You know the saying, he’s as hard as nails? Well we know that’s not literally true. The nails that were used to pin Jesus to the cross were probably rusty, blood stained and old. It was a horrible death – slow and agonising during which he went through all the human agonies – something we don’t like to think about, a stumbling block to our sensibilities, but the heart of our faith. A faith that proclaims that Jesus, both God and human, died for all of humanity. A death which was undertaken with strength, as he forgave others and promised everlasting life. A death which was endured with weakness, as he felt that God the Father had gone from him, as he felt sorrow and as he felt thirsty. A death in which Jesus trusted that God the Father would receive him back.
How often do we follow Jesus so that we may live in God’s strength? How often do we endure weakness apart from God? How often do we find that we must trust God even though he seems far away? As we struggle to do all these things, let us remember that Jesus, God’s own son, has struggled in the same way, yet without sin. And so let us repent and turn to Jesus.
A couple of weeks ago I went with a friend to see the controversial film by Mel Gibson ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Although I had read many reviews and seen several clips, nothing could have prepared me for what was nothing short of torture. The agonies that Jesus endured as he was beaten relentlessly, almost to the point of death, and then forced to carry his own cross were excruciating to watch. Yet he never complained or asked to be spared. He took our punishment upon his shoulders and asked his Father to forgive us. Such love he had for us.
Yet still our world does not turn and listen. Even now, the world spins round on its axis, but does not turn to look and see. Humanity does not turn to ask, in the midst of suffering, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Every blessing this Eastertide,
Penny
Monday 26 February 2007
Reflections on Harvest (Published in October 2006)
Last weekend was our Harvest Festival, and it brought back memories of my first ever, at my primary school in north London. The centrepiece of the wonderful pyramid of fruits and vegetables piled up around the school hall was a great loaf of bread made by the local baker. It was in the shape of a huge golden sheaf of wheat with a little harvest mouse climbing around the wheat stalk.. These were the days when this display represented the fruits of people’s labour in their gardens and allotments – foods you could touch and smell. This was a ritual of gratitude that stretched around the world and back in time to a moment when an ancient ancestor felt well fed and was grateful. As the years went on the dire curse of the tin and packet would set in and the sensuality of natural foods would be replaced by packaging
Nowadays the whole consumer experience is a blur of feeling desire, want, pleasure, satiation, nausea and gross indulgence,- followed by a longing for austerity, and detox of mind, body and spirit, all in a matter of hours
Every day can be a Harvest Festival if we just stop and stock-take our lives. The fruits of our labours are all around us if only we stop long enough to look. That is because the society we live in through the medium of advertising and marketing wants us to focus on all the things we don’t have instead.
Nothing cleanses the mental palate like gratitude. We all take things like running water for granted; we all wake up in a dry, warm room under a dry warm duvet. How often do we say ‘thank you’ though?
I believe it’s time to evaluate the harvest festival of our own lives – there’s no end to the gifts that surround us. Let’s be thankful for all that we have, and not grumble about what we haven’t. Why not make a ‘thank you’ list?
Let’s face it, - there’s nothing in our lives that wouldn’t be considered a miracle in someone else’s.
God bless,
Penny
Nowadays the whole consumer experience is a blur of feeling desire, want, pleasure, satiation, nausea and gross indulgence,- followed by a longing for austerity, and detox of mind, body and spirit, all in a matter of hours
Every day can be a Harvest Festival if we just stop and stock-take our lives. The fruits of our labours are all around us if only we stop long enough to look. That is because the society we live in through the medium of advertising and marketing wants us to focus on all the things we don’t have instead.
Nothing cleanses the mental palate like gratitude. We all take things like running water for granted; we all wake up in a dry, warm room under a dry warm duvet. How often do we say ‘thank you’ though?
I believe it’s time to evaluate the harvest festival of our own lives – there’s no end to the gifts that surround us. Let’s be thankful for all that we have, and not grumble about what we haven’t. Why not make a ‘thank you’ list?
Let’s face it, - there’s nothing in our lives that wouldn’t be considered a miracle in someone else’s.
God bless,
Penny
Putting things into perspective
I was reading a book titled ‘A Bundle of Laughs’ when I came upon this article about putting things into perspective, and it made me stop and think about how often we get impatient with folks, not knowing their circumstances.
‘Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the idiot who cut us up in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t cope with change is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next term.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking homeless man (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the supermarket aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she had back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive and show patience, empathy and love’.
Love and blessings to you all,
Penny
‘Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the idiot who cut us up in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t cope with change is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next term.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking homeless man (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the supermarket aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she had back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive and show patience, empathy and love’.
Love and blessings to you all,
Penny
Where was God Today? (First published in July 2005 after the London bombings)
I had just finished my breakfast and was contemplating a relatively quiet day, when suddenly a newsflash came on the TV, - ‘London rocked by explosions.’ Immediately my thoughts turned towards Catharine, my beloved daughter. As many of you know, she is studying bassoon at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the City of London.
The story unfolded bit by bit. Firstly it was thought that there had been a power surge on the Underground, then we heard that a bus had been blown to pieces. My mind was in total turmoil. Where was Catharine likely to be? Normally she would have been travelling to Aldgate or Moorgate station to go to college. I tried ringing her on her mobile phone - no service. Then I tried all of her housemates. Their phones were dead. Eventually, I was able to leave a message on one of her friend’s mobiles. And then all I could do was wait.
After what seemed an interminable length of time, my phone rang. It was Catharine - she was safe. Tears of relief ran down my cheeks. I could only thank God for keeping her safe.
As the hours have passed, we have realised the severity of the situation. At the time of writing, there have been 37 confirmed deaths and over 700 injured. As the Prime Minister, Tony Blair said, ‘This is not an attack on one nation – it’s an attack on all nations and civilised people everywhere’. It was an awful day, but just think how much worse it must be for those who have lost loved ones, and those who perhaps haven’t been able to trace friends and family who were out and about at that time.
So where was God in all this? Paul talks about love and the good overcoming evil (Romans 12 9-21) and this was indeed evil of the worst kind. No it had nothing to do with religion, just evil misguided people. The vast majority of Muslims abhor and reject what has been done in the name of their religion; and we Christians must reject evil that is and has been done in the name of Christianity today and in the past. Love must and will overcome evil. Communities in London will be drawn together by this atrocity in fighting a common cause - terrorism. Love will conquer all in the end. But for now we rejoice and thank God for the safe keeping of our loved ones; but we must also mourn with those who mourn and we must seek to live in harmony with one another.
Love in Christ.
Penny and Peter
The story unfolded bit by bit. Firstly it was thought that there had been a power surge on the Underground, then we heard that a bus had been blown to pieces. My mind was in total turmoil. Where was Catharine likely to be? Normally she would have been travelling to Aldgate or Moorgate station to go to college. I tried ringing her on her mobile phone - no service. Then I tried all of her housemates. Their phones were dead. Eventually, I was able to leave a message on one of her friend’s mobiles. And then all I could do was wait.
After what seemed an interminable length of time, my phone rang. It was Catharine - she was safe. Tears of relief ran down my cheeks. I could only thank God for keeping her safe.
As the hours have passed, we have realised the severity of the situation. At the time of writing, there have been 37 confirmed deaths and over 700 injured. As the Prime Minister, Tony Blair said, ‘This is not an attack on one nation – it’s an attack on all nations and civilised people everywhere’. It was an awful day, but just think how much worse it must be for those who have lost loved ones, and those who perhaps haven’t been able to trace friends and family who were out and about at that time.
So where was God in all this? Paul talks about love and the good overcoming evil (Romans 12 9-21) and this was indeed evil of the worst kind. No it had nothing to do with religion, just evil misguided people. The vast majority of Muslims abhor and reject what has been done in the name of their religion; and we Christians must reject evil that is and has been done in the name of Christianity today and in the past. Love must and will overcome evil. Communities in London will be drawn together by this atrocity in fighting a common cause - terrorism. Love will conquer all in the end. But for now we rejoice and thank God for the safe keeping of our loved ones; but we must also mourn with those who mourn and we must seek to live in harmony with one another.
Love in Christ.
Penny and Peter
Thought on the Lord's Prayer
THOUGHTS ON THE LORD’S PRAYER
Lord, I cannot say ‘OUR FATHER’
if my Christianity has no room for other people and their needs.
I cannot say ‘WHO ART IN HEAVEN’
if my attention is focused only on earthly things.
I cannot say ‘HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME’
if I, who am called by your name, am not holy.
I cannot say ‘YOUR KINGDOM COME’
if I fail to acknowledge your sovereignty in my life.
I cannot say ‘ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’
unless I am truly ready to serve you here and now.
I cannot say ‘GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD’
without doing an honest day’s work and without considering the needs of those less fortunate.
I cannot say ‘FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US’
if I harbour grievances against my bother or sister.
I cannot say ‘LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION’
if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say ‘DELIVER US FROM EVIL’
if I am not prepared to take a stand against injustice and evil in my society.
Lord, I cannot say ‘THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY’
if I do not submit to Christ as King, if I fail to trust you to act in my life, or if in pride, I seek my own glory.
And finally, I cannot say AMEN
unless I can honestly say, come what may, this is my prayer.
“Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God” – Edwin Keith
“When I pray, coincidences happen, And when I stop praying, the coincidences stop” – Archbishop William Temple
“Before we can pray,’ Lord, Thy Kingdom came’, we must be willing to pray, ‘my Kingdom go’” – Alan Redpath
Let’s be honest with ourselves, - how often do we go through the motions of using this beautiful prayer which Jesus himself taught us without really thinking what it’s about? Keep this with your Bibles as a reminder.
God bless,
Penny
Lord, I cannot say ‘OUR FATHER’
if my Christianity has no room for other people and their needs.
I cannot say ‘WHO ART IN HEAVEN’
if my attention is focused only on earthly things.
I cannot say ‘HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME’
if I, who am called by your name, am not holy.
I cannot say ‘YOUR KINGDOM COME’
if I fail to acknowledge your sovereignty in my life.
I cannot say ‘ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’
unless I am truly ready to serve you here and now.
I cannot say ‘GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD’
without doing an honest day’s work and without considering the needs of those less fortunate.
I cannot say ‘FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US’
if I harbour grievances against my bother or sister.
I cannot say ‘LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION’
if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say ‘DELIVER US FROM EVIL’
if I am not prepared to take a stand against injustice and evil in my society.
Lord, I cannot say ‘THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY’
if I do not submit to Christ as King, if I fail to trust you to act in my life, or if in pride, I seek my own glory.
And finally, I cannot say AMEN
unless I can honestly say, come what may, this is my prayer.
“Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God” – Edwin Keith
“When I pray, coincidences happen, And when I stop praying, the coincidences stop” – Archbishop William Temple
“Before we can pray,’ Lord, Thy Kingdom came’, we must be willing to pray, ‘my Kingdom go’” – Alan Redpath
Let’s be honest with ourselves, - how often do we go through the motions of using this beautiful prayer which Jesus himself taught us without really thinking what it’s about? Keep this with your Bibles as a reminder.
God bless,
Penny
Honour Thy Father
Ephesians 6:2 ”Honour thy Father and Mother. This is the first commandment that has a promise with it – then everything shall be well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth”
Our life begins with the union of a man and a woman, our earthly Father and Mother. Our earthly father figure we most come to know as Daddy. I was privileged to have a wonderful Daddy for the first 43 years of my life. When my Daddy passed away, it was a very heartbreaking, sad day. Although he is no longer here, I thank the Lord that I was able to “know” such a wonderful, kind, giving man who always put others before himself. I have those memories from the days spent with my Daddy to last me a lifetime. Not all are so well blessed.
Do you want to make your Daddy’s eyes light up with joy on this Father’s Day? “What can I get” is usually the first thing that comes to mind on special days such as this, but from experience, a present is not always what a parent looks for from a child. They want your love, a visit or maybe a phone call if you can’t be with them. Daddy loved his cards and gifts, but he would demonstrate that the love shown to him meant so much more. Why not take time out to call your Daddy or go to see him and put a sparkle in his eyes? You will be glad you did in years to come when Daddy is no longer there in your presence.
We also have a heavenly Father who is there regardless of whether we have a natural father in our lives or not. He will never leave or forsake us in our need. Every child wants a Daddy he or she can look up to, maybe sit on his lap, share the day with him and just know he will be there when we need him. For those not so blessed, there is a Father who is always there for us, never judges us, and loves us more than anyone.
Remember that regardless of our age, to our parents, we are always their “child”. To God, we mean so much that he had his only begotten Son lay down his life for us. (John 10:14)
Every blessing,
Penny
Our life begins with the union of a man and a woman, our earthly Father and Mother. Our earthly father figure we most come to know as Daddy. I was privileged to have a wonderful Daddy for the first 43 years of my life. When my Daddy passed away, it was a very heartbreaking, sad day. Although he is no longer here, I thank the Lord that I was able to “know” such a wonderful, kind, giving man who always put others before himself. I have those memories from the days spent with my Daddy to last me a lifetime. Not all are so well blessed.
Do you want to make your Daddy’s eyes light up with joy on this Father’s Day? “What can I get” is usually the first thing that comes to mind on special days such as this, but from experience, a present is not always what a parent looks for from a child. They want your love, a visit or maybe a phone call if you can’t be with them. Daddy loved his cards and gifts, but he would demonstrate that the love shown to him meant so much more. Why not take time out to call your Daddy or go to see him and put a sparkle in his eyes? You will be glad you did in years to come when Daddy is no longer there in your presence.
We also have a heavenly Father who is there regardless of whether we have a natural father in our lives or not. He will never leave or forsake us in our need. Every child wants a Daddy he or she can look up to, maybe sit on his lap, share the day with him and just know he will be there when we need him. For those not so blessed, there is a Father who is always there for us, never judges us, and loves us more than anyone.
Remember that regardless of our age, to our parents, we are always their “child”. To God, we mean so much that he had his only begotten Son lay down his life for us. (John 10:14)
Every blessing,
Penny
The Test of Love
You have my Father’s blessing; come, enter and possess the kingdom that has been ready for you since the world was made. For when I was hungry, you gave me food; when thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was a stranger you took me into your home; when naked you clothed me; when I was ill you came to my help; when in prison you visited me. Matt.25; 34-36 NEB
Reading a magazine, I found a definition of love that I confess had never occurred to me before. It helped me clarify the concept I had of this magnificent and useful feeling. The writer said, Love is giving.’ I was very surprised, because every time I wanted to define what love was, only examples of people showing love would come to my mind.
The above verse confirms this definition. God gave away the most valuable possession He had. It was not easy to decide to send Jesus to accomplish the mission of saving the human race. God knew it was a risky undertaking. His Son would have to suffer persecution, jealousy, betrayal, desertion, mockery, beating, and crucifixion. But God loved us so much that he overlooked all these.
The best definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13, the ‘love’ chapter. I t is the ideal love, the love of God. This is the kind of love we should long for in our lives. How am I loving others? How am I giving to others? I realised that I was very selfish indeed. I was giving very little, and that does not mean the giving of money, but rather, giving of myself – volunteering, sharing interest in and care for others, giving a listening ear. The list goes on….
When Jesus was on earth, He mingled with the people. He taught, healed, and cared for them. He walked long distances to answer the prayer of a mourning heart. Jesus visited people in their homes, even if they had been labelled as sinners. For Jesus the most important thing was to give.
If Jesus came today, would He find me a loving, giving woman, a woman who really knows Him and shares His feelings, values, and priorities for others?
Lord, teach me to love – to give - as You have loved.
Penny Wheble
Friday 23 February 2007
The God of Surprises (published December 18th 2005)
I have to confess that I struggle with some of the carols that we sing at Christmas. For example in the carol ‘Away in a manager’ we have the words ‘The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes’. As any parent will know, babies when they are cold, tired or hungry will cry, and I am sure that Jesus was no different. Rather than the cosy Christmas card images of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus surrounded by cuddly animals, I would prefer to see an image of a tired and harassed Mary and Joseph as they struggle to cope with the demands of a new baby because surely this must be closer to the truth of what it was like. In over sentimentalising the birth of Jesus, we are in danger of distancing ourselves from the reality of this most extraordinary event. That God should choose to enter the world as a small and extremely vulnerable child is truly remarkable and also truly wonderful, because in doing so God identifies with us. It also demonstrates that God does not work in the world as we would expect him to, he is a God of surprises. As we look forward to Christmas and the New Year, I hope and pray that God will surprise us with the things that he is going to do in the life of St Martin’s, and that we will encounter the real Jesus.
God bless
Simon
God bless
Simon
An opportunity?
Most people if they have the opportunity like going on holiday. For some being on holiday is a reason for not going to church, to have a week off, and if you are regularly involved in organising and leading services I can understand this. But it can also be a great opportunity to go to a different sort of church, to experience a different way of worshiping. I find it a real thrill to meet with people I have never met before but know we share a common bond because we love the Lord Jesus.
In recent years Kath and I have shared in the excitement of an Anglican church joining with a Baptist church to build a church community centre for the town, been challenged by the vision of a Methodist church that is completely revamping their church and building a big extension as a youth centre, even though they are small congregation and have very few young people, but feel this is what the Lord is calling them to do.
Two weeks ago we went to church in a Cornish fishing village where once a month several churches come together to share breakfast at nine o clock followed by the service, we didn’t make breakfast but we did get to see and hear Bishop Bill ( of ‘Seaside Parish’ fame ).
Over the years we have been to a few really duff services, but most of the time its been a real joy to share fellowship with other Christians, and it’s usually a really good way to start a holiday.
Mick Pymm
In recent years Kath and I have shared in the excitement of an Anglican church joining with a Baptist church to build a church community centre for the town, been challenged by the vision of a Methodist church that is completely revamping their church and building a big extension as a youth centre, even though they are small congregation and have very few young people, but feel this is what the Lord is calling them to do.
Two weeks ago we went to church in a Cornish fishing village where once a month several churches come together to share breakfast at nine o clock followed by the service, we didn’t make breakfast but we did get to see and hear Bishop Bill ( of ‘Seaside Parish’ fame ).
Over the years we have been to a few really duff services, but most of the time its been a real joy to share fellowship with other Christians, and it’s usually a really good way to start a holiday.
Mick Pymm
Family
The dictionary definition of the word Family says, ‘all who live in one house; parents and children; of one progenitor.’ Isn’t that what we the St Martin’s family are? We are all in one house, St martin’s; we are parents and children, brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all made in the image of God our father. He is the head of our family, our Father, who loves and cares for us all.
Recently I joined a class that helps you search for your ancestors, which I have found very interesting and informative. I have become quite hooked although I do have to have a lot of help accessing the information as I am not very proficient on the computer. I have always had an interest in family and who was related to whom, Especially what relation they were to me. My own family is quite small; I had no brothers or sisters, neither did my husband, so I have no experience of having siblings. I am fortunate to have two children and five grandchildren and an enormous number of cousins, with whom I do like to keep in touch as often as possible. Family is important; you might not always see eye to eye, there may often be squabbles and discontent but on the whole family will be there for you in times of trouble, hurt or sorrow as mine has been for me.
Over the years I have attended St Martin’s, I have come to know you all as my second family. This second family has been a great support, help and comfort to me in times when I might have felt alone and unable to see the way ahead, where to turn, which way to go. My own children are marvellous, I could not want for better. But - they are not near enough to be here all the time. I have found such love and friendship from my St Martin’s family; there is always someone there to encourage and support me, to pray for and with me, so that I have been able to do much more than I ever felt possible during the years without John. I know that this comes from Christ’s example, and it is not just for me. Everyone in the St Martin’s family is there to love and support each other whatever our needs.
God is the head of our family; our father, who loves and cares for us all, who is the true and wonderful example of love, understanding, compassion and forgiveness. He holds our family together, and through him may St Martin’s family long continue to share with each other his love, and live and worship together in fellowship and friendship.
With love and thanks,
Doreen.
Recently I joined a class that helps you search for your ancestors, which I have found very interesting and informative. I have become quite hooked although I do have to have a lot of help accessing the information as I am not very proficient on the computer. I have always had an interest in family and who was related to whom, Especially what relation they were to me. My own family is quite small; I had no brothers or sisters, neither did my husband, so I have no experience of having siblings. I am fortunate to have two children and five grandchildren and an enormous number of cousins, with whom I do like to keep in touch as often as possible. Family is important; you might not always see eye to eye, there may often be squabbles and discontent but on the whole family will be there for you in times of trouble, hurt or sorrow as mine has been for me.
Over the years I have attended St Martin’s, I have come to know you all as my second family. This second family has been a great support, help and comfort to me in times when I might have felt alone and unable to see the way ahead, where to turn, which way to go. My own children are marvellous, I could not want for better. But - they are not near enough to be here all the time. I have found such love and friendship from my St Martin’s family; there is always someone there to encourage and support me, to pray for and with me, so that I have been able to do much more than I ever felt possible during the years without John. I know that this comes from Christ’s example, and it is not just for me. Everyone in the St Martin’s family is there to love and support each other whatever our needs.
God is the head of our family; our father, who loves and cares for us all, who is the true and wonderful example of love, understanding, compassion and forgiveness. He holds our family together, and through him may St Martin’s family long continue to share with each other his love, and live and worship together in fellowship and friendship.
With love and thanks,
Doreen.
Dancing with God
When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one personand gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one personand gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance
The wonder of creation
I have often heard it said, “I always feel closest to God when I am working in my garden”. Now theologically, this is not particularly sound doctrine – God is always with us, and He is closest to us when we need Him most. And yet there is little doubt that it is possible to appreciate some aspects of our God’s power when you are close to the beauty and wonder of His creation.
I have recently spent many hours trying, not altogether successfully, to tame the wilderness that is threatening to take over they land behind the vicarage and church car park, which Mike Statham used to rent. Sadly having been largely untended for about 7 months, nature is re-exerting its influence and making a mockery of the neat and productive vegetable, fruit and herb garden which Mike had worked so hard to make.
The church is intending to convert the site into allotments, and 3 or 4 plots, not of full allotment size, but big enough for a good sized vegetable garden, will be available. The task of clearing the plots will not be one for the faint hearted, but if you like a challenge and fancy the chance to get closer to nature and appreciate one aspect of God’s wonder and power at close hand, then please make yourself known to either Simon or the wardens.
God bless you all
Keith Brown
I have recently spent many hours trying, not altogether successfully, to tame the wilderness that is threatening to take over they land behind the vicarage and church car park, which Mike Statham used to rent. Sadly having been largely untended for about 7 months, nature is re-exerting its influence and making a mockery of the neat and productive vegetable, fruit and herb garden which Mike had worked so hard to make.
The church is intending to convert the site into allotments, and 3 or 4 plots, not of full allotment size, but big enough for a good sized vegetable garden, will be available. The task of clearing the plots will not be one for the faint hearted, but if you like a challenge and fancy the chance to get closer to nature and appreciate one aspect of God’s wonder and power at close hand, then please make yourself known to either Simon or the wardens.
God bless you all
Keith Brown
The Epiphany Gap
Editors note: Epiphany is the season in the Christian year that follows on immediately from Christmas (the Sunday of Christmas being the first Sunday of Epiphany).
As we enter the second week of Epiphany, I have to admit that, as a youngster, this is the church season which totally baffled me – why did it take the 3 wise men 12 days to find Jesus? – did they lose their way? (Yes I know the Bible doesn’t say there were 3 wise men, but I’m a traditionalist, and besides, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” is one of my favourite carols). Of course, I now realise that it was actually more like 2 years before the wise men found Jesus, which is actually nothing to do with the 12 days gap between Christmas and Epiphany. The real reason for the difference is an old favourite of all historians, the adoption by England in 1752 of the Gregorian calendar – Epiphany is Christmas in the churches of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and prior to 1752, when both western and eastern churches used the increasingly inaccurate Julian calendar, both churches celebrated Christmas on the same day. In 1752, England, some 170 years after most of Europe, then adopted the Gregorian calendar, which was, by then, 11 days out of time with the Julian calendar – since then, the years 1800 and 1900, both leap years in the Julian calendar, but not in the Gregorian, have increased the gap to 13 days – add this to 25 December and you will find why the Eastern Orthodox Church, which still refuses to abandon the Julian calendar, celebrates Christmas at 7th January.
Incidentally, being a boring accountant, I have to point out that this is also why the income tax year starts on the seemingly meaningless date of 6th April – prior to 1752, the end of the tax year was 25th March, the more memorable date of Lady Day, but the Revenue, as ever, refused to lose potentially 11 days of tax revenues, and stuck to the Julian calendar, until 1800, when a leap year on their calendar was not matched by an extra day elsewhere in the country, so they fixed the start of the tax year at the date it had then reached – 6th April. Who said accountancy was dull?
God bless you all
Keith Brown
As we enter the second week of Epiphany, I have to admit that, as a youngster, this is the church season which totally baffled me – why did it take the 3 wise men 12 days to find Jesus? – did they lose their way? (Yes I know the Bible doesn’t say there were 3 wise men, but I’m a traditionalist, and besides, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” is one of my favourite carols). Of course, I now realise that it was actually more like 2 years before the wise men found Jesus, which is actually nothing to do with the 12 days gap between Christmas and Epiphany. The real reason for the difference is an old favourite of all historians, the adoption by England in 1752 of the Gregorian calendar – Epiphany is Christmas in the churches of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and prior to 1752, when both western and eastern churches used the increasingly inaccurate Julian calendar, both churches celebrated Christmas on the same day. In 1752, England, some 170 years after most of Europe, then adopted the Gregorian calendar, which was, by then, 11 days out of time with the Julian calendar – since then, the years 1800 and 1900, both leap years in the Julian calendar, but not in the Gregorian, have increased the gap to 13 days – add this to 25 December and you will find why the Eastern Orthodox Church, which still refuses to abandon the Julian calendar, celebrates Christmas at 7th January.
Incidentally, being a boring accountant, I have to point out that this is also why the income tax year starts on the seemingly meaningless date of 6th April – prior to 1752, the end of the tax year was 25th March, the more memorable date of Lady Day, but the Revenue, as ever, refused to lose potentially 11 days of tax revenues, and stuck to the Julian calendar, until 1800, when a leap year on their calendar was not matched by an extra day elsewhere in the country, so they fixed the start of the tax year at the date it had then reached – 6th April. Who said accountancy was dull?
God bless you all
Keith Brown
The Da Vinci Code – a View from the Pew
The Da Vinci Code has exercised a great deal of interest recently, as it is now an overlong and boring, badly scripted film, as well as an overlong, boring and badly written book. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Pete Willcox’s talk on the subject, so these thoughts are simply the random ramblings of someone without the benefit of clerical training, but hopefully with some commonsense.
Apparently, according at least to the more sensational press, the assertion that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and fathered a bloodline that continues to this day, is sufficient to render Christian faith meaningless. This raises one or two points:
(a) The Da Vinci code is a very clever book which builds a lot of bricks with very little straw, but the fact remains that it is totally a work of fiction;
(b) The book was so poorly researched that at one point we are asked to believe that an eminent cryptographer would not recognise mirror-writing, despite this being a freely acknowledged accomplishment of Da Vinci;
(c) According to the book the bloodline of Jesus gave rise to the Merovingian dynasty of medieval rulers, but has now dwindled to the point where there is only a single remaining descendant. Clerical training I may not have, but when I took my degree in medieval history, I was under the impression that the Merovingian dynasty evolved in turn from the Carolingian dynasty founded by Charlemagne the Great, and itself launched most of the royal families of Western Europe – far from 1 remaining descendent, it has spawned hundreds if not thousands of living descendents.
(d) Given that marriage was one of the most important social events in the life of any Jew, is it not a little surprising, if Jesus got married, that none of the Gospel commentators thought fit to mention it, especially that arch champion of the Jewish faith – Matthew?
A threat to the very foundations of Christian faith? Not for me – rest assured that the Bible will continue to outsell the Da Vinci Code for many decades yet.
God Bless
Keith
Apparently, according at least to the more sensational press, the assertion that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and fathered a bloodline that continues to this day, is sufficient to render Christian faith meaningless. This raises one or two points:
(a) The Da Vinci code is a very clever book which builds a lot of bricks with very little straw, but the fact remains that it is totally a work of fiction;
(b) The book was so poorly researched that at one point we are asked to believe that an eminent cryptographer would not recognise mirror-writing, despite this being a freely acknowledged accomplishment of Da Vinci;
(c) According to the book the bloodline of Jesus gave rise to the Merovingian dynasty of medieval rulers, but has now dwindled to the point where there is only a single remaining descendant. Clerical training I may not have, but when I took my degree in medieval history, I was under the impression that the Merovingian dynasty evolved in turn from the Carolingian dynasty founded by Charlemagne the Great, and itself launched most of the royal families of Western Europe – far from 1 remaining descendent, it has spawned hundreds if not thousands of living descendents.
(d) Given that marriage was one of the most important social events in the life of any Jew, is it not a little surprising, if Jesus got married, that none of the Gospel commentators thought fit to mention it, especially that arch champion of the Jewish faith – Matthew?
A threat to the very foundations of Christian faith? Not for me – rest assured that the Bible will continue to outsell the Da Vinci Code for many decades yet.
God Bless
Keith
Judas – Servant of God?
I am indebted to a recent leading article in the Daily Mail for the information that the Vatican is currently reconsidering its official position on the status of Judas and his role in the gospel story – apparently the Roman Catholic Church has always considered him as something as an outcast. I am astonished that it has taken them some 2,000 years to reach this point – for me the gospel story, and my own faith, is one of great simplicity – Jesus died on the cross to free us from our sins and to rid us of the fear of death by giving us the promise of everlasting life. The gospel story and my faith have a number of simple steps – without the betrayal of Jesus by Judas there would have been no trial before Pilate. Without the trial there would have been no sentence of crucifixion. Without the crucifixion, Jesus would not have died on the cross for us. Without His death Jesus would not have risen again and defeated the powers of sin and death. The starting point in this simple (over simplified I will admit to fit the space available) story and progression is the treachery of Judas. Given that it was God’s will that His son should be sacrificed for us, it is evident, to me at least, that Judas was a part of God’s plan and of God’s will. Amazingly, the Vatican has now taken this on board and Judas is close to rehabilitation – surely not before time – his sins were only too familiar to many of us – he was motivated by greed and the desire to ingratiate himself with more powerful authority, but Jesus forgave him and Judas himself expressed contrition for his sins, so who are we to condemn?
May God bless you all
Keith Brown
May God bless you all
Keith Brown
Commandments (11th July 2004)
I was recently greatly interested by an item on Breakfast television. This invited viewers to compose new commandments, which were relevant to modern life – the inference was that the Biblical Commandments had become irrelevant, though how this could be decided about commandments such as “You shall not kill”, or “You shall not steal” is quite beyond me. Many of the suggestions from viewers were fatuous, along the lines of “You shall clean up after your dog”. But are the Biblical commandments irrelevant? Are there too many of them for today’s society to cope with? Don’t forget that our Lord actually reduced the burden to just 2 commandments, which he told us were all important – First “The Lord your God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Second “ Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these, He said. (Mark, ch 12, vv 28-30) Finally, towards the end of his earthly reign, Jesus gave us, through His disciples, a “new” commandment – “ Love each other, as I have loved you” (John ch 15 vv 9-17) Amazing isn’t it, how often “love” crops up in the Christian way of life – sounds simple, but not always so easy to carry out.
Perhaps the last word should go to the Anglican vicar called into the television studio to provide an “official” new commandment for today – her offering, which I think sums up so much of what Christ means to me, and I hope to you – “You shall not forget that you, all of you, are loved by God”.
Keith Brown
Perhaps the last word should go to the Anglican vicar called into the television studio to provide an “official” new commandment for today – her offering, which I think sums up so much of what Christ means to me, and I hope to you – “You shall not forget that you, all of you, are loved by God”.
Keith Brown
In My Father’s House Are Many Rooms
I recently had the privilege of attending a friend’s funeral. I say privilege because it proved to be a wonderfully uplifting experience. The deceased was a client of my accounting practice who died unexpectedly at the age of 52 as he prepared for work at his motor repair and servicing business. The small village church near Tamworth was literally full to overflowing as 250 people tried to get into a church with pews for about 100. It could have been a morose farewell to a popular local man, but the vicar was determined otherwise, and thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the deceased’s life and the triumph of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory over death that He has won for all of us. That wonderful gospel reading from John followed (John, ch. 14, vv. 2 – 7) in which Jesus tells his disciples that he will soon be leaving them to prepare a place for them to join Him. Thomas, a disciple who was never quick off the mark, protests that they don’t know where Her is going, so how can they know the way? Jesus replies in one of the simplest and most powerful verses of the gospel “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.”
What a promise and available to all of us if we only follow Him.
God bless you all
Keith Brown
What a promise and available to all of us if we only follow Him.
God bless you all
Keith Brown
Writing about the journey of faith
I recently read a newspaper article which encouraged readers to write their own book, a novel or autobiography, which has long been an ambition of mine. It struck me as I read the article that writing a first novel was an awful lot like becoming a Christian – some people find it very natural and easy and have a book written before you can blink – in Christian terms, the “Road to Damascus” conversion experience, like Paul. For others it is a long, hard road, and you may well get stuck along the way, and begin to doubt whether you can ever reach your desired goal – their advice to would be novelists who are “stuck on chapter 3” – consult fellow writers, ask their advice, listen to them, and, if it’s the right thing for you, take notice of that advice.
Similarly, if you are a new Christian who is finding the going tough, ask for help and advice, think about it and decide if that advice is right for you. – there are plenty of people in the church who will be happy to talk to you, share their experience with you and, if you like, pray with you about any difficulties you may have.
Don’t ask me, I’m one of those fortunate people who had a Damascus Road experience when a brain haemorrhage, which nearly took my life convinced me that there should be more to that life than being the next junior partner in the world’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants.
And don’t forget, if you are in trouble, having doubts or difficulties, you have the best helper that any one could ask for available at any time to you – our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, I haven’t even got as far as being stuck on chapter 3, so if any of you have ever finished writing a full length book, then please help!
Yours in Christ
Keith Brown
Similarly, if you are a new Christian who is finding the going tough, ask for help and advice, think about it and decide if that advice is right for you. – there are plenty of people in the church who will be happy to talk to you, share their experience with you and, if you like, pray with you about any difficulties you may have.
Don’t ask me, I’m one of those fortunate people who had a Damascus Road experience when a brain haemorrhage, which nearly took my life convinced me that there should be more to that life than being the next junior partner in the world’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants.
And don’t forget, if you are in trouble, having doubts or difficulties, you have the best helper that any one could ask for available at any time to you – our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, I haven’t even got as far as being stuck on chapter 3, so if any of you have ever finished writing a full length book, then please help!
Yours in Christ
Keith Brown
Creation or Evolution? (first published in the autumn of 2005)
I was reminded at our Harvest Festival of the very old, deep-rooted and continuing debate between the “creationists”, who believe in a world created by a superior being, God, and the evolutionists, the disciples of Darwin, who believe in a natural evolution of all living species. There isn’t room here to look at the whole debate, even if I had the necessary knowledge, but I am reminded of a couple of points – Bishop Mike includes in his repertoire of sermons the story of a famous philosopher, mathematician and radical atheist of the 1950’s, whose scientific curiosity led him one day to examine the molecular structure of the carbon atom, and concluded that this, the most basic element which is present in every living organism, was so complicated that it could not possibly have evolved naturally, and had to be the result of an intentional design by a superior being, after which he became as devout a believer as he had previously been a non-believer. More recently, Francis Crick, one of the Nobel prize-winning scientists who discovered the “double-helix” structure of DNA also declared that the complexity of this structure meant that there could not be a sound scientific argument for evolution through natural processes, and concluded that a force of superior intelligence was responsible. Rather bizarrely, Dr. Crick then concluded that earth and all its life had been created by an extra-terrestrial, alien super-being. So near Dr. Crick, and yet so far! The Genesis story may be a part of Jewish folklore, and certainly similar creation stories exist in many cultures and faiths, but there is no reason to rely on an extra-terrestrial alien for the great creator, our God, who through His Holy Spirit is alive and dwells among us today.
Finally, the long-awaited day is nearly upon us, and may God bless Simon, Beata and Tomek in their life and ministry at St. Martin’s.
God bless you all
Keith
Finally, the long-awaited day is nearly upon us, and may God bless Simon, Beata and Tomek in their life and ministry at St. Martin’s.
God bless you all
Keith
Tuesday 20 February 2007
18th February 2007: Slavery Then & Now
Two hundred years ago, the British politician William Wilberforce and his band of loyal friends took on the most powerful forces of their day to end the slave trade. His mentor was John Newton, the slave-trader-turned-song-writer, who wrote the popular hymn, Amazing Grace (being released as a major motion picture in cinemas on March 23rd).
This year is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. Despite this it is estimated that up to Twenty-seven million men, women, and children are still enslaved around the globe, more people that at any other point in history.
People are being forced into what has been described as “new forms” of slavery, forced to work, often under the guise of meaningless contracts, in sweatshops or in building roads and pipelines for multinational corporations. Along with the exploitive use of indebtedness as an excuse for forced labour, there is also am enormous international traffic, especially in eastern Europe and south Asia in girls or young women who have volunteered for decent-sounding jobs, only to find themselves coerced into prostitution.
The evil of slavery is not something that we as Christians can ignore or accept. Jesus’ declared his mission (and therefore ours) in the following terms:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." (Luke 4:18-19)
To coincide with the events to mark the abolition of slavery in Britain, our Lent Course (which starts on Tuesday 27th February) will examine what lessons we can learn from William Wilberforce’s life, in what way can we build a better world? It promises to be a very stimulating and challenging course, which I hope many people will make a commitment to join. This course is open to everyone, so please invite friends, family and neighbours to join us.
As well as our Lent Course, there are other resources available via our website (follow links from ‘Lent Course 2007’ at http://www.walsallstmartins.2day.ws/) to sign a petition calling for an end to modern day slavery, and find out how you can become involved in the ‘Amazing Change’ campaign.
Simon
This year is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. Despite this it is estimated that up to Twenty-seven million men, women, and children are still enslaved around the globe, more people that at any other point in history.
People are being forced into what has been described as “new forms” of slavery, forced to work, often under the guise of meaningless contracts, in sweatshops or in building roads and pipelines for multinational corporations. Along with the exploitive use of indebtedness as an excuse for forced labour, there is also am enormous international traffic, especially in eastern Europe and south Asia in girls or young women who have volunteered for decent-sounding jobs, only to find themselves coerced into prostitution.
The evil of slavery is not something that we as Christians can ignore or accept. Jesus’ declared his mission (and therefore ours) in the following terms:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." (Luke 4:18-19)
To coincide with the events to mark the abolition of slavery in Britain, our Lent Course (which starts on Tuesday 27th February) will examine what lessons we can learn from William Wilberforce’s life, in what way can we build a better world? It promises to be a very stimulating and challenging course, which I hope many people will make a commitment to join. This course is open to everyone, so please invite friends, family and neighbours to join us.
As well as our Lent Course, there are other resources available via our website (follow links from ‘Lent Course 2007’ at http://www.walsallstmartins.2day.ws/) to sign a petition calling for an end to modern day slavery, and find out how you can become involved in the ‘Amazing Change’ campaign.
Simon
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