Jan2020
Parallels and patterns
‘I will show compassion to Jerusalem, to all who live in her ruins. Though her land is a desert, I will make it a garden, like the garden I planted in Eden. Joy and gladness will be there, and songs of praise and thanks to me.’ (verse 3) Read Isaiah 51:1-8 The pattern was first… Read more
Jan2020
Spread the word
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (verse 20) Read Luke 2:15-21 After going on a holiday and travelling to see amazing sights, most people return wanting to tell others about what they saw and experienced. Especially on… Read more
Dec2019
Why does God care for us?
When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places—what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them? Yet you made them inferior only to yourself; you crowned them with glory and honour. (verses 3-5) Read… Read more
Dec2019
Light to the nations
‘I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons.’ (verses… Read more
Dec2019
Listening for God’s voice
After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, ‘Herod will be looking for the child m order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave.’ Joseph got up, took… Read more
Dec2019
A fresh look at the world
Praise the LORD from the earth, sea monsters and all ocean depths; lightning and hail, snow and clouds, strong winds that obey his command. Praise him, hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests; all animals, tame and wild, reptiles and birds. (verses 7-10) Read Psalm 148 Christian worship in the modem world has its focus… Read more
Dec2019
Strength to keep going
But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. (verse 31) Read Isaiah 40:15-31 My wife and I rise at 6 am during the week. After a late night… Read more
Dec2019
That’s enough
‘Comfort my people,’ says our God. ‘Comfort them! Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.’ (verses 1,2) Read Isaiah 40:1-14 In a boxing match the referee can put a stop to the bout if… Read more
Dec2019
God’s witnessing manual
The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. (verse 14) Read John 1:1–14 The Christmas story means different things to different people. This year I’ve been struck by one thing in particular: the Christmas… Read more
Dec2019
