January/February 2025

‘Be strong and very courageous’ is repeated three times in the first few verses of the book of Joshua. The first time is when the Israelites are going to establish God’s kingdom in the land, requiring them to overcome God’s enemies. The second time is because following God’s ways is a whole-of-life activity requiring his people to be fully given over to him. Both of these clearly require great courage and strength. Living as Christians today, seeking to establish God’s kingdom and living according to God’s whole-of-life ways, also requires great courage and strength. It would be all too easy to give up or give in.
In Joshua 1:9 when this phrase is used a third time, we see what makes such strength and courage possible: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ God is always with us, wherever we are, to lead, guide, strengthen, equip and enable us. By his Spirit, in Jesus, we have a God who is ‘able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.’ That’s why we can be strong and courageous – not because of us but because of him.
As we begin a new year, this edition of the magazine is intended to inspire us to take such courage in the Lord. David and Jan Donegani have faced trials as a family but share how looking to Jesus gives them the courage to persevere. Drawing on the book of Daniel, Graham Daniels encourages us to share the gospel courageously by relying on God’s sovereignty and Gareth Edwards warmly challenges us to take courage in everyday living.
Since it’s a new year, we have some new strands starting. We’re starting a series of articles looking at the EMW doctrinal basis, to help us to be clear on what we believe. Eryl Davies starts this by looking at the Bible. Finally, we have a new strand on technology and Heledd Job helps us to consider the impact technology has upon us. Besides all this, there are many other articles, updates and reviews to enjoy until our next edition!

  1. Everyday Courage
    by Gareth Edwards
  2. When God Himself Comforts You
    by Rebekah Fox
  3. The Infallible Word Of God
    by Eryl Davies
  4. How Does Technology Help Me To Be Human?
    by Heledd Job
  5. Kneeling In Prayer
    by Roger Carswell
  6. Evangelical Unity
    by Graham Nicholls
  7. God Is Sovereign
    by Graham Daniels
  8. Courage To Persevere
    by David Donegani
  9. Amazing Grace
    by Peter Davies
  10. Have You Ever Wondered Why We Preserve The Past?
  11. Why Don't You Give Generously?
    by Jonny Raine
  12. Book review — The God Who Draws Near – Life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
    by Jonathan Stephen
  13. Book review — Before You Share Your Faith – Five ways to be evangelism ready
    by Jonathan Stephen
  14. Book review — Made In Our Image – God, artificial intelligence and you
  15. Book review — The man in the tree and the brand new start
  16. Book review — Heart Songs For Every Saint – Engaging with God through times of darkness and light
    by Sheila Stephen
  17. Book review — Pause – How to enjoy God, find hope and bear fruit through mid-life and the menopause
    by Sheila Stephen