What professions lead to the happiest people? It was a simple question that delivered a surprising result from the General Social Survey produced by the National Organization for Research at the University of Chicago.
It seems the big driver for happiness and job satisfaction is interaction with people. Here's the top five - be prepared for a surprise when you reach no 1:
5. Special education teachers: If you don’t care about money, a job as special education teacher might be a happy profession. The wages are low, but the sense of satisfaction and happiness is high.... continue reading
The suicide bombing of a church in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago, in which at least 85 people were killed, is a horrendous reminder of what Christians in countries throughout the world risk each week simply by going to church.
And, coming as it did at the same time as the Nairobi shopping-centre terrorist attack, in which people were targeted indiscriminately, rather than on the basis of their faith, it has raised a question in the western media, a question which is worth Christians thinking through:
Does it make any difference when the people affected by tragedy are Christians?... continue reading
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5b-6
Why not dwell once again this morning on what Jesus has done for you and how he calls you to respond?
Walking the Walk, Not Just Talking the Talk
When I was growing up, my world seemed pretty simple. At school and as a young man being religious meant being a Christian. I didn't know many Jews, Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists. I didn't really even know anything about them. Today things are different, even if we don't always notice it, mosques, synagogues, and temples are everywhere. As for churches you’ll find Anglican, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Evangelical, Presbyterian, Methodist, and many other traditions.
In addition, it's not uncommon to hear people say, I'm not religious, but I am spiritual. People who talk like that tend to be theologically eclectic. They’re concerned that such entities as above, whether big or small, Christian or not, might put boundaries on their ability to pick and choose what they believe and practice. So with all of this religious and spiritual diversity, what does it mean to be a Christian? What are the biblical beliefs we need to focus on to stay true to God? What are the basic Christian truths we need to hold on to and understand to shine out as a light for Christ in an ever more secular world and one full of "alternative" religion and spirituality?... continue reading
Christians now suffering mass martyrdom, says Archbishop of Canterbury
Anglicans appoint first female bishop in UK and Ireland
Potentially hundreds dead in Peshawar church bombing
Christian B&B owners Hazelmary and Peter Bull 'forced to sell up'
Teacher 'forced out of school’ for failure to wear Muslim hijab
Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.
A Christian need never feel harassed, nor experience helplessness. Never.
Why?
Because a Christian is never without a shepherd.
Life is full of harassed-inspiring challenges and busy-ness, and helplessness-inducing events and unknowns. It’s what Jesus noticed about people as he travelled round, preaching and healing; it’s what aroused his compassion for them:
“He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9 v 36)
If you don’t have a “shepherd”—someone to rely on who is in control, who knows what they are doing, and cares about you as their own possession—then you’re going to know the feeling of being harassed and helpless, because you’re thrown back on your own abilities, and life is so often too big or confusing for our minds and strength to handle. If you don’t have a shepherd, you will be harassed and helpless.
And so Jesus gave his famous command to his disciples—the harvest field is vast, the workers are few, and therefore to pray for workers, and go out as workers (9 v 37 – 10 v 2).... continue reading
It's always a thrilling moment when a new book arrives in the office from the printer. Thrilling but tense. After a huge amount of effort has been put into editing, crafting, shaping and designing, the book gets passed around the office. What happens next is an interesting exercise in testing our professionalism as a publisher.
As a book get's passed round people who have not been part of the process they react to it in the same way that anyone does when they pick up a book in a bookshop. They ask the following questions:
And of course...
When it is a product I have overseen, I usually finish this process by taking a "selfie" with the book, and sending it to the author.
Then the whole process starts again...
We picked up the rights to publish and promote Tim Chester's excellent book, Ordinary Hero, in the US, which will be launching in a few weeks' time - have a look at the UK version HERE - it's terrific!
1. Deep: The Trinitarian Life 2013 Talks
Listen to the main talks from the recent Acts 29.
2. The Front Porch
A new website about biblical faithfulness in African-American churches and beyond.
3. 5 Minutes in Church History
Another new website, this time with podcasts about church history.
4. 10 Tips for Discipling Your Kids
Justin Buzzard shares 10 tips for discipling children.
5. Six Benefits of Ordinary Daily Devotions
Jon Bloom at Desiring God looks at these six benefits.
6. 5 ways to do social media better
Dave Bish looks at these five ways.
7. And finally…
Our video of the week, Andrea Trevenna talks about her new book, The Heart of Singleness, which is released in October:
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
I'm sure many of us have been praying for the atrocities we have seen in the news in recent weeks. The shootings in the states, the blasts in the Kenyan shopping centre, the suicide bombings in Pakistan - the pictures on our TV screens have been horrifying. There have been moments when many of us have been close to tears and churches and individuals around the globe have been interceding for the victims and their families.
But our memories are often short. Within weeks, if not days, our prayers often turn to the next crisis and - unless we have friends who are directly impacted by the events - we rarely revisit the needs of those in news stories past. It's easy for us to forget. But those who survive the atrocities, never do. Recently, I spoke to one survivor of a suicide bombing that took place 3 years ago. He's a Muslim who is currently exploring the claims of Christ - many of the events of the day and his life have been left deliberately vague.... continue reading
I'd been talking about evangelism with a friend's child. And, to illustrate my point, I mentioned that new people had just moved in down the street. I said that I wanted to make the effort to get to know them and planned to pray for them and invite them to church.
I was expecting a barrage of questions. After all, adults always question things when it comes to mission. How will you approach them? What will you pray? Will you build up relationships with them before issuing the invitation? When is the best time to call? Won't they think you odd? Aren't you scared? ... But the questions didn't come. Instead, I got 5 words that stopped me in my tracks.
What are you waiting for?... continue reading
