I’ve always thought that there are two sorts of people; those who believe in miracles, and those who don’t. But reading 2 Kings 5, I’m starting to think it’s a little more complicated. Maybe there’s those who believe in their kind of miracle; and those who believe in God’s kind of miracle. As the story of Naaman shows us, there’s quite a difference. Naaman is an accomplished professional but suffering the most devastating affliction: leprosy. We get a sense of what a …Read More
Imagine a whole nation in slavery. What a terrible situation! Now…imagine that they need to be persuaded to escape. Their rescue is guaranteed by a God who won’t let them down. But still, they waver. There’s a big part of them that doesn’t want freedom. They know their place in Egypt, and there’s comfort in their chains. God says, “Come with me! I’ll set you free!” But they shrink back. Too dangerous. Too risky. So how does the Lord persuade them …Read More
My default setting is ‘fear,’ not ‘faith.’ How’s my friend’s baby doing? Will she recover; and what can I do? Why did God let this happen? Will I be able to meet up with Y; and if so, what will I say? Why is the car making that noise? Is that a dodgy mole on my leg? What will happen to my family if I get sick? On and on it goes; and the list gets longer the more I …Read More
Last week I was asked this question (for a website on self-development), “(In 50 words) What’s the best book you’ve read on self development and how is it different from the rest?” I thought of the self development books I’d read. Books with helpful insights on mental health issues. Books offering practical advice about relationships. Books with tips on managing emotions or improving my health. Books by lay people and books by medics. Books for groups and books for individuals. …Read More
I don’t know what the future holds. Sometimes I think of what might happen and I panic. How will I cope? Who will care for those I love? But my heart steadies as I remember these words: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 If I can only get through this. If I just take charge of this. If I can change this. If I get this. On and …Read More
This morning was our women’s bible study group. I woke up with a stinking headache and a fractious baby. It was pouring with rain, Ruby was screaming, the house was a tip and my phone was flashing reminders for a deadline I’m struggling to meet. I felt like climbing back into bed and pulling the curtains. I felt like I should chip the spilt Weetabix off the floor and get the house into order. I felt like I needed to work whilst Ruby slept. …Read More
I’d like the world to be more definite. Clarity on life’s big issues. Black or white. Right or wrong. Christian or Not Christian. Baptism. Breast feeding. Beards. Boxed Sets. Tell me what to think and I can keep my brain in neutral. YES or NO. Anything but ‘maybe.’ ‘Maybe’ is like boot camp for the brain. Hard graft, early starts and endless sweaty questions that often take you back where you started. Muddied, messy middle ground. Well, I don’t like mess. I don’t want to have to work …Read More
Is all of the Bible really for me? Some days, (especially when I’m stressed), it feels more like 40 per cent. 40 per cent that’s practical and real, a direct line between what God says and what Emma needs to do. 40 per cent that’s appropriate to daily life; the grocery shop and feeding the cats. 40 per cent that works in 21st century Eastbourne, not 1st century Palestine. 40 per cent that’s for a justgettingthrough believer, not a solid-gold saint. What makes up the …Read More
You don’t need to be Irish to believe in confession. But you do, if you’re Christian. I don’t mean incense and chanting. Just this – talking to God (and others). Saying, “I did something wrong and I’m sorry.” I say ‘just.’ But it’s a choking word, ‘sorry.’ Spiky and tickly. Burns in the stomach. Sticks in the throat. But nonetheless, essential. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength …Read More
