Category: Christian Living

WORDS THAT HAVE SHAPED MY LIFE (99) “OPPORTUNITIES…..God’s open doors”

Rod Denton in Christian Living, Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership, Mentoring, Mission

Rod Denton Induction at Elizabeth Church of Christ_2012 - Copy
As I have reflected on my life, I have concluded that life consists of a series of unfolding opportunities that God sovereignly initiates for the purpose of fulfilling His great plans. Many of these opportunities have come unannounced, some have been disguised as intrusions and some have required me to take steps of faith that have involved ‘burning my bridges’ and walking away from the world in which I was living. Opportunities usually involve paying a price, as Jesus’ disciples found out when they responded to His invitation to follow Him. They had to leave everything. Luke 5:11,28.

The Apostle Paul used the term “open doors” to describe the opportunities …

WORDS THAT HAVE SHAPED MY LIFE (98) “A CERTAIN FRIEND IN UNCERTAIN TIMES …..not for the faint hearted”

Rod Denton in Christian Living, Discipleship, Leadership, Mentoring

amp_society_building_oamaru_new_zealand - Copy (2)

In the third century BC the Greek philosopher Ennuis penned the words, Amicus certus in re incerta, which translated means, A certain friend in uncertain times.
Some years ago when I left school, I went to work for an insurance company that was founded in 1849 with it’s motto, in Latin, Amicus certus in re incerta, which let people know that they would be a certain friend in uncertain times.

With this in mind, I have had more than a passing interest to discover that a number of leaders I have observed in the Bible were people who needed and were blessed with a certain friend in uncertain times.

The …

IT’S NOT WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE, IT’S WHAT YOU DO WHERE YOU ARE

Rod Denton in Christian Living, Discipleship, Leadership, Mentoring, Mission

chains because of Christ

Neale Daniher and his three brothers were talented footballers and together played for one of Australia’s leading football clubs. He was gifted and popular and a devoted family man. However, ten years ago he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease, (MND) a terminal illness that has a life expectancy of twenty-seven months. As I write, Neale can no longer speak or swallow or use his fingers or hands. And breathing can be difficult at times but with eye gaze technology, he is able to type.

Neale Daniher is a testimony to the truth that it is your attitude, not your circumstances that determines your life. When asked where he was …

The Danger of Being ACTIVITY CENTRED Rather Than GOD CENTRED

Rod Denton in Christian Living, Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership, Mentoring, Mission

“Mission is finding those whose hearts are right with Him and placing them where they can make a difference for Him.” Henry Blackaby

One of the great dangers in living the Christian life occurs when we become activity centred instead of God centred. For God’s ways are not always our ways.

In Acts chapter 8 we read of a great persecution breaking out against the church in Jerusalem resulting in many of the Christians being scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip found himself in a city in Samaria where he proclaimed Jesus with amazing results.
“Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see …