Football fans will know that the January Transfer Window shuts today. During this period, many clubs are trying to buy and sell players, in order to improve their stock of players or remedy their financial problems.
The big speculation is whether Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka swap clubs - between Liverpool and Chelsea. The sweetener for Liverpool is that they may also receive £40million as part of the deal. But all has to be signed and sealed by 11pm tonight - otherwise it is all too late.
St. Paul was a great outreach worker on behalf of his new team - called 'The Way'! He travelled all around Asia Minor (what we would call Turkey), and Greece speaking about who Jesus was, and what Jesus had done, in dying and rising again. When he reached Thessalonica, after being run out of town by those from Philippi, he set about preaching again. Luke tells us what happened, 'Paul explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.' (Acts 17.3-4). Paul's own recollection of that visit comes in his first letter to the Thessalonian Christians. he tells his new friends that their response to his preaching had been well known all around the area. 'And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.' (1 Thessalonians 1.8-9)
For the Thessalonians, hearing Paul's preaching provided them with a Transfer Window, as they turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.
That brief statement reminds me that if we have chosen to follow Jesus, we too have turned away from idols of one sort or another - our own ambitions, our own career, or a better lifestyle or the desire for popularity and comfort.
The response of the Thessalonians had an impact around them. I am excited at the possibility that our Transfer to The Way might also have an impact around us.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 31 January 2011
Friday, 28 January 2011
New Ideas
New ideas are coming to the surface in the Middle East, and this is causing a great deal of upset..
Following the departure of the long-standing President of Tunisia, the ripples are spreading to other countries, most notably Egypt and Yemen. The hopelessness, and poverty of so many, coupled with the repression and widespread corruption within the governing elites have led to calls for change. But it doesn't look as though peaceful change will be possible. Many will be looking on with concern and fear.
Jesus spoke about how difficult it is for new ideas to take their place without causing a major upset in the status quo. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2.21-22)
This obviously applied in his day to the inability of the Jewish religious system to accommodate the freedom-bringing challenge and call of Jesus. But all of us find applying new ideas into our lives difficult too. Proof of this is found in the need for slimming clubs and exercise routines. We can all believe that it would be better if we did certain things - but doing them is altogether more testing. But the call of Jesus doesn't come without his offer of support and help. '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)
I am so grateful to have seen how Jesus has helped friends of mine to accommodate change that brings glory to God and help to those around. It is often much harder to see change within ourselves. But all of us are called to take on the new ideas, where 'the glory of God is the focus of all we do', as one of our values states!
Best wishes,
Richard
Following the departure of the long-standing President of Tunisia, the ripples are spreading to other countries, most notably Egypt and Yemen. The hopelessness, and poverty of so many, coupled with the repression and widespread corruption within the governing elites have led to calls for change. But it doesn't look as though peaceful change will be possible. Many will be looking on with concern and fear.
Jesus spoke about how difficult it is for new ideas to take their place without causing a major upset in the status quo. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2.21-22)
This obviously applied in his day to the inability of the Jewish religious system to accommodate the freedom-bringing challenge and call of Jesus. But all of us find applying new ideas into our lives difficult too. Proof of this is found in the need for slimming clubs and exercise routines. We can all believe that it would be better if we did certain things - but doing them is altogether more testing. But the call of Jesus doesn't come without his offer of support and help. '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)
I am so grateful to have seen how Jesus has helped friends of mine to accommodate change that brings glory to God and help to those around. It is often much harder to see change within ourselves. But all of us are called to take on the new ideas, where 'the glory of God is the focus of all we do', as one of our values states!
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Frozen Solid
Commentators are agreed that our present national financial situation is grim. Yesterday's growth figures reveal a sluggish performance, made worse by the cold weather, and cartoonists are enjoying making jokes about the effects of the wrong sort of snow.
But at a local level, services provided by Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council will also be cut, and those at the vulnerable end will be most affected. Most households will notice the effects of the freezing economic conditions too, with rising food and fuel prices. What can we do?
Having been enjoying listening to the Gospels from 'You've Got the Time', I have been struck by the many time Jesus asks his disciples, 'Where is your faith?' Having fed the hungry 5000 with the five loaves and two fish, both Matthew & Mark tell of another feeding miracle, when 4000 are fed. Following that stunning miracle, Jesus and his disciples get into a boat and a revealing discussion ensues. 'At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterwards?” “Twelve,” they said. “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.' (Mark 8.16-21)
The disciples are frozen solid in their unbelief - and I easily identify with them on this. On the other hand, Jesus keeps reminding them that he has provided for them and others. One of our values, as a church, is that we say we believe that 'God provides the resources and the people with the gifts for the mission & ministry He desires'.
So as we look forward, we all need to learn to trust Him with an uncertain future, and ask Jesus to thaw us out from a faith which is frozen solid. When we see how He provides, even when we thought the situation was hopeless, then to Him will go the glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
But at a local level, services provided by Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council will also be cut, and those at the vulnerable end will be most affected. Most households will notice the effects of the freezing economic conditions too, with rising food and fuel prices. What can we do?
Having been enjoying listening to the Gospels from 'You've Got the Time', I have been struck by the many time Jesus asks his disciples, 'Where is your faith?' Having fed the hungry 5000 with the five loaves and two fish, both Matthew & Mark tell of another feeding miracle, when 4000 are fed. Following that stunning miracle, Jesus and his disciples get into a boat and a revealing discussion ensues. 'At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterwards?” “Twelve,” they said. “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.' (Mark 8.16-21)
The disciples are frozen solid in their unbelief - and I easily identify with them on this. On the other hand, Jesus keeps reminding them that he has provided for them and others. One of our values, as a church, is that we say we believe that 'God provides the resources and the people with the gifts for the mission & ministry He desires'.
So as we look forward, we all need to learn to trust Him with an uncertain future, and ask Jesus to thaw us out from a faith which is frozen solid. When we see how He provides, even when we thought the situation was hopeless, then to Him will go the glory.
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Connected
A recent visit to the physiotherapist reminded me of a familiar truth. Everything is connected to everything else!
My complaint was that I have a pain in my neck and it was stiff. Though I had tried various self-invented treatments, none had been very effective. After careful diagnosis, some simple but effective exercises were tried, and then I was given my 'Personal Exercise Program'. In 12 days, when I return to see the physiotherapist, I know that she will expect to see some improvement - but that will be almost entirely connected to whether I have bothered to what she told me to do!
I am reminded of many wise words from Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus spoke often about the consequences of our both hearing and doing what he spoke about. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.' (Matthew 7.24-25) We know that life is full of troubles and difficulties. Whether we find ourselves connected to God's grace and mercy within the troubles will depend very much on whether we have bothered to connect ourselves to what he has said to us.
St. Paul had to challenge his friends with much the same idea. 'Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.12-13)
We have to work hard to show the results of our salvation, but God is at work in us - it is all connected.
I have to be constantly reminded of this connectedness in my Christian life. Just as my physiotherapist will expect me to do what she said, so Jesus expects me to play my part in living for him. How obvious!
Best wishes,
Richard
My complaint was that I have a pain in my neck and it was stiff. Though I had tried various self-invented treatments, none had been very effective. After careful diagnosis, some simple but effective exercises were tried, and then I was given my 'Personal Exercise Program'. In 12 days, when I return to see the physiotherapist, I know that she will expect to see some improvement - but that will be almost entirely connected to whether I have bothered to what she told me to do!
I am reminded of many wise words from Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus spoke often about the consequences of our both hearing and doing what he spoke about. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.' (Matthew 7.24-25) We know that life is full of troubles and difficulties. Whether we find ourselves connected to God's grace and mercy within the troubles will depend very much on whether we have bothered to connect ourselves to what he has said to us.
St. Paul had to challenge his friends with much the same idea. 'Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.12-13)
We have to work hard to show the results of our salvation, but God is at work in us - it is all connected.
I have to be constantly reminded of this connectedness in my Christian life. Just as my physiotherapist will expect me to do what she said, so Jesus expects me to play my part in living for him. How obvious!
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 24 January 2011
Perfect Parenting
I keep seeing reports of the 'Tiger Mom', a Chinese American mother of the toughest sort, who 'encouraged' her children to practice the piano for hours on end, so that they would always succeed. I haven't read the details, but the general outline makes for a great story. The overall drive toward progress and success shown by migrant Chinese communities all around the world is in stark contrast to most most host communities. And the mainland Chinese aren't doing too baldy either! And it all seems to go back to the parents.
While we may not think these extremes of parenting are healthy, it is undoubtedly true that parents have a great privilege and responsibility. How can we get the right balance?
Jesus speaks of God as 'Our Father', and reveals his character to us, as the Perfect Parent, whose love, faithfulness and consistency provide the security within which we can learn to flourish. Jesus' own experience of His father's love rooted him. 'As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”' (Mark 1.10,11) And then as his ministry approached its costly conclusion, Jesus heard again of his Father's love. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”' (Mark 9.7)
If it was important for Jesus to know of His Father's love, so it is for us. He is our Perfect Parent, who will support and strengthen us every day.
I am so grateful that I too can know God like this. I shall thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
While we may not think these extremes of parenting are healthy, it is undoubtedly true that parents have a great privilege and responsibility. How can we get the right balance?
Jesus speaks of God as 'Our Father', and reveals his character to us, as the Perfect Parent, whose love, faithfulness and consistency provide the security within which we can learn to flourish. Jesus' own experience of His father's love rooted him. 'As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”' (Mark 1.10,11) And then as his ministry approached its costly conclusion, Jesus heard again of his Father's love. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”' (Mark 9.7)
If it was important for Jesus to know of His Father's love, so it is for us. He is our Perfect Parent, who will support and strengthen us every day.
I am so grateful that I too can know God like this. I shall thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard
Friday, 21 January 2011
Good News
Carlina White, the victim of a high-profile New York baby-snatching case has been reunited with her mother after solving the mystery of her abduction herself. This is an astonishing story, and will be retold many times.
I was talking with a friend during the week, and discovered another astonishing story. An anticipated suicide was turned round by God's goodness and a life was gloriously transformed by a powerful encounter with Jesus. As we listened, Betty and I were so encouraged to see again how God can make such a difference in situations of apparently complete hopelessness.
But this is exactly what we should be expecting, when we look carefully into the Scriptures. St. Paul never stops being amazed at God's mercy and goodness seen in his life.
'I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.' (1 Timothy 1.12-14)
I am challenged to recall that in every situation I encounter today, God's mercy and love must be expected to make a profound difference. There is always hope of change for the better, even in the bleakest situation.
How remarkable that we can be those who see God's work all around us. Best wishes,
Richard
I was talking with a friend during the week, and discovered another astonishing story. An anticipated suicide was turned round by God's goodness and a life was gloriously transformed by a powerful encounter with Jesus. As we listened, Betty and I were so encouraged to see again how God can make such a difference in situations of apparently complete hopelessness.
But this is exactly what we should be expecting, when we look carefully into the Scriptures. St. Paul never stops being amazed at God's mercy and goodness seen in his life.
'I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.' (1 Timothy 1.12-14)
I am challenged to recall that in every situation I encounter today, God's mercy and love must be expected to make a profound difference. There is always hope of change for the better, even in the bleakest situation.
How remarkable that we can be those who see God's work all around us. Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 17 January 2011
The Social Network
Most will not be surprised to know that I haven't seen any of the films featured at the Golden Globes awards last night. We usually get to see 'good films' when they finally emerge on DVDs. But I do know that the major winner at last night's event was The Social Network, the film about Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.
I and many others have been following his rise and rise, and we are intrigued to know why the ideas of such a young man have been so astonishingly successful. Protesters in Tunisia describe how sharing information and images about their protests against the departed President has led to his departure. How can it be that when ideas are shared they have a power of their own?
I have been listening to You've Got the Time, from the Bible Society, over the last week. Hearing the whole of Matthew's Gospel in a few days has been an astonishing experience. As Jesus goes about preaching and teaching, healing and dealing with crowds and individuals, the news spreads by word of mouth. And the effects are amazing. 'Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared' (Matthew 8.1-3)
Today, all of us will be meeting people - either in reality or virtually - and we all have the power to tell a story of one sort or another which will influence others. I am challenged to think what sort of story it will be that I tell. My prayer is that in my social network, I can point to Jesus in a way that is authentic and compelling. I pray that too for you.
Best wishes,
Richard
I and many others have been following his rise and rise, and we are intrigued to know why the ideas of such a young man have been so astonishingly successful. Protesters in Tunisia describe how sharing information and images about their protests against the departed President has led to his departure. How can it be that when ideas are shared they have a power of their own?
I have been listening to You've Got the Time, from the Bible Society, over the last week. Hearing the whole of Matthew's Gospel in a few days has been an astonishing experience. As Jesus goes about preaching and teaching, healing and dealing with crowds and individuals, the news spreads by word of mouth. And the effects are amazing. 'Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared' (Matthew 8.1-3)
Today, all of us will be meeting people - either in reality or virtually - and we all have the power to tell a story of one sort or another which will influence others. I am challenged to think what sort of story it will be that I tell. My prayer is that in my social network, I can point to Jesus in a way that is authentic and compelling. I pray that too for you.
Best wishes,
Richard
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