“Let my people go!” is an iconic statement in the bible, but not usually associated with our present period of Lent. Yet, God’s declaration of freedom had a higher purpose than simply escaping the domination of sin. God sets His people free FROM something and FOR something.
Read MoreBritain’s Black Friday shopping event fires the starting gun this weekend. Whatever the razzamatazz surrounding it, it can be quite a headache. With deals screaming out, I often end up with massive FOMO. What if I miss out?
Read More‘Wear Your Faith Fortnight.’ Christians across South Yorkshire are being encouraged to wear a symbol of their faith for the two weeks either side of Halloween. People sometimes say that faith should be a private matter. That is to misunderstand the very nature of the Christian faith.
Read MoreMeeting two guy friends for lunch. we greeted each other in the way most natural to us: we hugged. Connection is key. It stops things getting between us. You can make someone’s day with a simple touch, or, if it’s possible and appropriate, a warm hug.
Read MoreWhy do so many young people still flock to university? It’s the human drive to improve oneself, to learn, to discover. Sheffield has a simple, safe, homely feel. It’s been my home for 30 years.
Read MoreThis week my church waved off 21 teenagers to join thousands of others in a national Christian youth festival. As I waved my teenagers off, I was so grateful for all youth providers in our city investing their time and wisdom into the next generation.
Read MoreAmericans this week are going big with their Fourth of July celebrations. What does freedom really mean,a dn why do you want to be free anyway?
Read More“What are you doing this weekend?” “Oh, I’m mountain-biking from Chatsworth to Sheffield.” You guessed it, we’ve hit the peak charity fund-raising season. What motivates a person to raise money, or volunteer previous time and energy, on behalf of others?
Read MoreI’ve been thinking about headlines. There’s a buzz about them, but headlines are superficial, they rarely tell the whole story.
Read MoreI flicked through the pages of The Sheffield Star this week, and if I’m honest, my heart sank. But a newspaper that only printed good news stories wouldn’t be telling the whole truth.
Read MoreI’ve been thinking this week about unsung heroes. What would you and I chose to mark, to celebrate as worthy, within our own Sheffield region?
Read MoreThere are congratulations and celebrations in the air around Sheffield. So who, or what has top place in your affection and attention?
Read MoreI’ve been thinking this week about donkeys and kings. It’s strangely appropriate as the Christians in our region prepare to mark the annual festival of Holy Week, which culminates in the Easter weekend.
Read MoreYou probably noticed it was the Budget this week. The saying goes: ‘money makes an excellent servant, but a terrible master.’ I wonder how you and I view money, or experience its effects?
Read MoreAs Easter approaches, something unusual is underway which is unifying our city in a new way. Prayer. The Arise Sheffield initiative is inspiring thousands of followers of Jesus from across 100+ churches to walk along, and pray for, every single street in our city.
Read MoreYou’d be forgiven for thinking happiness comes from chocolate, flowers and heart-shaped greeting cards. Actualy, the roots of Valentines season lie deep in something that every human heart seeks and needs : love.
Read MoreIn many ways the Bible proverb is true, “there is nothing new under the sun.” This worries me as our region and nation embarks upon yet another year of austerity, and tough times.
Read MoreWord of the year 2022 is the most alarming: “permacrisis” defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity.”
Read MoreI wonder, have you stopped to hear the message of the carols? Lots of adverts this year mention “the magic of Christmas” but magic isn’t real. It is an illusion. The Christian message is that Jesus came into our midst,
Read MoreBelieve it or not, it’s that time of year when advent calendars become a big thing in many people’s homes. So what is really behind advent?
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