Christine O’Neil’s recent Thought about William Blake’s ‘Jerusalem’ concluded, ‘Jerusalem is very popular, but is it a hymn?’. I have been thinking about that question ever since, having almost never chosen Jerusalem in over forty years leading worship. Indeed, it is absent from many hymn books. Like many people, I like the rousing tune and…

The Thought for the Day is from John 18 v 37. God has a plan for our lives that is complete in every detail. The Sovereign of the universe cannot allow any of His plans to be executed haphazardly. He leaves nothing to happenstance. The life of Jesus is a prime example. His coming as…

Have you ever seen an obese ant?  Nor have I.  But why not? Attracted as they are to every sugary spill in my kitchen and impossible to deter with every lotion, potion and spray on the market. Where’s the justice in that, God? My blood level sores at the very mention of cake.  My waist…

It’s interesting that this phrase of the Lord’s Prayer sits next to and comes immediately after asking for forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer, given by Jesus to his disciples (Matthew 6: 9-13), I think, recognises their and our humanity. We receive forgiveness, but as sure as “eggs is eggs”, we will sin again. Temptation is a…