Its a Miracle!

The festive season is upon us!
Shoppers are promised some great bargains in the New Year sales. The Footsie 100 index has risen to over 6000 for the first time since September 08. And for many, it will be a white Christmas. But none of this touches what is in my mind today.
Yesterday evening, I watched the last episode of Nativity, and was moved to tears by the way the downcast shepherd, Thomas, kissed the foot of the new born baby in the stable. Then the aged Magi, after their 1000 mile journey knelt in adoration. This child carries the hopes of so many in himself. What a wonderful contrast to the bleak news stories of brokenness and hopelessness.
As we heard last evening, 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.' (John 1.14)
The miracle of God stepping into our world, to share and bear our pain, and transform us into children of God, continues to amaze and challenge me. As we shall sing, 'Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.'
What a blessing that would be for the broken and hopeless of our world. I shall pray for many miracles today.
Best wishes,
Richard

Mutual Support

Oh dear! Politicians have stared to fall out. The honeymoon period of the coalition government is clearly over. Of course, we have known that there have been differences even within parties in the past - think the Eurosceptic wars of previous Tory cabinets. The present difficulties have even put the snow and cold into the shade. What is obvious is that the era of mutual support is over. That is sad.
The Bible account of the pregnancy of Mary shows a better way to face difficulties. Mary's first place to find support was to visit her elderly cousin who was also pregnant. 'A problem shared is a problem halved' seems to have been in her mind.
'A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.' (Luke 1.39-44)
Instead of facing her developing pregnancy on her own, Mary's wise decision to share her experience with Elizabeth reminds me that all of us need the understanding and support of one another. In the busyness of these days, we can all provide support for some of those around us. What a gift that might be.
Best wishes,
Richard

Secrets

'Can I tell you a secret?' We usually enjoy this sense of being on the inside of significant information. The present flurry of Wikileaks stories feeds this appetite.
Many newspapers are full of stories which emerge from 'investigative journalism' when reporters have discovered something by legal or illegal means. Even Vince Cable has been embarrassed by having his comments recorded. Perhaps all of us are glad that our words and thoughts are not too often exposed.
St. Paul reminds his Roman readers that there will come a day when all our secrets will be revealed. 'And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. (Romans 2.16) That future prospect, of full and fair exposure, will catch many unprepared. But Paul also said, 'There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.' (Romans 8.1)
The Good News of this season is that God has provided what we all need - if we will accept his offer - someone to stand for us when our secret lives are laid bare. And God's generous offer is no secret. I shall remember to thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard

More!

Surrounded by snow, and enjoying the views, it seems we are due to get more snow - with all that will mean for those hoping to travel and visit family and friends. Clashing with this reality, our expectations are also making us hope for more - stuff in the shops, more deliveries from Royal Mail or courier companies. John Bell, again on Thought for the Day on the Today programme, spoke of the culture of entitlement which poisons the way we think - we believe we are entitled to be in control of our lives and loves, and get immensely frustrated when our desires are blocked. Getting more may not always happen.
But St. Paul, writing from prison, and facing possible execution, prays that his friends may know more - but it is more with a difference.
'I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.' (Philippians 1.9-11)
This prayer for more love - for God and others - is what we all need. To know God's life within our experience will make us able to bring more glory and praise to Him. That would be good to see!
Best wishes,
Richard

Plan A

If Plan A doesn't work, is there a Plan B? That question is being asked by some political commentators and cartoonists. What does the present coalition government have up their respective sleeves as Plan B? With the tight squeeze on local authorities, the police and so on, many are going top be losing their jobs, but will it all work? They clearly don't want to spend their way out of trouble, so then what?
Many Christian people may wonder what is God's Plan A, and is there a Plan B? St. Paul had to address that sort of question in many of his writings, as it was a hot topic for the first generation of believers. One of his most clear statements on the issue is in Romans. 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters.' (Romans 8.28-29)
The Plan A, which covers all eventualities (God causes everything to work together), is that we become like his Son. That means that every moment of every day, God is in the business of helping us to grow to become more like Jesus. Those difficulties and pains which are so troublesome are part of the Lord's means of changing us from the self-centred people we so often are, to become those who trust Him fully, just as Jesus did. So when I see that this is the one and only plan the Lord has for me, I am learning to rest myself in his good purposes for me. Whatever stresses we face today, these are gifts from the Lord! How wonderful.
Best wishes,
Richard

Roots

When completing some application  forms, I have to state that my place of birth was Shanghai, China. In some cases, I also have to reveal my father's place of birth, which was Madras, India. These facts do not support my claim to be a British citizen, in some circles. My origins appear too much like an economic migrant.
But in many traditional communities, your place of birth reveals significant information about your family and your social status. Hence, ancient prophesies about the longed for ruler for the troubled people of Judah required that he was going to come from Bethlehem, where the much loved David was born. So, Micah writing in about 750BC, states, ' But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.  And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace.' (Micah 5.2,4,5a)
As we shall see, as the story unfolds, Jesus was only born there because of the dictates of the tyrannical Roman Emperor. How extraordinary that while under the same external constraints that all of us face, Jesus is able to make a difference for people like us. That is not because of his physical birth in Bethlehem, but because of his divine origins. Lets us rest ourselves in him.
Best wishes,
Richard

Promise Keeping

Much of the anger about the rise in university tuition fees arises from the perception that Nick Clegg has broken some clearly made promises, from his pre-election campaign. He has given his explanation for his present stance, but for those who write slogans on protest banners, this is the issue which gets people angry. But he is not the first politician, nor will he be the last, who has been accused of failing to keep campaign promises. Their general argument is that when the situation changes - as it does - then the policy and practice has to be flexible too.
Prophets in ancient Israel were recorded as making astonishing and unlikely promises, as the mouthpiece of the living God. Hence, Jeremiah, in about 620BC, when Judah was about to be overrun by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar, makes a clear promise. '“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.
“In those days and at that time
      I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.
      He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.
 And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 33.14-16)
We see these promises being kept in the sending of Jesus, whose birth can be the focus of our present living - rather than all that might distract us.
To know that God is a God who is faithful to his promises and committed to keeping the terms of his covenant with his people gives us great security in a rapidly changing world. As we often sing, he is the 'Faithful One, so unchanging', who is the 'Defender of the weak' and who provides the strength we need to live faithfully today. What a privilege.
Best wishes,
Richard

Threats

The death of the suicide bomber in Sweden, and the intended visit of Pastor Jones from Florida to Luton both remind us of the ways in which some people generate poison and hatred from their supposed religious convictions. Some would remark. 'All religion is dangerous', and fail to see where hope lies.
If you missed John Bell's masterful comments on Radio 4's Though for the Day on the Today Programme just before 8am, catch it on their iplayer.
How different from the ways in which the prophet Isaiah outlines the ministry of the Chosen One of God. 'The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
      for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favour has come' (Isaiah 61.1-2a)
In his own ministry, Jesus used these verses as his manifesto, and preached on this passage in the synagogue in Nazareth, his home town. As Luke tells us, it didn't go down well, and the townspeople wanted to kill him for such arrogant claims. (Luke 4.28-30)
Bringing a message of true hope and divine mercy does not always make us popular, and we too may face the abuse and rejection that Jesus himself faced. We have Good News to share - but not all will see it that way.
Best wishes,
Richard

Peace Prize

Today, in Oslo, Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This hasn't gone down well in China itself, as he is currently serving a prison sentence for his activities. It is ironic that a man so committed to non-violence in the struggle for change should be treated so harshly. But such a stance takes enormous courage, especially when he had been encouraged by the Chinese government to leave China, as many other dissidents have. But he has chosen to stay, in order to keep the issue alive in China itself.
Jesus was announced as the Prince of Peace, and yet we know his life was dogged by those who opposed his stance and teaching. The Prophet Isaiah announced the style and approach of this peace-bringer. '“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
      He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
 I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.
 He will not shout or raise his voice in public.
 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
 He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.
 Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” (Isaiah 42.1-4)
Because the peace Jesus brings is based on the justice of God, and not on human convenience, many will resist his call to peace. But for those bruised  and betrayed by the powerful, Jesus offers strength, hope of change and new life. Let us share that great message today.
Best wishes,
Richard

Wilderness

With the vote of Education cuts coming up tomorrow, some are predicting that both further and higher education will be turned into a wilderness. The rich and successful will thrive, as they usually do, while those from less favoured backgrounds will be left out. The aspirations of the strong and fit will be fruitful, but those of the vulnerable and weak will wither and die.
Much of the Old & New Testaments address the issues of living in or on the edge of the wilderness. Significantly, the people of faith learn from that experience what it is to trust God when times are hard. But the Prophet Isaiah sets out the future promises of God against the background of the experience of living in the wilderness.
'Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
      The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
 Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
      and singing and joy!
   The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
      as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
   There the Lord will display his glory,
      the splendour of our God.
 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
      and encourage those who have weak knees.
 Say to those with fearful hearts,
      “Be strong, and do not fear,
   for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
      He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35.1-4)
In the bleakness of many people's lives - whether facing education cuts, or uncertainty over jobs and health and whatever - these promises provide the hope which strengthens tired hands and weak knees!
The promise that He is coming to save you is great news, and we can learn to live in the light of this today. How amazing.
Best wishes,
Richard

Helpless & Hopeless

The stranded motorists stuck in the snow in central Scotland were helpless - "there were no signs of gritters or support" - and hopeless - nothing could be done - just sit it out.
As more decisions are made about the cuts to be implemented by Government and local authorities, many vulnerable people are feeling helpless and hopeless. Many on Goldsworth Park will know Jason Vaughan, in his wheelchair. He came to see me the other week, in great anguish at the prospect of much less support available for him. He feels helpless and hopeless. His carers and supporters do a great job, but there are fears for the future.
The Prophet Isaiah was living at a time when hope was in very short supply, for many reasons. Politically, economically, and spiritually, life for the ancient nation if Israel was on the slide. People felt helpless and hopeless.
Yet he brought words of hope and help. 
'Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  He will delight in obeying the Lord.' (Isaiah 11.1-3a)
That promised help and bringer of hope was the Lord Jesus, born at Bethlehem (David's city) and yet dying for us outside the walls of Jerusalem. As St. Paul's reminded his Roman friends, 'When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  ' (Romans 5.6,8)
Today, we can all know the help and hope from the Lord - because He loves us - and we can bring that help & hope to all we meet. What a privilege!
Best wishes,
Richard

Spare a thought

While watching the BBC 24 News channel last evening, it is clear that Woking has had much less snow than many in Britain. The news also shows us events all around the world, which make us realise that other people are facing suffering and disasters which remind us how fortunate we are.
In these situations, we can either feel smug and self-satisfied, or we can feel sympathy. We often remark, 'Spare a thought' for some friend or setting, and hope that it will lead us to be more sympathetic. What might 'Spare a thought' mean for us?
The writer to the Hebrews reminds his audience of their appropriate Christian response to the needs of others. 'Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.' (Hebrews 13.3)
When he repeats the 'Remember those', he is reminding us to pray - to remember before God - and to take action as well if possible. The repeated 'as if you' calls us to enter the experience of others in our imaginations, and to feel what they feel. That then stirs us to our prayers.
The news we receive, both local and global, can be one of our greatest aids to our concerned and committed prayer each day.
Best wishes,
Richard

Burglaries

There has been a spate of house burglaries in recent days on Goldsworth Park. Police & Neighbourhood Watch groups have been warning home owners to make sure they lock their doors properly. As usual though, the fear of crime is great than the actual incidence of criminal activity. The good news is that Surrey is one of the safest places in the UK to live. Nonetheless, burglaries still happen, and we need to do what we can not to encourage the local burglars.
Jesus used a similar situation for a very different purpose. 'Understand this: If a home owner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.' (Matthew 24.43-44)
In all the busyness of our lives - worrying about the weather and the ice, getting upset over England's failed World Cup bid and the approach of Christmas - we can easily ignore the most important future event that is coming. Jesus warns us not to ignore his return, when all accounts will be settled, and when it will be too late to do what we had to do. So today, I shall seek to get things sorted out which must be sorted out - and stop delaying important actions.
How about you?
Best wishes,
Richard

Not Ashamed!

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey will launch "Not Ashamed Day" outside the House of Lords. Campaigners say a mounting number of cases of workers being disciplined over their beliefs show Christianity is being "air brushed" from UK society. Sections of our media and culture are very ignorant about the foundational facts which underpin much in our social and constitutional fabric. I was talking to a friend yesterday, who did not know where St. Paul's Cathedral is, nor what is represents.
I am reminded of the pressures that the first Christians were under, which were far more dangerous. To refuse, as Christians did, to state 'Caesar is Lord', instead proclaiming 'Jesus is Lord!', was bound to raise the pressure on them. Many were imprisoned, some were executed, but still they were not ashamed. St. Paul from prison writes to his timorous colleague, Timothy, and encourages him to be courageous. 'I am not ashamed of the Good News, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.' (2 Timothy 1.12)
We won't face prison for our Christian faith today, but many of us may be tempted to cover up our convictions and values, under a blanket of wanting to avoid controversy, or because we crave popularity and don't want to seem odd. Today, may we have the courage of our convictions and the grace to live for Jesus.
Best wishes,
Richard

Plan B

It is often said, when facing difficult situations - such as the Irish bale out, or Afghanistan's stability - that there is no Plan B. What seems to be meant is that the best minds have looked at all the options, and can see no other solution to whatever the problem is. Most of us do not face such situations-  so we always reckon that there might be a perfectly workable Plan B or C or even D.
But in the overarching Bible story, there is no Plan B. Having created the world, with freewill given to humans, and having seen the mess they made, the one and only rescue Plan A involves God's call to Abram. 'The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12.1-3) That is God's Plan A, to bless the whole world through the covenant made with Abraham, coming to fruition through Jesus, Abraham's seed.
In our little worlds, where we are so often the centre of our own concerns, it does us good to recall that through trusting Jesus, we are caught up in God's one and only Plan A, for the blessing of all peoples. Today, we may have an opportunity to bring God's blessing to some people. How amazing!
Best wishes,
Richard

Light

As winter takes its hold, and with the days getting shorter, there are feelings of darkness gripping our hopes and dreams. Worries over the Irish economy and whether or not the rest of the Eurozone will suffer fill the papers. The remarkable outpourings from Wikileaks reveal quite what goes on in the murky world of international diplomacy. Darkness seems to reign.
John's astonishing Prologue to his Gospel, yesterday's reading from the Advent leaflet we gave out at Church, tells us about the Light that has come into our world. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.' (John 1.5)
To know Jesus is to know his light in our lives and situations. He brings hope and light by which to see clearly and to live trustingly. I am so grateful for the light he brings and the difference that makes. I am aware that many of those I meet daily and weekly are lost in the dark.
Today, let us all thank Him for his light-giving presence in our lives.
Best wishes,
Richard

Risk Assessment

What risks am I taking for Jesus today?
These days, many activities have to be assessed before they take place, to check out the possible risks. What was previously done in the twinkling of an eye, and was usually fine, now takes forever, and the forms result in forests being chopped down. We are increasingly risk averse, in our culture - for fear that someone will get blamed. Is this healthy?
I am challenged by the commission of Jesus to his earliest followers. The authorities were not favourably disposed to the ministry of Jesus, and his followers were not promised an easy ride. 
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.' (Luke 10.2-3)
Jesus knew that it was going to be risky to be publicly working on his behalf, so his warning was clear - 'lambs among wolves'!
We too are called so to live for Jesus that we are identified as his followers - not hiding our light under the cover of good manners, or office popularity. Doing the risk assessment doesn't mean that we then decide to ignore Jesus' call on our lives.
What risks am I taking for Jesus today?
I must ask myself that question again and again.
Best wishes,
Richard

Painful News

The first 3 stories on today's news were all painful stories. The tragic losses in New Zealand, the attack on South Korea, and the problems with the Irish economy all show how our world is a global village. The New Zealand Prime Minister recalled that 'we are a country where we are our brother's keeper'. This sharing of the costs and benefits of every aspect of life is what builds community and strengthens society. But the price is high.
St. Paul was used to sharing his life with his Christian friends, and he didn't shield them from the painful experiences he endured. But he did know the life-transforming presence of God with him through it all. 'All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.' (2 Corinthians 1.3-5)
Today, all of us may encounter those who have painful news to share. It may be that we can also share something of a Jesus-style comfort and encouragement, which takes tears seriously, and doesn't judge or criticise those who suffer.
Best wishes,
Richard

Wake Up!

On Remembrance Sunday, after the Two Minutes' Silence, the lone trumpet sounds the Reveille, which is the normal 'Wake Up!' call for the sleeping soldiers. In the context of Remembrance Sunday, the symbolism is of resurrection and new life in Christ.
With Advent approaching, the 40 days of spiritual preparation for Christmas, we are reminded of the same call. St. Paul, writing to his friends in Rome, makes a startling call. 'Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.' (Romans 13.11-12)
Most of us do not think of ourselves as asleep while we are living our normal lives. But Paul sees that unless we are deliberately setting out each day to live for Jesus, taking steps to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, then we are sleep walking through life. The traditional prayer for last Sunday has the same thought. Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today, we can choose to wake up, or we can drift along asleep. Which is it to be?
Best wishes,
Richard

Support

In the complexities of European finances, it is now clear that the Irish economy and Government need support. European financiers are hoping that together they can bring stability and long-term growth. It is in everyone's interest, apparently, to provide the necessary support, for going it alone is never an option.
This is a profoundly Christian concept, as St. Paul makes clear, when writing to his friends in the region of Galatia. 'Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.' (Galatians 6.2) It is one of the miracles of the Christian life, when together we can weather the storms of life, with the Lord's people bringing the Lord's love and peace to each other. And it is not only when things are tough that we can support each other.
In those different circumstances, Paul says, 'Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.' (Romans 12.15)
I am very grateful for for all the support and encouragement that I have received in recent days. Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Richard

Generosity

Walking along the Thames Path yesterday, from Vauxhall to the Tate Modern, was both delightful and uncomfortable. The weather was beautiful, and the sights astonishing, and full of historical and cultural interest. But there were challenges too, in those begging along the way. Questions arise about what help such people need, and are they really in need? How hard to be fully caring, and to treat people equally, when absorbed in our own lives and activities.
The early Christians faced some similar challenges, and St. Paul reflects on the fruits of committed Christian living. 'Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.' (2 Corinthians 9.11) Paul is aware that being truly generous is a miracle that happens when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. He tells his stingy (but rich) friends in Corinth about his poorer but generous friends in Philippi. 'For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.' (2 Corinthians 8.3-5)
In our troubled world, we need to commit ourselves to the Lord, if we are to continue to be a 'healthy church is a generous church'.
Best wishes,
Richard

All you need is Love

My text today comes from The Beatles!
Top story around the world - the announced engagement and approaching wedding of Kate & Will. Everyone wishes them the very best, and many look forward to being able to share their joy, in some way or other. Their wedding will be a bigger event than most of us would experience. But the same qualities needed for the couple next door will be needed for Will & Kate. We could remember to pray for them, as we do for all who are getting married.
While St. Paul was not writing to a couple approaching their wedding, but his words apply to us all. 'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.' (1 Corinthians 13.4-7)
Paul describes the sort of love we need to show to all we meet - and reflects the character of Jesus, as shown in the Gospels. There is no room here for self-centred grumpiness, but a generous willingness to see the best in others. We could all do with a dose of this, with cold weather, government cuts and many other pressures. That would make such a difference around us - what a challenge!
Best wishes,
Richard

Up or Down?

David Cameron's Mansion House speech last evening claimed that while India & China may be rising world powers, Britain was not gong down the league table. He probably didn't use such metaphors! His view is that Britain is still strong, in spite of economic and military weaknesses. That is seen, by many observers, as an 'interesting' point of view. Britain certainly has a great history of colonial power, but whether pride in the past is enough to merit Premier League position remains to be argued.
Individually, we often face the same questions. Are we strong or weak? Are we proud of our role or status in society, and are we sometime smug and pushy? Should we heed St. Paul's warning. 'Don’t think you are better than you really are.' (Romans 12.3)
St. Peter has a striking way of telling us which way we should be facing - and it is down not up! 'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.' (1 Peter 5.6) To be humble under God's mighty hand acknowledges that He is the One who places and positions us, and that our destiny is in His hands.
Self-confidence must be replaced by God-confidence, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Best wishes,
Richard

Free at Last!

Free at last for some! Good news for Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma and Paul and Rachel Chandler in Somalia. Eager reporters were anxious to find out how they were feeling after their different ordeals. But there is more to freedom than feelings. Freedom is a complex and precious quality, and we all crave more of it.
The French philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau, wrote, 'Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains'. It is easier to identify the chains than it is to define what freedom is in abstract. Freedom from this, that or the other is understandable, but what sort of freedom do we seek?
Jesus spoke about slavery and freedom, and made some startling statements.  "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32) and then, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." (John 8.36)
All of us were made to be in relationship with the God who made us, and who loves us. Only this God, in Jesus, can set us free from the assorted addictions and slaveries which trap us - whether it is an obsession about money and possessions, career and self-improvement. To be a slave of Jesus Christ is to be truly free. We can celebrate today, "Free at last!".
Best wishes,
Richard

Help!

News about the Irish economy suggests that the cry will go up soon, 'Help!'. In the muddled world of international banking and loans, the loss of confidence in the Irish government's plans for weathering the storm has led to the storm getting much worse.
But news from Haiti suggests that they too will be crying 'Help!' again, as cholera takes lives at an accelerating rate. Providing the targeted help before it is too late requires both an accurate diagnosis and efficient application of the life saving remedy.
Jesus announced that he was the answer to people's cries of 'Help!'. In his day, there were others who also promised to be the answer. But his claim is special. '“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.  “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.' (John 10.11-15 edited)
Too many of us have experienced the disappointment and let down when those we hoped might help us turn out to be 'hired hands' - running away in our time of need. But not Jesus, as he repeatedly reminds us that his proof of being up to the job is that he sacrificed himself for us. The people of Haiti need to know the care and miracles of the Good Shepherd, as to the people of Ireland. But we can all find security there - if we will entrust ourselves to Him. Today, we can rest in being known by Jesus and knowing Him for ourselves.
Best wishes,
Richard

Equal or not?

Some will have been surprised to hear of 4 Anglican Bishops wishing to become Roman Catholics in recent weeks. The presenting issue is the prospect of the Church of England getting ready at some stage in the future to have women Bishops. For some, far out on both wings of the Church of England, this is too much. So I ask the question, 'Are women equal or nor?'
Without going on too long (come to Church this evening at 8pm for our last in our Hard Issues series), I want to draw attention to an astonishing verse from St. Paul. Men brought up like Paul, as orthodox Jews, thanked the Lord every day that they were not born women, slaves, or Gentiles, but they were Jewish free men! Everyone else was inferior. So when Paul writes, 'There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Galatians 3.28) he is unravelling centuries of culture, prejudice and practice. If we are one in Christ, then we are equal, whatever else we may say about availability, authority, gifts or cultural appropriateness.
Will we treat each other like that?
Best wishes,
Richard

Soaked

This morning's weather may mean that some people get soaked through. I hope my shoes don't leak at all , but if they do, at least I possess another pair! But I was thinking about the preparations for making this year's batch of Christmas puddings. The first stage that many C Pud makers employ is to soak the dried fruit, which is the basis of the pudding, in brandy or some other flavoursome nectar. This cannot be done quickly - it takes time for the fruit to soak up the flavours and be changed. Do this too quickly, and the results are poor!
St. Paul, writing to his friends in Colossae, encourages them to be soaked in God's word - together. 'Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other.' (Colossians 3.16) Many find that one result of being part of a 'word-soaked' community is that somehow when the need arises during the day, wisdom and counsel comes from others who are also 'word-soaked'. But it all starts with people like us committing to read and reflect - allowing God's word to soak deep within. That is worth it!
Best wishes,
Richard

Speaking out

Former President Bush is out to convince us that he is both 'a deliberative person' (=he thinks about things!), and that the lawyers told him that waterboarding was legal. Many may not be convinced by his defence of his record. But politicians face difficult choices. On the other hand, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has called for David Cameron to raise the issue of human rights on his visit to China. Should he speak out on behalf of others? When should we speak out about issues of justice, or about our faith in Jesus? What price might we pay?
St. Paul, to his friends in Colossae, gives some clear advice, which is very applicable for all of us. 'Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.' (Colossians 4.5-6)
What sort of opportunities Paul is talking about? He has already spoken of opportunities - Pray for us that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.' (Colossians 4.3-4)
I have several meetings today with people who are not followers of Christ - so I need to look for the opportunities to speak out for Him. Will you look for those too?
Best wishes,
Richard