Here's a couple of updates on the world's newest country - South Sudan.
There's this very helpful video from the BBC which is a great overview of the whole independence movement.
There's a letter from the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan detailing their framework and guidance for the new country.
And here's a report from the Barnabas Fund about the fighting around the border between North and South.
Tim Thornborough writes about keeping an eye on the clock over on his blog about leading a home group.
The study is flowing, the conversation is sharp, funny and moving by turn.
Someone raises an interesting question that everyone wants to comment on. Someone shares a deeply moving need that everyone wants to pray for.
You look at your watch, and it's 10.45.
"Whoa!" you cry, "time these little piggies were all tucked up in bed for the night." Some members shoot out of their seats and head straight for the door. Others linger in the hallway talking by the open door. You stifle a yawn, close the door and switch on the TV to wind down before you go to bed. The light doesn't go off until 12.45.
Sound familiar?
Time can just rush by at a homegroup when things are going well, when enthusiasm and interest seem to be sky high. But did you notice the warning signs in the little scenario above? "Some members shoot out of their seats and head straight for the door."
Before you read on, just pause for a moment and consider what the typical timings for your group meeting might be.... continue reading
This is an excellent testimony from our friends at Hill City Church, Wales.
"People used to think of me as Jim the Marine - it gave me that sense of recognition. And yet... there was something still missing."
James Richards talks about his experience serving with the Royal Marines, and his search for belonging in the battle of life.
What is the first city named in the Bible?
In which book does Paul talk about the armour of God?
Which book finishes, "The children of your chosen sister send their greetings."
What was created on the fourth day?
The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I _____."
In John 21, how many fish does Simon Peter drag ashore?
Which of these four books is the longest?
Just laying out some Explore notes on 2 Timothy by David Sprouse, and thought this comment was a corker:
"It is a wonderful, as well as a sobering, fact that unlike any other book in the world, every time the Bible is read the author is present. And it is what He thinks that counts."
