Day 34 — Enjoyment Governed By Love
James Smith
October 8, 2026
Christian freedom is not the right to please ourselves; it is the freedom to enjoy God’s gifts in ways governed by his glory and our neighbour’s good.
Day 33 — Grace Trains Our Desires
James Smith
October 7, 2026
Grace does more than forgive disordered desire: it trains us to say no to its mastery and yes to a new way of life.
Day 32 — When Appetite Says Never Enough
James Smith
October 6, 2026
A roving appetite always promises satisfaction in the next pleasure; wisdom receives God’s present gifts without asking them to do what they cannot.
Day 31 — The Giver of Good Pleasures
James Smith
October 5, 2026
Created pleasures are gifts from God: received with gratitude, enjoyed in their proper place and directed back to his praise.
The Seven Go To the Movies — Part 2
James Smith
October 2, 2026
Last week I suggested four films to accompany the first four pairings in our series: The Greatest Showman, Amadeus, Groundhog Day and The Mission. If you managed to watch all four, congratulations—you have spent approximately nine hours contemplating the moral life while sitting on the sofa. I am not entirely sure whether that counts as diligence or sloth. This week, we come to the final three vices and virtues.
Day 30 — Content And Rich In Good Deeds
James Smith
October 2, 2026
Contentment trusts the God who provides; mercy makes us rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share.
Day 29 — Merciful As Your Father Is Merciful
James Smith
October 1, 2026
The Father’s undeserved mercy frees his children to love, give and do good without calculating what they will receive in return.
Day 28 — Remember Mercy, Practise Justice
James Smith
September 30, 2026
God’s redeemed people leave room in what they possess for vulnerable neighbours to receive justice and mercy.