How often do you find yourself saying that you’re just too busy? How many evenings do you wish you could stay in but don’t? Do you ever get that feeling that life is ever so slightly out of control, maybe especially when you look at your diary or inbox? How often do you say, “yes” to taking on a new role or responsibility, when you know full well your answer really ought to have been “no”? When was the last time you could honestly say you weren’t tired?
As Christians we proclaim a gospel of freedom (Luke 4:18); we talk of a Saviour whose burden is light (Matthew 11:30) and encourage others to find rest in God (Psalm 62). But all too frequently we model lives of manic activity, packed diaries, overflowing to-do lists and burdened hearts. We listen to sermons about Mary and Martha and nod sagely as the preacher says that Mary’s way of sitting at Jesus’ feet is better and then leave the church to live lives so frenetic, even Martha herself may be exhausted at the thought of the pace!... continue reading
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The only right motivation for serving or obeying Christ Jesus is love. It sounds so simple and obvious; but we find it so very easy, and it appears so very natural, to serve for any and every reason other than love. We serve to earn blessing (or even salvation); to pay Jesus back, as though he’s not generous; to be noticed by others or be part of an in-crowd; we serve because we think Jesus needs us to, as though if we don’t serve, His mission will fall apart.
We serve for all kinds of reasons other than the only one which Jesus asks for, looks for, and is pleased by: love.
And when we serve in love, everything changes.
Think about an act of service for a moment, maybe something you do in church, at home or at work. Choose something repetitive—a way you serve others every day or each week. Now ask: If I do that act of service as a way to earn God’s love or blessing, or to impress others or be needed by others, what will it do to my heart? One of two things. It will fill your heart with pride, if you’re noticed or needed, or if you consider that now you have deserved God’s blessing. Or it will fill it with despondency or bitterness, if you feel you haven’t had the praise you deserve, or if God doesn’t do for you what you think He should.... continue reading
If you've got a smartphone, you'll have seen the game. Even if you haven't, you may well have helped a friend. So we thought we'd do one with a biblical twist ...
If you can guess the word (hinted at by the pictures, and made up of 8 of the letters listed below), type it in the comments field. We'll delay posting the comments for a few hours so others get to play along ...
You never know, there might even be a prize for the first person to answer!
1. The Good Book Company Infographics
All of our very own infographics in one place.
2. The Passion Week - Infographic
Another infographic from Josh Byers.
3. 9 Lessons from God Concerning Sickness
Josh Harris shares these 9 lessons taken from J.C. Ryle Quotes.
4. Four Good Reasons to Read Good Books
An interesting article by Tim Challies.
5. Page CXVI
For the whole of March, Page CXVI are giving away their complete catalogue of music.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, the Serving without Sinking 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
How do you serve Jesus? And (more importantly) why do you serve Jesus… and how do you feel about serving Jesus?
If you’re anything like me, serving can be a bit of a burden—just one more job in an already busy life. I often feel weary or discouraged about it. Or, when it’s going well, I feel proud and self-reliant about it.
Most of the time, it’s just the price that has to be paid to get eternity.
John Hindley, whose new book Serving Without Sinking has just launched, puts it this way:
“We Christians often seem to be a burdened, joyless bunch. It should not be like this, and it doesn’t need to be—for me or for you.”... continue reading
Is it offensive to say that you’re ex-gay or post-gay?
That’s the question the High Court is deciding this week, after Transport for London took bus adverts down from their buses last spring, which stated; “Not gay! Ex-gay, post-gay and proud. Get over it”. Those ads had gone up in response to Stonewall’s adverts which had stated: “Some people are gay. Get over it.”
The court was told that the second advert, paid for by Core Issues and Anglican Mainstream, was: “a slap in the face, gay rejection … [and was] interpreted by many as homophobic”.... continue reading
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23
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