At the moment it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even now, there are moments of grace. Here’s a few; Fresh eyes to see what we depend upon – and what really matters. Three weeks ago I was reading articles about skin creams and fretting about the school run. Now, not so much! My heart’s been exposed and I’m being forced to look to the Lord afresh. The realities of life and death were always there – but now I’m really …Read More
Slice me open and I bleed anxiety. I always have. I grew up in 80s/90s Northern Ireland; a place riven by chaos and conflict. If fear was a contagion, back then, we were all infected. At the same time, the headlines (those I remember) were full of the AIDS epidemic — a terrifying and fatal disease with no cure. My child-sized skull echoed with warnings: you can’t be too careful. You can’t be too safe. Aged 13, I developed anorexia. …Read More
A huge thanks to Miriam S for this week’s guest post. It’s powerful and wise; and deals with an area we don’t read about very often. She writes… A broken hope: How breakups point us to the Ultimate Romantic It’s easy to think that God and the Bible don’t have much to say about relationship breakups. It’s not something that is spoken about much in sermons. You don’t hear topical talks about them. Serious breakups don’t even seem to have …Read More
What are the challenges that are facing you this week? Perhaps you’re dreading a difficult boss or conversation. Caring for elderly parents, small children – or both. Maybe you’re studying for exams or recovering from illness; swamped by emails or demands or an addiction that seems bigger than you. Perhaps you are grieving – for a person or relationship or situation that you hoped would last forever. Whatever you’re facing, it’s not a surprise. We’re broken people living in a …Read More
Whatever lies ahead, here’s what we know for sure… We have a loving Father who is working all things together for our good. Sometimes we’ll feel angry or sad or overwhelmed or unsafe or crazy. These feelings are not the truth and they will pass. Our circumstances will change. Suffering has a “used by” date and there is hope. Only Jesus’ future is forever. Whatever mistakes we make, there is always more grace in Jesus than there is sin in us …Read More
1. “You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:42). Look at the context of this passage. Martha is wrapping presents, stuffing turkey, decorating the tree, baking mince pies and keeping the whole show on the road. She’s feeling neglected and stressed – but her solutions aren’t helping. She doesn’t need a spreadsheet – or even a special reading plan. Just one thing matters – time with Jesus! Whatever our surroundings, the Lord …Read More
There are times in our lives when everything seems wrong. A workplace that demands everything; but gives nothing back. A relationship on the rocks; or no relationship at all. A baby who refuses to sleep; a scowling teen who won’t meet your gaze. Maybe it’s something you can’t talk about – or something you can’t see. Bruises; inside or out. Loneliness; depression; pain or grief. Sadness that smothers; thick crests of anger that die, quick as they surge. Hold on, friends …Read More
Thank you Sharon, for another great post – this time on depression. Make sure you look out for her powerful book, “Wrestling with my thoughts” (A doctor writes about her own mental health struggles), which will be coming out in January, published by IVP. Autumn Days Comfy hoodies, pumpkin spice lattes, cosy evenings indoors, rustling leaves, spectacular colours… For some people, autumn is a favourite season. But others have a different experience. The darker mornings and earlier sunsets squeeze …Read More
How do you know when the Holy Spirit is working in your life? you have incredible dreams and visions you’ve given up on all your old sins and are temptation-free. Things you’ve wrestled with in the past are completely resolved you know you’re exactly where God wants you to be and doing precisely what he wants you to do you’ve never felt closer to God others look to you as an example of faith and strength. you go to a …Read More
Guest post by Glen “I can’t pray. Where would I begin?” I understand this sentiment very well. I have thought it and felt it often. But it’s not right. The truth is I can pray, I do pray, I am praying all the time. I don’t need to start praying. In reality I can’t stop. What do I mean? Well consider these famous verses from Paul: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with …Read More
