Stormy Weather

While the late autumn sun streams into my study window, I hear that we may yet get wild and wintry weather before too long. Some have told me there will be snow in October - which starts tomorrow! How will we cope if we get a tough winter? As far as some forecasters are saying, the economy will be worse, there will be more unemployment and loads more shops will be shutting. Stormy weather indeed.
The disciples had some extraordinary experiences with Jesus.
'But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.' (Mark 4.37) As we know, Jesus was asleep and the disciples were terrified they would all drown. They woke Jesus, and he showed himself to be 'the man who calmed the sea', as we have sung recently in church.
But the very next story shows Jesus calming a different sort of storm. 
'When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.' (Mark 5.2-5) 
This storm-tossed man had no one to help him - except Jesus, who drove out the evil spirits, and restored him to life again. I guess the disciples were astonished by these two events. What did they learn?
All of us face storms of one sort or another - external or internal - and the same Jesus can prove himself in our lives to be the man who calms the sea. I have to learn to give to Him, every day, all the storms which come my way. Daily, he proves himself good at his job!
Best wishes,
Richard

The New Community

While leaders and politicians talk, and wonder how to restore their own image, and in some cases try to persuade voters that they are worth trusting, life goes on. In communities and neighbourhoods all over the world, people live, work, sleep, and worry about how things will turn out.
But thus it has always been. Is there a plan, in the purposes of God, to help us build the sorts of communities and neighbourhoods, where all sorts of people can flourish?
Jesus had a startling way of addressing these issues, usually through telling stories. In many, there were themes of invitation, hospitality, community and relationships. 'Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. (Luke 14.16-18a) In order to have guests at his feast, the new instructions were astonishing. '‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.' (Luke 14.21b-23)
This new community, that comes about through the ministry and mission of Jesus, is not monochrome and nor is it for only one sort of people. It is wonderful in its diversity, and it demonstrates the astonishing generosity of the Master of the Feast.
And as followers of Jesus, it is our privilege to be in on this world-challenging life-enhancing community.
Today's challenge for all of us is to be as open-hearted and generous in our dealings with one another as Jesus has been to us. With his help, we can be like that. How exciting.
Best wishes,
Richard

Finishing Well

I don't know much about professional cycling, but I have heard of Mark Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, who has just become World Champion at road cycling. On Sunday, ably supported by the other members of the British team, he narrowly beat everyone else to finish well - ahead by half wheel's length. It was striking that while others praised his achievement, he thanked his team mates. As far as Cavendish was concerned, without teamwork, victory was not possible.
This takes me back to some words from Hebrews, which we looked at on Sunday. 'And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest.' (Hebrews 3.1)
It is striking that the writer emphasises the corporate nature of our Christians lives.
We are family together, all belonging to the Lord as loved children.
We are all partners in a lifelong and life-giving journey. Our present experience of knowing the Lord's love and mercy is merely the first course in a magnificent banquet to be enjoyed together in eternity. Thinking carefully about Jesus - together and in community - will keep us strong together. Dreaming about anything else will ruin our prospects of making it to the end.
With all this that we share, we can continue to encourage one another to finish well - or as the old First World War song had it, 'Keep right on to the end of the road'.
I wonder who we might be able to encourage today. How exciting!
Best wishes,
Richard

Freedom & Fulfilment

Startling news from Saudi Arabia ! Women can vote in 4 years time! They might even be able to drive. The same forces which are driving the Arab Spring looks to be having an effect in that troubled land. At this stage, we cannot see how things will turn out, in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen or Saudi Arabia.
But wherever we look, people long for freedom from tyranny and oppression, and are seeking to fulfil their dreams.
In the West, where people appear to be much more free and may chase whatever dreams they choose, many are not thriving. Suicide rates among young men are astonishingly high, and in the UK, according to the latest United Nations report, our children are at the bottom of the 'well-being league table in Europe. All is not well.
If chasing the wrong dreams for freedom & fulfilment can be so damaging, what leads to true freedom & fulfilment.
Jesus addressed exactly this issue, early in his ministry. '“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)
Living in a greedy and materialistic culture, we can so easily think that getting more money and having the latest stuff will give us freedom & fulfilment. But this is just a deceptive trap to imprison us. Working harder and earning more money will not bring deep satisfaction. If our treasure turns out to be trash, we will be full of regrets.
'“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.' (Matthew 6.31-33)
Only having our priority on a Kingdom-focused life will bring real freedom and fulfilment.
So what is your priority in life? Good job, successful career, bigger house. Beware! That way leads to ruin. Go with Jesus today.
Best wishes,
Richard

A Divided House

I am no economist.
But it seems that the present collapse in the 'Markets' is because the governments and banks of the world cannot agree on how to solve the muddle of debt. The divisions between Europe, the US and the rest play havoc with confidence. It seems like we are discussing the latest trivial issue while the Titanic is going down.
In a very different context, Jesus spoke about the dangers of disunity. 'A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.' (Mark 3.24-25)
Unity comes when people can be focused on a common task, and with a shared aim. While aims are muddled, people will be disunited. My mind goes back to the leadership of Winston Churchill in war-ravaged Britain. It would be great if today's meeting in Washington could bring that unity of purpose and action.
But Jesus was actually talking of his superior power over the forces of evil. 'And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.' (Mark 3.26-27)
Whatever struggles we may face today, we can know that Jesus is the 'Stronger than the Strong', who has supreme power and authority, demonstrated by his death & resurrection.
I am very thankful for the great unity and collaboration which Christians and churches in Woking share in many areas of mission & ministry. We are so much stronger together that apart.
Best wishes,
Richard

Thinking Christians

Daily news gives horrific stories of suffering and hardship. Many of us have been challenged in our faith to explain to those around us how God could allow such appalling suffering. Questions like this have undermined the faith of some as they have struggled both with understanding some the difficult passages in the Bible and how to apply the Bible in the modern world.
And on the other hand, aggressive atheists challenge the basis of all faith in God, and the steady mockery of Christian faith in the media and our culture has a sapping effect.
On a bad day, we keep our heads down, and hope the storm may blow over, rather than blow us over.
But this has often (or always) been the case. The psalms bear witness to the struggles that believers had 3000 years ago! Reading and reflecting on these verses keeps me sane! 'O Lord, I give my life to you.
     I trust in you, my God!
   Do not let me be disgraced,
      or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
  No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
      but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others' (Psalm 25.1-3)
The fear of being disgraced, with enemies rejoicing over our defeat, powerfully affects us. But God can be trusted to hold us in troubling times.
Starting next month, promoted by Premier Radio, there is a series of events arranged under the banner of Be a Thinking Christian. http://www.bethinking.org/the-reasonable-faith-tour-2011/
This will provide encouragement for all who may struggle in the battle for the hearts and minds of all of us.
Best wishes,
Richard

Paying Debts

While the panic and fears in the financial markets rumble on, and the sovereign debt crisis deepens, no one knows where it will end. Calls for clear leadership and decisive action rebound the world, like the echo in a vast dark cavern.
How can debts be paid off?
Rupert Murdoch seems to know. He has agreed to pay £1million to a charity, because of the phone hacking scandal linking his News International to Millie Dowler's phone. Presumably, he believes this is his way of paying off his moral debt to the Dowlers and society. As he earns over £80million a year, it doesn't look like a very significant payment.
How do we handle our debts - particularly our moral ones?
There is a great little story in the Gospels, showing how Jesus brings both chnaged attitude and behaviour to a debt-ridden situation. The chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, had brown rich by cheating the masses. meeting Jesus leads to a startling change. 'Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
  Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19.8-10)
In personal terms, Zacchaeus understood that dealing with his debts - both moral and financial - needed firm action. Tokens gifts are not enough. His life had been turned round by the visit of Jesus - 'Salvation had come to his house'.
If we are facing struggles about sorting out a moral debt, we probably need the help of Jesus. I guess we will know astonishing relief when we can sort things out, with His help.
Best wishes,
Richard

Family Fortunes

Fans of Downton Abbey will be glad that the second series started last evening. The icing on the cake is that Maggie Smith, the matriarch of the Crawford family, won an Emmy award last night in Los Angeles. But we know that all that is fiction!
We all experience, in one way or another, the pleasures and pains of family life, and yet we sometimes wonder if anyone else might understand our own particular experiences. Our differences can seem to provide a reason why we are a special case. Our troubles can be isolating, which then accentuates them.
But the writer to the Jewish Christians, knows as 'Hebrews', tells us some amazing news.
He asserts that Jesus is both fully human and fully understanding of our trials and temptations. 'Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.' (Hebrews 2.17-18)
Because Jesus has been tempted, in particular to go soft on his call to live and die as Messiah and Saviour, he can help us all today when we find the call to live like a member of the family demanding and difficult. We are all family together, and Jesus, our older brother, will help us. Great news.
Best wishes,
Richard

Trapped

News from South Wales, and the 4 trapped miners, will keep us gripped until they themselves are freed. The last year has had 2 major stories of trapped miners, and we know the outcome is always uncertain. These are anxious times.
But there are other stories of people being trapped in one way or another.
'Trapped in debt' applies to individuals and governments. The inability of the EU to solve the Greek debt issues shows the complexity of the muddle.
'Trapped in poverty' applies to many families and individuals, and is often linked to 'trapped in unemployment'. These are troubling times all round.
The natural reaction of many is to remain complacent and unconcerned, because this is someone else's problem. We too easily remain blind and deaf to the needs of others, for many reasons.
Jesus was startling in his challenge to the complacent in his society. 'One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” Again they could not answer.' (Luke 14.1-6)
The roots of our complacency may not be strictly religious, as with the Pharisees, but all of us find ways to justify our ignoring of those around us who are trapped in one way or another. Usually, we are too busy with getting on with our own lives, so we have no time or energy left for those in need.
I wonder what Jesus would have us do to help those around us who are trapped. Perhaps we might discover that if we imagined ourselves as a one of the trapped ourselves. We could pray that we find out what Jesus wants from us.
Best wishes,
Richard

Boundary Changes

Future British Parliamentary constituency boundaries are going to be changed. The aim is to make all constituencies about the same size in terms of voting population. The reason for these changes is that populations have moved away from one area to another. We can all get involved in the consultation process, if we want.
Only last month, the latest new nation is the world was formed - Southern Sudan - after 30 years of terrible civil war. Negotiations for this boundary change have been very costly.
Today, the Arab League are discussing how to work towards the recognition by the United Nations of a Palestinian State.
While we may be involved in the details of our own democracy, millions of other are wondering if they can be recognised and heard.
But as the Arab Spring is showing, it is not only boundaries which need changing.
St. Paul describes a different sort of change, which happens when people entrust themselves to Christ.
We move into the realm of his authority - like a refugee or asylum seeker leaving a tyrannical regime, seeking a better life. 'For God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.' (Colossians 1.13-14)
Today, I want to thank the Lord for the amazing privilege it is to be a member of the Kingdom of Jesus. And I also want to help other join this new community.
Best wishes,
Richard

Peace Making

'Shalom, Salaam aleikum, Peace be with you!' Hundreds of people in Woking were saying this yesterday.
It was wonderful, in the bright afternoon sunshine, to see a good crowd of Woking people affirming their desire to work for peace between the varied communities in our town. It may not make it onto the national news, but in troubled times, it was encouraging to see such a public demonstration.
At the heart of our different faiths lies the promise of God to offer human beings the gift of His peace. How that peace is achieved is understood differently, both between our faiths and within them. But peace is the theme. Very often, that peace is linked with a search for forgiveness, and a conscience washed clean from all defiling actions.
For followers of Jesus Christ, we can look with thankful amazement to his death for us, as the source of our peace.
St. Paul, writing to the mixed and troubled communities in Ephesus, sees that Jesus' death is the route to shared peace between communities, and with God himself. 'Christ reconciled both Jews non-Jews to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us' (Ephesians 2.16-18)
Our world is still very troubled, and needs peace makers and peace sharers to make a difference. We too can continue to bring this costly good news to those around us. This makes our lives both significant and essential, every day.
Best wishes,
Richard

Going Forward

Every day is an adventure, as we move into the future.
No one has passed this way before, so we usually go ahead with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. What that mixture looks like depends very much on our temperament and circumstances.
Hearing and reading some of the comments about the approaching 9/11 anniversary, it has been refreshing to to note the cautious optimism in many. The future could be better than the past.
A powerful example was set, in a very different context, by Tariq Jahan, the father of one of the 3 Muslim men killed in the Birmingham riots last month. His dignified and courageous statement, and the huge peaceful crowd at the funerals, showed that some can rise above revenge and hatred.
Jesus' call to live going forward into the future, not shaped by a painful past but shaped by God's character, is striking. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ' (Matthew 5.43-45)
This is fine rhetoric, and stirring talk. But will this shape how we think and act in the small and big events of our lives? With Jesus' help, we can be different.
Best wishes,
Richard

Collapsed Towers

As we approach the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, there are more and more programmes and articles reflecting on the last 10 years.
I recall exactly where I was when the Twin Towers were attacked and I watched in amazement as they collapsed. I recall, too, my wondering at the purposes of the God who is active in the affairs of humanity. Was this a time when, as Mary sang, 'He brings down the mighty from their thrones' (Luke 1.52)? And if so, what was a godly response to look like?
Sadly, in the years that have followed, hundreds of thousands of people have suffered and died, as a result of the various responses to those events 10 years ago. But what can we learn now?
Jesus was asked a searching question, following the collapse of a famous tower in Jerusalem, which in itself was a defining moment. Jesus asked. "What about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (Luke 13.4-5)
For Jesus, the pressing question we should be addressing is the state of our own hearts, rather than the condition of the hearts and lives of others.
Each of us has a responsibility to live our lives in line with the will and purposes of God. If we want to see change in our society, we must first become the change we wish to see in others. What would that look like in your life or mine? May we live for the glory of God today.
Best wishes,
Richard

Blighted

Tomato blight is not a pretty sight. Nor is potato blight. This summer's damp and cool weather has encouraged the growth of this destructive disease, and many gardeners are seeing the sad results. Instead of healthy produce enjoyed by their growers, food is ruined and efforts wasted.
Hearing the news, it is clear that not only tomatoes and potatoes are blighted. The economy and global politics seem very sick. Indications that our own security services, put up to it by our own government, have been complicit in torture and turning a blind eye to the appalling tyranny of assorted oil rich states makes the carry on at News International look mild.
It is startling to recall that the New Testament was written in similar times, with tyrants and oppressions around many corners.
After Jesus had raised Lazarus from death, with eager crowds around him, the forces of authority and government were plotting his death. The views of the leaders were confused. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
  Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” (John 11.47-50)
The great irony was that the death of Jesus, while the product of deadly political and religious blight, was God's way of providing deliverance for those who turn to Him.
In the midst of a blighted world, we can rejoice that in Jesus we know the One who alone can rescue and restore us. What good news that is!
Best wishes,
Richard

Forecasting

The British are well known for being very interested in weather forecasts!
As you probably already know, for this week, we can expect some rain and wind, and the early onset of an autumn feel to the weather. Before too much rain falls, I must clear the gutter above the garage, so that our rainwater harvesting barrel gets filled up!
But other forecasts are much more difficult to get right.
Pundits and experts make loads of money from our desire to know what might be happening next, in the worlds of politics, economics, education, science and much else. At a personal level, when we go to see the doctor, we often want an accurate forecast of our own health prospects.
Shortly before Jesus was arrested, tried, tortured and crucified, he made a forecast to which we should pay careful attention.
'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we are aware of the difficulties we will face - it is not a question of if we face trials and troubles, but when we face them - means we should not be surprised when things are tough.
But also, when we know that Jesus promises us His peace and presence, and assures us of his overwhelming victory over sin and death, that knowledge and confidence allows us to stand tall whatever comes along.
I am therefore encouraged as I approach an interesting week, knowing that Jesus has all things in His hands.
Best wishes,
Richard

New Hope

News from Libya suggests there may be new hope for that troubled land. Wise heads are not expecting to see the fruit of that hope too soon. But there will need to be much perseverance and determination, if genuine progress along the road towards change takes place. This will not be a quick fix.
In the midst of the many troubles around us and within, we mostly hope that a quick fix will solve the problems. But seldom does a New Hope get delivered quickly.
The Old Testament reminds us again and again of New Hope, as God promises to bring about change.
“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
  “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbours, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
The prophet Jeremiah, in about the year 600BC, spoke of the New Covenant that the Lord God had promised. Things were going to be improved and different when compared with the Old Covenant. But it was over 600 years before the early Church started to bring the message to others! This was no quick fix! But we can see, with the benefits of hindsight, that God is faithful, and we can trust Him, whether the wait is short or long, to deliver on the New Hope promises. That encourages me. I hope you too are encouraged, whatever the struggles you face today.
Best wishes,
Richard