In Joshua 5, as the people of Israel prepared to face the fortified city of Jericho, Joshua encountered a mysterious figure – the Commander of the Lord’s Army. When Joshua asked whose side he was on, the commander replied, “Neither, but as Commander of the Lord’s Army I have now come” (Joshua 5:14).

It’s grand final season and it’s not a terrible time to be a Brisbane boy as the two major football codes come to their conclusion. The training and discipline that has brought seventeen NRL teams down to the final two are evident in the physique, fitness and skill demonstrated by the players.

Why do you do what you do? Every action – whether conscious or unconscious – flows from a purpose, a reason, a first cause. Behind every choice lies a “why.” Sometimes it’s preference, sometimes necessity, sometimes love or calling.

Serving others changed my life. As a teenager navigating some typical challenges of insecurity and uncertainty about my purpose, I began taking part in service opportunities through my Adventist school, church, and Pathfinder club.

As school staff, we hold a powerful influence in our communities. Every day, through our words and actions, we set an example not just for our students, but also for their families and for one another.

Leadership author Simon Sinek reminds us: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” This concept— starting with “why”—is profoundly spiritual when applied to Adventist education. Why do we teach? Why do we run schools?

During the recent term break, I had the privilege of attending Big Camp (NNSW Seventh Day Adventist Church Annual Convention)—a time that was both deeply inspiring and thought provoking.

The pressures of work, the demands of family, and the endless stream of notifications and emails create a cluttered mental space, drowning out the still, small voice of God.

When the Spanish began colonising South America in the late 1400’s, their ships were powered by the wind and were at the mercy of the weather.

My son loved asking “why,” especially during road trips as he took in all the hustle and bustle of the road as a little boy. “Why is that truck so slow?”

When we think of greatness, we often picture wealth, power, or influence. But Jesus redefines greatness, challenging us to consider something far deeper.

A key challenge we face in any leadership or teaching role is a sense of failure, or at the very least, feeling discouraged by the lack of progress, change, or success.

Catherine the Great was a German born Empress who ruled Russia from 1762 – 1796. It is considered that ‘ambition’ was her favourite hobby and in 1783 she authorised Russian statesman, reported lover and nobleman Grigory Potemkin to embark on a conquest to wrest the agriculturally rich Crimea from the Ottoman Empire.

Have you ever had someone tell you they’re praying for you or ask if they can pray for you? How did you feel in response? Similarly, have you ever offered to pray for someone, and how did they react?

Some things just seem to go well together. Contrary to popular belief, pineapple goes great on pizza, summer and cricket are a perfect match, and camping isn’t camping without a fire.

The book of Acts records that when the early church began to grow, there were too few leaders able to care for the growing converts and all the needs arising, especially among the poor and widows.

When speaking about the ever-changing nature of life, Heraclitus reportedly said, “No man ever steps into the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man”.