Welcome!

To the home of Faith-Hope-Love Online
Grow your FAITH reading our thoughtful blogs;
Nurture your HOPE with our inspirational images;
Treasure the LOVE God has for you as you view our worshipful and encouraging videos.

take a look around . . .

Christ - Season of Advent

After four weeks of preparing our hearts through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we finally light that centre candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And that’s fitting, because this candle represents Christ Himself—the reason we’ve been waiting, the reason for the season.

4 days ago2 min read

Love - Season of Advent

The fourth and final Advent candle represents Love, and it’s often called the Angel’s Candle. This candle really brings us to the heart of Christmas—why God sent Jesus in the first place: “For God so loved the world ..."

Dec 222 min read

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TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Christ - Season of Advent

After four weeks of preparing our hearts through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we finally light that centre candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And that’s fitting, because this candle represents Christ Himself—the reason we’ve been waiting, the reason for the season.

4 days ago2 min read

Love - Season of Advent

The fourth and final Advent candle represents Love, and it’s often called the Angel’s Candle. This candle really brings us to the heart of Christmas—why God sent Jesus in the first place: “For God so loved the world ..."

Dec 222 min read

Joy - Season of Advent

\While Advent is generally a season of waiting, penitence and preparation - a time when we slow down, reflect, and hold onto hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus - the third Sunday of Advent - also known as Gaudete Sunday - stands out as different.

Dec 153 min read

Peace - Season of Advent

The second Advent candle stands for Peace and takes us directly to the night of Jesus' birth, when the angels celebrated by declaring: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on the earth be peace." But what kind of peace are we talking about?

Dec 82 min read

Hope - Season of Advent

Traditionally, the four big themes of Advent are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle reminds us of the Hope we have in Christ’s coming.

Dec 12 min read

I am not who I was

I have to acknowledge what happened in my past and accept that I can’t change it. But that does not mean my past should dictate my future.

Aug 43 min read

bronze statue of monks carrying a coffin

How long, O Lord?

We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do and that's okay. God is asking us to trust that he can use every situation to show his love for us.

Aug 32 min read

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is born out of a desire to share wisdom and creativity. In an alternative universe I might have been a teacher, the compunction in me to soak up information and pass it along is strong. But I am content....

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Thinking this week of Jesus being the Prince of Peace, what kind of peace is this? Romans 5:1 tells us it is peace with God. In a world of such sorrow, torment, destruction and war, it is so easy to dismiss God as irrelevant, ignorant or impotent. And yet if every single person on earth made true peace with their God - 'loving the Lord your God; and your neighbour as yourself' - then war would cease and Peace would reign overnight.
#faithhopelove #princeofpeace #adventpeace

A verse, a song, a prayer. May you always know the Hope that God has in you; and the hope you can have in Him. May you always feel the hand of God's peace upon your life; and the joy that comes from knowing Him, no matter what the circumstances. May you always be full to overflowing with His Holy Spirit, the comforter, and confident in trusting Father, Son and Holy Spirit in all things; in all power; and at all times. Amen.
#adventhope #adventjoy #faithhopelove

As I came across this image, God reminded me that his is a gentle love but a protective one. The rain may still fall in difficult circumstances, but his fortress, his stronghold of protection around us, has a beauty and a softness we very much need in times of trial.
#faithhopelove #godslove #godsprotection

When life is hard, when friends and family around you are struggling with health or relationship issues, it can feel that you have no strength, that your soul is laid waste, and that your heart is broken. That's when the Lord your God reverses the flow of love back to you; to replenish your heart, soul and strength, and show you you are held tightly, gently in his loving arms. For as long as it takes.
#faithhopelove #lovinggod #brokenheart #lifeishard

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah40.28-29
This path under the trees appeared to be a beautiful autumnal route, ideal for kicking fallen leaves! But it wasn't. What you can't see is that the tarmac stops and turns into a rutted, broken, half gravelled path. Pushing an adult in a wheelchair across it proved quite perilous. We grew weary - it was a long path - but I was reminded that, whenever the ground beneath us becomes difficult, God leads and strengthens us. Even when we complain, want to turn back, or wish ourselves anywhere else but here. He remains steady. Loyal to us. Guiding the way.
#followgodspath #roughpath #godsway

What you cannot see in this photo is that the land drops away. This tree of brilliant autumn colours, stands as a sentinel over the valley. Sometimes all that God requires of us is to stand. To stand firm and not give up or give in. To stand as the watcher on the tower. To stand with a friend going through tough times. To stand up against a difficult manager or in a toxic work environment. To stand. Simply to stand. And to trust in the strength of your roots in the Almighty. #standfirm #standfirmingod #rootedinjesus

I heard a sermon on Sunday that made me pause: The raising of Lazarus wasn't just a miracle of Jesus some 2000 years ago, but a daily miracle for each one of us as Jesus calls us out of the darkness of our tombs, unbinding those things that tangle our lives and hold us fast. We are brought back to life every day as he breathes his Spirit into us, enabling us to thrive, not just be alive. #sermonthoughts #beingalive #Jesusmiracles

All Saints’ Day
From its earliest days, the Church has recognised those 'heroes of the faith' whose lives have encouraged others to holiness and have created connections between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven.
Celebrating the feast of All Saints began in the fourth century. At first, it was observed on the Sunday after the feast of Pentecost - to link the disciples who received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the foundation of the Church - with those who were martyrs, giving their lives as witnesses to the faith. In the eighth century, a pope dedicated a chapel to All Saints in St Peter’s at Rome on 1st November. Within a century, this day was observed in Britain and Ireland as All Saints’ Day.
#allsaintsday

This image by David Millar made me feel I was in the water, floating gently as the puffin popped her head down below the surface to say hello. Such attention to detail, by the artist painting her, and by Almighty God who designed and created her. Created me. Created you. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made...

When I hear the word 'peace', my mind often jumps to the phrase "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." It's a command to the world, never more needed than now. Not just in Israel and Gaza, there are too many places in the world where people cannot claim or trust in the truth of Psalm 4:8, they cannot lie down and sleep in peace, because they do not dwell in safety. So LORD, I beg: be LORD in those places and bring your people of all nations and faiths... PEACE.

Somehow January feels like a good time to make a fresh start; to re-engage with God through bible study and/or prayer; to dust off those bible or devotional apps. This verse is a reminder of the reason and benefits of doing so. Although I like to read it backwards, it feels more logical: to be in Christ Jesus, this is God's will for me, for this I give thanks in all circumstances, as I pray continually and therefore I shall rejoice always!

#allthingsbrightandbeautiful #scotlandscenery #creatorgod

Today we celebrate the birth of the Christian Church. Fraught with difficulties and persecution from the very beginning, 'we' haven't always got it right, in fact have often made stupid, deadly and unwise choices, and yet Christ's family on earth continues to grow, sometimes flourishing despite attack. Why? Because we were created to live in unity, made to be a family, and where 'we' come together under His banner of love, there we will find our peace, joy and belonging.
#pentecost #birthofthechurch

#sh2023 "The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
(John 1:29)
Yes, I know Spring Harvest this year is based in Matthew's gospel, but Jesus taking away our sins is the Good News - the gospel - which Jesus tells us to PROCLAIM in Matt 10.7; to DEMONSTRATE in 10.8; and to MAKE DISCIPLES who follow in 28.18 ... in other words, we are commanded to preach, to reach and to teach! This is the purpose of the people of the Kingdom of God.

#sh2023 Spring Harvest day 2, main bible teaching. So much covered by Malcolm Duncan from Matthew ch5-7 in one session!
The beatitudes (5:3-11) is something I've never quite managed to get my head around but, if you realise from v1 that Jesus was speaking to his disciples (we believers) and not to the crowd who don't know Him - the poor, the hungry, those who are mourning - then it makes much more sense. As followers of Jesus, it is we who must realise our need of him, who mourn our imperfections, who are called to be gentle and lowly, who must yearn for justice and work for peace. For this we will be persecuted but the Kingdom of God is ours and because of it we are blessed ... especially when we return to realising our need of him and begin the cycle again!

#sh2023 day 1, arrival day. The theme this week is that God's Kingdom is not an empire where the strong get stronger and the weak are left behind. God's Kingdom is one where justice matters. It's an upside down kingdom that is rooted in grace, mercy and forgiveness.
And I am excited to get started, digging into Matthew's gospel and being reminded what it means to be a Kingdom People!

Double post, part 2: when this verse popped up in my study notes after John 3.17 yesterday, it spoke to me differently than perhaps I would have expected:
What does it mean that Jesus came to save the world and not condemn it / us? I think one answer is that we need not fear evil. Bad stuff still happens, until Jesus' return that can't really change, but we don't have to be afraid of it. Jesus can save us on a daily basis - it's not an airy-fairy one-time offer that only affects our eternal existence - but a day by day assurance that he will protect and walk with us through the dark valleys of life, whether that's an ongoing situation or a sudden event that catches us unexpectedly.
#lent #lentreflections #fearnoevil

A two-photo post today, part 1: As we approach Easter and Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday this weekend, this verse popped up in my study notes.
In many ways I think John 3.17 says more to today's world than 3.16 yes, God loves the world and sent Jesus to die for our sins (16) but verse 17 assures us that there is no condemnation attached to that act of profound love and mercy. Jesus' actions were about saving and rescuing each and every one of us from a half-life now and eternal death later.
#lent #lentreflections

Having preached a sermon yesterday on Sabbath delight, I have seen so many references to joy, delight and rejoice in the last 24 hours that it can't be coincidence!
As Christians, we are called to take delight in all that is good, all that is holy and of God, and to rejoice and hold tight to God's Truth: He created a world of beauty and goodness, and we must never allow the darkness and evil to overwhelm JOY. Jesus died on the cross so that we may always have the power and the means to overcome evil with REJOICING.
#lent #lentreflections #joy #delightinGod

Don't act thoughtlessly. If there's any particular time of year where we might be choose to live intentionally, it's during the season of Lent.
But, even so, do you make the most of every opportunity? I'm sure I don't. Living intentionally is tiring, it involves thought, action, a greater awareness of what's happening around us: who might God be wanting us to encounter or encourage today? No wonder we can often only manage it for seven weeks!
And yet 'these evil days' go on and on. Maybe this year it's time to take our Lent intentions out beyond Easter?
#lent #lentreflections

Kindness is holding a door for someone, giving your mum a bunch of flowers, making a meal for new-born parents. Grace is a swan gliding elegantly down the river or a dancer on stage full of grace and poise.
And yet for Jesus, kindness and grace is going through incredible, unimaginable torment and death to give us life. Everlasting life in the future and a more fulfilled life now.
Kindness and grace is knowing and trusting that every petty, selfish, hurtful thing we have or will ever do, has been forgiven. Paid for in full through his death on the cross. And, if we don't remember to say thankyou every day, Lent is the time to remember his gift to you.
#lent #lentreflections

As we begin Lent for another year, journeying towards the ultimate sacrifice and celebration, thinking what we might give up for the next seven weeks, it is the worldly desires of our heart which we must sacrifice, rather than the head-thought-through luxuries like TV and chocolate we often choose to give up.
What is God asking you to tear to shreds and get rid of because it is binding up your life and bringing calamity on your soul? Where especially do you need his love?
#ashwednesday #lent

The Word of God, made flesh in Christ Jesus, existed since before the world began and will continue long after our earthly lives have ended. And yet his kindness, grace and truth we can share now and for eternity. Be blessed and receive. Share in God's love, the perfect love if a perfect Father and Son; you have that right. #wordofgod #jesuslovesyou

Saviour #adventnamesofjesus #christmasnamesofjesus
May you and all your household know the love of the Saviour on this blessed Christmas Day. May this day and the year to come be fruitful in love, peace, joy and hope for you and all those you love. Amen

Wonderful Counsellor #adventnamesofjesus
In these days of great uncertainty, worry and concern, when everyone around carries similar burdens and can offer little comfort or encouragement, turn instead to the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace who listens with love and hears our every trouble. He will comfort, He will lessen our fears, He will lighten our worrisome load. Put your trust in Him, a child turned man: the Son of God.

Living Water #adventnamesofjesus
In this time of preparation and pre-Christmas busy-ness, Lord may we not run dry of your living water within us but instead be a fountain of blessings to those we meet.

Jesus, Prince of Peace. #adventnamesofjesus
In a world full of worry and fear, Lord Jesus bring peace to my heart. In a world full of hatred and war, Lord Jesus grant peace to all.

Wouldn't the world be such a better place if we all followed this instruction?!

Faith-Hope-Love is hosting a number of events, from November through to February, including mini retreats, quiet days and creative sessions.

Faith-Hope-Love in person and online events coming up, end of November through to February, including mini retreats, quiet days and creative sessions. Love to see you!
https://www.faith-hope-love.online/events-2

Yes, I know it's not good practice to take verses out of context, but this one's very apt!
Today I took my mum out for lunch, usually a pleasant experience but I'm feeling under the weather, so it felt more of a chore than a joy. The cafe got my order wrong. Cause for complaint?! Not a word of it! Instead of 'soup with half sandwich' I got a full plate of egg mayo sandwiches with crisps & salad and, when I pointed out there should be soup, I then got a bowl of soup as well!!
Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. And now I have two egg sandwiches for my tea, which has cheered up my day not once, but twice!

Having spent yesterday at a conference, where I met up with 90 fellow-dancers, over half of whom I've know for many years but haven't seen since 2019, this verse seems very appropriate. I DO thank God and WILL thank God every time I remember my sisters and brothers in Christ, and the part they have each played in my faith journey. And I will smile and give thanks as I remember us dancing together in unity this weekend.

There's something special about peering out at the world from between the fronds of a Weeping Willow. Partly it's the framed outlook, a reminder that we all see the world from our own - somewhat limited - perspective. But mostly it's about a feeling of being held in a slightly conspiratorial embrace, as if the tree and I are small children crouched to jump out and surprise unwary passersby!

There's a dad who parks for school under my window and, every single morning, sends his daughter off with a genuine "I love you, have a good day." He makes me smile and cheers my day. We all need a little love.

We make plans every day, sometimes they work out, sometimes they don't. And yet still we plan. There's an expectation that what is arranged and organised will happen, so when it doesn't, we are frustrated, disappointed, upset, annoyed. As Christians when things don't work out it's easy to say 'God has a better plan' but not so easy to accept. Maybe then is the time to ask the Lord's advice: how should I deal with this unanticipated change in situation or circumstance? What is a helpful reaction and how do I move on?

Today is a gorgeously sunny summer day in North Wales. There's dew on the grass as we head towards autumn but the promise of warmth is in the air after a dull and drizzly day yesterday. Given such beauty, and the serenity of this stunning location, my heart is full and cannot help but sing: the Lord is good, how great are His awesome deeds!
Thankyou Lord for all your creation: the beauty, splendour and attention to detail, from the smallest robin to the highest hill. Thank You!

A reminder. While there may yet be evil, injustice and hatred in the world, there is still more love. And that love is God's love: to us, for us, in us. Amen.

The rock layers in this cliff have been so squeezed that they're now vertical. The sea below churns and froths over the many rock outcrops. And the lighthouse is needed to keep local shipping safe from danger.
Though the earth quakes and the seas roar, we need not fear, if we keep our eyes on the safe route, illuminated by the Light of the World, Jesus.

This tiny butterfly lives on a hundred foot headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. God made them all - the insect, the headland, the ocean - and He treasures each of them, loves each of them, just as He does you and me.

In a week where the news has been dominated by three headline individuals who've made stupid or bad choices, it's important we continue to fight for 'the little people' - to remember that every single soul is precious to God - and to stand up against injustice in every country, whether or not we get to hear about it on the news!

It occurs to me that there are different levels of justice... or injustice. Just as, in our human minds, we have a sliding scale on sin, so too on injustice. Current crises in - and not in - the news are UK energy prices and people having to choose between heating or eating; and hundreds of thousands of refugees struggling in the winter cold in makeshift tents with unsuitable clothing and supplies. Do we rank these two needs? They both require justice...

Tonight marks the end of our family Christmas break. As busyness resumes, I pray this prayer as much for myself as for you reading it

What is mercy? Compassion or kindness shown towards a person in one's power, so the dictionary definition states. We, certainly, are in God's power, He could crush us in an instant. And yet the key word here is Father: being the most loving and compassionate Father we could ever imagine, He loves us with a gentle love and bestows us with such kindness as we may never know from earthly relationships.

It's difficult sometimes not to be afraid but, the more we live in the love and protection, of other people or of God, then the safer we feel. The word punishment in this verse can also be translated rejection, which makes more sense: the absence of love is fear, and we have absolutely no need to fear God because God is love and nothing we do or fail to do can ever take away the love God has for us.

The nearness of God is something I find reassuring, even though it feels a little presumptuous: why do I merit such attention from the Almighty, Creator of the universe? But the nearness of God can be scary to some: an ethereal watcher, a cosmic finger pointer who spots our every mistake.
The Psalmist recognises that the Lord is just, the Lord is near, and the Lord loves. Love is overriding and overarching: God is love and longs to be in our presence.

Given the number of people on this planet, to know that God knows each of us by name is both profound and amazing; there's something special about being called by our given name.
This Saturday I'm offering a retreat day to engage with and explore this concept. Book via the website if you're in Derby and would like to join us.

When our heart is broken we have nothing, no strength left, from which we can share the love, joy and kindness trapped within us. But when our heart is full, overflowing with God's love and generosity, then we can give abundantly.
It stands to reason therefore to guard your heart because it will determine your life's course. And God's desire is for us to live well.

There's such positivity in these verses. Their context is the Lord gathering his people from far flung locations, to bring each of them back into the safety of his protection. There are many metaphors involving shepherds in the Old & New Testaments. Even allowing for a difference of approach between shepherding in the Middle East and the UK, the symbolism of strength, commitment, protection and care make the shepherd probably the best human representation of God & Jesus and their relationship with us collectively and as individuals.

You lead me by still waters.
Two things are guaranteed to slow the pace of UK life: snow and heat. This week, with temperatures in the high 20s, when you pause for breath or reach for that glass of ice-chilled water, take a moment to rest in the Lord by still waters, which are always there waiting for us as we seek rest, peace, escape or love.

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Welcome!

To the home of Faith-Hope-Love Online
Grow your FAITH reading our thoughtful blogs;
Nurture your HOPE with our inspirational images;
Treasure the LOVE God has for you as you view our worshipful and encouraging videos.

take a look around . . .

Christ - Season of Advent

Love - Season of Advent

FEATURED BLOG POSTS

Never Miss a New Post.

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TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Christ - Season of Advent

Love - Season of Advent

Joy - Season of Advent

Peace - Season of Advent

Hope - Season of Advent

I am not who I was

How long, O Lord?

ABOUT

Faith Hope Love

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Welcome!

To the home of Faith-Hope-Love Online Grow your FAITH reading our thoughtful blogs; Nurture your HOPE with our inspirational images; Treasure the LOVE God has for you as you view our worshipful and encouraging videos.

take a look around . . .

Christ - Season of Advent

Love - Season of Advent

FEATURED BLOG POSTS

Never Miss a New Post.

subscribe here to have posts land directly in your inbox

TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Christ - Season of Advent

Love - Season of Advent

Joy - Season of Advent

Peace - Season of Advent

Hope - Season of Advent

I am not who I was

How long, O Lord?

ABOUT

Faith Hope Love

FOLLOW

​

SUBSCRIBE

WATCH

TAKE PART

Discover more...

Discover more...

Discover more...

To the home of Faith-Hope-Love Online
Grow your FAITH reading our thoughtful blogs;
Nurture your HOPE with our inspirational images;
Treasure the LOVE God has for you as you view our worshipful and encouraging videos.

Discover
more...

Discover
more...

Discover
more...