Some time ago I watched a concert on television of the singer Adele. In her chat to the audience she mentioned that she felt like an imposter. What she meant was that she felt unworthy of the fame and...
The prospect of death concentrates the mind. Things that seem so important, yet are only transitory, fade away. The pretences and facades fall off the perfect image we like to present. Suddenly,...
James warns what a terrible weapon we have in the tongue, in our speech. To keep control of our tongue we must be perfect. Well, I wish I could say that I am perfect, but I know that I am far from...
Joel’s comparatively brief prophetic book, addressed to the nation of Judah, ploughs a similar furrow to other accounts from the prophets. This recurring theme focuses on Israel’s or Judah’s...
I recently adopted two golden retriever puppies, Bumi and Zuko. One of the most endearing things they do is greet me with all their excitement when I return home. They’ll run up to me wagging their...
We all have faith in something or someone. We put our faith in the systems of our society that keep things running. If we didn’t, we’d all go live in the woods, off the grid, away from...
The final words purported to be uttered by famous people range from the prosaic ‘I’m bored with it all’ – Winston Churchill; to the tragic ‘I’m just going outside. I may be some time’...
My prayers often focus on requests. Please God do this for me, provide that for me, get me out of this trouble. Sometimes they are not selfish prayers: my requests are for God to do this, and provide...
James points to the example of Elijah as a man whose prayers were answered. We may read this and be encouraged. Or we may react by feeling a tad discouraged. I don’t think anyone would say that...
We often think of living as living well physically, living the high life as some say. Many focus on what they can attain in possessions, what they can gain in the way of notoriety, and perhaps living...
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the playwright has his protagonist create a situation intended to draw out evil and corruption in this story of jealousy and tragedy. Hamlet declares in Act 2 Scene 2,...
If you’re an animated movie fan, and I say, ‘To infinity and beyond!’ you probably will immediately think of Buzz Lightyear from the movie Toy Story! In the movie, Buzz Lightyear was an...
Faith is an interesting topic. In some respects, it’s very simple and in others, it can be quite complicated, depending on whom you ask. A lot has been written about it and everyone has an...
Local congregation: Grace Communion International Central GlasgowGarnethill RoomConference SuiteSt Andrews West260 Bath StreetGlasgowG2 4JP Meeting time:Sunday 11:15 am Local congregational...
I recently watched the Matrix trilogy of films, which I hadn’t seen for many years. In the first film the leading character Neo is given a choice between two pills: the red pill would reveal the...
Jesus Christ, when he ascended to the Father, gave us a magnificent parting gift — the Holy Spirit. We celebrate this gift on Pentecost. After Pentecost in the worship calendar, we turn our...
This was not the first time that Jesus told his followers that he was headed for his own death. It is a subject that we all try to avoid. Yet, Jesus refused to avoid it. Even though I have tried to...
Glory that lasts And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! 2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV) We all want things to last – that toaster, our marriage, our...
James Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you...
The who question Most of us who were born more than (ahem) a few years ago probably remember learning about the 5 Ws and the H. It was the first thing I heard about during a class on journalism. Who,...
A balanced view of Christianity Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the...
Passing away When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 (ESV) Today we are living in what can be described as a troubled world – a world where...
Unbelieving prayer This is the 22nd in a series of studies on the subject of prayer …The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NRSVA) Do you believe things will happen when...
In all things It’s inspiring to see God work his infinite power. For me, it’s also in the little things that I get to see God and experience him on a daily basis. I usually take time to...
Be holy But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) I agree that God is holy, divine, perfect in...
The songs of home Did you have a trip your family took while you were growing up? Maybe to visit relatives across the country? Or maybe back to a parent’s hometown? Or that one resort or beach town...
Jesus in Everything One of the shorter verses in the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – ‘pray without ceasing.’ It sounds good, but can anyone do this? I try, but it’s not easy, especially...
Stand firm Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of...
Christian courage So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! Psalm 31:24 (NLT) Some people think that responses such as silence, meekness, and forgiveness are passive or weak....
Jesus prayed for you and me This is the 21st in a series of studies on the subject of prayer ‘My prayer is not for [the disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their...
Rolled away There was a barrier between the women and their goal to reach the Lord. They had faithfully kept the Sabbath, and they were dedicated in love. They now moved forward as they prepared to...
God will strengthen This is the 26th study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture “Behold, I have made your face strong against their [the people of Israel] faces, and your forehead...
The comfort and connection of bread During the early days of the pandemic, one surprising trend was the number of people who turned to bread making – to the point that yeast and flour were in...
Walking on Water You’ve probably heard of the technique – or joke – of how to deal with the fear of public speaking. I’ve never tried it, probably because it didn’t seem...
Be careful how you live Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but...
Bless one another This is the 20th in a series of studies on the subject of prayer ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the...
In our mind’s eye Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) God has given us many gifts....
He is able to save The shore was just littered with stones; no shells, just rock after rock smoothed by rubbing against each other and the sand. As the waves rolled over them and withdrew, they made a...
God will raise This is the 25th study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture “ ‘…the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. From them...
Under the broom tree This is a broom tree. Solitary shrubs like this grew all over the desert in biblical times—rugged, resourceful plants that shot their roots deep into the unforgiving dry soil. ...
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