Current Events
What is the future for Israel?
Today, September 23rd 2011, is the day that Palestine will ask the United Nations to vote on its statehood. I have no idea whether this request will be passed or vetoed; and whether its aftermath will be peaceful or violent. However, 63 years after the establishment of modern Israel, its existence continues to [...]
“In My Seat” – A reflection on 9/11
I highly recommend this video about an American Airlines pilot who was scheduled to fly on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Centre. The story is a powerful reminder of redemption and the grace of God. I recommend the following articles on the anniversary event: Time Magazine – What took so long? [...]
Ten years on: Reflections on 9/11
Today marks ten years since that fateful day. Six years ago today, I published my experience of 9/11. A portion follows here: September 11, 2001, 9.55 am: I walk into my Biblical Foundations class at university and overhear a classmate saying something about a terrorist strike. I also hear something about the World Trade Centre [...]
Civilized Barbarians
After 5 nights of U.K. rioting, the world is struggling to accept that civilization is just a facade. The images of youths from all creeds and colours raping and pillaging society, have shaken confidence in humanity. Science does not have the answer to mankind’s sinfulness. In the scheme of things, the riots are [...]
Life As A House
For most of us, our biggest financial investment, will be the purchase of a house. The need for shelter is a necessity of life. However, in recent years, housing markets are more focused on investment, than shelter. Australian house prices have climbed steadily over the past 20 years. Most first home buyers are now [...]
Crisis, Crisis Everywhere, What Are We to Think?
It is nearly impossible to pick up a newspaper these days without being confronted with a crisis. The plethera of burning issues seem to roll of the tongue like Billy Joels’ 1980’s hit ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’. Arab unrest, climate change, carbon tax, refugees, earthquakes, nuclear threats, US debt, house prices, interest rates, war in Afghanistan, Greek [...]
Bye, Bin Laden
A few thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Yet God also laughs at man’s rebellious attempts, Islamic or otherwise, to overthrow the supremacy of the Lord Jesus. I don’t want to get carried away with glee over the death of an evil man, [...]
When Tragedy Strikes
Thanks for yesterday’s post on the earthquake, Ben. It was timely and well-written. My thoughts take a slightly different angle, but come to similar conclusions. Her swollen face disappeared between her knees as she retched once again. Sitting on the cement curb near the outpatients at Vila Central Hospital, Shelley and her mum were waiting [...]
Earthquake in Japan
“Terrible, isn’t it?” The cashier girl commented on the newspaper I was browsing, referring to the events in Japan this week. “Yes it is … what do you think about it?” I asked. The girl pondered for a moment. ”Seems like we’re out of harm’s way here in Sydney!” Leaving the shop, I wondered how [...]
Courage & Faith
I saw a touching portrait of personal courage and faith over the weekend. In their HSC (12) Year, a student is facing a protracted stay in hospital after a similar stay in hospital in the previous year. The first thing that struck me was their personal courage. Thinking back to my own Year 12 experience [...]
The Beginning of Sorrows
At our ladies’ Bible study, we recently had a stimulating discussion about why God sends natural disasters. The text for the morning was from Psalm 39 where the troubled Psalmist pleads desperately, “I am mute; I do not open my mouth for it is you who have done it.” The implication here is that God [...]
Ending up where he always belonged?
Kevin Rudd has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts. With Federal Labor holding on to power by the slimmest of margins, it has been forced to focus on governing rather than carrying out the usual post-election executions. And make no mistake, Rudd was on the top of the list. But to use a beautiful Old Testament [...]
