Do you ever get that sinking feeling on a Sunday? That heaviness in the heart which means just one thing: you don't want to go to church.
Maybe it's the people in your congregation - one or more of them has caused you hurt. Maybe, it's a sermon series that seems to be dragging. Or, dare I say, a minister that is driving you nuts with decisions that you don't understand. Of course, it may be that God is convicting you of some sin or throwing some difficult circumstances your way and your heart has become hard instead of submitting to his sovereign and good will. Maybe you have some key questions that you want answering - but the answers aren't coming at the moment. And the temptation is to stay at home for one week, or a month, or maybe just drift off until you feel more positive.... continue reading
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10
However you're feeling this morning, why not tap out an encouraging email to someone in your congregation right now...
It's no secret that some parents have preferences about the gender of their unborn child. Some long for a boy to take to the big game or, as a friend said to me recently, a girl to wear pretty dresses. Some want a child of a specific gender to balance out their family which is currently largely male - or female. Others still come from cultures where having a first born male still counts for a lot. Occasionally there are health issues at play with parents desperate for their child to avoid a genetic condition most prevalent in men. Whether it's for deeply held priorities, or something rather more superficial, some parents really do yearn for either a girl or a boy.
But how far would you go to ensure that your next child was of the gender of your choosing?... continue reading
According to research, the number of UK workers earning below the "living wage" (the wage necessary to maintain an adequate lifestyle) has risen to an enormous 4.8 million. That's equal to 20% of the employed working population and is up from 3.4 million in 2009. 77% of employees under 20 and two thirds of restaurant and hotel workers earn less than the living wage (currently £8.55 in London, £7.45 elsewhere in the UK).
For those with larger pay packets, wages have still fallen more in real terms in the current economic climate than ever before with a third of workers who have stayed in the same job seeing a wage cut or freeze.
On top of that, many jobs have been lost completely.
So how do we cope with low incomes and rising outgoings? Can we be happy or content in whatever financial situation we find ourselves? We may know that money doesn't bring happiness but our finances can still be a massive blind spot. It's all too easy for cash flow concerns to turn into an obsession or idol.
In Beyond Greed, Brian Rosner gives us some words of comfort, logic and guidance. He encourages us to see how Jesus taught us not to be rich in this world but rich in the next and live a life of contentment not comparison. Brian helps us open our eyes to the problems of money and proposes a liberating lifestyle that trades materialism for something of far greater worth and satisfaction.
Get it HERE at 20% off.
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The gears are grinding. The wheels are turning. The phone calls are made. The emails fly around. As the new term starts the small-group programme is swinging into action in your local church.
Many of us who lead small groups, however, might be heaving an involuntary sigh as we step on the treadmill that will grind on until we are drinking eggnog round the tree at Christmas. We will be concerned about how to raise the enthusiasm of less committed members. We will be wondering how we will cope with those "problem" people who sap so much of our time and energy - for so little seeming result.
So here's a few thoughts as you start the new season to give you a renewed vision for your work:... continue reading
1. Free eBook - Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation
A free e-book from Ligonier Ministries tracing the themes of the blood of Christ through the New Testament.
2. Jesus On Every Page
A poem by David Murray about Jesus in each book of the Old Testament.
3. Finding Joy in the Everyday
In this video, pastor Jeff Vanderstelt uncovers some keys to rediscovering joy each day, in the everyday things of your life.
4. Mom vs. Mom: The War I Didn't See Coming
An article about the 'Mommy wars'.
5. Q & A: Billy Graham on Ageing, Regrets, and Evangelicals
An interview with the evangelist, Billy Graham.
6. 20 Helps to Sermon Listening
Some helpful points on listening to a sermon.
7. And finally…
Our video of the week, why not share it with a friend, from Christianity Explored, 'How can a loving God send anyone to Hell?':
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 back-to-school week in the UK. Some children are starting a new school; most will be going into a new class or form. Some will have been looking forward to it; others dreading it. All of them need our prayers—so here are five things to pray for a child (or children) in your family, or your church family, as they return to school, based on James 1 v 17-21:
1. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (v 17). Give thanks for this child, for the gift from God that they are. And pray that they would grow in thankfulness to God over this academic year, not taking the good things they have and enjoy for granted.... continue reading
When I was a schools’ worker, I used to put on an annual meal for Christian teachers from the education borough where I worked. They came from around twenty schools in the local area. Even though term time is busy, and evenings are precious, most of them made the effort to come. Why? Because it was an opportunity to meet with other Christians who uniquely understood the situation they were in. (There was always very good cake as well!)
Do you know any Christian teachers? (Or classroom assistants, school administrators, playground supervisors…) For some, this is the start of a new term – but whether it is or not, here are a few suggestions for how you could pray for them this week:... continue reading
I don't think I've ever heard anyone ask the question. It's not the kind of thing we tend to talk about. But, for some of us at least, it's a significant issue. How should we, as Christians, respond to being left an inheritance?
Whether the sum is large or small it can open up a whole can of worms in our minds. Of course, it's great to have a bank balance that is fuller than normal. But the money is only there because a loved one has died. Somehow it feels wrong to enjoy it. But the person who left it to us wanted us to benefit from it and we certainly can't ignore it. There are decisions to be made and, for Christians, they need to be made in a godly way.
So how can Christians respond to being left an inheritance? Here are our top tips.... continue reading
