Good evening my friends, I hope that you've had a lovely day. We went to Ruffec for a drink and also check the market. Somebody told us that they'd sell some lovely honey there. However after celebrating our neighbour's 60's birthday last night we woke up so late this morning, after 10...we went to bed at 1:30 so no wonder!
So by the time we get to Ruffec, the market store are empty. We managed to get a bunch of carrots and very nicely the farmer gave us a bag of mixed salad leaves, cabbage and carrot tops for the rabbits, we appreciated his kindness. Steven recognised him and told me that they do go to Civray market too!
The reality of Christian mission in today’s churches is a story of thousands of quiet kindnesses. In many of our most disadvantaged communities it is the churches that provide warmth, food, friendship and support for individuals who have fallen on the worst of times. The homeless, those in the grip of alcoholism or drug addiction, individuals with undiagnosed mental health problems and those overwhelmed by multiple crises are all helped — in innumerable ways — by Christians.
Michael Gove: Why I'm proud to be a Christian
Churches provide debt counselling, marriage guidance, childcare, English language lessons, after-school clubs, food banks, emergency accommodation and, sometimes most importantly of all, someone to listen. The lives of most clergy and the thoughts of most churchgoers are not occupied with agonising over sexual morality but with helping others in practical ways — in proving their commitment to Christ through service to others.
But Christian charity — far from being applauded — is seen by many as somehow suspect. Again and again, as a politician, I have found that when people who were open and proud of their Christian faith wished to help others — in education, in social work, in prisons and in hospices — their belief was somehow seen as an ignoble ulterior motive sullying their actions. Their charity would somehow be nobler and more selfless if it weren’t actuated by religion.
Good morning my dear friends and family, it is such a beautiful day today, I want to thank our heavenly father for all his 'good deeds' Psalm 103: 2. You probably know that song from Matt Redman, the lyrics are below.
My beautiful sister-in-law Pauline bought me a book called Holyfire from RT Kendall and I started reading last night. It's informative, clear and edifying. I also discovered this beautiful and powerful song by Stuart Townend. Here are the lyrics.
Holy Spirit, living Breath of God,
Breathe new life into my willing soul. Bring the presence of the risen Lord To renew my heart and make me whole. Cause Your Word to come alive in me; Give me faith for what I cannot see; Give me passion for Your purity. Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.
Holy Spirit, come abide within; May Your joy be seen in all I do— Love enough to cover ev'ry sin In each thought and deed and attitude, Kindness to the greatest and the least, Gentleness that sows the path of peace. Turn my striving into works of grace. Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.
Holy Spirit, from creation's birth, Giving life to all that God has made, Show your power once again on earth; Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways. Let the fragrance of our prayers arise. Lead us on the road of sacrifice That in unity the face of Christ Will be clear for all the world to see.
