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.'

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.

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.

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