153 There are some numbers that stick in your head. My wife wishes there were other numbers that would do that for me - like birthdays; anniversary, that sort of thing, but they don’t seem to. I could never retain that sort of information but with him it was different. I could remember all the … Continue reading Breakfast at the beach (Peter’s Story) – inspired by John 21:1-14
Category: reflection
A painful privilege
Last week, I led the thanksgiving service for a lovely young woman who died of cancer. She was a friend who’d asked me to take her funeral. I hoped I’d never have to, that God would heal and bring deliverance. He has, of course, in his own way, for she knew she was going home. … Continue reading A painful privilege
Joseph of Arimathea – Stepping out of the shadows
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Jesus. I was walking past as he was teaching in the temple courts and I stopped in my tracks and joined the fringes of the crowd to listen. There was something compelling about the way he spoke, telling his hearers about the Kingdom of God. I long to see … Continue reading Joseph of Arimathea – Stepping out of the shadows
Emmaus: The Road to Hope (based on Luke 24)
I’d not slept a wink for two nights, not since our hopes were ripped to shreds by the Temple authorities and the Roman killing machine. I was still in shock in all honesty – all had happened so quickly. Could it be less than a week since Jesus had come in triumph to Jerusalem, acclaimed as … Continue reading Emmaus: The Road to Hope (based on Luke 24)
A Thief in Paradise (inspired by Luke 23:39-43)
Wow, where am I? It’s so beautiful here, it’s so beautiful here. What am I doing here? Where am I? Oh, hello, I didn’t see you there. I can’t take it in … My name is Levi, and I’m not a good man. No, I’m really not. I’ve done some horrible things. I’ve stolen, hurt people, … Continue reading A Thief in Paradise (inspired by Luke 23:39-43)
“The Last Hour” – A Devotional Service – “Father forgive”
Based on the Passion narrative from Mark's Gospel Hymn: My song is love unknown Reading: Mark 14:43-52 Reflection: Judas Iscariot – “The guilt won’t let me go” Dear Rabbi, I’m writing this although I know it’s too late. I wish I could turn back the clock, undo what I’ve done, but I know that there’s no going back – … Continue reading “The Last Hour” – A Devotional Service – “Father forgive”
The Song of Simeon
based on Luke 2:25-35 I have always loved the Scriptures, ever since I was a boy. When I was young, I was drawn to the heroism of people like Moses and David, and even Gideon, who rose to lead their nations to victory against their enemies. I knew their stories off by heart. I prayed every night that … Continue reading The Song of Simeon
Wonder – Reflections for the Alternative Carol Service
These were written as a series of short reflection for a new type of carol service before Christmas. They were interspersed throughout the service, which had Bible readings and updated versions of carols in it. Introduction – Signposts to Wonder All I see is the mess that surrounds me – All I hear is the noise … Continue reading Wonder – Reflections for the Alternative Carol Service
Halwill Publishing 