OUR BLOG

Dear Friends

We love a good drama. TV figures for some recent BBC series have shown how addictive they can be. Sports fans know that it is the drawn out human dramas that keep you watching, perhaps few are more dramatic than the recently finished Ryder Cup in golf. Portraying a life or aspects of life itself by words as well as actions are central to good drama. The Gospel of John has been referred to as drama and some have determined that the Gospel of Mark can be understood in this same way.

Over the next few weeks, on Sundays, we will be looking at the Gospel of Mark. The second Gospel is considered almost universally to have been written before the other canonical Gospels and has an urgency and pace about it that brings out the remarkable events that Mark is recording. Perhaps, and the reader can decide, Mark is better understood as biography as it tells the story of the most remarkable person ... or one who was a complete fake ... who ever walked this planet.

"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." (Mark 1:1)

So on this day when over 500 new books will be published, hoping that people will add them to their Christmas lists, why not read one that perhaps you have not looked at for a long time. Let me know what you think of the book but beware it could change your life as it has done for countless millions over the last, almost, two thousand years. You might want to take up the challenge I set on Sunday of seeing how quickly you can read Mark in one sitting

Dear Friends

Arriving in Britain from anywhere with no knowledge of politics and it would't be long before you hear the word 'Brexit'. As the Government struggle with making promised deals millions of people are wondering how this will ultimately effect their own relationship with the World. How will travel, work, study opportunities and life in general be altered as we no longer become EU citizens?

Living as followers of Jesus raises many questions as to how we live in relationship to the world around us, to the future. Much of the New Testament is devoted to practical help to enable disciples to live the best life possible. The Apostle Paul writes, as a Roman citizen but also as a Jew that none of this background matters as much as the fact that, "...we are citizens in heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives" (Philippians 3:20). What is more he urges believers to focus on this relationship with God above all else.

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 3:1-4

These foundations of a new relationship with God, a citizenship in heaven, allows us to live in community in a new way. Paul goes on to explain that we make allowances for each other; we forgive one another, we love with the highest, purest form of love. Change in our relationship with to God changes us and must inevitably influence the way we live with others. Love the Lord your God...and love your neighbour as yourself (two sides of the same coin). I love this line from a work by G.K. Chesterton, "St. Francis did not love humanity but men, so he did not love Christianity but Christ."

Paul goes on to say that the result of this radical change enables us to give ourselves to one another to reach, counsel, help and support one another so that we would all be strong citizens. We are encouraged by him to worship together as we represent God together to all around us who as yet do not know him (read Colossians 3:1-17)

Dear Friends

Life is not always, maybe seldom, straightforward. We are faced with decisions, options, choices, opinions in every area of life. Even things that for our parents were easy – buying a cup of coffee, what colour car, where to go on holiday – have become huge tasks because the choice is so great, the possibilities seemingly endless but the chance to make a mistake is even greater. Making simple rules seems like a good idea. Having people to make the decisions can appear the easiest option. Leaving it to the experts is best or is it? Today 'experts' are looked at with more suspicion than ever!

In the last couple of days my thoughts turned to the dramatic and awful events of 11 September 2001. Much has happened since then but that day has been monumental in shaping recent history. For one thing it stirred up in our lives about what is the right response to such actions of terrorism. 

Sometimes we are faced with difficulties as we read the Bible passages like, "An eye for an eye" (see Exodus 21:24; Mt 5:38-42). What do we make of this, and how do we equate it with the teaching of Jesus as in The Sermon on the Mount? Not surprising then that Christians have often been divided in camps when it comes to capital punishment, military action and so forth. Do we hit back at enemies? Or can we just forgive? Forgiving just seems like an easy, soft option ... the tough thing is to strike back! 

The Hebrew law was often interpreted to mean retaliation was OK but the context clearly speaks about appropriate response. This was to stop the idea we find in Gen 4:24 of sevenfold and even 77 times retaliation (compare to Jesus' answer to Peter to his question about forgiveness in Mt 18:21-22). Here is not a formula, or an edict, nor a hard and fast law of retribution (lex talionis), nor a right to be exercised & pursued religiously. No here was an attempt to bring a sense of check in a lawless society this far no further 

Jesus had to explain its meaning in light of its misuse. The heart of the law was not tit for tat, getting even but, rather a limit to terminate vendettas. Grudges, vendettas, getting even, family feuds are things we are all too familiar with. From Cain, Abel; Jacob, Esau; Joseph & his brothers we see the results of such disputes. You can probably name a few cinematic box office hits based purely on the premise of revenge. We need to be examples as Christians, modelling in the workplace, in our homes the attitudes and teachings of Jesus. But don't listen to me read, think and pray over this extract from 'The Hiding Place' whose writer Corrie Ten Boom was in 'The Resistence' and became a survivor of Hitlers's concentration camps:- 

"It was at a church in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing centre at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there-the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsie's pain blanched face.

He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. "How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein," he said. " o think that, as you say, 'He has washed my sins away'!" His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal on the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side. 

Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him. 

I tried to smile; I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again, I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give him Your forgiveness."

Dear Friends

You may have noticed but the glorious, well I thought it was, weather we enjoyed for a couple of months has now all but vanished. For a while it was nice to make plans knowing that the weather would be pretty much the same as the day before and the day after. Normally we never know what to expect so many people always carry an umbrella; and we are wary of making plans that rely on our capricious weather.

Often people around us can be almost as fickle as the weather but God is so different! This is how one writer describes God, describes his constant love and consistent attitude towards us;  

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Have a great week and if you don't get lots of sunshine remember to bask in the love and grace of God.

Dear Friends

The last few days have seen a couple of our sporting stars on the front pages for less uplifting things than inspirational sporting achievements. Recently we have had several politicians make the news for remarks that have caused offence to many people. A question often asked today by the population is, 'Who can we trust?' The best answer I have can be found in The Book of Proverbs. Solomon known as one of the richest and wisest kings said,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Does this mean that we are not to use our brains to think for ourselves or make any judgements? Well, no, otherwise God would not have created us with such faculties. What is does mean is that we with our finite understanding are very wise to allow God to be the one who shapes our lives and look after our future. Is there anyone reading this who has not been badly let down by people close to them, or role models or heroes?  

In contrast God by his very nature is trustworthy, true and faithful, "Understand, therefore, that the Lordyour God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands." Deuteronomy 7:9 

In contrast to everyone else God can be trusted with your future. Today governments have no idea what the future holds. Many promise to look after your interests; yet even if they really mean what they say can they deliver such promises? In contrast God not only has the ability to do what he says He has a plan for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. " Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Friends

The internet is a wonderful thing when it does what you want it to do. One of the great benefits is the amount of research you can access on just about every subject imaginable. But perhaps the best thing is how it enables us to keep in touch with several generations of family wherever they are in the world. Now some people just love any new gadget but for most people what they love is not the technology, which in truth few understand in detail, but the world it opens up for them.

When we are talking to people about our faith in Jesus many struggle to understand what this is all about, why we are so excited, why we are so evangelical in our desire to share our discovery. The problem is they see the shell of religion but don't yet see the whole world of relationship and communication that as Christians we have full access to through Christ. If only they could then they would not have such 'christianity phobia'....I think!

The apostle Paul had to deal with the same issues, all be it in a less technological age, yet with all his eduction and connections he simply resorted to telling his own personal story. Time and again he recounted the way in which as a person committed to the ways of his ancestors he 'discovered' Jesus and his world was changed. What he did not know existed, nor even dreamed of, before was now a reality. A personal relationship with the living God. Now he served God with the knowledge that comes from acquaintance, from friendship from love and not mere duty. Now he was connected with God in a way that was never before possible to him...and there was no going back. Read Acts 22:1-16 and see for yourself.

So when sharing your faith don't get bogged down in technical, theological minutiae but share your own story of how God through Jesus has influenced your life

Dear Friends

One constant in most of our lives has been The Queen. Elizabeth II has been on the throne longer than anyone else in our history as a nation, surpassing the reign of Victoria with 66 so far against her mere 61yrs reign.

Last week I watched the highlights as Lewis Hamilton reigned supreme in the rain to win yet another Grand Prix and continue on his way to winning the world title for a fourth time in five years. At Wimbledon we saw the title go again to one of the big four who have won the mens championship for the last sixteen years.

The World Cup of course recently ended with France holding the trophy aloft having triumphed over the best in the world. They will be champions for at least the next four years. 

Yet one thing we know, whoever wins and however long they reigh someone will come along soon enough and topple them from their throne of dominance. No one stay on top forever, not even Queen Elizabeth. 

Or is that true? Well, there is one who reigns supreme. "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honour come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength." (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) 

God is great! Let me encourage you to meditate on these verses. That simply means to read them and think about them ... as you laze in the shade on a hot sunny day maybe? 

Deuteronomy 10:17: "For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed." Job 36:26:"Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted." 

For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10) 

We can go further than this though and worship with the Psalmist, recognising the supremacy of God in our own lives and not just as a universal truth. 

Psalm 95:1-6: Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, 

Acknowledging outstanding achievement is good but better still is to look up to see God and acknowledge him. In doing so we find that our understanding of who he is will become richer than ever before.

Dear Friends

Many conversations I hear today as I move in various networks worry me somewhat. It seems that in some ways we have advanced, yet in others we have taken several steps backwards. Much has changed in this country over my lifetime in regards to prejudice in all it's shapes and forms yet there still seems to be today an underlying intolerance of people who are not like 'us'. Christians always need to be careful that the values and customs of the 'world' don't shape us, rather we should be shaped by the values of The Kingdom.

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself.

As the Scriptures say,

"The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (Romans 15:1-7)

The amazing thing is that God takes human beings as the raw material to build his family with. He gives us life, stays with us, speaks to us, supports us, encourages us, forgives us, listens to us, shapes us, corrects us, heals us, comforts us, is patient with us, treats us kindly, cares for us, values us, plans a future for us and of course does all this out of absolute love. When I think about that I begin to understand better where Paul is coming from as he writes to the church in Rome.

A predominately Gentile church the Roman congregation had many from Jewish backgrounds. Now they may have originally been the dominant group in the church but had been forced out of Rome by Claudius only returning on his death which is reckoned to be a few years before Romans was written. One theme we can see in this letter is that of unity in Christ where now there is no division built on race, background or previous religious knowledge. Paul encourages far more than tolerance. He urges everyone to keep the unity that comes form a relationship with Christ, to think about themselves in a new way as they join together in lives of worship to God through Christ.

'Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory". Father I pray help us to live our lives for more than ourselves and in so doing to bring you the glory that is due to your name.

Dear Friends

The euphoria has been somewhat dampened down here in London since Wednesday night yet there is still a sense of national pride in what has been accomplished by the England team. Gareth Southgate pointed out that perhaps the unifying nature of sport has been able to give some relief in a nation which seems quite divided at the moment.

The days of consensus politics seems to have passed with the trend for divisive behaviour, language and intentional chaos more the currency of the day. The current visit from the President of the USA, allied to the politics of this week, only seems to highlight tensions. A couple of days ago my conversation with an acquaintance turned to Christianity and churches. A self-confessed non believer he was bemused by the different groupings and saw a lack of unity from where he sat. He had time for those who looked after the vulnerable, cared for others and made a difference but regarded the rest as basically 'clubs' for people of like mind to get together.

Sadly what he said has often been true. Even in New Testament times the Apostle Paul had to address a church who it seemed focused on just themselves,

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:10-12).

Just this morning I was reading some posts in a theological discussion group as the latest topic was on the church and what unity is. Some clearly had their own pet belief to push but most, thankfully, seem to understand what matters. 

Unity comes through understanding who we are "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." It was Archbishop William Temple who said that, "The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not it's members". The church exists to reach out to those who are not yet believers, to reach out to the poor, the vulnerable, the hurting and those who have gone astray. When it does that is truly church.  

I had to point out to my friend that the word Gospel, one he clearly used with some distrust, meant "Good News". It is time that the Good News becomes good news again.

Dear Friends

This week as the country has basked once again in Mediterranean style weather we have been celebrating a remarkable achievement. This has brought considerable joy to many as they have looked back over the decades and recognised the significance in modern life.

Celebrating 70 years of the ground breaking NHS this week has I am sure made us all think of the wonderful help it has been to us or someone close to us. Being British we like to put things down but have plenty to be proud of in not just the largest single funded health organisation, though not the first universal health car system with New Zealand and Australia being ahead of us, but according to one recent survey still the best amongst wealthy nations (Mirror, Mirror 2017 survey for the Commonwealth Fund). 

There are many strands, influences and ideas that were behind it's formation but one key person was Dr A. J. Cronin, immortalised in the long running BBC show Dr Finlay's Casebook. His novels and writings, especially 'The Citadel' painted a picture of the inequalities suffered by people under the existing sharp practices of the medical fraternity. Cronin was clearly heavily influenced by his faith as he sought to help provide a system that cared for all, no matter their background or financial status. Much of the teaching of Jesus points to serving others, sharing what we have, using our abilities to make a difference where we can. Some read the Bible as a mystery full of hidden, hard to understand messages. I agree there are some passages of Scripture that we struggle to understand. Yet the vast majority of it is remarkably simple. Such is this verse,

"And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16 

Dear Friends

How many time have you checked your messages today? Your emails? How many times have you sent texts to keep in touch with others or posted on Facebook? Keeping in touch with family, friends, work colleagues is an important part of our lives.

How many times have you prayed today? Do you know how to pray? One of the greatest things about becoming a Christian is that you realise you have a direct route to talking with God. This instant messaging system is called prayer. God hears all your prayers. He does answer your prayers. Even if you sometimes don't have the words to say, just speak from the heart and He will listen every time and at any moment of the day or night. 

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) 

This is such an important part of Christian life that most people forget about - talking to God can improve your life in so many ways. He may answer your prayers or maybe even give you answers to question you didn't even know you were asking. The special relationship between you and God is important and you should take part in it every day.

How do I pray? As already said start from your heart talking to him about the things that matter to you. Read verses in the Bible verses on prayer. The scripture verses on prayer will not only teach you how to pray. It's just a case of taking a little time out of your day to talk and listen to what he has to say to you. 

Dear Friends

Loss and the associated grief is a vey private affair yet it is played out most often in public. It is always unique because every relationship is unlike any other. Though we suffer loss once we do not become immune to it. Faith in God enables us to go through the darkest of times but it is not an inoculation against the reality of loss. Death is part of life, loss is not something we get over like the flu but something that changes who we are in some way. For the Christian we are comforted that our loved one is with the Lord but that still leaves us at a loss. Why? Becomes a recurring question. Death always comes too soon. It cheats and robs. It's a hideous thing, a monster.

"I see people, as they approach me, trying to make up their minds whether they'll 'say something about it' or not. I hate if they do, and if they don't." (C. S. Lewis)

 There are no clever words or phrases we can say. Loss is not just going to go away. Our presence might irritate, it might be kindly received but it is not about us it is about the person that is grieving. We have no answers to give but an arm around the shoulder, a warm hug, an acknowledgement that the person is in pain is all good. None of this on it's on will effect a 'cure' but together they do provide some support. Helping practically, like cooking a meal ... washing the dishes ... getting the shopping, can be a real support.

 The person suffering loss just needs you to be that loving friend. Don't disappear from their lives because you don't know what to do, or what to say. "I'm aware of being an embarrassment to everyone I meet" C. S. Lewis (A grief Observed) wrote when talking about his own loss. 

Ultimately the Christian is comforted by their relationship with God. They are warmed by the understanding that death will be overcome. 

"But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,this Scripture will be fulfilled:"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

Dear Friends

"I thought the invitation was an April Fool's joke" said Bishop Michael Curry, now famous for delivering the message at the Royal Wedding last week. I suspect there were many others who were surprised to get invitations to the big day in Windsor which seems to have been a greatly enjoyed event.

Turning up at a royal wedding without an invite would no doubt have meant you were turned away. The only way to be in on it was by invitation. Only Megan however became a fully fledged member of the Royal Family, the rest were just let in for the day. I love the way the Gospels record that Jesus gathered followers to himself with the simple invite, 'follow me", which turned out to be a life changing invitation for all who responded positively. Some left behind businesses as well as homes to accept this royal invitation, one greater than just a wedding invite to be amongst the elite.

With this invitation, which is no joke, comes direct entry to God's family, "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:11-13. Now I am sure very few would have turned down an invite to the wedding, even people like me who have yet to see it, so why would we even think of ignoring such an invite?

Dear Friends

Windsor or Wembley? The Family or The Football? Wedding celebration or Wembley roar? Street parties or street food? Lining the streets to wave patriotic flags or lining the terraces to wave colours? This Saturday will see two big events taking place in London. This weekend though sees a different much greater celebration take place.

Sunday is Pentecost, sometimes known as Whitsun, which being 50 days after Easter is when Christians celebrate the coming of the promised, by Jesus, Holy Spirit. For many it is the day that marks the birth of the Church as the Holy Spirit appeared as flames of fire, (see Acts 2) causing the disciples of Jesus to speak in foreign languages they had not learnt and move out of hiding onto the streets. Jerusalem was packed as people came from all over to celebrate Shavuot a joyous time of celebrating the harvest. It was here that the previously timid, fearful followers of the recently crucified Jesus began to tell others their story of the Good News, or Gospel. 

In the account of Acts chapter two we see the beginning of the remarkable story of how this small band of believers, later to be called Christians, began to grow quickly through bold preaching in the face of often hostile or at least confused responses of the crowds. This boldness to spread the message of the saving work of Jesus was frequently accompanied by healings and miracles. Jesus had said, Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptised with water, but in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit." ... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 2:4,5 & 8)

This weekend a lot of people will be sharing stories, news, facts with some passion whether about the royal wedding and all it means to them or the FA Cup final. Both events will stir up strong emotions, feelings and loyalties. This Sunday/Monday I look forward in great anticipation of celebrating Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. I remember some seven days after becoming a Christian, through a very conscious decision to follow Christ, being baptised with the Holy Spirit myself and receiving a boldness to share this newly found faith with others. It began a remarkable person journey that is more exciting than it was even then. So I look forward to Sunday and Saturday ... looks like a good time to go play golf.

Dear Friends

The tragic story of Alfie Evans, his fight for life with the accompanying heartbreak of his parents as they long for a miracle has captured much of our attention in these last few days. We may not know the same kind of pain that the Evans family is experiencing but health is one of the most precious things we all have.

It's easy to forget things, even the most important. Some fifteen months ago on 2 January I was emotionally at just about my lowest point ever. My health was poor but that day I realised how poor. Thinking continually that pushing my body in some exercise would help made me battle on trying to play golf, the one sport I had be doing still. Over the previous eighteen months I had persevered with deterioration rather than improvement; but still getting out there to try was important to my wellbeing. On this cold day at the start of a new year I went off to the golf practice range. There it was a struggle to even lift my clubs out of the car and carrying them to the range bays was hard work.

As I put my glove on, a battered old leather one since the other golf gloves would not fit my swollen hand, I picked up a club. It was as if I had boxing gloves on. Such was my inability to grip or feel the club. Attempting to swing this club seemed like lifting a barbell laden with heavy weights at either end. I tried hard for a while in an attempt to convince myself it would get better as my muscles warmed up. What happened was a complete failure even to make a partial swing and hit the ball more than a few yards.

I drove back home holding the tears back feeling wretchedly sorry for myself. I can't live like this, not being active outdoors, and now the last sport I could play and compete in had been taken away. Life lived like this was miserable and things could only get worse. A recent discussion with a friend about his wife and her decline into being wheelchair bound troubled me.

Praise God for his mercies. I am sure that day The Lord heard my cries and rescued me. Pauline spoke words of encouragement and comfort though I wasn't really listening. How we like to wallow in despondency. But almost to the day my health started to improve. By the end of January I was beginning to feel that normality was perhaps possible.

Of course my path brings me, and probably most of us, into contact many people with far more serious health issues yet when problems hit us this does not really help. What does is when we turn to God.

"I said to myself, "Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling." (Psalm 116:7-8 The Message)

Now over a year later I have remained as the doctors say asymptomatic. The doctors finally diagnosed the problem and have put me on preventative medication since. Yet there is no doubt in my mind that God heard the cries of my heart and no doubt the prayers of those who love me. What will happen in the future I don't know but trust by the grace of God that I will have the faith to walk the path he sets before me.

Dear Friends

Wow! After what seems to have been a interminably protracted period of winter, cold, dark and wet weather London has basked these last few days in almost record April temperatures. One thing you can rely on in England is the unreliability of the weather. Yesterday we as a family were grateful for the sunshine as we stood on the hard shoulder of the M25 waiting for assistance. You guessed it, just when needed our car showed how unreliable sophisticated machines can be.

In stark contrast I love how the Amplified Bible renders 1 Corinthians 1:9, "God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." Everyone likes to tell and hear stories about life. Christians can testify, that is give evidence to prove, confirm or corroborate something, that God is totally reliable. 

We take risks investing money in banks, pensions, holiday apartments, homes and sports clubs. We have favourite sources of information such as newspapers, blogs, websites or individuals we trust yet often they have proven to be unreliable ... yes including Wiki. 

God though can be trusted with everything we have. We can build our lives on him in the certainty that he does not lie, exaggerate, make mistakes or fail. With God on our side we don't need the safety net  

Enjoy the weather but hey it's London so I suspect many people will still be carrying an umbrella, ' just in case'.  

Dear Friends

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Some though go beyond what has become an all too common defining term for fame rather than outstanding courage. Yet just two weeks ago Arnaud Beltrame gave some perspective on what being a real hero is. So much so that some French clergy defined his actions as something that will bear fruits in a self-absorbed, violent society.

Lt Col Beltrame negotiated with a terrorist to take the place of a hostage; an action that was soon to lead to his death. No wonder the French President called him a hero. One man gave his life so that another could be spared. At Easter we stop for a few days and consider a man who gave his life so all could be saved. Jesus, the angel prophesied, would come to save people from their sins. Jesus predicted his own death as a substitute for all people everywhere as part of God's plan of salvation. 

Jesus was motivated by his selfless love. A love that brought him to identify with us, to live amongst us, to ultimately sacrifice himself for us. "We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." 1 John 4:16 

When Beltrame offered himself in place of the hostage I doubt whether for one moment she thought no I'll stay and risk my life. I expect she will be forever grateful to this brave man. It makes no sense to say no thanks to Jesus for his sacrifice and risk our lives outside of God's grace and love. "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

Dear Friends

In the darkness everything seems more difficult and scary. Yet this was darkness like no other. Mark 15:33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.

An inky blackness, so real you could almost hold it in your hands, had engulfed everything, not after sun down but at the brightest part of the day. From noon until three in the afternoon the land was draped in inexplicable darkness. 'Good Friday' must have seemed like the end of all things to many people. 

As a kid it puzzled me why people called this day 'good'. I saw it as a disastrous day in the history of the human race. That the universe would stop, the sun would hide and all things could fall apart as Jesus was unjustly killed seemed understandable. But 'good'! To me it was most definitely not so. 

What I failed to understand was that the end of all things was to turn into a God inspired re-boot of the whole universe. Not only was Jesus nailed to the cross but all our sins, sorrows, hurts, diseases, anger and pain were as well. Even death was destroyed that day; wiped out in the blackness of those hours. 

Just three days later Jesus was no longer laid in a tomb. He had risen from the dead, alive like never before and with it all things were made anew. It was not enough for God to make the human race in his own image. No, he wanted us to share his life, to be become his children enjoying the benefits of a family member.  

The old had gone and a new world woke up that morning. A world in which all our trying, pleading, crying, hopes, failings and striving in order to be worthy were gone. In the new dawn all can be forgiven, made clean, made new. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 

What is more we can be born again as brothers and sisters of Christ. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 Christ was able to eradicate the virus of sin to make possible his re-start. What is more we can rest at peace in what he has done and begin to live out lives in the knowledge of our new heritage with a Saviour who will never leave or abandon us. 

Good Friday is good because it was the end of the rotten old order of things. Thank God for the day...and thank him for Easter Day and the new life all can have in Christ, simply by accepting his invitation.

Dear Friends

Truth or fiction? Fake news or real? How do you know who to trust?

Probably today these are bigger issues than ever. The reason is not necessarily that there is more deviousness than ever. What is true is that we are bombarded with information everywhere we go. In addition It is also a fact that the sheer quantity of information exceeds our historic exposure to messages since; today just about anyone can broadcast their views to the world. 

The order of the day has become cynicism. During their last election one survey said that only 6% of Americans had serious confidence in news media. We know of the severe drop off in this country of confidence in government, the media, the institutional church and global corporations. Tech giants like Facebook, Amazon and Google who were once seen as a new breed, ushering in freedom, are now viewed by many as big threats to our safety and freedoms. 

So it is great to know that there is somewhere, indeed someone, we can turn to for honesty, wisdom, reality and a guaranteed better future. The Psalmist whose life included struggles against the odds for much of his life and later the responsibility of leading a nation knew where to turn. As king he might have been surrounded by a wealth of information, great advisors and all the resources of a wealthy society but his trust was elsewhere. 

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. (Psalm 25:4-5) 

From the day, almost fifty years ago, that I decided to put my trust in God until this one I have found that David was spot on with his analysis. Too many people I know have gone down blind alleys in their life. Too many have regretted the direction they took. Knowing the true from fake is not always possible but allowing God to steer my life is the best choice I have ever made. 

Dear Friends

What price to we put on learning, developing and building knowledge? It's suggested that the average student will come out of their degree course with over £50,000 in debts. For many this cost is worth it. "Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge." Proverbs 18:15. However with costs rising some 40,000 less people are enrolling for part time study than just a few years ago and many are wondering whether a university education is a good idea.

Most of our learning though is not done in the lecture theatre or the classroom but in the maelstrom of life itself. We learn to crawl, then walk from observing and trying with the encouragement of others. We learn language from being around others whom we hear and copy. Bad habits and damaging behaviour are often also learnt from our experiences. We hear a lot today of the need for mentors in all areas of life. The Apostle Paul aware of this puts himself up as an appropriate rather than a negative example. "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9  

The Christian life is one of continual learning as we seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Billy Graham said, "Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent". The great thing is enrolling in the Kingdom of God is open to all. The entry requirement is to commit ourselves to follow Jesus learning from him as we go. On graduation we don't just receive a certificate but an eternal inheritance that Peter says (1 Peter 1:4) is not just priceless but does not change or decay.

Dear Friends

Laptops, tablets, mobile phones are wonderful on a snowy week like this one helping me to keep in touch with the world. Even if you can't make it to your office you can connect to your desk remotely from home and still work. Everywhere you go people are texting, talking, sharing with each other wherever they are. Being and staying in contact is important to us. We are social beings created for community who do not function properly without this connectedness.

In a fairly recent online survey, by Time Out, of eighteen global cities London came out top of one table with some 55% of people saying they feel lonely sometimes. Compare this with Lisbon where the figure was just 10%. Very few, 7%, felt strongly that London was a good place to make new friends and overall it was seen as a difficult place to make social connections. London is a city where people tend to keep themselves to themselves, seldom being prepared to chat to a stranger. 

Everywhere you look, there are signs that people are hungering for fellowship, community, and a sense of family. Alcohol commercials don't sell beer, they sell fellowship. No one is ever portrayed drinking alone but always in the context of enjoying each other's company. People long to be connected; we see this need in the inexorable rise of social media, online communities, branding, gangs, self-help groups etc. As Christians we have a natural desire, or should have, to be part of a community with others who are like minded.

There are many analogies for a Christian disconnected from a church: a football player without a team; a soldier without a troop; a trombone player without an orchestra; a sheep without a flock. But the most understandable and biblical picture is that of a child without a family. That family is the church. God does not want his children growing up in isolation from each other, so he created a spiritual family on earth for us. One church leader says, 'A Christian without a church family is an orphan'. Family is the best fit not a special interest group, nor a self-help group or one built on social status. 

Do I Really Need the Church? Is a question that people often ask indirectly. Now they don't say that instead they tell me how you don't need to go to church to be a Christian, or why they can't make it to meet with others, or how they are too busy for church. I have taken that to mean that such people do not really see why the church exists and what the church is. 

To start with it is not a human invention. The Church is Jesus' idea (Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it). It is made up of all God's people in the world whatever background, gender or age they may be. The Church is God's chosen vehicle to accomplish his purpose in the world; whatever he does will be through all his people, the church.

Being part of a local congregation means being connected to people outside your normal, maybe limited, circle. It entails learning new ways. The Church is made up of a huge variety of different people, of different ages, of different backgrounds, of varying educational standards, from different cultures. We should join a church not to pander to our likes and dislikes but we join a local church expression in order to worship, enjoy fellowship, serve others and share the Gospel.  

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 

In London we might mean a shift in our attitudes to form more authentic church communities. A shift that dares us to talk to other people who are part of the church family but very different. It can be hard if you have been conditioned by travelling as a commuter in London, moving around with thousands of people but in isolation. Or perhaps like most Londoners your only real friendships are work related. Don't be part of a church and keep yourself isolated from others. If we think meeting up with others is all about the preaching or the music or even the food then we have missed the point. 

Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:10-13

Dear Friends

There is something rather beautiful graceful about watching competitors gliding through the ice and snow. As someone who has only ever got as far as the lower reaches of a dry ski slope at Bellahouston, Glasgow, I am fascinated by much the Winter Olympics.

All of the athletes seem either way too brave or maybe just plain crazy; I am not sure which. In particular watching Elise Christie crash out in all three events made me wonder why she does it. Today I heard here say that even after the massive disappointments of two games she has plans to be there again in four years time. 

Now people may put her down as a 'choker' or a failure but her record elsewhere says she has achieved a lot. I was warmed to hear that she had no intention to give up on the Olympics. Maybe today you are using a Dyson vacuum cleaner all because after 5,125 failures Mr. Dyson tried again. You flicked the lights on in your kitchen this morning thanks to Edison not quitting after 10,000 attempts to create a light bulb. 

Life is lived in the reality of problems, difficulties, heartbreaks, pain and suffering. Yet in the middle of it all God is working to bring about his purposes. When all is going well we seem to glide along, then trouble comes. We can sometimes fall, or realise we have gone the wrong way but instead of quitting we get back on track. This is what God says "Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD says: "'When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back?" Jeremiah 8:4 Winston Churchill said "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts".  

As we follow Christ we do so in the realisation that we don't have to face life's challenges on our own. We learn that he is with us very step of the way. "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23,24 

I suspect few of us will personally make the Beijing Winter Olympics, even as spectators, in 2022 but through Christ all of us can reach the finish line as winners.

Dear Friends

Recently we sat down as a family to watch a movie that has at least one Oscar nomination. We didn't know much about it except that is was supposedly scary. Well, we found it short of surprises as well as being short of our expectations.

Even more recently I was taken completely off guard by a real life surprise. Some of you were partly responsible as last Sunday was turned into an amazingly unexpected celebration for my 65th birthday. I went into the day with certain expectations of what my family might have planned but was blown away by the events of the day. I had a great day though I think I was suffering a kind of shock all through it. So a huge thank you to all who made the day so special! 

It got me thinking that however great the expectations of Christians is the Bible indicates that God has more surprises in store for us than we can imagine. "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 Serving, following God is often interesting, many times exciting, mostly challenging but always delivers more than you expected. Whatever our thoughts about the future, about what God has planned, about what heaven itself will be like; my suspicion is that we will not get close to the reality of it.  

Paul in writing to these disciples of Jesus knew that and wanted all to experience the fullness of the riches found in Christ. So he says in the preceding verses; 

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19

Dear Friends

Recently we sat down as a family to watch a movie that has at least one Oscar nomination. We didn't know much about it except that is was supposedly scary. Well, we found it short of surprises as well as being short of our expectations.

Even more recently I was taken completely off guard by a real life surprise. Some of you were partly responsible as last Sunday was turned into an amazingly unexpected celebration for my 65th birthday. I went into the day with certain expectations of what my family might have planned but was blown away by the events of the day. I had a great day though I think I was suffering a kind of shock all through it. So a huge thank you to all who made the day so special! 

It got me thinking that however great the expectations of Christians is the Bible indicates that God has more surprises in store for us than we can imagine. "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 Serving, following God is often interesting, many times exciting, mostly challenging but always delivers more than you expected. Whatever our thoughts about the future, about what God has planned, about what heaven itself will be like; my suspicion is that we will not get close to the reality of it.  

Paul in writing to these disciples of Jesus knew that and wanted all to experience the fullness of the riches found in Christ. So he says in the preceding verses; 

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19

Dear Friends

Last year when my son was considering a change in his work, seeking new challenges, my attempts at directing him towards a nice warm climate I knew were in vein. Since moving to Glasgow as a kid James has always preferred cooler climates. So while he is enjoying a Scandinavian winter I am waiting for the coming of Spring with some warmth!

Many of us I suspect have been suffering from bad weather, colds and flu which have a habit of interrupting the best laid plans. Plans such as getting some exercise on the golf fairways are hampered by high winds, heavy rain and boggy conditions. Less exercise, more sitting around, more cups of coffee...and less activity when I have time off to myself. Often this time of the year golf magazines are full of helpful exercises with little tips to help improve your game in time for the coming better weather. 

So maybe as January slips towards February we can focus a little more on our spiritual health, making small changes that will produce results. The grand gestures sound impressive, usually made for all the right reasons, but experience tells us they rarely produce long term results. However making small changes in your spiritual life will dramatically influence your journey with Christ. 

One improvement can be in how you engage in prayer. This week the Guardian ran a piece entitled, "Non-believers turn to pray in a crisis, poll finds". It seems whoever we are prayer is an activity more people do than don't do. Do we really get involved or is it an activity to just tick off your to do list? You can improve your prayer life by noting a few small things: 

*Be passionate in your praying (Ps 40:1) I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry – Keep praying until the answer comes. Which might be, "Yes, wait or no" 

*Praise God (Luke 19:40) He replied, " if they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!" – Prayer includes worship and thanks...this will give you perspective  

*Cry out in prayer: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8 NIV)  

*Pray with emotional engagement – Don't pray a list, pray what matters 

*Pray Honestly – Don't make big promises, avoid empty statements just take one day at a time in your prayer life

Dear Friends

Well, this is my first blog of the year so let me first of all wish everyone a great and blessed New Year. Usually everyone starts off January with some great if oft repeated advice to inspire us to new things. So I am going to go back to the past to someone described as the wisest human who ever lived. As this is a lot smarter than anything I can write let me encourage you to read these words and reflect on how this might be relevant to you.

Proverbs 3: 

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 

Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 

by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 

 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you'– when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbour, who lives trustfully near you. 

Do not accuse anyone for no reason – when they have done you no harm. Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.