John Newton, the famous hymn writer and pastor, certainly knew how to reflect on his life. Never forgetting his former life as a slave trader, womaniser and general no-good, he always approached life with a grateful heart, forever marvelling at the “amazing grace” he had known in his later life. One birthday, towards the endContinue reading ““For mercies countless as the sands…””
Category Archives: Devotional
Thanksgiving
Today is my birthday, and as I have approached this day I have thought about Psalm 116:12, which asks, “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?” I have written a poem to reflect on this thought – inspired by Christina Rossetti’s lovely poem, “A Birthday“. I hope you enjoy reading it.Continue reading “Thanksgiving”
Expectancy (After Christina Rossetti’s “The Thread of Life”)
Another one of my favourite Christina Rossetti poems is one of her least known – a cycle of three sonnets entitled, “The Thread of Life”. You can read the original here. In response to her poem, I have attempted my own set of three sonnets, working with some of Rossetti’s original theme. You might alsoContinue reading “Expectancy (After Christina Rossetti’s “The Thread of Life”)”
Joy in Each Season (After Christina Rossetti’s “The One Certainty”)
Christina Rossetti wrote many sonnets, most of them very compelling. This poem is based on one of her more shocking sonnets, one inspired by the book of Ecclesiastes. You can read the original poem here. I have used Rossetti’s poem as my basis, but have tried to inject a bit more hope into its resolution. Continue reading “Joy in Each Season (After Christina Rossetti’s “The One Certainty”)”
My Ebenezer
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Kings 7:12) Though weary and brow-beaten from within And lost in endless self-analysis, Dissecting all the faintest hints of sin And searching out death’s sure catalysis: Though trappedContinue reading “My Ebenezer”
On reading a biography of John Newton
I’d have lived on Clapham Green And played upon its soil; I’d have joined their century And burnt up slavery’s spoils. I’d have lived in Olney too And written hymns with men Whose poor hearts burnt with Gospel flame And kindled it with pen. But God has made me live today: The worldContinue reading “On reading a biography of John Newton”
Quatrain
Eternity opens its arms to receive me: It holds me within its all-hoping delight; And I, safely carried by grace, rich, surrounding, Am strengthened and stored in the brightness of Christ.
The Road (After Christina Rossetti’s “Uphill”)
One of my favourite poems by Christina Rossetti is the lovely and comfortingly simple “Uphill”. The poem is written as a dialogue between two people and has always expressed to me both the hardship of the Christian walk and the certainty of the hope before us. I have tried to reflect these things in writingContinue reading “The Road (After Christina Rossetti’s “Uphill”)”
Broken Discipline
I am beginning a series of studies in my church home group about spiritual discipline, working with Richard Foster’s classic book, Celebration of Discipline. To begin the series, I have written a short reflection on what spiritual discipline has meant to me over the past couple of years since a challenging short-term mission stint inContinue reading “Broken Discipline”
Poet #4: Christina Rossetti
Well, a new month begins: July, my favourite month of the year. And so it seems fitting, in the month of my birth, to move onto one of my absolute favourite poets, the passionate and devout Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti. I’m excited to be looking at her work this month, and I hope you’re excitedContinue reading “Poet #4: Christina Rossetti”
The Consolations of Writing 