It is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs

As a parent I know there is a lot that my daughter, Abby, has to learn.

I know that I have a lot to learn from her too.

When was the last time you went to sleep with an open bible on your bed?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Tom

I do not want to comment on the link below or saying anything about it...it is simply an opportunity to listen to somebody's story.

Facing life after losing your son

Fill up my cup

While we were having dinner yesterday Abby finished her drink, slammed the cup on the table and yelled, "Empty!".

I gave her the kind of look that only parents know how to give and she quickly said, "Please can I have another drink Daddy?".

Our heavenly father is more than willing to give to those who ask of him, and keep giving until our cup overflows.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Psalm 23

World Toilet Day

Today is World Toilet Day. Water Aid have loads of useful information about this, including games and ways to raise money and awareness.

Every time you use the toilet today you could use it as a chance to make a donation and say a prayer.

Be sure to tell all your friends!

Happy donating.

Global poverty prayer week

No prizes for guessing what this post is about!

Have a look at the link below to discover how you can get involved.

Daily Prayer Focus

Give a little hope...shine a little light...make a big difference...PRAY

What's it all about...Archie?

If there's one thing I have become convinced of over the last twenty years it is this; lots of Christians find it hard to fully accept God's love.

I was delighted when this very topic was addressed at church on Sunday morning. The speaker, Archie Coates, delivered the message in a way that was so beautifully articulate that I shall say no more, and simply point you to the place where you can listen to it yourself.

You are loved - Archie Coates

Wise words

I was flicking through a children's furniture catalogue the other day when I came across this quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come"

I'm pretty sure almost every American student must have heard this several times, but for me it is a first. I very much like the idea of being ready, being prepared. Even though the opportunity to make use of our readiness may never come, the important thing is to be ready ahead of time. Quite a revelation for a chap who, although very much a planner, tends to leave things to the last minute.

We never know when we will get the opportunity to proclaim the love of God, and tell the story of Jesus. Through study and relationship we can be ready. Just in case!

proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Blessed Insurance

The other day I had reason to make use of an insurance policy I had taken out on a purchase I had made earlier this year. It was with some trepidation that I went back to the shop fully expecting to have to argue my case. Too often insurance policies appear to promise the everything but actually deliver very little. This time I was pleasantly surprised when my claim was dealt with efficiently and without question.

It is often said that people just use Christianity as an insurance policy for Heaven. For the true Christian is not a matter of insurance but assurance. We know with full certainty and absolute confidence that the promise of God holds true for our lives because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Blowing in the wind

It always amazes me how easily our joy can be robbed from us. I guess too often our joy is only based on the prevailing circumstances of our lives.

Joy is listed as the fruit of the Spirit and yet it is probably one of the parts least talked about. True joy goes far deeper than mere human happiness, it transcends our day-to-day experiences.

That doesn't mean we have to walk around with an inane grin our faces, pretending everything is ok. We are called to weep with those who weep. What it does mean is, as we trust and have our security in God, there can be a lightness in our spirit in even the most difficult of circumstances.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11

Beautiful feet

I was inspired by the talk at church last week that was all about mission.

The idea of 'beautiful feet' can be found in Isaiah 52:7 and Paul makes reference to it in Romans 10:15. In doing a bit of reading later that day I was particularly struck by the previous verse in Romans.


But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? Romans 10:14

As I read those words I had tears in my eyes and a stirring in my heart. My reaction completely took me by surprise yet at the same time it felt like I was being reminded of something I had known for a very long time. Perhaps my time inside the whale is coming to an end and I could be about to find myself on a beach heading for Nineveh!

Identity

Last year I had a season ticket for my rugby team, Harlequins. I bought a replica match top and wore it proudly to every game. It was a great feeling walking towards the stadium with so many people all wearing the same colours.

On the train back from Paris last week I saw a guy with a Harlequins bag and we chatted for for a few seconds because we knew we shared a common interest. It was great to see a fellow Quins fan and remember that sense of belonging.

There's definitely something to be said for having a symbol or colour that identifies you with a particular group. Sadly the clergy in the UK are being advised against wearing their dog collar in public for fear of being attacked.

I've never been one for wearing a cross or a fish symbol, but I can certainly see how a fellow believer might find it encouraging to see someone else who loves Jesus. I'm not suggesting that we all rush out and buy tops that say "I'm a Christian" on it, but it does make me think about how I can make my faith more obvious to those around me.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Money talks (and sings)

A couple of weeks ago Abby came home from Sunday School singing "Jesus' love is very wonderful". She had picked up the tune very quickly and was happily singing to herself as she played.

It wasn't long, however, before Abby had decided to make up some words of her own. "Jesus' love is very wonderful" had turned into "Thank you Lord for golden coins".

I can't help but wonder if she knew I was listening and was dropping me a hint!

Bon anniversaire

Last Friday was my birthday and I have reached the grand old age of thirty five.

I'm not normally one for celebrating my birthday but this year was different.

The morning of my birthday was celebrated with balloons, banners and a Spongebob Squarepants birthday cake for breakfast. This was for the benefit of my four year old daughter, Abby, of course.

I then spent the weekend in Paris with my brother and his fiancee. We enjoyed watching England beat Tonga 36-20 in the Rugby World Cup followed by some top notch sight-seeing!

This year I have also done amazingly well for presents. The generosity of my friends and family has been incredible. Two very good friends even took the time to drop off a present for me while they were on their way to a funeral.

I am so thankful for everything I have received and so much more thankful to God for the people who gave the gifts.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

If you can't march...

...get on your knees and pray.

We must pray with the same passion and boldness with which the people of Burma are marching and blogging!

Walk this way

I was amazed to read today that, in an attempt to get people back to church, a Bishop is going to fly a plane towing a banner advertising a campaign called 'Back to Church Sunday'. The aim of this campaign is to bring a total 20,000 extra people into 2,000 different churches. The campaign might have a good aim but this method is way off target.

Yesterday in church the preacher was talking about mission. He related two stories of how he had spoken with work colleagues recently who were going through tough times and had offered them prayer. At no point did he say that he had tied a big sheet, with John 3:16 painted on it, to the back of his car and driven round and round the company car park.

The example of Jesus is that we should walk alongside people and share their pain and sorrow as well their smiles and laughter. John 1:14 clearly demonstrates that God knew that incarnation was the only way to bring about salvation. I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't make use of technology in our evangelism but it should never be a substitute for relationships.

Last week I was looking at a few books in my local Christian bookshop, and one in particular caught my eye. I didn't buy anything that day but Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels will soon be added to my reading list.

Burnt offering

My daughter, Abby, and I went to see some friends for dinner yesterday evening. Abby requested fish fingers, potatoes and raw carrots...pretty straight forward. However, when the food was put on the table Abby took one look at it and said, "I don't really eat burnt food". Fortunately everyone saw the funny side and the fish fingers did eventually get eaten.

It reminded me of something that I had read earlier in the week.

Psalm 51:16-17
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

It's certainly food for thought!