The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and...
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:2-3 Comment This week we begin a series of reflections and prayers for Advent. I grew up with the Lutheran family tradition of...
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NLT) Comment I love the autumn especially the changing colours of leaves on the trees. As I was walking in the woods the other day I...
After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 Comment Traditionally 1st November – All Saints Day – is a time to remember those...
Greet each other with a sacred kiss. Romans 16:16 (NLT) Comment In the early days of our relationship we very naturally showed each other affection; touching, kissing, holding hands… We would also often say things like: “I really care for you.” “I love you.” “You’re so special.” If you’re still naturally affectionate, celebrate that! If, like me, you’re not regularly expressing...
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Psalms 125:1 NIV Comment A friend of mine has a high sense of responsibility and he likes to do things well. Some would say he is a perfectionist or a ‘control freak’ even. The down side of his gifting is that he is...
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Mat 23.12 NIV Comment The other day I was doing my quiet time and was particularly challenged by this passage and the associated notes (Encounter with God from Scripture Union). In the previous verses Jesus is haranguing the religious leaders. He questions their value...
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer – may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love. Proverbs 5: 18-19 Comment In his wisdom God made us physical and sensual. His desire for us is that we retain our desire for our partner and enjoy...
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person...
