And things I’ve learnt about forgiveness:

1. It is ineffable.
2. It does not work to a timetable.
3. It is felt, not achieved.
4. It deeply offends the rational mind.

I’ve been forgiven by someone I love deeply – and it made all the difference to me.
So I guess reaching out to forgive others shouldn’t be so difficult – but it is. There you have it.

The local churches have many initiatives to connect with, and offer practical support to, everyone irrespective of belief. I think this is the great strength of our faith and is the most effective means of proselytising. (My gut feeling only).

Any kind of “closed system” (adhere to the group’s values and don’t look for support outside the group) is considered emotionally abusive and when these behaviors are applied to a spiritual community, I think the term “cult” is correct. “Correct theology” does not make up for bad behavior.

I’ve read enough to alarm me: harping on about complementarianism, a prurient interest in detailed sexual confessions and a controlling organization all ring alarm bells.

As someone from a spiritually and emotionally abusive background, I can tell from his body language potentially dangerous, but I’m not savvy enough to be able to express this intuition in words. He is the classic stereotype of the preacher who harps on about adultery and later is revealed to have cheated on his wife multiple times. I predict his eventual downfall will include both sex and violence against women.

It is heartening to see someone like Bill Gates acting in a philanthropic way and we all can do our best to change our corner of the world. I haven’t really thought about what I’d like to achieve this year – in January in this part of the world ‘holiday’ mode is in full flight!

I hardly think churches (and I’m a member of an Anglican congregation) condoning/silently accepting this sort of behaviour have a right to ‘preach’ in the public square about humility and not accepting honours from the ‘powers that be’. In reading the Sydney Morning Herald’s list of people recognised for various contributions to society there were a number of ‘religious’ people included, who presumably accepted their awards.

I don’t think it is grandstanding for people who have worked quietly for many years in their voluntary work to be recognised. I would be surprised if many of them would have thought at the commencement of their commitment to helping others “Gee, I might get some sort of award to put on my wall out of this”. If the award is accepted with a recognition it is for the ‘act’ not the ‘person’ then I think there are more pressing concerns for the church to worry about.

(1) And Jesus grew in favour both with God and man.
(2) the Father which sees you in secret shall reward you openly.

I think we have to aware of false humility – God can exalt. God can bless. As long as we always acknowledge God as our source and accept the truth of his word over our life we can never walk in false humility.

I think to about Joesph, Esther and Daniel whom God exalted.

I think also of Paul who counted his status and social standing as dung in light of the knowledge of Christ.

I think of Saul who had mens honour but lost the annointing of God.

Persue Christ and him alone. He can exalt. He can pull down.