Planted by Water

Today, I’m attempting some reviews on a couple of books I have read recently. Neither of them will reach my Top Ten Best Books List, but they’ve been helpful. The first is about a subject that I lecture on at School of the Word in Cardiff - Religions and Worldviews. It isn’t for everyone, but some out there may be interested:

David Burnett, Clash of Worlds

Burnett examines the concept of ‘worldview’ more from …

Great to hear that things are getting off to a good start at the School of the Word this week. Roger has sent all us lecturers the photos of the new students. A really cool, intelligent and spiritual lot they look - very intimidating for us humble lecturers.

We have sent Jon and Ali Dumville from Huddersfield this year and I am confident they are going to be a great asset. They’re a terrific couple. I am also confident that …

Just a last thought on trees, for now - at least I think it’s the last; we’ll see:

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."  (Matt.13:31-32)

The great mystery of the Kingdom is that the age to come has already begun in this present …

Some legitimate questions were asked in the comments on my first posting ‘My Entry Into Blogging World’. The main ones were to do with the amount of time taken and whether there was not some egotism involved in wanting to share your daily thoughts with the world! These are valid questions which I had thought myself when I first heard of blogs. However I am now converted and I thought I’d share my reasons why. Here …

Back to trees! Reading in Isaiah about oaks:

‘They [God’s restored people] will be called oaks of righteousness, a  planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.’  (Isaiah 61:3)

My earlier comments on the spiritual life and trees have emphasised the importance of roots, and of drawing from the waters of the Spirit. About the inward life, if you like. Vitally important, as the roots determine the fruits.

But the ultimate purpose is for us trees to grow strong, …

Recently, I have been speaking to the church about tips that I would give to people after ten years involved in pastoral ministry and watching the things that make people go off course in their spiritual life, and things that help them to progress spiritually. I suppose they are quite selective and reflective of recent emphases I have been making; ask me another time and the list may be a little different. But all of them are important. I’m …