Statement

This afternoon, a slum will be built close to St. Andrew's Church. It will be a public statement about the state of the world, and our desire to make a difference. We may stir up some interest or generate some thinking. We may be mocked, and we might get cold and hungry. But we will aim to be Slum Survivors for a day or two.

In recent days, politicians have discovered that some of their statements get them into trouble. Petrol, Pasties and others come to mind. Those same politicians probably regret what they said, and wish the trouble hadn't come along.

Jesus made a powerful statement, in riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This got him into trouble. But he knew what he was doing. But have we noticed what he was doing? 'Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” 

His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.' (John 12.14-16)

The disciples took some time to realise what this event and statement meant. All of us can live to with Jesus as our King, and rejoice that in a world where many are aimless and hopeless, we can follow Him in his glorious Kingdom venture. 

What statements might you be making today, in the way that you live and speak?

Best wishes,

Richard

Tree Planting

On this coming Saturday, from 10.30am, local volunteers will be planting fruit trees on the Lakeview Estate. 

This great little project has been planned by a variety of groups, including the Lakeview Community Action Group, Woking People of Faith, and assorted residents and others. Funding and support has come from Surrey County Council, Waitrose, the Mayor , our MP and many others.

This 'Community Orchard' has the potential of being a real gift to the people in the area, providing beauty, fruit, community cooperation and much else. Please come along on Saturday, with your own garden fork & spade, to help make your mark.

The Bible is full of reflections about the way trees grow.

The Psalmist had noticed some key features of trees, and he applied them to people. ' Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
² But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1.1-3)

What sort of tree am I? Do I have deep roots, and do I bear fruit which reflects the beauty of character seen in Jesus? How am I nourished in drought conditions? Do I take time to keep up contacts with those who will do me good, and am I alert to make sure that I am not led into temptation?

Trees take time to grow, and we all need to patient with ourselves, as the Lord works slowly and patiently in us, for his glory.

Best wishes,

Richard

Hypocrisy

Hypocrites are those who say one thing and do something else.

Fine words should be matched by worthy actions. 

The present controversy about 'Dinners for Donors' has shamed the fine words about high moral standards in government circles. It is great to have worthy aims, but actions speak louder than words.

Before we become smug and self-righteous, I am reminded how easy it is 'for the pot to call the kettle black', as the saying goes. 

Consistency is what Jesus calls his followers to live out. This affects every aspect of life. '“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.' (Matthew 6.6-7) I ask myself what my prayer life is like.

St. Paul repeatedly reminded his friends that our lives should match our Christian profession. Words and actions, beliefs and behaviour, should match. Otherwise, quite rightly, we face the charge of hypocrisy. 'Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,  throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4.21-24)

As people given a new nature, we look to Jesus to reproduce his character in us day by day. Have you seen this happening in you in recent days? In our weaknesses, we trust Jesus to help us to be truly righteous and holy. How amazing that would be.

Best wishes,

Richard

Money Talks

Are you shocked? Large amounts of money can gain access to David & Samantha Cameron!

While we may be surprised at the way this claim has been made, most of us are aware of the ways in which money is used to gain influence. We are often very critical of the corruption of foreign governments and cultures, but surprisingly blind to the ways money is effective in getting things done in this country. How we use our money, and use the influences we have, tells us a great deal about our values.

Jesus was far more realistic, and told his followers to get real in a startling story of corruption and greed. You can read this outrageous parable in Luke 16.1-9. But here is the punch line. ' And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. (Luke 16.8-9)

Jesus is clear that his followers have the opportunity to change the world around them. We all know people, and are involved in places where we have influence, by our character and abilities. Jesus reminds us that we can be those who benefit the people and communities around us. That is why we are doing all we can to publicise the events of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter, so that St. Andrew's can be effective in making Jesus known in Goldsworth Park. That is why we are running a week of HOPE events during the Queen's Jubilee Week in June. 

This week, how are you using the opportunities that you have to influence the people in your circle? I pray that we may be as shrewd as possible to make a difference.

Best wishes,

Richard

Death by Drinking

David Cameron is wanting to cut the number of people killing themselves by binge drinking. The report, earlier in the week, about the rise in numbers of people with their livers seriously damaged , especially among the under 40s, adds evidence that too many people are drinking far too much alcohol. Death by drinking is a rising scourge.

In the earlier times, many groups in society, not only Christians, worked hard to highlight the dangers of the 'demon drink'. As whole communities were destroyed by drunkenness and the violence which went with it, many promoted the blessings of temperance and sobriety. In our own day, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are very active in trying to help people put their lives back in order.

Obviously, this is not new. How serious are we about taking action to avoid this problem?

St. Paul, writing to his friends in Ephesus, indicates the better choice that followers of Jesus can enjoy. ' Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 5.18)

All of us may quite easily slip into drinking too much alcohol - and third or fourth glass of wine, another pint before leaving - and we may need help to get a grip on a dangerous habit. St. Paul's simple remedy suggests that wanting to keep close to Jesus, and wanting to be full of His Spirit, will keep us safe, so that we can be useful as Christ-followers.

Instead of 'death by drinking', we can enjoy a different sort of life, ' singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5.19-20) A life full of gratitude to the Lord, and taken up with how much He has done for us, will help to keep us sober, and able to enjoy life fully.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Budget

George Osborn may not have many secrets to share today, in his Budget speech. But he seems to have given plenty of thought, much of it in public, to discussing how to generate the required amount of income from tax, to pay for our expected national lifestyles.

We all know that there is a price to pay for goods and services. For instance, I enjoy swimming, and once I have paid my annual membership fee, it seems to be free. But it still costs, in time and effort, to go swimming. Working out what can be afforded is what setting a budget is about.

Jesus told his followers to be careful in setting their budget, as they set out to be his followers.' “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ (Luke 14.28-30)

Following Jesus is not something we can fit into our spare time, or enjoy as a minority interest, like a hobby. 

I enjoy listening to music, or doing  a bit of gardening. Following Jesus is not like that. It is whole-life discipleship, or it is nothing. Have you done your budget recently? I have found that facing this challenge has been very helpful for the shape and direction of my life.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Enemy Within

The people of France, in the wake of the shootings in the Toulouse area, are looking for the enemy within. It seems that there is a serial killer on the loose, who targets people from minority communities. 

The people of Iraq, after yet more sectarian bombings, face the horror of people from one community who wish people from the other communities dead. 

Many people in Syria fear that when their stable but repressive system is shaken, their very diversity will lead to terrible blood-letting, as diverse communities struggle for supremacy. They fear the enemy within.

But all of us face an enemy within, and we need help to deal with this powerful force for evil.

Jesus spoke of the dangers faced by communities divided against themselves.  “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart.' (Luke 11.17)

But Jesus then applied this observation to His own ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. ' But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For when a strong man like Satan is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe— until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings. (Luke 11.20-22)

In our troubled and divided world, we can all know that Jesus has the power not to destroy us, but to deal with the enemy within us, our spiritual enemy whose desire is our own ruin. 

Today, Jesus can set us free, to serve Him and our world. That is good news.

Best wishes,

Richard

What price?

One year on from the start of the NATO air campaign against the Gaddafi regime in Libya, and it is clear that many are still paying a high price for regime change. Over 8000 people are still missing.

In Syria, continued violence and bombardment leads to many paying a high price. 

The same is true in Tibet and other places around the world which fleetingly catch our attention, as communities seek freedom from oppression and tyranny. The price of freedom and change is very high.

As we approach the end of Lent, and follow Jesus in his journey to Jerusalem, we hear him challenging his followers. ' A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them,  “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison, yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. ' (Luke 14.25-27)

Facing his own death, willingly giving away his right to life, in order to rescue us and redeem the world, he challenges us to a new direction for our lives - with Him as the focus of our devotion. That is the price He calls us to pay. 

It is clear that Jesus was not just making a fie sounding speech. he expects real followers to pay the real price. I ask myself what sort of follower I am. I pray that Jesus would help me to follow Him worthily.

Best wishes,

Richard

Clear Out

Spring Cleaning is in the air. There will a team working at Church tomorrow morning, removing cobwebs and much else. With the sun shining, we can begin to see things which might have been unseen during the darker days of winter. Our car looks like it could do with a good clean, and one day, I will make an effort on my study! Too much clutter doesn't improve the quality of life or work.

But most of us have far too much clutter in our lives, and we find it hard to know what to clear out. 

This is why the 40 day wilderness experience of Jesus is so significant for all of us. ' Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.' (Matthew 4.1-2)

Stripped down to bare necessities, we might discover what really matters in our lives. It takes time to think through priorities and often time is what we don't have, so we keep adding more and getting less able to cope adequately.

Jesus clearly responded cooperatively with the leading of the Spirit. We often resist. 

These days, we are called to face the need for a clear out in our lives. Stripped down, we will find ourselves better equipped to serve Jesus and the world he loves. Then we will rejoice with new intensity as Good Friday leads to Easter. Without the clear out, we will miss too much.

Best wishes,

Richard

Pain & Gain

There will be no glory and gain for Olympic athletes without amazing levels of committed training, causing astonishing pain and suffering. 'No guts, no glory' or 'no gain without pain' are the short versions.

Most of the rest of us may watch in wonder, from the comfort of our lazy lifestyles, and imagine that success came cheaply. But just 'turning up and hoping for the best' will not deliver success for any aspiring champion. The gold of success is mined deep in the dark of early morning training sessions, ruthless discipline and character-shaping determination. Aspiring champions are not looking for entertainment!

Jesus knew that the same was to be true for those who followed him seriously. He himself endured hardship and pain, on his way to the Cross. Why do we think our life might be easy?
St. Paul was of the same attitude, which helps to explain why his ministry was so effective. To his friends in Rome, he wrote about suffering and glory. ' And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.' (Romans 8.17-18)

Seeing this clearly may help us when we face troubles and trials of any sort. Instead of asking why the Lord has made our route so tough - why can't He smooth the path for us? - we should be asking for His strength that we may endure right through to the end. Our lazy and over-busy lifestyles do not equip us well for being tough disciples of Jesus. Toughness only comes when we have to endure discomfort for a long spell.

But we can be confident, because we see it worked out in Jesus' death & resurrection, that  what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 

This encourages me to keep going, in good company!
Best wishes,

Richard

Resisting Change

Many in the medical profession have been resisting the changes due to be introduced through the government's NHS reform bill. 

In each case, they have good reasons to counter the arguments put forward by the remarkably opaque Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, whose inability to explain what he has in mind is becoming legendary.

The two sides in this argument are different not because one wants progress and the other wants the good old days, but because they have a different analysis of what needs to be done to strengthen the NHS.

The same might be said about the proposals from the government to redefine marriage. In a desire to emphasise equality, some think that a changed definition would solve the problems. Others take a different view. Changing the definition about marriage is not quite like changing the offside rule in football. 

If you want to resist this proposed change in the definition of marriage, please sign the petition in our Coffee Shop, or go online at www.c4m.org.uk

St. Paul encouraged his friends in Rome to resist some changes, but to welcome others. ' Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12.2)

As we can see, Paul sees that we should resist the changes from the world around us, but co-operate with the changes which the Lord wants to bring into our lives. Our thinking can be reshaped, if we spend time reflecting and thinking through what the will of God might be, in each situation. We would be changed, others blessed and God glorified. Sounds good to me!
Best wishes,

Richard

Salt Matters

Too much salt in our diet is bad for our hearts, and increases the onset of heart disease. 

Many processed foods have too much added salt, in order to 'improve' the flavour, and so get consumers hooked. It works as a marketing ploy. but kills the consumers!

Too little salt when the roads get icy, and we slip all over the place, and everyone complains that local councils haven't been doing their jobs.

Jesus spoke about his followers being like salt. ' “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.' (Matthew 5.13)

In Jesus' day, salt had several important roles. 

It did provide flavour for food, but more importantly, it helped to preserve food. Salted fish was an important food for many ordinary people, living too far from either Mediterranean Sea, or the Sea of Galilee, to obtain fresh fish regularly. 

Salt water also has remarkable healing powers, so that wounds bathed regularly in saline solution heal much more quickly.

Every day, we are called to be salty people, as we help to enhance the flavour of life for those around us. Helping others to count their blessings is a great gift. 

More challenging is our call to preserve our culture from going rotten. 

And wonderfully, if we are like Jesus, we can help to bring his healing to the sick and sad people around us. How salty are we? What can we do to become more salty?
Best wishes,

Richard

Proper Care

The spotlight has been on the quality of care and compassion shown to elderly patients in hospitals and care homes. Reports and experience tell us that, in some places, the care is wonderful, while in many other places, the care leaves much to be desired.

When things are not working well, family and friends are left wondering how this could have happened. People often feel angry and frustrated that loved ones are being badly treated, and there seems nothing that can be done to change the situation.

Jesus told many stories, and none of them was about hospitals and care homes. But he did address the issue of Proper Care. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.' (John 10.11-13)

However we may want to interpret and apply the story, Jesus identifies that when people are just doing a paid job, they often don't have a sense of Proper Care. So, when there is too much to do, they run away from their responsibilities. They are just hired hands. 

But the Good Shepherd is different. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.' (John 10.14-15)

Today, all of us need to know the Proper Care of the Good Shepherd. I find it helpful to recall that Jesus laid down his life for me, and while there may be things in my life which are not what I would like or want, I am deeply reassured of his sacrificial love and care for me. I am blessed to know his Proper Care today. That makes all the difference.

Best wishes,

Richard

Power and Authority

President Putin has been re-elected, with many claiming it was a rigged election. His popularity is much diminished, and his authority seems to be slipping too.

In Syria, it is clear that increasing numbers of people are prepared to challenge the power and authority of President Assad.

In the US, while the voting continues to find a suitable Republican candidate, questions remain as to who might have the authority to become President.

Jesus spoke clearly of these issues, when his own disciples were behaving like the Republican candidates, arguing as to which was the greatest. ' So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10.42-45)
We are so used to seeing the way power and authority are the focus of so much in the way people behave - politicians, business people, colleagues at work, family arguments and so on - that we too easily ignore what Jesus is saying. 

He practised what he preached, and we would do well, in very area of life, to follow his example. he was able to live like that because he was secure in his relationship with His Father, and prepared to pay the price of willing obedience. How about us?
Best wishes, 

Richard

Good Morning

Our traditional morning greeting is full of hope. But there is more to this greeting that meets the eye.
I recall that Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore was not happy with this greeting.
 "Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily. "If it is a good morning," he said. "Which I doubt," said he.
"Why, what's the matter?"
"Nothing, Pooh Bear, nothing. We can't all, and some of us don't. That's all there is to it."
"Can't all what?" said Pooh, rubbing his nose.
"Gaiety. Song-and-dance. Here we go round the mulberry bush."

Poor Eeyore!
But there is something deeply rooted in our trust in God which allows us to be hopeful, in all circumstances. Some of the most encouraging people I know are those who have faced and are facing appalling troubles, and yet they are deeply joyful and hopeful.
St. Paul, writing from prison in Rome, and with the possibility of execution hanging over his head, gives us this advice. 'Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.' (Philippians 4.4-6)
Today's world news is pretty gloomy, and many families are under pressure, and face troubles that sap energy. But God's love for us has not changed, and Paul tells us to focus on this God, and to find our deep wells of joy and hope restored.
I am going into this day with renewed hope and joy, as I realise who is walking with me.
Best wishes,
Richard

Now but Not Yet!

At 6am, this morning, a half-asleep Betty remarked that it was very light, so what was the time! I checked the clock and went back to sleep.
Being into March, the mornings are lighter, and even some of our primroses are now in flower. In a week or two, William Wordsworth could re-write his daffodils poem, as he wandered lonely as a cloud along Bampton Way, and caught sight of our front garden. Unless, the approach of Mothering Sunday (or Mother's Day, if you are from the US) encourages children to pick some flowers for their mums!
But winter has gone, and while we are not yet into summer, we are on the way. It is 'Now but Not Yet!'
Much Christian theology and experience is in the 'Now but Not Yet!'
Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, which He said had arrived. But then He also spoke of the future Kingdom, to be shared and spread by His followers. It is 'Now but Not Yet!'
At the end of Matthew's Gospel, which has presented Jesus as the true King, worshipped by all nations (the Wise Men from the East and so on), Jesus tells his followers, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.18-20)
Because Jesus is the King with all authority, His Kingdom is NOW. But we have work to do, under His authority, to extend that Kingdom, so we live with the Kingdom being NOT YET, even to the end of the age.
Living with that tension will shape how we follow Jesus these days of Lent. May we experience His presence and power, while we struggle with problems and pains.
Best wishes,
Richard

Exactly what it says on the tin

The other day, I served a guest at our home a mug of tea, but it was in a Horlicks mug. So I apologised that 'it was not what it says on the tin'. Fortunately, my guest understood my remark (I think!)
The series of advertisements, for assorted Ronseal DIY products, with 'exactly what it says on the tin' slogan are so well known that it has spawned a series of TV programmes and even a song with the same line. 'Does your degree do what it says on the tin?' was a Guardian article on careers advice.
As followers of Christ, are we what our label says? What sort of followers are we?
During Lent, I am challenged to think about this sort of uncomfortable question.
How wide is the gap between what I sing on Sundays, and how I live during the week?
Or to put it another way, does what I sing on Sundays help me to aspire to be closer to the follower of Jesus I would like to be?
The early Christians had exactly the same questions, and the New Testament writers provided helpful answers, and challenging teaching.
'Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.' (Hebrews 10.23-25)
Clearly, the writer realised that we can all easily drift in our Christian lives. Hence, the repeated call 'Let us' - which is a call to helping one another to keep going.
I am so aware that I constantly need the support of other Christians if I am to keep going in the right direction. Meeting together, on Sundays, and in Small Groups, provides an opportunity for mutual encouragement, when we think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
If we did that, then we might we do exactly what it says on the tin.' Wouldn't that be good?
Best wishes,
Richard