Whoever fulfills the law in every part has yet to please God by accepting His witness of His Son.
'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which he has of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life'
John's first letter, chapter 5.
Thursday 31 December 2009
RECOGNITION
Vital to our well-being is to be recognised for who we are and our contribution to life. As Berger expressed it, it is to be 'recognised, needed and embraced'.
'He came unto his own people and his own people received him not.'
John 1 vs 11
Surely the greatest insult to God, the cause, our spiritual blindness
'He came unto his own people and his own people received him not.'
John 1 vs 11
Surely the greatest insult to God, the cause, our spiritual blindness
Monday 21 December 2009
LIGHT AND DARKNESS
An answer to Matthew Parris's comments on Malawi in the Sunday Times December 2009
Rural Africans value light far more than we do. In a spiritual sense, this is something they have gained from men and women from the West, who went out to serve them rather than rule them.
My grandparents went to Malawi in the early 1900’s with a concern to minister to their physical and spiritual needs. They were both awarded MBE’s but it is even more thrilling to me now to read how this light has spread. The Malawians are training their own pastors and small churches are flourishing in rural areas, together with schools, clinics and homes for children. They are reaching into Mozambique and say they are taking the light with them.
God has promised that such light will never be put out.
Rural Africans value light far more than we do. In a spiritual sense, this is something they have gained from men and women from the West, who went out to serve them rather than rule them.
My grandparents went to Malawi in the early 1900’s with a concern to minister to their physical and spiritual needs. They were both awarded MBE’s but it is even more thrilling to me now to read how this light has spread. The Malawians are training their own pastors and small churches are flourishing in rural areas, together with schools, clinics and homes for children. They are reaching into Mozambique and say they are taking the light with them.
God has promised that such light will never be put out.
Friday 18 December 2009
OBEDIENCE
'MANY RELIGIOUS TEACHERS have not taught Christ.
They have presumed to explain a Christ whom years and years of obedience could alone have made them able to comprehend.'
'PRACTICALITY is the code of true faith: can something be done? If so, where is to be found the first opportunity to do it?'
George MacDonald
If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know if the teaching comes from God.
John's writings.
'Though He was a son,yet learned He obedience by the things that He suffered.'
Writer of the letter to the Hewbrews.
They have presumed to explain a Christ whom years and years of obedience could alone have made them able to comprehend.'
'PRACTICALITY is the code of true faith: can something be done? If so, where is to be found the first opportunity to do it?'
George MacDonald
If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know if the teaching comes from God.
John's writings.
'Though He was a son,yet learned He obedience by the things that He suffered.'
Writer of the letter to the Hewbrews.
BURNING BUSHES
'It is because our life does not shine that men have stood up and said "There is no light."'
'If every Christian were as the bush that burned with fire--that would be the shining our light before men. Atheism would soon vanish; unbelief would draw in its horns.'
Geoge MacDonald
'If every Christian were as the bush that burned with fire--that would be the shining our light before men. Atheism would soon vanish; unbelief would draw in its horns.'
Geoge MacDonald
ECHOES OF TRUTH
'Echoes of the word of truth gather volume and richness from every soul that re-echoes it to brother and sister souls.
Every new embodiment of a known truth must be a new and wider revelation. No man is capable of seeing for himself the whole of any truth: he needs it echoed back to him from every soul in the universe.'
George Maconald
Every new embodiment of a known truth must be a new and wider revelation. No man is capable of seeing for himself the whole of any truth: he needs it echoed back to him from every soul in the universe.'
George Maconald
Thursday 17 December 2009
SELF-IMAGE
If only man was preoccupied with projecting God's image, wherein we are made, as much as he is with projecting his own.
SECULAR HOSTILITY
Why are secular believers so hostile towards Christmas? How can they feel threatened by the birth of a baby?
God's weakness is seen at every turn, from the manger to the cross. The King came to his city on a donkey. It is surely overplay?
Why is evolutionism so set against the greatest love story of our world? Processes don't produce love. How many species would survive without the care of the mother for her young? Is this something that also evolves?
'..the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil'
John's record of God's good news.
God's weakness is seen at every turn, from the manger to the cross. The King came to his city on a donkey. It is surely overplay?
Why is evolutionism so set against the greatest love story of our world? Processes don't produce love. How many species would survive without the care of the mother for her young? Is this something that also evolves?
'..the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil'
John's record of God's good news.
Saturday 5 December 2009
TRUE PROFESSIONAL
A true professional sees the skill and knowledge he has as useful and beautiful and seeks to share this with others to benefit their lives.
Every moment is turned into learning, sharing and caring.
Every moment is turned into learning, sharing and caring.
Friday 4 December 2009
SHADES OF LOVE
Love in its forms, swirls and eddies from one to the other. Eros, philia and agape. Sometimes for the same person, sometimes each for another.
Passion loves itself, taking pleasure in the pleasure it affords. It is always passing, and needing to be renewed.
Philia, the love of friendship, takes delight in the other without asking for anything in return. This love has a lightness about itself and that lightness is joy. When we joy in another's existence, when we delight in them, we are loving them.
This can be spoken or unspoken, a smile, a caress, a moment of tenderness.
How significant that at the Last Supper, Christ spoke three times about joy, both His and that of the disciples. Its presence was to be the fulfillment of His mission. How closely linked to love in those chapters. Joy was to be full in those who loved him. His joy was in His Father and in His friends.
Passion loves itself, taking pleasure in the pleasure it affords. It is always passing, and needing to be renewed.
Philia, the love of friendship, takes delight in the other without asking for anything in return. This love has a lightness about itself and that lightness is joy. When we joy in another's existence, when we delight in them, we are loving them.
This can be spoken or unspoken, a smile, a caress, a moment of tenderness.
How significant that at the Last Supper, Christ spoke three times about joy, both His and that of the disciples. Its presence was to be the fulfillment of His mission. How closely linked to love in those chapters. Joy was to be full in those who loved him. His joy was in His Father and in His friends.
DAY OF SMALL THINGS
A life full of joy in small things, is a life of fortitude in the difficult times.
Sunday 15 November 2009
LOVE
Some thoughts.
It is so multifaceted but always desires the good and pleasure of the loved one. The highest love is to accept, protect and give of itself without the need to be loved. It partakes of joy, truth, beauty, gratitude and generosity. It seeks to make the other the best and most joyful that they can be.
It is so multifaceted but always desires the good and pleasure of the loved one. The highest love is to accept, protect and give of itself without the need to be loved. It partakes of joy, truth, beauty, gratitude and generosity. It seeks to make the other the best and most joyful that they can be.
REFLECTION
Is life worth living - the ultimate question. It calls for reflection, an examination of all of life.
The art of thinking must result in the art of living. It must be energised by emotion but requires toil of the mind. There must be a critique of illusions and prejudices. It can never end in debating. It requires courage to act in the face of evil and self-denial in the face of egotism.
Joyful, truthful living is seen to be the end of wisdom - an invigorating lucidity. The Bible describes the beginning of wisdom as fearing God. Eternal life is to know Him. Christ,the Wisdom of God made man, is 'the Way, the Truth and the Life.' The seal of this truth, His resurrection.
Words of wisdom should be as a pebble in a pond whose ripples continue to spread out far beyond its own circumference.
The art of thinking must result in the art of living. It must be energised by emotion but requires toil of the mind. There must be a critique of illusions and prejudices. It can never end in debating. It requires courage to act in the face of evil and self-denial in the face of egotism.
Joyful, truthful living is seen to be the end of wisdom - an invigorating lucidity. The Bible describes the beginning of wisdom as fearing God. Eternal life is to know Him. Christ,the Wisdom of God made man, is 'the Way, the Truth and the Life.' The seal of this truth, His resurrection.
Words of wisdom should be as a pebble in a pond whose ripples continue to spread out far beyond its own circumference.
Saturday 7 November 2009
TIME
Thoughts gathered.
'Make every moment learning,sharing and caring.'
As bees, draw the nectar from every flower and turn it into honey to revitalise the lives of others.
In this fast-changing and troubled world, make music of every moment, and dance to your words.
Make life an art form of beauty and truth in ever-present reality.
'Give the mundane its beautiful due.'
'...redeeming the time for the days are evil.
Ephesians 5 vs 16
'Make every moment learning,sharing and caring.'
As bees, draw the nectar from every flower and turn it into honey to revitalise the lives of others.
In this fast-changing and troubled world, make music of every moment, and dance to your words.
Make life an art form of beauty and truth in ever-present reality.
'Give the mundane its beautiful due.'
'...redeeming the time for the days are evil.
Ephesians 5 vs 16
Thursday 5 November 2009
PARLIAMENT AND CITIZENSHIP
Desiderius Erasmus 1517
'I enter the court of kings...I see every outward sign of the highest offices and humanity....It is all paint and varnish. Everything is corrupted by open faction, or by secret grudges and animosities.'
'...they stab one another with pens dipped in the venom of malice.'
Cyril Joad late 20th century.
'Modern civilization is the result of endowing with the fruits of a dozen men of genius a population which is emotionally at the level of savages and culturally at the level of schoolboys.'
Further thoughts:
'Civilisation is a thin veneer over animal instincts and easily overturned.'
'I enter the court of kings...I see every outward sign of the highest offices and humanity....It is all paint and varnish. Everything is corrupted by open faction, or by secret grudges and animosities.'
'...they stab one another with pens dipped in the venom of malice.'
Cyril Joad late 20th century.
'Modern civilization is the result of endowing with the fruits of a dozen men of genius a population which is emotionally at the level of savages and culturally at the level of schoolboys.'
Further thoughts:
'Civilisation is a thin veneer over animal instincts and easily overturned.'
Thursday 29 October 2009
LAZY BODIES, LAZY MINDS
We suffer from 'over-nutrition and under-exertion'.
Diligence is a forgotten virtue. Toil, unacceptable.
'Sweat and skill make good travelling companions'.
As affluence increased we seem to have lost them on the way.
Diligence is a forgotten virtue. Toil, unacceptable.
'Sweat and skill make good travelling companions'.
As affluence increased we seem to have lost them on the way.
PLAYGROUND BULLY?
A recent statement by the Secretary for Education:
Children must be given career guidance from the age of 7. They apparently need to be exposed to the workplace from an early age.
Any different from children at the coal face?
Slave labour in another form?
What happened to playing, acting out our dreams of being teachers, doctors, firemen and cowboys?
Another way - children need the sunlight of good literature.
Children must be given career guidance from the age of 7. They apparently need to be exposed to the workplace from an early age.
Any different from children at the coal face?
Slave labour in another form?
What happened to playing, acting out our dreams of being teachers, doctors, firemen and cowboys?
Another way - children need the sunlight of good literature.
THE ECONOMY
Market fundamentalism believes the economy can govern all of life.
This is true only of commodities. Health, education and justice have become commodities, citizens, consumers. Man has a soul and cannot live this way without becoming dehumanised.
Politicians forget this at their peril.
This is true only of commodities. Health, education and justice have become commodities, citizens, consumers. Man has a soul and cannot live this way without becoming dehumanised.
Politicians forget this at their peril.
Tuesday 27 October 2009
POLITICS
The art of living together, sharing and caring for the good of all.
It is to regulate man's innate tendency to self-interest. There has to be a balance between individual autonomy and corporate responsibility for the good of society.
Law regulates society.The question is who decides what the law shall be. We all want to choose whom we shall obey - man has an inborn disposition to resist the law.
If the predominant ethos of the ruling party is self-gratification in a consumerist economy, what hope is there for moral order in society, which seems no longer to exist?
It is to regulate man's innate tendency to self-interest. There has to be a balance between individual autonomy and corporate responsibility for the good of society.
Law regulates society.The question is who decides what the law shall be. We all want to choose whom we shall obey - man has an inborn disposition to resist the law.
If the predominant ethos of the ruling party is self-gratification in a consumerist economy, what hope is there for moral order in society, which seems no longer to exist?
Sunday 25 October 2009
THE GOSPEL
The good news that man can now live a beautifully true life in the likeness of Jesus Christ giving God cause to rejoice over us with singing.
In Mozambique the message went out to beer-sodden villagers that they will not be able to live in the light if they have not received the salvation provided by Christ. Perhaps light to them is more precious as they live in spiritual and physical darkness unknown to us.
In Mozambique the message went out to beer-sodden villagers that they will not be able to live in the light if they have not received the salvation provided by Christ. Perhaps light to them is more precious as they live in spiritual and physical darkness unknown to us.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN?
The Westminster Confession of Faith starts with this question. The answer - 'to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever'.
Another way would be to say: To walk in fruitful fellowship with God in the beautiful world He has made, bringing both great joy.
At creation, God came walking in the cool of the day in the garden He had prepared, seeking out the man made in His image. It was a guilty Adam who hid from Him through fear, the fruit of disobedience. He sought to cover those parts God had intended to bring about god-given fruitfulness. Now they brought him only shame.
Man has been hiding from God ever since, seeking only to murder Him. It is through grace that God has made a way to restore that fellowship, the fruit of Christ's death to cover men's shame, and to replace fear with joy.
'This is eternal life, that they may know You....that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.''
John 17
Another way would be to say: To walk in fruitful fellowship with God in the beautiful world He has made, bringing both great joy.
At creation, God came walking in the cool of the day in the garden He had prepared, seeking out the man made in His image. It was a guilty Adam who hid from Him through fear, the fruit of disobedience. He sought to cover those parts God had intended to bring about god-given fruitfulness. Now they brought him only shame.
Man has been hiding from God ever since, seeking only to murder Him. It is through grace that God has made a way to restore that fellowship, the fruit of Christ's death to cover men's shame, and to replace fear with joy.
'This is eternal life, that they may know You....that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.''
John 17
DEWDROPS AND RIVERS
'The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens me morning by morning,
He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.'
Isaiah 50 vs 4
'Blessed is the man who listenes to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favour from the Lord'
Proverbs 8 vs 34, 35
'He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'.
John 7 vs 38
That I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens me morning by morning,
He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.'
Isaiah 50 vs 4
'Blessed is the man who listenes to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favour from the Lord'
Proverbs 8 vs 34, 35
'He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'.
John 7 vs 38
PHILOSOPHY
The heart of philosophy seems to be to find the truly good life. A life marked by beauty and truth - 'living with a lucid happiness', facing reality head on in an ever changing present.
To reach this, toil is needed. Wisdom is given to 'those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil'.
Hebrews 5 vs 14.
The examined life of the philosophers, producing an ever moving stream of clear water to sustain the lives of others in their need.
The truly beautiful, good and true life, that lived each day by the Son of Man who delighted to make His Father fully known. It is God's purpose for His people to 'be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren'. Romans 8 vs 28,29.
We are to be crafted by the vicissitudes of life into this image, bringing our Father great joy.
To reach this, toil is needed. Wisdom is given to 'those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil'.
Hebrews 5 vs 14.
The examined life of the philosophers, producing an ever moving stream of clear water to sustain the lives of others in their need.
The truly beautiful, good and true life, that lived each day by the Son of Man who delighted to make His Father fully known. It is God's purpose for His people to 'be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren'. Romans 8 vs 28,29.
We are to be crafted by the vicissitudes of life into this image, bringing our Father great joy.
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Dawkin's latest foray into evolution glorifies the role of natural selection in choreographing the 'greatest show on earth', nature in all its fulness and beauty.
We would no sooner attribute the greatness of a West End production to a computer or some such impersonal process, than expect to find a wedding dress produced by the machinery which made it.
Some Christians consign God to the audience, whereas He is the Designer, Director and Producer of the show.
The glory goes to the craftsman, whose name is heralded for all to see.
We would no sooner attribute the greatness of a West End production to a computer or some such impersonal process, than expect to find a wedding dress produced by the machinery which made it.
Some Christians consign God to the audience, whereas He is the Designer, Director and Producer of the show.
The glory goes to the craftsman, whose name is heralded for all to see.
Saturday 26 September 2009
GOD'S FINGERPRINTS
Remark from Ben Goldacre in 'Bad Science':
"Nature is beautiful, gracefully simple yet rewardingly complex."
Solomon "pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs"
Maybe one of the first scientists ?
'Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish.'
1 Kings 4 vs 32
'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding'
Proverbs 9 vs 10
The study of nature requires humility, the mark of a true scientist.
"Nature is beautiful, gracefully simple yet rewardingly complex."
Solomon "pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs"
Maybe one of the first scientists ?
'Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish.'
1 Kings 4 vs 32
'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding'
Proverbs 9 vs 10
The study of nature requires humility, the mark of a true scientist.
ENEMY TERRITORY
"...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one."1 John 5 : 19
Do we really believe this?
"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."2 Timothy 2 : 3
Do we have a choice?
Do we really believe this?
"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."2 Timothy 2 : 3
Do we have a choice?
Monday 14 September 2009
Saturday 5 September 2009
BITTERNESS
Man dislikes bitterness and removes the germ from the wheat, and so its life-giving properties.
He does the same with the gospel.
He does the same with the gospel.
FALSE RELIGION
Delighting in the truth is no guarantee that we will live by it.
Ardent religion can be mistaken for true spirituality.
Ardent religion can be mistaken for true spirituality.
LUST
Cain was ordered to do what he should have done, but could not do. He was warned that sin was crouching at the door, with a lust for him. He was told that he should rule over it.
He could not and so in anger, killed his brother, Abel.
There should be a daily discipline of squelching our lusts.
Their desire is to rule us.
God desires our bodies that He may demonstrate Himself through them. Men become His agents of redemption.
"Present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" Romans 12 vs 1
He could not and so in anger, killed his brother, Abel.
There should be a daily discipline of squelching our lusts.
Their desire is to rule us.
God desires our bodies that He may demonstrate Himself through them. Men become His agents of redemption.
"Present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" Romans 12 vs 1
STRANGE WAYS
We promote assisted suicide, but prolong the life of a criminal.
We abort children but seek desperately to conceive in unnatural ways.
We abort children but seek desperately to conceive in unnatural ways.
ADVICE FROM THE PAST
"Being seldom in a solemn spirit before the Lord ruins many professors of godliness."
CITIES
Strangers squashed together in cities, unwillingly invading each other’s private space.
We build walls around us and retreat into a technological world of our own.
We build walls around us and retreat into a technological world of our own.
AMERICAN DREAM
Affluence a birth right.
Groomed to desire from the cradle.
One man's dream is another man's nightmare.
Groomed to desire from the cradle.
One man's dream is another man's nightmare.
Saturday 22 August 2009
OBSCURITY
The truth of Man in the image of God has been relegated to the mists of time with devastating results.
Man has no dignity or future without it. Thinking men are troubled but do not know where to find the answer. If the Church no longer declares this truth there is indeed darkness. This is the beginning, middle and end of our story. The theme of Scripture.
Only when we see what greatness God has bestowed on us in making us in His image do we begin to comprehend the awfulness of our fall. His grace in recreating us to something far greater, to the image of His Son, is little seen today.
Small wonder chaos and evil reign.
Man has no dignity or future without it. Thinking men are troubled but do not know where to find the answer. If the Church no longer declares this truth there is indeed darkness. This is the beginning, middle and end of our story. The theme of Scripture.
Only when we see what greatness God has bestowed on us in making us in His image do we begin to comprehend the awfulness of our fall. His grace in recreating us to something far greater, to the image of His Son, is little seen today.
Small wonder chaos and evil reign.
FINDING MY FEET
For two years I did not drive.
Why did I find such satisfaction in using my feet to motorise my day?
There were physical benefits to be sure. But it was more than this. I gloried in the knowledge that I had used my body productively and had been free from mechcanical transport. It made me value my legs in a way I had never done before. I took great care of them, fearing I would loose my newfound freedom.
Is this not what we want for our people? To appreciate and take care of their bodies? They will only do so when they value them. They will only value them when they use them productively. We no longer make or do worthwhile things with our bodies. We buy porridge at the station to eat on the train which takes us to work where we sit behind a computer and get Repetative Strain Injury from excessive use of our hands.
No wonder we tell the doctor we are sick. Yes, but we are sick of life. Smoking, eating and drinking degrade and destroy our bodies as we gaze impotently at the TV or computer screen.
What to do?
Rethink our daily activities and try to use our bodies as much as possible in different ways, to add value to our lives. And so they will aquire a value which we will treasure.
Why did I find such satisfaction in using my feet to motorise my day?
There were physical benefits to be sure. But it was more than this. I gloried in the knowledge that I had used my body productively and had been free from mechcanical transport. It made me value my legs in a way I had never done before. I took great care of them, fearing I would loose my newfound freedom.
Is this not what we want for our people? To appreciate and take care of their bodies? They will only do so when they value them. They will only value them when they use them productively. We no longer make or do worthwhile things with our bodies. We buy porridge at the station to eat on the train which takes us to work where we sit behind a computer and get Repetative Strain Injury from excessive use of our hands.
No wonder we tell the doctor we are sick. Yes, but we are sick of life. Smoking, eating and drinking degrade and destroy our bodies as we gaze impotently at the TV or computer screen.
What to do?
Rethink our daily activities and try to use our bodies as much as possible in different ways, to add value to our lives. And so they will aquire a value which we will treasure.
Monday 17 August 2009
SNOW
Words of Bishop J C Ryle, in the mid 1850's, written out of bitter experience.
"Property values and public stocks, dependent on public confidence, melting like snow in the Spring".
' There is nothing new under the sun'
Ecclesiastes 1 vs 10
"Property values and public stocks, dependent on public confidence, melting like snow in the Spring".
' There is nothing new under the sun'
Ecclesiastes 1 vs 10
EUTHANASIA
Scripture teaches that man is made in the image of God. Each embryo is a potential being made in that image, each day becoming more like that image. God's purpose is always to bring His will to fruition and He delights in fruitfulness.
We ignore this teaching, encouraging our young to dispose of 'something' which threatens our self-centred lifestyle.
We should not think it strange that when we enter old age, they have the same attitude towards us.
It is true justice.
We ignore this teaching, encouraging our young to dispose of 'something' which threatens our self-centred lifestyle.
We should not think it strange that when we enter old age, they have the same attitude towards us.
It is true justice.
Wednesday 12 August 2009
PROFIT
Man has gone from making money from goods and services to making a profit from money. Now he makes money out of nothing but syphers in the ether.
Others pay the bill.
Others pay the bill.
Thursday 30 July 2009
ENJOYMENT
God made us in order to find His joy in us, as in the rest of creation.
'It is good' is pronounced at each stage. Much of creation, hidden from our sight, is marvelled over by the Creator. The Father and the Son were bound up in rejoicing, as the world was made. Proverbs 8: 30
The Holy Spirit too, was caught up in the wonder of creation.
Genesis 1: 2
Above all the Son delights in man.
Proverbs 8: 31
He has chosen to need us to complete His joy.
He is the Bridegroom, we are His Bride. We surmise that God came walking in the cool of evening, in order to enjoy fellowship with Adam and Eve. Unbelieveably, man chose to find his joy elsewhere, by becoming a god himself and so cut himself off from the only source of true enjoyment. Ever since he is a wanderer who is never satisfied.
Jesus came to restore that joyous fellowship.
John 15: 11.
While there is mourning for rebellion and self-love, we must not loose sight of that for which we have been redeemed and to enter into its fulness.
John 17: 13
One of the greatest human joys we have, is to find enjoyment in each other, mirroring the pleasure found in the Song of Songs. As Wisdom rejoiced before the Father during creation, and as God joys over us with singing, is it too fanciful to conceive of these scenes as a glorious dance, of God playing with His people, much as lovers do who are delighting in each other?
'The Lord your God in your midst,
The mighty One will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing'.
Zephaniah 3: 17
Hardly surprising that C S Lewis was 'Surprised by Joy'.
'It is good' is pronounced at each stage. Much of creation, hidden from our sight, is marvelled over by the Creator. The Father and the Son were bound up in rejoicing, as the world was made. Proverbs 8: 30
The Holy Spirit too, was caught up in the wonder of creation.
Genesis 1: 2
Above all the Son delights in man.
Proverbs 8: 31
He has chosen to need us to complete His joy.
He is the Bridegroom, we are His Bride. We surmise that God came walking in the cool of evening, in order to enjoy fellowship with Adam and Eve. Unbelieveably, man chose to find his joy elsewhere, by becoming a god himself and so cut himself off from the only source of true enjoyment. Ever since he is a wanderer who is never satisfied.
Jesus came to restore that joyous fellowship.
John 15: 11.
While there is mourning for rebellion and self-love, we must not loose sight of that for which we have been redeemed and to enter into its fulness.
John 17: 13
One of the greatest human joys we have, is to find enjoyment in each other, mirroring the pleasure found in the Song of Songs. As Wisdom rejoiced before the Father during creation, and as God joys over us with singing, is it too fanciful to conceive of these scenes as a glorious dance, of God playing with His people, much as lovers do who are delighting in each other?
'The Lord your God in your midst,
The mighty One will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you in His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing'.
Zephaniah 3: 17
Hardly surprising that C S Lewis was 'Surprised by Joy'.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
NECROPHILIACS
Term used by Jeremy Paxman in his book, ' The English'
Unlikely as it seems, there are men who love death.
Proverbs 8 talks of those who sin against God and so wrong their own soul.
'All those who hate me love death'.
Some are set on studying fossils in order to disprove God. They become what they prize most.
Life and death are set before us.
The call comes to us to choose life.
There is death in this choice, but of self, and so we find life.
'For whoever finds Me finds life,
And obtains favour from the Lord'.
Unlikely as it seems, there are men who love death.
Proverbs 8 talks of those who sin against God and so wrong their own soul.
'All those who hate me love death'.
Some are set on studying fossils in order to disprove God. They become what they prize most.
Life and death are set before us.
The call comes to us to choose life.
There is death in this choice, but of self, and so we find life.
'For whoever finds Me finds life,
And obtains favour from the Lord'.
Saturday 11 July 2009
ART
Further thoughts from 'The Craftsman'
Play at work turns that work into a form of art. Because the future beckons us on, there is a rhythm that develops as we craft that future. Perhaps the greatest joy a craftsman has is to help others craft their own future and dance to their own rhythm.
We also craft our relationships and institutions, political as well as social. There should always be that element of play, not taking ourselves too seriously.
Play at work turns that work into a form of art. Because the future beckons us on, there is a rhythm that develops as we craft that future. Perhaps the greatest joy a craftsman has is to help others craft their own future and dance to their own rhythm.
We also craft our relationships and institutions, political as well as social. There should always be that element of play, not taking ourselves too seriously.
Friday 26 June 2009
CRAFTSMAN
Thoughts inspired by 'The Craftsman' by Richard Sennett.
Craftsmanship and creativity are inseparable. There is an idea, a desire that something should come into existence which was not there before. There is delight in that creation. Perfection is the goal, but craftsmanship leaves an indelible mark of humanity, with its frailty. There is a striving, but even in this there is fulfillment, spurring one on to further craftsmanship. A rhythm develops as the skill is repeated time and again. Creativity never ceases as there is always a future beckoning one on. It is this rhythm that gives life and energy to the task.
Workers with earthy materials have tools, poets have words. Each has a vision and a skill, and uses both head and hand.
A true craftsman will seek to develop the skill in others and as he grows in ability, he becomes a mastercraftsman. Blessed are those who have such a teacher, who has empathy with their humanity, but gives hope for the future.
"The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.
I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.....
Then I was beside Him, as a matercraftsman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men"
Proverbs 8: 22, 23, 30,31.
God "has in these last days spoken to us by His son, whom he made heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds:"
Hebrews 1: 2
Craftsmanship and creativity are inseparable. There is an idea, a desire that something should come into existence which was not there before. There is delight in that creation. Perfection is the goal, but craftsmanship leaves an indelible mark of humanity, with its frailty. There is a striving, but even in this there is fulfillment, spurring one on to further craftsmanship. A rhythm develops as the skill is repeated time and again. Creativity never ceases as there is always a future beckoning one on. It is this rhythm that gives life and energy to the task.
Workers with earthy materials have tools, poets have words. Each has a vision and a skill, and uses both head and hand.
A true craftsman will seek to develop the skill in others and as he grows in ability, he becomes a mastercraftsman. Blessed are those who have such a teacher, who has empathy with their humanity, but gives hope for the future.
"The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.
I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.....
Then I was beside Him, as a matercraftsman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men"
Proverbs 8: 22, 23, 30,31.
God "has in these last days spoken to us by His son, whom he made heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds:"
Hebrews 1: 2
Sunday 7 June 2009
WINDOWS
Men talk of frameworks to construct our thinking. This reminds us of nuts and bolts. We need also to open windows to lighten our thoughts and view new horizons.
Education is helping others to build frameworks and open windows so that they may see a clear path with exciting possibilities.
As we age, we hear of new thoughts but when we open the window we find it is the same view we have known about and enjoyed all along.
Some live only in basements.
Education is helping others to build frameworks and open windows so that they may see a clear path with exciting possibilities.
As we age, we hear of new thoughts but when we open the window we find it is the same view we have known about and enjoyed all along.
Some live only in basements.
Saturday 6 June 2009
DREAMS
Thoughts inspired by Pinker and Gladwell.
Dreams are ideas steeped in emotion.
As we set our dreams to the music of our words, we dance.
True friends help us write the score and dance with us.
Dreams are ideas steeped in emotion.
As we set our dreams to the music of our words, we dance.
True friends help us write the score and dance with us.
GARMENTS
Thoughts inspired by a walk in the garden.
Which would you choose?
To enjoy a beautiful, intricately designed dress which was the result of an impersonal process? Or a gift, made and given by a very dear friend, who wanted you to enjoy the fruit of their love?
It is God who clothes the fields with flowers and arrays the lilies in garments more beautiful than Solomon's robes.
Which would you choose?
To enjoy a beautiful, intricately designed dress which was the result of an impersonal process? Or a gift, made and given by a very dear friend, who wanted you to enjoy the fruit of their love?
It is God who clothes the fields with flowers and arrays the lilies in garments more beautiful than Solomon's robes.
Wednesday 3 June 2009
REALITY
God expects us to constantly engage with reality and to have a god-pleasing framework by which to measure it, separating the precious from the vile. For this to happen one must be alive to all of life.
The Book of Everyday Life must be studied as much as books of theology. Pastors should know the terrain their sheep are traversing. Every moment should be turned into learning, sharing and caring.
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deut 6: 6,7
The Book of Everyday Life must be studied as much as books of theology. Pastors should know the terrain their sheep are traversing. Every moment should be turned into learning, sharing and caring.
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deut 6: 6,7
Wednesday 27 May 2009
DELUSION
Last evening men were gathered around Ida, ecstatic about her form, worshipping at her shrine.
' ....and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.'
2 Thessalonians 2: 10,11
' ....and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.'
2 Thessalonians 2: 10,11
Friday 22 May 2009
IDA, THE IMAGE OF GOD?
Ida is described as 'the Eighth Wonder of the World'.
Looking at the fossilised, dead lemur, our 'ancestor', thoughts of greatness and glory hardly come to mind.
'What is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you take care of him?
You made him little lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honour,
And set him over the works of your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet'
'I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'
We have indeed:
'changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man....birds, four-footed beasts and creeping things.'
Man is worshipping Ida as if she was some kind of god. Her fossilised remains fit the description well.
David Attenborough sees this 'beautiful little creature' as our link with the animal world, the research as 'an act of faith'.
All the marks of a religion.
Man becomes what he worships.
We should be preoccupied with life rather than death
Looking at the fossilised, dead lemur, our 'ancestor', thoughts of greatness and glory hardly come to mind.
'What is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you take care of him?
You made him little lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honour,
And set him over the works of your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet'
'I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'
We have indeed:
'changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man....birds, four-footed beasts and creeping things.'
Man is worshipping Ida as if she was some kind of god. Her fossilised remains fit the description well.
David Attenborough sees this 'beautiful little creature' as our link with the animal world, the research as 'an act of faith'.
All the marks of a religion.
Man becomes what he worships.
We should be preoccupied with life rather than death
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Saturday 16 May 2009
ELDERS AT THE GATE
Virtuous men should be elders at the city gate, the judges of society.
Virtue - being able to withstand temptation and follow the honorable way at cost to oneself.
Today’s 'elders' have no values or standards. They seek to escape hassle, living in a virtual world of their own making. They have no loyalty to anyone and have nothing to conserve. Meritocracy to them means escaping from the common lot with no room for compassion. Selfcentredess gone rife - the sure way to the destruction of all we hold dear.
They are the betrayers of democracy.
Some thoughts from Christopher Lasch 'The Revolt of the Elites - The Betrayal of Democracy'.
Virtue - being able to withstand temptation and follow the honorable way at cost to oneself.
Today’s 'elders' have no values or standards. They seek to escape hassle, living in a virtual world of their own making. They have no loyalty to anyone and have nothing to conserve. Meritocracy to them means escaping from the common lot with no room for compassion. Selfcentredess gone rife - the sure way to the destruction of all we hold dear.
They are the betrayers of democracy.
Some thoughts from Christopher Lasch 'The Revolt of the Elites - The Betrayal of Democracy'.
DANCING
Malcolm Gladwell talks of interactional synchrony in his book, 'The Tipping Point.'
There is a rhythm to our interactions with others, be this by body or spoken language. Some draw us, others repel us. Towards some there may be polite relating, at other times, indifference.
When someone, in graciousness, is quick to hear our call, drawing near to us, this synchrony is set on its course and we in turn are drawn. There is a joyous response by those who know they are heard and understood. This gives freedom, the assurance of a safe haven. Also lightness of spirit and the joy to dance through life.
Through this we are able to draw others to dance with us. And so the circle never ends.
Isn't this perhaps the heart of true Christianity?
There is a rhythm to our interactions with others, be this by body or spoken language. Some draw us, others repel us. Towards some there may be polite relating, at other times, indifference.
When someone, in graciousness, is quick to hear our call, drawing near to us, this synchrony is set on its course and we in turn are drawn. There is a joyous response by those who know they are heard and understood. This gives freedom, the assurance of a safe haven. Also lightness of spirit and the joy to dance through life.
Through this we are able to draw others to dance with us. And so the circle never ends.
Isn't this perhaps the heart of true Christianity?
Wednesday 13 May 2009
IDEAS
'Men not only have ideas, they steep them in emotion'.
Steven Pinker: 'Stuff of Thoughts'
Psychoneuroimmunology reveals that every cell feels every emotion. For every thought there is a neurochemical reaction.
'Keep the heart for out of it are the issues of life'
Steven Pinker: 'Stuff of Thoughts'
Psychoneuroimmunology reveals that every cell feels every emotion. For every thought there is a neurochemical reaction.
'Keep the heart for out of it are the issues of life'
Sunday 10 May 2009
THERE IS A TIME FOR ALL THINGS
There is a tension of opposites throughout Scripture.
God loves and hates.
He forgives and condemns.
War and peace are His to give.
Joy and sorrow come from Him.
Christ, the Lion and the Lamb.
It sometimes seems God contradicts Himself.
The people of God are described as a remnant, and yet as many as the sand upon the shore.
They are dressed as a bride but also addressed as a worm.
God's sheep are never ultimately lost, yet can fall away, unable to be renewed unto repentance.
All come together in God alone. This is His otherness.
God's incomprehensibility is anathema to man, who sees patterns and creates his own gods.
It is God who says:
'My ways are not your ways, neither are your thoughts my thoughts'.
Our answer should be:
'How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out.'
It is not us who question God , but He who will question us.
Like Job, we are those who ' darken counsel without knowledge'.
Like him, we should become those who 'abhor ourselves and repent in dust and ashes.'
That from which we came.
Charles Spurgeon said: 'If a truth is proclaimed in one part of Scripture, I will preach it. If the opposite is proclaimed in another, I will preach that too.'
God loves and hates.
He forgives and condemns.
War and peace are His to give.
Joy and sorrow come from Him.
Christ, the Lion and the Lamb.
It sometimes seems God contradicts Himself.
The people of God are described as a remnant, and yet as many as the sand upon the shore.
They are dressed as a bride but also addressed as a worm.
God's sheep are never ultimately lost, yet can fall away, unable to be renewed unto repentance.
All come together in God alone. This is His otherness.
God's incomprehensibility is anathema to man, who sees patterns and creates his own gods.
It is God who says:
'My ways are not your ways, neither are your thoughts my thoughts'.
Our answer should be:
'How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out.'
It is not us who question God , but He who will question us.
Like Job, we are those who ' darken counsel without knowledge'.
Like him, we should become those who 'abhor ourselves and repent in dust and ashes.'
That from which we came.
Charles Spurgeon said: 'If a truth is proclaimed in one part of Scripture, I will preach it. If the opposite is proclaimed in another, I will preach that too.'
Saturday 9 May 2009
THE LANGUAGE OF WORDS
The adherents of evolution speak with verbs that require an agent, but have none, other than the evolutionary processes themselves, which appear to have a mind and life of their own -
'the next evolutionary development addresses this problem’.
God has no problems in creation.
'And God saw that it was good.'
There is no thought of progress.
'Let there be...and it was so'. All was complete.
The only command was to be fruitful, each according to its kind.
"According to Steve Pinker, in 'Stuff of Thoughts', species are not some 'holistic being' capable of making a decision and moving in step, but made up of individuals, like a heap of pebbles.
Perhaps the principles of language expose an evolutionary fallacy. God is replaced by another agent who may even remain un-named. Words can make a difference.
Thoughts provoked by Denis Alexander in 'Creation or Evolution. Do We have to Choose ?'
'the next evolutionary development addresses this problem’.
God has no problems in creation.
'And God saw that it was good.'
There is no thought of progress.
'Let there be...and it was so'. All was complete.
The only command was to be fruitful, each according to its kind.
"According to Steve Pinker, in 'Stuff of Thoughts', species are not some 'holistic being' capable of making a decision and moving in step, but made up of individuals, like a heap of pebbles.
Perhaps the principles of language expose an evolutionary fallacy. God is replaced by another agent who may even remain un-named. Words can make a difference.
Thoughts provoked by Denis Alexander in 'Creation or Evolution. Do We have to Choose ?'
METAPHORS
God made us for metaphors.
Creation is a metaphor for the unseen God.
'Since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead'
The First-born of creation, the final metaphor.
'He is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation'.
.
Creation is a metaphor for the unseen God.
'Since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead'
The First-born of creation, the final metaphor.
'He is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation'.
.
SACRIFICE
God did the unthinkable.
In His holiness, He burned up His Son on His altar.
He was made sin for us and His Father is of purer eyes than to look on evil.
Yet in all this He was a spotless Lamb, the Perfect Sacrifice.
In His holiness, He burned up His Son on His altar.
He was made sin for us and His Father is of purer eyes than to look on evil.
Yet in all this He was a spotless Lamb, the Perfect Sacrifice.
Sunday 3 May 2009
FRUITFULNESS
This is the first commandment to God’s creatures. It is His purpose for His creation and pleases Him above all else. A sterile relationship is anathema to God and may be a great sorrow for man.
Now it comes by blood, sweat and tears. The land must be cultivated with great effort. Women labour to give birth.
God has His reasons for this. The harvest is gathered with great joy.The intense pain of childbirth leads to greater bonding. Man in his rebellion and foolishess seeks to evade this at any cost but always pays a price.
Now it comes by blood, sweat and tears. The land must be cultivated with great effort. Women labour to give birth.
God has His reasons for this. The harvest is gathered with great joy.The intense pain of childbirth leads to greater bonding. Man in his rebellion and foolishess seeks to evade this at any cost but always pays a price.
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Saturday 18 April 2009
AN EMPTY UNIVERSE?
For C S Lewis there were only two choices. Pantheism, god in everything, or Christianity, God of everything. For him the cosmos was 'drenched with meaning', leading him to worship the creator of it all, a personal God made known in Christ. As he said, he was 'surprised by joy'.
The alternative, an empty universe.
There are few true atheists.
The alternative, an empty universe.
There are few true atheists.
HAVEN
C S Lewis was nutured in a home where, it is said, he was given freedom and safety. There can be no better environment for developing a young mind and heart.
For the wings of freedom to speed us forth on many quests, we need the safety of a nest - a 'haven in a heartless world'.
For the wings of freedom to speed us forth on many quests, we need the safety of a nest - a 'haven in a heartless world'.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
THE GREAT DIVIDE
Christ was crucified between two thieves, mirror images of ourselves. One came to fear God, the other reviled Him.
He still divides mankind into two.
Which one are we?
He still divides mankind into two.
Which one are we?
'PUSHING BUTTONS OR PLOUGHING FIELDS?'
Man confirms yet again that he was made to labour for a reward, so deriving great satisfaction from visible, tangible results. Four parts of the brain are linked in a circuit and each is indispensable if we are to live happy, fulfilled lives. It seems there must be an effort-driven reward if we are to be resilient and survive the vicissitudes of life. It is not only having a goal, but physical effort must form part of its attainment.
Complex thinking and physical effort have given way to pushing buttons. Problem solving and planning, now done by the few, have given way to pathways and processes for the many, essential in today's complexity.
It would seem, above all, that working with our hands mulitplies joy. Our Maker knew best. He worked to a creative purpose and we are made in His image.
What are we? Pawn or ploughman?
Complex thinking and physical effort have given way to pushing buttons. Problem solving and planning, now done by the few, have given way to pathways and processes for the many, essential in today's complexity.
It would seem, above all, that working with our hands mulitplies joy. Our Maker knew best. He worked to a creative purpose and we are made in His image.
What are we? Pawn or ploughman?
Thursday 9 April 2009
NOTHING NEW
'What is the life of man now other than covetousness, concern over food, search for wealth. The whole life of the children of this world at this time is nothing other than self love, self honour and the desire for self gain.
Where is one to find true Christians?
They are a small number.’
The Credit Crunch ? – no, life in the 1600’s.
Where is one to find true Christians?
They are a small number.’
The Credit Crunch ? – no, life in the 1600’s.
Monday 30 March 2009
GODLY SUBCONSCIOUS
With today’s speed of communication and unending choice, we have to ‘think without thinking’. This is defined as ‘thin-slicing,’ a two second pause in which our response flows from an educated subconscious, formed by all our experiences of life. What are we using to educate ours? Only a godly subconscious can lead to God-pleasing thinking, separating the ‘vile from the precious’. More than ever our minds need to be drenched with the mind of Christ, who set Himself to please His Father. He was God’s Man on earth, the Father’s beloved.
Mary Queen of Scots declared to John Knox that her conscience did not accuse her. He replied ‘Madam, your conscience has not been taught of God’
Has ours?
Mary Queen of Scots declared to John Knox that her conscience did not accuse her. He replied ‘Madam, your conscience has not been taught of God’
Has ours?
Sunday 29 March 2009
THE ULTIMATE LOVE STORY
Love stories are written into our lives.
That this should be so is not surprising, as God wrote the first love story. His Son is the first-born of creation, the One in whom God delights and for whom He prepared the sons of men. Proverbs 8
At the end of time there will be a marriage feast, God's people adorned as a bride for her Heavenly Bridegroom. There are whispers of this in the Song of Solomon and touches in Ezekiel 16.'Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendour which I bestowed on you.'
That splendour had a price, the life of the Bridegroom. He became naked and despised so that His bride could be clothed. He purchased her as a slave and lifted her to royalty.
We must be blind not to see this. Only Christ can open our eyes to its beauty.
That this should be so is not surprising, as God wrote the first love story. His Son is the first-born of creation, the One in whom God delights and for whom He prepared the sons of men. Proverbs 8
At the end of time there will be a marriage feast, God's people adorned as a bride for her Heavenly Bridegroom. There are whispers of this in the Song of Solomon and touches in Ezekiel 16.'Your fame went out among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through My splendour which I bestowed on you.'
That splendour had a price, the life of the Bridegroom. He became naked and despised so that His bride could be clothed. He purchased her as a slave and lifted her to royalty.
We must be blind not to see this. Only Christ can open our eyes to its beauty.
FOOTSTOOL
Heaven is depicted as a place where God is on His throne and men are at His footstool, a knee distance apart.
We prefer an armchair.
We prefer an armchair.
Friday 27 March 2009
TRIBUTES
Gordon Brown led the tributes to Jade Goody, thus acknowledging her life as commendable.
It is a pity that he does not do so for every British soldier that dies.
The one is about getting, the other about giving.
Are these values a reflection of those of our society, endorsed by our leaders?
If so, no wonder there is disintegration of our national life.
It is a pity that he does not do so for every British soldier that dies.
The one is about getting, the other about giving.
Are these values a reflection of those of our society, endorsed by our leaders?
If so, no wonder there is disintegration of our national life.
Thursday 19 March 2009
FITNESS IN A RECESSION
God made us in such a way that when we do what He ordained for us, we use our bodies as they were designed, and so are kept fit.
Weeding will keep us on our knees, strengthening our joints. Scrubbing the floor keeps cartilage healthy. Reaping the fields and picking fruit will maintain our backs.Walking keeps our core muscles strong. Kneading bread exercises our arms. Riding horses keeps our discs healthy.
We have lost respect for manual labour and 'compensate by embracing a strenuous regimen of gratuitous exercise'. Our bodies and minds are degenerating from lack of use as we evade the effects of the Fall. 'You will work by the sweat of your brow' were not idle words.
As a body therapist says 'we no longer make things with our bodies so we turn our attention to working on them. They are our project'. If we are happy with our looks, it is of short duration.
How has it come to this? We have electrical modcons for everything, so do not value our bodies. Perhaps the recession will be a chance to regain their dignity as we use them productively in God-given labour.
My house has become my gym, elbow grease the answer to fitness.
Weeding will keep us on our knees, strengthening our joints. Scrubbing the floor keeps cartilage healthy. Reaping the fields and picking fruit will maintain our backs.Walking keeps our core muscles strong. Kneading bread exercises our arms. Riding horses keeps our discs healthy.
We have lost respect for manual labour and 'compensate by embracing a strenuous regimen of gratuitous exercise'. Our bodies and minds are degenerating from lack of use as we evade the effects of the Fall. 'You will work by the sweat of your brow' were not idle words.
As a body therapist says 'we no longer make things with our bodies so we turn our attention to working on them. They are our project'. If we are happy with our looks, it is of short duration.
How has it come to this? We have electrical modcons for everything, so do not value our bodies. Perhaps the recession will be a chance to regain their dignity as we use them productively in God-given labour.
My house has become my gym, elbow grease the answer to fitness.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
A TRUE STORY
An ancient divine said that Christianity should manifest itself as a "heart-felt desire to live a God-pleasing life"
A hundred years ago my grandfather arrived in Nyasaland as a pioneer missionary. His first stumbling words in their language, as he rushed ashore, were "Do you love God?" a question we will all be asked one day. A life of selfless service encouraging the people to be industrious, was accompanied by, as my grandmother said, telling the "old,old story of Jesus and his love".
A life-changing Christian faith replaced animism and bore the fruit of concern for the uneducated, ill and orphaned which continues in Malawi down to this day. The pure gospel will never change but its followers will.
A hundred years ago my grandfather arrived in Nyasaland as a pioneer missionary. His first stumbling words in their language, as he rushed ashore, were "Do you love God?" a question we will all be asked one day. A life of selfless service encouraging the people to be industrious, was accompanied by, as my grandmother said, telling the "old,old story of Jesus and his love".
A life-changing Christian faith replaced animism and bore the fruit of concern for the uneducated, ill and orphaned which continues in Malawi down to this day. The pure gospel will never change but its followers will.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
TRUTH BURNS
Signs of a sick Christianity - no passion.
No passion, no fight.
No fight, no holiness.
No holiness, no life.
Salt burns.
The world needs a lamp, not a lightbulb.
Artificial light has little warmth.
No passion, no fight.
No fight, no holiness.
No holiness, no life.
Salt burns.
The world needs a lamp, not a lightbulb.
Artificial light has little warmth.
Sunday 8 March 2009
SABBATH REST
Sabbath rest is precious in a perpetual war zone. We want blessings, not battles but ' a corrupt heart, a busy devil and an ensnaring world' make for a daily fight. Only pastors who realise the struggle can prepare their people for the next battle.
Sabbath rest in a place of safety, nourished by a loving pastor is to be treasured above all - the reality of Psalm 23. Such places are rare these days.
Sabbath rest in a place of safety, nourished by a loving pastor is to be treasured above all - the reality of Psalm 23. Such places are rare these days.
RAINBOW
Once again I see the rainbow of God's promises so clearly but through tears, as I have no gold. Sometimes I see it sparkle in others and am grateful.
Friday 6 March 2009
FACES
'The face is controlled by the heart rather than the will'.
Our faces do not only reflect what is going on inside us, they are part of that emotional response, generating further emotions. Smiling itelf can reinforce the delight we feel. 'A sense of trust and social well-being rises and spreads outward, enveloping the other'.
This is why face to face contact is so vital, nourishing our relationships. There are revealing flickers of emotion flashing across our faces. With our attachment to technology our expressions are lost on those who receive our communications. Why do managers resort to e-mails when their staff are a desk away?
God's glory is seen in the face of Christ which can transform those who perceive it. This is why Paul tells us we need to keep our gaze on Him, part of our transformation into His image. 2 Corinthians 3 vs 18.
Our faces do not only reflect what is going on inside us, they are part of that emotional response, generating further emotions. Smiling itelf can reinforce the delight we feel. 'A sense of trust and social well-being rises and spreads outward, enveloping the other'.
This is why face to face contact is so vital, nourishing our relationships. There are revealing flickers of emotion flashing across our faces. With our attachment to technology our expressions are lost on those who receive our communications. Why do managers resort to e-mails when their staff are a desk away?
God's glory is seen in the face of Christ which can transform those who perceive it. This is why Paul tells us we need to keep our gaze on Him, part of our transformation into His image. 2 Corinthians 3 vs 18.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
'HOLD ALL THINGS DEAR'
Thoughts inspired by a Jewish journalist taken up with the pain of the Middle East.
The essence of life is brevity, the depth of it, love. Only by holding all things dear can we hold them together.
A moment of tenderness can bring the consolation of being recognised, needed and embraced.
A drop of solace can help someone travel on - there must be something in us which matters.
It is not for nothing that the Holy Spirit is called the 'paraclete' - the one who draws alongside to encourage.
Words of William Blake: ‘The gentle relief of another’s care.'
The essence of life is brevity, the depth of it, love. Only by holding all things dear can we hold them together.
A moment of tenderness can bring the consolation of being recognised, needed and embraced.
A drop of solace can help someone travel on - there must be something in us which matters.
It is not for nothing that the Holy Spirit is called the 'paraclete' - the one who draws alongside to encourage.
Words of William Blake: ‘The gentle relief of another’s care.'
Sunday 22 February 2009
MAN IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
Is it just coincidence that the world's finance system has collapsed the year we commemorate Darwin's birth? Evolutionism has eroded the teaching of man in the image of God and so eliminated God.
Darwin admitted that the 'mystery of all mysteries' was the definition of 'species', to which, he said, he had no answer. It was his missing link. His followers have no such modesty.
Paul tells us that ' since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead'. This should inspire us to rejoice in His greatness as David used to do in the Psalms. How thankful we should be for John Rutter, who helps us glorify God in His creation by both words and music. He causes our spirits to rise as we do that which brings such pleasure to God. If ever we needed to do this it is now, as the world plunges into gloom and despair.
Instead of commemorating Darwin let us look to the God who made him.
Darwin admitted that the 'mystery of all mysteries' was the definition of 'species', to which, he said, he had no answer. It was his missing link. His followers have no such modesty.
Paul tells us that ' since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead'. This should inspire us to rejoice in His greatness as David used to do in the Psalms. How thankful we should be for John Rutter, who helps us glorify God in His creation by both words and music. He causes our spirits to rise as we do that which brings such pleasure to God. If ever we needed to do this it is now, as the world plunges into gloom and despair.
Instead of commemorating Darwin let us look to the God who made him.
Sunday 15 February 2009
JOYFUL AUTHORITY
Why is it that a death is needed to give life?
But then, that is the essence of God’s dealing with us in history. Only a cross-shaped church can provide the water of life. How true this is for us at St Andrews. Since telling us that he has terminal cancer, our vicar has a new-found authority in his preaching, but with such joy. His passion for pleasing God, a passion for caring for our souls and a passionate commendation of Christ were poured forth this morning. Not a word was idle.
Sometimes my heart dances with the wonder of God, at other times I weep for sadness that so few see this. Today it is weeping for joy that a broken vessel is pouring out the Water of Life.
But then, that is the essence of God’s dealing with us in history. Only a cross-shaped church can provide the water of life. How true this is for us at St Andrews. Since telling us that he has terminal cancer, our vicar has a new-found authority in his preaching, but with such joy. His passion for pleasing God, a passion for caring for our souls and a passionate commendation of Christ were poured forth this morning. Not a word was idle.
Sometimes my heart dances with the wonder of God, at other times I weep for sadness that so few see this. Today it is weeping for joy that a broken vessel is pouring out the Water of Life.
Sunday 8 February 2009
'GOD WAS THERE'
A dying vicar who radiated his joy in God as he spoke to little children of the wonderful fact that ‘though man perishes as the flower in the field, the Word of God lives forever’. His life speaks louder than his words. A true light in Cambridge.
Friday 6 February 2009
BEAUTY
'Britain will only regain its vision when it learns to delight in God.'
BishopSentamu
God gives us life and then dresses us to be beautiful for Him. Ezekial 16
We become those in whom He delights and rejoices over with singing. Zephaniah 3
BishopSentamu
God gives us life and then dresses us to be beautiful for Him. Ezekial 16
We become those in whom He delights and rejoices over with singing. Zephaniah 3
Saturday 31 January 2009
'GOD WAS NOT THERE'
A young woman, recently widowed by the forces of the credit crunch, sought God where she thought she would find Him. In His house. But He was not amongst the handful of people gathered there.
How often is this story repeated when hurt and desperate people are looking for solace in the one place where they thought they would find it. In God’s house, be it a chapel or a cathedral.
Is this indeed true? Maybe.
God is near to those who fear Him and makes Himself unfailingly known to them. Psalm 25
This godly awe and respect is sadly lacking today, even in so-called Christians, so it is not surprising to find it lacking in the Church. Is it a case of the house built on sand which gave way when the storm came? Jesus never left men in doubt about God’s ways, using simple imagery to teach profound facts.
A biblical fear of God is accompanied by humility, a mourning of the deep hurt we have inflicted on God by ignoring Him. What are we mourning? A loss of income or status? Or our effrontery in calling Wall Street 'a holy place’ as its god deals out favours to those who worship there?
How often is this story repeated when hurt and desperate people are looking for solace in the one place where they thought they would find it. In God’s house, be it a chapel or a cathedral.
Is this indeed true? Maybe.
God is near to those who fear Him and makes Himself unfailingly known to them. Psalm 25
This godly awe and respect is sadly lacking today, even in so-called Christians, so it is not surprising to find it lacking in the Church. Is it a case of the house built on sand which gave way when the storm came? Jesus never left men in doubt about God’s ways, using simple imagery to teach profound facts.
A biblical fear of God is accompanied by humility, a mourning of the deep hurt we have inflicted on God by ignoring Him. What are we mourning? A loss of income or status? Or our effrontery in calling Wall Street 'a holy place’ as its god deals out favours to those who worship there?
Wednesday 14 January 2009
REBELS
Man fails to realise that he deserves the awfulness of life without God. Life is drudgery but man will not have it so. 'We rail at God when He troubles us but think not of how we trouble Him'. We will not let God rule, but are angry when He leaves us to ourselves. We deserve misery but grace gives us a way out – the most glorious characteristic of God.
'Don’t expect God’s protection when you live outside His domain. You thatched your roof – don’t run outside when it rains.'
Romans 1 vs 18 - 32 is a salutory reminder of God's perspective on the world.
'Don’t expect God’s protection when you live outside His domain. You thatched your roof – don’t run outside when it rains.'
Romans 1 vs 18 - 32 is a salutory reminder of God's perspective on the world.
Sunday 11 January 2009
WHO CARES?
COMPASSION – THE FORGOTTEN VIRTUE
We talk now rather of 'Compassion Fatigue'.
‘The world is pitiless, a giant freezer, devoid of humane feelings.’
WHAT IS COMPASSION?
To be so drawn to another’s need that emotion flows over into action to meet that need even at a cost to oneself.
JESUS HAD COMPASSION
Feeding the five thousand.
Jesus had compassion on the people who had come so far to hear Him but had no food. His disciples needed rest, but He taught them that the needs of the people took precedence over theirs. He also taught them that God would provide the resources to meet the need.
THE ENEMY OF COMPASSION IS INDIFFERENCE
One feels as though one is beating the air and getting nowhere, speaking with only an echo in reply.
MAYBE A RETURN TO AN ETHOS OF COMPASSION?
'Time to set the Roman Lion of success, wealth and glory in abeyance and set the compassionate Lamb of Judeo-Christianity centre stage.'
Alain de Botton
We talk now rather of 'Compassion Fatigue'.
‘The world is pitiless, a giant freezer, devoid of humane feelings.’
WHAT IS COMPASSION?
To be so drawn to another’s need that emotion flows over into action to meet that need even at a cost to oneself.
JESUS HAD COMPASSION
Feeding the five thousand.
Jesus had compassion on the people who had come so far to hear Him but had no food. His disciples needed rest, but He taught them that the needs of the people took precedence over theirs. He also taught them that God would provide the resources to meet the need.
THE ENEMY OF COMPASSION IS INDIFFERENCE
One feels as though one is beating the air and getting nowhere, speaking with only an echo in reply.
MAYBE A RETURN TO AN ETHOS OF COMPASSION?
'Time to set the Roman Lion of success, wealth and glory in abeyance and set the compassionate Lamb of Judeo-Christianity centre stage.'
Alain de Botton
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