Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We are told that John made this proclamation and then after he was arrested, Jesus would declare the same statement. It is a fascinating one to consider. Made to an audience experiencing the rule of foreigners who hoped to free from that arrangement. Made to an […]
Read More An Announcement and An ActionWeeping and rejoicing. Following Jesus is not a happy thing all the time. There are times following Jesus where there’s a recognition of the state individuals, relationships and communities are in when they choose to reject God. That calls for weeping. Even as we remember what causes separation with the Creator of the universe and […]
Read More Dryden Reflections 2022: What MattersYou are God’s gift. I recall some people having a problem with the phrase “being God’s gift”. I know some people use it to disparage others who they consider to have a high opinion of themselves. The reality is, though, that you really are God’s gift. You’re God’s gift to me. From the time you […]
Read More Dear Firstborn:There have been times throughout the year where I’ve been irritable and grumpy. If that attitude lasts too long then I get to be really ratty and unpleasant to be with, like a dark cloud is ever hanging over me and a growl acts like the lightning in that stormy mood. There will be something […]
Read More Dryden Thanks 2022: ProvisionThere is a precious hymn that was rendered particularly superbly by James Moore back in the previous century (Moore’s version came in two parts – the first one here and the second one here – you get the link to hear it and enjoy it). That hymn is The Old Rugged Cross which has that […]
Read More Dryden Thanks 2022: Sights of SuccessThe credits. Whether it was a drama or a documentary I was keen to see who was in the credits. Not because I knew everyone in there, but just in case there were recurring featured individuals. I was always intrigued with how they ordered the cast of characters. Which characters were considered mor important, which […]
Read More Dryden Thanks 2022: Cast of CharactersIt resounded loudly in my head. This is the last Sunday of the year. Sunday is the first day of the week. Sure, some might have wanted to shift that to another day, but my understanding of the structure of the week always considered the week to start on Sunday. Faithfully over the year God […]
Read More Dryden Thanks 2022: Changes and DevelopmentsThat word “finally” suggests that you’re on the last part of what you’re saying and it might be worth paying attention. Paul uses it at the start of Philippians 3 only to go on such an impassioned plea to his audience that he ends up saying finally again as he’s genuinely reaching the end of […]
Read More For Reading Out Loud – Philippians 3Have you stopped to consider the nature of life. Not in a momentary way when things seem to be overwhelming or in that brief respite in life’s activities. A proper contemplative consideration of the nature of life. One person had the opportunity to reflect on aspects of life and put together a fascinating insight on […]
Read More For Reading Out Loud – Ecclesiastes 2There’s a lot we can learn from Paul’s letter to Philemon. How to look to bring about reconciliation. How to appeal on behalf of someone. How to address people in a way that honours and respects them. We can talk about love and forgiveness, Paul puts it on the line for a runaway slave who […]
Read More For Reading Out Loud – Philemon
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