C. S. Lewis identified the central distinction of our age as the difference between true religion and idolatry, not that between secularism and religion. Idolatry comes in many forms – personality cults, wealth accumulation, infatuation, even secularism.

In 1938, with the world on the verge of war, F.D. Roosevelt, President of the USA, paused a cabinet meeting to join an estimated 40 million Americans in listening to commentary on a horse race in Baltimore.

I look at my life as entrusted into my care by God. I’m responsible, through God’s guidance, to use my life, wherever I find myself, to love and serve God, which includes other people (Mark 12:30–31).

The challenge in all worship, from singing to living, is to stay focused on God, not on ourselves. We might describe our hunger for God, or the challenges we face, yet only as part of our ongoing journey with God. Without God I can do nothing (John 15:5).

Worship has grown to be central in church life. Generally regarded as singing today, worship is in fact to declare God’s renown; the recognition of God’s achievements, and our admiration, respect and commitment to God. We worship God in many ways – from our prayer and Bible reading to the way we choose to live our life.

When life is tough, we often complain at the apparent ease of another’s life experience. Such comparisons are based on our assumptions about the life we’re observing. But we only see the outward appearance. Jesus makes it clear that it is the heart within that counts. 

Bsieged by 24/7 news and views, being selective is difficult. There’s a thin line between balanced information and feeling overwhelmed. We need some news to fuel our prayers, yet too much and we risk elevated stress levels, disturbed sleep patterns and increased anxiety.

A priority is what’s most important to us. In our busy lives, we soon discover there are any number actively competing against each other. Life quickly becomes a struggle for survival. We lose perspective and then lose peace of mind.

The guidance, ‘Be careful what you ask for’, has a long history. It comes from Aesop’s fables created around 260 BC. Samuel served as Israel’s last judge, and the first prophet after Moses. 

For many parents their greatest concern is their children’s future. Be it education, the friends they hang out with or their spiritual development, the level of angst they can create is high. If the future is in God’s hands, our children’s future presents a significant worry.