Search results for ""Author Stephen Poxon""

Father Brown, the fictional priest detective created by novelist G. K. Chesterton, is one of English literature’s most compelling characters. In 53 short stories, published between 1910 and 1936, Chesterton’s crime-solving cleric demonstrated a unique combination of humility and humour, razor-sharp sharp intellect, and devout Christian faith. This skilfully-curated devotional volume collects 365 episodes from the adventures of Father Brown, rich with the integrity, wit and deep spiritual wisdom of Chesterton’s cherished creation. Each extract is short enough to be read in a daily sitting, and is accompanied by an appropriate passage from the Bible and a prayer to aid personal reflection. The collection can be started at any point during the year, and will become a much-loved companion through your days, months and seasons.

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Reverend Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788): Anglican priest, Oxford University graduate, leader of the English Methodist movement, and arguably the greatest hymn-writer of all time, with at least 6,000 hymns to his credit, many of which retain their popularity and status as "classics". Charles Wesley was a gifted poet, with an almost unparalleled ability to capture deep truths of Scripture and condense them into meaningful verse, thereby conveying theology in terms that a wide spectrum of people could understand. For all his genius as a wordsmith, Charles Wesley was an intensely humble Christian, sometimes living in the shadow of his brother, John, but, nevertheless, complementing the ministry of his sibling with a softer touch and a less rigid approach to life and faith. Through the Year with Charles Wesley offers a glimpse into the works of a great man whose legacy has survived the centuries, and which still influences modern hymnology.

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A year's worth of delightful reflections on dogs known and loved, each leading into a consideration of some aspect of God's character. Stephen Poxon says, "Within what I hope will become this dog-eared work, 365 shaggy dog stories are homed with verses of Scripture to encourage, inform and possibly even amuse. Use them as a dog might treat a puddle - to gaze upon with curiosity, to dip into, or to have a jolly good splash around. It might be that a line from a reflection will lead you towards a deeper concept. It might be that a thought provides a timely contemplation for the day, relevant to your circumstances and concerns. "It is my prayer, as a dog devotee who tries to follow God, that these readings bring reminders of His love. As the seasons change and experiences vary between good, bad and indifferent, may our relationship with a loving Heavenly Father remain a rewarding constant."

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William Booth - pawnbroker's assistant, firebrand preacher, advocate of women's rights, friend of the poor, confidant of statesmen, politicians and royalty, father of eight children, champion of the marginalised, and founder and first General of The Salvation Army. General Booth's courage, oratory and passion changed Victorian Britain. He resolutely ignored his critics - including those who decried him as the Anti-Christ - and reached out to those who considered themselves well outside the concern of Almighty God. Prayer and practicality were his hallmarks: he ridiculed the idea of preaching to a beggar while that beggar was cold and hungry. William Booth worked tirelessly, campaigning, researching, negotiating, adapting music-hall songs - and writing. This book introduces us to his heart and convictions. Here we find the urgency, thought and humanity which drove him on.

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Ernie! is a heartfelt tribute to lower-league football hero Ernie Moss, a local boy made good who became a Chesterfield goalscoring legend. Ernie earned his place in footballing folklore for his phenomenal longevity and as Chesterfield's record goalscorer, netting 192 times for the Spireites across three separate spells. Popular at every club he graced, Ernie was loved by fans and colleagues alike, and after hanging up his boots he enjoyed time as a manager. Tragically, having battled countless tough defenders in his playing days, Ernie found himself battling Pick's disease, a form of dementia that robbed him of the pleasures of retirement. In an ironic twist of fate, it is believed Ernie's neurological disorder was caused by his footballing speciality - heading a ball with accuracy and power. Fans, family and fellow players help tell the tale of a footballer who enriched his profession with passion and dedication. This is a story of skill and success, heartbreak and honesty, football and family.

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The Christian life of John Newton was remarkable: from a childhood marked by the tragic death of his mother and the estrangement of his father, to a ministry as a hugely influential Anglican cleric. Known worldwide as the author of Amazing Grace, it would be nonetheless remiss to focus on this one achievement at the expense of the many. This book seeks to delve into the character and Christian compassion of Newton, taking the reader through daily reflections based upon his works, carrying the spirit of Newton into the modern age.

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Daily readings with Scripture verses and prayers, based on the life and ministry of Catherine Booth, wife of General Booth and co-founder of The Salvation Army, often called 'The mother of The Salvation Army'. An ardent temperance campaigner, she and William developed together the firm convictions about salvation and poverty that led to the formation of the Army. Catherine Booth was eloquent and compelling in speech, and articulate and devastatingly logical in writing. At first, Catherine and her husband had shared a ministry as traveling evangelists, but then she came into great demand as a preacher in her own right, especially among the well-to-do. Although it was virtually unknown at that point for women to speak in public, and despite her nervousness, she developed a considerable preaching ministry. Catherine was both a woman and a fine preacher, a magnetic combination that attracted large numbers to hear her. This book of daily readings introduces us to Catherine's heart and convictions. Here we find the passion, urgency, thought and humanity which drove her on. Each devotional will take one page of the format above. Catherine's succinct, direct style is ideally suited to this form.

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