Independence

After yesterday's presentation from the Scottish Nationalist Party, the people of Scotland may be beginning to understand what talk of independence may mean. The details are complex and probably poorly understood by most. 

Those presenting the case for rejecting the independence view have a much easier job. Fear of the unknown will drive many to vote 'No' to the independence question.

As Margaret Thatcher famously said, when visiting West Berlin, 'When people are free to choose, they choose to be free'. Might this mean being free to choose to be independent?

The Bible tells the story of many people wanting to establish their own freedom from tyrants and foreign domination. 

Again and again, Jewish people were under the control of Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks or Romans. Their nationalistic aspirations were relentlessly crushed. And yet, perhaps surprisingly, their national identity was shaped by religious laws and cultural taboos. 

St. Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds them that Jesus has made it possible for us to find true freedom. 'So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.' (Galatians 5.1)

True freedom comes as we learn to break away from religious legalism, and learn to trust Christ to keep us in the right path. 

But that does not mean we can live independently from the good and loving rule of our Creator God. 

There were clearly some in the area of Galatia who thought freedom & independence meant they could live anyway they chose. 'For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Galatians 5.13-14)

Today, we have the opportunity to serve one another, not to be independent of one another. How will that show itself for you?
Best wishes,

Richard

Autumn Harvest

The apples in our garden are still ripening! 

In spite of my best efforts to see whether the apples on our tree are ready for picking, they seem to indicate that they would like to stay on the tree for a bit longer. 

I didn't know that some apples are not ripe until December, but there they are, looking red and shining, happy in their autumnal beauty. And these late ripening apples, one quarter of the whole harvest, remind me that people ripen at different rates too. 

Spiritual maturity isn't something that is determined by age. Something else needs to be going on.

St. Paul, in writing to the new Christians in Colossae, reminds them that developing fruitfulness is something we should expect. 'This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.' (Colossians 1.6)

At our Church Council meeting last evening, we spent some time, in pairs, looking at this verse and the life of our Church. We were looking for signs of fruitfulness, especially in changed lives. It was most encouraging to notice more children in Sunday School, more people coming to worship regularly, more activity in the Coffee Shop, and much else. Some are involved in the Growing Leaders course, and are finding that very helpful.

Because this is God's work, and he is able to bring about real life change even in people like us, we can be thankful to Him, and entrust ourselves to help us all to keep growing towards maturity.

What is the change which you would like God to bring about in your life? Pray for that, and look for ways to join Him in his work. It is never too late to grow towards maturity.

Best wishes,

Richard

Friends or Enemies?

The deal between Iran & the 'West & the Rest' has put the cat among the pigeons. While those involved are very pleased with themselves, both Israel & Saudi Arabia, unlikely bed-fellows, are annoyed with the US, with whom they thought they had a deep and lasting friendship. 

It looks surprisingly like a playground argument, even though we know the issues are much bigger. Friends are falling out and becoming enemies, while enemies look like they might become friends. We shall have to watch this space.

This reminds me of what is at the heart of the Christian understanding of the way that God deals with people like us.

He takes all the necessary steps to turn his enemies into his friends. He takes the initiative, and invites us to benefit from all He has done to change everything. 

St. Paul sets it out as follows. 

'God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.' (Romans 5.8-11)

Paul reminds us that the motivation for this astonishing process is the 'love which drew salvation's plan', as the old song goes! This love is not just some warm and tender feeling, but it leads to costly and sacrificial action. It is startling how often Paul focuses on the death of Jesus - sending Christ to die for us, the blood of Christ, the death of his Son. It will do us well, today and every day, to keep recalling that our new life in Christ comes at a great price. Therefore, today and every day, we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Best wishes,

Richard

What a Day!

Like many others, I recall where I was when I heard the news of the assassination of President Kennedy. In the immediate aftermath, we school boys thought it would lead to a World War, and annihilation.

Like many others, the death of CS Lewis passed me by at the time, though I knew of the Narnia books (my mother read them to us), and had had to read Mere Christianity at school. In the years since, I have come to love his wisdom and clarity.

Looking back 50 years is quite shocking in many respects. 

The world has changed hugely, and many of the fears from those days are thankfully past. The Soviet block has gone, and China is much more open. But the instability in the Muslim world brings plenty of reasons for concern.

How can we face such a changing and fear-inducing world with responsible living? 

Again and again, I find myself drawn to the Psalms, where the writers and poets reflect on their world in the light of their faith in God. 

'Lord, through all the generations
    you have been our home! 
Before the mountains were born,
    before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
    from beginning to end, you are God.' (Psalm 90.1-2)

This Psalm was turned into the hymn, 'O God our help in ages past', by Isaac Watts, which we always sing at Remembrance Sunday.

'Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him. 
For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease. 
He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armour and protection.' (Psalm 91.1-4)

We do well to recall that God is God, 'through all the changing scenes of life' (which is another favourite hymn, written by Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 34).

Today, I go forth into the day trusting the God who made me and has good purposes for me. That makes all the difference.

Best wishes,

Richard

Gettysberg 150

Abraham Lincoln's short speech, known as the Gettysberg Address, was spoken 150 years ago today. After the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, his speech set out the path for the future unity and democracy of the United States. Again and again, since then, politicians and citizens from around the world have reflected on what he said.

Followers of Jesus and those interested in what he said have reflected on his famous words, especially those that seem to set the agenda for our actions and thoughts. 

In the synagogue on Nazareth, Jesus set out his own agenda, which have become formative for his followers. 'When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, 

that the blind will see, 

that the oppressed will be set free, 

and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.” 

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4.16-21) 

Jesus clearly saw himself as the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises of God's activity to bring change and hope to a broken and hopeless world.

The rest of the Gospel sets out how Jesus engaged with his contemporaries, and how some accepted his invitation, and how some rejected it.

We live in a similar world, and the medicine of the Good News is still needed by those we meet today.

It is startling to think that every generation needs to hear, understand and respond positively to the words of Jesus, for the history itself will not bring about the changes we need.

The same is true, of course, of Abraham Lincoln's words. Great historical oratory needs to be applied and followed in each generation. Otherwise, why bother to remember it?

Best wishes,

Richard

Legacy Issues

Those planning and delivering the London Olympics and Paralympics always hoped that there would be a great legacy from their efforts. A committee of members of the House of Lords wonders whether their dreams will be fulfilled.

It is much easier to talk about making profound changes in the ways the general public might engage with sport at all levels than it is to make it happen. 

We know that from our own lives. 

We may resolve to go to the gym, or to walk more often, or to use the bike, but I wonder what the reality is. For myself, I only seem to manage to go swimming twice a week, which is fewer times than I would like.

Translating words and dreams into action is a struggle we all live with. How can we be changed? 

What legacy will there be from those of us who seek to follow Christ?

It is striking that St. Paul often reminds the young churches to which he writes his letters that God is in the business of changing lives. 

In his letter to the young church in Colossae, Paul says, 'The Good News is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. 

...... the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. 

The way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.' (edited highlights from Colossians 1.6-10)

As we grow to know Jesus better, and learn to live as people of faith shown in active obedience, we will be changed by God. Paul repeatedly uses the idea of fruit growing - which takes months and years to happen. The fruit of Christ-like lives is the legacy that we should expect to see in our lives - in ordinary acts of kindness and patience, mercy and courage.

Best wishes,

Richard

Rebuilding Lives

News stories from the Philippines reveals the extent of the damage and destruction following the typhoon. Whole communities look like so many matchsticks, with people climbing over piles of shattered houses. It will take time to rebuild both homes and lives after the devastating power of this storm.

Friends at Tearfund continue to encourage us to give what we can to enable them to play their part in meeting the needs both for immediate relief and longer-term reconstruction. See the latest link.  http://www.tearfund.org/en/news/philippines_typhoon/

More locally, there are plans drawn up by Woking Borough Council to rebuild the Lakeview Social Centre. Over the last 9 years or so, this centre has been the base for community-building activities, such as youth clubs, toddler groups, IT classes and much else. The new plans propose a two-storey building which will be able to accommodate far more community-building activities. People's lives have already been transformed and rebuilt through what has happened in the past. But we want to do more and better.

In order to get as much local support as possible for this project, the Lakeview Community Action Group, of which I am the Chairman, is planning to deliver a letter to every household on Lakeview, starting tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. Please join us if you can.

As we know, St. Andrew's Church is about rebuilding the lives of people caught up in the storms of life. It is wonderful to see what God has been doing in recent months.

I often recall the words of Jesus. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)

In my life, and in the lives of many that I know, Jesus has brought rest, refreshment and renewed life and hope. Each of us needs to be restored and rebuilt, so that we can play our part in rebuilding the lives of those around us. 

Best wishes,

Richard

Face to Face

It is great that these days there are so many options for keeping in touch with assorted friends and family members. Facebook, Twitter, texting, phoning, speaking, writing letters and much else.

When my father was far from home, in the 1920s, working in Saigon, a letter back home would take 6 weeks, and the reply another 6 weeks! But that was much quicker than in previous generations.

Using Skype to chat with assorted far flung friends has been so much better - and cheaper - that using the normal phones, because we can see each other. That adds another level of communication.

In a startling description, it is said that Moses spoke with the Lord, face to face. 'Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.' (Exodus 33.11)

This suggests a wonderful level of both familiarity in their relationship, but also a deep trust and a sense of being deeply known. 

Indeed, the next part of the story has Moses in a probing exploration of how this friendship with the Lord was going to show itself in experience. Moses was not content just to keep his relationship shallow and trivial. He wanted to know the Lord deeply. 'One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favourably on you.’ If it is true that you look favourably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favour. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” 

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” (Exodus 33.12-14)

I long to have this sort of deep and trusting relationship with the Lord, and I often imagine myself talking face to face with Him. I need to listen to His words, through Scripture and reflection, and I need also to probe whether my ideas and plans, hopes and dreams are in line with His will and way. 

But that is how good conversations with trusted friends go.

Best wishes,

Richard

Philippines Appeal

A group of leading UK aid charities launches an appeal to help victims of the devastating Philippines typhoon Haiyan. 

As the rescue operation gets going, both the scale of the destruction, and the numbers killed, will shock and astonish us.

I heard on the news this morning an estimate of 10,000 people killed, but that number will rise, I imagine.

What can we do to help?

As a Church, we already support the work of Tearfund, and they are involved in providing relief for this disaster. See the link to their website, and give directly in that way. http://www.tearfund.org/en/news/philippines_typhoon/

Why should we give? Because that is what Christians do, in the face of need. 'Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?' (James 2.15-16)

We are people who have resources, and so we have the opportunity to make a difference, through partnership with those on the ground, like Tearfund.

St. Paul's closing remarks to Timothy are clear. 'Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.' (1 Timothy 6.17-19)

God has entrusted us with money and opportunities to be generous with what we have. Instead of thinking first of our own comfort and convenience, we have the opportunity to respond generously to this particular need. Please consider what your response might be.

Some may wonder why I am encouraging giving money to this particular appeal, when at St. Andrew's we also have an appeal to raise £40,000. 

Again, St. Paul has an fascinating insight into how generosity becomes infectious! 'Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Corinthians 9.6-8)

As we seek God's glory in facing a time with many needs, I believe He will enable us to be far more generous that we had imagined, and others will be blessed.

Best wishes,

Richard

The First, the Rest and the Best

My apple tree is most interesting, in several respects.

First, it didn't cost us anything, as it came as a free offer after we drank several bottles of apple juice! And as many of you know, I love free offers.

Then I learned that it produces enormous apples, in relatively small quantities.

This year, which is its fourth fruiting year, 12 or 13 apples have made it to maturity.

About 8 weeks ago, having tested whether any was ready to pick, the stalk of one apple gave way, and I shared the huge fruit with Betty.

Last week, a second one was ready for picking.

But the rest are still on the tree, with stalks that are strong, and the apples are getting redder & redder, and looking more wonderful every day.

But having had the first of the harvest, I am confident that the rest will be fine.

Which takes me to an astonishing observation from St. Paul.

'Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.' (1 Corinthians 15.22-23)

Paul knows that our mortality, which goes back to our human origins, is something we cannot escape. However, because Jesus died and rose again, and that was well known, even in Corinth, that has major implications for us with our own mortality.

Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

Now I don't know when Jesus will come back, but if you or I die before that grand finale, we can be completely confident that our own resurrection is assured by Jesus' resurrection. The best of it is that the rest of us will receive transformed, immortal bodies, in which everything works perfectly, and nothing ever wears out.

The first apple from the tree demonstrates that the harvest is healthy and the rest will follow. And that is the best news we could have on any wet Monday you may like to choose!

Best wishes,

Richard

Power Cuts?

We may be facing regular power cuts this winter, so warns one of the power companies. 

I recall the dark days of the '3 day week' of the early 1970s, and the effects of the miners' strikes. But these days we use far more power to heat and light our homes, with so many gadgets to keep us entertained and warmed.

Could we cope?

But of course there is a different sort of power cut which we may experience, when we are not effectively connected to the life and power of God. 

Jesus reminded us of this in graphic terms. 'Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.' (John 15.4)

I am daily reminded that unless I keep close to Jesus, it is impossible for me to develop the character and values of Jesus in my life, and I am bound to fail.

But when I am allowing Jesus to shape me and direct, teach and lead me, then in place of impatience and self-serving nastiness, He can grow his life in mine. 

We sometimes assume that we need to be strong to be useful for Jesus. Paradoxically, the weaker we are, the more He can do his work in us. 

St. Paul learned that lesson in the only way we can - through times of trouble. 'Three different times I begged the Lord to take away my thorn in the flesh. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.' (2 Corinthians 12.8-10)

Today, we can all make sure we keep close to Jesus, and discover his power and life in us. Our weakness is not going to be a trouble. Our being being connected is.

Best wishes,

Richard

Climate Changes

Fireworks and bonfires at this time in the year often contribute to foggy mornings and problems with people's breathing. 

As we know, there has been much discussion about energy bills and the need to reduce carbon emissions. All of this is in the context of the debate about what to do to reduce the effects of climate change. We obviously don't want more storms, floods, droughts, famines and rising sea levels. But we also don't like being expensively cold, and having to pay huge sums for our travelling habits. Whatever we do, we seem to be stuck with consequences which we cannot wish away.

St. Paul reflects on the state of creation, stuck in a situation that seems hopeless. 'For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8.19-22)

Paul sees the troubles in creation as part and parcel with human behaviour. Put simply, nothing works perfectly, everything is flawed, and we are all caught up in the groaning of creation. We know for sure that human activity is directly responsible for chopping down rain forests and destroying habitats. The deeper truth is that our behaviour and selfishness is at the root of the problems facing the whole human community.

But there is hope, in God's plan of rescue, both for our world and for the people in it. The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. As children of God, we can start to live the life of the future now, taking responsibility for our actions, and ready to play our part in bringing the change we wish to see in others.

Best wishes,

Richard

Remember, Remember

King James I came close to going up in smoke on this day in 1605. 

The plot to assassinate him and his Council, in the House of Lords has been remembered ever since with bonfires and fireworks. What most of us have largely forgotten is anything else significant about King James and his times. 

He was Queen Elizabeth's successor on the English throne, though he was Scottish. He believed that he had a divine right to rule in the way he thought best, which made him extraordinarily arrogant. 

His shabby dealings with Parliament started the process which led, in his son's time, to the particularly brutal and bloody Civil War. But more than that I hardly know.

So I have started re-reading about that formative period of our history, because I know so little about why we are as we are. 

I realise that it is impossible for me to remember what I never knew, so I am trying to fill those gaps.

The same applies to my remembering the significant history of the development of the Christian faith, historically and in our own times. 

That is why I keep reading and studying. It feeds my mind and my heart, and helps to keep my faith fresh.

St. Paul was a great teacher and pastor to the churches which he had planted. As he writes to the problem-soaked church in Corinth, he returns to their foundational story. 'Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. ' (1 Corinthians 15.1-4)

It is striking that Paul reminds his friends that this Good News, about the death and resurrection of Jesus, has the power of God to save us from our sins, and give us a fresh start.

Nothing else is as important for us first to know and then to remember. so that we can continue to stand firm in what we believe. Without remembering, we shall be swept away with whatever latest thought or fashion has come in on the tide of time.

What steps are you taking to remember the foundations of your faith in Jesus?

Best wishes,

Richard

The European Question

Should Britain continue in the European Union? 

UKIP and others say 'No!' 

David Cameron seems to be sitting uncomfortably on the fence.

Today, the CBI has stated the case in favour. 

Apparently, if their research and analysis is to be believed, the benefits of membership far outweigh the costs.

Obviously, our history and Europe's history have been intertwined for thousands of years. Our links and our differences have shaped us on both sides of the Channel. But our shared history has had an astonishing impact on the rest of the world. It was the European nations, for instance, which took the lead in colonising the rest of the world, with all the good and bad that has flowed from that enterprise.

St. Paul faced the European question while on his second missionary journey. Following his initial travels in what is now south east Turkey, he set off again, travelling north west, and finds himself at the port of Troas. Then something astonishing happens. 'That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.' (Acts 16.9-12)

For Paul and his colleagues, going from east to west meant they were going towards the very centre of the Roman Empire, and the perceived source of all their hardships. But by taking the Gospel into the heart of the Roman empire, they were also bringing the light of Christ into the heart of darkness. For them, the European Question was one of whether Caesar is Lord, or whether Jesus is Lord.

We face the same question. 

Are we prepared to get involved in our own culture and communities, in the name of Jesus, in order to bring his light, hope and love to those who are in darkness, fear and brokenness?

We can try to keep ourselves separate and safe, but we would then fail to make a difference in the name of Jesus.

I am so grateful to those who took the time and trouble to help me, and others like me, to understand and experience the love of Jesus. It seems to me this is the only way to live. Do you agree?
Best wishes,

Richard

The Morning After . . .

In the run up to Christmas, now less than 8 weeks away, Halloween seems to be the last big commercial opportunity before the Big One. 

Many children, of all ages, will have been dressed up as spooks and zombies, and many teeth will have been further rotted by the high sugar contents of most of the treats even more. In time, with very poor teeth, those children will even begin to look like the monsters they are imitating! How sad. But that was last night.

Today, the Morning after, is All Saints Day, a brilliant reminder of all those, across the centuries and from all cultures who have lived and died as faithful servants of God, as He is revealed in Jesus. God has a very BIG PLAN, which is working out according to plan.

John's Revelation shows what this looks like, from heaven's perspective. 'After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7.9-10)

It is so exciting, from where we are now standing, to see that this vision from nearly 2000 years ago, has become a reality. 

When John was writing, the Christians community was largely Jewish, with believing people from other nations from the fringes of the Mediterranean Sea also being part of the family of faith. 

But now, there really are people from tribes, cultures and languages from all around the world joining in worship of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose death brings us forgiveness and life. 

As the writer to the Hebrews pointed out, 'Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.' (Hebrews 11.1)

At a personal level, I recall that it was 20 years ago today that I was instituted, inducted and installed as Vicar of Goldsworth Park. As Betty & I look back, we see that God has been very good to us, and we thank Him.

It is a great privilege to part of His world-wide family. Thank you, Lord.

Best wishes,

Richard