While the World Athletics Championships are going on, I am reminded again of the astonishing commitment of top athletes and sports people to doing their best.
Usain Bolt may have started too early, and been disqualified, and others may have missed out on winning, but so much effort and training has gone into all those successes and even failures. To make the most of their varied talents, all need a single-minded approach.
It is not surprising, therefore, that St. Paul takes the single-minded approach of the athletes of his day as a parable of the Christian life.
'Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.' (1 Corinthians 9.24-27)
Paul's single-mindedness, to discipline his body, so that his spiritual life might flourish, reminds me that we have to watch every aspect of our lives. Slackness and greed in one area of life will spill over with destructive results into the rest of our lives. That is why we need the single-minded approach of the serious athlete!
Anyone up for this?
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Single-minded
While the World Athletics Championships are going on, I am reminded again of the astonishing commitment of top athletes and sports people to doing their best.
Usain Bolt may have started too early, and been disqualified, and others may have missed out on winning, but so much effort and training has gone into all those successes and even failures. To make the most of their varied talents, all need a single-minded approach.
It is not surprising, therefore, that St. Paul takes the single-minded approach of the athletes of his day as a parable of the Christian life.
'Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.' (1 Corinthians 9.24-27)
Paul's single-mindedness, to discipline his body, so that his spiritual life might flourish, reminds me that we have to watch every aspect of our lives. Slackness and greed in one area of life will spill over with destructive results into the rest of our lives. That is why we need the single-minded approach of the serious athlete!
Anyone up for this?
Best wishes,
Richard
Usain Bolt may have started too early, and been disqualified, and others may have missed out on winning, but so much effort and training has gone into all those successes and even failures. To make the most of their varied talents, all need a single-minded approach.
It is not surprising, therefore, that St. Paul takes the single-minded approach of the athletes of his day as a parable of the Christian life.
'Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.' (1 Corinthians 9.24-27)
Paul's single-mindedness, to discipline his body, so that his spiritual life might flourish, reminds me that we have to watch every aspect of our lives. Slackness and greed in one area of life will spill over with destructive results into the rest of our lives. That is why we need the single-minded approach of the serious athlete!
Anyone up for this?
Best wishes,
Richard
Single-minded
While the World Athletics Championships are going on, I am reminded again of the astonishing commitment of top athletes and sports people to doing their best.
Usain Bolt may have started too early, and been disqualified, and others may have missed out on winning, but so much effort and training has gone into all those successes and even failures. To make the most of their varied talents, all need a single-minded approach.
It is not surprising, therefore, that St. Paul takes the single-minded approach of the athletes of his day as a parable of the Christian life.
'Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.' (1 Corinthians 9.24-27)
Paul's single-mindedness, to discipline his body, so that his spiritual life might flourish, reminds me that we have to watch every aspect of our lives. Slackness and greed in one area of life will spill over with destructive results into the rest of our lives. That is why we need the single-minded approach of the serious athlete!
Anyone up for this?
Best wishes,
Richard
Usain Bolt may have started too early, and been disqualified, and others may have missed out on winning, but so much effort and training has gone into all those successes and even failures. To make the most of their varied talents, all need a single-minded approach.
It is not surprising, therefore, that St. Paul takes the single-minded approach of the athletes of his day as a parable of the Christian life.
'Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadow-boxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.' (1 Corinthians 9.24-27)
Paul's single-mindedness, to discipline his body, so that his spiritual life might flourish, reminds me that we have to watch every aspect of our lives. Slackness and greed in one area of life will spill over with destructive results into the rest of our lives. That is why we need the single-minded approach of the serious athlete!
Anyone up for this?
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Conditional Peace
In Libya, Syria, Yemen and other troubled places in the world - and list is endless - we can understand that peace is not possible while warring groups continue to fight each other. Peace is obviously conditional under these circumstances.
But the same is true in our more mundane lives. Many of us have lives which are so set up that there are bound to be insoluble conflicts rumbling on. In our shopping habits, we may want both value for money and fair-trade goods. Or we favour good public transport, but like the convenience of driving everywhere. Our choices determine whether we enjoy peace or conflict.
St. Paul knew as much, and while in prison in Rome, he wrote to his friends in Philippi. 'Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.6-9)
For Paul, true peace comes from lives dedicated to doing God's will. By offering everything we have to the Lord, in prayer and dedication, and by focusing on God-honouring priorities, then we will find that the God of peace brings us his peace. What a bonus!
Keep taking the medicine. dear friends.
Best wishes,
Richard
But the same is true in our more mundane lives. Many of us have lives which are so set up that there are bound to be insoluble conflicts rumbling on. In our shopping habits, we may want both value for money and fair-trade goods. Or we favour good public transport, but like the convenience of driving everywhere. Our choices determine whether we enjoy peace or conflict.
St. Paul knew as much, and while in prison in Rome, he wrote to his friends in Philippi. 'Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.6-9)
For Paul, true peace comes from lives dedicated to doing God's will. By offering everything we have to the Lord, in prayer and dedication, and by focusing on God-honouring priorities, then we will find that the God of peace brings us his peace. What a bonus!
Keep taking the medicine. dear friends.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 26 August 2011
On Trial
As events move ahead in Libya, there are those who are seeking the evidence which will be used to put Colonel Gaddafi on trial for crimes against humanity.
It reminds me of the old poster outside a church, which said, 'If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?'
Every day, we who claim to follow Jesus are 'on trial', as people around us are making up their minds about Jesus and what following him is about..
There used to be a great song we sang, 'They are watching you, marking all you do, hearing the things that you say. Will they see the Saviour as He lives in you, as you walk with Him each day?' A challenging question!
Today, I will be meeting people, running RoadRunners, planning for events and doing admin today. Will Jesus be seen? I hope so.
Jesus himself gave encouragement to those facing persecution and trial. ' “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” (Luke 12.11-12)
As we remain open to the Holy Spirit, who enabled Jesus in his ministry, we will find we can speak, act, and shine for Jesus. What a relief that is!
Best wishes,
Richard
It reminds me of the old poster outside a church, which said, 'If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?'
Every day, we who claim to follow Jesus are 'on trial', as people around us are making up their minds about Jesus and what following him is about..
There used to be a great song we sang, 'They are watching you, marking all you do, hearing the things that you say. Will they see the Saviour as He lives in you, as you walk with Him each day?' A challenging question!
Today, I will be meeting people, running RoadRunners, planning for events and doing admin today. Will Jesus be seen? I hope so.
Jesus himself gave encouragement to those facing persecution and trial. ' “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” (Luke 12.11-12)
As we remain open to the Holy Spirit, who enabled Jesus in his ministry, we will find we can speak, act, and shine for Jesus. What a relief that is!
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Alarmed
Our smoke alarm has just been woken from slumber by some lightly over-cooked toast. Any in the house who were still asleep will also have been awakened. But the alarm itself is a potential life-saver, and we are glad to have it. The occasional false alarm is a price worth paying. But if it goes off too often when there is no danger, we shall be tempted to remove the battery, with potentially deadly consequences.
As human beings, we are all designed with a God-given alarm system, which we usually call our conscience. St. Paul describes the way his aim in life. 'I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.' (Acts 24.16)
But the Bible has many warnings about the dangers of ignoring or warping our consciences. Writing to his colleague Titus, Paul makes some striking comments. 'Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.' (Titus 1.15-16a)
All of us need to allow God to re-calibrate our minds and consciences, so that we are led according to His will and purpose, rather than just following the crowd. How will you do that today?
Best wishes,
Richard
As human beings, we are all designed with a God-given alarm system, which we usually call our conscience. St. Paul describes the way his aim in life. 'I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.' (Acts 24.16)
But the Bible has many warnings about the dangers of ignoring or warping our consciences. Writing to his colleague Titus, Paul makes some striking comments. 'Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live.' (Titus 1.15-16a)
All of us need to allow God to re-calibrate our minds and consciences, so that we are led according to His will and purpose, rather than just following the crowd. How will you do that today?
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Anniversaries
Facebook reminds me which of my 'friends' has a birthday this week. The French helpfully call birthdays 'anniversaire', which makes the point that anniversaries happen just once a year.
In our family, we try to mark our birthdays in significant ways, without being extravagant. There is always so much to look back on from the past year and the whole series of years, in which we want to reflect on our lives together.
The Israelites were told to mark their important national life with anniversaries. “In honour of the Lord your God, celebrate the Passover each year in the early spring, in the month of Abib, for that was the month in which the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night. Eat it with bread made without yeast. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, as when you escaped from Egypt in such a hurry. Eat this bread—the bread of suffering—so that as long as you live you will remember the day you departed from Egypt.' (Deuteronomy 16.1,3-4)
Their identity as a nation was rooted in their having been slaves who were miraculously liberated by the Lord their God. Remembering how this happened needed to be deeply written in their nation's DNA. The events in the time of Moses took place years before, but they are still recalled and re-enacted at each annual Passover celebration.
As followers of Jesus, we too need to recall what the Lord has done for us. Our identity is similarly marked by an event from long ago - the death of Jesus outside the walls of Jerusalem. Perhaps as Jesus knew we would easily forget, he told us to 'do this in remembrance of me' every time we take bread and wine to remember Him. This repeated 'anniversary' helps us to know who we are are whose we are.
How do you recall all that Jesus has done for you?
Best wishes,
Richard
In our family, we try to mark our birthdays in significant ways, without being extravagant. There is always so much to look back on from the past year and the whole series of years, in which we want to reflect on our lives together.
The Israelites were told to mark their important national life with anniversaries. “In honour of the Lord your God, celebrate the Passover each year in the early spring, in the month of Abib, for that was the month in which the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night. Eat it with bread made without yeast. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, as when you escaped from Egypt in such a hurry. Eat this bread—the bread of suffering—so that as long as you live you will remember the day you departed from Egypt.' (Deuteronomy 16.1,3-4)
Their identity as a nation was rooted in their having been slaves who were miraculously liberated by the Lord their God. Remembering how this happened needed to be deeply written in their nation's DNA. The events in the time of Moses took place years before, but they are still recalled and re-enacted at each annual Passover celebration.
As followers of Jesus, we too need to recall what the Lord has done for us. Our identity is similarly marked by an event from long ago - the death of Jesus outside the walls of Jerusalem. Perhaps as Jesus knew we would easily forget, he told us to 'do this in remembrance of me' every time we take bread and wine to remember Him. This repeated 'anniversary' helps us to know who we are are whose we are.
How do you recall all that Jesus has done for you?
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 22 August 2011
Impossible, Difficult, Done
Some wise person once said that there are three stages in a work of God. Impossible, difficult and done.
Six months ago, even wise pundits might have said that it would be impossible to believe that there might be regime change in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. But events have proved us wrong. It is now merely difficult to see how things will develop. It will then be some years before we can say it is done.
The Old Testament has a startling example of a human story which is way beyond change - apparently. 'Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children.' (Genesis 18.11) And when the Lord promised her a child, she laughed in astonished disbelief, as any of us would. But Abraham and Sarah are then reminded of God's ability to bring change and hope when all seems hopeless. 'Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18.14) And the rest is history!
All of us face situations which look impossible at present. We wonder what is the right decision or right direction, and wonder if progress can ever be made with some relationships.
Without knowing how things may develop, we can take encouragement from this story. When we are in living relationship with the Lord of history, we can see Him bringing about changes, and we move from the impossible, to the merely difficult. And then, looking back, we can see it done, to His glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
Six months ago, even wise pundits might have said that it would be impossible to believe that there might be regime change in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. But events have proved us wrong. It is now merely difficult to see how things will develop. It will then be some years before we can say it is done.
The Old Testament has a startling example of a human story which is way beyond change - apparently. 'Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children.' (Genesis 18.11) And when the Lord promised her a child, she laughed in astonished disbelief, as any of us would. But Abraham and Sarah are then reminded of God's ability to bring change and hope when all seems hopeless. 'Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18.14) And the rest is history!
All of us face situations which look impossible at present. We wonder what is the right decision or right direction, and wonder if progress can ever be made with some relationships.
Without knowing how things may develop, we can take encouragement from this story. When we are in living relationship with the Lord of history, we can see Him bringing about changes, and we move from the impossible, to the merely difficult. And then, looking back, we can see it done, to His glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 12 August 2011
Together
The recall of Parliament, and the plethora of discussions at all levels about the causes and remedies for the recent riots, have all pointed in one direction. We are in this mess together, and together we must work on solutions.
While many who were involved in the looting may now be facing the consequences of getting caught and punished, the rest of us may be wondering how corporate responsibility may be at the roots of the events of the last week. These difficulties provide us with an opportunity to learn to work together across social and cultural divisions, in order to make a difference.
Jesus' day was not that different from our own, in that many opinion-makers were happy to generate a 'them and us' analysis of their own time. The 'us' group were sure that they were OK, and that the problems in society were all caused by 'them'.
Jesus had a challenging response to such an analysis. 'But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”
When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2.16-17)
We would all find it easier to see the problems in society as caused by other people. But Jesus points out that we are all in this together. The only ones He is able to help are those who accept his diagnosis.
Which side of the divide are you on? Are you sick, needing the help of Doctor Jesus, or do you think you are OK?
Best wishes,
Richard
While many who were involved in the looting may now be facing the consequences of getting caught and punished, the rest of us may be wondering how corporate responsibility may be at the roots of the events of the last week. These difficulties provide us with an opportunity to learn to work together across social and cultural divisions, in order to make a difference.
Jesus' day was not that different from our own, in that many opinion-makers were happy to generate a 'them and us' analysis of their own time. The 'us' group were sure that they were OK, and that the problems in society were all caused by 'them'.
Jesus had a challenging response to such an analysis. 'But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”
When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2.16-17)
We would all find it easier to see the problems in society as caused by other people. But Jesus points out that we are all in this together. The only ones He is able to help are those who accept his diagnosis.
Which side of the divide are you on? Are you sick, needing the help of Doctor Jesus, or do you think you are OK?
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Light in Darkness
How are we to respond to the appalling stories in the news?
In the midst of the riots and looting, in London and many other places, another story is emerging. This is of local people, from faith backgrounds, involved in the clean up, and in keeping a watchful eye on their neighbourhoods. We are called to bring light to places of hopeless despair, where the darkness seems to be winning.
Sadly, the three Muslim men killed in Birmingham shows that there can be price tag to this form of serving.
But our calling to be different is to be our basic mind-set.
St. Paul taught his friends in Philippi, a proud Roman colony, from his imprisonment in Rome, about being different from the prevailing culture. 'Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' (Philippians 2.14-15)
Instead of being drawn into a competitive cycle of greed and envy, which stokes our consumer culture - and leads to wanton looting - we are to be servants of God and one another. Living like that will always make an impact for good. It is wonderful to see how faithful Christ-followers have been serving their neighbourhoods in London, and bringing some Good News.
So today's dark news provides all of us with an opportunity to live provocatively different lives. I pray we will take these openings with prayerful goodness.
Best wishes,
Richard
In the midst of the riots and looting, in London and many other places, another story is emerging. This is of local people, from faith backgrounds, involved in the clean up, and in keeping a watchful eye on their neighbourhoods. We are called to bring light to places of hopeless despair, where the darkness seems to be winning.
Sadly, the three Muslim men killed in Birmingham shows that there can be price tag to this form of serving.
But our calling to be different is to be our basic mind-set.
St. Paul taught his friends in Philippi, a proud Roman colony, from his imprisonment in Rome, about being different from the prevailing culture. 'Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' (Philippians 2.14-15)
Instead of being drawn into a competitive cycle of greed and envy, which stokes our consumer culture - and leads to wanton looting - we are to be servants of God and one another. Living like that will always make an impact for good. It is wonderful to see how faithful Christ-followers have been serving their neighbourhoods in London, and bringing some Good News.
So today's dark news provides all of us with an opportunity to live provocatively different lives. I pray we will take these openings with prayerful goodness.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Rome burns
August is often thought of as the silly season, with the papers having nothing much to write about.
Not this year, with the world's financial markets crashing and English cities experiencing crowds of rioting and criminal gangs on the rampage. It is so bad that political leaders have had to abandon their holidays, to try to sort things out.
None of them wants to be accused to following the example of the Roman Emperor Nero, who 'fiddled while Rome burned'.
The question in their minds must be what should be done. All these issues are related, as the crashes on the Asian Stock Markets are linked to the slow decision of the US Government to sort out their debt issues - mostly as a result of the extreme views of the Tea Party Republicans. Meanwhile, Rome burns.
The Gospels tell a story with similar issues at stake. The small and vulnerable band of disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee, with its notorious weather turning nasty, and they are threatened with a cataclysmic storm and face death by drowning. And Jesus is asleep! 'Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4.38-41)
The message from this and countless other stories about Jesus is that He calls us to trust Him, whatever the forces of destruction that are crashing around us. It doesn't mean we will escape unharmed and exempt. But we may know what Paul told his Roman friends. ' And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.' (Romans 8.38-39)
Best wishes,
Richard
Not this year, with the world's financial markets crashing and English cities experiencing crowds of rioting and criminal gangs on the rampage. It is so bad that political leaders have had to abandon their holidays, to try to sort things out.
None of them wants to be accused to following the example of the Roman Emperor Nero, who 'fiddled while Rome burned'.
The question in their minds must be what should be done. All these issues are related, as the crashes on the Asian Stock Markets are linked to the slow decision of the US Government to sort out their debt issues - mostly as a result of the extreme views of the Tea Party Republicans. Meanwhile, Rome burns.
The Gospels tell a story with similar issues at stake. The small and vulnerable band of disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee, with its notorious weather turning nasty, and they are threatened with a cataclysmic storm and face death by drowning. And Jesus is asleep! 'Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4.38-41)
The message from this and countless other stories about Jesus is that He calls us to trust Him, whatever the forces of destruction that are crashing around us. It doesn't mean we will escape unharmed and exempt. But we may know what Paul told his Roman friends. ' And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.' (Romans 8.38-39)
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 8 August 2011
Give & Take
We often describe normal life a mixture of 'Give & Take'. When life is going along OK, it seems that there may be that sort of balance.
But recent events in both Tottenham, and in the world's financial markets, has shown that 'No Give & All Take' is the way of life for too many.
The police commented on the way crowds of looters assembled, and to Take control of the streets, and then Take what they wanted from electrical stores and so on. Using social media websites and mobile phone technology, criminality was given new powers to Take, Take, Take.
And as someone commented, this way leads to death - because greed and grabbing kills us on the inside.
How interesting to contrast this with the life and words of Jesus.
Having fed the hungry crowds with the 5 loaves and 2 small fish, Jesus said, 'I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” (John 6.51)
Jesus gives his life, in a freely offered gift, as he dies on the cross, and in so doing he gives life to those who will feed on him.
Today, we can be those who follow Jesus' example and Give ourselves for the sake of Jesus to bring life to the world - or we can go the way of greed and grabbing, and Take life and health and strength from those around us.
Every moment today, we will be confronted by that choice. Which is it to be?
Best wishes,
Richard
But recent events in both Tottenham, and in the world's financial markets, has shown that 'No Give & All Take' is the way of life for too many.
The police commented on the way crowds of looters assembled, and to Take control of the streets, and then Take what they wanted from electrical stores and so on. Using social media websites and mobile phone technology, criminality was given new powers to Take, Take, Take.
And as someone commented, this way leads to death - because greed and grabbing kills us on the inside.
How interesting to contrast this with the life and words of Jesus.
Having fed the hungry crowds with the 5 loaves and 2 small fish, Jesus said, 'I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” (John 6.51)
Jesus gives his life, in a freely offered gift, as he dies on the cross, and in so doing he gives life to those who will feed on him.
Today, we can be those who follow Jesus' example and Give ourselves for the sake of Jesus to bring life to the world - or we can go the way of greed and grabbing, and Take life and health and strength from those around us.
Every moment today, we will be confronted by that choice. Which is it to be?
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday 5 August 2011
Power Vacuum
I don't really understand why financial markets behave the way they do. But my ignorance doesn't matter too much, as I am not supposed to be in charge!
But the startling falls on the world's Stock Markets seem to be caused because those involved in looking at 'the markets' cannot see who is in charge of sorting out the mess in the world's finances. There is a power vacuum.
I guess everyone is hoping that someone will suddenly appear to bring order and stability to the current slide into chaos. Where will it all end? That is a scary question!
As Christian people, we relentlessly proclaim that we believe that the Lord Almighty is in charge. That is why we may experience a peace which passes understanding.
But that is also why we pray, because we are weak, but the Lord is not.
Think back to the empty tomb. 'I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1.19-23)
It is because we believe that praying together is an effective means for us to connect to the power that rules the universe that we are meeting, this Sunday evening, at 7pm, in the Chapel.
Please join us if you possibly can. There is now power vacuum for those who trust Christ. Let us call on him together, for his glory and the blessing of many others.
Best wishes,
Richard
But the startling falls on the world's Stock Markets seem to be caused because those involved in looking at 'the markets' cannot see who is in charge of sorting out the mess in the world's finances. There is a power vacuum.
I guess everyone is hoping that someone will suddenly appear to bring order and stability to the current slide into chaos. Where will it all end? That is a scary question!
As Christian people, we relentlessly proclaim that we believe that the Lord Almighty is in charge. That is why we may experience a peace which passes understanding.
But that is also why we pray, because we are weak, but the Lord is not.
Think back to the empty tomb. 'I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1.19-23)
It is because we believe that praying together is an effective means for us to connect to the power that rules the universe that we are meeting, this Sunday evening, at 7pm, in the Chapel.
Please join us if you possibly can. There is now power vacuum for those who trust Christ. Let us call on him together, for his glory and the blessing of many others.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Owning Treasure
Is there a secret for getting the best out of life?
Mrs. Shirley Martin, from Vancouver, Canada, bought a box of buttons for $1, from a Salvation Army second hand store.
A few days later, while mending her husband's shirt, she noticed something glinting, which look like a piece of broken glass.
Her husband thought she was acting crazy when she wanted to take it to be valued by a jeweller. She took it to 12 different jewellers, and Hans Reymer valued it as a diamond, worth $19,300.
For one dollar, she had become very rich .She got more than she expected.
It is very like the parable Jesus told. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field." (Matthew 13.44)
What can we learn from these 2 stories?
Is it that life an unfair game of chance - some get lucky and others do not. This doesn't seem to be what Jesus is teaching us. But that may be how you see your own life.
Instead, Jesus is teaching us that we get rich, not from things we have earned or deserved. We become rich when we stumble upon the astonishing truth that we are loved by the heart beating at the centre of the universe. The One who made us believes us to infinitely precious, whatever the world or our own low self-esteem may say. To know his assessment of us transforms our life.
But the treasure in the field (or the diamond in Shirley's button box) could be ignored by the one who finds it. If it was ignored, the one who discovered it would not benefit in any way.
Shirley had to find out the diamond's true value.
In the parable, the farmer had to be sell all and buy the field.
Discovering the treasure is one thing. Owning it is another.
Many people I know, some members of churches like St. Andrew's, are missing out, because they have refused to own the treasure which is under their feet.
How sad! Have you discovered the treasure? Do you now own it? I pray that you do.
Best wishes,
Richard
Mrs. Shirley Martin, from Vancouver, Canada, bought a box of buttons for $1, from a Salvation Army second hand store.
A few days later, while mending her husband's shirt, she noticed something glinting, which look like a piece of broken glass.
Her husband thought she was acting crazy when she wanted to take it to be valued by a jeweller. She took it to 12 different jewellers, and Hans Reymer valued it as a diamond, worth $19,300.
For one dollar, she had become very rich .She got more than she expected.
It is very like the parable Jesus told. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field." (Matthew 13.44)
What can we learn from these 2 stories?
Is it that life an unfair game of chance - some get lucky and others do not. This doesn't seem to be what Jesus is teaching us. But that may be how you see your own life.
Instead, Jesus is teaching us that we get rich, not from things we have earned or deserved. We become rich when we stumble upon the astonishing truth that we are loved by the heart beating at the centre of the universe. The One who made us believes us to infinitely precious, whatever the world or our own low self-esteem may say. To know his assessment of us transforms our life.
But the treasure in the field (or the diamond in Shirley's button box) could be ignored by the one who finds it. If it was ignored, the one who discovered it would not benefit in any way.
Shirley had to find out the diamond's true value.
In the parable, the farmer had to be sell all and buy the field.
Discovering the treasure is one thing. Owning it is another.
Many people I know, some members of churches like St. Andrew's, are missing out, because they have refused to own the treasure which is under their feet.
How sad! Have you discovered the treasure? Do you now own it? I pray that you do.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Just a Job!
Mark Cavendish, the British cyclist from the Isle of Man, who won the Green Jersey at this year's Tour de France, described his life as a cyclist as 'Just a Job'! Having finished the race on a Sunday in Paris, he was due to race the next day again, but actually was allowed a day off by his employers!
Next year, the opening race at the London Olympics takes place just one week after the end of the Tour de France. Not much of a break there.
It made me think about living daily as a Christian. How much 'time off' do we expect from living for Jesus? Do we imagine that we can relax and put our feet up some of the time - like August? Or are we always on duty?
Jesus laid out the requirements of discipleship as a daily habit. 'Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? (Luke 9.23-25)
During holiday times, we may be in a different environment, and doing different activities from our normal routines, but we are always on duty, and always available to do the will of the One who has called us into his service. In that sense, being a follower of Jesus is 'Just a Job!'
That means that we face the same pressures to be greedy and grumpy during holiday times as the rest of the year. So we need to keep close to Jesus, to have Him live his life through us.
Hope the Job goes well today!
Best wishes,
Richard
Next year, the opening race at the London Olympics takes place just one week after the end of the Tour de France. Not much of a break there.
It made me think about living daily as a Christian. How much 'time off' do we expect from living for Jesus? Do we imagine that we can relax and put our feet up some of the time - like August? Or are we always on duty?
Jesus laid out the requirements of discipleship as a daily habit. 'Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? (Luke 9.23-25)
During holiday times, we may be in a different environment, and doing different activities from our normal routines, but we are always on duty, and always available to do the will of the One who has called us into his service. In that sense, being a follower of Jesus is 'Just a Job!'
That means that we face the same pressures to be greedy and grumpy during holiday times as the rest of the year. So we need to keep close to Jesus, to have Him live his life through us.
Hope the Job goes well today!
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday 1 August 2011
Damascus Violence
President Assad of Syria, and his military authorities, have chosen the route of violence in order to address the disaffection within their nation. Brutal repression is their chosen weapon of negotiation, believing that they will succeed in bringing about a change of heart and mind in their citizens. He seems to believe that 'might is right', and that all will be back to normal in time.
In many smaller ways, most of us know from personal experience that the 'might is right' approach is widely chosen as the way to sort out conflicts in families, between friends, at work and elsewhere. Of course, we all know that this form of conflict resolution does not work. What is needed is a change of heart from those engaged in the conflict.
The New Testament has a story of another man set on violence in Damascus, whose heart was changed.
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9.1-6)
The mercy of the living Jesus, who himself had been victim of the 'might is right' approach, brought about a change in Saul's life. We too need Jesus to change us, so that we may know a new way to address conflict - within ourselves, with friends and family, and so we may find peace with God.
Best wishes,
Richard
In many smaller ways, most of us know from personal experience that the 'might is right' approach is widely chosen as the way to sort out conflicts in families, between friends, at work and elsewhere. Of course, we all know that this form of conflict resolution does not work. What is needed is a change of heart from those engaged in the conflict.
The New Testament has a story of another man set on violence in Damascus, whose heart was changed.
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9.1-6)
The mercy of the living Jesus, who himself had been victim of the 'might is right' approach, brought about a change in Saul's life. We too need Jesus to change us, so that we may know a new way to address conflict - within ourselves, with friends and family, and so we may find peace with God.
Best wishes,
Richard
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