Sunday, November 27, 2022

Going Deeper with God.: "Life,Victory Certainty." by J Sidlow Baxter

Going Deeper with God.: "Life,Victory Certainty." by J Sidlow Baxter: As we journey through life we meet all sorts of obstacles along the way. Some people have an attitude of eat,drink and be merry for tomor...

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Behind the lens From the Wayside Chapel by Rev John Owen

Dear Inner Circle, There is a myth that time is linear when it tends to hold a far more cyclical, seasonal quality to it. As a new wave of infections is projected to peak over the next few weeks we have made some changes to our operating rhythms that will set us up for the challenging weeks ahead and reduce risks to our vulnerable community. A friend, who a couple of years ago was living on the streets, contacted me about the temporary changes which include reduced opening hours and takeaway only from our community cafes. “When I was sleeping rough I needed you to be open for my survival. I now of course prefer it when you’re more open for my own mental health but for a few weeks it won’t be a matter of life and death, like it was. So see you again soon.” That was all the thanks necessary to help us steel ourselves for a few weeks, where we will still remain open from 12-7pm. This rain has been incessant but the last few days of emerging sunshine in Sydney has been a small sign of life and hope, and a reminder that we will likely soon resume a transition back to “normal” - whatever that is, in these strangest of times. Over our recent family holiday I realised that I made a mistake, I fed a beast that shouldn’t have been. I posted a picture on social media on the last day of our break with our now 18-year-old, wishing them a happy birthday from a nice location. While the comments and likes were lovely, I realised that it gave the impression that we were the happiest and healthiest of families. My family has given me permission to share a little of what was going on behind that picture. When it was taken it was the briefest of moments when I wasn’t cajoling the kids to get out of bed and gently coaxing them (aka constantly being on their case) to get off their devices and to enjoy the outdoors. The first week of holidays I didn’t act like a partner to Lisa or a parent, rather I boldly assumed the role of “parent consultant” offering my wife advice and insights so invaluable I was tempted to submit an invoice. She is a holy woman and told me when and where I could submit it in no uncertain terms! There is no more a miserable or lonely state of existence than that of being the smartest person in the room and her anger was a gift that woke me up to my misery. Also, at the very moment the picture was captured, our other daughter was facing some serious mental health challenges. Behind the smiles were two parents who were deeply worried about her future and that of our little family. This isn’t being shared with you to elicit sympathy, but rather to share the reality that every time we see a picture of a family it is tempting to think that they have it all together. When in reality behind every family, and behind the lens, there is a silent struggle going on. One of the great temptations social media invites us to is the projection of false images (this last sentence is probably one of the most religious sounding ones I have written in this note to you). We are doing OK as a family, the road to recovery is all about having a great team around you and we are so fortunate to have a beautiful tribe who hold us. The love that flows from home is often the most challenging. When you judge people all you see is the bad in them, that which we think holds them back, which is so often that which we perceive and despise within ourselves. When we love people we see the good in them. Is it any wonder that it is easier to judge than it is to love? One of our values at Wayside Chapel is “No Judges”. All real living is meeting, and where there is judgement no meeting is possible, only management and manipulation. Our people work hard to make our centres a place of safety, which does not mean the absence of threats, but rather the presence of relationships marked by love. Lisa sometimes wishes I would practice at home what I preach in public far more often. She is the wisest of people, and like most of us, I am still a work in progress. Thanks for being part of our Inner Circle, Jon Rev. Jon Owen CEO & Pastor Wayside Chapel

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Visit to Hahndorf with Parkinsons Photography Group

Last Monday our photography group visted Hahndorf in the Adeakliade Hills. Here are a fewe pics I took mainly on mu Nikon D5200.

Monday, May 30, 2022

Kapunda Museum A must visit .

We have just come back from a weekend away in Kapunda in South Australia. It is about an 75 minutes from our place in Adelaide. For many years we have gone through Kapunda on our way to Renmark. Usually stoppibg for a rest break and a pasty at the well known Little Mo's Bakery. Often we have parked in the street opposite the magnificent building that houses the Kapunda Museum. But we had never gone in. Well this weekend we did. It is in my opinion probably the best museum I have personally been in. I intend to do a youtube video on this. But in the meantime here ares ome pics. It is open 1-4pm on every day except Christmas day and voulnteers will show you around. We met Suzanne and Mick who are very knowledgeable.
ble andd helpful. Give yiourself a treat and visit soon.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves? By Oswald Chambers

If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. —1 John 5:16 If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the source of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, “…he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” Be careful that you don’t become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself. One of the most subtle and illusive burdens God ever places on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning others. He gives us discernment so that we may accept the responsibility for those souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them (see Philippians 2:5). We should intercede in accordance with what God says He will give us, namely, “life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” It is not that we are able to bring God into contact with our minds, but that we awaken ourselves to the point where God is able to convey His mind to us regarding the people for whom we intercede. Can Jesus Christ see the agony of His soul in us? He can’t unless we are so closely identified with Him that we have His view concerning the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus Christ will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors. share this devotional with a friend Wisdom From Oswald Chambers Is He going to help Himself to your life, or are you taken up with your conception of what you are going to do? God is responsible for our lives, and the one great keynote is reckless reliance upon Him. Approved Unto God, 10 R Bible in a Year: Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26 Get your daily dose of wisdom. Sign up to receive My Utmost devotionals each day. These emails may include stories, resources, news and opportunities to help me grow closer to God daily. See privacy policy for more info. First Name (required, at least 1 character) Last Name (required, at least 1 character) Email (required) Comments (43) Journals (0) Loading... Get your daily dose of wisdom. Sign up for to receive My Utmost devotionals each day. These emails may include stories, resources, news and opportunities to help me grow closer to God daily. We use this information solely to provide the services you requested. We do not sell or share your personal information. See privacy policy for more info. First Name (required, at least 1 character) Last Name (required, at least 1 character) Email (required) © 2022 My Utmost For His Highest Help Contact Us Rights and Permissions Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.