A Taste of Life on the Road

My suitcases are way too heavy… I thought as I lugged them around Melbourne airport. I'm going to have to get better at this.

Further note to self: Do not forget woolen socks when visiting Melbourne in the dead of Winter.

The suitcases are unpacked now and it is good to reflect on the first official trip with my ministry. Preaching to the enthusiastic and bubbly Hope Generation Youth church and inspiring old friends at Brighton Christian Church... Helping out with a wedding of friends from my former church. Rich moments hanging out with longtime friends and family. Most of the time with that exhilarated feeling of; 'I was made for this!' swinging to panicked moments of; ‘What was I thinking?!’ Gone forever is the 9-5 predictability of my old life.

One of the highlights was conducting the 'Other Side of the Conversation' Seminar at Grace Church of Christ. This seminar aims to equip people with the ability to hear from God in a clearer way. With 80 registrants; young and old, men and women from a church of 300, there is a hunger to be in conversation with Almighty God. A wonderfully warm congregation came together on a Saturday afternoon with thoughtful questions about the things we ponder on most when hearing from God.

Planning is in progress for my first overseas ministry trip. This one is to the land of my dreams. Literally. Switzerland has always captured my imagination and my heart’s desire. It is just like a loving Father God to orchestrate his purposes in ways we love! And then to provide the way there. But that is another story…

Dr Phil and the Psychic

Ok so I know you don't watch daytime TV (or would never admit to it), but I just happened to flick it on the other day - to that all-American show Dr Phil. For those of you who are unitiated, Dr Phil is much-loved, slightly bald psychologist who counsels people live in front of millions over a myriad of deep-seated issues ranging from family conflict to weight loss to sexual abuse. I love his down-to-earth commonsense approach to problems although I still wonder how he manages to get so many people to expose their lives on national TV. But that's another story.

On this particular episode, he was hosting an 'expert' - a newly published author promoting his book - a beginner's guide to ghosts - or something to that effect. After a few guest testimonies about their spiritual experiences, the expert psychic begun to do readings in the audience. Usually spot on, he soon had people in tears as he finished his reading with "God bless."

Dr Phil is respected for his Christian and moral values. He wasn't passing judgement or providing analysis. In fact I am not sure what his purpose in having a psychic on the show was. I just wondered: How did a psychic get to be on Dr Phil?

Here's what I notice: More than ever, exploration of the spiritual realm is becoming mainstream. Our rational scepticism is being rapidly abandoned for spiritual experiences from a higher realm. Magazines and TV shows are full of options. Who wouldn't want to know their future? Who wouldn't want to tap into other powers; to receive spiritual guidance?

Yet there is a God in heaven who offers the ultimate spiritual experience. Who longs to communicate directly to us and offer personal counsel far superior to any spirit. Why go to a pyschic when you can consult with the God who is sovereign over all spirits and who knows everything? Why seek light and understanding in unknown places when there is a God who knows you better than anyone?

Go to a loving, holy and all-powerful God you can trust your future to. He is the best option.