On the second day of the new year, let's look back at some of the On To a Good Thing highlights of the past year:
A happy new year to all our blog readers!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
And here, on the last day of 2012, is a round-up of our most read blog posts of the past 12 months.
1. Infographic: Rulers of Israel and Judah
2. Introducing one of our exciting new books of the year: The Hard Corps
3. Infographic: Life of David - from Shepherd to King
4. Debunking a few myths surrounding the women bishops' debate
5. Some tips on how to break free from self-harm
6. Making the most of Halloween
7. Reflections on Vaughan Robert's interview in Evangelicals Now
8. Some great tips for Home Group leaders
Your word, O Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119 v 89-94
This is mind-blowing stuff. God made the earth and that has lasted. But God's word has always been true and perfect and will be for ever. And His faithfulness will never end — we can rely on God's promises. He'll never let you down.
It's not too late to plan for the new year and get your daily Bible reading notes with our great 10% discount.
And if you haven't read Explore before you might be interested in reading some these great comments from some of our Scottish readers:
"Having participated in Bible studies for over 30 years, I find the Explore notes to be the most helpful in that they help with our daily walk in the Christian faith. The format is very user-friendly."
"I find reading Explore notes is a good discipline, it is challenging, it is healthy, it is addictive!"
"I don't think there is any shame in saying that the Bible is a daunting challenging read! In my experience, the Explore notes have been a fantastic companion guide. It provides an understandable and accessible entry point to the Bible."
There's something about the run-up to new year that makes us think about our lives: ponder the possibility of change; plan for the future; resolve the tensions of the past. For those of us in churches, it's a time when we often think about what ministry we're involved in and whether it might be time for a move. But whether we're a youth worker wondering about handing in our notice; or a member of the music-group, planning to ditch the flute in favour of a role in the children's work, how do we make such ministry-decisions well? Here are 6 principles to hold on to as we make decisions at the end of 2012:... continue reading
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Did you have a lovely Christmas day? Were you reminded afresh of the mind-blowing story of God made man? Did you experience once more the excitement of the gospel of salvation as you sat alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ and listened to the nativity retold? Did you eat a beautiful meal? Enjoy the company of some family or friends? Rip open some presents that brought a smile to your face? Sit, safely, in your home - warm and comfortable?
If so, you - like me - are astonishingly privileged. To be a child of God is an incredible grace. To be able to live and worship in safety, indulge in a spot of luxury as well - such things are not to be taken for granted in our fallen world. So, as you sit and digest that extra mince pie (or, my particular weakness, that 7th piece of turkish delight) it's worth pondering how best to respond to the many gifts that have been showered on us.... continue reading
A very happy Christmas to all our blog-readers around the world.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
We asked. You voted. And here, on Christmas Eve, are the results of our "what's your favourite carol?" poll:
In first place: O Holy Night
In second place: Hark The Herald Angels Sing
And in a controversial third place (Is it a carol - is it an advent hymn? The debate goes on ... ): O Come O Come Emmanuel
We hope you've enjoyed singing them this season ...
