The Cross – The Shocking Symbol of Christianity
First published 24 April 2015 The cross is the primary symbol of all branches of the Christian church throughout the last 2,000 years. It is referenced throughout the world in many different ways. Some Christians wear it as a badge to quietly let people know their affiliation. Some Christians make the gesture of the cross…
I’ve Had Cancer and I Am Not Angry With God
First published 15 April 2015 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. When I first heard about Stephen Fry’s now infamous outburst against God in a recent interview on Irish TV, I admit that I dismissed it as the ranting of a celebrity amateur atheist.…
Spending Too Much at Christmas – What I Said to My Kids
First published 21 December 2014 This is what I wrote on the private blog I have for my kids last year… There are a couple of things I worry about at Christmas if I’m honest. One is that as a family we’ll lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas – which is that Jesus…
Does God Punish Nations With Storms?
First published 5 October 2014 In my last post I was thinking about the reaction David Silvester received recently to his open letter accusing UK Prime Minister David Cameron of bringing God’s judgment upon the nation. In the letter he said that, “The Scriptures make it abundantly clear that a Christian nation that abandons its…
The Most Realistic Movie Ever Made
First published 1 April 2014 I found out the other day that an old colleague of mine had died suddenly of a heart attack. She was my age, and had two children the same age as my younger ones. That reminded me that another colleague from the same place died in her twenties a few…
Weighing Up Hardships
First published 13 August 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” So said the apostle Paul in Romans 8:18. Paul, who…
A Lesson From King Asa’s Bad Feet
First published 15 May 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. I was struck recently by a verse I read in my daily Bible reading. It challenged me personally, but struck me as pertinent to any believer who suffers illness, and, since we all…
What Keeps Me Going?
First published 18 February 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. I went for some tests – an endoscopy in fact – in hospital the other day. As the nurse was doing the booking in form with me, she was remarking that everything was…
How I Came to Faith
First published 6 December 2012 I thought this time I might share with you the story of how I came to faith in Jesus. It’s a bit self indulgent, but then again that’s what this blog is all about – my reflections on experiences and stuff! And anyway, I do sometimes get asked. I don’t…
Am I a Bigot?
First published 18 November 2012 It wasn’t until the day the 2012 US Presidential Election results were announced that I finally took a little bit of interest in it. I don’t normally have much time for news, from the newspapers or from the radio or TV. I have become somewhat cynical about media reporting, not…