Suspicious Activity

My email provider has detected that someone from Sao Paulo, in Brazil, tried to use my email account (at 2am!). Clearly, someone has discovered my email password, and has tried to pretend to be me (for some reason).

So I have had to change my password. 

Maybe I should change it again, to keep ahead of the same crew, who are presumably trying to find out my new one.

Protecting ourselves from those who would do us harm on the internet seems to be increasingly difficult. 

But as has been said, by Leonard Courtney, 'the price of peace is eternal vigilance'. With internet vigilance brings peace of a sort, which then leads to security and freedom from attack.

St. Paul reminded his friends of the same matter, when it comes to our battles in the spiritual realm.

' 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. . . . . (all the other pieces of the armour of God.)

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.' (Ephesians 6.10-13, 18)

Every day, and throughout every day, we have a spiritual foe, who is determined to distract, divert and destroy us. When we forget that, we are particularly vulnerable to attack.

Paul described all the various items of a Roman soldier's armour, and showed how Christians can learn from the outside world how to be protected by God's power and presence all the time.

I am therefore reminded that I must take time to be well protected, as I pray through the day that is coming. Will you take time to do that too?
Best wishes,

Richard

Is it Spring?

There are signs of Spring all around. 

We have blossom on several bushes, and crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils starting to flower. And all the time, there are noisy birds calling, and starting the nesting process.

And while this does happen every year, I find that every year I am in wonder and amazement at these changes.

What particularly amazes me is the way this spring growth is initially so hidden and mysterious. Deep in the soil, and within the plants and trees, and in the instincts of the birds, in response to rising temperatures and changing daylight patterns, the cycle of growth starts again. That is amazing!

Jesus told a parable of this hidden growth, which brings encouragement to people like us who are longing to see God at work.

' Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” (Mark 4.26-29)

This little story, merely observing what happens in the natural world, and with no additional comment, apart from the introductory words 'The Kingdom of God is like . . . ' teaches us how to notice the work of God. It is hidden and yet we can be confident that God is working in people and the wider world, without our help. Our part is to do the scattering of the seed on the ground around us. It is His work to produce growth and change in the people we encounter.

St. Paul noticed the same process happening in the church in Corinth. 'I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.' (1 Corinthians 3.6)

So our job is clear - to be planters and sowers of seeds and ideas, and to provide the environment within which seeds can flourish. Like the careful farmer who takes trouble to provide good soil for his crops, we have responsibility to develop the sort of environment where people of all sorts are welcomed. But the growth and changes are produced by God!

That is very encouraging and liberating. We don't have to fix people. That is God's job!

Best wishes,

Richard 

Sleepless?

What keep you awake at night? 

I guess it will be different things for different people.

There are times when my body aches, and that keeps me awake, but that is quite rare. Other times, I wake and then start worrying about something. Writing it down seems to help put it to bed, as it were!

I was struck by some words of Jesus, which reminded me of the best medicine.

'Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.' (Matthew 6.33-34)

It is quite striking that Jesus talks about the worries that come tomorrow. He isn't telling us that life can be free of worries. He is telling us how to handle them.

But so often, my mind is full of stuff and worries about things that are not related to God's priorities and my part in his Kingdom. Learning to walk away from them has helped me a lot. 

But I have  also been learning how to leave my genuine concerns and forward planning matters in the hands of the Lord overnight. This reminds me that He can run the Universe without my help quite well! I am but a small player in a BIG GAME, and His best gift to me is restoring sleep. 

So I have learned to pray over the concerns which seem to clog my mind, and this seems to be a great way to leave everything in the hands of the God who knows and cares for me. It is very good medicine. And as it is now today (again), I must use my energy and efforts to sort out today's trouble, which will be enough for today! That way, I can be peaceful today, while also being busy.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Bright Side

The oldest known survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, Alice Herz-Sommer, has died in London at the age of 110.

Throughout her long life, she was relentlessly positive and hopeful. She attributed her long life to her optimism, always looking on the bright side, as the song says. Her love for music - she played over 100 concerts in her time in the concentration camp at Theresienstadt - helped her to cope with the troubled world around her.

While Jesus never told his followers to 'whistle a happy tune', or 'to think about their favourite things', he did teach us how to live without worries and fears. That would certainly help us to see the bright side of life.

' “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.' (Matthew 6.31-33)

We may not live to be 110, like Alice Herz-Sommer (which means 'summer heart'!), but we may enjoy the fact that we are precious children of our heavenly Father, whose every needs are known. What a joy that brings.

Best wishes,

Richard

New Birth

We were visiting the maternity ward on Wednesday afternoon, and were thrilled to see our latest grandchild. As you would expect me to say, Clara is beautiful!

Most of the mothers in the ward looked weary (no surprise there!), and the staff were brilliant. Assorted relatives came & went, in rapid succession. But the wonder of observing such fragile new born babies was the overwhelming experience for most of us.

Over the years, in talking to parents of new born babies, I have been struck by their sense of wonder and astonishment. They clearly sense that that have experienced a miracle. For some, it has been what they might describe as a religious experience.

And while we know so much more about the processes involved, somehow a merely reductionist view doesn't match our experience! We can sense the very presence of God in these precious moments.

Jesus used the language of birth and new birth to talk of the way we can experience the life of God in our own lives. 'Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3.6-7)

The word that is translated 'again' can also be translated as 'from above', which makes double sense of what Jesus is saying. 

Our spiritual life can and must come from God himself, as his Holy Spirit works in us. Without him, we can never generate any real changes in our lives. 

But God is willing to make us his children, and to grow in us the family likeness. '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)

I pray that we will all cooperate with what God is seeking to do in our lives. That way, He is glorified, others are blessed and we are changed.

Best wishes,

Richard

Fully Alive?

How are you feeling today? Fully alive?

Many of those that I see and know seem to be the walking dead! 

People are trapped in a life of dreary repetition or meaningless chaos. Nothing works well, and life doesn't seem much of a gift to be enjoyed fully. For many, escaping from reality is what brings some semblance of excitement, but there is usually a terrible price to be paid for such lifestyle choices. Addictive lifestyles of any shape or size are destructive by their very nature.

Is there a better way?

Jesus encountered the same sort of world that we encounter. he spoke clearly of the options we face. 'The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.' (John 10.10)

Jesus offers us the prospect of being fully alive. This life comes from God, by creation and re-creation, and allows ordinary people like us to find our deepest fulfilment and richest satisfaction. The price of such a gift is very high, as Jesus told the crowds. 'I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” (John 6.51)

The death and resurrection of Jesus is God's way to open the life of heaven to people like us. Then, and only then, will we discover what it is to be fully alive.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Resurrection is the theme for this year's London Men's Convention, to be held on Saturday, 26th April at the Central Hall, Westminster. Further details are at http://www.christianconventions.org.uk/lmc/theconvention.php.

A group from St. Andrew's are going to the afternoon event. Book your ticket today, and let Adrian Johnson know that you are planning on joining the group.

Location, Location, Location!

Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer know that location matters. It is difficult to have the right property in the wrong place.

Sadly, those who have had their homes and businesses flooded have discovered that being too close to an overwhelmed river is the wrong location

Our Surrey and Berkshire neighbours, just north and east, are experiencing the unpleasantness of the overflowed Thames. Many are very angry, while others are phlegmatic, and little can be done to make things better.

But many locations have other drawbacks and negative features, even if they are not in danger of flooding. 

In too many homes that I visit, while the buildings seem OK, and they have loads of modern gadgets, the quality of relationships within those homes is pretty dismal and destructive. I would love to see people discovering that they can make a change for the better, to sweeten the atmosphere and bring the love of Jesus to bruised and broken people.

When Jesus taught his followers to pray, his focus was on 'Location, Location, Location'! 

He told us to pray as follows: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. 

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.' (Matthew 6.9-10)

When that prayer is prayed and answered, we will see places and people changed beyond all recognition.

As well as the prayer for each location, we need a plan of action - how will we help bring change - and then a process of implementing change. But over all is our desire to see God's Kingdom rule be seen in our area and location, so that God may be glorified - whatever the weather and wherever we are.

And wouldn't that be great?!

Best wishes,

Richard 

Help! Now!

From bad to worse, the rain and storms reveal the power of natural forces, and our own feebleness.

With increasing intensity, people are crying out for help, and in some places, that help is arriving.

Today's storms will add to the strains and stresses that many have been facing.

As well as the reality of flooding, many are also dreading it happening to them.

I was visiting a home in the highest part of Goldsworth Park last evening, where the children are fearful of being flooded out of their home, which lies 20 feet above the level of the Lake. I tried to reassure them that they would be safe in their home. I don't know whether they believed me!

Jesus and his disciples had many trips across the Sea of Galilee, and in one, Jesus walks on water, in order to join the struggling disciples. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus reassures them that it is indeed him. Then the story takes an interesting turn. 'Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. 

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said.“Why did you doubt me?” 

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.' (Matthew 14.27-33)

it was the sight of the strong wind and the waves that caused Peter to doubt the power of Jesus to keep him walking on the water. His cry for help was immediately answered, which was just as well, as delay would have been terminal!

But, as with the other 'storm on the Lake' story, Jesus asks “Why did you doubt me?” He is constantly wanting to develop his disciples' capacity to trust him in all circumstances. For Jesus, it seems as though every moment is a training and teaching opportunity.

Today, while all of us will face various forms of the strong wind and the waves, we can learn to trust him. 

Our answers may not come as quickly as they did in this story, but Matthew tells us this story, so that we may share this experience. When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.'

Best wishes,

Richard

Water Matters

Too much, and we get flooded.

Too little and we get droughts and famine.

Can we get it right? 

Jesus was at the centre of a storm over water issues too.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 

(When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) (John 7.37-39)

Whatever else is happening around us today, I know that we all need the life-giving power and presence of Jesus, by his Spirit, within us, enabling us to bring his life to others too. Have you had a drink from Jesus today?
Best wishes,

Richard

Storm Protection

The south west is a favourite holiday destination for millions of fellow Britons. 

Most of the places being battered by the storms on the south-west peninsular have been visited by us over the last 10 years. So we have a particular sympathy for those shopkeepers and residents, amongst whom we have spent happier times. Whatever the bigger issues about flood defences or river dredging, the present crises keep coming with relentless ferocity. When will it end? When might lovely spring weather burst upon us?

The heading to Psalm 57 tells the background of David's storm-tossed life, as he repeatedly had to escape from King Saul's murderous attacks, but it seems appropriate for today. 'Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!

    I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
    until this violent storm is past.' (Psalm 57.1)

More recently, in 1753, the hymn writer, Augustus Montague Toplady, was caught in a violent storm while travelling near his parish in Somerset. Finding shelter in a gap in the gorge of Burrington Combe, he was struck by the title, 'Rock of ages cleft for me', and he scribbled down the initial lyrics on a playing card. In his experience, he knew that because of the death of Jesus, he was safe from the terrible judgement of God, for time and eternity.

The Psalm takes us back to the experience of the believer of all ages, who discovers that whatever the storms of life, we only can find protection from the worst that may happen to us in the care of the God who made us and loves us. 

My heart is confident in you, O God;
    my heart is confident.
    No wonder I can sing your praises!Wake up, my heart!
    Wake up, O lyre and harp!
    I will wake the dawn with my song. 
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
    I will sing your praises among the nations.For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
    Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.' (Psalm 57.7-10)

My prayer is that we will know this to be true today - whether it rains or pours, and whatever else may come our way.

Best wishes,

Richard

Storm Tossed?

The severe weather continues to batter and destroy the South West peninsular. 

No trains can travel beyond Exeter and thousands of homes are without electricity.

And the Government's own advisors have described the Government's policy on flooding as 'going in the wrong direction'. 

The Committee on Climate change says the floods debate is far too narrow, and insist the whole water system in the UK needs to be re-engineered to catch water on the uplands and prevent flooding downstream. 

They comment that while scientists are predicting more severe weather, new buildings are still being allowed on flood plains, gardens are still being paved over and urban green space is being lost.

How should the government and others respond in the face of these storms of all sorts?

In our most recent Sunday worship, our focus was on the story of Jesus and the disciples being caught in a dangerous storm. 'The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” 

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” 

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” (Luke 8.23-25)

The earliest Christian art often represented the Church of God as a boat, probably because of the many times Jesus and his disciples were in boats on the Sea of Galilee. 

This highly significant story reminds us all that the One in the storm-tossed boat with us is indeed the Creator of the winds and the waves. The disciples' reaction of being terrified and amazed in the very presence of Jesus is not often our experience. Sadly, it seems as if we domesticated Jesus, so that he is more like a comforting pet to most of us. 

Might it be that it is only people who have been taken into some much greater storms that learn to see him in his awesome power.

Best wishes,

Richard

Who Knows What?

Some people are scared that our medical records might be shared with the wrong people. That seems to be at the heart of two discussions on the Today programme this morning. The bloke from NHS England was clear that our records would be anonymous, but another bloke was full of complicated fears. 

Most of the time, it seems to me, these fears are groundless. 

Every time I use my computer, another computer in GCHQ or the NSA probably notes what I have done, and certainly Google and all other browsers are keeping an eye on our preferences. This is how they get paid, and I get to use most of their services for free. (Any experts who are reading this, and feel I need to be more careful, kindly tell me!)

But of course my mind goes to the question, 'Who knows what about me?' To which the answer is God. 

Jesus told us that every word we say will be taken into account when we face our Maker and our Judge. 'And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12.36-37) This suggests we ought to think before we speak, or possibly only speak when we have something worthwhile to say!

The writer to the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, 'Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.' (Hebrews 4.13) I am aware that because God knows all about me, trying to hide is pointless. How foolish I am when I kid myself that the most important observers of my life are the people around me. Better to face the truth, and to pray 'May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.' (Matthew 6.10)
Best wishes,

Richard

Burglar Protection

St. Andrew's Church welcomes newcomers, and it has been great to see so many coming in recent months.

But some newcomers have not been very welcome, as they have been stripping lead from our various portions of roof. These burglars are wise enough to make sure that their night time activity is out of sight from the car park, and the ever-watchful CCTV cameras installed near the shops. So the only resort left to us seems to be to keep watch, inside our building, during the night hours.

This keeping watch is what Jesus recommends as the only way to face a more significant event. '“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a home owner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.' (Matthew 24.42-44)

Jesus is telling us that we can be completely confident that, one day, our Lord is coming, so we need to be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

This is different from the possibility of the lead burglars returning. This unwelcome event is likely but not certain, whereas Jesus tells us that His return is certain, but possibly distant.

However, the attitude of being ready all the time for the wonderful and glorious return of Jesus could have a wonderful effect on our daily lives. Jesus' return is a great motivation for clearing out the junk habits and time-wasting life-killing patterns in all our lives. So today, I shall aim for simple devotion in our complex world. 

On an encouraging note, yesterday afternoon, Surrey Police rang me to say that they had 3 lads in custody, who had admitted to stripping some of our roof lead. The only question to ponder is whether there are other burglars out there who have also been on the job!

Best wishes,

Richard