She has just finished an Alpha course when her company relocates her to the other end of the country. International students in your outreach café become Christians in the final months of study and return home to Iran and France and Mexico. Your cousin, a believer, works 12 hour shifts offshore two weeks a month.
Read More joy, discipleship, letter writing, prayerGauguin’s ‘The Vision after the Sermon’ (1888) depicts a group of meditating Breton peasants in white bonnets. On the right, the address they have just heard is portrayed by Jacob wrestling with an angel. The contemplative domesticity contrasts with the violent, mysterious, elusive struggle of the deeply flawed patriarch.
Read More wisdom, discernment, moral dilemmas‘If only I had more time and energy, I could do so much more for the Lord!’ ‘If our church building were bigger / more central / had a better kitchen, we could initiate so many outreach projects.’ ‘If our mission had more partners, if our leaders were more imaginative, if our donors were more generous…’
Read More disappointment, God’s sovereignty, frustrationAs a teacher of English to speakers of other languages, part of my job is to help prepare people for the British citizenship test. The students have come from different parts of the world, mainly through marriage or work, and wish to settle in the UK. The test signals to those seeking a British passport …
Read More identity, loyalty, citizens, standing firm‘Singing from the same hymn sheet’ has become a fairly common idiom, despite fears that it might offend atheists! It demonstrates a common understanding that, for any venture to succeed, all stakeholders must say the same things in public. Here, as Paul continues to spell out the implications of Christian citizenship …
Read More humility, Unity, status envy, selflessnessGraduation at the university where I serve is a splendid affair. Gowns of all colours swish around the town, academics process in order of seniority and new graduates are celebrated for their intellectual achievement. This festival of optimism assures parents and patrons that their considerable expenditure is well invested, as future wealth and influence are assured.
Read More Lord, humility, love, self-giving attitude, successDiscipleship is not simply a ten week course for new believers on biblical fundamentals! How heartwarming it is to see here a flourishing spectrum of formal and informal relationships, where individuals are given space to reflect and work on their growing relationship with Jesus!
Read More investing in others, joy, discipleship, grumblingDear Epaphroditus, Greetings from a twenty first century follower of Jesus! Allow me to introduce myself, because when I arrive in the new heavens and the new earth, you are among the first people I want to meet! I know little about you, yet every time I hear your name and recall Paul’s tender words about you, I am deeply moved.
Read More service, weakness, Epaphroditus, Timothy, modelChecking the boxes has become an imperative in our target-driven culture. Whether in business or government, in education or even the marriage market, it seems as though everything is measured and valued according to quantifiable criteria. And yet, when common sense and reality take a step back …
Read More achievement, accomplishments, good works, knowing ChristPassion and perseverance may at first sight appear somewhat incompatible. Passion shines bright, with the energy of a sprint, but can be over in an instant: someone launches into a project with wonderful ideas, but flakes out at the first hurdle. Perseverance may seem very dull in comparison, like a slow marathon.
Read More focus, knowing Christ, spiritual marathon, perseverance, passion