Firstly I need to say, it is NOT my job to say who is a Christian and who isn't. Thank God! It is God who judges not me. But the Bible does give us some a rounded view of what markers should identify a Christian - someone living in the light of God's love -... Continue Reading →
Why Prayer Works and Doesn’t Work
People often ask me 'how does prayer work' or 'why doesn't it work?' by which they mostly mean 'why didn't God stop the bad thing happening?' I don't have much of an answer but for what it's worth: prayer 'works' because it is the thread that connects us to God and God is the one... Continue Reading →
Breathing with the Forest – thoughts about loss and the passage of time and the presence of God
'Breathing with Trees' is the title of an art installation you can see at Compton Verney (but only if you are quick, it closes on April 6th 2025). I love it and it spoke to me deeply. Described as a 'open eyed meditation' you sit in a darkened room and synchronise your breathing with the... Continue Reading →
Two big truths
There are two big truths in the world. Okay, maybe there may be many more things that are true: the size of a snowflake, the weight of a planet, the temperature at the bottom of the ocean but on a day by basis these two are the biggies. Between them they describe the whole of... Continue Reading →
Lydia by Paula Gooder. Book Review
This is a beautiful interpretation and imaginative recreating of the story of Lydia and the church in Philippi and the impact of the letter to the Philippians written by Paul. Excellently written and backed up by outstanding theological scholarship, I not only enjoyed it but I also learnt a lot. It made me think hard... Continue Reading →
Rev Revelations (ordination health warning)
It is ordination season and I woke this morning with vivid memories of my own ordination as priest 12 years ago. I was reminded of an aspect of that service which I have never spoken about publicly. I felt a 'God prompt' that it was time to do so... "The sudden pain almost immobilised me.... Continue Reading →
When God’s not answering your prayers
Last week I preached on Signs and Wonders in the Early Church. But I have to be honest with you when I saw the reading for the day, the story of Peter raising Dorcas from the dead, my heart sank. It’s a scary passage to preach on: as far as extreme discipleship goes raising the dead is right up... Continue Reading →
Twilight
Twilight tells the story of clumsy, awkward 17 year old, Bella, who falls passionately in love with a gorgeous young man, Edward, who just happens to be a vampire. It is a hugely successful series of novels and film, with millions of fans, grossing millions of dollars. I’ve been wondering about its appeal. Fans of... Continue Reading →
‘How to Feel Good Naked’ By Sheila Bridge published TODAY!!
My book How to Feel Good Naked - Learning to Love the Body You've Got' is finally published today. The publisher is Lion Hudson and you can buy it from their website, or on Amazon or from any mainstream publisher, price £8.99. It will be published in a few months time in Australia, New Zealand,... Continue Reading →
Jesus is Coming. Look Busy
The slogan above was on a greetings card bought me by a friend. Clearly it had amused her enough to buy it and it certainly amused me. I like anything that knocks our sense of self-importance for six. And this slogan is clearly tapping into the guilty consciences of those driven by the protestant work... Continue Reading →
Live Life Loved 