I Didn’t See That Coming

Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Isaac’s very old and blind. He calls Esau, the elder son, for the deathbed blessing to transmit the family’s leadership and possessions to Esau. Jacob tricks blind Isaac and receives the blessing… Blind Isaac couldn’t see Jacob coming; Esau didn’t see Jacob’s deception coming. In 1970Continue reading “I Didn’t See That Coming”

I Don’t Know How To Love Him

I don’t know how to love him,What to do, how to move him.I’ve been changed, yes, really changed.In these past few days when I’ve seen myselfI seem like someone else. This song challenges me to consider the relationship that Mary Magdalene had with Jesus. It speaks of a love she couldn’t understand or analyse. ThisContinue reading “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”

Stationary At The Station

Yesterday we visited RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve in North Norfolk. We saw and identified small birds in the woods, wading birds in the creeks, ducks on the lakes, seabirds on the sea-shore. My favourites were the Marsh Harriers that gave a fine flying display. We returned to the café for refreshment. There was thisContinue reading “Stationary At The Station”

Drunkenness, Care for the Elderly…

I’ve been reading familiar Bible stories in Genesis… Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel… stories I was taught as a boy and passed on to others… stories I’ve heard discussed, argued about, preached on…. The Noah narrative’s particularly well-known… God tells Noah to build an ark… the animals go in two by two… there’sContinue reading “Drunkenness, Care for the Elderly…”

The John Newton Circle

1778… John Newton, (friend of William Cowper… see yesterday) slave-ship captain and slave trade investor who became an Anglican cleric and slavery abolitionist, introduced a new hymn he had written for his New Year service – ‘Amazing Grace’… 1944… 6 months after D-day… the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. Casualties topped 100,000; reinforcements were desperately needed.Continue reading “The John Newton Circle”

God (still) Moves In A Mysterious Way

God moves in a mysterious wayHis wonders to perform;He plants His footsteps in the seaAnd rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable minesOf never failing skillHe treasures up His bright designsAnd works His sov’reign will. Poet William Cowper (1731-1800) wrote this hymn as a poem entitled ‘Conflict – light shining out of darkness.’ Cowper’s motherContinue reading “God (still) Moves In A Mysterious Way”

Looking Back Over My Shoulder

It’s 31st December, 2022… Looking back over my shoulder over the past year… remembering the Mike Rutherford/Paul Carrack song ‘Over My Shoulder’: Looking back over my shoulderI can see that look in your eyeI never dreamed it could be overI never wanted to say goodbye The song describes the mixture of love and companionship, yetContinue reading “Looking Back Over My Shoulder”