Brian Brand was a strong Christian man, married to Jennie Bickmore Brand.
I do not know much of his history, but I knew from meeting with him often, that he was a great and strong leader, quick with a joke and a smile, but intense and purposeful as well.
He lived life to the full. There was nothing he was afraid of. He was incredibly relational.
So very sad to hear of his shock passing.
I know he is now with Jesus, but he leaves behind a beautiful wife and strong leader in Jennie.
this fresh off the Mark Edwards message line…….
ready for this Sunday’s message….
“Going by worldly standards, who would you say the lucky people are? People with money and possessions? People who have extraordinary abilities? People who are famous? People who are powerful? People with a high education? It’s these kinds of people who the world calls lucky. But Jesus comes along and turns this way of thinking upside down. Jesus says no! It’s actually the lowly people, the down-and-outers, those who are doing it tough that are lucky. And it’s not just that they are lucky, they are blessed by God. They have God’s approval. They have God’s thumbs up.”
…you stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes let me see…
Beautiful song, almost could be used as a interpretive psalm of Phillipians 2….
Interesting aspect is that in Matthew 5 it is actually us, the church, who are the ‘light of the world’…a though echoed in Ephesians 1. 
We are the reflected light of Jesus, called to not hide our light under a bushel.
Thats an amazing thought.
All this time, I thought in that verse in Matthew, Jesus said He is the light of the world. In fact in this context, the context of the beattitudes, we are. As we become like Christ in our attitude, we display the light of Christ to the world…amazing.
The media are like a pack of seagulls around trade week. There is so much blatant gamesmanship going on.
Port Coach Mark Williams has said publicly they dont really know if they want Josh Carr. After seeing him be part of tearing apart the Eagles in the 2nd derby, I dont think anyone believes him.
And Carlton offering pick 24 for Warnock…sheesh.
I just hope Freo are able to get something good for him, he is a great ‘bet’ in terms of becoming a very influential player.
By the way, one of the key searches that brings people to this blog is “West Coast Eagles Jokes”…well they are…jokes that is!!! 🙂
As per usual, Driscoll does not flinch from what he believes.
With all the namby pamby ‘lets water down the bible’ types around at the moment, I admire him for that.
I reckon if you are a lazy bum husband/father…who just cant be bothered providing for your family, you probably need a kick in the pants.
However there are many situations where grace and understanding is needed.
I can also think of plenty of fathers who for a whole raft of reasons look after their kids while their wife works. Me for 1!! Melinda has always chosen to work part time, and I generally look after the kids one day a week, have done from birth…and I love it. It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of their lives.
Melinda and I went up to the Kalamunda Markets on Saturday. They are great markets.
Lots of interesting stalls…delicious and varied ethnic foods….etc etc…
One interesting stall had this sign up, which I should have taken a picture of….
“Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”
Today I told the story, as I spoke about the John the Baptist story….
Of course…no one ‘non churched’ knows what this means, it probably does exactly the opposite of what the intent is….
However…
They were there, they did have good intentions ( I presume)….good on them for that!
just some thing I have been thinking about.
“We have failed to address our own souls and our own sense of self. We have pointed the finger – analysed and critiqued church patterns, missional models and Christian culture, but have remained naive to the way in which we ourselves as individuals have co-opted by contemporary culture. For we carry within us viruses. Parasitical organisms which are capable of ruining all of our plans, of wounding, weakening and even destroying our movements, churches, communities, ministries”
Exactly.
How many of those who seek reform within the church, do so from the frings, occaisionally throwing stones, occaisionally asking the church to support them financially, all the while…what we really need are those who commit themselves to the Body of Christ…fight for Her, protect Her….restore Her….seek for Her best and Her growth….
It may only take one of those within a local church to stick around and commit themselves..and earn the respect of those within it…to see Her rise up and take hold of what God lays before us. The fields are white for harvest…..