Scripture: ‘Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.’ Rev 3:20 MSG Comment: How seldom it happens these days – the good old-fashioned family meal, sitting down together once a day over food, all phones silenced. It may...

Scripture: Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbour; despise the despicable. Psalm 15:2-4 MSG Comment: It’s so easy. And almost fun. ‘Why didn’t you…?’ ‘If only you had….’ ‘Who left the milk sitting out?…’ Once we start firing blame-bullets at each other, someone’s going to get hurt. Sometimes it feels like we’re...

Scripture: Rejoice always.  Pray continually.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIVUK Comment: Being prayerful doesn’t mean always being serious or intense. My Mum and Dad often larked about and we children enjoyed it hugely. I suspect it did them good to forget for a moment all the serious concerns of family, work and church. Our lives need balance – if we enjoy...

Scripture: I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  John 15 v 1-2 Comment: Today we took down a large beech tree in our garden. We planted it 20 years ago...

Scripture: The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.  Psalm 23. Comment: My son’s family is moving house. It’s been quite stressful – the mortgage provider nearly pulled out, there were safety issues to deal with as they have young children- arrangements for schools and all sorts of logistical nightmares with packing up and storage – most...