Yesterday we reflected on how thanksgiving helps me to say ‘No’ to things that are too much or do not seem to be what God wants me to do. This opens up a fresh vista – that is that thanksgiving is a means of protection, a defense. We have considered over the last few months […]
One of the things that seems to have come out of our meditations on thanksgiving over the last seven months is that thanksgiving and thankfulness is a living dynamic thing rather than a formula, or document, or procedure or even a rule that we must follow. Indeed when you think about it, it is something […]
Over the last two days we have been considering how thanksgiving is a really important ingredient in being a follower of the Lord Jesus, and in practically discovering joy and peace in the Lord being my shepherd, and me being a sheep who is learning to hear His voice and so follow Him. We reflected […]
Monday mornings can be hard, after the weekend, with the prospect of going back to work, or school, or the thought of the challenging things that have to be done this week. Any of these can result in feeling pressure or anxiety, or maybe just feeling flat and heavy. Over the last few days we […]
Last week we were reflecting on the thought that the Lord is inviting us to overflow with thankfulness and gratitude (Colossians 2:7) and we considered how this may take the form of a bubbling spring welling up, or perhaps a quieter strong flow of a deep river. This week, more treasures have emerged on thanksgiving […]
‘”Further up and further in” cried Jewel and instantly they were off again’. Those of you who have enjoyed the Narnia books of CS Lewis will recognize the cry from the last chapter of ‘The Last Battle’. It seems to me it could echo Paul’s heart as he wrote to his friends in Philippi “ […]
One of the wonderful things about the Bible is that sometimes it is rather like a ‘pass the parcel’ game at a children’s party! It has many layers, and every time you unwrap a layer you find a new surprise and blessing. It may even make you whoop with joy and thanksgiving like the children […]
Contentment is not one of the nine fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians but it is a quality of life that I believe most of us urgently need more of, as we live our lives in the 21st century consumer society. I am sure that every generation has had challenges in this area but […]
Following on from our reflections on the amazing mystery of Christ in me, and the indwelling Holy Spirit and His fruit, today I want to reflect on an incredible truth which is at the heart of the gospel –an offer and promise of a life of rest. As I see that more clearly, and embrace […]
In his letter to his friends in Corinth Paul says a very powerful thing that can easily pass almost unnoticed. “What have you got that you have not been given?” 1 Corinthians 4:7. And if this is the case, then what have you got to boast about, and what have you got that entitles you […]