Wisdom is a wonderful thing, but most of the time it can only be exercised in calm moments. In “Moby Dick”, there is a stormy raging sea with everyone on the boat straining to get through the storm. In the heart of it is the harpoonist, who remains calm and poised so that he can throw the harpoon at just the right moment and in just the right way.

Lots of different religions, philosophies and life management approaches talk about the importance of being calm. Some talk about keeping life under control, others talk about focussing on the spiritual.

As Christ followers, God invites us to walk his way, focussing on him:

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:29-30 [NIV]

“…in quietness and trust is your strength…”

Isaiah 30:15 [NIV]

Tim Norman, 13/11/2009

Mon 30 Nov 2009 - Service

But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.... More ...

Fri 27 Nov 2009 - God’s Love is for knowing

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith... More ...

Thurs 26 Nov 2009 - God’s Love is unbreakable

The world’s view of love, and sometimes our experience may lead us to think of love as a somewhat fragile thing, something that can be broken or distorted or discarded. God’s love is different.... More ...

Wed 25 Nov 2009 - God’s Love is for all

Today’s verses are not particularly obscure, in fact probably the most well known of them all (and then the one that follows)... More ...

Tues 24 Nov 2009 - God’s Love is forgiving

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse nor will he harbour his anger for ever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities... More ...

Mon 23 Nov 2009 - God's Love is forever

I have recently been involved in a service of quiet and meditation on the theme of God’s Love; and it seemed to me a good theme on which to focus our thoughts this week... More ...

Fri 20 Nov 2009 - The promise of joy

“I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation; he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jewelled tiara.... More ...

Thurs 19 Nov 2009 - The promise of reward

“For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.... More ...

Wed 18 Nov 2009 - The promise of restoration

“And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations... More ...

Tues 17 Nov 2009 - Stand firm on God’s promises

“To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning... More ...

Mon 16 Nov 2009 - Promises, Promises, Promises

As a bit of a 50’s throwback I have just recalled a somewhat unknown song, the lyrics are, “Promises, Promises, Promises, that’s all I get from you.... More ...

Fri 13 Nov 2009 - Keep a Quiet Heart

Wisdom is a wonderful thing, but most of the time it can only be exercised in calm moments. In “Moby Dick”, there is a stormy raging sea with everyone on the boat straining to get through the storm.... More ...

Thurs 12 Nov 2009 - Irrelevant?

Having the ‘Christian’ tag can make aspects of my life seem irrelevant to others. Why would anyone want to go to church?... More ...

Wed 11 Nov 2009 - “God loves you”…

…is a phrase which is alien to many people, no more profound than “ice cream is cold” or “Mongolia is far away”.... More ...

Tues 10 Nov 2009 - Renewing acquaintance, or meeting up for the first time…

friends reunited, my space, facebook, netvibe, bebo, wayn.com… Renewing acquaintance is a popular pastime which has spawned a veritable industry based around new ways of keeping up with more and more people.... More ...

Mon 9 Nov 2009 - Does it really make a difference?

Not long ago I read a fascinating book. In ‘The Year of Living Biblically’, the author A J Jacobs decides as a literary project to take the Bible literally for a year.... More ...

Fri 6 Nov 2009 - That was the Week....

This week I have tried to offer food for thought without giving the feeling that “this is how you should think and react”. I have deliberately not quoted passages of Scripture..... More ...

Thurs 5 Nov 2009 - Bad thing happen....

In a perfect world all would be sweetness and light, but our world can be ugly, unkind and dark.... More ...

Wed 4 Nov 2009 - A trip to the front....

Many years ago I attended an RAF Benevolent Fund Boarding School, for sons of airmen killed in service.... More ...

Tues 3 Nov 2009 - So who made me a Judge?....

When we are driving, wherever we are, are we critical of other drivers? I know at times I can be quite critical.... More ...

Mon 2 Nov 2009 - A little bird told me……

I was reminded recently of the time, a couple of years ago, when a small bird flew into the warehouse where I worked and could not find it’s way out..... More ...

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