You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) This is not a political post. But in an age when ‘alternative facts’ and ‘fake news’ rule, it is time to remind ourselves: truth matters. It really worries me that the very concept of truth is under attack, not just by Trump, but also by the media he so hates, and the fake news we see every day online. Just one example recently was Mark Hamil... Read more
Its official. Recent research has shown that the divisions in the USA are so great it has led to some people becoming delusional. The Washington Post reports the most staggering thing I have read so far in this whole saga. A full 41% of Trump voters when shown the photos of Obama’s and Trump’s inauguration crowds claimed that the photograph with more people was Trump’s. That is just plain not true. No repeating a mantra of ‘alternative facts’ changes red... Read more
Many of us have forgotten what it is like to walk without a sat nav guiding us. Even when I go nordic walking in the forest I tend to rely on my phone’s map app to direct me. We miss therefore some of the sense of the metaphor ‘walking with God’ that the Bible intends. Walking with God doesn’t mean we never take a wrong turn and even get lost. It doesn’t preclude stumbling and falling. God promises to be... Read more
Adrian reading this article: Video Audio Many. Let that word sink in a moment. Many. Not a few. Not a theoretical group. Not a hypothetical warning. Many. Notice how complacent they are. Feel the pride. They think they are in. Prophesying. Casting out demons, mighty works. Perhaps we could add preaching and leading. Maybe writing a blog. Doing things ‘in Jesus name’ Part of the ‘in crowd’ Looking terribly spiritual to others. But not to the Lord. No to the One who... Read more
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) If you are anything like me you are only too aware that 2016 was not a perfect year. The New Year gives us a sense of moving on which can be very important. The past can be reflected on,... Read more
“There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work” (Ecclesiastes 2:24, HCSB) If you are anything like me you have eaten way too much food over the last few days. The Bible is clear that we can and should enjoy our food, and enjoy our rest. But it is no surprise that the verse I am looking at today comes from the same book of the Bible that says ‘There is a time for everything . . .” (Ecclesiastes 3). It is good to... Read more
There is no question this has been a remarkable year both personally and in the public consciousness. I have been reminded of the Queen’s famous description of 1992 as an Annus horribilis when in typical British understatement she said, “1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure.” 2016 is a year when we have been very conscious of the deaths of what seems like a remarkably large number of celebrities. The stars of the sixties who have clung... Read more
I have had a tendency to get overly committed to work. I know I’m not alone. Occasional overtime becomes the new regular hours. Commitment and passion becomes obsession and fervor. Being responsible becomes feeling like you are indispensable. I have news for us all today: we are replaceable. It stuck me as I start my new job that someone already sits in my seat at the old one. And someone else before me sat in the chair I now do.... Read more
We are a very blessed people. We are also a forgetful people. Or let me own that more personally, I am a forgetful person. Today I read Psalm 103 and it reminded. I have a God who blesses me even though I deserve none of it. I have a God who forgives ALL my sins, who heals ALL my diseases, and who CARES for me. How often do I forget all this? How often do I live as a functional... Read more
If most people were asked what was the reason for Spurgeon’s success, they would probably say ‘his preaching.’ But it is very interesting to note how strongly he believed prayer was responsible for the remarkable blessing that came on his ministry: WHEN I came to New Park Street Chapel, it was but a mere handful of people to whom I first preached; yet I can never forget how earnestly they prayed. Sometimes, they seemed to plead as though they could... Read more
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