One of the great privileges of going to church is to meet elderly saints, the kind who have walked with Jesus for so much of their life that it seems to shine through on their faces. This is how I picture Simeon and Anna, two devout prophets who yearned to see the coming of the Messiah. Anna is described as ‘very old’ at ‘eighty-four’, and she’d enjoyed only seven years of marriage before becoming a widow (vv36–37). She spent her years worshipping ‘night and day, fasting and praying’ (v37). God told Simeon he would see the Messiah in his lifetime (v26). 

Unfortunate residents of Slough are forever blighted by the infamous poem by John Betjeman, which suggests that the town is so awful it should be razed to the ground. Though literary critics say it’s a protest poem against industrialisation, nevertheless, several mayors of Slough have objected to it. 

Do evil people live longer lives? Former president Robert Mugabe, initially celebrated as a progressive anti-colonialist ruler of Zimbabwe, committed genocide against approximately 20,000 Ndebele people. Social scientist Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann wrote there was ‘clear evidence that Mugabe was guilty of crimes against humanity’,* and Uganda-born John Sentamu criticised his ‘unjust and brutal regime’.** Mugabe lived to the ripe old age of 95. 

Christmas can be a joyful time with church and family, full of happiness. However, it can also be a painful time, full of loneliness and sorrow. If we have endured grief, loss, or trauma during the year, this will be the time we feel it acutely. If we have had painful Christmases in the past, it’s hard to celebrate without those memories casting shadows on the present. 

Despite the Magi having to stop in at Jerusalem and ask for directions to Bethlehem, they didn’t actually need that information. God was the one who ended up leading them. They had seen the star originally when Jesus was born, charted the approximate location, and ended up in Jerusalem. 

A theologian once asked her class for biblical metaphors for waiting. The men spoke first and listed growing plants, harvesting and farming. The theologian nodded but kept asking for more suggestions. Finally, a woman spoke up. ‘Pregnancy,’ she said, and cited Romans 8:22, which describes all of creation in labour pains. The men looked at her in astonishment. That metaphor would never have occurred to them. 

The long wait for a Messiah began at the beginning. When Abraham was promised a descendant who would bless all peoples, the world waited for a son. When Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Micah, Hosea and John the Baptist rebuked God’s people for continuing to sin and abandon God’s instructions, the world waited for a saviour from those sins. 

For the avoidance of controversy, pick your own favourite football team, and imagine them playing in a cup final. The fans are yelling, cheering them on in the stands. Just then, it’s announced that the most skilful football player who ever lived (again – you pick!) is coming to play on your team. 

In many parts of the world, it is illegal for Christians to worship God or share their faith. To protect their lives, Christians must meet together covertly. In 2022, Open Doors USA made a list of what it considered the most dangerous countries for Christians to live in. 

In June 2023, two tragedies occurred at sea. Five people died in Titan, a submersible designed to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. Millions of dollars were spent trying to rescue them. Meanwhile, 650 people, mainly women and children, drowned in an overcrowded boat that sank in Greek waters. 

Anyone who faces uncertainty in life needs an Elizabeth by their side. Before Mary had to face the music with Joseph and tell him she was pregnant, and before anyone else knew, God had tipped her off that one of her relatives was also having a miracle pregnancy. 

Some people seem to have a very hard furrow to plough in life. Whether it’s a tough job where you do the right thing but face criticism, or the call to be a prophetic voice when people don’t want to hear you, it can feel like you’re on your own and it’s just too demanding. 

When God says something good about you, you should believe it. That seems obvious. And yet so many of us struggle to truly receive God’s gifts and blessings because something in our spirit stops us from believing them. Perhaps you have no trouble believing that God has a good plan for others, but, deep inside, you don’t know if you can trust God to be good to you. 

If Jesus were to return tomorrow, would you be ready for Him? This is a fairly terrifying question that preachers ask at Christian conferences, and it can cause us to re-examine our priorities and character (as well as perhaps secretly feeling disappointed that we’d miss out on that party next month). 

The experience of auditioning for a primary school play used to be very intimidating. The speaking parts were scarce, so if you didn’t get picked, the rejection would sting. Nowadays, schools seem to have plays written so that every child can play a part, even if it’s one line. Everyone gets to join in and play. 

All leadership involves power. As Lord Acton famously said, ‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ A recent study, reported in The Atlantic, showed that the more powerful you are, the less empathetic you become.* Leadership should not be embarked upon lightly, and those of us who are leaders should regularly evaluate our practice and character.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt stuck, with no escape? It could be where you’re living, a frustrating job, or even a difficult marriage. It could be that your health has deteriorated, and you feel helpless. It could be that parenting or caring for others is taking too much of a toll, but there’s nothing you can do about it.

What does it feel like to live ‘in the land of deep darkness’ (v2)? Depression or grief can feel like a life where someone has switched all the lights out, and there is no joy. Darkness can also mean a feeling of lostness – we can no longer see our way ahead and don’t know which step to take next. It can also imply evil – we may be surrounded by evil people and desperate situations, with no way out. Living in darkness is lonely, too. 

It is hard to envisage anything so bad that a parent would choose to turn away from their grown-up child, but addiction is surely one. Severely affected addicts can be so destructive and manipulative that in the end the parent, in tears, is forced to stop contact with them until they become clean. It’s a drastic and devastating action, taken only when all other options have been exhausted. 

If you’ve ever been asked to read from Micah 5 at a Christmas service, you’ll know that the word ‘Ephrathah’ is very hard to pronounce, and that no one seems to know what it means. Like the Isaiah 7 verse about the virgin giving birth, often that’s the only verse that people remember, and the original context gets lost. 

In its original context, the verse about the virgin giving birth is NOT about Jesus. Let me explain. The challenge for any political leader is to know which powers to align yourself with. Ahaz, King of Judah, was anxious about the threat of attack from Aram and Israel (vv1–2). So God sends Isaiah to reassure Ahaz that those two countries are spent as powers, and not to worry (vv3–9). Ahaz only needs to trust in God. 

Rosalind Franklin was a scientist who helped discover the double helix structure of DNA. Sadly, she contracted cancer and died at the age of thirty-seven. She never won a Nobel Prize. After her death, three of her male colleagues collected the Nobel Prize instead, and only recently has her part in the research been recognised. It’s all too common that people can dedicate their whole life to one particular goal, only for it to be snatched away and someone else take the credit. If we’re not careful, it can make us bitter. 

Reading maps well is an acquired skill. A wiggly, winding road from point A to point B seems pointless when you could go straight, unless you’re very carefully examining the contours, seeing the numbers increase and realising that going straight would mean ploughing through the middle of a sizeable mountain. Similarly, the symbols for marshes are also worth learning. (I may be speaking from experience.) 

There’s nothing like teaching a children’s Sunday school group to keep you theologically sharp, because children don’t shy away from asking difficult questions. One pesky question about the whole process of the Exodus is why God had to send quite so many plagues, with Pharoah hardening his heart and God allowing it. Why such a long wait while the Israelites endured more hardship?

When we look at difficult situations in the world, our prayers can feel so puny. ‘Dear God, please bring peace to Europe’ is a short prayer about a large and complex issue, and at times it may feel pointless to pray this way. We look to the heroes or people in power to do something about it, because who are we, as ordinary people, to influence history on the grand stage? 

Nelson Mandela was always committed to non-violent protest against apartheid – until the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 where sixty-nine black protestors were killed by South African police. There seemed no way for change other than violent retaliation, so Mandela became the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress.* 

Have you ever had a situation where you did something embarrassing, and everyone around you started laughing at you? It’s the stuff of nightmares, because it taps into the deepest part of us where we feel shame. Sarah had reason to feel shame – she carried the disgrace of not being a mother in a society that only valued women for motherhood. 

In counselling training, students are told they should try to mirror the person’s body language as far as possible to show empathy. However, there are important exceptions. Sometimes a person can laugh with ‘gallows laughter’. 

There are two types of people in life: those who act like they are the hero of the story and everything revolves around them, and those who feel they’re more like a sidekick, even in their own life. Hero-types tend to be confident about their purpose and importance in life, whereas ‘sidekicks’ find it harder to define themselves and their purpose outside of other people. 

Think of something you truly need or long for in this world in order to feel your life has meaning. Have you thought of it? Now imagine that God has prophesied you will have that very thing you’re longing for, and your long waiting will be over. How do you feel then? Now imagine that it’s been ten years, and the joyful prophecy you told everyone about has never come to pass. 

How does the Bible begin? You might want to say, ‘with creation’, but look closer: it begins with waiting. Before God spoke the world into existence and time as we know it began, the Spirit was there, waiting, poised, hovering over the deep. 

After fifty-two days of prayer, hard work and overcoming the enemy’s deception, the wall was completed. Fifty-two days. The walls had been left in ruins for seventy years and yet the city was transformed in a matter of days. 

Nehemiah was entitled to money and food from the people. As mentioned earlier, to demand this was the practise of previous governors. It was considered normal to request more, even though the King already provided them an ox, six sheep and some poultry each day and a wine delivery every ten days (v18a). Power and wealth are often insatiable. 

I am not sure how big your table is, but I am sure it is not as big as Nehemiah’s – he seemed to fit 150 people around it! Admittedly, the phrase ‘ate at my table’ may have simply meant that he provided food for 150 people each day, but it is still an incredible image of hospitality. 

Work is not something to be avoided, it is a good thing. We are designed to work, to care, to produce, to create and to be fruitful. From the beginning of time, Adam is placed in a beautiful garden where everything was as it should be. 

We live in a self-obsessed world, where our own selfish needs and desires are central to the decisions we make. A commonly used phrase would be ‘me first’ or ‘look after number one’, and reinforced by encouraging comments such as ‘you do you’ or ‘look after yourself’. It all seems a lovely and kind approach. But 

Nehemiah demanded of himself and the other wealthy members of the community, that they would restore any assets and repay any interest that had been charged. A big ask. But the response is positive and all those in attendance promise to give everything back and demand nothing more from the people. 

Many television shows replicate the idea of restoration. It is heart-warming to see something that seemed to have had its day and lost all value being restored to its former glory. Whether that be a piece of furniture found in a skip or a pet that became separated from its owner, or an adult fostered as a child discovering family they had never met. Restoration is bringing something back to its original owner, place or condition. 

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 26 that the poor will always be with you, having just said in Matthew 22 to love our neighbours as ourselves, and in even clearer detail in Matthew 25 about how in the final days God will judge us on how we treat people. Throughout His life on earth, Jesus modelled what He taught by intentionally looking out for opportunities to include society’s outcasts. 

At the end of chapter 4 there is great victory over the enemy, the wall continues to be built, albeit slower, as they hold a sword in one hand and a trowel in another. But now there is infighting and it seems as though the building work has stopped as it does not get mentioned. It is interesting how in just a few days they go from this beautiful community in chapter 3, working hard together across generations and trades to build this wall. 

The motto created by Lord Baden-Powell for the Scout’s movement was ‘Be prepared’. It was the idea that from a young age, Scouts would learn to survive and thrive, wherever they might find themselves. That they would be able to tie knots, make a shelter, stay safe and know what a woggle was and how it should be used. 

In our home we have a large family. So, over the years, we have created a tradition of ringing a bell when it is time for the evening meal. Once the bell is rung, children come from all directions, salivating at the prospect of food. If we have visitors, there is often some surprise at the sound of a bell being rung and even more surprise when children appear instantaneously at the meal table, seated with cutlery in hands and ready to eat.

Poor Nehemiah. The wall is half built and everyone has done so well to get to this point, but now people are tired and starting to grumble. Just as he is trying to work out how to keep the work moving forward, he gets given a message repeatedly: ‘They will come from all directions and attack us’. 

Years ago I ran the London Marathon. It was an incredible day. I had trained for months; I was in good condition and joined thousands of others on the starting line. I remember the moment it started to go wrong. Tower Bridge, around the halfway mark. I was feeling good and thinking, ‘This is great, I am halfway. Just got to do that again.’ 

It is often in children’s movies and comic books that enemies are obvious in their actions. The reality is that in life the enemy is often sneaky. Confusion is caused, by the whisper of gossip in the staff canteen, the seemingly innocent question in the company boardroom, the text message or social media post that could be read in many different ways. 

Is the glass half full or half empty? This is often the question that is asked to determine whether you are an optimist or a pessimist. But life is never as simple as the remains of a drink in a glass. There is always something that needs doing. 

I don’t know what your natural reaction is when you face opposition and persecution. Maybe it is to run away from the situation, to get yourself out of the room, away from the confrontation and hope it will go away. Or maybe you react with excess strength and retaliate, saying things you later regret or getting physical and pushing the problem away. 

As we mentioned earlier, haters are going to hate. It seems that success, which we prayed for yesterday, breeds opposition. But this seemingly overnight success was a long time coming. Nehemiah’s predecessor was Zerubbabel (Ezra 1–6), who led the first Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem and completed the rebuilding of the temple in 516 BC. But rather than continue rebuilding the city, they stopped. 

This is a beautiful moment in the story of Nehemiah. We started in chapter 1 with Nehemiah feeling alone in the pain for the state of his homeland (1:4). From that point we see his concerns being shared with the king (2:5), then with the few (2:12), then with the leaders (2:17) and now everyone is playing their part. 

Challenges will always come our way. The author James writes, ‘Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance’ (Jas 1:2–3) We may not enjoy them, but life is full of hurdles to be overcome. 

It was once said that leadership is simply taking people from position A to position B. To achieve this you have to either explain to those you are leading how bad position A is or how much better position B will be. 

Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and before he tells the people of his plans and the task that God has ordained him to do, he decides to take ‘only a few others’ with him and investigate what is needed for the plan to be achieved. Some might say he was being secretive or not very transparent, but not everything has to be shared with everyone all the time. 

Whenever someone is successful, there is a person in the background offended by their achievements. For every politician who wins the vote, there is someone who loses out. For every salesperson who, scores a big contract there is one who misses out on a bonus. 

This is a beautiful moment in the story, where Nehemiah adds the extravagant request. Makes the Big Ask. Having nervously asked the King for some leave and got his royal approval, he then adds on an extra plea: ‘Could I have a security team and extra timber, because I will need the wood for the new walls, gates and a house for myself!’ Nehemiah, the cupbearer has upsold the King. How often do we only ask for the bare minimum? 

My children know when the best times are to ask me for something, whether it be for me to help them with their homework, give them a lift to a friend’s house or whether we might plan to go somewhere special at the weekend. 

In the TV show Dragons Den, potential entrepreneurs present their ideas to wealthy business people, hoping for financial investment in their big idea. Once they have completed their pitch, they are asked questions by the Dragons. 

We know from the story of Queen Esther about the importance of presentation in front of the king. Anyone in the court of the king must meet his approval, so a great amount of effort would go into the outfits that would be worn and the make-up applied to cover any blemishes. 

We mentioned a few days ago how the practice of prayer is more like sowing seeds than using a heavenly slot machine. If we want to see favour and blessing in our lives, we need to be praying today for opportunities of favour tomorrow. 

Have you ever read the Bible and considered what part of the story you resonate with. People often place themselves in the position of the hero of the story. They are David not Goliath, they are Paul not Saul, they are Esther or Mordecai but definitely not Haman, they are Joseph but never one of his many brothers. 

Sometimes the concept of prayer is seen as a shiny chrome celestial slot machine. Prayer is asking God for things we desire, and He gives them to us. Anything is possible. A bit like when I was a child, circling all the things I would want for Christmas in the, now defunct, Argos catalogue and leaving it lying around to ensure my parents were aware of my festive request, hopeful that they would get the hint. 

That moment when you hear tragic or disappointing news, your knees go weak and you can do nothing but sit down, weep and stare into the distance. Whether it be exam results, financial issues, health concerns, the breakdown of a relationship or the unexpected loss of a loved one, these moments bring real pain and there is no way to immediately fix it or make it better somehow. 

The ritual of burial in first-century Israel involved the corpse being washed, then anointed with a variety of oils and spices. The body would then be wrapped in white linen grave clothes, which also contained spices. The body of Lazarus had been given life, but he still had to contend with the grave clothes that would inhibit him. Hence Jesus’ command in verse 44. 

Back in verse 4 we learned of Jesus intention, and now it’s time for Him to raise Lazarus from the dead. John reminds us that Jesus is still deeply moved (v38). This is not a magician delighting to perform a trick, but a man who cares for all involved in the business of life and death, and granted power by His Father for this extraordinary act. 

Jesus never wastes a moment, and the interchange between Him and the two sisters is telling. He could have simply announced before they spoke: ‘It’s OK – I’m going to raise your brother from the dead, so don’t worry!’. But instead, He could see the value in talking with the woman about their faith in Him and the situation. 

Jesus heals all who ask Him in the gospels with one exception – this one! And in this case the outcome is far better. We cannot imagine fully what was going on in Jesus’ mind when he hears news that Lazarus is ill and close to death. We know that Lazarus is a close friend, indeed Jesus stayed with the family when He came to the Jerusalem area. 

At the start and finish of the book of Ruth we have a clue as to why this is included in God’s library. This book is a wonderful contrast to the preceding book of Judges (mentioned in verse 1), which has some of the toughest narrative in the whole of the Bible. 

At the heart of the story of Ruth is a wealthy landowner, Boaz, whose many workers harvest the fields in Bethlehem. He is an upright, generous man who makes sure there is increased provision for Ruth, requesting harvesters to leave something for her (in accordance with Levitical law). But there’s more. 

This is a classic ‘grim tale to start and wonderful ending to finish’ kind of story. It begins with a famine and real pain with the death of three husbands (Naomi’s husband and her two sons, who were married to Moabite women). Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth, chooses to stick with Naomi, who is part of the people of God. 

Things are going well. God has just used you to see a lame man healed and you have had opportunity to preach the good news to non-believers. And you are especially feeling good because you gave God the glory. 

Paul has an opportunity to speak to the people and, although Luke doubtless gives just a summary of what he said, it is interesting that Paul communicates in a way appropriate for people with little or no grasp of the Scriptures that Paul has been schooled in. 

If you have ever seen someone healed by God, you will know how amazing it can be. We thank God for His healing through medicine and other means but, at times, we get to glimpse the inbreaking kingdom, as with a prayer or command God instantly intervenes to cure the malady being suffered. 

Since the time of Adam, the Scriptures make it clear that all human beings will face death. But Enoch’s passing is at odds with that of other men and women, and the implication is that his ‘ending’ is connected to his lifestyle. Here was a man who ‘walked with God’ and ‘then he was no more’, implying that, like Elijah, he is translated to heaven rather than his physical body dying and being buried. 

Even in our permissive age, most regard cheating on a spouse or partner as a reprehensible act. Here is one of the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament which translates well into most people’s personal moral code and, of course, especially if you are the innocent spouse. 

Jesus is still on the theme of the heart, but this illustration is not about a ‘brother’ who has something against you, but about a situation where someone is so upset that they are willing to take you to court – the kind of thing that might end up in a civil court today.

At some time in your life, you have probably been on the end of a donation request. A charity you support, a salesperson, a request at the checkout of a petrol station. But how often has anyone had any concern about your heart first? Did anyone think to check that your relational life was smooth before you transferred the money? Of course not. But Jesus continues majoring on the heart. 

The Sermon on the Mount (Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5–7) is variously understood. Some see the commands as ‘impossible’, but valuable as a benchmark. Other see them as indicating what will happen in heaven when we are all perfect. But it seems reasonable to assume that Jesus was addressing His disciples (5:1) and the crowds (7:28) and expecting the words to have meaning for here and now. 

This is one of the most misquoted psalms in the Bible. Many seem to imagine that the hills are somehow a reminder of God, and so looking at the hills is a reminder of who He is. The reality is that for the traveller looking to the hills, is a fearful thing. We might say: ‘I look at the busy, dangerous road.’ 

Have you ever found yourself to be reading a verse one way only for someone to suggest an alternative? Our verse for today is a classic used for Christians who are conscious of messing up. It may be quoted in churches with a liturgical tradition, where ‘confession’ is a part of a typical church service and especially at a communion service. 

It was some forty years ago that I recall a preacher at church talking about a movement of God taking place in Uganda. I remember little of what he said, but the phrase ‘walking in the light’ was evidently very significant. 

The start of John’s letter focuses on his testimony of being with Jesus when He was physically alive. This is in part to counter a notion that was developing in popularity that Jesus was never a physical being. So, the ‘him’ in our verse is Jesus. Of all the things to say that God is, John chooses ‘light’, because he knew this was important for his hearers at this point. 

The Christian church’s track record on looking after women has not generally been great, which is a big surprise given that women were there at the resurrection of Jesus and given the task of proclamation, and women were there at Pentecost being empowered to share. 

There are places in some European countries which remain ‘unfinished’ because then a tax on a finished building doesn’t need to be paid. But, by and large, unfinished building is not a good look and suggests poor planning. 

If you join the army, it will be necessary for you to wear army uniform and obey army rules. If you sign up to an apprenticeship with a plumber, you will need to do the required work to make the grade. If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you will need to take up your cross and follow Him. 

Anyone in sales knows that there is a tricky balance to be made between offering the product at an enticing price, and showing the customer that the product has high value. With some products, selling it at too low a price will mean it is not valued. Similarly, when asking for people to join something, do you emphasise the challenge and cost or the benefits? 

There is a massive irony to the last part of this verse. Even by the time of Jesus, ‘walking humbly’ was hardly a characteristic of the people of God. 

A policeman stops your car when you are travelling 40mph in a 30mph zone. Justice is being given a speeding ticket, mercy is just being given a warning, and grace is the policeman giving you his theatre tickets…! 

Minor prophets get a bad rep. Most people do not know of them or, when they read them, they are uncertain what they are saying. But the little-known Micah has two verses that most Christians know. 

The homecoming scene has been the finale to many a film: the lost child is reunited with her parents; the broken marriage is resolved; the hero who has won the day and cheated death is brought back into the safety and warmth of the family. 

It is estimated that the ‘observable universe’ is a sphere with a diameter of about 92 billion lightyears and a volume of about 410 nonillion (410 thousand billion, billion, billion) cubic lightyears! 

Preachers are commonly telling congregations that there is a problem with Christians not reading their Bibles. 

The Hebrew writer contrasts the Old Covenant and New: the one spoken to ancestors through prophets versus that spoken to us by God’s Son. He will go on to amplify the wonderful elements of the New Covenant in the epistle, which is clearly written to people with a Jewish background tempted back into Judaism, in part because they would be less likely to be persecuted. 

We might have been tempted to have sent Jesus thousands of years ago, soon after Adam and Eve sinned. But in God’s purposes it was necessary for the pages of the Old Testament to unfold so we would see the failure of humanity to live up to God’s ways even though they had received clear instructions and reminders. 

The writer’s musings on life cause him to start to bring God into the picture (see 2:24), and so he is now reflecting, more helpfully, on seeing things as brought by God, with a series of fourteen couplets which contrast one another, and are perhaps the best-known part of the book. 

Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes cause him to reflect on many areas that seem to be fulfilling. He is especially gloomy about work, finding that for all the short-term benefits, the fruit of what he has done will be left to others who may or may not deserve it. 

Not everything in the Bible is true. What?! Let me qualify that. Some of the statements in the Bible reflect conversations where what is said is not true, and this is especially true in the book of Ecclesiastes. It starts as ‘The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem’, which most agree fits for Solomon, writing probably at the end of his life. 

A student in history might be satisfied to learn about the Elizabethan age, a geographer might be pleased to understand the way a landscape is formed and a physicist how gravity operates. The teaching experience is complete when the student has learned information. Paul was pretty unconcerned whether Timothy had memorised which kings of Israel were good and which were bad or how many of the minor prophets spoke to Judah. 

The source of information is pretty important. You might be less inclined to trust a newspaper report than a university-peer-reviewed research paper. Instructions on a tin of chemicals have rather more weight than a tweet from an annoyed football fan. We ask, ‘What authority do they have?’ 

As has been pointed out many times, the Bible doesn’t say: train up young people in the way they should go’ (Prov. 22:6), it says train up children. Evidently Timothy’s parents (and grandparents) knew the verse, for he had been taught the Scriptures from infancy. The introductory words on Timothy in the book of Acts (16:1) suggest that it may have been just his mum doing the teaching. 

Those demonstrating expertise in any walk of life have a certain authority when it comes to teaching others: witness the popularity of ‘how to’ books written by experts in the field, and video training courses by master craftsmen and women. This is no less true in spiritual life, and Paul uses it as an exhortation to Timothy to stick with the faith ‘because you know those from whom you have learned it’. 

Whether you are a Christian or not, it seems obligatory to use the words RIP (Rest In Peace) in a text, Tweet or Facebook post when news of the death of a loved one or celebrity is broadcast. 

It may have crossed your mind that it seems pernickety of God to plunge the whole human race into sin because of one transgression regarding a choice in the Garden of Eden restaurant. Wouldn’t one warning have been enough? Paul would later say that in Adam all have sinned. 

It’s not altogether obvious why eating of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil led Adam and Eve to realise they were naked. Some have speculated that the glory of God surrounded them, which was then removed when they disobeyed God. 

Having been deceived into thinking that God was withholding something, Eve now saw that the fruit was desirable for gaining wisdom, so she ate and gave some to Adam. This apparently ‘innocent act’ leads to catastrophe for the first couple. Now we can be sure that God had made Adam and Eve to relate with Him: there was no defect in them that meant they were deficient and so needed an outside agent. 

The heart of sin is the belief that God cannot be trusted to look after us. Look at the Ten Commandments and see how the breaking of the prohibitions suggests we need to take matters into our own hands.

The very start of the fall of humanity came with a question. The narrator tells us of the craftiness of the serpent (3:1), as if to suggest that the succeeding narrative may not be all that it seems, and so begins the journey for Eve and Adam to eat the prohibited fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

The New Testament has verses that we can barely comprehend, and this is one of them. The trouble is we have all been taught that if it’s too good to be true it probably is! Ever been seduced by an advert only to be caught out by the small print? But we have tons of evidence that the Bible is 100% trustworthy, and so how likely is it that the writers and in this case, Jesus are going to mix in some lies? 

Around 760 BC, God sent Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh, the Assyrians, that judgment was coming. When the Assyrians repented, God withheld His action. At the time, the Assyrians were the superpower of the day, they ruled the world, from Libya and Ethiopia to Babylon and beyond. 

This letter by Jesus’ half-brother doesn’t mince its words, as Jude feels the need to ‘contend’ for the faith (v3) and warn his readers to stick with it. These closing words to his short letter remind us that there is no ‘one size fits all’ response to people we might regard as struggling with their faith. 

Our English word ‘love’ is how translators typically translates each of four Greek words: philia, eros, storge and agape. This fourth is often, though not exclusively, used of God’s love, and this is the word for Christ’s love. 

Depending on what you count, there are forty-three occasions when Paul’s prayers are recorded in the Epistles, but this is one of Paul’s four main prayers, and the Ephesians knew exactly what he was asking God to do. 

You would think Israel would have learned their lessons. ‘The evil’ they do is not specified but likely to have been following the local gods, where shrine prostitution was part of their practices. This time it’s the Moabites, Ammonites and Amalekites who oppress Israel, and this time it’s for eighteen years. 

The book of Judges relates the story of twelve Judges. The likes of Gideon, Samson and Deborah are well known but some, like Othniel, have just a few verses devoted to them. This is in the pre-monarchy days, and we see the classic cycle within Judges: Israel sins, God allows enemies to defeat them, they cry out to God, God sends a deliverer. 

The book of Judges outlines the way God provides a series of deliverers to rescue God’s people from their surrounding enemies. For a while they learn their lesson and return to God, only to backslide again, until the pain becomes so great, they call out to the Lord again. 

The stereotypical view of Jesus is of a man who showed up for occasional talks in the open air and had down time with His disciples between events. Doubtless this pattern did prevail. But this verse in Mark and parallel verses in the other Gospels paint a more complicated picture. 

Jesus is said to be indignant on two occasions in the Gospels: when the disciples stopped children approaching Him (Mark 10:14), and here when the man with leprosy approached Him. His indignation (could be translated anger) can be read in a few ways: that the leper wasn’t sure He would be willing to heal him, or that He was angry at how sin had messed this man’s life up, or maybe that He knew the man would ignore His later request to keep quiet. 

This opening chapter of Mark paints a picture of who Jesus is. Having gathered His team of disciples, His first public actions are to teach and cast out an evil spirit. 

If Jonah had been in the modern day, his ministry newsletter would have made interesting reading. An astonishing revival comes about such that God does not bring on the people the judgment He had promised. You can imagine the book deals and the conference invites that Jonah would garner off the back of this. 

It was seven words (five in Hebrew) and a whole city turned around. Now of course it may be that we have just a summary of what Jonah said but, even so, it was a simple message. Why the turnaround?

We wouldn’t have the Jonah story if God had let Jonah go. After all, He could have raised up another prophet who would be more willing. But He had His purpose in sending this prophet to these people and so God intervenes with a storm, and we have the oddness of pagan sailors calling out to their gods with Jonah prayerless. 

Jonah certainly has a bad reputation as a disobedient and grumpy prophet who fails to go where he is told to go and is angry with God when his warning is heeded by the people. 

God’s love and concern for all people is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Everyone you clap eyes on today is loved by God and precious to Him. God has made it possible for all to know His embrace. 

This is not just the first psalm but a ‘gateway’ psalm introducing the whole psalter comprising 150 psalms and arranged in five ‘books’. These verses declare that those who avoid certain pathways and embrace God’s ways will be blessed. Walking, standing and sitting suggest increasing affinity with evil, and are contrasted with the delight that comes from meditating on God’s Word. 

We need each other – we see this reflected in Paul’s list of people who send their greetings to the new church. Notice how diverse the people are, from Luke the doctor to a former slave to Gentile believers to Jewish people who have converted to the Christian faith. After all, as Paul said earlier, Christ is all and Christ is in all (Col. 3:11). In Him there is no room for discrimination. 

We’ve looked at Paul’s letter to the Colossians mostly from a point of view of our own personal growth in our commitment to Christ. In this passage, however, we see that we cannot forget the gospel imperative to share our faith with others. We shouldn’t live in a closed-off colony where we’re concerned only for fellow believers, but rather should seek that others too will know the life-saving nature of God’s redemption through Jesus. 

We might be surprised at the length of Paul’s household instructions regarding slavery, especially compared with the short directives regarding husbands and wives and parents and children. Perhaps Paul treats this subject in more detail because of the situation with Onesimus, who was a slave of Philemon’s who ran away after wronging his master, probably by stealing money. 

We might find Paul’s change of subject abrupt. Having discussed who we are in Christ and how we are to live out the new life, Paul then addresses what are known as the household codes – his instructions for family life. We also might or might not agree with Paul’s emphasis on the roles within the home. 

The peace of Christ can make a real difference to our lives. For instance, a Christian leader encountered many difficulties and challenges over her life, then finally reached a point where she came to the end of herself and leaned on God fully. 

What clothes do we don? The world often gives us stinky rags, such as those slapped on a young girl who was called ‘fat face’. Our hearts sink when we hear stories such as these, and we pray that young people enduring such abuse will be able to put on the garments of God’s chosen people and to ‘forgive as the Lord’ forgives them (v13). 

A great theme of Paul’s is leaving the old self behind as we daily embrace the new, as we see in this section of Colossians. For the believers to live out of a new self, Paul says that they need to continue putting to death whatever would keep them embroiled in sin; that is, their earthly nature. 

We reach a sort of climax here as Paul says, ‘Since, then…’ With these words he signals to his readers that he’s laid the groundwork and he wants them to take notice. For here is how they should live. Because they have died to their old life, they are now raised with Christ. 

Some people find the apostle Paul difficult, thinking that he’s harsh or unfeeling. But if we try to find out more about the individual churches to whom he wrote, we might reshape our view of him. For instance, to one group of people who were lax in their faith –such as in his first letter to the Corinthians – he writes (paraphrased), ‘Shape up! I want you to know God’s truth as revealed in Christ and His sacrifice for you!’ 

Teachers and lecturers, especially when rooted in Christ, are often gracious as they teach, sharing their wisdom. They exude humility as they weave together the nuggets of understanding proffered by those who learn from them – those who in their youth might wear their arrogance as a shield. But true wisdom never puffs one up. 

Have you ever had a debt dismissed? One moment you’re expected to pay back a sum – large or small – and the next, you’re given a reprieve. Relief washes over you as you fill with gratitude. What felt like a burden weighing you down has been removed from your shoulders. 

Paul never forgets that people flourish in their faith in the triune God through His merciful action, for although we respond to the Lord’s loving invitation, He is the one who effects change. We can see this clearly in verses 6 and 7 by digging into the grammar. 

When we’ve been part of a church for a length of time, we often will have encountered conflict within it. We may hear heartrending stories of people deeply hurt by leaders who seemed to be on a power trip, or those betrayed by a close friend in church, or the disappointment and ache when the leadership group adopts a theological stance that is at odds with one’s own understanding. 

A church minister confided how sad he felt when people left the church, or didn’t seem to move forward in their faith. He wondered if for them, coming to church was just one of many ‘leisure opportunities’ in a weekend, which might get crowded out by a children’s birthday party, a brunch outing with friends or a sports match. 

Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ This is a favourite phrase in the Bible, for it hints at a mystery of which we’ll never fully plumb the depths. That is, our union with the triune God, through Christ dwelling within us (and elsewhere we see the Holy Spirit filling us, such as on Pentecost [Acts 2:4]). 

Once you were a murderer. Once a liar. Once a gossiper. But now… now you are no longer accused of wrongdoing; now you are without stain. Why? Because Christ has made things right for you with God. Once all of that stuff was the reality, but now – if you continue believing and hoping – now He sees you as holy. 

We reach Paul’s wonderful prose poem, looking at the first part today, which is a hymn about Jesus. We’ll probably never exhaust the ways of describing God’s Son. Paul says that Jesus is the ‘image of the invisible God’ (v15); this means that He fleshes out that which is unseen. 

We look at two short verses today that brim with meaning. In fact, Paul’s words summarise the gospel well – that Jesus rescues us from condemnation through the forgiveness of sins and the gift of new life. Let’s dig in and examine some of Paul’s phrases, such as that Jesus ‘rescued us from the dominion of darkness’ (v13). Here the light of God’s kingdom is implied by what we are saved from – a life of groping around in the dark while losing our way and perhaps smashing into brick walls. 

As we read Paul’s intercessory prayer for the Colossians, we can more deeply understand his concern for the new believers if we keep in mind the context. False teachers there have been trying to entice the Christians with promises of secret knowledge to enhance their spiritual experience. 

If we’re gardeners with some land to work with, we might be now enjoying the fruits of our labours – the beauty that blossoms from little seeds. Yet Paul shares a more beautiful blossoming when it comes to the spread of the Christian faith, how it grows and bears fruit through the whole world. 

Welcome to three weeks of exploring Colossians! Paul wrote to this church which he’d likely not visited, but had grown out of his mission to Ephesus through the conversion of Epaphras. This man became a ‘dear fellow servant’ of Paul and Timothy (v7) and planted churches in several areas, including at his home of Colossae. 

On this, our last day journeying through 1 and 2 Kings, we skip ahead to the last king of Israel. Although his name, Hoshea, means ‘salvation’, he does not deliver this. He and his people sin against God, following the practices of the foreign nations and doing detestable things in secret. Instead of turning from their evil ways, they are stiff-necked, unwilling to bow before God in humility. 

God wanted the destruction of Baal worship, just as He wants all people to turn away from idolatry and return to Him. Thankfully, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus leaves us with some very different methods from those of Jehu. After all, Jehu deceived the prophets of Baal by pretending to be one of them, promising that they would receive his royal approval – all so that he could lure them into one place to slaughter them. 

If we take on a new job or a new project, we might have to attend to some unfinished matters left from colleagues or volunteers who are no longer involved. We might feel upset that things weren’t done properly, but they still need doing. Elijah also left some unfinished business. 

Often, we feel pain and sorrow when we see those we love going through difficulties. We witness a loved one struggling through a health issue, or see another experiencing intense problems in a relationship. God’s prophets experienced these sorrows too. 

Remember the Shunammite woman whose son Elisha restored to life? She appears again here. Having heeded the prophet’s warning to flee the impending famine, she returns seven years later to find her home and land taken over. 

Although God’s people enjoyed times of peace throughout the ministry of Elisha, their disobedience brought forth God’s displeasure. No longer did He hold back Israel’s opponents, but allowed the siege of Samaria. Things got so bad with the ensuing famine that unclean meat – that of a donkey – sold for a lot of silver. 

The historical narrative of Kings focuses more on the practical outworking of Elisha’s faith in God than on the prophet’s conversations with Him. One such example is the glorious story we’re reading today. You may be well acquainted with it – Elisha is being hunted down by the king of Aram, but he doesn’t fret. 

The ‘floating axe-head’ story is one of many about Elisha and his life as a prophet of God. These stories don’t take a chronological form, but are included in the overall narrative to show that God will reveal Himself even when His people do not follow Him. Some biblical commentators think that this story follows the one about Naaman because both take place at the River Jordan. 

Pride has been called the deadliest of sins, for it often precedes other sins. For instance, when someone who prizes their station in life believes they are being snubbed, they may act on their anger. This is what happened with Naaman. 

Not only does God work by imparting His wisdom, as we saw yesterday, but sometimes He does something miraculous through the things of His creation. In today’s passage, Elisha illustrates God’s miraculous extension of twenty loaves of barley bread to feed the hundred hungry men. 

God can answer our prayers through His miraculous intervention, but He also can use practical means, as we see illustrated today. Elisha is responsible for the company of prophets who travel with him, and when they have to scavenge for food in a famine-affected land, one of the servants gathers some wild gourds for them to eat. Scripture to consider: Ps. 77:13–14; Jer. 32:16–17; Matt. 17:17–20; John 4:46–48

Elijah’s name means ‘the Lord is God’, and Elisha’s name means, ‘my God saves’. In a story that echoes that of Elijah raising the widow’s son from the dead (1 Kgs 17:17–24), Elisha lives out the meaning of his name when approached by a Shunammite woman. 

The first line of this story of Elisha’s performing God’s miracle for a widow and her children gives us a clue about the context. The ‘company of prophets’ are the group of prophets who accompanied Elijah and Elisha and who lived by their own means while supporting these men. 

In today’s passage, we see Elisha experiencing some of the highs and lows of his new title, ‘prophet’. He begins by exercising his authority as a man of God, ushering in God’s healing of the water, much to the delight of the townspeople of Jericho. 

As a Christian leader came to the end of his life, he shared some of his plans and ideas with the one he was mentoring. She soaked up his words, sensing that this was a holy moment. She believed that she was being called to take up the mantle he was passing to her. 

God provides for the overwrought Elijah. Having won a major victory against King Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel, Elijah has fled from them, travelling about eighty miles south to the city of Beersheba. Spent of his energy and deeply discouraged by the threats of Jezebel, he then travels even further away, this time a day’s journey alone into the wilderness.

Not only has he defeated the prophets of Baal, he’s just invented the barbecue.’ So muses popular author Nick Page about Elijah when he encounters the prophets of Baal. This is a wry observation, but one that reflects the power of the almighty God.

After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king, after which began the splitting of the kingdom. Rehoboam and the kings after him turned away from the true and living God as they embraced false gods, and the Lord removed His favour from them.

Hearing about leaders who succumb to temptation – often through illicit sexual relationships – can feel rather clichéd, as it seems to happen so often. Perhaps the power that leaders are given fuels illusions of them being impervious to correction. But when the truth comes out, they still have to face the consequences, just as Solomon did.

Solomon prays, and God responds. He appears before Israel’s leader and shares not only the promises of His relationship with His people but also the requirements. Namely that God will establish Solomon’s throne as promised to David (v5), but if God’s people betrayed Him, turning from Him, He will destroy the Temple (v8) and Israel will become an object of ridicule (v7).

After God appears as a cloud covering the Temple, we see Solomon’s response. He can’t help but express his wonder at the fact that God, who dwells in the heavens, would yet come and grace the Temple with His presence. 

Christians share how at times we sense God’s presence like a cloud that descends and envelops us. Such as when praying with others and God seems to inhabit our prayers through His presence in breath-taking ways. Or when we lift our voices and hands in worship amongst hundreds of others while marvelling at God’s palpable love and grace. 

Grief can lead to crazy actions. We may have heard of siblings warring against each other when their parents die, battling over material things or how to settle the estate. Blame is bandied about, with labels slapped on one another in emotionally charged exchanges. The loss of a loved one is therefore amplified in unfortunate ways. 

Dallas Willard, a renowned philosopher and writer on spiritual formation, was known for his humility and gentleness, and for being not only very smart but deeply wise. He once told a friend that he had asked God to give him sentences and phrases that would convey meaning memorably, such as his definition of joy: ‘a pervasive and constant unending sense of wellbeing’. 

For some Christians, reading the Hebrew Bible can feel like a foreign country where there’s seemingly a lot of laws and retribution without the grace of the New Testament God. If that’s you, spending a month in 1 and 2 Kings could prove reassuring as we glimpse the loving and holy God who longs for His people to stay true to Him. 

Our fortnight of exploring God the planter and harvester culminates in this passage from John’s Gospel, where Jesus declares to the crowds that He is the bread of life. And that whoever eats of Him will have eternal life (v.54). Bread was in the minds of the crowds when they heard Jesus’ declaration, for He had recently fed the 5,000 through the miraculous stretching of a young boy’s lunch of bread and fish. 

Those who come from a long line of farmers probably inherit a strong work ethic. From the influence of their forebears, they may have developed an awareness of the seasons and the need for rain – perhaps checking their rain gauge with interest and praying for rain in the midst of drought. 

We live in the age of the cloud. With easy access to our digital stuff now seemingly a need, technology companies have developed a vast system that hosts our data, from which we can pull our digital assets without a fuss. 

Some historians say that Paul’s letter to the Galatians brought about the Protestant Reformation, for Martin Luther preached from and wrote about this letter repeatedly, stressing that by faith alone are we justified before God. But as Scot McKnight, a modern biblical commentator, says provocatively, ‘While works do not save us, no one is saved without works’.

As we age, we start to wear down in our bodies, such as needing glasses as our arms seem to grow longer to read the small type, or when our joints wear away and we need them replaced. Other reminders of our perishable bodies arise regularly: indigestion; weariness; things just not working right or as well as they used to. 

In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he addresses some areas of their immaturity and sin. One is the number of factions that had cropped up among the believers, with some following one leader and others someone else. Paul wants them to grow up in the Lord; to reach a state of maturity where they can digest solid food, not just milk. 

We might breathe a sigh of relief when we read the hope-filled last chapter of the book of Hosea. As we read for thirteen chapters, we faced the ongoing heartbreak of Hosea and his wife, which symbolises God and His people. A major part of that story is the protracted courtroom scene where God confronts His people with His case against them. 

The prophet Hosea was a living metaphor. The Lord called him to marry an adulterous woman, Gomer, who eventually became a sex worker. Hosea was grieved by her betrayals but took her back into his home, buying her out of slavery. He longed for her wholehearted devotion, just as the Lord longed for the pure worship of His people, who had turned to the false gods of Baal. 

Whereas in Isaiah chapters 5 and 17 the Lord wanted to destroy His vineyard, here we see a different picture. He will rescue His vines, tending them gently; He’ll water and guard them continually. We understand that His anger was for purification and the removal of idols: ‘the full fruit of the removal of his sin’ (v.9). The altars to the false gods will be smashed and the Asherah poles that brought God grief will no longer stand. 

The saying ‘Don’t shoot the messenger’ resonates because people often take out their frustration on the one who delivers a strong message. And Isaiah had more hard words for God’s people. Though they spent their money on the finest plants and imported vines, at the harvest they would only reap rot and pain. No longer could God tolerate their infidelity and hardness of heart. 

We waited and waited in the queue for the loo at the museum, and only when getting to the front did we realise that we’d all been waiting for one stall! Although the other six stalls were empty, no one had bothered to check whether or not they were free. A somewhat similar situation could have occurred with the Israelites and the Arameans, but of course on a much bigger scale. 

When the prophet Isaiah shared a story about a vineyard, God’s people would have been familiar with the effort required to plant a fruitful one – the need to choose the location, to clear the stones and stack them into protective walls, to plant the prized vines. As the Israelites engaged with his story, they would have felt shocked to hear that they were the vine that produced the bad grapes. And that the Lord would therefore destroy this vineyard. 

The Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace catches one’s attention, not least because of how big it is – it’s the oldest and largest vine in the world. Although it was planted in 1768, it still bears fruit – about 250 to 300 kilos a year. 

Today many people move not only from city to city, but often from country to country. Some people set down their roots easily, making friends and finding community, but others may struggle to make connections. They might form strong bonds to those from their country-of-origin in order to stave off feelings of dislocation. 

Whether we’re keen gardeners or those who allow weeds to flourish more than vegetables and flowers, we can all benefit from delving into the theme of God as our Gardener and Harvester. Scripture gives us rich examples along this line, some of which we’ll explore over the next fortnight. 

In Derbyshire there is a village called Eyam, made famous after the Black Death of 1665 and 1666. To protect those outside the village, Eyam was cut off: no one inside could leave, and no one outside could go in. Before vaccines, masks and lateral flow tests, this was the only protection. Outsiders would leave food around the boundaries for residents to collect. 

If someone was to write the word ‘chair’ on a piece of paper in front of you, and then ask you not to think about a chair, you will immediately have the picture of a chair in your head. This helps us understand why Jesus responds to the lies of the enemy as He does. 

Maybe you are the kind of person who always thinks of a smart reply once a conversation is over?! Plenty of people find themselves unable to know what to say when criticised or challenged, and it’s only later that the right words come to them. 

It was a glorious moment when the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at His baptism and He heard those words from His Father: ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’ (Matt. 3:17). But His being led by the Spirit does not lead to an easy life, and Jesus soon after finds Himself in the wilderness, where He is tempted by the devil. 

Rulers give ruling a bad name! Most people see the word ‘ruler’ and can think of leaders who rule poorly, especially in parts of the world where the rulers more concerned with keeping power than serving their people. 

There has been plenty of controversy concerning the first chapter of Genesis, normally surrounding whether God created the universe in six days or whether days are indicative of a longer span of time or whether this is simply a poetic device to describe God as Creator over and against other alternative ways of understanding creation. 

Look around your room you will no doubt see various appliances that are designed to make our lives function more smoothly. The purpose of the gadget is clear and, although when new you may require some instruction in how to operate it, very quickly you get into the habit. If there are other human beings in your house, what are they there for?! 

Status changes can make us feel very different about life. You may recall your first days as a parent or in a new role in a company or perhaps serving in a local church. You are the same person as you always have been, but now your role or label means that certain things are expected of you, and you expect certain things of yourself. 

At the start of chapter 9, Jesus gives the disciples power and authority to drive out demons, to cure diseases and to proclaim the kingdom of God. Things have been going very well. But when they go to a Samaritan village, things are not so smooth – the disciples are not welcomed. James and John, nicknamed ‘sons of Thunder’, ask Jesus if He wishes them to call fire down from heaven to destroy the village! 

Some Christians use a plan for reading through the Scriptures in a year (the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament once). This method was devised by the Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne, who ministered largely in Dundee, Scotland. 

Thinking about the human ability to terminate life in the womb has made today’s passage especially poignant. Of course, there are difficult questions surrounding medical ethics. These debates require careful thought and pastoral understanding. 

We can be utterly secure in knowing God’s presence with us. We can be at one with the psalmist when he talks of God being near, watching over and caring for us. And then something happens and it’s as if a storm cloud has gathered over us and is showering its ugly contents! 

In the early years of childhood, there is considerable comfort received by a child who knows their parent is watching over them. Indeed, the child will often make sure that the parent is watching something they are proud of, such as kicking a football, playing a game, or dancing. 

Doing the right thing can become a habit not always appreciated by others. The young man who refused to defile himself with the king’s food is now an experienced civil servant within the king’s palace, possibly in his early eighties! Indeed, by chapter 6 verse 3 we find the king plans to set him over the whole kingdom. 

It would seem that Daniel was a first-class honours kind of guy. For this reason, he had been deported from Israel and taken thousands of miles away to Babylon to serve in the king’s palace for a three-year training course. 

The New Testament really does have some astonishing verses, and this one is right up there with the best. The writer to the Hebrews is contrasting the sacrifice of Jesus with the sacrifices prescribed within the old covenant. 

There are definitely two kinds of Christian. There are those who have a very high trust in the sovereignty of God and His work in their lives. There are those who have a strong sense of responsibility to do things to please God. 

Freedom is very much a positive word for many. A child looks forward to the holidays because they will be free from school. A teenager may look forward to university days because they will be free from home. Those in challenging relationships may look forward to when those relationships come to an end and they can be free at last! 

The story of the two sons is such a powerful one. Many begin to see that the ‘DIY Christianity’ they follow is so distant from what Jesus teaches.  It is possible for us to put together a faith that is high on rules and regulations but fails to grasp the wonder of the welcome the Father gives us into His family as adopted children. 

The understanding that Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and not a series of laws is especially important when we come to interpreting today’s verse. This verse has sadly been a source of great dismay for many Christians who assume that if their child strays away from God, especially later in life, then it must be due to the start they gave them. 

This is one of the best-known parables but is typically given an inaccurate name! It is true that ‘The Prodigal Son’ title does cover some elements of the story. The son calls for his inheritance to be given to him by his father, wastes it and returns home keen to make amends, only to be wonderfully restored to his position as son. 

There are some people who think that there are contradictions in the Bible. There do appear to be some, but often one or both passages that seem to contradict are being interpreted wrongly. One of the most obvious apparent contradictions is verses 4 and 5 of Proverbs 26. 

The apostle Paul had many who worked with him, but it wasn’t always smooth, and Luke records how Paul was convinced that John Mark was a liability because he hadn’t stayed with them on a previous trip. The text talks of a ‘sharp disagreement’ which caused them to part company. The word used implies ‘a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they must respond’! 

The second letter to the Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal letters. He will later outline why the church could trust him as an apostle. But at the very start he shares how tough he has found Christian ministry and says that he and his companions were overwhelmed and despaired of life itself. 

The words in verse 16 of our passage for today are some of the most extraordinary words in the whole of the New Testament! They are abused by many who think they offer carte blanche to claim whatever we like. The key phrase to note is ‘in my name’. 

You may have heard the idea of ‘marginal gains’, often used when it comes to sporting endeavour, where a 1% improvement over a competitor can bring success. Christians too are looking for the ‘secret’ that will help them stay on track. 

Vines were, of course, very common within Israel, and it is possible that Jesus chose this metaphor because the disciples were passing by a vine as they were leaving the upper room (see 14:31). Jesus calls Himself ‘the true vine’, contrasted with the people of God in the Old Testament who were seen as ‘a vine’ (see Isa. 5:1–7). 

Verse 16 of John chapter 3 is so famous that we can easily forget the verse which follows. But verse 17 underlines for many sceptical about the Christian faith what God is really like. 

The best-known verse in the Bible includes, of course, a word that is much contested and which many do not wish to consider. The flipside to eternal life is of course to perish. 

When it comes to this famous verse, perhaps the major misunderstanding comes with those two words ‘eternal life’. These have typically been understood to be life after death, but in the Gospel of John it refers to the life of God experienced in the here and now which we enter into through faith in Jesus, and this is a life that will go beyond the grave .

Throughout the 1980s, Rollen Stewart travelled 60,000 miles a year as a full-time spectator, living out of his car, and using TV’s obsession with sport to promote his faith. In doing so, he made John 3:16 a fixture of professional sporting events. 

What is the very first spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible? We might think prophecy or teaching or maybe performing miracles? You may not think of Bezalel, who is given the gift of craftsmanship to build the tabernacle! 

There is a church in Newport, Isle of Wight which was built by the direction of a man who read these verses and took them to heart. He had just finished work on his own home and came across these verses in Haggai and realised his church needed updating. 

Devotion is an action. It requires movement towards its object. Where once the Temple stood in Jerusalem and housed the presence of God, today we are ourselves each a temple of God’s presence (1 Cor. 6:19–20). The temple now moves with us for we are God’s tabernacle. 

Oscar Wilde wrote, ‘Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.’ People are too materialistic to recognise something’s true value.* Writing at the height of ‘The Age of Materialism’, Wilde challenged the belief that nothing can exist beyond matter, something tangible rather than spiritual. 

Devotion means both to worship and to serve. Moses presents God’s demand to Pharoah that the Israelites be permitted to go to worship God. Pharoah refuses but neither he nor Moses and the Israelites are aware of the consequences. 

What is God’s will? A question that can easily be misunderstood. For example, ‘Deus vult’ (‘God wills it’) was first chanted during the First Crusade in 1096 as a rallying cry, but on reflection the Crusades do not present a positive expression of God’s will.* Clearly the entire Bible sets out what pleases God, addressing both unseen attitudes and visible actions. 

There are seasons when we experience one setback after another. Our patience is tested and our trust in God challenged. Trust can either wither and fail when put to the test, or we can choose to keep faith until there is some undeniable evidence that trust has been broken. 

God invites us to get to know Him as our friend. Many of us live with constant anxiety that the choices we make may not please God. We live with an uncertainty about the nature of our friendship with Him. All friendships develop over time. We discover through experience – getting things right and wrong – how friendships grow and fail. Too often the narrative of what went wrong in a relationship has a far greater impact in shaping us than those things that went well.

Freedoms are frequently demanded throughout society, but what is freedom? Most understand it as the opportunity to exercise our will. The question arises, can one person’s will be pursued at the expense of another’s? 

All of us long for friendship. We long to be loved, cared for, and helped to realise that we matter. It must have been amazing for the disciples to hear Jesus’ words: ‘I no longer call you servants, now I call you friends.’ When these words were spoken, something profound happened in their lives. 

We live in anxious times. Perhaps it began with the 2007 financial crash when we suddenly realised that it is possible to lose everything we have in an instant. Or perhaps our anxiety began to rise due to COVID-19 and the growing realisation that we are not as strong, independent, and in control as we thought we were.

Mother Teresa once observed: ‘We are not called to do extraordinary things; we are called to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.’ This is the way of the heart. In the midst of a culture that prioritises intellect over friendship, independence over community, and success over love, the suggestion that our calling is to small things can seem odd. Yet when we think about it, we often encounter our most meaningful moments in the small things.

Sometimes I feel that I just can’t go on. I feel alone, lost, empty, abandoned. It’s painful.’ I wasn’t sure how to reply to Jane when she said this. I had to think: where do you find hope when everything seems to be hopeless? There is no easy answer to such a question. Nevertheless, the apostle Paul does give us a vital starting point. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Living with dementia is not easy. It is a mixture of happiness and joy, sadness and grief, impossibility and new possibilities. As one person with dementia put it: ‘It’s more of a journey than a clear path.

The story of the prodigal son illustrates the foolishness of the son who thinks he knows best, and the grace of the father who waits patiently for him to return. I imagine many of us can identify with this story. We have all been in that distant country. We have all thought we knew better than God only to discover that God knows what God is talking about!

In the book of Genesis, we are given a wonderful vision of God creating everything that we know. He makes the moon, the mountains, the seas, the animals, the birds, the fish. God imagines a world of diversity and beauty and creates it out of love and for love. The highpoint of creation is the formation of Adam and Eve, the first two people whom God loved. 

The pressure of concealment is a heavy burden to carry. Our decision making is private unless we choose to reveal it. Adam hid from God and discovered nowhere lies outside God’s gaze. Past mistakes, deceptions, and untruths depend upon our carefully managed efforts to keep them hidden. 

There are two critical ways we are instructed in our Christian faith. Both are aspects of the spiritual house that God is building. Every house is separated into different rooms. Jesus teaches His disciples that when we pray, we are to go into our room, shut the door (Matt. 6:6). 

God invites us to join in collaborating with grace. Many are taught that grace means, ‘God’s riches at Christ’s expense’. The treasury of heaven opened to us through Jesus’ Passion. Christ becomes our foundational principle upon which we build our life, always engaging in collaboration where we discover the best and worst of ourselves. 

Watching demands paying attention to what’s happening around us, together with the influences at play within. The first are visible to others with many varied interpretations (as Job endured his friends’ unsought advice). 

It is only when God is present that anything of significance can take place. We may declare God is everywhere present, but the question remains, is God present with us in the here and now? Life’s a perpetual distraction from our personal encounter with God. 

The virtue of humility is seldom the objective of anyone’s character development programme today. In our age of celebrity culture, most prefer the lens of life to promote their personal worthiness, and humanity’s contemporary mantra is, ‘I’m noticed, therefore I am’. Whilst we might enjoy a modicum of success, we can take ourselves too seriously, failing to appreciate our true standing in God’s world. 

It’s difficult to own the fact that our personal contribution to world affairs is minimal. We collaborate with God under His direction, but our influence, whilst important, is negligible. Many seek to quantify the importance of their mortal life in its significance, but for disciples its importance lies in our attentiveness to God. 

One consistent challenge in the Christian life is the impossibility of proving God through empirical method, something based on verifiable evidence drawn from observation rather than theory. Christian confidence is established through faith, which Scripture describes as, ‘confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’ (Heb. 11:1). 

Today the world will observe King Charles III’s coronation in Westminster Abbey in a thousand-year-old ceremony. Charles will be anointed and acclaimed King by the gathered assembly with the words, ‘God save the King!’ 

It’s difficult being honest about our heart desires. King David gazed at Bathsheba bathing and lust awoke in his heart and forcefully drove his decision taking (2 Sam. 11:2–5). The lesson’s clear! We are never best placed to evaluate the desires inflaming our hearts. This provides a foundational principle as we live every day with Jesus. 

We read Bible stories with the benefit of hindsight and life’s uncertainties appear easier when bravely experienced by some historic hero. Job, facing the loss of all he loved most followed by a brutal illness, pioneered a path of living hope through suffering that helps us with our pain today. 

Keeping hope alive when hard pressed is difficult for everyone. Here Peter encourages Christians to do so, even in the face of real hostility. There is no consensus on what constitutes life as a ‘living hope’. It is a process rather than a state. We see this as we change physically and psychologically with age. 

Peter, former fisherman and Christian disciple, encourages the Christian Church suffering their first violent persecution under Roman emperor Nero. This was brutal, a source of great fear amongst the early Christian communities. Scattered throughout what is today Turkey, these disciples found themselves the unwitting scapegoats for Nero’s personal plans for grandeur. 

Pressure makes its impact on all of us. A great metaphor is a car tyre. Four rubber rings filled with air keep us from disaster over various terrains at differing speeds. A tyre has inflated air pressure pushing outward to maintain its shape. It also experiences the external pressure exerted by the road surface pushing back and impacting that shape and the tyre’s performance. 

In this well-known story, Jonah receives instructions from God to deliver a warning message to the city of Nineveh. God has seen their ‘wickedness’ (v1). However, instead of obeying, Jonah runs away. The ship he’s on gets into trouble, he is found to be the reason, the sailors throw him overboard, and Jonah is swallowed whole by a large fish (v17). 

This psalm is a beautiful promise of ‘shelter’ and ‘rest’ in God. It is a psalm we often quote when we feel we are being attacked or oppressed in some way. Verse 2 tells us that God is a ‘refuge’ and a ‘fortress’, and later verses speak of salvation and covering. Whatever the terrors, seen or unseen, ‘no harm will overtake [us]’ (v10). 

Reading this passage in Ephesians encourages us to grasp the depth of the love of God, in Christ Jesus. Once we do, says the apostle Paul, we can be ‘filled to the measure of all the fullness of God’ (v19)! What would it be like for us to be filled with God’s fullness? In this passage is also found the astonishing promise that He is ‘able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us’ (v20). 

The apostle Peter is telling his readers about the inheritance that is kept for believers in heaven, that ‘can never perish, spoil or fade’ (v4). Here, Peter encourages his readers that although we may suffer all kinds of trials and grief in this world, these troubles will prove the ‘genuineness of [our] faith’ (v7). 

This chapter is full of excitement and promise. We are spiritually blessed by God! It is through His ‘pleasure and will’ (v5) that we are adopted into His family. We have ‘redemption through his blood’ (v7) and all this is ‘lavished on us’ (v8) by our generous and loving heavenly Father. This is all for the glory of God; we have the security of being ‘marked… with a seal’ which is the Spirit (v13), who guarantees our holy inheritance. 

Zacchaeus is determined to see Jesus! He is small, so he climbs up a tree to get a better view of the Lord passing through Jericho; he couldn’t get a proper view any other way. His tenacity is rewarded as Jesus tells him that He is going to spend time with Zacchaeus at his house! 

In the first chapter of 1 Samuel we read of a woman, desperate for a child, who finds the favour of God, and gives back to the Lord what He has graciously given to her – a son. Samuel becomes a major figure in the life of Israel, anointing both the first king, Saul, and his successor, the shepherd David. But it all starts here, when he first listens to God. 

Bartimaeus is well known for being the blind man who was given his sight by Jesus: and he’s persistent. He just doesn’t give up trying to attract the attention of the man he knows can heal him! The crowds are telling him to keep quiet, to shut up, but he doesn’t listen to them. 

Peter and John have been proclaiming the good news of the gospel – and it is has brought them some unwanted attention. They have been jailed, but the amount of those being converted to Christ is growing (Acts 4:4). The message of Christ crucified, raised from the dead, and that He is the only way to God, is clearly causing a disturbance! The 

In Luke 14, we read what is essentially Jesus’ manifesto. He has come to ‘proclaim good news’, ‘freedom for the prisoners’, ‘recovery of sight for the blind’, and to ‘set the oppressed free’ (v18). This truly is the time of favour from God (v19). 

This passage in Isaiah tells us about the One who is promised – the One who would come, a child who would be born, who would walk among us as a man and yet be so much more. He is God in the flesh (Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:3), the One who would counsel us with His wisdom and show us who God is. He is also the ‘Prince of Peace’ (v6). 

Paul and Silas have been imprisoned. They haven’t just been thrown into jail; they have been flogged, and put into the inner cell, in the stocks. There is no earthly way they could escape. The reason for their imprisonment is what has just happened with a female slave. Obviously afflicted by a demonic spirit, the girl has been following them during their time in Philippi, shouting out truth – yet it doesn’t come from the right source. 

The disciples who had been following John the Baptist were now encouraged by the Baptist himself to follow the ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). Fascinatingly, as Andrew, Peter’s brother, and the other disciple begin to follow the Lord, He turns to them and asks a question. What do they want? 

In Acts 8 we read of great persecution that causes the first Christians to be ‘scattered’ (Acts 8:1). As a result of this scattering, the gospel is widely preached and there is a great move of God; we see Philip the evangelist performing signs and wonders in Jesus’ name (Acts 8:4–7). 

Jeremiah 29 has the famous verses about God’s plans that Christians very often quote! But let’s look at this promise in context. Promises here are being given to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, sent by the prophet Jeremiah, who was in Jerusalem, to the ‘surviving elders’ (Jer. 29:1) – a grim phrase. 

One of the hardest things about following Jesus is resting, when we want to ‘go’! Often it seems as if life has come to a full stop. In the wilderness, the Israelites were completely dependent on the God who had brought them out of Egypt to lead them and protect them in the perilous journey to the Promised Land. 

This is such an authentic piece of dialogue! Philip finds his friend and can’t wait to share the good news. ‘We’ve found the One we’ve been waiting for. The Messiah! It’s Jesus of Nazareth!’ ‘What? Nazareth?’ is the cynical reply. ‘That crummy backwater? You think something good could from there?’ 

This passage is an enthusiastic endorsement of grace: saved by God’s free, unmerited favour, we are raised up with Jesus Christ, ‘seated’ with Him in ‘heavenly realms’ (v6)! Why? Because of God’s love, mercy (v4) and kindness (v7)! 

In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus was speaking with His disciples about many things – including the coming of the Holy Spirit. He talked about ‘another advocate’ (v16) – One who is like Jesus. This is the One who would ‘teach’ and ‘remind’ the disciples of Jesus’ words (v26). 

We can only imagine what is going through Peter’s mind as the resurrected Jesus asks him to go for a walk on the beach. The disciples have been fishing all night and caught nothing, and then, all of a sudden, there’s a man on the shoreline calling them to put down the nets on the other side of the boat. 

The two despondent disciples walking along the road are clearly confused about everything that has happened in their lives lately. The One they thought was going to set their people free from captivity has suffered a terrible death, and yet there are reports that He is alive.

Jesus has died. Mary has watched Him suffering on the cross. She has heard Him crying out, and witnessed the spear thrust into His side. She has seen His body taken down. He has been buried. He is dead. And yet, now, visiting His burial place, He’s not there. 

Jesus, the Servant King! The One who laid aside all majesty and became a man. Fully God, He walked this earth clothed in flesh, coming as a baby, born not in a palace but in an outhouse. He died a criminal’s death and was buried in a borrowed tomb. 

Even as He was being crucified, Jesus was forgiving His enemies. He had taught about the importance of forgiveness throughout His ministry; that He had power to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6) but also that we need to forgive each other (Matt. 6:14). 

When Jesus was talking with His disciples in the Upper Room, before He would be arrested and taken for trial and punishment, He spoke to them using a picture of a vine. It is such an evocative picture of what true discipleship should be like. He is explaining to them that unless they stay connected with Him, they really cannot accomplish anything. 

Mary’s act of worship was lavish; in contrast to Judas’ comment, which was based in personal greed (vv4–6). Mary is so grateful to Jesus; He has restored her brother to life. She has seen a miracle. Everything was lost, over, finished – and Jesus brought about restoration and new beginnings. 

The story of the ten girls who were waiting for the bridegroom to appear is a sobering one. Five of these lamp-carrying ‘bridesmaids’ ran out of oil for their lamps, and left to get some when the cry came that the bridegroom had arrived (v6), but by the time they were ready, it was too late for them to attend the wedding banquet. 

Here we read that Abram (later Abraham) and his family set out from their home in Ur, to go to live in the land of Canaan. It is fascinating to note that Terah, Abram’s father, was heading in the very direction that God would call his son to journey – with a rich promise that the land has been given to Abram’s descendants (Gen. 12:5–7). 

On the way to heal synagogue leader Jairus’ daughter, Jesus encounters an interruption. Someone touches Him. It seems extraordinary that He notices this; there’s a crowd pressing around Him. How does He know power has left Him (v30)? The woman, desperate, has gone to the only source of hope. 

There are several accounts of Jesus raising the dead in the Gospels. In the story of Jairus’ daughter, it is poignant as there has been an interruption and all seems lost (vv43–49). But with Jesus, delays are not important to His plans and purposes. 

The woman in this story is a widow; she is grieving, inconsolable. Her only son is dead – in a society where widows were wholly dependent on their sons to take care of them. Jesus sees the suffering, and His heart is touched. In compassion He tells her not to cry; He touches the coffin, and commands the young man back to life. 

It’s a simple instruction – and yet one of mind-blowing magnitude. ‘Follow Me!’ What does that mean, Jesus? For the first disciples it meant a complete life change. In this passage we read of them giving up their businesses, their lifestyles, leaving it all behind to follow Jesus. 

Right at the start of His ministry, Jesus had an encounter with the devil – the adversary. This was a real encounter with a living, spiritual being, who tried to destroy Jesus’ ministry before it had even begun. He had tried, through Herod’s murderous acts (Matt. 2:16), to rid the world of Jesus when he was born, but now, he changed tack and tried to stop the work of God through temptation. 

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, commitment, and lives redeemed. Naomi and her family leave their home in Judah, during a famine, and go to live in Moab. Naomi’s husband dies, and her sons marry local girls. There’s further sorrow as both Naomi’s sons pass away too. 

Disciples Priscilla and Aquila are in Ephesus when they meet Apollos. Apollos is ‘learned’ and has ‘great fervour’, but his understanding of the gospel is limited. He needs a wider understanding (vv24–26). It is interesting here to read that Priscilla is active in helping; in fact, her name comes before Aquila’s. 

Jeremiah has been called – but he believes he’s not up to it! He thinks he’s too young to do what God is asking. God replies that he shouldn’t say that; after all, the Lord Himself has called the young man, and so Jeremiah must obey, and not be afraid (v8)! God is with him, and will look after him. 

What an extraordinary person Caleb is! He is strong, even at eighty-five years of age (v10), describing himself as ‘just as vigorous’ (v11) as when he was younger! 

Moses was ‘eighty years old’ when he began his work for God! At a time when most people would be thinking of taking it easy and contemplating doing very little, Moses was stepping into his life’s calling. He’d seen the oppression of his captive people when he was young, but in his own strength could do nothing to help.

Moses had been so keen to help his people, the Hebrews, that he had murdered one of their oppressors (Exod. 2:11–14), and had to flee from his adopted home in Egypt. Living in the wilderness then seems to dull his ambitions, because when the time comes for him to do what God has called him to do, in God’s own power rather than his own, he seems very reluctant.

Jonathan was the son of Israel’s first king, Saul, and a real man of God. He had great faith, which is in evidence in today’s passage; he also became a good friend and support for David, the second king of Israel.

Here, Jesus is speaking about His followers being salt and light in this world. He Himself is the ‘light of the world’ who gives us the ‘light of life’ (John 8:12). John 1:9 tells us that when Jesus came into this world, He was ‘The true light that gives light to everyone’, and we, as His followers, must also reflect His light.

When being questioned over the issue of bread, Jesus gives people an answer they don’t expect. It seems the people are hoping He will perform another miracle for them, following the feeding of the thousands of people. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn!

In this story of delays and faith, Jesus is about to perform a great miracle. On hearing Lazarus is ill, He doesn’t go to help his friend straight away. When He does arrive at his home, Lazarus is dead and his sisters are deep in grief. And yet, all is not lost. Jesus tells the grieving Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.

In this poignant yet powerful story, Jesus hears of a friend’s illness, but delays going to help. By the time He gets there, Lazarus is dead and buried. How disappointed Lazarus’ sisters are that Jesus didn’t arrive in time to save their brother!

Peter makes so many mistakes, but it seems that he is the only disciple in the boat to want to take the risk and walk on water when invited to do so! Many of us can probably relate to this hot-headed disciple; he makes extreme statements, such as the one found in Matthew 26:33 where he swears he will never fail Jesus.

You would think that being anywhere in the company of the Son of God, His followers would never be afraid. But the terrible storm that springs up in today’s reading frightens these seasoned fishermen. And where’s Jesus? He’s asleep!

In this passage, we encounter Jesus spending time with his friends. Elsewhere in the Gospels we read this is the home of ‘Simon the leper’ (Matt. 26:6; Mark 14:3; see also John 12:1–3), but here we see that it is Martha – possibly Simon’s daughter or wife – who is opening up her home to Jesus and His disciples.

What a great picture this parable paints of who God really is! The son leaves home, effectively wishes his father dead by taking his portion of the inheritance, throws his money away on wild living and fickle friends, then the wealth runs out and so do his options. He’s feeding pigs, and thinking fondly of home.

In this passage, Jesus is calling Himself the Good Shepherd, an excellent picture of love and provision. He is the Shepherd who looks after the sheep. Anyone who doesn’t genuinely care won’t stick around; but if it’s the Shepherd’s own flock, then He will protect them.

It’s obviously a trap. A woman has been caught in the act of adultery, but interestingly, the man concerned has not also been brought forward for punishment! At any rate, it’s a clear indication that the leaders of the Jewish community want to force Jesus’ hand in a difficult situation, as they bring the woman to Him.

In the famous story of the feeding of thousands of men, women and children, we see how a small amount of food went a long way in Jesus’ hands! The disciples are concerned about feeding so many people, and all they have is two fish and some barley loaves – a boy’s lunch.

In John 3 we read about a secret believer. It appears that the Pharisee Nicodemus was meeting Jesus at night, away from his fellow religious leaders. We can guess his reasons for doing so! We see him speaking with Jesus and learning about the change that needs to be made to a heart, if someone wants to live in right communion with the Lord.

John calls Jesus’ works ‘signs’ regarding His identity. The things He does point to who He is (v11). In the first of His signs, which we are reading about today, we see that He is able to turn the very elements of the universe into something completely different – and why not?

What amazing words we find here, echoing the first words found right at the start of the Bible – see Genesis 1:1–2! In the beginning, there was God, the Word and the Spirit in the work of creation. These verses in John are breathtaking in their awesomeness, as they tell us Jesus is the Word: the One who comes to communicate who God is to a broken world.

Have you ever felt ‘not seen’? Hagar must have felt that, when she ran away into the wilderness, away from her mistress, Sarai (later Sarah). While attempting to work God’s plan out themselves, Abram and his wife had come up with a plan: Abram would have his much-wanted child by the slave Hagar, circumventing God’s agenda.

Abraham has some visitors! He welcomes them with a generous spirit. But these visitors are no ordinary travellers. One of them makes an astounding promise. Sarah – Abraham’s wife – is, like her husband, elderly, and the times of childbearing are well past. And yet a promise is made.

What an extraordinary conversation! God speaks with Abram (later Abraham) and tells him that his offspring will be great in number. And yet this elderly man of God has no child – yet. There’s a vision, and a promise that follows a heartfelt entreaty; essentially, Abram questions God about the blessing God wants to bestow, because he has no progeny, a blessing that seems to have been withheld (v3).

In a world that had never experienced it before, a mighty flood was coming. There was wickedness, we are told in Genesis 6, so much so that the Lord made the decision to pour out judgement, but to rescue the righteous. How sad it is to read that only one family could be found who pleased God.

Adam and Eve have been placed in a beautiful garden, where they walk with God, enjoy His fellowship, and each other’s. Sadly, Eve listens to a voice that causes her to doubt the goodness of God (vv1–4), and the first people disobey the Lord, severing their friendship with Him.

Elijah, the man of God, has seen the Lord do amazing things – see 1 Kings 18, where he experiences an incredible victory! But the formidable Queen Jezebel has threatened him, and now he’s running for his life. He’s exhausted; he feels as if he’s a failure. He doesn’t even want to live.

The encounter that Jesus has with the woman at the well is full of surprises. A Jewish man – a rabbi – speaking with a woman who is not a close family member – alone? Scandalous! No wonder the disciples were taken aback when they re-joined Him (v27). The woman is drawing water at a time when the other women wouldn’t be at the well.

If you have ever been around a moaner, you might find it very waring. The capacity to see the negative in any situation would win them an Olympic medal if it was a sport. The apostle is looking for us to do the exact opposite by giving thanks in all circumstances.

If ‘rejoice always’ is a challenge, then praying continually seems impossible. One man who took this seriously was Frank Laubach, a missionary to the Philippine islands in the early part of the twentieth century.

The quest to know God’s will is high on the list of every committed believer in Jesus. It is, of course, a crucial part of our walk with Jesus, though sometimes God is asking us to use our common sense and get on with living! But the sad thing is that some are agonising over what God’s will is and miss the verses that make it absolutely clear what we should be doing, and verses 16 to 18 of 1 Thessalonians 5 give us clear direction.

We linger for our final time on God’s words to Abram. It is clear that it was always God’s intention that Abram’s descendants would be a blessing to other nations. In Isaiah we are told that Israel was to be a light to the nations around (49:6). In the New Testament the gatherings of Christians across the Roman Empire were to bring a little bit of heaven to earth, so the communities would shine out God’s love and goodness.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul describes Abraham as the father of all who believe. Certainly these opening verses demonstrate a man prepared to trust in God. But in case we become intimidated by Bible characters and assume that they are on a wholly different planet, it is worth noting a few things about Abram.

Abraham has no scriptures from the past that would tell him that the voice that called him to go was in any way reliable. We’re not told that he was necessarily seeking a move. Historians suggest that Ur was a reasonably pleasant city in its day.

Introduced at the end of chapter 11, Abram’s move to the land of Canaan is outlined at the start of chapter 12. This is seen as a key turning point in the book of Genesis, and indeed in the whole of Scripture. This extraordinary call is given little detail as to how exactly the conversation came about.

When you are going through a trial it is enormously valuable to talk with someone who has been through what you are going through. This was the basis of the Paraclesis course which Trevor Partridge launched at Waverley Abbey Trust.

You have probably heard the phrase, ‘You can win an argument but lose a friend!’ It is absolutely important that we articulate clearly the truth of the gospel and have wise and thoughtful responses to those who question our faith. But, as anyone who has ever watched or heard Prime Minister’s Question Time, the parroting of angry views to the opposition changes the minds of no one.

The distinction is sometimes made between Jesus being Saviour and Jesus being Lord. We might distinguish between those who’ve asked Jesus to save them from their sins and those who have made Him Lord of their lives. There may well be some truth in such a distinction, but there is also some confusion over what the lordship of Jesus means.

If you love talking about the defence of Christianity over against alternative approaches, then verse 15 is your verse. Many Christian apologists, who give reasons for their hope, point to this verse as justification! Giving reasons for faith is a necessary part of our walk with Christ, but the context is that the believers to whom Peter was writing were suffering for their faith.

Mark gives us a summary of how Jesus invites Simon and Andrew, and later James and John, to be His followers. The account in John’s Gospel suggests that all four had already met with Jesus in Judea when they were followers of John the Baptist, and realised they needed to switch allegiance to Him.

You may recall the BBC sitcom character Victor Meldrew and his frequent mantra, ‘I don’t believe it!’, which depicted his rather grumpy and cynical outlook on life in One Foot in the Grave. In the Christian world, belief has also been misunderstood. For many it represents fanciful ideas that we accept even though there’s no logical reason to do so, even in the Church.

The word ‘repent’ still has unhealthy overtones for many people. It’s a word used sometimes on placards by Christians keen to see people turn back to God, and in some people’s minds it implies feelings of remorse or perhaps even tears.

The Gospel of Mark is known as the fastest moving Gospel. It is believed that Mark leans on the eyewitness testimony of the apostle Peter, and we can certainly see something of Peter’s impetuous personality in the fast pace in which the Gospel is written.

Nehemiah had inspired his people to keep going, they were armed for battle and prayerful in their work as they rebuilt the wall. But the opposition did not die down, indeed it increased, and chapter 6 outlines some of the tactics used.

We re-join the story as Nehemiah begins to rebuild the wall. He had to assess the situation and envision the people to do the work. But he encounters opposition. Earlier in the book Nehemiah has described how Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab had initially opposed the rebuilding work.

We love stories in part because of the dramatic moments, and Nehemiah includes a moment of great suspense at the start of chapter 4. It was four months between his praying and fasting and this moment that comes when Nehemiah was able to ask the king for help.

Nehemiah is clear in what he should do about the broken-down walls back in his people’s home city of Jerusalem. Having spent the time in prayer and fasting we can now read his recorded prayer to God, which includes the way in which he saw the justice of God’s action in His judgment of the people.

The idea of compassion fatigue was coined by a nurse in 1992 to describe the feeling of burnout that comes to those in the caring profession. The idea has been extended to include how people respond to news of unpleasant things that happen around the world.

The parable of the fine pearl seems very similar to the treasure hidden in the field in verse 44. Why is Jesus repeating Himself? But there is a contrast. With the treasure in the field the implication is that the man comes across the treasure.

Who needs lots of words to make a point? In just two sentences in our English Bible, Jesus summarises the gospel! We can over-elaborate, but the meaning is pretty clear. If we really grasp what the kingdom of heaven is, there is nothing on earth that we would want more.

Imitating your heroes is a standard game for most children. Maybe you can recall pretending to be a TV star or sporting hero in your playtime? But we soon grew out of this and learn to be ourselves – indeed, if people today think they are someone else we assume that there must be a mental health issue there somewhere.

As my good friend used to say with a glint in his eye: ‘God blesses all the wrong people!’ We might like to think that only the churches that we agree with receive the blessing of God – after all, we have come to our treasured view with so much thought and prayer that God is bound to bless us and churches like us!

Psychologists talk of the importance of reframing. This has various guises but includes the taking of a situation that may appear to be negative and ‘reframing’ it so that we see the positives.

When did you last pray that someone might be godly? Prayer requests typically concern work, health, relationships and finance. There’s nothing wrong with that, as we are encouraged to pray at all times with all kinds of requests.

The apostle Paul is thrilled that the good news of Jesus is making such an impact across the Roman world. In a new area Paul would typically visit the synagogue, but there were so few Jews in Philippi he knew this was unlikely, so sought a ‘place of prayer’ near the Gangites River.

The narrative of Acts 16:12–40 gives us the background to this epistle. The church in Philippi is planted in part because Paul is thrown into prison! The jailer and his household come to faith and join with Lydia and her household and others who would come to faith.

Today we conclude our time with Joseph. Over the course of the story, we have had the privilege of seeing the whole story, and therefore seeing how God is able to turn every situation from harm into one that will prosper us.

One of the brothers’ first thoughts after Jacob had died was that Joseph would punish them for harming him as a teenager. They still carried the guilt and shame that manifested itself when the brothers struggled to be blessed. While this guilt and shame did not surface in the good years in Egypt, it still lurked in them, ready to quickly bring low the brothers.

Jacob is able to accurately prophesy what will happen in the future of the descendants of each of His sons because the Lord gives him the insight, as He is all-knowing. God knows how many stars are in the sky and what each one is called. He knows exactly how many grains of sand there are on the shore.

As Jacob prophesies over his sons, we see judgment. Sin has consequences even when it is forgiven, and the sons of Israel bore those consequences. Reuben saw judgment because of sin. Yet at the same time we see grace and forgiveness. Judah’s behaviour was not exemplary, and yet Christ came from the tribe of Judah, the very greatest blessing.

All of Jacob’s sons give their names to tribes, except Joseph, because his sons become a tribe each. In this way Joseph is doubly blessed, and once again we see Jacob’s favour towards his son Joseph. Joseph’s inheritance was also more than the other brothers. He was deeded some land in Canaan that Joseph’s descendants would take possession of some 400 years later.

Joseph has the joy of having his family back with him in Egypt, but God called him to Egypt for a purpose and he has a job to do. In today’s reading we see him execute that job with fairness, as the people are glad he has saved their lives and seem happy with the terms he sets. He was called to a foreign land for a purpose.

Joseph went to meet his dad, and then Jacob knew he could die in peace for he had seen with his own eyes not only Joseph himself, but also Joseph’s authority and standing in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

God knows our weaknesses and knows just when we need encouragement or ministry to the soul. Sometimes that help comes from scripture we have memorised, sometimes it comes from a friend who is sent by the Lord, sometimes God Himself will speak into our hearts.

Can you imagine that conversation? The brother they assumed was dead is alive. The guilt and shame they have carried for many years over what they did to Joseph and their part in his demise and the effect on their dad is put to one side. Joseph has held nothing against them and they struggle to believe that Joseph could see the hand of God in it all and wanted the brothers to know they were restored by giving them many gifts.

At first it might look as if Joseph is boasting here but, if we look a little deeper, he tells the brothers to let Jacob know that God has made him lord over all Egypt. Joseph knew his dad would hardly dare believe the favourite son was not dead but very much alive and doing well. Joseph was quite determined that Jacob should know what God had done.

Today we see God’s good plan and purpose come to full light. Who could have thought when Joseph was sold as a slave that God had a good plan, and yet Joseph himself tells his brothers not to berate themselves because God’s plan was good.

Today’s story is one of segregation, division and prejudice. Egyptians saw eating with Hebrews as detestable. We see examples of prejudice and segregation throughout the Bible and in more modern times.

The brothers are queuing up to guarantee Benjamin’s safety. First, it was Reuben, then Judah. Perhaps it was guilt for all the suffering that they had caused Jacob over the years because of their deceit, or perhaps they were maturing in responsibility. Whatever the reason, they seem keen to prove to both Joseph and their dad that they are honest men.

Yesterday we saw how guilt and shame can sometimes stop us from seeing God’s goodness. Once again today we see Jacob and his sons struggling to receive the blessing. For Jacob the obstacle seems to be a broken heart and bitterness rather than guilt and shame. When sorrow overwhelms us, we stop being able to see God’s goodness even though it is always there. We focus on what we do not have rather than what we do.

The burden of guilt and shame is such for the brothers that they cannot accept blessing without adding to their guilt and shame. God is a God who loves to bless. One who is abundant in love and slow to anger. He has paved the way for us to accept blessing without guilt because the price of our sin is fully and completely paid.

Not recognising Joseph, the brothers immediately think that his accusing them of being spies it is punishment for their past sins. It seems the brothers regret what they did to their brother and feel guilty about it. The weight of guilt and shame can be a heavy burden to carry.

As we return to the story of Joseph, we see the fulfilment of Joseph dream of 13 years earlier. Today the brothers bow down to Joseph, just as they had in Joseph’s childhood dream. Thirteen years is a long time to wait for a promise to be fulfilled, especially when the interim has not been easy. Yet here is God fulfilling a promise.

As we continue to consider God’s timing, today we look at another character in Genesis: Abraham. Often it seems that our timing and God’s are at odds. We tend to want everything now, and yet God’s perspective is an eternal one not temporal.

At last we see some light on the dark path that has been Joseph’s life to date. And, if we take a closer look, there is more light than we might first think. We can see how Joseph gives glory to God and is much less about himself and his own importance. God has used Joseph’s story to make him into more of the man he needed for the task ahead of him.

Now we begin to see God’s plan a little clearer. Let’s imagine for a moment if Joseph had not got on his brother’s nerves… He would not have been sold as a slave and then he would not have been falsely accused of wrongdoing.

This time it is Pharaoh’s turn to dream. Today we see the powerlessness of the magicians and everyone else in Pharaoh’s court. While the magicians could not interpret the dreams of Pharaoh, Joseph is confident in his God.

Hopes are raised for Joseph once more. After some time in prison forgotten by all, and yet not by God – for remember God is showing kindness to Joseph – Joseph sees a possible way out. 

Today we find Joseph at his lowest. Rock bottom used to be at the bottom of a pit and then sold as a slave, but today we find Joseph in prison for something he did not do. This is a far cry from the days of grandeur with his ornate coat.

In our reading today we have an insight into Joseph’s character and faith. He is doing his best to live in an upright and godly manner. He chooses to actively avoid Potiphar’s wife by refusing to be with her and resists the constant temptation. It is his faith that helps him in this. It seems unfair then that, as he is fleeing from sin, he ends up accused of the wrongdoing and lands in jail.

In our reading today, we see Joseph in his new circumstances, a slave but making the best of it. Probably working harder than he has ever had to before. He used to be a son of privilege, and he is now a slave – but a prospering one.

The brothers lied and saw the devastation that lie brought to their father, Jacob, and yet they could not admit the terrible truth, even if it might have brought comfort to the old man.

Previously we have considered pride; today we see the fall that followed – and what a fall it was. Joseph had set off in his robe, with status and a meal for his brothers. His brothers plotted his demise while eating the meal that Joseph had brought to them.

What had probably for the brother’s started as just annoyance with Joseph and his showing off had, over time, become hatred and jealousy. So, when an opportunity presented itself, their hearts turn to murder, followed by covering up the dirty deed by lying about what had happened.

In today’s reading we see Joseph enjoying his status as set above his brothers, even though he should by birth be near the bottom of the pile. He does not seem to mind telling his brothers how he is so much more important than them. He seems oblivious to their unkind words and the hatred brewing in their hearts.

Have you ever dressed up for a special occasion and felt perhaps more important, or worth more, just because of the clothes you were wearing? Joseph was something special. He was set apart from the ordinary by his ornate robe. The robe was a status symbol. The robe was a gift from his father. He had to do nothing for it.

At the start of a new year we often make plans for the months ahead. Perhaps plans to get fitter or to eat more healthily, or maybe home or garden improvements. We may talk about God’s plan for our lives. Sometimes our plans can go awry and we wonder what God is doing.

Pressing on and going all out for God is an admirable desire, yet it is important to be realistic about the challenges ahead and our own frailties. For our final message of the year, we want to encourage you to keep pressing on ‘every day with Jesus’.

Once Joshua had taken over the leadership mantle from Moses, and had received his instructions from the Lord, he faithfully passed these commandments on to the people.

There are some things that we need to hear time and time again for them to sink in. Perhaps this is due to distractions, inner fears or straightforward rebellion, a refusal to heed wise words. In Joshua chapter 1, we read of a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people – Moses, the faithful servant of the Lord has just died (v1), and now it is Joshua who is called to lead the people into the promised land – to take on the mantle of leadership.

Having just given us an impressive list of Old Testament saints who all ‘by faith’ followed God’s purposes for their lives, it would have been understandable if in the next section of his letter, the Hebrews writer exhorted us to ‘be like them’, to follow their example.

Hebrews 11 gives us a list of people considered to be heroes of faith in the Old Testament. People who heard God’s call, and obediently stepped out to follow His purposes for their lives.

In the UK, it is quite common to hear the sound of church bells ringing. These bells are often used to call local people to worship, or perhaps to hail special events. Celebrating the birth of Jesus and announcing services to celebrate this are such occasions.

Growing up physically is a natural and expected reality for the majority of people. Growing up emotionally into mature adults is also expected but can vary greatly from individual to individual. This is a normal and accepted part of life.

Many people on Christmas Eve, especially the young, are excited by thinking about what they might receive under the Christmas tree the next day. Maybe it will be that much longed for toy or gadget. As we get older, even the smallest gift matters – it is an indication that someone cares for us.

As we celebrate Christmas, it can be easy to simply see Jesus as ‘baby Jesus’, a helpless babe. Yet in Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he gives us an awe-inspiring picture of just who Jesus is. Paul describes Jesus as the very image and reality of God Himself.

Christmas is often a time to say, ‘thank you’. Perhaps we have received a gift from someone, or an act of kindness – or perhaps someone has tirelessly helped us throughout the year, and so we want to show our appreciation.

For many people, Christmas can be a sad time as they remember loved ones who are no longer with them. Perhaps others are separated by geography, or perhaps through work – those in the armed forces, for example.

Many people like to attend church services at Christmas time – these are often special times of gathering, with familiar carols and Bible readings. In the time of Nehemiah, after re-building the walls of Jerusalem was seen as an ideal time for the people to meet for worship – to give thanks to God who had brought them thus far.

People like stories. There is something about a story that we can immerse ourselves in, imagine ourselves in, relate to. Have you ever thought why we tell the Christmas story?

One of the things we associate with the Christmas celebrations is eating and drinking – a time, if we are so blessed, to celebrate with those we love. For others, it might be that we cannot be with those we love and care for, perhaps because of work commitments, geographical distance, or loss. 

What a privilege and incredible responsibility it must have been to be Joseph and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus, entrusted with the care of the long-promised Christ child. In verses 39 and 40 of Luke chapter 2, it tells us that following the consecration ceremony in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary took Jesus home – they literally lived every day with Jesus!

Luke chapter 2 tells us that when the time had come, Joseph and Mary, in keeping with the Law of Moses, took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated.

At the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, he gets right to the point, no second guessing what his message is about, ‘The beginning of the good news about Jesus’.

In the midst of darkness and despair, Isaiah chapter 52 proclaimed hope for the people of God. The message of verses 7 through to 10 is a great message for us to share this Christmas too. Isaiah announces it as ‘good news’ of ‘peace’ and ‘salvation’, something to shout about!

An ambassador has an important role, they literally represent a country or kingdom, whilst located within another country or kingdom! The embassies of various countries are ‘little expressions’ of the country to which they belong.

As we approach the Christmas celebrations, we also approach the end of another year. For some, this may mark a welcome conclusion to a challenging time, for others, it may have been a year of joy.

The third chapter of Matthew’s Gospel starts by telling us about the role of John the Baptist, a preacher calling everyone to ‘repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near’.

The start of Matthew’s Gospel gives us the genealogy of ‘Jesus the Messiah’. This may seem like a strange start to the nativity story, but being able to trace their lineage was important to the predominantly Jewish audience to which Matthew was writing. Matthew traces the family tree of Jesus from Abraham, an important and central figure to the Jewish people.

Christmas can be a stressful time for many people, especially when it comes to family. Whilst some families are close and love to get together to celebrate this season, others find it difficult, perhaps still nursing past hurts, misunderstandings and rejection.

Luke chapter 2 tells us of another encounter between heaven and earth – angels visiting shepherds tending their flocks in the fields. The good news of the birth of Jesus was not just for wise men, it was for all people – people doing everyday jobs like the shepherds.

One of the notable things about Christmas is the enormous array of lights that go on display in shops and streets. In many roads, people can become quite competitive as they seek to ‘outshine’ their neighbours’ displays! 

It can be nice to both give and receive gifts at Christmas time. Whilst the earthly value of each gift may vary, the important thing is the love and thought that has gone into buying or making it. In his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to organise a monetary gift, a collection for their less well-off brothers and sisters in Christ in Jerusalem.

Despite the excitement of many within the early chapters of Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels at the announcement of the birth of Jesus, there were others who were not so excited. Indeed, they were opposed to and felt threatened by the news. King Herod was one such individual.

Many people love singing their favourite carols and songs at Christmas. As we go about our day-to-day tasks – at home, in the shopping centres – songs of Christmas celebration can often be heard ringing out.

In Micah’s time, when he was prophesying to Israel, he witnessed great devastation, including the destruction of Israel by Assyria (722BC).

When the full realisation and enormity of the angel Gabriel’s announcement sank in for Mary, that she would give birth to the long-promised Saviour, her reaction was one of praise and rejoicing.

Zechariah was a priest who loved God’s Word and God’s things. Luke tells us that both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous and blameless people before God. Yet when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to announce that his wife was pregnant, he struggled to believe it.

The season of Advent heralds hope. It speaks of God becoming flesh and breaking into this dark world (John 1:14). It speaks of words of promise breaking a long silence between the testaments (Luke 1:26–33). It speaks of the fulfilment of redemptive prophecy (Luke 1:54– 55). This is not a vague or faint hope that something might happen;

Knowing the story we are part of is so important. It can be easy to get caught up in the single chapters of both life’s challenges and adventures. Yet keeping in mind the bigger picture can help us as we seek to make sense of our part in it.

Arguably, the start of 1 Samuel reflects one of the darkest and most depressing spiritual periods of God’s people found in Scripture. Commencing with a story of physical barrenness (chapter 1), chapter 3 depicts a season of spiritual barrenness and darkness. Spiritual

As we enter this season of Advent, building up to the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it could be easy for us to be distracted by the season’s celebrations and the expectations of others. Within our Advent considerations, we want to encourage focus on the expectations and hope found in looking to God.

Many believers find themselves in a place of discouragement, perhaps weary from criticism, seeing little fruit for their labours, or struggling with past failures and guilt. In our text today from Isaiah chapter 40, the Lord wants to encourage His despondent people.

Serving the Lord is a great privilege, yet also a great responsibility. It can be easy after or even during a long season of service to start to feel weary or even resentful. Yet in our text today, John reveals where both our strength and motivation for service come from.

The sacrifice that each of us might be asked to give in our service for God will be different, it will be personal. Cost and sacrifice are something we feel. For Abraham, the most precious thing to him was his son, a child he had waited years for, long promised by the Lord Himself (Gen. 15:4).

Luke chapter 18 reveals an encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man. Like many biblical stories, various emphases have been placed on this interaction, ranging from the barrier of wealth to spiritual matters, through to consideration and care for the poor. 

The act of following Christ is exercised through obedience. This is demonstrated in a familiar, yet often misinterpreted parable that Jesus told about the wise and foolish builders. Within this parable in Matthew chapter 7 (also found in Luke 6:46–49), Jesus speaks of two men, one who built his house upon sand, the other on the rock.

When the apostle Paul preached the gospel within the Galatian church, there were some who were concerned that Paul was preaching a ‘new gospel’. This caused some to criticise Paul and to slide back into their old, legalistic, religious ways.

God’s call to discipleship is not a New Testament phenomenon. God has always called a people to Himself, yet not simply to personally follow, but to participate in His redemptive kingdom plan for humanity.

A hidden danger of discipleship is that as someone who disciples others, we can think we are the ones that should have all the answers or, as someone being discipled, we can look to the person helping or spiritually guiding us to give us the answers. 

In our reading today, we see Jesus inviting Peter, James and John into His ‘come and be with me’ space. As the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, where Jesus was suddenly transformed so that ‘his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning’ (v29).

Beyond Jesus’ ministry to the crowds, there were those who were called to ‘come and follow’. Some were directly called, like Simon and Andrew (Mark 1:17), others sought Jesus out, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). This group of people represent those whose interest and enquiries move beyond general interest.

At the beginning of His ministry the Gospels tell us that Jesus began to teach, ‘proclaiming the good news of the kingdom’ (v23). In addition, in line with Old Testament prophecies about the signs of the incoming kingdom reign of God (Isa. 58:6; 61:1–2), people were being healed from various diseases, pain and demon-possession (v24).

The first chapter of Mark reveals the calling of the very first disciples, including Simon and Andrew, two brothers. Their call to be disciples was not a simple bolt-on to an already busy schedule but was to involve three clear aspects.

When we face life’s challenges, knowing that the Lord is with us is a supreme comfort. This can be more so as we face new chapters of uncertainty, perhaps a new job, moving home, a new calling or ministry. As we consider the Scriptures, we see the Lord encouraging His people to step into His purposes – to take their place in His kingdom plan – yet also promising His continued presence.

It can be difficult sometimes to feel like praising God, particularly if life’s circumstances are challenging, with prolonged seasons of suffering or unanswered prayer. It is much easier to give thanks when things are going well, when we feel at ease and in a good place generally.

The Bible is full of references to the benefits of allowing God’s Word, the Bible, to inform, guide and direct our lives (Ps. 12:6 and 119:1–176). Another psalm, the very first psalm, gives us a picture of the life of someone whose ‘delight is in the law of the LORD’ (v2), describing such a person as, ‘like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season’ (v3a).

Meeting together is one thing, but what should this look like? The question has been the cause of much discussion in churches throughout Church history. Debates about the décor, the time we meet, and other things, can cause unnecessary heartache and division. The Bible, perhaps frustratingly for some, gives us very little detail about ‘how’ and ‘when’ we meet.

As we serve the Lord each day, it is good to know we are part of the bigger, worldwide family of God. Yet, as with any family, at times, the various members can face trials and discouragements. Whilst some people may be happily serving and feeling blessed, others might be feeling isolated and discouraged.

It can be easy to compartmentalise our lives into the ‘sacred’ and the ‘secular’. Perhaps the things we do ‘in church’ or that have an obvious link to faith, we consider to be more spiritual or sacred, with everything else considered to be a distraction from God’s work – perhaps our job or family commitments.

Knowing what matters is an essential quality in life and work. If we react to everything in the same way, or treat everything with the same priority, then we risk focusing on the wrong things, or allowing less important matters to distract us from those that really matter. The apostle Paul knew what really mattered.

It can be easy when thinking of the various Bible characters, to think of them as perfect exemplars of service to God. Yet a detailed study of their lives, as depicted in the Bible, gives us a different picture. Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister (Gen. 20:2). King David committed adultery and murder (2 Sam. 11). John Mark deserted the apostle Paul on his first mission trip (Acts 13:13).

Sacrificially serving the Lord is one thing, but this in itself can become unhealthy if done with impure motives or as a means to demonstrate our spirituality. King David, after committing adultery and murder (2 Sam. 11), thought he could carry on in His God-appointed role without being held accountable.

Sacrifice in the Bible involved death. In the Old Testament, various animals were sacrificed (e.g. Gen. 8:20; Exod. 29:36). In the New Testament, it is Jesus, the spotless lamb of God, whose blood is shed (Heb. 9:12). As we consider the sacrifice of Christ, the One who became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21), there is only one fitting response, and that is to give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him.

The meaning of words can change over time. What something meant in one generation, may not always be obvious in another. Today, when we think of the word ‘substitute’, our immediate thoughts may turn to sport, where a like-for-like replacement is tactically brought in to play as the team manager seeks victory.

Knowing we are loved and being commanded to love others is one thing, but knowing what that truly looks like is another. There are many ways love can be demonstrated, in word and deed: both are important – in fact essential – if our lives are to be authentic reflections of the God who first loved us (1 John 4:19).

As children of God, knowing we are loved by Him makes all the difference in our day-to-day lives, service and walk with Him. A loved child is a secure child. Yet God’s love is not something we are to simply cling onto for our own benefit, but rather is something to ‘pass on’.

'How can Jesus love me?’ This is something we hear frequently from all sorts of people living with guilt, regret and shame – perhaps those who think they are beyond God’s love, or those who keep stumbling over the same habitual issues. Yet, in order to understand the depth of Christ’s love for us, it is helpful to primarily think about the love that exists within the Trinity.

In the wee small hours is often when we find it impossible to sleep. The mind switches on and all our anxieties awaken, bringing us stress. Answers are in short supply, solutions elusive. The more we seek to focus on God, the more pressing inner panic becomes. Why is it that the middle of the night intensifies our inner fears?

We don’t enjoy disturbance in our established routine. Life can deliver crushing disappointments that radically alter our perspective. Our assumptions tested, we must choose between rigidity and flexibility, holding out or learning a new life rhythm. We study all the available information and find we’re now part of a minority data set.

Scripture reveals the wilderness is our teacher. Isolated, left alone to converse with God, here’s our personal pilgrimage to learn from Him. Learning leads to a changed character and behaviour as we master the way of the disciple. Life’s essential purpose is to become more like Jesus, and so better equipped for our eternal future.

One critical problem with suffering is when we become the centre of our own universe. Unsurprising, since our pain, physical and psychological, blinds us to anything other than our immediate situation. We base judgments on experience, assuming no one can possibly understand our reality.

Answered, or more importantly unanswered, prayer is important to us all. We often glibly quote God’s promise to hear and answer prayer, yet we’ve little encouragement to offer those whose faithful petitions appear to pass God by. It’s too easy to assume there’s a simple formula; we pray, God grants our request.

Three short words, ‘I love you’, birth and sustain all successful relationships. Spoken with authenticity they deepen trust and affection. Even when frequently said their value doesn’t depreciate. Love is the elixir of relationships. Love is dependable for, ‘love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’ (1 Cor. 13:6–7).

Gratitude means gratefulness. Ask a Brit how they are, and they typically reply, ‘Can’t complain’, apparently disappointed! God encourages us to develop a gratitude reflex, giving thanks in all circumstances.

Not only must we forgive, but we too are in need of forgiveness. We regret many of our inner battles with ego and insecurity. We can hit out in our attempt to create sufficient smoke and distraction to prevent our human frailty and fracture from being seen. We unkindly blame, then shame others to protect our own sense of self and value.

Our attitudes determine who we become and influence our health and ageing.* Good attitudes are beneficial. God invites us regularly to audit our attitudes since they affect our spiritual health too. This resonates with Bycock’s first essential words for a healthy life: ‘I forgive you.’

Words disguise as much as they reveal. Growing up, Miriam heard family friends comment on her pretty face. ‘Pretty’ encouraged her and her confidence grew. Slightly older, she heard comments about her ‘chubby body’, which challenged her self-esteem. She asked herself, ‘Is my body shape wrong?’

We often long to step into our tearless eternity (Rev. 21:4), but this unrealised future removes us from our present. What’s more, God is always present with us in the now, wherever we are. Whilst we can’t imagine trouble away, we can imagine just how our God of grace and truth (John 1:14) can be found in the everyday.

In the movie Avatar, the Na’vi greeting means, ‘I see you’, because ‘To see… is to open the mind and heart to the present’.* Someone who is present in time, struggles to recall the past whilst placing little focus on an unrealised future. With its limitations, this approach ensures undivided attention in the moment.

Political correctness presents a challenge to freedom of expression, for opinions can be taken as perceived as criticism of someone. For mediators, the most intransigent cases are always values based, because human identity is intricately woven into our internal belief system of the world.

There are so many ways to communicate God’s glorious deeds today. The difficulty is the extent any such communication will be noticed. Forced to compete within an ever-expanding mountain of garbage, even if amongst the detritus gold can be found.

Our mind is always busy with ‘self-talk’, a personal commentary on all of life. Often defensive, seeking to justify ourselves to the world we think is watching us, it is often highly critical. Science has shown that this ‘self-talk’ affects our wellbeing and physical health.* A negative internal commentary will limit both my effectiveness and performance throughout life.

Scripture presents us with the possibility of change. We’re given the fruit of the Spirit by Him, fruit that bears witness to His character and purpose. Yet, we all experience resistance to effective change in the shape of our perception, habits, and attitudes. In a nation obsessed with obesity, weight offers a useful illustration.

Change requires choices, which then present challenges. Here we face the reality of sacrifice in time and energy to press on with everyday life. Most startup businesses are undercapitalised. The product is good and viable but cashflow runs out before sufficient revenue is secured for survival and profitability.

Change demands choices which give insight into our Christian understanding, and which then shape our discipleship. We can struggle with personal choices, preferring to critique those of others, easier to point the finger.

Change is feared because it interrupts our familiar routines and the comfort they give us. Neuroscience tells us that change offers us uncertainty and the brain interprets uncertainty as an error code.

Context changes regularly but it doesn’t mean we lose our confidence and hope. It demands changes in our perceptions. Ageing is something society is slowly coming to terms with, with many lessons learned and truths gathered over the years. We need never stop becoming more of who God created us to be, despite physical and mental limitations.

Revelation, or encountering God, is to fill our hearts with joy, placing all our struggles in perspective. Difficult to accomplish, revelation alone presents us with the way forward. If only it were delivered in a single package, like a software patch.

Communion isn’t a casual event. This may be because of anxiety that a formal breaking of bread might reinforce a Catholic view of the real presence, a view that changed during the Protestant Reformation. However, breaking bread together was introduced by Jesus. There’s the fellowship meal, such as the feeding of the five thousand, and pursued by the early Christians as they broke bread together in their homes.

Every journey has a destination, even if it’s provisional with a fresh start ahead. Our life journey will enjoy many destinations, many chosen but some enforced on us. Sometimes we will go a good distance in the wrong direction as the only way to discover something about ourselves and our true destination.

The despondent disciples had the reports that Jesus was alive, not only from the women, but also confirmed by those who rushed off to check this unusual report. However, knowledge is of little use if we don’t know what to do with it.

Caravaggio’s ‘Supper at Emmaus’* is a favourite painting. The dramatic moment when two disciples recognise the risen Christ breaking bread. Their walk offers a metaphor for Christian life.** Two disheartened disciples, believing their hopes dashed, set off home. Dashed hopes can lead to despondency; literally to give up one’s soul. The Church Fathers prayed for God’s deliverance from despondency, recognising that it dilutes enthusiasm and drains energy.

Celebrate means to observe or recognise, as illustrated in celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Every celebration has a purpose and supporting narrative. Birthdays, anniversaries, significant moments, all become etched into our life’s rhythm and meaning. Forgetting a friend’s birthday can be wounding since we want our key moments acknowledged.

An established prayer rhythm reminds us of God every day. Learn to ignore the swarm of minutiae that distract us on waking and walking to our prayer space; thoughts about today mixed with yesterday’s disappointments. Seized by immediate concerns, God’s importance fades and we must forcefully remind ourselves that fixing our gaze on God alone is valuable for its own sake and essential for our personal growth.

A Jewish friend blamed what he observed as stress and anxiety being a national characteristic of Britain on a lack of national celebrations. Christmas, when most people overspend and overindulge, was our annual, national release; twelve months of parties squeezed into one week. 

Is taking care of ourselves selfish? We’re best placed to know how we best function, but failing in self-care is bad for us and others. There’s a delicate balance between serving self and others, which helps both. The need to meet others’ needs can prove self-destructive when attempting to prove our value. Jesus wasn’t afraid to take the space He needed during His life on earth. 

In an age of ‘political correctness’ (PC) we’re very aware of distinctions. PC encourages the censorship of policies, actions and language seen to offend a particular group in society, and a means to address apparent social injustices. Yet, promoting tolerance can become a fresh form of intolerance.

The ascended Jesus has left His disciples His riches. How shall we invest these? There’s a balance between focussing on God and being distracted by all that life involves. Learning to lean into God’s purpose to avoid distraction is the art of effective Christian living. Like Israel, which means ‘struggling with God’, once delivered from the tyranny of Sin, we find ourselves in a wilderness and needing to establish boundaries to make sense of life. 

Asking the appropriate question is key. I wonder how James’ mother felt after this one. Questions give a real insight into how we think. James and John, and their mum, obviously missed ‘Discipleship 101’ (Matt. 16:24–26). We’re invited deliberately to give up our preferences by putting God and His Kingdom first in every decision and action.

Anne Frank wrote, ‘In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.’ She died of typhus at age 15 in Bergen- Belsen concentration camp, weeks before its liberation. In a world of unimaginable hatred and violence, she recorded her hope and despair from 1942–44 whilst hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam.

Our age has seen an explosion of streamed media. Online communication has mushroomed, extending the reach and influence of public opinion to stratospheric proportions. Now, TV programming is promoted not by programme makers but by viewers expressing their thoughts. 

Ageing affords us a far larger set of data to reflect on. This can prove disappointing as we discover just how little progress we’ve made on the discipleship path. Reflection is a healthy practice, and when we look through Jesus’ eyes we can learn much about ourselves.

Actions speak louder than words, since actions reveal the intention behind those words. Our actions present evidence for our perspective. Yet, all our words and actions have consequences. Observing our family, we develop behaviour that takes years to change. It becomes our default setting, giving us numerous self-management issues. We can’t wipe the hard drive clean, but Jesus can overwrite it with kingdom code.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, one of nine. We don’t need to struggle to find them, they are a gift from God to every disciple. The struggle is in choosing and then learning to use them consistently and effectively. They are the language of God’s kingdom within our fragmenting world. Like Sam Van Aken’s tree of 40 fruits grafted onto a single tree, we too, grafted into God, produce these fruits.

Today there’s a growing demand for spiritual directors. A spiritual director does not give instruction or indeed direction, rather they’re a co-listener with God. The spiritual director is a witness alongside someone seeking to explore and express their encounter with God in whatever form or context they choose.

The National Lottery’s success suggests we desire to find shortcuts to realise our dreams. We assume wealth will deal with our problems. The same can be true of becoming a Christian, as we assume our troubles are over. True in part because we are now joined to the true source of life. However, favourable friendships can’t guarantee a pain free life.

How we live impacts who we become. Many pressures compete to shape our lives; job, family, home, etc. Such pressures can leave us feeling that our life is out of control, imprisoned on a hamster wheel of experience. When Jayne was growing up, she wondered why adults never ran everywhere.

We’ve all at some point worried that we’ve missed God’s will. Consequently, we often make no decision, and become immersed in temptation and sin freely. Unreliable in everything (Jas. 1:8), we can mistakenly think there is one golden ‘God-decision’, but for the love of heaven we can’t find it.

Making our way through life is distinct from finding our way in life. Regardless of circumstance or feelings, we intentionally navigate each day’s events. We turn holy aspiration into effective action, a process that always demands discipline. When we rely solely on our own understanding, we’re subject to the internal and external pressures of everyday life.

The Good Samaritan story (Luke 10: 25–37) teaches us that the designation ‘neighbour’ knows no boundaries. With busy lives we easily lose sight of anyone’s interest but our own. Church operates as a social space shared by any who want to participate in learning to love God and others.

Words present us with a powerful tool, one which we must take time to learn how to use to best effect. We easily misuse words to manipulate or abuse. In relationships we need to discover how to hear and to be heard.

There are many resources on prayer, expressing many different opinions and styles. Yet, Jesus only taught us one prayer, covering every eventuality in its appeal to God. It’s helpful to pray the Lord’s Prayer every day. We can become confused by what’s called unanswered prayer.

Encouragement is made up of perspective* and relationship. Having lived and cared for my first wife, Katey, through her long illness, I’ve subsequently wondered how well I did. I face unwanted ghosts of unanswerable ‘what ifs...?’ that I’ve had to learn to make my peace with. Perspective is influenced by many factors, both in the moment, and long after the focus has passed into history.

In a world that celebrates criticism, life demands courage. Media leads the way with its continuous assault on both the character and motives of public figures, politicians and personalities. Daily conversations complain about human failings and negativity grows into a national characteristic.

Apilgrim remains focused on the objective of their pilgrimage. Born of faith, it begins as a conscious thought that captures the pilgrim’s assumption about God’s intention for their life. Too often we confuse faith with dogma and creeds. Whilst usefully attempting to quantify God’s reality, they can never produce the substance of faith. Every pilgrim needs courage to follow their path, believing they’re responding to the Spirit’s inner voice.

Moving house we were sad to leave our daughter’s height chart etched on her bedroom wall, added to every six months. Success, like growing taller, is constantly measured objectively, but this method can’t quantify unseen values. Someone’s height tells us little of their character, and comes with the danger that reducing discipleship to objective measures leaves it as little more than a moral code. 

Pilgrimage means a journey towards a significant destination and involves an intention, a decision, and a setting out. Here two disciples, confused and despondent, walk home to Emmaus. A stranger joins them, essential to every pilgrimage. This third pilgrim is the principle force for movement; from where I am to where I need to be.

T.S. Eliot wrote, ‘Remember the faith that took men from home at the call of a wandering preacher. Our age is an age of moderate virtue and of moderate vice, when men will not lay down the Cross because they will never assume it. Yet nothing is impossible, nothing, to men of faith and conviction.’

How comfortable do we feel describing ourselves as pilgrims? The word means foreigner, stranger and alien. The Romans used it to describe ‘non-citizens’ throughout its Empire. Scripture tells us that our citizenship is in heaven and not on earth. So, what are pilgrims’ hallmarks? The first is attentiveness, or giving our undivided attention to God.

We often reflect on previous chapters in our life. This can prove helpful, reminding us of God’s reality in various ways. With hindsight we can see how God has crafted, then set, the building blocks making us who we are today.

Each of us is engaged in our personal search for God. There are many approaches and lenses through which we can gaze on God, different aspects of the riches we enjoy by sharing with one another the insights we discover. God is infinite, whilst we’re finite, and He will always remain outside our understanding.

When life’s troubles hit, we instinctively run towards the emergency exit. On waking at the start of our day, despondency easily envelops us and we lose control of our emotions. God appears distant and unavailable. All our strategies, from venting to retreating beneath the duvet, fail to lift the cloud surrounding us.

Speeches are powerful and have moved the hearts of people throughout history, even changed its course. All existence begins with God. With words, He shaped creation from nothing, demonstrating power, the ability to do something.

When I think of creation I am in awe of the very scale, beauty and power revealed throughout nature. Yet, my greatest awe is reserved for the wonder that is me and you. God created us with all our complexity, something that is still so much of a mystery to science.

Rest requires that we take back control of our time. This demands honesty. We may have little choice over our employment, yet we can make decisions about what’s worth spending time on.* Often the depression brought on by work or by lack of money means we surrender control over our life. How can things possibly work out?

Each week has 168 hours. A friend, at their sixtieth birthday calculated they’d lived a total of 720 months, 3128 weeks and 21,900 days. I couldn’t help wondering how I’d managed to fill so many hours in my own life; a stark reminder of just how quickly time disappears.

A shelter offers temporary protection, from bad weather, for example.* Sometimes this offers the only way to avoid danger. Often, we instinctively rage against the danger rather than rest. The problem lies beyond my control and I become stressed.**

It’s said we work hard to earn money to buy things we don’t really need to impress people we don’t really like! Is our motivation for work wrong? Lack of rest is now a national epidemic. The NHS tells us that we take years off our life with too little sleep. This leads to eating the wrong things and poor mental and physical health. How might we find a good work/life balance?

The foundational message that runs through all of Scripture is that God is for each one of us. How we respond to that knowledge is a matter of personal choice, and any survey would reveal that individuals are at different stages of their acceptance of God, and in the degree to which they are comfortable entrusting God with their wellbeing, even with His many witnesses throughout our material world (Rom. 1:20).

Researchers from the University of Nottingham in England set out to answer the question: Are people who practice gratitude more likely to help others, share, volunteer and donate? They found a clear link between gratitude and behaviour that helps society as a whole.

Our focus has been on pursuing God’s purpose in our lives. According to British researchers Andrew Steptoe and Daisy Fancourt, ‘Maintaining a sense that life is worthwhile may be particularly important at older ages when social and emotional ties often fragment, social engagement is reduced, and health problems may limit personal options.’

‘Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are all linked, so our thoughts impact how we feel and act. So, although we all have unhelpful thoughts from time to time, it’s important to know what to do when they appear so we don’t let them change the course of our day.’ This is the subtle way in which our thought patterns can shape our whole way of life.

The word ‘listen’ means both to hear and obey. Learning to discern God’s voice from amongst the myriad sounds that surround us today is challenging. Of course listening is not simply through our ears. What we observe we may choose to copy, realising we have listened to a pattern for life. What we read we may take as our truth and so choose to disregard alternative perspectives.

There are two ways to look at our life experience. The one is to see things as happening to us, the other is to take ownership of them and then navigate our way through them. We can identify them as either threats or opportunities. Scripture encourages us to take hold of all our experiences and treat them as an opportunity.

Confidence is complete trust. We think about confidence in God (Jer. 17:7–8), but it’s more challenging to place full confidence in ourselves. Jeremiah reminds us that confidence provides the roots to sustain us through uncertain seasons. Most often we act as our own harshest critic. God loves us despite knowing everything about us, but we never disillusion Him because He never had any illusions to start with.

Training as a mediator I was reminded that I had two ears, but only one mouth; the moral being, listen twice as much as you speak. Good advice, but like many I have an opinion on everything and this remains a challenge. A study of Jesus’ ministry reveals He asked many questions, and listened carefully to peoples’ answers.

Perseverance acts as a prime motivator driving us both to attain our defined goals and to improve our skills. This drive is sustained by the passion we have for our goals and helps us to persist in our efforts, despite opposition and obstacles. It draws upon our motivation – how much we want something, and our determination, what we’re prepared to spend on being successful.

One reason for bad decisions is the fact that we are often driven by our emotions. Someone once said, ‘When angry we make the best speech we’ll ever regret!’ All of us can identify with the fiery and emotional speech we have made before spinning on our heels, leaving the room and slamming the door behind us.

Maturity means developing our ability to make good choices. In our daily discipleship, we must beware of those factors that can slow, impede, even derail our commitment to God. This is not to raise our anxiety levels, for Paul makes it clear that we can draw reasonable assumptions from daily observations.

Waverley Abbey is built on Jesus’ summary of the Law and the Prophets, teaching us to see everyone through Jesus’ eyes. There’s no demand for anyone learning with us to have a faith- based approach to life. Only that they recognise our understanding grows from an ancient world view, evident throughout Scripture, offering a realistic and comprehensive understanding of who we are, why we’re here, what’s wrong with the world, and how this can be addressed.

A precept is a principle or rule, something that guarantees an outcome or a state of being. God’s precepts offer us refreshment, confidence, wisdom, truth, joy, vision, clarity all of which outlast time itself and ensure that we reflect God’s virtue, or so the psalmist declares!

It’s clear that Christian life is demanding, and we do well to avoid accepting Jesus’ call casually. Choosing Jesus is to subscribe to a worldview encompassing every aspect of reality, with helpful guidance on how best to select our own activities.

‘That the devil has already been defeated and his kingdom laid waste – in the past tense for the New Testament authors – exposes him as little more than a raging beast, one with decidedly more bark than bite.’

War is devastating, as that between Russia and Ukraine has brought home to us all this year. Bertrand Russell, a lifetime pacifist, wrote, ‘Either Man will abolish war, or war will abolish Man.’* It can prove controversial to adopt the language of warfare in reference to our walk with God, yet Scripture makes it plain that we are in the battle of our lives.

Absalom’s rebellion begins, but Ittai, a Philistine, chooses to follow David. When questioned why, Ittai responds that he’ll follow the king regardless of the cost, even if it means death. When the Holy Spirit examines our choices and actions, what will they reveal about our Christian faith? Will we be found to be following a false king like Absalom?

One constant challenge for Christians is when life takes a turn for the worse, no matter what we plan or do (2 Sam. 12:11). Within us there’s a deeply rooted survival instinct. Despite our internet age someone has remarked, ‘You can take the person out of the Stone Age, but you can’t take the Stone Age out of the person.’

The challenge we have with sin is that once we react inappropriately, as Cain did here in his anger with God in accepting Abel’s and not his offering (v5), we open a door to a sin sequence with the potential for horrendous consequences.

Adam and Eve leave Eden in disobedience yet clothed in God’s promise. The Garden wasn’t evil, but they wilfully chose to violate God’s instruction. Paul reflects their struggle, one common to us all. We must learn that we too live subject to the subtle temptations of God’s enemy, Satan.

On discovering their nakedness, Adam and Eve immediately attempted to cover a shame they’d never known. Knowledge of good can only exist with a knowledge of its counterpart, evil. They fashioned fig leaves into clothing, a sign of lost innocence.

Having eaten from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes are opened and they see their nakedness, a vulnerability of which they’d been unconscious in their former state of innocence. Always seeing what was around them, now they had sight of their inner makeup, conscious of wrong and right.

Hope is our greatest imagined good, the source for our optimism. Pandemics, wars, and life’s many challenges quickly dampen such optimism. However, hope is something that can help keep us focussed on the good we visualise.

Self-determination poses the question of just how independent we are. We can’t make a decision to break the law without facing consequences, the price of policing in a social contract we support with its promise of peace, prosperity, and privacy.

Self-determination is critical to psychological wellbeing and personal growth.* Human development requires that we must feel in control of our behaviour, free will. Eve takes control of her environment and approves the fruit which she takes and eats, taking direct action for herself.

In learning how to live the Christian life we’re given two examples – Adam and Jesus, the first and the last Adam. Whilst the first introduced death and decay into humanity, the second illustrated the possibility of heaven on earth.

We’ve observed that God places decision taking squarely in our hands. This free will precedes the Fall, demonstrating God has no interest in micro-managing His creation. In his state of innocence, Adam heard God’s advice with nothing to compare it to or contradict it. He was comfortable taking God at His word, yet trouble loomed.

Making sense of life presents a challenge for us all, one that stretches well beyond our years of anticipated adolescent struggles with meaning and identity. Whilst we seek to manage our life and keep it within the safety of the banks between which it flows, sudden storms can cause a flood and the river is replaced by a borderless lake that drowns everything beneath its waters.

A refuge is a place we run back to. As an injured child turns to a parent for comfort, so we, confused by an unresolved mystery, can run back to God, who offers reassurance and comfort, though the source of our pain remains unresolved. We need to find some comfort when our reaction to such pain is an outburst of emotion.

Afriend once said to me, ‘God’s clock keeps perfect time’, referring to how we often need to wait for God to act. Our temptation is to step in when God appears slow in showing up. Joshua and the Israelites have now safely crossed the Jordan and, like their earlier Red Sea crossing, witnessed a miracle.

Today we’re inundated with valuable resources online, in print, and at conferences. There’s almost too much information and a danger we may try to live a life that is not our own. Consider David, trained as a shepherd to protect sheep from wild animals, then dressed in Saul’s armour which severely restricted his movement and compromised his skills

Friendship with Jesus provokes us into building credible lives of service reflecting His character. All four Gospel accounts present a picture of how Jesus lived, yet we quickly discover we lack the power to live His way without the power of the Holy Spirit, deposited within us by God’s grace when we say yes to Him (Rom. 8:9).

When exploring any educational or training programme we always make a cost-benefit analysis. Is the investment of time, finance, and energy worth the return? We quantify this across a spectrum ranging from practical outcomes to personal achievement. I went back to university part time as a necessary distraction from the intensity of caring for my wife.

How do we evaluate, or find a value for, our learning and subsequent service? Effective measures are hard to find for something not calculated against external criteria. Only God knows the state of our heart and can compute our integrity. Jesus tells us to keep quiet about the apparent good we do so that we don’t congratulate ourselves or allow pride to provoke us into judging others.

Examples offer help in illustrating what’s being said. They assist us in how to practise our learning. Paul confidently invited the Corinthians to follow his example, as he followed Jesus’ example. Jesus is the only visual aid we have for the characteristic behaviour expected of disciples. We often believe the bar is set too high, aimed at ‘super-saints’, and not the average mortal.

The early disciples were of one mind, or ‘together’ (v44). The word is found in Acts 1:14, again in Acts 4:32 and many other instances and it means ‘of one passion’. Together they shared a common interest in following Jesus. Yet, the Gospel stories reveal that, whilst the twelve disciples were together in following Jesus, they were of different temperaments.

Apriority is a value we give to something; another word might be ‘treasure’. Life demands that we make decisions and choose what we prioritise. A favourite group icebreaker is to ask people that if their house was consumed in flames, what treasured item would they grab before running from the building? Answers offer a glimpse into our priorities.

Assessing where we are in our discipleship, we may identify a gap between where we are and where we want to be. No worries – Paul felt the same. A Christian hero, he knew that he was in a marathon, not a sprint, and was invited to keep going till called home by God. Only those who cross the finish line can claim to have completed the race. Whilst competing we’re cheered on by a great cloud of witnesses, those faithful servants who preceded us (Heb. 12:1). Feeling despondent? Remember you are never alone.

Realisation means to exhibit the actual existence of something. In our case it is to exhibit the reality of God in a world of competing ideas, all seeking to lay claim to the meaning of life. In this multiplicity of meanings, we are consistently subject to becoming first captivated and finally captured by ‘hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ’.

Surf the net, scan YouTube and search valuable apps and you’ll be swamped with ideas, many in the early stages of development. Myriad podcasts also provoke us to consider everything, from our historical roots to our psychological health. We’re awash with ideas and propositions seeking to provide a meaning for our lives.

Christianity is reflected through the body of Christ, the church. Global in reach, multicultural in substance and denominational in structure, it has the responsibility to make God known. We each enjoy our personal capabilities, which may take time to discover and develop.

Learning is far more than an extension of knowledge. The very essence of knowing is application, a demonstration of our learning. How might I take what I know and allow it to influence how I live my life? John Chrysostom, the fourth century bishop of Constantinople, commenting on this passage wrote, ‘For to know, belongs to all; but to do, not to all.

We follow God to find purpose in life, for faith is all encompassing. Too often we have allowed what is described as the spiritual to be separated from the secular. Yet, secular simply means the culture and society within which we live. There are worshippers of all religions and none, who help shape the world we live within.

Today we’re familiar with the term ‘lifelong learning’. Formal education may end, but our need to learn continues. Great news for some, for others not so much. Learning serves both personal and professional development. As we live and learn, we grow into and express our full potential.

One thing is certain: disciples will always carry questions about their faith. Like children discovering a world with its ever- expanding horizons, so in our pursuit of God we will need to seek answers to our many questions. As children besiege their parents with endless enquiries, so we may cross examine God.

The only way we can rest in God through each season of life is by retaining our confidence in His promise. The fact that we’re chosen by God, reveals that we are known; from before time right through to the end of time. This is no random choice, but the expression of an immeasurable love expressed in the person of Jesus; humanity and divinity mystically mixed and expressed in human form.

We all know the phrase, ‘The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.’ The concept is found in the poetry of Ovid (43 BC – 17 AD), who wrote ‘Fertilior seges est alenis semper in agris’ (‘the harvest is always more fruitful in another man’s fields’).

Whilst the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10), this isn’t fearfulness. It’s an awe inspired through our inability to access God combined with His grace in making Himself known. Just as the sun remains inaccessible, we still enjoy the warmth of its rays, and so whilst God lies beyond our comprehension, we feel His presence and marvel at His kindness.

Our friendship with God is sustained and developed through a continuous conversation (1 Thess. 5:17). Jesus reminds us that it is the ‘pure in heart’ who ‘will see God’ (Matt. 5:8). Such purity, a condition where no malice abides and full attention is given to God, is itself a product of our own consideration of how we perceive our relationship with God. David, ruthlessly pursued by Saul and in fear of his life, makes his appeal to God on the basis of his purity of heart.

There are demands the Christian life places upon us. In seeking to obey and serve God through our lives we are requested to pay close attention to every area and note our motivations, attitudes and activities. Indeed, one reason we may find it a challenge to make time for God is because we accumulate so many other interests and so lose sight of Jesus, who is constantly on the move (John 3:8).

Now accepted by God, Paul provides a list of characteristics that we can nurture by His grace. Love lies at the centre of God’s activity throughout the world (John 3:16). Once we discover that we are loved unconditionally, we’re invited to respond to that love through surrendering all of ourselves to God’s lordship and leadership.

Leave something organic in the wrong place and it decomposes. Initially unseen, once rot sets in then items are difficult to restore to pristine condition. This fully represents the reality of our mortal life. We engage in a battle between ‘deformation’ and ‘reformation’. Jesus describes how our eye is drawn instinctively to those things in the world that carry no intrinsic value (Matt. 6:19–20).

Our sources of learning all shape our understanding and create our bank of knowledge. This then drives the choices we make and the lives we choose to lead, including our view and treatment of others. Adam and Eve revealed that the first sign of human corruption is self-preservation when seeking to hide from God (Gen. 3:8). 

Experience is knowledge gained from repeated trials. In our Christian life, whilst such knowledge doesn’t come easily, we can find encouragement when observing God’s fingerprints on our life experience. It’s easy to lose confidence in God when life is difficult

Taking care demands caution, something I have had to discover for myself. It demands a disciplined approach, to pause long enough to consider all angles. Joshua is an experienced servant of God.

In life it’s easy to be deceived; both by others and, sadly, by ourselves. Micah’s Levite priest illustrates this. Having accepted Micah’s request to become his priest, the Levite chooses effectively to run a cultic site (Judg. 17:1–10), disobeying God’s instructions (Num. 35:5–8). It’s worth noting this was at a time when there was no leadership in Israel (Judg. 17:6).

In the fifth century AD, Jerome wrote, ‘This must be understood not of money only, but of all our possessions. The god of a glutton is his gut; of a lover his lust; and so every man serves that to which he is in bondage; and has his heart there where his treasure is.’ Here’s our daily challenge: where to place our confidence and our aspiration.

Mary of Bethany approached Jesus and anointed His feet with expensive nard, an aromatic ointment with a musky scent and floral top notes. Washing a guest’s feet from the dirt of the dusty streets was a sign of welcome. However, the Torah cautioned against being wasteful, which is what Mary is accused of here. In reality she was symbolically anointing Jesus for His burial.

Apodcast by Christian artist Jonathan Pageau reminded me of the words of Ambrose of Milan, ‘It is a noble thing to do one’s kindnesses and duties toward the whole of the human race. But it is ever more seemly that you should give to God the most precious thing you have, that is, your mind, for you have nothing better than that.

The objective of moving from childhood to adulthood is maturity – the ability to take care of ourselves and prove productive in the world. Parents miss young adults leaving home, yet were their children to prove incapable of departing, it would be tragic.

The word ‘service’ leads us to acknowledge that we are actually God’s servants on earth. Our model is Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Matt. 20:28). This is challenging; seldom will we instinctively seek to become the least amongst our peers.

Serving God and others is the heartbeat of Christian discipleship (Mark 12:29–31). In EDWJ we shall explore what this means as we seek to make a God-shaped difference in the world. Paul’s clear: we’re to take personal responsibility for ourselves, but not at the expense of living in mutual support with others, i.e. community. God’s given us everything and encourages us to rely on His grace moment by moment.

An urban legend attributed to Francis of Assisi (and others) describes how, on entering the Pope’s presence, before whom a large sum of money was spread out, he observed, ‘You see, the Church no longer can say, “Silver and gold have I none.”’ ‘True, holy father,’ Francis responded, ‘but neither can it any longer say to the lame, “Rise up and walk”’. The point is, we can quickly lose sight of the God-life when engaged in life’s minutiae.

Once surrendered to God, our attempts at denying Him only lead to greater inner turmoil. We’re God’s temples and, whilst we may ‘cold shoulder’ Him, we can’t ignore His presence. Many of our faith struggles are a consequence of our unwillingness or inability to choose obedience. Yet let’s not allow shame to distract us, for shame is only ever a tool provoking greater self-absorption and draws our gaze away from God.

My TV news watching has dropped to virtually zero. It seems most reporting is in reality opinion based on the few facts available. My prayer for this world is not improved by these opinion pieces; I have sufficient opinions of my own, often born of cynicism, political bias or grumpiness. Keeping as clear a conscience as possible and praying for God’s glory to be revealed is challenging enough.

In the UK we enjoy free access to excellent medical support. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment. However, there is the risk that undiagnosed, underlying conditions remain untreated and could cause unexpected death. What’s true of our physical health is true of our spiritual health. Jesus is our spiritual physician, but can only deal with what we bring for His diagnosis and treatment plan.

Jesus enjoyed a charisma that drew the crowds to Him to listen to His wise words. The Gospels contain those wise words, as remembered by those who followed Him. They were being collated within years of Jesus’ death, so with plenty of eyewitnesses to contradict misinformation.

In a time of obvious nervousness about what is acceptable, where carefully thought through perspectives are subject to ‘cancel culture’, it’s perhaps essential we remind ourselves that we all ultimately go before a judge who will separate the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad (Luke 3:17). In short, ‘cancel culture’ means preventing thought leaders from prominent public platforms or careers and polarising public opinion whilst stage-managing legitimate debate.

Jesus’ death ended any need for a bloody sacrificial system and gave humanity the opportunity to taste and see God’s goodness (Ps. 34:8). Once tasted, our hunger can never be assuaged by something nothing else can satisfy.

What is the gospel? It is the unique and compelling announcement that God has restored the open relationship between Himself and His creation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. For me, this is indeed the heart of the good news that Jesus invited us all as disciples to make known to a world that is described as ‘lost’, which means wasted, ruined and worn out.

We often realise our call in the world through our obedience. We become a physical expression of God’s call. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu is best remembered for the work she led in the slums of Kolkata. However, initially principal of a Loreto Sisters school for girls, she was riding on a train from Kolkata to the Himalayan foothills for a retreat, when Christ called her to abandon teaching and work in the Kolkata slums serving the poorest and sickest.

A call is a summons or an invitation; its object determines which it is. God never overrides free will (Gen 3). We’re often anxious about missing God’s call, but this is unlikely. A call is always dependent on someone listening and responding. We’re familiar with the phrase, ‘There’s none so deaf as those who do not wish to hear’, an idiom taken from Scripture (Jer. 5:21–31). We are often anxious, both not to miss a call, but also about the object of that call; will it appeal to us or not?

At 28 Camus wrote, ‘Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.’* We all search for life’s meaning to define our existence. Selwyn Hughes argued that Significance (the opposite of meaningless) offered one of three pillars offering a purposeful life, along with Security and Self-Worth.**

Isaiah prophesies about a blessed king who doesn’t know Yahweh, the God of Israel, some 150 years before his rule. He speaks of Cyrus who reigned over the Babylonian empire from 539 to 530 BC. He gave the Jewish captives permission to return to Jerusalem. Without acknowledgement from Cyrus, God blesses him even though he never realised the significant role he was playing in God’s plan. 

Our prayers are directed towards establishing God’s rule so that all nations can enjoy God’s blessing. It sounds simplistic, but Scripture declares that without God’s authority chaos asserts itself. Whilst human brilliance is evident in the skill and speed of scientists creating a vaccine for Covid-19, such brilliance isn’t the same as wisdom. Brilliance brings sudden flashes of insight; wisdom secures stability over an extended period of time through right judgment.

Whilst Christianity is often seen to be overwhelmed by current-thought leadership and offering little by way of creative responses to the cultural and social movements impacting global debate, we turn to the story of David who brought down an intimidating, warrior giant with a Stone-Age slingshot. It reminds us that what appears outdated, in the right hands can prove irresistible.

in an age of growing disillusionment with leadership, it is encouraging to note that God ‘shows no partiality and accepts no bribes’. Strange that deceit has such a powerful pull on our human nature. I confess to having been tempted to cheat in my past, and historically there have been times when I have done so. I am not proud, but it took some years of walking with Jesus to discover that He wanted me voluntarily to let go of everything apart from my desire for Him.

The OT presents God’s Law given to Moses in the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20). This was never replaced by Jesus – ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them’ (Matt. 5:17) – a fulfilment accomplished by Jesus inhabiting the Law. He now invites us to become a living expression of God’s life on earth.

Many struggle with an apparent contradiction between the God of the OT contrasted with the NT. Marcion (cAD 85–160) attempted to distinguish between the NT’s ‘benevolent’ God and the ‘malevolent creator god’ of the OT. His early canon was rejected, and the ministry of Jesus accepted as the fulfilment of the OT narrative. So we are left with the picture of a God who exercises judgment and to whom the whole of creation is accountable.

Plunged into the cut and thrust of daily living we quickly lose perspective on life. We can withdraw from what offends and confuses us into a community that reinforces our own beliefs. Or we can use Scripture to accommodate the prevailing cultural context and social mores. Neither responses can reveal ‘the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living’ (Ps. 27:13).

Vines take time to grow. As natural climbers they need support, and as we are grafted into Jesus the vine so we find the support our lives need to flourish. This support ensures the vine grows upright, and God intends that we learn to live upright lives. The vinedresser, who is our Father, carefully prunes it into shape, and ensures that the grapes are accessible whilst enjoying maximum light for ripening.

Christian life and witness is challenging. Lambs have a healthy regard for wolves who can easily destroy them. One reason Christianity is fragile in our world is that it does not have the ability to sustain itself. The source of all its power is in God. Jesus Himself is described as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) and reveals that He does not win through might and power, but through obedience to His Father in heaven (John 5:19). If Jesus is dependent on His Father, then it follows that we are in exactly the same position. We are not confrontational but our value is in the way we choose to live and to love.

It’s all too easy to think God’s mission sits with me. Somehow my performance will make the difference between success and failure. Oh, that we carried such importance in the purpose of God. Our work is both to pray and love God, whilst collaborating with others to demonstrate the truth of the gospel. This is simply the announcement that Jesus died and rose again, is now with God, and invites us into relationship and to partner with the Trinity in serving God’s interests on earth.

Sometimes we’re over eager to serve God in what we do. In my twenties with Youth for Christ, I mistook my youthful enthusiasm and zeal for the authority and strength of God. Six months of physical exhaustion followed at age 27. A hard lesson taught me by God. However, Jeremiah humbly responds, acknowledging concerns about his youthfulness. God encourages him, for when God calls it is neither age nor experience that counts, but the seal of God’s approval.

We’ve been sold an empty promise. Caricatured as the ‘American Dream’ (the belief that anyone might realise their highest aspirations and goals), it proves an empty aphorism for most. The phrase emerged in 1931, when the USA enjoyed competitive advantage over every other nation, and was coined in the book, The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams.

This brief sentence carries a lot of weight. Jesus commissions, or entrusts, His disciples with delegated authority to go out and share the gospel with the world. Their mission is no different from that committed to Jesus by His Father. Indeed, the Church inherits Jesus’ call to make disciples throughout the world. This forms the basis for Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples following His resurrection. This commission is passed on to all the disciples equally and so we share responsibility today to realise this same commission, acting as faithful, and faith-filled, guides in a confused world.

As disciples of Jesus and embracing His call to mission, the great news is that we need not depend on our own abilities. The power, or simply the capability to be good news, is given by God through the Holy Spirit. Coming from God, it carries His authority. Authority and ability are entrusted to us as God’s ambassadors on earth to serve the purpose of God on earth.

Life slides by at its own pace. Demanding daily schedules mean we can feel we haven’t time to breathe. The older I get the faster time passes, but I also become more aware of my mortality. My end was always in my beginning; now, with some excitement, I can almost taste that end. I’m acutely aware of my opportunities to live good news in my neighbourhood and with family and colleagues. Scripture reveals a world in harmony with itself, with every element giving praise to God. Indeed, Jesus reminded us that when we

Our missional message applies to the whole world. God is creator and Lord of all, for nothing can exist without God. Indeed, time itself is dependent on God’s word, ending at His command. Whilst we must consider and contend with many conflicting worldviews in deciding what we want to believe, we can place full confidence in God’s revelation. That confidence is something we choose to embrace in part, whilst it’s also dependent on God’s grace sustaining us.

Christ’s love compels us to share His message of hope and wholeness for fractured humanity. God’s first question was, ‘Where are you?’ (Gen. 3:9), the question that resounds throughout every generation. Today’s preoccupation with self and the ready availability of so many self-help courses is testimony to the insecurity that runs deep within the human heart.

Mission in the New Testament (NT) means ‘to send’ and implies that we receive authority from the one who sends us. So, just as Jesus was sent and enjoyed the Father’s full authority, here He prays for all of us to know the government of God in and through our lives of obedient service. God’s authority is dependent on our obedience, one reason that it’s so often and clearly stressed throughout Scripture. In sanctifying us, Jesus dedicates us to God and presents us as an offering to God.

If we’re serious in our quest to love and serve Jesus, then we’d best start with Jesus’ chosen mission. He takes these stirring promises from the prophet Isaiah and makes them His mission mandate. There are two clear meanings here. First, He describes those who are entrapped in sin and cannot see spiritual reality. Consequently, they are prisoners to their spiritual poverty and gospel deficit.

Tomorrow we move from prayer to mission. The two are intimately linked since mission is born from prayer. Indeed, as we mission we also pray. Mission is God’s love shared in a broken world. We pray for workers to go out and reap a harvest of those hungry for God’s grace. This request appears to suggest numerical increase, yet Jesus didn’t rapidly expand His team. So it’s best understood as a prayer for each disciple to become more engaged in carrying the gospel to family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

The good we do in obedience to God runs the risk of becoming a source for our own self-promotion and gratification. Self-congratulation, encouraged by the praise of others, is a temptation we all face. We desire affirmation for the things we do. However, anonymity is taught by Jesus (Luke 5:14). God’s work is clear only to those with eyes and ears to see and hear it.

We face a human dilemma. God says He answers our prayers on many occasions in Scripture, yet some of our prayers appear to go unanswered. We also appreciate that they need to be in agreement with God’s unseen purpose. God’s character is revealed throughout Scripture, and we, like the Israelites throughout the OT, learn more of that character daily through experience.

James’ message is simple because God’s way is simple but as humans we lean towards complexity. We constantly make mountains out of molehills. God’s way (Matt. 5:48) is plain but we insist on complicating it with both reason and sinfulness. There’s a lot that competes for our allegiance, and God invites us to make our choices for He’s no enforcer. When we simplify our approach and live God’s way our reward is the ‘crown of life’ (James 1:12).

One challenge with prayer is that we too easily lose interest and gently drift from our commitment to God. The cause may be found in our disappointment in God’s response to our prayer or, more often, the busyness of life. Prayer can appear drab in comparison with the many other opportunities life presents to us. Time is limited and space with God is all too easily abandoned. Yet, God inhabits the wilderness of our lives, those spaces where we independently cultivate our own crops in an attempt to feed ourselves. God is always present with us even when we lose sight of Him.

We’re no longer who we were once we’ve encountered and accepted Christ. Change is evident, and many testify to differences others noticed about them after they converted to Christianity. Grace begins a work of sanctification within us, by which we grow to become more like Jesus (Matt. 5:48). However, this change is gradual. Like a stag loses its antlers each year, and the resultant new growth reveals its maturity, so we daily pursue God in prayer that we might also grow in understanding and Christian maturity.

Whilst Christians are citizens of heaven, their sphere of influence is in the world. Indeed, the discipleship is to provide evidence to an unbelieving world of the truth of the gospel of salvation through Jesus. Too often, fear of the world has created an inwardlooking church, more engaged with its own wellbeing and preservation than following in Jesus’ footsteps and willing to leave the familiar in response to God’s call to explore what we don’t yet know. 

We are comfortable using our natural senses to make judgments. We observe, draw conclusions and make decisions based on our preconceptions. Paul prays that we might learn through the Spirit to have the eyes of our heart opened. Once again we are drawn into the reality of that which lies beyond our natural reach. God finds us, reveals the gospel and we choose if we shall respond (1 Cor. 15:1–5).

I love Andrew Murray’s book With Christ in the School of Prayer because prayer is the product of learning. It’s why I serve Waverley Abbey Trust’s mission of both helping everyone learn how to live every day with Jesus, and equipping people through practical courses with the skills to serve others. It’s taken time to discover how to pray within God’s will. In simple terms God’s will is self-evident for God desires that people turn to Christ and enjoy fullness of life (John 10:10).

Whilst we have little knowledge of how prayer works in practice, here God’s angel encourages Israel through Zechariah. We feel pressure when we pray. Life’s problems close in, and we experience little by way of relief. Prayer requires courage and perseverance, for it is born of faith – unseen yet substantial (Heb. 11:1).

Ezra had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon under strict instructions from its king, Artaxerxes. He was to establish the Temple and teach God’s ways once more to the Israelites (Ezra 7). Discovering disobedience, Ezra humbled himself and prayed on behalf of those who faced God’s judgment (Ezra 9). This illustrates how we can take responsibility to stand and pray before God on behalf of those whose actions deny God’s truth (intercession).

Prayer is always about putting God first. We live in an age obsessed with itself. Fascinated with self-realisation and psychometrics, delving ever deeper into our assumed personality, it’s easy to think that the world’s future benefit has something to do with me. Whilst it may, it’s not perhaps as much as we’d like to think. John the Baptist had the right understanding: our ‘I’ must decrease to make room for a growing awareness of God’s presence and reality (John 3:30). The steps that lead us into prayer are simple; to know the life and lordship of Jesus and to submit to His rule. This is the heart attitude we must adopt if we are to approach God.

We are constrained by mortal limitations but can ensure we lay a solid foundation for the next generation who choose to serve God. This is not legacy as a monument to ourselves but a commitment to commissioning others for future kingdom-building. It’s a missional provision for the ongoing work of God. Our contribution is made within our lifetime alone; our legacy is the extent to which we equip others for success, a success for which God alone gets the glory.

Our prayer is limited by our mortality. We see in part only (1 Cor. 12:9—10), whilst God is the beginning and end of all (Rev. 22:13). So our prayer is constrained by the limitations of our earthbound vision and understanding. Here King David is restrained in his ambition to build God’s house. Whilst the ambition is indeed godly, the timing for its execution lies in the future. This is not something for David, but for his successor. Our instincts can be right, yet without the seasoning of God’s Spirit we may act outside of God’s eternal purpose. 

Prayer offers us a sacred space in which God can work. Sacred means a place and time we set aside to be alone with God. In other words, it’s a ‘Godspace’ – where we deliberately step aside from the normal distractions of life. Prayer, self-evidently, is continuous when we choose to practise it as Paul encourages (1 Thess. 5:17), but there can be set times of more focused prayer.

I’ve frequently been asked by those who are not disciples if they can pray to God. Here we have a wonderful story for all our encouragement. A godly Gentile is commended by God’s messenger for his prayer and his generosity. God’s intention is that all should have the opportunity to receive the good news message of salvation (John 3:16). Often the journey starts with a prayer. I certainly prayed years before I was a Christian. Part as an insurance policy, and in part through superstition – just in case.

Jesus tells His disciples that life presents problems (John 16:33), and then immediately turns to prayer. Our response to life’s disappointments and troubles is to start praying. Our heart rate may be pumping with anxiety, and our mind filled with catastrophic thoughts, but we are best to pray at such times. This means looking towards heaven as the source of our hope and true future.

Hannah returns to place her son, the fruit of her prayer, into Eli’s care for training in God’s service. Her painful petitions gave rise to his birth. It is amazing how the process of prayer can alter our whole perspective of ourselves, our world and our circumstances. This is a measure of God’s engagement with us as we pray.

I like to mouth my prayers silently and so prevent my mind from wandering and pursuing its own many thought trails. I don’t focus on each phrase’s content, but remain focused on the purpose of my prayer. The mind is a challenge for each of us when praying, and we can emerge from our personal time with God with no remembrance of our actual prayers.

Prayer is an offering we bring in demonstration of our confidence in God. It’s like a present, and we want the gift to reflect our perception of the recipient as well as to be valued by them. So our prayer is to originate from a pure heart. Whilst Old Testament (OT) offerings may seem antiquated and no longer relevant, the basis on which they were established remains true today. God calls on us to bring the very best of ourselves before Him and to ensure that our prayer is pure and true.

We can find ourselves praying because of circumstance. I well remember when Katey (my first wife) and I were told we couldn’t have children; we turned to God in urgent prayer. We had a need and we figured God would fix it. Our new-found fervency in prayer, driven by our own selfish need, was surprised to find that God fondly welcomed us. Thrilled to have us praying so regularly, and taking us at our word that we wanted to surrender to Him, He invited us to address a host of issues, yet not one was our need for children.

Prayer is never to force God’s hand. God established free will at the creation. Adam and Eve enjoyed choice in exercising obedience to God’s word. This free will has accompanied humanity from that point forward. However, Abraham had himself been guided by the intervention of an angel at the moment he was about to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Gen. 22:10–12). That angel is the Word of God, and now Abraham instructs his servant, placing complete confidence in God’s word as the means by which his prayer can be fulfilled.

We have identified intercession as distinct from petition as it seeks to speak on behalf of some external need. Here Abraham intercedes for the righteous, those who serve God with integrity, in Sodom. Witness God’s patience as Abraham politely, but persistently, negotiates on behalf of the lives of the righteous. Our learning is that God is indeed gracious and patient with our intercessions, and we are always learners.

A framework for prayer is always useful, but only of value if we find a way to use it. God teaches Moses a rhythm; the sacrifice of prayer twice a day, morning and at twilight. It’s a very useful, and simple, twice-daily routine to bring our petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving to God. It demands discipline, best served by setting aside specific times. These will occasionally be missed due to life’s demands, but this is not to distress us. 

In Scripture we learn that God chose the tribe of Levi to act as priests for the Israelites. They ministered before the Lord (1 Chron. 16:4) and were sustained by the offerings brought to fulfil the sacrificial system at the heart of Israelite worship (Leviticus 1–10). Jesus Himself came to earth and ministered as directed by God. He became the ultimate sacrifice, a declaration of love from God for His creation. Consequently, the blood sacrifice system ended on Calvary. Now, with the relationship between God and humanity restored through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are invited to bring daily offerings of prayer to God directly.

The Lord’s Prayer is in the first person plural (Our Father, forgive us, lead us, etc). Whilst we know God personally, we always pray as members of God’s global community, the Church. Our personal church preference is itself just one small expression of the invisible Church, known to God alone and in contrast to the visible, or institutional constructs of human invention, both large and small. The whole Church prays; my voice is just one amongst Christ’s choir, hymning His name, and prayerfully encircling the globe continuously.

It’s important to note in Luke’s account that the Lord’s Prayer emerges from the disciples’ observation of how Jesus chose to live. Whilst it can be challenging to make time to pray once our day has gathered momentum, it remains important that we do pray. It is why my preference is to pray before my day begins. This means setting my alarm to allow for a good time for prayer and contemplation before my routine kicks in. I have my place of solitude where I sit away from distractions. This is a place that I use consistently for prayer and for nothing else but reading. 

Jesus taught His disciples one prayer, the foundation and framework for all prayer. Matthew encourages us to separate ourselves and, in solitude, use this prayer. Today, whilst included in most mainstream liturgies, it’s less frequently used in independent congregations. Perhaps there’s room to rethink its use if absent, since these are the words Jesus actually spoke. It covers both our worship as well as expressing our needs. Short and to the point, it effectively provides all that we need to include in prayer; encouraging when circumstances rob us of the energy to pray more extensively.

Today we’re fascinated by output. We’ve learnt to measure outcomes, but not to value content and process. Prayer is the process of seeking God with a twofold objective; to deepen our appreciation and understanding of God primarily, and consequently to begin to think and live by God’s desire and not our instinctive preferences. Prayer, whilst generally affirmed by all Christians, often finds little place in our Christian activities. We are better seeing it as a lifestyle than an action we execute. Scripture suggests it forms part of every waking and sleeping hour.

Living every day with Jesus is to discover how to grow as a disciple by considering all Jesus said and did. Here, at the start of Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus getting up ‘very early’ to pray. There is nothing sacred about first light, but I, like many, find this the best time for personal prayer. There are very few distractions, and the symbolism of the dawn is a stimulus for prayer.

Prayer is foundational in learning to live every day with Jesus successfully. Many of us find that prayer is elusive; simple to grasp the principles involved, yet difficult to execute satisfactorily. Many express concern that they do not pray enough, where a precise measure for ‘enough’ is impossible to quantify. Scripture presents countless examples of calls to prayer.

Who doesn’t love a happy ending? Here reconciliation begins between Joseph and his brothers. Now able to rescue his family, Joseph does so and lets go of any resentment against them. They were, after all, the source for his awful experiences, yet he had grown in his formation and spiritual understanding and was able to discern God’s hand in all his life’s horrendous events.

Joseph’s world turns right side up as his dream comes into view. After years with his life and opportunities placed in the hands of strangers, he is now promoted to the top of Egyptian society. A successful immigrant, he holds the highest official title, only exceeded by Pharaoh himself (Gen. 41:40). Now 30, he has spent most of his teenage and adult life in servitude, but God sets him free.