June 2025

corinthians

The month of June in our household is a time for giving and receiving gifts. My husband and I both celebrate our birthdays as does a grandson, an in-law, some nieces and nephews…

This reminds me that God has gifts for us to receive too, but which aren’t limited to birthdays – the gifts of the Holy Spirit; the ways God chooses to equip us with His divine power.

There are a number of passages giving examples of these gifts such as 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11. My suggestion this month is that we take time to read these passages with an open heart, maybe one passage each week if that helps. 
Which words or phrases particularly resonate or excite you? Do you sense a nudge to ask for a particular gift or use one you have been given?

As we offer ourselves afresh to God, consciously choosing to be available to the Holy Spirit, He will equip us “just as He determines”.

Perhaps you are already aware of how the Holy Spirit is working through you. Ask God if there is anything you can do through prayer, learning and/or intentional response, to act in faith and so fan your gift further into flame (based on 2 Timothy 1:6).

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May 2025

A familar quote, sometimes attributed to St Ignatius of Loyola says:
“Pray as if everything depends on God, and work (or act) as if everything depends on you.”

Hold this in mind as we dwell with Paul’s words this month.

Paul had described his labour for the church, including his sufferings, his proclamation of Christ, his teaching of God’s word, and the awesome implications of “Christ in you”. And so it was “to this end” he worked with all the energy and resources he had to give, hand-in-hand with the power of Christ’s Spirit within.

On the one, Paul acknowledged his responsibility to work hard and conscientiously to fulfil the work God had called him to.
On the other, he acknowledged his utter reliance on Christ’s power to be at work in and through him to fulfil God’s divine purposes, which he sought through prayerful dependency.

This grace-filled balance protects us from stress or burnout and from endless anxious self-effort, but inpires us to work wholeheartedly at whatever we are called to be and do.

Take time to dwell with this encouragement this month with an open heart.
How might God speak this truth into the ways that you partner with Him in serving His church and in making His truth known?

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April 2025

I find myself offering some thoughts on a Psalm once again, so I apologise for that, but Psalm 90 was pertinent to me in the first week of March. 

My husband and I backpacked the Worcestershire Way to mark a new season in life, and this Psalm, most especially this verse, came to mind before we left. 

On the first day travelling up to our starting point by two trains and a bus, I found myself unexpectedly inspired with a new sermon/talk, which I bulletted once we arrived in our B&B! But I parked those ideas so that I could dwell with this verse as we began to walk south on Day 2.

I read the entire Psalm out loud before we had breakfast each morning, but using a different translation for each of the three days.
On the first day of our walk my dwelling led me to reflect on the past. On the second day, the present. And on our final day, the future. 

Gosh, how I sensed God’s gracious leading of my thoughts with His whispers to my soul. And so, I was inspired to share this idea with you.

Of course, you might not have timeout as I did, so you may wish to dwell with this verse or Psalm in the past, present and future a week or so at a time through April. But it is indeed a Psalm that reminds us of the “brevity” of life, and seeks God to help us live it “wisely and well“. 

I wonder what God will whisper to your soul this month…

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March 2025

When we take a knock in life – or repeated knocks – when storms brew then batter us, or when we simply feel lost, alone, low…
Psalm 145 is a rich place to dwell.

I’ve selected this Psalm primarily for verse 13, reminding us that God is trustworthy. Pain and problems can undermine our reliance on that truth, or even our belief in it, and often subconciously. So it is good to dwell with this aspect of God’s character to restore it to the forefront of our hearts, minds and souls.

God is trustworthy to all He is and all that He has promised.

The other verses I’ve selected are examples of how God is trustworthy; truths that are particularly helpful when we are feeling bruised.
Which words and images especially resonate with you?

If you’ve time, you might like to read all of the Psalm to build your faith in God’s greatness, His works, His kingdom and righteousnes… For now, hold tight to the unshakeable truths in these verses that renew your trust in who God is and what He does.

God is with you. God is merciful. God upholds you…

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February 2025

Prayerfully focus on God with you, and ask Him to help you discern what He may wish to say to you through His Word.

Read through these verses at least twice.

Which people group especially stood out as you read?
The hungry?
The thirsty?
The stranger?
Those with insufficient clothing?
The sick?
The prisoner?

Did anyone specifically come to mind?

How might you love God this month, by loving this person or people in some kind of practical way?

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January 2025

New Year. Fresh start. Resolutions….?
OR
New Year but life carrying on as normal?

Whatever your approach to a New Year, there is one thing I believe we can all aspire to which reflects David’s heart expressed in Psalm 63: to know God more deeply and choose His life more intentionally.

Do you sense a desire for, need of and dependency on God, or is this something to nourish and nurture through 2025?
If so, what might that look like for you?

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December 2024

As we step into the last month of 2024, I invite you to imagine one of my stunning November walks.

My soul already full to the brim with the vibrant display of reds, golds, yellows, browns and greens of my woodland surroundings, I came to a halt as my gaze fell upon a pool of water (pictured above and below). 

The reflections were exquisite. The white criss-cross of overhead jet-streams in a clear blue sky. The yellow shrub and laced overhang of trees lining the bank; their trunks seeming to slip silently, smoothly, into the depths, without so much as a ripple.  

Drinking deep of its beauty I recalled nature’s message: the calmer the water, the clearer the reflection. The pool was certainly calm. Its water so very still. That’s why it reflected its surroundings with such intense and  crisp clarity. The greater the movement of water, however, the more the reflection would have been marred. 

Life can feel hurried and harried, especially as we approach Christmas. But we can nurture a stillness of soul, even in the busyness, as we take moments to gaze on Jesus; to contemplate or behold His beauty, to open our hearts to His presence, adopt His lifestyle  and let go of unnecessary expectations (Matthew 11:28-30). 

That may be all you need to hear this month: the invitation to “contemplate” Jesus, and in turn be increasingly transformed to reflect His beauty.

If you’d like some help with that, however, you might like to dwell with 2 Corinthians 3:18 through the lens of the Christmas narrative:
1.  Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, were told “Do not be afraid”, a refrain Jesus repeated throughout His ministry; His living words still speaking to us today. 

Contempate Him saying to you, “Do not fear”. Picture the gentle sincerity in His face, hear His compassionate tone of voice, believe and receive the truth that He is with you – always and in everything. He knows what you need and wants to guide and help you. Let this reassurance diffuse your fears and still racing thoughts and emotions. In turn, your calm, assured confidence in Jesus will be reflected to others. 
2. Mary stored up the many things said about her newborn, Jesus, and pondered them in her heart.

If the secular distractions and expectations of Christmas threaten to undermine inner poise and godly peace, remind yourself who you are celebrating. What is the ‘why’ of Christmas? How did it all begin?
As you contemplate Jesus being the Life-giving source and centre of it all, the joy of this truth will calm and still your soul, focus your perspective, and in turn, help reflect His love and grace through the different ways you choose to celebrate. 
3. Magi (eastern astrologers, distinguished for their wisdom, wealth and high standing in society) presented gifts to Jesus, who Himself,  became the greatest gift to humankind.

As you contemplate Christ’s self-giving life, His kindness, compassion, forgiveness, grace… and so much more… receive each day whichever gift you need to calm troubled waters, to guide or reassure. In turn, its transforming effect on your life will reflect His presence to others. 
….May the beauty of the Lord be seen, heard and felt in all you say and do (Psalm 90:17).

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November 2024

There are a number of verses that help me to pray for people enduring conflict or war, others that prompt me to pray for those suffering famine and sickness arising from such conflicts, from being forced to flee their homes, from weather patterns devastating harvests or from the slave trafficking trade.

I am also grateful for organisations that help us to pray and to offer practical support for such heartwrenching situations, for example, 24-7 prayer, BMS, Samaritan’s Purse, Tearfund, Open Doors, A21 … and many others.

But there are times when God places a hand on my shoulder and says, “Be still”.
Be still so that you may know My love for all people.
Be still to know My compassion.
Be still to know My heart….

In those moments of stillness I may be reminded of a news headline that has long since disappeared from my feed. A face comes to mind from a photo I’ve seen in a prayer bulletin, or perhaps, someone’s name. An image of a malnourished parent, child or refugee might penetrate my soul…
Images, headlines and reports that urge me to “Be still”; to still any sense of doubt, disillusionment or apathy, and “know” His heart.

As Jesus wept for individuals and for cities, and as the Holy Spirit intercedes through our wordless sighs and groans, God moves us in prayer. Prayers fuelled by faith in God’s compassionate presence and His ultimate power and justice (v.10b).

And so, I Ieave this verse for you to dwell with this month: and respond to in prayer and/or practice, as God leads.

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October 2024

I had no problem discerning which verse of scripture to share with you this month, as Colossians 3:16 inspired the writing of my next book which is published on 18th October! Click the button at the end of this post if you would like to find out more.

Books aside, Paul offers a beautiful instruction to dwell with this month; one which prompts some questions:
Do I dip, dash, delve or dwell in God’s living word?
Why is it important to dwell?
And how might I do this?

There’s a time for dipping and dashing – a need to ‘snack’ to meet a particular need.
There’s also a time to delve – to read at length and study scripture to increase our knowledge about God.
But to deepen our relationship with God, it definitely helps to ‘dwell’ – for His words are living and active, transforming and guiding, reassuring and releasing. But as one of the loveliest ladies in my life said to me recently, “I’ve learned over the years that it’s best to not read too much at a time.” How right she is when our desire as we approach scripture is to meet with its Author and find ourselves at home with Him as His word makes a home in us.

So how do we do this?
Although I read lengthier passages of scripture most days, for 30+ years I have also been dwelling with just one (or occasionally a few) verse(s) of scripture for a week, or more, at a time. It transforms my attitudes, responses, perspective and priorities. It influences how I think (& therefore feel) about myself and others. It shapes and disciplines my life to become increasingly more like Jesus. It aligns my life to the beat of God’s heart for lost souls and the poor, oppressed and persecuted. And it infuses my life with peace and presence – God’s presence breathing His living words in and through me.

As you prayerfully reflect on Colossians 3:16, what verse comes to mind to ‘dwell richly’ on this month?

If you would value a little help with this, then do take a look at my book here.

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September 2024

I find myself thinking about friendship, prompted by making friends with a fabulous emu last month. I confess, I became rather smitten, even if it only befriended me because of the food in my hand!
Of course, I have ‘proper’ and wonderful friendships too, for which I’m IMMENSELY grateful. If you’re one of them – thank you for your love, care, kindness, support and patience. I am aware, however, that many people today who lack friends, suffer isolation and loneliness. If you would like support, do take a look at Sheridan Voysey’s Friendship Lab. As the project prepares to launch you’ll find some free friend-making tools.

But what about my friendship with God? Am I an ’emu’ friend, coming to Him only for what I can get? Am I like Abraham, a friend of God who unreservedly believes, so proactively acts in faith on His promises? Am I a friend of Jesus, taking time to be with Him, to love and worship Him, enjoy silent companionship and listen to Him? Am I sharing His perspective on life – and on my life – realising that His life is the best, inspiring me to align my life to His so I can enjoy it and convey it ‘to the full’ (John 10:10)?

Emus aside, I do believe God wants us to be friends who ‘ask’ Him for things, whether for comfort, guidance, help or provision. It would be unbiblical if I didn’t!! But friendship is also about believing in God’s awesome truth in my heart and not just my head, so yielding my life to loving, serving and being present to His perspective, priorities, ways and will.
But the fundamental reality of friendship is that it grows by just being together; enjoying one another’s company. Listening. Speaking. Loving. Sharing hearts and minds.

Dwell with how you’re growing your friendship with Jesus this month. Enjoy taking time to draw close to Him in prayer and presence of mind. Receive His love, care, kindness, support and patience with an open heart. How might you show your love for Him too?
Believe in all He has promised you and take His hand so you might walk in step with His Life through your day.
If you would value further insights and help on friendship with Jesus, I warmly recommend Amy Boucher Pye’s, Transforming Love, How Friendship With Jesus Changes Us.

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