denisvernon24

Humility before God

Humility before God To stand before you is a terrible thing, Even though I long to be in your presence. On those rare moments when we feel you are not veiling yourself to protect us, Awe becomes trembling, edging on the verge of terror. We do not really have words for it, so we sayContinue reading “Humility before God”

The importance of being a miserable sinner! Part 1

The importance of being a miserable sinner! This week brings some theological reflection comparing the Christian view that we are sinners, loved by God, with the modern view that we must be considered absolutely right just as we are. 5 parts to come. (Note: when I say “miserable sinner” I mean it in the humorousContinue reading “The importance of being a miserable sinner! Part 1”

Have mercy on me

Have mercy on me Dear Lord, Have mercy on me, a poor sinner. I have no health in me, nor strength to change. But with you there is hope, For you will uphold me with your great love. Your compassion never fails. Forgive me, My faults and failings fill my eyes, My heart overflows withContinue reading “Have mercy on me”

Cradle of hope

Cradle of hope In God, we find a cradle of hope. We are not alone; he will never desert us. He always loves us and always works for our good. He will not succumb to our complaining, wheedling or manipulation, But will remain true to himself and keep calling us to his standards. He speaksContinue reading “Cradle of hope”

A Song of the Incarnation

A Song of the Incarnation In darkness, sudden incandescent glory, Confined to a single candle flame That flickers, but does not go out. “Confined” in a single flame? No, “held” – it’s light shines out to all infinity, Yet I can hold it in my hands. No, not a flame held in my hands, butContinue reading “A Song of the Incarnation”

Mary, they say.

Mary, they say. I don’t know if I can go through with this. They’ll say that I’m a liar, a fantasist, that I’m making it all up just so that people will think I’m important, but I swear I’m just telling you what happened. Or trying to put into words what it means and howContinue reading “Mary, they say.”

A Christmas devotion

A Christmas devotion The baby smiles and I am born. His tiny hand makes mine seem strong. The longing in his eyes reflects my own. I look with love and wonder. And hold my heart’s desire. The baby cries and I’m afraid. His tears break my heart. How can I comfort this little one, WhoContinue reading “A Christmas devotion”

Mary’s song

(As Christmas approaches, I’ll try some reflections based on Mary) My soul rejoices in God, my saviour. My heart bursts with gratitude and praise. The goodness of the Lord bubbles up inside me And I burst into astonished laughter That he should do this for me. Who am I that he should even consider me?Continue reading “Mary’s song”

The goodness, truth, and love of the Christian life. Part 4

The goodness, truth, and love of the Christian life Part 4 I am struggling towards an understanding whereby it is not laughable to describe ourselves as perfect, or even reaching for perfection. However, we must acknowledge the reality of human nature with all it’s potential for glory and for shame. Nor are we trying toContinue reading “The goodness, truth, and love of the Christian life. Part 4”

Good enough

“Aye, that’ll do” – the sweetest words I ever heard. Sounds like faint praise, but it’s the wink in the eye as it was said that makes all the difference. It’s been such a struggle; I felt sure it would end in failure. But he said I had potential, and I trusted that. To beContinue reading “Good enough”