Future British Parliamentary constituency boundaries are going to be changed. The aim is to make all constituencies about the same size in terms of voting population. The reason for these changes is that populations have moved away from one area to another. We can all get involved in the consultation process, if we want.
Only last month, the latest new nation is the world was formed - Southern Sudan - after 30 years of terrible civil war. Negotiations for this boundary change have been very costly.
Today, the Arab League are discussing how to work towards the recognition by the United Nations of a Palestinian State.
While we may be involved in the details of our own democracy, millions of other are wondering if they can be recognised and heard.
But as the Arab Spring is showing, it is not only boundaries which need changing.
St. Paul describes a different sort of change, which happens when people entrust themselves to Christ.
We move into the realm of his authority - like a refugee or asylum seeker leaving a tyrannical regime, seeking a better life. 'For God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.' (Colossians 1.13-14)
Today, I want to thank the Lord for the amazing privilege it is to be a member of the Kingdom of Jesus. And I also want to help other join this new community.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Peace Making
'Shalom, Salaam aleikum, Peace be with you!' Hundreds of people in Woking were saying this yesterday.
It was wonderful, in the bright afternoon sunshine, to see a good crowd of Woking people affirming their desire to work for peace between the varied communities in our town. It may not make it onto the national news, but in troubled times, it was encouraging to see such a public demonstration.
At the heart of our different faiths lies the promise of God to offer human beings the gift of His peace. How that peace is achieved is understood differently, both between our faiths and within them. But peace is the theme. Very often, that peace is linked with a search for forgiveness, and a conscience washed clean from all defiling actions.
For followers of Jesus Christ, we can look with thankful amazement to his death for us, as the source of our peace.
St. Paul, writing to the mixed and troubled communities in Ephesus, sees that Jesus' death is the route to shared peace between communities, and with God himself. 'Christ reconciled both Jews non-Jews to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us' (Ephesians 2.16-18)
Our world is still very troubled, and needs peace makers and peace sharers to make a difference. We too can continue to bring this costly good news to those around us. This makes our lives both significant and essential, every day.
Best wishes,
Richard
It was wonderful, in the bright afternoon sunshine, to see a good crowd of Woking people affirming their desire to work for peace between the varied communities in our town. It may not make it onto the national news, but in troubled times, it was encouraging to see such a public demonstration.
At the heart of our different faiths lies the promise of God to offer human beings the gift of His peace. How that peace is achieved is understood differently, both between our faiths and within them. But peace is the theme. Very often, that peace is linked with a search for forgiveness, and a conscience washed clean from all defiling actions.
For followers of Jesus Christ, we can look with thankful amazement to his death for us, as the source of our peace.
St. Paul, writing to the mixed and troubled communities in Ephesus, sees that Jesus' death is the route to shared peace between communities, and with God himself. 'Christ reconciled both Jews non-Jews to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us' (Ephesians 2.16-18)
Our world is still very troubled, and needs peace makers and peace sharers to make a difference. We too can continue to bring this costly good news to those around us. This makes our lives both significant and essential, every day.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 9 September 2011
Going Forward
Every day is an adventure, as we move into the future.
No one has passed this way before, so we usually go ahead with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. What that mixture looks like depends very much on our temperament and circumstances.
Hearing and reading some of the comments about the approaching 9/11 anniversary, it has been refreshing to to note the cautious optimism in many. The future could be better than the past.
A powerful example was set, in a very different context, by Tariq Jahan, the father of one of the 3 Muslim men killed in the Birmingham riots last month. His dignified and courageous statement, and the huge peaceful crowd at the funerals, showed that some can rise above revenge and hatred.
Jesus' call to live going forward into the future, not shaped by a painful past but shaped by God's character, is striking. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ' (Matthew 5.43-45)
This is fine rhetoric, and stirring talk. But will this shape how we think and act in the small and big events of our lives? With Jesus' help, we can be different.
Best wishes,
Richard
No one has passed this way before, so we usually go ahead with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. What that mixture looks like depends very much on our temperament and circumstances.
Hearing and reading some of the comments about the approaching 9/11 anniversary, it has been refreshing to to note the cautious optimism in many. The future could be better than the past.
A powerful example was set, in a very different context, by Tariq Jahan, the father of one of the 3 Muslim men killed in the Birmingham riots last month. His dignified and courageous statement, and the huge peaceful crowd at the funerals, showed that some can rise above revenge and hatred.
Jesus' call to live going forward into the future, not shaped by a painful past but shaped by God's character, is striking. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ' (Matthew 5.43-45)
This is fine rhetoric, and stirring talk. But will this shape how we think and act in the small and big events of our lives? With Jesus' help, we can be different.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Collapsed Towers
As we approach the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, there are more and more programmes and articles reflecting on the last 10 years.
I recall exactly where I was when the Twin Towers were attacked and I watched in amazement as they collapsed. I recall, too, my wondering at the purposes of the God who is active in the affairs of humanity. Was this a time when, as Mary sang, 'He brings down the mighty from their thrones' (Luke 1.52)? And if so, what was a godly response to look like?
Sadly, in the years that have followed, hundreds of thousands of people have suffered and died, as a result of the various responses to those events 10 years ago. But what can we learn now?
Jesus was asked a searching question, following the collapse of a famous tower in Jerusalem, which in itself was a defining moment. Jesus asked. "What about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (Luke 13.4-5)
For Jesus, the pressing question we should be addressing is the state of our own hearts, rather than the condition of the hearts and lives of others.
Each of us has a responsibility to live our lives in line with the will and purposes of God. If we want to see change in our society, we must first become the change we wish to see in others. What would that look like in your life or mine? May we live for the glory of God today.
Best wishes,
Richard
I recall exactly where I was when the Twin Towers were attacked and I watched in amazement as they collapsed. I recall, too, my wondering at the purposes of the God who is active in the affairs of humanity. Was this a time when, as Mary sang, 'He brings down the mighty from their thrones' (Luke 1.52)? And if so, what was a godly response to look like?
Sadly, in the years that have followed, hundreds of thousands of people have suffered and died, as a result of the various responses to those events 10 years ago. But what can we learn now?
Jesus was asked a searching question, following the collapse of a famous tower in Jerusalem, which in itself was a defining moment. Jesus asked. "What about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (Luke 13.4-5)
For Jesus, the pressing question we should be addressing is the state of our own hearts, rather than the condition of the hearts and lives of others.
Each of us has a responsibility to live our lives in line with the will and purposes of God. If we want to see change in our society, we must first become the change we wish to see in others. What would that look like in your life or mine? May we live for the glory of God today.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Blighted
Tomato blight is not a pretty sight. Nor is potato blight. This summer's damp and cool weather has encouraged the growth of this destructive disease, and many gardeners are seeing the sad results. Instead of healthy produce enjoyed by their growers, food is ruined and efforts wasted.
Hearing the news, it is clear that not only tomatoes and potatoes are blighted. The economy and global politics seem very sick. Indications that our own security services, put up to it by our own government, have been complicit in torture and turning a blind eye to the appalling tyranny of assorted oil rich states makes the carry on at News International look mild.
It is startling to recall that the New Testament was written in similar times, with tyrants and oppressions around many corners.
After Jesus had raised Lazarus from death, with eager crowds around him, the forces of authority and government were plotting his death. The views of the leaders were confused. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” (John 11.47-50)
The great irony was that the death of Jesus, while the product of deadly political and religious blight, was God's way of providing deliverance for those who turn to Him.
In the midst of a blighted world, we can rejoice that in Jesus we know the One who alone can rescue and restore us. What good news that is!
Best wishes,
Richard
Hearing the news, it is clear that not only tomatoes and potatoes are blighted. The economy and global politics seem very sick. Indications that our own security services, put up to it by our own government, have been complicit in torture and turning a blind eye to the appalling tyranny of assorted oil rich states makes the carry on at News International look mild.
It is startling to recall that the New Testament was written in similar times, with tyrants and oppressions around many corners.
After Jesus had raised Lazarus from death, with eager crowds around him, the forces of authority and government were plotting his death. The views of the leaders were confused. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” (John 11.47-50)
The great irony was that the death of Jesus, while the product of deadly political and religious blight, was God's way of providing deliverance for those who turn to Him.
In the midst of a blighted world, we can rejoice that in Jesus we know the One who alone can rescue and restore us. What good news that is!
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 5 September 2011
Forecasting
The British are well known for being very interested in weather forecasts!
As you probably already know, for this week, we can expect some rain and wind, and the early onset of an autumn feel to the weather. Before too much rain falls, I must clear the gutter above the garage, so that our rainwater harvesting barrel gets filled up!
But other forecasts are much more difficult to get right.
Pundits and experts make loads of money from our desire to know what might be happening next, in the worlds of politics, economics, education, science and much else. At a personal level, when we go to see the doctor, we often want an accurate forecast of our own health prospects.
Shortly before Jesus was arrested, tried, tortured and crucified, he made a forecast to which we should pay careful attention.
'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we are aware of the difficulties we will face - it is not a question of if we face trials and troubles, but when we face them - means we should not be surprised when things are tough.
But also, when we know that Jesus promises us His peace and presence, and assures us of his overwhelming victory over sin and death, that knowledge and confidence allows us to stand tall whatever comes along.
I am therefore encouraged as I approach an interesting week, knowing that Jesus has all things in His hands.
Best wishes,
Richard
As you probably already know, for this week, we can expect some rain and wind, and the early onset of an autumn feel to the weather. Before too much rain falls, I must clear the gutter above the garage, so that our rainwater harvesting barrel gets filled up!
But other forecasts are much more difficult to get right.
Pundits and experts make loads of money from our desire to know what might be happening next, in the worlds of politics, economics, education, science and much else. At a personal level, when we go to see the doctor, we often want an accurate forecast of our own health prospects.
Shortly before Jesus was arrested, tried, tortured and crucified, he made a forecast to which we should pay careful attention.
'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. If we are aware of the difficulties we will face - it is not a question of if we face trials and troubles, but when we face them - means we should not be surprised when things are tough.
But also, when we know that Jesus promises us His peace and presence, and assures us of his overwhelming victory over sin and death, that knowledge and confidence allows us to stand tall whatever comes along.
I am therefore encouraged as I approach an interesting week, knowing that Jesus has all things in His hands.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 2 September 2011
New Hope
News from Libya suggests there may be new hope for that troubled land. Wise heads are not expecting to see the fruit of that hope too soon. But there will need to be much perseverance and determination, if genuine progress along the road towards change takes place. This will not be a quick fix.
In the midst of the many troubles around us and within, we mostly hope that a quick fix will solve the problems. But seldom does a New Hope get delivered quickly.
The Old Testament reminds us again and again of New Hope, as God promises to bring about change.
“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbours, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
The prophet Jeremiah, in about the year 600BC, spoke of the New Covenant that the Lord God had promised. Things were going to be improved and different when compared with the Old Covenant. But it was over 600 years before the early Church started to bring the message to others! This was no quick fix! But we can see, with the benefits of hindsight, that God is faithful, and we can trust Him, whether the wait is short or long, to deliver on the New Hope promises. That encourages me. I hope you too are encouraged, whatever the struggles you face today.
Best wishes,
Richard
In the midst of the many troubles around us and within, we mostly hope that a quick fix will solve the problems. But seldom does a New Hope get delivered quickly.
The Old Testament reminds us again and again of New Hope, as God promises to bring about change.
“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbours, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
The prophet Jeremiah, in about the year 600BC, spoke of the New Covenant that the Lord God had promised. Things were going to be improved and different when compared with the Old Covenant. But it was over 600 years before the early Church started to bring the message to others! This was no quick fix! But we can see, with the benefits of hindsight, that God is faithful, and we can trust Him, whether the wait is short or long, to deliver on the New Hope promises. That encourages me. I hope you too are encouraged, whatever the struggles you face today.
Best wishes,
Richard
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