|
Life often reminds us, that human promises, no matter how sincere, are fragile. Leaders change, systems fail, and even the strongest people can falter. Psalm 146 speaks directly into this reality, offering us a timeless invitation: to place our trust not in people, but in the One whose faithfulness never ends.
Psalm 146 opens with a personal declaration: “I will praise the Lord all my life.” It’s not a fleeting burst of gratitude, but a lifelong commitment. The psalmist isn’t praising God because life is perfect, he’s praising because God is perfect. Our praise ought not depend on circumstances; rather be deeply rooted in God’s unchanging nature. The psalm warns against putting ultimate hope in “princes” which is a poetic way of saying don’t rely on human power or influence for your deepest security. People, no matter how well-intentioned, are limited. Their plans end when their breath does. This is not a call to cynicism, but to clarity. The psalm reminds us that human help is temporary and God’s help is eternal. The heart of Psalm 146 is a portrait of God’s character: He is the God who keeps his promises! He is also defender of the oppressed, provider for the hungry, liberator of the captive, and protector of the vulnerable. This isn’t abstract theology, it’s a call to trust a God who actively works for justice and restoration. His reign isn’t bound by election cycles or shifting trends; it’s forever. So, how ought we live in light of all this? In a world buzzing with political promises, social movements, and personal ambitions, Psalm 146 invites us to anchor our hope in something deeper. Trusting God doesn’t mean disengaging from the world. It means engaging with it from a place of peace, knowing the ultimate outcome rests in His hands. When we live this way, our praise becomes more than words. It becomes a steady rhythm that carries us through uncertainty. This psalm reminds us NOT to build our lives on what can crumble. Rather, Build it on the One who reigns forever. This Sunday our Guest Speaker, Gemma, from FUSION will remind us of God's faithfulness and goodness and bring us good news about the funding they have received so the building of the Refuge Village can go ahead... providing much needed crisis accommodation. We will also send out the Samaritans Purse Christmas Boxes which many in our congregation have provided for needy children further abroad. Thank you for caring for those in need, like our Heavenly Father does. Blessings in Christ, Rev Tanya
0 Comments
Last Sunday was a joyful celebration of thanksgiving for your wonderful responses to our stewardship program. Thank you again for your faithfulness to God, his people, and his mission in and through Mount Eliza.
I have spent months praying and seeking God’s will for this Parish. Asking him to provide more workers for the Harvest. Thank you to those who prayed with me. In Matthew’s Gospel, after Jesus tells his disciples to pray for workers for the Harvest, then he sends them out into the Harvest field. In Matthew 10:1–20 Jesus calls His twelve disciples by name and grants them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. This is significant, showing their mission begins not with their own strength, but with His empowerment. It’s a reminder that when God calls us, He equips us. We may feel unqualified, but His calling comes with the resources we need to fulfil it. Jesus sends the disciples out on mission to proclaim that “the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Their work is both practical and spiritual: healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons. This shows that the gospel is not just words; it’s action. It’s compassion in motion, meeting both physical and spiritual needs. Jesus tells them to take no gold, silver, or extra clothing. This isn’t about recklessness, it’s about trust. Their provision would come through God’s care and the hospitality of those who received their message. In a world that prizes self-sufficiency, this is a countercultural call to live with open hands and a heart that trusts God’s provision. The faithful disciples are also called to have the courage to face opposition. Jesus reassures them: “Do not worry about what to say… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” This is a promise of divine presence in our most difficult moments. It’s not about having the perfect words prepared, but about trusting that God will give us what we need when we need it. So how can we live this out today, in faithful response to God’s word.
This passage is both a challenge and a comfort. It challenges us to step out in faith, to live boldly for the kingdom, and to embrace a mission bigger than ourselves. But it also comforts us with the assurance that we are never alone — the same Spirit who spoke through the disciples speaks through us today. Today, I challenge you to look for one opportunity to serve or encourage someone, whether through a kind word, a prayer, or an act of compassion. Trust that God will give you the words and the heart you need in that moment. I look forward to hearing your stories on Sunday, In Christ, Rev Tanya Imagine standing before a mountain range in darkness. The peaks are there, but unseen - until the sunrise reveals their beauty. In the same way, Paul prays in Ephesians 1:15–23 that the “eyes of our hearts” would be enlightened to see the hope, riches, and power already ours in Christ.
This Sunday, we will give thanks for all He’s given to us at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. We will thank Him for the faithful responses to the stewardship program and continue to pray that He will raise up more workers for the Harvest field. We still need a treasurer, musicians, and more AV Operators, so please continue to ask the Lord to meet our needs - and be open to being the answer. Like Paul was thankful to God for the Ephesians, I continue to thank God for your faith in Jesus and love for others. I love being in this with you. Together, this Sunday, may our eyes be opened afresh to:
Let us give thanks for what we already have in Christ. Blessings on your day, Rev Tanya Paul has a great many things to teach us about our purpose and calling on this earth.
In his letter to the church in Ephesus, he begins with a really big picture - cosmic size - before zooming into the local church level later on. The cosmic picture (one of my favourite verses) is this: ‘For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to sonship (= full inheritance) through Jesus Christ…’ (Eph. 1:4-5). And this thought finishes with God’s purpose for the world: ‘…to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ’ (1:10). Reflection: What do we learn about our calling (collectively as believers) and God’s purpose? Within this bigger picture, Paul says that ‘we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (2:10) Reflection: What ‘good works’ have you done in your life? Make a list and thank God for the way he led you to those and used you for his good purposes. In ch3, Paul reminds his readers of the good news that gentile (non-Jews) have been brought into this unity with Christ, being 'sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus' (3:6). It is this good news - that salvation is open to all who believe - that the church is to make known: ‘His (God’s) intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rules and authorities in the heavenly realms’ (3:10). And that in turn requires each person to be ‘rooted and established’ in the immense love of God (3:17). Reflection: What are you doing to grow deep roots in God’s love? ’There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all '(Eph 4:4-6). This is God bringing ‘unity to all things’ and to which we, here in Mount Eliza, are a church, united in Christ, sealed by the Spirit and called to the purpose of making Christ known. For this purpose, God has, in his kindness and wisdom, given each one of us a gift to help our church live out our purpose (4:7). In doing so, we are built up in faith and continue to ‘reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature’ (4:13). Reflection: What is your gift that God has blessed you with to build up his Church? As we each play our part, we grow in personal maturity, and the whole church becomes more mature too. Reflection: What might be preventing your personal growth? What barriers are there to unity under Christ in church? On Sunday, we’ll keep exploring these things as we delve deeper into Ephesians 4:1-16. I encourage you to pray and reflect over these questions this week to take notice of what God has done in and through you already and how he continues to work in and through you today. Blessings, Amy Last Sunday we launched our Stewardship program in addition to celebrating Father’s Day. We are grateful for all our church dads and for every single church member.
Reflecting on the journey we’ve shared over this year thus far, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for the way each of you have faithfully and generously given to the work of God here at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. Your stewardship—through prayer, service, and financial support—has been a living testimony of trust in God’s provision and a commitment to His mission. Because of your giving and serving, we have been able to continue worshipping together, caring for those in need, supporting local and global mission partners, and creating spaces where people can encounter the love of Jesus. Every gift, whether large or small, has been a seed sown into God’s Kingdom—bearing fruit in ways we may not always see, but which He multiplies abundantly. As we consider our Stewardship commitments for the coming year, we acknowledge that all we have comes from God and offer it back to Him with open hands. As the Apostle Peter reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” As we look ahead, we invite you to continue walking in this spirit of generosity. The needs of our community and the opportunities for ministry remain great, and together, we can keep shining the light of Christ in Mount Eliza and beyond. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your trust. And thank you for being part of what God is doing in and through our church family. This Sunday John Shanasy will bring us a message from God’s word. We are grateful for his gifting that he uses in service to God and others. What a great example! With love in Christ, Rev Tanya. When we read Matthew 9:35–38, we see the heartbeat of Jesus in action: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (paraphrased) This isn’t just a story from the past—it’s a rallying cry for us today. See What Jesus SeesJesus didn’t just glance at the crowds—He truly saw them. He noticed their struggles, their weariness, and their longing for hope. And His compassion moved Him to act. In our own streets, schools, and workplaces, there are people who feel lost and unseen. We are called to see them with the same eyes of love and urgency that Jesus had. The Harvest Is NowJesus didn’t say the harvest will be plentiful—He said it is. Right now, in Mount Eliza and beyond, there are hearts ready to receive the hope of the gospel. The opportunity is here, today. The question is—will we step forward? Be the Answer to the PrayerWhen Jesus told His disciples to pray for workers, He was also preparing them to be those workers. That’s our invitation too. Whether it’s sharing your faith with a neighbour, serving in a ministry, offering a meal, or simply showing kindness, every act of love is a seed in God’s harvest field. Our Mission TogetherAt Mount Eliza Anglican Church, we are committed to:
Ask God to open your eyes to the harvest around you—and then take one bold step into the field. The Lord of the harvest is with you, and He will equip you for the work ahead. Let’s not just talk about the harvest. Let’s live it. Together We will be concluding our sermon series in the book of Daniel with Guest preacher, Chris Tatman preaching on chapter 6.
He will share some of his own story, which includes being inside a lion's cage at a circus. While few of us have faced literal lions, we all encounter moments that test our faith. Daniel’s example in chapter 6 challenges us to:
Please join me to pray together this week: Sunday 9am till 9:15am in the Vestry. Monday 4pm in the small Hall. Tuesday 12pm – Tanya’s office. Daniel chapter 4 challenged us to repent of our sinful pride. Chapter 5 reminds us of what happens when we don't repent and humble ourselves.
King Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar’s son) was arrogant. He had inherited wealth, power, was full of sinful pride, and had no fear of God. He was so confident in his own power and the position of Babylon, that he was throwing a lavish banquet while his enemies were entering the city to attack. He thought he was untouchable. But as Proverbs reminds us “Pride goes before destruction”. When we elevate ourselves above humility, we risk missing the warning signs around us. In Belshazzar’s case, God made the situation very clear. He wrote a message on the wall in clear view of everyone at the banquet. He wrote — MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN — (Aramaic phrase meaning “numbered, numbered, weighed, divided”) This was not just a sentence of judgment; it was a final opportunity for Belshazzar to acknowledge God. Daniel was called in to interpret and told Belshazzar that his “Days are numbered, he has been found wanting, and his kingdom will end and be given to the Medes and Persians”. In our own lives, warnings may come as a conversation, a conviction in our heart, or a sudden realization. They are not meant to crush us, but to call us back before it’s too late. In Belshazzar’s case, he didn’t humble himself, and that very night, he was killed and Babylon fell. The empire that seemed unshakable was gone in an instant. This reminds us to build our lives not on temporary power, possessions, or status, but on the unshakable foundation of God’s kingdom. Daniel 5 is more than an ancient story — it’s a mirror. It asks us: Where is my pride blinding me? Am I listening to God’s warnings? Am I living with integrity? The “writing on the wall” in our lives may not be in glowing letters, but it’s there if we’re willing to see it. What is God saying to you this week? Will you humble yourself, listen and apply it to your life? Rev Tanya Have you heard the saying, 'Pride comes before a fall'?
Did you know it comes from the bible? From Proverbs 16:18 which says, 'Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.' I can imagine wise old Solomon writing about the lessons he'd learned over the course of his life, recording these wise sayings because he's seen them or experienced them first hand. Have you ever experienced a moment of being humbled? I have. I remember it quite clearly. I was in yr 12, towards the end of my final exams. I was really REALLY good at biology and it was my last exam but it was a WHOLE WEEK after my second last exam. And did this student who was very over study by this point use that final week to refresh and go over all the possible syllabus content... Why no, she did not. She rested on her laurels, content to ride the wave of her prior success in this subject. And as the saying goes, pride really did come before the fall. Now, thankfully I didn't fail the exam, but I did have a whole section I couldn't answer because it wasn't covered in class and I missed studying for it. So - I did sub-par in that one. It was indeed a humbling experience. Have you ever experienced a moment of being humbled? Did it happen right after thinking pretty highly of yourself or your efforts? Well, this week as we dig into Daniel 4, we have one last hurrah with King Nebachadnezzar, who, while certainly acknowledging the existance of Daniel's God (our God) has not yet put his faith in him alone. King Neb (as I like to call him) thinks pretty highly of himself, elevating himself to be 'god' and Daniel's God, the one true God, takes this final moment to truly humble King Neb so that he truly sees that God is God and King Neb is not. Pride comes before King Neb's fall, and he fell into a deep, dark hole for a time. I hope you can join us on Sunday to hear what happens and see if this experience was able to bring King Neb to his knees before the one true God. Amy Ive had a song from my younger years stuck in my head this week; “Fear Not, For I am with you says the Lord” – You can listen here: https://youtu.be/IvR6vrmHcJo?si=oNsJAlrEl3ID-Lkc
It reminds us that we can walk through the fiery trials in life and not be burned because God is with us. Most of us experience this spiritually speaking at some time in our lives. In this week’s reading we hear about three men who experience it physically. The Story in Brief In Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar commands everyone to bow before a massive golden statue. Three young men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — refuse. Their loyalty to the one true God is unshakable. The king’s fury leads to a furnace heated seven times hotter than normal. But when the men are thrown in, the impossible happens: they are unharmed, and a fourth figure — unmistakably divine — walks with them. Even the king is forced to acknowledge the power of their God. Daniel chapter 3 is more than a story from long ago — it’s a rallying cry for every believer to stand strong, stay true, and trust God no matter the cost. These men didn’t waver, even when their lives were on the line. We too are encouraged to stand tall and stay true to our faith in God no matter the pressure. And Remember Who’s in the Fire With You. God will never leave you and You are never fighting alone. Let this modern song remind you also of these truths (Hillsong – there was another in the fire). Another in the Fire (Lyrics Video) - Hillsong UNITED - Worship Sing-along Your “furnace” might be a workplace challenge, a personal struggle, or a moment when doing the right thing feels risky. Daniel 3 calls you to hold your ground, knowing that God’s presence is your greatest strength. As a church family, let’s be people who rise to the challenge, who encourage one another to keep going, and who believe that every trial is an opportunity for God’s power to be seen. May God give us the boldness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and help us to live in a way that points others to His greatness. Blessings on your week. Rev Tanya |
Categories |
