John Faris

I like now and then to visit one of the old Anglo-Irish stately homes — a big house with spacious walled-in parkland. There's a sense of ease and contentment just walking about, admiring the scenery, wondering at the wealth. Some times, … Read more

Having been involved in a church committee debate over the colour of paint, I was struck (and maybe stung) by Nan St. Louis' recent devotional, " Where are you? " which mentioned the negative effect on others of Christians who disagree … Read more

Why is it that when two Christians meet, perhaps for the first time, within five minutes they are chatting to each other as if they have been friends for years? It is because they have certain things in common. They share the same … Read more

My teenage son has introduced me to the delights of hair gel. Fashions move round; I had always associated Brylcreem with World War 2 fighter pilots. But people have always used oils and ointments on their heads, not just to … Read more

Think of the people you worship with each Sunday. How many of them do you know by name? How many do you pray for regularly? Do you know anything of their real concerns? I wonder if our fear of or … Read more

Samuel Hebich gives this very simple insight to Ephesians 4: You and I cannot make a tub. It requires a good carpenter to make a tub, or it will hold no water, because it is not made of one piece … Read more

A vision for Ireland was shared at the Christian Renewal Centre, Rostrevor. Someone saw in a dream the island of Ireland covered in flagpoles with different groups around each pole, their backs to each other, the flags representing different churches … Read more

I like now and then to go to visit one of the old Anglo-Irish stately homes — a big house with spacious walled-in parkland. There's a sense of ease and contentment just walking about admiring the scenery, wondering at the … Read more