Faith in a Changed World Antony Mugford September 2020
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The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121
© Antony Mugford First edition compiled and edited by David White Published by BrancoPrint © Majors Antony & Fiona Mugford The Salvation Army Westgate Guisborough TS14 6AW https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/guisborough-citadel
01 September 2020
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My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from?
Prologue In 2020 the whole world was struck with Coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China. Countries were a ected in every way of life as lockdowns were advised and imposed, meaning that normal life could not continue. Business, travel, and family life were severely curtailed with impact on so many activities that were just taken for granted. All expressions of Faith ceased in the traditional rituals and formats; impacting greatly on shared fellowship. Fortunately technolo y was available, and expanded, that allowed some virtual contact during social distancing. New expressions of Faith service blossomed not only to the individual, regional, national and, indeed, international congregations but, perhaps more importantly, also to the many new contacts within the wider communities. The world-wide Salvation Army took virtual reality to its heart. Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, the Commanding O cers of Guisborough Citadel, UK grasped this opportunity with daily ministry to both the Corps Fellowship and a much wider community via Facebook and YouTube; reaching many hundreds of people. Each Sunday, and other special Christian occasions, online services were also produced. This booklet is a collection of those daily “letters" shared to an audience that remarkably grew exponentially; thus contacting, and helping, many hundreds of people during the Coronavirus lockdown. What an opportunity of witness these ‘letters’ proved to be! We can only hope and pray that the short-term bene t will lead to a longer-term commitment and blessing. David White
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Sunday services
E
ach Sunday, rather than having another reading, Majors Antony and Fiona lead online worship, Together
in Worship.
These services including Good Friday were added to the Guisborough Salvation Army Church Youtube channel and are all still available; the links being: Sunday 29 March 2020
https://youtu.be/odOTyJm9Zdk
Sunday 05 April 2020
https://youtu.be/NPog17ifg1Q
Friday 10 April 2020
https://youtu.be/Iw5RMOH31wY
Sunday 12 April 2020
https://youtu.be/rT_hDb0hVrU
Sunday 19 April 2020
https://youtu.be/i1xPyZaCaP4
Sunday 26 April 2020
https://youtu.be/LSTWnPwR0rI
Sunday 03 May 2020
https://youtu.be/Wq7HW__ODDI
Sunday 10 May 2020
https://youtu.be/kLCOtac ypo
Sunday 17 May 2020
https://youtu.be/5st0tT1mTKU
Sunday 24 May 2020
https://youtu.be/UkONp8OL0io
Sunday 31 May 2020
https://youtu.be/t8kzJcsoNOw
Sunday 07 June 2020
https://youtu.be/bUkmshG9ktQ
Sunday 14 June 2020
https://youtu.be/2U5BemQMD9s
Sunday 21 June 2020
https://youtu.be/r2bUU8JZ_gA
Sunday 28 June 2020
https://youtu.be/wDH2cTBnTX0
Sunday 05 July 2020
https://youtu.be/zTgUJCQ1Zmg
Sunday 12 July 2020
https://youtu.be/P66ecteLpR4
Sunday 19 July 2020
https://youtu.be/kkiDXn2gZ0w
Sunday 26 July 2020
https://youtu.be/FXoJcnctB4k
Sunday 02 August 2020
https://youtu.be/VOyQAKXTKBQ
Sunday 30 August 2020
https://youtu.be/Ub3aB5zm79g
Sunday 06 September 2020
https://YouTube.be/uH_BvCDjC61
Sunday 13 September 2020
https://youtu.be/e2Kelrlmevo
Sunday 20 September 2020
https://youtu.be/AskEbymbPml
Sunday 27 September 2020
https://youtu.be/
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1 September 2020
M day! đ&#x;˜ƒ
orning all! Back to work for some, back to school for others. Whatever else you're back to today, we hope you have a good
September 1st. It's amazing to me that this is the start of the 6th month of writing these daily thoughts - and that's not counting the 8 days in March when this whole thing began. I am enjoying writing these articles, usually on my phone as I sit here with my early morning co ee. I've been re ecting on why I began to write these thoughts. When lockdown started I wanted to share something with Guisborough that would provide some hope. The Bridge, which is the Churches Together food bank, had already wonderfully stepped up to the mark and increased its provision to those who need food in these di cult times, and we at the Army haven't stopped our own modest but needed provision of food and other help for those referred to us. However, I felt that something else was needed because there's a wider community that needed the Church to say something, to give words of faith and reassurance. In a time when we were locked down, unable to visit friends and relatives, unable to work, denied family celebrations and commemorations and uncertain of how life itself was to be lived, I believe that we should remind people of God's presence and his word which brings hope, faith and comfort. People should hear the Gospel message about Jesus the Saviour. And that's why, during lockdown, and amidst all the riots, all the bad news, all the arguments and chaos of this world, I believe this daily rhythm of Truth and Hope from God's word has been so valuable. And I promise that in the days that follow, all still uncertain, my intention is to continue with these daily messages that originally were for Guisborough but which are now being read in a number of countries. There are still con icting voices. There are confused and contradictory messages being spread. There's dissent and there's fear. But let me say that the words I will continue to share are words of wisdom from the Bible. They are words of faith, hope and truth. I don't know your heart as you read this; I don't know what you believe or where you stand with God, but my prayer is this: that through the Scripture verse that I share each day, and in Together believe, and grace in your time of need.
in Worship on Sundays, God will indeed give you faith to
Hold onto his words of eternal life and whatever this world says and does you will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Your foundations will never slip. Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement over these months. Thank you especially for the messages that have testi ed to how a Bible verse for the day has especially been just the right blessing for you at that time. Don't forget today's verse from Paul's letter to Rome, Ch 15 v 4: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." May that hope be yours, God bless you and have a great day.đ&#x;™?
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2 September 2020
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ood morning everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here. Do you remember many years ago the BT adverts with the slogan "It's good to talk"? It seems incredible nowadays with all the ways we communicate that there were adverts to encourage us to use the phone! We are never o our phones now, either texting, messaging, posting, face timing, zooming, or even indeed talking. Well yesterday I needed to talk. Something occurred that was work related (but not a local issue) that wound me up. I was a bit steamed to be honest and Major Fiona got to hear a little of my calmly expressed frustration and then got out of the way by going for a 6k run! But in the meantime I sent a message to a friend, "I need to rant at you..." I was happy to share my frustration by simply writing what I was feeling in a message but straight away a dialling tone started as he started an online conversation with me. And he listened as I expressed my thoughts. And the conversation became an hour long opportunity for both of us to share thoughts, ideas, positive suggestions and common ground. It was liberating, a rming and very helpful. Do you nd that occasionally you just need someone to listen and understand? I felt like a safety valve had been released and although I wouldn't have gone and kicked the cat or shouted at the neighbour in frustration, it did help to release the frustration: it really was good to talk! Some people sadly ignore the old hymns nowadays but there is one that gives absolutely spot on advice about how good it is to talk with God. Whether it's a worry, a fear, a frustration; whether it's a concern for others or something that makes you angry, guilty, or sad, “What a friend we have in Jesusâ€?! The line that gets me all the time is, O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer. So, call to God, says the Bible and he will answer you. Don't bear your burdens alone, speak to him for Can we nd a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer. A Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for your presence and your promise to hear me when I call to you. Help me to pray in faith and with thanksgiving and see your power and strength at work in my situation. Lord hear and answer prayer, especially if that answer brings praise and honour to you. Thank you for being my friend as well as being my Lord. Amen. Have a great day today everyone. We're here for a chat if you want to talk đ&#x;™‚ God bless you đ&#x;™?
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3 September 2020
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ood morning everyone, we hope you are feeling good this morning đ&#x;™‚
I thought I'd return to the theme of prayer today. Yesterday I quoted from the song What a Friend we have in Jesus. It's an encouragement to pray especially because he's a friend like no other and we can take everything to God in prayer. But what happens when prayer is di cult to do? When I was younger I knew a man who would pray at every opportunity. In a service, if the leader asked for someone to pray, this man would be on his feet and would pour out sentence after sentence of very sincere and genuine prayerful phrases. It was nice to listen to I guess, but who was going to be the next to speak out a prayer, knowing that their own words would be faltering and less impressive? Have you ever felt that prayer was di cult because you just didn't have 'the right words'? Even in private sometimes the words are just not there. "What do I say to God about this? What can I ask?" I am glad to tell you that most of us are the same in this. We don't always have the right words - and that's why a hymn book or the Psalms in the Bible are so useful. The words that others have written can be so helpful to use as prayers. But deeper than that, God is at hand to help. The Bible says, 'In certain ways we are weak, but the Holy Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.' (Romans 8 v 26) There will be times when words elude us, when words are simply inadequate. That's when even the deepest sigh, the simple brief moment of emotion and longing can be heard by God and interpreted by him as prayer. He knows our thoughts, understands our feelings and that, for him, is prayer enough. One of my favourite songs is this‌‌‌. As you read it, allow it to encourage and reassure you today - and may God hear your prayer today even if there are no words. Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed, The motion of a hidden re That trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air, His watchword at the gates of death; He enters heav’n with prayer.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear, The upward glancing of an eye When none but God is near.
Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice, Returning from his ways, While angels in their songs rejoice And cry, “Behold, he prays!�
Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high.
O thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way! The path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray.
Have a lovely day everyone, God bless you all đ&#x;™?
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4 September 2020
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ello everybody. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. It's good to talk, as we have thought about already. Sometimes we haven't the words, but God hears them anyway. But what if you're not sure who's listening? I have a confession to make. Once I phoned someone who I didn't know very well and spent the entire conversation with someone else in mind; I literally was talking to a di erent person. How embarrassing that might have been! We might nd our prayers easier simply by getting to know better the One to whom we are praying. I read a story a while ago of a man who gave up praying. "I abandoned any attempt at prayer," he said, "until one day my best friend said to me, 'Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now." The story goes that this transformed the way this man prayed. It wasn't particularly the chair, but the fact that he pictured Jesus there as a visiting friend. It reminds me of one of my favourite verses from the story of Moses where it describes how he used to pray. The Bible simply says that 'The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend.' (Exodus 33:11) It's a good way of describing prayer. No particular church to sit in, no prayer-book words, no set time, but a simple sitting together and sharing thoughts. Of course, there's a proper time for prayers that are well-written, and being in a church or Salvation Army hall can often inspire us or help us; but when we're alone in a moment of quietness, the presence of Jesus the friend might be all we need for our prayer to be a real time of closeness to God. Teach me how to love thee, Teach me how to pray, Teach me how to serve thee Better every day. Teach me how to serve thee Better every day. May God bless you today.
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5 September 2020
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orning all! I think it's going to be a lovely day. I was up with the lark this morning - 5.30! Not just awake (that was 5.00) but up and making co ee. I know some of you would also have been awake... A few weeks ago, maybe a few months, I commented on the volume of the birdsong. Others had noticed it too and social media was full of people asking, 'Are the birds singing louder in lockdown?' It certainly seemed that way This morning they were almost up to that full volume again. The sun was rising and although I cannot identify which birds were singing - was there really a lark? I don't know - there was de nitely a pigeon and a seagull and a host of other twitterings and chirpings. They are, even as I write, singing as nature intended. They don't need to be taught, they don't need encouragement or permission, they freely sing their songs as the grey sky turns pink and gold. It's a bit of a stretch to say they are praising God, but let's go with that. One interesting thing about human praise and prayer is that we don't have to ask to do it. We don't need to simply hope that God is listening or search the heavens on the o -chance he might be listening. I've heard people talk about the Bible as the record of mankind's search for God; in actual fact it's the opposite. From beginning to end - when God walked in the Garden of Eden to when Jesus was born and even to when Jesus comes again, the Bible is all about God coming to us, calling us, encouraging us to join him in fellowship and friendship. Prayer is not my search for God, it's my glad response to his call, his invitation to sit with him a while. Call to me, he says. The Bible says let us approach the throne of grace with con dence; why? because he's calling us there. The birds sing naturally, freely, beautifully, with no fear or self-consciousness. Our prayers are beautiful to God because he wants us to freely share our thoughts and our needs with him. Again and again he encourages us to pray, and his promise - a promise he loves to keep - is that he will draw near to us as soon as we call on him. Father, whether it's morning, midday or evening I thank you for your invitation to be with you in prayer. I feel so welcome there. Help me to always be natural in my prayers, to feel that, like the birdsong, it's not an e ort, not a duty, but a blessing to me and a pleasure to you. I love you Lord and I lift my voice To worship you, O my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear, May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. Amen. Fiona and I pray that you will have a lovely weekend. Whatever you are doing, may God bless you đ&#x;™? See you tomorrow at 10 for Together
in Worship.
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7 September 2020
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ood morning everyone đ&#x;™‚
Major Antony and Major Fiona here at the start of a new week. I have to say that I'm looking out of our living room window in dismay đ&#x;˜&#x; . It's damp, grey and cold and this couch potato is contemplating going for a run. You might remember me saying that I started the Couch to 5k running programme. I was doing well. I did three weeks and then a holiday intervened. But last week I got out my running shoes and redid Week Three to get back into it... But now I'm sat here and I'm looking at the rain... The correct decision is to go running regardless. I'll let you know tomorrow what I did... đ&#x;˜ Perseverance. That's the word. When you need to lose weight, when you know you're not as healthy as you should be, perseverance is something I need. And it's the same in other aspects of life too: education, training, relationships and faith. Yes, even faith takes e ort. A mistake that can be made is to use faith only when it's needed. It becomes a short sprint under a particular circumstance. But faith is meant to be a marathon nor a sprint. The voice of my coach when I'm running keeps telling me to keep running. One phrase he uses a lot is, 'Even if you're exhausted, don't stop'. In matters of faith it's important that we run life's race with perseverance. Don't give up, keep believing, pray even if the words don't come. The most encouraging thing is that we are never alone in our faith: he is beside us. His words will spur us on. If we persevere, our faith will grow stronger, more con dent, and on the grey days we will have a reserve of strength to draw on. May his Spirit encourage and strengthen you today. When you feel weakest, dangers surround, Subtle temptations, troubles abound, Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad, All is despairing, everything sad:
4 Let us press on then, never despair, Live above feeling, victory’s there; Jesus can keep us so near to him That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.
2 If all were easy, if all were bright, Where would the cross be, and where the ght? But in the hardness, God gives to you Chances of proving that you are true.
Refrain: Keep on believing, Jesus is near; Keep on believing, there’s nothing to fear; Keep on believing, this is the way; Faith in the night as well as the day.
3 God is your wisdom, God is your might, God’s ever near you, guiding aright; He understands you, knows all you need; Trusting in him you’ll surely succeed. May God bless you đ&#x;™?
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8 September 2020
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ood morning everyone. I think we're waking up to a good day. There's so much to be thankful for, so much to enjoy! Well yesterday I was despondent because my planned jog was in jeopardy because of the weather. I wrote about perseverance and you'll be glad to know that I got my running shoes on and went running. I could have said, I'll do it tomorrow but I persevered The voice of Michael Johnson who narrates the training app on my phone, said 'Well done’. The sun came out while I was running and I felt good! He encouraged me to keep going, though I laughed when he said 'Keep going, I'm with you'. He was not. It was just a voice. But I felt his encouragement. The last time I wrote about Johnson's voice I spoke about encouragement from God through his Word, the Bible, but there's another source of encouragement in our faith - each other. How much brighter the day is when someone smiles, when someone asks how you are, says thank you. We feel better when someone says "I'm thinking of you," or "I said a prayer for you." How valued and encouraged we feel when someone says "You're doing well, you can do this! Keep going"? This is the positive side of belonging - the Christian faith is always personal but it's not private. Our prayers and thoughts are very much a personal part of our relationship with God, but our walk of faith is best done in the company of others, with the encouragement and support of others. The Bible talks so much of the family of God, the household of faith, of praying for one another, loving one another, building up one another in faith. Who can I encourage today? Who would nd their day brighter, their burden shared by a word of faith? Maybe today I could be the answer to someone's prayer. Help us to help each other, Lord, Each other’s cross to bear; Let each his friendly aid a ord, And feel his brother’s care.
Up into thee, our living head, Let us in all things grow, Till thou hast made us free indeed And spotless here below.
Help us to build each other up, Our little stock improve; Increase our faith, con rm our hope, And perfect us in love. We pray that you have a good day today. God bless you đ&#x;™? If you need anything, we're here.
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9 September 2020
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ood morning everyone. After the lovely sunshine yesterday I woke early this morning to see the clouds gathering... Oh dear, I thought, I'm going to need some more perseverance to get me out on my run! AND my legs hurt. AND I wonder if I have the time. AND...I could make a list of reasons for not running. Some are based on my worries and pains, some to be frank are trivial. I will go running whether it feels wonderful or if the circumstances seem wrong. We've talked about persevering in faith, not giving up. We've talked about prayer without words when we really don't know what to say. What about times when circumstances are very discouraging and fears come? What about prayer when the di culty appears too di cult for us? I think the last few couple of weeks have begun to con rm that the pandemic is not going away. In fact we wake up this morning to nd that the local toughening up of restrictions in di erent towns are becoming national in England: the PM is bringing in new laws to severely restrict the numbers of people who can meet. 'Here we go again, when will this end?' is a reasonable response. What can we do? Well, as I wrote that question a phrase from a Salvation Army song came to mind that has changed a little what I was going to write: 'There is con dence in him who holds us, There is light to guide us here below'. What a comfort that is. St Paul encourages us to 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.' (1 Thessalonians 5 v 16) When the circumstances are discouraging, when there's concern, when we wonder what is happening and the clouds are beginning to gather again, all I can think of is what a respected o cer-friend has written to me on numerous occasions: 'Pray, pray, pray.' Without ceasing? That's not a description of hours or minutes, that's an all-day attitude. Turn your thoughts into prayers, instead of talking to yourself, address those quiet words to God. Rejoice in the good things - laugh and sing. Weep with those who weep and share your sadness with God. Pray for wisdom and strength for our leaders. Give thanks for those who do good. And let your constant prayers do one thing for you: allow them, expect them to deepen your con dence in God, the one who holds you. Pray without ceasing. I've just looked up, and I've just noticed that the gathering dark clouds are now tinged with gold‌ Dear God, my Heavenly Father. I praise you this morning because through all the changes of life you are constant, faithful and dependable; even knowing that you are there is a source of strength and hope. I think of our country, our world, today and it would be easy just to be so concerned at the enormity of the di culties that I just stop praying, but Lord I'm not going to give in. I'm going to pray without ceasing and add my voice to the millions who lift their heads, their voices and their hearts to you. Lord, there's con dence in knowing that you hold me. And I remember that nothing can separate me or anyone else from the love of God in Christ Jesus. So Lord today I o er my prayers and my praises and ask that your will would be done today, in my life and wherever people honour you in prayer. In Jesus name. Amen. May God really bless you today đ&#x;™?
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10 September 2020
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orning all! Major Antony and Major Fiona here. Another new day to look forward to - or if you're reading this in the evening, we hope you can look back over a good day đ&#x;™‚ Actually, looking back is a good thing to do. There are perhaps those who want simply to look forward, to progress, to move on; I like to look back, to gaze into the past. I'm on a few groups on Facebook where people post photos from the past - street scenes, pictures of old work colleagues, buildings that are no longer there. I love it! I especially like it when an old picture is posted and people start to comment and share memories of someone they knew, an experience they had at a place of work or an old school long gone. Quite often people will compare a black and white photo of a building with what it looks like now: "Oh, it looked much better then..." Maybe it's because I like history that I believe that the present and the future itself can be more enjoyable and experienced more fully when we take notice of the past. Remembering lessons learned or mistakes never-to-be-repeated is vital to a better future Faith is often seen as forward-looking, reaching ahead; but faith also involves looking back. It's not just for nostalgia that we do that, but to remember what God has done. 'Forget not all his bene ts' says the Psalm. Why? Because when we remember the blessings of the past it increases our faith for the future. The things God has done, has taught us, become a foundation on which to build a con dent faith for the future. If God has blessed us yesterday, what might he do tomorrow? Faith becomes not just a wistful hope that God will somehow do something, but an excited expectancy of God's blessing and action. It is expectancy that builds faith. So, forget not his bene ts. Look back on them, praise him for them and then trust God - expect God - to do something wonderful today and tomorrow as well. Forget the discouragers, the pessimists; even in di cult days expect God to bless you even in the unexpected. Lord, how I love you. You have done so much for me. Can I thank you today for your bene ts? I don't think I could list them all but even the few that come to mind remind me of just how much you've done. And now Lord I have no reason to doubt that you can do great things in the future. I know there's nothing I can do to deserve your grace or your gifts and so what I can do I do today: Lord, I give you my heart and place my trust in you. Thank you Lord. Amen. Whether your day is busy or quiet we pray that God will bless you and increase your faith. đ&#x;™?
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Today we celebrate the life of Joan Welburn, commending her to God and remembering her faith and gifts. I o er no personal thoughts here today, but instead share a reading from George Appleton's, 'Journey of a Soul', which I pray will be helpful. "On the day when death will knock at my door what shall I o er him, either in the closing minutes of this life or in the opening minutes of my new birth in the life beyond? Oh, I will set before Him all the love I have received and given, all the insights of truth that I have gathered, all the things I have valued and enjoyed, all the tasks completed or left for others, all my gratitude and love for the past, all my content in the present and my hope for the future. Above all I will o er my recognition of the Lord who has come in the guise of death, to lead me to the home He has prepared for me. When the time comes when my links with earth grow weaker, when my powers fail, when I must bid farewell to dear ones still rooted in this life with their tasks to ful l and their loved ones to care for, when I must detach myself from the loveliest things and begin the lonely journey. Then shall I hear the voice of my beloved Christ, saying ' It is I, be not afraid'. So with my hand in His, from the dark valley I shall see the shining City of God and climb with quiet trusting steps and be met by the Father of souls and clasped in the everlasting arms."
"O make my life, O Lord, to its very end rehearse melodies for Heaven! Let truth sing in my soul and love frame new descants, be they ever so simple, so faint, to the eternal chorus, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia." (Eric Milner-White, 'My God, My Glory') Joan Welburn, Promoted to Glory Well done, good and faithful servant
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11 September 2020
12 September 2020
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ood morning to you all. Looking at the sky getting brighter I think we're in for a nice day. It's good sometimes to be awake early and see the promise of a day that lies ahead. I have been encouraged by some of you who have commented here or to me personally that these daily thoughts are the rst thing you turn to in a morning. That's kind of you to say. I am pleased that something of what is written here is helpful. For me, there has come the discipline of waking and writing. Occasionally I have written the night before and Facebook automatically posts it the next morning. When I'm on holiday I schedule a week's worth. But there's something about my morning routine that somehow adds to the experience of thought and prayer. We might often say we can pray anywhere and any time; that's true, but what great bene t there is in making a habit, a custom of a regular time and place for prayer. Even Jesus did it; though often it was up a hill and overnight - so if anyone wants to join me up Roseberry Topping (a local landmark hill) at midnight, you're welcome! đ&#x;˜ Jesus knew the value of regular prayer, of choosing a place and time to relax, be quiet and pray. What better time than with a co ee in the morning? But there will be those with hectic mornings where an evening prayer is more bene cial. As long as we make regular time. That's what Jesus means when he says go into your room and pray in secret. Morning, noon or night, take time out to pray and God will reward you - he himself, his presence, being the reward. Here's a song that Salvationists the world over (maybe of a certain generation) will recall. The YouTube link is included if you would like to listen. Whether you begin the day or end the day with God, I pray that your own prayers will be an increasingly important part of your day. God bless you đ&#x;™? Begin the day with God! My waking thought a swift appeal Ere to the waiting task I turn, Thine aid to feel.
Begin the day with God! A hymn of praise my heart shall sing; The theme of Love's redeeming power triumphant ring!
Begin the day with God! I o er sacri ce anew, Myself, my time, my service give, The whole day through. https://youtu.be/PuJ1_9F1TPA
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14 September 2020
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ood morning everyone, welcome to a new week! We hope you had a good weekend. Well, another change happens today as revised restrictions are put in place. Not welcome of course, but necessary. As infection rates rise, and as we watch the experience of European countries, the Government is responding. It's a confusing time. What really confuses me are the voices that try to tell us that it's all somehow unnecessary. I was amazed to see a video of someone trying to convince us the pandemic was actually over. I've heard people claim that the virus doesn't even exist! There are still people refusing to wear face coverings, and reports of parties and large gatherings being broken up. Even now people are blind or deaf to the reality of the situation. I guess, to be charitable, it's all from a deep longing to be back to normal, and we can all sympathise with that. We keep praying for life to regain some normality. We want some light at the end of the tunnel, but we do need people to recognise that we are in something of a tunnel and act accordingly. We often use the metaphor of waking up to mean becoming aware of something, to see the reality of a situation. We don't want people to be in denial and so we say, 'Wake up and smell the co ee', or 'Open your eyes to what's going on'! And that could also apply to becoming aware of good things too. It's not all bad! The word 'Gospel' isn't the Old English word for 'good news' for nothing; but it's good news that so often people are blind to. People ignore it, misrepresent it, deny it. The Bible says 'Wake up and rise from the dead' - in other words take notice, don't close your eyes to it, and Christ will give you light - your life can bene t so much! We might want to tell people to open their eyes to the seriousness of a pandemic and of behaving accordingly, but I would want to encourage people to do the same to the light of God, to his love for us, the wonder of his grace in forgiveness, his promise of his constant presence, peace of heart, and the joy of living that he gives, and of course the promise of eternal life with him. 'Wake up!' writes St Paul, 'and the result will be light in your life that you never knew before!' What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul for which long I had sought, Since Jesus came into my heart!
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, Since Jesus came into my heart! And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure, Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart! Since Jesus came into my heart! Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart! May you have a bright, joyful day today! If you need anything, let us know. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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Page 17
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ello again everyone. It's a new day, a fresh start. Can you remember the days when you went on holiday with your little instamatic camera and you had a lm that had 24 or 36 exposures on it? How careful you were not to waste them. You waited for a good view or a carefully posed family group. And when you came back you took it to Boots and waited eagerly for them to come back, maybe with one or two a bit blurry - how disappointing; but at least the others were what you wanted. Try explaining that to someone under 30! Nowadays we point our phones at whatever we see and take loads of photos of everything and nothing. We take the picture, look at it brie y and forget it. We might share it on Facebook or WhatsApp... Oh I've spent ages looking at all the pictures on my phone thinking 'Why did I take that?' 'Why are there 17 pictures of the same thing?' I nd pictures that have no meaning, no interest, no point. Then there's the pictures we save from other places, pictures that people send... ...and it goes on; and our phones are just a clutter of unnecessary, unwanted, uninvited images. I sit down occasionally and delete them, send them to 'the bin'. Oh, when I sit and look into my mind and heart it's like looking into the photo section of my phone. Lovely memories, great experiences, cherished portraits of family and friends. But I also see memories that are unwanted, unhelpful, unsharable! Mistakes, bad choices, deliberate actions or weak responses. Much of it is character building - we learn from our mistakes, we become stronger or wiser from even bad experiences; but there are things that cause pain, even shame. We can't delete them from memory but we can share them with God and ask his forgiveness. The Bible says that he can cleanse us from our sin. That's a huge relief to us, to be free from the burden we feel; to have those things taken away that we regret, to be given a new start. Can we really have those things sent, as it were, to the 'recycling bin'? Yes. The Psalmist says ' As far as the East is from the West, so far has he removed our sins from us'. Yes, we remember and learn, but they are forgiven and gone when we confess them to God who, in love freely forgives. Heavenly Father, thank you for a new day. Everything seems fresh and new as the sun comes up and the unspoilt day lies ahead. I think of yesterday and thank you for the blessings and the lovely things, but I think of the things that I need to say sorry for. Please forgive me and help me to be stronger and more loving today. Thank you for Jesus because on the cross, he died that we might be forgiven, he died to make us good. I ask for that now and ask for a new start today. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you everyone đ&#x;™? Have a lovely day.
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Page 18
15 September 2020
16 September 2020
M
orning all, Major Antony and Major Fiona here.
I'm not asking for, nor expecting any sympathy whatsoever when I tell you that I am enjoying the bene t of wearing a knee support. It's just one of those elastic cloth things (ÂŁ1 from Boyes) and maybe it's me being soft, but I have got some pain there that probably comes from the jogging I've started after 40 years of inactivity. Ah well, no pain no gain... It does feel better with that bit of support, and I am heartened when I see athletic men young enough to be my son also wearing them. Only the proud or stubborn would pretend that they don't need support or remedial aids occasionally. I must confess to bemusement when I have talked to people over the years who refuse to use a walking stick: 'Oh, I'll manage.' or they don't take their medication: 'I don't like tablets.' or on a mental level don't share their feelings with others for fear of appearing weak. We men are the culprits of that and you might have seen adverts encouraging men to open up to their mates about mental health issues. The truth is that we all need support whether it's mild medication or a mental health counselling service. There's no shame in looking for support. I have never understood atheists who say that religion is 'just a crutch". They say it's for the weak, the needy. To which I say, 'Of course it is!' It's much more than a crutch of course - faith can be triumphant! It's life-a rming, lled with love and joy and peace. The Bible promises abundant living! But who on this planet never needs a crutch from time to time? Who on this earth is so self-su cient that they need no help, no comfort, no support?' I heard a de nition of an atheist as being someone 'with no invisible means of support'. If they don't need it, well I hope they are always strong enough. Personally, I'm glad that in the storms of life, to extend the metaphor, God has been the anchor. Christian people through the centuries have testi ed to an abundant life that is made even more satisfying through the constant supply of strength that God gives. To accept his help, his support, is not a sign of weakness, it's a faith- lled recognition that God lifts us up when needed, giving strength to the weary and assurance to those who need encouragement. I'm glad of any support I can get! Father God you are my rock, my refuge, my strength. It's a joy to know your presence in my life and to be able to come to you in prayer and ask for help. Lord, some might accuse me of being feeble-minded, but they don't realise that sometimes faith is only exercised by the strong. So my determination today is to exercise my faith. Lord I will decide today to be con dent, to look up and stand on your promises. I will remember that I am loved by you, that I am the child of the King, and that nothing in this world is ever going to separate me from your love shown in Jesus. As I live through this day I will be strong! But Lord, if there's a weakness I won't hide it, I won't dismiss it, but with whatever strength I do have I will share my need with you so that your power can be made perfect in my weakness. Today I believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Praise you Lord, Amen. God bless you all today đ&#x;™? â˜?
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Page 19
17 September 2020
H
ello each and every one. Major Antony and Major Fiona here again. I have to admit to doing something this morning that if you're a driver I wonder if you have done. Have you ever missed a turning, a sliproad? You've turned left instead of right? Well that was me yesterday. My mind was elsewhere as I approached a very busy roundabout. I'd driven along the road many times over the last 6 years but for some reason I wasn't thinking. I pulled up in the queue of tra c and noticed I was in the right-hand lane of three with a huge queue behind me and cars appearing in the next one and moving in all directions. Then I realised: my lane was right only. But I wanted to go straight on! Impossible to change now, most people were turning right, and there were other cars coming from everywhere. Major Fiona reading this will tell you this is where I start to panic. On the roundabout I stupidly wondered if I could change lanes and go o rather than go round. You'll be glad to know that I wasn't so foolish, and I just went with the ow of the tea-time tra c o into the wrong direction. Now what?? Shall I go straight on and join a parallel main road? Shall I turn round at the next side street? No. In panic I turned and then kept turning through the maze of streets in a housing estate. Other cars came behind and in front. I can't turn here!! Then I nally turned on the map on the screen and saw exactly where I was and which road would take back to my original main road. What a needless diversion! Firstly I should have been paying attention, secondly I should not have panicked (but I often do), and thirdly I should have put the map on the screen earlier to see the best route. But all men will tell the ladies, the last thing we do is look for directions! Men, apparently, like to work it out for themselves. Actually, all humanity is the same! Life has many roads and diversions but only one leads Home. We as a race tend not to think too much about the way and so our minds wander and we lose our way. 'Mid all the tra c of the ways' we then experience 'turmoils without, within' and we realise we're not on the right road. Where to go? Which way home? Here's the answer from the Bible: 'In all your way acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths - make them straight'. It's so simple really. There is only one way through life that will get you Home, it's Jesus and his Word, but people don't follow him and wonder why they get lost. Acknowledge him today - it saves a lot of panic 'behind the wheel'. Lord Jesus you say to us 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' But there are so many other ways and they are many truths and ways of living. It's easy to be confused Lord. Help me to trust that your way is the way that leads Home - even when it seems narrow compared to other roads, and even when the ow of 'tra c' is trying to make me go another way. When I'm on the right road to You what peace that gives me. I look forward to travelling with you today. Lord, wherever your road leads me today, I acknowledge you as my friend and guide. Travel with me and lead me always. Amen. May God bless you today, wherever you travel đ&#x;™?
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Page 20
18 September 2020
M
orning all! The birds are singing, the sun is rising on a good day! I'm not really a great poet, I don't read poems particularly and I certainly don't write them, but I do love words. Major Fiona would agree with that, especially when I talk too much! I like words, I choose them carefully. Numbers? No, they confuse me, but words are my trade, if you like. We've learned new words this year, words that have entered our vocabulary: pandemic, lockdown, social-distancing, sanitiser. Until March every time you prepared to leave the house you might check your pocket or bag by saying, ' keys, phone, purse...' Now you add, 'mask!' to the list. How ugly these words seem. They are unwelcome, an imposition, a sound of restriction (there's a word I forgot to put on the list)... How we'd like to stop using them. One day when this is all over, I never want to say those words again. In the post o ce yesterday I asked the very friendly clerk how she was: 'Oh I keep smiling', she said, ' I keep taking the tablets!' It's as if these metaphorical tablets are a remedy for all that's going on. It made me wonder what the antidote might be to this 'claustrophobia' we feel under all this that's going on. Well, if the words are ugly then perhaps we need to focus on the beautiful words. Friendship, kindness, family, nature, sunshine, music... Oh we could make a list as long as you like. The Bible advises us: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report ... think on these things." Philippians 4:8 Faith, hope and love, forgiveness, grace and mercy. All of them encapsulated and lived out in the life of Jesus who embodied all our beautiful words; as St Peter said to him, "You have the words of eternal life". So today, 'think on these things', and God's peace will be with you. Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; Words of life and beauty, Teach me faith and duty.
Christ, the blessed one, gives to all, wonderful words of life; sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; All so freely given, Wooing us to Heaven.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life, beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life; o er pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Saviour, Saves and keeps for ever.
God bless you đ&#x;™? Have a great day. We're recording Together
in Worship today, so we'll see you Sunday at 10.
 
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Page 21
19 September 2020
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ood morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona, welcome to the weekend!
I thought we'd start a new feature this week. Each Saturday from now on will be 'Song Saturday' where I will choose a song or hymn from the next
day's Together in Worship and use it as part of my thoughts. Our opening song tomorrow will be Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise. A lovely, majestic Welsh tune goes with this hymn. The lyrics were written by a Scottish minister, and are all about light and God's majestic character. One criticism of some modern songs might be that they can seem too casual in their view of God. This is precisely the opposite. It lifts us and draws us up into an experience that takes us in spirit away from the darkness into his glorious light. We have commented a number of times recently about how dark it is getting again in the evening. Coupled with that is the sense of apprehension over these last few days as we see more restrictions, more widespread lockdowns and the prospect of an autumn of uncertainty. Some might feel there is little to lighten their spirit, but as we thought yesterday, when confronted with ugly words we are determined to focus on the lovely words; and 'light' is indeed a lovely word. We are determined, as people who trust in God, that we will be people of light. No darkness, no dark days, experience or mood will ever separate us from the love, the joy and the peace of God. The verse from Daniel is so true: God knows what is in the darkness - in other words he sees it for what it is - but the light dwells with him and the darkness will never overcome the light of God brought to us by Jesus. So, in dark days look to that light, the light of Christ, and know that his light lls our hearts. Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
To all life Thou givest, to both great and small; In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; We blossom and ourish as leaves on the tree, And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; All praise we would render, O help us to see: 'Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee.
Join us for Together
in Worship from 10am tomorrow and sing this uplifting hymn, and others.
God bless you today đ&#x;™?
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Page 22
21 September 2020
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appy Monday everyone! The early morning sky is glowing with the promise of a lovely day. I like these mornings that encourage you to look forward to what the day will bring. Well, with everything that's going on at the moment it's been interesting to observe the many di erent reactions and attitudes that people have to lockdowns, restrictions, and even the virus itself. It ranges from complete fear of Covid-19 at one end of the scale to total denial that the virus even exists: it's all a government conspiracy! The irrational fear that some have which keeps them from hardly leaving the house is contrasted, I feel, by the total disregard displayed by others. I'm originally from Blackpool and have an eye on what happens there still and I was shocked to see that because Lancashire is basically all in local lockdown and Blackpool isn't, huge crowds - presumably from the locked down areas of Lancashire - descended on the seaside resort over the weekend as if there wasn't a care in the world. Caution was well and truly thrown to the coastal wind! The lack of concern for consequences on themselves or others worries me; but it's not a new phenomenon, in fact it's a very human one that has been shown through the ages: ignoring the danger, the warnings. St Paul quotes the ancient Greek saying: 'Eat, drink for tomorrow we die.' (1 Corinthians 15:32) It's an attitude that disregards tomorrow, disregards eternity, and says live carelessly for today. The Christian take on it is that we don't 'worry' about tomorrow because we have faith in Christ. It doesn't mean that we don't plan, or that we don't live and behave sensibly, responsibly; and neither does it mean that we disregard rules and requirements. Our faith is not just for this life either - we look forward to the new Day of the life to come in Heaven for those who believe. Our faith is not a complacent 'que sera sera', it is faith in the One who holds us even when things get tough - as we are seeing now. The Bible warns us not to disregard the o er of faith and hope and gives us the picture of hope as an anchor that holds us secure in the face of life's choppy waters and sometimes in the storms! I wonder if those who live carelessly for today are also the ones who cope less well when the storm does arrive. It's always best to put our hope in Christ whatever happens. Lord, in these changed and ever-changing times nothing is the same anymore and I miss how things used to be. I see the further changes that might come, even this week. Things that seemed so certain once have gone and I reach out for those familiar things and loved people around me who give life constancy and peace. Above all, Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are unchanging, and to put my faith in you, to have hope in your presence, is to have an anchor for my life. Today, may I be assured of your love and certain of your presence. Whatever happens I know that all is well because I'm 'fastened to the rock which cannot move'. Thank you Lord. Amen. We hope today brings good things for you. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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22 September 2020
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ello everybody, Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.
How well prepared are you? Do you look ahead and start getting ready or are you a bit last-minute? Well it's soon going to be Christmas... Don't groan! If the next three months pass as quickly as the last three months it'll seem like Christmas tomorrow! In fact the other day I saw the rst Christmas advert on the telly!! Actually it was a DFS advert saying they guarantee delivery by Christmas, but I guess it still counts. I even found myself as a result asking Fiona, 'What do you want for Christmas?' I was amazed I'd asked, but even more amazed when she told me! That's one present sorted. I'm always amused when I hear people smugly say in October that they've done all their Christmas shopping! Do they not miss the 'fun' of rushing around at the last minute? There's someone I know who goes on Christmas Eve, buys loads of stu and when he gets home looks at it all and decides who in his family gets what! No, I cannot even contemplate being THAT last-minute! It's good to be organised; it's better to be prepared. Faith is all about being ready. It's about having the inward resources in advance of whatever happens next. The details of our future are never revealed to us but faith in Christ, built up and exercised in peaceful times is essential preparation for those times it's needed. Jesus tells us to be prepared. Prepared for days when faith is needed, prepared for small situations and ready for the crises of life. We need faith, let's be open about this, to face death. Christians also look forward with faith to the return of Jesus one day. Notice that Jesus says, 'Look up and lift up your heads...' He's talking about that day he comes back in power and glory. (Are you ready for that?) Our attitude should be one of 'heads up, shoulders back' con dent expectation. Faith always looks forward in hope and assurance. One day he will come and we will see him! But in the meantime, our 'heads-up' faith is what encourages us in the daily things of life. In all the situations we and our families face, our faith can be strong if we rely on his presence, if we greet everything with prayer and praise. Let your faith grow on the good days by prayer and reading your Bible, so on the days when you are discouraged or in di culties, you will still be able to look up and lift your head. Lord, I want that kind of faith; the faith that has you at the heart and enables me to have peace and courage within. Help me today to walk with you and to grow in con dence knowing that your Spirit will guide and encourage me and that the joy of knowing Jesus will give me strength to meet every situation. I pray for those who need you to stand with them today, I bring their names before you... ... Father draw near to them just now and grant them peace and hope, together with faith in you. All my prayers I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen Enjoy your day everyone. Remember that we're here if you need anything. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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Page 24
23 September 2020
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orning all! Well I was warned yesterday that today was not going to be as nice as yesterday but I wasn't expecting pouring rain rst thing. Ah well it is autumn now. I love it when people use the wrong word for something. Last week someone called our Salvation Army Citadel here in Guisborough a Cathedral. She said it twice in 3 minutes! Now, we love our hall and people have said that it feels like a place where you can be with God, but it's no St Pauls! The best misuse of a word was yesterday when someone said we're living in a 'pandemonium' (instead of a pandemic). I'm afraid I might have missed what was said next because my mind went o into imagining crowds of people on the High Street rushing around in confusion and running amok outside Morrisons. Thank God that we're not actually seeing pandemonium! I wonder what words you would in fact use to describe the country, the world today? As we look ahead to six months of autumn and winter it would be easy to use negative words depending on how these times are a ecting you and your situation. You will look at restrictions and health issues, employment and family life, and the pandemic will a ect you in a unique way but I do hope that you won't experience 'pandemonium'! A Salvation Army song has these words: I'm in his hands, I'm in his hands; Whate'er the future holds, I'm in his hands. The days I cannot see have all been planned for me; His way is best, you see; I'm in his hands. Christians have never claimed to be immune from life's cares and frustrations; as I look out of the window I remember, 'Into every life a little rain must fall'. And even in tragedy we can draw on Heaven's resources that enable us to know God's loving presence. In the days that lie ahead of us we are gently encouraged by God to know him, to trust him, to follow him, for that is the way to be at peace - even if there were to be pandemonium đ&#x;™‚ Lord, I'm glad I don't need to get my words right when I talk to you, for you understand. You know my every thought and every word before it's on my lips. My simple prayer is that in a world where everything has changed and the future seems discouraging, your constant presence, love and faithfulness will give me a peace that passes all understanding. Whatever happens I remember again that nothing can ever separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the quiet assurance that brings. I leave the future in your hands knowing that you are always there. Thank you in Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy the day, whatever you do. Stay safe, keep calm and trust God. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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Page 25
24 September 2020
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ello everybody, we hope you are well this morning.
As usual it's very quiet and still as I sit with my co ee watching the sky get lighter, listening to the birds... I love the quiet mornings. Sometimes however silence is not what you want; it's frustrating, annoying, inconvenient. Maybe it's part of a loneliness which is hard to bear. Last night my poor quality internet failed me totally. I was trying to lead a Zoom Bible study but it all kept freezing. The picture froze, the sound broke up and... well it wasn't worth carrying on. I tried a di erent device but that conspired with the laptop to keep me from connecting. I simply was not going to be allowed to talk to those who had joined the online group, and I was not going to be able to hear them. I had to phone one of them and apologise for having therefore to cancel the group. I wondered whether I should use this little anecdote to talk about the importance of staying 'connected' to God by prayer. I could have written about prayer never failing and we can always talk to him and know his presence. Sometimes however, I think we need to recognise that even our experience of prayer fails. Is that familiar to you? You pray but feel nothing, 'hear' nothing? It's as if your prayers bounce back o the ceiling. The Bible phrase for that is 'the heavens are like brass', which really refers to a lack of rain but symbolises a seemingly unresponsive God who doesn't answer prayer. If you feel like that sometimes don't despair or worry. Don't feel you're at fault and certainly don't assume that God has forgotten about you. It may be that in that silence he is teaching us to wait, to trust, to learn that God's ways are not ours. In that silence, as the verse in the picture says, in God alone my soul waits, for my hope is in him. It's good sometimes just to be still, and in that silence just believe that he is is listening, he is working, he is acting. King David felt like this once. Psalm 28 says, "To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I shall be like those who go down to the pit." But then he realises the truth: "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." In the silence of 'unanswered prayer' always remember that God is still good, God is still kind and loving, God is still interested in you. He has heard you. See his silence as a gift to your soul where you can wait in trust for him to ful l his plan. Father all things are in your hands. You indeed are my rock, my refuge. You hear the prayer of my heart and words I speak to you. In the silence help me to trust that you are working all things together for the good of those who love you. Let the silence be helpful to me, a time of waiting and a time of peace rather than anxiety and stress. Lord, I know you love me, I will trust you in the days I cannot hear your inward voice, I will leave my request with you, with my thanksgiving, and receive your peace as I wait for you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Whatever you are doing today, may God bless you đ&#x;™?
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Page 26
25 September 2020
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Well it's a little di erent today! I was watching the wind in the tree opposite and then suddenly there was a burst of torrential rain and a poor man rushed by getting totally wet unexpectedly so, judging by the fact he wasn't dressed for rain! Maybe he was cursing his luck for being out just at the wrong time! Why now? Why me? There's no answer. Last night we had a Zoom family quiz night. We've had quite a few over the last 6 months and I'm going to tell you something that pains me to confess - I never win. It's true! In fact I usually (always) come last. Well, last night was the most shameful. On one round I got zero. Nothing. Nul points. It was the sports round so I'm not surprised. In fact as I got to 7 out of 10 wrong, I began hoping I'd get the rest wrong just to get the full 100% failure rate - best to go down in a spectacular fashion! Yes. I literally had no answer to any of the questions. Well, would YOU know the team Wayne Rooney played against in his debut match? There are other times we have no answers either. The 'Why me?' questions ranging from why did I get caught in a heavy shower right through to important questions of ill health, unemployment and bereavement. Sometimes there are no answers forthcoming, no words are su cient. What can you say without sometimes appearing trite or insensitive? The best words are not ones that try to explain things but which just say "I'm here", "I love you", or even "Can I help you?" In life the words of God in the Bible can o er comfort, hope and assurance too. They might not explain a situation or give a solution, but they are words that can strengthen faith and help to encourage. As believers we might not have the answers to why we or other people nd ourselves in the situations we experience, but like the Apostle Peter says, we can be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have within. The answer to those who question why we have hope is that whatever circumstances come our way, whatever changes come, God has always remained faithful, unchanging, available and loving. I often have no answer. But I know the one who does. I'll trust him to know what he's doing. That's the hope I have within me. When we cannot see our way, Let us trust and still obey; He who bids us forward go, Cannot fail the way to show.
Be it ours, then, while we’re here, Him to follow without fear, Where he calls us, there to go, What he bids us, that to do.
Though it be the gloom of night, Though we see no ray of light, Since the Lord himself is there, ‘Tis not meet that we should fear.
Have a good day today everyone. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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Page 27
26 September 2020
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ood morning everybody, welcome to the second 'Song Saturday'. This is where we preview a song that we will feature
in tomorrow's Together in Worship. This week it's a hymn from way back in 1779: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. It's one of those songs that can have numerous tunes, only one of which is the 'right' one - depending on your church a liation. If you're a Salvationist you will probably opt for Miles Lane with a refrain (tomorrow's tune), but if you're Methodist your choice will possibly be Diadem or maybe Miles Lane but without the refrain. Fun fact: Both these tunes were written by 19 year old teenagers! Tune in to tomorrow to enjoy the 'correct' tune :) The author of the lyrics was Edward Perronet who sounds French but was thoroughly English, from Kent and was called Ned. He was in turn C of E, Methodist, then an Independent, but when he died was privileged enough to be buried in the cloisters of Canterbury Cathedral. It's a hymn that reminds us of the majesty and the splendour of Jesus and was actually inspired by the coronation of George III. He must have thought, if a mere man can be crowned with so much majesty and pomp, then how much more must Jesus the King of kings be seated on a higher throne with a more splendid crown? It reminds me of a very old chorus that some Salvationists will remember: Praise him with melody, praise him with song, Tell of his holiness all the day long, Give him all majesty earth can a ord, Praise him with melody, praise ye the Lord. The majesty of Jesus cannot be given to him by us, it's his by right. He is indeed King of kings and Lord of lords, but we are invited in the song to crown him, along with angels and sinners, every tribe that makes up the throng of people around the world: in other words making him King in our own life. He calls for our allegiance, he asks for our love. He is worthy of it all because, as the Bible says, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!" It's because Jesus willingly gave himself to death for us, for our salvation, that he has been given the name above every name, and we call him Lord. He invites you to accept him today as Lord in your life. All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all!
Ye sinners lost of Adam's race, Partakers of the Fall, Come and be saved by Jesus' grace And crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, All nations great and small, To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all!
O that with yonder sacred throng We at His feet may fall, Join in the everlasting song And crown Him Lord of all!
Join us tomorrow from 10am for Together
in Worship. God bless you.
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28 September 2020
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ood morning everyone! From the sight of the sunrise I can see, it's going to be a good day!
Well, it's o cial. Back on 3rd April I commented on my daily thought that the birds were singing louder. I mentioned that another time as well. At the end of last week a report was published that revealed what we all believed. It also contained a surprise. Yes, almost from the beginning of lockdown birdsong changed and along with it the behaviour of many animals. Humans were no longer as loud or as evident outside, and so it seemed that nature was reasserting itself. Animals were creeping about in places only humans normally went - shopping streets for example. In America coyotes were seen walking across the tra c-free Golden Gate Bridge. But here's the result of the birdsong study: The birds were not singing louder, it was us being quieter. No tra c noise in the morning meant we could hear them. And here's the surprise: yes, they seemed to be louder but evidently the male birds changed their tone; they started to sing with deeper voices. It was all done to seem more attractive to their potential mates well it was Springtime! So ladies, if your hubby suddenly develops a deeper voice it's probably not Covid-19, it's him trying to be romantic... Yes, we noticed nature a lot more this year - and that's a good thing - one of the silver linings. In the words of Jesus perhaps, we 'considered the lilies of the eld', or especially, started to 'look at the birds of the air'. Jesus was always using nature to remind the people that not only was God the Creator of 'all things bright and beautiful' he was nature's guardian, protector; the one who cares for it - and us too. If ever you feel lost or overwhelmed, if ever you feel insigni cant remember the words of Jesus: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" And "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Heavenly Father, it assures me and encourages me to know that not only are you my creator, you are also my friend. I have worth and value in your eyes because you created me with love. At the beginning of this new day, or as I look back over what this day has brought, I simply want to say, 'thank you for knowing me, for caring for me, and for loving me'. Help me also, in return, to know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. We're always here if you need us, just message us. God bless you. đ&#x;™?
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29 September 2020
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ello everybody. A new day awaits!
I'm on a Blackpool history Facebook page and very often it has black and white pictures of the Tower, or the piers with people in Edwardian dress. But this picture appeared of Blackpool's Central Library and the memories came ooding back! I remember as a 12 year old cycling about 3 miles every Saturday to this library, spending time looking at the books, reading, choosing my allotted 4 books and then strapping them onto the back of my bike and riding home to spend the rest of the day reading. I loved that library. Because it appeared on the historical site and because somebody made a comment about it being in the past, the horrible thought came to me that as with so many buildings it was now closed! On further investigation I discovered to my relief it's still open, still a library. In these days of instant reading on a phone or tablet I wonder if kids still go to libraries as much. I hope they do. There was something magical about holding a book, reading ction or learning from a history book. Walt Disney said, 'There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.' I still like books! I don't know where we'd be without the whole library of the 66 books that have been collected together to form our Bible. It's history, poetry, letters, visions, prayers. There's murder, romance, famous battles, Kings, Queens, and supernatural tales. And of course there's The Greatest Story Ever Told. Do you read it? You don't need to get on your bike and cycle three miles to the library for many of you have your own Bible. If not there are free apps you can get for your phone. But let me warn you - the Bible will not be just a book; it will become a meeting place. Here you will meet the author. Let me encourage you to read today. Read the familiar stories, read the bits you've never ventured into before like a section in the library you've never visited. And let the author himself begin to speak to you. Lord Jesus you are the word of God, the author of my faith. As I read the Bible may I meet you there in its pages. May I understand that you have the words of eternal life. Give me understanding of the simple truths that will inspire and comfort, teach and encourage me. Let me have a childlike excitement about reading and learning and wondering about the treasure your word contains. May your words be nourishment to my heart and soul, and through them let me know light, life and love. Amen.
We hope you have a lovely day. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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30 September 2020
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ood morning to you all!
Welcome to the last day of September - who would have thought we'd be here in our circumstances on this day? Back in March or even May people were saying, 'Oh we'll be back to normal in September...' I had to check that today was actually the last day of September. As a younger person I could never grasp that rhyme which starts '30 days hath September...' or was that November? And all the middle months got mixed up. Is it April, May and December? Seriously it caused me a lot of stress as a ten year old, especially when the joke would do it's rounds: 'How many months have 28 days?' The unwitting child would reply, 'One! It's February!' and then feel foolish when told they all did. Well, September 30th IS the last day (I checked) and I realised that it's now six full months of lockdown plus the eight days at the end of March. It's therefore six months of these daily thoughts (plus those eight days). When the booklet of September's Faith in a Changed World is published that will be six volumes. I've decided that I'm going to attempt an index of Bible references used over the six months so you can refer back, and I can stop myself from repeating a theme. Thank you for sticking with me. I started these thoughts with one view in mind: I believe that the Church doesn't just have a practical ministry in a time of need, it needs to speak. The Church, The Salvation Army included, needs to talk about hope, love, and joy, it needs to speak of repentance and faith, of grace and salvation. That is our critical mission. My privilege is to talk about Jesus, the bread of Life. And I hope and pray that over these months I have helped in a small way to encourage, to inspire, and perhaps even to gently challenge the many who read these thoughts. Can I tell you that on average around 400 people see them every day? Yes, six months have gone by. There's a lot in that Bible to talk and write about, and with your encouragement and God's grace I'll continue. Let me end this six month+ anniversary thought by gently reminding you of the verse mentioned in the picture here: 'Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' (Psalm 90 v 12). Our days are nite. We don't know if tomorrow will come. And if these last six months have taught us anything there are two things to learn: time is going by very quickly indeed, and life is fragile. The Bible says 'now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.' (2 Corinthians 6 v 2) Today, on this memorable last day of September, ensure that you have put your faith in Christ the Saviour and given him your life and your days. God bless you today, and every dayđ&#x;™? See you tomorrow/next month for some more Faith in a Changed World.
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Genesis 6
April 2nd
Exodus 3 v 4 Exodus 33 v 1 Exodus 33 v 11
July July 3rd September 4th
Deut. 31 v 8
May 18th
Psalm 8 v 3,4 Psalm 19 v 1 Psalm 22 v 3 Psalm 23 Psalm 23 v 2 Psalm 23 v 4 Psalm 23 v 5 Psalm 24 v 3 Psalm 27 v 34 Psalm 30 v 5 Psalm 31 v 15 Psalm 32 v 8 Psalm 34 v 1 Psalm 46 v 1 Psalm 46 v 10 Psalm 62 v 5 Psalm 71 v 5 Psalm 85 v 6 Psalm 90 v 12 Psalm 91 v 4 Psalm 96 v 1 Psalm 103 v 2 Psalm 103 v 5 Psalm 103 v 12 Psalm 118 v 24 Psalm 119 v 105 Psalm 119 v 114 Psalm 119 v 130 Psalm 139 v 1 Psalm 139 v 7 Psalm 139 v 14 Psalm 143 v 8 Psalm 145 v 15 Psalm 150 v 1
April 21st July 8th August 26th August 17th August 19th April 11th & May 6th May 27th July 21st April 28th April 14th May 15th July 28th May 22nd August 25th May 7th September 24th June 19th April 24th September 30th May 5th August 27th June 20th and September 10th July 9th April 18th July 25th April 25th March 28th September 29th June 10th, July 7th, August 21st March 31st April 1st August 7th September 5th July 29th
Proverbs 3 v 5 Proverbs 3 v 6
May 30th September 17th
Ecclesiastes 3 v 1 Ecclesiastes 3 v 11
August 3rd August 13th
20th
Isaiah 26 v 3 Isaiah 30 v 21 Isaiah 40 v 8 Isaiah 40 v 31 Isaiah 43 v 1 Isaiah 43 v 2
April 22nd July 10th June 18th September 16th July 22nd August 22nd
Isaiah 43 v 19 Isaiah 44 v 3 Isaiah 49 v 15 Isaiah 55 v 1
August 31st June 3rd May 2nd June 5th
Jeremiah 6 v 1 Jeremiah 29 v 11 Jeremiah 29 v 13 Jeremiah 33 v 3
May 20th June 11th March 25th September 2nd
Daniel 2 v 22
September 19th
Habakkuk 3 v 17
July 15th
Matthew 5 v 3 Matthew 6 v 6 Matthew 6 v 12 Matthew 6 v 26 Matthew 7 v 7 Matthew 10 v 30 Matthew 11 v 28 Matthew 21 v 12 Matthew 12 v 21 Matthew 26 v 7 Matthew 28 v 20
August 1st July 24th and September 12th June 22nd September 28th April 30th April 27th May 1st April 6th April 7th April 8th June 29th
Luke 3 v 22 Luke 10 v 20 Luke 19 v 40 Luke 21 v 28 Luke 24 v 15
May 26th July 14th June 4th September 22nd April 16th
John 1 v 12 John 3 v 8 John 3 v 16 John 4 v 14 John 6 v 68
June 8th May 25th June 15th , July 2nd ,August 15th May 19th May 12th, August 11th, and September 18th July 31st
John 8 v 12
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Index of Bible Verses - March to September
John 11 v 25 John 13 v 35 John 14 v 6 John 14 v 9 John 14 v 27 John 15 v 12 John 16 v 13 John 20 v 19
July 13th and September 11th June 30th May 16th June 9th June 1st April 9th May 29th April 17th
Acts 3 v 19 Romans 1 v 7 Romans 6 v 23 Romans 8 v 17 Romans 8 v 26 Romans 15 v4
1 Thessalonians 5 v 11 1 Thessalonians 5 v 17 1 Thessalonians 5 v 18
September 8th September 9th April 3rd
1 Timothy 4 v 8
May 14th
2 Timothy 1 v 6
May 28th
May 13th
Titus 3 v 15
March 30th
August 10th August 29th June 24th September 3rd September 1st
Hebrews 6 v 19 Hebrews 12 v 1 Hebrews 13 v 8 Hebrews 13 v 14
September 21st June 23rd and September 7th March 27th and July 27th June 13th June 12th April 4th and June 17th
1 Corinthians 13 v 12
July 23rd
James 1 v 17 James 4 v 8
2 Corinthians 4 v 8 2 Corinthians 4 v 16 2 Corinthians 5 v 17 2 Corinthians 6 v 2
July 17th May 11th June 16th July 11th
1 Peter 2 v 21 1 Peter 3 v 15 1 Peter 4 v 10 1 Peter 5 v 7
June 2nd September 25th June 27th March 26th and August 6th
Galatians 3 v 28
July 6th
2 Peter 1 v 5
July 1st
Ephesians 3 v 20 Ephesians 5 v 14 Ephesians 5 v 19
August 12th September 14th May 4th and June 25th
1 John 1 v 9
September 15th
Philippians 3 v 20
May 9th
Revelation 3 v 20 Revelation 4 v 11 Revelation 22 v 1
August 18th September 26th August 20th
 
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Biography
O
riginally from Blackpool and Bristol, Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, with 32 years experience as Salvation Army O cers, have served mainly as Corps O cers (church leaders), but also have experience of working in homeless services and in elderly care. Fiona is also a quali ed sta nurse working in hospice care in Newcastle and Stockton, and last year Antony completed a Masters Degree in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. They have three adult sons and have been Corps O cers here in Guisborough since July 2014.
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