Talking Shop

Teenager found!

2008-05-13T22:54:00.004+01:00

At last I have found a teenager who is willing to be my reading guinea pig. I am referring to my WANTED - teenagers willing to read books! post back in April. Here's what this 13yr old has to say about 'Conflicts with others':
I really enjoyed this book. I have a great relationship with my parents, but this book has shown me to express my emotions to them. My parents are great and they also listen, which is special. My favourite bit was when they explained how we need to weep more and not bottle it all up before you explode. I personally struggle with that. Thankyou for giving me the job of reviewing this book it has really blessed me. It has helped me on in the walk of the Lord.
So it seems this series is enjoyed by the age group that it is written for despite my scepticism.
Lorna

Recycling Issues: Packaging

2008-05-07T21:41:00.007+01:00

If you have bought by mail order from us recently, look hard at the address label. We now state at the bottom that to reduce our contribution to the rubbish going to landfill sites, the package your book comes in may have been reused by us. This is no new thing for us as regards boxes and their attendant packaging - we have never bought them, they have always been recycled from what publishers send us. However, we have done a wholesale review of the waste we generate from the shop, and modified a few things. Hence instead of always using new bubble wrap or jiffy bags, we will recycle ones to hand if they are useable. The appearance may not be as it was, but we feel the issue of image projection is secondary to that of being environmentally responsible. Of course we will continue to wrap and pack the books well, the last thing I want is for anyone to feel that their order has been sent shoddily.
If you want the ultimate in recycling from our bookshop order a copy of 'Planetwise' by Dave Bookless. The cover as well as the paper in this book has been made from recycled material. I have mentioned the book in a previous post. It is challenging and worth a read. I can't agree with him on his interpretation of John 3:16 or on the use he makes of the concept of redemption - but see if you agree with me or him by buying it!
One final matter. Don't you think that Local Councils ought to be funded to provide recycling bins for small businesses? At the moment they charge for the privilege. Hardly encouraging. Please write to them about it - or email if possible to save paper.
Jeremy

Bibles, Bibles, Bibles

2008-05-03T11:43:00.009+01:00

Don't miss our May Bible Promotion - you can't if you come in the shop!

Lorna

Still time yet!

2008-04-29T09:31:00.002+01:00

Despite Lorna hastening us on into May already, I would remind you that there is enough of April yet to pick up a bundle deal.

Bundle 1 : John Bunyan is a super option at just £12, saving around 15% on the cost price if the 3 books were bought individually. It has been carefully put together for the younger age range, as an introduction to the 'must-read' man. You have the whole of Pilgrim's Progress as well as the Holy War in the bundle, together with a easy biography from the Lutterworth Press 'Faith and Fame' series.The classic books are by no means merely childish just because they have been put into modern English. Of course nothing can match the original for literary style, but at least the truths Bunyan was wanting to communicate through his metaphorical artistry remain. Another group who might benefit from these books are those for whom English is a second language. This is increasingly so in our society.

Get in there quick!

Jeremy

Thinking Ahead to May

2008-04-26T20:04:00.006+01:00

I can't forget that May is fast approaching... Matt keeps reminding me... could be something to do with the fact that it's his birthday on the 4th... he'll be FIVE! Wow, don't the years fly by! We have been planning our May promotion for a while, and building up stocks of the one most important book in our shop - the Bible. Yes, May is to be our Bibles month. 20% off all TBS Bibles, and 10% off all the other publisher's Bibles - KJV only. With the huge number of different Bible translations out there, we are not ashamed to wholeheartedly promote the KJV as the most reliable translation. In fact, in my 'surfing' this evening, I came across this very interesting blog - someone else who also feels there is too much choice of versions and styles out there...
'...here in the English speaking world we not only have so many different translations that we now need other books to help us choose between them, but we seem to have either another translation or another super-duper hip-hop trendy hot-water-bottle-wrapped must-have fashion accessory edition published every week.'
Read the whole of the post here http://christianbookshopsblog.org.uk/2008/04/26/bibles-and-bookmarks/
Lorna

Get Gill!

2008-04-23T21:25:00.002+01:00

I'm sure this is a war cry increasingly heard these days... Poor old Dr John Gill does get plenty of undeserved stick, especially from those who want to displace him from being the best theologian the Particular Baptists have had in favour of Andrew Fuller. A high view of the sovereign grace of God hurts the pride of Man. If the doctrine is not absolutely denied, it must be talked down and the pivotal point in saving grace shifted to the sinner's duty. So all evangelistic effort is expended to get Man to do his duty and be converted. But Christ said 'I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me', showing divine determination to save all that the Father gave to him. The Good Shepherd knows his sheep, and blesses the preaching of the gospel to be the infallible means of gathering them. This is what Gill stood so staunchly for, and with an ability that has given him a lasting reputation. His writing has been labelled as tedious, but this is because he is thorough. Certainly his output was vast. With this in mind, a small 'taster' from his Body of Divinity on the subject of Justification was published by Gospel Standard Publications a couple of years ago.

Now, I think the Gill Bundle deal we have put together for just £12 (April only) is an ideal package, not only because of the affordability, but because of what you get for your money. It includes the 'Justification' book just mentioned, which gives you a great introduction to his doctrine and style. Get this under your belt and then you can go for his defence of Believer's Baptism by immersion in 'Baptismal Tracts & Sermons'. It's a rare facsimilie edition. Finally you can read a biographical survey of Gill, his work, his times, and his detractors by Dr George Ella: 'John Gill and the Cause of God and Truth'. This is an excellent book for reference material, and you can make up your own mind if you think that perhaps Ella has tried too hard to defend him!

Jeremy

Children's Books

2008-04-18T22:10:00.007+01:00

I couldn't resist sneaking out into the shop carpark the other day and taking this snap of Euan. He loves his books - they even go out in the boot of his car with him! This was one of the Lion Story Bible series (which sadly is going out of print). Not surprisingly, we have a particular interest in sourcing decent children's books for the shop and we have a captive audience to try them out on.

Lorna

John Flavel

2008-04-16T21:28:00.008+01:00

Though he was one of the later Puritans, Flavel ranks high as one of the best known among many fine candidates. Of all Puritan writings his 'The Mystery of Providence' has been enduringly popular, although not as 'heavyweight' as some. This is perhaps because he touches upon christian experience with earnest sympathy, and yet with the particular aim of leading the reader to glorify God by meditating upon his providence. 'Divine Conduct' was the original title of this book when printed in 1677. How great he is in working all things, small and great, together for good to all his people! Banner of Truth have this book still in print, last in 2006 with a new cover to accompany the price rise to £5.75 (Puritan Paperbacks series). However, Flavel seems to have become 'typecast' on this one book. Next up offering from Banner is the full 6 vol set of his Works for £85.00 !

Other than this, Christian Focus Publications have done 'Keeping the Heart' in their Christian Heritage series, a practical treatise which they have subtitled 'A Puritan's view of how to maintain your love for God'. Costs £4.99. However this was followed up by Flavel by 'Touchstone of Sincerity' which is about heart searching, and detection of signs of grace or hypocrisy. We can supply this and the previous book from Gospel Mission for £4.50.

Gospel Mission also reproduced 'The Righteous Man's Refuge', written in troubled national times to help 'direct the gracious soul to its rest in God'. This costs £4.95.

For less than £5 each we also stock the two Baker reprints Gospel Mission took over. These are 'The Fountain of Life', all about the person and work of Christ in a heartwarming set of meditations. Then 'The Method of Grace' which does a thorough study in the same vein about the Holy Spirit and his applying of redemption's blessings. Flavel refers to 'gospel offers', but at least he is clear in outlining who he means them to be for - the self-condemned sinner. Also he maintains a high view of the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit's operations upon the souls of men, which is a good antidote to today's epidemic of Arminian teaching within supposed Calvinistic circles.

To come full circle, if you feel you need an easy to read version of 'The Mystery of Providence', then 'God Willing' is an option provided from Grace Publications. Costs just £2.95.

Jeremy

WANTED... teenagers willing to read books!

2008-04-11T13:17:00.008+01:00

This group of books, new in from Christian Focus, had me interested - finally some sensible books for teenagers covering some 'teenage' issues. However, having now read them I have mixed feelings. I know I was a teenager once, and I hate to admit that I've forgotton how it was, but I'm just not sure how a teenager would find these books. They use a fictional story (all the characters are Christians) as a starting point to discussing some serious issues - suicide, bereavement, conflicts and this is interspersed with factual information about the issues raised and suggestions for dealing with them. Is the fiction patronising? does it give too many American examples? How does it read to a British teenager? Is it helpful? I need a teenager to help me out here. Any teenagers out there willing to read these books and let me know what you think? You can have them all for a fiver if you comment on this blog (normally £2.99 each).

Lorna

Bundles of Joy

2008-04-08T21:51:00.003+01:00

We've got six of these to be had during the month of April only. Don't get over excited, I'm not referring to babies - just books! But excitement is still an appropriate emotion when up to 40% can be saved on them.
Each bundle deal consists of three books, all related to a well known person. One of the three is always a biography/autobiography, then another is generally an easier/shorter read, before you get to something to really chew on.
So, in chronological order we have Martin Luther - some interestingly different books related to him. Read about the influence his wife had on him. John Bunyan, where we have made a selection mainly aimed at younger readers. Then the great Baptist theologian John Gill - includes a good little extract on Justification. Next comes William Gadsby, so much more to him than just a hymnwriter. Then stepping up to modern times, an introductory pack to Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Finally, a lady! Faith Cook has written much, but here you get the full mixture. One about herself, one work of fiction, and one about ten less well known christians.
Three of the bundles cost £12 each, and the other three cost £15 each. Go to our website front page and click onto the pdf file there to find out which costs which. http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk
Jeremy

Sickness, Suffering and Scripture

2008-04-03T23:29:00.006+01:00

When I began to read this book I was disappointed. Somehow it wasn't what I expected from a book with this title. More than half the book is long Scripture quotations which I always question the value of (especially when they are in a version you are not familiar with) - are readers so lazy that they won't get a Bible out?

Half an hour later I had to sheepishly admit, that yes I am probably one of those readers and that by the time I was 2 chapters into this book I realised the benefit of having the Bible passages quoted in full. Leyshon's comments after each quotation are nothing more than an outline of thoughts and considerations on the Bible passage and then pointers for further thought. But they are well thought out outlines, not difficult to assimilate and certainly worthy of careful reflection. I could imagine the book being well used in small Bible study groups - it includes all the material you need. In fact, having now read the blurb on the back of the book - sometimes useful to read before judging the book ;-) , I realise that it is indeed intended for small Bible study groups! So it does do what it says on the (back) cover.

Sickness, Suffering & Scripture by David Leyshon, £5

Lorna

The New Focus Conference

2008-03-31T22:05:00.005+01:00

The inaugural New Focus Conference was held over the past weekend in idyllic surroundings. Teesdale really is a lovely spot, and more so because it is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the better known dales further to the south. Somewhat a metaphor in fact for the conference itself. We just went up for the Saturday sessions to supply the bookstall, but it appeared that few local evangelical churches supported it. We counted 45 people, many of them from quite a distance. What is the organiser Peter Meney's crime? Is it that his 'New Focus' magazine has become synonymous with George Ella and his campaigning ways? Perhaps, but he deserves a voice. Like him, loathe him if you will, but at least engage with the research he does even if you don't like his conclusions. Leaving aside such things, Peter and his wife Jill did a great job of organising the conference down to the last sausage roll! Thanks again you two.

The (loose) theme of the conference was 'Salvation, past, present and future'. Re the past, George Ella presented an historical paper in two parts. He focused on a few individuals from the North of England who have been influential in the spread of the Gospel while this country was in its formative years. Indeed his opening thesis was that the true gospel arrived on these shores in the north long before Pope Gregory sent Augustine to 'convert' the heathen Saxons. He moved on to highlight the Venerable Bede and then Alcuin before devoting much time in the second part of the paper to John Wycliffe (from Teesdale!). Wycliffe was compared in some respects to Luther, and shown to be a great reformer. His sound biblical views were expounded, which are much less recognised than his bible translation work itself. I'd like to go on and read more about his views now.

In between George Ella's contribution a slot was given to Ken Cotty. He preached a sermon which I only got tantalising bits of, due to surpervising the children in a side room. It was an uplifting message on the future for the true christian and was well received. Lorna and I necessarily had to 'dip' in and out of sessions for the children's sake, but after a meal freely provided, we were all together for the final part at 7pm. Don Fortner (Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Danville, Kentucky) preached a short sermon and set forth the gospel in his usual dogmatically God-honouring manner. All in all, we felt it was a very heart-warming and stirring conference. Heavy rain was the only dampener as people finally dispersed (and the lost hour!)

NB. New Focus can be obtained from us or directly from the editor Peter Meney http://www.go-newfocus.co.uk/
Evangelical Press have printed a number of books by Don Fortner, as well as Go Publications. All are obtainable from us.
Jeremy

Spurgeon v Spurgeon?

2008-03-25T21:47:00.005Z

Have Banner of Truth gone head to head with Christian Focus Publications (CFP) over this old favourite? These two books are both meaty hardbacks, both priced just under £20, both 2008 editions. So, how to decide which one to go for? Well, what you see is less than you get with the Banner one. They seem to me to have undersold themselves, in that Commenting and Commentaries is helpfully included after the lectures. It does lead to a book one and a half times thicker and greatly heavier than CFP's, but this is surely worthwhile. Both editions are fully re-typeset. I think Banner's is more traditionally styled, whereas CFP have gone for a slicker 'signature' look, fitting within their other books in the C H Spurgeon Classics range. So if all were collected it would look nice on the shelf. But I first read this book as a battered paperback, and thought it most useful off the shelf! In fact I think Mr Spurgeon is better in his lectures than in the pulpit...so having said that I will now quietly withdraw to my nuclear bunker and await the explosion.

Jeremy

Just a Thought

2008-03-21T21:55:00.005Z

Thought I'd mention a customer's recommendation. She was very enthusiastic about the Sketches from Church History Student Workbook. Apparently her 13yr old daughter loves it. I have to admit, when the workbook was first published I had my doubts about it - 'workbooks' to accompany books just seems so (dare I say it?) American. Still, it has obviously pleased this customer. The workbook is an 18 week course syllabus with questions, charts, timelines, maps, puzzles and essay topics following each chapter from Sketches. Ideal (so the blurb states) for Christian Schools and Home Educators, although it obviously has a wider appeal as my customer doesn't fit into either category. Sketches from Church History by S M Houghton, for anyone that doesn't know, is a very readable illustrated account of the history of the Church beginning with the early church, right through to the 19th Century Church. It is now into it's fifth reprint since being published in 1980 so it has been a very popular book - and justly so.

Lorna

The Feet of Jesus

2008-03-15T22:33:00.006Z

We seem to be overflowing with new books at the moment. This one caught my eye and so made its way home with me for closer reading. It was worth it.
P B Power was a minister in Leicester & Worthing during the 1800's. He spent the last 34 years of his life an invalid. Perhaps this contributed to his deeply experimental meditations. His writing is easy to read (a natural slightly rambling style) and devotional in nature. He analyzes various texts on the theme of Jesus' feet - the multitudes coming to be healed at his feet, Mary at his feet, his pierced feet etc.
Joel Beeke has written a recommendation on the cover of the book and he writes much more eloquently than I can so I shall quote him:
'The Feet of Jesus is a virtual manual of spritual growth; it pulsates with Christ-glorifying insight, spiritual comfort, and practical guidance. Power's book unveils as do few others the inestimable value of Jesus and His work both in His humiliation and exaltation. If you would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus, pray for Mary's portion to sit at the feet of Jesus as you read this book.'
The Feet of Jesus in Life, Death, Resurrection and Glory. P B Power. £11.50 (published by Reformation Heritage Books).
Lorna

'Easter' Books

2008-03-12T21:30:00.005Z

We've had to hit the ground running for our March promotion, because it's based around an Easter theme. I call it such for convenience' sake only, because the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ are of course central to the faith, and the gospel as a 'word of reconciliation' must be preached week in week out, all year every year. So please forgive the terminology.
We've made a careful, very focused selection of books, with something for every age group. You will see them from off our website homepage, or click
http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/March%20Offers.pdf
These are books which we like and which we can do at prices so low you will still have change left over to buy all your easter eggs for the children (supposing you were going to anyway). In fact, I would go so far as to make a price promise - find them cheaper elsewhere, let me know, and I'll match it! Can't say fairer than that, even though my name's not Asda.
Jeremy
PS. If you live locally, don't miss our late evening opening before Easter on Monday 17th March. Tea and cakes, plus choc egg with every purchase (if I'm at the till) 7pm - 10pm.
PPS. If you wonder how on earth that pile of books in the photo stands up at its Pisa-like angle, remember there are 20 years of civil engineering experience behind me!

The Best of CBC 2008

2008-03-10T11:17:00.003Z

A week ago today we were listening to classical music. Remember the name Gerard Le Feuvre, director of the Kings Chamber Orchestra. We were privileged to watch a live performance and receive a free copy of their album 'String Heaven'. He and his group outshone far more celebrated names at the conference banquet, both in grace and in ability. Whilst I don't perhaps share his view on what his music is all about, nevertheless christians can do music (and all the arts for that matter). This is somewhat different from a fully orbed belief in the concept of christian music, as if it were underpinned by biblical teaching and validated as a form of ministry. But anyway, well done Gerard!
Other good things: John Roberts (Day One) for a piece of pertinent advice; Tim Banting (IVP) for excellent knowledge of his books and almost bullet point communication of it (Get well soon, Tim); Not having to push a baby around the convention hall, and having a rare time away without the children, thanks to Lorna's parents! (but it's great to see them again all the same).
Ahh...It all seems a distant memory now.
Jeremy

CBC 2008 - Awards Dinner

2008-03-05T20:13:00.004Z

The Christian Booksellers' Convention had just a little extra buzz for us this year. For the first time we attended the Awards Dinner. This felt like the Christian Booksellers' equivalent to the Oscars! For us it was particularly exciting as we had been shortlisted for an award - 'Small Retailer of the Year'. So, we duely got dressed up and made small talk with the bigwigs on the table we had been placed on. The food was great, the company was less so (except of course for the dashing young man on my right commonly known as my co-manager) and the awards nerve-wracking. We sat nervously through numerous awards - 'Publisher of the Year', Reference Book of the Year', Children's Book of the Year' etc etc and eventually they reached 'Small Retailer of the Year'. By this point, we had watched a number of people very nearly break a leg on the way up or down from the stage and had listened to a number of 'thankyou' speeches (some short, some funny and some downright arrogant) and my heart was starting to pound at the possiblity that I might have to try and negotiate those steps and even worse, might have to say something once I got behind the microphone. Yikes! 'And the winner is ...' You probably won't believe me when I say that I was mightily relieved NOT to win the award! I think Jeremy's heart was also struggling to cope with the stress. Our congratulations go to Chris and Lyn Land who run the Christian Book Centre in Redruth for finally winning after 3 times being shortlisted. We didn't go away entirely empty handed. As one of the 2 runners up we were given an engraved paperweight to throw at each other, er, display in the shop. I'm sure an Oscar Trophy would hold no greater pride of place!
Lorna

Make the most of the Leap Year

2008-02-28T20:56:00.009Z

2008 is a special year - you have one extra day in which to take advantage of our February Offer. You only need to spend £25 to get a fiver back. Okay, so you may not think you need any new books, but I bet your Mum would love one! Go on... get your Mum a book for Mother's Day instead of a bunch of flowers. A much more lasting gift and some even have pretty covers (although maybe they don't smell as good)! Which reminds me, I had a rep in the other day trying to sell me Christmas cards that smelt of Christmas. Yes, they were American! Needless to say, I didn't order any (although I could of course if anyone lets me know that that is just what they want at Christmas). Anyway, back to the point... here are a few suggestions for books to get your lovely Mum...

The Mother Who Seeks After God - Daily Devotions for Busy Mums, Laura Martin, £7.99 Short easy to read chapters with musings and meditations on a mother's life. Includes relevant scripture references. Deserves reflective reading.

God's Design for Women, Sharon James, £9.95

This well known book is now available as a double DVD set (£25) and a study guide (£3.75).

The Marvellous Riches of Savouring Christ, Ruth Bryan, £14.95

Highly thought of, Ruth Bryan's letters have been likened to Samuel Rutherford's. Devotional in nature, they are rich in mature spiritual guidance.

If these don't give you any ideas, just give me a call and describe your Mother - I bet I could come up with something perfectly suited (ask for Lorna when you ring - Jeremy probably doesn't even know when Mother's Day is!)
Lorna

Get Planetwise!

2008-02-23T20:18:00.003Z

Get Planetwise! No, that's not me telling you to buy the new book on caring for this beautiful planet we all share - although I wouldn't discourage that! It is actually the clarion call of Dave (inappropriately named) Bookless, National Director of A Rocha UK http://www.arocha.org/, probably the leading organisation promoting biblical thinking on the environment. It is a message encapsulated in his book published by IVP at £7.99. It is also personalised by him as a leading light in the line up of the 'Hope for Planet Earth' tour. This is a national tour, see http://www.hopeforplanetearth.moonfruit.com/ for dates. It came as close as 2 miles away from us at Horbury High School, Wakefield last night, so encouraged by a certain Tim from IVP, we ventured forth not knowing quite what to expect.
Well, how was it? Mixed I'd say. Good presentation, but poor venue. Some interesting science, although unverifiable to a layman like me. Some moving human experience of suffering due to climate change. A dubious evangelist. Then Dave Bookless, who bossed the show in the best possible way. Sober, sincere, unaffected, but an effective communicator. I respect him, although I don't feel he is justifiable in all his interpretations of scripture passages. It all ended with a challenge for change - even a single act to reduce carbon emissions, like turning the thermostat in the home down a degree or two. The turn out wasn't spectacular, and I didn't recognise hardly anyone, which rather surprised and saddened me.
What I just want to do now is to dig deeper into 'Planetwise' and see how well I get on. It certainly seems as though it will set the standard on the subject in evangelical circles. I'll keep you posted.
Jeremy

Gofors & Grumps

2008-02-22T14:21:00.003Z

I have only just discovered how good this book is and find myself wondering why I sell so few of them. Gofors & Grumps (originally published as 4 books, but now in a one volume paperback) is an A-Z of Bible Characters. Each character is given a descriptive name e.g. Mr Afraid (Adam), Miss Industrious (Dorcas) and Mr Runaway (Onesimus). This is perfect for my children whose current craze is the Mr Men. I like the fact that a lot of the characters picked out are the lesser known characters that children may not have come across through well known Bible stories. I also like the way the book picks out both good and bad qualities and makes very relevant applications. There are also little pointers for activities plus notes to explain some of the hard-to-understand words in the Bible. The book is aimed at primary school age children, although I think it could be adapted for use in a variety of situations -individual and group.

Gofors & Grumps by Derek Prime, £8

Lorna

Sent to Save

2008-02-20T22:39:00.010Z

This is a nice series just in from Christian Focus. Called 'Sent to Save', it is a set of 4 boardbooks which very simply explain why Jesus was sent into the world and lead to the gospel message of the cross (no pictures of Jesus throughout). £2.50 each.
Lorna

Lent

2008-02-16T15:20:00.003Z

Lent. Passing over the issue of its justification, is it only for 40 days in the year that Christians should think about self denial? More positively 2 Corinthians 5 v 15 shows that not living unto ourselves is fundamental to faith. Self and Christ cannot share our hearts. One must end up dominating. It is a sobering thought, and one which Walter Chantry takes up well from a Reformed perspective. I have found this book helpful, and if you wanted to do some one thing which gave a nod towards Lent, then examine yourself whilst reading 'The Shadow of the Cross'. It's not a new book, but still available at £4.50 (£3.50 for the first copy sold mentioning this blog!) There are good chapters applying the subject to such things as Christian liberty, marriage, the ministry, and prayer. If the teaching were followed, then the lifestyle of many christians would be seriously challenged - and yes, I start with myself.
Jeremy

Preparing for 2009

2008-02-13T20:42:00.004Z

I find it a strange experience to be preparing for 2009 right now, even presumptuous. But that is what is necessary if our AV Block Calendar is to be produced as usual next year. Our printer likes to have it with him in the February of the year before. I have just finished the final proof read, and devised adverts and vouchers to be included within the text block - some of which relate to 2010! This is all painstaking work, but thankfully it has already been scrutinised closely by able volunteers before ever I do my bit. It is amazing what can escape even the most experienced proof readers. However, this is not an excuse for the shoddiness which seems an increasing blot on the publishing industry as a whole. we pried ourselfs on the hiyhest standads... One good result of proof reading as far as I am concerned is that it helps din bible passages into my head - so it's not all drudgery.
Next job for the calendar will be selecting the pictures for front and back. There is more breathing space for that, which is just as well as Lorna and I usually spend ages arguing over them! If you haven't seen our calendar before, and would like to see an example go here. We accept orders for one or for one hundred (or more). Discounts for quantity - apply for details.
Jeremy

Pause for Thought

2008-02-09T22:20:00.000Z

All things work together for good to them that love God - all the temptations of Satan, all the trials of life. If God's grace is in your heart you will know and feel more and more of the power of temptation, and you will feel more and more keenly the thorns of trial. They work toether for good does not mean temporal good and prosperity, though it is of no small mercy when God is pleased to vouchsafe his favours in this direction. Nor does it mean that God's people will be free from losses and crosses in this world, that they will be able to sit down in ease and comfort in their own homes. What then is that good? This - the increasing of our knowledge of and acquaintance with the Lord Jesus Christ. Anything and everything that brings me consciously and experimentally nearer to the Lord Jesus Christ, is for my good. Anything and everything that weans me from the world, that puts the world in its right perspective, is for good. Everything that brings me to communion with God in Christ, to sacred fellowship with Him, to the knowledge of the love of Christ, all this is for good.

John E Hazelton quoted in the Dec/Jan edition of New Focus Magazine.

Lorna

BTW John E Hazelton wrote an excellent little book called 'Hold-fast' (£9.95). Read this review on our site.