Jean and I hardly ever holiday in the same place twice; we enjoy exploring somewhere new.  I am not sure that we should be classed as adventurers, but we are certainly ready to accept the risk that we might not enjoy our next vacation as much as the last.  I suppose that the saying ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ is applicable … Read More

This morning, I read chapter five of the gospel according to John and was struck by the story of the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15).  This is a strange incident because of what we are told about the background.  Depending upon which Bible version we read, verse four may be missing – this is the one that … Read More

Where I live, in the UK, volunteering is common.  Many people choose to give of their time and energies in support of a wide variety of activities, everything from picking litter from the streets to offering their professional skills without any reward.  It is encouraging in a world dominated by the self and self-interest that there remains a culture of … Read More

Life has been unusual for me over recent weeks, in that something strange and totally unexpected has occurred.  As you are reading this BLOG, you will be aware that I post here each week, as has been the pattern for nearly a whole year now.  I have been attempting to increase the readership, so that more people can benefit from … Read More

This morning I was reading in the book of Revelation.  This is probably my least favourite place in the New Testament, one that I liken to taking my medicine – somewhere that, apart from the first three chapters, is not easy to understand; not very palatable.  I am sure that many Christians give this a wide berth for that reason.  … Read More

This question could hardly be simpler, but I suggest that the answer is profound.  Before we go any further, though, please give some thought to answering the question yourself:  “Sin is …………”. Limits I expect that there may be many things that could spring to mind.  We might think of sins related to lust, in its various forms, or we … Read More

As I write, we are experiencing what, for us in England, is an extreme heat event.  In many countries, our current temperatures are commonplace, but with dry heat – here in the UK, it usually comes with increased humidity, making it barely tolerable.  Not to mention that we aren’t used to such temperatures; they are a shock to the system.  … Read More

This topic title may sound rather philosophical, and maybe it is.  But surely we need to step back and ask the deeper questions occasionally, else we will exist on a rollercoaster without perspective. Birthday On my birthday, I received numerous greetings on social media, many from people with whom I have linked but do not know personally.  One sent me … Read More

Thomas, who was referred to as ‘the twin’ in the gospel accounts, is known by Christians today as Doubting Thomas.  This isn’t what you might call an accolade, a positive mark of distinction, quite the opposite in fact.  Of course, he did doubt, as we are told very clearly in John 20:25, where he refused to believe that Jesus was … Read More

Before moving to the city of Worcester fifteen years ago, Jean and I lived in a village in the flat Cambridgeshire fens.  This was land that, before it was drained in the 17th century, was frequently covered with water, such that the only habitable places were effectively islands.  Now, with modern roads, travelling around the area is as straightforward as … Read More