The entire DNA of a tree is in its seed. Once it’s been planted, its DNA drives growth and increase. This is a picture of the Church.

We are secure in the love of Christ, yet there are no guarantees in life. Ecclesiastes 11 reminds us to plant and sow, even in the midst of unpredictable circumstances.

Surprised by Joy, part 5. What do we do with pain, loss, challenges to mental health and heightened anxieties? Philippians 4 gives us some amazing ways though which we can set ourselves in the peace of God.

Surprised by Joy, part 4. The Kingdom of God will come through you. It will come through every one of us pursuing Jesus and the work he’s got for us. So while we’re called to stand firm in our faith, … Continue reading “Joy in Sharing”

Surprised by Joy, part 3. How do we start to work out what God has already worked in us? In Philippians 2 we’re given four ways to do just this.

Surprised by Joy, part 2. Unity is actually the by-product of us all serving one another. When we value others above ourselves, looking first to the interests of others out of love, something beautiful happens: we become one in mind … Continue reading “Joy in Service”

Surprised by Joy, part 1. Difficult times in life can feel like dark tunnels that we have to travel through. Instead of waiting for the light at the end, God wants to fill the tunnel with light, right where we … Continue reading “Joy in Living”

The Grace of God, part 4. Terry shares from the book of Ezra, reflecting on those who had survived exile, and were called to return and rebuild the house of God.

The Grace of God, part 3. We tend to think of ‘dead works’ as being of more formal, legalistic religion. But the Bible actually defines it as something different: a work without faith.