Is it a 'calling'?

Government proposals, following the Winsor report on the Police Service, suggest that it may be good to have a fast track entry for senior officers from outside the service. This challenges the present system, where every police officer has to follow the same slow progression through the ranks, from 'bobby on the beat' constable. Does this slow process restrict people with talent and flair, or does it test the calling of all concerned? Would fast track entrants have a true sense of calling?

Similar questions are asked about those in the health service. Does the emphasis on requiring all who want to be nurses to have a degree make it difficult to ensure that all involved have a sense of calling to care?

In education discussions, again the question is raised about the academic value of 'vocational' qualifications. 

In all these contentious issues, which generate plenty of heat, and often not much light, the focus is on what we mean by a calling.

But 'calling' is at the centre of the Bible story. 'The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12.1-3) 

The rest of the Bible sees God fulfilling this promise to Abram, as people from all nations get drawn into this calling.

Throughout the Bible, people are called by God to be part of His Big Picture plan.

So, St. Paul describes the Christian community in Rome, which he hopes to visit, as those called by God. 'And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.' (Romans 1.6-7)

I am amazed that today I and others who follow Jesus can know we are those with a divine calling to live for Him. We belong to Jesus - so we do not belong to ourselves any longer! And we too can bring the blessings promised to Abraham to those around us. What a privilege!

Best wishes,

Richard

Quality Care

The government is planning to make nursery provision more affordable. 

By increasing the numbers of children that each carer can oversee, they are hoping that costs will fall. Issues of safety of the children, and the educational qualifications of the nursery staff will be debated, before any changes are implemented. If the price drops, will the quality remain high? 

When St. Paul visited Thessalonica, and then wrote to his friends there, he emphasised the quality of the care he gave to his friends. Quite startlingly, he describes himself in parenting language, as both mother and father to the new Christian community.  'We were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.' (1 Thessalonians 2.7-8) 'And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.' (1 Thessalonians 2.11-12)

From these descriptions, we can see that in Paul's world, it was assumed that good parents would provide quality care. It also clear that he assumed that 'family' was a good metaphor for life in a local church. Some might challenge paternalistic language, though what Paul actually says - encouragement rather than bullying - seems to show that he was gentle and gracious in his relationships with his friends.

If we should think the Paul was trying to exploit his new friends, we need to note how much this work cost him. 'Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.' (1 Thessalonians 2.9)

Quality care, whether in nurseries, our homes or our church, can only be given when we are prepared to serve others. If we are Christians, then we do this in the name of Christ. That is what we are called to offer.

Best wishes,

Richard

Homing Instinct

Holly, the Florida cat, is in the news today. Holly's owners took their cat on holiday, 200 miles north, and the cat was lost while they were away. But then, after a few weeks, their cat turned up again, apparently having made the journey home. This journey is raising questions.

Do cats have a homing instinct? Was Holly helped by its 'Cat Nav'? Or did a passing motorist give Holly a lift? 

We may never know, but it reminded me of a major theme in the Bible.

All people, regardless of background and education, faith or culture, are wired up with a divinely designed spiritual homing instinct. 

Luke tells the stories of several of these people in the Acts of the Apostles. 

The Jews had had centuries of preparation, prophecies and preaching to help them to seek the fulfilment of the promises made to Abraham. But Luke tells us stories of people without a Jewish background who also seek after God. 

When St. Paul visited Athens, the centre of Greek philosophy and learning, he focuses on this God-given homing instinct, that all people possess. 

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. . . . .  “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ (Acts 17.22-28 edited)

It is wonderful to read how Paul was able to link the unique and final revelation brought to us by Jesus with Greek poetry and philosophy. In this, he gives us a model for our own speaking to people we meet.

So everyone we meet today also has a divinely designed spiritual homing instinct, of which they may or may not be aware. That means that we may know those in whom God is at work, as He seeks to activate their homing instinct.

This is a great encouragement to me, as we pray that we may know Jesus better, to that we can make Him better known.

Best wishes,

Richard

Identity Theft

Who am I?

Only twice (as far as I know) has someone used my credit card numbers to buy stuff. But my Bank was quick to spot it, and I didn't lose any money.

But there is an increasing number of ways in which other people can get hold of the assorted numbers and codes which are used by organisations to identify us.

In order to protect our identity, on computers especially, we need to use ever more complicated passwords, which we are supposed to be able to remember. 

A few months ago, I had to dream up one such password. My 'normal' password was no good - I was told it would be hacked in 16 seconds. But the one I eventually produced is so long and complicated that it would take a hacker 3 billion years to hack. But it is too long for me to remember it!

Who am I?

It is essential that we have a clear sense of identity. Otherwise, we and everyone else is muddled and we can be easily disappointed.

John the Baptist is a great example of someone who knew who he was, and what his role in life was to be. 'This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 

 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” 

“No,” he replied. 

“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” 

“No.” 

"Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” (John 1.19-23)

In the purposes of God, we are equipped and called to fulfil our particular role and functions. Just as an eagle is designed to fly, and a shark to swim, so what we are should grow out of who we are, which should then lead us to what we do. 

With the help of friends, and wise reflection on our character and so on, and with prayer and meditation on Scripture, we can be clear about who we are and what might then do. We are then set free to live as God intends. That is a great blessing to us and to others. Are you clear about who you are?

Best wishes,

Richard

A Day to remember

Last week, we were reminded that in the UK and elsewhere in the rich world, we waste an appalling amount of food.

Today, Tearfund and another 100 organisations are launching a new campaign, which states that 'there is enough food for everyone IF' world leaders take the right action together.

We can all play our part in promoting this campaign, which will change the lives of the world's poorest and most vulnerable.

I am reminded of the the ministry of Jesus. 'About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they replied.' (Mark 8.1-5)

What followed was the feeding of the crowd of 4000, with the meagre supplies which the disciples managed to gather.

In the hands of Jesus, the little that we can offer can and will be multiplied, so that a real difference is made for those who have less than enough. By joining the IF campaign, we can make a difference too.

It is for that reason that I have already signed up in support. What will you do? As Tearfund says, 'Will you click Tearfund.org/enoughfoodif and join our biggest campaign since Make Poverty History?

Best wishes,

Richard

Deadly enemies?

Prince Harry has spoken of his part in attacking the Taliban in Afghanistan. David Cameron has spoken of the commitment to resist and defeat the forces of Islamist rebels in North Africa. In both cases, it is clear that 'peaceful coexistence' is not believed to be an option.

In some circles, it may be claimed that it is impossible for anyone to live in peaceful coexistence with Muslim people. 

But history and local experience tell a different story. 

Just as the 'peace process' in Northern Ireland has brought deep changes in that troubled area, so it is possible for people from different backgrounds to learn to live together, and work together on common tasks.

Last week, in Woking, there was a very hopeful gathering at Shah Jahan Mosque, marking United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week, and sponsored by several groups, including Woking People of Faith. It was great to see assorted Christian people engaging seriously and significantly with local leaders from Muslim and other backgrounds. These good relationships are not a denial of the deep-seated differences that there are between our communities. But they do show that there is plenty of common ground between people from all backgrounds. Finding the way forward, when relationships are difficult, is the challenge we face in many settings.

As usual, the Bible provides a model of relating positively with those from different backgrounds. 

When St. Peter is directed, by the Holy Spirit, to go to the home of a Roman centurion, Cornelius, he has to address his own racial and religious prejudices. Jews and Gentiles did not meet socially, as Jews considered all Gentiles are profoundly unclean. When Peter arrives at Cornelius' home, he explains his change of heart. 'Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for.' (Acts 10.28-29)

In spite of the obvious and real differences between Christians and Muslims, we can be those who seek the good of our neighbours, and we may be in a position to share something of the life and love of Jesus. That would be much better than remaining as deadly enemies.

Best wishes,

Richard

Blue Monday

While the snow lingers, and everything still looks white, today is identified by some as 'Blue Monday', the most depressing day of the year!

Devised in 2005, the idea that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year is based on a mathematical formula taking into account the weather, debts caused by overspending at Christmas, time since Christmas, and time since failing New Year's resolutions.

On top of all that, there may be personal and family reasons why people are feeling down today, ranging from health issues, family arguments, relationship break ups, and much else.

What response can we make to 'Blue Monday' talk?

I am always challenged by St. Paul's encouragement to his friends in Philippi. Writing in about 62 AD, from Rome, with possible execution awaiting him, Paul had plenty of external reasons to feel blue and gloomy.

However what he writes is startling. 'Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.' (Philippians 4.4-5)

I note that Paul's joy does not derive from his circumstances - a nice time with friends, an exciting holiday trip, or his real or fantasy league team winning their recent matches. These are often the things which bring us a sense of joy - or some recent retail therapy - or a salary increase. But for Paul, his joy is rooted 'in the Lord.

Over the years, Paul had clearly disciplined himself to meditate on his relationship with Jesus. He could see and know that he was loved by Him, and his own life was transformed by being part of God's great plan. As nothing could touch that, he learned to be deeply and wonderfully joyful. 

Writing to his Roman friends some years earlier, he gave them good reason to be deeply joyful. '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. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8.38-39)

I guess we could all learn from Paul, and rest ourselves in God's love and mercy for us.

That will drive away the blues, not only today, 'Blue Monday', but for ever!

Best wishes,

Richard

Mr. Grumpy

We are often amused at the behaviour of assorted versions of Mr. Grumpy. Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson), in One foot in the Grave, is my favourite. 

We may find other versions less amusing, for several reasons. 

But grumbling and complaining are features of modern life, whether the targets are the trains, the traffic, other people's driving or parking, delays in the health or social services and so on. Many of us appear to believe that we deserve to be better treated by all sorts of people of organisations. 

I am struck by the fact that many people appear to derive enjoyment, or hope for a sense of being justified in their complaints, from retelling (at great length) their own reasons for complaining.

What is striking, to me at least, is the way in which New Testament writers deal with the issue.

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. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.' (Philippians 2.14-16)

St. Paul is writing from his Roman house arrest, facing the possibility of execution, and yet he reminds his dear Philippian friends to have a sunny disposition. At a time when Christians faced genuine persecution, he points us to eternal issues.

Living like this would make us shine out, when placed alongside the grumblers and complainers that drag everyone else down with them. How about aiming to live like this today?
Best wishes,

Richard

What next?

The rulings from the European Court of Human Rights have already given assorted commentators plenty to talk about. 

How slippery is the much feared slope towards active persecution? 

How fat is the wedge of which this may be the thin end? 

And all the while, Christians in Nigeria, India, Iran, China, and elsewhere are being locked up, beaten and killed.

And at a local level, many ordinary British Christians may wonder whether they are free to express their faith in the living God in their work place.

How should we face these challenges?

When Jesus was preparing his followers for the troubles that may come their way, he said some quite startling things. 'You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit. A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.' (Mark 13.9-13)

For the first 300 years of the Christian story, persecution of Christians was like the tides, coming in and going out with relentless regularity. In time, after the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as the preferred faith of the state, everything changed. Suddenly, Christians were protected by the state, and in due course Europe was Christianised. As a consequence, Christians have often believed themselves to be a protected species, with special rights and privileges. It seems to me that we seem to have forgotten that we follow a crucified messiah, and that suffering for the Name of Christ is one of our highest privileges.

It may be tougher to be a devoted follower of Jesus these days, but fearlessly living for the glory of Jesus will point others to seek him.

Best wishes,

Richard

His Master's Voice

The HMV shops are going. Having been worth £1 billion 10 years ago, they are now in administration. Sad but inevitable. They clearly didn't listen carefully to the changing world of the music market. Shoppers will go elsewhere, and the world goes on.

But the HMV trademark image of the faithful dog, listening to 'His Master's Voice' from an ancient phonograph still speaks to me.

In a very different world, Jesus teaches us about an essential relationship between the Good Shepherd and his flock. 'But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” (John 10.2-5)

We live in a world with many conflicting voices, which often bring confusion and distraction to our lives. What should I do, when facing this issue? How should I behave and respond in these circumstances?

We all need clear and godly guidance on many pressing matters.

Jesus promises that as Good Shepherd, he both walks ahead of us and speaks to us, to ensure that we do not follow the wrong leaders. 

So today, I want to be a faithful sheep, which joyfully and completely follows His Master's Voice.

Will you pray that for yourself too? I am sure our Good Shepherd will delight to answer such a simple prayer.

Best wishes,

Richard

Style or Substance?

As I look out of the window, I see a light dusting of snow. It looks nice enough, but it is only a surface coating. Mostly style rather than substance.

In much of modern life (and maybe ancient life as well), we need to be aware of the important difference between style (appearance and surface qualities), and substance (what a person is). 

Jesus spoke of those who were just style, merely play acting (hypocrites), who were wolves in sheep's clothing. Our substance is what counts.

A friend of mine, who has had cancer for some time, in dying. We received an update last evening. His son, my godson, is returning from Taiwan as quickly as he can, as his father is declining very quickly. It is all very sad and difficult.

Jesus spoke wonderful words to his closest friends on the night before he was arrested. '“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14.1-4) These wonderful words teach us how we can safe and secure in the face of death.

All of us will face our own death, and the death of those closest to us. How will we cope?

What sort of faith in God do we have? Is it style or substance? 

How deeply and truly do we entrust ourselves into the safe hands of Jesus?

These are the sorts of questions we all need to face.

At the end of the email telling us of my friend, Jeremy's approaching death, we were reminded 'The good thing about all this is that Jeremy is very certain of his eternal future. He 'knows whom he has believed...' which is a great comfort to him, to Sally and to many friends.'

May your trust in Jesus be as deep and real as it needs to be. 

Get things clear before it is too late.

Best wishes,

Richard

Food Waste

Yesterday's report of the scale of food waste is astonishing. 

To know that  half the food grown and produced throughout the world gets wasted is a terrible fact. 

And all of us are part of the problem, either buying too much, or throwing it away, because it is 'past the sell by date' or for real reasons. No doubt much has been written about this already. And no doubt, all involved, from producers, supermarkets, and consumers are being exhorted to do better, and waste less. Certainly, I have seen advertising on the buses telling us not to waste so much food in Surrey .

But how about our spiritual food wastage?

When Jesus was in the wilderness, fasting, he was tempted by the Devil to turn stones into bread, and so satisfy his own hunger. His response to the Devil, taken straight from Deuteronomy, is startling in its profundity. But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4.4)

If it is true that true living only comes when we feed on 'every word that comes from the mouth of God', how is our diet? 

How much spiritual food are we eating? 

Are we feeding daily from God's word, or do we make do with occasional church attendance? 

Without food, there can be no life or growth or energy. 

Unlike some places in the world, we have easy access to printed Bibles and study guides, we are free to meet with other Christ-followers, and with digital media, we don't need to carry a book around with us. 

It couldn't be easier - except we have to give our time. 

That is the true challenge. We may be scripture rich, but time poor. But we all have choices to make.

My choice, for this day, is to make sure I take quality time to read, reflect and respond to God's word to me. What is yours?
Best wishes,

Richard

Star Man

Some may be worried about my mental state.

Apparently, David Bowie's song, Star Man, which came out in 1972, was thoroughly memorable. 

I wouldn't know, but someone was talking about it on the radio (wireless, to some!) this morning. 

But it prompted me to think of a way to describe Jesus.

We know he was born in poverty, in Bethlehem, had to go to Egypt as a refugee from Herod's tyranny, and that he lived and taught around Galilee and Jerusalem, from about 27AD to his early death in 30AD. 

In about 60AD, St. Paul writes a letter to his Christian friends in Colossae, from prison, and he has a most astonishing way to describe Jesus. 

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
    He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
¹⁶ for through him God created everything
    in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
    and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
    Everything was created through him and for him.
¹⁷ He existed before anything else,
    and he holds all creation together.
¹⁸ Christ is also the head of the church,
    which is his body.
He is the beginning,
    supreme over all who rise from the dead.
    So he is first in everything.
¹⁹ For God in all his fullness
    was pleased to live in Christ,
²⁰ and through him God reconciled
    everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
    by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. (Colossians 1.15-20)

This description of Jesus could blow our mind. He is the cosmic Christ who existed before time, and who was agent of creation, and who is now supreme over all things and head of the Church, is the One who has provided forgiveness for us, by his death on the cross.

Such a description of Jesus forces us to expand our own understanding of Jesus. Let us take time to reflect and allow this truth to seep reshape our own thinking about everything in our lives. He is not only the baby in the manger, or the man upon the cross. he is the Star Man and Cosmic Peacemaker.

If we face situations today where things appear to be falling apart, let us recall that he holds all creation together, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. 

Learning to live life trusting Jesus is what we are called to - but such a Jesus!!

Best wishes,

Richard

Pop singer releases new song!

I am not even a fan of David Bowie! But he has released a new song. 
"So what?", you may say!

Is it a big deal that a pop singer is releasing a new song?

But this morning's news is making a big fuss over the release of a new album today, his 66th birthday! 

This is because he is no ordinary pop star! For his fans, and others who care about such things, Bowie is more than a pop star. I will leave them to expand on this at their leisure.

For many people, in the aftermath of Christmas, it will be more interesting that Internet sales were up by 18% than the fact that God sent his son into the world. It's not a big deal that a 'special baby' was born 2000 years ago.

John's Gospel reminds us of the underwhelming response of most people to this event of cosmic and eternal significance. 'He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognise him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.' (John 1.10-11) It is remarkable that people like us can so easily miss the biggest event in the world's history, because we are so easily taken up with our own little lives. However, in the mercy of God, some people do notice what God has been doing. Why some notice and others don't is a mystery and puzzle to me. 'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.' (John 1.12-13)

All of us have to choose which side we want to be on - those who shrug at the birth of Jesus, and move on with our lives, or those whose lives get re-shaped and reborn, as children of the same God who sent Jesus for us all.

I am amazed that in God's mercy, I am a child of God. That makes all the difference to my everyday life. 

I am confident that Bowie's new song won't have that impact on me!

Best wishes,

Richard

New Year Hopes

David Cameron & Nick Clegg are starting the year with a re-affirmation of their coalition commitments. Reminding everyone of their plans and ideas is a good idea, as most of us are forgetful and grow cynical. Time will tell whether it is more than cosmetic. 

For St. Andrew's, this year is the Silver Jubilee of the opening of our building. We will be re-visiting the history of how Goldsworth Park, and our church building, developed. 

But our main target is to reach more people effectively, so that we see lives and communities transformed, as people encounter the reality of Jesus in their own experience. 

St. Paul, writing to his friends in Thessalonica, reminds them of how their lives were changed. 'When we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.' (1 Thessalonians 1.5) 

Following Paul's visit to their city, a number of people accepted Paul's preaching, and became Christians. This led to their being persecuted, but the transformation in their lives was obvious far and wide. So Paul reminds them of how their changed lives had an impact throughout the area. 'And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.' (1 Thessalonians 1.8-9)

Can you imagine this sort of thing happening on Goldsworth Park? 

My prayer is that this will happen because of the ministry and outreach of our church, and that many people will be amazed and astonished at the ways in which God brings hope and life to local people, as they learn to trust Jesus for themselves. Please join me in this dream.

Best wishes,

Richard