Life + Faith – joncoombs.com

Author: Jon

  • The Pastor’s Role in Preaching

    The Pastor’s Role in Preaching

    Christopher Ash’s The Priority of Preaching outlines a vision for pastoral ministry that puts preaching front and centre. According to Ash, a pastor’s main responsibility is to feed the congregation through diligent and faithful preaching. This is not an add-on or bit part to ministry but at the core of it. In this little gem of a book, as I’ve already written about, Ash understands the priority, graciousness, urgency, and community aspects of preaching. Here I’m focussing on how, like a good meal, the pastors views preaching, using it to nourish and shape the hearers. 

    Ash uses the image of the pastor as a shepherd who feeds the flock through the Word. Drawing on the example of John 21, where Jesus commissions Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17), Ash suggests that pastoral ministry centres on delivering God’s Word in a way that sustains and strengthens the church. Preaching is not just one task among many; it is the primary way a pastor fulfils the call to shepherd God’s people. The words of Paul to Timothy echo this focus: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). For Ash, preaching is the pastor’s highest responsibility, and it’s a role that calls for dedication, preparation, and humility.

    The shepherd’s role is also one of “borrowed authority,” as Ash puts it. This authority doesn’t rest in the pastor’s own wisdom or personal charisma but is grounded in the Word of God. Ash warns that preaching is “costly,” because it requires the pastor to set aside personal ambition and serve as a messenger. This humility is vital, as James 3:1 reminds us: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” The authority that comes with preaching is given from God, and it calls pastors to treat the pulpit with a sense of reverence, understanding that they are accountable to God for how they handle His Word.

    One of Ash’s strongest points is that pastoral ministry, centred on preaching, is about leading people to grace. Preaching  isn’t primarily about moral instruction or behaviour change; it’s about continually pointing people back to the grace of God, bringing them back to the gospel. This is what sustains. This is what transforms. This emphasis on grace aligns Titus 2:11-12, which teaches that “the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” For Ash, the pastor’s call is to regularly remind the congregation that grace is at the heart of the Christian life. This is the true “food” of the flock, helping them grow in faith and godliness.

    Ash’s perspective on preaching as a form of shepherding challenges us to think about ministry not as a collection of tasks but as a singular calling to nurture and sustain God’s people through the Word. This vision pushes back against the idea that a pastor’s role is primarily administrative or focused on personal connections. While those are important aspects, Ash argues that the heart of the role is to be a steward of grace through preaching. This focus calls pastors to prioritise their study, prayer, and preparation for the pulpit above other activities. It echoes the approach of the apostles in Acts 6:4, who, despite the demands of church leadership, committed themselves “to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

    This view also has practical implications for how pastors approach their work. Effective pastoral ministry requires a commitment to feed the church regularly and intentionally through the Word. This means more than just delivering a message each week; it involves shepherding the church toward spiritual maturity, addressing encouragement and correction where needed. It’s in line with Paul’s charge to the Ephesian church to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13). Preaching is a means in which God uses to guide the church toward unity and maturity. 

    However, this isn’t all about the congregation either. This perspective encourages pastors to approach their calling with humility, and also with the need of grace. It’s one thing to deliver a sermon, having spent time in God’s Word during the week, but it’s another to make sure it is in you. It is shaping and nourishing me as the preacher. I, more than anyone else, know the grace I need each and every week. And with the responsibility, the care, and the excitement of getting up there on a Sunday morning I know more than anyone else in front of me how much of that grace God has given during the week. To preach with conviction and to authentically will mean the need to be walking closely with God throughout. 

    To finish this series of reflections on this book by Ash it is a reminder that pastors are not just communicators or leaders, but that we are people who dispense grace. To keep the gospel central to our own lives and the lives of those we shepherd. 

  • Rest in the Rock – A Rest That Transforms

    Rest in the Rock – A Rest That Transforms

    In Part 1 of this series, we explored the idea of finding true rest in God alone. In Part 2, we looked at what it means to trust in God amid the pressures of life. Now, in this concluding post, we turn our attention to how resting in the Rock transforms us—not just offering relief but reshaping how we live, think, and step through the world.

    Psalm 62 doesn’t simply speak of rest as a static concept, like sitting on the couch after a long day. Instead, it invites us into a dynamic relationship with God—a rest that reshapes our priorities, grows resilience, and reframes how we engage with the world.

    A Rest That Reshapes Priorities

    It is written in Psalm 62:11-12:

    One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard:
    ‘Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love’;
    and, ‘You reward everyone according to what they have done.’

    Here we see a contrast: God is mighty and loving. His strength speaks to his stability, while his love invites us into relationship. When we rest in God we see life differently. Our priorities shift. Power, wealth, and status lose its allure because we understand that only God will satisfy.  

    There has been told the story of a man who worked hard to climb the corporate ladder. He had everything—position, wealth, influence, power—but at the peak of his career, he found himself empty. One day, during an unplanned visit to a small country church, he heard the words of Matthew 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” 

    In that moment his heart was convicted. The words stopped him in his tracks. He realised those things he’d been striving for were fragile and fleeting. Change didn’t come overnight, but slowly he had a shift in focus. He spent more time with his family, he had a new depth of relationship with God. He began to serve others rather than himself. His soul found rest, not in what he achieved but in whom he trusted. 

    A Rest That Grows Resilience

    Rest in God isn’t passive; it is active and brings with it a sense of hope. In Jeremiah 17:7-8 we are given a picture of a tree planted by a stream. It says, 

    But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

    The pressures of life, like uncertainty, grief, and stress, don’t suddenly disappear when we rest in God. Like that tree, however, we are given life and hope and nourishment that comes from a deep well. We are given greater resilience and allows us to face these challenges without breaking, snapping, or losing all hope.  

    When we rest in God we find that our we are refined like gold with fire. Instead of being unable to hope and unable to cope we are given deep resources by grace. His grace. For us. A grace that comes from resting in the Rock. 

    A Rest That Reframes Our Life

    So resting in this Rock doesn’t mean we will abandon all responsibilities and become monks or nuns. Instead, we approach these responsibilities of life with a different frame of mind. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to take his yoke upon us. Now, a yoke is a tool, not a device to help us lounge around, and it is to be used in partnership with another. When Jesus speaks of his yoke being easy and his burden light it is because he is the partner who carries the weight. Much of our baggage is not ours to carry, and so Jesus is there with us taking it upon himself. Just like he took our sins and burdens upon himself at the cross, so too he carries our daily worries and anxieties to help us rest. When we rest in Jesus, our life becomes less about proving ourselves and more about walking in step with him.

    As someone who enjoys ticking things off the to-do list, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring my worth by what I’ve done. When I take time to rest in God though, well, my life and perspective is different. I recognise it is by his grace, and I can say ‘no’ to certain things, and ‘yes’ to other things that seem to me to be right priorities. 

    Resting in God is not an escape from life but a way of being that transforms everything we do. It reshapes our priorities, grows our resilience, and reframes our lives. It’s not about doing less but about trusting more. And in that trust, we find a rest that satisfies our souls and empowers our lives.

  • Rest in the Rock – Trusting God in the Pressure Cooker of Life

    Rest in the Rock – Trusting God in the Pressure Cooker of Life

    We live in a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, yet many of us feel burned out and empty. Sometimes we feel like we’re barely holding it together. All these demands on our time and on our life stack up, and no matter how hard you try to push through, telling yourself it’ll be easier once this season of busyness is over, the pressure doesn’t ease. 

    In working through Psalm 62 we don’t find a quick fix or productivity hacks, but we find something deeper, something that speaks into this reality: rest in the refuge of God. 

    In my last post we explored the idea of finding our true rest in God alone, using the phrase ‘Rest in the Rock’ as somewhat of a reminder of this. Flowing on from this we find Psalm 62 helpful as we navigate the pressure cooker of life, reminding us that trusting in God as our refuge provides rest for us. 

    The Pressure Cooker

    Over Summer, here in Melbourne, we’ve already had plenty of days that have hit 30 degrees or more. Days where the heat is sapping our energy, where if we’re out in the heat of the day for too long we are drained more than usual and only find relief in our iced drinks air conditioned living rooms. It sometimes surprises us that a heatwave, even a couple of days in a row, can bring on a sense of weariness. 

    The psalmist David captures this kind of weariness in Psalm 62 when he writes, 

    Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. (Psalm 62:9)

    If we’re honest this verse can be a bit of a downer. It gives a picture of the fleeting life. No matter our position or status, no matter the things we chase after like wealth, recognition, and achievement, it’ll all be gone. It’s the same for all.  

    When we are faced with a heatwave we go searching for shade or a cool room. When we are inside with the blinds drawn, or under the air conditioner, or even in the pool, the sun is still there. The heat is still there. What those things do is shield us and offer us relief. This is what it means to take refuge in God. It doesn’t mean the pressure of life will vanish, but he gives our soul a place to breathe, to rest, to cool down again. 

    The False Refuge

    But, when the pressures of life stack up, one upon another, we don’t always run to God first. Often we turn to those temporary comforts. 

    These days it’s most likely going to be scrolling through social media or playing around on our phones. But it could go the other way, being focussed so much on work or picking up a project that stops us from being involved in others responsibilities in life. These ‘refuges’ dull that heatwave of pressure but leave us just as empty as before. 

    In v10 the psalmist warns about these false refuges when he writes, 

    Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. (Psalm 62:10)

    I doubt most of us are engaging in extortion or stealing or fraud, but the bigger point is about what we put our trust in. Whether it is money, status, performance, or distraction, these things are not given to us to sustain us. In fact, they are as fleeting as our own lives. Our search for rest and fulfilment in these things soon become as exhausting as the other pressures of life.

    God Our Refuge

    Instead, Psalm 62 offers up a better way.

    Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

    We have here an invitation into an honest relationship with God. 

    It’s funny how we often put aside our raw and honest selves, hiding those things deep within our hearts to God. He knows them anyway, but something about the sin and brokenness of our soul makes us shield ourselves from the guilt and shame we know sits there. We’d like to present polished versions of ourselves to God, but instead we’re like Adam and Eve just after they’ve eaten from the forbidden tree, hiding our true selves from the God who loves us so. 

    God, after all, is the only refuge in life that we can come to in total abandon. He is the one who will hear us, have compassion and kindness toward us, when we ‘pour out our hearts’ to him. Like a dam that must release the overflow, our hearts full of the pressures of life are invited to release and freedom when we acknowledge our trust in him. 

    Rest In Jesus

    This theme of refuge finds its fulfilment in Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives this powerful invitation:

    Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.

    This is the kind of rest we need—not just relief from our circumstances but a deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing we are held by him who loves us.

    Jesus doesn’t promise to remove life’s pressures, but he does offer to walk with us through them. When we trust him as our refuge, we find freedom from striving to prove our worth or control everything ourselves.

    Psalm 62 reminds us that our true refuge is in God. He is the shade in the heat, and the rest our souls long for.

  • Clear the Clutter: Steps to Simplify Your Life and Focus on Faith

    Clear the Clutter: Steps to Simplify Your Life and Focus on Faith

    Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

    So much of life fills up, doesn’t it?  

    Our homes, our schedules, and even our minds can start to feel crammed with things that don’t belong—things that weigh us down instead of lifting us up. Clutter creeps in slowly, often unnoticed, until one day we find ourselves overwhelmed, out of focus, and running on empty.

    But what if clearing out the clutter could make more space for what truly matters? What if it’s not just about tidying up but about making room for God to work in and through us?

    When tackling clutter we might consider the physical, mental, and spiritual areas of life. 

    1. Your Physical Space

    It’s common for the environment around us to shape how we feel and function. Whether it’s your kitchen bench, your wardrobe, or that drawer stuffed with everything from rubber bands to old receipts, physical clutter can weigh you down.

    Jesus told his disciples, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). While he wasn’t talking about organising your pantry, the principle underneath this is that our physical space, like our homes, are places to reflect kingdom priorities, not consumerist ones.

    Simplifying your space can free your energy to focus on what matters most.

    2. Your Schedule

    One of the great lies culture tells us is that busyness equals importance. But constant activity doesn’t make us more faithful or fruitful—it just makes us tired and exhausted.

    Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Making the most of every opportunity doesn’t mean cramming your calendar with commitments; it means being intentional about where your time goes.

    I regularly look at my schedule to make sure I’ve said “yes” to the important things and align the week to my priorities. It’s not easy when there are so many options and things to do, but sometimes we need to clear the clutter in our diaries so we have time and space for what God is calling us to do. 

    3. Your Mind

    Clutter isn’t just about stuff; it’s about the noise in your head—the to-do lists, the comparisons, the worries. It’s easy to let your thoughts spiral into overwhelm, but Scripture gives us a different way.

    “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Renewing your mind means filtering out the distractions and lies, and filling your thoughts with God’s truth instead.

    Start small. Take five minutes at the start or end of your day to sit quietly with God. Pray, journal, or meditate on Scripture. Over time, this discipline will help clear the mental clutter and create space for his peace to settle in.

    4. Your Spiritual Life

    Finally, consider where spiritual clutter might be crowding out your relationship with Jesus. This might look like going through the motions in your faith or holding onto things that keep you from walking closely with Him.

    Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” What’s holding you back? Are there habits, distractions, or misplaced priorities you need to surrender to God?

    Clearing spiritual clutter doesn’t mean adding more “holy” activities to your week. It’s about returning to the basics—prayer, Scripture, and worship—and letting God reorder your heart.

    Clearing Clutter for the Kingdom

    At its core, reducing clutter isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose. It’s about removing the distractions that pull our hearts away from God so we can live with intention and freedom.

    So where can you begin? Pick one area—your home, your schedule, your thoughts, or your spiritual walk—and ask God to help you clear what’s unnecessary. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. As we make space, we open ourselves up to the life Jesus promised: one of peace, joy, and fullness in him.

  • Rest in the Rock – Rediscovering True Rest

    Rest in the Rock – Rediscovering True Rest

    Rest.

    It’s most likely different for all of us. For some, it is sinking into the couch at the end of a long day; for others, it’s going to a favourite cafe for a quiet coffee, or perhaps it’s just a moment to catch your breath in between all those tasks to do.

    If we’re honest, many of us aren’t great at resting. Even when we try, our minds race with unfinished tasks, or we find ourselves turning to distractions that promise rest but leave us feeling just as drained.

    Challenging Our Restlessness

    After a recent pastoral retreat with our team, Psalm 62 has become a bit of a motto for me this year. It’s a psalm about rest—not the kind you get from a good night’s sleep, but the deep, soul-level rest that comes from trusting in God. It challenges us to rethink what rest really means and to ask some deeper questions, like:

    • What is driving me to avoid rest?
    • Why do I keep going and going without stopping?

    Psalm 62 doesn’t offer tips or techniques for resting better. Instead, it points us to the source of true rest—God Himself. The refrain that keeps going around my head is ‘Rest in the Rock’, which, as you’ll see, is a key theme that comes through this psalm.

    Rest in the Rock

    Psalm 62 begins with a declaration:

    Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.  Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

    These verses set the tone for the whole psalm. Rest isn’t about doing nothing or escaping life’s pressures. It’s about where we place our trust. The psalmist is clear: true rest is only found in God.

    The image of God as a rock, a fortress, and a refuge runs throughout Scripture. It’s a picture of stability, strength, and security. I think of birds nesting in the crevices of a cliff face during a storm, safe from the wind and rain. Or rabbits darting into their burrows when danger is near. These animals instinctively know where to go for refuge. But for us, it’s not always so simple.

    When life gets overwhelming, or gets busy, we often look for comfort in all the wrong places. This can be zoning out in front of the TV, scrolling endlessly on our phones, or chasing achievements to prove our worth. These things might give us a momentary escape, but they don’t provide the deep rest our souls need.

    Psalm 62 calls us to a different kind of refuge:

    Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

    True rest comes from trusting God with the pressures of life. It means pouring out our hearts to Him—our worries, fears, and frustrations—and finding in Him the security and peace we’re looking for.

    But why is this so hard? Why do we resist the very rest we know we need?

    The psalmist speaks about the pressures of life and the distractions of the world in a few ways:

    • The pursuit of power and status (v9).
    • The lure of wealth and possessions (v10).
    • The fear of what others think or say about us (v3-4).

    These things promise satisfaction but leave us restless. As Augustine famously wrote:

    “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

    Where Do You Find Your Rest?

    Where are you seeking rest outside of God? What is driving your busyness or your need to keep going?

    I’ve been exploring this more honestly with myself over the last 12–18 months. There have been seasons, and no doubt there will be more, where I have sought refuge in productivity, trying to prove my worth by how much I could accomplish. As I continue to be honest with myself, I am constantly tempted to put my trust in my own efficiency. But Psalm 62 reminds me that my salvation, my identity, and my rest depend on God, not on anything I do.

    Perhaps this is just a word for myself as I step into this year. Perhaps it is also a word for you, as you try and deal with the overwhelm.

  • The Autograph Book

    The Autograph Book

    Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

    I still have it.

    It’s tucked away in a box now. In some ways, I’m still attached to it. Logic says there’s no reason to hold onto it, but it’s not the item itself—it’s the memories it carries. It’s the way it triggers snapshots of my youth, moments spent in anticipation and excitement.

    I spent hours with this item. It came with me everywhere. It was always in my bag, ready for the next opportunity. Whenever I had a chance, I’d pull it out and add to it.

    Some people I knew even contributed to it, leaving their mark on its pages. I’ll admit, a few entries were made up—copied from somewhere else just to fill the gaps. But most of it was real, collected during hours of waiting, sometimes long into the night.

    These entries weren’t just ink on paper. They were people—heroes of mine. People I admired and tried to imitate as I practiced their craft. They weren’t just my heroes, either. They were legends for so many others, drawing crowds of thousands who came to watch them do what they did best.

    I’d stand around the boundary, waiting. Outside the changing rooms, I’d wait. I’d write letters with pre-stamped, self-addressed envelopes, hoping for a response. I was determined to get another entry—an autograph I didn’t yet have.

    This item, if you haven’t guessed by now, was my autograph book. A small, colourful book filled with the signatures of sporting heroes. Cricket captains, Australian players, touring sides—anyone who took to the pitch to play.

    Whether it was a Test match or a one-day game, I’d wait after play had finished, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players as they headed to their cars. And if I was lucky, I’d get their signature.

    It’s more than just a book. It’s a collection of memories, a connection to the joy of my youth. And now, as I pull it out to show my kids or take it to a game we’re going to, I’m instilling in them the same excitement and appreciation for heroes, patience, and the moments that stay with you forever.

    When I think about that autograph book, I’m reminded of how much time and effort I put into collecting those signatures. It’s a small picture of the kind of dedication and patience we’re called to in our faith.

    Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) says,

    “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

    Just as I stood waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of my heroes, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely greater. The effort, time, and love we pour into following Him shape who we are, just as those hours around the boundary shaped my childhood.

  • Mission Possible

    Mission Possible

    What is your mission?

    My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

    Borrowing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this mission aligns the whole of life with its ultimate purpose. As John Piper reframes it: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

    But we live in a world full of missions. Whether it’s crafting a New Year’s resolution, striving for career success, or parenting through the seasons of childhood, everyone is pursuing something. These missions often shape our daily rhythms and long-term goals.

    For many, crafting a personal mission statement offers clarity and focus. Every few years, I revisit my values and ask whether they align with my daily life and priorities. This exercise helps me focus on what matters most, alongside this it has also taught me something deeper.

    Missions, as we often define them, are like to-do lists. They have a beginning, middle, and end. Once completed, we move on to the next. While this approach works for concrete goals—like finishing a project or achieving a fitness milestone—it can fall short when applied to life’s bigger intentions.

    Take faith, family, or health, for instance. These aren’t tasks to be completed but lifelong priorities. They require ongoing attention, growth, and care. You don’t “finish” being faithful, raising your family, or looking after your body. These are life long responsibilities, not one-off missions.

    Instead of viewing life’s intentions as a series of missions to accomplish, I’ve come to view them as as a set of sustainable priorities. Priorities allow for a lifelong focus, recognising that some tasks will never be fully completed but are worth our time and effort nonetheless.

    If we turn for a moment to our theological understanding of mission, mission isn’t just personal—it’s part of a bigger story. Jesus gave His followers a clear mission in Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB):

    “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    Similarly, in Acts 1:8 (CSB), Jesus said:

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

    This mission—the Great Commission—is ongoing. It’s not something we check off a list but a lifelong call to share the gospel and live as witnesses to Jesus.

    This perspective reframes how we think about mission. It’s not about achieving a specific result but faithfully living out our calling in Christ.

    It’s like building a house. A mission-driven approach might focus on completing individual rooms: the kitchen, the bedrooms, the living space. Each project has a clear endpoint.

    But a priorities-driven approach sees the house as a home—a place that constantly requires attention, care, and investment. It’s not about “finishing” the house but creating a space where life can flourish.

    Similarly, our faith is is a priority that requires daily investment—prayer, scripture, community, and service.

    Central to our faith and its mission is to glorify God. This mission extends beyond church walls and spiritual disciplines into every corner of life. Colossians 3:17 (CSB) reminds us:

    “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

    Whether we’re at work, raising a family, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation, our mission is to honour God in all we do.

    The beauty of God’s mission is that while it remains unfinished in this life, it’s already fulfilled in Christ. Our call to glorify God and enjoy Him forever is both a present reality and an eternal hope.

    So, what is your mission? Is it a project to complete, or a priority to pursue?

  • The Greatest Gift

    The Greatest Gift

    What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

    How would you answer this question?

    There are so many angles to consider:

    • The angle of need and want in the material world in which we live.
    • The angle of the inner life, what we seek and need for our souls and hearts.
    • The angle of the right here and now, or the long-term perspective of life as a whole.

    I wonder how you would answer?

    For me, the answer is clear.

    I’ve already received the greatest gift.

    This is a gift I was given many years ago. It’s a gift many others have also accepted, and it’s one I hope others will receive too—particularly those I know and love.

    This gift is from God, who seeks to give all people the gift of His love through Jesus Christ.

    As the familiar words of John 3:16 remind us: 

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

    This verse highlights God’s deep love for His people and all of creation. It speaks of a gift given so that the world may know true love—divine love—and receive eternal life.

    This is the gift of salvation. It’s the gift of forgiveness for sin. It’s the gift of being present with God. It’s the gift of peace, joy, and hope—those very themes we celebrate at Christmas.

    This is the greatest gift I have ever received, and it will always remain the greatest gift I could ever receive.

    What about you, how would you respond?

    This is a writing response to the WordPress daily prompt.

  • My Top Posts of 2024

    My Top Posts of 2024

    Another year, another blog post recap. 

    As the year wraps up, it’s time to look back and celebrate the posts that have resonated with you, my dear readers. To begin with, this year hasn’t exactly been a literary whirlwind. It’s been more a little bit of randomness and some adaptation of other content I’ve worked on. Evidently there are a few people who appreciate my ramblings though, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy my writing and share it too. 

    Just like my post on the Top Books of 2024, without further ado, here are the stats and then a summary of the posts that had the most views. 

    Enjoy. 

    THE STATS:

    • Total Views: 8,944 (Clearly, you still like me!)
    • Unique Visitors: 7,058 (Some of you even brought friends—thanks!)
    • Comments: 11 (Keep them coming; I’m lonely over here)
    • Likes: 20 (A number so small, even my posts feel insecure)
    • Posts Published: 14 or 10,645 words (Let’s call it “quality over quantity”)

    THE POSTS:

    1. God’s Love Expressed: Through the Cross

    This post explores the sacrificial love of God, vividly demonstrated through the cross of Christ. Drawing on 1 John 4, it reflects on how God’s love transforms our sin and brokenness into something good through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. If you’ve ever doubted God’s love or struggled with the weight of sin, this post will remind you of the grace that calls you “perfect” even in your mess.

    2. The Trial of Jesus: A Fulfilment of Prophecy

    Looking at Mark 14:53-65, this post unpacks the unjust trial of Jesus as both a moment of human injustice and a divine fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus’ silence, His declaration of being the Son of Man, and His willingness to endure suffering reveal the depths of God’s plan for salvation. It’s a reflection that leads us to the cross with gratitude and confidence in Christ’s work.

    3. Martin Luther on Complete Forgiveness in Christ

    Inspired by Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, this post delves into his reflections on the complete forgiveness found in Jesus. Luther’s bold and comforting words remind us that forgiveness is not something we earn but something Christ gives freely through His sacrifice.

    4. My Top Books for 2024

    So, after posting about my reading in 2024 and giving some recommendations for the year this post got a little traction. It ended up sneaking into the top 5 within a week. If you’d like to see what I’ve been reading and what books you might like to add to your list this coming year then heading over and have a look.

    5. Adoniram Judson’s Courtship Proposal

    Adoniram Judson’s marriage proposal to Ann Hasseltine is anything but ordinary. This post recounts the radical faith behind his request, as he asked Ann’s parents to release their daughter to a life of missionary hardship—and possibly death. Ann’s courageous response highlights the cost of following Christ and her shared commitment to God’s mission. It’s a love story that’s as inspiring as it is humbling.

    6. Book Review: Adoniram Judson by Jason G. Duesing

    This book review highlights the life and legacy of Adoniram Judson, the father of American missions. Through the lens of Duesing’s collection of essays, this post explores Judson’s faith in God’s sovereignty, his endurance through suffering, and his commitment to long-term service. If you’re looking for a book to inspire your faith and challenge your perspective on missions, this review will convince you to pick it up.

    So there you have it: my greatest hits of 2024. Thanks for reading, sharing, and sticking with me—even through my quieter years. This blog wouldn’t exist without you (well, it would, but it’d feel more like me talking to myself).

    This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. I also have a collection of writings published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.

    Got a favourite post or a burning topic you’d love me to tackle in 2025? Drop me a comment or message.

  • My Top Books of 2024

    My Top Books of 2024

    It’s been two years since I wrote about the books I’ve been reading. Last year I was not in a place that enabled me to write and my dear readers will have noticed that if they were observant enough. However, books and writing about books remain a cornerstone of my personal and ministry rhythm and I’ve been back in the swing of things for a little while now. 

    I find books inspire, challenge, and shape my understanding of the world, ministry, and myself. This year reading remained constant, with numerous books being read at the same time, whether in paper, digital, or audio form. 

    The top books I read this year include those below, they are books I rated 5 stars. From biographies to practical theology to books on leadership and burnout. This year’s reading list has been somewhat diverse, except for all those crime-thriller fiction books I read. 

    Without further ado, here are my top books of 2024: 

    Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

    This is a short book, and it’s full of impact. Anyone in ministry should really read this. Ash reminds us that we are finite and fragile. Through scripture and personal experiences he highlights the importance of sustainable ministry. As Ash addresses the risk of burnout he offers practical, wise, and compassionate advice that is grounded in God. I reckon I’ve read this a few times now. In different seasons it has had more impact. This year it named things I hadn’t realised I was doing or experiencing before, and it has made me more self-aware of my experience in the past 12-18 months. 

    Tiger Woods by Armen Keteyian and Jeff Benedict

    This is a great biography of such an iconic sportsman. The real highlight of this biography is actually the writing, it was such great sports and biographical writing. 

    Woods is the all-time great golfer with unbelievable talent in his profession yet, as we know, is deeply flawed. This book walks through his childhood, his relationship with his father and mother, and seemingly pseudo-friends through his life. It really is a character study on family dynamics and the influence of nurture and nature. It is a captivating read and brings together talent, pressure, and personal struggle surrounded by celebrity and sports.  

    Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery by Gordon Parker, Gabriela Tavell, and Kerrie Eyers

    This book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and recovering from burnout. It offers strategies for self-care, stress management, and developing resilience to prevent future occurrences. I find this book helpful as it provided me with understanding about something I’d experienced within the year prior to reading it. It’s a clear, compassionate, and actionable book, which is also based on practical research-based approaches. Many of the case studies from various industries are helpful as they confirm that many different people in many different roles in life can hit burnout. 

    The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams by Seth Godin

    Seth Godin is always a fun read and this one is no exception. I’ve found he just thinks differently, gives great historical background and context about culture, particularly work culture, and then reframes it. In this case, Godin reframes modern work, leadership, and team-based collaboration within business and organisation. It is a call to shift out ‘success metrics’ toward meaning, dignity, and purpose. For those of us who deal in teams, there is the encouragement to collaborate around a shared vision in order to flourish. 

    Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll

    I try to read anything Brian Croft writes. He’s a grounded ministry leader who provides plenty of practical experience for pastors. In Pastoral Perseverance the books does what it says in its title, it encourages pastors and provides strategies to help persevere in the ministry. From navigating the complexities of leadership, congregational life, and personal challenges Croft and Carroll offer encouragement and biblical depth to shepherding the flock. 

    Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases by Paul Holes

    I listen to a few of Paul Holes’ podcasts and have followed a few that speak into the Golden State Killer. Holes was the investigator who helped crack the case of GSK after so many years of pursuing him. In this account of his life and career Holes describes the personal, emotional, and career highs and lows in the police force. I found it fascinating but also reminded of the human cost to relentlessly pursuing ones goals. 

    Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton

    Ruth Haley Barton has been recommended to me plenty of times in the last year or so and I had never heard of her before this time. I ended up picking this one up and giving it a go, to which I am rather thankful for. This is a book for the soul. There is wisdom and helpful teaching, but also practical spiritual practices that will nurture faith and depth of relationship with God. All the usual spiritual disciples of Word, prayer, silence, solitude, and the like, but in the context of a regular rhythm to life. Again, it is another book this year that focuses on the devotional life of a disciple and also a life that seeks to avoid burnout. 

    Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

    I reckon this is one of the best time management books around. Rather than simply teaching habits and strategies Burkeman makes us realise that these ‘hacks’ won’t actually help us accomplish a life we want to live. Instead, Burkeman is realistic, and highlights that we should be embracing our limitations and constraints in life and time in order to live meaningfully within them. It’s a thought-provoking book, and he’s helpful to listen to one a few podcasts too. Instead of striving for tweaks to life so that we might hit our goals and to-do-lists every so often, it’s about thinking about life in more depth and with deeper purpose in mind. 

    Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

    This is a classic Christian leadership book that continues to be helpful and resonate. It’s quite easy to read because of the short chapters, but each one seems to pack a punch to the gut. Sanders doesn’t sugarcoat the cost and challenges of Christian leadership but also highlights the eternal significance of the work. 

    Pastoral Leadership: For the Care of Souls by Harold L. Senkbeil

    Harold Senkbeil is another one of those authors worth reading. I first came across his book “Care of Souls”, published a few years ago and then came across this one only a few months ago. While there would be some differences between him and I, he’s Lutheran and I’m Baptist for example, the pastoral wisdom is worth the price of any of his books. This is a guide to shepherding God’s people with humility, grace, and courage. It has theological depth and a deep concern for the pastoral care of those in a congregation. Again, there is emphasis on the care of the soul for the pastor as well, which seems to have been a theme in my reading this year. 

    Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United by Alex Ferguson

    I was fascinated by listening to Alex Ferguson’s book on leadership. It was really his biography or another way of doing a memoir, but with some leadership principles applied. Evidently, a man who leads Manchester united for so long and with such sporting success will have a few things to say in this area of life. But, it was also a great insight into his life, values, and philosophy to football and leadership. 

    Love in a Time of War: My Years with Robert Fisk by Lara Marlowe

    Robert Fisk is one of the great writers about the Middle East. Evidently he has his demons and this is something that his former wife, Lara Marlowe, speaks into throughout this book. But his work cannot be ignored, nor his continual insight into the people of the Levant and beyond. Pity the Nation was the first book I read of his, which traces lines of history and experience for those who lived in Palestine-Israel and through the Lebanese civil war. This is more a personal memoir from Marlowe, who had known his for so long and worked alongside him in the Middle East and UK. A great read. 

    Well, that’s it for my top books for 2024. I had plenty books which were 4-star rated, and some special mentions of those include: 

    • The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin
    • Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
    • Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
    • The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash
    • The Harvard Business Review’s Guide To Beating Burnout
    • And any crime thriller novel by Daniel Silva, James Patterson, David Baldacci or Vince Flynn. Always one of these on the go. 

    I’d love to hear what books have shaped you in 2024. Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking to add to my stack for 2025!

    This now makes it 10 years where I’ve published my favourite books of the year. If you’re keen enough you can go back and have a read of previous years here: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, 2022. 

    If you’d like to see all the books I’ve read in 2024 then head to Goodreads to see a summary.