Started walking across Jawbone walk last Sunday morning and what a sight to behold, it was totally empty. Never seen it like this during the day before (if 10am counts as day)

I like people-less places :)

Last Sunday, shorty after church had started, a guy near the front began to what I thought was sneeze. Pretty quickly though it became obvious he was in fact repeating “sh*t” over and over again, and after repeated “quiet words” by the stewards a few of the Carrubbers holy heavies figured he best be moved. In the end there wasn’t much resistance, he just cackled and laughed as they walked him out…

Whilst all this was happening the whole A/V system went into meltdown (which hasn’t happened once in the 5 years i’ve been there…). The service kept going regardless, un-acknowledged from the platform, but caused obvious disruption.

Ephesians 6:12 came to mind:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Walking back I was more shocked and surprised than I should have been given how clearly the Word teaches us to expect such things. I remember reading somewhere (probably CS Lewis) that one of the most effective tactics of the devil is to lead us into believing that he doesn’t exist. After a bit of thought I have to admit that when the rubber hits the road my default reaction when confronted by the supernatural in my day-to-day is often one of cynicism, preferring to write circumstances off as mere “coincidence”. I mean what is coincidence anyway?!

The devil will try everything within his power to strip God of credit, to distract from His sovereignty, and to deceive us into concluding that reality be exclusively that which we can see around us. Its not often that he sticks his neck out so blatantly, preferring to prowl in the shadows “undetected”.

Its a shame that it took such a tangible demonstration to remind me of the battle we’re involved in and of the devils prowling nature, and even as I write this i’m still tempted to explain away his influence as a string of mere coincidences… which no doubt he’d be very keen for me to do.

Not quite sure what i’m trying to say, t’is all a bit of a ramble…

We did it, we won the PES6 world cup, a feat still not achieved on PES5. A cameo performance from Ben was arguably the catalyst as he banged in a few goals to secure passage through the group stages.

We then unexpectedly trolloped Italy 4-0 in the quarters before Dave and myself sealed a remarkably straightforward 2-0 win over Brazil in the semi-final.

We faced up to France in the final, and they took the lead shorty before half time. We battled hard in the second half though deservedly scoring 2 goals to lift that cup and breathe the sweet smell of PES6 success.

It should also be said that the medals do appear to “hang” better around the players next than on PES5 where they floated rather disconcertingly like coat hangers :P.

I did it, I bought Stott.

Me being me, I cottoned on to the idea a shade late, as we’re now 8 weeks into the 10 week study, but at least i’ll have it for the next time I fancy an intellectual work out.

Taking a quick moment to reflect, so far Romans has been amazing. Certain things have really stood out such as the lavishness of God’s grace, just how new we are as “new creations” in Christ, and the extent to which the Spirit now dwelling within us intercedes for us.

I think in summary i’ve found the studies to have brought a much fuller meaning to Jesus’ statement of being the “Way the Truth and the Life”, particularly the “Life” part.

As you’d expect, the studies have raised some tough questions. Predestination got a good bit of air time as we grappled with God’s sovereign choice. I could go off on a rant here but i’ll save it for now :P.

What I will say is praise God because he’s God. Praise him for being a just, holy God who loves me and who has shown me outrageous mercy and grace through his gift of salvation. Were God not far above us in every respect he wouldn’t be God, and boasting elements unfathomable reason and logic must surely be a part of that…

Was so thankful to discover the doxology at the end of chapter 11.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Regardless of any questions one might have, it doesn’t leave you much to complain about… :)