Devotional 5 August 2018

Nehemiah 5 We can learn many things from Nehemiah’s epic efforts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and rebuild a robust community of God’s people. One thing we notice is that he was integrating two projects, each complementary to the other: Build the wall – build the people. Build the people – build the wall. […]

5 August 2018 – Ken Francis: A Reflection from Nehemiah 5:1-19

  Rising and Building (Nehemiah 5:1-19) The passage – Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.” Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards […]

27 August 2017 – Ken Francis: Therefore! – Romans 12:1-8

  “Therefore …”   Introduction Start with story of Kenny. He’s lost a business but had found a niche as Ross’s right-hand-man.   Romans 12:1-8.  “Therefore …” it begins.  Who’s familiar with this passage?  Don’t raise your hands!  But in preparing this, I thought, not much I can say about this, because everyone’s already familiar […]

18 June 2017 – Ken Francis: Chosen? – Matthew 22:1-14; 2 Peter 3:1-11

  “Chosen”   Introductory …….. ………….. In all these things, we rejoice.  Have you sensed a joy in your spirit this morning?  It says in First Peter 1v8, that “even though you don’t actually see him [Jesus], you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy ……… for you are receiving […]

12 March 2017 – Ken Francis: Genesis 8:1, But God Remembered Noah

    “But God Remembered Noah …” Two weeks ago Geoff, our pastor, brought us a meal from Genesis 21 – the prophetic story of Abraham and Isaac.  Last week Brian built on that, referencing Ephesians 1.  This week I’ve got a bit of a smorgasbord to lay before you: first I’m going to bring […]

Orange Trees and Possibilities: Ways to Age Christianly – Ken Francis

  Orange Trees and Possibilities Good morning.  Glad to be here.  Feeling like an imposter up here behind Geoff’s pulpit.  But it’s a privilege too.  Geoff asked me simply to bring whatever God laid on my heart – incredibly trusting of him, but I hope to honour that trust – and God has laid on […]