My parents were always very strict on the matter. Whenever a friend gave me a gift I had to utter two little words or risk a withering maternal glare. Whether it was a longed-for toy or an oh so useful pencil, "thank you" was the expected response. And rightly so, it's a privilege to receive any gift - giving is an act of love and provision which should always result in gratitude.
As an adult, the habit remains. It's almost a reflex response ... Someone passes me a cup of tea (preferably peppermint) and "thanks, that's great" immediately springs from my lips.
At least it remains when it comes to other humans. When it comes to God, my response is often far slower. Which is why I was fascinated when a friend of mine shared an evening routine she has recently developed:
Every night before she goes to bed, she thanks God for 10 things.... continue reading
Bibles are great to have and they're great to give away!
God's word is living and active - as the Spirit illuminates people's hearts, eyes are opened and hearts unchained - which makes it the most exciting and essential book ever written.
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Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Do you yearn for contentment? Do you know anyone who does? (That should cover everyone!) Then please read this book. It diagnoses our condition with insight and humour, and offers the only true cure with clear and practical explanation.
This book is simple but profound - and profoundly helpful. The common problem of comparison, with all its poisonous results, is exposed and laid bare to be seen for what it is. In its place comes biblical truth giving life and health and wholeness.
Read more and get the book HERE for just £1.50 until midday Monday. Use code hcth0114 at the checkout.
Some recent research projects have made for sobering reading. Nearly half of the population of England say they feel lonely - up to a third say they have no-one to turn to in a crisis and would be reluctant to approach a voluntary body. Most severely affected are the elderly and infirm. The quote that broke my heart the most was the comment that for some, the TV is their best friend.
So, with that in mind I interviewed the frailest, most housebound old saint I know ... For the purposes of this post, we'll call her Edith, she's always liked that name.
What does an average day look like for you?
I wake about 5am when my night-time pain killers start to wear off. It takes me a while to get going in the morning and I like to have my breakfast well before my carers arrive. My washing and dressing ladies come about 9am. It's nice when I get the same carers for a few months in a row, I can get to know them then but often people's shifts get moved about and I have to get to know someone new every few weeks. Once I'm dressed I go into the living room and put on the TV. I stay there until my night time carers come about 5pm. The meals on wheels team let themselves in each lunchtime. On Tuesdays my cleaner comes round.... continue reading
Each Wednesday afternoon over the next few months we are going to be looking at how to answer some of the common questions we might get asked after the service on a Sunday. Today, our first post:
I’ve got a friend who struggles with… guilt
“It’s all my fault”
“I know it happened years ago but it preys on my mind every day”
“I don’t believe God will forgive me … I know I can’t forgive myself”
They’re the kind of phrases I hear each week. Each Sunday we praise God for his extraordinary gift of forgiveness but that doesn’t seem to help on Mondays. The guilt of sins past and present weigh heavy on many people’s hearts.... continue reading
1. Gospel-Centred Life ebook - just £1 until midday Thursday
Get your e-book copy of Gospel-Centred Life for just £1.
2. An All-Consuming Passion for Jesus (Free eBook)
A free e-book from John Piper.
3. The Printed Book Is Not Dead; Long Live the Book!
Justin Taylor at Between Two Worlds shares an infographic about the printed book.
4. What makes a joyful home? 10 Reflections
Elisha Galotti shares her 10 reflections on joy at home.
5. A New Look for Worship Matters
Bob Kauflin’s useful blog, Worship Matters has a new design.
6. And finally…
This week’s video of the week, ‘Original Jesus Trailer’:
Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk
It's been headline news for weeks now. Pundits and politicians have been slugging it out but the questions remain largely unanswered. Most of us will have to continue to live in comparative ignorance about whether elements of our text messages have been scooped up by those tasked with defending national security - or not.
It's the sort of issue that can play on your mind a smidge. And as I was stirring my noodles last night, I was toying with a number of issues that the debate raises. I pondered the issue of personal liberty. I mused about defence. And then I got more personal: I caught my breath... What would people actually see if they did read my texts?!... continue reading
Following my recent trend of looking at Christian Lifestyle and the issues we all face in our ebook and tree book blog deals, here's another with a more general feel to it.
How can ordinary Christians live the truly extraordinary life God calls us to? What a challenge!
This world throws so many challenges at us and a whole raft of things that are capable of deflecting us from focusing on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Sympathetic to our struggles... clear and concise... rooted in the Bible... relevant to our everyday experience... The Gospel-Centred Life shows how every Christian can follow the way of the cross as they embrace the liberating grace of God in Christ.
Get the ebook HERE for just £1 until 12 noon (GMT) on Thursday 21st of January - use the code gcle0114 at the checkout
This is an extract from Timothy Keller’s latest title, Romans 1–7 For You. Launching on 4th February, you can pre-order it now.
Harvest Time in Rome
Paul didn’t just write a letter to the Roman church. He planned a trip to the Romans church, too: “… in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles” (Romans 1:13).
This “harvest” likely has two aspects. Paul is hoping for a harvest within the Roman church; what Jesus pictured when he talked of people who had heard and accepted the word producing “a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown” (Mark 4:20). But the next verses show that Paul also desires to reap a crop outside the church; what Jesus was talking of when he said to his followers: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38). Paul is coming to Rome both to encourage and to evangelize.... continue reading
