Category: Resources

Remember your Sword

January 1, 2025

A verse that is on my heart for the start of 2025 is Ephesians 6:17. It says, “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The part that is really jumping out at me is taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

I feel like God is reminding me to fill up and take His Word with me wherever I go in 2025. As I do, God’s Word will build me up and strengthen me, and it will also impact those around me.

As I dwell on this thought I am reminded of Jesus when He was tempted in the desert by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11. Satan came to tempt Jesus and Jesus responded three times with Old Testament verses. Satan then left Him.

Satan still uses the same tricks against us today. He wants us to doubt God, His provision and protection, and he wants us to doubt ourselves and our mission. But like Jesus, we can quote the Bible. The key though, is to know it first.

Several days ago I posted a resource that can help you read the New Testament in one year. It has a list of all the Bible books and chapters and you can tick them off as you go. You can find it here.

I have done this a number of times over the years. It has really helped me to fill up on God’s Word each day. I would really encourage you to do it this year. Take the time to store God’s in your heart (Psalm 119:11) and allow it to renew your mind and change you in to a new person (Romans 12:2).

I honestly believe the best way we can grow in our faith in God is to fill up on His Word – the Bible. As we do, we can take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God with us wherever we go.

In 2025, do not forget your Sword! If you do not have a Bible, you can download one here for free.

Read the New Testament in 2025

December 28, 2024

If you would like to read the New Testament in 2025 you can download our free reading plan. In this plan you can read one chapter a day and you will finish it in September. If you read one chapter five days a week you will finish it in December. If you are interested you can download it here.

If you do not have a Bible you can download one for free at the YouVersion Bible app website.

Bible readings plans

December 20, 2024

Over the last few months I have been working my way through some reading Bible plans on the Bible app. They are by a Pastor in the UK called Rob McFarlane.

I have really enjoyed these bite sized plans as they give you a Bible verse, some reflections and end with a prayer each day. It gives me something to reflect on as I go about my day.

If you are interested you can find them on the Bible app here. Pastor Rob also has more resources on his personal website here too.

Starting weight training

December 7, 2024

I have been weight training consistently since 1985. I have not missed a week since then. Because I am often asked for advice about beginning weights training.

These days I mostly do a full body workout three times a week and have three days a week for cycling or riding an exercise bike. I aim for 30 minutes of either weights or cycling per session. This is enough to keep me fit and maintain muscle in my late 50s.

Please note: Please be aware that this is only advice, I am not a qualified fitness trainer. Weight training is my hobby and I explain this to people who ask my advice.

When starting out I give people one exercise per major body part and do one set of ten repetitions. Then wait a minute or two and move on to the next exercise on the list.

An example might look like this below.

On the exercises above I have added links to the exercise demonstrations on bodybuilding.com. This website has lots of beginner workouts too.

The key to remember when you start out is to not over do it. Start with lighter weights than you think you need and slowly progress over 6-12 months.

One final piece of advice is to rest for 48-72 hours after your gym session. This is to allow your muscles time to recover and grow after your workout.