Author: faithrootsdw

Peace in the storm (Mark 4:35-41)

There’s a great storm raging, the waves are battering against the boat and it is being tossed about like a toy by the wind. The sailors are struggling against the storm.  Several of them are seasoned sailors who know these waters well but there’s something different about this storm that fills them with dread. Meanwhile… Continue reading Peace in the storm (Mark 4:35-41)

It’s okay to go off-piste when preaching … providing you signpost it clearly

There’s been a few occasions when I’ve been preaching where something has struck me and I’ve felt it particularly relevant and helpful but it hasn’t been something that the passage specifically addresses. Rather, it’s been a question arising perhaps out of something the passage leaves unaddressed.  There have been other occasions where I’ve drawn an… Continue reading It’s okay to go off-piste when preaching … providing you signpost it clearly

Defeated enemies (Mark 4:35-5:43)

We now encounter a series of incredible miracles and signs which demonstrate Jesus’ power over the forces of evil and death. First, we see Jesus as Lord over his creation. Jesus travels across Galilee with his disciples. He is asleep in the boat as a storm brews. There are echoes of Jonah’s flight to Tarshish… Continue reading Defeated enemies (Mark 4:35-5:43)

You are always saying no to something

I remember someone giving me a bit of advice once to the effect that for every request you say yes to, you should say no to an equivalent request.  It’s good advice but I would push it further.  The reality that that every time you say yes to something or someone, you are at the… Continue reading You are always saying no to something

Please keep praying for Bearwood and Smethwick

Whilst we are moving on and excited about what God has in store with us next, there has been some sadness as we’ve said goodbye to our home and community in Smethwick. We spend 12 years here and grew to love the area. Bearwood and Smethwick will also have a significant place in our hearts.… Continue reading Please keep praying for Bearwood and Smethwick

God’s Growing kingdom (Mark 4:26-34)

The imagery throughout Mark 4 is centred on this small seed which gets planted, buried in the ground and begins to grow. Yes there’s this period of time when it’s hidden from sight, when n-one knows what happens, yes there are the obstacles: birds, rocks, thorns but growth and fruitfulness is inevitable. That’s what we… Continue reading God’s Growing kingdom (Mark 4:26-34)

Praying for or praying against enemies?

My article about the UK national anthem provoked a little discussion.  Several people on social media commented that they agreed with me that it shouldn’t be sung in church.  One reason given was that the Anthem includes verses which call for the defeat and destruction of the Queen’s enemies.  Observations included that this was “more… Continue reading Praying for or praying against enemies?

Breaking up the hard ground (more reflections on Mark 4:1-20)

At Bearwood Chapel, we had a partnership with OM and over several years hosted a number of teams.  As part of that partnership I was involved in training OMers in aspects of mission.  One of the things I would sometimes do is take the team members into our car park.  I would say to them:… Continue reading Breaking up the hard ground (more reflections on Mark 4:1-20)