“failure to attain a deeply satisfying life always has the effect of making sinful actions seem good. Here lies the strength of temptation…Normally our success in overcoming temptation will be easier if we are basically happy in our lives. To…
I read Bishop Hall’s reflection on 2 Samuel 17, verses 15-20, and I was struck first by his vivid description of the woman’s action, and second by the archaic word ‘bewray’ (meaning betray): “Jonathan and Ahimaaz are sent, descried, pursued,…
‘For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.’ (Ecclesiastes 1:18). Ann Dawson was a faithful parishioner at our church for many years. I took her funeral back in 2018. Every now and then she would…
Last Saturday, 6th May 2023, was the coronation service for King Charles III. Along with millions of people around the globe, I watched as the Bible was presented to the King. It brought to life what I have read in…
“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:18). I was given this note by a parishioner, Ann Dawson (now gone to glory), some years ago. It is entitled: ‘Sorrow comes to Every…
Psmith is a character in some PG Wodehouse novels. Even as I type the name, my computer’s autocorrect seeks to eliminate the P and make it ‘Smith’. Wodehouse would no doubt be delighted as he often played upon the ‘silent…
“And he [Joab] took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. …Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them.” (2 Samuel…
“So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 15:37). 2 Samuel 15 describes the enormous grief for David when the news of the Absalom rebellion reaches the ear of the king. David…
A curious feature about Daniel 4 is the way it begins in the 3rd person and then is told in the 1st person. King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has…
“Some controversy is crucial for the sake of life-giving truth. Running from it is a sign of cowardice. But enjoying it is usually a sign of pride. Some necessary tasks are sad, and even victory is not without tears –…
