My grandfather and dad were both full-time chaplains for the London City Mission, my father-in-law is a vicar, and my husband is an elder in our local church - while also studying part-time for an MA in Christian ministry. I live a close distance from men who aspire to shepherd God’s people and in so doing have chosen a bittersweet path. In public they are men who lead up-front, but in private they are often on their knees.... continue reading
To pray is an admission and an expression of dependence. A self-assured person is not going to pray prayers of petition; there’s no need to pray if you think you have got it all covered. A self-righteous person is not going to pray prayers of confession; there’s no need to pray if you think you’re good enough to earn God’s blessing.... continue reading
I once had a conversation with a friend about Game of Thrones that led to talking about Jesus. Or at least, it nearly did. But I bottled it.... continue reading
The most important five-letter word in Calvinism isn’t TULIP. It’s Jesus. He has first place in everything (Colossians 1 v 18). The whole Bible is about him (John 5 v 39). The apostle Paul tells us again and again that our swagger must go and we are to boast only in the Lord. “So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10 v 17). If we are going to toot a horn, there’s one note we have: “But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6 v 14). Christ is our confidence. Christ is our cause. Christ is our song.... continue reading
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an author? What is it that drives somebody to take an idea and run with it all the way to a printed book on sale in the local bookshop? In reality, it’s probably different for everyone. But what follows is a glimpse into one author’s story. Helen recently co-wrote 5 Things to Pray for Your City, and we asked her to tell us a bit about herself and the passion that motivated her to write.... continue reading
Two years ago today, I handed in my undergraduate thesis. I handed it in and retreated to the couch with friends feeling slightly empty and lost. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to have handed it in. But the reality of soon entering the “real world” loomed large. While many of my friends had secured jobs that they were due to start as soon as term ended, I was firmly in the “I’m not sure what’s next” camp. And I was absolutely terrified (trust me—growing up I was the kind of kid who made an itinerary for every day of the family vacation. Planning is my jam).... continue reading
One of the best ways to view a diamond is to put it against a dark background and shine a bright light on it from the side. The contrast reveals the wonder of the stone in all its perfection. So too with the cross. The dark backdrop of the cost to Jesus, contrasted with the light of the blessings we enjoy, reveals the wonder and glory of the cross. May these Easter contrasts fill our hearts with gratitude and our mouths with praise.... continue reading
How should today’s parents be thinking when it comes to digital technology, especially smartphones? ... continue reading
What should we feel about Easter?
It’s a question I grappled with as I read through the gospel passion narratives preparing to write a book for children.... continue reading
Ministry post-mortems tell us so much, but it would be great if we could see the falls coming. But can’t we?... continue reading
