Working Benefits

George Osborn will announce today, so we are told, that some people 'out of work' will have to work to gain their benefits. This change is designed in order to break the perceived 'something for nothing' culture.

In many areas of life, there are benefits from working at something. 

Marriages benefit when both parties are prepared to work at their difficulties, rather than just argue and fight. And we could all add many other ways in which some form of work has a benefit - such as remedial exercises for those recovering from a heart attack.

In our relationship with God through trust Jesus, the same principle applies. 

St. Paul, to his friends in Philippi, sets out the two sides of the relationship. First, he focuses on God's work in us. 'And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.' (Philippians 1.6)

It is striking that Paul twice mentions the work that God is doing in our lives. It all starts and finishes with Him.

But we have a part to play as well. 'Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.' (Philippians 2.12)

In this hard work, which Paul challenges us to undertake, there are wonderful benefits, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. So Paul reminds us again that we have a working partnership with the God who made the universe. This brings us great benefits. 'For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.13)

So I must ask whether you are working at developing your own Christian life? Today is a good day to make a fresh commitment to partner with God in his work in you.

Best wishes,

Richard

Superpower?

Is the USA the only global superpower?

Since the collapse of the USSR, it has been assumed that the USA is alone at the top of the pile. But the rise of China begins to make that question relevant. But recent events in Syria and elsewhere have shown that agreements are still needed if progress is to be made between the nations of the world. 

But I am reminded of the battle between good and evil, as portrayed in the Bible. Is it a battle between equals or is there a genuine superpower?

James writes to his Christian friends, in a very direct way. 

'So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.' (James 4.7-8a)

For people who have chosen to place their lives in the hands of God, and who choose, daily, to humble ourselves before God - acknowledging his supremacy in our lives - the battle against evil comes down to choosing to resist Satan's appeals. The result will be - whether immediately or after considerable inner struggle - a victory, because of the overwhelming power of God.

So today, I go out remembering that I am linked to the only true superpower in the universe, and I am on the winning side.

That is good news, and a great relief!

Best wishes,

Richard

The Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad wrote a book, Heart of Darkness, which I haven't yet read! But it tells a gripping story of evil and destruction, and unveils the human condition in all its depravity.

In our very different setting, darkness has been coming my way these last few days. As well as the world events in Kenya and Pakistan, and much else besides, there have been family battles, lives ruined by alcohol and drugs, and friendships destroyed by deceit and ridiculous arguments. Darkness seems to be doing very well.

But I am reminded again of the great promises from Isaiah. 'The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. 

The government will rest on his shoulders. 

And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

His government and its peace will never end.' (Isaiah 9.2,6-7)

So today, I am thanking the Lord God Almighty for sending Jesus into our dark and troubled world, and I pray that I and other will be able to bring hope to the hopeless, love to the loveless and light to all in darkness.

That might change their world, so that they too discover the Light of the World for themselves.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Enemy

I was with a group of our church members last evening, who were talking of the problems they have had with others from their families, particularly since they chose to follow Jesus. It sounded like a war zone.

While the Kenyan authorities work to regain control of the Westgate shopping centre, much interest has been focused on al-Shabab. Who are they, and what do they want, and so on.

It has long been important to know more about 'the enemy', in order to be able to counter their attempts to bring ruin and destruction. Hence, the countless books and articles on various faces of Islam, and the relentless anti-foreigner rhetoric from this government and many of our newspapers and other media. 

There clearly are groups within the Muslim world that are bad for all sorts of societies, and we need to be aware of them. But to tar all Muslims with the same brush is unhelpful and runs counter to the call of Jesus for us to 'love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us'.

And when there are struggles and arguments within our families and communities, it might be tempting to fight fire with fire, and to descend into angry shouting.

St. Paul, in writing to his friends in Ephesus, which was a very cosmopolitan and pagan city, tells them who they are fighting against. 'A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.' (Ephesians 6.10-13)

We do have a spiritual enemy, whose intention is to drag us down, to divert us from our calling, and to destroy our love for Jesus, and our unity with one another. And yet we have overwhelming resources to deal with this powerful spiritual attack, because we have God on our side, and his armour - the all-sufficient character and life of Jesus around us and within - will enable us to stand firm when we are under pressure.

So let us not develop unhealthy attitudes to those who attack us - whether family members or others who may have violence in mind.

Let us entrust ourselves to Jesus, and shine for him, wearing his armour.

Best wishes,

Richard

"Love Wins!"

It has been a bad weekend for those hoping for a simple and quiet life.

The outrages in the Nairobi Shopping Centre, in Kenya, and the suicide bombers at All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, have killed many and shaken many more. And many of those killed have been Christians.

I was at a conference over the weekend, bringing together people from many cultures, seeking to respond positively to Muslim people in Britain. One of the delegates has family in Peshawar, and he discovered that 4 of his wider family were killed in yesterday's attack. We prayed for him and his family, and for the beleaguered Christian community in Pakistan. 

But how do we respond in the face of these terrible events? 

How do we react to the hatred and violence of others? 

What would Jesus do? 

What might it mean to imitate God?

St. Paul had to face just these sorts of questions, as he was nearly killed many times, and himself been a persecutor and aggressor towards Christians. 

'Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (Romans 8.35-37)

At our conference, as we shared Holy Communion together yesterday, we were reminded that because Jesus' body was broken for us, our brokenness can be healed, and our own lives can be mended. 

The job isn't finished yet, but the resurrection of Jesus tells us without a shadow of doubt that, at the end of everything, "Love Wins!" 

Or as St. Paul put it, '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. 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)

And this Good News is worth sharing with our friends and neighbours. 

So we can invite many to join us this coming Sunday, as it is 'Back to Church Sunday'. 

Pray that people will come and discover that 'Love Wins!'

Best wishes,

Richard

Waiting

I have just written a very forceful email to an organisation who have delayed dealing with a long-running issue, to encourage them to get a grip on the situation.

But I guess many of us have to face 'waiting lists', or delays, and when we don't know why the delay is taking place, we get frustrated.

Having been stuck, as usual, on the M25 near the M3 junction yesterday, we were not surprised. That is what happens there!

The Bible is full of people who are waiting for God to take some action or other. 

The Psalmist is very vocal in such situations. He is not going to grin and bear it. He tells the Lord how bad it all feels. 

'O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?

How long will you look the other way? 

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, 

with sorrow in my heart every day? 

How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! 

Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” 

Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.' (Psalm 13.1-4)

In the midst of his anguish and despair, it is to God that he speaks and cries out. He in not trying to put a brave face on it, or to pretend that all is well. he knows he needs the Lord to act in one way or another. Mercifully, in this Psalm at least, the waiting is at last over, and he can look back to see that the Lord had been good to him.

'But I trust in your unfailing love. 

I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 

I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.' (Psalm 13.5-6)

But what do we do when there seems to be no end to our waiting? 

The prophet Habakkuk faces this issue head on, at the end of his prophetic words. 

'Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

    and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
    He makes me as sure-footed as a deer,
    able to tread upon the heights.' (Habakkuk 3.17-19)

With our focus on the God in whom we trust, even when the evidence is not visible, is how the people of faith, in Old & New Testaments, face the waiting times.

That is a good lesson for me.

Best wishes,

Richard

Hungry People

Nick Clegg's announcement yesterday about free school meals for all at infant schools indicates that many children are hungry when they arrive at school. Their hunger makes learning difficult.

More and more people are turning to local foodbanks in order to provide meals for their hungry families. While some in Government don't seem to understand the impact of their trumpeted welfare reforms, local authorities and local communities are responding by establishing foodbanks. The Woking Foodbank will be running by the start of next year.

An important meeting takes place this evening. I am copying further details. Please attend if you can. 

An introductory event is taking place on 17th September 2013 at 7.30pm at The Lighthouse, 8-10 High Street, Woking GU21 6BG (where the intial base will be located) to explain our plans to start the service in January 2014, with volunteer recruitment and food collection starting from Sept/Oct. 

We now have a temporary website with some very basic information to provide an update www.wokingfoodbank.org.uk

The Bible tells the story of hungry people, often grumbling about their lack of food.

Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.' (Deuteronomy 8.2-3)

The wandering Israelites were allowed, so we learn here, to go hungry, in order to teach them to trust God for his provision. 

When Jesus was in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil, after 40 days of fasting, this story is the key to his own response. 'For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4.2-4)

In our food obsessed culture, we can easily believe that our happiness and well-being will depend on the food we eat. But the deeper hunger, which God alone can meet, needs to be addressed. Otherwise, we will remain hungry people, trying to fill a gaping hole with the wrong stuff. 

What steps are you taking to nourish your soul today?
Best wishes,

Richard

Right Way Up?

The brilliant salvage engineers working on the stricken cruise liner, the Costa Concordia, have done it! The ship, so long stranded and ruined, is now at least the right way up, and ready for its trip to final destruction!

The Pope has been given a replacement car. It is a 20 year old Renault 4 with 190,000 miles on the clock. He will be driving himself around in this, as a clear statement that flash and wealth are dangerous idols. Too many people are idol worshippers, and their cars are one of their chief idols.

Maybe the Pope has shown which is the right way up.

The earliest Christians were ready to challenge the accepted values of their day. When arrested, as trouble makers, it was their values and behaviour which were highlighted. '“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.' (Acts 17.6) 

Some may wonder whether following Jesus requires us to be turned upside down. The answer is that where our values are not in line with His way, He requires us to be ready to be changed - so that we are the right way up.

When Jesus called people to follow him, he called them to leave behind their old way of life, and to live life the right way up.

The fishermen did that, as did many others. But some refused Jesus challenge, such as the very rich young man. To make the point more clearly, Jesus concluded his comments to his disciples with these words. '“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.' (Mark 10.29-30)

These wonderful words remind us that being the right way up has both present blessings and future certainty. Lets make sure we are the right way up today.

Best wishes,

Richard

Love Works!

'Love works!'

What an odd thing to say! 

We don't normally think of love as 'working'. We mostly have a much more romantic view of what love is. Having been at a wedding on Saturday, where there was much singing and talking about love, it seems it is rare to think of love working.

But the Bible tells the story of God's love bringing change to the lives of people and communities.

St. John, writing to a group of Christians about their actions towards one another, starts with God's actions towards us.'God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.' (1 John 4.9,10)

The sacrifice of Jesus, in dying on the cross for us, is the means by which God makes eternal life available to us. In that sense, the love of God is both the motive and the means for changing our lives. So we can see that 'love works'.

And the story continues. 'Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.' (1 John 4.11-12)

Here, we see that love shown by us is the manner by which God's character and concerns become visible.

The invisible God is made visible for people around us when we show sacrificing love for one another. In our acts of costly care for one another, and our family-style relationship with one another, God is shown and seen. And so 'love works'.

Today, we all have the opportunity to live as Jesus would live, and so show God's love to those around us. What a privilege.

Best wishes,

Richard

A Long Way from Home

The Voyager spacecraft has finally left our Solar System, and is travelling into the space between stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way. It is taking with it messages from Jimmy Carter, who was the US President, and assorted stuff that was around in 1977. It has travelled 12 billion miles, and radio signals take 17 hours to go the distance. That is a long way from home!

The Bible tells many stories about people who are a long way from home.

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. David had to run from a murderous King Saul for years, and couldn't live at home. Ezekiel and many others experienced exile in Babylon for 2 or 3 generations. Jesus told stories of people who had become lost.

Most famous of those stories was about the man who had 2 sons, both of them a long way from home, though in different ways. 

As we know, the younger one returned, and was welcomed by his father. '“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.'(Luke 15.20-24) 

This is where we usually finish our reading or sermons. 

But Jesus had more to say about being a long way from home, because the very people who were listening to the story, the religious and moral arbitrators of the day, showed the same attitude. 'Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!' (Luke 15.1-2)

The irony is that he older brother, while living in the home, had no relationship of love and trust with his father. He too was a long way from home. He is angry at his father's generous welcome, and clearly despises his father's attitude. '“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ (Luke 15.28-30)

We can easily recognise the obviously wayward and destructive lifestyles of the younger brother, and think that today's versions of such people are clearly a long way from God and the home for which we were created.

But we find it much harder to realise that the self-righteous attitudes of those who think they are doing OK is itself a proof of their being along way from home.

When we live close to home, with our Heavenly Father's love and mercy deeply ingrained in our very being, then we shall be generous as the father in the story. But when we start being critical of those who struggle with life's challenges, we are showing evidence that we have drifted a long way from home. Time to listen to Simon & Garfunkel singing 'Homeward Bound!'

Best wishes,

Richard

'All Shall be Well'

In the context of the troubled world we are in, you may think my title is ludicrous. While songs may tell us 'Always look on the bright side' or 'Things can only get better', real life seems only to get worse. 

The quotation comes from nameless woman, who became known as Julian of Norwich. She lived in Norwich in the late 14th and early 15th Centuries, and became a hermit in the church of St. Julian - hence her name. 

But she lived in troubled times, when plagues killed many, and when life was very hard. After a severe illness, she had visions of Jesus and was overwhelmed by the sense of his love and compassion. She wrote about it in 'The Revelations of Divine Love', and her work has been studied by many. The most famous theme is often repeated. TS Eliot quotes her, in one of his poems, "And all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well".

It may seem a lovely idea, but is it what Christians believe?

The answer is a resounding "Yes!".

St. Paul wrote to his friends in Rome, when life was very hard, and in the context of Christians being persecuted, and facing real suffering, 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters.' (Romans 8.28-29)

At the heart of Paul's conviction about 'all shall be well' is his grasp of the goodness and purposes of God. 

Because God is supreme over all things, he is able to cause everything to work out - in the light of eternity and in the context of our present existence - so that committed Christ-followers are becoming more and more like Jesus. As Paul says, 'For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. 

In practice, this means that today we can co-operate with God's purposes, so that our characters and behaviour are changed little by little to become more like the life of Jesus.

In practice, this also means that God can and will use tough times to do his deepest work in us. But we need to know that this is  for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

The Lord Jesus asks us to trust him not only with our eternal destiny, but with our present troubles. 

So I have to look at him dying for me to know that he loves me and longs for my good. That brings great comfort.

Best wishes,

Richard

Pulling Together or Apart?

What is going to happen to Syria?

Will the USA and Russia manage to pull together, to bring a good outcome?

Can the Labour Party and the Unions pull together, or will they pull apart?

And what about families in crisis in our area? Is there hope of healing and a good future for those who are wrecking each other?

These questions go round my head in the dark hours.

At root, they all address deep seated issues of conflict and possible ways to bring good out of evil and life out of death.

Of course, in the ministry of Jesus, he constantly addressed impossible situations, and brought healing and hope, life and love. I often reflect on the time he was met by 10 men with a terrible skin condition. 'As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.' (Luke 17.11-14)

It is striking that this event took place where Galilee and Samaria met - where communities were separated and divided. The group that spent their time together was a mixed group, for one was a Samaritan, brought together by their shared affliction. But Jesus doesn't give selective care to this group. They are all told to go to the priests, united in their need. But what strikes me most is the last comment - as they went, they were cleansed.

Jesus gave an instruction, which they all followed. They were pulling together. The result was they were all cleansed and healed. In this way, they were all contributing to their own restoration, because they all followed the instruction of Jesus.

Many of us see the same thing happening around us, as together we follow Jesus, and his directions for our lives. As we go on this journey, we too are cleansed and healed. Pulling together is the was forward.

If we stood still, demanding that Jesus do what we want, we would never find wholeness. Refusing to be changed is the way to be pulled apart.

I think this principle applies to most of the troubles and conflicts we see around us and within. Do you think this is true? Which route are you taking?
Best wishes,

Richard

Active Citizens

Can ordinary active citizens make a difference?

The government's Big Society idea has been hoping that they can. The idea is that ordinary members of the public will play their part in being active citizens, working as volunteers and being good neighbours within their communities.

It is a great idea, and has a surprising number of roots in the New Testament! 

When Jesus was asked what it meant, in practice, to 'love your neighbour as yourself', he told the story of the Good Samaritan. '“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10.36-37)

St. Paul reminds his friends that ordinary Christians can make a difference in their communities, because they have been changed by becoming followers of Jesus and children of God. ' 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)

As followers of Jesus, we have become citizens of heaven, living under the authority of our King Jesus. So we don't quite fit in our culture, where people are living to different standards. 'Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world.' (1 Peter 2.11-12)

That is our challenge for today and every day, to live the life of heaven on earth, and to pray, 'Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'.

Best wishes,

Richard

Acorns again!

A friend was trying to explain to a young child that enormous oak trees grow from acorns. The child found that thought completely unbelievable. Had the child known about Victor Meldrew, she might have said "I don't believe it!"

But as we know, that is what happens. Acorns grow into large 200 year old oak trees!

Which is a great reminder for people like me, when I wonder whether God can do great things through ordinary people like us. But Jesus was quite clear. Small seeds grow to produce great results. 

'Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13.31-32)

Today, we shall all have the chance to do some small actions, which grow from our faith and trust in Jesus. We may think they will come to nothing. But Jesus reminds us the unbelievable results can grow from faithful living and speaking, because the source of the transformation is God's power not our human effort. While we remember that, we can leave the stress behind, and watch God's miracles happen around us.

So what acorns are you going to plant today?
Best wishes,

Richard

Bumper Harvest!

My eyes have not been deceiving me.

It is official! There are loads of acorns on the oak trees this year. 

Apparently, every so often, trees such as oak, beech, sweet chestnut and hazel produce a bumper harvest. This year is one such.

Scientists are not sure why this seems to happen, but it may be to ensure that there are better chances that at least some of the acorns, beech nuts, chestnuts and hazels will grow to maturity, so that the species survives. 

At the Vicarage, with our 15 oak trees, this means we shall be submerged beneath acorns. Anyone want some?

Jesus spoke of a bumper harvest, in his famous parable of the sower (or the soils).

Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.8-9)

And as his disciples hadn't really understood what he meant in this fascinating parable, he explained it all. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4.20)

The key to being fruitful, and producing a bumper harvest in our lives goes to the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus - those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest.

So in the rush and bustle of this day - term starts for many, pressures on every side - I need to take time to read, reflect and respond to God's word to me and through me. Then all my activity will be fruitful. Without that time for reflecting and responding, all the frantic activity will be fruitless. What a waste!

Which will be true for you?
Best wishes,

Richard

Rescuing the Lost

I rescued a frog this morning!

As I drove the car from our garage this morning, before going swimming, I spotted a frightened frog, trying to hide in the dark corners of the garage.

I guess he had sought refuge there overnight, but during the day, if he stayed in the garage, he might well get squashed. He needed to be rescued!

So, I was able to catch him, and then return him to some nice undergrowth, where he could find plenty to eat, and at least survive another few days. I guess he knows where to find water too.

But in the garage, he was lost. I hope my action has helped to rescue him.

Jesus was often criticised by the religious and respectable people of his day, because he spent so much time with the marginalised and wrecked people in his neighbourhood. His didn't apologise for spending so much time with the lost people he encountered. He defended his approach robustly. 'For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19.10)

I am so glad that rescuing the lost was Jesus' priority in his ministry, because it has meant that people like me, who were far from God, and who didn't know why I was alive, or what was the purpose of life, might be rescued and found. 

To know Jesus' love and mercy, forgiveness and new life has transformed my life and countless others that I know.

So today, having rescued a frog, I look forward to carrying on with the ministry of Jesus, as I encounter people lost in countless different ways. Are you going to do that too?
Best wishes,

Richard

Finishing Well

Usain Bolt is well known as a 'slow starter'! He doesn't explode out of the blocks, like some shorter sprinters. But he does usually finish well, ahead of the field.

This week sees many schools starting again, and this affects the lives of many children, young people and their families, and all those whose work connects with them. 

Everyone will be hoping that term starts well, and there is an inevitable nervousness about the need for a good start. 

But a difficult start may not be the disaster we imagine. 

Finishing well is more important.

St. Paul was aware of the way in which Jesus finished well, and he contrasts that with what happened before.

'Though he was God, 

he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; 

he took the humble position of a slave 

and was born as a human being. 

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God 

and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour 

and gave him the name above all other names, 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2.5-11)

Within our culture, there is a great pressure to be seen to be doing well, and to be on top of the pile. But this was not how Jesus lived. He was content to be ignored and despised. He lived out his life of active service of others, in line with the will of God. He took it all the way to dying for people like us. That didn't look very impressive. But that wasn't the end of the story, as we know. 

But the ending delivered by God changed all of that. 

We can know a quiet confidence today that the same God who raised Jesus from shame to glory, from death to life, is at work in and through us, as we lay our lives before him, and bow the knee to Jesus, and confess him as our Lord and leader.

Then we too will finish well.

Best wishes,

Richard