Football fans will know that the January Transfer Window shuts today. During this period, many clubs are trying to buy and sell players, in order to improve their stock of players or remedy their financial problems.
The big speculation is whether Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka swap clubs - between Liverpool and Chelsea. The sweetener for Liverpool is that they may also receive £40million as part of the deal. But all has to be signed and sealed by 11pm tonight - otherwise it is all too late.
St. Paul was a great outreach worker on behalf of his new team - called 'The Way'! He travelled all around Asia Minor (what we would call Turkey), and Greece speaking about who Jesus was, and what Jesus had done, in dying and rising again. When he reached Thessalonica, after being run out of town by those from Philippi, he set about preaching again. Luke tells us what happened, 'Paul explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.' (Acts 17.3-4). Paul's own recollection of that visit comes in his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians. he tells his new friends that their response to his preaching had been well known all around the area. 'And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.' (1 Thessalonians 1.8-9)
For the Thessalonians, hearing Paul's preaching provided them with a Transfer Window, as they turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.
That brief statement reminds me that if we have chosen to follow Jesus, we too have turned away from idols of one sort or another - our own ambitions, our own career, or a better lifestyle or the desire for popularity and comfort.
The response of the Thessalonians had an impact around them. I am excited at the possibility that our Transfer to The Way might also have an impact around us.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 31 January 2011
Friday 28 January 2011
New Ideas
New ideas are coming to the surface in the Middle East, and this is causing a great deal of upset..
Following the departure of the long-standing President of Tunisia, the ripples are spreading to other countries, most notably Egypt and Yemen. The hopelessness, and poverty of so many, coupled with the repression and widespread corruption within the governing elites have led to calls for change. But it doesn't look as though peaceful change will be possible. Many will be looking on with concern and fear.
Jesus spoke about how difficult it is for new ideas to take their place without causing a major upset in the status quo. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2.21-22)
This obviously applied in his day to the inability of the Jewish religious system to accommodate the freedom-bringing challenge and call of Jesus. But all of us find applying new ideas into our lives difficult too. Proof of this is found in the need for slimming clubs and exercise routines. We can all believe that it would be better if we did certain things - but doing them is altogether more testing. But the call of Jesus doesn't come without his offer of support and help. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
I am so grateful to have seen how Jesus has helped friends of mine to accommodate change that brings glory to God and help to those around. It is often much harder to see change within ourselves. But all of us are called to take on the new ideas, where 'the glory of God is the focus of all we do', as one of our values states!
Best wishes,
Richard
Following the departure of the long-standing President of Tunisia, the ripples are spreading to other countries, most notably Egypt and Yemen. The hopelessness, and poverty of so many, coupled with the repression and widespread corruption within the governing elites have led to calls for change. But it doesn't look as though peaceful change will be possible. Many will be looking on with concern and fear.
Jesus spoke about how difficult it is for new ideas to take their place without causing a major upset in the status quo. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2.21-22)
This obviously applied in his day to the inability of the Jewish religious system to accommodate the freedom-bringing challenge and call of Jesus. But all of us find applying new ideas into our lives difficult too. Proof of this is found in the need for slimming clubs and exercise routines. We can all believe that it would be better if we did certain things - but doing them is altogether more testing. But the call of Jesus doesn't come without his offer of support and help. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
I am so grateful to have seen how Jesus has helped friends of mine to accommodate change that brings glory to God and help to those around. It is often much harder to see change within ourselves. But all of us are called to take on the new ideas, where 'the glory of God is the focus of all we do', as one of our values states!
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Frozen Solid
Commentators are agreed that our present national financial situation is grim. Yesterday's growth figures reveal a sluggish performance, made worse by the cold weather, and cartoonists are enjoying making jokes about the effects of the wrong sort of snow.
But at a local level, services provided by Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council will also be cut, and those at the vulnerable end will be most affected. Most households will notice the effects of the freezing economic conditions too, with rising food and fuel prices. What can we do?
Having been enjoying listening to the Gospels from 'You've Got the Time', I have been struck by the many time Jesus asks his disciples, 'Where is your faith?' Having fed the hungry 5000 with the five loaves and two fish, both Matthew & Mark tell of another feeding miracle, when 4000 are fed. Following that stunning miracle, Jesus and his disciples get into a boat and a revealing discussion ensues. 'At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterwards?” “Twelve,” they said. “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.' (Mark 8.16-21)
The disciples are frozen solid in their unbelief - and I easily identify with them on this. On the other hand, Jesus keeps reminding them that he has provided for them and others. One of our values, as a church, is that we say we believe that 'God provides the resources and the people with the gifts for the mission & ministry He desires'.
So as we look forward, we all need to learn to trust Him with an uncertain future, and ask Jesus to thaw us out from a faith which is frozen solid. When we see how He provides, even when we thought the situation was hopeless, then to Him will go the glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
But at a local level, services provided by Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council will also be cut, and those at the vulnerable end will be most affected. Most households will notice the effects of the freezing economic conditions too, with rising food and fuel prices. What can we do?
Having been enjoying listening to the Gospels from 'You've Got the Time', I have been struck by the many time Jesus asks his disciples, 'Where is your faith?' Having fed the hungry 5000 with the five loaves and two fish, both Matthew & Mark tell of another feeding miracle, when 4000 are fed. Following that stunning miracle, Jesus and his disciples get into a boat and a revealing discussion ensues. 'At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterwards?” “Twelve,” they said. “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.' (Mark 8.16-21)
The disciples are frozen solid in their unbelief - and I easily identify with them on this. On the other hand, Jesus keeps reminding them that he has provided for them and others. One of our values, as a church, is that we say we believe that 'God provides the resources and the people with the gifts for the mission & ministry He desires'.
So as we look forward, we all need to learn to trust Him with an uncertain future, and ask Jesus to thaw us out from a faith which is frozen solid. When we see how He provides, even when we thought the situation was hopeless, then to Him will go the glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Connected
A recent visit to the physiotherapist reminded me of a familiar truth. Everything is connected to everything else!
My complaint was that I have a pain in my neck and it was stiff. Though I had tried various self-invented treatments, none had been very effective. After careful diagnosis, some simple but effective exercises were tried, and then I was given my 'Personal Exercise Program'. In 12 days, when I return to see the physiotherapist, I know that she will expect to see some improvement - but that will be almost entirely connected to whether I have bothered to what she told me to do!
I am reminded of many wise words from Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus spoke often about the consequences of our both hearing and doing what he spoke about. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.' (Matthew 7.24-25) We know that life is full of troubles and difficulties. Whether we find ourselves connected to God's grace and mercy within the troubles will depend very much on whether we have bothered to connect ourselves to what he has said to us.
St. Paul had to challenge his friends with much the same idea. 'Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.12-13)
We have to work hard to show the results of our salvation, but God is at work in us - it is all connected.
I have to be constantly reminded of this connectedness in my Christian life. Just as my physiotherapist will expect me to do what she said, so Jesus expects me to play my part in living for him. How obvious!
Best wishes,
Richard
My complaint was that I have a pain in my neck and it was stiff. Though I had tried various self-invented treatments, none had been very effective. After careful diagnosis, some simple but effective exercises were tried, and then I was given my 'Personal Exercise Program'. In 12 days, when I return to see the physiotherapist, I know that she will expect to see some improvement - but that will be almost entirely connected to whether I have bothered to what she told me to do!
I am reminded of many wise words from Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus spoke often about the consequences of our both hearing and doing what he spoke about. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.' (Matthew 7.24-25) We know that life is full of troubles and difficulties. Whether we find ourselves connected to God's grace and mercy within the troubles will depend very much on whether we have bothered to connect ourselves to what he has said to us.
St. Paul had to challenge his friends with much the same idea. 'Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.12-13)
We have to work hard to show the results of our salvation, but God is at work in us - it is all connected.
I have to be constantly reminded of this connectedness in my Christian life. Just as my physiotherapist will expect me to do what she said, so Jesus expects me to play my part in living for him. How obvious!
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 24 January 2011
Perfect Parenting
I keep seeing reports of the 'Tiger Mom', a Chinese American mother of the toughest sort, who 'encouraged' her children to practice the piano for hours on end, so that they would always succeed. I haven't read the details, but the general outline makes for a great story. The overall drive toward progress and success shown by migrant Chinese communities all around the world is in stark contrast to most most host communities. And the mainland Chinese aren't doing too baldy either! And it all seems to go back to the parents.
While we may not think these extremes of parenting are healthy, it is undoubtedly true that parents have a great privilege and responsibility. How can we get the right balance?
Jesus speaks of God as 'Our Father', and reveals his character to us, as the Perfect Parent, whose love, faithfulness and consistency provide the security within which we can learn to flourish. Jesus' own experience of His father's love rooted him. 'As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”' (Mark 1.10,11) And then as his ministry approached its costly conclusion, Jesus heard again of his Father's love. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”' (Mark 9.7)
If it was important for Jesus to know of His Father's love, so it is for us. He is our Perfect Parent, who will support and strengthen us every day.
I am so grateful that I too can know God like this. I shall thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
While we may not think these extremes of parenting are healthy, it is undoubtedly true that parents have a great privilege and responsibility. How can we get the right balance?
Jesus speaks of God as 'Our Father', and reveals his character to us, as the Perfect Parent, whose love, faithfulness and consistency provide the security within which we can learn to flourish. Jesus' own experience of His father's love rooted him. 'As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”' (Mark 1.10,11) And then as his ministry approached its costly conclusion, Jesus heard again of his Father's love. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”' (Mark 9.7)
If it was important for Jesus to know of His Father's love, so it is for us. He is our Perfect Parent, who will support and strengthen us every day.
I am so grateful that I too can know God like this. I shall thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 21 January 2011
Good News
Carlina White, the victim of a high-profile New York baby-snatching case has been reunited with her mother after solving the mystery of her abduction herself. This is an astonishing story, and will be retold many times.
I was talking with a friend during the week, and discovered another astonishing story. An anticipated suicide was turned round by God's goodness and a life was gloriously transformed by a powerful encounter with Jesus. As we listened, Betty and I were so encouraged to see again how God can make such a difference in situations of apparently complete hopelessness.
But this is exactly what we should be expecting, when we look carefully into the Scriptures. St. Paul never stops being amazed at God's mercy and goodness seen in his life.
'I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.' (1 Timothy 1.12-14)
I am challenged to recall that in every situation I encounter today, God's mercy and love must be expected to make a profound difference. There is always hope of change for the better, even in the bleakest situation.
How remarkable that we can be those who see God's work all around us. Best wishes,
Richard
I was talking with a friend during the week, and discovered another astonishing story. An anticipated suicide was turned round by God's goodness and a life was gloriously transformed by a powerful encounter with Jesus. As we listened, Betty and I were so encouraged to see again how God can make such a difference in situations of apparently complete hopelessness.
But this is exactly what we should be expecting, when we look carefully into the Scriptures. St. Paul never stops being amazed at God's mercy and goodness seen in his life.
'I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.' (1 Timothy 1.12-14)
I am challenged to recall that in every situation I encounter today, God's mercy and love must be expected to make a profound difference. There is always hope of change for the better, even in the bleakest situation.
How remarkable that we can be those who see God's work all around us. Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 17 January 2011
The Social Network
Most will not be surprised to know that I haven't seen any of the films featured at the Golden Globes awards last night. We usually get to see 'good films' when they finally emerge on DVDs. But I do know that the major winner at last night's event was The Social Network, the film about Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.
I and many others have been following his rise and rise, and we are intrigued to know why the ideas of such a young man have been so astonishingly successful. Protesters in Tunisia describe how sharing information and images about their protests against the departed President has led to his departure. How can it be that when ideas are shared they have a power of their own?
I have been listening to You've Got the Time, from the Bible Society, over the last week. Hearing the whole of Matthew's Gospel in a few days has been an astonishing experience. As Jesus goes about preaching and teaching, healing and dealing with crowds and individuals, the news spreads by word of mouth. And the effects are amazing. 'Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared' (Matthew 8.1-3)
Today, all of us will be meeting people - either in reality or virtually - and we all have the power to tell a story of one sort or another which will influence others. I am challenged to think what sort of story it will be that I tell. My prayer is that in my social network, I can point to Jesus in a way that is authentic and compelling. I pray that too for you.
Best wishes,
Richard
I and many others have been following his rise and rise, and we are intrigued to know why the ideas of such a young man have been so astonishingly successful. Protesters in Tunisia describe how sharing information and images about their protests against the departed President has led to his departure. How can it be that when ideas are shared they have a power of their own?
I have been listening to You've Got the Time, from the Bible Society, over the last week. Hearing the whole of Matthew's Gospel in a few days has been an astonishing experience. As Jesus goes about preaching and teaching, healing and dealing with crowds and individuals, the news spreads by word of mouth. And the effects are amazing. 'Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared' (Matthew 8.1-3)
Today, all of us will be meeting people - either in reality or virtually - and we all have the power to tell a story of one sort or another which will influence others. I am challenged to think what sort of story it will be that I tell. My prayer is that in my social network, I can point to Jesus in a way that is authentic and compelling. I pray that too for you.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 14 January 2011
Hearing
As we get older, our hearing deteriorates. I can no longer hear high pitched hums which younger people can detect. This difference is used by some Police forces to discourage young people from hanging around in some locations. But most of us suffer from selective hearing - we manage to ignore what we don't want to hear! There are endless jokes about this condition -most of which I have forgotten (that is selective memory).
In his preaching, which was obviously spoken, and therefore had to be heard, Jesus spoke often about hearing. Merely hearing the words wasn't sufficient. 'Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.9) At the end of his seminal parable, the Sower (or should it be The Soils?), Jesus concluded, 'And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4.20)
Next week, many of us will join the 'You've Got the Time' campaign, listening to the whole of the New Testament, presented dramatically by Riding Lights Theatre Company. We may enjoy hearing familiar stories, and discover material that we didn't know. But what will we hear? What will God be saying to us, and what difference will it make to out lives? That will be interesting!
Best wishes,
Richard
In his preaching, which was obviously spoken, and therefore had to be heard, Jesus spoke often about hearing. Merely hearing the words wasn't sufficient. 'Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.9) At the end of his seminal parable, the Sower (or should it be The Soils?), Jesus concluded, 'And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4.20)
Next week, many of us will join the 'You've Got the Time' campaign, listening to the whole of the New Testament, presented dramatically by Riding Lights Theatre Company. We may enjoy hearing familiar stories, and discover material that we didn't know. But what will we hear? What will God be saying to us, and what difference will it make to out lives? That will be interesting!
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 12 January 2011
What's Needed
The Portuguese and Spanish governments may be somewhat nervous today, as they try to raise money from the 'markets' to help them pay for their government's spending programmes. Apparently, they may be charged levels of interest which are unsustainable, leading to further collapse within the Eurozone. Hence the widespread nerves, as far as Paris and Berlin. If things go badly, we will all pay, in one way or another.
As an aside, I am tempted to ask why the banks which caused this trouble in the first place feel duty bound to charge destructive levels of interest, which may make huge profits for them (and their bonus hungry executives). If the Banks were more generous with the money for lending, much would be different.
In a different setting, the very aged Abraham was challenged by God to offer his precious son, Isaac, as a sacrificial offering to the Lord. In obedience, he took his son, and was ready to pay the high price.
When Isaac asked him where the sacrificial animal was, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. (Genesis 22.8)
At that last moment, Abraham's hearing was sharp enough for him to hear the angel cry out, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”
Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). (Genesis 22.12-14a)
This wonderful and startling story tells me yet again that the Lord we trust is One who provides what's needed - whatever that may be.
In the death of Jesus, we clearly see the way his death provides the means for our forgiveness and acceptance. But in every other area of life, we can discover that Lord provides for us. Are we eagerly looking for that provision, or are we trying to muddle through on our own?
Best wishes,
Richard
As an aside, I am tempted to ask why the banks which caused this trouble in the first place feel duty bound to charge destructive levels of interest, which may make huge profits for them (and their bonus hungry executives). If the Banks were more generous with the money for lending, much would be different.
In a different setting, the very aged Abraham was challenged by God to offer his precious son, Isaac, as a sacrificial offering to the Lord. In obedience, he took his son, and was ready to pay the high price.
When Isaac asked him where the sacrificial animal was, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. (Genesis 22.8)
At that last moment, Abraham's hearing was sharp enough for him to hear the angel cry out, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”
Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). (Genesis 22.12-14a)
This wonderful and startling story tells me yet again that the Lord we trust is One who provides what's needed - whatever that may be.
In the death of Jesus, we clearly see the way his death provides the means for our forgiveness and acceptance. But in every other area of life, we can discover that Lord provides for us. Are we eagerly looking for that provision, or are we trying to muddle through on our own?
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 11 January 2011
Change
'I cannot change my past - that has happened. But I can choose to look at my past differently, and to see the future differently too.' So said a young offender on the Today programme this morning. These were brave words, but they emerge because of the help that young person has received while 'paying for his crime'.
Change is very difficult. See how many people struggle with basic behaviour issues, or who join Healthy Eating clubs or Gyms and then drop out. If it were easy to change, life would be different for us all.
St. Paul is an interesting case. He had been a proud and opinionated Jewish extremist, ready to see followers of Jesus arrested and killed (tried, if necessary!). But he met the risen Jesus, on his Damascus road, and then change started. At the end of his life, he wrote to his Philippian friends, from house arrest in Rome. 'I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.' (Philippians 3.13b-14)
Paul had realised that his origins and starting point were not as significant as his destination and finishing point. Knowing Jesus had made all the difference, and he shaped his life accordingly.
All of us have a choice about whether we allow our past to shape and determine the direction and destination of our lives. That way is ruin.
Or we can, with Jesus' help, look to the future, confident of what Jesus has done to make us new people, with a sure and certain destination. That would change the direction and details of our lives. The choice is ours. Will we accept change or not?
Best wishes,
Richard
Change is very difficult. See how many people struggle with basic behaviour issues, or who join Healthy Eating clubs or Gyms and then drop out. If it were easy to change, life would be different for us all.
St. Paul is an interesting case. He had been a proud and opinionated Jewish extremist, ready to see followers of Jesus arrested and killed (tried, if necessary!). But he met the risen Jesus, on his Damascus road, and then change started. At the end of his life, he wrote to his Philippian friends, from house arrest in Rome. 'I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.' (Philippians 3.13b-14)
Paul had realised that his origins and starting point were not as significant as his destination and finishing point. Knowing Jesus had made all the difference, and he shaped his life accordingly.
All of us have a choice about whether we allow our past to shape and determine the direction and destination of our lives. That way is ruin.
Or we can, with Jesus' help, look to the future, confident of what Jesus has done to make us new people, with a sure and certain destination. That would change the direction and details of our lives. The choice is ours. Will we accept change or not?
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 10 January 2011
Deadly Disagreements
Is it possible that the United States looks like Pakistan? Last week, in Pakistan, the liberal minded Governor of Punjab was gunned down by one of his bodyguards. On Saturday, in Arizona, six people were shot dead and a congresswoman seriously injured.
In both cases, a disagreement of political opinion was at the root of the killer's actions. These events have caused many to reflect on both the causes of such deadly responses and how it might be possible to move to a different style of politics and a changed way of dealing with one another.
At the same time, after 20 years of civil war, the people of Southern Sudan are moving slowly and painfully towards the possibility of setting up a new state, in which the 'Christian' majority south separates from the 'Muslim' majority north. There has been terrible suffering on this long road, but there has also been patient negotiation by many, to get to this place.
Jesus famously gave us models of working with those with whom we disagree. As he was facing his own arrest, trial and execution, Jesus said to the ever-enthusiastic Simon Peter, '“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26.52)
To the crowd of would-be disciples, Jesus said, 'God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9)
Today, all of us will face situations where we will disagree with people around us. How we handle those differences may be more important that what the issues are. Learning to deal with conflict creatively and positively is what will mark us out as different. In place of violence and destruction, we may be able to bring wholeness and deep peace. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Best wishes,
Richard
In both cases, a disagreement of political opinion was at the root of the killer's actions. These events have caused many to reflect on both the causes of such deadly responses and how it might be possible to move to a different style of politics and a changed way of dealing with one another.
At the same time, after 20 years of civil war, the people of Southern Sudan are moving slowly and painfully towards the possibility of setting up a new state, in which the 'Christian' majority south separates from the 'Muslim' majority north. There has been terrible suffering on this long road, but there has also been patient negotiation by many, to get to this place.
Jesus famously gave us models of working with those with whom we disagree. As he was facing his own arrest, trial and execution, Jesus said to the ever-enthusiastic Simon Peter, '“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26.52)
To the crowd of would-be disciples, Jesus said, 'God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9)
Today, all of us will face situations where we will disagree with people around us. How we handle those differences may be more important that what the issues are. Learning to deal with conflict creatively and positively is what will mark us out as different. In place of violence and destruction, we may be able to bring wholeness and deep peace. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 7 January 2011
Food costs
The United Nations is warning us that the price of basic foods is rising fast. There are several reasons for this startling news, including droughts and floods which have limited the yields of many crops. The effects on our weekly shopping bills is going to be unavoidable, and may lead some to change their eating styles.
Today's Thought for the Day speaker told us that her household had decided to eat less meat, for economic reasons. Some are in the fortunate position of being able to make a deliberate choice to adapt. But for many, this change in food prices will threaten their health and possibly their lives altogether.
In an episode at the start of Jesus' ministry, he is challenged about what he eats. 'For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4.2-4)
The food of which Jesus speaks, and which was essential to his spiritual life, comes from reading, and absorbing God;'s word to us, freely available in the Bible.
In this country, where we are used to eating cheap food, it is a shock to have to pay more for a basic diet.
Similarly, in this country, we are overwhelmed with good translations of the Bible - loads of freely available and health-giving food from God. The real costs of this precious resource is immense, when we think of those who gave their lives in dangerous translation work. But the real benefits are readily available to us - if only we will make the choices and adjust our schedules and lives to feed daily on God's word, in one way or another.
May the Lord bless you as you read his word today.
If you are at a computer but don't have a bible freely available, check our www.biblegateway.com, and find of their reading plans. Or check out Scripture Union, and see what they are offering.
Best wishes,
Richard
Today's Thought for the Day speaker told us that her household had decided to eat less meat, for economic reasons. Some are in the fortunate position of being able to make a deliberate choice to adapt. But for many, this change in food prices will threaten their health and possibly their lives altogether.
In an episode at the start of Jesus' ministry, he is challenged about what he eats. 'For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4.2-4)
The food of which Jesus speaks, and which was essential to his spiritual life, comes from reading, and absorbing God;'s word to us, freely available in the Bible.
In this country, where we are used to eating cheap food, it is a shock to have to pay more for a basic diet.
Similarly, in this country, we are overwhelmed with good translations of the Bible - loads of freely available and health-giving food from God. The real costs of this precious resource is immense, when we think of those who gave their lives in dangerous translation work. But the real benefits are readily available to us - if only we will make the choices and adjust our schedules and lives to feed daily on God's word, in one way or another.
May the Lord bless you as you read his word today.
If you are at a computer but don't have a bible freely available, check our www.biblegateway.com, and find of their reading plans. Or check out Scripture Union, and see what they are offering.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 5 January 2011
What value?
Commentators were surprised, yesterday, at the estimated value of Facebook - $50 billion. This makes Facebook more valuable than many other household names, such as eBay or Tesco. What does that tell us?
Clearly, the hordes of people who regularly use Facebook to keep in touch with their friends in a virtual way do so because they value their friends. Critics, aware of some of the downsides of virtual communities, fear for the health of people's emotional lives, if they primarily in a virtual world. Many status remarks appear self-absorbed and destructive of genuine relationships. But maybe the downsides are symptoms and not causes.
But millions of people, all over the world, are able to keep in some sort of touch with people they might not otherwise contact. For myself, as well as several Church friends in Woking, Facebook has helped to keep in touch with a godson who flies helicopters in California, and with my Australian (cricket loving) Islamics tutor, who is now Down Under.
But how highly do we value our friends? Do we sufficiently invest our time and lives in continuing to build good relationships with our friends? In the midst of his busy and dangerous ministry, St. Paul clearly valued his friends. We get a hint of how many he had from Romans 16. Here, he tells of those in Rome whom he already knows. For instance, 'Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. (Romans 16.5b-9)
I am reminded of my need to keep in touch with my friends, to value them and to pray for their continued growth in Christ.
Best wishes,
Richard
Clearly, the hordes of people who regularly use Facebook to keep in touch with their friends in a virtual way do so because they value their friends. Critics, aware of some of the downsides of virtual communities, fear for the health of people's emotional lives, if they primarily in a virtual world. Many status remarks appear self-absorbed and destructive of genuine relationships. But maybe the downsides are symptoms and not causes.
But millions of people, all over the world, are able to keep in some sort of touch with people they might not otherwise contact. For myself, as well as several Church friends in Woking, Facebook has helped to keep in touch with a godson who flies helicopters in California, and with my Australian (cricket loving) Islamics tutor, who is now Down Under.
But how highly do we value our friends? Do we sufficiently invest our time and lives in continuing to build good relationships with our friends? In the midst of his busy and dangerous ministry, St. Paul clearly valued his friends. We get a hint of how many he had from Romans 16. Here, he tells of those in Rome whom he already knows. For instance, 'Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. (Romans 16.5b-9)
I am reminded of my need to keep in touch with my friends, to value them and to pray for their continued growth in Christ.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 4 January 2011
Eclipse
For the next hour or so, we will see less of the sun's light than we might normally expect. Those on the south and east coasts will get the best views, apparently, as the moon gets in front of the sun, blocking out the light.
In the past, such events caused much consternation and many superstitions arose about the significance of this apparently unnatural darkness. Now, we may understand more of the reasons for such a phenomenon, and may learn to appreciate the wonders of astronomy. The BBC series 'Stargazing Live' has much to teach most of us.
The reason we have a solar eclipse is because of the way the moon sometimes gets directly in front of the sun. Total eclipses are rare at our latitude, but today will be quite startling, for those who can see it.
The Bible relentlessly presents God as the one who brings spiritual light and truth to human beings. Taking the image of the sun itself, the Psalmist compares the way natural light comes to us with the spiritual light available to us. 'God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.' (Psalm 19.4b-7)
St. Paul develops this theme, as he observes how human beings repeatedly reject the truth and light which God brings. 'People push the truth away from themselves. The truth about God is known to human beings instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God has made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.' (Romans 1.18-20)
People of all sorts, like us, have habitually rejected God's truth. We have allowed the light he wants to bring us to be eclipsed. Often, we are too proud to accept his truth, or too busy to notice his love and mercy, or too convinced that we know the best.
My prayer is that all of us would allow his light to shine into our hearts, so that we know him better.
Best wishes,
Richard
In the past, such events caused much consternation and many superstitions arose about the significance of this apparently unnatural darkness. Now, we may understand more of the reasons for such a phenomenon, and may learn to appreciate the wonders of astronomy. The BBC series 'Stargazing Live' has much to teach most of us.
The reason we have a solar eclipse is because of the way the moon sometimes gets directly in front of the sun. Total eclipses are rare at our latitude, but today will be quite startling, for those who can see it.
The Bible relentlessly presents God as the one who brings spiritual light and truth to human beings. Taking the image of the sun itself, the Psalmist compares the way natural light comes to us with the spiritual light available to us. 'God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.' (Psalm 19.4b-7)
St. Paul develops this theme, as he observes how human beings repeatedly reject the truth and light which God brings. 'People push the truth away from themselves. The truth about God is known to human beings instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God has made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.' (Romans 1.18-20)
People of all sorts, like us, have habitually rejected God's truth. We have allowed the light he wants to bring us to be eclipsed. Often, we are too proud to accept his truth, or too busy to notice his love and mercy, or too convinced that we know the best.
My prayer is that all of us would allow his light to shine into our hearts, so that we know him better.
Best wishes,
Richard
Saturday 1 January 2011
Happy New Year
The grass and the birds outside looked pretty much the same as yesterday!
But 2011 has started, and many will have stayed up to see in the New Year. What might it hold? We cannot predict what even today brings, let alone the next 365 days.
But I am struck by the fact that New Year's Day is the eighth day since Christmas Day, and so it is also the day when his parents officially gave their son the name 'Jesus', according to Jewish habits.
Preaching to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, some weeks after the death of Jesus, Peter makes an astonishing claim about Jesus. 'For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.’
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4.11-12)
My prayer for 2011 is that in and through the mission & ministry of St. Andrew's Church, many more people will discover that Jesus provides the salvation and rescue package which we all need.
Best wishes,
Richard
But 2011 has started, and many will have stayed up to see in the New Year. What might it hold? We cannot predict what even today brings, let alone the next 365 days.
But I am struck by the fact that New Year's Day is the eighth day since Christmas Day, and so it is also the day when his parents officially gave their son the name 'Jesus', according to Jewish habits.
Preaching to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, some weeks after the death of Jesus, Peter makes an astonishing claim about Jesus. 'For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.’
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4.11-12)
My prayer for 2011 is that in and through the mission & ministry of St. Andrew's Church, many more people will discover that Jesus provides the salvation and rescue package which we all need.
Best wishes,
Richard
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