Viewing all items in Resource Category: Looking at God

The story is told of a college graduation where there were a large number of graduates waiting to receive their degrees. Speed was of the essence, and so as the Chancellor presented their diplomas, he simply smiled each time and whispered: “Congratulations, keep moving.” It’s actually good advice for all of life, and for your...

A young mother writes: It is always busy in our home, as we have four young children running about. But one particular Sunday afternoon James, my four-year-old kept following me about very closely. He was on my heels every time I turned around, and after nearly falling over him several times, I lost patience. ‘Whatever...

The Parable of the Great Banquet From the Vicar Barnabas the Encourager Reflected Faith:  Sit and be Still Wake up! The story behind the HYMN: ‘Lord for the years’ Grace – God’s kindness towards us First, you simply have to be willing to listen ** Editor: Canon Paul Hardingham considers our priorities in life. The...

One thing that we’ve probably missed over the past year is parties. Well, this month should enable us to party again! Lots of Jesus’ parables focus on parties, as they are a picture of the joy, hope and life of the kingdom of God. The parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14: 15-24) challenges us...

One thing that we’ve probably missed over the past year is parties. This month should enable us to party again! Lots of Jesus’ parables focus on parties, as they are a picture of the joy, hope and life of the kingdom of God. The parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14: 15-24) challenges us not...

This month we remember the life of St Barnabas. His real name was Joseph, a wealthy Levite from Cyprus. However, he is known by his nickname ‘Son of Encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). Throughout Acts we see him encouraging others in different ways. He was an example of generous giving (Acts 4:36-7), when he sold property and...

How do you ‘sit’ in church? I’m a wriggler and change my position on the seat often. I cross one leg over the other, then swap them over, stretch them out, then cross them at the ankles. I do the same with my arms.  I lean one way and then the other. In other words, ‘I’m a...

Remember the story of Jacob, and how God met him in a dream when he was sleeping on the desert floor with a rock for his pillow? The story in Genesis 28 says this: ‘When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of...

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided, urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided: Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today. Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us, speaks to our hearts and sets our souls...

The word ‘grace’ is one of the most important words found in the New Testament. It means God’s loving disposition towards us as sinners. God’s ‘grace’ is almost another word for God’s love. This grace is the foundation of our salvation. So Paul can say that ‘we are justified freely by His grace’ (Romans 3:24);...

… the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. …he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:3-4)  Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his...

Pentecost From the Vicar We Chose to Go to the Moon Reflected Faith:  Hiding, waiting, hoping – FREE! Being brave? How long, O Lord? Be kind to each other ** Editor: The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham considers how the Holy Spirit can change our lives. Pentecost The celebration of Pentecost this month could be described...