No money left?

The question of resources will be important over the coming weeks, as the coalition government wrestles with how to balance the national budget through making cuts in key areas. The new Chief Secretary to the Treasury revealed that his predecessor left him a note saying: 'I'm afraid there's no money left; good luck!'

The Duchess of York has been trapped by a Sunday paper asking for £500,000 for introductions to her former husband Prince Andrew which perhaps shows the desperation felt by those with no resources – though many commentators wonder whether it says more about the paper's desperation to increase circulation.

In the second half of the week, the readings in Acts focus on the conflict between Peter and the Jewish authorities, at a time when BA is enmeshed in conflict with cabin crew and there is continued serious conflict in Thailand, once famed for its peacefulness. In Paris, French farmers managed to find an altogether more peaceful way of making their protests known.

The remarkable provision of God, and courage of leadership in the face of conflict, leads to a boldness for all the believers. Stories of courage this week include the conquest of Everest by Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to do so. The courage of bomb-disposal experts is also making news in the light of the apparent lack of resources.

Surprisingly, in the context of so many other technologies, radio listening has reached an all-time high which could have important implications for the communication of the gospel.

Ian Paul