Why are ‘people’ so annoying?
When was the last time you said, with exasperation, something like this...?“People! Everything would be so much easier if it wasn’t for…
How’s your roar?
I remember some years ago being struck by these words from King Solomon in Proverbs 28:1… “The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,…
What I learnt from the London Marathon
On London Marathon Day, when Amy and I joined the biggest encouragement party in the country, I was reminded afresh of the power of a…
The day I was called a TikTok Christian
I've never been called a TikTok Christian before, but it was clear it wasn't a compliment. I have to confess my instinctive reaction wasn't…
God, your car just died!
"It's bad news!" he said and proceeded to share the gravity of the problem, which would cost almost as much to fix as the car is now worth…
Are you ready for something new?
Whatever we’re about to face, the Bible reminds us that God is always able – and committed - to do something good. Something fresh.…
God help us in the shaking
Making choices to lean into God is never easy. Especially when we're battling with fear, doubt and disappointment. But, as the Psalmist…
How encouraged are you feeling right now?
The Bible is full of encouragements for us to be encouraging, and the richness of the original Hebrew and Greek language gives us a variety…
What I shared with my son when he got married
Our relationships are often challenged; whether within our family or friends, and we shouldn't be surprised by this. We have an enemy who…
I can’t believe how slow Jesus walks
In my mind's eye, I could see the pace that Jesus was walking. Leisurely. Relaxed. Unhurried. But so slow. Crazy slow.
Your instrument is your life
Your instrument is your life. You're custom-made. You were made to play. To play in time, and play in tune.
Why complaint is better than concern
If something really bothers you then complaint will drive you to speak up. You just have to do something. Concern is usually passive.…
What is your life reproducing?
Are you ready to give up control? As we step together into a brand new year, permit me to provoke you with some brief thoughts about the…
The myth of control
Are you ready to give up control? As we step together into a brand new year, permit me to provoke you with some brief thoughts about the…
What does your wake look like?
Are you ready to give up control? As we step together into a brand new year, permit me to provoke you with some brief thoughts about the…
The first question God is asking you
Did you know that Jesus was asked 183 questions in the three short years of His ministry? He answered just 3, but went on to ask 307!
How to build a new habit to be with God each day
I'm feeling exercised about creating more regular space and time to be with God. Not out of religious duty, but simply a longing for…
Do you need a moment?
Many of us are not good with silence. We are constantly surrounded by noise. Have we lost the art of being comfortable with silence and…
Ditch your New Normal – Just Discover NEW!
I’m not particularly excited about discovering ‘normal’ but I’m definitely ready for something ‘new’. Aren’t you?
Ditch your Nehushtan!
This story is a powerful reminder about how easily we can become attached to the wrong things. How we can end up idolizing methods,…
What to do in the wilderness moments
I don’t know if you’ve ever had this experience where you've moved to a new house. As you stand there surrounded by boxes and mess in your…
Don’t go back, go forward!
Nobody likes change unless it's their idea! Do you think that's true? I do! And I speak as someone who loves initiating change but, let's…
I did it! I completed ‘Couch-to-5K’
So here's my new year advice to you to help you get a better handle on your 'To Do' list. It's time to 4D your 'To Do' list. Take…
How to 4D your To-Do List
So here's my new year advice to you to help you get a better handle on your 'To Do' list. It's time to 4D your 'To Do' list. Take…
What’s so amazing about grace?
As we think about the challenging times we're in, it feels like we all need to slow down and swim in the boundless depths of God's grace…
How can we be better listeners?
When was the last time you truly felt listened to? When was the last time you truly listened to someone?
How to comfort others
Many of us don’t know how to comfort others. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know what to say.
Watch Your Mouth
Words are powerful and potent. Words shape worlds and rotten words ruin relationships. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, said…
Honouring one another
It’s so easy to dig for dirt on each other's lives - mining for gold takes more time and effort. But there is gold in everybody.
Help with humility
You may remember that I'm working on a new book exploring healthy relationship practices drawing from the 'One Anothers' of the New…
Putting your hands to good work
If 10 years ago I knew all that was to come, I probably would’ve hidden under my bed :-)But God never promised us a life free of pain and…
Where is God right now?
If 10 years ago I knew all that was to come, I probably would’ve hidden under my bed :-)But God never promised us a life free of pain and…
Lessons from the past 10 years
If 10 years ago I knew all that was to come, I probably would’ve hidden under my bed :-)But God never promised us a life free of pain and…
Unity – attract Heaven, and impact the world!
In Psalm 133 the writer reminds us of the catalytic nature of unity – it brings a generous blessing from God. When people come forward for…
Learning to sleep in a storm
I love a good storm, provided of course that I'm inside my house, cosily tucked up in bed! But if I was in a rickety-wooden boat, in the…
The first time I preached with a whisper
It's never happened to me before, but last month I had to cancel a preaching engagement because I lost my voice.
Don’t reject the struggles – they might just be saving your life!
Don't reject the struggles in life - they might just be saving your life! "What are you talking about Matt?" I hear you ask. Fair question.…
Servants, sons and daughters
Keep serving others. Definitely keep doing that. But remember, that before you are called to be servants, you are called to be beloved sons…
Nothing that you do for God is a waste of time or effort
Have you ever looked back on certain times of your life and wondered – what was that all about? OR perhaps you invested in a friendship…
Is it time to buy new shoes?
I bought my 'super-special" Gortex walking shoes back in the early Autumn of 2001. They are the most expensive 'shoes' I've ever bought,…
Everyone should be like Violet Evelyn Bailey
“We could all be sponsored to have our heads shaved” suggested Linda Jones, my PA. The thought terrified me and I was quick to say no - I…
The day I shaved my head…
“We could all be sponsored to have our heads shaved” suggested Linda Jones, my PA. The thought terrified me and I was quick to say no - I…
Good intentions don’t always lead to good decisions
When I look back on my 18 years at Urban Saints, there is one moment in particular that I still feel the pains of great regret. If I could…
Lessons from my £100,000 mistake
It wasn't a great start to my second year at Crusaders!In September 2001, we were hoping for over 3,000 young people to attend a massive…
Can you really trust God?
It wasn't a great start to my second year at Crusaders!In September 2001, we were hoping for over 3,000 young people to attend a massive…
The thing that God longs for the most
It was 2001 and I was half-asleep in an early morning breakfast devotional time at an Urban Saints staff conference. Tired voices did their…
Are you rowing or sailing?
I like to work hard! I really do! It comes naturally to me - particularly when I'm captivated by an inspirational goal! I'm an ENTJ on the…
Check God’s compass
It was a cold November evening when I was in the office late at Crusaders back in the year 2000. I'd been working for the organisation for…
True humility
When I came to Urban Saints over 18 years ago, I was a little concerned that I would struggle with ego. Leaders of national organisations,…