Change can be daunting. Despite that I have always been a fan of change because it breaks up routine and I love variety. Although I love it, I know not everyone does and sometimes one of the unfortunate consequences of change can be that people are left behind. Around Easter time last year we changed…
Author: marknathanriley
Separate
Human nature seems to like to separate things Things are easier to understand when they are separated, but what if we lose something in this process. What if simplifying things for ease of understanding means we miss some of the rich tapestry of interwoven principles in life. We so often talk about aspects of christianity…
Worth
There is good news and bad news. For those of us trying to follow Jesus lets be honest it’s not always easy. Some of us have good days and bad days. Days we feel like we are doing ok and days we know we have a lot to live up to. I know many of…
The Struggle, The Relentless and The Victory
Lets be honest! Most things if they are worth doing are hard work. Working towards accomplishing that which we believe is significant is not only physically wearing but unfortunately in this life there is a subversive undercurrent that is hell bent on robbing us of everything good. Often we think of evil as that which…
Texas, Hospitality, Generosity & Unfolding Stories
Last week I spent some time in America. I was meeting with Pais Movement leaders from 8 nations, (2 more were unfortunately unable to make it) across 6 continents. It was wonderful to hear all the stories of what God is doing in communities all over the world via committed Jesus centred apprentice missionaries who…
Everything Can Change In An Instant
Sometimes life gets tough. As a christian I am not under the impression that life is somehow supposed to be a walk in the park just because we have chosen to engage with the great architect of the universe and the salvation of humanity. Nor do I conclude that He is somehow deficient when things…
Firstly
I am currently selling my car. I have mixed feelings about this car. It gets me about, and I am grateful to be in the top 5% of the worlds population who can afford the luxury of driving. However this car is the interim replacement for my previous car. I love hot hatches, if your…
Sons or Soldiers?
There is much content in the New Testament that clearly defines our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God the Father through Jesus – In this way, Royalty (eg. 1 John 3v1) … … But, there is also much written to suggest there is also a mandate to be Soldiers of Christ. (eg. 2…
The Paradox of the Intimate and Sacred
Recently I read an article discussing a growing culture of entitlement amongst emerging post modern millennials. It made some valid and interesting points and after a number of related conversations I find myself considering if it has begun to affect the way as church communities we approach God. If we look at the start of…
Money Talks
In the circles I grew up in talking about money was considered impolite. Uncomfortably Jesus seemed quite interested in money. He had lots of conversations about it … The rich young ruler was told to give his away, the disciples were told to pay their taxes, the traders making a profit in God’s house infuriated…