But the Holy Spirit does not work like that. Gifts are not allocated on a merit-based selection system. If someone has the gift of wisdom, is it not because they deserve it. Nor is someone given the gift of leadership or preaching because they are super-special in some way. It can be hard to separate the person from the ministry, but I think it is important to do so. … More Acts 2:1-21 & 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
Of course, the culture-specific examples we read in the Bible need re-applying for different situations (I don’t recall finding a neighbour’s donkey in my field recently), but the principles are for all people at all times in all places. … More John 14:15-21
An Activity To help us remember that in our Father’s house there are many dwellings, we can make a name-plate for our doors there (and in the mean-time, we can use them at our earthly home, too). You will need: Cardboard, cut to size pencil Hot-glue gun – or – PVA glue and string Thick … More John 14:1-14
For Jesus, it was not enough just to know he had healed someone, he also wanted to meet her, and to know that she really was OK after all. And he also know that it was better for Jane to meet him, not to stay anonymous. Jesus wanted to encourage her faith, to lead her closer to God, and to completely transform her life, not just bring physical healing. … More All Age Talk -The Woman in the Crowd
Sheep Racing!
To race your sheep, hold the strings taut, one in each hand, and pull them alternately. The sheep should waddle along the strings to you in a most adorable manner. … More Psalm 23
God’s supreme revelation was Jesus, of course, but considering that God is the Omnipotent Lord of the Universe, I have to say that I don’t think that was a particularly efficient way of getting the message across. … More Acts 2:14a, 36-41
I like Thomas. I too am a sceptic. I’m about a sciency and rational as you can get. And I am currently studying theology.
Isn’t that a bit … well … inconsistent?
Next thing I know, there’s a *Crunchie* sound, like when you *Rolo* way a stone. I sat bolt upright and … ‘What *Kinder Surprise* is this?’ I said. … More Matthew 28:1-10
“Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Dad: The prophet Jesus? Who the flippin’ ‘eck does he think he is? All this fuss for a carpenter’s lad?
Chris: Why did we have to come? This is just a load of old people from the synagogue. … More Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 & Matthew 21:1-11
So we are now, and we are not yet. Like the expectant traveller: we have tickets in hand, but are not yet on board. So we live with the strangeness of two homes, two time zones. We are assured of what will be, but yet we live in the mundanity of what currently is. … More Romans 8:6-11
The Reflectionary 