“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 [KJV] Hawthorn berries “What are you doing to reach your Jerusalem?” I remember hearing this question about five years ago. Our church was letterboxing tracts for Easter or Christmas. Above the table stacked with bundles of tracts and invites, hung a large map of the

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 [KJV] Last week, I gave a speech in one of my Bible College classes. The topic was ‘illness’, so I shared what the Lord has been teaching me through chronic illness. Looking back over God’s goodness throughout the last decade was such an encouragement to m

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 11:22 [KJV] Pink Easter lilies Lately, Easter promotions are everywhere in the supermarket. In the lolly aisle, it’s all about chocolate bunnies and eggs. In the bakery, hot cross buns appear in increasingly strange flavour combinations. In the deli, signs advertise ‘Fish for Lent’. And in the outdoor section, a l

“And there was one Anna, a prophetess …she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 [KJV] Have you ever been surprised by the kind of person God chooses to use? Our church is currently studying the lives of the Apostles, and–let’s

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2 [KJV] On our drive to church, we pass a large gym that is open 24/7. Their carpark is always full, and through the front glass windows you can see dozens of people using treadmills, exercise bikes and boxing bags. It’s been particularly busy these last couple of months, no doubt because most New Year’s resolutions relate to physical health or finances. Both area

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 [KJV] Common brown butterfly When I started this blog in January 2023, it was with the intention of sharing a fortnightly encouragement – a word in season – to Christian single ladies. Well, it’s now three years and 78 blog posts later. No doubt you, like myself, have seen many changes happen during that tim

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”. 1 Peter 2:11 [KJV] Tower Hill I’m sure we can all think of instances when we felt very alone in a crowd. Maybe you went to an event and didn’t know anyone there. Or you were in a place where everyone around you was speaking a language you didn’t know. Perhaps you were the only work colleague who didn’t laugh at the boss’ crude joke. Maybe you’ve joined a new chur