodge.

The effect of not drawing close to Jesus on a daily basis can be similarly destructive to our hearts.

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Observing Advent

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Advent means “coming”. It is a season many Christians practice for the four weeks prior to Christmas. According to Wikipedia it is “a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for His Second Coming.”

I’ve never thought much about Advent. I’m not sure why. But this year I decided I would. Any practice that helps me reflect more on Jesus is a good one.

I’m using three devotionals during my quiet times, all of which bring a slightly different perspective and use different Bible verses to reflect on Jesus.

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5 Favourite Christian Novels

Continuing the series on my favourite books, I thought I’d share my favourite Christian novels. It’s possible the authors may not like me categorising their novels in such a way. However, I’d suggest the majority of the readers of these novels are Christians and hence, I am using the “market” as the method of categorisation.

As an aside it’s an interesting question. Am I a Christian author or an author who writes with a Christian viewpoint? I really don’t mind how I am classified. First and foremost, I consider myself a Christian who is an author. Could I write a novel without a strong Christian viewpoint? I’m not sure and at this time I don’t have any plans to write anything that doesn’t have such a message.

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An Apparent Contradiction?

Photo Credit:Bible-daily.org

One aspect of the Christian faith that I’ve always found challenging is that we are made with a yearning to know our Creator. However, at the same time, Paul tells us that in our fallen state we cannot accept the ways of God.

The other day I read a great simple statement:

Most people believe in God but don’t believe God.

As I meditated on that statement, I soon realised this was the answer to my quandary.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecc 3;11 NIV)

One interpretation I take from Solomon’s statement above is that idea of God placing a yearning for Him within our hearts. Perhaps that’s why we so many of us in the western developed world “believe in God”.

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