1, The other day I read 'Being loved by Christ' to my wife as our son slept in the back of the car. The phrase .'..to the end' has been with me ever since.
2. In a Bible study today I was struck by Gen 18: 22..'..Abraham remained standing before the Lord'
3. I got a lovely letter from the dear lady selling her husband's book collection with my 'Life of A W Pink' delivery. On the phone, we had spoken about Martyn Lloyd-Jones and she wrote:
'I will have to look up in the attic where all Peter's books are kept and see if I have any D M Lloyd Jones. I remember many years ago listening to him preach when he came to our town and he was very good'
4. We had a wonderful gathering of a few men in our church and ate stew, shared (only Christians say that which ironically was one of our discussion points), prayed and ended with Ephesians 1:3-15 being spoken over our hearts.
5. I have been pondering the prayers of Paul.
6. Before I left to study to be a priest in the C of E all I ever described myself as was 'a Christian'. Apparently, so I was told along the way since, I am an ......rather than a........ and I'm certainly not a ......... The longer I follow Jesus I increasingly am happy with the simple descriptor 'Christian'. It seems to me that what matters is that you are one.
7. My wonderful in-laws went to 'Hidden Figures' and said it's the best thing they have seen in ages.
8. The last story Simon tells in 'Different' is one of those treasures you'll miss out on if you don't finish the book.
9. The new birth is a miracle.
10. I am the most blessed man alive to married to my wife.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Monday, March 13, 2017
Monday musing
1. Watching this made me think afresh about the Great Commission
2. I bought a book (The Life of A W Pink) from Amazon and a dear lady rang me on Saturday to tell me that the one I ordered was soft back not hardback as she had advertised. She is the widow of a Welsh pastor who died leaving his library of 5000 books. She is selling them piece by piece (800 so far) and tries to pray for each person who buys one by name and said she would be praying for me. Amazing. If you want to know how you become a Welsh pastor with 5000 books you would do well to read this truly gripping biography.
3. I enjoy a book recommendation and this line from 'Different' struck me:
'One of the most inspiring books I have read in recent years was the autobiographical account of a remarkable man called Jan Karski.' p. 193
4. Elaine Storky, who taught me at Vicar Factory, has written a piece about the Sheffield Bishop incident.
5. This post which you should read contains this great line: 'We cannot know who we are without first knowing whose we are'
6. Ru did a fantastic job with John 3 yesterday. She is such a gifted evangelist.
7. I have been mulling on this:
'The American motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said 'You are the average of the five people you spend time with' quoted in Different, p. 199.
2. I bought a book (The Life of A W Pink) from Amazon and a dear lady rang me on Saturday to tell me that the one I ordered was soft back not hardback as she had advertised. She is the widow of a Welsh pastor who died leaving his library of 5000 books. She is selling them piece by piece (800 so far) and tries to pray for each person who buys one by name and said she would be praying for me. Amazing. If you want to know how you become a Welsh pastor with 5000 books you would do well to read this truly gripping biography.
3. I enjoy a book recommendation and this line from 'Different' struck me:
'One of the most inspiring books I have read in recent years was the autobiographical account of a remarkable man called Jan Karski.' p. 193
4. Elaine Storky, who taught me at Vicar Factory, has written a piece about the Sheffield Bishop incident.
5. This post which you should read contains this great line: 'We cannot know who we are without first knowing whose we are'
6. Ru did a fantastic job with John 3 yesterday. She is such a gifted evangelist.
7. I have been mulling on this:
'The American motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said 'You are the average of the five people you spend time with' quoted in Different, p. 199.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Saturday blog-sweep
Why the future of the C of E is in the balance
Warren Buffet: 3 things I look for in a person
Why 60 is the new 30 via Dash House
Good disagreement becomes bad bullying
5 Women every Christian should know
10 questions about future church attendance than we don't know the answers to.
Deep work with Cal Newport via Mark Howell (a listen)
Words, Words, Words
Warren Buffet: 3 things I look for in a person
Why 60 is the new 30 via Dash House
Good disagreement becomes bad bullying
5 Women every Christian should know
10 questions about future church attendance than we don't know the answers to.
Deep work with Cal Newport via Mark Howell (a listen)
Words, Words, Words
Thursday, March 09, 2017
Busy bees
1. I have just spent a couple of days learning about mission with some other churches run by Lead Academy. One thought I gleaned from Michael Harvey was that ministry is about faithfulness and not success.
2. The Biblical thought again expounded by Michael was 'God gives the growth'. Too often we think it should read 'The church (leader) gives the growth'
3. As I have been mulling on kindness I listened to 'How to change' which is a wonderful look at the Fruits of the Spirit.
4. This passage from 'Different' moved me and made me want to dig deeper into the Bible for the good of my son, my family and the health of my own soul. Reading it made me want to be a more Godly man:
I grew up with my father modelling a life of Scripture reading, often in the original languages- he was fluent in biblical Hebrew and competent in New Testament Greek. I never woke up when he hadn't been up for an hour or so already, reading the Bible- every night after the nine o'clock news (as it was then) he would retire to pray and read his Bible. I once asked him how many times he had read the Bible through- he was reluctant to say, not wanting to appear boeastful or to repeat the sin of David's census (I Chron 21), but on being pressed he shared that, during my teens it had only been once a year, otherwise as many as four times each year- so in fifty years as a Christian, he had read the Bible in excess of one hundred times. And with what result? Well, he is unquestionably the most Godly man I have ever met and I have met and known close up some of the leading church figures of the past twenty years. A life lived immersed in God's word, seeking God, has rubbed off'. p.143
5. My next read is going to be 'The life of A W Pink'
6. I enjoyed this film as a metaphor for how the un-churched experience us on a Sunday.
7. Why, so often, when I speak to clergy do they tell me how busy they are? I would much rather hear about what God has been doing or how much fun they are having. The reason I chose 'fun' is I listened to John Peters sermon called 'Fun'( by which he means joy) - something we all could do with a bit more of. John is a breath of fresh air and the least Anglican Anglican Vicar in the land........
8. A quote that has lived with (and challenged) me that I wrote down yesterday:
'A Church can only go as far as the relationship the church leader has with God'
9. Cranmer on the broo ha ha about the next Bishop of Sheffield and then this development. I am sure my phone will soon be ringing....:)
10. 'Dr John Stott, in an interview at the age of eighty-six, said there are many themes in the Bible but there is one we have tended to neglect, that is the call to be different from the world'
Different, p.142
2. The Biblical thought again expounded by Michael was 'God gives the growth'. Too often we think it should read 'The church (leader) gives the growth'
3. As I have been mulling on kindness I listened to 'How to change' which is a wonderful look at the Fruits of the Spirit.
4. This passage from 'Different' moved me and made me want to dig deeper into the Bible for the good of my son, my family and the health of my own soul. Reading it made me want to be a more Godly man:
I grew up with my father modelling a life of Scripture reading, often in the original languages- he was fluent in biblical Hebrew and competent in New Testament Greek. I never woke up when he hadn't been up for an hour or so already, reading the Bible- every night after the nine o'clock news (as it was then) he would retire to pray and read his Bible. I once asked him how many times he had read the Bible through- he was reluctant to say, not wanting to appear boeastful or to repeat the sin of David's census (I Chron 21), but on being pressed he shared that, during my teens it had only been once a year, otherwise as many as four times each year- so in fifty years as a Christian, he had read the Bible in excess of one hundred times. And with what result? Well, he is unquestionably the most Godly man I have ever met and I have met and known close up some of the leading church figures of the past twenty years. A life lived immersed in God's word, seeking God, has rubbed off'. p.143
5. My next read is going to be 'The life of A W Pink'
6. I enjoyed this film as a metaphor for how the un-churched experience us on a Sunday.
7. Why, so often, when I speak to clergy do they tell me how busy they are? I would much rather hear about what God has been doing or how much fun they are having. The reason I chose 'fun' is I listened to John Peters sermon called 'Fun'( by which he means joy) - something we all could do with a bit more of. John is a breath of fresh air and the least Anglican Anglican Vicar in the land........
8. A quote that has lived with (and challenged) me that I wrote down yesterday:
'A Church can only go as far as the relationship the church leader has with God'
9. Cranmer on the broo ha ha about the next Bishop of Sheffield and then this development. I am sure my phone will soon be ringing....:)
10. 'Dr John Stott, in an interview at the age of eighty-six, said there are many themes in the Bible but there is one we have tended to neglect, that is the call to be different from the world'
Different, p.142
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Growing
1. I've spent the day talking and learning about mission. Here is the quote that has stuck with me:
'Mission takes place when we honour the presence of the Spirit in ordinary believers'
Roland Allen
2. I've reread a chapter in 'Different' about kindness and it made me pray to be a kinder man and also that our church would be a place where people meet with kindness.
'Abraham Heschel once wrote that when he was young he admired intelligent people, but as he grew older what impressed him most was meeting kind people.' p, 99
3. I am musing on the fact that the early church managed to grow without a snazzy website.
4. Preaching a sermon called 'The Free Gift' in a church I attended for many years made me cry but I pulled myself together eventually.
5. Imagine a life and achievements that sought not to be remembered.
6. I enjoyed 'On my bookshelf' and am often blessed by David Murray's blog.
7. Someone sent my wife this who then sent it to me. We are looking at 'How and why should I read the Bible?' tonight at Alpha.
8. If you were picking a starter book to read, this might be the most helpful.
9. This sentence from 'Grace in practice' has lingered:
'The past resolved gives the present its only chance' p. 13
10. I chatted with a dear pal who attended a Korean pastors prayer meeting held in his church. He told me what struck him was they prayed with 'expectancy' that God would answer. Expectancy.Years ago, I read this book and feel I should dig it out again.
'Mission takes place when we honour the presence of the Spirit in ordinary believers'
Roland Allen
2. I've reread a chapter in 'Different' about kindness and it made me pray to be a kinder man and also that our church would be a place where people meet with kindness.
'Abraham Heschel once wrote that when he was young he admired intelligent people, but as he grew older what impressed him most was meeting kind people.' p, 99
3. I am musing on the fact that the early church managed to grow without a snazzy website.
4. Preaching a sermon called 'The Free Gift' in a church I attended for many years made me cry but I pulled myself together eventually.
5. Imagine a life and achievements that sought not to be remembered.
6. I enjoyed 'On my bookshelf' and am often blessed by David Murray's blog.
7. Someone sent my wife this who then sent it to me. We are looking at 'How and why should I read the Bible?' tonight at Alpha.
8. If you were picking a starter book to read, this might be the most helpful.
9. This sentence from 'Grace in practice' has lingered:
'The past resolved gives the present its only chance' p. 13
10. I chatted with a dear pal who attended a Korean pastors prayer meeting held in his church. He told me what struck him was they prayed with 'expectancy' that God would answer. Expectancy.Years ago, I read this book and feel I should dig it out again.
Monday, March 06, 2017
Monday musing
1. I've finished reading 'Dirty Glory' but I am not sure its finished with me.
2. I preached yesterday on an away match and someone said to me afterwards, 'We don't hear much about sin in the church these days'
3. If you are an over-stressed man or know one they might need a Reset.
4.' A W Tozer wrote, 'Men do not become Christians by associating with church people nor by religious contact, nor by religion education; they become Christians only by invasion of their nature by the Spirit of God in the new birth.'
quoted in Different, p. 32
5. Zuckerberg World President
6. A pal recommended 'The January Man'
7. Al Mohler on 'The Shack'.
2. I preached yesterday on an away match and someone said to me afterwards, 'We don't hear much about sin in the church these days'
3. If you are an over-stressed man or know one they might need a Reset.
4.' A W Tozer wrote, 'Men do not become Christians by associating with church people nor by religious contact, nor by religion education; they become Christians only by invasion of their nature by the Spirit of God in the new birth.'
quoted in Different, p. 32
5. Zuckerberg World President
6. A pal recommended 'The January Man'
7. Al Mohler on 'The Shack'.
Saturday, March 04, 2017
Thursday, March 02, 2017
Thursday thoughts
1. This argument for the existence of God is compelling to me.
2. I have been thinking about worship songs (many in fact that I appreciate) that can mean one thing if you are a Christian and entirely another if you aren't. Its strikes me that whilst they can be good songs and even have meaningful lyrics for a believer, if they become the diet of the church many of those singing them will overtime become ignorant of the gospel.
3. Deep work is a book that caught my eye
4. I am preaching on Romans 5 at my old church and this quote from Barth's commentary is marinating:
'Therefore, as new men we stand on the threshold of a new world. But the old man also is mankind, humanity, and the world of men. Each particular man is therefore doubly conditioned. He is conditioned, on the one hand, by that which dissolves his particularity. and on the other, by that which affirms it. As the old man, he is what he 'is', the man 'we' know, who is under the wrath of God; as the new man, he is what he is not, the man 'we' do not know, who is righteous before God'
P. 164
5. I have been mulling on 'Ten things I would do if I was raising a son today' and 'Ten things I would do if I was raising a daughter today'. ( the context is North America)
6. We are starting our Lent preaching series 'Different' on Sunday. I have been thinking a bit about the fact that my church tribe in general 'don't do Lent' and am starting to think that this is beginning to show.
John Wimber, after seeing several close friends and colleagues in ministry crash and burn over moral issues, said,
I have seen for years where some people who experience grace and charisma of God deceive themselves that they don't have to work on their character because God is self-evidently with them and working through them. Gifts are given to the Church because of our generous God, but gifts without character can do much damage. Therefore, I've learned to look for people with character rather than people with gifting'
Different, Page 5
7. I've been listening to Rag' bone man and wondering if he's a Christian.
2. I have been thinking about worship songs (many in fact that I appreciate) that can mean one thing if you are a Christian and entirely another if you aren't. Its strikes me that whilst they can be good songs and even have meaningful lyrics for a believer, if they become the diet of the church many of those singing them will overtime become ignorant of the gospel.
3. Deep work is a book that caught my eye
4. I am preaching on Romans 5 at my old church and this quote from Barth's commentary is marinating:
'Therefore, as new men we stand on the threshold of a new world. But the old man also is mankind, humanity, and the world of men. Each particular man is therefore doubly conditioned. He is conditioned, on the one hand, by that which dissolves his particularity. and on the other, by that which affirms it. As the old man, he is what he 'is', the man 'we' know, who is under the wrath of God; as the new man, he is what he is not, the man 'we' do not know, who is righteous before God'
P. 164
5. I have been mulling on 'Ten things I would do if I was raising a son today' and 'Ten things I would do if I was raising a daughter today'. ( the context is North America)
6. We are starting our Lent preaching series 'Different' on Sunday. I have been thinking a bit about the fact that my church tribe in general 'don't do Lent' and am starting to think that this is beginning to show.
John Wimber, after seeing several close friends and colleagues in ministry crash and burn over moral issues, said,
I have seen for years where some people who experience grace and charisma of God deceive themselves that they don't have to work on their character because God is self-evidently with them and working through them. Gifts are given to the Church because of our generous God, but gifts without character can do much damage. Therefore, I've learned to look for people with character rather than people with gifting'
Different, Page 5
7. I've been listening to Rag' bone man and wondering if he's a Christian.
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Take a day to let your life and soul breathe
This quote from 'Velvet Elvis' by Rob Bell came back to me as I have been pondering on Sabbath. It blessed and struck me when I read it for the first time a decade or so ago:
"There are so many layers to the healing of the soul. One practice that has brought incredible healing is the taking of a Sabbath. Now when we read the word Sabbath, most of us think that the real issue behind the Sabbath isn’t which day of the week it is but how we live all the time.
I decided to start taking one day a week to cease from work. And what I discovered is that I couldn’t even do it at first.
I would go into depression.
By the afternoon I would be so . . . low.
I realized that my life was all about keeping the adrenaline buzz going and that I was only really happy when I was going all the time. When I stopped to spend a day to remember that I am loved just because I exist, I found out how much of my efforts were about earning something I already have.
Sabbath is taking a day a week to remind myself that I did not make the world and that it will continue to exist without my efforts.
Sabbath is a day when my work is done, even if it isn’t.
Sabbath is a day when my job is to enjoy. Period.
Sabbath is a day when I am fully available to myself and those I love most.
Sabbath is a day when I remember that when God made the world, he saw that it was good.
Sabbath is a day when I produce nothing.
Sabbath is a day when I remind myself that I am not a machine.
Sabbath is a day when at the end I say, “I didn’t do anything today,” and I don’t add, “And I feel so guilty.”
Sabbath is a day when my phone is turned off, I don’t check my email, and you can’t get ahold of me.
Jesus wants to heal our souls, wants to give us the shalom of God. And so we have to stop. We have to slow down. We have to sit still and stare out the window and let the engine come to an idle. We have to listen to what our inner voice is saying."
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Good advice
This quote on David Keen's blog is worth passing forward:
"I remembered reading the account of a spiritual seeker who interrupted a busy life to spend a few days in a monastery. 'I hope your stay is a blessed one' said the monk who showed the visitor to his cell. 'If you need anything, let us know and we'll teach you how to live without it.' "
(Philip Yancey Prayer)
Monday, February 27, 2017
Monday musing
'Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. The mission of the Church in the pages of the New Testament is.......like the fallout from a vast explosion, a radioactive fallout which is not lethal but life-giving'.
(Leslie Newbegin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society) quoted in Dirty Glory, Page 160
1. I haven't been so gripped by a book in a while and 'Dirty Glory' is stirring many of us to prayer. This book is one of our Lent reads together with 'Different' which is the title of our new sermon series. We've pulled together a few Lent resources for our folk to use as we approach Easter and are holding 24 hours of prayer into Easter Sunday (which is I suppose 24/1 rather than 24/7)
2. I spent some time with someone who used to travel with Reinhard Bonnke about whom I know little. I have been reflecting since and watched this astounding footage of him in Africa. He can certainly gather a crowd and this is a film of his story.
3. Tim Keller is stepping down from Redeemer. Here he is on the four types of people in the world
4. I've been asked about and dealt with issues of spiritual warfare a bit recently and happened on this bible study which was timely for me.
5. I have also been asking the question 'Does taking a Sabbath matter?' and springing from this my question is this: 'To what extent can we expect God's blessing over ministries if they overtly flaunt this command?' I'm hoping Eugene Peterson talking about being a simple pastor has a thought or two for over-work and misdirected driven-ness as I muse and study scripture on this topic.
6. It never ceases to move me when I witness the gospel move someone to tears when they hear it.
7. Tim Ferris has always interested me but I've never read any of his books or heard him speak. I might start here.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Tuesday thoughts
1. We discussed Just One today and were generally musing on the potential impact of a stadium event in a post-Christian world vs Graham at the Hackney Empire in 1957. Perhaps the answer will depend on the prayer?
2. Eugene Peterson has a new book coming out which is always exciting.
3. I wrote a blog post to get something off my chest and haven't published it. Who knows if I will. Today, I spotted the case of a heterosexual couple who think its unfair they can't have a civil partnership because they are a man and women. I am even more confused having read this and the news is they lost.
4. Cranmer wrote a blog post about my Bishop which introduced me to the word 'quixotically'
5. You will be forever grateful to the people/person who led you to Jesus. The person who did that for me was doing his first university mission and slept on the floor of a students room for a week. Now he's speaking in Football stadiums.....
6. This section of BiOY hit me this morning. Jago is a Vicar pal in Clapham leading a wonderful church:
3. I wrote a blog post to get something off my chest and haven't published it. Who knows if I will. Today, I spotted the case of a heterosexual couple who think its unfair they can't have a civil partnership because they are a man and women. I am even more confused having read this and the news is they lost.
4. Cranmer wrote a blog post about my Bishop which introduced me to the word 'quixotically'
5. You will be forever grateful to the people/person who led you to Jesus. The person who did that for me was doing his first university mission and slept on the floor of a students room for a week. Now he's speaking in Football stadiums.....
6. This section of BiOY hit me this morning. Jago is a Vicar pal in Clapham leading a wonderful church:
Jago Wynne, author of the book Working Without Wilting, talks about pastoring mid-week gatherings for people working in London. He says that those who came by themselves from their workplace as isolated Christians generally looked weary, struggling with the pressures of working life.
On the other hand, those who had found other Christian colleagues and who came to the services in groups of two or more were almost universally far more upbeat and radiant.
Jago writes, ‘If we are isolated Christians in our day-to-day environments, whether that is the workplace or school or university or home, it is good to pray for the Lord to provide us with another brother or sister in Christ. Even their mere presence can be a source of encouragement to keep going in serving the Lord in life and in mission.’
7. I've recommended 'Making sense of God' to someone on our Alpha Course. Here is Keller speaking about it to Google.
8. I've been listening quite a bit to Brandi Carlile recently.
9. My watching the storyline in Nashville about the complexities and pain of coming out as a country star coincided with my reading this post about complexities, confusion and pain of coming out as a Vicar to General Synod.
10. I am still falling asleep to MLJ.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Saturday blog-sweep
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Monday, February 06, 2017
A day closer
We've been away for a bit of a break which has been wonderful.
1. We watched 'Black in Trump's America' and there was a financial statistic comparing the wealth of blacks and whites that literally left us without words.
2. A pal has put me on to a propheticy podcast called 'The Trumpet Daily' that has become his bedtime listening. Listening to the one about the Inauguration was I confess fascinating, a little crazy and compelling in equal measure. In days gone by (the time of 'The thief in the night') Christians were forever debating the signs of the times- now not so much. This was a bit like an audio version of 'Left behind' but with more gravitas and quite why it is broadcast from Oxford for an American radio station is unknown. My go-to book for eschatology is 'And the lamb wins'
3. I have started reading 'Dirty Glory'
4. Yesterday, I used 'The Rose' as an illustration and every time I listen to it it reminds me of how much grace has been extended to me and to us all.
5. A new motto
6, I try (and sometimes fail) to take one day a week for what John Stott called 'Q' in his diary.
7. I am enjoying the songs of Brandi Carlile.
8. Is 'regret' what's needed or something else? It's unlikely to help the dialogue at General synod this month. Psephizo asks 'Were shared conversations a con?'
9. This is our most important task
10. 'The greatest answer to prayer is prayer itself. God can perform miracles easily, but only rarely do we humble ourselves enough to truly ask for them. When the church becomes so hungry for more of God's power and presence that we finally turn to him in persevering prayer, seeking his face day and night, we can be sure that the Lord will not be slow to act'
Dirty Glory, Page 43
1. We watched 'Black in Trump's America' and there was a financial statistic comparing the wealth of blacks and whites that literally left us without words.
2. A pal has put me on to a propheticy podcast called 'The Trumpet Daily' that has become his bedtime listening. Listening to the one about the Inauguration was I confess fascinating, a little crazy and compelling in equal measure. In days gone by (the time of 'The thief in the night') Christians were forever debating the signs of the times- now not so much. This was a bit like an audio version of 'Left behind' but with more gravitas and quite why it is broadcast from Oxford for an American radio station is unknown. My go-to book for eschatology is 'And the lamb wins'
3. I have started reading 'Dirty Glory'
4. Yesterday, I used 'The Rose' as an illustration and every time I listen to it it reminds me of how much grace has been extended to me and to us all.
5. A new motto
6, I try (and sometimes fail) to take one day a week for what John Stott called 'Q' in his diary.
7. I am enjoying the songs of Brandi Carlile.
8. Is 'regret' what's needed or something else? It's unlikely to help the dialogue at General synod this month. Psephizo asks 'Were shared conversations a con?'
9. This is our most important task
10. 'The greatest answer to prayer is prayer itself. God can perform miracles easily, but only rarely do we humble ourselves enough to truly ask for them. When the church becomes so hungry for more of God's power and presence that we finally turn to him in persevering prayer, seeking his face day and night, we can be sure that the Lord will not be slow to act'
Dirty Glory, Page 43
Monday, January 23, 2017
Designing your life
From time to time I happen upon something that's in the 'that was very thought-provoking' box. This podcast with Dave Evans about 'Designing your life' did that. Maybe it just caught my mood. He's seems to be a really interesting guy (career with Apple/ Gaming/Software then a teacher at Stanford) He's also a Christian.
I have always, as we all are, been interested in calling, purpose and vocation. Most of us never stop asking the question, 'Am I doing the right thing?' or 'Is this the right job?' or 'What should I do next?' Or even the bigger one of 'What's it all about?' Too often, I see in the church we fail to speak to what vocation looks like in the world and careers (or multiple careers) so I am always looking for interesting books to recommend to people in that zone.
Inevitably, as a pastor, I do spend lots of time speaking to people about their jobs and I found Dave Evans both interesting and helpful. He's challenging in his critique of the church in relating to the world (my moment was his story of the man who taught him the Saturday morning Bible study). Personally, my life as a pastor feels like a second life and the more and more I look at the world in God's economy there may well be third and fourth one's on the way.
As I look at the education system, it seems preoccupied with passing exams. Surely, a life well-lived shouldn't peak at fifteen with good GSCE results? A good and rounded education/ upbringing should prepare you to answer the question 'What do I want to do with me life?' Now, of course, to answer that question depends very much on your worldview but we all ask this question repeatedly. However there are I think particular seasons when this question becomes paramount and front of mind.
a. When you leave school
This is a time when you choose the course you will study or the job you will take. What will govern that choice? What are your gifts and skills? What are you interested in? What parental/mentoring wisdom is available to you? What influence have good teachers and leaders had? What jobs have you tried or seen adults do that appeal? What do you like about them?
b. When you leave university
This is a season when you have tons of time to work out what you want to do- much of it wasted in my own experience. Often, you are so preoccupied with working out the boundaries of freedom and what is means to be an adult that vocation falls down the list and is left until the last minute.
c. When you reach middle age/retire
We are all living longer. If you are planning to retire then you now have almost another life ahead of you once your done with your official 'job'. 'Falling upward' speaks to this- particularly in men. Do you have a plan for your last years? These are the years when we begin to realize we might actually know something that might be useful. It's struck me that both Obama and Cameron are not yet 55 and have so much more potential than to speak about what they've already done for lots of money (Tony Blair).
Anyway, this might be food for thought if you are the parent of a teenager, in transition, planning retirement or changing course. Here is the link to the 'Christian Companion to designing your life' referred to in the podcast.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Saturday blog-sweep
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Wednesday wanderings
1. I don't know what my heart would have done without Eugene Peterson. Here he is on 'Learning to love the church'
2. I meet with some friends on a Wed morning to pray and spoke to them about what happened to my heart when I got the order of things the right way around, This talk will explain what I mean.
3, I am missing my dad today.
4. A very encouraging pal told me John Wimber used to often say:
'Our orders are standing orders until they are changed orders'
5, Here's another 'Best books of 2016' list that might put a few reads on your 2017 list.
6. I like this quote from Cromwell when he was having his portrait done:
'Mr Lily I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me and not Flatter me at all, But remark all these ruffness, pimples and warts and everything as you see it. Otherwise I will never pay you a farthing'
'Abraham' Chuck Swindoll
7. I enjoy J D's preaching so I am interested what he's got to say about heaven and hell
2. I meet with some friends on a Wed morning to pray and spoke to them about what happened to my heart when I got the order of things the right way around, This talk will explain what I mean.
3, I am missing my dad today.
4. A very encouraging pal told me John Wimber used to often say:
'Our orders are standing orders until they are changed orders'
5, Here's another 'Best books of 2016' list that might put a few reads on your 2017 list.
6. I like this quote from Cromwell when he was having his portrait done:
'Mr Lily I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me and not Flatter me at all, But remark all these ruffness, pimples and warts and everything as you see it. Otherwise I will never pay you a farthing'
'Abraham' Chuck Swindoll
7. I enjoy J D's preaching so I am interested what he's got to say about heaven and hell
Monday, January 16, 2017
The most decisive question
'Jesus doesn't encounter Matthew and John - or you and me- and ask, 'What do you know? He doesn't even ask, " What do you believe?' He asks 'What do you want?' This is the most incisive, piercing question Jesus can ask us precisely because we are what we want.'
You are what you love, Page 2
You are what you love, Page 2
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
You are what you love
This quote on the opening page of 'You are what you love' is one to ponder:
'Lovers are the ones who know most about God, the theologian must listen to them'
Hans Urs von Balthasar
'Lovers are the ones who know most about God, the theologian must listen to them'
Hans Urs von Balthasar
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
How to spend a day with God
On New Year's day in a talk, I encouraged people to spend 40 days reflecting on the landscape that might lie ahead of them (Numbers 13) and suggested scheduling a day with God. Afterwards, someone came up to me and said 'I wouldn't have a clue how to spend a day with God.'
Here are a few suggestions of how you might do that.
1. Kit
A Bible
A book or two
A journal or a tablet
Some music
A hat, coat and gloves
2. A Place
Depending on your disposition you might like to be indoors in one place or outside. I have been going to the same place on and off for 25 years which is a park with a cafe in the middle of it. I tend to do my reading and writing/reflecting in the cafe and walk and pray/worship outside. But I have also been to retreat houses, museums, art galleries, mountain villages, rivers and all sorts of other places to spend time alone with God over the years.
3. Books to read
You can take anything really but these are some that come to mind:
4. Lives to reflect on
Biography is such a powerful thing and can be such an encouragement. People who follow Jesus are imperfect beings but looking and learning from those who have gone before is good.
5. Questions to ask
Ron Klug's 'How to keep a spiritual journal' is full of journalling ideas and questions.
The Chapter in Klug's book called 'Looking forward' suggests
Envisioning your future
- Before I die
- I have a dream
- Spiritual legacy
- Dying and rising
Clarifying Major Life Purposes
- If you were guaranteed a slary for the rest of your life, how would you spend your time?
- What changes would you most like to see in your life?
- If you knew you had only one year to live, what would you do with that time?
Setting goals
'We are engineered as goal-seeking mechanisms. We are built that way. When we have no personal goal which we are interested in and means something to us, we have to go around in circles, feel lost and find life itself aimless and purposeless. We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve. People who say that life is not worthwhile are really saying that they themselves have no personal goals which are worthwhile. Get yourself a goal worth working for. Better still, get yourself a project. Decide what you want out of a situation. always have something to look for.'
Maltz Psycho-cybernetics quote in Klug, Page 94
6. Bits of the Bible to Read
A Character ( we are about to preach through the life of Abraham)
A Theme
A Psalm
A Letter
A Gospel
Rick Warren's 'Bible Study Methods' is a great resource for this and again any one of these could be a day.
7. Talks to listen to
There are so many to choose from, My preachers of choice to name a few are Keller, Gumbel, Lloyd Jones, Chandler, Piper, Rich Nathan, Hybels and Ponsonby.
Talks I have listen to recently:
Forging stronger families (personally I could spend a day reflecting just on the content of this talk
8. Worship
I love a couple of worship albums called Glory revealed I and Glory Revealed 2 and I've walked around the park on many occasions with these songs in my ears. Scripture set to music.
I hope this is a bit of a primer and offers a few resources and ideas for a day in the wilderness with God.
Monday, January 09, 2017
Monday musing
1. I found this post and, from it, this line helpful. 'You are what you love' is on my 2017 reading list:
'Discipleship is a rehabilitation of our loves'
James K A Smith
2. Why simple wins
3. This post about the Seeker-church movement had a quote that landed with me:
.'....the notion that community is what church life is all about, that people must connect relationally and “do life” together, is not something the emerging or missional movements innovated. It was the church growth movement, borrowing from the house churches, parachurches, and the ’70s Jesus Movement that recovered the notion of relational community over against the traditional church’s persistent substitute of cliques and classes.'
4. This is an interesting piece on 'Spare moments'
5. Yesterday I spoke a bit about where I sense God is leading us. As ever, I shared the impact reading Romans had on my life. This article on Romans contained this great J I Packer quote:
“All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a person’s heart there is no telling what may happen.”
6. 'Why you will marry the wrong person' by Alain de Botton in the NYT was the most read of last year.
7. My 7 favorite compliments as a pastor.
'Discipleship is a rehabilitation of our loves'
James K A Smith
2. Why simple wins
3. This post about the Seeker-church movement had a quote that landed with me:
.'....the notion that community is what church life is all about, that people must connect relationally and “do life” together, is not something the emerging or missional movements innovated. It was the church growth movement, borrowing from the house churches, parachurches, and the ’70s Jesus Movement that recovered the notion of relational community over against the traditional church’s persistent substitute of cliques and classes.'
4. This is an interesting piece on 'Spare moments'
5. Yesterday I spoke a bit about where I sense God is leading us. As ever, I shared the impact reading Romans had on my life. This article on Romans contained this great J I Packer quote:
“All roads in the Bible lead to Romans, and all views afforded by the Bible are seen most clearly from Romans, and when the message of Romans gets into a person’s heart there is no telling what may happen.”
6. 'Why you will marry the wrong person' by Alain de Botton in the NYT was the most read of last year.
7. My 7 favorite compliments as a pastor.
Saturday, January 07, 2017
Thursday, January 05, 2017
Thursday thoughts
1. A book called Mosaic Leadership has come on my radar.
2. 'We think evangelism is for unbelievers and discipleship is for believers but really both are for both'
The Stories we live, Page 139
3. As folk have probably resolved to read the Bible more intentionally these tips might be a help.
4. We really enjoyed this about getting old.
5. I read Silence a few years back and now its a film.
6. I haven't got Facebook or Twitter on my new phone so I read Digital; Detox with interest. I've decided I can log in when I want to catch up.
2. 'We think evangelism is for unbelievers and discipleship is for believers but really both are for both'
The Stories we live, Page 139
3. As folk have probably resolved to read the Bible more intentionally these tips might be a help.
4. We really enjoyed this about getting old.
5. I read Silence a few years back and now its a film.
6. I haven't got Facebook or Twitter on my new phone so I read Digital; Detox with interest. I've decided I can log in when I want to catch up.
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Best Books of 2016
2. 'Jesus continued' by J D Greear: I discovered J D Grear through one of his sermons on the Holy Spirit which took me to his book on the same subject. It's full of good stuff and out of it came a preaching series.
3. 'Different' by Simon Ponsonby: There were no articles in the NY day paper's entitled 'How to live the Holy Life'. Perhaps there should be? This is a book about exactly that subject and it feels timely and vital. I am recommending it as our church Lent book and feel free to adopt it as yours too.
4. 'Future grace' by Piper: I read this on my summer holidays (to be honest I've thus far read half of it). It's a deep, challenging and theologically rich read.
5. 'Making Sense of God' by Tim Keller: This is Keller in his apologetic sweet spot and the reason I still have a few chapters to go is I keep giving it away to people. This is the book for the clever sceptic or the apologist in training.
6.' Song of Songs' by Charlie Cleverly: Charlie used to be my Vicar when I was in Oxford and I enjoy his writing. In fact, he started preaching on Song of Songs while I was there and this is the fruit of his years of study of and reflection on this amazing OT book.
7. 'Date your wife' by Justin Buzzard: I came across Justin Buzzard because he planted a church at the same time I did. His blog gave me much encouragement and personal resourcing. A pal on my wedding day said about marriage 'The secret is 'Keep paying in' Cookie'. This little book was a helped/ is helping me with what that means- not least because of its appendix of 100 ideas for dates.
8. 'The stories we live' by Sean Post: This a book that tells you the gospel and connects you to stories. It had quite a few interesting bits and bobs and introduced me to a film called 'Life as a house' that made me cry.
9. 'Edwards' by Dane Ortlund: I am in awe of Edwards since reading of his life in the Iain Murray biography a decade ago. He's far too deep and clever for my simple mind but a book like this will unpack him and his ideas for you and make him come alive. You might also want to check out George Marsden's short biography of him.
10. 'How to survive a shipwreck' by Jonathan Martin: Martin will never know how much he has helped and blessed me. His life and ministry hit choppy water last year and this book tells some of that tale. Beautiful writing.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Prepare
If you want to set your sails for some fresh thoughts on how to spend 2017 and beyond you could do worse than reading 'Don't waste your life' available here for free and give 'Running with the witnesses' a listen.
I had a really good breakfast time today and talked a bit about marriage and then came across these questions which might give mine (and yours) an MOT.
We've got a new Bishop of Woolwich.
I had a really good breakfast time today and talked a bit about marriage and then came across these questions which might give mine (and yours) an MOT.
We've got a new Bishop of Woolwich.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Monday musing
Here is an apology to any readers I may still have left. I have been woefully erratic in posting and will try to approach 2017 with more frequency, content, my own writing and some creativity. The frustrating thing is there is lots of good content and musing to pass forward to you which I will do a bit of today:
1. I have been reading 'Hidden Christmas' and have not been able to get over the character of King Herod. It's birth (ing) my Christmas day sermon.
2. This is an extraordinary extract about Donald Trump which will make you no more confident of what the future may hold. Apparently, he has nine Christians in his cabinet.
3. I have got a new iphone after 6.5 years (cracked screen etc) which is exciting. The tech has moved on a little. Here are the 10 Best Free Apps of 2016
4. This is the time of year for books list and a good time to select some potential reading for 2017
5. John Piper on reading books by non-Christians
6. Ted on 'Depression, the secret we share' and an article on 'How to sleep'.
7. Keller on 'The 3 dangers for anyone in Ministry' and an interview on his new book 'Making sense of God'
9. Getting ready to read the Bible through in 2017- 5 Steps.
10. Rod Liddle on 'A new poverty'
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Thursday, December 01, 2016
A bit and a bob
I watched a bit of 'Brainwashing Stacey' with interest but haven't completed it yet.
A friend texted me yesterday recommending 'It ain't over til its over'
Craig Groeschl seems like he's not a real person but having seen him preach I can vouch that he is. We have practically nothing in common but he might have some communication tips for me (link updated)
A friend texted me yesterday recommending 'It ain't over til its over'
Craig Groeschl seems like he's not a real person but having seen him preach I can vouch that he is. We have practically nothing in common but he might have some communication tips for me (link updated)
Monday, November 28, 2016
Monday musing
I haven't been blogging for a bit so, at the prompting of a pal, thought I should post a ditty or two. Nice to missed.
I have preached a couple of sermons recently, one on heaven and one on trials, and the Lord has shown me grace for them. In the one on trials, I revisited my fathers time in a Korean POW camp as told by my Godfather in 'In Spite of Dungeons'. I nearly cried reading out a quote from it but managed to hold it together.
I am freshly reminded of my desire to at least finish, and at best to 'Finish Strong'.
Mrs C and I painted a room listening to a sermon on hell, Who said romance is dead?
I watched this and am yet to experience anyone offering to give me a private plane.
I've been mulling on this post and noted the interesting transition from alcoholic pastor to church consultant. Also, did I read that right? A $63m church budget......
An update on matters sexual in the C of E. On that same subject, Andrew Wilson has a recommendation for post of the year.
The song 'Good, Good Father' has got into my bones.
I love the Lewis quote at the end of this post.
The Discovery Bible Study is a simple but seemingly rather effective idea.
I have preached a couple of sermons recently, one on heaven and one on trials, and the Lord has shown me grace for them. In the one on trials, I revisited my fathers time in a Korean POW camp as told by my Godfather in 'In Spite of Dungeons'. I nearly cried reading out a quote from it but managed to hold it together.
I am freshly reminded of my desire to at least finish, and at best to 'Finish Strong'.
Mrs C and I painted a room listening to a sermon on hell, Who said romance is dead?
I watched this and am yet to experience anyone offering to give me a private plane.
I've been mulling on this post and noted the interesting transition from alcoholic pastor to church consultant. Also, did I read that right? A $63m church budget......
An update on matters sexual in the C of E. On that same subject, Andrew Wilson has a recommendation for post of the year.
The song 'Good, Good Father' has got into my bones.
I love the Lewis quote at the end of this post.
The Discovery Bible Study is a simple but seemingly rather effective idea.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The chief cause of our ills
‘It is my belief that
the modern world and especially the history of the present century can only be
understood in terms of the unusual
activity of the devil and the ‘principalities and powers’. In a world of
collapsing institutions , moral chaos,
and increasing violence, never was it more important to trace the hand of the
‘prince of the air’, and then, not only
to learn to wrestle with him and his forces, but also to overcome them ‘by the
blood of the lamb and the word of his testimony’. If we cannot discern the
chief cause of our ills, how can we hope to cure them’
Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaking after the Second WW.
Quoted by Charlie Cleverly in his book 'The Song of Songs: Exploring the Divine Romance', Page 128
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Saturday blog-sweep
Why did Trump win? and How social justice ideology gave us Donald Trump
True leadership is sacrifice not privilege
Reflections and discourse on Welby at Archbishop Cranmer (links via Thinking Anglicans)
Keller on 'Five ways to doubt your doubts'
Chew on point one
Prayer not protest
We will remember them
True leadership is sacrifice not privilege
Reflections and discourse on Welby at Archbishop Cranmer (links via Thinking Anglicans)
Keller on 'Five ways to doubt your doubts'
Chew on point one
Prayer not protest
We will remember them
Saturday, November 05, 2016
Saturday blog-sweep
Vicar, will you clean my drains
The two most common practices in healthy churches
Love your neighbour enough to speak the truth and Cheap shots
20 quick tips to improve your productivity
Just doing his job
Is church decline the fault of poor leadership?
Capital vision
The new Heathrow runway is no catastophe, Aleppo is
The two most common practices in healthy churches
Love your neighbour enough to speak the truth and Cheap shots
20 quick tips to improve your productivity
Just doing his job
Is church decline the fault of poor leadership?
Capital vision
The new Heathrow runway is no catastophe, Aleppo is
Tuesday, November 01, 2016
The Bible says....
John Piper has responded to Andy Stanley about his thoughts on the Bible which makes for an interesting read particularly for those called to communicate the gospel and preach.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Monday musing
1. My pal Matthew preached on 'Hope' yesterday and I enjoyed the phrase 'confident anticipation'.
2. This morning I told the story of our church plant to someone which was a helpful process of recalling all that God has done.
3. There is much talk about 'Mindfulness' these days and here are two perspectives about the idea of 'Christian mindfulness'. A yes and a no.
4. I enjoyed this piece about the benefits of long term tenure.
5. Keller has a book about Christmas coming out.
6. Always a good corrective to read 'Four warning signs you won't survive in ministry'
7. I am being blessed by my immersion in Song of Songs through reading Charlie Cleverly's new book 'The Song of Songs: Exploring the Divine Romance'. He was my Vicar when I lived in Oxford.
8. I am preaching about 'Heaven' in a few weeks and Randy Alcorn writes often about it.
9. A take on Halloween (in an American context).
10. The internal battles of even the best pastors.
2. This morning I told the story of our church plant to someone which was a helpful process of recalling all that God has done.
3. There is much talk about 'Mindfulness' these days and here are two perspectives about the idea of 'Christian mindfulness'. A yes and a no.
4. I enjoyed this piece about the benefits of long term tenure.
5. Keller has a book about Christmas coming out.
6. Always a good corrective to read 'Four warning signs you won't survive in ministry'
7. I am being blessed by my immersion in Song of Songs through reading Charlie Cleverly's new book 'The Song of Songs: Exploring the Divine Romance'. He was my Vicar when I lived in Oxford.
8. I am preaching about 'Heaven' in a few weeks and Randy Alcorn writes often about it.
9. A take on Halloween (in an American context).
10. The internal battles of even the best pastors.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
Praying
Thanks to Adrian Warnock for this quote about the importance of prayer in Charles Spurgeon's ministry:
WHEN I came to New Park Street Chapel, it was but a mere handful of people to whom I first preached; yet I can never forget how earnestly they prayed. Sometimes, they seemed to plead as though they could really see the Angel of the covenant present with them, and as if they must have a blessing from Him. More than once, we were all so awe-struck with the solemnity of the meeting, that we sat silent for some moments while the Lord’s power appeared to overshadow us; and all I could do on such occasions was to pronounce the Benediction, and say, “Dear friends, we have had the Spirit of God here very manifestly to-night; let us go home, and take care not to lose His gracious influences.”
Then down came the blessing; the house was filled with hearers, and many souls were saved. I always give all the glory to God, but I do not forget that He gave me the privilege of ministering from the first to a praying people. We had prayer-meetings in New Park Street that moved our very souls. Every man seemed like a crusader besieging the New Jerusalem, each one appeared determined to storm the Celestial City by the might of intercession; and soon the blessing came upon us in such abundance that we had not room to receive it.
C. H. Spurgeon, C. H. Spurgeon’s Autobiography, Compiled from His Diary, Letters, and Records, by His Wife and His Private Secretary, 1834–1854, vol. 1 (Cincinatti; Chicago; St. Louis: Curts & Jennings, 1898), 361.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Learning
Don't tell anyone in our church but I am continually learning how to lead from a very low base. These ten questions were a help on that road.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Books on prayer
If reading books about prayer rather than praying was evidence of a vibrant prayer life then I may qualify. Sadly, like almost every Christian I know, I long for a much fuller and deeper life of prayer. However, reading books about prayer is certainly a step on the road and if I was writing a list I would include many that are here. There are three on it that I haven't read.
One I would add is a very thin and simple book by Bill Hybels called 'Too busy not to pray' which has probably impacted my praying more than any other.
One I would add is a very thin and simple book by Bill Hybels called 'Too busy not to pray' which has probably impacted my praying more than any other.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Monday musing
I was moved to tears yesterday at the thought of all that God has done through a missionary friend who twenty five years ago encouraged me as a very new and fragile believer in Moscow.
This little post entitled 'Well done' made me think as did this testimony. Too few have grasped that the best is yet to come and how differently we would live if we truly believed that.
I recommended 'Making sense of God' to a 96 year old friend of my mum's and he sent me a delightful letter this morning.
These days we are generally falling asleep to MLJ sermons. Last nights was entitled 'Praying in the spirit'
David Attenborough was on the telly talking about Plant Earth 2. What an extraordinary man.
This little post entitled 'Well done' made me think as did this testimony. Too few have grasped that the best is yet to come and how differently we would live if we truly believed that.
I recommended 'Making sense of God' to a 96 year old friend of my mum's and he sent me a delightful letter this morning.
These days we are generally falling asleep to MLJ sermons. Last nights was entitled 'Praying in the spirit'
David Attenborough was on the telly talking about Plant Earth 2. What an extraordinary man.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
The gospel in five words
This week a pal texted me asking if I'd heard of a theologian called Christopher West. I hadn't. Today, rather randomly, I read a quote by him that I have been pondering all day. It was this:
The gospel can be summarized in five words 'God wants to marry us'
The context for the quote can be found here.
The gospel can be summarized in five words 'God wants to marry us'
The context for the quote can be found here.
Saturday, October 08, 2016
Saturday blog-sweep
You don't need more parenting advice
Ten tips from ten years of church planting
Gafcon statement on same-sex unions
6 reflections on community inspired by Bonnhoeffer
Does porn use disqualify a pastor from ministry?
Andy Stanley on 'Why the Bible says so is not enough any more'
3 reasons your pastor needs a sabbatical
Is 'mindfulness' Christian?
Unless
Why cathedrals are soaring
Ten tips from ten years of church planting
Gafcon statement on same-sex unions
6 reflections on community inspired by Bonnhoeffer
Does porn use disqualify a pastor from ministry?
Andy Stanley on 'Why the Bible says so is not enough any more'
3 reasons your pastor needs a sabbatical
Is 'mindfulness' Christian?
Unless
Why cathedrals are soaring
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Ten things for a Thursday
1. I've been on a two-day thing with Lead Academy which has left me with a few thoughts to ponder It ended with a cracking night at 'Sanctuary'.
2. I went to school and spent some of my early years living in Scotland and so anyone planting a church there is encouraging. I've was struck by the line 'No one else is coming'
3. This Simon Sinek quote is worth a mull on. He's speaking at LC17
4. We were recommended 'Real Leadership' as the best book one of our coaches at Lead Academy has read in the last five years.
5. I've been watching quite a bit of Postman Pat and it strikes me that given his serial incompetence it's a wonder he's held onto his job for so long.
6. Sally's made 'A world without Downs syndrome'. Don't miss it. Cranmer has posted this.
7. A Vicar pal recommended 'The success equation' which is about luck (which I know we don't believe in but he tells me it's jolly good and interesting)
8. We watched this and were asked which conductor we thought we were.
9. A pal has been loving this song.
10. If you are a Type A or just trying to get things done with some pace you will relate to this trailer.
11. I know it said 'Ten' but I had one more. Mission Direct are launching Mission Direct UK with us tonight which we are excited to be involved with.
2. I went to school and spent some of my early years living in Scotland and so anyone planting a church there is encouraging. I've was struck by the line 'No one else is coming'
3. This Simon Sinek quote is worth a mull on. He's speaking at LC17
4. We were recommended 'Real Leadership' as the best book one of our coaches at Lead Academy has read in the last five years.
5. I've been watching quite a bit of Postman Pat and it strikes me that given his serial incompetence it's a wonder he's held onto his job for so long.
6. Sally's made 'A world without Downs syndrome'. Don't miss it. Cranmer has posted this.
7. A Vicar pal recommended 'The success equation' which is about luck (which I know we don't believe in but he tells me it's jolly good and interesting)
8. We watched this and were asked which conductor we thought we were.
9. A pal has been loving this song.
10. If you are a Type A or just trying to get things done with some pace you will relate to this trailer.
11. I know it said 'Ten' but I had one more. Mission Direct are launching Mission Direct UK with us tonight which we are excited to be involved with.
Saturday, October 01, 2016
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I watched the Cornel West interview and he quotes a Tennessee Williams essay called 'the Catastrophe of Success' which makes inter...
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1. My pal tells me I am old and not middle aged. Middle age he thinks is mid 30's to early 40's. 2. Dr Moore ask 'Have the pla...
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I have just got back from New Wine where Francis Chan has been teaching us for a week. He has said no to all speaking engagements for over a...
