Glen has a new book OUT TODAY! It’s 6 months of undated devotional thoughts that take you through the Old Testament. (In the new year, they’re bringing out the New Testament volume). Each day you get a little taste of the goodness of Jesus and over the course of a whole year you can see the bird’s eye view of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If you’ve been watching Reading Between the Lines on Facebook or YouTube you know …Read More
Remember that Jesus comes for failures. He’s not shocked by this and neither does He condemn you. If you come to Him He will forgive you and restore you and redeem even your mistakes, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32). Look to Jesus. The greater your sin, the greater the cross that carries it. Yes, you’ve messed up – (and worse …Read More
Guest post from Glen What is life: tragedy or comedy? I’m not asking whether life is a barrel of laughs (newsflash: it’s not!), I’m asking a more technical question. In literature, comedy and tragedy are not about the laughs-to-calamities ratio, it’s about the shape of the story. In particular it’s about the ending. A tragedy is shaped like a frown: it travels up to the heights then tumbles down to the depths. A comedy is a smile: down into danger …Read More
Having faith’ doesn’t mean going it alone. Yes, you need prayer, community and the bible. But you can also use medication, counselling and therapy. If we can use doctors for our bodies, we can use doctors for our brains. When Saul was stressed, David played him soothing music. When Elijah was close to breakdown, God told him to sleep and eat. So let’s not be ashamed of using the resources we have been given. It’s not true that if …Read More
I love this post from Glen… The frown, the pout, the head cocked, the bottom lip thrust out… who teaches toddlers how to sulk? It’s not a look we’ve tried to inculcate. It must be some kind of primeval muscle memory. Down the generations, identical whinges have emerged from three year olds, like secret lemon juice messages becoming visible under the iron. Children are marked with the sulking signature. When the heat is on, out it comes. Sometimes, if it’s …Read More
I know it in my head. The bible tells me. My church preaches it. I sing about it. I even tell myself. I’m loved by God – but I don’t always feel it. And if I don’t feel it, then what’s the point? There are plenty of alternatives. I down a coffee and can take on the world. I buy toys for my daughter and instantly feel better. I press ‘play’ and the real world disappears. I hit ‘send’ and …Read More
“I hate myself.” “I have no hope. I have no future.” “I’m so ashamed.” “I don’t belong in church.” “Why did He make me like this?” “I have/have had problems with my mental health.” “I feel my weakness.” “I don’t quite fit.” “I believe the gospel but I don’t feel it.” “I’m afraid.” If you feel these things, then know that Jesus is for you. You are not beyond the pale, or outside of the camp. In your weakness …Read More
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 What does it mean to wait for the Lord? waiting expectantly – trusting that we’re not treading water, or wasting time. God hasn’t forgotten about us. He hears; and this waiting is part of His answer focusing on His faithfulness in the past. Looking to His …Read More
Loneliness It’s the first thing that God says is ‘Not good….’ and this is before the Fall. Picture it. Adam is in paradise and God has made him king of the world. He has meaningful work to do, the entire animal kingdom to oversee, a world to explore and the Lord to walk with. From the world’s eyes, Adam has it all – yet God looks and says “Not good.” Why? Because the Three-in-One God made us to depend on others. Even …Read More
Joshua 23:11: “Be very careful to love the LORD your God.” tell Him what you love about Him make a point of saying thank-you for the big and little things you take for granted sit in silence together keep talking. Before you go to anyone else, tell Him listen – really listen – to Him. (Don’t assume, limit or caricature Him). remind yourself of why you first fell in love share a good book. eat together. spend time with …Read More
