Just over 10 days to Christmas Day, and some will be asking, 'Am I well prepared for what is coming?'
But these are days of exciting opportunity, and plans for our World Record Attempt at our Carol Service are going well. The Lord is providing us with opportunities to reach out - and will we be well prepared enough to take them?
Reflecting on the activity of God, in the Christmas story, we can see how people varied in their reactions to God's activity.
The old couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, to be the parents of John the Baptist, show these different reactions. As we know Zechariah was slow on the uptake, while his wife was much more eager for God's activity in her life. He is struck dumb, and she is excited. 'Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1.19-20) When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterwards his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1.23-25)
These well known Bible stories remind me that each of us has the challenge to respond to what God wants to be doing in our lives and around us.
We can miss the chance to be fully engaged, like Zechariah, or be eagerly involved, like Elizabeth.
So I ask, 'Are you well prepared? - not just for the Christmas season, but for God's activity in your life?
It is such an amazing privilege to see the Lord's activity in the lives of ordinary people in our Church. I have been very excited to hear great stories in recent days. But we can all be the location of miracles and wonderful answers to prayer, if we choose to be well prepared!
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Properly Connected
Amazing Christmas lights adorn a selection of homes near here - with Santa climbing chimneys or ladders. Blue fairy lights seem to be the fashion, as well as reindeer and sledges. Apart from the effect on the electricity bills, I think they look great!
But they only work because they are properly connected to the electricity supply.
Jesus spoke of the effects of our being properly connected to him.
Obviously, Jesus used and illustration that was not of electric lights, but the principle is the same. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.5)
'How do we remain in him?' is the obvious question.
The experience of many people is that we practice 'keeping in touch', by deliberate focus and frequent short conversations with Jesus, as our Friend and Leader. Just as some use their Blackberry or smart phone to keep connected with friends and family (or the latest news), so all of us can, with or without technology, keep properly connected to Jesus throughout the day.
That will be a wonderful experience in it own right - and the result will be that we live lives which produce much fruit. That fruit will be both changed lives (ours and other around us) and changed attitudes and character (so we are more like Jesus).
Good result, I would say!
Today, make sure you are properly connected - and lets hear the stories that result.
Best wishes,
Richard
But they only work because they are properly connected to the electricity supply.
Jesus spoke of the effects of our being properly connected to him.
Obviously, Jesus used and illustration that was not of electric lights, but the principle is the same. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.5)
'How do we remain in him?' is the obvious question.
The experience of many people is that we practice 'keeping in touch', by deliberate focus and frequent short conversations with Jesus, as our Friend and Leader. Just as some use their Blackberry or smart phone to keep connected with friends and family (or the latest news), so all of us can, with or without technology, keep properly connected to Jesus throughout the day.
That will be a wonderful experience in it own right - and the result will be that we live lives which produce much fruit. That fruit will be both changed lives (ours and other around us) and changed attitudes and character (so we are more like Jesus).
Good result, I would say!
Today, make sure you are properly connected - and lets hear the stories that result.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 12 December 2011
Party Time
Tesco, Iceland, Sainsbury's. Morrisons and the rest promise to provide all we need, apparently, to feed our guests over the Party Season, without much work.
Many of us will enjoy some form of party or special gathering around Christmas. Taking time to meet friends and family, and to enjoy one another's company, is something that seems to happen in the next few weeks. This feature of the Christmas season is, however, one reason why some people dread this time of year. Family relationships may be strained, and real friends are hard to find.
It is quite striking that Jesus was himself something of a party animal. The Gospels record him enjoying hospitality on numerous occasions, and he often told stories about wealthy and powerful people laying on extravagant parties and feasts.
'“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!' (Matthew 22.1-3) Jesus here indicates that many people refuse or ignore his invitation to enjoy the blessings of relationship with Him.
Elsewhere, Jesus is portrayed as being the One who needs to be invited to share hospitality. '“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' (Revelation 3.20)
I am reminded of the time, many years ago, when I asked Jesus in to my life, to be my friend. It has been wonderful to know that he has kept his promise - I will come in - and I have benefited hugely from his faithful friendship. Doing life with Jesus makes every day a real party experience. How is your life with Jesus?
Best wishes,
Richard
Many of us will enjoy some form of party or special gathering around Christmas. Taking time to meet friends and family, and to enjoy one another's company, is something that seems to happen in the next few weeks. This feature of the Christmas season is, however, one reason why some people dread this time of year. Family relationships may be strained, and real friends are hard to find.
It is quite striking that Jesus was himself something of a party animal. The Gospels record him enjoying hospitality on numerous occasions, and he often told stories about wealthy and powerful people laying on extravagant parties and feasts.
'“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!' (Matthew 22.1-3) Jesus here indicates that many people refuse or ignore his invitation to enjoy the blessings of relationship with Him.
Elsewhere, Jesus is portrayed as being the One who needs to be invited to share hospitality. '“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' (Revelation 3.20)
I am reminded of the time, many years ago, when I asked Jesus in to my life, to be my friend. It has been wonderful to know that he has kept his promise - I will come in - and I have benefited hugely from his faithful friendship. Doing life with Jesus makes every day a real party experience. How is your life with Jesus?
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 9 December 2011
Storms
Troubled times in the eye of the storm - whether that is weather in Scotland or European issues in Brussels.
While those who have lost their electricity cables in Scotland can expect 'normal service' to resume before too long, no one knows where last night's EU discussions will lead. I will leave the deeper discussions in the hands of the media, for a change.
At the heart of our culture, in all its forms, is an ever more invasive idolatry - everything is affected, and we are all caught up in it.
Those of us who have so much, in global terms, find ourselves intoxicated with the acquisition of more. Contentment with simply living simply has been replaced by the weary pursuit of new things and experiences, which generate storms within us, leaving us blown away.
I there an answer?
St. Paul would say so, as would Jesus!
'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.' (Ephesians 6.10-12)
Every day, we are fighting in a battle for the health and life of our souls. Unless we are living from within our relationship with Jesus, we will go with the flow, which if away from the Lord who has called us.
Our security does not come from seeking more stuff and larger financial rewards, but from a deeper relationship with Jesus. As Jesus himself told us, '“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)
If we live that way, we shall ride out the storms, and be a shining light for those caught up in it.
Best wishes,
Richard
While those who have lost their electricity cables in Scotland can expect 'normal service' to resume before too long, no one knows where last night's EU discussions will lead. I will leave the deeper discussions in the hands of the media, for a change.
At the heart of our culture, in all its forms, is an ever more invasive idolatry - everything is affected, and we are all caught up in it.
Those of us who have so much, in global terms, find ourselves intoxicated with the acquisition of more. Contentment with simply living simply has been replaced by the weary pursuit of new things and experiences, which generate storms within us, leaving us blown away.
I there an answer?
St. Paul would say so, as would Jesus!
'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.' (Ephesians 6.10-12)
Every day, we are fighting in a battle for the health and life of our souls. Unless we are living from within our relationship with Jesus, we will go with the flow, which if away from the Lord who has called us.
Our security does not come from seeking more stuff and larger financial rewards, but from a deeper relationship with Jesus. As Jesus himself told us, '“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)
If we live that way, we shall ride out the storms, and be a shining light for those caught up in it.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Life Sentence
Does 'Life' mean life?
This question is often asked when a convicted murderer is released from prison, after serving the sentence given by the courts. In some cases, the release is much publicised in the media. Apparently, many people believe that some sentences are too lenient, while others appear too hash.
So the Homicide Review Advisory Group are suggesting that the time has come to seek to match the severity of the crime to the length of the prison sentence. The mandatory life sentence replaced the death penalty in 1965.
This question will no doubt be debated and discussed up and down the land.
When Jesus called people to follow him, he used very graphic language.
'Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?' (Luke 9.23-25)
The call of Jesus is to a life sentence, which means we follow him for the rest of our lives. With this life sentence, there is no remission for good behaviour, when some acts of selfless sacrifice can be balanced by some indulgent hedonism. Here, there is no parole board, and no excuses for not taking up the cross daily.
I find that challenge bracing.
Instead of being shaped by the comfort-driven ethos of our culture, I recall that Jesus' call is to whole-life discipleship, where my comfort and pleasure are low priorities.
But at least that is clear. As the greed-obsessed food binge that is coming our way approaches, our call is to follow Jesus, for life. What a privilege!
Best wishes,
Richard
This question is often asked when a convicted murderer is released from prison, after serving the sentence given by the courts. In some cases, the release is much publicised in the media. Apparently, many people believe that some sentences are too lenient, while others appear too hash.
So the Homicide Review Advisory Group are suggesting that the time has come to seek to match the severity of the crime to the length of the prison sentence. The mandatory life sentence replaced the death penalty in 1965.
This question will no doubt be debated and discussed up and down the land.
When Jesus called people to follow him, he used very graphic language.
'Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?' (Luke 9.23-25)
The call of Jesus is to a life sentence, which means we follow him for the rest of our lives. With this life sentence, there is no remission for good behaviour, when some acts of selfless sacrifice can be balanced by some indulgent hedonism. Here, there is no parole board, and no excuses for not taking up the cross daily.
I find that challenge bracing.
Instead of being shaped by the comfort-driven ethos of our culture, I recall that Jesus' call is to whole-life discipleship, where my comfort and pleasure are low priorities.
But at least that is clear. As the greed-obsessed food binge that is coming our way approaches, our call is to follow Jesus, for life. What a privilege!
Best wishes,
Richard
Credit Rating
Irony rules, OK!
Standard & Poor (what an ironic name for a Credit Rating agency!), is wondering whether to lower the credit rating of the eurozone countries. This news in itself will then have some effect on the markets.
A group of MPs complain that no one can care for Care Homes when they run into financial difficulties. How ironic.
Some believe that the proposed reforms of the NHS threatens the very health of the nation.
Who can help the helpless and bring hope to the hopeless?
St. Paul asked those questions, as he wrote his letter to his friends in Rome. 'When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.' (Romans 5.6) While our credit rating with the Lord was at rock bottom, Jesus died to pay off our debts. Jesus has done for us, in terms of our moral debts, what the banks and governments have not been able to do for the deeply financially indebted nations of the world.
But Paul goes on to show that the consequences of God's generous mercy doesn't just clear the debts. It leads to changed relationship and new life. 'But 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.' (Romans 5.8-10)
That gives us good reason to be grateful, and to live thankful and generous lives.
Best wishes,
Richard
Standard & Poor (what an ironic name for a Credit Rating agency!), is wondering whether to lower the credit rating of the eurozone countries. This news in itself will then have some effect on the markets.
A group of MPs complain that no one can care for Care Homes when they run into financial difficulties. How ironic.
Some believe that the proposed reforms of the NHS threatens the very health of the nation.
Who can help the helpless and bring hope to the hopeless?
St. Paul asked those questions, as he wrote his letter to his friends in Rome. 'When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.' (Romans 5.6) While our credit rating with the Lord was at rock bottom, Jesus died to pay off our debts. Jesus has done for us, in terms of our moral debts, what the banks and governments have not been able to do for the deeply financially indebted nations of the world.
But Paul goes on to show that the consequences of God's generous mercy doesn't just clear the debts. It leads to changed relationship and new life. 'But 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.' (Romans 5.8-10)
That gives us good reason to be grateful, and to live thankful and generous lives.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 5 December 2011
Progress
Whatever the problems, there are some humans, at least, who look for solutions. This is how progress is made.
So, this week, as the French and German leaders are to meet to unveil proposals intended to stem the eurozone debt crisis, many are hoping for progress.
In medical research, looking at the most difficult conditions, there are those who are dreaming of making breakthroughs in understanding and treatment, so that hope can be given. The desire for progress is relentless.
During the Advent season, we are challenged to look for the progress of God's Big Plan, as it approaches its finale.
In Old Testament times, prophets would speak of the Day of the Lord, when all wrongs would be righted, and his eternal purposes would be revealed.
Jesus taught of the 'coming of the Son of Man'. 'Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.' (Mark 13.26-27)
St. Paul reminded his friends in Rome that they should be making progress in their Christian lives. 'Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living.' (Romans 13.11b-12a)
Today, each of us can make progress in our Christian lives, as we do the simple things well. We can focus on Jesus, moment by moment, and recall his presence with us. We can turn difficulties into opportunities to pray and seek his wisdom, and trust him to work out the muddles and problems we face.
Then we shall be making progress in our lives, and be ready for his return, as Jesus taught. '“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!' (Mark 13.32.33)
Best wishes,
Richard
So, this week, as the French and German leaders are to meet to unveil proposals intended to stem the eurozone debt crisis, many are hoping for progress.
In medical research, looking at the most difficult conditions, there are those who are dreaming of making breakthroughs in understanding and treatment, so that hope can be given. The desire for progress is relentless.
During the Advent season, we are challenged to look for the progress of God's Big Plan, as it approaches its finale.
In Old Testament times, prophets would speak of the Day of the Lord, when all wrongs would be righted, and his eternal purposes would be revealed.
Jesus taught of the 'coming of the Son of Man'. 'Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.' (Mark 13.26-27)
St. Paul reminded his friends in Rome that they should be making progress in their Christian lives. 'Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living.' (Romans 13.11b-12a)
Today, each of us can make progress in our Christian lives, as we do the simple things well. We can focus on Jesus, moment by moment, and recall his presence with us. We can turn difficulties into opportunities to pray and seek his wisdom, and trust him to work out the muddles and problems we face.
Then we shall be making progress in our lives, and be ready for his return, as Jesus taught. '“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!' (Mark 13.32.33)
Best wishes,
Richard
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