Tag: jesus
-
No Longer Divided
There is an Irish TV show which was (and I believe still is) aired yearly when we were growing up. Its name was Reeling in the Years, and each episode would contain footage from both international and Irish events from one year in history, over which would be set some music from that time. In…
-
Deadly Pineapples and Dependence on the Spirit
Did you know that if you eat pineapple and drink milk consecutively that you will, in fact, die? Furthermore, it is one of many dangerous foods for pregnant women to eat. My wife (very obviously expecting our third child) has been asked by fruit sellers, with a note of serious concern in their voices, “Are…
-
That Lonesome Cup
Meditation on Matthew 26 The cup was in hand, Passed around, shared, Communion enjoyed amongst those who cared, That merry band, Together in thick and thin, The Man in the centre they surround, Who would soon be crowned, And let them in, And so that cup, together, At the feast of feasts, The greatest to…
-
Better Than All The Stories
Last week we had some visitors from Ireland staying with us. One evening, as we were putting the kids to bed, we all sat on the floor and did that day’s devotional from a book. One of the questions that day was, “what is your favourite Bible story?” One-by-one we went around, telling our favourite…
-
The Labourers’ View of the Field
This is a little different in style to my usual posts, but something that I hope will be interesting to chew on as you consider the world in which we live, where 42% have little to no access to the good news of Jesus. Over the past year, several long-term workers in our area have…
-
A Man of the Soil
It is hard to grow plants here. In the summer, it is a constant battle against the heat. At this time of year, it is lack of light. What little light makes it through the smog of the megacity is further diluted by the many-storied buildings on every side. Some weeks you under-water, others, you…
-
The Holy Approach of the Magi
A couple of weeks ago my daughter had a part in her school nativity, singing some solo sections of “We Three Kings”. Needless to say, Christmas singing started early in our house this year, as she provided us with daily renditions of the song, practicing it incessantly. As a result of this, I’ve had a…
-
Let an Unpolluted Heav’n and Nature Sing
Multiple times in the week, I am asked what I enjoy about the area in which we now live. I have many answers, from the taste of delicious South Asian dishes, the bustling bazars with their dozens of varieties of fish, fruit and veg, and the friendliness of locals, to the golden rice fields, the…
-
What I Do Have I Give To You
Living here in South Asia places a huge burden on the heart, that does not exist to the same extent in Ireland/the West. Poverty. Now of course, we have poor people in Ireland, and we try to help them as we can. Yes, there are those on the streets looking for money, sad scenes of…
-
Don’t Touch The Tree
Recently, I heard a fable from our local culture here. The story goes as follows: A dog and an elephant both got pregnant at the same time. Very soon, the dog had a full litter of pups. It soon got pregnant again, and again delivered a full litter of pups. A third time, and a…
-
Fools of a Unique Culture
In a couple of weeks it will be one year since landing in our host country in South Asia. As I sit here enjoying Andrew Peterson’s new cover album of Rich Mullin’s legendary “A Liturgy, A Legacy and A Ragamuffin Band”, there is definitely much to give thanks for. A few weeks back a new…
-
A Father Before the Altar
Last night my daughter snuggled into my shoulder as I read to her the ending of Book 3 of the Wingfeather Saga. My eyes grew wet as I spoke to her of a father’s mighty act of heroism and strength for the hour – giving of his complete self for the sake of his children.…
Imitators of Those 