Happy Christmas ...

 Wishing all a Happy, Peaceful and Joy filled Christmas

As we approach once again that day in the year that all Christians and a large part of the world, celebrate, Christmas Day, I am sure we all have different recollections, expectations and hopes at Christmas.

For some it would be peace because they live in a place where violence, war, oppression are the current norm. For others it would be expecting time with family and friends and a rest from the pressures of life. For others it will be the hope that someone might notice them amidst all of the celebration and recognise them.

We look forward to time with family and friends, we enjoy the time in church celebrating the birth of Jesus, the one sent by God to bring hope, joy, love and peace. Perhaps for each of us there may be a chance to put that into action as we celebrate this Christmas?

There is, for us, always a tinge of sadness as we think of those we have celebrated with in the past who have died. But it also reminds us of those celebrations and of the fun of them.

Some of us will be preparing and celebrating without any real connection with the reason for the festivities, Jesus. Maybe there might be a moment to reflect upon who he is.

Casting Crowns - "Is there room in your heart?" I was listening to this song earlier and hope all of us, might find a moment to reflect on the season.

I hope you have a happy Christmas no matter your situation, I pray that you may find blessing in the season.

 A little reflection as we approach the season of Advent and the lead up to one of my favourite times of the year, Christmas.

You might like to listen to this song Behold our King.

We live at a time when it is almost impossible to determine truth from fiction as the internet pounds us with so much that is either not wholly true, is fake or is seeded with part truth and part directional indoctrination. Much of what we read or look at makes sad reading as we are encouraged to target specific groups, countries or individuals. Now we could simply switch off, but that's not my way. I read things, check them out and pray over them. God gives both direction and peace if we will turn to him and not the latest political or social "stars". Peace often seems hard to find. Yet, scripture tells us that there is a bringer of peace.

(Isa 9:6)  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

One follower of this "Prince of Peace" wrote

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 

the courage to change the things I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

enjoying one moment at a time; 

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; 

taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, 

not as I would have it; 

trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; 

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life 

and supremely happy with You forever in the next."

The writer, I think, understood something that calls out to us all in these days. We can all make a difference, the key is knowing where we can and where we can't and in that we can all find a peace that gives us both grace and courage. Living as Jesus would have us live means we are prepared to be transformed, changed, by His Spirit working through us and so achieve all that he directs us to do. Many over the centuries have found that allowing Jesus to be in control allowed them to achieve far reaching change in our world. Many others have kept on at the smaller, less noticed, by humanity, things. God notices them all.

As we travel down that road towards Christmas and all of the things that may mean to you, or not, let me encourage you to find time to look for peace, in the business, the costs, the hopes and everything else that the season brings.

As you, hopefully, find some times to seek and find peace in this season, a few  things to maybe help to reflect on.

(Psa 29:11)  The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

(Joh 14:27)  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus is the prince of peace, a song to listen to.

An Easter Reflection

 An Easter Reflection ...

A brief look at two journeys and an amazing sequel. There are a few Bible passages to read if you want to and a couple of songs to listen too, grab a coffee, Tea or whatever and spend a few moments reflecting on what Easter is all about.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem seems like the pinnacle in his mission and ministry. Hailed, welcomed, palm branches laid before him as he walked in with his followers. Yet only a few days later he was to take another walk, with many of the same people baying for his death.

 Matthew 21:1-11 The triumph

Palm Sunday and Jesus entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. In these few verses a lot is happening, and there are some clues there about what was going on. I wonder what Jesus was thinking at the time. What were his disciples thinking? What would we have been thinking if we were them?

Jesus asked some of his disciples to go and fetch a donkey. It is unlikely that the owner would have lightly let go an animal which was valuable to them and yet, that’s exactly what Jesus expected to happen. If you were those disciples, what would you have thought? The disciples did as Jesus asked, any fears they had of trouble getting the donkey went and the donkey was taken to Jesus. Why a donkey, why ride and not walk as he had done previously?

All questions that disciples may have been pondering. But as the prophet Zechariah had said – the king would come riding on a donkey. This was how the kings of Israel travelled, it marked the coming of a king – in humility and peace. As we travel with Jesus, we know that he had given up his position and adopted that of a man. Paul reminds as of this in Philippians 2:6-7

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Imagine the excitement as the disciples took all of this on board – Jesus, their teacher, prophet. The one that they had stated was the son of God, the Messiah – now arriving in Jerusalem on a donkey and being hailed by crowds. Palm branches and cloaks were laid on the road for Jesus to ride over. A sign of homage and respect for this man. It was all happening as they had hoped.

 And then to top it all shouts of acclamation. Hosanna! “Save now” a plea from an oppressed people to their saviour for deliverance. A call to acclaim Jesus as Messiah? The shout proclaiming Jesus as the Son of David. The one who like David the people expected God to send and restore them, remove them from the yolk of Roman occupation and make them great again. I wonder how much the disciples were caught up in this, how much would we have been caught up in it? Yet Jesus had told his close disciples that he must die and rise again and that was why he was going to Jerusalem.

All was not as it seemed. Yes, he was going to save. But not in the manner that they expected and not just saving them but providing salvation for all humanity.

 Mark 15:12-22 The Tragedy

Now lets us jump forwards some days to the end of the week. The atmosphere was so different. Jesus had been arrested, tried after a fashion and the religious authorities had convinced the Roman governor to execute Jesus.

We pick up the account with the disciples nowhere to be seen, the crowd shouting to make the governor do what they wanted – they could not execute Jesus, but the governor could. Just as fear had caused the disciples to vanish at Gethsemane, fear of the crowd overrode Pilates desire to free Jesus.

The one acclaimed as Messiah, King of the Jews, son of David, the one who would save them, now treated as a common criminal. How would you have felt watching this?

Watching, the disciples and followers of Jesus would have seen his mistreatment, flogged by the Romans, often done to weaken the victim before crucifixion. The road of suffering. (I like this song as a reflection on this - Via dolorosa)

He was Jeered, mocked, spat on and abused, prepared for the walk of shame. 

Half a mile or so, from the Praetorium to the hill where Jesus would be killed. Half a mile in which in his weakened state, the disciples would have seen that someone else had to carry the wood that Jesus was to be nailed to. Half a mile walking through a crowd in which many wanted him dead, others, maybe some his disciples wondering what was going on. All their hopes, expectations, dying with Jesus. Couldn’t he save himself from this? Jesus took it all, walking that road, knowing what he had come to earth to do and was bringing to its conclusion.

Imaging watching Jesus Walk or possibly stagger as if carrying an immense weight, that half mile to Golgotha, bearing the crown of his tormentors, made of thorns to mock him and further injure him. And at the end of the road, the place where it would be finished. Again, all was not as it seemed.

 Where would we be in the narrative? Carried by the crowd? Finding it hard to take on board? Excited? Fearful? Questioning?

Matthew 28:1-6 A New Beginning ( A Song to reflect with)

He has risen! These words may mean something to you or they mean seem like fantasy.

If they are fantasy or  just wrong as far as you can understand, I hope that reading this will have given you something to consider. Things are not always what we think. Maybe explore a bit further with a local church group - Alpha, Christianity Explored or one of the many other ways to look deeper. Or read one of the bible accounts - Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.

If "He has Risen" means something let me ask, can you remember the first time that those words meant something to you? For some of us that was a long time back, for others not so far back. Why do I ask? Well consider for a moment the women who went to the tomb, their expectation was to find the stone in place that covered it, their expectation was to finish preparing Jesus for lying permanently in the tomb. But their expectations went out of the window as they arrived.

Earthquake, the stone rolled away, the guards terrified, what was going on? Who were this heavenly being before them, where was Jesus? Then they heard these amazing words “He is not here, He has risen”! What did they think, feel?

So, what did you feel when those words first held significance for you, when you first believed the truth of them. That this man Jesus, who had been brutally killed, crucified and certified dead, then buried, was no longer dead, but alive?

When you say those words does a little tingle go down your spine? Does your heart leap with joy? Do you want to go and shout it to the world at large? “He has risen”.

For me, it meant the many of my life’s reference points had been in the wrong place. I was amazed and overjoyed that this had been done for me. I still am. I hope that feeling of joy and amazement will never leave me.

Jesus resurrection cemented God’s promise that all who believe in Jesus will also rise to glory one day. Death overcome, sin defeated and humanity offered freedom and relationship with God, through Jesus.

He is risen our watch phrase, our encouragement, our spur to do as the disciples did in those early days – light a fire in the world fuelled by God’s love, a fire that will burn brightly and draw many to salvation, because He is Risen!.

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter.

All things change

 Its a while since I wrote in this blog. Mostly because for Nicola and I a lot has changed. We thought we knew what God was doing with us but got tangled in our own plans.

All things change! Especially when we recognise what God is doing compared with what we want to do.

After our location plans went wrong we rested for a bit and refocused. Where we have settled is so much more than we had thought. A nice home in a lovely village with a church that we are now actively involved with. Well we were never going to retire and do not a lot. We are able to and are extending the property to enable us to do more with friends and neighbours. 

All things change!

God's purposes are not always obvious to us are they? We heard in church recently of the transition of God's prophetic mantle from Elijah to Elisha. God's planned change to call Elijah home. Look in 2kings2 if you are interested.

I know its only mid-November but earlier today as I looked at all of the Christmas adverts on facebook I found myself reflecting on the change that God brought through the first Christmas and the life of Jesus. 

All things change, God made a way where there was no way for people to be freed from the price or the curse of sin and once again have a relationship with him. I was drawn to a song which I had not heard that helped my reflect and reminded me that while each year the christmas adverts come earlier, Christmas should be welcolmed. God changed everything through Jesus.

The words might help your preparation for Christmas. This link will play the song the words are below.

A world awakes all unaware 

Of what the night did bring 

A mother’s pain a baby’s cry 

New life begins 

While Bethlehem slumbers 

In shadows so dark and deep 

Sweetly sleep 

What child is this in manger laid 

That dazzled shepherds seek? 

Whom heaven adores yet earth ignores 

Helpless and weak 

Most ancient of mysteries 

Stirs in the chill of these streets 

Sweetly sleep 

O world awake! 

Shake off the night 

A greater dawn is breaking 

A brighter Sun 

Heaven’s pure light 

To set the world on fire 

God in flesh appearing 

Heaven and earth are touching here 

Receive him now 

As you would welcome 

A new-born child 

From A World Awakes by Graham Kendrick 

Copyright © 2007 Make Way Music 

www.grahamkendrick.co.uk 

Bread of Life

 I am currently reading a book by Andrew Wilson as a devotional. The last few days I have been reading a section on "Bread". Which got me thinking 😊

The thing is that today in most developed countries we can take or leave bread. Its not essential and in some cases we are advised not to eat it for our health. If we do eat it we have a myriad of choices. When we eat bread often its not in community but on our own, rushing through a day and grabbing a sandwich or sitting alone somewhere having a 5 min break from the day's activities.

Biblically, bread was essential as was the success of producing the crop from which it is made. To share or break bread with someone was (as Wilson says) to include them by sharing something essential to life.

What does it mean to me to share bread with others? Is it any more than just being hospitable? My wife and I like having people around for food or going to other folks' homes for food, especially our family. They are good times of sharing stories, hearing each other and re-bonding. We recently helped out on an Alpha course in the church we attend and they do Alpha with a full meal as we used to years ago before we tried to make the sessions shorter. The connections made during that series again made me think of the importance of sharing food or breaking bread with each other. We got to know each other, we recognised differences as well as similarities in understanding. A number of the guests asked Christ into their lives and all (some were already Christians) were deeply affected on the Alpha day. Connections made through sharing food.

So when I read in the Bible Joh 6:35  Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty..."

How should I interpret it, given that bread today has a different sense of importance to those Jesus was talking to? Well taking communion, sharing or breaking bread with other Christians is like a shadow of what Jesus was meaning, I think. Its one time when a group of Christians share bread / wafers or water ever in common union with each other and with Christ. But I don't think it has the significance that this would have had when Jesus said it. Would "I am the food of life". Give us a better understanding? We all need food to survive and to grow and to live. We rely on those who grow and provide our food, however we buy it, cook it and eat it. 

I am the bread / food of life, suggests to me that Jesus is something that we cannot do without for the life that God intends us to have. Our inner hunger and thirst met in full. Without him in our lives we are in some ways, empty, spiritually thirsty and hungry. When I eat with others, sharing food, time and care for each other, I will try to remember that in that simple thing, the one who is my "food and drink" is with us.

Pedestals

We heard recently of accusations of inappropriate behaviour against another well known Christian leader. And of course there is no smoke without fire, so many queue up to point out the dangers, some even applaud the apparent fall. In a society that seems to promote celebrity culture, the raising onto a pedestal, those who we "follow" or like to watch on the media, we also seem to almost revel in their all too often fall from it.

Have we considered that in some way many of us in the Christian church have responsibility for these situations? Myself included. I have listened to Mark Driscoll (of Mars Hill Fame) and his often encouraging and challenging teaching. I have attended Soul Survivor weeks with teenagers. I have followed and read Bill Hybels (Willow Creek). I have read and enjoyed so much from Hillsong whose founder, Brian Houston is under investigation for a number of things.

How many of us rush to buy the latest books by famous Christian speakers and authors? How many of us go to see the latest in vogue, Christian performers or get the latest Christian songs into our churches? In a way all of this is a part of the "celebrity" culture of the times in which we live. Like it or not most of us have bought into this, even if we don't like admitting it.

Now a question, has anything changed over the years, the centuries? The Church has a history of raising up those who stand out for their, piety, service, preaching, song writing, leadership, sacrifice. There are so many names - Mother Teresa, Spurgeon, Wesley, Smith, Whitefield, Luther, Augustine to name a few. Their work continues to help us think about our faith and to worship our God. In their day these were celebrities.

Are we forgetting that all humans are vulnerable, all can be caught up in the position that they find themselves in because of a gift they have? Some find themselves or even strive to be put on a pedestal. The fame, the accolades and the wealth that can come with that being perhaps attractive, but maybe the sense of reaching so many being the real draw.

I am reminded of the man Philip and then Peter encountered in Acts 8 ...

(Act 8:18-20)  When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

 A man whose worldly sense of gain, wanted to have the gifts of God for his own benefit. It was open and overt, often the seduction that comes from a rise in notice and fame is not so overt. But then the temptations that come with this lurk in the background until they overwhelm or just draw upon our own sinful desires. 

It is not just those on the celebrity pedestal who are in danger of temptation. Anyone in any form of Christian leadership can fall foul of temptation. Pastors, Children's workers, Youth workers, Elders, Deacons, those in pastoral care, any with responsibility!

So should there be no "celebrities" in the Christian world, no book writers, song writers, leaders of note, no pastors or organisation leaders? I think there will also be those who are raised in this way because we all look up to those with such gifting's. However the real failing is that like so many film and pop celebrities, those who look up to them, us, forget to keep them accountable, forget to ask the hard questions like:

Was that appropriate? Does that action or activity honour God? Was that right? Are you behaving in your own life in an honouring way to God? Have you clear boundaries to protect yourselves and others? Are you accountable to others?

As Jesus told his disciples:

(Mar 10:42-45)  Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

To serve each other, we must each be accountable to each other. we must each be prepared to be asked and to ask the hard questions and not be angered by the asking, instead seeing this as the loving, caring desire of our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us stay in the right place and not succumb to temptation.

It saddens me that these falls happen and give the world another stick to try to bruise the church of Christ with. But as a closing thought, we need to pray for those called to lead, called to "great" things and if they fall, pray for them all the more as well for those impacted by whatever it is that they did.

Waiting and Timing

 In my yearly read through of the bible (it doesn't start in Jan 😀), I recently got to the end of the Old Testament and reflected a little on the long 400 year gap between the last Prophet and the coming of the Messiah. God's timing is not always ours is it? We are also pretty impatient in our technology focused world, driven by instant messaging, emails and social media. I sometimes wonder how the people who were back in Judea felt at the long gap, had some given up waiting while others tried to tie down behaviour to "ensure " that they were ready and while yet others exploited the situation seeking power and position?

How good are we at waiting? How good are we at jumping the gun a bit and trying to make things happen when we believe God has given us a direction and things seem slow happening? We were reminded in church recently of the story of Abram (Abraham) and Sara (Sarah). Childless they were promised a son by God, but nothing seemed to be happening.

(Gen 12:31)  The LORD had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

How often do we like Abraham and Sarah try in our own strength to do what God has promised? In my experience that usually leads to problems, wrong directions and even heart-ache. Fortunately for Abraham and Sarah, God did give them the son who would be the root of blessing for all peoples, Isaac, even though they had produced Ishmael from a servant rather than wait.

Nicola and I thought last year that we had the next phase of our lives worked out. Retiring from a church and job that we both loved in Essex and which we knew we would miss, but realising it was time to hand over to a new minister, we prepared. Sold our home in Sussex (4 times in 6 months) and prepared for living near the sea. A few weeks before our retirement the buyer pulled out leaving us with no choice but to return to our house in mid-Sussex and see what the future held. We are trying one more time to see if the move to the sea is on this year. 

While I am convinced that retirement was to right thing and we are loving spending more time with family and grand-children we have questioned our plans for where to live. Does God want us where we have now returned to or is the move to the sea-side and a different adventure still the plan just not in our timing? We are enjoying being in the church here but continue to seek God's direction for what is next, here or the sea-side. His timing and plans are good and perfect, ours are often impatient and flawed.

I have just read Luke chapters 1-5 and the account of Jesus' the Messiahs birth. God did do as he had promised his people, just not in their timing and not in a way that they expected. Perhaps we need to learn patience and listening to God more than we have?

Changing Scenes

 It has been a while since I last wrote, partly through lack of time and partly because my focus has been on other things. I was reflecting recently on the way in which the scenes of life change. Sometimes with our choices and at other times they are forced upon us. I imagine that the disciples of Jesus were shocked when he said he was going to die and probably even more shocked when it happened. But then while enjoying his risen presence and wondering what next? Was he going to restore the kingdom there and then in a way they expected? Once again Jesus shocked them ...

Act 1:6-9  Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"  He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 

Everything changing around them.

Most of us have been through big changes in our lives. More recently we have coped with COVID and the enforced season that this virus took us into. Many have recovered from it but the echoes are still there for some, isolation, poor health, the loss of loved ones.

Some of us cope with change better than others, some resist change at all costs. But change is inevitable and I think in some instances needed. We can get very set in our ways, comfortable in them even if they are not helpful to us or others.

Following Jesus comes at a price, because we align our lives with what he commands of us. Take up your cross daily and follow me! He calls us to give up to gain, calls to ministry are a good example, we give up a life which often we have loved and enjoyed in terms of work and finance, to take up a vocation which is often amazing but at times is hard work and difficult. As I look back I ask myself the question would I have chosen not to go into full time Christian ministry? My answer is no, I would not have missed my years in ministry for anything, for all of the cost to me and my family, the gain is beyond measure.

I know that throughout Jesus has been true to his word that he would never leave us, in fact gave us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate and guide. So now as I plan a change of season and retire later this year from full time ministry I can but wonder what surprises Jesus has in store for me next.

Whatever season you may be in or may face in the future, Jesus knows all about and will be with you. Trust in him and you will see it through. 

Christmas with ....

 Last Christmas many people struggled, some with the virus others just because everything that would normally be Christmas was not possible. Often its not until we strip back everything that we uncover things and we then get back to something more beautiful.

I am sure that many of us will have started decorating a "new" home, taking back wall papers and paint to bare walls only to find cracks, bad or worn out plaster or brick work, that then needs some serious repair or attention. But its not always bad news, sometimes it takes the clearing away of those things that hide the truth or the beauty, to see it. Most have heard of Pompeii in Italy, clearing away and excavating uncovered lovely murals on walls that had not been seen since the eruption. A restoration project in a Tudor mansion, uncovered Elizabethan paintings on the walls that had been hidden for centuries.

This Christmas, 2021, many will have to stay away from families and friends as they cope with infections of the virus and the need to protect others. As a result many Christmas parties, Church activities and family gatherings are either cancelled or reduced in size and numbers. We read in the news and social media of the distress and upset that this causes to business and people. Others are working extraordinary hours to handle the vaccination booster program. My wife had the virus early in December and has fully recovered, I got a +ve test on 17th Dec (result on the 18th), no symptoms initially but must now cancel our Christmas plans and rely on being present on-line in some of my favourite services of the year.

I was asking myself what makes Christmas? Has it been reduced over the years to a massive spending spree where, driven by current trends and social influencers, we rush to buy the right things, the right gifts, attend the right parties and events? Even the church celebrations can drift away from worship of the one that Christmas is truly all about, Jesus as we get tangled up in presenting shows and panto's and having various fund raising things in the hope that folks are more generous at Christmas.

Jesus, the baby, its almost like a fairy tale and for many it seems like that. Why would God, all powerful, all glorious, the creator of all things, majestic in power, why would God become a baby? Vulnerable and dependant upon others, it seems so strange. Yet in his humanity, his teaching, his life, he had a purpose. To build the bridge to God, to pay the price of our wrong doing and build a spiritual bridge that all may cross. This baby as an adult, was crucified for us, rose again to give us hope for an eternal future. This is something to celebrate, just as the Angels did, something to hold in our hearts, even if we don't have Christmas with friends, family, church, or work through it, we can still celebrate Jesus, God with us, God who loves us, God who wants us to know him.

Let me wish you a Happy and safe Christmas, where ever you are and what ever you are doing. Let hope for your future with God be a cause for great joy, laughter and celebration this Christmas.

I hope you enjoy this song which I find helps me celebrate and reflect.

Love is ...

This week in our life group (bible study and fellowship group), we were looking at a passage that is very familiar 1Corinthians 13. The study material is the Bible Societies "lyfe" series, which we are finding really helpful. It got me to thinking again about what I mean by love and how we use the word in our everyday and how that might vary with what Paul was talking about.

Do you remember the series of "love is ..." pictures that used to circulate, which mostly connected with an emotional love? As I reflect on the ways in which I love, I can see that to a degree I express it in ways that show it. Telling Nicola, my wife that I love her and giving her a kiss is one way, although it works better if I do the clearing up, cook or fill the dishwasher. Giving a grandchild a hug and making them feel safe when they stay is another. Doing the things that I do noticed or unnoticed for others and for church, is yet another way.

Do all of these indicate the same love or are they different? The book 5 love languages, which to be fair focuses on human love in relationships with each other, suggests different ways we can show love to those we are in relationships with and that they can show to us. The key being that we are all different and it is really easy to simply show love in a way that we would like it shown to us. I guess that's fairly human.

This is something we use and refer folks to when preparing them for Christian marriage in our church.

But what about what Paul is writing, how does that work or is it different? To gain the context, its worth reading it as a part of the section in which it sits, rather than on its own 1Corinthians 12-14. Taking aside that there are some controversial words in this section, I want to concentrate on what 1Cor 13 has to say about love.

The point is that it is about the use of spiritual gifts in a church context and not abusing them. There is no doubt in my mind that God blesses his church with spiritual gifts to build it and to encourage it, but at times our humanity gets in the way of using them well. At times some even "fake" such gifts, perhaps to big themselves up. 1Cor 13 gives us the key, they should be used with an attitude of love, agape love;

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 

What Paul tells us, I think, is that worship should include these gifts being used, but underpinned with a kind of love that means they are used as God would have them used, not perhaps as we sometimes want. If we check ourselves and our use of the gifts that we have been blessed with, with this, it will help us use them well and appropriately. The focus is on others and not ourselves, on God and not ourselves. When we also practice this love in our relationships it will grow them, enrich them and change us. This passage written for the church and its use of gifts, has application also in our relationships.

Worship Revisited

Hi, Again its been a while since I wrote anything. Mostly just too busy! But having a few moments today I thought it was time to continue with my faith related thoughts.

My current devotional read is a book by R.T. Kendall - Worshipping God. I thought I would refresh my thinking a little on the whole picture of worship and it was something I picked up a Untied 2019 (New Wine) and had on the bookshelf in my "to be read" section. 

The whole COVID experience has also put a lot of pressure on how we do Sunday worship as church, and not all bad pressures either. However, I like to reflect on what God might be saying rather than jump at every new trend. Is online church way forwards or a hybrid as others are promoting? So earlier this year I started reading and reflecting. Possibly the biggest challenge so far has been where is the focus of my and the church I serves, worship?

We all know that often worship really means the songs or music that we use. I think most will know that this is only a small part of worship. Although I would also say an important part of worshipping together and I love music. I noticed that initially having no music in our online services clearly felt like something was missing. Adding online playlists while we worked out who could and would play from home online, helped people prepare and once we could have musicians from home and then later in church it really did help as we came together online.

Much of this has a focus on what we as church expect and want of services when we gather. Was this the right focus, making it all to draw folks together in their disconnected situations at home? Some liked it, some struggled. What if we were unable to meet at all in person or online, how would we worship God then? Would we cease until we could meet or is there something more?

Kendal suggests, and I would concur, that worship begins, continues and thrives through our personal relationships with God. It is this more than anything, in effect our daily, personal, 24/7 worship in prayer, bible reading, listening to God, that forms us for when we come together as church.

I think that when that is our devotional life, it is less important when we we come together what we sing and how we pray than the fact that we are. Whether its the latest popular Christian songs or hymns of yesteryear, live or pre-recorded, whether its expository prayer or prepared, liturgical or less organised services, the key is what we are bringing, ourselves, as people who are and do worship God. If the focus is what we want, we have got it wrong, I think. Our focus should be on Jesus and that I think comes through our daily worship.

As the old chorus says:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

As I walked a beach in Dorset recently in the sunshine with the tide receding I found it a delight and a joy to praise God and rejoice that I am his and he is mine no matter where I am, who I am with or what I am doing. As I have spent more time in personal worship it has fuelled and inspired my leading of the church, preparing worship for Sundays and has brought a new sense of inspiration to preparing sermons.

Resilient Faith handles Curved Balls

 Hi, I have been quiet on my blog for a few months now. Not because I have nothing to say but because I had no time to write it down due to some family issues that needed to be handled. In early February by dad died. Although we knew he was ill it was quite sudden. A definite curved ball that needed to be caught and fielded well. What with planning his funeral, we also needed to work out mum's future as she has a number of care needs, not least of which is dementia. A great help in all of this was my church leaders offering me as much compassionate leave as I needed. They took my curved ball and and helped me field it well.

As the last 3 months have evolved there have been a number of other curved balls to catch and my family team have done (IMO) remarkably well in catching and fielding them. So how does all of this connect with our faith lives?

Firstly, none of us is exempt from life's curved balls. The idea that being a Christian means a sort of fairy tale existence of having all we want, having lots of wealth, health and happiness, simply does not stack up in my understanding, with the bibles teaching and especially that of Jesus. Curved balls come at all of us.. Over the last year many, and that includes many Christians, have lost their jobs around the world due to the pandemic. Christians in war torn countries like Nigeria, Syria suffer the same loss of homes, livings, the same dangers as any others. Christians have died or been badly affected by COVID like everyone else.

Secondly, how we view our faith matters. Because it affects how we field the curved balls that come. James tells us that we will face trials

Jas 1:2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

Jas 1:3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

If we believe that nothing testing or difficult will come to us, then when it does it is likely to shake and even break our faith built on sand. If we know that testing will come and are prepared to rely on Jesus, no matter what, we will get through it, with our faith strengthened and our trust deepened. Our faith more resilient.

Facing dad's death and its consequences brought our family closer together, working out things between us, sharing the things that needed investigating or doing and sharing in those first 2 months looking after mum. Day by day I asked God for the strength, wisdom and patience needed. Day by day he gave it to me. God enabled me to conduct dad's funeral and help our family through a difficult day. 

Don't misunderstand me. I don't hold that being a Christian is all about some sort of stoic resilience to the challenges of life. My experience has been one of great blessing from God, but not always in being wealthy or healthy. God has never left me without, always given more than I had any right to expect, but has also led me through some very difficult things in life and often in church life. My trust in Jesus and the direction of the Holy Spirit has led me through those times and made the faith that I have deeper and more firm through them. I believe these each have helped my faith in Jesus to be more resilient,

Difficulty or Opportunity?

 In most parts of the world this Coronavirus pandemic has been felt. Its impact varies depending upon the severity and spread, but here in the UK, we are into our 3rd lockdown and it looks like this year is going to be punctuated with yet more virus related restrictions and problems.

For many this has presented all sorts of difficulties and challenges, not least to Christian churches. Not well known as early adopters, churches can often be slow to respond to change at best and at worst drag as if they have an anchor buried in the ground. Perhaps we should be seeing things in a different light, after all if God is God, then God can work through any situation to bring good. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

It is challenging our ways of meeting, not being able to meet in person, its challenging our online abilities, its challenging the way our finances work, its challenging the way we make decisions, especially those with a congregational view of church governance. 

But is this really an opportunity rather than a difficulty? Is it a chance to explore new paths on the journey? Is it a challenge to rethink our approaches and our ways which we have got so used to? Well that possibly depends upon how we approach things. For me the faith life has never been a controlled, everything nicely in its place journey, its had surprises, bumps and also fun and excitement. 

Last year when all of this started, many churches looked at online presence. We had never streamed or filmed our services. How could we do this, should we? Agreeing this was an opportunity to use the time well we talked to others who were more experienced in this and made choices. We used the empty church to do something that would never have happened normally, moved the sound desk area to a better place with a new enclosure and re-wired our entire audio visual systems as well as putting the church onto the internet. Much of this possible through the generosity of the church with skills, money and time. The result, we are much better prepared for the future, already able to link those who cant come with those who can and did when we were open for a while through the middle of last year. We also took the time to link our hall and chapel to enable larger gatherings in the future oh and re-carpeted the chapel. Not every church has the finances to do these things. Careful use of income and encouraging a sacrificial attitude to giving regularly enabled us to have some savings. but fundamental to our thinking was enabling the church to continue meeting in whatever way we can and spending what we had to achieve that. It has opened up opportunities for the future.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Finance is perhaps the most challenged area for many churches. Where a significant portion comes from the service collections or from hiring the premises out, that has caused big issues. Is this really a challenge to the way in which we support church ministry and staff? Perhaps more use of  regular giving through the bank would help some? But does it really honour God that we, his church, rely on those outside of the church to provide for our activities? Is this an opportunity to re-think how we do this in church life. Let me use a simplistic if imperfect example - If a church was made of 10 couples 5 single people and 5 who have non church partners so might find it hard to give, and based upon the average household income (yes I know there are all sorts of reasons folks can't or don't but all examples have flaws) at a giving of 5% that would amount to £18K a year.  There is the challenge on all Christians (including the churches IMO) to be generous to each other? Giving to support other poorer, embryonic and smaller adapting churches - the UK Baptist Union try to to do this through Home Mission, which could be better supported than it is (IMO). Opportunities abound.

Another challenge to our Church lives is that of meeting in person, many I know struggle with this not happening, wanted to keep the churches open regardless of the potential increase in infection that might cause. I know of many churches where whatapp,  Zoom, Teams and other online apps, used on mobile phones (which a large number have), pads, laptops etc, have increased prayer times and the numbers engaging in prayer. Many churches now able to go "online", some have seen a big increase in their attendance. Now we don't know the future impact of this, but there are many who do not come into church services who are joining online, and in some cases that has led to conversions to the faith and joining the church. Again there are many churches who cant do this technically. If we were truly generous could not those churches with the resources and technical expertise, help those which do not? 

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one

I think this pandemic can be seen as a difficulty to be weathered and then we can return to the old "normal". I hope and pray, that this is not the case. That we will listen to the challenges, learn and adapt as we seek God for a new "normal" and embracing the opportunities. A new way to be the Church that God is calling us to be. To hold on to what is good and let go of what needs to be let go off. An opportunity to shine in a new and different way.

May God bless you as you and your churches struggle and face the opportunities that all of this time can offer.

 

In early December Nicola (my wife) and I put up the Christmas trees in the Church and the hall, ready for them to be decorated. Nicola couldn’t help putting on the balcony Christmas lights once again, before we left, just to look. There is something about lights like these that remind us of what time of year it is and what we celebrate. Why? Well perhaps because Jesus described himself as “the light of the world” and also used a parable to explain that we, his Church, are to be lights, which are not hidden but shine for all to see.

When the times are difficult and things seem dark and hard, the light of the church, in my understanding, should shine even more. Christmas is a time to remember the hope that God has given through Jesus, the joy that comes from knowing him, being a part of the light that shines and cannot be extinguished and the peace that comes from knowing that this life is a part of life and not the end.

I love the lights that we use to celebrate Christmas, I love the candles and the Christmas trees, even if they are part of recent tradition. 

I like walking the streets at this time of year, seeing more and more houses being lit up with a huge variety of lights and tableaux's. And then there are our high street lights which we help the local traders group raise money for each year. We almost didn't have any this year as we could not do any charity events. But people wanted the lights up, I think because it brings us a sense of joy and celebration to see them. Local businesses and individuals all gave towards this and we we able to put them up again.  I think all of these speak of a deep seated desire in folks to celebrate and they spark me into prayer and rejoicing as I walk

Various people from the church added to our decorations to prepare the church for the season. Today (11th Dec), we had our first Christmas service, for our toddler group, a Christingle, look it up if you have not heard of it 😊its simple but a great way to tell the story of Jesus to children. 

Our church celebrations this year will be different as we follow the many guidelines, but we can still rejoice and celebrate all that God has done through the first Christmas and the coming of Jesus. We can shine to our friends, colleagues, and neighbours, so let’s be those lights in the best way that we can, drawing others to the light of world at a time when the world needs light and not darkness.

The old or the new?

One of the things I have probably heard the most during this Coronavirus epidemic is "when can we get back to normal?" or "when can we return to the way things were?". I can completely understand the need to re-find some sense of comfort in being able to do things in the ways we had grown used to. For example in my case that might include:

Planning trips to see our children and grandchildren

Organising holidays well in advance

Meeting up with folks over a coffee or a meal

Sharing worship in person with the church

Catching up with the church over coffee after the services and in other meetings and gatherings.

Meeting all of the toddler group mum's, carers and children

...

The longer this lockdown or partial lockdown has continued and a few weeks has stretched into 7 months, so far, we still see no clear end to the situation and so what was thrust upon us by the rapid change has become a sort of new normal.

Jesus' arrival heralded a new normal for all people. No longer a normal of trying to win God's favour by observing strict religious codes and rules, but a new normal of inclusion in God's kingdom through Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection. A new normal of Salvation by God's grace and not our observances and rituals. This new normal caused ructions, the religious of the day wanted Jesus out of the way, they clung to the old. Jesus' words about new wine in old wineskins certainly caused issues. I am not sure he meant the old was bad and the new was good, but more that a new way meant a new container, the old wouldn't be able to hold it.

As I reflect a little on what has happened I can be sad at what I don't have and miss - the personal contact with friends and family, the buzz of church before during and after worship, the laughter and fun with the toddlers and so on. But I can also consider what is different and positive. Less meetings to travel to and so more time for other things (like speaking to church folks with real time given to it on the phone and not in snatched conversations with others waiting). Folks being able to attend services on Zoom who often work hours that make actually getting to church on Sunday hard. And then there is the on-line chats with our children and grand-children which are more frequent.

The old normal has some useful things to pull forward into the new normal but I wonder how much of the old we need to let go of and embrace the new a little more. Then perhaps it will not be so frightening but instead will become an opportunity to embrace new ways of doing things in all aspects of our lives and especially in our church lives.

God is more than able to work through each and any situation, after all church has survived two millennia so far and a good many changes have happened in the process. Maybe there is something for us in this embracing of the new, Isaiah wrote God's word to him down for us and maybe they are worth reflecting upon in the current situation. "Behold I do a new thing".

A Rock in a world of confusion

 I suspect that like me these last months have seemed like a sea of shifting sand. Different countries, even different parts of countries approaching this virus pandemic in different ways. In The UK we have England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales all taking slightly different approaches - perhaps a foretaste of what things will be like if and when some get independence? Each claim to be following the science, the mantra of the post modern world? Because politicians don't want the blame for any bad or wrong choices, its all down to the science. Yet the scientific community does not have all of the answers, there are different views on how it spreads, how isolated folks should be, heard immunity and so on.

The plethora of rules, regulations, guidelines and such is truly mind boggling and as a church minister it has proven both time consuming and difficult to navigate through it all, especially when we consider opening the church for limited congregations.

Jesus told a parable about building our houses on sand or rock. And yes I know he was talking about faith. The question of what we have faith in is very relevant to the situation. My faith in Jesus has helped me to stand firm in this uncharted time. It helps me to take a more considered look at how to respond and how to get involved. For many of the world their faith in human endeavour and has been shown to be flawed, science is not the universal panacea, governments are flawed and make mistakes, the worlds economy lives on a foundation of sand, which it seems is very easily moved.

What has caused me even more thought is how easily the world economy can be pushed into melt down by a little virus. Perhaps it speaks to us about the fragility of the systems that we hold so firmly to? In the area in which I live I have been pleased at the response of people to giving up time to help others. Ensuring that those who have to shield etc still get their medication, shopping and a phone call to cheer them up.

I wonder if the real problem that this virus highlights relates to our ways of life. Is our travelling the globe with relative ease, our desire to do as we want, often without regard for the impact on the ecology of the planet or others, now getting some payback? It seems to me that some things are going to have to change or this has every chance to become a regular problem.

How much are we worth 2?

Last time I talked a little about how we value different people and different jobs or skills that society relies upon Over the last weeks we have seen events that suggest that some feel marginalised for other reasons and the protests, riots and looting that have followed are justified by some as expressions of anger against the injustices that they experience.

It led me back to reflecting upon how much we are valued or how much we think we are valued. In the face of an unequal society that various of course from country to country. Different forms of inequality present themselves according to culture, race and economics. In some countries we talk about the inequalities of the colour of skin. In others the inequalities of the shade of the colour of skin, in yet others the caste in which a person is born. In yet other countries it can be those who have power and those who are powerless. Yes, I realise that there are other forms of inequality and prejudice.

However in the cases above, there is, I think, another factor, economics. It seems to me that one of the key denominators in those forms of inequality and prejudice is that of economic access. The ideas of some being superior to others is nothing new, neither is the mighty ruling the less mighty. Throughout history it has been a factor in reducing the economic access for those in the "lower" orders, those less equal than others.

As a teenager I read and was moved by the story that George Orwell gave us in "Animal" farm and the salutary comment "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". In some countries being white may well give an unfair advantage over others. in others its that a person is born to a higher caste or is from a people group who have power over others (regardless of colour). The result is usually the same, I think, that some are denied full access to appropriate education, resources, opportunities and the ability to help themselves. It can also breed a sense of helplessness, hopelessness or a lethargy in groups and so one spark can cause the sorts of reactions we have been seeing recently around the world. Not that I condone riots or looting, nor the total ignoring of social distancing in the protests, but I do understand the frustrations that lead to this.

Politics, action groups and the like have not made a huge difference to lower castes, minority groups to those who live in townships, ghettos or are part of ethnic minorities where there are social groups who have vested interests in keeping them down. Human schemes can only go so far.

Far too many folks have, in my opinion, bought the philosophy which suggests that "I" have the right to live life as I see fit, "I" decide what is right and wrong, (mentioned by the New You Times journalist Samuel Freedman and quoted by Tim Keller in Walking with God through pain and suffering). Whether we are in some way privileged or underprivileged, that philosophy leads to justification of whatever action we take to achieve or maintain our goals.

Jesus offered a radical solution to those "outcast" or "subjugated" by the society in which they lived, the same offer is there today. In humanity there needs to be a heart change. A change so radical that some are prepared to give up privilege, power, economic wealth and social standing, so that others might take part in the wealth and opportunities that should be available to all. But it also needs a heart change in those under privileged as well. To see the world differently, to take the opportunities that education can offer and so take part in changing society rather than being on the outside. People rarely change because they are told to, in my experience, but faith in Jesus will and does change us all. It gives us hope that we can and in fact do make a difference.

To the one who tries to amass wealth or power Jesus reminds us that all will die and leave it behind. He tells us to sow treasure in heaven by what we do here in this life.

To the one who feels put down. Jesus included all that he came across even those from outside of the Jewish people that he focused on at that time.No one is beyond his love and grace. He gives hope to all.

To the one who stands apathetically by, Jesus says when you do not do it to the least of these, you do not do it to me.

The kingdom of heaven is not about something we simply hope for in the future when we die. Jesus tells us that it is in our midst. It is with us - Christ initiated it so that we could be a part. We all have choices to make - to live for ourselves or to learn to live for each other. To love our neighbour as we love ourselves. 

I believe it is possible to make a better future for all. But it takes faith, love and the ability to sacrifice for others. The question for us all is will we?

How much are we worth?

Hi, as we continue in this period of self-isolation resulting from COVID-19 it has given me a little time to ponder the way we approach things, the value that we place on things and the need for some adjustments.

How many of us get caught out by shopping on the internet seeing a cheap "bargain" and order it.? Only to find that it's a fake shopping site or they send the incorrect item and try to get away with not refunding. In effect caught out by our desire to get something cheaper.

Reflecting on our current situation, it seems to me that the value systems that we have developed and embedded into our modern culture, have been thrown onto their heads. Our social standing, how much a person earns counts for nothing where this virus is concerned. Where we live and how well educated we are only matter in so far as the access they give us to protective gear and medical aid. How much money a person makes for their business, is totally irrelevant when what is needed are folks with specialisations that have long been undervalued in our society. In a society that wants to pay as little as possible for as much as possible, those with less voice, often the lower paid, are oppressed. We have seen the impact of zero hour contracts, we have seen the whittling away of money for schools, social services, hospitals, council services, care work and such. Now these are the things we need more than ever. These are the ones putting their lives on the line for the rest of us - nurses, doctors, teachers, care workers, refuge collectors, shop workers, delivery people ... yes its quite big list of mostly lower paid workers!

Don't get me wrong, I am not in favour of generating bloated organisations that waste money or of privatizing everything so that others can cream off profits, efficiency is important. I am wondering what value we should truly place on the things we need to help us cope with and overcome this virus and others like it that will surely come along? How many of us would be prepared to give up a lot more of our income to help fund decent salaries for these sector workers and the equipment that they need? Would we be prepared to pay more for the things we want or need to have them manufactured locally rather than in sweat shops in foreign parts or by people being paid a pittance for their work? Surely if nothing else this virus crisis should make us rethink and learn?

Value is important, above I question the value we place on things and people. Jesus challenged his disciples about status and value.We have just"celebrated" Easter, when Christians remember and rejoice at the work God did through Jesus on the cross and then through his resurrection. God wants to know us personally and to do that made a way through Jesus' sacrifice to wipe the slate clean for us, if we will accept it. Jesus put a value on each and every person, that value is the same in each case, because what he did he did for each of us, regardless of what we think or the world thinks we are worth. Graham Kendrick summed it up in his song "Paid on the Nail". It's worth a listen and spending a moment reflecting - how much are you worth?

During this period of isolation our church are meeting with "Zoom" - take a look at our website for info on how to join us (10.30am UK time). A song that has recently really encouraged me as I consider values and the value God has placed on me is this "King of Kings". I hope it lifts your spirits to know that God has placed a value on you, you are worth everything to God.

Fake News and Truth

The current Coronavirus epidemic seems to have generated a large amount of fake news. What is hard to understand at times is why folks make it up, perhaps people trying to get more likes or shares on social media. Maybe some just like to worry people and stir things up. What is even harder to understand is the willingness of so many to believe anything on the internet without checking its truth.

A stunning one was that somehow 5G was connected to the spread of the virus or that the virus was let out to mask the impact of deaths through 5G radiation. Several masts in the UK have been attacked as a result. The WHO had to publish a list of Coronavirus myth busters which included:

1. The 5G situation mentioned previously
2. Exposure to Sun or higher temperatures or low temperatures, does not kill the virus
3. You can actually recover from the virus
4. 10 secs of holding your breath without coughing does not mean you are free from the virus
5. Drinking alcohol does not protect your from the virus
6.  ... there are more in the web page!

Have we become so easily sold out to someones mistaken ideas and fantasies that we can no longer determine the truth from fiction?

Why does all of this interest me? As a Christian church minister I am often confronted with the opposite. Folks unwilling or unable to look at the "truth" of Jesus Christ, but instead pushing it aside as fiction or fantasy. Some accept that he was an historical character but not who he claimed to be, God incarnate, God with us. Perhaps it has something to do with the potential impact of believing something. Believing unsubstantiated internet stories on social media or in the press, has little if any cost to us, unless of course they are true. But if the accounts of Jesus are true, then its a very different story. 

He calls us to change our way of life, to care about others with a higher regard than perhaps we have had. He calls us to worship God when we probably never did before. He calls us to develop a whole new world view, neither consumer capitalism based nor communist based. But an attitude of fairness, justice, love, mercy. Preferring the needs of others before our own. Often it requires sacrifices in our lives. So no its not an easy path. 

Easter is the time of year when Christians remember and celebrate the events of the death and resurrection, the coming back to life of Jesus. Signalling a new way, a new agreement being made possible between people and God. In our church we invite folks to the Alpha course, to look into these in an open and reasonable way. Presenting what we as Christians believe and allowing folks to explore and if they want to to experience it for themselves. Hopefully shortly we will do an on-line Alpha for those isolated by the virus.(contact me if you are interested).

My hope is that more will want to explore faith in Jesus this Easter, without simply assigning it to the myth bin.

Happy Easter

Finding Peace in the Storm

The whole world now knows about Coronavirus or COVID-19 as it is now known officially. Whether it is the countries that have had it and seem to have controlled it like China and South Korea, the countries like most of Europe, parts of Asia, Africa and America who now have it or those countries yet to have it. The storm of activity and cycle of fear, concern and panic that this has caused across the world is truly incredible. Our news media seeming to produce more and more failures of the system to provide what is needed together with more and more video clips from folks to add fuel to the flames.

Our health services are or will be overwhelmed by the storm as it breaks upon them, we are told, as governments frantically prepare as best they are able. Many of us are now restricted in our movements and abilities to do what we usually do. Humanity seems to be to a degree adrift in a storm that is hard to control or to stop.

Most who have spent any time at sea know that the sea while it can be calm and beautiful can also be a tyrant, huge waves, rough seas boiling with foam and forcing ships to run before it rather than risk being broadsided.

Jesus' disciples found themselves in one of the sudden storms that can happen around lake Galilee. Panic appears to have been the order of the day "we are going to drown" they cried. Meanwhile, Jesus, was blissfully asleep in the boat, seemingly unaware of the problem facing them. The situation seemed well out of the disciples' ability to handle and so they woke Jesus. Two things happened, first Jesus told the storm “Quiet! Be still!” and the storm calmed. The second was that Jesus questioned them about their lack of faith. Almost as if do you think I would let that happen to you? Perhaps it was a lesson they would remember later in life when other storms of life broke around them?

In the current virus storm I am taking time to look for calm in the storm. Finding ways to help others be less panicked and fearful. None of us know for sure who will be affected, who will recover and who will not. But I hold to a hope in and through Jesus that helps me approach this storm with a calm optimism.

It has caused me to look for ways to help our church to face and start to weather the storm together, in prayer and in fellowship. Encouraging them to be creative in what they do and to ensure all are included in it. It has also given me more time to work on a deeper relationship with God in prayer and quietness. Through these I find the peace that I need to face this storm and any future storm. Jesus is my light, my hope and my joy. I hope you can also find that for yourselves and perhaps rise above the storm.