firebrandnotes

Divine Mitosis

When the Bible shows us Jesus praying, it’s a big deal. When the Bible gives us a whole chapter of Jesus praying, this is an even bigger deal. I think we all struggle with prayer to some extent and at different points in our lives. Feelings can rise up in us like: “But I’d reallyContinue reading “Divine Mitosis”

All Is Grace

I have recently revisited this blog because I shared on the theme of ‘Grace’ this last Sunday. It’s a timeless bedrock of all we are as believers so hope it helps and encourages you to ‘drink deeply’ from the Fountain of grace.

“The Heavenlies” – A Peretti Pastiche (Part 2 of 2)

Three It was the end of his University life and Paul had decided that it didn’t matter if he got drunk tonight. He stood at the bar again waiting for more drink. Apathy, Deceit and Desire gripped hold of him like toxic leeches, writhing in pleasure as they controlled his mind. Their yellow, bulbous eyesContinue reading ““The Heavenlies” – A Peretti Pastiche (Part 2 of 2)”

“The Heavenlies” – A Peretti Pastiche (Part 1 of 2)

One There was an unusual air of excitement in the city of Exeter that hot summer’s evening as the University students began to flood into the local pubs, bars, and Off Licences. In fact, it wasn’t quite evening, still late afternoon, and already the streets were seething with young revellers following the recent culmination ofContinue reading ““The Heavenlies” – A Peretti Pastiche (Part 1 of 2)”

Paignton Paparazzi

Last week-end I went out kayaking in the glorious October summer sun with a friend. It’s called the English Riviera down here for a reason – when the weather is like this it’s like being on the Continent: warmer temps, sparkling ocean, thousands of tourists, flip-flops galore and occasionally decent surf. I was thinking I’dContinue reading “Paignton Paparazzi”

X Factor – Cattle Market Crush #1

As a ‘creative type’ I normally love watching X-Factor – it’s often funny, entertaining and occasionally inspiring. But last week I was disgusted by it. I was disgusted by the lie of the devil to a generation of young people who are being treated like ‘talent meat’ while their hearts are puffed up or crushed.Continue reading “X Factor – Cattle Market Crush #1”

The Furious Longing of God

Once as kids, my brother and I were in deep trouble with Dad for throwing apples from the garden and breaking some panes of glass in a neighbour’s conservatory. We were naughty boys and Dad was furious. And there are probably occasions you can think of when someone has been furious with you too, maybeContinue reading “The Furious Longing of God”

John 21 – Fish, Beach-Fires and Worship

They were totally knackered and hungry, heart-broken and angry, confused and missing Jesus: The disciples had returned to their grass roots at sea to find the encouragement of a good night’s work…but they caught nothing. Not even one fish. Like all groups of blokes, there would have been a range of emotions (or at leastContinue reading “John 21 – Fish, Beach-Fires and Worship”