Dec2019
Listening for God’s voice
After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, ‘Herod will be looking for the child m order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave.’ Joseph got up, took… Read more
Dec2019
A fresh look at the world
Praise the LORD from the earth, sea monsters and all ocean depths; lightning and hail, snow and clouds, strong winds that obey his command. Praise him, hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests; all animals, tame and wild, reptiles and birds. (verses 7-10) Read Psalm 148 Christian worship in the modem world has its focus… Read more
Dec2019
Strength to keep going
But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. (verse 31) Read Isaiah 40:15-31 My wife and I rise at 6 am during the week. After a late night… Read more
Dec2019
That’s enough
‘Comfort my people,’ says our God. ‘Comfort them! Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.’ (verses 1,2) Read Isaiah 40:1-14 In a boxing match the referee can put a stop to the bout if… Read more
Dec2019
God’s witnessing manual
The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. (verse 14) Read John 1:1–14 The Christmas story means different things to different people. This year I’ve been struck by one thing in particular: the Christmas… Read more
Dec2019
Dec2019
Bottled peace
Open the city gates and let the faithful nation enter, the nation whose people do what is right. You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever; he will always protect us. (verses 2-4) Read Isaiah 26:1-6 If you were… Read more
Dec2019
Decisions, decisions
Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break off the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid… Read more
Dec2019
Our nation
Listen to us, O Shepherd of Israel; hear us, leader of your flock. Seated on your throne above the winged creatures, reveal yourself to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manassah. Show us your strength; come and save us! Bring us back, O God! Show us your mercy, and we will be saved! (verses 1-3)… Read more
Dec2019
What if God was one of us?
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. (verse 1) Read Isaiah 25:1-9 On her 1996 album, Relish, Joan Osborne sung that hit song, ‘One of Us’. The question: “What if God was one of us?” was… Read more
