Most of us find that praying can be difficult at times.

We know it’s important, but finding a way to make prayer a regular part of our lives can be challenging. Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of strategies to keep my prayer life on track, with varying levels of success. But no matter whether I’m in a season where prayer is easy, or a season where it’s difficult, I’ve found that these five keys help me to stay on track.

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Every so often, software companies issue an upgrade. The old software for our computer or mobile phone needs updating. And so they release a new version. “Ah Mr Parsons, you are on version 5.7 – you need to upgrade to version 6.0.”

The new version is, theoretically at least, better, because it fixes something that is broken, or improves the way something works. There is a never ending desire to keep improving, keep making things better. A continues desire for improvement is no bad thing. Even with the inevitable set-backs that happen, improvement is something that all top companies, all top athletes, all top artists strive for. Why should followers of Christ, commissioned to take the gospel to the world, not continually seek to improve as well?

Hi Friends,

 I hope you are heading into the Christmas season with a deepening sense of joy and peace, and are managing to reject the stress and anxiety that this time of year can sometimes bring. The Christmas season should really be all about good news and good moments. 

I’ve been thinking about Mary and Joseph lately. As the old story goes, when they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them. They got squeezed out… and ended up in a stable.  We can look back at that now and think how crazy it was that nobody opened their home to a mother giving birth! 

And yet if we’re not careful, it’s easy for us, at this time of year, to have no room for Jesus either. So many gifts to buy, people to visit, meals to prepare, shows to watch, events to attend – sorry Jesus, you’ll have to wait outside until January. 

I want to encourage you to make some room in your heart and in your home for Christ this December. I don’t know what works for you, but for me songs, prayer, scripture, journaling, good books, encouraging conversations and church, all help to keep Christ at the centre of my Christmas. I always try to find some quiet time between Christmas day and New Years Eve to review my year, and write down the lessons I have learned and my hopes and dreams for the next 12 months. I’d encourage you to do something similar, or find something that works for you! Anything that increases your joy and peace, and keeps Jesus at the centre. 

Thank you for your friendship and support throughout 2014. It’s been another amazing year and we couldn’t do it without your encouragement.  From my family to yours, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a fruitful new year.

Your friend,

Steve.

Over the past few years I have headed out on the road in December to perform solo, singer/songwriter christmas concerts.  

These events are really joyful and really powerful. Every year we see guests impacted by the gospel as their hearts are opened by the retelling of the greatest story of all.  I would love to talk to you about coming to your community this year.

Available dates are limited, so get in touch soon if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.