Life + Faith

Hey, I’m Jon.
And this is where I write about life and faith, no niche included. Just an honest attempt to be faithful and fruitful for Jesus. If that’s something you want more of, subscribe.

  • The Tender Mercy of God

    In the month leading up to Christmas Day I think I have been present and shared something of the Christmas story at six ‘extra’ end of year events. We all know it’s a busy time, with plenty of different activities in church, school, and other community groups we’re involved in. For me, this has probably been my most active Christmas in some time, possibly ever. And as you can imagine, I’m wanting to share the great news of Jesus’ birth, but also do so in a way that isn’t stale. I want it to be attractive and meaningful for the hearers, and also for me personally as the speaker. At some of these events I can share the same message with a tweak or two, but by the time you’ve done that 2-3 times I feel within myself that it’s time to change it up. 

    That’s why, at our Community Kitchen Christmas meal the other evening, I decided to share for five minutes on the phrase, “the tender mercy of God”, which comes from Luke 1:78.

    It’s such a great phrase. It’s beautiful really. And it is part of the Christmas story, tucked away in Zechariah’s song. 

    After months of silence, and the birth of his son John, Zechariah breaks into praise. His words look back and acknowledge God’s faithfulness (Luke 1:68-75), and then turn toward the future and the coming of Jesus, which lead him to say those words, “the tender mercy of God”. 

    Tender mercy. 

    This is not forceful power. 

    This is not harsh correction. 

    This is not distant authority. 

    This is tender mercy. 

    Zechariah’s song helps us understand what kind of God we are dealing with, and what kind of salvation He is bringing into the world through Jesus. 

    John, Zechariah’s son, was not to be the central character of the story. He would be the one who prepared the way. Like the opening act at a concert who warms up the crowd and gets them ready for the main artist or band, his role was important but not ultimate. He would point beyond himself to Jesus. 

    And what was he preparing people for? 

    Not a political revolution. 

    Not economic rescue.

    Not national independence. 

    John was preparing people for salvation through the forgiveness of sins. A salvation that flows from God’s tender mercy. 

    If we’re honest, we often look outward for our own salvation. We want to be saved from difficult circumstances, whether it’s pressure at work, financial stress, health challenges, and broken relationships. And God cares about all those things. 

    But Christmas reminds us that God’s deeper work for us is inward. 

    God comes to deal with the things we carry beneath the surface. Guilt. Shame. Regret. Fear. The quiet sense that things aren’t right inside of us. 

    And He doesn’t come aggressively or forcefully, He comes gently and tenderly. 

    God doesn’t approach us with a raised voice, or come to shame and humiliate. He isn’t impatient or hurried or fed up and disappointed. 

    God meets us in our brokenness with closeness. 

    He draws near. 

    Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience to me when on Christmas Day you celebrate a meal with all the special cutlery and utensils. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Out comes the special plates, the special bowls, the fine glassware, and the more expensive cutlery. There are decorations that only come out once a year, perhaps there are some precious ornaments displayed around the room too. And within this celebration there are kids around, excited and happy and joyful. 

    Now, imagine that one of them accidentally knocks a glass off the table. It shatters on the floor and its contents stain the carpet. The room is suddenly quiet. The child freezes. They’re waiting. 

    What are they waiting for? Most likely a parent or family member to get cross out of the stress, pressure, and frustration that a Christmas Day meal can bring. 

    But tender mercy is not snapping in frustration. 

    Tender mercy is not shaming or scolding. 

    Tender mercy is kneeling down, wrapping them in a hug, and saying, “It’s OK. No worries. I’ll sort it out.”

    This, Zechariah tells us, is what God is like. 

    Because of God’s tender mercy, Jesus comes into the world. 

    Because of God’s tender mercy, forgiveness is possible.

    Because of God’s tender mercy, light shines into dark places.

    And because of God’s tender mercy, God guides people into a path of peace.

    It isn’t about having life neatly organised. It isn’t about pretending things are fine. It isn’t about performing spiritual competence. It is about a God who draws near, who sees us as we are, and who chooses compassion over condemnation.

    Wherever this season finds you; tired, hopeful, grieving, uncertain, or desperately trying to hold things together, the message of Christmas remains the same.

    God’s mercy is tender.

    And it is for you.

  • Christmas 2025: The Shepherds

    The Shepherds – Luke 2:1–20

    Ah, the shepherds. Those who go unnoticed, seem unimportant, and are largely invisible. Their work, of course, is constant. It’s dirty work. It doesn’t win them any points on the social scale. No one would be expecting God to speak through these guys, but that’s exactly what happens.

    This announcement to the shepherds by the angels is dramatic. God chooses the last group anyone would think to invite, shepherds working the overnight shift. And in such a moment the shepherds sing Gloria in Excelsis, not to kings, or those in power, or the influencers of the day, but for the people who never made it to the temple. They sing for those who are overlooked, responding to this announcement of good news with great joy and wonder there in v14, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”.

    Isn’t this a reminder that the gospel is meant to be received with fresh eyes and a ready heart? Doesn’t this give us a quiet correction to our assumptions about who God uses and who He seeks to draw close?

    It’s like the late-night cleaner in the large office building in the city. It’s like the nurse on night shift who cares for patients while the rest of us are asleep. It’s like that parent that wakes early, while its still dark, to prepare the school lunches. These are people we may walk past without noticing. These are the people who persevere with resilience and quiet strength. These are the people who, if announced in our day, would hear this good news first.

    Make a point this week to notice someone you usually overlook. Might it be the barista, the cleaner of the toilets at your local shopping centre, the crossing supervisor at school, or the bus driver? Offer a word of thanks, gratitude, or encouragement.

    Who around you might be waiting for the simple reminder that God sees them?

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

  • Christmas 2025: Zechariah

    Christmas 2025: Zechariah

    Zechariah – Luke 1:56–80

    No matter how long you’ve been a follower of Jesus there seems to always be a way for doubt to sneak in. Here in the story of Zechariah we read about a sliver of doubt that that brings change. Zechariah is not a faithless character, he’s a man who has spent years praying, serving, waiting, and longing for God. Perhaps life had taken a toll by this point, perhaps hope was wearing a little thin for him. We don’t know, but what we do know is that when the angel appears with this unbelievable news, he doesn’t fully trust it. There is a quiet doubt that sits there.

    In response to this doubt God does not dismiss him. He doesn’t replace him with someone else full of faith and life. No, His response is to put him into silence. Nine months of silence. Unable to speak. Can you imagine?

    This isn’t punishment though; it is more about formation. It gives Zechariah the chance to reset. It gives him a chance to listen to God again. When Zechariah’s voice returns it isn’t a soft, fragile, or timid voice. It is now strong, full of praise from the resultant faithfulness he has seen in God. His song, in v68-79, is clear, full of conviction and hope, climaxing in that beautiful phrase — the tender mercy of God. He has a new vision of God that brings worship and praise.

    This is an encouragement to anyone who has a spiritual flat tyre. This is a message for those of us who continually wake spiritually tired even though we’ve been getting enough sleep. It’s like the car that goes and goes but eventually runs out of petrol and can’t go anymore. The key is to fill up, to reset, to rest in God and allow Him to speak into our well-worn heart.

    Take five minutes of silence today. No words. No lists. No phone. No expectations. Just be still in God’s presence. Allow Him to speak to you. Just be in Him.

    Where might God be using frustration, fatigue, or doubt to draw you into greater trust?

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

  • My Top Books of 2025

    At the end of each year I provide a list of what I consider to be the best books I’ve read for the past 12 months. Here is this year’s contribution.

    I find reading a pastime that helps me focus, engage, and get away from other things in life. Whether I’m reading another Michael Connolly novel, dipping into a commentary for preaching preparation, or reading about an aspect of leadership and pastoral ministry, I find myself ticking through books throughout the year. Some of these are in audio form, but to be honest, I just find the feel of paper and taking the time to slow down with pages in front of me more relaxing and helpful.

    This year I’ve read quite solidly. I continue to have a novel on the go all the time, and have concentrated my Christian reading on things I’ve needed to prepare for at church and spiritual habits I’d like to grow in. Reading about systems, productivity, and making the most of my time has also been something that has continued this year.

    Below is a list of all the books I gave 5 stars to on Goodreads. I think everyone should read them. They are in no particular order, but I might be more enthusiastic about one or two over the rest. Enjoy.

    Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller

    Ok, so if I have to have a favourite for the year then this would be it.

    Prayer, and the inspiration to pray, and the realisation for the need to pray has been growing in me for some time. This book puts words and theology around how great prayer really is. The ability to come to God, to speak to Him, and to have an ongoing relationship with Him, is a powerful part of being a Christian. Keller gives great background to prayer, the need for it and more of it, and guidance in how we might come to God in different circumstances. A great read.

    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 the kind of 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 via podcast 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. 

    Shepherding the Shepherd: Devotions for a Pastor’s Soul by Lee Eclov

    I was handed two volumes of these devotionals a little over a year ago. I have found them so helpful. Each Sunday morning as I do my final preparations for our Sunday morning service I am usually reading a page or two of these. Eclov writes for the pastor, and each one is really encouraging as we think about the role we have to play in the body of Christ. He doesn’t miss in challenge either, reminding us of the unique, joyful, perseverance required as shepherds. Originally written during the COVID years at Christianity Today, they would be a good gift for any pastor.

    The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

    These were fun little mystery stories from the classic hand of Arthur Conan Doyle. Old school in language, great characters and plot lines with Sherlock Holmes. Just a good classic read.

    The Work of The Pastor by William T. Still

    I’d never come across William Still before reading this book. He happens to be a 20th century minister of a church in Scotland and had a strong expository preaching ministry. Again, like Begg’s preaching book above, I found this a helpful volume as I stepped up into the senior leadership role. 

    This is part biography, part war stories, and part ministry tips. It’s not a long book, it’s full of examples that relate to anyone who has been in ministry for a while, and it provides insights to the work from a Scottish perspective. I was encouraged and inspired in parts as it reminded me of the main focus of pastoral ministry.

    Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by R. Kent and Barbara Hughes

    Are you picking up a theme and what I’ve appreciated reading yet?

    This is another one of those books to help pastors. This tackles the various way our hearts and minds might deviate from what God has called us to be faithful with. It’s a relatively old book now, given the way there has been much more recent work written about sustainable ministry. However, it really is full of gold for the pastor. It’s a reminder of who we are in Christ, and what faithfulness to the task looks like. It’s biblically grounded, encouraging and challenging. Remember, it’s not about numbers it’s about faithfulness.

    Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine

    If you are ever in a flat spot, suffer depression, or a melancholic mind, then pick up this book and be encouraged. Spurgeon, the greatest and most prolific preacher in the world suffered from depression, and no doubt anxiety and other ailments as well. It’s surprising to many. But throughout his ministry he was cast down by all sorts of pressures, worries, and depressive thoughts. Yet, God still used him so greatly, and praise God for that.

    I was taken by this book and have now read it two or three times. It was of supreme encouragement to me. And whenever I hit a depressive spot in life and ministry I go here. Eswine writes well, using plenty of Spurgeon himself to frame how we might think of discipleship and depression. It was so good I ended up turning some of the ideas of this book into a sermon and a previous book review post.

    Your Old Testament Sermon Needs to Get Saved: A Handbook for Preaching Christ from the Old Testament by David M. King

    I had never preached an Old Testament narrative series before this year. I needed help. This was one of many good books out there on how to do so. We kicked off a series on the Life of Abraham, from Genesis 12-25 around July this year. In the lead up I knew I needed to get myself acquainted with the text and also with how to preach through such stories.

    This book, as you can probably tell from the title, speaks about the Old Testament and their stories through New Testament eyes. That is, we recognise that Christ is the central character of the Bible, Old Testament and New. In three parts, the why, how and what of preaching Christ from the Old Testament, King provides some good guidance in how to approach preaching with a Christology focus. The book is now dotted with annotations and dog-ears. And, perhaps the biggest rap of all is to say that the congregation benefitted from me reading this book and others like it.

    Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers by Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite

    This is a great book that looks at the teachings and practices of the Church Fathers in relation to pastoral ministry. It looks at the virtues and spiritual life of the pastor, the theological vision of the pastor, and the ministry of the pastor through the lens of various Fathers. Each chapter, of which there are ten, highlights one of the early church leaders, gives a short bio on them, and then their ministry focus and its application for ministry today. I found it a refreshing way to think about pastoral ministry while also doing a little church history on the way through.

    Lead Smart: How to Build and Lead Highly Productive Teams and Smart Work: How to Increase Productivity, Achieve Balance and Reduce Stress by Dermot Crowley

    Both of these books got big ticks from me. Crowley is an Irish-Australian and so easy to read and listen to. I say listen to, as well, because after reading his three book series that these two come under I hunted down all sorts of podcasts and YouTube videos where he was interviewed about his ideas.

    I began with Lead Smart, wanting to improve and gain help in leadership, particularly around leading teams. And then I moved onto his other work, which include Smart Work, and this gives a good foundation for systematic productive work. These are the kinds of books I enjoy and soak up really, so it’s not surprise these two made the list.

    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. In the last little while it named things I hadn’t realised I was doing or experiencing before, and it has made me more self-aware of my experiences over the two years. 

    This now makes it 11 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, 2024. 

    My Top Books: Yearly Series
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    2024
    2025 (this post)

  • Christmas 2025: Mary

    Christmas often arrives with equal parts excitement and pressure. We’re surrounded by familiar songs, familiar expectations, and familiar busyness, yet underneath it all sits an invitation from God.

    This devotional series runs alongside our Songs for the Saviour sermon series this Christmas. It explores the four ‘songs’ of Luke’s Gospel, which in their historical Latin form are known as the Magnificat, Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis, and Nunc Dimittis.

    During our services we will explore each passage more fully, but in these devotionals, I hope we will see how our story intersects with each of the characters of the narrative. They remind us that God doesn’t wait for perfect conditions or give much thought to impressive resumes or extraordinary strength and power. Instead, God works through ordinary, unvarnished, and fragile human lives.

    These devotionals are an invitation for us to pace ourselves this Christmas and remind us that the same grace that shaped those in the Christmas story is the same grace that continues to shape us.

    Mary – Luke 1:39–55

    When we least expect it, we often find God at work. Mary is a very ordinary girl, living in a very ordinary town, one that’s never made the travel bucket list of anyone, ever. But God arrives at her doorstep, with a calling that would change the rest of history. She doesn’t feel ready, she hasn’t been rehearsing for this moment, yet her response is remarkable. A response that shows courage and trust in the confusion.

    Mary’s song is a song from the heart, with evident joy and wonder from what she has just been told. She praises God’s power, mercy, and faithfulness, stepping into a future that is unknown and will make life complicated for her. Any plans Mary had are now disrupted, with more questions than answers at this point.

    Mary’s faith is an honest faith though. There is uncertainty, but she is still able to say in v38, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” What faith! And what an approach to take as disciples of God in Christ. Mary surrenders not knowing how everything will turn out, but she is trusting in the One who does.

    Mary’s place in Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t outsource His plans to the impressive. He gives His kingdom work to people who feel small and unimposing. People like her. People like us.

    Mary’s experience is certainly unique, but she is like the new mother who realises they are now responsible for far more than they imagined. She’s like the graduate teacher who is given a class she’s not sure she can handle. It’s that moment when responsibility arrives and confidence needs to catch up.

    It is in this space where God often does His finest shaping.

    This week, begin each day using Mary’s words as a basis for prayer, “Lord, let your word shape my life today”. This isn’t a task to get done, it’s a way of opening our day to God’s leading.

    Where might God be inviting you to offer Him a hesitant but faithful ‘Yes’ this Christmas?