Blog
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Interview with Jeff Lucas
Phew – my too-busy season is over, and I can be more attentive here on the blog. Here’s an interview with the amazing Jeff Lucas – the prolific author and not-to-be missed speaker and broadcaster. He spends his time with one toe on each side of the Atlantic (his official title is teaching pastor at…
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Review and discussion questions: Redeeming Love
I’m recently back from leading a book club retreat at the lovely El Palmeral in Spain. We sat by the pool, the bubbling water and chirping birds as our background soundtrack, and discussed four books, along with engaging in related spiritual exercises. You may not enjoy such a tremendous setting to engage with Francine Rivers’…
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Devotional of the week: In Christ (1 in Ephesians series)
Time for a new devotional series! We start off a journey through Ephesians, one of the letters of the Apostle Paul, dripping with riches. Join me today for the introduction and first Bible reading note. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians may be relatively short, but it has shaped the lives of countless Christians.…
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Devotional of the week: Praises always (7 in 1 Peter 4 series)
…so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power… 1 Peter 4:11 I’ve had the privilege of knowing some Christians who are completely sold out for God. Truly in all things, God is praised in their lives. One is a businesswoman who conducts her…
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Devotional of the week: Many gifts; one body (6 in 1 Peter 4 series)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others… 1 Peter 4:10 When I think of servants, a couple of people spring to mind immediately. They don’t know each other – they are separated by an ocean – but are kindred spirits. Both love to serve in the background in churches…
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Devotional of the week: Love, love, love (5 in 1 Peter 4 series)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 Recently I was texting a friend, and the auto-correct turned my words into, “I’m paying that God will give you strength today.” Imagine if we had to pay God to answer our prayers! Thankfully no payment is involved,…
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The Irrational Author Ego
If you’re a writer, how do you handle criticism? I’m guest posting today at the Association of Christian Writers’ website, sharing the story of how I felt when I received feedback on my book, Finding Myself in Britain. Not a pretty sight. At Friday, 5pm, I met my deadline. Having pressed “send” to my dozen…
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Devotional of the week: Divine Conversation (4 in 1 Peter 4 series)
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” 1 Peter 4:7 I’m passionate about prayer, including leading retreats called “Adventures in Prayer.” Why? Because prayer opens up a divine conversation, and wonderfully, the Lord loves to meet us. The ways he reveals himself delight,…
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Devotional of the week: Our Life’s Story (3 in 1 Peter 4 series)
They will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5 Some time ago, I was asked to draft, in advance, an obituary for a Christian leader. The task weighed on me, for not only was there no immanent deadline (thankfully, the person was in…
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Devotional of the week: New Self (2 in 1 Peter 4 series)
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do… 1 Peter 4:3 Last week we talked about suffering and death being out of fashion in our Western world. So too is judgment. Many Christians today fear making public their views on matters of ethics, thinking they will be branded…
