Cynicism is the new rock n roll. It tells the world: ‘I’ve been around the block a few times, I won’t be taken in, I’m savvy, street smart and most of all, experienced.’ It seems wise – but it’s completely anti-gospel. In Jesus, I’m called to the very opposite: faith, hope and love. Faith means embracing what cannot be humanly learned. It means receiving what cannot be humanly earned. I’m called to trust when the world, the flesh and the …Read More
How do you feel when times are tough? Like a tiny cork, bobbing on the waves? Alone and overwhelmed? Outnumbered and defeated? Don’t judge by what you see. In 2 Kings 6, the people of God seem to be outflanked and outnumbered by their enemies. Elisha’s servant runs in terror to his master and says, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answers, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Notice what …Read More
Acknowledge your feelings but remind them that you’re in charge. Think of them as a two year-old who needs reassurance and a bit of loving firmness. Remember, you have felt like this before; and it was all ok. If in doubt, stick to your usual plan/routine. (The one you made before your brain was flooded with adrenalin). But Don’t try to do too much. It’s tempting to over schedule when you’re stressed, but you need downtime too. Work out …Read More
Years ago, I remember praying with Glen. (We have prayed together since then but this one stands out). We were relatively new Christians and and he said something like, ‘Lord if suffering will bring us closer to you, then let your will be done’. ‘What?’ I hissed – ‘Are you asking for suffering?’ ‘Not exactly,’ he began… Elbowing him, I cleared my throat and in my prayer voice (louder), continued, “Sorry Lord, can we stop right there. I would like …Read More
Go with your heart. And follow your feelings. Keep it in. If you open up, they will reject you. Deal with it yourself. So, take control. For every look at Jesus, take 12 looks at yourself. Don’t hope and don’t try. You’ll fail and you’ll be disappointed. Live by the word ‘should.’ Everything is black or white. Good or bad. Success or failure. Put yourself first. Earn it. Do everything perfectly. You are worthless if you don’t. Stay away from …Read More
Dear 13 year-old me. First, the good news. There is an adult you and she’s doing ok. You will survive your exams. You live in a world without social media. In a few years, you won’t care so much about what everyone else thinks about you – but there’s some work for God to do first. You have a daughter AND a lovely husband. (NB: when the ‘love of your life’ dumps you, don’t panic. He’s not the One). You …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
1. He’s the God He always said He was. 2. He’s the Saviour we always hoped He’d be. 3. He’s the Lord that the enemy always feared would triumph. 4. Death is dead. More than dead – it is defeated, humiliated, laid bare. 5. Jesus took our sins to the grave and left them there. 6. Jesus stepped out of the tomb into new life, and that new life is ours. 7. Our old lives are like the grave clothes left …Read More
My birthday’s coming up and my daughter keeps asking, ‘how old are you?’ So I’ve taught her to say ‘one, two, three, four -ty.’ Life’s too short to do the whole count. Left to myself, I’d wail, ‘The best is over!’ But I have far too much to be thankful for. Forty years in which I’ve known the Lord’s goodness. Forty years of being carried. Forty years of manna and forty years of grace. 480 months, 2080 weeks, 14600 days, …Read More
The Bible’s open and my brain is shouting ‘do something else.’ It started as a whisper, but the longer I resist, the more urgent it becomes. ‘Emma’, it says. ‘Finish the washing-up. Answer email. Take those bags to the charity shop. Fill out the forms.’ I ignore it, and it starts to huff. ‘Take a break’ it whines. ‘It’s been a busy week and you’ve got time to yourself! Go shopping. Surf the net. Relax. Read a book, (but not …Read More
