3 daily perspectives from Psalm 90:12-17

I've been really blessed recently by our local pastor's ministry through Job. Like all wisdom literature books in the bible, the considerations in hand are the big subjects... life, death, suffering, salvation and the imperative need to know our God relationally in all his saving character, resources, and intimate help.  In the routine business and busyness of life, the quick-changing seasons and circumstances of life,  it is easy to lose perspective and lose focus on the matters of our own spiritual state, those things which are of ultimate importance.

It reminded me of a Psalm I read at the beginning of the new year, which sets good priorities for each new day. 

Psalm 90: (12-17)

1) An urgent reminder each morning that we are mortal. 

Life is a gift. Breath is from THE LORD.

Doing what God wants. His direction is the only one worth following.

" not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

I've been reminded by so many news threads over the last week exemplifying lawless leadership that we live in an age where strong self will is not only honoured but idolised and promoted. The pervading vibe is to arouse in yourself a strong motivation that you can achieve... be the best you it is possible to be... manifest things into being. Such a core driver for priorities, activity, and ambition has nothing to do with being a creature of creation, and has everything to do with being the boss, "owning the world" and governing destiny. 

This shouldn't be a shock to us, as it's the only option open to those who reject the Lordship of a loving, all powerful creator and redeemer. What is more alarming however is (in what I perceive to be a growing trend) the evidence that this culture is fully active and has stealthily invaded those who say they are doing the work of God. Is it not impossible to parade ourselves as authentic servants of God's purposes if we are being driven by or own will and self driven mentality superimposed onto everything we are about? Is this not sin? How can those who say they live in the power of The Spirit of God spend so much of their time and energy trying to make things happen in the Spiritual realm, from a foundation of individualism and self ambition? The two worlds are incongruously distinct. Either we are under him or in rebellion. Either we are living in His power and strength as we follow his lead and timing, or we are attempting a manufactured fruiftulness in our own strength. However, doing and prioritising His will in the church and mission is not as easy as it may sound. In reality, it may actually be hugely countercultural in some contexts even amongst those who call themselves "believers" . 

The mission of God and the spheres of man's hemispheres.

 When I started this blog (and the predecessor many years ago) it was for myself primarily. I needed to discipline time and effort into processing what God was doing, the order of His mission in a chaotic world. I was aware that others were encouraged to hear what God was doing beyond where they were. 

Entirely by His grace, I receive interaction from the family of Christ around the world. I'm totally humbled on many levels. Thank you for your interaction in 2025. I'm so sorry for my many failings. I'm also sorry that not all things should be published or discussed publically. I'm trying to be helpful on all fronts and for all connected. I'm reminded that in His presence we will one day have unrestructed fellowship on every dimension. I continue to pray for the church in each of those places which so graciously interact, especially the acutely precious churches which represent Him in a persecution and suffering context. 

I in no way want to be political on this blog. We do however need to read our times like the men of Issachar. In one hand we have His word, character and historical actions, and in the other our daily news feed (what is happening around us in the times and places he has called us to). We read our times in His mission with both in view, seeking to see and follow His way forward wisely. 

God is at work. In many ways today is an unprecedented day of opportunity for the advance of the kingdom of God. 

What then do we observe about the current proliferation of  talk about "Western Hemispheres" and "spheres of influence" or  "control of power"?

Some basic observations:

1. The way of heaven is not the way of earth. Whilst human governments desire concentric power to draw in resources for themselves, and gain greater influence for the bolstering of their own security, the mission of God works concentrically in the opposite way. 

• Christ is ascended, He needs no greater power. 
• The Lordship of Christ makes the church outward bound, not introspective. 
• The mission of God goes wider to reach those who are not His own. Consequntially our calling is to leave our security, wealth, stability and comfort to be with those outside and culturally different, that they in turn might be part of his expanding family and reach others even more unlike us. 

The faithful eternal God gives us our true identity and hope for 2026

Many resolutions, nothing new. 

 As I read the flannel of new year media items and posts, I'm reminded of the first house we lived in. It was definitely in the category of "doer upper". The previous occupant had seen many cracks appearing and had bailed the ship before it was fatal. With each new crack a new layer of wall paper was imposed. If ever there was a living illustration of optimism it was our house bought by the romantic newly weds. Papering over the cracks had worked well cosmetically, but only for a season. When we moved in... a radically different approach was needed. The day came to take back the layers and discover the true extent of optimism and reality, but the wood chip (not one or two but three layers)  was the only thing holding the whole structure together. I remember standing at the top of the ladder when the entire ceiling fell in. I was grateful for the army of church friends that had me "get it right in a jiffy", but we had to start from zero.