What do we think when we hear the word favour? Do we think of somone doing us a favour? A wedding favour? Or maybe a person of favourable disposition? Perhaps somewhere at the back of our minds we link it with favouritism. The Biblical use and meaning of favour often meant gaining approval, acceptance, special […]
Immanuel Every year we are encouraged not to forget the real meaning of Christmas. We recall again the story of the baby, the angels, the shepherd and kings, and words like incarnation, salvation and saviour come to mind. Perhaps we watch as our fellow pilgrims strain to find new ways to present the old and
Some years ago I was standing at the door of the church that I attended at the time, when I saw someone approaching who had been away on various travels and studies for some months. We knew each other fairly well and I was glad to see her again. As she approached the building her
I love reading the Psalms. They contain honesty, raw emotion, and yes, some puzzling statements. Spending time thinking about their content can be nurturing and restoring, but I sometimes forget that they were written by real people, people who had experience of God – both positive and puzzling experiences – who took the time to
Writing Your Own Psalm – Gratitude Read More »
There are times when I sense that I am with the God who is always with me. Times, usually unplanned, when I gain a glimpse of some new understanding that feeds my soul. Something in my spirit recognises that somehow this is a kind of revelation. Something that, if only I can grasp hold of
Good is a word often used to mean ‘acceptable’ but perhaps not much more. A good movie, a good story, a good journey. It can be used as an adjective, an adverb or a noun; it is often the first complimentary word which comes to mind, yet somehow, it almost seems to mean barely above
You may be familiar with the words of Augustine of Hippo in his ‘Confessions’ where he says, ‘Our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you’. There is much truth to ponder in these words, but I was surprised to come across them recently and discovered I had actually remembered them incorrectly as,
Meditation On Home Read More »
As I look out of my window today I see what might be considered ‘unseasonal’ weather, for it is May and there is sleet falling from the sky. As I continue to write, the sun begins to shine but the temperature is still colder than I would like, or might expect. We are familiar with
Take a look at Psalm 136 – the pattern is easy to see. I remember as a child reading this psalm as a ‘responsive reading’ in church. One half of the church would read the first line and the other side the alternate. I felt as if I had pulled the short straw when all
Writing Your Own Psalm Based on Psalm 136 Read More »
Mark 1 v 16 – 17 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ A fascinating scenario in so many ways. The fishermen
Calling In Context Read More »
