October 2008

Monday 27th October

A recent episode in the "Desperate Housewives' television series illustrated brilliantly the tension that can come when someone who is totally unfamiliar with the church shows up - armed (and dangerous) with questions. Lynette Scarvo, a cancer survivor, wants to go to church to express gratitude for her recovery - and so she asks her friend Bree (who is also by far the most prissy and uptight character in the series) for some direction.

Wednesday, 15th October

Sometimes you don't know the value of something until you've lost it. Having crossed the Atlantic yet again this week, and having experienced the debilitating effects of jet lag last night - staring at the darkened ceiling at 3am - I am learning to appreciate one of God's most uncelebrated gifts - sleep.

Monday 13th October

Off to the UK today for another week trip. I'll be working with the Spring Harvest Theme Group on the excellent learning guide that Steve Chalke has written for next year, plus speaking at the Vista Conference in Southampton, as well as meeting up with my old (and good) friends at Molesey Community Church - and also preaching at Millmead Baptist Church, all of which I'm looking forward to.

Monday 6th October

I’d like to use my blog to ask for special prayer for David Wilkes, our son-in-law Ben’s father. Terribly, he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with secondary tumours. Wonderfully, David has found Christian faith: talking with him on Skype recently was nothing short of an inspiration. Please pray for an amazing recovery for David, and for strength, hope and faith for both he and Annie. God is able.