Faith in a Changed World - A Year by david.white5261

Faith in a Changed World Antony Mugford

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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

23 March 2021

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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, YouTube and Zoom; reaching many hundreds of people, not only locally but nationally and internationally. 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! Although initially it was never expected that this period would be so extended. 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

ach Sunday, rather than having another reading, Majors Antony and Fiona lead online worship, Together in Worship.

These services including Good Friday 2020 are all added to the Guisborough Salvation Army Church Youtube channel and are all still available on:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA

LIGHT, LIFE, LOVE’ WAS THE INSPIRING THEME AND FOCUS OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S TERRITORIAL CONGRESS SATURDAY 24 AND SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2020. With Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham supported by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill. There was no Together in Worship on Sunday 24 October, so we invite you to watch the Congress Youtube Saturday and Sunday meetings and share with others seeking to grow in their faith and be equipped to share the good news of God’s love in their lives and local communities. Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill chose the inspiring theme for the Congress weekend after reflecting on the words of General Albert Osborn, found in The Salvation Army Song Book (number 742): Light, life and love are in that healing fountain. All I require to cleanse me and restore, Flow through my soul, redeem its desert places And make a garden there for the Lord I adore. Commissioner Anthony says: “Light, life and love are powerful words that will be reflected in many ways across the weekend. With so much uncertainty in our world, our congress will be an opportunity to be refreshed in God’s presence as we worship, pray and study his word. There will be time to give thanks for who and where we are as a church and to mobilise and equip us for being part of God's plan for his Kingdom here and now. “We are called to be a Salvation Army where God is glori ied and visibly at work, shaping us into disciples of Jesus Christ. If you are ready to ind out more about this life then share in the Congress. And share it with others, too! “Be ready to receive and be open to the speaking of the Spirit. Congress really is a life-changing opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to introduce someone to the gospel message for the irst time. It is exciting to look ahead and imagine what God has in store!” https://www.youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo On Sunday 27 December 2020 worship was provided and lead by Major Jane Cowell (Divisional Commander), Major Rachel Price (Divisional Of icer for Leadership Development) and Major Wayne Price (Divisional Mission Enabler) https://youtu.be/A3F9dFTEu7A On Sunday 03 January 2021 worship was provided and lead by Commissioner Anthony and Gill Cotterill (Territorial Commanders) with Colonels Paul and Jenine Main as they launched a 4-week series of Going Forward Together - living in God’s Covenant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQUZif3gabg&t=908s On Sunday 21 March 2021 Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham conducted live worship from the William Booth College - Be willing…..

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24 March 2020

ear all, Greetings from Major Antony and Major Fiona at The Salvation Army. Well today we wake up to a very new experience - the sun is shining, for once it's not blowing a gale in Guisborough! - and we are as good as in 'lockdown'. We will all try to carry on from home, or in brief visits outside to shop for the essentials, for work if we need to, to care for someone in need, or for limited exercise. But one thing we will not do is be afraid. It's not an English sti upper lip thing - it's because we in The Salvation Army believe in a God who has all things in his hand, and we would encourage you to think of him at this time, to trust in him, to pray to him - talk to him as you would a respected friend. Why not pray this prayer this morning: Dear Heavenly Father, you made me and you love me. You know my situation, you know my thoughts and feelings. You feel with me all my fears and concerns at this time of uncertainty. Will you help me, give me faith in your love? I pray for myself, for my health and other needs. I pray for my family, my friends, my work colleagues. And I pray for our town. Lord, may this situation soon come to an end. I thank you for the health service and all those who try to care for people at this time. Give them the strength they need. Lord Jesus, help me to believe in you; because in your life, death and resurrection we see hope and redemption for all who believe. I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ Amen Remember, if we can help in any practical way, or if you just want a chat or someone to say a prayer. May God bless you all.

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ear all, Greetings from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

We hope you're well this morning, it's going to be another beautiful day it's almost like it's a gift to us as we begin to adjust to what for many of us is going to be a quieter lifestyle for the next few weeks. Just remember that even though we are now restricted we can still go outside for some exercise - a walk perhaps or, if you're like Major Fiona, a jog! And it's the perfect day for it. We realise of course that there are frustrations for you. There are concerns and increased di culties. Please remember that if we can help or just even be a listening ear, we are ready to help - our phone numbers are at the bottom of this message. In the quietness of your home today we would encourage you with this thought: silence is not empty. A day that has less activity than normal, or fewer people, need not be empty. In the stillness, God draws near and lls the empty moments with his presence. We can reach out for him. The Bible says, 'Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.' (Isaiah 55:6). And as if to persuade us, God says, 'You will seek me and nd me when you seek me with all your heart.' ( Jeremiah 29:13)

A prayer that you might like to say: Father in Heaven, you say to me, 'Be still and know that I am God'. In these quieter days my prayer is that the stillness would not be empty, but will be lled with your presence. Help me to cast my cares upon you, to trust you. I pray for myself, my friends and family. In these unusual days where things have changed so much, help me to remember that you never change, and you are always faithful, and your love endures forever. I pray in the name of Jesus, your Son, our Lord. Amen Just remember, we are available if you need us, just call or message us. God bless you.

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25 March 2020

26 March 2020

reetings from Majors Antony and Fiona at Guisborough Salvation Army.

Who cares? I was impressed to hear last night that over 400,000 people have volunteered around the country to help the NHS. It's good to hear such things because it does show there are people who care... Of course, most of us do care - every day acts of kindness are done that never reach the news; sometimes we might do or say something so simple we just don't realise the bene cial e ect it's had on someone. We all can think of people who have cared for us But there are times when we feel that no one cares. There are times we keep worries to ourselves. A number of times I've heard people say, 'Oh I don't ask for help, they are so busy, they have their own lives...' The Bible invites us to 'Cast all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you.' That says a lot about God whose love for us is compassionate and understanding. He invites us to trust in him, to give him those things that concern us. It's a matter of faith, of course, and Jesus said, 'You believe in God, believe in me too'. ( John 14:1) Today, think on this: we will always have with us the One who cares for us most, if we put our faith in him. Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you for this new day. I have so much to be grateful for - family and friends, the things that I enjoy, the sunshine streaming through the window. It's easy sometimes to praise you! When things are more di cult help me to trust in you. You tell me to cast all my anxieties upon you because you care for me. Lord Jesus, I will do that. I will name a di culty and tell you about it......... ...Now Lord, please hear my prayer and help me to believe and trust in you. Thank you for hearing me. Help me to love you. May this day - whatever it brings me, wherever I go, whoever I'm with - be a day where I know you care for me. I pray in your name, Jesus. Amen

We hope you have a good day today. Don't forget, we're just a phone call away if you need help or even just a chat. God bless you.

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27 March 2020

ello everyone, Every day we see and hear of something else that has changed. The whole world has changed! It's good to focus on some things that don't. They tell us that as we stay at home we should create new routines and stick to them - times to eat, make sure we get dressed; if we work from home have set hours and stop for tea breaks. When things become a regular routine life becomes easier, less uncertain, more focused. Yesterday I quoted Jesus' words: 'Believe in God, believe also in me.' He's telling us to focus, to narrow down a vague belief in 'someone up there' to a certain faith in him, because Jesus himself is the embodiment of God. A song I heard once said, 'Look, look at the face of Jesus Christ, it is the face of God.' In these uncertain days another verse from the Bible is helpful, it talks about Jesus as 'the same, yesterday, today and forever.' You can nd it in a Bible in the book of Hebrews, chapter 13 verse 8. I nd that very comforting and reassuring, to know that whatever else happens in life, Jesus never changes and he is a constant, a xed point. He has promised to never leave us. There's no one I would rather put my trust in. Whatever you do today, however your situation has changed, whatever concerns you have, trust in Jesus. He never changes. A prayer you can pray: Lord Jesus, It's another new day and there's much to be thankful for. There's a familiarity about so much; things and people around me that are so special. I pray for my family today wherever they are. Be with them and guide them. I pray for those in our country who care for others, the NHS, those who work in essential employment to keep our country going. And I also pray in these uncertain times that you will be very real to me. Thank you Lord Jesus for your unchanging love, your constant presence, and your gifts of faith, hope and love. Today, I trust in you, and receive your love. Thank you Lord. Amen. God bless you all, Let us know if you need anything.

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28 March 2020

i from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope and pray that you are OK.

I was just thinking that it's the weekend and it suddenly occurred to me, how do we know?? Every day seems somewhat similar now. Whether you are on your own or surrounded by children who need entertaining, we pray that today will have something new, something special for you. Do you have a Bible? If you don't, you can get an app for your phone. Bible App and Bible App for Kids. Get them on Play Store absolutely free! We've all got a little more time now so why not look at some of the familiar stories or the Psalms. I would especially read the Gospels - Mark is the best one to start with, it's shorter and written in a concise way. Christians have looked at the Bible as extremely special. It was written by men of course but we believe also that it's a gift from God - it's all inspired by him, and it tells the truth about him. The Founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, said that the Bible is "God's heart on paper". I really like that. When we read the Bible he speaks to our heart from his. He is always there when we read his word. Let us encourage you today, pick up your Bible, or download an app, and nd in its pages strength, encouragement, hope and above all the love of God. A prayer you can pray: Heavenly Father Thank you for a new day, a new opportunity to see and hear good things. Help me today to nd something to delight in, to enjoy, to share with someone. As always I want to pray for others - the sick, those who are alone or worried. I especially pray for..................... Lord, we get information from so many places. When I read the Bible let it be words of love and life for me. As I read the stories of Jesus, let me somehow meet him there. Be with me today, and with those I love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen Fiona and I hope and pray that you have a good day today. As always, we are just a phone call or a message away. Keep in touch. God bless you.

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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29 March 2020

ood morning everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona. I hope you had a lie in this morning having lost an hour!

Anyway, it's Sunday - the day the Bible calls 'the Lord's Day' - so today, instead of a picture with a verse from the Bible on it I thought we'd have a song. This is a well known hymn but it's been given the Sunday morning Radio 2 treatment. The music is perfect for closing your eyes and allowing the words to wash over you... But listen to those words! We're praising God for his faithfulness. We're recognising that he can be our Father. We're claiming that 'all I have needed your hand has provided'. For me the best part of the song talks about a pardon for all my sin and the peace that endures after that. It's not a fashionable thing nowadays to talk about being sinners - you certainly don't need anyone from a church telling you that you're a sinner - but we all know it's true and it's good to know that we have a God who willingly and lovingly forgives our sins. We can let go of the past - the regrets and the feelings of guilt perhaps - and ask Jesus to forgive us. Actually, it's only Jesus that can forgive sins because he died on the cross to achieve exactly that. 'Father forgive them' he cried. If we confess our sins, the Bible tells us, he is faithful and will indeed forgive our sins. On this Sunday morning that is as true as it's always been. A prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your love, your willingness to provide all that I need. Forgive me for when I've gone wrong, and let my heart be lled with love and praise to you. Thank you for this Lord's Day. Thank you for all who are special to me wherever they are. Be especially with those who work for the good of our community and keep us safe. In Jesus' name. Amen God bless you today, as always, if you need us we're here at the end of the phone or via a message.

https://youtu.be/VIDGti0QCfs

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30 March 2020

ood morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona from The Salvation Army. Greetings from our house to yours!

We hope you had a good day yesterday - for us it was very strange, not able to get to the Army hall and lead our two services. It's now that we are all starting to miss one another. Many of you are missing loved ones and friends. Thank God for the telephone and the occasional visit, even though they have to stand almost at the garden gate. A hug would be so nice! I heard of grandparents yesterday who met their newborn grandchild for the rst time separated by the living room window. Joy was mixed with frustration, and sadness that that baby could not be cuddled and kissed. Here's to the end of isolation!! We have three grown up sons. One can't work because his workplace has closed down in Durham, one is deployed in the Middle East in the military, and the other is in Newcastle unsure of what his work situation is at the moment. All separated either by hundreds of miles, or just the inability to travel down the A19 to visit Mum and Dad. So we should pray this morning for the families we are separated from, asking God to protect, guide and embrace them for us... Heavenly Father, A new day, a new opportunity. Thank you for your love and grace, your o er of peace. Today I want to pray for my family and friends. I'm so grateful for them, for what they mean to me - from babies right up to great grandparents, life is worthwhile because of them all. And yet, Lord, even when nearby they are so far, just out of reach. I can phone them Lord, Facetime them, see them from the doorstep. But I look forward to being 'with' them, giving them a hug and sitting with them in the house again. Father, wherever they are, near or far, please be with them.surround them with your love; and reassure them too because they will be missing me. Help us to remember that you are always with me, so help me to believe, to trust and to open my heart to you. Let this day be a good day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Don't forget, we're here if you need us. Just phone or message us. God bless you.

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31 March 2020

orning everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona.

We're told to exercise once a day - Fiona often goes for a 5k run and I go for a walk. Yesterday I took myself o to Wilton Lane and walked as far as Mount Pleasant - I know, such a distance - but it is uphill! Anyway, what a change there was as soon as I had walked under the bridge - suddenly I was in a di erent world - a stream running through a meadow, a white farmhouse on a hill, sheep and horses in the elds. It was a world away from what was literally a few hundred yards behind me. It's good to get away and be somewhere else - it's almost like being someone else! Interestingly, on the way there I met a friend and we chatted at a distance of about 10 feet. On the way back I passed two other people on the narrow pavement as I approached the junction of Bolckow Street. The young woman with a push chair saw me step into the kerb and she grinned and muttered, 'This is crackers.' The young man I passed was so concerned to keep his distance I could hear his anorak scrape on the wall as he put as much space between us as he could. Yes, it's nice to get away and be alone, but when it's enforced distancing, it's not so easy. It's necessary of course, and it saves lives, but we'd rather not do it. The Bible tells us that we can never be isolated from the loving presence of God - he never distances himself, never 'walks on the other side' as it were. That can be a great comfort to many of us, as we might feel the weight of another day without the closeness of human contact that we like. A Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, be with me today. Whether there are people with me, or if I'm alone again, help me to trust that you are here with me, your presence is always alongside me. There are so many who need prayer today - people who might be in a hospital, a care home; Lord, would you draw near to them too - and their loved ones also. Help them not to feel isolated, but to realise that 'even there' your Spirit will be with them. Today Lord, I will look for those things that are signs of your love, a smile, a letter, a phone call, even something lovely in the garden or something on the television or radio that is encouraging. And because if it, I will praise you. Thank you Lord, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen We're thinking of you all, God bless you. Please be in touch if you need anything.

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01 April 2020

ood morning everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona.

We'd like to thank you for the kind and supportive comments these daily thoughts are getting; we're also very grateful that many of you nd them helpful and encouraging - that's the most important thing. We're certainly in times where we need to support one another. It's easy to feel alone or frustrated or even just bored. We are made for contact and relationships and it's not easy when our normal places or groups are not available to us; so even online contact has become valuable. We are coming to realise, I think, that life is more than food, and 'things'. There's a lovely verse in the Bible that speaks of how God has made us all - fearfully and wonderfully. 'Fearfully' because we are awed at the beauty and complexity of what we are as human beings - and our fragility as well. And 'wonderfully' when we think of our talents, our creativity and our capacity to love and be loved. We are all special people simply because we are more than just living beings, we are alive with the image of God inside us. And what's more, because God has made us, he loves us deeply; he is more than Creator, he is also Father and Friend too. Dear Lord, With the writer of the Psalms, I am glad that I am 'fearfully and wonderfully made'. That makes me feel that I have worth and purpose; it helps me feel loved. Today, in all that I am facing, help me to remember that you yourself made me and gave me life. I see that same divine image in my family: children, parents, brothers and sisters. What love there is for us all to share. There are times, Lord, when I need your help - your forgiveness, your reassurance, your love. Today, whatever my need may I know that you, my Maker, are with me. I pray in the name of Jesus - God made human - who is my friend, brother and Saviour. Amen Have a great day today everyone! I'm thinking I need another walk into the countryside somewhere - a photo tomorrow perhaps :) We're here if you need us - just call or message us here. God bless you.

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orning everyone! The sun's rising, and the birds are singing louder than ever as if to say, 'no matter what, keep singing, keep joyful, keep praising God!' Well, I went for my walk yesterday to Hutton Village. Goodness it's a long way from the High Street - and all up hill too! But it was worth it, and interesting to see the abandoned railway platforms and a lovely cow who just stared at me with big brown eyes... Anyway, what really impressed me as I walked through all the houses on Dorset Road on my way there was the rainbows. Lots of rainbows drawn by children and stuck in the windows. How cheerful they looked; and I imagined the delight of the kids as they crayoned or painted these colourful pictures and then displayed them proudly to all the world, simply to cheer people up! The rainbow is of course the symbol of God's promise. Remember Noah's ark? When the ood receded a rainbow appeared in the sky and God said that it was his promise that after a global disaster he would ensure the world continued on: summer, winter, springtime and harvest. The rainbow reminds us to have hope that after what's happening now, there will be normality again - even if some things may have changed. Never give up hope - God is faithful, let's trust him! Dear God, Father of us all, another day has come as a gift. Help me today to see hope and joy in everything around me. I pray once again for family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. I think of those who are alone, those who are ill. And especially those who work in the healing and caring professions - thank you for each and every one of them! 👏 👏 👏 👏 Today Father, I remember your promise to never leave me, and the call of Jesus to trust in him. I do that today and believe that your love will continue to surround me. Amen Have a great day today! If you like, why not read the story of Noah in the book of Genesis, chapter 6? God bless you, we're here if you need anything.

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02 April 2020

i everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here at the start of another day...

Sitting here with my co ee I can hear three things - the clock ticking in the hallway, the fridge motor in the kitchen, and birds singing so loudly I can hear them through the double-glazing! What's that about?? Have the birds really started to sing louder? It seems that way. We have trees next to our house and the birds gather as if in a scene from a Hitchcock movie and they are LOUD!! Of course, it's the lack of tra c that allows their song to be heard more... ...I just paused to listen to a really loud blackbird sounding very pleased with himself... Anyway, there was another sound last night. Was it you? Were you part of that noisy two minutes? Clapping, banging... We could hear it from the next street. And on top of that, the sound - and sight - of reworks (where did they get them from?!). It was the sound of gratitude, appreciation and praise. Well-deserved praise for our NHS workers, carers and others who we rely on when we're sick. It's an amazing phenomenon. We thank them, we thank God for them. It's always good to hear the sound of praise. It's even better to make the sound of praise. Heavenly Father, I praise you rst of all for the gift of a new day. I thank you for your love, your faithfulness, for your companionship. I also want to thank you for those who we all rely upon - doctors, nurses, paramedics, carers, dentists; all the support sta who keep health centres and hospitals up and running. As they care for us when we are sick, we also pray for researchers and scientists as they look for cures, vaccines and treatments. Lord, through them may there soon be e ective ways of treating people and protecting us through this pandemic. Let today be a day when I nd many things for which to say, 'Thank you God'. Hear my prayer of thanks in the name of Jesus. Amen

Have a good day everyone. 'Stay safe' as everyone keeps saying nowadays. And if you're out walking perhaps we'll pass each other and wave from a safe distance. 😃

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03 April 2020

04 April 2020

ood morning everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona. As I look out of my window at the hills I can see it's going to be another beautiful day in North Yorkshire. There's been a meme going round recently: God was seen walking around Yorkshire; he was asked what was he doing? He replied, 'I'm working from home.' I have to say, as a Lancashire lad, that I'm not sure what I think about that... Rose-based rivalry aside, I am so glad that we live in such a beautiful part of the country. Living in Guisborough means we are so close to the beauty of nature. Yesterday we went for just a short socially-distancing walk, and the picture here might hint that we were deep in rural Yorkshire somewhere but no - for those who don't know Butt Lane, just on the other side of the trees there is a housing estate and we were literally a few feet from people's back gardens! Beauty is just a few steps away; it's closer than we think - even if some of us might be happy simply with looking over at the hills from where we live. The Bible reminds us that God is nearby too. We don't need to go on a pilgrimage, do special rituals or rely on other people; literally, if we come close to God he will come close to us. That was written by one of Jesus' own brothers, so I guess he was closer than most to Jesus. We come close to God in prayer and simple faith by asking him to be present, by recognising that his grace covers our wrongdoings and gently restores and renews us. Today, as you live a new day, may God's presence renew and restore your soul as he makes you 'lie down in quiet pastures', leads you beside 'quiet waters' and leads you 'in paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23) Dear Heavenly Father, This is my prayer, that you will draw near to me as I draw near to you. Because you are close, I can bring to you my joys and worries, my prayers and praises. I can even bring those things I may have done wrong and ask for your forgiveness and help. Today I want to pray for those who can't leave their homes even for exercise, for those who feel restricted and frustrated. Through a friend, a neighbour, a welcome phone call or letter, may they feel they are remembered, valued and loved. Maybe today I can be the person to come close to them in some way. Bless us all today and may your presence be a comfort to many. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you all in Guisborough, the whole of Yorkshire and beyond - even in Lancashire! Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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ood morning everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona.

Anyway, another picture of the Priory - this time broody and gloomy. It must be the most photographed feature in the area, alongside Roseberry Topping. Imagine those days when the very small market town of Guisborough was dominated by a huge Priory. It was seen for miles around, it was the centre of all religious life - no Methodists or Salvationists - or Anglicans! because in those days it was a Roman Catholic Priory. There would have been a sense that it was indispensable to life and faith itself. And then, thanks to King Henry, it was gone, services stopped, doors barred, stone used to build walls and houses. And yet the church as a community continued. The parish continued to meet, a new building was built for the church to meet in. And it reminds us, as we are being reminded today during the lockdown that the church is not The Salvation Army hall, or St Nicholas's church at the top of the town, or St Paulinus at the other end, on the Avenue. The church is a community of people who share faith in Jesus. We don't need a building, but we do need each other - and that's why Christians love to meet together in our church buildings (when they can), and it's why ministers are putting worship online, so that people can watch and listen and feel part of it all again. The church is at its best when we are together or when we feel part of something bigger. At the beginning of Holy Week Jesus overturned the tables of the money lenders in the temple (Matthew 21 v 12) He loved the temple and they were disrespecting it. But even Jesus knew that - like the Priory people didn't need the building, they need the Spirit of God in their hearts, and they needed to worship together, wherever that might be.. We become like a temple of God's presence - especially when we feel we belong to one another. We don't need to nd God in a special building, but Jesus can live in our hearts, and we can always feel him there. Lord Jesus, Thank you that my faith doesn't depend on a special building but can be real because you can dwell in my heart and bring me into the family of the church. This week, as we look forward to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I want to know something more about you and your love for me. Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today, Come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Amen Have a lovely day everyone.

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06 April 2020

07 April 2020 Hello everybody from Major Fiona and Major Antony. It's yet another beautiful morning. However, I think most of us are becoming more and more concerned about the situation, and the news about our Prime Minister is troubling. Christians everywhere are now adding him to their prayers. During Holy Week Jesus was tested about his attitude to government. His famous reply was, 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.' In other words, from taxes to obeying the law and honouring the government, we should give our support where appropriate. The Bible reminds us that we should pray for those in authority, and so this morning our prayer is for Boris, and also for our MPs in Guisborough, East Cleveland, and Redcar, Simon Clarke and Jacob Young, and our local councillors.

Father God, we thank you for a new day - new opportunities, new hope. We pray for our families and friends today with love and thanksgiving. We also pray for all who are sick and a ected by the Covid-19 virus and those wonderful people who care for them. Today we pray for our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and ask that you would bring him through this illness, and that he will be counted with the so many others who have recovered. We pray for the government in this time of crisis, including in our prayers our MPs Simon and Jacob and our local councillors. Grant them wisdom and the strength to lead us, and may they be directed by your Holy Spirit in the decisions they make. Fill us with hope, give us peace, and help us, Lord, to place our trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen God bless you all. We're just at the end of the phone, ready to chat.

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08 April 2020

ood morning everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here. Hopefully you're well, keeping safe, nding things to do...

We're in Holy Week of course, leading up to the commemoration of Christ's cruci xion on Friday and his amazing resurrection on Sunday. Today in many churches they think about two events that show how Jesus divided opinions. Firstly a woman, described as 'sinful' - which in the Bible usually means immoral interrupts a private dinner and walks up to Jesus and pours expensive oil over his head. Both odd and shocking! Totally inappropriate. She did it to express her gratitude and love; perhaps Jesus had forgiven her at some point. Secondly, immediately after seeing this, Judas went to the priests and agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Whatever his other reasons for doing this, I think the woman's display of a ection was the last straw for Judas. He didn't understand why someone would show devotion to Jesus. Christians will frequently speak or sing about loving Jesus; they talk about giving him their heart. It's all because he has loved us rst, befriended us, understood and forgiven us. It's a response to the change he makes in our life. When Jesus died it was a demonstration of that love. That's why this week is so special and why this coming weekend is the central focus of the year. A prayer Lord Jesus your life was one of love and compassion, truth and grace. You healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and taught us to love God and love one another. We can understand why people loved you in return, why they followed you. Thank you that, though others misunderstood you, ignored or rejected you, and still do today, you carried on loving us. Today Lord Jesus, just where I am, I am grateful that you love me. In these uncertain times, worrying times, may God's love surround me and give me hope. May that same love be shown to all who need you today. Thank you Lord. Amen. It's another lovely day, may you all be surrounded by joy. We're here if you need us. God bless you as always,

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09 April 2020

ood morning to you all!

Major Antony and Major Fiona here on a damp, grey and misty Thursday.

What a contrast to these many recent days of lovely sunshine! Well, we weren't going anywhere, so... I was thinking how the weather seems to match the day. It's Maundy Thursday today, the day in the life of Jesus when the clouds gathered as events conspired against him. Tonight he will be arrested. It's called Maundy Thursday after the Latin word for 'command' - mandatum. Jesus gave three 'big' commands: 1) We should wash each other's feet, as he had washed his disciples' feet. Happily we interpret that as serving one another in practical ways! 2) That we should remember his sacri ce. Christians ever since have eaten bread and wine to do this. In the Salvation Army we tend to open it out and feel that we can remember Jesus whenever the church family eats together - you should come to our Messy Church one day, we love to eat there! 3 ) His greatest commandment to us: love one another as I have loved you. If we could just obey that, just imagine the di erence in this world. We obey so many rules: stay at home, don't steal from Morrisons, don't do 40 in a 30 mile zone... But this is what Jesus said the day before he died. Love each other. There's no other greater mandate, no greater rule. A prayer Lord Jesus as I think about your words, I can imagine what a wonderful world this would be if we simply loved each other. I pray today for my neighbours, the people in my community. It's been lovely to see and hear how people are helping one another, caring for each other, even showing love for each other. I pray that after this crisis has passed - may it be soon - that our neighbourhood will continue to be more loving, more caring. You asked us Lord to remember you. I'll do that. And tomorrow I will remember what a sad day it was when you died for us all. Today, I will look for opportunities to love others and give thanks for everyone who loves me. Thank you for your love Lord. Amen Have a lovely day today. God bless you and your families.

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship on Good Friday.

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11 April 2020

ood morning to you all, Majors Antony and Fiona here...

I've lost count now of how many days we've been in this lock down... I only know it's Saturday because yesterday was such an important Friday! Isn't it great news about Boris? To hear he's out of ICU and recovering well on a general ward is just what we were hoping and praying for; it's encouraging and reminds us that people do recover... But. What about the hundreds who didn't make it yesterday? And the day before, and... We don't like to think of it really but it's the reality. It's what is happening. And all of us - especially the family and friends of those who died - are asking, 'why?' Even Christian people nd that hard to answer; there are no easy answers. Why are some prayers seemingly not heard? Maybe you have asked that same question during a tragedy or time of sadness or trouble. We're called to have faith, we're given hope, and prayer is a wonderful comfort to us but we all walk through that valley. It's our common human experience. It's our choice of course: we can choose to walk through the valley as an individual or in a group, but without the guide, or we can choose to walk with the shepherd. Because look again at the psalm - 'though I walk through the valley... you are with me'. Good Friday and Easter Saturday remind us that Jesus experienced death for and with us. Prayer might seem inconsistent - some prayers do seem to get the answer we want, others seem to be ignored; but let me say this one thing: God always answers the prayer asking for his loving presence. He will never leave us nor forsake us. In the mystery of unanswered prayer, let faith hold fast to this: God cares. Loving Father, it's easy sometimes to have faith when the sun is shining and things are going well, and I do thank you for the good things in my life, the things that make life worth living. But there are times when I worry, when things happen that give me sleepless nights, make me wonder 'why us?' When my prayers seem unanswered please help me to know that you are always with me in the valley. I'll follow your voice, hold your hand, because you know the way and one day you will lead me out of the valley to quiet waters and pastures green. And so today, Lord, I trust in you. For myself and on behalf of others, I say this prayer believing that in all things, you care; and that nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God that is seen in Jesus. Amen Have a lovely day today everyone. God bless you 🙏

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship on Easter Sunday.

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13 April 2020

orning all! Major Antony and Fiona here.

We hope you had a good weekend. Some have said they enjoyed the Good Friday and Sunday Services they're still there if you want to catch up on them. One of the most evocative Easter stories is where Mary Magdalene and some other women go to the tomb - something we all do. We go to lay owers or read the headstone. Well, she went to nish the Jewish burial customs but that never happened because as we know Jesus had risen and the tomb was empty. Of course Mary was distraught until the gardener spoke to her... except it wasn't the gardener; it was Jesus himself. We can't imagine the emotions that went through her mind! Jesus was alive! This theme of meeting Jesus in a garden was taken up in a song, unsurprisingly called In the Garden. It's a famous song - even Elvis sang it (but Fiona wouldn't thank me to have him sing it here) - and I post a version of it because it reminds us that even if we're alone, or feel alone, Jesus walks with us and talks with us. Today, a bank holiday like no other - nowhere to go, for some of us nobody to be with - may Jesus draw near and walk with you. A prayer Lord Jesus Christ, A new day has come, a new week, and we're all still trying to understand and make sense of things. Today will bring it's challenges to some of us, and it's joys too. Would you walk with me today? Give me faith, and help me to have the peace that comes when I know you are here with me. I pray as I always do for friends and family, for neighbours, and especially for those who are ill with whatever is wrong. Today grant strength to health workers and carers - thank you for their sense of service and calling. May today, with all its quietness and stillness, be an opportunity for friendship, love and gratitude. In your name I pray, Amen. May God bless you all, We're still here if you need anything.

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14 April 2020

ood morning everyone! Major Antony and Major Fiona here.

It's going to be another lovely day - and most of us - most of you - will wake up to a morning already lled with light! But spare a thought for those of us who didn't sleep well last night. I know many who wake up early. I was wide awake at 4.30 this morning. 4.30!! I got up in the dark. Don't ask me why - it was inconsequential things really: something I need to do later, an idea for something, a worry about something else, a question about whether I should speak to someone... Things that had no business being on my mind at 4.30am and things that seemed so important in the dark, but as soon as I got up in the dark to make a co ee, and as soon as the sun came up, just seemed to fade away. A sign of stress perhaps? Understandable nowadays. Of course many people do have real struggles and worries - it's part of life. Where do we go with them? This is where prayer is a relief: to be able to talk to God about the things that stress us out, that worry us. He does understand. He cares for us, the Bible says, so we can cast our cares upon him. It's true that joy does come with the morning - things take on a new perspective after a cup of tea with the sun streaming through the living room window. But joy also comes with believing. Believe that God knows, that he cares, that he listens. And let that belief help your prayers today so that his love, peace and joy will be yours this morning and every morning. Dear Father God, sometimes sleep eludes me, sometimes I get worried during the day. But help me to know that you are there calling me to trust in you and hold you in my heart. May my prayers bring peace to myself and others. Today I want to pray for those who work in shops and essential services so that we have what we need. Strengthen and protect them and their families. Lord, let today be a joyful day, with something in it to be thankful for and to share with others. Thank you for your love, your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen Have great day today, sleep well tonight! God bless you.

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15 April 2020

ood morning sunny Guisborough, East Cleveland, North Yorkshire and even 'down South'. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. I think it's time for a song 😁 At The Salvation Army we have the traditional music of brass bands and our songsters (choir) but we like some of the new songs too; and so I thought I'd share one of the songs that we occasionally use in a Sunday service but which the children of the Sunday School enjoy too. It's not actually a children's song and I'm sure it'll get your feet tapping. They say that it's good to learn new things and do something di erent during this lockdown, so here's something to learn. It's called My Lighthouse and talks about God being the light that guides us in dark times. https://youtube/reAlJKv7ptU We hope you enjoy it! Lord Jesus, today I want to be able to say that you're the light in my darkness. You're the one who leads and guides me safely. Today, while I thank you for family and friends I want to pray for those who haven't really got anyone close to them. Be with them, may others around them be mindful of them. May today bring something of hope and joy, and a sense of your love. In Jesus' name. Amen Don't forget that we're just on the end of the phone or on Messenger if you need us - even just to say hello. God bless you

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ood morning to you all from Major Fiona and Major Antony. I watched the sun rise this morning - another early morning! It's going to be a good day 😊 Fiona and I went for a walk together yesterday along that old railway line. It was very warm! I took photos such as these two, but unlike the impression the photo gives, it wasn't at all deserted! Couples with a dog or two, numerous cyclists, some smiles, brief greetings...all (most) socially distancing. Fiona and I chatted, as you do, but for long periods we didn't really say anything; what was funny was how, in the distance, we saw someone we knew coming towards us. 'Oh no! Get back!' we called out, ' We don't want to get infected.' And then we stood at a distance chatting merrily away... This often happens; nearly every time we walk somewhere, we meet familiar people who either pass by or walk behind us. Life is the same - we talk, we remain silent, we meet, we pass by, we walk brie y together. We go in di erent directions and return to di erent places, but we share the same path. These weeks of 'lockdown' (a bit of an overstatement really) of keeping our distance, are reminding us that life is important because of the people who walk with us or whom we meet, however brie y. They help to make the journey more satisfying. After the resurrection of Jesus, two of his followers were walking dejectedly home. The Bible says that Jesus himself drew near and walked with them. He explained things to them about his death and resurrection, and we might say their hearts were 'strangely warmed.' And later, they rejoiced to realise it was him. My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, today on my journey, would you draw near to me and walk with me? My journey at the moment is unique, and though I meet people brie y or travel with them for a distance, my thoughts and circumstances are my own. And so I share them with you... Walk alongside me, hear my prayers, and help me to listen to your voice too, so that I am not alone but can appreciate the journey more. Thank you Lord Jesus, for your companionship today. Amen God bless you all today - if we see you out walking, wave and say hello! (But keep your distance! 😉 )

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16 April 2020

17 April 2020

ood morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We're really amazed at how many people are seeing these messages; over 500 saw yesterday's! Some click the 'like' button and one or two of you are kind enough to comment. We love that; if you want to comment, or even add your own thoughts to what I've written, perhaps write your own prayer or share your experience, please do! Anyway, today's question: are you scared? Scared of the virus? Scared of being alone? Scared for your family? Like most of us, I imagine, I don't sit all day being frightened - there's joy, pleasure and other positive emotions, and we're just getting on with stu . But sometimes I look out of the kitchen window through which I can see the High Street, and a brief thought of fear comes. 'What if...?' Fear can be healthy of course - it's what makes us take precautions (Stay home, etc). But sometimes fears are real and painful. When fears won't leave, what is the answer? After Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples are described as being together 'with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.' Understandable; they were afraid they were next for arrest. We're told that Jesus appeared and said, 'Peace be with you.' He didn't remove the threat from the authorities, the disciples kept the doors locked, but he gave them peace: a sense of calm assurance, the ability to 'hold things together'. The modern term is 'well-being'. The answer to fear, even when circumstances don't change, is peace. God's peace. Jesus said that it's his gift alone because the world can't give this kind of peace. It only comes through trusting Jesus. Lord Jesus, I thank you for this new day; I'm eager to nd out something new, something of joy, of love, today. There may come moments or even hours when I'm fearful; Lord in those moments grant me your peace. Help me to give my heart and life to you so that I can experience that deep peace that only you can give. Today I want to pray for shop workers, and others who work just to keep our daily lives going. Protect them Lord, and help us to appreciate them and thank them for what they do Bless us all today Lord, In Jesus' name. Amen Have a good day everyone. God bless you.

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18 April 2020

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

It's Saturday - so my phone tells me - and as well as that we keep getting told that the lockdown is a wonderful opportunity to get those jobs done - sort out the garden, get to the back of those cluttered cupboards, paint the house (!) Oh dear! Now I feel the pressure is on to sort the boxes in the garage. There are non-valuable things in boxes that I haven't seen for 6 years! Some of them, it must be said, belong to our adult sons, but so much is just our accumulated stu . It takes up space, it gathers dust, it looks ugly and, if certain evidence is to be believed, o ers shelter to wildlife. I have now convinced myself that I'm going to at least move one box today! Things need to be removed! When I was a teenager the one truth that brought me into faith in Jesus Christ was this one: he will remove your sins. All those things in the heart that are negative, unlovely, impure; wrong attitudes and actions. Things from the past - regrets and guilt. Our hearts can be freed from all these things, 'swept clean' and made new by the grace of God. The good news is that Jesus does it all for us when we ask. He can cleanse us as soon as we call on him. As the verse in the picture says, he takes our sins away as far as the east is from the west. Why not ask him today? Lord Jesus, Easter is all about your death for me - you died that we might be forgiven, you died to make us good, that we might go at last to heaven saved by your precious blood. Thank you for that truth, and the opportunity it gives me to ask you to take away those things that are unlovely, unwanted, unworthy. Forgive my sins so that my heart is clean. Let today be lled with good things - love, joy and peace - especially for those who struggle, who nd little to be glad about. May they know something of your peace, and also nd the help they need. In Jesus' name. Amen Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you all. ….…now where's that garage key?

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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ood morning everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you had a good weekend! It looks like it will be another lovely day - grass cutting beckons... We hope you enjoyed the simple service we put together for yesterday. It's still there, along with the Easter ones, for you to watch if you've missed them. Having no service to go to yesterday meant a late afternoon walk. Wilton Lane again. This time I ventured past Mount Pleasant and carried on. Beautiful open countryside, elds and hedgerows, and a view of Roseberry Topping on the horizon. Lots of birdsong, very brave cyclists straining to ride up the hill, and two very unattractive piles of rubbish, both of which were, ironically, under two signs saying 'No Fly Tipping’... *Sigh* Such a shame that people have such little love or respect for God's creation - or even for the rest of us - that they have to spoil it. We at The Salvation Army are victims of y tipping because someone dumped an old sofa at our hall at Easter that we now can't get rid of 🥺 . Anyway, we live in a beautiful world - whether it's town or countryside that we prefer - and we really should not spoil it. There's a hymn that says, This is my Father's world: The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. It also contains the thought: This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. We can look at the di culty or the ugliness and get despondent, or we can thank God for all that's wonderful and remember that ultimately he is in control. In the meantime, we can do our best just where we are to make our part of the world beautiful and not be the ' y tippers'. Lord, it's another beautiful day and there really is so much to rejoice in. Help me today to appreciate your many gifts and the people around me. The world you love is a special place with special people, even though we often spoil things. You created a world that was very good and yet we have not always cared for it as we should; even our own hearts have things that are not what you intended. Lord, make this world a better place - I give you my heart and ask that you would begin with me. As I often do I pray for my family and friends, and today for those who keep us safe - the emergency services especially. Strengthen and encourage them in their vital and valuable work. In Jesus' name. Amen

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20 April 2020

21 April 2020

ood morning to you all. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. Just to con rm: today is Tuesday. Write it down, it's easy to forget! Anyway, you're a star! I hope you feel special, at least sometimes! I have a friend who loves photography - he has lots of equipment and he photographs anything to do with nature. He loves the stars too. He was very annoyed yesterday because a certain billionaire has put a number of satellites in space, and my friend feels that they spoil the night sky. It's disappointing to photo the stars when there are other points of light adding to them and altering the pattern of the constellations. I only know two - the plough and Orion - so I wouldn't know the di erence! But I do like to see the stars. We now know the unimaginable distances between the stars but thousands of years ago people had no idea. Like us they still marvelled and wondered. King David, who wrote Psalm 8, wondered how the God who made the stars could be even remotely interested in mere men and women. But it's true; the One who created the stars millions of light years away also created you and he knows your name. He is interested in you. He loves you. He likes you. The Bible is the story of how the universe-creating God loved this tiny world so much that he gave himself in the form of his Son to die and rise again so that we could love him too. In God's eyes, we are the stars. Lord, another new day, another opportunity to love and be loved. Help me today to rejoice in something beautiful - a ower, a friend, some music, a child's laughter; so many things that re ect your love. Sometimes I feel insigni cant and lonely. In moments like that, help me to look up and imagine the stars. I remember Lord that for all their magni cence and splendour, you think of me above them all. You created me to be 'me'. And you died and rose again so that I can be the best 'me' I can be, by having your love in my life. Lord, today, may we all feel something of your love for us. It's a di cult world at the moment, but draw near to us and help us - each one of us - to turn to you and nd grace in our time of need. Thank you Lord. Amen God bless you all today, whatever you nd yourself doing. Remember, we're here if you need us. 🙂 🙏

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ood morning everyone 🙂 Majors Antony and Fiona here.

Isn't it strange how, in parallel with our present circumstances we have had almost constant sunshine for days and days...? In telephone conversations I've had, being British, the weather has always featured and the comment has often been along the lines of, 'Well at least we can sit in the sun, or walk a little; imagine how we would feel if it was days of rain…' It's true, even to see the sun streaming through the window and feel its warmth, is an encouragement. There are many people of course for whom the lockdown is quite di cult. People talk about how it a ects their mental health, their emotional well being. It can be di cult to be con ned or to have your routine disturbed. I learned the other day that someone I've known for a long time su ers from depression - I didn't know, he hadn't told me; but for many people depression and other mental health issues are not the natural topic of conversation. With that in mind I think I have three things to say: Firstly, don't keep things to yourself if you're nding these times di cult. Con de in a trusted friend - they'll be glad you did and you'll feel better for it. Secondly, be there for those you know nd being at home di cult; a phone call might make all the di erence. Thirdly, remember that God our Father knows us perfectly, he knows and understands us even when we struggle sometimes to understand ourselves! He will always give his peace to those who need it. The situation might not always change, but peace of heart, peace of mind is a gift that God loves to give to anyone who thinks of Him. Heavenly Father, I know that you see into my heart and mind and you know me perfectly. You understand my thoughts and feelings, and so on this day I ask for your presence and your reassurance. It's a lovely day again outside, but in my heart I would like to feel the sunshine of your love and the warmth of your peace. I pray for others whom I know need some comfort and peace at this time. Would you be with them too and if there's anything I can do then please help me to be the one to help answer a prayer or be a welcome friend.. Lord, I pray that your power and will would bring this crisis to an end so that lives will be saved and life get back to normal. In the meantime help us to have peace and joy and hope for the future. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone. We're both here for a chat if you need us. God bless you

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22 April 2020

23 April 2020

appy St George's Day! Well, that's what the calendar says. It's always been something of a non-event really when compared to Sts Patrick, David and Andrew. I remember St George's Day parades for the scouts but that's it really. Apart from the fact that George was Turkish and was imported by the Crusaders, and that all four of our UK patron saints are Christian men, the only other thing he's famous for is killing a dragon! Actually, George was a Christian serving in the Roman Army and was beheaded for not renouncing his faith in Jesus. The dragon bit is just a story (I think we knew that). I think we can see George as an example of holding onto your faith in Jesus whatever the circumstances. There may be times when people or events try to convince you that faith isn't worth it. There may be times when we feel we're in a ght - nancial problems, health problems, relationship problems. Some of us are facing 'dragons'. These are times when we need to hold onto our faith, to ask for more faith. Maybe faith in God would be new to you and prayer is something you're trying for the rst time. Be assured that God is there. Be assured that even when your faith is small and the 'dragon' seems stronger, God is on your side. Jesus never promised a world without trouble but he did say he had overcome the world and that he would always be with us. We do believe that prayer changes things; it also changes us - giving us con dence and peace when we trust in Jesus. Whatever you face today, have faith. Faith in God, faith in his word. He is on your side. Lord Jesus, thank you for a new day with it's possibilities, opportunities and new experiences. Help me to know that you are with me. You are our living Lord, the conqueror of death. You rose again to give life and hope and peace. Help me to trust in you in my circumstances today. I pray for myself or for a loved one who today might be worried about nances, employment, illness, loneliness or uncertainty. Help me not to be anxious and as I bring my prayers and requests to you, may the peace of God which is beyond our understanding keep guard over my heart today. Perhaps Lord, in some small way, you could help me to be part of the answer to someone's prayer today. We praise and worship you today and pray in your name. Amen. God bless you all today. We're thinking of you - won't it be good to get together again soon. We look forward to that day! We're here if you need anything. 🙂 🙏

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24 April 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. The sun is shining - again! You'd almost think it was deliberate to lift our spirits while we're in lockdown... At the end of our garden are 4 conifers and last year I decided they were intruding too far into the garden and over next door's fence, so I did a little trimming. But earlier this year, on inspection, I discovered lots of dead, brown branches and I thought I'd started these lovely trees on a long slow death from the bottom up. Anyway, I have to tell you that I honestly thought I'd killed them all! Last week I cut the grass - you can't go wrong with that! - and behold, when I went and inspected the conifers I saw the proverbial green shoots of recovery. There among the dead branches, new, green, fresh life was growing! How happy I am that I haven't killed my conifers. It's a revival! We face lots of situations in life where we feel hope is gone. Things seem lifeless. Even nowadays we look at our world and wonder if it's so spoiled we'll never ever recover again. (Sometimes I think the media hope it's worse than it is). People have said their most fervent prayers when hope was lost. The Jews thousands of years ago prayed about their little nation of Israel: "Lord, will you not revive us again?" And he did! They prospered again. Many Christians will tell you that they are praying for our country at this time. Praying not only for the Covid-19 virus to be defeated, for the sick to be healed and the NHS to be protected, but that our country will be revived in a spiritual way. We might suggest that a return to Godly values and faith in God would bring about national revival again. We certainly want our families, town and country to be a better place. Maybe if we prayed, if we turned again to God, we would prosper. In the Bible, God says: 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Heavenly Father, you have created a lovely world, and lled it with people made in your image. I thank you for the good things, the wonderful things. But I look around at this time and see a world in confusion and uncertainty. Lord, there have always been events and situations that have been di cult, but I keep on believing that what is good and pure and lovely, true and Godly will overcome it all Lord, I want to ask you to revive us again that we might rejoice. Let people turn to you in prayer and know your blessing. Heal our land, our world; and may people who have stopped believing, who have forgotten how to pray, learn once again to love you, and live according to your word. Lord, lead and guide me today, and help me to know your loving presence. In Jesus' name, Amen. Have a great day today everyone. God bless you all. 🙂 🙏

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25 April 2020

ood morning on a cold and misty morning. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. I've lost count of how many of these daily thoughts I've written - it all came about a bit by accident but I'm enjoying sharing these thoughts, and I'm grateful that you nd them interesting and helpful. Disinfectant... Now be honest, how many of us will think of President Trump whenever we look at a bottle of Domestos from now on? Oh yes, go and inject yourself with disinfectant, he said. That'll kill the Corona virus, he said... Actually it won't. And actually, without defending his loose words and unwise pronouncements, the media have had quite a eld day with this. Oh we shouldn't take everything as gospel - whether it's a president and his very odd advice, or a journalist who stirs up dissent by a false report or biased question. Or everything on the internet, for that matter. Quotes can be invented. Photos can be doctored. And the advice is that we should check what we read. It does make me wonder, however, about the intelligence of anyone who would rush out and inject themselves with Dettol... 🤔 What can you believe? Well, as Christians we believe that when it comes to big things - things of the heart and soul, matters of who we are; when it comes down to 'life, the universe and everything', as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy puts it - the Bible is the truth that has stood the test of time. When the Queen was crowned she was presented with a copy of the Bible and these words were said to her: 'We present you with this Book, the most valuable thing that this world a ords. Here is Wisdom; This is the royal Law; These are the lively Oracles of God.' There's no fake news in the Bible. It’s history, poetry, prayer and spiritual advice - and especially the story of our Lord Jesus Christ - is the most wholly trustworthy thing we could ever read. It's pages really are a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Heavenly Father, We live in a world of so many ideas and con icting opinions. I want to know the simple truth that will guide me in this life and lead me to life beyond this one. Help me to know what is right and to remember that Jesus is the way, the truth and life. Father today, I want to pray for political leaders, local and national, as they make decisions and as they seek to lead us. Grant them wisdom and sincerity. May they be guided by you and willing to listen to that still, small voice that we believe is yours. We would even ask Lord that our leaders would recognise your truth and purposely ask for your help as they lead us. Let this day be lled with your truth and peace. And I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen If you don't normally read a Bible and you have one, why not nd it and read some of it. The Gospel of Mark is a good place to start. Or you can get an app for your phone. Have a great day. God bless you 🙏

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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27 April 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you had a good weekend. Perhaps you joined us for the Sunday service yesterday - it's still there on YouTube, as are the previous week's too. Well, I have been quite amused over the last week at the number of people - mainly men I have to say! - who are beginning to be concerned about their hair. And for the rst time, it's not about having too little, it's having too much! It's become common practice amongst some of my Facebook friends to get the clippers out, hand them to a trusted (?) loved one and demand an all over number 1 (ladies, that's very short). I have been amazed to see men hand the clippers to their grinning children who have been more than delighted to give Dad a whole new look. I write this in the contented position that my hair was quite short 5 weeks ago and is still OK. I shall revisit this post in a couple of weeks if the barbers are still closed - I usually have a number 1 at the sides, but am I ready for it all-over? 😬 What I like about these pictures of before and after haircuts is the humour behind them all. It's something we are all mildly concerned about - who wants to look like Worzel Gummidge? - but it's not a worry that causes great distress. Jesus spoke about the worries and stresses of life, and whilst there are very real concerns, whilst there are situations that rightly need compassion and help, there are also those things that some of us turn into big issues unnecessarily. The saying goes that we shouldn't stress the small stu . Sometimes, if you're like me, those small things are what wake you up! But Jesus says to us, 'God knows. He knows what you need, he cares for the rest of nature, won't he care for you too? He cares even for the sparrows AND he knows how many hairs are on your head!' So, bring him the big things in your prayers; also mention the small things - but don't worry about them. In fact, like the worry about what does your hair look like, try a bit of humour. And if your hair is getting a bit of a problem, wear a hat! Lord, it's a new day, a new chance to enjoy life. It's good to take things one day at a time and I ask today that you will give me a sense of humour and a sense of perspective. Life is di erent today and I'm learning what's important and what isn't; help me to remember that your eye is on the sparrow and that you care for me too. Lord, if you know the number of hairs on my head, then that shows you know all about me. Help me to trust you with the big things in my life today - I know they concern you too - and help me with the small stu too and greet it with a smile and a sense of calm. I give you this day, I look for your love, and thank you for your grace In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. If you see us out walking or running shout hello to us from a safe distance! God bless you 🙏

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28 April 2020

t's another good morning from our house to yours. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. We hope you're well in this Tuesday morning... One of the most admirable qualities of us Brits is our ability to queue. We do it quietly, outwardly we're patient, and if anyone breaks the rules we turn to each other and mutter, 'Did she just push in?' Unless someone else tells the o ender o , we'll just stand 'tutting'. I was the o ender in Morrisons three weeks ago. Yes, me! I went in the back door and there was no queue, I wandered aimlessly round the shop like most men without a list and walked to the self service checkout, 'Can you queue up in aisle 8 please!!' When I said to the shop assistant that I didn't realise, and that I hadn't been there for a week and a half, she replied, 'That's what they all say!' I guess there are those who really get impatient in a queue - whether it's the shop, or being at the back of a long line of slow tra c - but in these days of standing 2 metres apart and only certain numbers being allowed in shops, we're learning to accept we need to be patient and to plan for the fact we might not be able to just nip into the shop... We are beginning to slow down, to accept a delay, to learn to wait. Is that a bad thing? If we are praying people, the temptation is sometimes to say a prayer, open our eyes and expect the answer straight away. The truth is that although God is attentive to our prayers and he calls on us to make our requests, the rst thing he o ers is peace while we wait. He answers prayer in his time, the right time. We learn to wait in faith, to continue to pray, to patiently leave the timing to God. We can be assured that in the waiting also comes a deepening of faith and an opportunity to enjoy God's loving presence. Prayer isn't just asking for things, it's also simply enjoying the moments with God. Heavenly Father, I know that you care for me. I thank you for another new day. Help me, in my prayers, to feel your presence; but even when I can't, help me instead to wait patiently for you. Open my eyes to see you in the lovely things and people around me, to hear your voice in music and laughter, to know your truth when I read your words in the Bible. All these things help to make the waiting a blessing and not a frustration. Lord hear my prayers today for those in care homes, or who are cared for at home; especially for those whose relatives cannot visit. These are frustrating times and we can only pray for the time when circumstances change and we can meet our loved ones again. Bless us today and grant us your peace and blessing. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a good day, be encouraged to know that people think about and pray for you. God bless you 🙏

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29 April 2020

ednesday morning greetings from Major Antony and Major Fiona here at home. We hope and pray you are well. Over the last few days I've been reading and hearing a lot of complaints. We are in a world situation that is causing real hardship and heartache - that cannot be denied. Some of that heartache is close to home of course, and we are saddened at the news of families who are a ected by Covid-19. We are concerned to hear about the reality of what's happening so that we can sympathise, o er help and prayer. The complaints I've heard focus on some of the negative reports, interviews and media questioning. I think some people are beginning to wonder why we can't hear more of the encouraging news - the numbers of people who recover, the hospitals that are doing well and do have su cient PPE, the stories of neighbours supporting one another, charities and community groups making a di erence... These are stories that give hope and encouragement and there are indeed plenty of them around - but there's still the feeling that sometimes the media will 'miss the mood of the country', as I saw the other day, and try to create dissatisfaction or tension with a cynical question or even ignore the good that's being done and focus on something negative. We don't minimise the di culties but good news is always going to encourage, unite and give con dence. The message of Christian faith is often described as good news. The word 'Gospel' itself is from an old English word meaning just that: good news! You don't see them much now but I used to see the men with placards in Newcastle and other cities - you know, 'The End is Nigh' type thing. As a minister I always wondered whether their 'bad news' message actually gained any converts. How much better to have a placard saying 'Jesus loves you' or 'God cares for you'. The Good News of the Bible is that it doesn't pretend the bad things don't exist, but it speaks of love and hope, it o ers forgiveness and peace, and tells of the one person who makes life complete: the Lord Jesus himself. It's easy to focus on the negative - but it doesn't help. Let's look for the good news, especially the good news of God's love. Lord, the old hymn tells us to count our blessings and name them one by one. Today I could do that and think about what is good. I pray for those today who have lost a loved one recently, from whatever cause; their world has changed and they face a new day of sadness. May they nd comfort and hope today, someone to share their burden and faith to lift their spirit. Lord, good news always encourages me - so let there be something good today that will bring joy - joy that I can share with another. Thank you for the good news that reminds me of your love and grace, and the peace that always comes through trusting you. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your day, we think of you, and don't forget, if you need us we're here. God bless you

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30 April 2020

ood morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona as we all wake up to a cold, damp Spring day.

First of all, a shout out to one of our readers, Margaret Grant, who had a photo shown on the TV weather last night. Major Fiona said, 'That's Guisborough! That's Margaret's photo!' So there you go, fame at last... I know that Margaret walks for miles, others of you walk too - Jan and Geo , David and Mary; all persistent and consistent walkers. And you put me to shame, for despite my best intentions I haven't walked anywhere this week. Shall I blame the weather? Yes, OK... 😁 It's too easy to say, 'Not today, it's not worth the e ort, I'll think about it another day.' But then we miss the bene ts - and the chance to see and experience something new. Today I'll put my big coat on and go out for a walk. I'll prove it tomorrow with a photo. The Bible says, 'Walk by faith.' That means our whole life, not just some exercise on an old railway line. It means that life needs a focus on faith in God and I have to tell you that faith actually requires e ort, motivation, persistence. Jesus said, 'Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall nd; knock and it shall be opened unto you.' He meant that we should make an e ort to keep on asking, seeking and knocking; being persistent, purposeful and with perseverance. So, if we want daily peace, keep asking; if we need forgiveness, seek it con dently from Jesus; if strength for the day - or any other request in fact keep knocking and God will open doors of opportunity and blessing for you. But your faith must be directed at him and in his word, and not your own resources. It's a lesson we must all learn - but God enables us, and he can give the gift of faith. Why not ask him today,? Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of a new day, the opportunities it brings, and the knowledge that whatever I do, wherever I go, I can never take myself out of your presence or your love. Help me Lord to nd in you all that I need. Help me to meet all circumstances with faith and prayer, knowing that if I am persistent in my prayers, you will answer. Thank you for your promise. I pray today for my close family - those who mean so much to me. Lord, wherever they are please protect and bless them. Help them also to nd faith in you. We will thank our NHS and care workers tonight, remembering that they are caring for our lived ones, our families. Protect them too Lord. I pray in your name, believing for an answer to prayer. Amen. God bless you all 🙏 Look for a photo tomorrow of my walk today! Stay safe - stay warm!

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ello from Major Fiona and Major Antony on this Friday morning.

Well, as promised I did it 😁 . I went for my walk. I have to say I went a lot further than I intended and found myself on Butt Lane ending right up at the tree line in the hills. The proof is the view of Guisborough and in the distance, the sea! That photo was taken just where the seat is in the other photo. I sat there a while. One or two people passed by - a man with his lively boxer dog, another man with three argumentative teenagers in tow (I heard him sigh at least three times); but mostly it was quiet. I love the countryside. I'd live in a house in the woods or the edge of a eld miles from anywhere - but I'd be alone because Fiona prefers people around her. When I saw that bench next to a path, because I'm a preacher immediately a verse from the Bible came to mind. I imagine others have had the same thought. These are the words of Jesus: 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will nd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28 30) What that says is that Jesus o ers more than a few minutes sitting down during a leisurely walk, and even more than a brief respite in the day from work or worry. He's saying that if we follow his direction in life, and accept God's purposes we will nd that, using the common picture of two animals yoked together, he will walk with us sharing the burden of the day. In other words, living with Jesus in our life, following his words is going to be a lot less stressful than going it alone. People have con rmed it so often, that faith in Christ brings peace to everyday living that can be found nowhere else. I'm glad I found time to rest on that rustic old bench on my walk, but I'm even more glad that God gives daily rest as I walk with him. Lord Jesus you knew, like all of us, the joys and burdens, the delights and stresses of life and work. I thank you that you know my life too. Today I want to experience something of that rest that you o er to the weary and over-burdened. I want to know peace, and nd strength for the day. I'm thankful that all I have to do is come to you, to talk to you, and you will give me that inner rest. Lord, help me to follow you, to have faith in you, and so nd that my burden becomes lighter. I look forward today to a day lled with your presence and your peace. Thank you Lord. Amen. Have a great day everyone, nd something positive and fun to do! God bless you 🙏

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1 May 2020

2 May 2020

here's a blackbird singing so loudly it's as if someone has given him a microphone!

Good morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona, on another day when nature is reminding us again that it's here! We've all quietened down, we're going for walks, and we are being reminded of the existence of a world that many of us forgot about... When I went for a walk the other day I noticed here and there some owers in the hedgerows. So I took a picture or two and put them on my Facebook page. An old school friend living in Canada commented on the lovely blue forget me nots... Oh, are they? I thought they might be but I wasn't sure. (I looked them up - so they are, he's right!). I know many people are nding great delight in gardens at the moment and so none of this beauty is a surprise, but just taking the moment that I did to photograph the little blue owers was actually quite special. Looking at the delicate, tiny owers, seeing how some of them are hidden, as if shy, one can imagine why they are called forget me nots. I read that in some countries they are used in the way we use poppies for remembrance... It's easy for us to feel forgotten. And in these times when we can't just meet up, gather together, 'pop round' to a neighbour, go for a co ee, it would be easy to start to lose contact; so thank God for these other ways of keeping in contact, of remembering one another. In the Bible there was a time when the nation of Israel was going through a national crisis and the feeling was that God had forgotten them. Was that true? Does di culty mean God has turned away? No. God replied to say that he would not forget them, he'd even written their name on the palm of his hand. God hasn't forgotten us. He's reminding us that he's here; he is actually calling us back to remembering him! Like the blackbird singing loudly because the sound of cars has gone, the voice of God is being heard in a world that has slowed down, quietened down... Let's not forget God. Father, creator of all around us, I remember you today. The world itself speaks of you. I see you in loving actions, hear you in encouraging words. We see you most clearly in the life of Jesus, his teaching and in his death and resurrection - all demonstrating your love for us and our world. Help me to remember that love today. In prayer today I remember that the countryside is not all walks and owers, but a place of agriculture; so I pray for farmers and all who work the elds and rear animals to feed us. In di cult times be the answer to their needs. Hear my prayer, for the sake of your Son Jesus, and for his glory. Amen. Enjoy your Saturday. Stay safe, stay well, be assured that people think of you. God bless you 🙏

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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4 May 2020

orning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

One of the 'activities' doing the rounds on Facebook is a challenge to post each day for 20 days a picture of an album that has some signi cance to you, but with no explanation needed. I was 'lucky' to be nominated a few days ago. My rst was an album of children's songs from 1966, the second the very rst Queen album I ever listened to, the next a Christian singing group from America, next was Elvis and yesterday was the heavy metal band, AC/DC. I haven't thought about today yet... But what a mixture already! Some might be surprised at the choices - Elvis and heavy metal? A generation ago and there might have been an eyebrow raised at a Christian even owning a heavy metal album! Would it surprise you to know that there are in fact Christian heavy metal bands? My favourite group has a song entitled To Hell With the Devil. I'd like to hear that played in church! 🤣 As with most of you I can listen to a wide range of music (except jazz!) and it can re ect all kinds of emotions and thoughts. We use music to cheer ourselves up, calm ourselves down, inspire and console ourselves. There is music you can wrap yourself in all by yourself, and there's music - usually singing - that's best done in a crowd. That's why singing in church is so good, so satisfying: there's nothing like a majestic hymn or a rousing gospel chorus to lift the soul. Of course, music at its best is the music used in praise and prayer, music that lifts the heart into God's presence and inspires worship. The best music points away from itself and opens our hearts to God. The Bible is full of music, song, and even dancing. So today, especially when you're on your own, hum a tune, sing a song, dance round the living room, and use those musical moments to praise God. Father thank you for the world of music. For loud music, gentle melodies, beautiful singing; for rhythm I can dance and clap to, for harmonies that calm me down. Lord, I can use music to help me praise you and pray to you, and even if there's no song to listen to there can be a melody in my heart. In my quiet moments today let music in my mind bring me to you. Let the joyful songs I hear remind me of the joy of life and remind me to praise you for your goodness - I might even dance a step or two. Lord, bring music to those whose hearts need it most today. And may all of us know your love, joy and peace. In Jesus' name. Amen. The weather's not good this morning, but you can all go 'singing in the rain’! God bless you 🙏 .

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5 May 2020

ood morning everyone. A lovely day awaits. Perhaps a time in the garden or a walk somewhere - that'll be me I think.

I've mentioned the sound of birdsong at least a couple of times over the weeks - that's because you can't escape it! But on my occasional walks into the countryside I've started to do something else. I've taken to standing and looking up into the branches and watching the birds. Anyone walking past would wonder at the sight of me staring up into a tree, but it's fascinating to watch them. I'm amazed how a large pigeon can balance in what's little more than an upright twig, I've laughed at two sparrows chasing each other inside a hedgerow chattering wildly, I've stood and imagined all kinds of sinister intent in the minds of a group of crows gathered in a tree... Last night, near Morrisons, I stood, shopping in hand, to watch a pigeon preening itself in the light of the dying sun, stopping only to stare at me as if to say, 'what are you looking at?' I don't think many of us will have seen a bird with its young - they are of course usually high up and birds are very protective. I love the picture here of the bird with two little ones under its wings. The Bible writer saw a similar scene and used that image of instinctive care, nurture and protection to describe the protection that God gives to us. There are lots of images that we are familiar with - God as father or shepherd, for example - but God as a bird sheltering her young is a powerful one too. It gives us a balancing 'female' attribute to God that some people nd very helpful and appropriate to them. In these unusual and ongoing times, you might nd that image of God very helpful today. May God surround you with a sense of protection and love today. Loving Lord, you care for all you have made, for 'all creatures great and small'. You have implanted within all of us the instinct and the desire to love and be loved, to care for and need care. How we feel is a re ection of your own care for us. Today I thank you that you care for me, that you shelter me under your wings. That helps me feel that I'm not alone and that I have One surrounding me who helps me face the day. I pray for those who live alone, who only hear the voices on television or radio. May they know a feeling that you are there. Perhaps through carers they might feel that sense of your kindness and protection. Thank you Lord for promising to be with us; grant us faith and the ability to trust in you today. In the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen God bless you all 🙏

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ood morning from our house to yours!

I've opened the blinds at 6am and it's already a beautiful day. The world looks like it hasn't a care! We often focus on the blue skies when things are di cult - it's our nature to look at the positive, the good. The Bible tells us to think about things that are 'true, honest, just, pure and lovely'. But the reality of things does remain. The good news seems to be that there's evidence of a attening of the peak of this virus. The bad news is that the death toll in the UK has exceeded Italy's... For many people, a blue sky and a positive attitude won't help today. Our hearts go out to those who mourn, or to those who pray for a sick relative. Sometimes, even in a daily devotional thought we need to face a sobering reality. So where is God? That's a question people have asked for thousands of years and even the Bible has words of questioning and even complaint: "How long, O Lord?” But even people like Job, the epitome of su ering, refused to abandon faith in God. I was listening to a song the other day, as you do. It was Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips. I've never really listened closely before and one line really made me think: "I'd rather live in his world Than live without him in mine." That says so much. It goes a long way to explain why faith in God is powerful and reasonable in days like these. Can we explain su ering in the world? Well, if there's a human cause, yes. And a person who has faith in the love of God and the promise of life that goes on forever, is living in a world of meaning and hope despite the su ering. I'd rather live in God's world, than live in my world without him. And that's why I can rejoice in a blue sky, and trust him when the night falls around me. Father, sometimes my heart sings. At other times I have no song, only a fear, a time of sorrow. In those times when I realise the darkness is not always far away, please help me to trust you. The writer of the Psalm spoke of a valley of the shadow of death and yet he could say 'you are with me'. I want to be able to say that too. Father I want to live in a world - your world - that is lled with your presence. Where there is light in the darkness. A song in the silence, A guiding hand for those who stumble. Lord Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life, I trust in you. May these days soon end, but in the meantime may many turn to you in faith and nd you to be the answer to their prayers. In Your name I pray. Amen May God bless you 🙏 today. We'll be seeing our middle son today who has returned from deployment in the Middle East. But whatever you do today, know that people are praying and thinking of you.

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6 May 2020

7 May 2020

ood morning everyone.

Major Antony and Major Fiona here again. Thanks for reading each day. Well, our boy is home! We have three sons of whom we are so proud. One of them returned early on Tuesday from deployment in the Middle East. Although RAF personnel, he was on board a Royal Navy frigate doing things we will perhaps not hear about. His return was delayed by a few weeks because of this pesky virus but he's back now and we saw him for half an hour Spare a thought and a round of applause 👏 👏 👏 👏 for our military men and women at this time. They keep our country safe and secure against hostility and threat... There's an interesting verse in the Bible that says, 'The Lord will ght for you. You just need to be still.' Exodus 14:14. It's encouraging, it reminds us that God is active and involved. In situations where we are pressured or con icted we can be sure God is there. But I think there's a danger that we take the second part of the verse too literally. Just 'be still'? If we are people of faith I think we need an active faith, not a passive sitting waiting for God to do everything. In fact this command to be still is like another one we often quote: 'Be still and know that I am God.’ We need to remember the next bit: 'I will be exalted in the nations’. The truth is that in this verse God isn't so much asking us to gently be serene and calm; this is the loud voice of command: 'Be still!! Stop the con ict!' Recognise that I am here! Think of a teacher in a playground separating boys ghting; that's the real sense of both of these commands to 'be still!' What is God saying to us today? Be still, stop the panic, the struggle, the ght to do it all ourselves, and have faith in the one who can ght for us. To recognise that God is the one with authority and power, is to then realise that rather than sitting down doing nothing and just 'being still', our stillness is the ability to do something positive in our world - helping others, obeying God's command to love one another whilst knowing his peace in our hearts. Yes, God will ght for us, but we have a part to play in serving in his world. Lord as we begin another day I want to thank you for your promise to never leave me nor forsake me. It's a promise I claim by faith. Sometimes, O God, it takes real strength to have faith in you. You ask me to trust you, to love you even in the di cult times; and I confess that sometimes I don't even know you're there. And so, on those days let me remember that you ' ght for me' even if you seem to be far away. Help me to 'be still' in my soul and at the same time get on with the active life of faith and trust, serving you as much as I can. I pray today for those who serve our country in the military. They defend and protect on a di erent front line and we ask for your protection for them. Lord, help me today to do some good to someone and o er it as an act of faith and love to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. God bless you all 🙏 Whatever you do today, have a great day!

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8 May 2020

t's a beautiful May morning. Is my memory correct, or has this been the best Spring for good weather we've had for years?

Please don't be tempted to gather outside though - stay at home, stay safe. Anyway, there was a urry of excitement yesterday teatime on the high street as a swarm of bees decided to 'sit down' on the bench at the corner of Chaloner Street and Westgate. Here's a photo of the swarm that was eventually removed by suitably attired bee experts... (photo by Rachel Marston) I can't help but think that would never have happened had it been a normal Thursday with people and cars in their usual numbers. It's as if nature is coming back into 'our world' because we're not there as much as we used to be. I've seen video of kangaroos in shopping streets in Australia, deer lying down in a housing estate near London, sheep on a high street in Llandudno, and ducks crossing a once-busy road in Paris. The most remarkable video was of a huge jelly sh swimming in a canal in Venice because the pollution has gone down since human activity ceased. And now bees in Chaloner Street! This time of lockdown is a worry for many and we don't minimise that, but how fascinating that we are having our eyes opened to natural things; nature is coming to us - a bit like those blackbirds that sing very very loudly at 6am! It's as if these random visits in unusual places is the natural world saying 'we are still here’. As Louis Armstrong sang, it's a wonderful world. What we might remember is that God who designed all this and oversaw it's development and adaptation has made it to re ect his creativity and glory. From the smallest creature almost too tiny to see, to the large and impressive animals, it's all his handiwork. And we are part of it - created and cared for, given responsibility for it to look after it. It is indeed a wonderful world of 'all creatures great and small'. However he did it, we remember that 'the Lord God made them all'. Father, Creator, Lord and giver of life, the whole world reminds us of your majesty and glory. How can these things be here by chance? Lord, whatever processes brought birds, animals, owers and fruit into being, their beauty and wonder re ect your love and care. Help us to appreciate your world, to see in it a plan and purpose - which includes human beings too, though so often we have spoiled your world and marred your image within us. We see our world and see the Creator's hand. We read your word, the Bible, and see a Father's love. We hear the words of Jesus and know a Saviour's grace. Father, speak to me today in the lovely things around me things I see, hear and touch - and may they assure me of your presence and your love for me. Let me look beyond them to see your hand, to hear your voice. Help me to have faith in you and to be all that you made me to be. I pray today for families - especially those at home with children. It's di cult to keep them occupied and happy all the time. Be with them and may these times be opportunities for learning, loving and enjoying simple things that bring the greatest joy. Thank Father for a wonderful world. Amen Enjoy your day 😊 If you need anything just contact us. God bless you 🙏

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ood morning on another sunny Guisborough morning from Majors Antony and Fiona - though actually Fiona isn't here at the moment as she's coming to the end of a night shift at a hospice where she works as a sta nurse occasionally... Every Thursday night as Britain has applauded the NHS and all key workers, I have no doubt that this phrase has been said: 'It makes me proud to be British'. Now, I realise that, since Judith from Nova Scotia wrote a comment yesterday, there are people far away who read these daily thoughts, but for you too wherever you live, patriotism is just as real. Proud to be Canadian, proud to be Australian, Italian. Of course pride can be more localised - proud to be from Yorkshire, or even prouder to come from Lancashire 😁 ; proud to be a true Guisborian or proud to adopt Guisborough as your home town. We love our roots, our identity in the place we live or come from. Yesterday, true pride and patriotism was shown in the VE Day celebrations. We are justly proud of those who fought for freedom and won the victory. Christians value the meaning behind the second verse of I Vow to Thee my Country... And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is su ering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace. That 'another country' is not a place as such, but a realm. Heaven, or the Kingdom of Heaven is wherever God is worshipped and honoured. Christians are citizens of that Kingdom now, even while they live in this world. They have a yearning to be there fully when God calls them, but we feel the pride of belonging now. We are surrounded by his presence, we are lled with hope and love; we have a desire to see Jesus face to face, as the Bible promises that we will. We are citizens of heaven and that adds a dimension to this life, a way of thinking, that gives us purpose and peace. We love our families, our town, our country; we are proud and patriotic. But 'there's another country'... and one day we will see her King! Father, you have created us to live together in communities, in towns and cities, and to be loyal to our country, to have pride in the good things. I want to thank you for my country today - for its beauty, for the people, for our history and heritage, for those today who make my town and country something to be proud of. Lord, please bless our country and may it cherish once again the Christian values that it is founded upon. These values are often forgotten but when they are in evidence people rejoice and celebrate them. May people realise that it's in through faith in you that a country can nd greatness again. Help me also to have faith in you for my future days, to know that by your grace I can be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven; Lord I want to belong, and be certain of a place and lled with with the hope of seeing you and knowing you forever. Lord Jesus, walk with me today in this life and grant eternal life too, in your name and for your sake. Amen. God bless you everyone.🙏 Major Fiona will be on her way home soon so she'll expect a 'bedtime' cuppa; Join us online tomorrow for Together

better put the kettle on.

in Worship.

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9 May 2020

11 May 2020

ood morning! It's Monday, life goes on in our ever-changing world.

Majors Antony and Fiona here, hoping you are well. On Saturday I received a little noti cation on our laptop that Windows wanted to install an update. Oh good I thought 🙄 Sometimes these things take ages! I remember arriving for a Sunday service once, turning the laptop on to project the words onto the screen, and it installed an update that didn't nish until the service was nearly over. We had to get the song books out! Had I had other things to show, like a video or picture it would have spoiled my plans. I often wonder what these updates do - they probably x a security issue or add a facility onto a programme that we use. It's good to keep things up to date, I guess. The Bible talks about being renewed day by day; even though outwardly we see wrinkles appearing, signs of age, aches and pains, we are inwardly renewed. When I was an elderly care chaplain, I read a book entitled 'No Wrinkles on the Soul' by Richard Morgan. It was 62 daily readings for 'older adults'. And I used to tell our older adults this, that there are no wrinkles on the soul because Psalm 103 says that God 'satis es your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.' Inwardly, we're getting younger every day! How good is that! It's not just laptops that get updates, so do we! Therefore we do not lose heart. The world around us grows weary, it is confused and dissatis ed - and we all feel that way - but faith in Jesus, and his presence in our lives, brings a soul-renewing, spiritstrengthening power into our hearts and lives. Make sure you install that spiritual update today! Father, a new day, a new week lies before me. As I begin again, may I receive your strength once again, let me be renewed, refreshed, revived. Lord Jesus you said that you came to o er life in all its fullness, abundant life, a life of joy and peace, to those who trust and follow you. That's what I need today. May your Spirit bring your presence again to me, ll me with God's love and renew my spirit today. And then, Lord, restored in that way, help me to encourage and strengthen others. Thank you God for your love for me, for us all. May I know and feel that love today, In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a lovely day. You might need a jumper looking at the weather! If you do exercise or shop or work today, stay safe - it's still 2 metres! 🧍 ↔ 🧍 🙂 God bless you 🙏

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12 May 2020

ood morning! How are you? Major Antony and Major Fiona here. We'd wave at you if we could see you 🙂 👋

My 'job', if you haven't noticed, involves a lot of words. Before the lockdown I was writing as many as 4000 words every week for my two sermons for the Salvation Army Church. I'm now writing short messages each day. But one thing I do know is that I have to be clear. If you don't understand what I write that is entirely my fault. If I write something contradictory that will confuse you. I try to be careful. Unlike certain national gures I don't have the 'bene t' of reporters poring over my words before I've said them, interrupting while I say them, and interpreting them afterwards according to their own opinions! It's very di cult to say anything under those conditions and I can well imagine Jesus himself having the Sermon on the Mount itself subjected to cross examination by TV reporters. The problem is, I feel, that the clarity of the message is often muddied by others who insist on unhelpful comment and bias. It happened to Jesus. Even his disciples misunderstood what he said. In fact there were times when people disagreed with Jesus and stopped following him - nowadays they'd have unfriended him on Facebook! His words met with opposition and Jesus once asked the 12 Disciples if they would stop following too, to which the answer was, 'To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' In these days of uncertainty, when the 'truth' is not always easy to get, I think we need the certainty of the truth of the Bible. It has never been known to fail. The word of God for our world is the trustworthy answer to our need for faith, for hope, for love and peace. People are asking questions - important questions about life and death and how we face these things. The Bible has the answers; Jesus is the answer. There's no contradiction here, no confusion. You can get a Bible App for your phone. There's even one for kids! Find the certainty of God's word today. 'Stay alert' to what God has to tell you. Father God, Thank you for another day. When I think of the Bible I remember parables and the stories of Jesus that I've known since childhood - the lost sheep, the good Samaritan. I remember encouraging phrases and prayers - the Lord's my shepherd, our Father in heaven... In these uncertain days, I need something that is reliable and life-a rming; I thank you that the Bible has the words, the truth, I need to hear. When I need reassuring, let your truth, your presence bring peace. Lord, as so often I pray for my family, for protection, for happiness, for needs they have. May you guide and keep them. In Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your day today. God bless you 🙏

ffi

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13 May 2020

orning everyone. Hope today is going well for you 😊

This morning I was woken up by the sound of heavy rain; perhaps you heard it too. I know that some people would have thought, 'Oh no, I have to go out in this!' but my thought was, 'Oh well, the garden needs it.' Yesterday afternoon I noticed that our potted plants in the garden needed some watering (and then I forgot); well, they've had a good refreshing this morning! It's actually a good day for local gardeners because there's a garden centre opening near us. Cue a queue! I wonder how many people will rush down there to buy bedding plants and shrubs and everything they need to catch up on restocking their garden? I was listening to Alan Titchmarsh on the Today Programme yesterday and he was encouraging people to do just that - bedding plants, plants in pots - even if you only have a window ledge or doorstep to put it on. But, he advised, keep the roots well-watered! As I mentioned, this morning, my potted plants for a good refreshing today, but they are not the only things that need refreshing. Life itself - yours and mine - our very souls need refreshing. Into every life comes a dryness, a feeling that there should be more, a tiredness. Jesus, in the Bible, o ers the water of life, new quality of life; and it comes through believing in him and turning to him in faith. But there's also something else: to receive this time of refreshing, this water of life, as we turn to God we need to turn away from those things in life that drain us, that are not helpful or good. The wrong things in our lives literally fall short of what God can give, and so in order to receive the refreshing, the abundance, the 'water of life' we have to leave those things behind. Maybe we would ask forgiveness. God's promise today to you and is that if we turn to him (the Bible-word is 'repent'), there will come to us a soul's refreshment, a new, fresh start. Why not receive the water of life - Jesus himself - today? Father you create the natural world to be fed and watered and to grow in beauty. The gardens, the parks, the hedgerows are all full of spring growth, refreshed by the rain that comes - the world really is full of 'all things bright and beautiful'. You have created my life too - thank you for it; for the good and lovely things. Lord, I confess that some things I'd rather leave behind; some things are not what I want here in my heart, and so to be reminded that 'times of refreshing' can come to me is good news. Would you give me the water of life today - your presence in my heart, to refresh and restore and renew? I turn to you to receive it, turning away from those things I need to leave behind or give away to you; where I need forgiveness, please forgive; healing, please heal. Restore the beauty of living as I receive your life in me. Thank you Lord for a new day, a fresh start. Amen. Have a really good day today. Get in touch if you like, leave a comment on our Facebook page - perhaps you want to share your own experience with us. God bless you. 🙏

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14 May 2020

orning everyone! Up with the blackbirds again today; but when you wake up to blue sky and the sunshine, it's almost a pleasure to get out of bed :) Well, Boris has told us we're allowed to do unlimited exercise. What? Some of us struggle with the limited kind! Being told we can (must?) exercise is a bit like telling a child to eat sprouts because 'they're good for you'; it's as may be, but 'do I have to...?' Actually, I do have a ym membership; and I seem to remember in the distant past - last year - that I used to go a couple of times a week. Sometimes I went three times! And so, with the pounds slowly increasing, I've decided to exercise. I have a 'woman' on my phone whose voice tells me to do 16 of these exercises and 30 seconds of some others, and then she allows me 10 seconds rest. I don't normally shout back at a woman but it's di cult not to mutter at her. When I've nished writing this I shall be doing it all again in the hope of losing a few pounds by the end of the week. It is good to keep going - whether it's running 6 kilometres or doing some chair exercises for your shoulders and knees. Our bodies can easily lose mobility and ability - and gain those pounds. But what about the soul? How do you care for the soul. St Paul, writing to a young trainee minister, Timothy, who seems to have been someone who liked to exercise, says, 'Physical training is of some value, but training for godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.' It's good advice, but how do we do it? - A good diet of 'spiritual food' is necessary - reading a passage from the Bible each day will feed the soul. - Prayer is 'fresh air' to the soul - talk to God as you would a respected friend, praise him, tell him your needs; listen to what he says. - Make a conscious e ort to do the right thing, think the right things and avoid the temptations of life. At the ym they'll tell you about resistance training where you push your strength against the strength of something else. That's a good picture of training for godliness - it can be an e ort to have faith when things around you are against you. But keep going! Spiritual exercise will not only bene t you in this life, it will last into the next as well! Heavenly Father, thank you for the measure of health and strength I have; I think of family and friends and pray for their health too. I especially pray for those I know who are not well today... Help me to stay healthy in body and soul and spirit - especially in my faith. I want my faith to be strong so I can have an inner health, a sense of peace. Like an athlete who not only exercises but who watches his diet, I want a 'diet' of good things - truth and love - that will draw me nearer to you. When circumstances get di cult help me to 'exercise' my faith; to decide to trust you, to make an e ort to believe and allow you to encourage me and enable me to keep running the race. Today, let me feel that strength, and at the end of the day feel that I have successfully completed it. In Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your exercises today - I shan't be running 6k (!) but you might see me walking randomly somewhere. God bless you. 🙏

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15 May 2020

ood morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday and we hope you are well

The phrase 'My times in are in your hands' suddenly came to me from nowhere. I knew it was in a hymn - but I confess it must be years since I've sung it; and I knew it was in the Bible, but I had no idea where until I looked it up. There in Psalm 31 verse 15. When you add the previous verse, it makes a solid statement of faith. 'Thou art my God, my times are in thy hand'. I know what some of you may do today - a walk in the countryside, some DIY, playing music. Some of you are on the phone or computer and working from home, some of you knit, do jigsaws, FaceTime your families. There are people who are busier than ever and who haven't stopped working, and there are people who struggle to ll the day and struggle with boredom, frustration and a bit of guilt that creeps in. Some sit in a chair, never seeing another soul for days... 'time' for all of us is di erent. We talk about 'strange times', 'time ies', 'wasted time', a 'wonderful time'. For time for the Christian is always God's time. The Bible says that 'He knows the end from the beginning' and so nothing is outside his knowledge; it's as if he holds time in his hands. He holds our times in his hands... If we know that we belong to God, then our time is lled with his presence. That gives peace and strength when we are busy, it gives companionship and joy when we are quiet and time goes slowly. However time passes for you today, whether it ' ies' or whether it 'drags', may you know 'all the time' that he holds you in his everlasting hands. A Prayer My times are in thy hand; my God, I wish them there; my life, my friends, my soul, I leave entirely to thy care. My times are in thy hand, whatever they may be; pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to thee. My times are in thy hand; why should I doubt or fear? My Father's hand will never cause his child a needless tear. Help me today Lord to trust you in my hours and minutes. May the knowledge that you hold even me in your hand be a source of strength and hope today. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a good day everyone. We're here if you need anything. May God bless you and your loved ones. 🙏

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16 May 2020

ood morning to everyone on this Saturday.

Guess what: the sun is shining! But please, no trips to Redcar - stay alert (by staying in), stay safe. Anyway, on one of my walks I decided on a whim to walk into the parish church graveyard but instead of going through the left gate near the car park, I went in through the Priory side; and I'm glad I did because I had a view of the ruined East window from a perspective I'd never seen before. Yes, I've taken many photos from the other side - as many of us have. I've seen the ruin from inside the grounds, looking straight at it, but this was a new angle and to me there's a drama to it as it looms into the sky on the other side of the graveyard wall. It's there, but at the moment inaccessible. Sometimes it's when we see things from a new angle that they make the most impression on us. I noticed, for example the beginnings of an arch that would have come from the wall back towards the west. I stood and tried to imagine what that arch would have looked like... It literally made me think. Jesus was good at making people think, giving them a new perspective. He would say things like, 'You have heard it said... but I say to you...', and then he would give a new or clearer teaching. So, for example: 'You have head it said "an eye for an eye...", but I say to you, "turn the other cheek”.' That's a new angle. 'You have heard it said "love your neighbour and hate your enemies...", but I say to you, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.' Well, that really is a new perspective. In fact, everything Jesus taught - be a good Samaritan, 'let the children come to me', 'neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more', 'Our Father who art in Heaven', 'you must be born again' - all these things are a new angle, a new perspective, and show Jesus to be the One who has brought a message that is new even today, 2000 years later. The greatest 'new angle' is that he described himself as 'the way, the truth and the life.' Consider that and ask yourself, 'What does that mean for me today?' Lord Jesus, I thank you for the prospect and privilege of a new day. I thank you for the good that is around me - family, friends, home and health. I pray for those who will nd today rather di cult; you know the reasons, you understand the circumstances. For us all, whether today is good or more di cult, help us to gain a new perspective, knowing that you are near. You words can challenge or comfort, but they also bring faith - that quality that looks upon life in a new way, almost from a di erent angle. It's almost as if, Lord, we can see things the way you see them. So, whatever my day turns out to be, give me the eyes of faith, hope and love - and may that new sight help me to see you in it all. In your name I pray. Amen. We hope you have a lovely day. We're here if you need anything. God bless you. 🙏

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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Page 51

appy Monday everyone 😀 Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.

How was your weekend? Much the same as most other days I would guess. We do hope you were able to join us for our short time of worship yesterday - it's still there if you want to catch up... Anyway, last night I was almost lost for words at a TV interview on a crowded beach with a family that had travelled miles to get there and were 'shocked at how many people' were there! She seemed not to realise that she and her family were part of 'the many'. The weekend was a test, I suppose, of how many people would push the boundaries, assume the boundaries were lower than they actually are, or who think the boundaries didn't apply to them. And I have to say, I get it. It's human nature to want to be in company, it's our instinct, our need, our desire. We are social creatures, and of course given the slightest excuse, some people are going to take the opportunity to be out and about - even if inappropriate or careless. We don't like being 'in'. We don't like being unable to meet family and have them stand on the other side of the window. We don't like feeling alone. God says, 'It's not good for man to be alone', and for some people the lockdown has increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. Loneliness was a signi cant issue even before the lockdown: it's having an increased e ect now! That's why good neighbours are needed. It's why the telephone and online messaging are so helpful. And as Christians we would o er not just the practical touch but also the spiritual - reminding each other that God himself is near. The verse in the picture is worth thinking about. To know that God is near - and that we don't need to get out of the house and nd a crowd in order for loneliness to be relieved - is a source of comfort and peace. Remember, God is there. When we talk to Jesus who is titled 'God with us', when we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit within, then our being alone will not feel like loneliness. Loving heavenly Father, I am so thankful for a new day, for a beautiful world, for family and friends, for memories and new experiences. Lord, there are times when even if I'm busy I can feel alone. In these days I would love to see more people than I do, to have visitors, to embrace loved ones, even shake hands with a stranger... Help me to think of you and to know that you have promised always to be near, to surround me with your love, to hear my prayers and to encourage me. The world is never empty for you ll it all. I pray for those who are lonely today and who may not see anyone else, for those whose mental health is a ected by the lockdown. Draw near Lord by your Spirit or through the compassion of others. May this day be a good day, and at the end of it may I be able to say 'thank you for today’. Amen. It's going to be another lovely day, enjoy whatever you do, and remember, we're here if you need us at all. God bless you 🙏

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18 May 2020

ood morning wherever you are. Just out of interest, if you are reading this and you're not in Guisborough, would you put where you live in the comments section on Facebook? It would be great to see where you're all from... We used to live in Buxton in Derbyshire. If you know that area you'll have heard of the well dressings where the people create pictures and adorn the various springs around the towns and villages. St Anne's Well, near the Salvation Army elderly care home we ran, was in constant use all year as people illed up their containers with the 'healing' spa waters. I was sadly reminded of this yesterday when on a walk down Bow St I saw again the disused and neglected fresh water spring, commemorated with ine looking railings but now useless, unkept and forgotten. So very sad. Something that in a bygone age was a lifegiving source, a needed focus perhaps for the local people, was now broken and forgotten. Wouldn't it be lovely if it could be repaired and celebrated once more. Jeremiah a prophet in the Bible spoke of 'broken cisterns', wells that no longer contained water - perhaps he had seen one - overgrown, leaking, perhaps with some stagnant water left in it; and he used it as a metaphor saying that the people had forgotten about God who could give lifegiving, or healthy water in favour of this undrinkable stuff from a broken well. His point was simply this: we have tried to replace the wonderful blessings and grace of God with our own human efforts - and it hasn't gone well. The world needs to return to God. Don't neglect God and go your own way because the results will never be satisfying. To turn that around, I would say this: nobody who truly believed, trusted and loved Jesus ever regretted it or wanted to go back to their old life. Jesus promised 'life-giving water' - an abundant life of love, joy and peace; why settle for anything less? Father God my heart praises you for the life you have given us - for the joy of loving relationships, the pleasure of a beautiful world, the peace that comes knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from you. Lord, today I want to know for myself something of the 'living water' that you give, instead of the water from the imperfect 'well' of human e orts that can be disappointing. You are in so much around me that is indeed good and pure and lovely, but help me to look further and see those things that can only be experienced through knowing you in my heart. May the hymn be true for me today: Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen: Birds with gladder songs o’er ow, Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine. Amen. We hope today is a satisfying and joyful day. We're here if you need anything. God bless you 🙏

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19 May 2020

20 May 2020

ello everyone! It's 6:49 and I can tell it's going to be the most beautiful day - for sitting in the garden or for socially distancing exercise.

I was wondering where next I should walk when a suggestion was given to me: go up the path that leads from the roundabout opposite the cemetery. OK, I'll have a look, I thought... Well! I never expected that! After I'd taken my life in my hands crossing the road (where have all the cars suddenly come from??) I found myself walking up a lane that was signposted as a bridleway that was overhung with trees and looked like a farm track. It was quite steep and narrow as the hedgerows closed in on both sides. But what's that? Cats eyes? The remains of white lines? Lane arrows? This isn't a farm track or country lane, this is a neglected, overgrown main road! I was told yesterday (thanks Maxine) that this was the old road to Skelton. But I had to really use my imagination to see how it might have looked before nature reclaimed it; it's now so narrow. What an amazing nd - I am de nitely going up there again. While walking there I met a couple with a small child and a man with his very friendly little dog, but unsurprisingly nobody else; but all the while I could hear the cars and lorries on the present road to Skelton that now runs parallel to the old one. What a contrast: broad, noisy and well signposted, compared to narrow, much less-used and hidden away. It was Jesus who spoke about the path to heaven being narrow while the path to destruction is broad. He meant that the road to heaven has to be looked for, it has to be found in a certain place and he knows that way. The world has made its own broad way, and while it's popular and 'noisy', it doesn't lead to the life God has planned. Jeremiah the prophet (I mentioned him yesterday, talking about broken wells), talks about the ancient paths, where the good way is: he's calling people o the busy man-made road and onto the old path of truth and love and grace that God created. It might seem narrow, even unpopular, but it's the way of life and peace. A prayer: Father, life does seem like a journey; it feels like I'm on a road that takes me through di erent experiences and past varied circumstances. Today I ask you to walk with me - and likewise help me to purposefully walk with you. I want to walk your way. I want to nd that narrow way of faith and truth that leads to eternal life. You, Lord Jesus, are the way, the truth and the life. Let me come to God the Father through you. In this mental health week, I'd like to pray for those who need peace of mind, and the assurance they are loved and valued. May they nd that way that leads to peace today. Thank you Lord for every blessing, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Have a good day everyone, enjoy the sunshine and even if you're busy, may you nd peaceful moments. God bless you 🙏

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21 May 2020

ood morning 🌞

Another beautiful day - though I believe it's going to change so I'd better get that grass cut. Talking about rain, let's talk about rainbows again. Well it is Thursday! Will you be out clapping tonight? Major Fiona will be leaving at 8 for a nightshift at the hospice, and we will clap all those who work in healthcare and the rainbows will be there in our minds. It's funny how the rainbow has meant di erent things to di erent people and groups. I remember when the rainbow was the symbol of the peace movement - apparently it was rst used in Italy in 1961 on a peace march. A rainbow with 6 colours has become the symbol of Pride. But now, if you ask most people, the rainbow has come to represent the hope and the heroism of people who work for the good of others. I like the rainbow posters that proclaim, 'After the storm comes the rainbow' - a reference of course to the hope that all will be well when this pandemic is over. That takes us right back to the original meaning that was given to the rainbow. I mentioned this back at the beginning of April when I noticed so many windows with rainbow drawings. It's the Noah's ark story and the rainbow he saw after the ood. It was a sign of God's promise that the world would carry on, life would go on, and he would always be there, faithful to his creation. It's been the underlying meaning for thousands of years. What I like about the rainbow is that it belongs to everyone. It can't be copyrighted for one group or another, we can't say it only means peace, or it only means hope, etc. The rainbow is a universal symbol; and isn't it strange that when adult, intelligent, scienti cally educated people who know about the seven colours of the spectrum see a rainbow they take photos of it and talk about it all the next day! It brings out emotions and a sense of awe and wonder. It's almost, perhaps we can say, a natural phenomenon that evokes an almost spiritual reaction - well maybe that's because we have to look 'up' to see it, and because God himself invested his promise of faithfulness within it. The picture today is of the Salvation Army window display in Westgate. The rainbow with the words of a well-known hymn that provides our prayer for today: “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

2 Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. 3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

God bless you today 🙏 And if you know any one who works in healthcare, thank them and more importantly, pray for them. Until tomorrow……………

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22 May 2020

orning everyone. Major Antony and Major Fiona here. We hope you are all well!

How's your garden this morning? I ask this because I awoke to a scene that is slightly di erent to what it was yesterday. Nothing drastic - the pot plants were all still upright - but it is still di erent. I last saw the garden in golden sunshine, the grass freshly cut and neat, the patio clear. This morning I awoke to rain - fair enough, I expected some - but my grass looks like it's autumn; there are leaves everywhere! The lawn is carpeted, and the patio is sprinkled liberally with thousands of little ... well I don't know what they are to be honest. It's certainly not the neat summer garden I left yesterday. I imagine that for some keen and particular gardeners who have a similar unexpected 'autumnal' scene, it will be frustrating. 'Into each life some rain must fall', goes the song. That could re ect a little inconvenience or, very sadly, that 'rain' could actually be a huge storm in the life of a family. Unexpected circumstances come literally overnight and what seemed settled and satisfying one day, the next looks very di erent. It's how things are, and these last 2 months have magni ed the changes - illness and death, most tragically, but also nancial worries, loss of employment, the separation from our loved ones. Alongside these we have seen the proverbial 'silver lining' - a new sense of neighbourliness, an appreciation for nature, an opportunity for some to slow down, start a new interest. There's been a positive environmental impact, on the world too. Hopefully we can learn from this when things become safe again... Psalm 34 v 1 says 'I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.' That doesn't mean we ignore what's going on and just retreat into a religious world; the opposite in fact. It means that we recognise the goodness of God and, by praising him we bring him into our experience, feeling his presence, claiming his peace and being encouraged by his strength. Praising God is a foundation for life that supports us throughout all the changes - good and bad, trivial and signi cant that we all experience. Father God, a new day dawns - it's quite di erent to yesterday in some ways. I realise that each new day brings fresh experiences, di erent challenges, but I thank you that your love for me never alters, your faithfulness remains. Today I pray for those whose lives have changed and, through loss or uncertainty, are looking at a di erent world for themselves and their families. Lord, may they nd peace and strength and know something of your presence to guide and reassure them. May today, with all its changes, 'bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life'. (Psalm 143 v 8) Well, the sun is now coming out. It's going to be a good day - even if the rain falls later, and the leaves blow in the wind! God bless you 🙏

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23 May 2020

ello again everyone, we hope you are all well and keeping occupied.

I wonder if you're a jigsaw puzzle person. I have to confess that I am not but Major Fiona does enjoy them - at the moment our dining room table is covered by a nearly-completed puzzle of the London underground (!). It's intriguing to me that people take time to put the little pieces together to make a picture they already know. I have been amazed at the number of people over these last few weeks who have talked about jigsaw puzzles. People request them, people share them. There must be something therapeutic, something satisfying in placing each piece and then nally standing back to see the whole picture. The Bible has been described as a little like a jigsaw - a picture with many parts. It's not one book at all. - It was written in three languages, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. - It took over 1000 years to write - There were 40 di erent authors who were royalty, farmers, shermen, a tentmaker, homeless prophets, a doctor, a professional scribe, musicians and church leaders. - The events in the Bible take place across three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe - There's history, letters, biography, politics, religion, spirituality, predictions, crime, ction, romance, war, and 185 songs. - 100 million copies are sold each year, but it's also the most stolen book - probably from hotel rooms. - The full Bible has been translated into 532 languages. It has been partially translated into 2,883 languages. It really is a jigsaw of many, many pieces; but the amazing thing is how it all ts together to tell one story from creation through the stories of the Old Testament, the coming of Jesus, the beginning of the Church, letters of Paul, and the promise of God's perfect Kingdom, it's all one wonderful story of God's love for the world and his call for us to return to him and believe, to receive his love and the o er of redemption. Some people just look at a few favourite pieces, some look at it brie y and like a completed puzzle put it away again. But the greatest satisfaction comes with returning to it again and again, seeing the whole story and allowing it to speak and and satisfy the heart and mind. Loving heavenly Father, I thank you for a new day, the prospect of new experiences, a fresh start. I ask you for your presence once again, knowing that you are always here. Lord, life is like a jigsaw, so many pieces already in place and still so many left to add to the picture. Today will see another piece - perhaps even more than one - that will add to the rich detail of my life. I want you to be part of my picture today Lord, so that when the image is one day complete, you will be seen clearly by those who know my life. Let today be a good day. A day where I can love and be loved and reach the end with a grateful heart for another piece of the jigsaw perfectly positioned. In Jesus' name. Amen. Don't forget Together in Worship tomorrow. Join us at 10 or, if you can't make it, don't forget you can watch and join in anytime. Look out for the link. God bless you 🙏

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25 May 2020

orning everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.

Happy Bank Holiday - is it any di erent to other days? The di erence is that instead of strong wind we've got a gentle breeze. I come from Breezy Blackpool, but I'm going to suggest we are living in Gusty Guisborough - it's the second windiest place I've lived in! The wind has been such a feature these last few days I even dreamed last night that a tornado came through the town! It's all calm this morning but who knows when the wind will blow again? It's unpredictable, uncontrollable - one minute a tree-bending blast, the next just a welcome, gentle breath of air... The Bible uses the wind in a symbolic description of God the Holy Spirit. He can be the mighty wind of God in creation or the breath of God in a person's heart, speaking peace. Jesus said that just as we don't know where wind comes from or where it goes, it's similar with God's Spirit. This coming Sunday it's Whitsun, or Pentecost. We will read that the disciples heard what sounded like a 'mighty, rushing wind' as the Holy Spirit came to them to give them strength and encouragement, to ll their lives with God's presence. Now that was dramatic! The truth is that we don't get dramatic experiences like that - we're more used to the gentle ones when we pray 'Breathe on me Breath of God, ll me with life anew...' That's the result of this breath of God: he brings new life to our heart; Jesus called it being born again or born of the Spirit. Through asking Christ into our heart, he comes with forgiveness and love and the o er of a fresh start. A gospel song says that we're, 'Born of the Spirit with life from above, Into God's family divine...' That's the wonderful thing about faith in Jesus, we become part of his family. A prayer Heavenly Father, As I begin a new week I am so thankful for my family and friends, for those things I belong to, for everything that lls my life. I pray that soon we will get back to being together again. I thank you also that I can belong to you, to the family of faith, to your family. Your Spirit, the breath of God, can bring love and joy and peace to my heart and I ask for that today. I pray for those today who live in di cult family situations. Their circumstances are made more di cult in these times and I pray that there will be help and support for them. Guide us and guard us all with your grace today. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a lovely bank holiday today. God bless you 🙏

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26 May 2020

appy Tuesday everybody. Hello from our house to yours.

Last year our Golden Years over sixties club took a trip to Burnby Hall. It was a beautiful day - the tulips were in bloom, the lake was lovely, the walk through the di erent areas was just wonderful (I think we need to go again next year!) I was fascinated however by the white doves in the dove cote. I took a few photos but they wouldn't pose for me properly, so this is the best I could do. What lovely birds they are. I know literally nothing about doves, so I looked them up. There's so much information and so many di erent types I gave up. I though all doves were white but no: even the common grey pigeon is a 'rock dove'; you learn something every day 🙂 Images of a dove have been used for so many things - the dove of peace, the two turtle doves in the Christmas song (I bet you start humming that), the dove that Noah sent from the ark to see if land was appearing - you'll remember it returned with a small olive branch in its beak... The dove is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, the Bible says, 'the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.' What a lovely image that is. A symbol of gentleness, purity, peace and innocence. Was this an indication of the kind of person Jesus would be in his ministry? He was certainly all those things. What an attractive character Jesus had, and the fact that the Holy Spirit is represented by a dove, and that we ourselves are o ered the same Spirit, suggests that those qualities of gentleness, purity, peace and innocence can be ours too. I guess they are qualities the world needs a lot of nowadays! Yesterday I suggested the Holy Spirit was like the breath of God; today a gentle dove. That's God in our experience. As we approach Whitsun this coming weekend, maybe something of the peace of God that comes with receiving the gift of his Spirit might be something you would look for. He is always ready to answer that prayer. A hymn writer put it this way: I am praying, blessèd Saviour, To be more and more like thee; I am praying that thy Spirit Like a dove may rest on me.

I am praying to be humbled By the power of grace divine, To be clothed upon with meekness, And to have no will but thine.

Thou who knowest all my weakness, Thou who knowest all my care, While I plead each precious promise, Hear, oh hear and answer prayer.

Another song gives us a prayer for today: Our blest Redeemer, ere he breathed his tender last farewell, A guide, a comforter, bequeathed with us to dwell.

He came in semblance of a dove, With sheltering wings outspread, The holy balm of peace and love on earth to shed.

May you have a peaceful, gentle day. God bless 🙏 you.

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27 May 2020

ood morning everyone. As I drink my co ee and look out of the window, the very large tree across the road is barely moving and the clouds are moving so slowly they're almost stationary. It's such a calm moment. I wish it could stay 6:14 all day... Yesterday I read a phrase that I agreed with wholeheartedly: people now need to calm down a little. Well it was indeed a frenetic weekend with lots of shouting in the papers and the news that still continued yesterday. People are tired, I think, of politics with everything that's going on. We need some calm, something to 'pour oil on troubled waters', as it were. That phrase about oil is an interesting one. It suggests an in uence that is brought in, a welcome remedy - something we couldn't do until someone else came to be the peacemaker. Oil is used in the Bible as something that brings healing. In the story of the Good Samaritan the stranger pours oil onto the wounds of the injured man. Oil is used in lamps to bring light. Oil is used in perfumes - so when a stranger was welcomed into a house in Bible times, his head would be anointed with a little oil to freshen him up. The Bible talks about the oil of gladness and joy. And we also get the idea of a King being anointed with oil to show God's choosing and blessing. Our own Queen was anointed at her coronation. All these uses of oil are symbols of God's presence in us when his Spirit comes to us - peace, healing, light, welcome, joy and gladness blessing and consecration for service. In these uncertain times when everything has changed and perhaps people feel life isn't what they are used to and choices are di cult to make, the certain and familiar things have been stripped away - and especially when confusion results in hostility and unrest - we need something of the calming in uence of the Holy Spirit. He is not a 'thing', the Holy Spirit is a person, God himself who comes to us in gentleness to bring his peace, joy, light and healing. A poetic passage in the Bible asks, 'Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?' ( Jeremiah 8:22) The old Gospel song replies: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Some times I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. A Prayer Today Lord, may there be a quiet place in my heart where I can know your presence and your peace. May the 'oil' of your Spirit bring gladness and healing. I pray for a world that struggles to nd truth. Let it be guided by you and, by following Jesus the way, the truth and the life, may we all nd the grace we need to live in peace and unity. In the name of Jesus, Amen. God bless us all today 🙏

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28 May 2020

hursday already! Wasn't it Monday yesterday? It seems like it.

Hello everyone - another dry day lies before us. We love this weather - good for walking, for sitting outside and for setting re to things .. Sadly I don't mean BBQs. A few times recently on a couple of Guisborough Facebook pages people have reported smoke and ames from up in the woods. Someone put a photo on recently of an open space where a re had been made. It's very foolish of course and dangerous. Fire spreads and can be destructive. We will remember the Australian res that were just awful and locally we know about res that start from either foolish or careless behaviour. It's strange that after we have thought of breath, doves and oil being a symbol of the Spirit of God that re is also a symbol. It can't mean something harmful, destructive and out of control, so what can it mean for us? I think there's two ways - rstly, re or heat can be used to purify, cleanse or re ne. We could think of precious metals that are re ned in that way, the impurity taken away. In a symbolic way our hearts are re ned from wrong thinking and actions by God's in uence in us. Secondly, this re is a gentle in uence, a warming of the heart as we realise God is near. If faith is something of the heart we would want that faith to have the warmth of love about it; there's nothing more unattractive than cold, dead religion: a religion of rules and judgment. We want something joyful and attractive. Who doesn't feel attracted to the warm glow of a re on a winter's night? Faith in Christ will always result in the glow of the Holy Spirit within, an experience of God's love that can be felt and shared. As we approach Whitsun, ask God to ll you with the gentle ame of his Spirit. A Prayer Burning, burning, brightly burning, Brightly burning Fire divine, Satisfy my spirit's yearning, Fill this empty soul of mine. Burning, burning, always burning, Holy Spirit, stay with me; To your will my will is turning, What you will I want to be. Enjoy your day today, we’re always here if you need us. God bless you 🙏

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29 May 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

We hope you are all well today. The good news for many is that after all these weeks we can start to visit each other again - 6 at most, only in the garden, and still 2 metres apart; that's very important still. It's a long, long way from normality still but it's a start, and it's the news we want to hear. When it comes to other news, well there's sometimes bad news - someone is ill or someone has tragically died. That news is never welcome, though it gives us an opportunity to send love and remember people in prayer. There's another kind of news that has really stirred up emotions this week - television news. Oh dear... It really doesn't matter what your political opinions are here, it seems that when it comes to news the truth is not always easy to get. Is he right? Is she right? Is it reported correctly? Who's telling the truth? In the end we get a bit tired of it all; the news becomes a bit of a nuisance. It shouldn't be like this; we should be able to trust the news. The Bible says 'the truth shall make you free' well, it isn't like that at the moment... We celebrate the gift of God's Spirit this weekend. Jesus said that he is the Spirit of truth, and I can't think of anything else that this world needs more - apart from love of course. If the truth does set us free then we need the Spirit of truth to come and bring that wonderful freedom, the freedom that comes with certainty, with trust, with integrity. The Bible - God's truth - has been described as 'utterly trustworthy'. In its pages you nd history, ction, biography, poetry, stu that is fact and stu that's made up. But all of it is true and reliable as far as the message is concerned - God is love, he is faithful, there is nothing hidden or questionable. The word Gospel means 'good news', and God knows we need some of that just now! Lord of life and truth. I thank you for those things around me that I can rely on - especially for my loved ones, and friends upon whom I can depend. What a joy it is to have people in my life who are 'true'. In a world of shifting values, I thank you that there are standards that remain - truth, honour, kindness and respect. Through the Holy Spirit may these things increase, and may falsehood give way to what is dependable and trustworthy. May today be lled with truth spoken in love, joy that comes from things that are good, and peace that comes through knowing your presence in my heart. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. We hope you have a peaceful day. God bless you 🙏

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30 May 2020

orning all! A new day, new opportunities. 😃

We are so fortunate to live in a world of advanced technolo y, whether it's what you're holding in your hand to read this, or whether it's the technolo y that is used in huge industrial processes. It's a world our grandparents would never have imagined. It's disappointing and frustrating when it doesn't work! Oh I had problems yesterday with trying to record Together in Worship for tomorrow - the camera and the microphone had evidently fallen out and didn't want to work with each other! I think I've negotiated a working relationship now, so back to the 'studio' today. This week there was a huge disappointment when Elon Musk's space rocket wasn't allowed to take o . Years of planning and training, $62 million dollars spent, and it was all stopped because of the rain! Technolo y had to bow to the weather. More signi cantly, with all the world's accumulated scienti c and medical knowledge we are in the middle still of this pandemic with no real treatment, no vaccine, and certainly no cure. In this country there are still 8000 new infections every day. Friends, we still need to socially distance because it's a deadly virus - I think people are forgetting this. Sometimes I think that our progress in technolo y and human understanding, whilst doing wonderful and amazing things, has made us complacent. People get reckless or they assume that science and medical advances can work miracles. And then it rains, or the internet goes down, or the scientists have no answer; and we realise we are not as wise as we think. When it comes to matters of the soul, of spiritual things; when we consider God or eternal things there is no human wisdom that can help. For all this we must trust in God. Science does not replace faith, learning cannot replace God's truth Maybe with this pandemic we should begin to realise that we need to trust in Jesus for our whole life. His wisdom will never let us down. Father God, your wisdom has never failed, never been lacking. I thank you for your faithfulness, your constant love. Our world needs you now; it needs love, assurance and an awareness that you are its only Saviour. In my own life, I thank you for the many gifts and privileges I have; but let me never forget you. And if worldly wisdom falls short... when other helpers fail and comforts ee Help of the helpless, O abide with me… Amen. May God bless and keep you today 🙏 Be safe.

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona at The Salvation Army.

We hope you are well. I can't believe it's the beginning of June. These daily thoughts have been written every day except Sundays since 24th March - I hope they still help at this time of change and uncertainty. It has struck me over the last week that things are getting noisier again - tra c, numbers of people about - and comments are being made that suggest people were beginning to like the lockdown. A slower pace, a quieter world. Some are saying that they want to continue working from home. We balance that with the frustration of not seeing loved ones, being bored because of a lack of work, and nancial concerns...But the perception is that for many people there has been 'peace'. Peace is something we long for, but the world is far from being peaceful. It all depends on what the media reports of course, but it seems we lurch from one crisis to another and when one issue subsides we are forced to focus on another, seemingly to the exclusion of any other news and always with the expectation that we will be as disturbed and horri ed and passionate as the people involved. Personally speaking, it makes the world seem a very disturbing and disturbed place... 'Oh for the wings of a dove, that I might y away and be at rest...' says Psalm 55. I'd love to do what the man in the picture is doing, and go and sit on a beach and stare at the horizon and listen to the waves lapping at the seashore......well I would if half of the population wasn't heading to the beach every day! (Remember: 2 metres!) Peace in a hurting, noisy, confusing, competitive and hostile world is not really going to come from having a quiet place in which to sit - though it certainly helps; peace is a state of mind. Your surroundings can be tranquil, the people near to you can be content, but your own mind can be in turmoil; you could be over-thinking a dozen things or battling depression while others are unaware. That's why we need to be more aware of mental health, to encourage people to talk, to o er support. Peace in a person's heart and mind can be found in many ways, but God o ers peace in ways that human wisdom - or a quiet beach or countryside walk cannot o er. Thank God for that promise of his peace. It can come through prayer, through the assurance of his presence. It's the most needed thing in our world today and God has made it available to all. Heavenly Father I thank you for your gifts of love and joy, and especially peace. In a world where there are many quiet moments as well as the times of crisis, it's still good to know that your peace reaches the depths of the soul and gives a sense of perspective and contentment. Today may I know your peace in my heart. I pray for those who struggle with mental health issues, may they nd strength and peace within, and friends and others who will understand and help them. In these confused days I pray for your peace in the world - a peace that passes all understanding... In Jesus' name. Amen. We wish you all a peaceful day - even if you're busy. God bless you 🙏

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1 June 2020

2 June 2020

orning everyone. Hope things are OK with you all.

Yesterday Fiona and I went for a rare walk together down the track that leads to Waterfall Farm. I made a comment about how old the tracks must be. For how many centuries have local farmers walked or pulled carts between these elds? It's an amazing thought, to consider that we were walking a path that people used every day hundreds of years ago... Before we started on our country walk we visited the cemetery. We go there occasionally because there are people there we have laid to rest and we visit and remember. It was the anniversary of a much-loved character, and we remembered him; and we remembered another family in the Army who later that day would be thinking of their son and brother as he was laid to rest far away... I considered all the people who have gone before us, who have trod the paths with us we still tread, even long ago creating those paths. Sometimes as we journey on we remember what it was like to walk with them. We miss them terribly, but the path brings memories and sometimes it feels they still walk with us. And one day of course others will walk our familiar paths, the paths they once shared with us, and we will be an abiding in uence on people still to come. People before us left a path that we ourselves will bequeath to others. What example will we leave? Will people be glad to follow in our footsteps? The man who is 'the way, the truth and the life' asks us to follow him. He calls us to make his path our own and not to walk our own way. 'His way is best, you see', says a Salvation Army song. St Peter wrote, "...Christ su ered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21) If we do follow him then that will be the best example we can leave. Father of us all, I thank you for this path of life that has been marked out for me. I am grateful for my many companions on the journey - those who walk constantly with me and those who walk for a short time. I remember with fondness those who encouraged me on my early journey but who now rest, leaving me their example and inspiration. May I aspire to encourage others on their journey through life. Lord Jesus you are the way, the one who not only created the path, set an example of how to walk it, but you also walk with us. Help me to walk closely with you so that I do not grow weary or 'wander from the pathway'. Walk with me today and be my companion. In your name I pray. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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3 June 2020

ood morning to you all on a very di erent kind of morning!

On May 13th I wrote that I woke to the sound of rain. Well here we are on June 3rd and as expected we have woken up to the sound and sight of rain; 'soft, refreshing rain'. If you're a gardener or a farmer you'll be very pleased today. I daresay if you're a re ghter you'll also be very pleased! I feel sorry for the ice cream sellers at the seaside...but at least this will keep people indoors! Stay safe everyone. When I spoke about rain last time I talked about 'times of refreshing' - a phrase from the Bible. As soon as I woke up this morning another verse from the Bible came to mind: 'I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground...' That's a promise given to Israel thousands of years ago when they felt forgotten, hopeless, and their nation was su ering. God said they were not to be afraid because he would revive their needy nation like rain on a parched land. I look at our world - whether it's the virus, whether it's racism and rioting, whether it's a whole host of personal needs that we experience through to economic and social di culties - and it seems to me that this world is like a desert that o ers no shade, a dry eld that needs watering, a forest that is so dry that a spark sets things alight. The water it needs, this 'water of life' is nothing less than the blessing of God. But we are, in so many ways a world without God and his in uence - simply because we ignore it. Think how di erent the world could be with forgiveness, and with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness. None of these are absent; they are all in the human heart already - we see them so often. But with the 'rain' of God's love, asked for, welcomed and received in gratitude, how much more would these shoots of love grow in our world? Lord I thank you for the rain and all the bene ts it brings to a dry garden, a parched eld, an empty reservoir. I pray for our world today, in so much trouble; for people in di culty, nations in turmoil. Sometimes it seems to me Lord that we have run out of hope, and we just need something to revive us. Father of all, send the 'rain' of your goodness and love into our world. May people turn to you and in loving you begin to love their neighbours once again. I receive again your love in my own life; let your Spirit bring love, joy and peace to me and those I love today. In Jesus' name. Amen. Well, we can't imagine many will be out and about today, but whatever you do, may God bless you 🙏

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orning all from our house to yours 🙂

A few days ago I had a Zoom meeting with people I was at school with, including two teachers and the headmaster! It was set up because we left school exactly 40 years ago. As we chatted we were all asked where we were living; 'Guisborough,' I said, to which someone responded, 'that sounds very medieval'. So I told them that it is, and we even have a ruined priory. On that subject it fascinates me to know that there are houses and parts of walls throughout Guisborough that have been built using stone from those ruins. If only those walls could speak! They saw and heard so much as part of old houses - conversations and the daily experiences of people long gone; but before that as they heard the sounds of worship in the medieval priory. It's just such an interesting thought. I wonder what they would tell us... When the priory was dissolved the local people must have despaired, though I guess they soon built a replacement church building. The church has always managed to survive di culty, and in many times and places, persecution or disaster has made the church stronger as people have realised the value of faith. The truth is the church will always be around to worship God, talk about Jesus and serve the needy. Jesus once said that if the crowd was silenced the stones themselves would cry out in praise; well we don't need the reused stone from the priory to do that because the churches are still praising God in Guisborough and around the world. Faith is not a thing of the past, it's needed today, it's relevant today and soon we'll meet again in our buildings to carry on the singing - and everyone is invited! Lord Jesus, it's amazing to think of how many generations of people have worshipped you in this town. I think of the priory and imagine the people gathering there. I thank you for the churches today, carrying on the work in di erent ways, in di erent styles. And so my prayer today is for each and every church, large and small, and for the in uence of members and ministers. Lord keep us faithful to you, keep us praising you in our homes, worshipping you in our hearts. And when this crisis is over, revive your church that our meetings and services will be lled with people praising God again. In Jesus' name. Amen Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you all 🙏

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4 June 2020

5 June 2020

ello from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday and we hope you've had a good week.

It might not be what it once was but Guisborough market has returned, and people have taken to Facebook to welcome its return. There's something about a market that speaks of vibrant community; yes there are shops and we support them but a shop outdoors has some 'di erent' about it. We've been in a couple of towns with a market, even Northumberland Street, the main street in Newcastle has a fruit and veg stall and another one selling hoover bags (there's always one of those!). I like to hear them calling out - punnets of strawberries, peaches...get them here! There's something about Guisborough market that's di erent; I think it's because the pavement is so narrow. On a good day you can only walk slowly past the stalls because of the hustle and bustle of people there. Let's hope the market prospers in Guisborough. The prophet in the Bible must have been walking through the local market and listening to the stallholders shouting out what they were selling - fruit, spices, milk, bread and wine. He decided that was a good thing to use for himself, so he stood on a corner and shouted 'You who have no money come buy and eat. Come and buy wine and milk without money and without price!' He must have drawn a huge crowd curious about the o er of free food and drink - imagine Guisborough high street if there was free wine!! Anyway, when he had their attention he told them he had food for their soul, 'the richest food' that would make their soul live. That's what's free - we can't live on bread alone, but we need truth and the love, peace and joy that comes from God's word in the Bible. That's what's o ered at no cost, that's what is lifegiving. Wouldn't it be terrible if the love of God was available only to those who could a ord it! Thank God the life he o ers is completely free to those who ask. My Prayer: Father I do thank you for all that I have; I can 'count my blessings' and see that I have all that I need. But I thank you for freely o ering what I can't buy: your truth, your love, your peace. I come to you and I receive all your blessings with gratitude. Lord, as we begin to see changes again I pray for our town - rstly that we would be safe, and then that we would prosper under your blessing. I pray for stall holders, independent shopkeepers and businesses; and one day for cafés and hairdressers. Bless our town Lord. And especially may people also see a need to feed their souls with the bread of life that money cannot buy or sell. Bless us all today, in Jesus name and for his sake. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you all 🙏

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6 June 2020

ood morning on a cold, wet, and blustery June Saturday. We're not used to this!

I wonder how many celebrations, garden-visits and BBQs will have been cancelled today due to the weather? Of course that's the least of our worries because so many June-Saturday events have been cancelled because of the virus - so many weddings on hold, anniversary parties, etc... Today is the 76th Anniversary of D Day. There should have been a commemoration for the Veterans on the beaches in France but, of course, they won't be able to gather. Many of course will have made last year's 75th anniversary their last, but it would have been important for some; there will be a commemoration next year however and it will be special because the new memorial will be completed. It's still under construction. The pictures shows that there will be a series of columns on which 22,442 names will be inscribed: men who went to ght but never returned. We are grateful for their service and sacri ce. There's a hymn that always makes me think. It's a Roman Catholic hymn that we have included in our Salvation Army song book: Praise to the Holiest in the Height, and it includes these lines: O loving wisdom of our God, When all was sin and shame, A second Adam to the ght and to the rescue came. It's talking of Jesus, of course, who came to undo and put right what Adam did wrong. It's interesting that the life and death of Jesus is seen almost in military terms here - the ght was a ght of rescue, to bring freedom to the captives, to bring peace to the world. We thank God for the wartime forces who gave their lives in pursuit of our defence, rescue and freedom; their names live forevermore. But more than this, we thank God for Jesus who gave his life to redeem the whole world - he lives forevermore. Father of all, we thank you that in times of con ict, hardship and crisis, there are always those who sel essly give of themselves on whatever front line they serve. We give thanks for those who gave their lives in war for our defence, we give thanks for those who serve in other ways to keep us safe. We thank you for Jesus whose love was so great that he laid his life down for the sins of the world that we might be free. May that message of love, peace and eternal life be heard today in our con icted and confused world. May the love of God unite us all, in Jesus name. Amen. Have a good (if damp) day. We're preparing tomorrow's Together online at 10 and worship with us. May God bless you all 🙏

in Worship. Be sure to get

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appy Monday everyone. We hope you are all well. How is your family?

I have loved tracing my family tree. Having an unusual surname really helps; there are only about 500 of us in the entire UK. Interestingly there were around 485 Mugfords 130 years ago, so you can see we’re not exactly taking over the world! I’ve traced my surname back to Devon in the time of Henry VIII but sadly I’m not related to anyone important – no rich Mugford Lords or Ladies or Princes, - just farm labourers and a ship’s captain who died in a storm o Hartlepool, He was my grandfather’s great grandfather Robert Mugford. I’ve even found an actor who appeared in silent movies, that’s my grandfather’s father. But no one famous. Oh, to be in a family with money or a title, or even a famous reputation. In my research I often get requests – are you related to me, do we have a link through such and such – people are always trying to nd out where they t in – where they come from, who they belong to. Where do we belong? I talked to a man once who was unable to get any local authority help because he has no roots in that town; he wasn’t from there, he didn’t know anyone. And I thought how sad that was, to have no relatives, no friends. The Bible tells us that we can belong to the biggest family there is; the best family, where all are brothers and sisters with one heavenly Father. It says: to all who received Jesus, to everyone who believes in his name, he gives the right to become children of God. In the Bible the people who believe in Christ are called sons of God, daughters of God. None of us are outside this family – all we have to do is believe and God welcomes us, calls us his child and loves us. That’s a family tree I would hate to try and organise! But it’s the family above all others that I am glad to belong to. All welcome, all related, all loved. Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for my family, and praise you for the joy of human love. I pray for each one of them now, precious to me, and much loved. I thank you also for my family of faith – people who love you and love one another. I thank you that we belong to one another, pray for one another and, one day, will meet in worship and fellowship again. Thank you for Jesus who has brought me into this family. Amen. Enjoy your day, and remember, your brothers and sisters are praying for you. God bless you 🙏

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8 June 2020

9 June 2020

orning everyone. We hope you are well and looking forward to a good day.

When people see our boys, invariably I get, ‘Oh he looks like you’, or ‘Oh you can tell he’s a Mugford…’ I heard a saying once that if you looked like someone from a previous generation, someone who had died, you’d be ‘Uncle Fred up and dressed!’ I have a very distant cousin on Facebook – Brad Mugford from Canada - who is actually my sixth cousin once removed – we share a great great great great great great great grandfather. Brad told me that I looked like his Uncle Phil. Phil is my fth cousin twice removed but according to one of that family, he and I share some similar facial features; which is remarkable seeing that our nearest common ancestor died in 1810. Of course it’s not looks that show we are related to someone – some people have a similar nature or attitude. Oh you act just like your father…’ or ‘you two sisters are just as bad as each other’. We can be closer to our relatives than we might imagine or want! ‘Oh you’re just like your father’. People have said that about Jesus – he is the perfect image of God; if you want to know what God the Father is like, look at Jesus. To read about Jesus and discover what he’s like really is to get close to God. Jesus said ‘if you have seen me you have seen the Father.’ People sometimes worry about what God is like – is he angry, is he judgmental, is he remote or far away? Someone said if you want to know what God is like look at Jesus. That’s not just a compliment, it’s a fact. Jesus IS the image of the invisible God – he’s loving, kind, gentle …any more? What other characteristics of Jesus can you list? Which image or view of God do you like the most, the best? What means more to you? …that’s what God is like – Father and Son, so close you can hardly tell them apart. Don’t feel that God is high up there, unapproachable, angry. He’s like Jesus – we see a real family likeness, And he calls us to be like him – all those qualities shown in our lives by his help. Thank you Lord for a new day, a new opportunity to love and be loved. I want to thank you that you are not like some have portrayed you – judgmental, far away, unapproachable. Instead you are like Jesus and we can understand you and know you – as far as we can, anyway. I thank you for your love for us all. Help me Lord to live in the knowledge of your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. May God bless you today whatever you do. May you feel God’s presence.

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ood morning from Major Antony & Major Fiona. Halfway through the week and we hope all is well.

In our computerised world we are known by numbers. It saves confusion of course, especially if your name is John Smith; but I can tell you there are no other Antonys amongst the mere 500 UK Mugfords – especially not one with Major in front of it! If someone were to call out my full name in a crowd of 66 million only I would respond. And yet like you I’m known by my numbers – pin number, driving licence number, national insurance number, payroll number. How nice it would be if they used our names more often. Our names are important. Using a name speaks of a relationship, of human contact, value and respect; something that a number or a password, however useful or important, cannot do. The Bible knows the value of names. In France we visited a military graveyard. We read the names of those young men killed in action in those foreign elds, but there were casualties that were unknown; and so they inscribed on their perfect white gravestones the words ‘Known Unto God’. An historian of the First World War, Les Carlyon, said "These are the perfect three words," And they are – both in the context of a silent war grave and in our lives too. We are all ‘known unto God’. There is nothing that God is unaware of. Nothing we can share with him that he doesn’t know perfectly already; and nothing about us that would make him love us less or even, for that matter, love us more. He loves us equally – and that of course is why we are called and challenged to love one another... We might think that people don’t really know us; sometimes we might feel we don’t know ourselves, but God has searched us – our mind, our heart; he sees the hidden places, the joys the sorrows, the frustrations and the times of great ful lment. He sees what is noble and true about us, he sees what is best kept hidden to be honest, sees those things that fall short. And he knows our name. And he loves us. My Father in Heaven, I thank you for all those who know me by name, who count themselves as my friends. I am so glad that you also know me and love me – but that knowledge is perfect and understanding. What greater assurance can there be? Today I want to pray for those who today may not hear their name called; those who live each day in loneliness. Perhaps Lord they will call out to you and feel that in the stillness you are there. Help us Lord to love one another and care for each other. May this day be lled with your loves. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. God bless you all today

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10 June 2020

11 June 2020

ood morning from Majors Antony & Fiona.

I was thinking about some of the trips our Golden Years club has been on in recent years – Castle Howard was a favourite of mine. Imagine living in what is nothing less than a palace, wearing ne clothes, eating ne food and having butlers and maids. I could get used to that! And how di erent it was for the servants – a poorer life; few privileges, hard work, long days… Sadly I think that’s where most of us would probably be – downstairs rather than upstairs! You’ll know the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful. Well, there’s a verse that no one ever sings. I think you might guess why: The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate, God made them high and lowly And ordered their estate. It’s unbelievable that poor and rich would sing this and believe that God really did decide who should be poor and who should be rich, keeping them in their place – I think it had more to do with the prejudice of the rich woman who wrote the song than what God really wanted… I am so grateful that God doesn’t treat us all di erently! Can you imagine God thinking less of you because you were on bene ts, because you were a woman, or because you were black? Could you imagine if God said, I love him better because he’s got a good job; or I like her better because she’s rich? God would never do such a thing. The Bible says that God wants to bless us all. He wants us all to be equally loved and he says that he has made plans for all of us – ‘plans to prosper us and give us a future and a hope’ for better things in our coming days. A woman once stood in her garden. It was a beautiful day and the garden was a real sun trap; and she raised her arms and cried out, ‘I have the sun all to myself.’ She really felt she had all the sun’s light and heat there in her own garden. – of course, we could all feel the same way. When the sun shines, we all feel its heat and see its light, and when God blesses us his love is for us all. His forgiveness is for us all; and heaven, one day, can be for us all too. Lord, what a loving and generous God you are. You give us so much – ‘all good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above’, so I thank you Lord for all your love for me. I want to pray for those who feel they have nothing; help them to count the many rich blessings they have from you, and may that thought inspire and encourage them today. What a generous and joyful God you are, to give us life itself and then to give me your promise that you will never leave me. Amen. Enjoy your day and may God bless you

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12 June 2020

ello everyone, good morning to you all. Antony & Fiona here.

We love to watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory, the comedy about a group of friends who are extremely intelligent, very nerdy scientists – they’ve all got strange personality traits but one of them, called Sheldon Cooper is the strangest of them all. He doesn’t like anything to change. He has to do certain things on certain nights – whether it’s particular food or a computer game – there’s a night for it and it can’t be changed. He wears di erent pyjamas for di erent days of the week. He wants everything the way he likes it, when he likes it and he hates change. Not many of us are not like Sheldon Cooper, we’re not obsessed, but when it comes to changes sometimes we do get uncomfortable. The change into lockdown was signi cant, the changes since then have been very di cult for some, easier for others. Even when life was ‘normal’ we might have asked ‘Why do things have to change? Why do other people have to change me, my life?’ I suppose some people thrive on change – but most of us would rather have that feeling of familiarity, of security – if we could choose, that is. How do we face changes? Is there something that can steady us, support us? If we believe in God of course, one thing we can rely on is that he will never change even if everything is not OK ,or shifts one way or another. God says, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” That is reassuring – especially when a major change comes, or a series of little things that just unsettle us a bit. The Bible says, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows…’ That’s a promise. There’s nothing solid, nothing ‘still’ about a shadow, but God is not like a moving shadow with substance. He is constant and real. I wonder what changes you will experience in the next months; lots of good things hopefully. But I imagine there will be some challenging moment. May God give you grace and remind you that right there, in the changes, in the unreliable things, in the big events that change everything, God has never yet moved - not even once. Lord, in my days of change I want to put my faith in you, the faithful God. Then Lord, please hold me rm and help me to trust your plans for me. I pray for those whose lives have changed over the last few months; help them to nd security and reassurance, and faith in you. Amen. We hope you have a lovely day today. God bless you.

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13 June 2020

ood morning from Major Antony & Major Fiona.

How many houses you have lived in? Someone I know has lived in the same house since she was born – she now lives with her husband in that same house. As Salvation Army o cers we have lived in 10 houses. Some people have lived in many more. Who knows where we will be this time in 5 years? Some people hate moving; others are more relaxed. Do you remember the song ‘wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home.’? That’s great for some; others like to feel at home in a place where they have roots. Circumstances often change things. It’s the experience of Salvation Army o cers as they are moved to places where they have no say. A lot of o cers will be moving in a few weeks to a brand new home – a bit unsettling for some, but many of them would tell you about the sense that wherever they go, wherever they might ‘lay their hat’ as it were, it’s not that they will always feel at home, but that they will know that God is with them. It is our belief that everyone should have a place to live, to be safe and secure. But we also believe that in our hearts we should feel that we belong, that we have a place. God is the one who can give us that gift of belonging – someone said many hundreds of years ago, ‘our hearts are restless until they nd their rest in you.’ Even those of us with a house, with possessions and all those things we are told we should have to make us happy, even those people are restless if they don’t believe and if they don’t have this great blessing of belonging to God. The Bible says ‘here we have no continuing city’. It means that this world is not the only place that we call home; there is another home – Heaven – that will be more ‘real’ than this. It will certainly be everlasting! Heaven is the place where Christ is, where we will nd him and be with him forever. Wherever you are, don’t forget you can nd a permanent place to belong though faith in Jesus. Lord, I thank you for my home, the familiar things around me, the familiar people I love. I want to pray today for those who have no home, no place to belong; may they nd help and soon nd that place to call their own. I thank you that through faith in you I can belong to a family here, but also look forward to a home in Heaven that you, Jesus, are preparing for us. As I look forward to that, may my life here be lled with the hope and assurance that I do belong to you. May this day be a blessing to me and help me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. God bless you today.

Join us online tomorrow for Together

in Worship.

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15 June 2020

ood morning everyone. It’s a great day!

What’s your favourite type of music? I think I’d have to say rock music – especially Queen. Fiona however doesn’t share my like of the heavy stu – she likes more romantic music and so she likes musicals – Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and songs by Donny Osmond: anything with a bit of romance in it. I think Fiona would probably know most of the words to most of the songs. One that springs to mind is from Grease – and it’s appropriate for today because it’s our 35th wedding anniversary – it’s Hopelessly devoted to you. Do you remember that one? Olivia Newton John sang it – it’s about love that is deep and strong. In her mind she’s devoted to the boy. Love at its best is indeed ‘devoted’; it’s love that is determined, whatever happens. Here are 5 verses from the Bible that reveal that love that Jesus had for the people: “Then they came to Jerusalem.” They don’t sound full of love, I have to say; they just describe where they were at the time. But they do reveal the determination of Jesus to love people because Jerusalem was the last place he should have gone! The authorities hated him and wanted to kill him, plans were set to arrest him. And Jesus knew all along this was going to happen and still he went there. There’s a phrase in the Bible that says ‘Jesus set his face to Jerusalem’. There was nothing that was going to change his mind – Jesus was prepared to face anything – even death. And when people ask, why on earth would he do such a thing there is only one word: love. Hopelessly devoted to you, sang Olivia Newton John. Was that what Jesus was? Well it’s true that he is devoted to us – God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life. It is a devoted love, but I don’t think it is hopeless; anything but. His death brings hope and joy, forgiveness and life. God is devoted to us – each one. The rst thing we should know about God, is that he loves us. We don’t need a stage musical to tell us that but it’s good to be reminded that God’s overwhelming love took Jesus to the cross and raised him to life again. Father, what amazing love you have for the world – for me! That you should send your Son to live and die for us is almost beyond me. I thank you for the love in this world that re ects your love for us all; for the things in life that re ect your character and nature; for the love we share together, for the beauty of family life and friendship. It all comes from you. May today be lled with your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Have a great day everybody. May God bless you.

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16 June 2020

appy Tuesday everyone! We hope it’s going to be a good day.

Like many of you I have a home printer. In fact I’ve had a series of them. The latest one was ‘attacked’ by the cat who pulled it o the shelf. Cats can be very strong! Over the years I must have printed thousands of sheets of paper – documents, photos, posters, etc, and I once tried to print a document only to get a message: ‘Print pads are failing. Contact support.’ I was busy so I ignored it and continued. Then I got the message, ‘Print pads have failed. Contact support. Unable to continue.’ I had things to print, so I contacted support. ‘What do I do?’ ‘Ah, Mr Mugford, take the printer to PC World and they will give you a new printer free.’ Free? A new printer? My printer was 2 years old – it was just wear and tear really – and here they were giving me brand new one? Well, I took it, and I was given the choice of any printer to the value of £70. I found a £69 printer that was reduced from £100. Result! Wow! I got a new printer, absolutely free, that was better and more expensive than my old one. Amazing! Who would have thought? I had started the day owning a worn-out old printer, by tea time I have a brand new, wonderful printer, better than ever. It was new for old. Again, amazing. If someone was to ask me what the Christian faith o ers, I would suggest 3 words: ‘new for old’. God can take a life, any life, and make it di erent. There’s a song that says: I want to tell you what the Lord can do, What the Lord can do for you, He can take your life as he did mine and make it anew. The Bible says that we can be a new person, a new creation. God doesn’t just forgive the past, he can give hope for the future – a whole new start. I think that’s an excellent swap! Lord, today I lift my heart to you in praise for a new day. Every new day is a fresh start – I live with the experience of yesterday, but thank you Lord for a new opportunity. If there are things I need to forgive and forget, help me to do that. If I have things that need to be forgiven, Lord please take them too. I thank you for the gift of hope that helps me to turn my eyes from the past, to lift my eyes from the present, and to see the possibilities that come from new life in Christ. May today prove your soul-renewing grace and a love that lifts me above my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen. God bless you all today.

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17 June 2020

ello everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.

Although you've been reading daily thoughts we've actually had some time o recently; but it's di cult having holiday without actually being able to go anywhere. It's been nice to relax a little. I think we're all very glad that some aspects of social distancing have been changed. It's been good to be able to visit in someone's garden, and it's been heartwarming to see or hear of some households being able to hug someone again under certain circumstances. We visited our mothers a few days ago after months of not seeing them but it was odd sitting on chairs in the garden at a distance, or with one of them, Fiona and me sitting outside the conservatory with her Mum sitting inside... Social distancing has been one of the hardest things about this pandemic - and still there are people we can't see, can't hug. One day soon, is our prayer! There's no social distancing with God. The promise that the Bible gives us is that if we draw near to God he will draw near to us. How do we do that? Well, we don't need a church building, we don't need formal words, we just need the desire in our heart to meet him and an unhurried moment to be still. And in that moment in an armchair, kitchen stool or bedroom, we can talk with him as a friend speaks with a friend. I heard a lovely story of an elderly man who learned to pray by placing an empty chair next to him and talking to Jesus there. Why not? What could be more natural than to talk to Jesus as if he were there to be seen and heard. It's a lovely thought to have Jesus as a welcome guest. Lord Jesus, it's a comfort to know that you are close beside me and you come as a welcome guest; in fact, Lord, you come as a friend. Today I talk to you in that way as you draw near to me. I have so much to thank you for, so much to tell you, and much to ask. I just want to tell you how I feel and know your peace, your love and the promise of your presence with me. I pray today for my family and friends, especially those I haven't been able to be with recently. I pray also for those who cannot have visitors yet - Lord, may that soon change as things improve. Help me to have faith today, knowing that you are present in all things. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a good day; we're always here if you need us. God bless you 🙏

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18 June 2020

ood morning everyone 😊 A new day awaits!

I decided to go and visit an older gentleman yesterday and as we stood in his front garden I remarked on the array of shrubs along the path, all covered in beautiful blue owers. Have no idea what they were but the bees were enjoying them! He replied that, sadly, the owers don't last long. I've been thinking about that. We have bushes in our garden that had beautiful deep pink owers - the rain last week hastened their demise. We have yellow roses with the most beautiful scent but they are gone almost before you have a chance to enjoy them properly. Maybe there's something in the fact that owers can be so short-lived that makes them even more beautiful. I awoke this morning to a song that reminds us that God holds all things in his hands - including us; and that even if the owers in our lives do fall, his Word stands forever. The link to it is below but for our prayer this morning I reproduce the lyrics by Annie Herring. Morning comes when You call And all nature listens to You 'Cause You hold it all And now You hold me

But Your word lives for ever The whitest lily Becomes Your shade When I see Your face before me I just want to say I love You

I need Your hand to guide me Every step along the way I need Your arms to hold me I need Your love to fall down Fresh upon me every day I need You here beside me

I need Your hand to guide me Every step along the way I need You here beside me Evening comes when You call And all nature listens to You 'Cause You hold it all And now You hold me

The grass withers The owers fade https://youtu.be/PiTXFG2lNSQ God bless you 🙏

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19 June 2020

ood morning! It looks like the cloud and mist has lifted at last and we might enjoy some sunshine!

I think we would all be sad at the news of the passing of Dame Vera Lynn yesterday at 103! I was considering her in uence yesterday and I think you might agree with me when I say that she was unique. As a singer she released numerous albums of easy-listening type songs from the 40s onwards but unless you were a fan it's probably true that you'd only name a couple of her songs. You'll get no prizes for saying We'll Meet Again, The White Cli s of Dover, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and (sorry to other UK countries) There'll Always Be An England... It's not so much the songs themselves that make her such an iconic gure; rather it's what they represented when she rst sang them. When she sang to the troops all round the world during the war, or when her voice came over 'the wireless', she was raising hopes, lifting spirits, bringing people together as they shed a tear thinking of home, or saying a prayer for a son or husband ghting overseas. If anything, Dame Vera has been a symbol of hope for 80 years, and people much younger than her - all of us in other words have seen in her a unifying in uence, someone who with a smile and a song brought a nation together in shared dreams and hopes. In our world today, where aggressive voices are being raised that are dividing people, causing hostility, confusion and bitterness, it's good to re ect on the truth that togetherness and peace can come through voices (literally) that seek only to inspire, to bring joy and hope. With the passing of Vera perhaps we can learn from her example and seek out the voices that can do the same for us today. The Bible is the Voice above all others that speaks of the promise of peace and the sure and certain hope that faith in God will bring. May the God of love, joy and peace bring hope to our world today. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace and Hope of the World, I thank you for people today who use their in uence for good - blessed indeed are the peacemakers. Today, in our community, town, and country may the voices of hope and togetherness be heard, and the voices of hostility and division fade. May we look to you and nd the hope we need and peace that comes through faith in you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your day. God bless you until we all meet again🙏

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20 June 2020

t's a beautiful day! Good morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

One of the things that people appreciate about Facebook is the feature that, every day, brings back a memory from this date over the last few years. You might get a holiday photo from two years ago, a video of a song from 5 years ago, an opinion on the news that you wrote last year or something you had long forgotten from the past - a picture of children or a relative. And with these daily Facebook memories come ooding back all the associated memories - the holiday, the family, the way the world was on that day in history. Memories are so precious to us. If it's a photo, we can sit and gaze at every face, imagining the movement, hearing the voice again; and one memory leads to another as we cherish that moment in time and search for other memories of those days gone by. Of course when those memories feature loved ones who have gone before us, the smile might also be accompanied by a tear... Joyful memories, memories that make us laugh, feel proud, feel regretful, spur us into action as we determine to contact someone or revisit a place; this is why remembering is so valuable. It's important in di cult times to remember the good. The old song advised us 'When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.' It might be a bit of a hackneyed old song but it re ects an important truth, a piece of faith-building advice that is as applicable today as ever: 'forget not his bene ts', or 'never forget the good things he does'. Faith is strengthened by two things: anticipation that God will answer prayer, combined with a remembrance of how he has blessed us in the past. Never forget that God is good, never forget his love for you, always remember that he wants to bless you; and may that be the beginning of more blessings to come! Heavenly Father, I remember the song 'To God be the glory, great things he has done'. I want to remember today the blessings you have given me. I want to remember your goodness, and the joy that has been mine through so many things at so many times. As I remember your past goodness may it strengthen my faith today in all that I do and experience. I need the con dence that comes from knowing that you walk beside me, and that the bene ts of having faith in you are promised for every step of the way. I want to pray today for those who need a blessing; sometimes it's our prayers that keep someone going, and so I bring to mind ...... ... Bless them today and may a memory of past blessing assure them of what you can do for them now. Build their faith and grant them peace and joy. In the name of Jesus. Amen. Enjoy a lovely day today. Sunday's Together time after 10am tomorrow. God bless you all 🙏

in Worship is nearly complete. Please join us any

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22 June 2020

ood morning everyone!

Major Antony and Major Fiona here at the start of a very promising day! The beauty of a new day is that it is a new start, a fresh opportunity. Yesterday may have been a wonderful day, and the memory stays; but there are times when we just want to forget what happened yesterday, move on, make a change, seek forgiveness? I listened to an interview the other day with the actor Lawrence Fox and, without me venturing into politics here, the comment was made that we as a society have forgotten how to forgive. I say no more about that, except to say that he touches on something that the Church deals in every single day. The availability, the possibility, the desirability of forgiveness. "Forgive us our trespasses", Jesus taught us to pray. A trespass is a deliberate action, a purposeful sin. Not just a weakness or a mistake; and I see there the depth of God's grace - that forgiveness is not just for those who make a mistake but it's also for those who sin wilfully. That's a big statement and some might say it's too much, 'too forgiving'. But isn't that what 'amazing grace' really is? To know that God forgives all sin where there is a prayer of repentance is a liberating thing. Why should we rejoice in it? Why should we allow it for those who sin? Simply because we seek it and welcome it for ourselves when we need forgiveness. And that's why Jesus said 'forgive us...as we forgive those who trespass against us." This world would be a much lovelier place if we could be forgiving as much as we are forgiven. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the blessings of last week; for the joys and happy memories. I thank you too for your presence in the di cult moments too. And for the forgiveness I prayed for too. As I start a new week, may I look for your blessings again, appreciate the joy you bring, and be able to create more happy memories. I thank you that your grace is available for when I fall, and also there to help me to forgive others. May this world learn the joy of forgiveness, of redemption and to live at peace. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you all 🙏

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23 June 2020

ood morning to you all.

As I am sitting here very early this morning with the window open I feel like I'm living in an aviary! The variety and volume of birdsong is remarkable. It's a joyful sound - a good start to the day. Talking about being surrounded by noise, I watched a very odd televised football match on Sunday. It wasn't odd because it was Newcastle playing She eld, it was odd because there was no crowd. Nobody there. On one channel you could watch it as it was and hear the players call to each other and the thud of boot against football in the empty stadium. But on another channel they added a recording of crowd noise, cheering, whistling, reacting to the ref's decisions, and roaring as all football crowds do when a goal is scored - but that was for the bene t of the TV viewers, not the players. It must have been odd to play in a silent stadium. Footballers and athletes will all be used to the encouragement of a crowd cheering them on, chanting, singing, applauding. Even the sight of the crowd is encouraging. It must have been a little strange, feeling that nobody was there to spur them on. The Bible says that we have a 'cloud of witnesses' and because of that, because of their encouragement, we should throw o our hindrances and run the race of faith. This 'cloud' is all the people of faith who have gone before us. They sit in the grandstand of Heaven, having run the race before us, and it's as if they watch us. It's just a metaphor of course. It's their memory, their example, their words and actions that we bring to mind and we feel that if they can succeed, so can we! The Bible says that though there's this crowd, we're actually focusing on Jesus who stands at the nishing line. We run to him. So, never feel alone in your faith. Think of a crowd of faithful people who want you to nish, to win! Think of Jesus at the end of the race. Enjoy the race because others are there to encourage you. Lord, I want to thank you for the encouragers in my life: people who strengthen me, who inspire me, care for and love me. I thank you for those who pray for me. It's good to remember and follow their example. Perhaps I too can be an encouragement to others, to be there for them, to cheer them on. To pray for them. Lord, I thank you that you are the greatest encourager in my life and that through prayer, through the Bible, and by faith, you are with me always with words of inspiration. May today be a positive day. May I run the race with faith. Amen. Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏

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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. How are you this morning?

I wonder if you are feeling important, privileged or even 'entitled'? Possibly not. Few of us could claim to have any noble blood let alone royal heritage - though you never quite know! Last night I shared with some of our band and songster members just a little of my family tree that I've been researching; it's been fascinating for me to uncover over the years what my heritage has been. I always thought I was English with a little Welsh from my grandmother; well not only were the original Mugfords not actually English in the sense of being Anglo Saxon, they were actually Celts from the west of Devon. Then I discovered some Scottish ancestry (including a Wallace: think Braveheart) and, nally in my most recent discovery, I found a line joining the Mugfords in the 1780s that literally goes back nearly a thousand years to 1100 and a man called John DeRashelegh who, with a name like that, seems to be a Norman. John is my 27 times great grandfather! And yes, he was from a prominent family! Sadly there is no inheritance. My ancestry is mainly farm labourers, a sailor and a Victorian actor; how exciting to nd someone from a thousand year-old landowning dynasty! But I can go one better than that. There is even a song about it: My Father is rich in houses and lands, He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands! Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold, His co ers are full, He has riches untold. I’m the child of a King, I'm the child of a King: With Jesus my Saviour, I’m a child of the King. The Bible tells me that I'm part of the family of God. It tells me that if we are children of God, then 'we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.' I'm going to inherit! I'm a bene ciary of all the riches of Heaven. The song goes on to say: I've been adopted, my name's written down An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown. It doesn't matter what our background is in this world - whether your family tree reveals a line of poor people or royal blood; if you belong to God then you are in THE royal family. And that's worth telling people about. Father in Heaven I am so glad that through grace I have been adopted into your family! That makes me feel humbled and privileged at the same time: to know that you love me and all the gifts of Heaven are mine because of Jesus. I can never feel insigni cant now, knowing that I have an inheritance of a place in the Kingdom of God. And not only that, but I can call you my Father; that alone is privilege enough. Today, may I be encouraged to know that I am the child of a king. Amen. Have a good day everyone, we’re here if you need anything. God bless you 🙏

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24 June 2020

nother new day, and more lovely sunshine - it puts a song in your heart.

Good morning everyone, Majors Antony and Fiona here again. Memories! It appeared on Facebook that yesterday was the second anniversary of the rst wonderful Chaloner Street Market, and the Citadel Band was asked to play for the crowds on a very hot June Sunday morning. We loved being part of it and we were able to play at most of the subsequent ones too (even when it rained). Sadly as we all know live music doesn't take place in the same way at the moment - did you know there are even Covid regulations covering brass bands? We could play, standing two metres apart with a maximum of 6 players (which 6 would get chosen I wonder! 🤨 ) but we would have to discourage bystanders from, well, standing-by... Anyway, one of the continuing reasons for having no Sunday services is the restrictions placed on us music-playing other than with a piano would be impractical and singing is banned! So what do we do? Well nobody can stop you singing and making music in your heart, as the Bible joyfully encourages us to do. I mention birdsong quite a lot in these posts; that's because I sit here on my settee every morning with a co ee, tapping away on my phone and I can hear them all singing and chattering and cooing and cawing. Well, if they have a song to sing then so do we! Never stop singing, humming, la-la-ing - whistling if you want to. Let it re ect your praises to God and your prayers too. There's an old chorus that some of you will know: 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 the the Lord! Here it is: https://youtu.be/zvQ8jzidddw Lord, I praise you today. I am thankful for a new day and for the gifts you give. Let my heart be lled with a song as I simply say, ' thank you Lord'. Amen God bless you 🙏 Enjoy your day.

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25 June 2020

orning everyone! Welcome to another lovely day 😃

No more talk of birdsong this morning, let's go a bit higher. As I boy I was always intrigued by the universe. As a child of 7 I had a huge plan of the solar system in my bedroom wall. I read space ction, I loved Dr Who and I still enjoy Sci-Fi movies and box-sets on Amazon (but don't tell my sons that I really don't get the Star Wars stu ...) Anyway, thinking of science-fact, rather than ction, recently I was very interested in the Elon Musk space rocket launch and yesterday I read that instead of life on Mars scientists believe there's a possibility of life on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Well, that's what the headline says; it actually says that water on that moon 'may' be able to support life, the conditions 'could' be right, etc, etc But how exciting it would be! I guess though that scientists are thinking of microbes rather than green men in advanced technological space travel. They're not looking for Mr Spock just yet! But if there is life out there, is God involved? I would be certain about that. The whole universe is his creation, wonderful and vast, and to us mysterious and inviting. The heavens declare the glory of God. Whatever form life on other worlds takes, can we be so proud of ourselves to believe that we alone are God's creation? People from Billy Graham to CS Lewis and many others have all said that God is the God of the universe and supports all creation. It's an exciting thought - and maybe there are indeed unimagined creatures who worship the Creator in an entirely di erent way - and yet in Christ the heavens and the earth, in fact the whole universe, are held together. And that includes you and me. He cares for us as much as he cares for the vastness of all creation. Father, the universe shows us the majesty and glory of your name. The vastness of it all is beyond my understanding and yet though you hold it all in your hands, you hold me too. You know my name, you know my thoughts, you notice everything I experience. Sometimes knowing how close you are is as amazing as trying to imagine your greatness. Lord, even if there's life 'out there', I thank you that you are involved in my life 'down here'. That's not a mystery, it's s blessing! Thank you Lord, for being my friend. Amen. It's recording day today - looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Don't forget, if you want to request a hymn or song for future editions, send a message. God bless you all 🙏

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26 June 2020

27 June 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. What will you do today to keep occupied?

Yesterday The Salvation Army lost one of its greatest composers of music. Lt Col Norman Bearcroft was an o cer (minister) in the Army from 1950 and over the years wrote music for brass bands both inside and outside The Salvation Army. He also wrote music for our choirs and singing groups, and his gift was such that he could write anything from great choral works that would sound perfect in a cathedral, to a cheerful chorus that can be sung in 30 seconds. And in between, beautiful melodies to words that our songsters still sing today. He conducted bands and choirs including The International Sta Songsters; he led worship, he preached the Gospel. He was told when he started his ministerial training, 'Forget music'. Salvationists and others over the last 70 years have been glad he didn't! Not many of us have a gift like that, but it is a truth beyond doubt that every single one of us has a talent, a skill, an interest, that we can use. It could be a talent in the home, in work, on a sports eld, in church; just about anywhere we go there are people who are skilled or even just 'good at' something. The important thing is this: it doesn't matter if our talent is not world-renowned. It might be something that only a few people know about or bene t from. If God has given us abilities, we should use them just where we are. Whatever you do today, thank God for that ability. Father, you are the Creator God and you have made us to re ect that and to have our own creative gifts and talents. I thank you for what I enjoy doing and have a air for. Help me to develop it and use it for the enjoyment of others. Lord, we all have one life. Help me to take each day as it comes and to do or be something useful, encouraging and helpful. At its end, may I look back over the hours I have spent and be satis ed that I have used my gift well. In Jesus' name. Amen Tomorrow's Together

in Worship is mostly recorded now - just one bit and then the editing.

We do hope you'll join us from 10 tomorrow for just 30 minutes of song and readings Have a lovely day, see you tomorrow! God bless you 🙏

ffi

Page 87

29 June 2020

orning everyone, welcome to a windy Monday!

There's been a urry of excitement in the football world over the last week that you may have noticed. First of all the playing of silent games that I've mentioned here already and then one particular team that has won something - I had to look it up: they are now the Premier League Champions. Good for them. You might guess that I know nothing about football and have even less interest; and that's even after bringing up three sports mad sons! Major Fiona knows it all, not me. Anyway I was always intrigued when one of my sons and various other Liverpool fans kept writing YNWA on their Facebook posts. 'YNWA? What could it mean?' I wondered. Then I realised: You'll Never Walk Alone! (You knew all along of course). It's from the song that Liverpool fans adopted and which was sung by Liverpool's Gerry and the Pacemakers. I wonder how many of them know it's actually from the 1945 American stage musical Carousel... Anyway, now as then it's an inspirational song of encouragement and support from loved ones, from the fans to their team and recently people have sung or played it for NHS and other frontline workers. It is, more signi cantly, an ancient promise that is for us today, that God will walk with us if we walk his way, and that he will never leave us. An old Salvation Army chorus says Jesus himself drew near, When alone on the road, Oppressed by my load, Jesus himself drew near and walked with me. Lord, may that be my experience today. May I know your presence in my heart and through the words and actions of people close to me. I believe that you do walk with me as I follow your path and ask Lord for faith and con dence. In all I do, may I acknowledge you and so nd that my path is made straight. Thank you Lord for drawing near and walking with me. Amen. Whether your day is joyful or sad, may the love of God be with you all. God bless you 🙏 Here's the link to the lm version of the song, taken from the reprise in the nal scene... https://youtu.be/LFzaCs95Q3c

Page 88

30 June 2020

ood morning everyone. Can you believe it's the last day of June?

We spent quite a while yesterday talking about family. People we love, people we haven't seen for a long time, people who have 'disappeared', and whose whereabouts are unknown. Di erent stories, di erent characters, histories and events. We realise how diverse, how wonderful, tragic, funny, sad or inspiring our families can be. There is hope, laughter, excitement intermingled with regret, failure and simple human weakness. We are a family, we share DNA, or 'blood' and history, whoever and wherever we are. The church is just the same. Made up of unique individuals we are so diverse the thing that most of us have in common is our faith in God and the memories of 'church'. Of course with that we share love for one another. On this last day of June I look back on three and a half months of lockdown and 15 Sundays where we have not met for worship at our Salvation Army hall, and I am glad to be able to write that despite it all, the fellowship of our church has remained strong. It's not the same 'church experience' that many of us have known throughout our lives; the opportunities of being together, of contributing with our talents, of volunteering have all been put to one side but Guisborough Salvation Army is not just seen in what we do on a Sunday or even in what we do during the week for, even when these things are curtailed, the church still exists. Sometimes we feel that we have to 'do' when there are times we are called to 'be'. The church - even a Salvation Army church - is not just an organisation that exists only when it's 'performing'; and the strength of fellowship that remains half way through this year is proof of that. Like a family, separated and diverse, the body of Christ, the church, still shares in its togetherness even when not physically present. We are bound together in communion by the Holy Spirit and our faith in Christ and our love for one another. The church is not a building, it's not a Sunday service - we do not depend or rely on them. What makes us belong is that family bond. And even though it will still be a while before we start our meetings again, we are still brothers and sisters of the one Heavenly Father. Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. God bless you 🙏 Have a lovely day.

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1 July 2020

ood morning everyone. We hope you are well 😊

So, we start July. Can you remember March? What a di erent world it was; so much has changed. On one evening the Prime Minister gave us those words, 'Stay indoors, one period of exercise per day...' What is fascinating is that from that moment on, people became quite determined to make the best of it all. How easy it could have been to vegetate in front of the television, to stay in bed all morning, to complain that we were bored... But no! People got on their bikes, they started jogging. They started walking (even me) and I noticed whole families - Mum, Dad and children all walking together on their permitted once-a-day exercise; and I guess that might have been a new family experience for many. I was amazed at how many people were out walking their dog. I didn't realise so many people had dogs in the rst place! It made me wonder whether some of them had gone and bought a dog to give them an excuse to go out! Some people started a hobby, some volunteered, and many of us turned to Facetime or just the phone and made extra e ort to keep in contact with family and friends. Who had ever heard of Zoom before March? And now there are people who spend literally hours a day chatting with family. The lockdown challenged us to make an e ort to do things that perhaps we wouldn't have done. Things have eased now, but wouldn't it be a shame if we eased-up on the e orts we made to not let the lockdown 'lock us down' as it were. (Which reminds me, I haven't been for a long walk in a while...) Faith is a little like this. We use our faith more, turn to it and value it when we are under pressure or in need. But faith in God isn't just useful in those circumstances. Faith is a daily experience even in the easier times and we are encouraged to make an e ort to keep that faith strong, to add to it and allow it to give us a fuller, richer life. Lord, it's a new day, a new month! How time is ying. Thank you Lord for the blessings there have been even in the cares, the di culties and restrictions of these last months. People everywhere have found the good in things, made e orts, come together as families, community and nation; help us to keep these good things going. I think of those Lord who have found these last months to be very hard - especially those who have been bereaved, those who have been very ill, and those who have su ered from being furloughed or even losing their jobs. May the future have hope for them. And may all of us make every e ort to live in peace and to put our faith in you. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏 We're here if you need us.

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Page 90

2 July 2020

orning all! Now today IS a day for staying in...

We hope you are well nevertheless. It's an important day for Salvation Army people because it's Founders' Day. On this day, July 2nd 1865, former Methodist Minister and revivalist, Rev. William Booth was walking in London and he came across a group of street preachers. After he'd listened for a while, someone asked him to speak. It was in that moment that he knew what he had to do. He went home, said to his wife Catherine, "Darling, I have found my destiny!' and the founding of The Salvation Army is reckoned from that date. It started with open air preaching in the East End, it continues today in 132 countries, a world wide mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus for everyone to hear and, of course, to do what the Church has done for 2000 years: feed the hungry, heal the sick, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and all those things that show practical care and compassion in Christ's name. One of the innovative things at the time was that William's wife Catherine was already an accomplished preacher - in fact it's said she was better at it than him! And so we can say that she was a joint founder alongside him. Women have had leadership in the Army ever since. I read recently a quote by an American evangelist: 'A scared world needs a fearless church.' I think that's what the Booths set out to create. The world needs a lot of hope and healing at the moment and the message of the Army for 155 years has been just that. Father, thank you that though the world changes, times change, people change, your word and your love are constant. The message of hope and love inspired people like William and Catherine to start a great movement, but I thank you that right here where I am, in my own life, that same hope and love can be a comfort and a strength to me. Thank you Lord that when the Bible speaks of your love for the world, I am included in that. And when Jesus said 'whosoever', that means me too! Father, I love you because you rst loved me. Amen. Whatever you do today we pray you will feel God's presence and know his blessing.🙏 Have a good day everyone.

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3 July 2020

orning everyone! Another week nearly over. We hope it's been good for you.

Have you ever been in a Zoom meeting? Some of you have. Some have been on Facetime or other such video calls. I know a lady who spends 2 hours every night with her family in this way. We started a weekly family quiz night recently; all great fun but the sports round always lets me down. For us all who can do this is a wonderful thing to speak to and see our loved ones like this. Yesterday Fiona and I were on Zoom for two and a half hours with the Salvation Army o cers from North Yorkshire and Tees. It was mainly business but there was spiritual content too. I'm going to confess though that it was hard work! The people are lovely, the conversation was interesting and informative, but peering at 25 little rectangles with 1 or 2 people in them soon tired the eyes, the neck and the brain! How we have appreciated the gradual relaxation of regulations about seeing one another. But even now it's still nowhere near back to normal, and Zoom meetings, though useful and helpful, are not the same as being in the same room. Face to face is what we like, what we long for. There's a verse in the Bible that has always intrigued me. Moses who led the Israelites out of E ypt and received the 10 Commandments would go to pray and we're told, 'The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.' (Exodus 33:1) Apart from trying to imagine what that would have been like, I just love this idea of face to face friendship. It sounds so relaxed, so natural. It reminds of the old hymn: O the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend. This side of Heaven we are not going to see Jesus face to face, though that's the longing of many people. We don't have a spiritual Zoom meeting with God, but what we do have is his unseen presence and the assurance that when we pray he isn't far away as we try to communicate, he's right here as we commune. It really is 'as a man speaks to his friend.' God sees us as friends and so we don't need special places, times, people or words. We can simply be still and there in those moments he is there. Become aware of Him, For He is ever near; Speak out your prayer to Him, For He will ever hear. Stretch out your hand to Him, He's ever by your side; Leave all you've planned to him And let Him guide. These words are found in this song https://youtu.be/YbN-y2xY7nY Instead of a written prayer today, listen to the song and allow God to speak to you as a friend. May God bless you today 🙏

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Page 92

4 July 2020

orning all, happy weekend! Major Antony and Major Fiona here...

Well, we enjoyed a hidden gem with friends yesterday as we were invited to Falling Foss, near Whitby. Have you ever been? It's a deep, tree- lled valley with an old house at the bottom near a lovely waterfall. They served the most delicious scones in their open-air tearoom. But it was the path we walked that intrigued me. We walked alongside the broad rocky stream, sometimes the path was smooth, at times muddy or rocky, there were tree roots to negotiate. Uphill, downhill, then the trees cleared, at times it was quite open, at other times it turned into deep, dark, foreboding pine forests. We met one or two walking towards us, we asked directions on the path, sometimes we were not sure where we were. The wind blew strongly, sometimes it was all perfect stillness; and yet, being together, chatting, laughing, giving a guiding hand as we negotiated a crossing over the river or a muddy patch, the journey was a delight, a couple of hours of togetherness and discovery. I think you can guess this next bit. Life's experiences are varied, surprising, 'sunlit' or dark and foreboding, the sight of one day's 'beautiful waterfall' is contrasted with the next day's 'wet, muddy path'. But when we walk together in fellowship life is indeed a wonderful journey. Faith is a shared experience as much as a personal belief. I have never understood those people without a faith who insist that Christians should keep their faith private; that's actually impossible. It's one of the reasons why all the restrictions on life at the moment are so painful. We can't meet together in the way we used to, and we miss it, we miss each other! The journey of faith, of life itself, is so much more satisfying when we walk not only with God, but when we walk together with him. Father God, life is a winding path of experience and relationships and looking back I can see the many twists and turns of my life. I want to thank you that you have walked this journey with me, sometimes holding my hand, sometimes even carrying me over the places too steep for me. I thank you too for my companions. Loved ones and friends, and those who believe with me and walk in faith with me. Help me to be a good companion to them too as we continue on our path. I pray that one day we will be able to sing your praises together again. Today help me to know your presence and to trust your leading wherever the path takes me; In Jesus' name. Amen Enjoy your day everyone, Join us for Together

in Worship, here, tomorrow. God bless you 🙏

Page 93

6 July 2020

ood morning to you all. We hope you had a good weekend.

I took this photo in Guisborough of an amusing signpost pointing to where certain groups might be found - Woollybacks, Yorkies and Smoggies. Was it to show you which way to go to nd these lovely people? Or to warn you not to go that way!? It's funny how we've always labelled ourselves, or each other. I'm a Lancashire lad from Blackpool (a Sandgrownun, they call us). Many of you are proud Guisborians. Or maybe you have another word that describes your origin. I love the sense of history and pride we might feel about our origins and allegiances, though I try not to publicise the Red Rose too much around here! It is a shame though that sometimes our identity and origin divides us. Nationality, colour, gender, wealth. My observation over recent weeks has been that most trouble is not necessarily caused by ordinary people but by those who deliberately seek to stir up division, dissent and dissatisfaction in the name of justice. When people conspire to highlight division instead of being an in uence for unity and fairness can we be surprised when all that happens is people become further entrenched in their di erences? One of the great truths of the Bible is the brotherhood of man, the unity of the human race. The Bible says quite clearly that all mankind is 'of one blood'. How then can we be racist? And the Apostle Paul is clear when he says that the Christian message is of unity, bringing everyone together in the love of Jesus. The big divisions in his day were not between black and white but between Jew and Greek, slaves and free people, men and women. Paul says that Jesus has broken all those barriers: 'We are all one in Christ Jesus.' I believe that message is exactly what our world needs to hear today. It's encouraging for us too whether we're Woollybacks, Yorkies, Smoggies or immigrants from Lancashire. God loves us all, so let's all love one another! Father, as we begin another week it's good to remember that I am am your child, part of your family with brothers and sisters. Lord, we're all di erent; di erent faces, opinions, backgrounds. Di erent stories to tell, di erent experiences, mistakes and successes. But Lord Jesus Christ, you died to bring us all together into your kingdom. I pray for our country, our world today. Our divisions are not new, our prejudices go back centuries, but today I pray for peace, for love and for togetherness. I pray for families who have fallen out, for people who are alone, neglected, su er from prejudice or even persecution. May the message of your love be heard, accepted and spread so that our world can be a more peaceful and fairer place - whoever we are. In Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your day whatever you do. Keep safe, be happy. God bless you 🙏

Page 94

7 July 2020

i everyone; new day, a new beginning for us all. How's the hair?

Many are ocking back to the salons and barbershops (Turkish or otherwise) to restore their long-forgotten styles and lengths. In conversations I have heard many people say how relieved they are/will be to have their hair done again. There's a real feeling of self-con dence and self-worth associated with how our hair looks. The Bible has a lot to say about hair. A few weeks ago - 27th April in fact - I wrote about hair and our inability to get it cut professionally, and I talked about God who knows even the number of hairs on our head, suggesting he not only knows but cares about us in a detailed way. Well, hair in the Bible seems to re ect more than just looking neat and presentable. Cutting your hair very short could re ect grief and mourning, shaving it would mean real distress. Growing it long and putting fragrance in it could be seen as a sign of rejoicing. Some people grew their hair long as a sign of dedication to God and it was a symbol of their faith. That's why, when Samson was tricked into having his hair cut by Delilah, he felt that his strength had left him: the con dence of his faith was gone. It was a real psychological weakness for him. The Bible says that grey hair is 'a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness.' (Proverbs 16) So there you go! Increased grey is a sign of being righteous. When God is pictured he is described as having white hair. That doesn't symbolise old age, it symbolises holiness and purity. So, all in all, hair seems to be used as an outward sign of how we feel, how our emotions, character or state of heart and mind really are. It's true isn't it that our hair can be expressive of who we are. Yes, God does count the hairs on our head, as it were, but he doesn't need to look at the style or length of our hair to know how we feel. The Psalm writer is glad because he knows that God has examined his heart - the very depths of his mind and soul - and knows everything about him. That means God understands. He feels what we feel, he empathises, he knows what our thoughts are and understands what our minds deal with each day when others have no idea, and when sometimes we don't understand ourselves either! It's wonderful that God certainly does not judge by the outward appearance, but he is deeply acquainted with our heart. I nd that a great source of comfort and reassurance, and it leads us to having faith in him who knows us better than we know ourselves. Father in Heaven, I praise you because I am 'fearfully and wonderfully made'. And not only that but you are acquainted with all my ways. That does make me feel loved and a rmed today. I am glad that I can turn to you in my prayers and not have to put into words my thoughts and feelings because you do know my heart, how I feel and what I need. So Lord Jesus today I rest in that knowledge that you are here. May today be a day we share together, you and me. Thank you for your grace and your love. Amen. Enjoy the day today, we're here if you need anything. God bless you 🙏

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Page 95

8 July 2020

G night.

ood morning to you all! We wake up to a lovely day after a beautiful sunset last

I took the photo through the roof light of our attic, but photos never seem to capture the beauty that we see with our eyes. Speaking of which, a quick quiz question: Who sang 'Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see...'? (Answer at the end) Anyway, I added a verse from the Bible to the photo of the sunset: 'The skies proclaim the work of his hands.' (Psalm 19 v 1) Since creation, mankind has looked up. Primitive people would have gazed up at the night sky with the stars and watched the sun rise and set. They would have wondered at the di erent cloud formations and asked why the sky was blue. In ancient times they would have wondered what was above the sky? Well, science has answered these questions - we know what stars are, we know what lies beyond the atmosphere. They can tell us why the sky is blue and even what the moon is like to walk on. But science has never yet taken away the awe and wonder we feel when we look up and see a sunset. Believers in the Bible, people who have faith in God, can never be satis ed with just the science wonderful and amazing as that is, of course - there is always going to be a sense of God's work and God's majesty in and through it all. Yes, we can go a little way to explain what it all is, but science cannot provide that inescapable feeling that lifts the heart in worship. The Bible tells us to lift our heads, lift our eyes and look to the heavens, and see there the glory of God, the evidence of his handiwork. Human beings have a built-in capacity for worshiping 'something'; in fact, I would call it a need. This need to worship, to 'look up' as it were, makes us di erent from animals that tend to spend their lives snu ing on the ground (did you know that pigs can't look up?). Humans have a sense of the eternal, of the divine, of 'God' simply because we are made in the image of God and it's as if we have something within us that can only be satis ed when we connect with God again. Through Jesus we can restore the connection that the heart longs for when it sees or hears beauty; through Jesus we can be brought from an appreciation of creation into a knowledge of the loving Creator, our Father. All we need to do is look up, not just to the sunset, but to the one who's hands created it all. Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see... (Yes, Freddie Mercury wrote it) A Prayer Lord, whenever I look up, I see something of the beauty of creation, but the sunrise or the sunset really lift my heart in worship. How can people look at the wonder of the skies or of nature around them and just see the scienti c explanation? Lord, I see your hand in it and perceive a Father's heart. How you must grieve when your children ignore or reject you, or when we spoil your created world. Forgive us for taking what we see and hear for granted. Help us to care for your world and then, when we look up, help us to see you and give you thanks, worship, and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen. God bless you, enjoy a lovely sunny day! Please share this message.........

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Page 96

9 July 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

It's a celebration day in our house because Fiona has a birthday today, but as a gentleman I would never reveal the number! So happy birthday 🎂 🎈 ! I've heard all the comments: age is only a number, you're only as old as you feel. People say, Oh I've stopped counting. My favourite is, I'm too young to be this old! Well, I wonder if you're feeling your age today. Can I encourage you with something I learned when I was an elderly care chaplain? Children see everyone over the age of 30 as the same age. Now that is encouraging. You can claim to be 31 for the rest of your life - well you might as well because we're all the same age in the eyes of a child! Wouldn't it be good if we could stay the same age? Well, yes and no of course. Age brings with it experience, memories, learning, wisdom. Age carries all kinds of blessings and as I myself get older and look at the changes I am thankful that I was young when I was. But with advancing years there needn't come a giving-in to being 'old'; do you know what I mean? Old in the sense of being weary, of living in the past, of closing your mind to new things. We talk about people who seem to be old before their time because they have lost the joy and the excitement of life. The Bible promises that God will renew our youth like the eagle - what a picture. We can y high, as it were, with renewed life and interest, taking pleasure in new things, in friendships and even the simplest things of life take on a freshness. A book I read once had the title No Wrinkles on the Soul. That's what faith in God does - he can restore, revitalise and renew us from within. As an old Salvation Army song says, He can take your life as he did mine and make it anew. May God breathe new life into your day, into all that you do today. Father thank you for the prospect of a new day ahead. Let it be lled with joy and life. May I see something that renews my faith, that brings encouragement. I thank you for the years that are past, may I look forward now to new experiences, to life in all its fullness, just as you promised. Whatever my circumstances Lord, renew my soul and give me strength today In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you all 🙏 Have a happy day! Please share this post....

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10 July 2020

orning all!

Major Antony and Major Fiona here. It's a bit of a grey, damp start to the day - not at all conducive for walking. Perhaps it'll brighten up. That's how optimists always think: the sun will come out, things will change. Or as Yorkshire people say, 'It'll be reet.' As we sail quickly through July hoping for the sun to shine, I detect a bit of weariness and also wariness, amongst the various changes. It's good news that shops are opening, it's good news that restaurants are opening, and all the other announcements that keep coming; but in conversation with people I hear confusion: can I do this yet, why can't we do the other? If we can engage in this activity why not another? It must be very di cult for the authorities to make rules or guidelines for every eventuality; that's perhaps the root of our uncertainty. There is one underlying truth that will govern our behaviour of course - we must try to keep each other safe from a virus that hasn't gone away. That's why some restaurants and other businesses are choosing not to open. It's why we in The Salvation Army across the whole of the UK are remaining closed for public worship; we want to keep people safe. (Check out our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA) When it comes to making choices it's always good to have a guide, a principle that undergirds our decision. Which choice should we make? What is our guide saying? Making decisions is not new of course and for thousands of years, in every generation, people have looked to their faith for guidance. God himself says that when di erent paths present themselves, his people will hear his voice saying, 'It's this way...'. Jesus himself said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' And one very well known Bible proverb advises, 'In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.' There is no better guide through life than the One who is 'the way'. Lord, thank you for this new day. The hours lie ahead of me and o er opportunity and experience. Whatever I do today I want to know that you are with me, guiding and assuring me of your presence. In these confused times there is so much that remains certain, so much that I can rely on - the love of friends and family, the familiar things around me, and I'm grateful for the normality. But I pray for our world that has changed and keeps changing, that people will nd the certainty that comes with faith in you. As I walk with you today may that sure and certain hope give me con dence within, knowing that whatever the future holds, I am in your hands. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you again today 🙏

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11 July 2020

ood morning, welcome to a beautiful sunny morning! Majors Antony & Fiona hoping you're well.

It's a bit of a late start for me this morning because as you will know if you live anywhere in the proximity of the Citadel in Westgate you will have heard our alarm ringing around midnight. And then stopping. And then ringing again. And then stopping. Why is it always at night?? We got a phone call at 11.45 - I went to look. Facebook messages at midnight - but it stopped and I waited for the police to contact me - they didn't. 12.50am; another phone call from a poor man who, unsurprisingly couldn't sleep - so I went again.... Here's the thing - do you do this? - when a car alarm goes off, a house alarm or a commercial premises (I hear a lot of shop alarms from where I live) the irst thing we all do, without exception is think, 'Oh there's an alarm going off'. Five minutes later we're all thinking, 'I wish they'd turn that alarm off!' Twenty minutes later you, like me, will be thinking, 'That alarm is doing my head in!' How many of us ever think, 'There's something wrong! Let me rush round to see if there's a burglary!' I confess I've never really thought that some criminal activity was going on - it must be a fault, a shop worker setting it off by accident, that kind of thing. Isn't it odd that we rarely react to what an alarm is there to tell us - act now! Or perhaps you do: you call the police, you look to see what's happening, ready to confront whoever is responsible... An alarm is an alert, a warning, an insistent message to make a decision to take action, to 'do something.' There's a kind of 'alarm' in the Bible; it's a call, an invitation for today that says, 'Believe, have faith in God, accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, now is the day of salvation.’ It's an urgent invitation for two reasons: Firstly, why wait? Why put it off when today, from the moment you believe, your life is illed with the love, joy and peace of God? From the moment you believe in Christ, all is forgiven and it's like having a new life? Why wait? Do it today! Nobody has ever regretted it Secondly, the opportunity, the invitation, the choice might not come again. Are we promised tomorrow? Will we forget the invitation and other things will take over, the voice of God will get quieter in the noise of life? Faith in Jesus is the most wonderful, life-changing thing. It's what the Bible is all about - calling us to believe and have the new life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Today really is the day of salvation. Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you for your love for me, even me! Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit to give me new life. Today, I want to believe! I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything I know is wrong; please come into my life to be with me forever. I want to follow you and trust you, and learn more about you. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen. If you would like to know more about Christian faith, please ask a trusted Christian friend or contact us, we're always here to help. God bless you today. Don't forget to share this message and join us tomorrow from 10am, or when you can, for our recorded

Together in Worship.

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13 July 2020

orning all. Majors Antony & Fiona here starting another week with you.

We have to say that it's wonderful that so many are sharing these thoughts each day; we've become like a community. Sundays have become very di erent for us all and they probably will remain di erent from now on. We spent yesterday afternoon with friends, walking round the Priory grounds and also the churchyard at St Nicholas. It's one thing to walk round it on a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon - even the shady parts - but I'm not sure I'd like to walk round in the evening, and certainly not at night time! The old gravestones certainly have a Gothic feel to them - overgrown, worn, leaning at strange angles. De nitely very atmospheric. For historians and genealogists, it's a very interesting place! Some headstones were illegible, some easily read and surnames and Christian names were often spoken aloud. There were a lot of Williams and a few Mary Anns in Guisborough over the years! Occasionally a familiar surname would be discovered with dates from the early 1800s: 'I wonder if he's an ancestor of So-and-So', would be the comment.. We noticed that the very old stones had very large lettering and just the name and dates, written under a 'Here lythe ye bodye of... I wish we could have read the bits of poetry or verse that some of the older ones had. The Victorians were much more open and pragmatic about death than we are in our squeamish times; and I did see the old phrase 'In the midst of life we are in death.' Well, there's a cheery thought for a Monday morning in July! So I'm going to turn it round to a more positive and uplifting thought - 'we are in the midst of life!' Life is all around us - even in the cemetery there is life (plant life, I grant you). When we look around at our families, our gardens, when we meet friends, listen to music, read literature, see children playing, people laughing - it's all life, here and now. The Bible records Jesus saying at the grave of a loved one that he himself is the resurrection and the life here and now. The Christian faith is that heaven starts now, life begins now, and those who believe in Jesus already have his resurrection life in their hearts. Even in our world of sorrow and di culty we can say heaven has already begun in us. That's life: here and now! It's certainly good news for a Monday morning. So, just remember, whatever your situation today, whatever this week brings, life is lled with Him who is the resurrection and the life - today! Father, I thank you for a new day, a new week. I praise you for the days that lie behind me - some of them, I confess, I am glad to see the back of! But I look forward now to fresh opportunities. Would you walk with me today? You are the way - so you can be my guide. You are the truth - so I can trust you. You are the life - so I can give you mine and know that your gift to me will be life in all its fulness, that begins now and lasts for eternity. I start this week in the con dence that you love me. So Lord I put my faith in you and ask that whatever happens, nothing will separate me from the love of God which is found in Jesus my Lord. Amen. Have a great day everyone! God bless you all.

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14 July 2020 Hello everyone. Major Antony and Major Fiona here again. We had a ' rst' yesterday when we went to a co ee shop for a drink. We've been many times, queued up at the counter and then the order was brought to us. This time we were met at the door by someone in a visor and, before she showed us to a table, wrote our name and contact details in a book. This was for the 'test and trace' scheme so that if anyone else shows symptoms of Covid-19 we can be traced and told to isolate. It kind of brought it home to me that even with some restrictions being lifted, they are being matched by careful systems to keep a careful watch on developments. If ever our church services started again we'd have to do the same - you would be escorted to a seat and your name taken and recorded. It got me thinking about that great symbolic way of describing being a part of God's family - having your name written down in the Book of Life. Jesus said about rejoicing because our names are written down. When we belong to Jesus, by grace and through faith, it's as if he enters our name on his roll, carefully and lovingly including us alongside all the saints - the known with the unknown, the giants of the faith with the equally faithful but known to just a few. What a roll of honour; and to be included is a privilege that comes when we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. For our prayer this morning here are the words of a favourite Salvation Army hymn. You can follow the link as well to listen to it 1 I know Thee who Thou art,

3 Beside Thee as I walk,

And what Thy healing name,

I will delight in Thee,

For when my fainting heart

In sweet communion talk

The burden nigh o’ercame,

Of all Thou art to me;

I saw Thy footprints on my road

The beauty of Thy face behold

Where lately passed the Son of God.

And know Thy mercies manifold.

2 Thy name is joined with mine

4 Let nothing draw me back

By every human tie,

Or turn my heart from Thee,

And my new name is Thine;

But by the Calvary track

A child of God am I,

Bring me at last to see

And never more alone, since Thou

The courts of God, that city fair,

Art on the road beside me now.

And nd my name is written there.

(Albert Orsborn) https://youtu.be/QbozD5QQUnw Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏

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15 July 2020

midweek 'hello' to you all! We hope it's a good week for you.

We do recognise, however, that some of us - all of us - are going to have di cult days, weeks or even ongoing circumstances. You might remember if you've been following these readings for a while, that during the strict lockdown when we were told to stay at home I commented a few times on how loudly the birds were singing. They were shouting, using megaphones; I could hear them through the double-glazing! Well this morning I couldn't. I sat here with my co ee and... Nothing. I opened the window and, Oh yes, there they were, tweeting and warbling, with the odd cooing; but it was all so subdued, as if they'd been told by someone to 'keep it down!' How strange. For a while in April the birds sang so loudly, the sun was warm, the skies were blue. It seemed to compensate for the lockdown. But even the weather is subdued now, along with the birdsong. These daily posts have focused on faith, on praise, on God's love in our lives, but what about those days when, metaphorically speaking, the birds are not singing? Those are the days when our feelings seem to override our faith and our prayers, like the birdsong, seem to have no volume. It's not a lack of faith to feel like that. In fact sometimes it takes all the faith we have just to hold on - and the best we can do is trust somehow in God who, in Jesus, still loves us in the darkness. Maybe our act of faith on those days is to 'open the double glazed window' and listen for the birdsong, however quiet. The Bible has a lovely passage that says 'although the g tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the elds shall yield no meat; the ock shall be cut o from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.' That's a farmer's way of saying, 'even if it all goes wrong, I'm still going to praise God!' Today, even if the birds are not singing very loudly for you, still o er a prayer of thanks. God will be there. Father, some days are just lled with love and joy and peace and it's easy to praise you. But you know the di cult days I have; you know when I feel that my faith is low. Help me to remember that on those days it's you who holds me, not the other way round. Today, whether I'm in joy or sorrow, peace or anxiety, I simply want to say thank you for being there. Today Father, let me hear the birds singing. Amen. We hope you have a good day. We're here if you need us, God bless you 🙏

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16 July 2020

ood morning everyone. Antony and Fiona here.

Today is a BIG day for a number of Salvation Army o cers because today they will move to a new appointment. They will, like us, have been ministering and leading a congregation or working at a HQ or in a chaplaincy role in a residential centre, but today they travel to take up a new responsibility, possibly far away from where they have been for the last few years, and certainly quite a long way from their original home. It's a time of excitement and anticipation or, for some, a time of trepidation and disappointment. Their families go with them and that can be di cult for them too; so we remember the o cers who are moving to 'pastures new'. All of them will say that they are following the call of God and maybe many of them today will recall the words of a Salvation Army song, 'Just where he needs me my Lord has placed me, just where he needs me, there would I be.' We're not moving of course, but from experience I can say that every move we have made has brought us great joys and the privilege and pleasure of meeting new friends and having new opportunities. In the Bible Abraham was called by God to travel from his home to what is now Israel, and thus started the whole story of the Jewish people and the Christian faith too, centred on Jesus. The interesting thing is that he didn't know where he was going: God just showed him the road and he went! That really is faith. The reality of course is that most of us are not called to move, travel or leave our home town in order to serve God. And that takes faith too. To remain amongst the people we know and love is also the 'calling' for most of us. I remember the phrase 'blossom where you're planted.' In other words, we are called to be a blessing to others right where you are. Stay where you are but, by faith, do something. Be an encouragement, be a helper, be an example, be loving, be joyful and inspiring. Make a di erence. That's the calling of God to us. We don't need to travel like Abraham, or even like a Salvation Army o cer but we are called to live for God and love him and our neighbour just where we are. And that can take just as much faith as the travellers. Father, I thank you for the blessings of a new day. I ask for your presence and peace on me, my family and those I love. I thank you for them and I pray that right here where I am, in my home, my street, my place of work and in all my meetings with others, I can be a blessing to them. Lord, I thank you that I don't need to be a missionary in order to follow your call or be what you want me to be because 'just where I am my Lord has placed me'. So today may I have faith enough to be your servant here where I am and in whatever I do. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have an enjoyable day today everyone, God bless you all.

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ood morning everyone 🌞 It's a beautiful day and the seagulls are in ne voice!

Have you bought your mask yet? This time next week if you go to Morrisons or Lidl, or if you're rich, M&S 😉 , you must wear a mask. Well it's not an easy thing for many of us; it's not natural, it's not part of our culture and I know some are quite worried. We know the sense of the precaution. We know it's to protect others, we know there is an element of protection for ourselves too, as ongoing studies reveal. We are impressed and inspired by NHS workers and others who wear them constantly - even hairdressers! - and we now hardly look twice at people who already wear them as they push a trolley in the shop. But soon, it's all of us. I bought some masks and frightened myself when I looked in the mirror! I've not worn a mask outside yet. I've spoken to people who are genuinely concerned about them. And yes, I can see that they reduce human contact in that you can't see a smile, an expression. It's sometimes di cult to hear what's said. So much of human contact is visual and so wearing a mask might be a challenge. But I've noticed that in true British style, a sense of humour and 'spirit' has crept in. We won't have to walk around looking like a member of the cast of Casualty because there are so many fun designs! Camou age, rainbows and owers. I've seen designs that would work well as a tattoo on a heavy rock fan's shoulder! There are even fun designs for children. I've seen Salvation Army ones too but yours truly will not be wearing one!! There's something about this humorous response that seems to me to embody a de ance, a sense of not just accepting a hardship but of taking away its e ects by facing it (excuse the pun) on our terms. We will not be defeated! And if it means drawing a smile on a paper mask, then so be it! Paul in the Bible uses the strength of faith to con dently say that regardless of any hardship - and to be honest, mask-wearing is the least of our troubles for some of us - we will not be defeated. With God on our side why should we? We are not de ned by the di culty we experience. We are not controlled by the situation. We are 'more than conquerors through him who loved us' says the Bible. We might be pressed and perplexed sometimes, but we are people of faith, and we will rise above it all if we have faith in Christ. Father, you are Lord of all; everything is in your hands and no matter what my situation is today I give it to you. Help me to live in faith and so to face each day with a strength and determination that is not my own but comes from you. I remember those inspiring words, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' So today, I trust in you, I love you, and I will walk by faith. I pray for those in need of that same strength today, people I know. May they also know the strength and peace that comes with your presence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. God bless you all 🙏 If you're wearing a mask and we don't recognise you, still say hello 😁 😷

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17 July 2020

18 July 2020

orning all! Major Antony and Major Fiona greeting you on a grey and wet Saturday. We're sure that today will still be a good one! As arguments and protests about race have raged over these past weeks an unexpected side issue was raised that, to my mind caused more unnecessary division. What did Jesus look like, and especially, what colour was he? To my mind this was a rather contentious and spurious question designed to unsettle people and divide people. The reason I say that is because although we in the West have indeed tended to give Jesus a European appearance, the world has always, everywhere, adapted his appearance locally. You'll see old pictures of Jesus as very dark skinned, oriental, Middle Eastern. There's a whole range of images that picture him as African. And I have to say that whilst Jesus was evidently a Middle Eastern man, it's perfectly understandable that people have always pictured him like themselves. One of them. At Christmas we will use the name so often: Immanuel, God with us. So, whenever people have thought of Jesus of course they picture him as one of us. A child was colouring a picture and her teacher asked, 'What are you drawing?' 'I'm drawing God', was the reply. 'But nobody knows what God looks like,' said the teacher. The child replied, 'They will when I've nished.' God was made man in Christ to be like us, to look like us. How else could we relate to him? I'm glad the answer to the question, 'What did Jesus look like?' goes far deeper than skin colour or ethnicity. He looks like me - whoever I am. And he came by his grace to make me more like him. Father God, you loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I thank you that he came as one of us, one with us. Lord Jesus you understand us and sympathise with all that we are, loving us and o ering your love and grace for every aspect of our life. You came to o er life in all its fullness, to make us all more like you. Thank you Lord for that hope that in Christ we can be all we long to be, all we are meant to be. Today may I know that grace and be aware of your love. Amen God bless you all today 🙏 Don't forget Together and on YouTube.

in Worship tomorrow from 10am on Facebook

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20 July 2020

appy Monday everyone 😀 😎 We hope and pray that whatever you do today, it's a good day!

Yesterday was a irst for our Salvation Army congregation as we met socially distanced in the Priory grounds. There were no hugs or handshakes, no songs or prayers, no brass band and no sermon(!) And yet it was a meeting of part of the Church. There's an old hymn that says, Jesus, where'er thy people meet, There they behold the Mercy Seat; Where'er they seek thee thou art found, And every place is hallowed ground. For thou, within no walls con ined, Inhabitest the humble mind; Such ever bring thee where they come, And going take thee to their home. As we stood and chatted, watched the children play and enjoyed the lovely surroundings, I looked at the foundations of the once majestic Priory and gazed again at the old East window arch, and thought that 600 years ago when worship inside that building was in full flow, the cler y and people could never have imagined that one day in the far future people dressed in summer casual clothes would sit in the ruins of their long-deconsecrated church building and enjoy a summer's afternoon there. Actually, though our vestments were not clerical and our speech was not liturgical, we put 'church' back into that church yesterday. We were God's people sharing fellowship together, and he was with us. The church is not a building, it's not the music, the prayers, the sermon. It's actually not just people: the Church is the gathering of God's people in love and in unity. And in a way that we are discovering, we who

read these reflections every day online, or those who worship as they watch Together in Worship on YouTube, are being drawn together as Church, gathered online, even though we don't see each others' faces or hear other voices. This is church. We are gathered in a modern way, communing in a different way. If the Holy Spirit indwells us then that same Spirit binds us together in prayer and the reading of his Word. Moses was told that where he stood at the burning bush was 'holy ground'. Yesterday the Priory became holy ground as believers in Jesus gathered there. Today, just where you are, that is holy ground if God's Spirit lives in you. Father, I am glad I don't need to sit in a building in order to ind you. I don't need to say particular words or eat certain foods; I can know the fulness of your presence, the overflowing gift of your grace here, just where I am. I thank you that there are people who pray for me, or people for whom I pray. We are a family, a fellowship of faith, and wherever we go, even when we are apart, there you are binding us together in love. Today, may that be a reality for me. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you all. 🙏 We are here when you need us.

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ello again from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's going to be a lovely day 😃

Yesterday we did a 'tour' of Teeside Park. We didn't go into every shop, but what was fascinating was that the only shop with a queue was Hobbycraft. Obviously lots of people still have hours to ll. The other fascinating thing was the hand sanitiser at the entrance of the shop. In Hobbycraft for instance, the smell was so strong! In Costa, the smell was disgusting. Some sanitisers are thin and watery, others make your hands sticky. Some shops just stick a bottle on a table, others have elaborate 'sanitiser stations' with stainless steel dispensers. OK, so you've not noticed all this, and possibly think I've developed an odd interest in hand sanitisers 😆 ; but it's become part of life's experience now. You can't escape it, especially when in some shops they purposefully employ someone who lets you in and tells you, 'Please use the sanitiser!' (From Friday she will be checking your mask as well of course!) Yes, sensible people are aware that clean hands helps keep the virus at bay. In the Bible the requirement for clean hands was not so you can enter Hobbycraft or Costa, but so you could enter the Temple for worship. Some faiths still do this hand washing ritual. For us it would be symbolic. Someone with 'clean hands' would be innocent, blameless, sincere. And the Bible matches clean hands with a pure heart. Jesus said famously, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God'. The wonderful thing is that this purity of heart and cleansing of hands isn't something that we have to achieve ourselves. Forgiveness for trespasses and sins, forgiveness that God freely gives, will give us the purity of heart that we ask for, that we long for. There's a lovely prayer that's over a thousand years old which is used in Anglican and Catholic churches, that we can use today. It's called the Collect for Purity. It reminds us that as we come to worship God he can indeed cleanse not our hands but our very heart. "Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen." Today, may the refreshing and cleansing presence of the Holy Spirit be with us all. God bless you.🙏

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21 July 2020

22 July 2020

i everyone. Antony and Fiona here. I heard a lovely true story yesterday that was really quite moving.

Many years ago a lady gave up her son for adoption. That must have been so hard for her. Later she had a daughter, and at the end of her life she said to the daughter, nd your brother. Sadly, although a search was made, no trace could be found... During lockdown the friend of a certain man o ered to trace his family tree for him, just to pass the time. In doing so he discovered that the man, though adopted, had a sister. Contact was made and the two, after many decades of being separated, were reunited. Had it not been for that friend in lockdown it would never have happened. Why was it that the sister had failed in her own search? Simply because her brother, once adopted, and unknown to his original family, had been given a whole new name. He was 'lost' because they didn't know his name. The Bible tells us that God knows our name. He says, 'I have called you by name, you are mine.' That was initially a word of assurance to the nation of Israel as they thought God had forgotten them, lost them even, but it's a promise for us too. God knows your name. He loves you and calls you to be part of his family so he can say - just like the adopted boy's sister - you are mine. It's a wonderful thing to be reunited; it's a wonderful thing to be part of a family, and accepting God's invitation to accept his love, to know we are not 'lost' anymore, is the most wonderful of all. Father God, I thank you that you do know me; everything about me is known to you, even my name. In love you have searched for me and called me to become your child. You o er me a welcome into your family. How wonderful it is to know that I am found and that I belong. Now Lord, because you love me, I can love you too. I'm never alone, never lost, because you and I are together. Today, dear Father, I am happy to be your child. Amen. We hope you have a lovely day today. We're always here if you need anything. God bless you. 🙏 PS If you'd like to look in to the Bible fellowship group this evening, send a message and we'll send you the link. All welcome 😊

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23 July 2020

appy Thursday everyone. We hope you're all well.

For months I have looked from our house at an other house near me and wondered what on earth they had in their upstairs window. What was that tall object? Every time I noticed it I tried to identify it. And then I realised that if I looked later in the day the 'object' was never there; it was simply a re ection of something else, and it disappeared as the sun moved. I was once told the story of a Salvation Army band that used to play in the high street every Sunday. They had noticed that whenever they gathered, someone was watching and seemingly listening in an upstairs window above a shop. Every week their audience of one listened to the music. One day a bandsman decided to try to speak to this person and asked in the shop, only to be told that the band had been faithfully playing their music to a shop dummy. Whether true or not, that story shows that sometimes what we think we see is not always as it is. In his famous poetic words of 1 Corinthians 13 Paul tells us that now we 'see through a glass darkly'. That might mean we see a shadowy image in a dark window; it might mean we see a dim re ection in a mirror. Either way he means that we're not always able to see the full picture. He might be talking about circumstances - we don't know why things happen, we don't understand completely, we have unanswered questions. He says, 'We know in part.' He might be saying that when we think of God we might not understand his ways, or that sometimes we can't perceive his presence. He says however, that one day we will see him 'face to face,'. That very phrase gives hope. One day what we see dimly will be known and understood, but more wonderfully, the God we know and love but who cannot be seen, will be seen face to face. No more 'through a glass darkly', we will see Jesus and, in the words of Job, 'I will see him with my own eyes...how my heart yearns within me.' In the meantime, on those 'dim re ection' days, we can be assured that he really is there. As the old Gospel chorus says: Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll nd Jesus, He's the only one who cares and understands. Standing somewhere in the shadows you will nd Him, and you'll know Him by the nail prints in his hand. Whatever you do today may you know God's presence, peace, and provision. God bless you 🙏

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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Apart from that car that has literally just sped down the street as I started writing this, I have been sitting in complete silence for a while. It's lovely. Occasionally I hear a tweet from a bird, but that's it. I like the stillness. When it's a choice, the quietness is indeed a pleasure; but there are times when we long for other voices, familiar sounds, music and laughter. When silence is unwelcome, especially when we are lonely, that might be hard to bear. And so we put the radio on, we seek out a friend, make a phone call, even go to the shop just so we can see people and hear some other voices. Sometimes we like to be 'alone with our thoughts'. If you pray, you may recall the words of Jesus: 'But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' (Matthew 6:6) Many Christians talk about having a 'quiet time'. Some might even speak about listening to God - usually a feeling rather than a voice - but what happens when it feels like nobody is there, nobody is listening let alone talking back? Do your prayers seem to 'bounce back o the ceiling'? The picture is helpful because it reminds us that God always hears us even in the 'silence' when we don't feel his presence. Keep praying, keep reading; be assured that God does hear. And if God is not 'speaking', well perhaps his silence is simply an opportunity for you to think. Or it may be that somehow there's something that prevents you from hearing his voice, something that needs to change. Something to confess, an attitude or wrongdoing. He longs to speak but sometimes the blockage is in us. In the silences today - and even in those busy moments - may you 'hear' his voice, 'feel' his presence, and know his companionship. O Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend; I shall not fear the battle If Thou art by my side, Nor wander from the pathway If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking, In accents clear and still, Above the storms of passion, The murmurs of self-will; Oh, speak to reassure me, To chasten, or control; Oh, speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me; The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within; But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised To all who follow Thee That where Thou art in glory There shall Thy servant be; And Jesus, I have promised To serve Thee to the end; Oh, give me grace to follow, My Master and my Friend

Have a good day everyone, Mask up 😷 and stay safe 🙂 God bless you 🙏

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24 July 2020

25 July 2020

i everyone, Antony and Fiona here. It's going to be a good day!

Is it Saturday? It's becoming a very familiar and frequently heard question: is it Saturday? What day is it? It's almost becoming a cliché now that we bring into most conversations a comment like, ' I spent half of Friday thinking it was Thursday...' What creatures of habit many of us were before all this started. If we work or had clubs or activities to go to, if we were church goers, choir members, volunteers or punctuated our weeks with set activities on set days, we hardly needed a calendar because we knew what day it was simply because of what we were doing at a given moment. 'I'm at Slimming World therefore it's Thursday'... Now we've had 4 months (!) of 'di erent' many of us have constructed a new weekly timetable and where some, thankfully are back in a work routine, others are still adapting; hence the brief confusion about days. Of course life doesn't depend on a calendar; life is for living and sharing. There's no day of the week marked out for happiness, no set day for peace; we don't wait until Friday to smile at a neighbour. Neither, of course, is there a set day for praise and expressing worship to God. I miss gathering in church - and not just because it's my vocation. I miss singing the songs, hearing an 'Amen' at the end of a prayer, sharing thoughts about the Bible with others. It's good to be together. But I know that I can worship, pray and read my Bible every day of the week because we don't need a particular 'holy day'. Every day is the Lord's Day when he's with you and you walk with him. The Psalmist joyfully wrote, 'This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!' I'm glad he didn't stipulate which day or even which place. Wherever you are on this Saturday - I pray that you will rejoice in the Lord always, for today is a day to be glad in him. Lord, my days can be so varied. Quiet days, hectic days, relaxing or noisy days. I have days where I have no time for myself and days where all is calm. Throughout this day, whether out and about or relaxing at home, help me to know your presence and to make this the day you have made. I will rejoice in you today, in the things I see, the sounds I hear. Today Lord, is your day and I will enjoy it with you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Join us tomorrow from 10am for Together

in Worship on the theme of Friendship with Jesus.

Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏

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27 July 2020

ood morning one and all from both of us :) It's been a good weekend. We hope you were able to join us in worship yesterday - of course the Video is always available, with all the previous weeks too, on Youtube. Last week our oldest son and his girlfriend took us both on a walk through a valley illed with trees, cliffs and a meandering stream. Suddenly there appeared an old stone arch, which we discovered was the Causey Arch, the world's oldest railway bridge. It didn't carry a steam railway, but a wagon way - horse drawn wagons running on rails, carrying coals to Newcastle. It was built in 1726 and in those early years 900 wagons a day were crossing the bridge. Astonishingly, its usefulness came to a swift end after a couple of decades and it stood gradually decaying for over 200 years until its restoration as an historical monument. When it was so busy, at the cutting edge of the mining industry, nobody would have questioned its usefulness or its importance but there it was, a relic within a few decades. How things change all of a sudden. Things that seemed so permanent and indispensable one minute, gone and forgotten the next. I suppose we could say the same today. Four and a half months ago we were living routine lives, everything working to a pattern. Even with the ups and downs of life we broadly knew where we were, what to do. Our institutions were reliable then even if we didn't make use of them until needed. We knew how to behave. But now everything has changed and many of the old certainties have been mothballed, shelved, cancelled or changed. Even walking down the street and going into a shop has a new etiquette. When it comes to practicing faith and worship, that's changed too. Some churches are open for private prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist; others whose worship is focused on music, singing and preaching have moved online for the foreseeable future. But I take heart in this: Our faith is in an unchanging Saviour! There will never, ever be a monument to the Christian faith as a relic of the past; there will never be a relic that will silently remind a future generation that once, in the past, Christians worshipped God. We serve a risen Saviour, a living Christ, a God who is active in our world through his people and by his Spirit. And the faith that is a gift to us is secure, unwavering, and suf icient for our lives and our future hope. As I gazed at the arch, indeed as I walked across it, I imagined the footsteps and the voices of the men who used to work there - all long gone, as has their industry. This morning I remember that the voice of Jesus is never silent, and his footsteps are constantly accompanying our own for he is the same yesterday, today and forever. I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King I know that He is living, whatever men may say The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who ind I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer None other is so loving, so good and kind And just the time I need Him He's always near Refrain: In all the world around me I see His loving care He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today And though my heart grows weary I never will despair He walks with me and talks with me I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast Along life's narrow way The day of His appearing will come at last He lives, He lives, salvation to impart You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing Have a great day everyone. God bless you as you walk with Jesus.

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28 July 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope and pray that you and your family are well.

We're now being reminded about our health. It's not a new thing of course, but the government is encouraging us to lose a little weight, to stay healthy. It's always a good idea and so I decided to do the 'couch to 5k' challenge. Well, why not. I have to remind myself I'm not young anymore and it's easy to be inactive. So yesterday, as some of you know, I made a start. A bit of walking, a bit of jogging, some more walking - briskly is the requirement - and more running. It's all alternate running and walking and it took about 26 minutes. Now, I could have just set o running down the street, run until I was fed up and tired, and then wanderered home. But there's a di erence: I had someone with me. As I walked and jogged I was accompanied by an American Olympic gold medalist sprinter: yes, Michael Johnson was right there all the way, telling me, 'You can do this!', 'Good job!' He said, 'Are you ready? Go!' or 'OK, now slow down and walk...' Alright, so he wasn't really there; it was his voice on the app on my phone; and he had no idea I would be listening when months ago he recorded his voice overs... But that didn't matter to me, there was a human voice spurring me on and you might think I'm odd, but I found myself saying out loud, 'Yes!' when he asked if I was ready 😁 I also groaned at him when he said I had to start running again 😃 . He didn't run for me. He didn't actually do anything for me. But I allowed myself to feel encouraged, I used his words to help me focus, to keep going when I probably would have walked for longer and run a bit less. It was my willingness to listen that actually made my running easier. The parallel with life and faith is easy to draw. God's words are already written, they are written for all not just me, and the voice of Jesus, though personal because he knows me, can easily be turned o I guess; but what an encouragement we receive when we actually decide to listen and accept his inspiration, his direction, his guidance. It's all up to us. The di erence of course is that unlike just having a recorded voice, God speaks to us individually. He takes his word written for us all and applies it to me, to you in our own life and situation. Our part is to read, listen, pray, and open our mind and heart so that life's journey can be run (or walked) well. A Prayer. I thank you Lord for today and the promise that it brings. For love and life, for company or for quietness. Lord even if today proves to be di cult I am determined to walk the journey with determination, listening for your encouraging voice. I am grateful that I am not alone and that you do walk the journey with me. Strengthen and inspire me, I pray, that at the end of the day I can be at peace, knowing that I have walked well with you. I pray your blessing on all I love and ask again for your grace, peace and joy in all I do. In Jesus' name. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you 🙏

ffi

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29 July 2020

ood morning to you all on this sunny morning! How do you like your music?

Is it mellow easy listening? What about something to dance or sway to? Perhaps you like a bit of opera, or songs from the shows? Are you into country music or heavy metal instead? I'm in the middle of a written conversation with someone who has complained about a group that have taken an old hymn and given it a slightly di erent rhythm. It's not faster, it has orchestral strings on it, beautiful harmonies but, horror of horrors, a drum beat that somehow has made it inappropriate for worship. I nd that quite odd. Some old hymn tunes were written for secular songs - O Sacred Head Once Wounded, Love Divine All Loves Excelling, even Hark the Herald Angels Sing were written to be sung to tunes that were not religious at all. Some of you know that before copyright laws were in force The Salvation Army used tunes stolen from the music halls - usually the type of drinking songs with o -colour words! Other popular hymn writers wrote tunes that deliberately mimicked the waltzy drinking tunes you could swing a pint glass to as you sang! Shocking! 🍺 😁 I like music (not opera or jazz though) and in my time I've listened to all styles used in Christian music, from march time to waltzes, country to punk rock (yes really!) I have my preferences as we all do, but the Bible simply encourages us to use music of all kinds to praise the Lord. We can use trumpets, harps, lyres, strings, utes, and even cymbals if your neighbour will let you! It doesn't matter what style or tune. In fact you don't need instruments or even a tuneful singing voice. The Bible encourages us to 'Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, giving thanks to God for everything'. So today, let's make it a day when songs of praise rise from hearts and lips and CD players. I wonder what kind of music Jesus would like......I reckon he'd like the Carpenters...😆 🤟 A Psalm of Praise: I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-- I, whom you have redeemed. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long (Psalm 71) God bless you today everyone 🙏

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30 July 2020

ello everyone :) We hope you and your family are well :)

One of the bene ts of having an unusual name like Mugford (originally a Devon name) is that whenever I come across anyone with that name I know they will be related somewhere back across the generations. There are some very interesting Mugfords in history. My great grandfather was an actor and musical hall comedian in the 1890s (No comments please!). His grandfather was the Captain of the Enterprise (a timbercarrying schooner, not the starship!) and perished o the coast of Hartlepool in a huge storm in 1861. Another Mugford whose link to my own tree I have not established yet was a Captain James Mugford who was an American revolutionary war hero, dying in 1776 in a battle against the English.

This is Lydia Brown, born Lydia But last night, by chance I found someone even more interesting: a Mugford, (d. 1997) a Salvationist in lady called Lydia Brown, nee Mugford, who was a Salvationist in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland Newfoundland who died in 1997 at the age of 101. Enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier in 1957 she was described as having a strong faith. I've found others too! I found a Samuel Mugford (died 1973) who was buried in the Army's own graveyard in Port de Grave (could it be anywhere else?).

And I absolutely LOVE the sign at the entrance: "Salvation Army Cemetery - The Dead in Christ Shall Rise First!" In the UK there are only about 500 Mugfords. I don't think there are that many more in Newfoundland, and so to nd a 'relative' who is also a Salvationist is so exciting. What is also exciting is the certainty that there are at least two named Mugfords - Samuel and Lydia - whom I shall meet one day in Glory. The sign says it all. We are a resurrection people; our hope is not for this life only, but we expect a day when we will rise to new life with Christ. What a day of reunion that will be: to see Jesus and then share in eternity with loved ones who also looked forward to that day. When all my labours and trials are o'er,

When, by the gift of His in nite grace

And I am safe on that beautiful shore,

I am accorded in heaven a place,

Just to be near the dear Lord I adore

Just to be there and to look on His face

Will through the ages be glory for me.

Chorus

Friends will be there I have loved long ago;

O that will be glory for me,

Joy like a river around me will ow;

Glory for me, glory for me,

Yet just a smile from my Saviour, I know,

When by His grace I shall look on His face.

Will through the ages be glory for me.

That will be glory, be glory for me! Have a lovely day everyone. Enjoy the rain! God bless you, 🙏

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31 July 2020

ood morning! It's going be a lovely day! In fact it's going to be a hot one - the hottest of the year so far!

I don't know what we Brits would talk about if the weather was the same every day; we talk about the weather so much, in fact if we meet someone briefly then only thing we might say is, 'Nice day again!' before we move on. What have we actually said to our fellow human being? Nothing. But we won't stop - it's compulsory to talk about the wind, the rain, and today the sunshine (though it's still windy!) It's interesting to see how the Bible uses the sun within its pages. It might be simply as a reference to a day: Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised. Or it might use the image of the sun to portray the glory of God whom the naked, natural eye cannot see: Habakkuk 3:4 His radiance is like the sunlight; he has rays flashing from His hand, and there is the hiding of His power. The light is often described as affecting each of us and so we're told that God comes into our life like the sun: Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Our Salvation Army songbook also uses the imagery of the sun: 'There is sunshine in my soul today...' 'God is our light, and God is our sunshine...' and ironically, because we mostly sing it in the dead of winter: 'Thou its light, its joy, its crown, Thou its sun which goes not down...' There is something about the presence of God, the love of God that has enabled poets and writers, preachers and composers to use the imagery of sunshine, of warmth, of the light of a summer's morning to try to describe the experience. There's always something 'bright' about Jesus who is, of course, 'the Light of the World'; and not just of the world of course. The light of God is poured out into every heart that looks for it: Jesus said that 'Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' Or as someone else put it: I met Christ and felt like I swallowed sunshine! Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, light of life, shine into my heart again today. May the warmth of your blessing surround me and may the brightness of your joy ill my soul. As the sun moves across the sky until the day ends in sunset, I want to be singing your praise; and when the light fades into evening shadows, may your peace settle upon me and may the darkness be restful and illed with the hope of another new day in your presence. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone - don't forget the sun cream :). God bless you all, 🙏

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1 August 2020

appy Yorkshire Day everyone from Antony from Blackpool and Fiona from Bristol 😁

What a lovely part of the world in which to live. Two minutes in all directions and we've got forests, hills, moors, green ields and country lanes. If a Lancashire lad can't quite get himself to say this is God's own country he's perfectly prepared to say that God's a frequent visitor 😉 I was watching a recording of Bake Off the Professionals last night where the contestants had to make a city skyline out of food(!) They set to work: Sydney Opera House with the Bridge, the London Eye with landmark buildings, iconic Amsterdam, and lastly... a Cornish tin mine. It was hardly a grand scheme; a tin mine? But it's what it represented to the two chefs that was important; they were Cornish, and they were proud of their humble beginnings and wanted people to share their pride in their origins. We can all be proud of where we come from, even if it's a small setting rather than somewhere influential or famous. It was asked, probably in a sneering manner, when someone was invited to meet Jesus, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth!?' Jesus wasn't just born in Bethlehem, a tiny place, he was brought up in Nazareth which has been described as an insigni icant agricultural village with a reputation for being rather ungodly. The Messiah comes from there? Well I imagine that Jesus loved it because his Mum and family were still there; it was familiar. It was home. But Jesus had a message of a greater home to which we are called to belong to now: the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not a place as such, it's more a 'belonging', it's an allegiance to God that gives us a place of hope and peace in the world. You could say that a believer in Jesus has dual nationality - we love the world we live in, the world God created, but we also live in a Kingdom where God reigns in our hearts, a Kingdom of love and joy and peace. I do love to live in North Yorkshire (whether it's God's country or not I can't say), but I'm glad that by grace I'm also part of God's Kingdom above all that. Father, creator and sustainer of all things, you have brought into being a world of wonder and beauty. Creation itself seems to sing of your glory. You have given us another Kingdom to belong to, the Kingdom of your Son Jesus, a Kingdom that spreads around the world and will last for eternity. I'm excited because you have called me to be part of that, to believe and then belong to a family of faith; to know you as my Lord and to know your love, joy and peace because of my faith in you. How blessed I am to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen. Have a good day today, and we'll see you tomorrow from 10am for Together

in Worship.

God bless you all 🙏

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3 August 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony & Major Fiona... Is it still morning?

Apologies to you who, being up at the crack of dawn, usually read these daily thoughts at around 7 or 7.30 not long after I myself have written them, sitting here with a mug of early morning co ee. Well, this morning I got up an hour later than usual; and for me that means my whole routine is out the window. It's 8.30 now and my mind is telling me 'But it's really only 7.30 because you've only been up an hour!' I will nd it di cult to sort my morning out because the routine established over weeks and weeks has gone. Do you nd that? You oversleep, you miss a bus, you forget to be somewhere; you double-book something or there's an unforeseen visitor, and all of a sudden your planned day is out of sync. There were a lot of jokes in March about people wanting their money back on the calendars and diaries they had bought that were all now totally useless. We have calendars but we just turn them over every month if only for the nice pictures on each page Routine is good. Habits, in the best sense of the word, are good. We like to have a routine that structures our day. I was interested to read that Jesus himself had habits and routines. The Bible says in Luke 4 v 16 that Jesus went to the weekly synagogue service in Nazareth 'as was his custom'. He was a 'regular church goer'. When he started his ministry that wasn't a habit he always maintained, but a chapter later on, in 5 v 16, we read that Jesus 'often withdrew to lonely places and prayed'. He started a new routine, set himself a new schedule. Many of us can't go to church either, but we can create a new routine of prayer - out walking, working round the house, or nding a time when it's convenient to focus on God for a short time. I hope you have a good day today - even if the routine is not as planned. Maybe today you can schedule a time to speak to God, listen to him and then plan to meet him again: same place, same time. Here's a very old song (and you can tell). I've never used it as far as I can remember but it has some good 'old-fashioned' advice: Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word. Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide; And run not before Him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul, Each thought and each motive beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be itted for service above.

https://youtu.be/g4GAdx8NJoE God bless everyone. I hope to be back at the normal time tomorrow morning

ffi

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4 August 2020

ood morning all :) Major Fiona and Major Antony here again

I was sent this yesterday and I was impressed by it because unlike so many of the pithy sayings and good advice we often see on Facebook, it actually says something quite profound and important. Some lovely words are posted on the internet and they can be very helpful; but what I don't think are particularly useful are the 'Don't worry, be happy' type of thoughts. Even less helpful are the 'Believe in yourself' words of advice. The thought strikes me that if it were that easy not to worry by just being happy, or if I could overcome all my dif iculties by just believing in myself, I would have done it years ago! Well meaning bits of wisdom they might be, but as people of faith we would want to look for something a little more reassuring - and that's where this truth is indeed helpful: 'Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change, Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things he can change.' It's simple really, here we're talking about having someone there, not just trying to ind an inward strength that may or not let us down. The ability to talk with God is very often all the strength that we need. I remember talking to an elderly retired Salvation Army of icer. It was his last stay in hospital before he was promoted to Glory (the Salvation Army term for passing away). This was 25 years ago but I can see him now and hear him say, quite simply, 'I just talk to the Lord about it,' You might have thought he was conversing with God about the garden or the weather or a lost item; but no; in the face of his inal illness he was at peace enough and settled enough in his faith in Jesus, simply to be able to talk to him about it. I have remembered Brigadier Tom Brookes' words of profound faith ever since. Yes, we can worry - and I confess I often do - but how much better to learn the kind of faith that simply says, 'I'll talk to God about about it,' Should we worry about things? It's often hard not to; but is this not what our faith is for? The trouble is that this kind of faith is learned not just given; it's the kind of faith that comes through experience and maybe Brigadier Brookes had been tested in his long years as an of icer. Well, whatever tests he'd been put through, in this inal test he had passed with flying colours. He didn't worry, he didn't talk to himself about his hardships; he prayed and simply talked to the Lord. Oh that I might attain to that kind of faith. The irst step of course is to want it. Secondly it's to use it. Oh what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Father today I want to consider how close you are to me. You know all things - my background, personality and circumstances. You more than anyone know my heart. In my worries and fears, teach me to 'have a little talk with Jesus' and to 'tell Him all about my troubles', because I know that you will 'hear our faintest cry and he will answer by and by'. Each day remind me that Jesus walks with me and all I have to do is talk to him as a friend speaks with a friend. May that knowledge alone be the strength I need to face each day. Bless my loved ones, be in my circumstances and fears, and today may your grace match my needs and may my time with you in prayer be a blessing. In Jesus' name. Amen. May God bless you all today.

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ood morning everyone! We hope it's going to be a good one for you all!

Like many of you I enjoy crosswords. Fiona can do Sudoku but I have total brain-block with numbers so they're a no-no with me. But give me a quick crossword and I'm happy. When I was ill for a week a couple of years ago crosswords kept me sane, and I still try to do at least one every day - sometimes more. There are times I can complete a crossword all at once; other times there may be half a dozen clues I simply cannot get, so I leave it for a few hours and it's been odd that I pick it up again and immediately I can see the answers. It must be the case that when you stare at something for too long you just can't think objectively - coming back to those 2 letters and 5 spaces suddenly reveals the answer! But I have a confession to make to you all - please don't judge me: There are times when I don't leave the puzzle and come back to it later; oh no. There are times when I simply turn to the back and cheat. Maybe I'll ind the longest word and see if getting the answer will help me think of the ones intersecting it. I have to further confess that there are times I simply copy the missing answers... I feel better for telling you! It's often the case that I will say, 'Oh of course it is! Why didn't I see that?' And then I feel stupid for not getting it. But I've started a new book and the clues are more dif icult and I've gone to the back for an answer and still been none the wiser: there are words I've simply never heard of! I would not have got the answer in a million years of thinking! But as with all crosswords, the easy clues, the clues I should have got, and the obscure all go towards the inished puzzle. When the news of last night's explosions in Beirut came onto social media I read someone's comment: "Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any worse!” Indeed. Why? How? What? These are questions people are all asking about this year. They are, of course, questions we've always asked about our world, our lives, and the events and circumstances we face; it's as if the world is a huge crossword puzzle and we're all involved in adding answers and completing words. Some answers are easy to ill in. Some questions of life we puzzle over until someone gives us a clue - an extra letter or even a sneak peek and we say, 'Oh of course! I understand now!'. Some answers, I'm afraid we will never get this side of heaven when we will see the solution in all its fullness. Elvis sang a Gospel song in the '50s - 'We'll understand it better by and by.' Well yes, we will. The niggling questions we have, together with the huge questions of life will all be answered. There are some things in this life - like those really dif icult crossword clues and the answers we've never heard of - that we will never come to terms with here, but let us be assured of one thing: He knows. Jesus is the Word, he started it all, he will complete it all. It's not wrong to question; it's not a failure that we don't know the answer; he simply asks us to believe that there is an answer; there are reasons. There will one day be a completed puzzle. Faith means trusting that He does know the answers, and that even though we don't understand, or sometimes even agree because of our limited viewpoint, his truth will make the puzzle complete. Lord, life does seem like a puzzle to me at times. I love it when the answers are all falling into place and things just seem to it; but how I'm confused when I just don't have the answer, or the 'word' I think should it, doesn't. On those days when I see the news, or think about my personal experience, and wonder what the answer is, help me to trust you, the One who knows the end from the beginning. Help me to remember that in all things you are the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. And let me in some small way also be the one to help someone else to make sense of their puzzle; let me be an answer, an encouragement, a guide for someone else. Thank you for your word, the Bible and the assurance it gives that all things are in your hands. Amen. Have a lovely day today everyone. God bless you

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5 August 2020

6 August 2020

orning all! Greetings from our house to yours 🙂

When these daily thoughts and prayers started on 24th March I had no idea that here I would be on 6th August writing the latest one. Looking at the prospects for our country and our world it seems likely these thoughts will continue for a long time to come. Thanks for your support and encouragement; I'm glad they help. One thing that amazes me is the numbers I see who read these posts. Some days it's 200+, others it can be 400+. Yes, really! It's amazing. But recently, with an average say of 350 - 400 the most looked at post reached 844 people. It was the post about worry and talking to Jesus about it. It seems to me from that alone, that it struck a chord, it resonated with many. We live in worrying times. So I'm revisiting that thought. As we saw, worry is a conversation we have with ourselves about things we can't change, whereas prayer is a conversation with God about the things he can change. A verse that has often been useful is this: 'Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.' It's a play on words really. My 'cares' are the burdens I shoulder, the things that wake me up early, the things we might shed a tear over. His 'care' is me. He cares for me in the way that I care for my wife, my boys, my closest loved ones; it's as if I ill his 'waking thoughts', his attention is on me. The wonderful thing is that's how he sees all of us: we are his care. The Bible says 'he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.' (Psalm 95 v 7) The answer to our worries, our cares then is not simply a prayer that we offer up, the answer lies in a relationship with him. Remember the Brigadier who talked with Jesus? Because he knew God cared for him and because he loved him in return there was a relationship of love and trust; and in that relationship worries and cares became simply the topic of conversation between friends. Lord Jesus, what a wonderful thing it is to know that I can cast my cares onto you because of your care for me, your watchful love. Just knowing that you know me and love me helps me to be at peace. So Lord, I want to put my faith in you, to trust you, to follow you - to love you. And then, knowing you like that I can speak with you as a friend speaks with a friend. I know this life, wonderful as it can be, will always have burdens and worries, but knowing you can share them, bear their weight and give me peace is a real blessing to me. So Lord today, as I learn to trust you, draw near and walk with me today. Thank you Lord, Amen. God bless you today whatever you are doing. Until tomorrow......🙏

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7 August 2020 Hello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. How are you today? I came downstairs this morning and opened the blinds in our front room to a blinding sunrise. The sun was directly opposite our house like a huge spotlight promising a bright and warm day. Anyone would think I'd never seen the sun before! Well, after a week of cloud it does make a change. What does a new day mean for you on this August Friday? Another day at work? A day with children round you? A day of concern and care? Maybe today will be another day when you don't see many people. Perhaps you're not feeling well and you hope that today will be a bit better than yesterday. Maybe it will be a day for a walk, a run, a visit. The same sun shines on us all. It rises without fail, it doesn't depend on us. I recently saw a ilm that was set in ancient times and in it a man prayed to the god of the sun before dawn begging for the sunrise. I guess he believed that if he failed in his daily early morning rituals the sun wouldn't appear! What a burden of fear, and how unnecessary. Yet he dared not stop because he believed his prayers actually persuaded the sun god to return. I think lots of old religious ideas have that sense of persuading God, of trying to earn a blessing or convince him we deserve his love. It's as futile as praying for the sunrise of course because God is faithful and gracious and his love is assured. He loves us because he wants to, not because we pray hard enough to earn it. The old hymn says New every morning is the love our wakening and uprising prove; through sleep and darkness safely brought, restored to life and power and thought. Old friends, old scenes will lovelier be As more of Heaven in each we see; Some softening gleam of love and prayer Shall dawn on every cross and care.

The trivial round, the common task, will furnish all we need to ask, room to deny ourselves, a road to bring us daily nearer God.

So, be assured today that as certainly as the sun rises, God's love surrounds you whatever you do. His mercies are new each morning, great is his faithfulness. God bless you 🙏

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8 August 2020

ood morning! And welcome to a sunny Saturday!

Whatever you have got planned today I hope you will follow the rules...if you can remember what they are of course! From today there are tighter rules on wearing face coverings - including if there's a church service you want to attend tomorrow. And if you're in one of the towns or cities with a local lockdown, the rules about not going into someone's house have been reintroduced and there's the prospect of further rules. Some people are genuinely mysti ied about the rules and guidelines and requirements, not least because they change and might on irst glance appear inconsistent. People look at a broad guidelines - an aspect of social distancing or covering the face, and they ask, 'So, what about in this place, or in that circumstance?' The underlying principle, of course, is keeping each other safe so, from my point of view it's better safe than sorry; which is why when all the guidelines for places of worship are seen as a whole - social distancing, no singing, protecting the 70+ age group and no interaction between households - we are not planning on holding worship meetings at the Citadel for a while yet, very sadly. I see the need for the rules, even when a little confusing, as being an outworking of an unchanging and unchangeable law - a commandment even. When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment he replied there are two: love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself. I think those are quite clear. Sticking to the guidelines is one way to love our neighbour. It's worth noting that God's commandments are rooted and grounded in love. And as the Bible says, we love him because he irst loved us. Dear Father of us all, you created us in love. We are made for love - giving and receiving. We thank you for the love of parents and children, spouses, friends and neighbours. Lord, you are in and through it all. When we look at our community and world it is love that ills us with sympathy and compassion for those in need, those who suffer. Love is at the heart of our actions and our prayers. We pray for those we know who are unwell, those who care for them. For those who suffer inancially at this time. In love for others we pray for the thousands who suffer following the explosion in Beirut and millions who live in poverty around the world. And, just where we are, help us to follow the law of love - to love you and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. For the sake of Christ, Amen. Enjoy your Saturday everyone! Remember to join us for Together August 30th

in Worship from 10am tomorrow, which will be the last one until

God bless you all 🙏

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10 August 2020

wonder if you’ve ever been in a room with people who illed you with a certain amount of awe or made you feel a little inadequate. I remember when I irst went into a ym full of muscular people I felt quite out of place. Or as a preacher, the one thing that would ill me with horror would be the prospect of preaching in a church full of other preachers. And I guess we would all feel very out of place in a room that was full of saints! Imagine meeting St Francis, St Theresa, St Paul, and all the famous Christian ‘saints’ – Wesley, Booth, Billy Graham. I guess that if there was such a meeting there would be a lot of saints sitting at one end of the room while us ordinary mortals gathered at the other end feeling a little intimidated. A saint is someone ‘special’; someone really ‘holy’ or even perfect; a saint is different to other Christians, or at least that’s what we feel. And yet St Paul seems to want to share his saintly status with the rest of us. “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints”, he wrote in a letter. I am hopeful that he would also write to the saints of Guisbororough (or wherever you live) as well. How could I ever claim that I am a saint in the mould of St Francis? It’s unthinkable. We can’t volunteer to be one, we can’t provide a CV that shows our quali ications for the task; how holy do you have to be? But we cannot get away from the fact that God’s word tells us that we are called to be the sort of people we ourselves have looked up to: We are called to be saints. Well, should we give up this impossible task now? Perhaps we could remember that the de inition of a saint is not how perfect they are but how different they try to be. That’s actually what saints are: people who live their lives with a faith in Jesus that somehow makes them different. Not better than others, not more special – just becoming different to what they were – more loving, more patient, more kind and gentle. Father, just where I am help me to be a saint. Of course I wouldn’t claim that title for myself Lord, it’s way beyond me, and people around me know me too well; but I do want to be different. I thank you that you can forgive my wrongdoings and then help me to be a better ‘me’; and if that’s what becoming a saint is, Lord, count me in. So today, help me to show love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control and try to have a bit more faith in you. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone – you’re all saints! God bless you 🙏

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11 August 2020

uring these last months of lockdown our ways of communicating have become very precious to us. In days gone by we relied on letters and postcards, the telephone was transformed into a mobile and we were able to phone when out of the house and send texts. Now we can FaceTime and Zoom on our phone (if you don’t know, ask someone). If you’re over 50 you can remember when the old-fashioned ways were all there was; I think a teenager today would think the world had ended if there wasn’t a mobile attached to their hand 18 hours a day! But think how cut off we would have been over these last months without communication. We’ve realised just how important it is. There was once a sister in a large hospital who answered the phone on her desk. The caller on the other end of the phone said, ‘Please could you tell me how Bert Higgins on ward 3 is getting on?’ ‘Bert Higgins? Let me look’, said the sister, checking her notes. ‘Did you say Bert Higgins?’ ‘Yes,’ said the caller. ‘Oh yes, he’s had his operation yesterday, it was a complete success and he can go home in 2 days. Who’s calling?’ ‘It’s Bert Higgins, they tell you nothing here?’ (I hope these kinds of stories are true! 😊 ) Now, I’m not one for writing letters. I don’t write many at all. But I like to receive them. I know some of you receive letters and some of you write letters. Letter writing, so I believe, is not the popular pastime it once was. You hear of people who have kept all their letters from a loved one for years, perhaps in a box or tied with ribbon; and these letters are symbols of love, reminders of days gone by. And they’ll be read again, and then read again. Maybe a relative will ind them years later and read them. It’s as if the other person has put their heart on paper. Someone said that once about God; that in the Bible, he has put his heart on paper. These words all speak of his love for mankind, his search for us as we went astray, and the sacri ice he made that we would love him too. This is how God often communicates and speaks to us. And if we can, we should read the Bible and let him speak to us of his love through it. Father, I want to thank you for this new day – I love how sometimes I feel you speaking through the sunshine, the rain, the hills, and flowers. I look at the stars, or I see a smile on a child’s face; and I think what love and beauty there is in our world. I thank you too that your love is written in the pages of your word to us, the Bible. So many verses that tell us how much you love me; how could I doubt it’s true. You really have put your heart on paper. Help me to know again today that I am truly loved by you. In return help me to love you and love others too. In Jesus’ name. Amen. It’s going to be a good day! Be blessed 😊

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12 August 2020

orning everyone. We hope you slept well. What did you dream about? Money, flying, chocolate!

Some people have dreamed of fantastic things and when people have laughed at them, they still dreamed and sometimes those amazing dreams became a reality: The men who dreamed of cars, aeroplanes, space rockets, computers. Men who dreamed of running faster than ever before, of climbing mountains, of discovering new countries. It must be wonderful to have a dream that one day comes true. Now then the poets among you: Can you complete this phrase written by Alfred Lord Tennyson? “More things are wrought by prayer… * (answer below) Or how about these words from the musical South Paci ic “You gotta have a dream, if you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?” Of course, people with faith in God are not just dreamers – whether in the creative sense or in the romantic sense – we are people who are invited to dream dreams of possibility, of seeing visions of what God can do. It’s when we look with the eyes of faith, as it were, that we might begin to see that God can do much more than we can imagine. Sometimes our prayers may do things we might not even think of. Not because our prayers are powerful or even because we have a strong faith - sometimes our prayers are answered even if we have very little faith simply because of the love and the faithfulness of the one we’re praying to. Our prayers are always brought to a loving Father God who cares and guides and who knows the best for us. And I believe he dares us to ask him for things that we might have only dreamed of. Here’s the promise of God’s word: Jesus is the one ‘who can do in initely more than all we can ask or imagine.” Now here’s a challenge for your prayers: Come, my soul, thy suit prepare, Jesus loves to answer prayer. He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not say thee nay. Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for his grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much. We hope your day is a good one. God bless you all.

Answer: “…than this world dreams of.”

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13 August 2020

ood morning to you all – to you and your household!

Does your household include a pet? Is he around? Can you see him or her? Go and check…OK? Good. We often see on Guisborough News and Views an appeal about a lost dog or cat – or even a rabbit or parrot. We have a cat who went missing for three days but sent a substitute in her place. Seriously! But that’s a story for another day… Anyway, a man once heard a cat meowing at his front door. When he opened it a big grey longhaired cat walked in, sniffed round the furniture, started to purr and then jumped on a chair as if he owned the place. The family couldn’t believe their eyes. Then somebody went to fetch a photo album and they compared this fat cat to some pictures they had of a cat and they realised that they were one and the same. This cat was their long lost pet. Clem the cat had come home after 8 years of being who knows where. What a wonderful thing the homing instinct in an animal is. We have a homing instinct (that may or may not be in evidence whilst driving). There is something inside every human being that is attracted by what we might call ‘the spiritual’. Very often we crowd out this little voice or gentle feeling, with a busy life or a noisy world. But it’s there. It’s a little voice that calls us to God; that makes us think of heaven; that reminds us that there is more to this life than the things we see. CS Lewis, the writer of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, said that there was something in him that made him homesick – homesick for heaven. It was almost as if he belonged there and not here. He wrote: “ "If I ind in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." The Bible tells us that God has placed a bit of eternity in our hearts. It makes us restless for something more, something better. We believe that ‘something better’ is found when we believe in Jesus Christ and invite him into our life. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me! Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me?

Chorus: Come Home, come Home! Ye who are weary, come Home! Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come Home!

O for the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me!

God bless you today. 🙏

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t’s time for holidays – though this year the holidays are all slightly different of course. Maybe this year we will spend a little more time in a UK holiday setting and spend some time looking at the photos from last year’s holiday to reminisce about the sun and the sea and the sand. (There’s always Blackpool of course 😉 ) One of our irst ‘foreign’ holidays as a family was when our middle son had just been born and we went to Cork in the Republic of Ireland, way down in the South. And there, on visiting Blarney Castle both Fiona and I kissed the Blarney Stone. High in the turrets you lean backwards, with an attendant holding your legs as you kiss a bit of the wall. I cannot remember why! Apparently kissing the Blarney Stone gives you the gift of the gab: the ability to talk and talk; the gift to use our words cleverly to persuade or influence someone. So that’s where the saying comes from. Gab is from a Celtic word ‘gabbe’ meaning idle chatter. It reminds me of our slang word now – gob! As in gobstopper and the very impolite – “Shut your Gob”. I wonder how many words we speak in a day – some of us don’t speak very much and some never stop talking – there are those of us who have the gift of the gab! I wonder whether we think of the power of our words and the effect they have on other people. A word can sometimes bring hurt. A word can sometimes bring embarrassment - you might not think before you speak and then you wish the ground would swallow you up. Of course we all know the person who seems to always have the right thing to say; they are encouraging, helpful, comforting and cheering. We like the people with that gift with words. One person we know really had a gift of speaking just the right words – Jesus himself. St Peter once said to him, ‘You have the words of eternal life.’ And Jesus himself said, “The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit.” People today will know, almost without thinking about it, some of the words of Jesus: - The Lord’s Prayer - Blessed are the peacemakers and other beatitudes - The parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son - Words of comfort like I am the resurrection and the Life. - Words of salvation like For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life, Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; Sweetly echo the Saviour’s call, wonderful words of life; Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty. Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Saviour, saves and keeps forever. Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life; Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; life; All so freely given, wooing us to heaven. Have a great day everyone. God bless you. 🙏

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14 August 2020

15 August 2020

ello everyone. Hope you're all well :)

Yesterday I remembered the time Fiona and I went to the very south of Ireland. On the way there we travelled through Dublin, staying with some friends. When I go on holiday, I love to visit old buildings. Sometimes it’s a castle or a big house, sometimes it’s one of our lovely English Cathedrals. Now Dublin, though mainly Roman Catholic, has an Anglican Cathedral and it’s famous for 2 things. Apparently, Handel’s Messiah was irst performed in a nearby theatre using boys from the Cathedral Choir, and inside the Cathedral there is a very old Medieval door inside the cathedral which has a hole in it. Now you might not think that’s very interesting, but there’s a story to this door. And it’s the source of the saying, ‘He chanced his arm.’ The story is that hundreds of years ago 2 families were having a feud. They had been ighting for generations until one day one member of one of the families decided to put an end to the ighting and he arranged to meet one of the enemy. They met at this door, one was inside, the other was outside. The would-be peacemaker made a hole in the door with his sword, put the sword down and put his arm through the hole to shake hands with the enemy inside. He literally chanced his arm – the other man could easily have cut his arm off! But he didn’t, he shook hands and the families were reconciled. And that’s where the saying comes from. We chance our arm – we take a risk to get something done; especially when it’s an act of bravery or courage. A bit like mountain rescuers who take a risk to bring someone down from the mountainside; or iremen who go into a burning building, or lifeboatmen who go out into stormy seas to rescue sailors. Some have said that when God sent Jesus to the world he was ‘chancing his arm’. God knew he was taking a risk – he knew what people would do, but he was still prepared to take that irst step of offering friendship and peace. A bit like the man who chanced his arm through the hole in the door. I suppose you could say that on the cross Jesus extended both arms in love as he died for the sins of the world. It’s up to us now to reach out in faith and accept the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers us. You won’t be taking a chance; it’s a certainty. Thank You God, for sending Jesus; thank You Jesus, that You came; Holy Spirit, won’t You teach us more about His wondrous name? Oh Lord, you gave up everything to make peace with us through the cross. You did it though you knew many would never accept it and reject your offer of life and love. But Lord, I want to accept your love and trust you to save me. I want to be reconciled to you and be at peace. Thank you Lord that you have given everything for me, and now Lord, I want to live for you. Bless me today as I put my faith and my trust in you. You have promised to hear my prayer, which I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Have a good day everyone. God bless you.

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17 August 2020

i everyone. Happy Monday!

One of the most often-watched programmes in our house is The Yorkshire Vet. Have you seen it? It’s about an agricultural vet based in Thirsk and they go round all the farms taking care of anything from lambs to llamas. It’s interesting to see what’s done – even if you’re a bit squeamish, like me. You can tell how caring the farmers and shepherds are when it comes to their sheep and other animals. You’ll all know of course that it was Jesus who said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” I think that phrase has meant more to Christians than almost any other over the last 2,000 years. People like the idea that God is like a shepherd who cares and guides and leads and protects his people. I read that the very earliest paintings or drawings of Jesus are found in Rome, in the catacombs, those tunnels under the city where persecuted Christians hid. And there on the walls are pictures of Jesus. Not on a cross, not as a baby in manger, but as a shepherd carrying a lamb on his shoulders, just like in the parable of the lost sheep. These pictures were drawn by people who were afraid. It was a time of great persecution and these early Christians looked to Jesus as a shepherd who would care for them. They could have pictured Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords but they didn’t: they felt they needed the care of a shepherd. I read somewhere that sheep in Bible times were looked after for many years by the same shepherd. They got to know one another – the shepherd grew to be fond of his sheep and they in turn trusted the shepherd. And that’s why Jesus said, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” Did you ever watch One Man and his Dog a number of years ago? You have a ield with a group of sheep in it and the shepherd stands at the side whistling away to make his dog round up the sheep and chase them into the pen. The shepherds Jesus knew were so different. He didn’t drive them or chase them with dogs; he walked with them, leading them along the paths and into pastures that he knew well. Psalm 23 says: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me… You can almost see the shepherd there can’t you, guiding his flock through green ields and rocky places. And Jesus says to his followers – and it includes us – I am the Good Shepherd. I will lead you, I will protect you, I will even put my life at risk to protect you. And that is what he did. He laid down his life to save us. So you can see why those earliest pictures of Jesus showed him as the shepherd. What more precious picture can we have? Lord, we live in precarious times. Everything is so different now and it worries us – it worries me. When will it end? Lord we need you to guide us and protect us; to lead us and comfort us. But we realise we have to follow you and trust you. Help me to do just that today. In doing so I know that I will have your gift of peace. Amen. We hope you have a peaceful day today. God bless you.

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18 August 2020

orning all! Antony and Fiona here.

Some of you will know that I am forever losing my keys. I carry them with me, I put them down, I go somewhere else and it might be hours later when I realise I’ve lost my keys. Fiona teases me a lot about my keys! Keys play a very important part in life don’t they, house keys, car keys, of ice keys, padlock keys, safe keys… the list could go on and on. Sometimes we talk symbolically about keys. An important person could get the keys of the city. It’s a mark of respect and honour for someone the city wants to express their gratitude to. When someone is 21 or 18 we talk about getting the key of the door – a symbol of independence and adulthood. Have you ever heard of getting the keys to the street? It’s the opposite of getting the key of the door – apparently to be given ‘the key of the street’ means you’re locked out of doors, turned out of your home and evicted! Most keys are good to have – a key to a nice home or a car. But some keys are for unpleasant purposes – a key to a jail or a prison cell, for example. It must be awful to be put in a cell – perhaps with someone else – and be locked in for hours at a time with the door locked and the key on a prison of icer’s belt outside. You can imagine a young man, in trouble for the irst time, being put in the cell on his irst day and hearing the key turn and locking him in… Some people are imprisoned for no reason at all. You might remember Terry Waite who was kidnapped by terrorists – and for years he was under lock and key – in fact it was over 4 years - 1763 days! And he was there simply because he wanted to use his faith to help people. That’s a little bit like Paul and Silas in the Bible. They were in prison accused of causing an uproar in the city when all they had done was tell about Jesus to a slave girl who was being used by men to make money for them. They rescued her and they were put under lock and key for their trouble. But Paul and Silas didn’t allow this situation to take away their faith in Jesus. They sat in the prison singing and praising God and miraculously they were freed – no keys were necessary for that – and, through this miracle, other people came to know the power of God and came to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Paul and Silas were locked in. Sometimes people are locked out. It might seem strange to say, but God is often locked out of our lives. I wonder if you know this picture entitled The Light of the World. The original is in St Paul’s Cathedral and shows Jesus standing, knocking at an overgrown door. The door is the door to a person’s soul and Jesus, the bringer of light is locked out. There is no handle on the outside of the door. It can only be unlocked and opened from the inside. The picture depicts something very important. The Lord Jesus stands outside our lives and knocks – he wants to come in and share his love with us, but so many people keep him there, outside, unwelcome, unwanted. And yet he still knocks. Have you any room for Jesus, He who bore your load of sin? Refrain: As He knocks and asks admission, Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Sinner, will you let Him in? Hasten now His Word obey; Room for pleasure, room for business, Swing the heart’s door widely open, But for Christ the Cruci ied, Bid Him enter while you may. Not a place that He can enter, In the heart for which He died? May God bless you today.

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ood morning to you all. We hope you are all well.

This might get me into trouble! I read somewhere that scientists have discovered that women can’t read maps. It’s true – so they say! There’s something in a woman’s brain that makes it dif icult for her to read the directions. Now before you get all upset, the same scientists have discovered something about men too, and that’s that they don’t listen to what their wives tell them! (Or so Fiona told me…but I didn’t catch it all 😉 ) Anyway; back to the map. What would travellers do without them? And what foolish traveller would set off on a journey without a map or something on their phone to tell them where to go? Of course, what you could do would be to ask directions; the problem is that men, apparently, don’t like to ask for directions. They’d rather get lost irst! Suppose you are in a strange town and you ask someone where to go. Suppose he says to you, “Take the irst on the right, the second left, cross the square, pass the church, take the third on the left and the road you want is the fourth on the right after you crossed the road and passed the chip shop on the left.” The chances are you’d be lost before you were halfway there! The best thing to happen when you’re lost is not to have a map, not to have someone tell you where to go, but for someone who knows the way to travel with you. And on the most important journey of all, that must surely be the best way. Life’s journey is too important for us to get lost on the way. It’s too important for us just to follow directions or take advice, we need someone to lead us and to guide us. On the journey of life, who better to take with us than Jesus Christ, who says he is the way, the truth and the life. When you look again at the 23rd Psalm, what are the most comforting words? ‘He leadeth me’. Sometimes that road will go through quiet pastures and still waters, sometimes it will lead through the shadows. Jesus never promised a life that would be free from burdens or cares. But he did promise his presence. There’s a lovely hymn that says, Wherever he may guide me, No want shall turn me back; My shepherd is beside me, And nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim, He knows the way he taketh, And I will walk with him. If we walk with Christ then our journey will be a con ident one and our destination at the gates of heaven will be certain. Wherever you go today, may you know God’s leading and his blessing.

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19 August 2020

ello everyone. Another new day. May it be illed with smiles and music.

The radio stations we often listen to are Smooth FM or an 80s music station. There’s something about these ‘smoother’ sounds that makes a difference to the day. I heard a song that I’d never heard before. Perhaps you recognise the words: There's a hole in the world tonight There's a cloud of fear and sorrow There's a hole in the world tonight Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow. It’s by the Eagles and was apparently written after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre. I don’t think it was a Christian song, but it is certainly expressing a Christian sentiment – that our world, beautifully made and created by a loving God, somehow is missing something – it has to be. When we look at what man has done, what sel ishness has done - and continues to do - we could say “There IS a hole in the world.” The song continues: Oh they tell me there's a place over yonder Cool water running through the burning sand Until we learn to love one Another we never reach the promise land Well, there’s certainly some Biblical imagery there. Some people despair, others work very hard to bring peace and justice to where they live. But I think that our world, created by a loving God needs that loving God himself to bring healing to our world. In Jesus that healing started. He offers himself as the Good Shepherd and the Prince of Peace – and in many places that offer is taken up and people have found peace. But still the world has great problems and there is hurt everywhere. But we must still have hope. The Bible speaks symbolically about the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. It’s picture language for the time when Jesus will come again, and the world will be at peace and the hurts and the despair of the years will be put right once again. It’s a beautiful picture and it inds an echo in our hearts that one day this world will ind healing and that in Christ all things will be made one. One of my favourite hymns has these words: This is my Father’s world; O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world; The battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satis ied, And earth and Heaven be one. Yes, one day all will be one. That’s a thought to hold onto. God bless you today.

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20 August 2020

21 August 2020

orning everyone 😊

It’s strange what we remember as children. You might have memories of certain people. I remember, when I was a child, that my father always wore a black suit because he was a managing director. I remember he played golf and he was good at gardening. You will have a completely different memory, of course, if you do have a memory of your father; I knew a lady, who whenever she talked of her father, spoke of a tall handsome policeman. So, what do remember of your father…? All our fathers were different, and our experiences vary – some have good experiences, some of us don’t and we live with that… To us the word ‘Dad’ conjures up all sorts of memories that no one else has. And yet I call my Dad the same thing as you called yours. The word ‘Dad’ doesn’t really describe what he was like does it? It could have both positive and negative connotations. It’s a bit like that with God. We all call God ‘God’. It sounds simple, but what do we mean? What is God like? Some people see God like children see him, as an old man with a white beard. Some people see God as someone who is stern and angry. Other people see him as just a power force we can’t know anything about. More see him as a loving creator who wants to be our Father. How do you see God? How do you think of him? Some say of course that whatever you call him, God isn’t there but the experience of countless millions of course is very much, ‘Yes, he’s there!’. People know, even feel his presence. That was certainly true for Daniel. I think most of us know the story of the lion’ den but there is more to his story than that. Daniel and his people were captives in a strange and foreign land. They were taken away from the homes they loved. They even thought they had left God behind. They really thought that God lived in the temple and had stayed behind. How were they going to worship God when he was so far away? What a joy it was for them to discover that God was with them even in that foreign land. If you’re like me, there may be times when you feel that God isn’t with you. Are there times when you feel you’ve left him behind? Ill health can make us feel that God has moved away. Not being able to attend church can sometimes make us feel that we have moved away from where God can bless us. If we remember what God is like we need not feel that he is far away. He is the one who loves us and will never leave us or allow us to be alone. He is the God who is present with us. Wherever we are, there also is God. That’s a wonderful reassurance to us. May we be aware of him and may he help us to have faith in him today. Psalm 139. 1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. May God be with and bless you today.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

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22 August 2020

ello everyone, welcome to the weekend. We hope you’ve a had a good week.

Let’s go back to childhood again. Imagine the scene. Perhaps it happened to you once: A little child is playing in the street, she’s jumping, she’s running, she’s dancing; when suddenly she trips and falls and there’s a moment of stillness and then, the little girl starts to cry. Her knee hurts, the sight of blood makes her afraid and she runs indoors. She’s met by her mother who speaks over her cries with a soft and con ident voice, ‘Come here. Let me make it better.’ The girl climbs into her mother’s arms, and feels the warmth of those arms around her and soon the crying stops. Isn’t the power of a mother’s love wonderful? Mothers know just where it hurts. And Dads are good too because they know everything. A Dad is perceived to be the best. How many boys have boasted in the playground, ‘My Dad’s bigger than your Dad’? When we are little we think our mothers and fathers are so powerful – they are almost superhuman. They can do anything. One day though, children reach a stage when they realise that parents are not like God. They have limitations and weaknesses – and we accept that; and we who are parents looking back on the mistakes we ourselves made as Mums and Dads are grateful that our children turned out so wonderfully well despite our mistakes! When we think of God however, we realise that he is the one who really does have power. And there are times when believing in that power will help us through dif icult situations. It’s a fascinating story, the story of the three young men in the iery furnace. You can read it in Daniel chapter 3. It’s intrigued me since I was a small boy – how they could walk through the flames without being burned. We know of course that an angel walked with them – we believe it was God himself who was there. The story tells me 1) God is all-powerful. 2) we should make God the most important thing in life. 3) we should still love him even if we ‘walk through the ire’, as it were. Christians will often testify to walking a dif icult road, and while the dif iculty doesn’t always decrease, God’s presence is always felt somehow. These are the times when God walks with us through the dif icult times rather than rescues us. This is what the men said in the story: Even if he doesn’t save us, he is still God and we still love and worship him. That’s faith. May we too have faith. Faith to believe in the power of God to help us and save us, and also faith to trust him in the midst of dif iculties. Sometimes the greater faith, the most valuable faith, is seen when we trust God to do what is best for us when the way ahead is unclear. When you feel weakest, dangers surround, If all were easy, if all were bright, Subtle temptations, troubles abound, Where would the cross be, and where the ight? Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad, But in the hardness, God gives to you All is despairing, everything sad: 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.

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.

God bless you everyone. Have a good day in his presence.

Page 135

Hello everyone from Majors Antony & Fiona. After a couple of weeks holiday with either family visiting us, or us visiting them, we're back. It’s always strange returning to an empty house, driving onto the front and saying, 'Well it's still here!' (As if there was any possibility it wouldn't be!) The kettle goes on and then you go round the house opening the doors to various rooms which had been closed for a few days. The house had been still and settled, no movement, no breeze; and so windows are opened: 'Let's just get some fresh air in here.' And immediately there's a waft of air, a blind sways, and the room seems to open up and feel 'lived in' again. We'd been visiting our mothers near Blackpool which is often called 'Breezy Blackpool' or, as the famous poem Albert and the Lion puts it, '...noted for fresh air and fun.' Well Guisborough could similarly be nominated for such a reputation, the wind is hardly ever still here! Sometimes we might wish for a less breezy day, but what a stuffy place it would be without the fresh air. It must have been a breezy evening when a local religious teacher asked to see Jesus and ask a few questions because as the conversation went on, as they were talking about religious experience, Jesus commented on the wind that was blowing and used it to try to explain that the Spirit of God can't be contained or restricted, that the Spirit 'blows wherever it pleases.' There's a sound - and no doubt the evidence of feeling and seeing its effects - but he, the Spirit, moves in his own ways. I've heard spiritual experience described as a person allowing the Spirit to come into the heart, as a breeze comes in through a newly-opened window. When God's Spirit comes he brings a freshness, a sense of new life, a 'reawakening'. Sometimes life becomes stale or stuffy but the Spirit of God brings joy and; sometimes life is frantic but the Spirit brings a sense of calm - perhaps like a cool breeze. The hymn-writer prays: Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm... That's something of the gracious work of God the Holy Spirit: in response to faith and prayer, to bring a renewal of our own spirit, a reviving, a refreshing. Open the window today and allow his Spirit to gently move in your heart. Dear Father God, Another week begins and I look at what might lie ahead - I have plans but I know there will be the unexpected things. I have hopes but sometimes there are fears too. Help me this week to know something of the moving of your Spirit in my heart, bringing your life into mine, your power into my weakness, your joy into everything I do and experience. Above all, may your Spirit bring me closer to Jesus, whom to know is life eternal. Amen. God bless you all, We're always here if you need us.

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24 August 2020

25 August 2020

ood morning everyone. We hope you are well :)

'Home is where the heart is'; that's what they say anyway. Home could be where you actually live, it could be your childhood home, the place your family comes from. Home is wherever you feel safe, surrounded by familiar people, things, sights and sounds. Whenever we travel 'home' to where our mothers live there are two signs that we are nearly there and our boys have looked for them ever since they were small: irstly a thatched cottage with a thatched 'witch' sitting on the roof, and then not too long after that, the sight of Blackpool Tower in the distance across the ields and trees. When we lived in Newcastle it was the sight of the Angel of the North coming into view that told us we were nearly home. And now, living in Guisborough, it's the sight of Roseberry Topping, a very distinctively-shaped hill that can be seen far in the distance and which signals that there are just a few miles to go before we arrive. I suppose you could say that home is not the house you live in, it's everything associated with it. It's the people above all else. Our home, family and friends, is our safety, our security - our refuge indeed. The Bible talks about a refuge - that place of safety and security; and when I was looking for an image to illustrate the verse 'God is our refuge and strength' there were pictures of mountains and castles and lighthouses which just didn't convey to me the feeling of 'home'. Then I saw the picture of a sofa with the verse above it. Even the word 'sofa' conjures up images of rest, of relaxing with a coffee, of coming 'home' and being safe. That's the image! But notice that the verse doesn't speak of a place. It's not a castle nor even a house with a sofa that is our refuge, it's a person: God himself is our refuge and strength. More speci ically, to literally put a face on him: Jesus is our refuge. It's when we 'come home' to him that we ind 'our place', our safety from the world's burdens. Another lovely verse says, 'You are my hiding place...' (Psalm 37) What a lovely thought: that in the midst of the life we lead with countless joys and very often, great dif iculties and crises - we can run to the refuge, the hiding place, that is Jesus himself. God indeed IS our refuge and strength - a very present help in times of trouble. Come home to him; come out of the storms and ind in him your hiding place. Lord Jesus, there is no better feeling than to be welcome at home, to feel secure and loved, surrounded by people who know me and love me. I thank you for my home - not just this house where I live, but my community of friends, the familiarity of my town. Lord, I know that you offer this in a more profound way for you are my 'home', my hiding place. You yourself are all I need to know peace and a place to be. Today Lord I want to feel at home in you, to know your love and to feel your presence surrounding me. I know that nothing can separate me from your love, I know that I can never escape from your presence, and so I accept your invitation, your call, to be at home in you. Here I ind my refuge, here I ind I belong. Thank you Lord. Amen. Wherever you are today, we pray you feel 'at home' and blessed. God bless you.

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26 August 2020

midweek greeting to you all from Majors Antony & Fiona :)

Well, what a kerfuffle there's been this week! Over the months we've had protests and demonstrations, riots and toppledstatues but this week the voice of the British people has been heard over the issue of a song! Should the BBC include Rule Britannia in future editions of The Last Night of the Proms? There have been influential voices that have said No, it should not be included because, they think, it has racist and colonial overtones. In response to that the British people have voiced their displeasure at any thought of a ban; it's our song, we love our country, we are patriots. And now it seems the song has been saved and will one day be sung with even more gusto as British people voice their sense of national pride once more. How interesting it all has been. I never actually watch The Last Night of the Proms, but events like that where people gather together show how powerful a shared song can be. I guess it's the same at a football match where the Liverpool supporters will sing You'll Never Walk Alone, or when Salvation Army people from around the 132 countries where we preach the Gospel will sing our Founder's song: O Boundless salvation, deep ocean of love, O fulness of mercy Christ brought from above; The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free, Now flowing for all men, come, roll over me! (If I were to be mischievous I might comment that if anyone were to suggest banning THAT song because it referred to 'men' and not 'people' you'd get a similar reaction from Salvationists that the BBC has received!) The truth is there is great power in song. Songs will unite, they will inspire and encourage. They can soothe and express our deepest feelings; they can communicate love and even protest. You cannot stop a song that powerfully speaks to a community; and that's why songs of praise and worship are even more powerful. They don't just express the beliefs and prayers of Christian people, they actually have a spiritual power, an ability to be a means of grace, a way for God himself to influence the human heart and mind. Of course, for other reasons - good reasons - we are not now allowed to sing, and that's one of the causes of us not meeting together at the moment; but as the hymn says, 'the voice of praise is never silent' because Christians everywhere recognise that 'The Lord inhabits the praises of his people.' (Psalm 22 v 3). God is still being praised! Our songs are never silent and can never be silenced! Even in countries where for ideological reasons Christians are banned from worshipping Jesus, songs still rise from the hearts of the faithful. We too have the freedom to lift our hearts in songs of praise and prayer. Nothing can stop those melodies reaching the heart of God and so today, wherever you sing 'psalms, hymns and spiritual songs', even if it's just in your heart, may Jesus Christ be praised and your soul encouraged. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, In the heart He implanteth a song: A song of deliverance, of courage, of strength, In the heart He implanteth a song. God bless you today, and keep singing! We're here if you need us.

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27 August 2020

ello everybody, we hope you are well.

Today I thought I'd continue the musical theme remember yesterday we thought about making music in our hearts to the Lord. I listen to quite a lot of music on Youtube. I have to confess that it's mostly familiar music, music I've liked over the years, whether it be Salvation Army music, pop music from the 70s and 80s, or some of the classical pieces that I really like. It's not often, I have to confess, that I listen to new music. There are people on Youtube who make what is called 'Reaction Videos'. Simply, they play a song they've never heard before and as it plays in one corner of the screen they react to it and critique it. Quite often someone has written-in and suggested a song and the critic will say, 'I've never heard this song before, it's a new one on me.' Apart from the enjoyment of the song they are reacting too, I like to watch these videos because not only is it interesting to hear someone's irst-time assessment of music I like, it's quite amusing sometimes to watch their amazement. I was watching a young man of 22 yesterday reacting to a song by Queen. He thought it was brilliant; he loved the harmonies, the voice, the ener y of the song and then said, 'It sounds so modern, it could have been released recently but it's 45 years old!' Well that made me laugh because it made me feel old! I was listening to that song 45 years ago!! And here was a young man, younger than my youngest son, discovering a song, enjoying a song that is to this generation positively ancient! To him it was a new song and it excited him. The Psalm writer encourages us to 'sing a new song' and some take that literally to mean that we should just sing new hymns and songs in church, but it actually reflects more of the experience of the Youtube critic. However old or new a song is, enjoy it, experience it, discover something new even in the old ways of faith. There was something about that young man listening to an old rock song that reminded me of a new convert to the faith; he was excited by something that he had never known before, even though others had known it for years. Christian worship is the same; you might know a hymn, a prayer or a Bible passage from days gone by, but suddenly it seems new. It becomes fresh and your mind and your heart is excited by this new experience. Today, may there be a 'new song' - a renewal of joy and wonder in the things around you that bring you nearer to God. Here's an old Charles Wesley hymn that speaks of a new experience: Let earth and heaven agree, No other name is given Angels and men be joined, by which we can salvation have; To celebrate with me But Jesus came the world to save. the Saviour of mankind: To adore the all-atoning Lamb, His name the sinner hears, And bless the sound of Jesus' name. And is from sin set free; 'Tis music in his ears, Jesus, transporting sound, 'Tis life and victory! The joy of earth and Heaven; New songs do now his lips employ, No other help is found, And dances his glad heart with joy. We pray that you have a lovely day today, God bless you.

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28 August 2020

ello everyone :) Hope you're having a good day.

I think that many of you will know that Joan Welburn, our well-loved and respected piano player went to Heaven this week. Her Christian faith was immensely strong and I believe enhanced her musical talent in worship. We will miss her for the music, of course, but more than that we will miss her just for being Joan. A number of months ago now Joan came up with a phrase to describe our church - a God-Place. I put those words into a 'word cloud' with other descriptive words to show visually what we are in Guisborough Salvation Army - a place where God is at the centre of everything, and can be experienced. On Sunday we will consider how 'every place is hallowed ground'. So here's a question: where is your 'God-Place'? Where is that go-to space or time when you ind him? It doesn't have to be a physical place of course, just a moment in time where you commune with him. Here's a lovely song that you can use as a helpful prayer enabling you to ind that quiet space, a 'God-Place'. 'Mid all the traf ic of the ways,

A little place of mystic grace,

Turmoils without, within,

Of self and sin swept bare,

Make in my heart a quiet place

Where I may look into Thy face

And come and dwell therein:

And talk with Thee in prayer.

A little shrine of quietness

Come, occupy my silent place,

All sacred to Thyself,

And make Thy dwelling there!

Where Thou shalt all my soul possess

More grace is wrought in quietness

And I may ind myself:

Than any is aware.

God bless you all.

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orning all! Welcome to the weekend :)

A very unusual thing happened to us the other week: we were given the opportunity of a free gift. Now most of us are just given a gift; even when it's expected, we just receive it. This was different, we had to agree; and we could have turned it down. Fiona and I got new phones. We weren't bothered about better, more expensive (why anyway?) or flashy; we just wanted a phone. The young woman in the phone shop looked at ones within our range and said, 'Oh here's one that comes with a free gift.' Oh that's nice, I thought, perhaps a phone case or something. Then she pointed at the notice on the wall - the free gift was either a laptop or a 43" telly!! I was actually speechless for a few seconds. And I almost felt cheeky or a bit greedy when I eventually said yes I'd have the telly. What a truly unexpected thing to happen. 'Ah, but Major', you might say, 'I bet there's a catch. The phone is more expensive, the cost is greater.' Well you might think that, but when it was all worked out and she applied two discounts, not only have we got a 43" HD Smart TV, our phones are cheaper than ever! Now, I'm not boasting, because this was a gift not something I've achieved, but it only happened because I said yes. I could have chosen another phone and rejected the free gift - and to be honest, that thought did cross my mind. I nearly missed out, and I wondered how many others have missed out because they said no. I wonder that about the Gospel too. We talk about faith and love here and now, but what of eternal things, of Heaven? The Bible tells us that eternal life is the gift of God. It's far more than we could expect or deserve, and we are actually earning our way to the opposite for 'the wages of sin is death' (Romans 6 v 23), but God says I can give you a gift instead: eternal life in Jesus. That means 'life in all its fulness' here today ( John 10 v 10) and then life with Christ forevermore. Why would you choose not to? Jesus offers love and joy and peace that are far more than we could ever create or ind for ourselves; he loves us with an 'everlasting love' that can only come from him. The Bible is clear about this gift - there are no hidden extras, no small print; accepting the gift is our choice and all we need to do is believe in him, trust him, turn away from our previous 'contract' as it were, our old life, and accept the gift that Jesus died to provide. The gift of a telly is trivial, inconsequential - but I'm pleased I said yes. The gift of eternal life in Jesus is the best gift I ever accepted - and millions would say the same. It's his gift of grace; will you accept it today? Many are the things I cannot understand,

When I came to Jesus with my sin and shame

All above me mystery I see;

and to him confessed my deepest need,

But the gift most wonderful from God's own hand

When by faith I trusted fully in his name,

surely is his gift of grace to me!

God's rich grace was granted me indeed.

Refrain: Higher than the stars that reach eternity,

Passing understanding is his boundless love,

Broader than the boundaries of endless space,

More than I can ever comprehend,

Is the boundless love of God that pardoned me;

Jesus, in his mercy, left his throne above,

O the wonder of his grace!

All to be my Saviour and my friend.

Have a great weekend everyone, and we'll see you tomorrow for Together you.

in Worship. God bless

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29 August 2020

ood morning! Well there's a rst: a sunny Bank Holiday - we hope you have a good last day of August. This is a week of rsts. Tomorrow is the rst of September and this week sees the children and teenagers back in school. Some children will go for the rst time, some will 'go up' to the senior school. But how di erent it's all going to be for them! Masks in some circumstances, distancing, smaller groups, staggered playtimes and a real rst that I read yesterday: no gossiping at the school gates (not my words, that's what I read!). I used to love the rst September week back at school. I remember having a new blazer (mine was exactly the same green as Laurence Jackson here in Guisborough) and it always had sleeves that were too long! There was a new class room to explore, new exercise books and pencil case full of new pens, pencils and those plastic set squares that you never used except to draw a straight line! We pray for our young people this week in a very strange world; they are often more resilient than we imagine and they will adapt but these last few months need to be left behind and progress made in their education. Yesterday I created a new window display for the hall that features Bible verses about children and childhood. The Bible speaks of childhood as being an example to follow when thinking of faith; we are to become like them if we want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words have open minds and hearts, be willing to explore and be 'excited' by new experiences. We are to be trusting and teachable, humble and blameless. I sometimes think of childhood and the simple, innocent pleasures, the interests we had in collecting, exploring, sharing and discovering - simpler days for us all. Of course that's impossible and we thank God for the experiences, freedoms and joys of being adults. But is there not a sense, sometimes, that we might like to somehow go back and have those fresh childlike qualities? There are things we accumulate regrets and mistakes, traits of behaviour and attitudes that we wish we could leave behind? Paul tells us that for those who are believers in Christ, it's a like being 'a new creature', like we've started again. That sounds good. God said to the people of Israel - and of course he says it to us 'I am doing a new thing.' Think to yourself, what new thing could God do for me this week, even today? Father, I thank you for this new day, this new week. I am thankful for the many blessings of the past week but help me now to look forward to all this week o ers. We pray today for the children and teenagers who will be preparing to return to school. In this di cult time may they still ourish and grow. We pray too for the teachers and teachers’ assistants as they lead and guide and educate our children. Lord, you promise to do a new thing in our lives. I would claim that for myself too; help me to let go of past hurts and regrets, of things that keep me looking back, and help me look forward with a child’s excitement, a sense of faith and an eagerness to look at the new things that you provide. Let this new life, this gift from you, bring me close to you. Thank you Lord for every opportunity and the grace that you give to enjoy life in all its fulness. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen Enjoy this lovely day everyone, God bless you.

ffi

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31 August 2020

1 September 2020

M day! 😃

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.🙏

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2 September 2020

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 Jesus”! 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 🙂 God bless you 🙏

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3 September 2020

ood morning everyone, we hope you are feeling good this morning 🙂

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 🙏

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4 September 2020

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

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 🙏 See you tomorrow at 10 for Together

in Worship.

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7 September 2020

ood morning everyone 🙂

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 😟 . 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... 😁 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 🙏

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8 September 2020

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 🙏 If you need anything, we're here.

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9 September 2020

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 🙏

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10 September 2020

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 🙂 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. 🙏

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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

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! 😁 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 🙏 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

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 🙏

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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 🙏 Have a lovely day.

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15 September 2020

16 September 2020

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 (£1 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 🙏 ☝

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Page 156

17 September 2020

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 🙏

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Page 157

18 September 2020

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 🙏 Have a great day. We're recording Together

in Worship today, so we'll see you Sunday at 10.

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Page 158

19 September 2020

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 🙏

Page 159

21 September 2020

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 🙏

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22 September 2020

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 🙏

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Page 161

23 September 2020

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 🙂 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 🙏

Page 162

24 September 2020

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 🙏

Page 163

25 September 2020

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 🙏

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Page 164

26 September 2020

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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Page 165

28 September 2020

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. 🙏

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Page 166

29 September 2020

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 🙏

Page 167

30 September 2020

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 day🙏 See you tomorrow/next month for some more Faith in a Changed World.

Page 168

1 October 2020

ello everyone, welcome to October! In my mind October is the month of harvest festivals (though some observe it at the end of September). I love this time of year. Autumn is a month of changing colours, the season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness', according to poet John Keats. Yes, harvest festivals are part of October. We celebrate a socially distanced harvest of course this Sunday with some good songs, so please join us. One song we will sing is Come ye thankful people come. And as well as the theme of 'all is safely gathered in', it introduces the traditional harvest theme of the nal harvest when Jesus returns: 'even so, Lord, quickly come...' It's a longed-for day, when as promised throughout the Bible, the Lord will come and bring in his kingdom of peace and righteousness to the world. Jesus told the disciples to watch for the signs of his coming, to lift up their heads, to watch and pray, for their redemption draws nigh. Of course we don't know when, we don't speculate, but we do expect him one day. And there's an intriguing verse in Scripture that tells us 'Every eye will see him' (Revelation 1:7). Jesus will come visibly, personally, suddenly. Oh what a day that will be. Job said, 'I will see him with my own eyes, how my heart yearns within me!' I was thinking however how we've been given a gift in advance of that wonderful and awesome day. As I write these daily thoughts, and as the church itself has suddenly gone online and is spreading the message of Jesus on the internet, through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all the other 'platforms', it's as if here and now 'every eye' is able to see Jesus in a way that 25 years ago was never even dreamed about. What an opportunity! When I was a young o cer, publicity was mostly printed and hand-delivered, or you had to hear messages in person at a meeting. There was no broadcasting videos or pictures unless it was a TV programme like Songs of Praise; but Oh! How suddenly even the smallest church is virtually broadcasting to the world! Even daily thoughts like these are going round the world. Every eye can see Jesus. Who'd have thought? Please pray for this daily ministry of the word, pray for Together in Worship each Sunday. Pray for all the online ministries of the churches around this world, that every eye will indeed have an opportunity to 'see Jesus', and that people in even the remotest places will come to know and love him. God bless you today 🙏 Keep on believing, keep your faith high despite everything.

ffi

Page 169

2 October 2020

orning everyone, happy Friday! 🙂

Let's talk about toilet rolls... No, seriously. Nearly 7 months ago now you couldn't buy toilet rolls for love nor money. Do you remember? Everyone started panic buying in the middle of March, whole aisles were cleared, shelves were empty. Facebook was lled with shocked people posting photos of people staring at nothing, or shaming-pictures of people with a shopping trolley piled with toilet rolls: "Do you know this sel sh person!?" It was quite bizarre. We went on holiday to Devon the week before lockdown and Tesco's there was just the same. And add to that the total absence of hand sanitiser gel and paracetamol!!! This was a very strange phenomenon. And then last week, with rumoured extra lockdowns it happened again. For one day! Pictures appeared: There are no toilet rolls in Asda, Tesco, Morrisons!!!! And it was true. Here in Guisborough there was just a few lonely packets in the top shelf. Here we go again! But you will know it didn't last. The next day there was an abundant supply. Literally, what a relief! And there was loads of paracetamol too. I think people were fed up of panicking. They saw that the last time was unnecessary - I bet there are people still using the store they hoarded away in March! What was the point? Why the worry? Yes, we are concerned about the possibility of lockdowns increasing, we're concerned about illness among the vulnerable especially. Many are understandably anxious about employment. So what is our response? Well panic is not helpful - whether it's rushing out to buy a year's supply of toilet roll, or whether it's becoming very anxious about our situation. The Bible says, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4:6,7) The reason we can be peaceful instead of being in a panic can be found in a verse that's often used at harvest time. It tells us that God has riches. It tells us that God has a warehouse that can out-supply any run on stock, as it were, any panic buying. He has 'riches in Glory' and whatever is needed he can supply to the trusting, praying heart. 'Keep on asking,' said Jesus, 'and you will receive.' An old song says, 'Thou art coming to a King, LARGE petitions with thee bring.' Father, forgive me for not always realising how great your provision is, how generous you are. I confess that I worry, but in love you remind me that you can meet all my needs according to your riches. Help me Lord always to remember. Your gift of peace is all that I long for. So, in my need, and in my circumstances I would claim that peace from you. In prayer I o er you my need, I bring my request and ask Lord that you answer my prayer according to your store of riches. Give me faith to believe and a trusting heart to wait for your answer. Thank you Lord. Amen. Have a good day everyone. God bless you 🙏

Page 170

orning everybody.It's the weekend again! And it's Song Saturday.

This is where we feature a song that will be used in tomorrow's

Together in Worship. It’s Harvest tomorrow and we will be

singing harvest hymns, but here is a song that's 'only' 63 years old and isn't really a harvest hymn, although it does mention harvest in the lyrics. The Wonder Of It All is a song written by George Beverly Shea. He was a very famous and popular Gospel singer in the United States from the 1920s onwards and would often accompany Billy Graham on his preaching tours. On one of these tours they were on a ship sailing to Scotland from the US. A passenger discovered who he was and asked where he was going. George replied that he was going to sing at a large Gospel rally and explained just what happened in one of these huge meetings. When he tried to describe to his fellow passenger what it was like to see crowds of people giving their lives to Jesus, he just couldn't nd the words. Eventually he said, "What happens never becomes commonplace... watching people by the hundreds come forward... Oh, if you could just see the wonder of it all." "I think I should", replied the passenger - we are not told if he ever went to a Billy Graham rally; I would like to think he did and there found Jesus as his Saviour. George went back to his cabin and thought about his conversation and the phrase he had used: 'If you could just see the wonder of it all," and there, on the ship, he wrote this very simple Gospel song: There’s the wonder of sunset at evening, The wonder as sunrise I see; But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul is the wonder that God loves me.

There’s the wonder of springtime and harvest, The sky, the stars, the sun, But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul is a wonder that’s only begun.

O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! Just to think that God loves me. O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! Just to think that God loves me.

Whenever I sing this song - and I've only known of it for the last 5 years - I always think of that line, 'the wonder of it all just to think that God loves me.' Can there be anything more wonderful than that? To know that the One who created me and formed me; the one who knows my past, my present and my future, my words, attitudes and actions, loves me still? It is almost too wonderful to consider. Tomorrow, why not join us in worship; to praise God for the harvest, but also to sing George Shea's song for yourself. Realise once more the wonder of it all - to know that God loves you. See you tomorrow from 10am for Together Salvation Army Youtube page.

in Worship here on Facebook, from the Guisborough

God bless you 🙏

Page 171

3 October 2020

5 October 2020

orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

One of the big features of life at the moment that covers our features (excuse the pun) is our face masks. Whether it's the disposable ones, black cloth, home made, or designer ones with logos, pictures, even slogans. Whatever style you go for the face covering is required, compulsory and controversial! Shops and other establishments display signs that in a friendly manner, tell us, 'Please wear your face covering'. One I saw helpfully advised, 'If you don't have a face coverings please speak to a member of sta ', who presumably would have a spare to provide. I've seen some which, in direct language, insist: 'No mask, no entry!' Rude. Well, we've all had to return to the house to get our forgotten mask two minutes after walking towards the shops...oh, just us then? 😁 The other night a friend and I drove 5 minutes to a take away only to realise when we got there neither of us had a mask. What to do? Everyone queuing had one, the sign on the door required the wearing one. So I did what I've never done before: opened the door to a nearby convenience store and called out to the young chap behind the till: 'Have you got any masks?' Three minutes later and £4 poorer we stood for a mere 30 seconds in new masks in the takeaway to collect our pre-ordered food. A long story that reminded me of the old Bible story I learned as a child about the men who went to a wedding but weren't allowed in because they had no wedding garments on. If Jesus were telling the story now, would he have talked about face masks? The Bible speaks a lot about being dressed in symbolic white robes in Heaven. You'll be given one there, or you need to wear one now in order to go there. The old song says: In white, in white, walking with Jesus in white... A more modern song says, about the people in Heaven: And none will ask what they have been, Provided that their robes are clean... You see, in the Bible a clean or white robe is a symbol of being prepared for Heaven, and of being forgiven. It's a symbol of living life here and now by faith in God, and knowing that he has made our heart new by his grace and forgiveness. To be in Heaven we have to have, not a mask (thankfully) but a robe. One of my favourite 'Army' songs says: A robe of white, a crown of gold, A harp, a home, a mansion fair, A victor's palm, a joy untold, Are mine when I get there. The truth it all points to is that Jesus makes the heart clean. Forgiveness is available to all, grace is a gift. We can walk in white robes! And as with a mask, if you don't have one, just ask! Have a great day everyone! God bless you 🙏

Page 172

6 October 2020

ood morning everyone. A ne day seems to be ahead of us.

If you're older than me you might remember the 1960s TV programme The Prisoner. I'm far too young! Apparently a famous phrase was "I am not a number." I've heard people say that a few times when referring to how we are known to the authorities - NI number, driving licence number, passport, bank account and PIN number. Even buying a McDonald's you're called forward by number to collect your burger... The truth is we are known by number and we are included, counted in numbers. We have seen over the last week or so that a big mistake was made in the reckoning of how many people were testing positive with Covid-19. I noticed it the other day because I see a daily graph of numbers and one day the number doubled! We discovered that somehow a week's worth of daily gures had been missed o the spreadsheet. All recti ed now. It does show that care needs to be taken with numbers, not least because each number represents a person, a life. We are valuable individuals, even if we are counted amongst a crowd or on a spreadsheet. That sense of being an individual lies at the heart of people saying "I am not a number!" But, we can also say that numbers are important: the Bible is full of numbers; in fact there's a whole book in the Bible dedicated to counting people. And it's entitled, unsurprisingly, 'Numbers'. Jesus chose 12 disciples. He sent out 72 to preach the Gospel. A crowd of 500 saw the risen Jesus. There were 120 in the upper room at Pentecost, and on that same day 3000 people came to believe in Jesus! For some reason numbers are important and God invites us all 'to be in that number when the saints go marching in'. Remember yesterday I spoke about white robes? Here's another verse that mentions people in Heaven wearing them, and it seems that even God had given up counting, there are so many gathered there: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7 v 9) What a crowd! Heaven will be a place of community, of fellowship, of togetherness. The fact that the numbers cannot be counted shows the wideness of God's grace and his welcoming love. Our prayer is that you too will accept his invitation and be part of that great number - however many there are! Have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏

Page 173

7 October 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

How do you pray? I once heard some good advice: 'Pray as you can, not as you can't'. At rst glance it sounds a little trite but actually it's quite a liberating thought. Prayers will use words very often, of course, but there's no set pattern or form of words that we have to use. We can pray in a way that feels natural to us. I know there are those many Christians who each day will take out a prayer book and will read the daily o ce, the litur y for that day. There are beautiful words there. That's not so di erent to Salvation Army people who will open their song book and read a devotional song, or maybe more than one. For both types of people using the words of others can be extremely helpful. Some people will turn to the Psalms and use those words as their prayer - so much richness of thought and experience there. Some will talk to God as I've mentioned before in these daily thoughts 'as a friend speaks with a friend.' It's natural, conversational, but no less reverent than using a prayer book. Maybe your prayer time will involve music. In the Salvation Army we have so much music and song that we can sit and listen to, and be blessed. Or have you tried silence? Just sitting there with a co ee, watching the trees, listening to the birds, seeing the clouds move. I heard a story once of a priest who walked through his church and noticed a man sitting, just staring at the cruci x. He went about his tasks and came back to see the man still sitting there, staring at the cross. He went and sat next to him and gently asked what he was doing. The man replied, 'I look at him, he looks at me.' That, for the man, was his prayer. He was simply xing his gaze on the cruci ed Jesus. And that's what prayer is all about: no set words, not speci c place or time, no litur y or even correct vocabulary; just you and him. Pray as you can, not as you can't. But let Jesus be the focus. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.

Keep your eyes upon Jesus, Let nobody else take his place, So that hour by hour you may know his power, till at last you have run the great race.

God bless you today in your prayers and in everything you do. 🙏

ffi

Page 174

ello again everyone, a very good morning to you all!

Are you a morning person? Some people leap out of bed ready to face the day and almost expecting the day to catch up with them! Others of us pray for 10 minutes more under the duvet. I knew someone who liked to say he never came out of his house until the street had had an airing. In other words, never before mid morning. Many of us have morning rituals - for me it's a mug of co ee and sitting in silence. For others it's taking the dog out or taking a quick walk around the garden. I was speaking to a lady the other day who is up and out getting the morning paper as soon as the shop is open. Of course, for many it's rushing around getting the children ready for school or getting ready to go to work... Many people, if their morning is not too hectic, will nd a moment to pray. For them the morning is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the new day, to pray for the day ahead, to make a recommitment to God. The Bible speaks a lot about morning prayer: "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice." We read, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went o to a solitary place, where he prayed." We don't all have the luxury of time and space to do that - or perhaps the desire, let's be honest; it's not a requirement to pray in the dark! - but the example Jesus set, the principle to follow, is to pray rst before all else. It's not an instruction, a regulation, but it's good advice. Let prayer be part of the morning routine. Let it be a thought turned heavenward at least, a moment of becoming aware of God. It might accompany the rst co ee, the walking with the dog, the drive to work. A lovely verse from Psalm 143 v 8 says, Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. What a gift we have each morning to consider again the love God has for us and to spend some minutes of that rst hour with him. New every morning is the love our wakening and uprising prove; through sleep and darkness safely brought, restored to life and power and thought.

The trivial round, the common task, will furnish all we need to ask, room to deny ourselves, a road to bring us daily nearer God.

If on our daily course our mind be set to hallow all we nd, new treasures still, of countless price, God will provide for sacri ce.

Only, O Lord, in thy dear love t us for perfect rest above; and help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray.

Old friends, old scenes will lovelier be as more of Heaven in each we see; Some softening gleam of love and prayer shall dawn on every cross and care. God bless you 🙏

Page 175 fi

8 October 2020

9 October 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Actually, I could just as properly say 'Good evening', because although many do read these daily thoughts in the morning, there are those of you who actually turn to them in the evening. The members of the Salvation Army in Guisborough get a printed version of these readings each month and I've been told that it's the evening when time is made by some to sit and read and pray. So if that's you, I hope you had a good day today. Of course, wherever you are it could be any time; and that's the beauty of knowing God and being in friendship with him. We can turn to him at all times, but there's something very bene cial in setting aside a regular time, creating a pattern for prayer. I would say that is especially true in these strange times when there are no public meetings to attend at the Army. The verse we look at today seems to me to be that of a man whose thoughts are turning to the evening worship in the Jewish temple far away in Jerusalem. He can't be there but he wants his evening prayer to be joined with the worship in that great building: 'May my prayer be counted as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening o ering.' It's a lovely thought; that as we pray in an evening our prayers are rising like incense to God. If we could see it, we would see houses here and there where a sweet smelling incense is rising heavenward as prayers of thanksgiving are o ered for the day just gone. Or they might be prayers of penitence for wrongs done, prayers o ered for the health of a loved one. As the night comes, the prayers might be for the day that lies ahead; for grace, for strength, or for a new beginning after the glad passing of a day that didn't go well. An evening prayer can be a time of healing, of seeking for peace, for o ering thanks. It closes the day well and entrusts the one who prays to the love and protection of our God who neither slumbers nor sleeps. So whether you are waking to a new day or about to rest for the night, may the peace of God be yours. Now the day is over, Night is drawing nigh, Shadows of the evening Steal across the sky.

When the morning wakens, Then may I arise Pure, and fresh, and sinless In Thy holy eyes.

Jesus, give the weary Calm and sweet repose; With Thy tend'rest blessing May our eyelids close.

God bless you 🙏

Page 176

10 October 2020

orning all! It's the weekend again and it's Song Saturday when we feature one of the songs or hymns

that will be used in tomorrow's Together

in Worship.

This week it's a Salvation Army song with a marriage of beautiful words and a lovely tune, both by one of our past Generals, Albert Orsborn. He was called the 'Poet General' because he wrote literally hundreds of songs for use in services and meetings, many of them still sung today. It must be wonderful to have a talent with words, to be able to express personal experience, emotion, desire and faith in words that speak not just to the mind but the soul as well. One might be forgiven for believing that all these poems and songs were divinely inspired, and came from Heaven as gifts. But I guess every poet, every writer, every preacher indeed, will tell you that it takes concentration and hard work to nd the right words. Having said that, the song we will use tomorrow - I Know Thee Who Thou Art was no ordinary poem because it was created out of a terrible experience of grief; in his words 'it grew out of the ploughshare of su ering', A biographer wrote that the General had 'su ered a severe bereavement,' recording that Orsborn wrote: 'I have been permitted to endure extremely heavy and bitter sorrows.' I think that what we see then in the song that he has left us is a remarkable testimony to his faith; who do we know who could write such faith- lled words as these when in the depths of grief? I've often said to people in moments of sorrow that this is where faith becomes real. When we walk through that valley, through the shadows or in that storm, our faith is then proved to be su cient or it fails utterly. The General wrote a song that is lled with praise and certain hope, and I can tell you that when you read the fourth verse you will be reading its author's favourite verse: he said he often sang it to himself; and Salvationists the world over look at this song and the music Orsborn wrote especially for it, and agree that this is one of the Army's most sacred and inspirational songs. I know you'll appreciate these words, and when you listen tomorrow to the service you will hear the most beautiful piano arrangement of the melody; I know you will be blessed. I know thee who thou art, And what thy healing name; For when my fainting heart the burden nigh o'ercame, I saw thy footprints on my road where lately passed the Son of God.

Beside thee as I walk, I will delight in thee, In sweet communion talk of all thou art to me; The beauty of thy face behold and know thy mercies manifold.

Thy name is joined with mine by every human tie, And my new name is thine, A child of God am I; And never more alone, since thou art on the road beside me now.

Let nothing draw me back or turn my heart from thee, But by the Calvary track bring me at last to see the courts of God, that city fair, And nd my name is written there.

How can anyone have such faith? Simply this: he trusted in Jesus. And that same faith is given to all who believe. God bless you. See you tomorrow from 10am.

ffi

Page 177

12 October 2020

ello everybody. It's good to start a new week with you.

It's 5:42 as I start writing this and I've been awake since 4:00. Mind you, I slept a lot yesterday due to illness; in fact when I did get up I was ordered back to bed by Sta Nurse Major Fiona! So, I'm writing this now because I'll probably go into sleep... Illness is a time when many prayers are o ered. And when illness is longer than a 24 hour thing, prayer is valued more than ever. We often think of those who spend much time in bed whether in hospital, in care, or at home. We might think of relatives, it might be we ourselves who spend time in bed for long periods. In these present times of restrictions there has been the added burden of reduced visitation - even no visiting at all. That's hard to bear. Illness can be a lonely experience, and so an extra prayer and thought goes to those who haven't been able to hold the hand of a loved one. Of course, many are able to be together and illness is borne easier when others are there. As I have been trying to sleep that verse of the Bible came to me, about sleeping in peace and dwelling in safety. How? Simply because of the presence of the Lord. There's a lovely verse in Psalm 121 that I know many of you have come to appreciate: "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." To know that God watches over us even as we sleep is a comforting thing. In times of illness, loneliness, stress and depression, when often we feel isolated, we can rest assured that Jesus is there; a prayer away. And even at times when we can't feel his presence, we can be encouraged to hold on to the thought that he really is there, even if as the song says, he is 'standing somewhere in the shadows'. So, I hope you are feeling well today. But if not, may God have a special blessing for you, and even if you have to rest or sleep, may you know his peace. Heavenly Father I am so grateful that you know when I sit and when I rise. You know my secret thoughts, my private feelings. You know my fears, my joys, and hear my prayers. Lord, even in illness you draw near to me or those I care about. My prayer is for those today who feel pain, who undergo treatment, or who are in ill health at home. May they always feel your peace and be aware of your loving presence. I pray for those who care, who watch, who look after a loved one. May they too be encouraged and strengthened by your presence. And I would pray for myself too that in good health or not so good health, I will always have faith in you, to feel assured, loved and blessed. Thank you Lord that even as I sleep you watch over me. Amen. God bless you today 🙏

Page 178

13 October 2020

ood morning to you all 🙂

I think many of us possibly watched the news yesterday with a sigh. None of us are surprised however at the new restrictions the rise in infections, and more worryingly the rise in hospital admissions have led many to assume that further restrictions would follow. And so here we are: in our part of the UK our restrictions are greater from tomorrow, though thankfully we're not in the top tier. All this now, after 7 months, is beginning to tell on the patience of the country. I'm not talking about those who merely want freedom to socialise, but about the e ects on families and loved ones, on relationships and the ability to be with one another. People speak very much about the e ects on the well-being of people who su er with mental health issues. It should be said that these issues can a ect us all, and these months might bring out or cause stresses that others never thought possible. If you yourself are a ected please talk to a friend, a relative and Fiona and I really are here to listen. As Christian people we are not immune to the stresses and concerns of life, but what a joy it is to have a family of faith that can respond - so please reach out and let people know you need their prayers. And that's the blessing of God for us in times of ongoing need. We have the knowledge that prayer brings us to his presence, and that his Spirit gives us gifts of perseverance, patience, long-su ering and hope. The Bible says to us, 'Be joyful in hope, patient in a iction, faithful in prayer.' I think these things are intertwined. We can't be joyful or patient if we don't pray. We are in a long-haul situation and as a Christian community we have an opportunity to witness to the world that there can be joyful hope, we can be patient in our a ictions - especially if we reach out for help - and we can, we must, all be faithful in prayer. May God really bless you today 🙏 And please don't forget we're here. Send a private message if you want to chat. I leave you with the lovely words of St Theresa of Avila: Let nothing disturb thee, nothing a right thee; All things are passing, God never changeth! Patient endurance attaineth to all things; Who God possesseth in nothing is wanting; Alone God su ceth.

ffl

ffi

Page 179

14 October 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

People everywhere are waking up in expectation of what today will bring. For some it's an eager expectation - a celebration, some good news, a new job, a birth. For others today might bring something they've expected with dread - a diagnosis, a redundancy, a farewell. And in between there are countless varieties of things we are all anticipating. For some of us perhaps, a day of the usual routine. Nothing to see here. Nothing special. I feel I want to say one simple phrase, and very oddly it's a phrase I dreamed about last night. Seemingly, all night! I even woke up with these three words in my mind as if I'd already written this article. God is there. God is there in the celebrations of life when our hearts and faces are lled with delight and it's easy to praise God. God is there in the routine, the humdrum days when nothing interesting happens. He is the constant companion. God is there on the blackest of days when every light is extinguished. His presence, even if not seen or even felt, is assured. Here in Guisborough a well-known and much loved family is su ering a family tragedy. Because of their generations-old role in the community they are known and respected by everyone. Even in this, though hard to comprehend, God is there. The Psalmist asks, 'Where can I go from your Spirit?' The implied answer is nowhere. There is literally no place, no experience, no circumstance, no event where God does not go with us. He stands with us. He o ers his hand. And when the Bible says that we should 'rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep', it's re ecting what God himself does in our lives. He rejoices when we do; he weeps with us. God is there. Sometimes that's all we need to know. In heav’nly love abiding, No change my heart shall fear; And safe is such con ding, For nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid, But God is round about me, And can I be dismayed?

His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, And I will walk with Him. Green pastures are before me, Which yet I have not seen; Bright skies will soon be o’er me, Where the dark clouds have been. My hope I cannot measure, My path to life is free; My Saviour has my treasure, And He will walk with me.

Wherever He may guide me, No want shall turn me back; My Shepherd is beside me, And nothing can I lack.

Father my simple prayer today is for all who, in joy or sorrow, will want to feel that you are there. In their rejoicing may they know your joy. In their despair may they know your love. In the name of Jesus. Amen. May God bless you today 🙏

Page 180

15 October 2020

ello again everyone.

In your conversations with one other I think I could guarantee that at some point something will be said about change. The usual things mostly: the change in the weather, the change in the dark mornings and evenings, the change in health, the changes in your families, etc, etc. It's a simple thing but from our kitchen window we can watch the changing seasons - the trees on the small area of land next to our house herald the year's changes. The evidence at the moment is the huge pile of leaves that has now appeared on our drive. Natural changes like that can be beautiful; it's the unexpected, unpleasant or unwanted changes that are disliked. Some of us don't like change, some thrive on the challenge of new experiences. It would be an understatement to say (again) how things have changed in our lives and every aspect of living now is di erent. Lots of my conversations with people have the same theme, how 2020 is a year we could never have imagined, never want to relive, and we can't wait for 2021... The other day I had to walk a short distance in the pouring rain. The hills were hidden by mist, it was a dark morning, it was windy. But those noisy birds that I have often given a mention in these thoughts were singing. They were still singing despite it all. Yesterday we took a walk along Saltburn pier. The waves were still coming in, the cli s were still looming in the mist, the dog-walkers were all out as usual. Some things never change. Many things continue as normal. Life itself goes on... We begin to notice those normal things more now. We crave the consistency of routine and custom. I think we are going to even enjoy the usual distraction of the preparations for Christmas and I can imagine that we are going to make extra e orts to make things special. We want something that is constant. The old hymn says, Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ. If the birds still sing, if the waves continue to meet the land, the seasons continue their changing, how much more constant and consistent is the love of God for us? No matter what, no matter who, or where, or when changes in our lives, God never changes. What Jesus was yesterday he will be today and forever. In that constancy we nd our security. And our peace. Lord of all, in all my changing experiences may I be aware of those things that are sure, reliable, and constant. Especially help me to trust in your unfailing love, unchanging grace, immoveable power. I need that foundation of faith each day to give peace of heart and mind. Today, may I seek and nd your constant love and so know the peace of God that passes all understanding. In Jesus name. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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16 October 2020

ood morning everyone!

Today I overslept - well, for me that's unusual; I blame our thick curtains and the dark mornings. And possibly for the very involved dream I was having that was so detailed it could be turned into a mini-series! It was one of those dreams that actually a ects your emotions - do you have them? I dreamed I had been in trouble with someone but it was simply not true; and yet I felt guilty. I remember once having an argument with Fiona in a dream and waking up and still feeling annoyed with her because it was all her fault! She still got her morning cup of tea though x. She was totally innocent and unaware. On another occasion, I worried all night about something to do with the Citadel here. I kept waking up and in those waking moments found myself trying to plan on what to do, when I was going to do it. I'd then go back to sleep and the situation lled my dreams, adding to my worries and sleeplessness. And then, after I'd got up and worried about it for a few minutes, I realised there was really no such situation. Oh, I can't tell you how relieved I was! Disney might tell you to follow your dreams but I can tell you that sometimes it's good to run the other way! 😁 Don't believe your dreams! I'm no psychologist or 'dream-expert', and I know dreams can be useful if helpful. On a religious level there's a lot of experience from people where God has spoken to people in dreams. Not just in the Bible either. Nightmares and disturbing thoughts are not pleasant and it's good to forget them. I can't remember what the fake argument with Fiona was about. I can't remember what the problem at the Citadel was. I made sure I left it all behind me. If only our cares and concerns could so easily vanish with the morning. Well, sometimes a new day itself can indeed bring a new perspective on yesterday's worry and we've all been awake at 5am worrying for an hour about something that took 2 minutes to sort out at breakfast time! But even when faced with a concern, a worry, a situation that is ongoing, the rising of the sun and the dawning of a new day gives an opportunity to feel again the presence of God and the assurance of his strength and wisdom. The Psalm writer prays, 'Let morning bring me word of your unfailing love...' (Psalm 143 v 8) That's the opposite of a false dream, a niggling worry. Nothing is constant in this world like God's unfailing love. But there is a challenge. The writer of the Psalm adds, 'for I have put my trust in you'. Ah, there's our side of the story, if you like. Yes, it's true that 'New every morning is the love, our waking and uprising prove', but God asks for our faith, our trust for us to experience that love in a full and positive way; it's as if we are called to receive his love by faith. For those who open their hearts in faith, the love of God is over owing. The nal challenge comes next: 'Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.' In order to leave behind those things that burden us we are called to follow Jesus, whatever that might mean for us. Entrust your life to him, allow him to lovingly direct your path, and each day you will know his unfailing love. Lord, this morning I thank you for the love that is renewed in my life. At the end of each day I can thank you for your faithfulness and friendship. Help me to know you more, trust in you, and follow you as one of your own. May today bring word, not only of your love but also of grace, forgiveness, and peace in Jesus' name. Amen. Have a great day everyone. We're preparing for Sunday's Together join us from 10am. God bless you 🙏

in Worship - please plan to

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17 October 2020

i everyone. Welcome to another weekend, another 'Song Saturday' where we take a peek at one of the songs featured in the next day's Together

in Worship.

The song I've chosen to preview is A Wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord. This is a song that was written, unusually, to it a tune that had already been written. Fanny Crosby wrote the words and although she wrote over 9000 songs this one was her favourite. What's remarkable is that Fanny was totally blind and could only write her name. Every hymn and poem she ever 'wrote' was dictated from memory to her secretary. Equally remarkable is the fact that she became a teacher at a blind school. We use just a fraction of songs that she wrote: Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine, Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross, Tell Me the Story of Jesus and perhaps best known, To God Be the Glory. And even though she wasn't a Salvationist, she wrote a song that many in the Army might assume is 'one of ours': We are Marching on With Shield and Banner Bright… The chorus of the song we are using tomorrow says, He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, That shadows a dry thirsty land. Her inspiration came from the time when Moses asked God if he could see him, and God had hidden Moses in a cleft in the rock, saying 'When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.' (Exodus 33 v 22) I think there's a huge mystery here; what went on that day? What did the glory of God look like? What was the hand of God that covered Moses? All we can say is that the unimaginable greatness of God that prevents us from seeing him is balanced by the caring touch of his hand that gently protected Moses as he sheltered in that small space. It has been said that Fanny Crosby often felt alone and vulnerable; having no sight from being a baby evidently was the cause of that vulnerability, and she took refuge in her faith, using this verse as an encouragement. It's from Psalm 32 v 7: 'You are my hiding place.’ In God, in Jesus she found that hiding place, that place of refuge. It was for her a retreat, a place she felt close to God and 'covered by his hand'. The story of Moses, and God who passed by must have inspired her to write about this wonderful God and Saviour, who not only protected her now, giving 'strength as my day', but who also held out the prospect of great things in her future. She wrote of a day when with 'the millions on high' she would rise, transported into the clouds to meet Jesus at his coming. We can only imagine how she pictured that day, a day so beyond our own describing that we certainly don't have any advantage over her in describing what it will be like. She would certainly have loved the verse in Psalm 32 v 7 that says, 'In the time of trouble he shall hide me.' She will certainly have looked forward to the Lord's return and, in the ancient words of Job, would have repeated, I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! ( Job 19) A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord, A wonderful Saviour to me; He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, Where rivers of pleasure I see.

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day.

Refrain:

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns, And, illed with His fulness divine, I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God, For such a Redeemer as mine!

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock That shadows a dry, thirsty land; He hideth my life in the depths of His love, And covers me there with His hand.

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise To meet Him in clouds of the sky, His perfect salvation, His wonderful love, I’ll shout with the millions on high.

We look forward to joining with you all tomorrow for Together in Worship, here from 10am.

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19 October 2020

ood morning everyone! If that sunrise was anything to go by it's going to be a lovely day!

I'm sure it'll be a week of blessings. How do I know that? Because the Bible promises it and experience testi es to it. The remarkable thing about the Bible is that it can be read by academics and children, studied by bishops and factory workers, understood by theologians and people who can't even read. Yes, there's some 'deep thinking' in the Bible that exercises the most intelligent minds in the world, but then we realise that Jesus didn't lecture in theolo y, he told stories. David didn't teach a class of students, he sang songs. The Bible's truths are there for all to understand. No doubt this week some new set of restrictions will be published for one part of the country or other. A new guideline will be backed up by law. There will be people of course who will say, 'I don't understand', but I might suggest the confusion comes from all the comments, all the di erent opinions that are shared on social media. As a minister I have to read the 20 pages of guidelines for places of worship and I have to say that it's in the reading that the confusion is clari ed. In matters of faith, of living everyday life as believers in God, we are often faced with confusion, questions, doubts. I thank God that the Bible is not a set of changing guidelines that have to be read yet again 'to see what's changed this time'. The Bible, contrary to popular opinion, isn't just 'do this, don't do that!' It’s a life-giving book where history, poetry, prayer, story, personal letters and yes, a bit of theolo y, all combines to inspire, excite, comfort, encourage, challenge and bring the deepest joy and peace. But the greatest bene t of actually reading the Bible and taking time to think, is that in the pages we hear God, we meet him. Paul says that the Bible is inspired by God - literally 'breathed out' by God. When you read the Bible it's not just with your eyes but also your ears, it's not just your mind but your heart that is touched. It's as if God comes and sits beside you when you read. I heard a phrase over the weekend that said, 'The Bible needs no improvement.' I like that. When you read your Bible you can say to yourself, 'It doesn't get any better than this.' I guarantee that whatever advice or regulation changes this week, the Word of God will remain true, inspiring and life-giving. May God bless you throughout this week 🙏 Whatever situation you nd yourself in, may God bless you, his word encourage you, and his Spirit walk beside you.

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20 October 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Today the community of Guisborough will gather along the high street of the town to support a family and to show a ection and respect to a young man who will be remembered for many years to come. It's often a cliché to talk about 'the community', but these last few days have brought out a sense of togetherness amongst many. Memories have been shared, owers and candles have been laid at the Market Cross, and many people will stand together along the main thoroughfares in Guisborough, including outside our own Citadel, to say farewell. To belong to a community is a very important thing. To feel at home, to be amongst 'our people' is special. And it's also good to feel, as many of us do, the warmth of welcome and acceptance as we become part of a new community and begin to get to know people and to make that community our own. People nd a sense of belonging in smaller, more de ned groups of course - a team, a club, a class, even blokes down the pub: it's all part of human nature to feel we belong. We talk about the Church, the Army; people refer to 'the faith community' and for some people the assumption is that 'churchgoers' are just another interest group or society. There's something much deeper, I think. Yes, we outwardly share common things - we like the music, we enjoy the fellowship (and miss it when it's not there). We value the Bible and it's teachings, and we are blessed by prayer. But these things are not just interests of the mind. What makes a Christian community is not our togetherness, but God's own presence. The centre of Christian faith is a relationship with God who is our Father. He brings us into his family and asks that we love him and love one another. The Psalms remind us that 'he made us, we are his people' (100 v 3) and that nobody should feel excluded because 'God sets the solitary in families' (68 v 6). To agricultural people, as most were in the days of the Bible of course, God o ers images of a shepherd leading and tending a ock, a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings. Because God's own Spirit indwells us we are not just a community, we're a communion. We are 'knit together' as one body sharing the love of Jesus. There really is nothing like this bond of fellowship, this people of God. It spreads round the world and encompasses those who have gone before us. It welcomes all and will continue in Heaven. This is where we belong. Let there be love shared among us Let there be love shared among us Let there be love in our eyes May now Your love sweep this nation. Cause us oh Lord to arise Give us a fresh understanding Of brotherly love that is real, Let there be love shared among us, Let there be love. (Dave Bilbrough)

Please pray for the Storey family. May God bless them, and all of us today 🙏 (Market Cross photo: Peter Neasham)

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21 October 2020

orning all, we hope your week is going well.

I was told something last week that really warmed my heart. It's the kind of thing I've heard about elsewhere, but it's never happened to someone I know. Anyway, this lady did her shopping in Morrisons and took her basket to the checkout. It was all put through and when the person on the checkout asked for the payment the lady realised the embarrassing truth: she'd forgotten her purse. There was nothing for it but to ask to have her shopping put to one side while she walked all the way home again to nd her purse. On her way to the door, a Morrisons assistant caught up to her and said, 'It's OK, the man behind you at the checkout has paid for your shopping. He insisted.’ What a lovely gesture. Unexpected, and for this not-so-young lady, taking away her need of a long return journey. It brought back memories of a little 8 year old in Blackpool who had a handful of old penny pieces ready to buy some sweets on the way home from school. I remember the tiny sweet shop that was little more than a wooden hut. And I can also remember the feeling as I stood there and realised my pennies were still in my desk at school. I couldn't pay. Sadly there was no one there to come to the rescue. That's the meaning of one of the great titles we give to Jesus: the Redeemer. The one who pays, the one who settles the debt, so that we can be freed from it, able to bene t from blessing and especially salvation. It's a lovely picture of God's love where Jesus pays the price we cannot pay, he values us so much that he paid with his own life the price of our eternal life. When Jesus cried out on the cross, 'It is nished', he meant, 'All done! All completed.' Some say that partly the meaning is 'Paid in full!' - a bit like when you get the nal statement on a loan repayment or receipt. What a relief! We can't repay the debts of our sins - but Jesus can! We can't pay the price of our redemption - but Jesus did! We can't by our own e orts win the grace of God - but Jesus gives it freely because the price is paid. Thank God for our redeemer who paid it all! It's all paid out of love. Such love, pure as the whitest snow Such love, weeps for the shame I know Such love, paying the debt I owe O Jesus, such love

Such love, springs from eternity Such love, streaming through history Such love, fountain of life to me O Jesus, such love

Such love, stilling my restlessness Such love, lling my emptiness Such love, showing me holiness O Jesus, such love

https://youtu.be/XODaTctCjvQ

God bless you today 🙏

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22 October 2020

ood morning! Another dark morning but the sun will always come up!

A phrase that has become very well used these days is 'thoughts and prayers'. Whenever we want to send a message of sympathy, support, and comfort, we all say it: 'My thoughts and prayers are with you', or ' Sending loving thoughts and prayers'. It's a very personal greeting, and those words are even used now in o cial messages; I've heard top politicians use them with no cynicism whatsoever. A tragedy or a crisis occurs, and a press release or tweet is sent: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with...' We just know that sending a message like that will be of comfort to others because we ourselves have felt comforted by them. There's a sense of reassurance in knowing that others are thinking of us. And it's often a re ection of the fact that we very often do hold people in our thoughts in times of di culty. Yes, we think of them. But we also think of Him too - it's certainly 'thoughts AND prayers'; we believe that God is present. How many times do we ourselves think of God in our own circumstances? For many of us it's a constant thing, and a prayer is a thought turned heavenward. We are encouraged to pray, to share our thoughts with God, and I would certainly encourage you to do so. There's a lovely song by Joy Webb with these words: I can think of Him in my happy hours, When my heart is gay, glad my way; Knowing He walks with me, I can always think of Him. I can think of Him in prayer, For I know He will be there; (Listen here: https://youtu.be/NHvLfoEQJWA ) In my brightest day, or my darkest way, I can think of Him in prayer. But here's a wonderful thought: did you know God thinks about you? He is always thinking of you. Why wouldn't he? If he loves you (as he does), of course he will have you in his thoughts. And Jesus has us constantly in his prayers - imagine that: Jesus intercedes for you to the Father and the Spirit carries your prayers to God's throne. That not only means God thinks about you, but Father, Son and Spirit are talking about you too! How could we ever feel alone, unloved, when God himself is thinking of us. King David said to God, How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! They outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me. (Psalm 139 v 17,18) That's an amazing thought. Even when I'm asleep, God watches over me, and all day, all night, holds me in his thoughts. How precious are those thoughts indeed! Father, thank you for your love, grace, and kindness towards me; For the gift of prayer so that I can think of you often, and always have Someone to turn to, Someone to listen. But more than this, I thank you that you think of me. Your love for me is wonderful and I want to love you too Lord. Accept my prayer, and my praise today. Amen. As usual we're here if you need anything today. God bless you 🙏

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23 October 2020

ello again from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Have you ever forgotten someone's name? You've met them in the street, you know who they are... But no, no name! And you daren't ask! There have been times over the years when someone has greeted me, knew who I was, called me by name and walked away. And I literally had no idea who that person was! They may have seen me doing something in an o cial capacity but I just didn't know....but in both these scenarios we don't let on that we don't know. I was at the Salvation Army training college over 30 years ago and a fellow cadet (trainee o cer) was there with the same name as me. We were in small groups together, we worked alongside each other, and then we went our separate ways until 5 years ago a mutual friend came to me at an event and said to me, 'You remember Tony don't you!' 'Of course,' I replied, at which our friend introduced me to the man I had done training with for two years. 'You remember Antony don't you?' He didn't even try to remember. And not only that, he didn't do what we all do and just go along with it. 'Nope,' he said. 'You must do,' said our mutual friend. 'No, nothing at all,' said the man with the same name whom I'd trained with. And that was that. He just walked away. I can't pretend I didn't feel just a little confused, but oh well... Yesterday I wrote about how God thinks of us constantly. Today I mention a favourite verse of mine that tells us God will not forget our name because, metaphorically, he has engraved our name on his hand. For 'engraved' we could say 'inscribed', 'carved', 'written indelibly', or even tattooed! You might have seen men with a girl's name tattooed on their arm, never to be forgotten - well God's got you tattooed on his hand! And that must have been painful! Originally Isaiah was writing about the Jews, saying that God will never forget the nation of Israel even in di cult times, even when they thought God had forgotten them. But we can apply that same truth for ourselves. Even in times in our lives when we feel alone or God seems di erent be assured of this: he says, 'I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.' (Isaiah 49 v 15,16) Father, I am encouraged to know that not only do you think of me, you know my name; and it's as if you carry my name with you, inscribed on your hand. There are days of joy and gladness, there are stressful days and even days of deep sorrow, but Lord what assurance there is in knowing that nothing changes your knowledge of me. With that thought, my prayer is that I will always remember you, in all situations and occasions to trust that you are there. Today, renew my faith, and help me to know you more, love you, and serve you in Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏 Watch out for details today about videos of two Territorial Salvation Army congress meetings to be held tomorrow and Sunday!

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24 October 2020

orning all! As usual we continue our theme of 'Song Saturday' and this week I've chosen a song that will be used today and tomorrow in our 'Light, Life and Love' Congress online. It's another song by a previous General of The Salvation Army, Albert Orsborn. You will remember that I used another of his songs on 10 October. The General's songs are all highly personal and deeply reflective. I look at some songs and though I may be wrong, some of them seem to have been 'easily written' as it were; poetry that is produced by skills of language; but the hymns and songs I like are those that evidently come from a profound personal experience, a spiritual longing, perhaps even a season of suffering. The song 'When shall I come unto the healing waters' is one such song. It's a song of prayer, a song of searching. It's one of three that General Orsborn wrote about 'extremely heavy and bitter sorrows', but it's not a morbid, introspective song. Instead, it's a song of hope in Christ and his cross, the place of healing and restoration: 'From a hill I know, healing waters flow,' he writes con idently. He had visited a place in New Zealand called Te Aroha which was famous for hot springs that had a reputation for medicinal and healing properties. It's still there today - I checked. It's all spas and hot tubs nowadays (and looks wonderful), but they do have the original source of the water there, a geyser that gushes out of the ground. This was the inspiration for the General's words as he thought not of a natural spring of water, but of the healing fountain that poetically springs from the cross of Jesus. Another old Gospel song says, Jesus keep me near the cross; There a precious fountain, Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain. It's the same thought the General had - a fountain of healing for the soul, a place of cleansing for life's hidden wounds, and the washing away of 'the dust of earthly striving'. These are beautiful poetic words, but we can only imagine what these wounds and fears were in his mind that led him to write such a prayer of longing. In the cross he sees 'all I require to cleanse me and restore.’ When we read words like these, knowing that they were deeply personal to Albert Orsborn, we ind them echoing our own prayers. All of us could pray these words and ind that they echo our own deepest longings and desires, our own deepest need for forgiveness, cleansing and healing. The Bible speaks of that day when the fountain, as it were, was opened; it was a fountain where cleansing can be found and we believe that at the cross, through faith and in prayer, we can have that experience of being restored. 'Flow through my soul,' pleads the General and we might say 'Amen' to that for ourselves. Today and tomorrow in the congress meetings online they will feature this song for us to listen to and make our prayer. May your need and his grace meet today. When shall I come unto the healing waters? Wash from my hands the dust of earthly striving; Lifting my heart, I cry to Thee my prayer; Take from my mind the stress of secret fear; Spirit of peace, my comforter and healer, Cleanse Thou the wounds In whom my springs are found, From all but Thee far hidden, Let my soul meet Thee there. And when the waters flow let my healing appear. From a hill I know, Light, life and love are in that healing fountain, Healing waters flow; All I require to cleanse me and restore; O rise, Immanuel’s tide, Flow through my soul, redeem its desert places, And my soul overflow! And make a garden there for the Lord I adore. May God bless you today. We're here if you need us. There is no Together in Worship tomorrow, instead please share in the online Congress meetings; today at 3pm and tomorrow at 9am. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=u5u8e3_TVCg

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orning everyone, welcome to a new week.

We hope you enjoyed the Congress meetings over the weekend, some of the music was excellent. The theme of light, life and love was featured, and I wanted to comment on something that Jesus said of himself: I am the light of the world. I think most of us try to do what we can to enjoy the light. Whether it's going abroad to nd the summer sun (well, perhaps not this year!), or just enjoying sitting in a sunny spot. Now the evenings are dark we like to put the lights and lamps on and sit bathed in warm and cosy light. We put the clocks forward and back in Spring and Autumn with the idea of 'daylight saving' and trying not to have such dark mornings. Did you enjoy the extra hour over the weekend and notice how much brighter Sunday morning was? As winter approaches most of us will be looking forward to decorating our houses with lights as almost a rebellion against the darkness - there's a metaphor if ever we wanted one! I was thinking on Saturday night that even the television seems to join in with the theme of joyful light. Did you watch Strictly Come Dancing? Can there be a happier, brighter, more joyous programme on the television to brighten a dark, cold October Saturday evening? We often picture Jesus the light of the world as a solitary gure with an old fashioned lamp surrounded still by darkness. It's a beloved image, but I would love to see him pictured covered in light, totally dispelling the darkness, bringing joy and gladness to the world. And if ever we needed it it's now! The world looks for light, creates light, enjoys light. In the darkness we want the brightness to shine. Jesus brings a brightness into life itself. By the light we see truth more clearly, we are guided by the light, welcomed, comforted and warmed. Just as a room lled with lights can be a joyful place, so the light of Christ brings joy to us. So, in the dark nights, in the gloomy days, enjoy the opportunity to light the lights and enjoy the brightness, but most of all, let the light of Christ shine on you. Lord Jesus light of the world, be the light of life to me. I begin by praying, 'Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on...' But more than that, I want to 'light up the sunshine in my heart’! Lord I want you to Shine, Jesus, shine Fill this land with the Father's glory Blaze, Spirit, blaze Set our hearts on re Flow, river, ow Flood the nations with grace and mercy Send forth your word Lord, and let there be light! Today Lord may I be lled with the joyful light of life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏

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26 October 2020

27 October 2020

ello everyone. Good morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

When I got up this morning there was just a glimmer of light in the east and as it grew I thought it was going to be a lovely sunny morning. But as the sun has risen a blanket of cloud has moved across the sky and it looks like things may turn dark, but who knows? There's something of 'red sky in the morning' going on at the moment...hopefully it might clear. Sometimes we feel that something promising doesn't turn out the way we thought; clouds appear in our bright sky. Shadows fall, etc. We use metaphors of light and darkness to describe bad news or a di cult situation. We might talk about 'a dark day' or 'gathering clouds'. We feel like that all the time at the moment as we're under the cloud, as it were, of this virus. I've been reading a number of comments in various places about depression, mental health, stress, etc, and there are two common themes in all these comments: Firstly, talk to someone, open up to a friend, share your feelings with someone else. Oh that's good advice! But secondly, be the person who might help. A friendly word, a smile, the o er of a chat, anything that might shine a bit of light into someone you might or might not realise is struggling. Yesterday we remembered Jesus, the light of the world. Well, indeed: you'd expect him to be! But he says to us, 'You are the light of the world'. Me? What can I do? How can I bring light to the whole world? Well, maybe it's not all the world - we're not Jesus - but we could be a light in our small world; the world that is our family, the world of our o ce, our street, our circle of friends. Maybe we could be a point of light in just one person's world that, for them has a bit more darkness than they'd like. A text, a phone call, the o er of a socially-distanced co ee, the assurance of your prayers. Just being for them a person of faith might be the light in their world. If we know the Light of the World in our own lives, then we can make a huge di erence just by being a small light 'just where he needs me'. Let's all 'let my little light shine' today. The world will be a brighter place for it. I love this little video of people the Army has helped singing This Little Light of Mine. It always makes me smile ☺ https://youtu.be/DrE3KwiWj4E God bless you 🙏 We're always here - phone or message us if you need anything.

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28 October 2020

ood morning everyone!

Isn't it strange what counts as remarkable nowadays! Yesterday I decided I needed a new mask so I went to the shop and bought one that was just a little more expensive than the slightly loose cheap one I've got. Well, I'm really pleased with it! It ts well and it's comfy and...... fancy getting enthusiastic about a face mask! Actually, what I want to talk about is the shop experience. I placed the packet with the mask in it on the counter and paid by 'contactless', but the very nice shop assistant just sat there. 'Your receipt is there,' she said, motioning me to tear the receipt o the machine myself. It was easily done of course, I didn't need sta training to do it, but in our previous world I remember a receipt being handed to me. In fact that's what they still do in Morrisons. I'm not complaining; it's hardly worth mentioning, but it did make me think of how in some circumstances we have come to the point of reducing physical contact - even by not giving a piece of paper or handing your purchases to you. It was basically supervised self-service. Physical contact is so important and we've lost it. I haven't shaken anyone's hand for over seven months! I used to do a lot of handshaking! And hugging is certainly out of the question! It's such a shame. What makes it worse of course is the present inability to go into each others' houses. Even when you can it's probably wiser not to. Oh what a distanced world we live in! One of the remarkable things about Jesus - and one of the things that added to his critics' complaining was his willingness to 'reach out his hand and touch'. He touched the blind man, he touched the disabled man. Astonishingly he touched the leper, he even touched the dead! The law of his day did allow that but he should have isolated himself although he never did. His compassion, combined with his divine power, meant that he could not withhold his human touch. As well as healing a man's disease, he also a rmed him, comforted him with that simple touch. The most dramatic touch Jesus gave was when Peter dared to try to walk on water, sank, and 'Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.' Christian hymns and devotional writings ever since have been lled with this lovely thought of the hand of Jesus reaching out and touching us in blessing, in healing, in rescue, in forgiveness. If Jesus were with you, would you welcome his divine touch? What work of grace and compassion would he do for you today? A modern American gospel song of testimony says that 'the hand of Jesus touched me, And now I am no longer the same.' That's the testimony of so many who have been touched by his loving hand. He touched me, oh He touched me, And oh the joy that oods my soul! Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole May God be close to you today, and may you know his hand of blessing and healing on your life. God bless you 🙏

ffi

Page 192

ello again everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I'm looking out of our living room window and I notice two things: the absolutely beautiful orange sky and the recycling bins either near the footpath or poised in the neighbours' gardens ready to be brought the nal few feet ... Yesterday the ritual question will have been asked by many people: 'Which bin is it tomorrow?' There are times I just can't remember which one, and so I look across the road to see which bin the very-reliable Barry has brought out. I always follow his lead. Am I sad because my favourite bin day is 'blue bin day'? Admit it you have a favourite too... I love the thought of recycling. I've always been fascinated by people who take old stu and turn it into something new. As I was working yesterday in my o ce at home I could hear the cry of 'ragbone!' from the loud speaker on the man's white atbed truck. I hear it most weeks as he trawls our streets for old cookers and scrap metal and 'stu '. I remember in Blackpool in the 1970s we had a 'real' rag and bone man who had a horse! He'd clip-clop round our terraced streets collecting all kinds of things. What did he do with it all the stu ? Sell the metal? Use parts again in other stu ? Repair it? Reuse it? One man's trash is another man's treasure I guess; to the rag and bone man everything could have a potential use, a hidden value, a new purpose others might not perceive. If ever there was a metaphor for how God sees each person, that's it. Whether you have evident gifts and talents and have lived life wisely, or whether life has become chaotic and spoiled, God always sees a use, a value, a purpose. In the imagination of God every man, every woman is worthy of renewal, of 'recycling'. The Bible is absolutely clear. St Paul instructs us to be renewed in our minds - that tells me it's possible! I'm encouraged by that. Then he tells us that if anyone is 'in Christ' - that means having Christ at the centre of their life - they are a 'new creation, the old has gone, the new has come'. This is God's renewing work, his 'recycling' work. Not one of us is without value or potential, and by the grace of God we can have a spiritual 'blue bin day' - in fact a limitless number of them - where God can take what we have been, what we have become, and make it new by grace through faith. A much-loved song we sing in the Army with a joyful tune says: I want to tell you what the Lord can do, What the Lord can do for you. He can take your life as he did mine and make it anew. Every day can be a blue bin day - it's God's favourite! What can he do for you? God bless you 🙏

ffi

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29 October 2020

30 October 2020

ello to you all from Major Fiona and Major Antony

Well today we're going to do three exciting things: Firstly, Fiona and I will be recording Together in Worship for Sunday – we enjoy doing that. Secondly, one of our sons and his girlfriend is coming down to visit – with a huge and hungry black Labrador, but thirdly, that visit will basically be a trek up Roseberry Topping. Oh, the joy! I just hope the weather forecast is erring on the negative side when it says today will be ‘mostly cloudy with a couple of showers’, and the showers are half a millimetre – so, not exactly a downpour. Well, here’s hoping the couple of showers are when we get back later on! I’ve written about this before, but I like the hills around here. Whichever direction you drive you can see hills. I can even see the hills from my kitchen window. I shan’t mention her name - but she knows who she is! – there is one lady I know who has a lovely view of Roseberry Topping from her living room window. What a lovely thing to see that whenever you like. You might know that one of my favourite passages from the Bible is Psalm 121: I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. The writer is re ecting on the beauty of the hills around him, as we all do. The permanence of them, the changing scenes through the seasons. There’s something both familiar and majestic about them – even comforting. When you see Roseberry Topping in the distance, for example, you know you’re nearly home. But the writer has realised something else: it’s not the hills that give him the help he needs, it’s not the creation we enjoy so much: it’s the Creator himself: ‘My help comes from the Lord who made it all’. The Bible tells us a very important thing: All nature around us points to God. I remember as a teenager that I and a friend of mine who wasn't particularly religious were looking up at the stars, and he said, ‘How can you not believe in a God when you see all that?’ Well indeed. But here’s the important thing: God takes us from the hills, takes us from recognising the Creator that he is, and tells us, ‘I am here to help you.’ He doesn’t specify the help, he doesn’t restrict that help to a list of specialisms that God can deal with; it’s open-ended and he says to us, 'Cast all your cares upon me for I care for you.' He invites us to tell him our worries, he calls us to share our concerns, he wants us to prove his power in our lives by asking for his help. He asks us to believe, to trust. Look beyond the hills, the things that are around you. Look to God, lift your eyes beyond the hills and see a Father’s hands who wants to bless you. God bless you indeed today.

Page 194

31 October 2020

ood morning everyone! The weekend again and it’s ‘Song Saturday.’

Since the clocks went back, I’ve enjoyed waiting for the sun to rise each morning. I have not been disappointed: The glowing reds and oranges have been stunning, the clouds were seemingly on re; if I were a poet, I could have written a dozen verses! Each sunrise that welcomed a new day really did give the eyes something to gaze upon, and the heart something to rejoice over. The beauty of the sunrise points to possibilities or even just an opportunity to enjoy the quiet moment. There is something obvious in the metaphor of the darkness gradually giving way to the growing light. Today is Hallowe’en and I have to say that I’m not a fan. No one wants to deny children the fun and laughter of ‘spooky things’, but I have never been comfortable with the real meaning behind what thankfully for most has become a cartoonish celebration of ‘things that go bump…’ etc…. But for those who do take such things seriously there is something ‘of the night’ about the pagan observance of Hallowe’en, which is why tomorrow is All Saints Day, an ancient church festival deliberately introduced to counteract the dark celebrations that others got involved in. We will use a song tomorrow that uses the image of light to reassure us of the promise of Heaven. It’s a place of great beauty, a feeling of rejoicing for those who believe in the eternal love of God. Remember, Jesus is the light of the world and the Bible says of God that there is no darkness in him at all. In the times of sorrow that we all endure – and especially in these dark Covid-days, what we are glad to consider is not the darkness but the glorious light that awaits us when we one day join those who have gone before us in the Glory of Heaven, the dwelling of God. Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship and nd reassurance and comfort in these words: 1. One golden dawning, one glorious morning, When earth's dark shadows ee away, Our voices blending in song unending, In brightest realms of fadeless day.

3. With Christ forever! No sin can sever A fellowship as blest, so sweet; We'll sing in Glory salvation's story; Before His throne we'll stand complete.

2. No sad repining; love's sun is shining

Refrain: There'll be no sorrow in God's tomorrow, There'll be no sadness, doubt, or fears;

Where Jesus dwells; O wondrous place! Our praises voicing in glad rejoicing To Him who saved us by His grace.

There'll be no sorrow in God's tomorrow, For He will wipe away all tears.

God bless you today We'll see you tomorrow at 10!

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2 November 2020

ello everyone, and welcome to the irst of our daily thoughts for November. NOVEMBER!? When I wrote the very irst of these back in March, on the irst day of the lockdown, I had no idea that just about seven and a half months later I would still be writing, let alone that we would be about to enter a new national lockdown (Thursday of this week). On that irst day - it was also a Monday - I wanted to write words that encouraged, that gave some hope, that lifted the mind and heart to God, and perhaps even brought someone to faith in Christ. As we continue this ongoing situation, that will still be my aim. So, November: a month for remembering. 'Remember, remember the ifth of November, Of gunpowder, treason and plot...' And, more signi icantly, 'We will remember them!' It's important to remember even the bad things. Yesterday I read a comment that we should ban ireworks because we should no longer be commemorating an era when people fought over religious differences... Hmmm, apart from the fact that nobody actually seems to talk about Guy Fawkes anymore, I think the writer has failed to remember that Guy Fawkes night actually celebrated a victory over an act of radical terrorism that, had it succeeded, would have assassinated the King and murdered the entire British Parliament. Imagine that happening at a modern State Opening of Parliament! We remember (or we used to) because we resisted an evil act. It's similar with Remembrance Sunday. It's solemn but inspiring. It's an occasion for pride in our forces but of sorrow over our losses. In resisting evil and remembering those who died for freedom, we keep in mind the reason why we have, and always want, peace in our time. If we forget the past we might ind ourselves repeating it. In this month of remembering, and as we literally embark on a month of lockdown that will affect us all, can I ask you to remember one thing? God also remembers. The Bible repeats on numerous occasions words like 'And God remembered Noah,' God remembered Abraham,' 'God remembered Rachel.' He remembered Israel too. If he can remember a whole nation of individual people he will remember you! God will never forget. We might forget things, including the reason we do them. God never does that. We might remember things, and continually honour the past. God always does that. And in the days of lockdown when you can't go out, when you haven't been able to see someone let alone hold their hand or hug them, on the days when it feels there is nobody to turn to, and you feel forgotten about. Always remember this: God remembers you. There could almost be a Bible verse about you. You could say this out loud, inserting your own name: 'And God remembered..........' Remember: God is still on the throne, And He will remember His own; Though trials may press us and burdens distress us, He never will leave us alone; God is still on the throne, And He will remember His own; His promise is true, He will not forget you, God is still on the throne. God bless you today and in the days that lie ahead. Please phone if you need anything, even a chat; I'm usually at home! (01287 632921) Or message us here. Don't feel alone or forgotten. 🙏 🙏

Page 196

3 November 2020

orning all, from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I have some terrible news from my hometown..It a ects us all. They are turning o Blackpool Illuminations! Yes, really! For the rst time since they were turned o for the war years, Blackpool promenade will be plunged in darkness. Yes, the prom was always cold, wet and windy; but at least for those few miles from Bispham in the North, down past the three piers and the Tower, to Starr Gate in South Shore there were bright, coloured, row upon row of twinkling lights and glowing patterns re ected in the puddles. From Thursday it will be just well cold, wet, windy - and DARK! Well, of course, with the lockdown who was going to be there to walk under the lights eating meat and potato pie and chips in a tray with gravy? Who was going to ride the illuminated trams that look like rockets or paddle steamers? Who was going to buy the kids candy oss and rock as they gazed at the bright lights? The darkness will now take over. Or will it? I read that Blackpool Tower will still be illuminated! It will be 'a symbol of hope and optimism'. I like that. You can see the Tower from at least 8 miles away during the day. At night that hopeful symbol will still be seen by the residents of Blackpool, and the Fylde borough, to remind them that the darkness hasn't completely engulfed Blackpool. You can see where I'm going with this :) The verse we often use in Christmas services says that 'the light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not overcome it.' I looked at the news headlines this morning. Oh my goodness, terrorist attacks all over, a typhoon, people searching for earthquake victims, oods... Some might say the darkness is winning, but then others might say that like Blackpool Tower there's a beacon of light. In fact, there are many beacons of light that would give hope and optimism if they were only publicised with as much intensity as the media publicises the bad news. God and his people are the many, many points of light in a dark world. The lights might be going out in Blackpool but our conviction and our experience is that the light of Christ in life is never extinguished, never overcome, never hidden or smothered. Look for the light, turn to it. The Bible says live in it, 'walk in the light'. Why, because as the Psalmist writes 'If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.' Refuse to live in the dark. Let God ood your heart with light. That's the source of hope and optimism for these days. God bless you 🙏

Page 197

4 November 2020

midweek Good Morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona 🙂

A big day in America! I guess you could say it's a big day for the world too because whoever is elected President, whichever political party is given power, we will all feel it somehow. I have always voted and I guess that most of you have too. Sometimes we've been delighted with the result, sometimes we've been disappointed. But we are all glad of the regular opportunity to contribute to the decision, to exercise our democratic responsibility. Choice is a valuable thing in democratic countries; it must be awful to be in a country where the choice is limited or where there's no choice at all. Sometimes the choice is dif icult. Thoughtful people weigh up the issues, the policies. Many are convinced all along and it's easy to choose. We vote according to preference, to our personal values, our assessment of whose policies we believe are the right ones. Often, our opinions about which party gets our vote depends on who we think is the better leader. In that case our vote depends on character, integrity, past performance. Can we trust him/her, do we even like them? Christian people are called to be involved in this process of course, but also to pray. Paul says we must pray 'for kings and all those in authority'. That's remarkable seeing that the 'king' at the time was an Emperor who persecuted Christians! He certainly would not have got their vote! Pray therefore for our government, pray for the US too; it does affect us. We are called to choose. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy of course. God doesn't present commandments for us to vote on (though it seems some church goers wrongly feel they can pick or choose which bits of the Bible don't apply to them). God has set out his plan, his purposes, and he will carry it out. What he does ask is that we choose to follow him, to honour him. He loves the world and asks us to love him. Through the words of the Bible he says, 'Choose this day whom you will serve.' It really is our choice. And looking at his love, his faithfulness, his compassion; knowing his truth and justice, and being glad in his saving power, why would we not choose to follow Christ and choose to be citizens of his kingdom, members of his family? The response to the choice that's given to us can be 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' Who gets your vote? Lord of all, the world and all its fullness belongs to you. You created it out of love, you care for us with faithfulness and save us by grace; who else is like you. And yet, Lord, you ask for the love of my heart; you ask me to invite you into my life, and you call me to serve you. It's my choice. How can I not respond to your grace? Each day I con irm that I follow you, I give my allegiance to you: you are the Lord of my life and I love only you and serve you alone. Today, I simply say, 'I love you Lord.' Amen. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, All ye that are upright in heart; And ye that have made Him your choice, Bid sadness and sorrow depart. Rejoice, rejoice, Be glad in the Lord and rejoice; God bless you 🙏

Page 198

5 November 2020

ood morning all! There's a bit of a feeling of deja vu today as we enter a second lockdown. The good news is that it's not as strict as the irst and hopefully won't last as long! Nevertheless, please stay at home if you can, wash those hands, wear your face-covering, and keep praying! I have been bemused these last few days by some leaders questioning the government decision to close places of worship; most of you will be aware of course that out of the churches in Guisborough only two have been open in recent months; we understand why they felt compelled to do so, because their central act of worship, the Eucharist, is impossible to do on Zoom or Youtube. Many churches however have not opened their buildings, basically because of social distancing and the rules about singing, etc. We miss meeting together for worship, we miss it terribly! But we are still the church; We have not been cancelled because, for good reasons, we cannot meet together. I came across the picture here about what we can still be as a Church. I thought it important to share with you. Be encouraged! We are still God's people, we are still able to worship God. It's a different kind of worship, granted, but your prayers, and your calling to be the people of God where you are, are still there. Church is not cancelled! On this irst day of the second lockdown I went right back to the very irst of these daily thoughts to see what I wrote on that day when an unknown future stretched ahead of us. I repeat it again here from March 24th: "Well today we wake up to a very new experience - the sun is shining, for once it's not blowing a gale in Guisborough! - and we are as good as in 'lockdown'. We will all try to carry on from home, or in brief visits outside to shop for the essentials, for work if we need to, to care for someone in need, or for limited exercise. But one thing we will not do is be afraid. It's not an English stiff upper lip thing - it's because we in The Salvation Army believe in a God who has all things in his hand, and we would encourage you to think of him at this time, to trust in him, to pray to him - talk to him as you would a respected friend. Why not pray this prayer this morning: Dear Heavenly Father, you made me and you love me. You know my situation, you know my thoughts and feelings. You feel with me all my fears and concerns at this time of uncertainty. Will you help me, give me faith in your love? I pray for myself, for my health and other needs. I pray for my family, my friends, my work colleagues. And I pray for our town. Lord, may this situation soon come to an end. I thank you for the health service and all those who try to care for people at this time. Give them the strength they need. Lord Jesus, help me to believe in you; because in your life, death and resurrection we see hope and redemption for all who believe. I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen" I ended that prayer with the assurance that Fiona and I are here, available to chat on the phone. I will add today that we can visit in certain circumstances if needed, with protection and distancing of course. Be there for each other, text and phone each other. Above all, pray for one another. Don't forget the Together in Worship videos and the Bible study on a Wednesday evening - all are welcome to that. God bless you all. 🙏

Page 199

6 November 2020

orning all!

It's lovely to wake up and in the stillness of a new day notice how peaceful it all is. The sky is glowing, birds are singing, the same lady walks past who is there every morning like clockwork... And as usual I have woken up with music going round my head! Do you get that too? As you lie there slowly coming out of sleep you realise there's a tune. And not just a whole tune either, just a snippet that's on repeat! This morning if you're interested I woke up an hour ago with a Salvation Army band marching round my head! What were they playing, you ask? The march 'Exeter Temple' I reply; and as I write this they are still playing that one particular section. It's very good but I wish they'd move onto something else!! Music and song in the morning is a frequent theme in the Bible. I wonder if the people who wrote the Psalms often woke up 'with the sound of the trumpet' and 'the clash of the cymbals' like I have this morning! In the New Testament Paul writes about singing and making music in your heart to the Lord... That's it! That's what happens! We wake up with music in our hearts. Maybe it's the brain's way of stimulating itself back to working order, or maybe it's God putting a joyful noise in mind so we can begin to praise him for a new day. David writes: My heart is con dent in you. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song!

(Psalm 57 v 7)

There you are, a song of praise from a con dent heart that accompanies the dawn. What's interesting is that Psalm 57 was written by David whilst he was hiding in a cave, eeing for his life from the murderous King Saul. He's terri ed of this 'disaster' (v1) and describes Saul's soldiers as 'lions, ravenous beasts' (v 4). And yet as the sun comes up on a new day of fear and danger, David is singing. His heart is con dent because God is there. That's faith! And what an encouraging word for us. Today, let your heart be lled with song. More than that, let it be lled with praise to God that will give con dence and the assurance that God is with you, whatever happens. Father God, you have put music in my heart and a song of praise in my mouth. Help me to keep singing and to know joy and peace today. You know there are days when I'm worried, you know the uncertainty I face and the burden that often seems heavy. On those days let the music be louder than my worries, let the song last longer than my fears, and let my heart be con dent and my mind be at rest. In my praise may I be lled with the knowledge and the sense of your presence. And may I still be singing at the end of the day. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you all 🙏 P.S. If you want to know what Exeter Temple sounds like it's here: https://youtu.be/SCFBc4k0vGo

Page 200

7 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the weekend again and it's Song Saturday.

This week I'm featuring a song that isn't in our Salvation Army songbook, though I really do wish it was. I can understand why it isn't, but at the same time the second verse is based solidly on Scripture and Christian faith. It's I Vow to thee My Country and you'll hear it featured tomorrow in 'Together in Remembrance'. The music of course is absolutely beautiful. It's from The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst, and is the theme of 'Jupiter'. In my opinion it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music. The melody is entitled 'Thaxted' and was adapted to accompany the words of a poem by Cecil Spring Rice, "The City of God", or "The Two Fatherlands". The poem described how a Christian owes his loyalties to both his homeland and the heavenly kingdom. In The Salvation Army we have an entirely di erent piece of music that re ects a similar thought: a brass band march entitled 'Under Two Flags'. It con dently and proudly proclaims the Salvationist's loyalty to the Union Jack and to the Blood and Fire banner. You'll hear some of that tomorrow too. I Vow to thee My Country is, of course, a very gentle but inspiring song, and it's the second verse that I particularly like. It speaks of 'another country', 'most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know'. That's the Kingdom of God that His people belong to. It's here now in the hearts of those who love him, those who try to live out and promote it's values, but it's also a coming Kingdom that will come fully when Christ returns. The song tells us that this other country is one of faithful hearts, of gentleness and peace. That phrase is loosely based on Proverbs 3 v 17: 'Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.' I like the thought of 'another country'. It's a place of belonging, a place that we long for, that we look forward to. It's a place here and now where 'soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase'. It re ects the Bible's thought that what we have here in this world, all that we experience, is not 'all there is', it's not our permanent home, for there is a city, a country, built by God's own hands. 'For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.' (Hebrews 13 v 14) One day we will be fully there, we shall see God and as the book of Revelation reminds us: 'God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ (Revelation 21) Let's be encouraged by the hope of that coming Kingdom. I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the nal sacri ce.

And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is su ering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

God bless you 🙏 from Antony & Fiona. See you tomorrow for 'Together in Remembrance'' from 10am here on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA

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9 November 2020

orning everyone. Wasn't yesterday strange!

At mid-morning the feeling came over me that I needed to get my uniform on because I was late for the Remembrance parade, even though I knew there wasn't one. At least we were able to remember online or watch on the television. It's always struck me as strange that unless we have family among the names inscribed on the war memorial we don't know who these men were. Do you ever look at the names on a memorial and wonder who they were, what they looked like, what their voices sounded like? Do you wonder where they lived, what work they did, or for some, what school they had just left? I'm sad that usually it's just a surname and initial. I wish we knew the name their family and friends called them by... We remember what they did, what they gave, nonetheless. Today at around 2pm we will lay our Salvation Army wreath at the war memorial to remember them. I'm always moved by the story of the Unknown Warrior. An anonymous young man who will remain nameless forever, buried with full honours and at whose grave the Queen bows her head. I wonder what that soldier's mother, whoever she was, would think of that. Known Unto God. Rudyard Kipling came up with that phrase seen on so many Commonwealth War Graves. I've seen a few on our visits to the military cemeteries in France. It's so sad for the families, but there is comfort and assurance in those words. And it's true. We are all known to him. There's nothing about us he doesn't know - and he loves us still. Think of that. He knows our name and loves us, and gave his Son so that we might come to know him and love him too. But so many forget him. Here is God our Maker, our Redeemer and Friend. He has called us by name, shall we forget him? I have a Maker He formed my heart Before even time began My life was in his hands

He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call

I have a Father I have a Father He calls me His own He'll never leave me No matter where I go Tommy Walker © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

God bless you today 🙏 Always here if you need anything.

Page 202

10 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

When I was a little boy I had a child's book of Greek mytholo y, and one particular story stuck in my mind: the story of Pandora's Box. It had been given to her and her husband Epimetheus by Zeus, who wanted to test them. The instruction was that the box was never to be opened, but of course curiosity got the better of her and she opened it. Out ew all the evils of the world - sickness, hatred, fear, etc... Pandora was horri ed by what she'd done; but then nally one more thing ew out from the bottom of the empty box: hope. People usually talk about Pandora's Box and how it's a story of how evil came into the world but it seems the last bit is always left out. There's always hope. Admittedly, for many people hope is little more than wishful thinking. They hope things will improve. 'The sun will come out tomorrow', or like Dickens' Mr Micawber, 'Something will turn up.' The last few months I guess many of us have had hope that something would indeed turn up. We have masks and hand sanitiser, we have lockdowns and closures, all in the hope that the R Rate will go down and this pesky virus would disappear! As we have trudged on the realisation in the minds of some is that our only hope is in a vaccine. We have heard little snippets of news over the months but yesterday, suddenly, the BBC reported it, the PM and Professor Van Tam suddenly appeared on the telly to tell us about a 90% e ective vaccine. Or at least the hope of one. Yes, it's there but not yet. The prospect is real. In the words of Professor Van Tam, 'This is like getting to the end of the playo nal, it’s gone to penalties, the rst player goes up and scores the goal. You haven’t won the cup yet, but it tells you the goalkeeper can be beaten.' That's a great de nition of hope. The Bible talks about hope in concrete terms. We have a 'sure and certain hope'. Hope ' does not disappoint us.' We are encouraged to 'hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.' The hope that people who trust in God possess is so much more than the 'somewhere over the rainbow' kind of stu . It's more like the hope based on evidence that was displayed yesterday in the news of a hoped-for, planned-for vaccine. Christian hope is a knowledge, a certainty, a con dent assurance that God has the future held secure. Hold his hand, trust him. All is going to be well. God bless you 🙏

Page 203

11 November 2020

ello again everyone. I'm sitting here as usual looking at the sunrise, watching the clouds racing across a lovely pink and orange sky.

We often think how lovely creation is; how often do we include ourselves in that beauty? Fiona and I have discovered a programme on the television called 'Inside the Factory', presented by Greg Wallace. It's simply a walk-through of the factory process of the production of tea, co ee, croissants (they are the ones we've seen so far), baked beans, toilet rolls, crisps...The list goes on. I'm hoping to see the one where they make cherry bakewells! Now, the concept might sound rather dull, but these programmes are absolutely fascinating! They take you, for example, from the delivery of the co ee beans (they are actually the stones from the co ee cherry) right through to the packing of the jars for delivery and the lorries driving away. Are you still with me? Don't be bored, I've been amazed to see how complicated and involved and varied the process is just to make co ee granules. I never imagined that so much was done. It's truly remarkable. It's made my mug of Douwe Egberts every morning taste that much better! If I could dare to steal a phrase from Scripture, I'd say that every freeze-dried co ee granule is 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' OK, it's a phrase used by David in Psalm 139 v 14 to describe human beings. We are all, each one of us, created and fashioned by God in ways we cannot fully comprehend. Biolo y can understand the workings of our bodies, psycholo y is beginning to understand the ways we think, but what of the heart, the soul? Who can understand the depths of what it is to be 'us'? Well, God knows. He knows our name, as I've mentioned before; but that is much deeper than knowing what we're called. He sees into the depths of our mind, he searches the heart, he touches our spirit. There's nothing about us - light or dark - that he doesn't know. And he understands, he has compassion, he cares; and he loves us perfectly and beautifully. We truly are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' Is that not reassuring? It is to me. To know that he understands my inmost being, that he knows the limits of my body, the fragilities of my mind, the longings of my soul, is a comfort. When I fall, when I am weak or I don't understand myself, when illness or di cult burdens are mine, I am relieved to remember that 'He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.' (Psalm 103 v 14) Because he understands, he hears each prayer, o ers his help, assures us of his grace and mercy. A favourite Salvation Army song of mine ts today's thought so well. I leave it with you for your encouragement. It mentions that sometimes 'through his people God himself is close beside you'. That's very true, and if we can be of help just let us know. God bless you 🙏 Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you, And that no one understands or really cares? Through his people, God himself is close beside you, And through them he plans to answer all your prayers.

Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling, Who is careless of our loneliness and pain, Through the ministry of men he gives his healing, In their dedicated hands brings hope again.

Refrain: Someone cares, someone cares, Someone knows your deepest need, your burden shares; Someone cares, someone cares, God himself will hear the whisper of your prayers.

https://youtu.be/zngKAJRwCTU

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12 November 2020

ood morning everyone. Hope you slept well.

We've got to the stage now where most of us are getting up in the dark. For some of us it's OK, for others it can be a struggle; you might not be a morning person, and darkness at 7am is not helpful! I quite like the morning and as I walked into the dark living room and opened the blinds I was struck by the brightness not only of the crescent moon, but also the star that accompanied it. It really was bright. And straightaway came into my mind the words and tune of a song: He's the Lily of the Valley, the bright and Morning Star, He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. The Bible calls Jesus the Morning Star - in fact that's what Jesus calls himself: I am the bright morning star. (Revelation 22 v 16) But of course it's just an image, a symbol; we don't worship a star and call it Jesus like ancient people worshipped the stars and the moon and the sun, believing they were gods. Jesus also said 'I am the bread of life,' and 'I am the vine', 'I am the good shepherd.' We can talk about bread and shepherds but what's the meaning of Jesus Christ - dare I write it: 'Superstar'? Because in essence, that's what he's saying. The real morning star is of course the planet Venus. After the moon it's the brightest light in the night sky as it re ects the light of the sun. It always appears just before dawn, and was taken as a sign by ancient people that the sun was not far behind and soon the night would be over. Maybe those whose nights were long and di cult were glad when the morning star appeared, soon followed by the lightening of the sky as the sun rose. In the book of Revelation it's a reminder to us that Jesus, the light of the world is the herald of a new day. It could be said that his birth was the dawning of new light in the world, and would say too that when Jesus returns, he again will be like a star heralding the end of the night 'on that bright and cloudless morning.' I think that for us, both in of our personal life and situations, and broadly speaking for our world today, to speak of Jesus the Morning Star is to speak of hope. Hope is a con dent assurance that all will be well. Hope is a decision that we make to believe that God has things in his control. Hope is to refuse to allow ourselves to think that the darkness is never ending; how can it be when Jesus is the light of the world? The darkness can not, shall not overcome the light. The morning star will always shine to herald a new day and Jesus is our guarantee that God's promise of a new day, a new blessing, a new start, a new opportunity, will always be ful lled in the lives of all of us who look for his light. Lord Jesus, light of the world, shine your light on me today. In my life, in my family, in my circumstances, let the light of love and hope shine brightly. Let that light shine on those who need to follow a new path, those who walk in a dark place and who need the light of life. On those days when there does seem to be gloom and hopelessness, may the promise of the morning star bring faith and the assurance that you will come to bless and guide. Lord, we look up to watch for your coming again to our dark world. We have your promise of a new dawn one day when the world will see your light. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏

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13 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Friday again. How the days seem to pass by quickly!

Last night was our family quiz night on Zoom. We started this during the rst lockdown, and with a week or two for breaks because of work or people being unavailable, we've taken turns in setting rounds of questions. I have to say that out of the seven of us who gather in this way it's usually Yours Truly who comes last 🥺 Well what do they expect if there's a sports round!! One of our sons maintains that there's no use in a quiz if you don't learn something. In fact, he says, putting the quiz together, compiling the questions should be a learning experience. And he's right. It's all great fun - especially when Dad loses again ( though not last night I'm pleased to report!) - but it's good to learn something new. Did you know that to be 'adrift' on board a ship means to be late? Anyway, asking questions is always a good way to learn. That's what they say at school or in training: if you're not sure of something, ask! We should never be afraid to ask questions. I have to say though that over the last few months I have been exasperated by questions asked by news reporters. Sometimes I got the feeling that they ignored what was just said and then asked an obvious question just to make a point. Or they asked a question couched in words of criticism, or that showed they were never going to believe the answer. It's frustrating to listen to such cynicism and so I don't watch anymore. When we ask questions to learn something it really is important that we hear what's said and have an open mind, trusting the one who is answering. Imagine a child asking the teacher if he's sure he's teaching correctly! Life itself is full of questions and there are as many people all too willing to o er answers as there are people asking. Who is the authority, who do we trust? And when it comes to matters of faith, things of life, is there an ultimate authority? Well yes, Christians believe that the Bible is that authority. Billy Graham in all his hugely successful and powerful sermons would stand before the crowd, Bible in hand, and simply declare, 'The Bible says...!' No question about it; it's the only authority we can safely rely on, and it has never given a wrong answer, a misleading statement to anyone who has searched its pages sincerely and with an open heart. 'Call to me,' says God, 'and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.' ( Jeremiah 33 v 3) What questions do you have? What answers do you look for? The Bible has the answer, or it has the principle that will shine a light of truth. But we must enquire with that open mind, ready to believe, trust, and sometimes obey the answer. We can be assured of this: he who is the Way, the Truth and the Life will never leave us without an answer. Psalm 119: I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. Your teachings are sweeter than honey. They give me understanding and make me hate all lies. Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. May the light of God's word reveal the answer to our questions. God bless you 🙏

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14 November 2020

orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Song Saturday once more, when we take a sneak peak

at one of the songs that will be featured in tomorrow's Together in

Worship. As you can see below, it's 'As Water to the Thirsty.' This is beautiful poetry and each phrase, each line speaks of contrasts, of how one thing gives way to something better, something more beautiful, more bene icial, more satisfying . A phrase springs to mind from Psalm 103 v 2: 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene its...' The thought there is that what God gives is always a 'bene it', literally something good that God does. Would God give something less than what we already have? Of course not. In the language of poetry, to the thirsty he gives water, to the weak he gives strength; his blessings come like sunshine after the rain and the feeling of coming home to the weary traveller. He is all these things to the believing, trusting heart. Some of you might know that as well as being very short-sighted I am also mildly colour-blind. Simply put, I don't see the full spectrum of all the shades of colour as most people do. I saw a video once of a man who was given a special pair of glasses that corrected his colour blindness. He looked in wonder at the depth and variety of the colours all around him, said, 'Is this what you all see?', and promptly burst into tears. This is something of what Timothy Dudley-Smith was trying to convey in his beautiful song that we will hear sung tomorrow, and have the opportunity to sing along with. There is a very real sense that coming to believe in Jesus really makes a difference to our life. St Paul said that it's like becoming a new person - the old life has gone, the new life has come. Jesus himself talked about being 'born again'. To so many people the prospect of a new beginning, a new outlook on life and leaving the old life in the past has been the best thing that ever happened. 'I once was (colour)blind but now I see!’ God really can make a life different - 'He can take your life as he did mine and make it anew', Salvationists often sing. The lyrics of the song don't just list a set of changes, there is a sense of longing, of yearning in the words. I'm sure that within each of us there is that longing to be accepted, loved, given a new start, a blessing that we could ind nowhere else. When we look for all that we need, all we want in Jesus, then he blesses us with this new life. Read the words today, join us tomorrow to hear how it sounds, but most of all, may the experience of God's love and grace be 'as water to the thirsty' for you. May God bless you, See you tomorrow at 10 - watch for the link. As water to the thirsty, As beauty to the eyes, As strength that follows weakness, As truth instead of lies; As songtime and springtime and summertime to be, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me.

Like moonlight and starlight And sunlight on the sea, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me. As sleep that follows fever, As gold instead of grey, As freedom after bondage, As sunrise to the day; As home to the traveller And all he longs to see, So is my Lord, my living Lord, So is my Lord to me.

Like calm in place of clamour, Like peace that follows pain, Like meeting after parting, Like sunshine after rain;

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16 November 2020

ood morning everyone. Happy Monday from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I suppose if I were to summarise to an enquirer what these daily posts are all about I would answer that they are written to encourage, to bring hope, to lift the eyes and the heart to God and to strengthen faith. It's all focused on the Bible of course and not my own opinions. If I can share something to encourage faith then I'm glad. I do realise of course that not everyone believes. Some people would like to believe, while others are dead against religious faith. Some people nd it hard to believe because of past experience, while others have simply never given it much thought. There's no virtue in saying we believe; it's not an achievement to have faith, it's not a matter of personal goodness. St Paul writes, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.' (Ephesians 2 v 8,9). A lot has to do with temperament, upbringing, any amount of personal experience. It's all to do with the grace of God. I have great sympathy for those who want to believe. There are those who are very cynical and mock Christians for their belief in 'the sky fairy' or reading 'a book of ction'. I can't o er such closed minds anything, I'm afraid; but there are those who struggle with genuine doubts, who long to believe, who even say that they envy those who have a strong faith. Do you sometimes nd it hard to believe? Unanswered prayer often discourages us, a bad example in others might make faith less attractive. There are so many reasons and it's not simple 'unbelief'. What does God say in those times? He just asks us to seek, to call on him. 'For those who seek him are sure to nd him, And none who seek him Christ ignores'. This morning, at the start of a new week let me encourage you by saying that God understands our times of doubt. Jesus met a lot of people who wanted to believe but couldn't, or who asked for help in their unbelief. One of his own followers refused to believe 'until I see...'. Does it help to know that even Jesus had signi cant doubts and struggled to understand? In times of doubt he simply asks that we believe that he 'is'. That's the beginning of faith. Believe he is there. As the writer to the letter to the Hebrews says: ...'believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.' (Hebrews 11 v 6) This week, whether you are secure in your faith, or whether you're searching or even struggling, just believe. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking and you will receive, you will nd and the door will be opened for you. Father, you are not far from those who seek you, those who call on you. Help me to remember that faith is not something I have to create for myself but is a gift to those who simply ask and seek. This week help me to know something of that faith that will lead me closer to you. Whatever this week brings to me let me always nd you there. I believe you are with me, may that simple faith lead me into an experience of strength and con dence in your loving presence. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏

Page 208

ello again to you all. Another new day. We pray it will be good!

How are you for faces and names? I have to confess that I'm not always great at remembering names. Have you ever talked to someone who seems to know you but you really don't remember them? Then a detail comes into the conversation and *ping* you've remembered! I recall a telephone conversation I once had with a lady I didn't know well and we were chatting away and I asked her about a particular situation and her answer was a little vague and the conversation moved on...It was only later in the day that I realised that as we spoke I'd had someone else in mind. I thought I was talking to a totally di erent person. I was hearing someone else speak, I was picturing a di erent face, a whole di erent life! So when I mentioned a situation it was no wonder she was a bit vague in her answer; she must have wondered what I was on about. Conversation is so much easier when you know who you're talking to, don't you think? 🙂 Yesterday I mentioned a group of people who do not believe and who I've read might refer to God as a ctional character; the term 'sky fairy' has been used. I've heard people say they don't believe in God but when challenged to describe their view of God it's a god that isn't one I believe in either! The Bible has given us a lot of descriptions of God and they are usually human descriptions; they are ways of talking about him so that we can relate to him. Some of them are symbolic - he's a rock, for example. He's a light. He could be described as a mother bird sheltering her young. The one we use very often is that of Father. It carries with it the connotations of bring cared for, protected, provided for and loved. But still there are those who might nd that challenging. I listened to a chaplain once talking about a young girl who was terminally ill. She had been so badly treated by her father and brothers that she had no love for them at all. All fathers in her eyes were unloving and cruel. The chaplain said that in conversation he discovered that she rejected all thought of God as Father. That's so sad. But then she was told about Jesus the good shepherd. There she found an image of God, a symbol of God that attracted her. It called to her and it seemed to answer her longings for love. She could see herself as a lamb, held gently and protected. She didn't need to reject God because she couldn't know a Father, she could know him as shepherd and receive him in her nal days as the one who loved her. Though we have never seen him, we can know him in a way that speaks deeply and personally to us. How do you picture God, imagine the love, the compassion, the grace? Think on these things. Allow yourself to know God's presence and character. However God seems to you in the images and descriptions in the Bible, that's how you can know and love him. Thank you Lord for the ways you love me, the ways I can know you. Through Jesus himself I can know your love, your gentleness, your kindness and grace. As I see you, God - friend, Father, brother, shepherd, King, counsellor, mother, rock, anchor, gentle dove - in all these images I can see you. May they be an encouragement today. Amen. God bless you. 🙏

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17 November 2020

18 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I am sitting here with my mug of co ee, in the sure and certain hope that the darkness of 6.30 will give way to the rising sun. It's a hope I hold, knowing I need do nothing, can do nothing to make it happen. But it's good to look forward to a bright new day! There's another kind of prospect that we actually work for, that takes e ort by ourselves or from others. We still personally have high hopes for it but sometimes we have to be involved, or encourage others, in the changes that we want to see. I've been encouraged by the progress that seems to be happening with vaccines for the virus. The experts are working hard and that gives us hope. On 10th November I wrote about hope and how Professor Van Tam used a footballing metaphor, saying that with the positive news of a 90% e ectual vaccine it was like the rst penalty being scored. Well, other laboratories are also saying there's progress. The American biotech rm Moderna had announced that its vaccine was 94.5 per cent e ective. “That’s the second penalty,” declared Professor Van-Tam. “That’s also gone into the back of the net!” I like these positive metaphors. They give hope. But we're not there yet. More goals need to be scored by the team. But warnings are being given. We mustn't relax and 'think it's all over.' It isn't. The game, as it were, isn't just on the pitch. To use a di erent analo y, if there were a war, the 'war e ort' is not just fought on the front lines, it's also at home. I remember reading about the landlord of the Ship Pub in Guisborough that was ned in WWII for breaking the blackout rules. You can just imagine the warden walking into the bar and saying to the landlord, "Don't you know there's a war on!?" We might say something similar to people who are careless about socially-distancing during lockdown. The hope of a vaccine doesn't mean we make no more e ort. Going back to a sports metaphor, Paul talks about Christian life as being more than just having faith, or believing the right beliefs. We don't live passively because somebody else has done the work, we 'press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.' (Philippians 3 v 14). What a great verse! It reminds us that there's a prize to be won that is worth winning, there's a goal to reach that's worth the e ort. The ultimate 'reward', the prospect of glory is Jesus himself. It's our sure and certain hope - but let's not give up. Keep on believing! When all my labours and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore, Will through the ages be glory for me.

Oh, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.

Lord, help me not to give up or lose hope. Even in these di cult times help me to press on to win the prize, to ' ght the good ght of faith and to nish the race'. As the sun comes up each day, may the love of God that is new every morning be my inspiration and my motivation. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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19 November 2020

orning everyone. We hope you are well.

Do you worry? I guess we all do. It's natural. What I mean by that is that we are meant to worry, it's necessary. Is that a strange thing to say? Well human emotions are useful. We are afraid of things, we worry about things because if we didn't we'd put ourselves in danger, or we'd go through life unconcerned and apathetic. Fear is part of us so when confronted with danger we know that we should react to get away. Worry is meant, I suppose, to encourage us to do something - we feel a concern about a person or situation and we respond. Worry can become a negative thing if it lls our thoughts, troubles us, keeps us from acting positively. Worry might turn to panic. It can be unhealthy. We often worry about things that might happen, not taking into consideration that they might not. I read something the other day where someone added the prospect of a harsh winter onto the pressures of the present situation. Why worry about that when equally likely we might have a mild winter. I remember last winter we basically had half a day of snow and that was it! Worry can be stressful when we start imagining the worst! So what's the remedy for the kinds of worry that is harmful? There's the old adage of course, 'a problem shared is a problem halved'; just to be able to tell someone how you feel, to share the concern, is a helpful thing. Sometimes getting another person's view puts a whole new perspective on a situation, or even life itself. It's one of the 'big things' at the moment with mental health issues: talk to someone, share the burden, let o some steam. When it comes to Christian people none of us are immune to concerns, worries, or even moments of panic. But 'What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer'. The truth of that line from the song is all the more encouraging when we recall the very rst line: 'What a friend we have in Jesus...' Do you tell him everything? Can you see Jesus as that 'go-to friend' who will 'all our sorrows share'? I like the picture that accompanies the Bible verse for today because it's of a mug of co ee and seems to imply what people often do: have a co ee and a chat with a friend, share a worry, have a laugh, set the world to rights. I see no reason not to do the same with God. Prayer, as I've said before, can be picturing Him in the chair opposite and talking to him - even out loud. Why worry when you can pray? A Salvation Army Chorus says, When I talk with Jesus, Bring to him my care, With his own sweet comfort Jesus answers prayer. Here's God's encouragement for today, let it build your faith as you speak to him. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers." (Philippians 4 v 6 9) God bless you 🙏

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20 November 2020

ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I heard of two boys who ran away from home. Did you ever do that as a child? You packed a bag of sweets and your favourite teddy and stormed out of the house in a juvenile protest? Well these boys were like that. The rst boy had a box and he put a few clothes into it and o he went, getting no further than a local bus shelter. He was upset because he felt his parents ignored him. They're not friendly, he thought, they don't even call me by my name. If I leave they might wonder where I am. So he made his protest. The other boy had lots of brothers and sisters. It was a noisy household; it was loving but there was a lot of noise. And this little boy, not one of the older ones, and not one of the little ones, began to feel overwhelmed, neglected, not important. He didn't use those words, but he just felt 'not special'. And he thought that nobody would notice if he wasn't there. The noisy family would just carry on being noisy without him. And so he got a few things together in a bag and walked o down the road. Of course, they didn't go far and they were soon found. It's easy, I think, even as adults to feel that people are not interested, or that we are not known 'by name'; in other words, we wish more people knew us better, knew us more closely, appreciated us more. Like the second boy, in a busy world, a noisy world, we might feel that everything is going on around us, but where do we t in? Perhaps it's true that we can be lonely in a crowd. When young David the shepherd boy was in the elds with his sheep, every night he must have stared up at the millions of stars in the clear, dark sky and sometimes felt overwhelmed, insigni cant: "When I consider the heavens, the work of your ngers, the moon and the stars, what is man that you are mindful of him?" It's easy to feel insigni cant, 'not special' as the child thought of himself. But David realises that God does indeed care for us, each one, and thinks of us one by one as 'crowned with glory and honour'. We're not insigni cant to him, certainly not ignored, and God even says to us, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you', ( Jeremiah 1) and 'I have called you by name, you are mine.' (Isaiah 43). Today, know that God cares, he knows your name and loves you. Know too that he understands, he gently bears you up and calls you his child. Jesus, tender lover of my soul, Pardoner of my sins, and friend indeed, Keeper of the garden of my heart, Jesus, thou art everything to me.

What to me are all the joys of earth? What to me is every sight I see, Save the sight of thee, O Friend of mine? Jesus, thou art everything to me.

Refrain: Jesus, thou art everything to me, Jesus, thou art everything to me, All my lasting joys are found in thee; Jesus, thou art everything to me.

Here I lay me at thy bleeding feet, Deepest homage now I give to thee; Hear thy whispered love within my soul; Jesus, thou art everything to me.

May God bless and encourage you today 🙏

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21 November 2020

orning everyone. It's Song Saturday once again, when we preview a song from tomorrow's worship. It's Christ the King Sunday tomorrow, and so the theme of all the songs is the Kingship of Jesus. Today I've chosen the chorus 'Majesty', that I remember being new. It's not new now - it's 40 years old and has been published in Salvation Army song books since 1990; and the tune has been given a really 'majestic' treatment (excuse the pun) by the Bristol Easton Band, as you'll hear tomorrow. Majesty, worship His majesty, Unto Jesus be glory, honour, and praise. Majesty, kingdom authority Flows from His throne unto His own, His anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high the Name of Jesus Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus the King Majesty, worship His majesty Jesus who died, now glori ied, King of all kings

The writer of this chorus is an American Pentecostal minister and author Jack Hayford, who is now 86 years of age. Interestingly, Pastor Hayford was given the American 'William Booth Award' (which I'd never heard of, but is apparently given to people outside the SA who have made a contribution to our ministry). Anyway, the chorus was actually inspired by Her Majesty the Queen (I wonder if she knows!). The Hayfords were visiting Britain in 1977, the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, and couldn't help but notice the symbols of royalty everywhere, as well as publicity being given to the Queen and her Jubilee celebrations. He began to consider the respect and the honour - even the Majesty - ascribed to the Queen (I think personally most Americans are a bit jealous of us having her!), and he wondered how much more attention we should give to the King of kings. He wrote, 'As we drove along, the opening lyrics and the melody began to form. I seemed to feel something new of what it meant to be his - to be raised to a partnership with him on his throne.' When they got back to California he inished the chorus, saying amongst other things, that it was, 'a description of the gloriously regal nature of our Saviour.' Something I will mention tomorrow is that Jesus is a different kind of King to the royalty or the heads of state, Presidents and Prime Ministers of the world. Jesus is King because of his resurrection, and before that, his death. He alone is worthy of praise and honour because he died for us. As the Good Friday hymn reminds us, He died that we might be forgiven, He died to make us good, That we might go at last the Heaven, Saved by his precious blood. That's why he's our King; it's because he died for us on the cross so that when we repent of our sins, when we believe in him and confess that he is Lord, we will be saved. That's why he's our King; it's because he rose again from the grave so we can also have eternal life with him. He is indeed 'the Lamb that was slain *'; and because of that 'he is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory and praise.' (Revelation 5 v 12) He invites us to believe, to trust him, to accept him as our King. Tomorrow in Together in Worship we will do just that. See you tomorrow at 10. God bless you 🙏 * The lamb is a symbolic way of describing the sacri ice Jesus made of himself. Lambs were sacri iced in the temple as a way of gaining forgiveness. Jesus was called 'the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world'.

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23 November 2020

orning everyone, welcome to a new week. We hope you had a good weekend, and that you enjoyed yesterday's Together in

Worship. Well I got up in the dark again, as we all are doing, and there it was again that 'bright and morning star'. You may remember how I wrote about it a few days ago, and how it symbolises Jesus the 'Morning Star'. Well, this morning as I watched it twinkling while the sky started to brighten, the obvious thought came to me that countless people over many thousands of years, and right around the world have done exactly the same thing. They have gazed at that morning star. Some will have given it a religious signi cance - is it a god? Some have made it a supernatural thing - was I 'born under it', will it control my fortune? Since the Ancient Greeks the scientists have gained more knowledge, and now we know perfectly well that the stars are distant suns, and the morning star is just a planet that orbits the sun, re ecting it's light to earth's night sky. The Bible is careful to say that stars, sun and moon are just lights. While other religions worshipped them the Bible says from the beginning that that's all they are to us: lights. But there's one thought that is inspirational: if the stars, the moon and the sun seem unchanging, always present, constant and reliable in their appearance, how much more always present, constant and reliable is their Creator. Psalm 136 is a list of phrases, single sentences describing things God has done, each punctuated by 'his love endures for ever'. The writer mentions that God made the great lights His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. To the Psalmist the ever-presence of these amazing lights in the sky, permanent, mysterious, placed in the vast expanse of space and totally impersonal, is testimony to something greater, eternal and wonderfully personal to us all: God's love endures forever. Almighty God and Creator, the Father of lights, I thank you today that your love endures forever. The sun comes up each morning and the starlight fades. At the end of the day the moon rises again as it has for countless years. But your love is even greater, more dependable, and it reaches to every heart. Father, you are the Lord and giver of life, and your love endures forever. I open my mind and heart to your presence today, to experience that love and to know that you care for me. Thank you for every reminder today that your love is with me. I pray for those who need you today, especially those who feel lonely, worried or tired. May they know that for them your love endures forever. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a great day everyone, God bless you 🙏

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24 November 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Last night I witnessed something that I have not seen very much of. I saw hope. Now, we see hope everywhere but this was the ITV News and the person speaking was a journalist and, to my shock, he was speaking with great hope and relief at the news that he was reporting about vaccines. Thank God for that! he said. It was nice not to hear any cynicism or scepticism. It was almost a moment of joyful relief for a news reader who has spent months reporting bad Covid news and often doubting what the government said. I found it interesting that the government, in response to the bright hope of cheap, e ective vaccines is giving words of warning. Don't relax yet, the tiers will be stricter. There's wonderful hope for tomorrow but don't ignore the reality. The PM says the virus will not give us a Christmas truce, and in his usual style urges us, “Let’s not blow it with a blowout this Christmas”. Hope is a wonderful thing. It's a bit like a nishing line, or the destination sign on the motorway turn o , or the appearance of Roseberry Topping in the distance. When we see these things we know that the e ort of running the race will soon be over, or we'll be home soon. But the sign of hope, whilst it lifts the spirit, gives an extra boost to our e ort, or turns a tedious journey into, nally, a journey of expectation, is not a sign to give up. Hope does not mean we stop running, stop driving, stop concentrating. Hope is very much part of our faith, the way that Christians view the world. For us life is not an aimless journey that will suddenly stop. For us the world isn't just an unknown future with no real purpose. Our hope is that both IN this life and BEYOND this life, there is both a purpose to it and a person who plans it. Christians live in hope of a future when Christ will come again to set this world right - that's the Advent Hope. Jesus will return to make everything new. But we live in a real world today, experiencing the heights and depths of human experience. We are not immune to hardship and pain, but neither do we miss out on the joys and excitement the world o ers. The di erence is that hope lls our mind and heart. It's a 'now but not yet' kind of feeling. We live in great hope for tomorrow and that hope changes how we live today. Let's hold fast to that hope - not least because our hope is in Christ, and he is faithful. He will do exactly what he has promised. Lord Jesus, when I look around it's easy to ask, What is the world coming to? I'd rather focus on Who is coming to the world! You have promised to come to my heart. You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us in this world. You have promised to come again to the world. Such promises give me hope for today and con dence that tomorrow is in your hands. How that lifts my spirits today Lord. Help me always to live in unwavering hope whatever the world seems like today. My hope is in you Lord, and I know you will be faithful. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you 🙏

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25 November 2020

orning all! Major Antony and Major Fiona here again.

We wake up to Wednesday and most of us will have plans for today, tomorrow, the weekend; some of us are planning beyond that to Christmas. I think time goes by so quickly because we spend so much time in the future. Maybe we should take time to think back and remember... Last night I transferred all my family tree folders into a shiny new plastic box, and out came photos I haven't seen for years. Small children smiled at me, long dead grandparents held me close, people sported beards, di erent hairstyles, interesting fashions. I was there again, and in a strange way they came to meet me... This morning I looked in my online photos for this day, 25th November. What was I doing in previous years: A day at Disneyland Paris in 2012, Fiona's graduation in 2016, a visit to Leicester Square Christmas Market where, horror of horrors, they were selling real reindeer skins! (Poor Rudolph!) And most amazing, heavy snow in our back garden on this very day in 2010. The camera doesn't lie and the computer le tells me it was taken at 10:19am. I looked at these photos and I was there again... The most precious memories for me are the ones that are not just mental recollections, they involve the emotions. You feel again the joy of a celebration, taste again the meal, smell the owers, hear the voices of the people long gone. You don't just have a picture in your head, you somehow enter the experience of the memory; you are there again and you might laugh or cry as you gaze at the picture and relive it all... When Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me' at the Last Supper he used a very special word, a word that suggests we put ourselves there in the memory. He meant that when people remember the cross whether with bread and wine, or perhaps with music and prayer - we should 'put ourselves there', as it were. Be part of the memory, let it become real as if we had actually been there. To remember what God has done in the past is more than just remembering something that once happened, it's bringing the memory into your experience now. It's like reliving a moment captured on a photograph and feeling you're there again. I often have said that remembering what God has done in the past is an an encouragement to faith today. Remember the blessings of yesterday, feel their e ects once again. Recall the joy, the peace, the gratitude and let them become alive again. Sometimes when we feel that faith is low, that belief is abandoning us, that our desire for spiritual things has waned, maybe recalling our devotion of the past and the grace that God gave us might be the way to rekindle faith once more. Let the memories of the past live again, but allow the grace of God to be new for you today. O remember, O remember All a loving Saviour bore for thee! O remember, O remember Jesus dying on the tree! Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his bene ts. Have a good day today. God bless you 🙏

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26 November 2020

ello everyone. Greetings to you all!

Well here's an interesting verse of the Bible: "Greet one another with the kiss of love." (1 Peter 5 v 14) That’s always sure to raise a smile! It might be common abroad, it's a bit 'Continental' shall we say? Perhaps a bit posh. You go to other countries and you'll see men and women greeting each other with a kiss, even men kissing each other on both cheeks. But in England? Goodness, no. A stout and rm handshake or, at the most intimate, a hearty slap on the back is all that's required... Oh wait... Since March there's been no handshakes let along back-slapping, hugging or cheek-on-cheek kissing. It's been impossible in indoor public spaces to share a smile! The introverts amongst us are loving it! The rest of us? Well, it's a bit isolating. Last night in the Bible Fellowship (why not join us next week?) someone mentioned that what people miss today, what they really want, is relationship. We're missing the human contact. We can't mix freely indoors - indeed, we don't always feel safe to do so - and human contact is less than it was; even a smile is veiled behind a mask. I nd myself raising my eyebrows in greeting now, though I fear that might appear a bit threatening to some! I felt it all yesterday as I walked to the Army hall. I could see an elderly lady walking towards me. To be honest she looked like she had the cares of the whole world on her shoulders. I wonder what burden she was carrying; a sick relative perhaps, money worries, loneliness? And as I walked towards her in my uniform coat, I hoped she would lift her eyes from the pavement and see me so I could at least smile at her (neither of us was wearing a mask). But on she walked, and at the very last minute I let her pass without a word of greeting from me. I could simply have said Hi, and part of me wishes I had, but in that split-second I just didn't. I could have greeted her, if not with 'a kiss of love' (far too intense!) with simply a cheerful smile. And that's what Peter means in his brief instruction about greeting one another. He's not saying anything religious or theological, and in fact Paul writes a similar thing on a couple of other occasions. He's simply emphasising the value of human contact, of communication, of welcome, friendship and relationship. For many people I've spoken to, just getting into the High Street and seeing others, sharing a smile or raised eyebrows, and hearing an 'Owdo?' or 'Y'alright?' is all they need. I had a book of poems once, long lost now I think, in which a very brief poem spoke of the author meeting someone in the street. 'We smiled,' he wrote, 'and had communion.' Today, may you be able to greet someone 'with a holy kiss' or, if it will be a quiet day may you know the closeness of God. Thy name is joined with mine by every human tie, And my new name is thine, A child of God am I; And never more alone, since thou art on the road beside me now. Please remember we're a phone call away if you simply want to say 'Hi' (01287 636192 or 632191) God bless you 🙏 🙂

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27 November 2020

orning all, welcome to Friday. We hope you are well!

I missed an important event yesterday. Well, it's important to one whole nation at least, because in the United States of America it was Thanksgiving Day. It passed me by really, but I understand that next to Christmas, Thanksgiving Day is the most important occasion in the American year; for some people perhaps it's even more so. At Thanksgiving, American families will gather together to celebrate; and that theme of thanksgiving and gratitude, and sharing things they are grateful for, is a huge tradition. Americans will tell you that the rst Thanksgiving was a harvest Supper celebrated by the English pilgrims in 1621. I guess next year will be a huge anniversary of Thanksgiving. We don't have a speci c day on which to be thankful but it's probably good to re ect every now and then on those things that are precious to us, those aspects of our lives that ll us with gratitude. I was talking to my mother yesterday who was reminiscing over her nearly 80 years, and she simply spoke about the good things that she's experienced in our family, recognising that they far outweigh the di culties. Simple gratitude comes from experience, and learning to give the good memories priority over the bad. I wouldn't want to be the kind of person that dwells on the kind of mistakes or regrets we all have. Thanksgiving Day in America is a day to deliberately and positively focus on what we are thankful for, even the small things, and to take the negativity out of our thoughts. The Bible says that by putting our roots down into God - in other words making him the foundation of life - not only will we have faith but we will know how to be naturally thankful; we won't have to try, we won't have to look for things to be grateful for, because in the words of Colossians 2 v 7, as our faith in God grows strong, we will 'over ow with thankfulness.' What a great turn of phrase. If the heart is full of gratitude it will over ow in feelings of joy and words of praise. Paul writes from experience about singing and making music in our hearts to the Lord, 'giving thanks every day for everything.' What blessings are you able to count today? What is over owing from your heart today as you think of what life has been and what God has done for you? May today - and every day - be Thanksgiving Day for us all. Father of all, giver of good things, can I praise you today for your blessings, your gifts and your graces? Where could I begin; indeed where would I stop? There's so much to thank you for, that once I start to count my blessings my thankfulness just over ows. Today I will dwell on those things that I am grateful for. I will praise you in my heart - I might even sing! - and maybe my thankfulness will over ow so that others will share my joy. I thank you above all, Lord, for your love, your grace and your daily presence. I thank you for Jesus, and I pray in his name. Amen. Have a good day everyone, may it be lled with things you will always be thankful for. God bless you 🙏

ffi

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28 November 2020

ello once again everybody, Major Antony and Major Fiona here with another 'Song Saturday' where we look at a song

from tomorrow's Together in Worship. This week: 'Hark the Glad Sound! the Saviour Comes'. I just LOVE this song! I love it for the words, I especially love it for the tune. It was written by Thomas Jarman in about 1803 and is called Lyngham, (though we in the Army have decided to call it Nativity - which is confusing because there's another hymn tune of that name). Anyway! It's a good rousing 'Nonconformist' tune that is mostly used for O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing but in Cornwall, and in Yorkshire too, so I believe, they sing the worlds 'While shepherds watch their ocks...' to it. Watch and listen tomorrow for this excellent tune with its answering parts and great harmonies, all set to the lyrics of a great Advent hymn. Philip Doddridge wrote the words three days after preaching the Christmas Day sermon in his church in 1735, and it's based on Isaiah's prophecy of One who was to come who would bring a message of good news to the poor, to 'bind up' the broken-heated and to proclaim freedom for the captives. Let me be honest and say I didn't know what binding up the broken-hearted meant, so I looked it up: it simply means to bandage, to tend a wound; in other words to heal, to nurse. It's fairly obvious, so I'm not sure why I didn't realise! 🙄 The One to come will also set the captives free - it can't mean the guilty people in jail for crimes committed, so it must mean setting free those who are bound by circumstances, by sin, by regrets, by fears. Is this what Jesus came to do? It most certainly is; and he still does it today. Countless people have come to faith in Christ, and found they have a new life, a new purpose, a new sense of joy and peace. This is what the song is all about, how Jesus can change lives. It's no wonder we sing it with great joy; we know the experience. Christmas is a celebration of the One who came to Bethlehem but Advent is the time we anticipate his coming again. The whole world will be changed when he, the Saviour promised long, returns in glory. Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes, The Saviour promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song.

He comes, the broken heart to bind, The wounded soul to cure, And with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor.

He comes, the prisoners to release in Satan's bondage held; The gates of brass before him burst, The iron fetters yield.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, Thy welcome shall proclaim, And Heaven's eternal arches ring with thy belovèd name.

These words are as relevant today as when Isaiah rst received them from God, when Jesus quoted them and when Doddridge turned them into a hymn. I think the world needs these words today. We certainly need the Gospel of Jesus! Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship from 10am and hear those great words sung. And may the singing and the message bring hope to us all. God bless you 🙏

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30 November 2020

elcome everyone to the last day of November! I can hear some people thinking, 'Really? How did we get here so quickly?' Well, yesterday was Advent Sunday and tomorrow is December, so it must be true in this fast-moving and very troubling year. Happy St Andrew's day to you, especially if you are Scottish or have Scottish parents (like Major Fiona) or if you are somehow related to William Wallace (like me!) Yes, Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland because apparently, though he was martyred in Greece, the legend says that some of his remains were brought to a site that is now the town of St Andrews. A chapel was built to house the remains and became a place of pilgrimage. The tradition is that poor Andrew was cruci ed on an X-shaped cross - and that's why the ag of Scotland is the X-shaped Saltire. In the Bible, Andrew is famous rst of all for one great thing: In John Chapter 2 v 40 it tells us that Andrew was Simon Peter's brother and that ‘the rst thing Andrew did was to nd his brother Simon and tell him “We have found the Christ.”' Verse 42 says that Andrew ‘brought Simon to Jesus’. Here's a question: if you are a member of a church and have a faith, who was it encouraged you to go? You may have been brought up in the church of course (and many people are) but most people who decide to start attending church and to start believing in God do so because a friend invited them. It wasn't clever advertising, it wasn't someone like Billy Graham preaching a persuasive sermon, it wasn't even the local minister visiting or inviting someone. A survey said that 88% of people who are Christians start going to church because of an invitation. I'm going to guess that does include a family member. Simon of course, was invited by his brother Andrew, so it counts. I'm going to suggest that Andrew should be the patron saint of people who simply say, 'Come and see.' Nowadays of course there isn't much to come and see, not much to invite people to; so maybe the equivalent is people who share a video on Facebook with a friend, who tag someone into someone's helpful post about faith, someone who says on Facebook 'I'm praying for you.' I wonder if Andrew was nervous about inviting his brother to meet Jesus. Maybe Andrew was the religious one and Simon wasn't that interested. But how pleased Andrew was when Simon himself became so committed to Jesus that he became the leader of the group with his new name, Peter! Let me encourage you to share an invitation to someone. Share a Sunday YouTube with someone, share a Bible verse you see on Facebook - just tag them or share it with them. You might be the start of a great journey of faith for them. Nearly 40 years ago, a friend of mine was invited to The Salvation Army in Blackpool by his slightly older brother. He replied, 'I'm not going in there; once you're in they'll never let you out!' Well, he did go; and he got converted, and now he's a Major who is very glad his brother invited him and persisted. Thank God for the people who encouraged you to believe, to stay in the church, or to attend for the rst time. Is there someone you could invite - or simply share a video with? Be an 'Andrew'. Be a saint! Have a great day everyone. God bless you 🙏

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01 December 2020

ello everybody from Major Antony & Major Fiona,

Well, we're o ! Advent Sunday has been and gone, half the population have their Christmas trees up already, most town centres have their lights on, and on December 1st it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! People are desperate to get some light into a dismal situation. Oh, but there's been some controversy here in Guisborough. The talk of the town has been Guisborough's Christmas tree and its size. ‘It's not big enough!’ ‘Sack the council!’ ‘Eston's is bigger!’ ‘Redcar's is bigger!’ And it went on. Others replied, ‘It's lovely!’ ‘The lights are beautiful!’ ‘Thank you, Council,’ etc. Well, I had been so intrigued by the reports of this alleged tiny, inadequate tree that I walked the 200 yards from my home to see this 'disappointing' o ering for myself; and seeing how lovely it is had to agree entirely with the positive comments that it really is a delight. It's not big enough, they claimed. It reminds me of the time I decorated our house for Christmas. It was the rst time in our new at after moving from a previous house and the living room was larger so the decorations were a bit more spaced out, I guess; and when the boys came in, one of them said immediately, 'It's not enough!' Being a Christmas softy, I went out and bought more decorations and added to it all. I wanted it to be enough. How much is enough? How big does a tree need to be? Does Guisborough really need one the same size as they've got in Trafalgar Square? Do the lights down the High Street need to rival Blackpool Illuminations? Would that be enough to dispel the darkness? Most people have said how lovely it all is - it really is 'enough'. When Jesus came, he was described as the light that shines in the darkness; but he's not just any light, one light among many, for the Bible says boldly about Jesus, 'The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.' ( John 1 v 5) In other words, the light of Christ is more than enough. The light of Christ is not equal to the darkness, it is greater than the darkness. There is no darkness that can push back the light that shines into it. The world can be a dark place. Speaking honestly, the heart can be a dark place too if we consider our sin, our guilt, regrets and failures. There are things we wouldn't want exposed to the light of public scrutiny, but the light of Christ can take away all our darkness if we let him in. He doesn't come to shame, he comes to forgive; he doesn't come to condemn, he comes to redeem. The light of Christ is the light of life, and no amount of darkness can resist it; if we come to him, and in faith ask for that light, he will bring light to all of us. ( John 5 v 9) Is it enough? Yes, the light that God shines into our lives is always enough, always more than enough. Ask Jesus to shine his light into your heart today. Lord Jesus you are the light of the world, shining for all, shining for me. Enter my heart today, reveal those things that you can heal, forgive, redeem. Take away the darkness and replace it with love and joy, hope and peace. I thank you Lord that wherever your light has shone, the darkness has never been able to overcome it. Come to my heart Lord Jesus, and may I be lled with the light of your grace today. Amen. Have a lovely day today, God bless you all 🙏 🎄

Page 221

02 December 2020

orning all! Major Antony and Major Fiona here.

You may have seen our 'good and bad news' post yesterday. The bad news 😒 is that the band can't play at the Guisborough Christmas tree on Christmas Eve due to social distancing rules, but the GOOD NEWS 😃 is that a section of the band (6 players) will be playing on two Saturdays!!! Stokesley and Guisborough on 12th and 19th. It's the news we've been waiting for for a number of weeks now, and although it's not everything we wanted, it's such a relief! Someone wrote this on reading the announcement yesterday: "This is GREAT news. Me & my family have been listening to your beautiful Christmas music since we moved to Guisborough in 1978 & it has always been looked forward to..." Christmas without music would be impossible to imagine and we are so glad that we can bring just a little musical joy to the High Street this year. The Psalmist tells us to praise the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Well in those days quite commonly, a trumpet was a rams horn but they did use silver trumpets too, usually either to signal going into battle (think of Joshua and the battle of Jericho) or to gather the people together. Let's go with the second reason! We might prefer cornets, horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones and basses nowadays but as well as praising the Lord, we will be calling people to think of Jesus, to remember the story of his birth and what it means, and to worship God for themselves. I am so pleased that the sound of Salvation Army brass instruments will be heard by the people, it will gladden their hearts and we who play will be pleased as well! One nal thought: I have often quoted Psalm 22 v 3 which reminds us that God inhabits the praises of his people. As the band plays Christmas praises, God will be there and we can all pray that maybe like no other year, the Holy Spirit will in uence those who hear the music. It's true for us all, when we praise God (trumpet optional) he draws near to us. May today be a day of praise for you. Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes, the Saviour promised long;

Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace,

let every heart prepare a throne,

thy welcome shall proclaim,

and every voice a song.

and Heaven’s eternal arches ring

He comes the broken heart to bind,

with thy belovèd Name.

the wounded soul to cure, and with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor.

God bless you!🙏

Page 222

03 December 2020

i everyone, welcome to Thursday! We hope you're having a good week.

Well, things do seem to be moving apace, don't they? On the news yesterday the presenters were almost breathless with excitement as they reported on the new Covid vaccine. They were discussing the speed this virus was being introduced. The rst country in the world! I was amazed to hear a man being interviewed who said 'Tomorrow'. Tomorrow? My goodness that's almost unbelievable; and then we heard the list of who gets 'the jab' rst: care home residents rst in group 1, over 50s last in group 9. Suddenly the plans were being revealed, but these were not plans made up yesterday, this was the plan all along. They have been considering, preparing, getting things ready behind the scenes all this time, so that now, when the virus is ready, it seems to us to be astonishingly fast. It's almost a case of 'roll up your sleeves everybody!' We know of course it's going to take a few months, there are millions of us after all, but how wonderful to know that our initial help will be available soon, with the improvements down the line as things are developed further. We know there are sceptics and as far as I can see, many of their questions have been answered. One question is about the speed in which the vaccine has been developed. Oh it can't be good enough if it's too quick, they say; but "COVID 19 vaccines have not been cooked up in a few months. They have been years in the making, starting with a wealth of SARS and MERS vaccine research." said Dr Christian Jessen. Yes, whilst it seems quick to us, we realise that thousands of scientists have been working since January, building on the knowledge they already have, working round the clock so that 'suddenly' to us, the vaccine is here, with others to follow 'quickly'. When people pray, no matter what the request, the need, they have often yearned for a quick response from God. 'How long, O Lord?' some have asked when the answer seemed not to come. The Psalm writer prayed, 'But you. LORD. do not be far from me. You are my strength: come quickly to help me.' (Psalm 22 v 19) The whole of Israel prayed for centuries for a Saviour, and 400 years before Jesus was born, Malachi the prophet wrote, 'Suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," (Malachi 3 v 1) Suddenly? It took another 400 years! Let me encourage you. God always hears your prayers. His delays in answering them are not down to him not hearing or not wanting to answer. Be assured that he is moving quietly to answer, to remedy, to change things, but always in his time and in his way. As Paul wrote, 'All things work together (note that phrase 'work together') for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose (note also that phrase 'according to his purpose'). The Lord will answer your prayer. He begins to work things together behind the scenes, he moves things according to his wider purpose, and even if things take time, or even if the answer is di erent to our expectation, our prayer is answered for the good, for the best, according to his purpose. The answer to answered prayer is to keep praying. A Salvation Army song says, 'Help us to pray till the answer we get'. That's a real lesson in faith, trust and patience. When his answer does come, it might come quickly after a long time of prayer. But he will answer. Keep praying, keep believing, keep watching. God bless you 🙏

Page 223

04 December 2020

ello again everyone from us to you. How are the preparations going?

I actually got round to buying Christmas cards yesterday. All that remains is writing them and then posting them. Next week then! I was wondering actually how long Christmas card sending will last, with the news that in January, 2nd class post is rising by a penny and rst class is to go up 9p to 85p! I know I sound old, but when I started working on the Post O ce counter they were 10p and 12p! And even then people complained! 'Two and Six for a stamp?!' (If you're younger than me you will have no idea what I'm on about there 😁 ) I always used to say that if your message was important you would be happy to pay the postage. Well, letters and cards are still important. In the days of texts and emails it's still lovely to hear the letterbox clatter, and to see an envelope with your handwritten address on it. You may receive a Christmas card today; you'll open it and say something like, 'O, it's from John and Sarah, that's nice!' and the beauty of reading their four or ve words of greeting, possibly more, is that you think of them, a memory or two comes to mind, and your friendship is a rmed. Sometimes a card or letter is sent with real a ection, and you really value those cards. There's more than a greeting, there are words of love. I think many people treasure the last card they might have received from someone they've lost, a card that is carefully packed away and then placed lovingly again on the mantlepiece each year as if received for the rst time. It's a lovely thing to give and receive something as simple as a card with a heartfelt greeting. A favourite quote of mine from William Booth the Founder of The Salvation Army is that in the Bible 'God has put his heart on paper.' That's a lovely way of looking at the Bible. There are familiar stories, there's beautiful poetry, history, di cult passages to understand, and of course the whole story of Jesus; and over all it's the story of God who loves you and loves me. The words we read, like the handwritten words in a card or letter, help us to think of the One who sent it. Peter once said to Jesus after some previously-interested followers had left, 'Who else would we go to? You have the words of eternal life.' As the Psalm writer puts it, God's words 'are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.' Psalm 19 v 10 Let me encourage you to read your Bible today. You can even read it online! See in it words that will comfort, bless and remind you of God's constant love for you. Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Let me more of their beauty see,

Wonderful words of life;

Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Words of life and beauty

Wonderful words of life.

Teach me faith and duty. Have a lovely day, God bless you 🙏

ffi

Page 224

05 December 2020

ood morning everyone. Welcome to another Song Saturday where we look at one of the songs that will feature in tomorrow's

Together in Worship. This week, a song that might take a bit of

thinking about. This is one of those songs where you might think, 'What on earth does this mean?' Maybe it's because it's not a simple song that it's not used very much and perhaps not known by many; perhaps you yourself don't know it very well. It didn't come into The Salvation Army song book until 1986 and was in our 1994 carol book. Older bandsmen will remind me if it was in the 'Green' Carol book before that; but what's strange is that this was in our children's song book! We might ask who on earth thought these words would be understood by children? Let's look at the lyrics: They all were looking for a king to slay their foes and lift them high; Thou cam'st a little baby thing that made a woman cry. That's quite lovely; it ends with a very human reference to the dif iculties of childbirth, and the small-ness of a baby compared to what the people expected; a king who would ight the Roman occupation. But then we move into more dif icult words: O Son of Man, to right my lot My fancied ways why should'st thou heed? naught but thy presence can avail; Thou com'st down thine own secret stair; Yet on the road thy wheels are not, Com'st down to answer all my need, Nor on the sea thy sail. Yea, every bygone prayer. One reviewer of the song mentioned that children understand a lot more than we might think: 'they often grasp instinctively what adults have lost the power to understand.' Some children's books - The Chronicles of Narnia for example, often have hidden meanings that children 'get' while adults need it explaining! As I look at the words of this song, the imagery of wheels not being on the road, sails not on the sea, they suggest to me that God's presence doesn't come in ordinary ways. We expect things to travel on well-worn paths; is this song saying God has different ways? The last verse seems to accept that God doesn't follow our ways but instead, in those wonderfully poetic words, 'com'st down Thine own secret stair.' Here's a similar picture to the one before: God does not use expected methods, and yet, knowing our need of his presence, knowing we have daily needs, he still comes to us; even if it's unexpectedly, secretly. Could there be answered prayer that we are not aware of? I was talking to someone the other day about miracles. Could it be that miracles sometimes happen without our knowing because they occur before the crisis happens? Can God prevent a crisis, and we never realise? How many times has God cared, protected, rescued, and blessed us unawares as he has come down 'to answer all my need'? 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,' says God to us in Isaiah 55 v 9 Can I encourage you to look and see shadows of where God has been moving, blessing you 'in secret', leading you while you didn't realise? Very often, it's only when you look back you can see that God has done something. He really did 'come down his own secret stair' and somehow, in his way and in his time, he has answered our bygone prayer. Loving Father, knowing that you care for me whatever happens is a heart-warming thought. I also realise that parents often know more than a child realises and act accordingly for the good of the child, and in a greater way you hear my prayer knowing the best way to answer it; Father, that gives me con idence, knowing that I am in strong hands. Lord, sometimes I try to decide beforehand how you should answer my prayers; so help me instead to trust you, to have faith that your ways are indeed higher than mine, and you don't simply follow human paths in order to work miracles for those who believe. Today Lord, I trust you; and I will try to look for your hand of mercy in all things. Amen. God bless you today :) We'll see you tomorrow for Together in Worship at 10am.

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07 December 2020

orning all, welcome to a new week. Let's see how fast this one goes!

What is it with rainbows? Children's toys and books are full of them. There are rainbows every where: usually, I've noticed, associated with unicorns and princesses. So you might assume that any mention of rainbows will be all about magic, fairy dust and childish dreams. Why is it then that when a rainbow appears, people notice, they stand and stare, they are even moved to take photos of them and share them on Facebook: Look! A rainbow! It's not just children; even grown men are impressed with the magni cent sight of a rainbow. We have seen rainbows frequently. We know why they form. We know that any mixture of rain and sun will cause light to be refracted and the spectrum of light will appear. But the familiarity and the knowledge of what a rainbow is never takes away the sense of awe we feel. I popped out to Boyes the other day and suddenly, in between the heavy rain and the huge hailstorm that caught me as I was struggling to nd my front door key, there was a full rainbow over Westgate, our high street. It was made even more dramatic by the very dark sky behind it. And I confess that I literally stopped outside the shop and stared at it. And yesterday people were putting photos of it on Guisborough News and Views. Yes, it's a natural phenomenon, it's beautiful, it's been appropriated now as a symbol of gratitude to the NHS but, as I've often said before, to me and to Christians and Jews everywhere, it's the ancient symbol of God's faithfulness to the world. The Bible recalls God's own word to us: 'He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.' It's December. It's been a long year, we're excited for Christmas, but we are getting weary of restrictions, some are worried about the future, some have been a ected nancially. We still enjoy the many things around us that are good and lovely; and those with faith in God still look up and whether a rainbow has appeared or not, we still lift our hearts to Him because no matter what, God is faithful to those who live for him. And because we look up, because our eyes focus on his faithfulness, we can look forward in hope. The Christian need never despair, never be despondent, because even in changing and challenging circumstances, God is always faithful. Let us never lose the wonder of it all. Father God, loving and kind as you are I can come to you in my prayers. Help me to lift my eyes to the one who is Lord of all things, and my heart to him who holds me in his arms. You are the faithful God, and so much around me reminds me of this: the love of other people, the beauty of nature, your Word itself which reminds me every time I read it, that you, O God, are kind, compassionate, loving and just. I may not see a rainbow today, but I will think of your great faithfulness and the new mercies I see each morning. I really can testify that all I have needed your hand has provided. In my needs and in my blessings, Lord, be my faithful companion; and in all things I will be thankful. Amen Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏

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08 December 2020

ood morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

The picture that accompanies the Bible verse this morning was chosen especially for the penguins 🐧 🐧 - well it's winter/Christmas thing, and also because they're foreign! (Southern hemisphere and Antarctica) "All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love." 1 Corinthians 16:20 Paul who wrote his letters that we now have in the New Testament was quite a traveller. In those days people didn't travel very far at all but he saw a lot of the Middle East, Turkey, the Mediterranean islands, Greece and Rome. He would have visited Spain too had Nero not executed him. And in these places he built up networks of friends, fellow workers, people he loved and shared his faith with. He wrote letters to individuals and single churches, and he also wrote letters that were passed from church to church. Oh how Paul would have loved emails! Especially the 'all@' facility where the same message can be sent instantaneously to all your contacts. But I think Paul would have loved Facebook! Just imagine his messages, his photos - Here's me in Ephesus. This is us in Cyprus... He not only enjoyed his writings and his travels, he just loved Christian fellowship. Yesterday I came across a post I wrote 12 years ago! It was something trivial about socks! But you will agree, I'm sure, that social media (recognising its shortcomings) has been a wonderful way of connecting with family and friends, the Salvation Army family and most amazingly, Christian people from around the world. Salvationists are in touch with each other from every territory, we have made friends in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa we'll never visit. I have made friends on Facebook from the US and at the 2015 Salvation Army International Congress they recognised me and came over to say hi. What a gift our Contact List has become. People chat, they ask for and give spiritual advice and encouragement, they assure one another of prayers, share Bible verses, get to know each other and develop friendships in a way that was impossible before. The Christian communion has been strengthened and blessed, and I'm amazed that even these simple daily thoughts are being shared round the world. This year especially we can thank God that we are brought together in this way. Father of all, what a wonder it is that we can send and read messages instantaneously around the world. I thank you for everyone in my contacts list - my close family, local friends, my church family. I especially appreciate people from around the world I will only meet in Heaven but who have become friends. We share interests, faith, a sense of humour. We promise to pray for one another, and through this Lord, the church, your body is strengthened and encouraged. I'm so glad to know people think of me, as I think of them. As we send greetings, as we share our faith, Lord draw me close to them in your Holy Spirit, and may others yet come to join us. Bless me, bless my friends, bless your Church wherever we are, with love, unity and fellowship. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏 wherever you are.

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09 December 2020

ood morning everyone. Halfway through the week already. We hope it's turning out to be a good one!

Well the ITV News certainly thought so last night! It was full of good news. I remember years ago a suggestion was made that there should be a newspaper or TV News that only had good news: no disasters, no crimes, no political argument or celebrity bad behaviour...It seemed a good idea but it never took o . Well last night's news certainly took o and ew. It was, of course, the news of the rst Covid-19 vaccines, and Tom Bradby the newsreader could hardly contain his excitement as he introduced the lm clips and interviewed people brought in to comment. There was a sense of joy at the graphic scenes of needles being plunged into the upper arms of various 90 year olds, the rst of whom was wheeled down a corridor lined by applauding nurses, and another was appropriately called William Shakespeare! A true Englishman as an example of how Britain has led the way in starting vaccinations. Yes it was really a Good News story; but it was more than that. It was good news because it's for us too. We are happy because the vaccine will be for us too one day and the happiness of these rst patients will be felt by us all. It's certainly great news! Mark's account of the life of Jesus is introduced with these words: 'The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.' 'Gospel' isn't a religious word, it's Old English for 'good news'. Last night I literally heard Tom Brady joyfully telling me the gospel of the vaccine. And in a similar but more signi cant way, the message, the headline news about Jesus is also a gospel story, a good news story, a 'great news' story: Mankind is a ected by a common problem that the Bible calls sin. It's not a popular word but it a ects us all. It's in our hearts, it's in society, it has invaded our world. The bad news is that we are powerless to control it. The Bible says that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and if we're honest, we know it. But the Good News is that through Jesus, through his birth, his death on the cross and his resurrection, sin can be forgiven, we can be free. And that, simply put, us the Gospel, the Good News. If we turn to Christ, if we believe that he can take away our sin, we can be forgiven, and then, as Paul writes, we are 'a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.' The Good News, the headline story, is that in Jesus there is hope and joy and peace both in this life and in Heaven for those who trust him. This is the message I would love to hear in the ITV news! I doubt you'll hear it there, but we can share it in so many ways here. I hope and pray that this good news, this great news, will ll your heart with joy too. Father God, thank you for Jesus. Thank you that his coming into our world is such good news. I think of him, of the wonder of his birth, his life, and death, and I remember it was for us, for me. Today I want to know the joy that comes with believing the good news. I want to believe in Jesus and know that I have been forgiven, and that I am loved and welcomed by him into the family of God. Father this is better than any news on television because it changes my heart and my life. I love you Lord, and thank you in Jesus' name. Amen. We hope you have a joyful day. God bless you 🙏

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10 December 2020

ello again everyone,

How old are you today? A strange question I suppose; we are not a di erent age every day except that today we're all exactly one day older than yesterday. But sometimes we might feel older on one day than others. Like when you get out of bed and there's an ache that wasn't there yesterday, or you walk a distance and realise it used to be easier. Then, on some other days you have the ener y of someone ten years younger, when you look at the re ection in the mirror you wonder who it is. 'It can't be me, I'm much younger than him!' (In my mind, anyway 😁 ) Yesterday was the birthday of one of my old school teachers and it made me feel very old. I left school 40 years ago and this teacher has only just had his 70th birthday. If my maths is correct, that means he was in his 20s when he taught me! Don't tell him but I always thought he was much older! Here's a thought, did you know that children look at anyone over 30 and see them all as the same age? 30, 40, 50 - it's all the same to them. Wouldn't it be good to self-identify as any age you chose - and still have the experience and knowledge of the age you're at now. Would I like to be the age my mind sometimes thinks it is? I don't know. Growing older is a gift. It can be seen as a privilege, but it's probably not helpful to be old beyond our years. Youth has the freshness and excitement of discovering new things, taking delight in simple things. Youth has a greater capacity for trust, for faith. Maybe that's why Jesus famously said, looking at a group of children, 'the Kingdom of Heaven is for such as these'. He didn't mean that Heaven is for children, he meant that it's for people of all ages who have a childlike heart, a youthful spirit. The spiritual life that extends beyond this one is for those who can simply trust in God and rely on him. We can't turn the clocks back - isn't that a shame? - but by God's grace we can once again have a childlike faith, a young person's ability to be amazed, to be excited by new things, and simply to believe. It really is true: 'He satis es your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.' (Psalm 103 v 5) I hope you 'soar like an eagle' today - even if your body won't let you, allow your heart to be young again! God bless you 🙏

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11 December 2020

elcome to Friday everyone! The weekend beckons, and we're busy putting together the children's nativity for

Sunday's Together in Worship. We hope you'll join us. Well yesterday was an experience. After 10 months The Salvation Army was back on the street selling the War Cry. Restrictions applied, as you would expect, and so the papers were safely placed on a little table under 2 stones out of my garden acting as much-needed paperweights. Yours Truly had to wear gloves (which was just as well because it was cold) and I had to o er the collecting box at arms length to anyone who wanted to give. And of course I was masked up. I think we're all used to our masks now, including the little ones. I often wonder what they think of Mummy and Daddy and all the grown-ups wearing our masks. They probably have got used to it, but not the little boy I saw yesterday with his Mum. When he caught sight of me, the look of fear, almost terror, on his face was quite worrying. He couldn't take his eyes o me with my black mask and dark navy peaked cap. I hope I didn't give him nightmares - especially after I tried to smile reassuringly at him; though with the mask on, my eyes possibly looked sinister and menacing! I watched people passing by and was actually more interested in their masks. Lots of black ones, a few light blue papery ones, a couple of headscarves, some bloke with something that looked like it was out of the Arabian Nights! And lots of brightly coloured, patterned and very fancy ones. I was most impressed by an older woman with one literally covered in shiny, vivid purple sequins. A contender for Strictly, I thought! Masks can hide us, they can change how people perceive us, they can also reveal something about the person who wears them, or annoyingly to some, the person who refuses! In the Bible a mask, or a veil, is written about when referring to people not believing - their eyes are veiled. In one dramatic story where Moses had been with God, that meeting had literally a ected his appearance so he had to wear a mask so other people couldn't see his face. Paul tells us that when we believe, it's as if a veil, a mask, is removed that was preventing us from seeing. Wearing my mask yesterday was frustrating because my glasses kept steaming up. I couldn't see the people. And unbelief stops us from seeing Jesus as he is, from knowing his love, his wonderful nature and character. But as soon as we believe, the veil is taken away, our eyes are unrestricted and we see by faith the beauty of the One who was born, lived and died for us. And just as Moses found his face changing when he was with God, so we too begin to feel a change in us as we look at Jesus. In the Army we have a song that is a prayer to become more like Jesus in his character. That prayer can only be answered when the mask is taken away, and we are ourselves without pretence in his presence. Oh to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

O to be like Thee, full of compassion, Loving, forgiving, tender and kind, Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, Seeking the wand’ring sinner to nd.

O to be like Thee, O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

(You can sing this to the tune of Morning has Broken)

God bless you everyone 🙏 Have a lovely day!

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12 December 2020

ell, as expected the week has gone quickly, so 'welcome to Song Saturday!' This is where we preview a song or hymn

that will feature in tomorrow's Together in Worship. It's our Nativity Play tomorrow, and it would have featured a shy Mary, a reluctant star, a grinning Joseph, three kings who won't walk slowly and a shepherd who really wanted to be a king... All great fun. The best Nativity Play has an unexpected element of childlike unpredictability in it. One thing that IS predictable, even in an online version of the Nativity, is the singing of Away in a Manger. It's almost as predictable as a carolling session where a cheeky bandsman will come out with Away with the Major ( ho ho ho)... It's almost a compulsory carol that we learn as 3 year olds at school and Sunday School. It's funny how we learn things so early that stay with us forever, even if we misunderstood them at rst. I believed as a child that Jesus asleep in the hay meant he was sleeping in a whole house made of hay, a bit like the little pig's house of straw. I know better now 😁 A danger with childhood religion is that it gets discarded with the story books and toys as we grow into adulthood. We need to nd ways of making The Story, and living faith in Jesus, something that is part of adult living and believing too. Away in a Manger needn't be a children's 'nursery rhyme' carol; it actually has deep meaning, and contains within it a prayer that is as profound as any other. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever; and love me, I pray. To me, that is a real prayer of faith and trust. Yes, it can be sung simply and sweetly by a three year old with shiny wings and a tinsel halo, but in every situation in adult life those words are powerful spiritual words that reveal a depth of desire for God to come to the seeking heart. It's a prayer that re ects the deepest desire of every man, every woman who wants to feel loved, who wants to escape the loneliness of life that comes to us all when we bear a burden. It's also a prayer that speaks of 'forever'. If faith is not just for childhood, it's not just for this life alone either. There's a life beyond this one, and Heaven is promised to those who turn to Christ, who believe in him for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. 'Believe in God’ (as so many do in general), said Jesus; 'Believe also in me' (that's a very speci c belief, trust, and step of faith). If we put our faith in Jesus then I guarantee that the prayer that just about every child learns, and most adults can remember, will be answered for you: he will be near you, stay close by you forever, and he will love you. He asks for your faith not just a song, for your love not just a prayer, for your life not just a memory of a belief once held. Today, may Jesus answer your prayer of faith. God bless you 🙏 Away in a manger, No crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus Lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky Looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, The baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, And love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And t us for Heaven to live with thee there.

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14 December 2020

elcome all to Monday. Major Antony and Major Fiona here.

We hope you had a good weekend; it's certainly been a busy one for many. Saturday was a particularly joyous one for some members of the band as we were able to play for an hour in Westgate, Guisborough's high street. Covid restrictions dictated that only 6 could play, each one distanced. We awoke that morning to rain but by just after 10 the rain had stopped just in time for us to play. Strangely (or was it so strange?) the rain began again just as we had nished. It was perfect timing And there the six of us stood, led by Ashley who conducted us to keep us in time. None of us had played together for 9 months, but I think we made an excellent job of remembering which valves to push down and how to keep in time. Only one of us didn't hear the instruction to change book; but I soon cottoned on and joined in on the correct music just before I discovered myself playing the melody! We all noticed one thing: the number of people who stood to listen. Now, we always get one or two and they are (usually) very encouraging to us; but this time people lingered - two here, a family there, a couple further away. The numbers rose and I did look to ensure they were socially-distanced - and they all were! (audience adherence to Covid restrictions are our responsibility) Some people stood for a long time. It was lovely for us to have an audience rather than just people passing by, however appreciative. We really felt we were achieving something, but not for ourselves you understand: for the town. It's a cliché now to say this has been a di cult year. It's still di cult because, being in the top tier we are facing the prospect of continued restrictions for a few more months, vaccine notwithstanding. We felt that it was so very important that we should bring some Christmas joy to the town, to bring music that spoke of love, joy, and peace, and especially hope to a weary community. I think we succeeded. And this coming Saturday we'll do it again. You might have heard the story (there are lots of di erent versions) of the church in the town centre that put up illuminated letters outside the building that read 'GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST'. It's the angels’ song to the shepherds. Well, depending on which version you read, either someone threw a stone or there was an electrical failure, and the 'S' was no longer lit up, and in the darkness the message proclaimed 'GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGH ST' Isn't that where God's glory needs to be seen, on the High St? God isn't in a church building for us to go and visit every Sunday (remember those times?) like a friend, or every Christmas like a distant relative. God is present on the street, in our homes, our places of work, the shops, the schools; and there we who love him should bring him glory. I believe the band did just that on Saturday. The good news is that you don't need a band; just be who you are and allow the presence of God to be evident in your life as you live for him today - and the glory will go to him. Have a lovely day today. Please pray for those volunteers who will be hard at work today making up parcels of gifts and food. May God bless you. 🙏

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15 December 2020

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Once or twice in these daily thoughts I have mentioned the sunrise; similarly I have mentioned 'the bright and morning star', as the song describes it. Well this morning, as I waited patiently at the open back door for the cat to decide if she wanted to go out or not, I stood looking at a clear, dark sky lled with stars. I looked from one to another, trying to detect any familiar constellation - I couldn't - and watching them all twinkling. The thought came to me that Dr Brian May, the guitarist from Queen who has a PhD in Astrophysics, would be able to tell me literally everything I needed to know about this one, that one, that group, how far away they are, what they are made of and why they twinkle. And then I thought of ancient people who believed all kinds of things because all they knew was that there were little dots of light in the sky. Were they only just out of reach? Were they stuck on the inside of a dome that covered the earth? Were they gods watching us and whom we should worship? The Bible is very clear that God created them as just lights. They are not gods, they have no bearing on our lives. But the Bible does get poetic about them and on one occasion God asks Job, "Who laid the earth's cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" Job 38 v 7 He's suggesting that with the angels, even the stars sang God's praises when they were created witnessing to a pagan world that God is greater than even these mysterious lights. The morning stars sang. Well, not literally, but it reminds me of a carol you've probably listened to already this year: 'Oh morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth. And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.' When we look at the stars - either with the modern eyes of astrophysics, or the ancient eyes of awe at the mystery of these twinkling lights, we can consider the vastness of the universe and the power of God the Creator. And though God has used natural processes to create these wonders we might still want to use the word 'miracle'. With that in mind, let me leave you with words of a song that remind us of the wonderful thing God has done for us; that through Jesus he has redeemed us and given us a new life. We are born again by his grace. My Father is omnipotent, And that you can't deny;

It took a miracle to put the stars in place,

A God of might and miracles-

It took a miracle to hang the world in space;

'Tis written in the sky.

But when He saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole,

Though here His glory has been shown,

It took a miracle of love and grace!

We still can't fully see The wonders of His might, His throne'Twill take eternity.

https://youtu.be/-uAQ_XT8NnU

May God bless you today 🙏

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16 December 2020

ello everyone.

I was walking through the town last week and I noticed a shop being given new signage. It wasn't just a shop name, it was a description of what the shop was providing; so, as you do, I stopped to read the signs. Well immediately, I saw the spelling mistake! It wasn't a di cult word to spell, and I'm sorry to say that I laughed out loud when I saw it. Then I wondered if I should inform the man who was putting the sign up. No, I didn't want to be a busybody. But I am almost ashamed to relate that as I laughed, I did say out loud to nobody in particular, 'Ha! There's a spelling mistake!' Another man passing by just happened to hear me, and so a short conversation followed and then we went on our way. The spelling mistake is still there. I checked yesterday 😁 I love spelling mistakes and aberrant apostrophes. My favourite ones are apostrophes to make a plural when only an S is required. The best one ever is a tattoo parlour in Blackpool that advertises TATTOO'S. It's been there for years, I checked the last time I was there. Why would you trust someone to write on your arm who has that mistake above his front door? I wouldn't! Call me the grammar-police if you like, but there are some things you really must get right. Like the Bible for instance! In 1631 a Bible was printed which omitted a very important word. The mistake outraged Charles I and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the printer was ned today's equivalent of £50,000 and he lost his printing licence. His mistake? "Thou shalt commit adultery." I can imagine the faces of the congregation when that was read out on a Sunday morning! Words need to be correct. A spelling mistake is amusing, or it can show carelessness, untrustworthiness, or even give the opposite message! If we are to rely on words they must be accurate. The tool of my 'trade', if you like, is the Bible. Is it true? Is it trustworthy? Are there mistakes? Well occasionally there were translators' mistakes, but these were minor and haven't been signi cant. What's important is that the message is true, the meaning is clear and that the word given to us is without error. The Salvation Army puts it like this: "The Bible is utterly trustworthy and reliable. All that is necessary to knowledge of saving truth is found within its pages. It o ers hope for the future for all who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ." Or, as the Bible itself declares: "Every word of God is awless." (Proverbs 30 v 5) Can I encourage you to read it? Many of you read it regularly. You can get a free app and read the Bible online. These words are trustworthy and true, they are the words of eternal life. They speak of redemption, of grace, of hope. Most of all they speak of Jesus. No mistake! God bless you today 🙏 We're here if you need anything.

ffi

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17 December 2020

orning to you all. It's going to be a nice day - which I'm happy about because I'll be selling the War Cry outside Morrisons at 10 - if you're around come and talk to me! I had an odd phone call on Tuesday. I tend not to answer numbers I don't recognise but something made me do it. A very bored voice at the other end asked if I was Antony Gareth Mugford (which I am) and then said she was from the University of Birmingham (which is where I studied last year). It was a post graduate survey of my situation and status speci cally in the rst week of December. OK, I thought, I'll do it. It was expected questions like 'has your study led to or enhanced your employment, would you do further study?' etc, etc. And then she asked me this odd question: 'On a scale of 1 10, with 1 being extremely unhappy and 10 being extremely happy, how happy was I on December 7th?' What?? I laughed and said to my interviewer, what an odd question. She wasn't happy with that! I don't think she was happy at all. And thinking that I was obviously happier on the 7th December than she was at that moment, I said '8'. It was a guess. I have no idea! How do you answer a question like that? Happiness is something we all wish for, we all want for others. What makes us happy? Having good health, interests, a loving relationship, a worthwhile job? You can ll in the blanks yourself: what makes you happy? There's a signi cant truth about happiness. It's reciprocal. In other words, a lot of happiness 'returns to us' as a result of what we do. Yes, you can be happy on your own in a shed, or a kitchen, or curled up quietly with a book, but there's a sense in which happiness 'comes back at you'. You'll remember the Beatitudes of Jesus: Blessed are the meek, etc. That word 'blessed' literally means 'happy'. So when Jesus said 'Happy are the peacemakers', he's saying that people who outwardly make a positive contribution to the peace of others will themselves receive happiness. Happy are the merciful - those who gladly forgive others, keeping no record of wrongs - that attitude will bring happiness back at you. Happy are those who hunger for righteousness - those are the people who actively get involved in doing the right thing to make life fairer and better. That's going to make them happy. Well, I hope you're going to be happy today! Will it be number 10 on the scale? I don't think many of us are 'extremely happy' every day, but let's look for the happiness of others so that we too can be happier. Heavenly Father, When I read the stories of Jesus I can't help but think what a happy, joyful man he was. Surrounded by people, always speaking about God and seeing the joy on the faces of people who went away healed or forgiven. Lord, help me to nd and appreciate happiness today. I simply want to thank you for all the blessings I have received. I can look around me, and thank you for what I have now and the things that are lled with memories. I praise you for all you have provided. Help me Lord to spread some happiness today - even with a smile. I could give even more than that too Lord. Just where I am, make me a blessing to someone today. Amen. God bless you today 🙏

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18 December 2020

ood morning everyone. I hope your week has been positive and lled with good news. 🙂

Yesterday I had my over 50s u jab. I only went to book it but they did it there and then; how's that for excellent service? The pharmacist was lovely and very professional. She explained everything well, and it was all painlessly over very quickly. I was very impressed. Isn't it funny how even in a good situation we sometimes tend to dwell on the negative? We all know that medication might have side e ects, so when I was handed the lea et to read, I went straight to the list and focussed on the anaphylactic shock I might suddenly get! The excellent pharmacist then, as regulations dictate, told me there might be redness in my arm, sti ness and a bit of a 'dead-arm' feeling. So I started to imagine the terrible pain I was going to be in would I be able to hold my collecting box later on whilst selling my War Cry papers? I won't tell you what I thought when she apologised for the tiny room we were in and the lack of space should she have to lay me out on the oor if I collapsed!!!! I didn't of course, but when she asked me how I felt after the injection I did begin to wonder why I didn't feel ill! My arm felt very well, just so that you know 😁 How easily we look on the dark side. Did you ever see the men with sandwich boards and placards? 'The End is Nigh' or 'The Wages of Sin is Death'? I can't imagine anyone was persuaded to believe because of those gloomy messages. It was worse one year when our Army band was playing lovely carols and 'The End is Nigh' man came and stood right next to the cornets (no comments about cornet players please). I certainly didn't want people to think we endorsed his message. Where was the good news?? The very word 'Gospel' literally means good news and that's what the people need to hear. Yes, it is true that the wages of sin is death, but what about the exciting, reassuring and attractive good news that says, 'but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord'? Surely that's going to get a more positive response! There are some antivaccine campaigners out there : 'Oh it's all bad news.' Don't listen to them. There are also anti-good news Christians out there who will focus on 'don't do this and that, the judgment is coming'. Well, my advice is to look to the love, joy and peace of the Gospel. You'll get all the bene ts of the good news, and all the negativity will be dealt with without you worrying about it. Good Christian men rejoice With heart and soul and voice! Give ye heed to what we say News! News! Jesus Christ is born today! Ox and ass before Him bow And He is in the manger now Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice Now ye hear of endless bliss Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this He hath ope'd the heav'nly door And man is blessed evermore Christ was born for this Christ was born for this

That's the good news! God bless you today 🙏

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t's Saturday! Good morning everyone; I knew it wouldn't take long to get here :) It's going to be good, and if you have time this morning, come and say hello to the band as we play carols outside the Methodist Church between 10.30 and 12.45. Speaking of carols, here's one from tomorrow's Voices of Christmas Carol Service: Once in Royal David's City, written by Mrs Alexander. She wrote all her hymns, including All Things Bright and Beautiful and There is a Green Hill Far Away, to illustrate for children every line of the Creed. This one was written on the theme of '...who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.' It's a lovely hymn, and in a few words explains just who Jesus is: He is 'God and Lord of all', he is 'our Lord in Heaven above', but also 'he was little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew', and 'day by day like us he grew'. These words perfectly illustrate the union of eternal divinity and young humanity that we see in Jesus. For many people Christmas starts not with a boy in Bethlehem but a young boy at the back of a church or cathedral. For weeks the choir will have practiced carols and Christmas anthems, and a select few will have been chosen to be 'the boy' who starts the carol service with the irst verse of Once in Royal David's City. As they line up to process down the aisle, the choirmaster will point at one of the prepared boys: 'you're the soloist'; and the nervous boy, a tiny voice in a vast cathedral perhaps, will begin his soprano solo. Christmas worship often begins with that 'still small voice' coming from 'somewhere' behind the congregation. No face to see, just a pure treble voice telling the beginning of the story: Once, in royal David's city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed. Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child. Very often, the beginning of our own Christian story - in fact quite possibly always - is a still, small voice. Our testimony of coming to faith is always a personal one. Many of us have been brought up in the faith; we have lived a kind of 'communal faith' where we just accepted outwardly the beliefs and Christian ways of our Sunday School, church or family. But the frequent experience for many has been that, in a meeting or alone in a room, a still small voice has spoken to us and Jesus has become real to us. In those moments we no longer believe just because it's expected, we believe because we've heard his voice and he has come into our heart. That's a beautiful moment. Do you remember that time? In likelihood you have had many such moments as you have renewed your faith in Jesus, or you've prayed to be illed with his Spirit. Perhaps you could pray for young people in the church to come to know Jesus for themselves in a real and meaningful way that will keep them trusting Jesus into adulthood. Or maybe you've not yet listened to his voice talking to you, calling you to open your heart to him. He speaks words of grace in that quiet voice, asking to come in. This Christmas why not pray for yourself the words of another carol: Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. After the boy soprano has sung his solo verse, the rest of the choir join in. When you have listened to the voice of Jesus, you will then ind that you too are joining in with the song of faith, and you will join your voice with those of the whole family of faith. He came down to earth from Heaven who is God and Lord of all, And his shelter was a stable and his cradle was a stall; With the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And through all his wondrous childhood he would honour and obey, Love and watch the lowly mother in whose gentle arms he lay. Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he.

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For he is our childhood's pattern, Day by day like us he grew; He was little, weak and helpless, Tears and smiles like us he knew; And he feeleth for our sadness and he shareth in our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see him Through his own redeeming love; For that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in Heaven above. And he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.

Have a lovely day today, God bless you 🙏

19 December 2020

21 December 2020

ello again everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

The week has arrived! So much preparation has been made - though sadly we are not going to have the visitors in our homes we might have expected. Our giving is still a focus though! We've sent out our Christmas cards. We've probably bought most of our presents, though many of us are still planning a couple of more shopping trips for a gift or two. As far as we in the Army are concerned, the toys that you and so many generous people gave have all been distributed to families who were facing a di cult Christmas. The members of our band have joyfully, and with great pleasure, given time to play carols in Guisborough. It's not been on the scale of previous years but we've really enjoyed it - and we're out on Christmas Eve in the morning too 😊 . The public have been generous in their giving as well. In many ways, Christmas can be characterised by that one word: 'Giving'. Fun fact: The only recorded words of Jesus not written in any of the four Gospels are, 'It's more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20 v 35). I have no idea where St Paul got that saying from, but it perhaps shows that not everything Jesus said was written in the Gospels...Anyway, it is indeed a blessing to give. But I also want to talk about receiving. Something Jesus said that was certainly recorded in a Gospel is, 'Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.' John 16 v 24 Initially spoken to the disciples who were only just learning how to pray, the truth for us is that if we ask our prayers in the name of Jesus, we will receive, and our joy will be full. To ask in the name of Jesus isn't merely a form of words at the end of the prayer, it means asking for those things that we know Jesus wants to give, and also being open to receive what he wants to give. We are often encouraged to ask in faith. But maybe we should also receive in faith too. What is it that Jesus would give? What gifts does he o er in his name? We frequently talk about peace of mind and heart, joy and hope; but these things that we long for have to be received, claimed, welcomed if you like. They don't just come, they need to be received by faith in him who longs to give them as much as we long to receive them. Jesus often talks about 'my joy', 'my peace'. These are his gifts alone. But we need to receive them by having an open heart, a trusting faith and a believing mind. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is 'able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.' That's an amazing promise. What could you receive from him today? What prayer could you pray in Jesus' name to claim what he has promised? At the start of this new week, ask, believe, trust, and open your heart to receive the blessings that God has for you, that your joy may be full. Father, what a generous God you are, a God who keeps his promises to a thousand generations. Help me to open my heart and mind to all the possibilities of what you can do in my life. I love to give Lord; help me also to receive, and to experience your gifts in my life: salvation, peace and joy, hope and healing. In the stillness of prayer may your presence and your power come to me, and help me to receive the blessing in Jesus' name. I pray this for others too who are in need today of a sense of your presence and peace. Let them know and receive your blessing today. In Jesus' name. Amen Enjoy your day, God bless you 🙏

ffi

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22 December 2020

ood morning everyone. I hope it's a good day for us all 😊

Well, there's a lot of talk about last night's star. Actually, not a star at all but a conjunction of two planets, Jupiter and Saturn. On December 21st for the rst time in centuries they appear to be so close together as we look at them that it seems to be one bright starry object. They last appeared as close in 1623, and even closer in 1226. What is exciting people of course is that these planets were also aligned in 7 BC; but not just once: this 'star' appeared three times, in May, September and December. We know that Jesus wasn't born in the year 0 because Herod died in the year we call 4 BC, so 7 BC for the birth of Jesus seems about right. Even Space.Com speaks about this 'star' that appeared three times, 'leading' the Wise Men to come from the East. Is the conjunction of planets that people saw last night 'the Star of Bethlehem'? It's quite possible. We don't need to think it was a supernatural occurrence, 'sent by God' to the Wise Men. The Bible tells us that God created the sun, moon and stars, and they are used for marking seasons, days and years, but intriguingly also for signs. Well, for those early astronomers from the East, the planets looking like a star was certainly interpreted as a sign. But so that we don't descend into the realms of astrolo y, one interesting feature of the story of the Magi and the Star is that when they travelled to Jerusalem, assuming the Child was born in the palace, it was the Scriptures that actually revealed the truth about where the Messiah was to be born. In other words, natural signs and phenomena might hint at God's workings, but it's his Word that points to truth and salvation. If last night's planetary conjunction really is what the Wise Men saw, is it a sign for our world? Is it a stretch to say that in our confused, directionless and sorrowful world it's saying something? Well, maybe to those who look for signs it could be. It's a bit like a rainbow, it's a sign to those who recognise it as such. If the Star of Bethlehem last night is a sign, then maybe we who believe can be inspired to tell the world that it's what - or rather who - it points to that is the hope of the world. It's the Bible, not the Star, that tells us where to nd Jesus, but we can thank God that the sign people are talking about is indeed a reminder that even in this dark world there's hope in a Saviour. Evangeline Booth, a daughter of William Booth who founded The Salvation Army, wrote these words: There's a light in the sky, Though the sky be dark; Oh, come to Jesus It's the light of the Star in the East. Bring him your care There's a song in the storm, Your sin he'll pardon Though the storm be long; Your griefs he'll share It's the song that my heart loves the best. He's so tender, so strong, so true, so kind It's the song that broke over Bethlehem's hill, Oh, I love him by far more than all. The angels’ song: Peace on earth, goodwill! And the song made the whole wide world to thrill, Lovely song of the Star in the East. Today you might read about Jupiter and Saturn; you might see pictures from last night. When you do, think of Jesus. God bless you 🙏

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ello everybody, we hope the week is going well for you.

I was very surprised last night as I watched a celebrity version of The Chase, (a quiz game, if you're not too familiar). The 'celebrity' was a real teacher who had featured on the TV documentary series Educating Yorkshire, and this was his question: What is the name of the angel associated with the birth of Jesus? A) Michael B) Gabriel C) Raphael Well, as you might have expected, he chose Gabriel, but then said, 'I don't know, it's just a guess' (!) Erm... A guess? I was astonished actually. But I suppose it reveals something important about our modern world: people don't know The Story as much as we assume. Unlike previous generations - my Grandmother's generation, for example, where they were taught 'Scripture' in school rather than just RE, and unlike previous years where lots of kids went to Sunday School - people nowadays do not know the basics of the Christian message. I would have thought everyone knew about Gabriel... Angels are a funny subject. We don't focus on them very much except in the usual passages - Gabriel appears to Mary, a whole host of them scare the shepherds, and one or two of them tell Mary Magdalene 'He is risen!' But by and large we don't take too much notice of them; which is good because rstly they are not divine, not to be worshipped (the New Testament warns against that), and they are merely messengers, servants of God who do his will. The Bible tells us that they are created, like us, and are 'background gures' that very, very rarely have obvious dealings with us. But that's not to say they are not there or that they don't have a role in God's purposes. We have an image of Christmas angels of course, but the Bible speaks of warrior angels, leaders of heavens powers, protecting angels. So, for example, you have Michael the angel depicted with sword in hand, as well as Gabriel who is charged with delivering messages. Well, it would be an interesting study to look at what the Bible tells us, but here's the important truth: they come from God and point to God. They don't look for attention but remind us that God himself is the one who cares, who guides, who o ers his presence through the Holy Spirit. Psalm 92 does promise that he will order his angels to protect us, and I take that to mean protection in the realms of faith and knowledge, but I am convinced that on occasion angels can be sent to intervene according to his will and purpose. We might pray for God to help and guide but often he will use unseen servants in his answer. One nal thing. The word for angel simply means 'messenger'. There are times when we can be used as human 'angels'. God will use us to bring a message to someone, to help, guide or even protect. As God will use his angels to 'do his bidding' (Psalm 103 v 20), so he will often use us if we are obedient. You might nd that you will be part of God's answer to someone's prayer. Go on, be an angel! Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you, And that no one understands or really cares? Chorus Through his people, God himself is close beside you, Someone cares, someone cares, And through them he plans to answer all your prayers. Someone knows your deepest need, your burden shares; Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling, Someone cares, someone cares, Who is careless of our loneliness and pain, God himself will hear the whisper of your prayers. Through the ministry of men he gives his healing, In their dedicated hands brings hope again. We're here if you need us. God bless you 🙏

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23 December 2020

24 December 2020

ood morning everyone!

Wait for it, wait for it...It's not Christmas yet, it's only Christmas EVE. Some might remember when it was the done thing to only put up the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve in readiness for The Big Day. Nowadays Christmas starts when the pumpkins are chucked out! I think we can understand the eagerness to get into the lights, the music, the warm glow of everything 'Christmassy' as we continue to endure this dreadful year. We cry out with the Psalmist, 'How long, O Lord?' (Psalm 13) and do what we can to bring normality and comfort where we can. 'How long, O Lord?' was the cry of the Jews as they waited for their Messiah. The Bible doesn't record the 400 year history of Israel just before Jesus was born. It was bloody and awful. God was silent. And then one night a baby cried, and there were 'good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' (Luke 2 v 10) At last, God had done something. At last God was doing something. At last... And Paul, re ecting on the reason for Jesus coming, wrote, '... when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those under the Law.' (Galatians 4 v 4) In other words, he came as a Jew to bring salvation to the Jews, and 'on earth peace, goodwill toward men!' (Luke 2 v 14) That, of course, means the whole world. 'When the time had fully come', or as one modern version puts it: 'But when the right time came, God sent his Son to make us free.' God is never late, never neglectful or careless. He always moves, always acts according to his great purposes for the world. When Jesus was born, everything was in place. The time was indeed right; the time was fully come. In our own lives, faith teaches us that when the time is right, God answers our prayers. Delays are not denials. 'Not yet' is not 'No.' God always hears the prayers of our lips, the longings of our hearts, and when we think he is not listening we can be assured that not only is he working things out, he is also walking nearby to comfort and guide. On this Christmas Eve, Fiona and I want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas for tomorrow, however you spend it. May the peace of the Prince of Peace be yours, knowing that everything is 'in his time'. In his time, in his time, He makes all things beautiful, in his time, Lord, please show me everyday, As you're teaching me your way, That you do just what you say, in your time. In your time, in your time, You make all things beautiful, in your time. Lord, my life to you I bring, May each song I have to sing, Be to you a lovely thing, in your time. God bless you 🙏 🎄 Don't forget the Christmas Day Together in Worship will be published at 8am. See you sometime tomorrow 🙂

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orning everyone, happy Boxing Day! We hope that yesterday was a good day for you, even if it wasn't exactly as planned. So today, as usual, this is Song Saturday where we look at a song from our Sunday worship. This week our worship is put together and led by our Divisional Commander, Major Jane Cowell, and one of the songs she will use is Hark! The herald angels sing. I really do like this carol. It's absolutely crammed with meaning. Unlike a lot of carols it doesn't merely describe the scene in the stable, or shepherds and wise men, it gets right down to what it means. You might not consider yourselves to be theologians but when you sing this carol, you are singing very profound truths. Just as an aside, the majestic tune was written by Mendelssohn who wrote of it, 'it will never do to sacred words.' I wonder what he would think if he could hear a congregation marrying his uplifting melody to Wesley's deep and powerful words. Just scan down the lyrics: Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. And my favourite: Veiled in esh the Godhead see. Hail the incarnate deity. These themes have been the subject of books and lectures, let alone sermons! And yet I think that singing them regularly really helps to understand. I heard a true story once where a child would not go to sleep and so the father climbed into the cot with him. The little boy felt safe, and slept peacefully. In the birth of Jesus God himself stepped into our world. He was 'God with the skin on', one who loves us, not by loving us from a distance but by sharing our situation, our life and indeed our human-ness. In a role reversal, we are the little child and he is the mighty God, the everlasting Father. Let Jesus, God in esh, be with you. Never feel that God is far o or doesn't understand. Through Jesus God understands exactly what we feel and know. He's literally been 'hands on', one with us, one of us. As you continue to move through these days of Christmas, may the Word made esh continue to bless you. He is with you. May God bless you. 🙏 Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, With th’angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav'n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, O spring of a Virgin's womb. Veiled in esh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

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26 December 2020

28 December 2020

orning all. We hope you have had a lovely weekend.

This time after Boxing Day is a little strange I suppose. The decorations are traditionally up until Epiphany on the 6th January, we've got New Year to celebrate, but even though we are in these Twelve Days of Christmas not much is happening. I was interested to read, however, that each day after Christmas does have a meaning. December 26th is St Stephen's Day. Stephen, a deacon written about in the Acts of the Apostles, was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus. He's the rst martyr. Yesterday, the 27th, was the day of St John the Apostle. He wrote the gospel, three letters and the Book of Revelation. He was a cousin of Jesus and his best friend. John wasn't martyred but he was imprisoned by the emperor for his faith. Today is a very sad day because it's the day of the Holy Innocents. On this day the church remembers those tiny innocent children whom Herod murdered in his attempt to kill the child Jesus. You could say that they died instead of him. The Coventry Carol which our band played a few times in recent weeks commemorates that terrible event in the Christmas story. We really shouldn't overlook it, in the same way we shouldn't overlook the persecution of Christians around the world today. We are the most persecuted faith in places like Burma, China, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Vietnam. These have been named as countries 'of particular concern.' In The Salvation Army towards the end of 2020 we were shocked to hear of the martyrdom of four Salvation Army people in Indonesia, killed for their Christian faith by Islamist terrorists. Today let's o er a prayer for all Christians who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, 60% of whom are children, Holy Innocents indeed! It can be di cult to have faith even in our comfortable world, but how much harder it is in a country, a society that persecutes believers in Jesus. One organisation that supports persecuted Christians suggests: Please pray persecuted believers would have access to a Bible. Pray they have the courage to remain in their homeland. Please pray for believers who have been rejected by family and friends. Pray that God would surround them with a new Christian "family" who loves them and supports them emotionally and physically. Pray for God to be an advocate for women who are socially vulnerable or have lost the custody of their children because of their faith. Please pray that God would provide persecuted believers with jobs and safe places to live. This Christmas may the Prince of Peace bring peace to all who believe in his name. God bless you today 🙏

ffi

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29 December 2020

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Christmas is over. Well, that's the implied message we get. No more Mariah Carey, Slade or Bing Crosby on the wireless; and all the Christmas stu in the supermarkets has been shoved onto a couple of 'Reduced' clearance shelves. No prizes for the rst sightings of Creme Eggs... Funny how we spend so much time in preparation and then quickly rush away. One beautiful Salvation Army carol has these words: Open wide the stable door, Monarchs rich and shepherds poor Wait to tread the holy oor Where lies the Son of God. The word 'wait' in the melody is not a short note. There's a sense of calm expectation here as people prepare to spend time in worship. I am not a wealthy King, Naught have I for o ering. E'en a lamb I cannot bring To give Thee, Son of God. Yet I would be at Thy side And the door is open wide! What can empty hands provide, Oh, what, Thou Son of God? In this song, as we sing 'Yet I would be at thy side', is there not a feeling of wanting to linger there, to remain in the moment? Why leave so quickly? One beautiful part of the Christmas story happens in the temple in Jerusalem, not far from Bethlehem, when Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus 40 days after his birth to be presented. There, an old man called Simeon has been waiting for years for Christ to come; and, on seeing the child, takes him tenderly in his arms and praises God. You can read about it in Luke 2 v 25. I can't imagine that any of the shepherds, wise men, or Simeon himself spent just a short time in the presence of Jesus. Simeon said that God was now allowing him to 'depart in peace'; surely he lingered there holding the baby he had waited for all his life... A song we have sung in worship says To be in your presence To sit at your feet Where your love surrounds me And makes me complete This is my desire, O Lord This is my desire This is my desire, O Lord This is my desire

To rest in your presence Not rushing away To cherish each moment Here I would stay This is my desire, O Lord This is my desire This is my desire, O Lord This is my desire

This isn't really about Christmas music on the radio or how long your tree stays up in your living room, but it is about not rushing away from that stable. It's about staying to worship him there, or better, taking that experience with us into a busy world. Like Simeon may we depart in peace. We go from the stable into the tasks of daily life, holding onto his presence. May God bless you today 🙏

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30 December 2020

ello to you all!

I watched the news last night. That's not remarkable, I guess, but I tend not to watch the TV news that often; I usually read it. But listening to voices and watching pictures of course made it more 'real', and it was bad news. Most of what I watched was about Covid, and then the earthquake in Croatia. It's not good news is it! It was 'This is now worse than...' 'The hospitals are struggling...' And I found myself thinking that we're back to square one. Now, I'm not a pessimist but even I felt, in that moment, that hope was at a very low level. And then a man came on who seemed upbeat and full of hopeful expectation: the vaccine was mentioned, Springtime was mentioned and suddenly there was light again at the end of the tunnel. There were possibilities again! It was good news for those who were waiting for it. The last person in the Christmas story is someone who, like Simeon yesterday, was waiting for some good news for a long time. She was Anna. Widowed at a very young age, probably in her early 20s going by the marriage customs of the day, she was now 84. She had given her life to God during those troubled times in Israel; in fact Luke (2 v 36 38) tells us she never left the Temple where she prayed. I believe she was a person of hope in dark days. More than that, she was a person of faith and prayer. People might belittle those qualities but is it not the case that it's the people who trust God who can see possibilities and assurance? Faith, according to the Bible is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.' (Hebrews 11 v 1) There's more to Anna than just believing though, because she went and told. Luke tells us that coming up to Mary, Joseph and Simeon, she 'gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.' In other words she shared what she had seen with all those other people who, in those dark times were looking for some good news. Jesus is the hope of the world, and many people are lled with hope because of him. There are many who, like Anna, are living for him, living in faith that through him there is certainty in an uncertain world. They are living in expectation that the coming of Jesus to our hearts now, and to our world when he returns, are the reason we can live in peace today whatever happens. Thank God for the good news! Thank God for those who bring it! Lord Jesus, it would be so easy to be overwhelmed if I were to simply look at the problems of the world, but I thank you that you have brought hope. Some people dismiss the world and say there is nothing to save it, but you bring the possibility of redemption. Lord, that lifts my spirit. In my own experience help me to look away from the circumstances and to see possibilities in the face of the Child of Bethlehem, the Saviour who is Christ the Lord. Thank you for your good news in my life today. Amen. Have a 'good news' day. God bless you 🙏

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31 December 2020

ood morning everyone.

Well, here we are at the end of 2020. I think, along with probably everyone else on the planet, that this is a year of which we are glad to see the end. There have been some wonderful occasions of course – children have been born, bringing great joy. People we know and love have got married, graduations have taken place, new employment found, house moves to bring a new start, operations that were successful; and so many other events that will become lovely memories – despite the restrictions. We celebrate everything that was good. And yes, of course we re ect on the hardships, the su ering, the tragedy. We regret the loneliness, the personal circumstances that have been made more di cult because of the delays in healthcare, the lack of work and the resulting lowering income. We think of people unable to travel to visit loved ones, the children frustrated at disrupted education. My goodness, what a year! And all this on top of the ‘normal’ run-of-the-mill human existence with its joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures. Has there been a year like this in living memory? Much older people might look at some of us younger ones with a quizzical look. I remember our dear Joan Welburn saying to me, “Don’t worry about me darling, I lived through a war!” Well, I guess it’s all relative. New Year’s Eve is, of course a time for looking back. Oh, please look back at the joys of 2020 even when you have to recall the sorrows. Here’s something I read recently: ‘God is the God of our yesterdays’. Read that again, it’s worth thinking about. God is the God of our past as well as our future. In other words, when you look back at the di cult times, God is still there. He’s there in those events as real there still as he is real today, and as real as he is already in the days that lie ahead. The Bible says ‘Do not go forward in haste or anxiety, nor dwell in regret or fear of what is past. God has your future and your back.’ (Isaiah 52 v 12). What an excellent promise! Remember the past; don’t pretend it didn’t happen, don’t try to escape it: face it with God’s presence, grace, and mercy. Let him forgive it, transform it, rob it of its control. He ‘has your back’ so that what is past can’t rise again to haunt or trouble you! But be sure to allow the past to teach you, as you walk across the threshold into tomorrow and into the months of 2021. He not only has your back, he not only walks with you today, ‘he has your future.’ Is that not a reassuring truth? We can never go back and change the past but, knowing that we are ‘born again’ we can go forward without haste – without rushing into mistakes again – and without anxiety – knowing that Jesus who is ‘the same yesterday, today and forever’ has our future secure. Our task is to commit ourselves to him, to follow him in faith, and love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This, this is the God we adore, Our faithful, unchangeable friend, Whose love is as great as his power, And knows neither measure nor end. ‘Tis Jesus, the First and the Last, Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home; We’ll praise him for all that is past, And trust him for all that’s to come.

ffi

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01 January 2021

ear all, Happy New Year! Welcome to 2021 from Major Antony & Major Fiona!

Has there ever been a more anticipated new year? Well, we know that nothing has changed that much in the hours that we cross from December 31st to January 1st, but it's a symbolic new start; and my goodness are we determined to make a good go of this year! I'm actually writing this yesterday afternoon. It's 4.24pm, and I'm watching the last golden glow of 2020 dying away above the rooftops, clouds spreading their whispy ngers across the sky as if slowly, almost apologetically, waving goodbye. The year is fading away, perhaps knowing it won't be missed... And here we are anticipating the new morning, the new day, the new month and nally the New Year. Now, of course none of us believe in fate. We believe in the providence of God, we trust the plan of God, but rather than a resigned 'que sera sera', accepting whatever will be, we are also active, proactive even, in that plan. Where decisions are there to be made, as far as it lies with us, we are determined to make those decisions. Is that not why we make those resolutions? What are yours? I have decided to read more, to take up my running again, to lose weight, to sleep more (no comments please :) ) These are my resolutions; I am resolved to put them into action. And now they are public, you can challenge me on them in future weeks... To resolve is to fully decide, to be determined to carry something out, to complete a plan. And as I thought of this word 'resolve' a Bible verse came to mind that reminded me that there are spiritual resolutions we need to make; actions we can take in the realms of faith. St Paul wrote to his friends in Corinth that whilst he was visiting them he 'resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him cruci ed.' (1 Corinthians 2 v 2). What a resolution: to focus his knowledge on Jesus who died for us. Now, I'm quite certain Paul had other things on his mind. He wasn't a monk; he didn't spend all day and every day doing 'religious' things - and neither do we. We live in a real world, and other things rightly demand our attention; people are worthy of our love, and responsibilities claim our time. But what Paul is saying is that beneath, above and around everything in his life, he is determined to know Jesus more. There was a day when he consciously made that decision, and he resolved to keep that decision in view. At the start of this new year with its unknown days stretching ahead of us, why not add one more resolution to the one (or ten?) that you have made? It's good to focus on physical and emotional wellbeing, but why not resolve to build up the spiritual; to know Christ more, to make his love the centre of your life, his word the foundation for your thinking. That's a resolution that will not be waistlinechanging, but will certainly be life-changing. Fiona and I pray that each of you will be blessed this year, that you will, in the words of Richard of Chichester, make this prayer your resolution: Day by day, dear Lord, Of you three things I pray: - To see you more clearly, - Love you more dearly, - Follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.

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02 January 2021

ood morning everyone. Welcome to the rst Song Saturday of 2021, and a song that I think is highly appropriate. Depending on which music you use, this song is either entitled 'It's as High as the Sky', or 'Everywhere'. It's a song that has been chosen for tomorrow's worship video provided by our Territorial Headquarters to introduce a 4-week series on 'Covenant'. A covenant is a type of agreement, a promise between two people of groups. It's a commitment, and we're going to see God's commitment of love to us. There's a lot of singing in tomorrow's meeting, but I have chosen this morning to preview this song because the words are particularly appropriate: Have you ever stopped to think Wider than the human mind can realise, How God loves you? His love is unlimited and never dies; It sounds quite incredible, and yet it’s true. Though we don’t deserve it, every day it’s new – Nothing on this earth or in the heavens above That’s the love of God for me and you. Is as sure and certain as God’s love. Chorus Everything is changing in the world today; Oh, it’s as high as the sky and it’s as deep as the sea, There’s one thing reliable in every way: And it’s as wide as the world – Other things may alter but it’s clear and plain God’s love for you and for me. That the love of God is just the same. We can’t escape His love, Or take ourselves out of His care, So where could we hide from His love? His love is everywhere. I look at these words and to be honest I'm not sure that any comment I make could add to them in the slightest. The words have been sung for years to what I might call a 'bouncy' tune, in such a way that they are sung joyfully, in perhaps a carefree manner. It's almost a children's song. In recent years a new tune has been written: slower, more re ective; and where the original tune is kind of celebratory, the new setting is more of a gentle invitation to consider God's love, it's perhaps even more 'persuasive'. There's a time for both styles of tune, but lyricist John Gowans' words are very appropriate however they are sung. Just consider the second verse; seriously, they could have been written yesterday, not over 40 years ago! Everything is changing in the world today; There’s one thing reliable in every way: Other things may alter but it’s clear and plain That the love of God is just the same. Just think of that for a moment; think not of the changed world nor the uncertainty of the future, but of the love of God for you that, whatever you think about it, whether you receive it or not, will never be withdrawn. God's love is available in a continual supply because God wants us to experience it, be surrounded by it. His love is 'sure and certain', and what makes Gowans' words authentic and authoritative is not just that they re ect the Bible, but that they have been proved by countless people whose lives have been changed by the love of God, and whose circumstances have been lled with that love demonstrated perfectly in Jesus. Today, think of how much God loves you - it's the rst thing we should know about God. Think of how he demonstrated his love in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. And then consider that this loving God, our heavenly Father, is with us all the time, faithfully and constantly 'through all the changing scenes of life'. May that thought bless you today. Enjoy the worship tomorrow - there's a lot to look at and listen to at your leisure - and may God's unfailing love ll your heart. God bless you 🙏

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04 January 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Today the news will be full of the sad death of the singer Gerry Marsden who, of course, popularised the song from the musical Carousel, 'You'll Never Walk Alone.' It was already a popular song on stage and screen but Gerry and the Pacemakers made probably the most famous version of it, though others also made versions of it almost immediately. The most recent incarnation was the one done by Michael Ball and Captain Tom who, you'll remember, walked 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS. Here's a fun fact: At the end of a concert by the rock band Queen, the audience spontaneously sang You'll Never Walk Alone, according to lead guitarist Brian May, and this inspired him to write We Are the Champions. So there you go :) The word 'inspirational' can be used of many non-religious songs: Bridge over Troubled Water, You Raise Me Up, What a Wonderful World, Stand by Me, etc. You'll Never Walk Alone is in that category of course. It's been appropriated by the fans of Liverpool Football Club and I guess that they're going to sing it with great emotion tonight before the match with Southampton. It's a song that has lifted spirits, allowed emotions to be expressed, and brought a sense of community, a feeling that we're in this together. Of course this inspirational experience wasn't invented by Rogers and Hammerstein, nor by Gerry Marsden. People have longed for the knowledge that life isn't lived 'alone' for countless years. It's a very human desire; and to know that Someone is walking with us through life, someone greater than us yet down to our level, is at the heart of our spirituality. In Jesus we believe that God himself does walk with us. We don't just believe in him, we experience his presence. Nobody is ever alone when they know Jesus. It's in that lovely Easter Day story of the road to Emmaus that Christians have found comfort. Two followers of Jesus had witnessed the cruci xion and seen their hopes die with him. But as they walked home in dejection, 'Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.' (Luke 24 v 15) Their hopes were restored, their joy was unrestrained: Jesus was with them. Today we still know the experience of having Jesus beside us. When we trust him, we will never walk alone. Lord Jesus you promised you would never leave nor forsake us. Today I claim that promise so that I can know that you walk beside me. As you walk with me today you might comfort me, teach me, even challenge me, correct me . Help me to hear your voice, through your word or in my heart, and help me to follow you in the way in which you lead. Draw near to me and help me Lord, to walk close beside you in faith. Amen. We hope you have a good day today. God bless you 🙏

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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

I received a lovely phone call yesterday and for two or three minutes shared new year greetings, enquiries about health and our boys, and how our Christmas had been......with a total stranger. I had answered the phone with 'Hello, Salvation Army', as I always do, but the voice at the other end that I didn't recognise, spoke over my words: "Hello, it's Jean!" Well I know a couple of Jeans, and although the voice was unfamiliar I thought 'Poor Jean, she's got a cold.' So I went with it. 'Hello Jean, how are you?' And there followed questions and answers about how Christmas had been, how the family was. Were my boys able to come home ... And when I said that one of them could only visit for a walk outside, she said, 'So Jonathan couldn't visit...? It was then I thought, this isn't a Jean that I know! I stopped her and we realised that she had phoned a wrong number. I KNEW I didn't recognise her voice! It was two or three minutes of Antony and Jean sharing a friendly conversation, and I said to her that I'd really enjoyed talking to her, even though we didn't know each other. I will never know who Jean is, where she comes from, what her life is like; but that brief meeting of voices was a highlight of my day. She was a bit embarrassed about the wrong number, but I said it had been lovely to talk to her and wished her all the best. I can believe that somehow it was meant to be. In these di cult times, communication is so important. A friendly voice is going to be even more important now that we have entered another strict lockdown. If a brief, unintended, accidental conversation can brighten a dull morning, how much more a conversation with a familiar voice or reading familiar words? Jesus said that he is the Good Shepherd and that his sheep know his voice and follow him. It's such a familiar image, but I think today, as we wake up to harder restrictions on our lives, with potential nancial, social and health consequences, it has a lot to o er us. If we know him and recognise his voice, it's not just words that we will hear, it's a sense of care, of provision. If talking with someone is an encouragement, and lifts the spirits, how much more will the voice of the Good Shepherd be a welcome relief, a source of strength and hope? You will of course know the words of the 23rd Psalm. I o er them to you here today because maybe they will be much needed words for someone to read. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd today, don't let it be the voice of a stranger. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;

Your rod and Your sta , they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

We're both always here if you need anything - practical help or a listening ear. Just let us know. God bless you 🙏

ffi

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05 January 2021

06 January 2021

ood morning everyone! It's a celebration day. It's Epiphany!

OK, so for a lot of people nowadays that announcement would be met with a quizzical look: 'What's that then? Put simply it's the day that the Church traditionally celebrates the arrival of the Magi, the Wise Men, which took place anytime up to two years after Jesus was born. So if you've still got your Christmas tree up, well done you! I'm actually sat here with my co ee, with our tree still resplendent with 1020 lights, and a glowing angel gazing down on me. An epiphany means a moment of realisation and revelation - a light bulb moment if you like. The light comes on and you see the truth! For the Wise Men - and the whole world through them - today is the day when Jesus is revealed to the world. The world is represented by those men who travelled from far away to tiny Bethlehem to worship the one born to be King of the Jews. Actually, these men, giving royal gifts and worshipping Jesus, are showing that Jesus is King of the World These are dark days for us all. The Christmas lights will nally be turned o today (though if you want to, they can o cially stay up until Candlemas on 2nd February!). But after these lights are o and we look at the dark days of January; as we live through this frustrating lockdown and the uncertainty of the future, let me remind you that the days are getting lighter. It was drawn to my attention yesterday at exactly 4.10 in the afternoon: had I noticed that it's not as dark now as it was at this time last week? And it was true. The days are getting lighter and staying lighter for longer. And in the darkness of Covid only the most cynical are not hopeful that the vaccines will make a huge di erence to our lives over the Springtime. It's as if in these darkest of days - literal and gurative - hope is well and truly dawning. When the Wise Men found Jesus it was really a ful lment of Isaiah the prophet's ancient promise: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." (Isaiah 60 v 1 3) That's an epiphany. People might indeed ask what that is. Some might ask who is Jesus? We reply: Tis the Lord! O wondrous story, 'Tis the Lord, the King of Glory! At his feet we humbly fall, Crown him, crown him Lord of all! When Christ is worshipped, when Jesus is honoured as King, when we yield our heart and life to him, then the light shines upon us. Happy Epiphany! May the light of Jesus shine upon you today, whether in joy or in sorrow. God bless you 🙏

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07 January 2021

orning everyone 🖐

Well I never thought I'd see the day when I would see a mob attacking and storming into the American Capitol building. Even the newsreaders were shocked. I'm not going to comment on politics and personalities, but my goodness what a change has come over what some people might have called at one time 'the civilised world'! Psalm 46 is as relevant to us today as it was thousands of years ago. "Nations are in uproar" declares verse 6. Well yes, the scenes last night certainly point to an 'uproar'; but what else can we expect in a world where Godlessness and lawlessness increases? A common feature of the Bible is to use images of nature and Psalm 46 speaks of the earth giving way, and the mountains falling into the heart of the sea, "though its waters roar and foam...and the mountains quake with their surging." Well, it's a picture of uncontrolled nature alright but the Psalmist con dently declares that, although this is all going on, "God is our refuge and strength, therefore we will not fear." Notice: "we will not". In other words, it's our decision, our intention to not be afraid. We are not going to be bowed down nor throw our hands up and wonder where this is going to end, where is God? Let me take you to verse 10: "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;" Now, this is a favourite verse of many, and it's often read in the context of being quiet and meditative, being relaxed and peaceful. And quite rightly. But there is another meaning. Let me complete the verse: " I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” This is God asserting himself, he's telling the nations to be still before him. He's raising his voice: "Be still! Know that I am God!" How can this world know peace if they ignore the Prince of Peace and try to live outside his laws? Let us pray for the peace of nations, for elected leaders and for the well-being of our communities; but let's also pray for a returning to God, a recognition that he is indeed the world's refuge and strength. Today may we all take time to be still in order to know his peace, but also to pray that our world in turmoil may recognise him and acknowledge that he is God. It's the only way to peace. May God bless you 🙏

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08 January 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Welcome to a very wet, gloomy Friday.

'You have to laugh really, or else you'd cry. 'How many times have you said or heard that? I chuckled yesterday when a friend posted on Facebook, 'I'd like to cancel my subscription to 2021. I've experienced the free 7-day trial and I'm not interested.' 😄 We started with high hopes, but those who thought giving the month a new name and the year a new number would make everything better are disappointed, and the more realistic people who knew we are still walking uphill have been surprised at just how rocky the path has become. The beginning of 2021 is bringing challenges with it that appear to be worse than 2020. I'm not going to list the challenges, I've depressed you enough already! But as I've said before, there is hope; and as I quoted from Psalm 46 yesterday, 'we will not fear.' Yes we've had 7 days of 2021, and the joker lightens the mood by asking can they cancel their subscription, but despair and resignation are not a necessary response. Some see darkness - and we are realistic and mindful about the challenges, we recognise some real hardships - but as God's people we would want to remind the world what we spent over a month telling them: the light has come! 'The darkness has not overcome it.' There really is 'Joy to the world, the Lord is come' And whether that is an inner sense of joy and light, or whether it's seen in practical solutions to our needs or circumstances, what we know is that God personally, or through his people, can transform a situation or walk beside us with his reassuring presence. Psalm 139 v 12 declares, 'Even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.' You can pair that with Daniel 2 v 22: 'He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.' Remember when you were a child and in the darkness the shadows and dark shapes became scary monsters with malevolent minds and wicked intentions? Oh how I hated that dressing gown on the back of the door! But our parents soothed our fears. They knew the truth about the darkness. And they reassured us. It's day 8 of 2021. God knows what's in the darkness. He knows the days that lie ahead. Remember the New Year words: So I went forth, and nding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East. May your day be brighter because God is there. May he bless you 🙏

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ello everyone, welcome to another Song Saturday. This is where we look at one of the songs or hymns from tomorrow's Together in

Worship. This week it's a Salvation Army song entitled The Wonder of His

Grace. The words and music were written in the late 1960s by Howard Davies an Australian Of icer, after he was inspired by the sight of the stars above him. He thought of Psalm 8 which asks, 'When I consider your heavens, the work of your ingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? He turned that thought into a contemplation, not of the created world, but of the spiritual world - O the wonder of his grace - which was higher than the stars that reach eternity. The refrain repeats, O the wonder of his grace. I think it's all too easy to lose the wonder of God and his love and grace. A former General of The Salvation Army, Albert Orsborn, once wrote, 'I have long since discovered the truth that no man is so much in danger of losing the rapture of religion as the man who deals in it every day.’ Can I say how true that is? And how sad. For a person's faith to become less interesting to them, less exciting, seem more tiresome, or to take on an 'optional' feeling, I think is perhaps a tragedy. Jesus called it losing your irst love (Revelation 2 v 4), and one of the signs of that is that we are no longer impressed by the message, not interested anymore. Perhaps we've become jaded; we've heard it all before. Maybe some might become cynical. This song, to me, captures and encourages the feeling of the wonder of God's grace, his boundless love that is more than I can ever comprehend. Does that grace still amaze you? Does his forgiveness still move you? When you sing about it, do you desire more of it? There's a phrase in 1 Corinthians 13 that once I wasn't sure about; it's 'love believes all things.' Really? That sounded a bit gullible to me. You can't believe everything, you could be taken in, fooled, taken advantage of. I now believe that it means this: love is not cynical. It believes what is good, and right and true; it embraces what's lovely and exciting. It takes time to consider the truth, and then it allows it to make an impression. Love that is not cynical and which 'believes all things' is willing to look at the grace of God and to be awed by it, amazed by it, even overwhelmed by it. God's grace and his love are never 'take it or leave it', never commonplace. With another song writer we might sing with an overflowing heart: O the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all, Just to think that God loves me. How could that truth not mean anything? How could it pass us by and not stir the heart? Think again to yourself, 'God loves me!' We are moved by beautiful music. We are awed by landscapes. We are inspired by acts of human devotion and courage. How much more could we wonder at the depth and the height and the richness of God's grace? Many are the things I cannot understand; Passing understanding is His boundless love, All above me mystery I see; More than I can ever comprehend; But the gift most wonderful from God’s own hand Jesus, in His mercy, left His throne above, Surely is His gift of grace to me! All to be my Saviour and my Friend. When I came to Jesus with my sin and shame, And to Him confessed my deepest need, When by faith I trusted fully in His name, God’s rich grace was granted me indeed.

Chorus Higher than the stars that reach eternity, Broader than the boundaries of endless space, Is the boundless love of God that pardoned me; O the wonder of His grace!

Join us tomorrow as we sing this lovely song, and allow your soul to be illed again with the wonder of it all. Have a great day, God bless you 🙏

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09 January 2021

11 January 2021

orning all, welcome to Monday!

Well, the need for exercise being evident I went for a walk yesterday. I put my boots on and went out, across a eld and down a country road. It was hard to walk because of the ice. The elds were greener because the snow was melting fast. Someone wrote 'Send us pictures of the snow'. Well there was no point. This morning it's all gone from the pavement and we have wind instead. What amused me today was a video clip of an American pastor friend of mine in Texas. He's there with his family shouting, 'It's snowing in Texas! It's snowing in Texas!' Such delight and unexpected joy. I believe we ourselves are due more snow. We've had lots of rain, it's often windy, Facebook is full of snowy pictures when we get it. The British do like to talk about the weather. We comment about the 'nice day' to complete strangers, we talk to friends about the rain, we take great delight in pictures of our cars and lawns with snow on them... It's not just the British though. The Bible is full of weather! From Noah's ood to Jesus stilling the storm, there's a lot of meteorological detail! There are droughts and winds, prophets who pray for rain, and when good things happen they are described as showers of blessing. Even Jesus knew the saying about 'red sky at night...' though in Biblical language he says, 'When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' (Matthew 16 v 2) But, re ecting the joy of my Pastor friend, my favourite weather verse is, 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.' (Isaiah 1 v 18) Why scarlet? Well, it's an indelible colour; even today it would be impossible to make a deeply dyed red cloth white again. But God is saying, let's talk this over. Your sin might seem an indelible, permanent, 'stubborn stain', but I can make your heart, your mind, your soul as white as snow. There's nothing whiter than snow. Nothing cleaner. What a promise given to those who believe, who give their sin to God so that he can wash their heart clean. King David sinned in a way that none of us have and yet he was able to pray, 'Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow'. Whiter than snow? That reveals a wonderful truth, that when God forgives it's a deep, thorough forgiveness that can't be found, can't be matched anywhere. Oh, for a heart whiter than snow! Saviour divine, to whom else shall I go? Thou who didst die, loving me so, Give me a heart that is whiter than snow!

Oh, for a heart that is whiter than snow! With the pure ame of the Spirit aglow; Filled with the love that is true and sincere, Love that is able to banish all fear.

Oh, for a heart that is whiter than snow! Calm in the peace that He loves to bestow; Daily refreshed by the heavenly dews, Ready for service whene’er He shall choose.

Oh, for a heart that is whiter than snow! Then in His grace and His knowledge to grow, Growing like Him who my pattern shall be, Till in His beauty my King I shall see.

God bless you 🙏

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12 January 2021

ood morning everyone.

We hope you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning! I like that phrase - it makes me think I'm a squirrel or something... Anyway, are you well-rested, or are you amongst the many who don't sleep too well? Some don't sleep because of illness, because of young children, noisy neighbours, a busy road outside; but some of us don't always sleep because our minds are busy or preoccupied, or even troubled. I've written before about worry, when little details swirl round your mind and rob you of sleep. And then there are times when, for no reason you can identify, you just can't sleep. For Christmas Fiona bought me one of those watch-things that tell you what your heart rate is, how many steps you've taken, how many calories you've burned. I think she regretted it when I asked her a few times if my heart rate was normal... Anyway, it also tells you how much sleep you had. I can tell you that last night I slept for 6 hours 10 minutes (which I know is not enough) out of which 2 hours 56 minutes was light sleep and the rest was deep sleep. Fascinating. I shall have to make up for it with a nap later on. Apparently, a day without a nap is like a cupcake without icing - so there you go. It's compulsory. Now I'm no sleep expert and I can't say I have conquered 'the disturbed sleep due to over thinking things at 4am' problem, but like you I think any help would be useful. One great tip is to be at peace with yourself. The saying goes, 'a clear conscience makes the softest pillow', and so knowing that we are forgiven, and knowing that we're 'Ok with God' is the foundation of what one of our songs calls 'a heart at leisure from itself'. But I have read that a study suggests the secret of a good night’s sleep is having something worth getting out of bed for the next day. So perhaps going to bed with a plan for a positive activity tomorrow, something to look forward to, is going to help. I'm going to suggest that a twofold prayer would be an answer: a prayer of thanksgiving for the day just spent, including asking forgiveness for mistakes made, and then a prayer that asks God to bless the coming day, giving tomorrow to him even as this day is still ending. What we certainly need is his presence and peace in every part of the day, so let our evening prayer not just look back, but also seek out the joy and gladness of a new day. And may that bring peace - and a good night's sleep! Father God, I thank you for bringing me through another night. A new day dawns with di erent experiences for us all. I give this day to you in whatever form it takes and pray that whether I be busy or whether I'm searching for something to ll my hours, I will know that you are there. And when I come to the end of this day, may I know your grace, and the peace that comes with trusting, and the hope that looks forward to another new day. Tonight may I indeed 'lie down and sleep in peace for you alone make me dwell in safety.' I pray for all today who are weary and troubled, that they too will nd peaceful rest and the assurance of your loving presence. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏 Have a good day today 🙂

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13 January 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Will you have The Vaccine? Will you heed the call, the invitation when it comes? Isn't it strange that people are even asking the question? Vaccines are a part of life from childhood onwards. I can remember the sugar cube with a polio vaccine on it, I can remember queuing at school for the TB vaccine, and everyone trying to scare each other with stories of 6 inch needles, and boys fainting. 😱 😉 All untrue of course. I don't recall ever hearing about anyone refusing it. We do know about the scare stories to do with MMR and how they've been debunked; today there are those who see the Covid vaccine as unsafe, and they listen to Facebook comments that mislead and frighten people. People are scared of the virus. Now through scaremongering and cynicism they are scared of the remedy! One reason for the fear is 'Oh it's too quick, how do we know it'll work, we're all still guinea pigs!' I was so pleased to watch The One Show on BBC1 last night and the interview with a scientist who said this vaccine has been developed over 10 years. It's safe because today's Corona vaccine is part of a range of vaccines already tried and tested. That's really reassuring. We should not fear the remedy. It's always surprised me how many people were afraid of Jesus. The old song says: Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in— That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin; Jesus is indeed God's remedy. Our sin frightens us, has taken peace from the world, and yet people were frightened of him. In the stilling of the storm the disciples were scared of the wind and waves, but they were also frightened of the man who said, 'Peace, be still!’ 'Who is this?' they cried, 'That even the wind and the sea obey him?' Other parts of the Gospels tell us about people being amazed, of people asking Jesus to leave them alone or even leave the town because they were afraid. You could even say it was because of fear that they eventually arrested Jesus, tying his hands in front of him as if to prevent him using his wonderful power: 'Dear hands of Christ! And yet men feared them so that they must bind them as to death they go.' So wrote Albert Orsborn, a former General of The Salvation Army. I asked at the beginning, 'Will you have The Vaccine?' The General asks a more important question about God's remedy for sin, Jesus: 'Say, would'st thou bind, by pride and unbelief those hands that compass all thy soul's relief?' Don't fear the remedy. God waits with such blessing for those who trust in Christ. Accept his love for you, his o er of grace. Nobody has ever been disappointed by Jesus. Lord, man can offer so many remedies for our world - medicines, technolo y, political solutions amongst them; but only you can heal the soul and bring love, joy and peace. I want to know those things in my own life, and would simply want to accept the remedy you offer - grace, forgiveness, and new life within. Help me not to be afraid of trusting in you, but reassure me with your outstretched hands that you are indeed the Way, the Truth and the Life. Lord Jesus, because of the cross I accept your remedy, and I believe in you to save me. Thank you Lord. God bless you today 🙏 If there's anything you need or want to ask, please let us know. Have a great day.

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14 January 2021

ello everybody, I'd like to share something that really warmed my heart yesterday.

We spent so much time on our Christmas Present Appeal in November and December. The volunteers were excellent and hardworking and cheerful, and we want to thank them and encourage them with this news. We also want to thank everyone who made the appeal so successful again this year - people who gave gifts, donated money, the band that spread the Christmas message and raised a lot of money... Here's something that makes it worthwhile. On Christmas Eve we received an email from divisional headquarters asking if at all possible we could take a gift to a young woman with special needs who lived in care in a village on the North York Moors. She had contacted our London HQ saying she couldn't see her family, and the message has ltered down. Could we help? Well, family was arriving for a socially-distanced Christmas Eve walk together so we decided we'd all go to this village and deliver the gifts at the same time. I put together a bag with 5 or 6 small items - some toiletries, a scarf and some chocolate - things I thought appropriate, and we drove o in convoy, and eventually nding this remote place down a very snowy (and scary) downhill track, delivered the toys to a surprised care assistant for this young lady. Was it worth it? Well, it seemed a long way to go and we just hoped that the gifts were OK. We just weren't sure. We enjoyed our walk later anyway. Yesterday I was told that a thank you card had arrived at HQ from this young lady thanking The Salvation Army for the lovely gifts, including the scarf, that she really liked. It was lovely to know that she enjoyed the gifts, in fact she wrote that it made her Christmas. But it was the next bit that I really wanted to share with you. In her card she said that she had shared her gifts with her friends in the home who also had very little given to them. Well I was amazed at that. It was lovely to hear that someone who is in her situation, in care and far from family, would give to others out of the little she had received. It seems that our little bag of gifts didn't just make one person happy, it made a little group of friends feel that someone cared. Christmas was di erent for them, but not simply because the Army gave small gifts, but because the recipient went on to share freely what she had received. What an inspiration to us who have so much, that out of everything we have received, the abundance of our gifts and privileges, we too might also freely give. Jesus spoke about giving to others freely because we ourselves have freely received. And when our giving results in great pleasure and an expression of gratitude we know that somehow God is honoured. I guess that for every one card that reveals a story of gratitude and sharing, there will be many other stories that are similar. We pray that those who received gifts will also know something of God's blessing too. And may God also bless you today 🙏 . Keep sharing, keep giving freely because we have all freely received.

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15 January 2021

ood morning everyone - welcome to Friday. It's so true that the days go so quickly!

The phrase 'fake news' was made popular by a certain soon-to-be-former President. A newspaper would report something and he'd make a speech saying, 'It's all fake news, fake news...' 👐 Well, I think we all know that you can't believe everything you read in the papers. We remember, of course, that they need to sell copies and so the headlines often bear little relation to the story. I think many will remember the famous 'Freddie Starr ate my Hamster' headline, which apparently wasn't true because he was a vegetarian! There used to be a man in my home town of Blackpool who went round in the late 50s with a 6d newsletter with deliberately fake news on it. It was called 'Billy's Weekly Liar' and one famous headline was 'Liverpool Sensation! Mersey Tunnel stolen by Cat Burglars'. Another was 'Unconscious Skeleton Found on Beach'. Another was 'Two Men Burst. Boiler Killed!'' All complete nonsense of course but simply designed to raise a laugh. I came across a headline this morning which told me that Prince Philip apparently made the Queen blush with a comment about her dress. 'Oh, what's he said now?' I thought. It took ages to read through all the peripheral story and, at the end, all Philip actually said was, 'Nice dress.' How is that news? Why did I bother reading it? I read something earlier about an Archbishop who sadly died suddenly of Covid - but you read the small print, and actually the cause of his passing isn't yet known. So why mislead with a headline, especially when his family could read it? Sometimes 'fake news' isn't funny. In fact it can cause upset, ruin reputations, cause misunderstanding, and lead to serious consequences. There is so much information available to us, from newspapers, TV News, Twitter, Facebook and the wider internet. Nowadays we have to be so careful. Just because we read something doesn't mean it's true. I've heard people say that about the Bible of course. The accusation is that it's not true and yet I'm not aware of any historical or archaeological discovery that has contradicted what the Bible records. In fact there are many instances where Bible history was believed to be ctional because there was no evidence; and then guess what? Someone found the evidence and the Bible was shown to be right all along. But beyond that, how can words about grace and love, peace and forgiveness, reconciliation and mercy not be 'true'? When you read the Sermon on the Mount, or 1 Corinthians 13 about love is patient, etc, how is that not true? When you consider 'The Lord is my shepherd' or 'Love your neighbour', in what way are these things not 'true'? Peter once said to Jesus, 'To whom else would we go, you have the words of eternal life'. And Jesus himself said in a prayer, 'Your word is truth.' In our world where so much information is simply not true, we might echo the words of Peter and Jesus. The Bible is truth, it contains the words of eternal life. That's not fake news. That's Good News. Lord, thank you for the Bible, for all its wonderful teaching; the history and stories, the poetry and prayers, the words of comfort and reassurance. Especially I thank you for the stories of Jesus that tell us of One who taught wonderful things, treated people with compassion and love, and then died and rose again for us. Lord, here is truth that changes us. Thank you for it. When I read your word today, speak to me through it, and help me to hear your voice of truth. Amen. Enjoy your day everyone 😊 God bless you and your families. 🙏 Stay safe

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16 January 2021

ood morning everyone and welcome to an extremely windy Song Saturday! This is where we preview one of the songs or hymns that

will be in Sunday's Together in Worship, and today it's a good one; in fact it's one of the best! And Can It Be is only one of the 9000 hymns and poems written by Charles Wesley. You can add to them the 40,000 sermons that his brother John preached and see for yourself why Methodism has had such an astonishing effect on the world church. Just as an aside, The Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and even the entire Pentecostal Movement have their roots and inspiration in Methodism, and Wesley's songs contributed to it all! Amazing. And actually, that's the word for today from today's hymn: "AMAZING love! How can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?" Wesley had a strict Christian upbringing, he was religious, he prayed, he read the Bible, and even did some missionary work in North America, but he knew he wasn't a Christian in his heart; he knew he was not saved. And then one day he met a group of Christians and he realised that he needed to put his faith in Jesus. He wrote in his daily diary, 'At midnight I gave myself to Christ.' His brother John, who came to found Methodism, was converted soon after. The song, 'And can it be?' was written by Charles two days after his conversion to express how he felt about his new faith and the way that Jesus had saved him, but he nearly didn't inish it. He felt he was being too proud, perhaps he thought it was a bit pretentious to write a hymn so soon. He prayed that God would help him inish, but then when he showed it to a friend, there was another discouragement because his friend didn't like it! Wesley wrote, 'The devil threw in a iery dart, suggesting it was wrong and that I had displeased God.’ Well, eventually Wesley realised that this was just the devil trying to stop glory going to God, because how wonderful this hymn has been in doing just that; it glori ies God for his amazing love, and rejoices in the amazing truth that yes, even I can gain an interest, an advantage or pro it, in the death of Jesus. Actually, that may have been one of the reasons people didn't like the hymn. It speaks about the truth that Jesus 'bled for Adam's helpless race' and that 'tis mercy all, immense and free'. What's amazing to us is that some church people didn't believe that; they believed Jesus died only for those who believe, not for all. And that's the amazing thing isn't it? That Jesus died for the world, the whole world? If you ask a lot of Salvationists there is a favourite verse: it's verse three. It’s inspiration is the story of Peter who was imprisoned for preaching. The authorities had already killed James and so you can imagine that the church was praying hard for Peter. Acts 12 tells us of the miracle: an angel appeared, Peters chains fell off and he got up and followed the angel out of the prison to freedom. Charles Wesley used that picture to describe what it felt like for him to come to know Jesus for himself. It was as if chains had fallen off his heart and set him free! That's the amazing love of Jesus. That's why the song is so popular. It reflects the experience of every believing Christian. Oh the joy and the wonder of it all, to know that we are forgiven, set free and know follow Christ. And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood? Died he for me who caused his pain, For me who him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night; Thine eye di used a quickening ray; I woke; the dungeon amed with light. My chains fell o , my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

He left his Father's throne above, So free, so in nite his grace, Emptied himself of all but love and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine. Alive in him, my living head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne and claim the crown, through Christ, my own.

Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship, from 10am or whenever you can after that. Join in with this wonderful song - and may that experience of amazing love be yours. Have a great day, God bless you 🙏

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18 January 2021

orning all, welcome to Monday.

Apparently, it's Blue Monday; well, so they say. Every day seems to be a day 'for' this or a day 'of' the other. Most of them have no relevance to us. 'Blue Monday', apparently is the 'most depressing day of the year'. Why? Because, so they say, it's the day when the spending over Christmas hits our wallets, the overeating of Christmas hits our waistlines, and the darkness and dampness of January hits our sense of joy. You'll probably hear about it on the news sometime. Actually, it's a myth. It was dreamed up. According to the Mental Health Foundation, Blue Monday is a PR stunt that was originally dreamed up to sell holidays. Well there's a surprise. It's not actually true, and Mind have suggested that to label one day in a year as 'the most depressing day' actually trivialises depression and other mental health issues. Depression isn't a matter of feeling fed up or being a bit 'blue'. Depression isn't being bored because you're in lockdown. Depression isn't helped, of course, by being cooped up, or by dull days - people are a ected by loneliness and darkness - but depression is so much more than what Blue Monday claims it is. A couple of years ago I conducted the funeral service of a gentleman whose mental health issues led him to take his own life. It had been a long term situation for him and his loving family had tried to help. I suggested then what charities have been saying all along - especially to us men: try to talk to someone, share how you feel. It's not weakness to admit your feelings. Depression can't be snapped out of. It can't be remedied by simply cheering up. Thank God for the medical help we can access, for the love and understanding of family, friends and work colleagues. We can all play our part in caring for one another. Where does faith come into it all? Well, Christians are not immune to depression. The false thought that Christians shouldn't be depressed only adds to the struggle. But we do believe in the presence of God and the knowledge of his love; these can be something to hold onto when days are di cult. There is truth in the Bible verse, 'You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' (Isaiah 26 v 3) The English word 'peace' is the Hebrew word 'Shalom'. It doesn't mean an absence of trouble, it doesn't mean the 'issues' disappear. It means 'well-being' or 'wholeness'. I'm going to paraphrase it and suggest that there's a sense of 'it's all OK'. Perhaps peace for some is that feeling of being held, that even when things are rocky there's something to steady us, a hand to hold. And when the hand we're holding is God's hand, then peace comes because we know that ultimately, he is the one doing the holding. It's going to be OK. And when life's in a bit of a turmoil, whether it's something very real in our mind or whether it's a physical burden we carry, peace comes just in the knowledge that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8 v 39) And of course, the help God brings can be in human form, the voice of a friend, the touch of the hand, the sound of a song, the sight of nature around us. Allow God to hold you. Perhaps you can be part of God's presence for someone who needs peace today. Let nothing disturb thee, Nothing a right thee; All things are passing; God never changeth! Patient endurance attaineth to all things; Who God possesseth in nothing is wanting; Alone God su ceth. (St Theresa) God bless you today 🙏 We're always here if you want to talk.

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19 January 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Perhaps this month of January has so far been for the country days of hope. The vaccine that was all of a sudden announced at the end of last year has been given in increasing numbers and by the end of this week, according to reports, in the borough where we live here in Redcar and Cleveland, all care home residents and all over 80s will have been vaccinated. That's due in no small measure to the dedication and hard work of NHS sta who live and work amongst us 👏 👏 I enjoyed listening to a radio interview yesterday with a nurse who was telling the interviewer what it was like in the vaccination centre where she was. There were no snags, no shortage of supplies, nobody refusing the vaccine; instead, she said, the older people who came for their vaccines were so pleased to be out, and so pleased to be receiving their vaccines, they were wearing their best clothes! I loved that thought! It was as if some people were making an occasion of it, a celebration. It was a rejoicing in the hope that the vaccine was giving. Now, we've had the negative comments over the weeks, the people who don't see hope but only hindrances - and I had to chuckle at the news reporters questions because it seemed they were anxious for the nurse to tell them there were problems with people or with supplies. There were none, and to me it just seemed the nurse was full of joy because hope was in the air. What's interesting is that, to be realistic, there are unknowns: how long does it last, etc? But even unknowns and uncertainties can't crush hope and celebration. And it's a similar attitude that lies behind our prayers. We approach God's 'throne of grace' with hope, with trust because we need to, because we have faith in the one we're talking to. I doubt many can explain the vaccine but they still receive it in hope, and likewise, not understanding fully the whole concept of prayer, we still pray, we still believe. And even when prayers are not simply granted like wishes, when answers are not clearly given, or situations reversed in the way we ask, we still hope, we still trust, because 'all things work together for good to to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8 v 28) If people can dress in their best clothes and receive a vaccine that o ers hope, and do it joyfully, how much more can we pray joyfully in hope and trust that whatever we ask, he hears and will answer that prayer of faith even if it is in an unexpected way. Let's have that “con dence in things hoped for, and an assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11 v 1) It will lift our spirits and add a sense of thanksgiving and celebration to life Father God, help me to put my trust in you, to have hope and faith in your power and your promise to answer prayer. Let there be expectancy in my requests, thanksgiving in my heart, as I speak to you, knowing that all things are in your hand.And when I feel that there is no answer, let your love, your strength, your own presence be all the answer that is needed. I don't need to wear my best clothes when I pray to you, but I do want to clothe myself with optimistic faith and to come boldly with thanksgiving to that place where Jesus answers prayer. Thank you Lord, Amen. We pray you'll have a good day today. God bless you 🙏

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20 January 2021

midweek welcome to you all.

Waiting has always been a feature of life and we Brits are famous for it. There's something quite unremarkable about the way we queue or, as the Americans put it, 'stand in line'. It could be at a bus stop, outside a shop. A friend told me once that at his church on a Sunday night years ago there used to be a queue of people waiting to get in! Now THAT'S a queue I'd like to see. The experience of waiting is being highlighted so much now. We wait to get into Sainsbury's, we wait for the Amazon delivery, we're waiting to get a haircut, waiting for the 'non-essential' shops to reopen. We're waiting for our name to be called on the vaccine list, waiting for other very important things - schools to open, the job to be back to normal, the delayed surgery to go ahead, to be able to visit let alone hug a relative, waiting to see if it's safe to book a holiday. Waiting to get back to church to sing our hearts out, play our music in praise of God and have fellowship together! I quoted a verse recently from St Theresa that had the line, 'patient endurance attaineth to all things'. I saw an article entitled 'What to expect in the Second Year of the Pandemic'. Did anyone think there would be a 'Second Year'?! The words 'patient endurance' are certainly going to apply but also the words of our Bible verse for today: 'But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’ (Romans 8 v 25) Now, some might take that verse to mean we should just be passive and simply wait around for something to happen. I think it's more positive than that. There are things we hope for that we can actively pursue, we can do something, get things changed. There are those things of course that we can't do much about; but in both scenarios - whether we're trying to change a situation or patiently enduring it - Paul is showing us that there are two powerful attitudes that change us within that situation: hope and patience. Hope can be a driving force, an inspiration, an encouragement. Hope is what makes us say, 'it can change, it will change'. Hope is what squares our shoulders and lifts our chin and focuses our eyes on the future. It's what inspires us to action. Patience is about timing and trust. What is God's timing? Are we trusting him to answer prayer in his perfect time. Patience brings with it the bonus gift of peace. Patience doesn't struggle but it does have peace of heart. Psalm 27 v 14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. While you wait, be lled with hope that inspires expectancy. And may your trust in God give you that patient endurance that attaineth to all things. In his time, in his time He makes all things beautiful In his time Lord please show me everyday As you're teaching me your way That you do just what you say In your time

In your time, in your time You make all things beautiful In your time Lord my life to you I bring May each song I have to sing Be to you a lovely thing In your time https://youtu.be/aJeNUlNY7Iw

God bless you 🙏

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21 January 2021

ood morning everyone! I hope you're waking up to a good day for you.

I was going to completely ignore the Presidential Inauguration in my daily thoughts but something came to mind. It's a verse from 1 Timothy 2 that says this: 'I urge, then, rst of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.' What has the American president to do with us here? Well simply that such a powerful country a ects much of the world too, and our prayers for leaders is actually for our bene t - 'that we may live peaceful and quiet lives...' And so, for that quiet life, we pray for President Biden, our own Prime Minister, other leaders too. I would also add our local MPs and councillors... It doesn't mean we agree with them, or that we voted for them; after all, Paul wants prayers said for the Roman Emperor who at the time was persecuting Christians! but it does reveal that our faith in God is not just a personal matter. In faith we pray for others. A phrase that was used a few times yesterday, and is often said at the beginning of a Presidential speech, was 'My fellow Americans.' It's a phrase deliberately used to a rm that whether we are leaders or not, we are all equal, we are all loved, all to be respected, all equally responsible. I like that. It also suggests that we are all equally vulnerable, and that's why Paul says that he urges us to pray for all people, including those in authority. And 'all people', of course, includes you and me. What a privilege it is to pray for each other, to be remembered in the prayers of others. I need your prayers. I am sure you feel glad that others pray for you. Our prayers for each other might include requests for healing, for wisdom, for peace. We might pray a simple blessing, or a prayer of thanksgiving for someone. We might pray for comfort, for strength, or for them to nd faith. We are all united somehow in our need for prayer. Let's continue to think of one another in prayer because I am convinced that so much blessing comes to us simply because somebody prayed. If a person's name comes to mind, it's quite possible that God wants you to pray for them. Just take a moment to do that and who knows what blessing will be theirs, what need will be met. Today somebody will be praying for you. Somebody went to the throne of heaven, Somebody lifted my name. Bringing me into His holy presence, Saying what I could not say. Somebody showed me the face of His mercy, When darkness was all I could see. Somebody pleaded the Blood of Jesus, Somebody prayed for me.

https://youtu.be/pIf1-uH JWo

May your prayers for others be a blessing to you too. God bless you 🙏

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Page 264

22 January 2021

ello to you, wherever you are just now, and whatever time it is as you read these words. For me it's 7.03 and it's dark outside as I sit with my co ee. I can hear the clock ticking on the re place but I've just noticed it's wrong! It's telling me that it's 4.59, for some reason. I'm glad it's not! Actually, thinking about it, I have another clock upstairs on a shelf in my o ce that has been stopped for months. I should get a battery for it... When I remember. I have a friend who seems obsessed with time. His house has many clocks, so he tells me. He has ordinary clocks - the type you and I have - and he has a number of digital clocks that are all connected to each other on a circuit. They are perfectly accurate. The problem is that unlike my clock which just needs a battery, when one of his clocks goes wrong he needs an electrician! Oh I couldn't do with all the fa ng around. Mind you, even having a number of ordinary clocks can be literally 'time-consuming' 😄 I believe the Queen has a lot of them. At Buckingham Palace there are over 350 and Windsor has 400! She employs people called horological conservators who wind the clocks up every week. Time is important, whether your house (or palace) is lled with clocks, or whether you glance at your phone every now and then. For many people at the moment with fewer appointments to keep, nowhere to be at certain times, and more time on their hands, perhaps a clock's importance is not what it was, and yet time marches on. The well-known verse, 'To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.' (Ecclesiastes 3 v 1) is one of those 'basic' truths of our faith. It covers those who live by every pressured minute, and those who just go with a broad view of the whole day, not keeping strictly to time. To both attitudes God is saying that he has a purpose and a plan to it all. Our role is to live in faith that 'he makes all things beautiful in its time.' (3 v 11). Can we trust him with that? Often we try to restrict God to days, hours, even minutes, when his own purposes may be more relaxed, needing patience. He teaches us trust, and gives peace while we wait. And instead of simply inhabiting the here and now, the urgent and pressing, God takes a measured view. 'He has set eternity in the hearts of people'. Today, take time; a moment, a few minutes. Sit, walk, and believe that as the clock ticks the seconds away, or as the sun moves across the sky to mark the longer hours, God has our times in his hands. And we would respond 'My God, I wish them there. my life, my friends, my soul, I leave entirely to thy care. My times are in thy hand; My times are in thy hand, why should I doubt or fear? whatever they may be; My Father's hand will never cause pleasing or painful, dark or bright, his child a needless tear. as best may seem to thee. Whether your day is governed by the clock, or whether you have time on your hands, may God bless you 🙏

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23 January 2021

ood morning to you, it's Song Saturday once again. We're looking at one of the songs that will feature in tomorrow's

Together in Worship. This week it's a joyful song: O Happy Day. It's old, very old, but it has been brought up to date with the use of new tunes. There's even the very famous version which is very freely altered, the Gospel-version by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. But that's not the version from tomorrow - ours is just as joyful. O happy day that xed my choice On Thee, my Saviour and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its rapture all abroad.

'Tis done, the great transaction's done! I am my Lord's and He is mine; He drew me, and I followed on, Charmed to confess the voice divine. Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, And live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away.

O happy bond that seals my vows To Him who merits all my love! Let cheerful praises ll His house While to His blessèd throne I move.

Well those words cry out for a happy tune don't they? Just look at those words: happy, rapture, rejoicing, cheerful, The whole song is a defence against the accusation that Christians are solemn and sombre and joyless. Surely we should be the opposite. I remember a Christian book entitled, 'The Happiest People on Earth'. OK, we can't be happy all the time, but is it not often true? Why should we be happy? Because God loves us, because Jesus has saved us and we have the joy of the Holy Spirit within. That's why we are happy. The man who wrote this song based it on the verse 'All the people were happy because they had made this covenant with all their heart.' He wanted to express the thought that belonging to God, loving him, living for him really does bring joy and gladness. I discovered a very interesting fact about this song. The perception of Queen Victoria is that she was famously 'not amused'. Well, she did have a reputation for being a bit dour, she chose this song, O Happy Day to be sung at the Christening of one of her daughters, so maybe Her Majesty did appreciate moments of joy and gladness herself. I think the world could do with some joy at the moment; I don't mean super cial laughter, or the humour that distracts us, but real joy, deep happiness and gladness. Well, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the source of joy. Jesus himself talked about his joy in us being made complete joy. Well there's a thought - that we can have complete joy. And it's a 'useful' joy. The Bible also says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Maybe someone reading these words could do with some strength today. The happiness God gives will indeed give us the strength we need to face each day. The song talks about the 'happy day that xed my choice on thee my Saviour and my God.' That's the source of joy, choosing to love and serve God, accepting his love. There's no joy like it, for even when life is tough it lifts us, encourages us, and inspires us. May the joy of the Lord be yours today, and may God bless you. See you tomorrow for Together in Worship.

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25 January 2021

ood morning to you all on this very cold Monday morning. We hope you had a good weekend.

Some dismiss social media for being divisive, and yes it can be; some people are quite hostile sometimes. But there's something a lot more positive about it I feel. It's quite a community builder, especially if you join a group or like a page. Sharing thoughts, memories, photos etc, really does create a feeling of togetherness. I was listening to a man speaking on YouTube the other day. It was a recording made in the 1970s, and he was talking about two men who became friends by letter. It was many years ago and they were separated by the Atlantic Ocean, and so of course they had to wait a long time between letters. And yet they became friends. I thought of friends, relatives and colleagues that I have - that many of us have - that I can contact in a split second on messenger or by text. And that's not to mention our phones where we can actually speak to someone instantly. It would probably surprise younger readers to learn that when I worked in the Post O ce in the early 80s, if you wanted to phone outside the UK from a public call box you had to come into the counter and one of us would book it for you and the telephone exchange would call the phone in the phone box and connect you to the overseas number. What a palaver! There are no barriers now. We get to know, appreciate and love one another from a distance; but sharing thoughts, pictures, news and music as we do, we are making friends and feeling supported and loved like never before. On Friday nights a few of us get together for a Zoom prayer meeting. It's only 30 minutes and in a gentle way the participants will mention someone's name - we might know them, we might not - and ask that we pray for them. There might be illness, a bereavement, a cause for thankfulness even. No private details are shared, just a basic request. And we feel that in that devotional environment, just mentioning someone's name before God is precious and valuable. There's a connection. Some names recur each week. We might not know faces, places, or anything about the person except the reason for prayer, but it becomes a familiar name and we are glad to be able to lift him or her to God. To pray for someone, to give thanks for them, to rejoice in an answer to prayer on their behalf, is a lovely way of being connected with people. And when God is present in those prayer meeting moments, there's a fellowship that is unique. It's the original social media. Father God I do give thanks for my family, friends and colleagues every time I remember them. I thank you for the contacts on Facebook that have become online friends. We share thoughts and 'Like' our photos, we reminisce together or tell a joke. Sometimes we share bad news and our hearts are warmed by the caring thoughts that our friends, old and new, send us. I thank you for the fellowship of prayer. I am encouraged to know that people - many of them complete strangers - pray and have a concern for me and for others. That's what a Christian family is about and Father I thank you for it. Today, as we pray for one another even just here on Facebook, may we feel part of that family. In Jesus' name. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏

ffi

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26 January 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

If I had lots of money to invest, I would buy shares in Amazon. It's a very hard time for the High Street of course and we are sad for those shop workers who have been affected. Amazon has now become the main mail order replacement. We've always had mail order - do you remember those great big thick glossy catalogues - Freeman's, Littlewoods and Kay's? Well now it's Amazon. Is it sad that I get a moment of satisfaction when I click 'Purchase Now' and it says 'Your Order Has Been Placed'? I ordered something at 9.20 last night. I awoke this morning to a noti ication that my order was received and despatched at 3.40 this morning and I'll receive it today. Amazing. As I slept someone was scuttling round a huge warehouse looking for my item and putting it in a box that's probably too big for it 😄 and shoving it on a conveyor belt at the end of which is a delivery driver and his van. Yes, I'd buy shares in this growing company. Mail order and other companies will talk about 'satisfaction guaranteed' or 'ordering with peace of mind'; and of course you expect to receive exactly what you've asked for. Peace of mind is also something we long for in other parts of life - how shallow would we be if peace only came through receiving 'stuff'? Peace is guaranteed when we make our requests to God, but there's an important distinction to be made. Look at this verse that's often preached upon, frequently quoted: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4:6 7). I'm going to be very daring and reword it: 'Place your orders with God...' Paul is encouraging us to ask, to go to God with our needs, to tell God what we require. But here's something worth noting: Paul does not say, 'And the order you send will be delivered'. He says 'the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds'. He is talking here about our mental and spiritual health while we wait for how God will respond to our needs and requests. Whatever we pray for, the greatest thing we can receive is a strong sense of peace guarding our mind, giving us peace, secure in the knowledge that God has heard, has listened, and is moving behind the scenes. He's not in a heavenly Amazon warehouse despatching exactly what we ordered, but he draws near in love and gives us peace through our trusting that his perfect answer to prayer is ours, if we believe. We know that some prayers seem not to be answered. It's the biggest question we often have, if we're honest. It's trite sometimes to simply say that God answers by saying 'no' or 'not yet' as much as he says 'yes', but there's truth in that. He answers prayer according to our faith, according to his purposes, and sometimes in ways that are different to our expectations. But he never withholds his peace from those who trust in him. The beauty of prayer is not that we get what we ask for, but that we come to know better the One we are asking; and that's where peace of mind is assured. Loving Father, all power and authority is yours, all things are in your hand. Nothing is impossible for you. How can I not trust you? I thank you that you have searched me, and you know me, and you have loved me with an everlasting love. How can I not love you in return? Lord, I have many questions to ask, and many prayers to pray. Before I 'present my requests' to you, help me to look for your presence in my heart and life. Help me to seek your face before I seek your hand. And then Lord, as we share that relationship of love, I come to you with my prayers. You know the best answers, so help me to trust in you, and so receive your gift of peace. If I have you Lord, I lack nothing. May today be a day of blessing simply because we walk together. In Jesus' name. Amen. We're here if you need anything. God bless you 🙏

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27 January 2021

midweek hello to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

It's not long until February! Already? I hear you ask. January has been a month of snow and rain and gloomy days, dark mornings and long evenings. Of course December was similar but we had lights and music and Christmas to cheer us. January? What cheer is there in January? Da odils. I bought 5 bunches the other day. I could have bought roses, I could have bought any owers from Morrisons, but those little bunches of tight buds in elastic bands were what I really wanted. As I sit here with my co ee I can see a vase with half of them opening and the other half promising me that they won't be long... For me da odils are the promise of springtime in the gloom of January. They remind me that January is on the way out. When I phone people quite often the small talk is about the weather and the dark evenings but almost without fail, there's also the mention of spring. It won't be long: the nights will be shorter, the days will be brighter and the air will be warmer. And if April, when it comes, is like last year we will be in for a warm month - it's not that far away! I'm not really talking about the weather here, nor particularly the coming spring; I'm talking about hope. Hope is not just a feeling or a wish. Hope is the knowledge that things will change, the certainty that this is not all there is. For the Christian our hope is placed in a person - in Jesus. If he is 'the same yesterday, today and forever' (Hebrews 13 v 8) then that assures us of a faithful presence in our lives not just today but the future too; he is already there. His message to us is to look forward, to look up, to follow and have faith. So many people live in January, as it were, looking only at the immediate situation. God encourages us to lift our eyes to his possibilities, and gives words like: 'I know the plans I have for you...' (Jeremiah 29:11) 'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?’ (Isaiah 43:18) '...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...' (Philippians 3:13), and 'his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.' (Lamentations 3:22). These verses, and so many others like them, are encouragements to live in hope. God is with us, leading us on, taking us to future blessing and opportunities. The Psalmist re ects what our response can be; it's a decision that he has made: 'As for me, I will always have hope.' (Psalm 71:14) Today, decide to look up, to look forward, and see the future that is bright with the promises of God. Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen; bright skies will soon be o'er me, where the dark clouds have been; my hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free; my Saviour has my treasure, and he will walk with me. God bless you 🙏

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28 January 2021

orning all, a new day stretches ahead of us.

Have you got plans, intentions, ideas? A dream perhaps of what you want this day or the coming days to hold? I had a dream last night. It was one of those dreams that was almost tangible. It was 3D and colour. It seemed real. I dreamed I was o ered a place in The Salvation Army's International Sta Band. Yes, it's true; I can hear some of you giggling already. In my dream I accepted, and then found I couldn't tell anyone because Major Fiona was away and I needed to tell her rst. Well, she came back from wherever she was, I told her, she wasn't impressed, and I woke up. The odd thing was I still felt that happy feeling I'd felt in my dream when I was asked to join... Dreams. Sometimes they are just transient fantasies. Sometimes however they can be life changing: pursuing a dream job, dreaming of starting a family, dreaming of retirement and all those things to be done. Dreams can inspire action. Dreams can encourage and help us to turn possibilities into realities. The Bible doesn't deal with idle fantasies; even ctional stories like the parables of Jesus have very practical and useful truths within them. The Bible majors on themes of faith and hope, qualities that are forward-looking, and that challenge us to look up and see the possibilities that God o ers. We thought along these lines yesterday. When God's Spirit inspires our thoughts, Acts 2 says, 'young men will see visions and old men will dream dreams'. (v 17). In other words, they will begin to see possibilities, they will see things as God sees them instead of merely as man sees them. Faith after all is 'con dence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.' (Hebrews 11 v 1) We thought yesterday about the prospect of spring happening around us. That brings hope. Today, let's move further and actually be determined to 'see visions and dream dreams' of what the future could hold for you and me, for our family, our church and the world. Let's ask God to give us dreams and inspire us with visions. What is God saying? Ask him. What is he inspiring you to do? Ask him. What is he wanting to do in the future? Can you see it? When you set the vision, when you dream that dream from God, check it ts with what the Bible says is true and then start to pray. Ask God to ful l that God-given, inspirational dream. I'm never going to join the Sta Band, but there are dreams that through faithful prayer God will make come true. We often denigrate dreams and assume they are mere distractions, but God can give great dreams. The son writer prays:

And to inspire our visions and dreams for today, an old Wesley chorus:

Like the arching of the heavens, Lift my thoughts above; Turn my dreams to noble action, Ministries of love.

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees and looks to that alone; Laughs at impossibilities and cries: It shall be done! And cries: It shall be done! And cries: It shall be done! Laughs at impossibilities and cries: It shall be done!

God bless you 🙏

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esterday I listened to quite an interesting Radio 4 programme, with Melvyn Bragg and a handful of expert historians, about St Cuthbert. This great man, a monk, a hermit, and now a Saint might have been embarrassed to hear his character and exploits – even his physique discussed at length. Apparently, he was muscular and athletic, and able to do somersaults and back ips, (who knew?) That was before he became a monk. It seems that, coming from a wealthy family he wasn’t that religious as a youth. When he eventually decided to become a monk, he turned up with his servant, and riding a horse and carrying a spear. It seems he had a lot to learn. But a comment was made that surprised me, and even made Melvyn Bragg question the speaker. To paraphrase, it went something along the lines of, ‘At least he wasn’t one of those horrible pious children!’ To which Bragg immediately butted in: ‘Are all pious children horrible?’ The academic who made the remark – more of an accusation, I thought – seemed to believe that religious children are horrible. What I found strange was that a childhood faith could be seen as something so negative. Would that scholar think that a child with good reading skills, or with a working interest in ponies, or an ability indeed to do back ips at a very young age, mark them out as ‘horrible’ too? I read something else today that tied in with that; it said that when we talk badly about someone else, it actually re ects more on us than it does them. I have to wonder then about the person who believes religious children are horrible. What does it say about them as an adult? I think none of us would brand any child as horrible, even if they are particularly interested in one speci c thing, whether it be reading, ponies, athletics or even Jesus! For us who pray for our children in all aspects of life, the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual, we would want for them all a wellrounded experience of life that will indeed have a love for God. It is probably one of the downsides of modern life that so few children are sent, or better, brought to church or Sunday School. The last couple of generations have, in my opinion as a parent, failed children a lot because spirituality and faith has been such a low priority for so many. We are rightly concerned for the education of our children, disrupted so badly as it has been; but let’s also think of the spiritual needs of our children, thank God for the little that we can do in the absence of Sunday School, and pray hard for the children we know and love that they will have a knowledge of Jesus for themselves that will develop into a mature, adult Christian faith. I think we adults, especially the so-called ‘clever’ ones, have a lot to learn from the simple faith of a child; after all, “for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19 v 14) Father, we for our children plead, The children Thou hast given; Where shall we go in time of need But to the God of Heaven?

But, in the all prevailing name, We ask eternal life. We seek the Spirit's quickening grace To make them pure in heart, That they may stand before Thy face And see Thee as Thou art.

We ask for them not wealth or fame Amid the worldly strife: May God bless you and your families.

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29 January 2021

elcome to another Song Saturday, in which we look at one of the songs that will feature in Sunday's Together in Worship.

What can anyone say about Amazing Grace that hasn't been said or written before? Personally speaking, I could comment on the way that it was 'sung' at the Presidential Inauguration by that bloke in the cowboy hat. But I won't. I could talk about bagpipes. But I de initely won't do that. I could talk about the fact that every singer on earth has probably brought out a version, but if I did, I would probably want to ask why they never sing the middle verses? Anyway, let's be positive. I love the word 'Amazing'. When John Newton used it, he was simply reflecting on the amazement that he felt because God had saved him, and that from now on even the word 'grace' was an amazing, sweet sound in his ears. He wasn't the irst to use the word. Charles Wesley had used it 40 years before when he wrote Amazing love! How can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me?' Another favourite song of mine, written 126 years after Amazing Grace is Charles Gabriel's I Stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how he could love me, A sinner condemned, unclean? So, the word has a good pedigree. Do you ever feel amazed by the grace of God? Charles Spurgeon the great Victorian Baptist preacher once wrote: 'While others are congratulating themselves, I have to sit humbly at the foot of the cross and marvel that I'm saved at all.’ The depth of grace should surprise us; it should occasionally stop us in our tracks and, as we look back on our life, should make us feel amazed. In 'And Can It Be', Wesley wrote another line that expresses a similar sentiment to Spurgeon’s: 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me!’ Can I be naughty and suggest that if I were to text that second line to a modern reader it might say, 'For, OMG, it found out me!'? Such is the realisation of this 'amazing grace' it must surely stop us in our tracks sometimes and make us wonder. John Newton was a slave trader. He had engaged in that wicked and inhumane traf icking of humans that today, had he had a statue in his honour, it would no doubt have been toppled into a river somewhere by protestors. Would those potential protestors, were they to have done that, have been amazed by the grace that saved John Newton, who because of it all, described himself as 'a wretch'? The amazing thing about grace is that it washes the penitent heart completely clean. Whatever we have done, whatever we have been, whether it's known to others or whether it's a hidden secret, it can all be forgiven and in the words of Newton, we can have our fears relieved. If he can do it for him, he can do it for us. For you. John Newton's testimony includes these words: “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.” And in his inal years he wrote: "Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour." Here is the version of Amazing Grace we will use tomorrow: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.

Refrain: My chains are gone; I've been set free My God, my Saviour has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved, How precious did that grace appear The hour I irst believed.

We hope you'll join us tomorrow for Together in Worship from 10am. God bless you.

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30 January 2021

01 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

February 1st 2021 - are we really here already? Time has flown and yet there's a paradox, something contradictory: we often say how quickly the weeks and months are going by while at the same time people are becoming weary because this situation we're in seems to drag on. Is that how you feel as we start a new day, a new week, a new month? Of course, there's so much that makes life a real joy! Family, friends, the lovely countryside around us. Even those we can't visit we still talk to on phones and Facetime, Zoom and Messenger. Some of us have discovered hobbies or exercise, found time to read, do odd jobs, etc. But if we're honest there are times when it all gets a bit tedious. I've heard the phrase, "I'm bored now!" quite a lot recently in phone calls I've made. Do you remember as a child if you said that, the reply was, "Well get outside and ind something to do then!" It's easier said than done at the moment! In our prayer meetings on a Friday night there's a real sense, I feel, of encouragement. I think those who join that Zoom fellowship will agree. We pray for people we know and love, for their situation and needs; and we pray with thanksgiving too for God has done good things. Out greatest encouragement is to know that even in the storm he is there, in the tedious days, he is there, and on the days when we have so much to think about, so little time to ourselves, he is by our side. I think it was John Wesley who said, "The best of all is, God is with us!". That's a real encouragement to us all. What's the best news today, the best thought, the best word of comfort, the best source of joy and strength; maybe even the best answer to boredom and weariness? Simply to know that God is with us. Let me share words from two songs. The irst is from the song You Raise Me Up: When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary When troubles come and my heart burdened be Then, I am still and wait here in the silence Until You come and sit awhile with me.… I love the thought that God can come and just 'sit awhile' with me. And then words by Joy Webb: Share My yoke and ind that I am joined with you; Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too! Share My yoke and come the way that I must go! In our ‘togetherness’ My peace you’ll know; The world beholding us will see it so!” There really is satisfaction in knowing that God wants to be together with us. The words of Jesus of course speak to us in every situation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will ind rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11 v 28 30) May today be a day of quiet assurance, of con ident faith, and a refreshing sense of peace that comes from knowing that he shares this day with you. God bless you 🙏

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02 February 2021

orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Well, life throws up its challenges doesn't it. My friend Erik died suddenly last week. We'd been friends since our sixth form days on 1978. We sat together in A Level History and shared a study. He still lived in Lancashire and, whenever Fiona and I went there on holiday to parents, I'd drive off and visit Erik and we'd go walking together, have a meal, go to the pub... We didn't really communicate outside Facebook the rest of the time, we never phoned or anything, but when we met after six months or so, it was the kind of friendship that picked up as if we'd only met six days ago. We walked for miles, ate some lovely meals and just enjoyed being friends who went back a lot of years. We just talked about everything. I thank God for Erik. He had a simple faith. I'm sure we'll catch up again one day and go walking in the hills of Heaven. Friendship is one of the most valuable things in life. It hurts when it ends, and it goes on hurting; but what joy there is in all those memories. We are made for friendships, made for companionship, relationships, love. The Bible says that we are made in the image of God - not physically of course, but in how we think, relate to each other: how we love. Which is why, of course, the Bible speaks about how we love. It's interesting how very human concepts are used to describe God. He isn't a 'thing', an object. He is described in very personal ways: a Father, of course, a brother, a friend, a bridegroom even. Ways of relating to God that are personal, loving, intimate; totally understandable and common to experience. 'Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling', says a Salvation Army song. 'What a friend we have in Jesus', says a much-sung song that sadly has lost some of its impact through over-familiarity; but what wonderful words: 'Can we ind a friend so faithful?' the song asks, almost daring us to look for such a friend elsewhere. A Bible Proverb (18 v 24) says, 'There is a friend who stays closer than a brother.' Now that's friendship to be valued. Have you had a friend like that? He or she seems closer to you than any sibling (without taking away from their love of course). That's a friend, like an old schoolfriend or friend from work, of ice or team, who you can always turn to There is a reason why God reveals himself as Father, brother or especially in the words of Jesus, 'friend'; it's because of love. A statue of stone cannot love you; words of advice in a book can't love you, and you can't love them in return. But the one who came to be the friend of sinners, to lay down his life for his friends, and to challenge all his friends to love him and love one another; well he's worth loving. He is the one who calls us his friends, who stays closer than a brother. He is the one who 'walks with me and talks with me and he tells me I am his own...' Do you count Jesus as a friend, or do you have a merely nodding acquaintance with him? An old song says:

And it asks:

I've a friend, of friends the fairest, I have known and proved him long; His is beauty, purest, rarest, His is love most true and strong.

Would you gain this friend so tender? Would you ind this faithful guide? Come then, make a full surrender, Yield to Jesus cruci ied.

Countless believing Christians would tell you that there literally is no other friend like Jesus. When we believe in him, trust him for our salvation, love him for all he has done for us, then his friendship is a blessing like nothing else on earth. Yes, Jesus is a friend of mine. He can be yours too. Lord Jesus, Your love for your disciples is well-known, for your followers too. I want that same friendship with you; to love you for your graciousness and kindness, to worship you for your holiness and goodness, to give my heart to you whose heart was broken on the cross for my sins. Lord, accept my love, my trust, and may our friendship sustain me here, and last to eternity. Amen. May God bless you today 🙏

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03 February 2021

midweek welcome to you from us both.

Well, the news came just after 4pm yesterday of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore at the great age of 100. There have been countless words already written, photos posted on social media, with people expressing their admiration. I turned on the 5pm news and the headline was all about him. Oddly, it was a 'good news' headline because although it reported his sad death, it was a commemoration and indeed a celebration of an achievement, of a positive contribution, of a long life that culminated in 10 months of public admiration. It was refreshing to hear of his positive life in place of the gloomy news we're used to. What started out as a 'little' fundraising effort by a 99 year old man with a walking frame became an astonishing campaign that raised so much money that I guess most charity PR of icials were left open mouthed. Tom decided he would walk 100 laps of his garden and try to raise £1000. For someone just about to celebrate his 100th birthday that was remarkable in itself, but in the end once the effort had caught public, media and celebrity attention, his 100 laps managed to raise £36 million. His efforts not only bene itted NHS charities but got him an honorary promotion to Colonel, the freedom of the City of London, a Knighthood from the Queen, and a gold Blue Peter Badge!! And now, of course, a place in the history books. I think what has impressed me is the way that everyone - the elderly down to small children - has recognised what he has done. His was no huge media campaign fronted by celebrities and clever publicity. It was just a quiet Just Giving page set up by his family. They were astonished when it raised the money in one day back in April, and so they increased the target, and then again, and then again. But on top of that, something else happened. Other people started to fundraise. I read of others who started their own walks. They were not publicised as much, they didn't capture the nation's attention, they didn't have the 'appeal' of a 100 year old war veteran; but that wasn't going to stop them. Just where they were they got out and started to do something. I listened to an interview last night given by a man whose son had spinal surgery on New Year's Eve 2019. His son decided he was going to walk. Despite his dif iculties, he was determined to walk, and so they went to the local church where the ground was flat and the young man began to walk. Not far at irst, but gradually a little further. A year later, this young man is managing to walk half a mile. For him it's progress and a huge achievement. It's a victory. Captain Tom has done more than simply raise a lot of money, fantastic though that is; he has literally inspired others to do something themselves. We will never know who they are, what they've achieved, who they may have raised money for. That doesn't matter. What is important is that one man - aided of course by a sympathetic media - has inspired others to do good works. Christian faith may be personal, but it should never be private. It might be quiet, but it must not be silent. Words that relate our experience of God to others and assure people of prayers, and actions that come from a heart of faith and compassion will inspire and encourage. The writer to the letter to the Hebrews says we should 'consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good works.’ These things are inspirational. At the heart of life is love and kindness, and the lovely thing about both is that when they are expressed and demonstrated, they grow, they spread, and they are contagious. Here are words from our song book that speak about being an inspiration just where we are, whatever we do: What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow What can I do to justify my living? How bring back hope where men have sorely failed? What can I be to make this life worthwhile? Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort, I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour, Tell how for me Christ's sacri ice availed. Just where I am, and win my Father's smile. What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens? What can I do to help mankind in need? Just where I am I'll share my neighbour's hardship, Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.

Chorus:

Just where he needs me, My Lord has placed me, Just where he needs me, there would I be! And since he found me, by love he's bound me to serve him joyfully.

God bless you all today 🙏

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04 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

When I was younger and living in Blackpool I was fascinated by the men I would see with their metal detectors wandering up and down the beach. I guess they were looking for lost coins mainly, because I can't imagine what else of value would be found hidden in the sand. They must have found something every now and then, otherwise why bother? The odd watch or ring perhaps? I was fascinated to read the other day that a man from Leicestershire had found a tiny gold igurine depicting a king. He was a metal detectorist, and had travelled to Northamptonshire to a site where the battle of Naseby had been fought to see what he could discover; and within 30 minutes he dug down, turned over the soil and a little gold igurine lay there which has now been shown to have possibly been an ornament on a crown belonging to Henry VIII. That crown is totally lost now and so this is a valuable ind, perhaps having come off the crown when Charles I was trying to escape with the crown jewels at the battle. Anyway, what intrigued me was this: the inder of the igurine discovered it after 30 minutes, but he's been metal detecting for 30 years. All that time. He has probably found bits and pieces, but in his own word, this discovery was 'incomparable'. It took him all that time to ind it and he'll probably never ind anything like it again. It's his lifetime achievement. The 'crown' of his efforts (forgive the pun). Amazing. It's a modern day version of the parable where Jesus said that 'the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a ield.' (Matthew 13 v 44) The way Jesus tells it, it's a sudden, unexpected ind and the man rushes off to buy the entire ield so he can claim the treasure. In reality the metal detectorist gave 30 years of his life in 'payment'. The treasure was so important it was worth a sacri ice. The Kingdom of Heaven - God's gift of eternal life - cannot be bought or discovered by our own efforts, but it's in initely precious; and Jesus is saying that it's worth our full attention, our commitment, our wholehearted devotion. There's nothing that this world, that life itself can offer, that can be compared to the life, the love, joy and peace that comes as a gift to those who seek it from God. In fact our greatest treasure is Christ himself, 'the fairest of ten thousand'. Who would not give up all to follow him? A prayer based on Philippians 3 Lord Jesus, greatest gift to our world, I once thought so many things in my life were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done for me. Lord, everything else is worthless when compared with the in inite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. You have given me so much, but the greatest treasure I have is you and your love for me. What to me are all the joys of earth? What to me is every sight I see, Save the sight of Thee, O Friend of mine? Jesus, Thou art everything to me.

Jesus, Thou art everything to me; Jesus, Thou art everything to me; All my lasting joys are found in Thee; Jesus, Thou art everything to me.

God bless you 🙏

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05 February 2021

orning all 🙂

Well last night saw my usual ritual humiliation as the family quiz night shared with Fiona, our three boys and their girlfriends ended YET AGAIN with yours truly at the bottom of the league, in last place, the also ran, the weakest link, the loser. Can I get any lower? No. I have a Master's Degree, so why is it that, without fail, out of 8 players I always come last? I have never once moved off bottom place in these family Zoom quiz nights. Is God teaching me to be humble? It's working! Mind you, it is becoming something of an honour now. I almost want to defend my place and maintain this illustrious reputation for being the worst quizzer in my family. Do they feel sorry for me? Do they sympathise? Not on your life! But I bear it bravely. I ight manfully onward and look forward to the next time. Actually, I am as glad as anyone to celebrate the victor, who is usually one of the three girls - come on lads, we need to raise our game! To share the victor's joy, to recognise someone else's achievement, to be happy at the success of another person should give us joy! The Bible says, 'rejoice with those who rejoice.' It's a sad person who begrudges another’s success, or who minimises it with a 'Yes but...' There's something lovely in celebrating the achievement of others. I saw the opposite of that loveliness yesterday in reports of people who belittled the show of affection and gratitude for Captain Tom. We really don't like it when people do that. It's good to build up, to encourage, to honour achievement and success, even when it's not our own. Yes, rejoice with those who rejoice. The other side of that is that we should weep with those who weep. Showing sympathy and 'togetherness' is a natural human reaction. We don't need to be told. I am sure that these natural sympathies we express are part of what we call the image of God within us. We laugh and rejoice with others, we cry and express our sorrow for them. Both very human virtues - but quite divine as well. God is there in the celebration and in the tragedy. Father, I love to hear other peoples' good news. I smile when I hear of a success, an achievement that isn't mine. I rejoice with those who rejoice. I also think today of those who are sad, grieving, worried, afraid. I pray for those who today will say goodbye to a loved one, who face surgery, experience a breakup, lose a job, worry about their family. Lord help us all to be sympathetic and prayerful. You have made us to be like you - you rejoice and you sympathise with us too. Thank you Lord, that knowledge is a great encouragement and comfort to us today. Amen. God bless you 🙏 Have a peaceful day

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06 February 2021

elcome to Song Saturday. Major Antony and Major Fiona here with another preview of one of

the songs that will be featured in tomorrow's Together in Worship.

This week, a beautiful, devotional song from the pen of John Newton; to my mind a better song than Amazing Grace; but that's just personal opinion. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds in a Believer's Ear, is more devotional, more worshipful and more, perhaps I can use the word 'intimate', than his great hymn of testimony to God's amazing grace. Remember that Newton had led an awful life as a slave trader. He was converted in a storm at sea and became a minister. He never lost his sense of gratitude and wonder that he could be forgiven. Near the end of his life he wrote, 'My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things – that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Saviour.' How Sweet the Name reflects something of the love he had for Jesus, the One who saved him. I suggested the word 'intimate' to describe this song. What is interesting is that Newton based the irst verse that you see below on Song of Solomon 1 v 3, but only one phrase: 'Thy name is as ointment poured forth.' He's obviously equating the name of Jesus with the soothing and healing qualities of ointment. But the rest of the verse and the verses around it, and indeed the chapter and the whole book, are quite striking words of intimacy, of desire. It's quite racy at times! The church has taken this poem about a love between a man and woman and made it an allegory of the love between the believer and Christ; so we get phrases like the one I've quoted, which originally referred to the perfume worn by the man, and other such as 'he's the fairest of ten thousand', based loosely on 5 v 10, and 'he's altogether lovely' in v 16. I'll leave you to look at the Song of Solomon and see the intimacy there, that many have 'spiritualised' to describe their love for Jesus. There is a tradition down through the centuries of using 'romantic' language to describe a believer's relationship with God. Even in more modern times we sing things like '...hear thy whispered love within my soul, Jesus thou art everything to me,' or 'To be in your presence, to sit at your feet, where your love surrounds me and makes me complete...' When Newton was very old, his mind was less alert. He was preaching for what turned out to be the very last time, and he took a man into the pulpit with him, basically to remind him where he was in the sermon. His assistant would read out the next heading in his notes, and Newton would speak from memory. The assistant read, and Newton replied 'Jesus Christ is precious.' The assistant read the next point, and Newton said again, 'Jesus Christ is precious.' 'You've already said that', said the assistant. Newton raised his voice, 'Yes, I said it twice and I'll say it again, "Jesus Christ is precious!”' Rev Newton then requested that the congregation sing his hymn about the precious Saviour who had rescued him: Jesus, whose name was as ointment poured forth: How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear; It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.

Weak is the effort of my heart And cold my warmest thought, But when I see Thee as Thou art, I'll praise Thee as I ought.

It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the troubled breast; 'Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary rest.

Till then I will thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death.

Dear name, the rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place, My never failing treasury, illed With boundless stores of grace.

Join us to tomorrow for Together in Worship from 10am. God bless you, 🙏

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08 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona, on what promises to be a challenging day weatherwise. The newspapers, never missing a chance to sensationalise things, have taken the forecast for wind and snow and stormy weather, and have named the weather that's been expected, 'Beast from the East 2', after the other 'Beast from the East’ that we experienced in 2018. It makes it sound like an action ilm sequel. We have been told that it won't be as cold as the irst one, which made someone quip, 'Sequels are never as good as the original...' It was in World War II that pilots in the US Air force began to name typhoons after their wives and girlfriends (I bet they never told them!), and nowadays there's a whole list of names - male and female - given to hurricanes and storms. They have decided on all the names for future hurricanes until the end of 2023. I looked to see if there's an Antony, there isn't; but I'm delighted to tell you there's a Hurricane Fiona arriving somewhere, sometime next year! In the UK, storm Darcy has affected the South East and East and we hope, of course, that people will not be adversely affected; we want people to be safe. Beast from the East, Darcy... It's strange that we name things, either with a description or a human name. It can't be to minimise the storm, though 'Beast' does reflect ferocity and danger. Sometimes giving something a name helps us to cope, to know what to do about something. Many of us have had tests or investigations done, and when they've come back we've been given the name of our newly-identi ied medical condition. 'At least they know what it it is', we say. 'Now they can give the right treatment.' Accurate names, especially descriptive names, are the best. We want things to 'do what it says on the tin'. In many cultures, Africa for example, children are given descriptive Christian names in the hope they will live up to them: Tolerance, Glad, Precious. I know there was a politician called Good Luck. I can't comment on the lady who called her baby FIFA because it was the irst word she saw after giving birth, and it was on a t-shirt! We know someone who was given a name that describes perfectly what he was to do. He did 'what it says on the tin'. Jesus literally means 'Saviour'. He came to seek and to save that which was lost - you and me of course. He takes the sins we confess and saves us from them; but more than that, being 'saved' has a lot of positive qualities. Poetically we might ask: Say, is there a name to live by? Say, is there a name for meaning? Is there a name for joy? Is there a name for might? Is there a name to change men, Is there a name to guide us Their hate and greed destroy? Each day and every hour? Have we a name for healing? Have we a name for cleansing? Have we a name for peace? Have we a name for care? Have we a name for freedom, Have we a name for all men Deliverance and release? For always, everywhere? And to all those questions we can reply: There's no other name but this name, And no other name will do. There's no other name but Jesus For folk like me and you. For no other name brings pardon And sets everybody free, There's no other name but Jesus For you and me. That's a positive start to our week. Whatever happens, whether this week is joyful or sorrowful, easy or challenging, Jesus is the name to call upon. He is there for us. May God bless you 🙏 Keep safe.

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09 February 2021

orning all! Altogether now: 'Walking in a winter wonderland...'

I don't think many of us will be walking too much today! We spare a thought for those whose jobs entail outside work or especially a drive! Keep safe everyone. After a couple of days of that wispy kind of snow that just flits about, or the hard kind of snow - hail I guess - or the wet, rainy kind of snow, I'm sitting here watching the thick, silent heavy snow falling. My favourite. It's 'real' snow. A couple of years ago I delighted a couple of audiences that our band played carols to with some thoughts about snow. Let me share them with you... When it comes to snow, any kind of snow, that’s what we call it – snow; but if you’re in northern, snowy countries they have many, many words for snow. • In Sweden they have 25 words for snow – there’s the snow for building snowmen, snow at Christmas, unwelcome snow – all different words. • The Inuit have 50 words - A word for snow on the ground, another for snow that’s falling, and there’s a word for snow that you sink into. • In parts of Norway they have 180 different words - Snow that’s good for hard snowballs, snow that’s got a thin crust of ice on it and snow that’s been trampled by reindeer! But my favourite is snow that’s as big as a dog’s paw. That’s how they describe those huge fluffy snowflakes. I was amazed to read that the Scots have 421 different words for snow. Why? Just why? Just trivia really but I heard something quite profound the other day: 'When the snow falls our gardens all look the same.' A blanket of white falls on our garden whether it’s beautifully tended with a bowling green lawn, or whether it’s a bit neglected; and that blanket of silent snow transforms it all into something lovely. It doesn’t choose, doesn’t differentiate, it changes any landscape into a winter wonderland. Like the snow, the love of God can transform anyone’s lives; we are all equally loved - and in the sight of God those who accept his gift of peace are equally blessed from whatever background we come, whoever we are. God can make all lives beautiful. Father, I thank you for your love that changes all things; for your promise that whoever comes to you will be made new. I thank you that all your promises include me, and that in your time and in your way, I am blessed. As you have blessed others, I ask for that blessing today for myself, but also for those who face a dif icult day. May the peace of Christ settle gently on them too. In Jesus' name. Amen. May you feel God's blessing resting on you today. 🙏

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10 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Yesterday I heard about the births of three babies. Three new lives have joined us and begun their journey through life. That's three couples, grandparents, great grandparents, brothers and sisters and the wider circle of family and friends far and near who have been gladdened by the safe delivery and the joy of a new life. So congratulations to the babies born into the families of two of our Over Sixties Club members, who are great grandmothers, and the family of another great grandmother, the Queen (who, if she and Philip wanted to join our Golden Years would be made most welcome!) It doesn't matter whether you are Princess Eugenie or a young woman in a different situation in life, the experience is exactly the same. The emotions, the hopes and fears are the same, even if the lifestyle is different. One comment made to me yesterday was 'what kind of world have they been brought into?' Do you know, I've heard that kind of comment for years; and I guess it's been said in every generation. Imagine a child born into Victorian poverty, a child born in wartime, a child born into a pandemic...and yet the world has continued and the joys and blessings of family life have never diminished. Life has progressed. My reply to the comment, 'what kind of world...? was, 'Well maybe this new baby will grow up to change something, make this world a better place.' It's not unknown for babies born into dif iculty to grow up and make a real difference. So our hope, our prayer for the three babies I know about that were born yesterday, together with the thousands that made their appearance along with them, is that through all of them there will be joy and hope for the future. Over 50 years ago son writers Bill and Gloria Gaither welcomed a new life. It was a dif icult time - the Cold War, Vietnam, etc. And they asked similar questions. In one song they wrote: How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives, But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain day because he lives. The 'he lives' refers to the living presence of Jesus whose own birth, death and resurrection is the greatest, in fact the only hope of our world. We look at our children, watch them grow and see the future being formed and changed by them, but how much more hope and assurance comes because we know that life is worth living because Jesus is alive. Because he lives I can face tomorrow Because he lives all fear is gone Because i know he holds the future And life is worth the living just because he lives Lord Jesus Christ, because you live I can live also. You ill my life and experience with your presence, and to know your love in my life gives the greatest reassurance. I look at our world with all its challenges and sadness, and yet still I see signs of hope as life goes on - whether it's shoots growing up in the garden or babies being born; it's a sign that life is moving forward in a beautiful world. And Lord, when things are dif icult, when I face great challenges and things change around me, just to know you are there alleviates my fears and gives me a foundation to stand on. I rejoice in the gifts you give, and place my trust in you as you lead me, all of us, into a hope- illed future. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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11 February 2021

appy Thursday everyone! Major Antony and Major Fiona here.

We have a bit of a crisis here. Nothing life threatening or personally damaging, but a 'work crisis': we've run out of ink! We have two printers. The irst is the kind that many people have in their homes, it's basically used to print small items, a couple of letters, the script for a YouTube talk, prayers, a poster, etc. Nothing huge. It uses those astonishingly expensive little ink cartridges that nearly cost as much as the printer! We've run out of colour. The other is the large printer/photocopier in the Citadel of ice. It prints the Focus magazines, the Faith in a Changed World daily readings, inance documents, and very importantly, the Sunday School material that is sent out to the children. It uses 4 great foot-long toner cartridges. And we've run out of black. The problem is that ink is supplied for both printers by the manufacturers when they see electronically that we need it. We can't just go and buy it. That's OK, but the small ink won't arrive for a couple of days, and the company that supplies the big photocopier has completely run out of black ink. There's none in their warehouse that they can send us. They even tried eBay!!! I guess it's what we call a ' irst world problem': the kind of problem that is trivial compared to real needs. Nobody will starve, fall ill, lose their job. The worst that will happen is that this week the children will not receive their Sunday School leaflets. It's usually quite a big print run. But maybe a week off will be OK. Do you remember the panic buying? Paracetamol? No, you'll have to suffer! Toilet roll? Forget it, improvise! Hand sanitizer? Nope, what's wrong with soap and water anyway? The demand outstripped the supply, and the sensible supermarkets put a stop to people illing their trollies to the top with unnecessary amounts of Andrex. All I can say is that there was always enough to go round had people not stockpiled. I bet some are still using their original store! There's never a delay in God's blessings. There's never a problem in the heavenly warehouse. You never have to go without because someone else took all the blessings. There's never a restriction on what you can ask for from God. In fact, you can't store up blessing for tomorrow anyway. God gives, and gives again for today. He blesses with what we need - 'strength for today' - and then promises a next-day delivery as well - 'bright hope for tomorrow'. And what's more, he encourages us to ask for his blessings so that we can share with others. A song says, Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring, For his grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much. Thank God he never runs out of love, never delays his grace, never restricts his blessings. Remember this verse whenever you pray today: 'My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4 v 19) God bless you 🙏

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12 February 2021

orning all. It's Friday again; we hope you've been having a good week!

Do you have a cat? They have been described as being 'the epitome of indifference'. It's true, you can't interest a cat in anything really. There's something unsettling about the way a cat will walk into a room and just stare at you. Our cat will sit on a window sill and just 'look'. There might be nothing to see, she just stares... I often ask myself, 'What is she looking at? What is she thinking?' In these days of not really going anywhere a comment I've heard frequently reflects a need to look out at things. People talk about being able to look at the hills from their kitchen window. Someone said, I just love to see the trees. Another says, As long as I can see the garden... Others have said, I love my house: in the morning I watch the sky as the sun comes up, and in the afternoon, from a different room I can watch the sun go down again. There's de initely an appreciation for looking out, looking up, looking away from what is next to us, and looking far off to something else, something inspirational. I smile to myself when people post photographs on a photos of Blackpool Facebook group, but instead of pictures of the town, so many are photos of sunsets over the Irish Sea. All very nice, but all looking away from the town (which even I, coming from Blackpool admit is not the most beautiful). Sometimes, the joy and the pleasure of where we are is found in what we can see when we look ahead, look up, look away. Faith and hope is the ability - God-given of course - to look from our circumstances and see greater things. Faith is even described as "con idence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 It's the ability to 'see' what is not yet revealed. Proverbs encourages us to "Let your eyes look straight ahead; ix your gaze directly before you." (Proverbs 4:25) and Jesus himself said we should "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near."(Luke 21 v 28) So, next time you feel closed in, look out. Next time you feel under the circumstances, look up. Next time you feel 'hemmed in', look forward. To the hills I lift my eyes, The distant hills before me; Hills that rise to reach the skies, And spread their glory o'er me. Planted by omnipotent hand, By divine appointment they stand, To the hills I lift my eyes, The beckoning hills before me.

To the hills I'll turn again, Away from earthly slumber, There to gain the topmost plain; May naught my way encumber. On the highest summit I'll stand, There to view the long-promised land; Though my eyes look to the skies, I lift my heart to Heaven.

Eyes may scan the dizzy height, And human feet stand on it; Only faith, in mystic flight, Can see the realms beyond it. Steeper than the mountains of time, Higher than the loftiest climb, O'er the hills I lift my eyes; From thence my help is coming. God bless you 🙏

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13 February 2021

ello everyone, welcome to our second Song Saturday for February, where we look at one of the songs that will be used in tomorrow's Together in Worship. Today it's a lively one! I have often said that the irst thing someone should know about God is that he loves them; before anything else, that's the most important thing. Everything we know about God flows from his perfect love for us all. We're all included in that love and invited to experience it. And so, our song for today is Come Let Us All Unite To Sing. I love this song. It's one of those songs in the Army where the band plays, the people sing loudly, and then when the chorus gets going, the clapping starts and the tambourines get a good airing! It might come as surprise to my Salvationist comrades to learn that it's not actually a Salvation Army song! It's actually from the American revivals at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and irst appeared in a song book in 1812. These revivals, or 'camp meetings' as they were called, attracted thousands of people to open air services and they would literally camp out for the days. There was lots of preaching, communion services were held, and of course, the singing. This was the foundation of a lot of the evangelical singing that became popular in the Methodist churches, The Salvation Army and other revival churches, and then on into the Pentecostal Churches. Thousands of people were converted in these camp meetings and you can imagine the sound of all those voices in the open air singing songs like this one with great enthusiasm. Sadly, it's anonymous. That's probably because one of the features of these revivals was the spontaneous singing. Someone would hear a phrase used by a preacher, and start singing that phrase to a made up tune. Perhaps others would join in and add another line. Very often a phrase would be repeated over and again as a response to a new line of the song. We can see that in our chosen song for today. You can almost imagine a solo voice singing the line with the crowd around him singing 'God is love' in reply. The refrain then, is simply the last phrase of the verse repeated by the whole crowd again. I reckon this was one of those songs that wasn't written down for a long time but was a popular song when people gathered. It was learned quickly, memorised and used often. Sometimes these songs would start spontaneously and almost take over the meeting, often repeated over and over. The style of singing in the 'old' Salvation Army is derived very much from this kind of revivalist worship. It's a 'gathering' song, an invitation to worship; and there were probably many different versions of it until one or two publishers wrote one version down, printed it, and then made that version the 'authorised' version. In our song book there is a subtle difference to the Methodist version. They sing 'Come let us all unite AND sing', whereas we sing, '...TO sing'. I like our version better; it gives a sense of purpose, of intention: this is why we come and unite; we are going to sing about God's love. This is what unites us, it's what makes gathering worthwhile. In these times when we are not actually gathering in person there is a sense that we are still uniting 'to sing: God is love'. Tomorrow, when you watch the video and see the words, and hear the band play - and I know some of you actually sing(!) - be aware of everyone else who will experience that song. Think of faces, hear their voices, remember them, and you will feel united as you sing. Remember too, that worship is not just for when 'two or three gather in my name', worship is deeply personal, and where the Holy Spirit dwells in each heart, we are then joined by him into the one Body of Christ, even though we are separate. The song says 'each in his heart sweet music make'. Let that be your experience today; and tomorrow of course, when you read these words. Think of those camp meetings where songs like this were sung in an almost Pentecostal fervour, and let the Spirit move in your heart as you remember, God is love! God bless you. See you all tomorrow. Come, let us all unite to sing: God is love! Let Heaven and earth their praises bring, God is love! Let every soul from sin awake, Each in his heart sweet music make, And sing with us, for Jesus' sake: God is love!

O tell to earth's remotest bound, God is love! In Christ we have redemption found, God is love! His blood has washed our sins away, His Spirit turned our night to day, And now we can rejoice to say: God is love!

How happy is our portion here, God is love! His promises our spirits cheer, God is love! He is our sun and shield by day, Our help, our hope, our strength, our stay; He will be with us all the way; God is love!

In Canaan we will sing again: God is love! And this shall be our loudest strain: God is love! While endless ages roll along, We'll triumph with the heavenly throng, And this shall be our sweetest song: God is love!

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15 February 2021

appy Monday everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Well, after a good night's sleep I feel that I haven't woken up to a new day or week, it seems like I've opened the blinds on a new season! Have I slept for a week? Yesterday morning there was snow and ice still being a hazard on the street. Fiona and I watched an elderly lady with a dog struggle past on the extremely slippery ice, and battling with the wind. There were reports and photos of cars unable to get to the next village because of drifting snow, there were photos of large branches on the road near an estate of houses, and I was in my of ice in our attic and the wind was so strong at one point I could feel the roof almost lift! This morning. Nothing. No snow, no ice, a slight breeze, and the prospect of an almost cloud free day. Thank goodness. Oh! And there's yesterday's elderly lady striding past with her dog, without any trouble at all. It's as if 'someone' has called out overnight, 'Peace, be still!' We all know that story. A boat illed with experienced ishermen who knew the lake like the back of their hands. They could read the weather conditions; they knew what the storm could do. They were expecting death. Jesus was expecting a few more minutes of sleep! Either he didn't know, or he didn't care (which is what the disciples thought), or he knew ine well they weren't in danger. And when he eventually awoke, he shouted at the wind and waves, 'Peace, be still.' (Mark 4 v 39) Astonishing. It's a great Sunday School story. Well it is if we just see it as Jesus able to get the wind to calm down. It's a good devotional story. And it is if we 'spiritualise' it by turning the wind and waves into our problems and hoping that he can still life's storms; which, let's be honest, he often does not. Basically this story is about who Jesus is. In those days people thought that bad weather - wind and waves - was controlled by evil forces. When Jesus stilled the storm the point that was not lost on the disciples was not that Jesus could make the waves calmer, but that he had the authority over those unseen forces, and that he could disarm the cause of the storm. He wasn't just treating the symptom, the visible effect, he was getting to the root of the problem. In life - life's storms, if you like - peace doesn't come because the symptoms, the 'waves' die down. Peace comes when the cause of the storm is confronted. It might be anger, pride, jealousy, fear, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness. These things often cause a storm, and by the grace of God they can, when confessed, be rebuked, as it were, disarmed. Sometimes the way to have a 'calm sea' is not to shout at the wind, or ight against the waves; the way is to ask the Lord to address the heart of the matter and actually change the heart of those who matter. 'Peace, be still', is at irst a work of grace in a restless heart. In your prayers today pray as Jesus suggested. Pray for yourself, your neighbours, your friends and even your enemies. Pray that hearts will be changed. Perhaps that change of heart is needed much closer to home. 'Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.' (2 Thessalonians 3:16) God bless you 🙏

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16 February 2021

ood morning everyone.

One of the features of our life at the moment is the way we pay for things. We've paid by card for years of course, but I will guess that most of us, if we were paying for just a few items would pull out a iver or a handful of change. You wouldn't have dreamt of buying a single newspaper with a debit card. Nowadays I don't think twice about it; and the only time I ever use cash is at the Chinese takeaway or the chippy. I missed a very signi icant anniversary yesterday, and I guess I'm amongst the youngest for whom Decimal Day in 1971 will actually mean anything. If you're even a couple of years younger than me you won't remember £.s.d. but I remember at 6 years old that my short back and sides was sixpence; I remember my school dinners in 1968 were 7s 6d. I remember doing a sponsored walk with my Dad and raising £10 8s 6d. I remember getting a 10s note for my 8th birthday. February 15th 1971 was dictation at school and I remember writing what the teacher said: 'Today is decimal day...' Sixpence became two and a half new pence, a shilling became 5p, 10s became 50p and confusion reigned amongst the elderly who couldn't understand why £1 now contained only 100 pence instead of 240! Where's our money gone? People genuinely thought they were being ripped off as the money was changed. It was a momentous time, a confusing time as the value of money and the value of things seemed to change overnight. Value for money is important, and we ourselves don't like to feel undervalued, or to be thought of less. When things change around us, when circumstances change, when life itself changes, there is a possibility that we feel our own worth has suffered. It's a big thing at the moment. We talk about mental health so much nowadays, and quite rightly. We might add emotional health, spiritual health too. What am I worth? There are moments, that might actually extend into days, when our self-worth suffers; we begin to compare ourselves with others and even as Christian believers we might feel we suffer in comparison with others. I think Jesus realised that. In fact, he knew how widespread an experience this is when he spoke some of the loveliest words to us, reminding us of our worth to our heavenly Father. We are dear to him, precious in his sight. Each one of us is special, loved, valued and honoured by God. He looks at us and is pleased. Jesus said 'Aren't ive sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight... Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!’ (Luke 12:6 7) When the dust settled after Decimal Day the fears of inflation, being charged higher prices, of goods being worth less, proved unfounded. When our circumstances change there is one thing that will always prove to be constant: you are valuable to God. Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏

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17 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Our irst appointment as Salvation Army of icers was to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. It's a lovely, old historical walled city that sadly became known for its part in the Troubles. Protestants and Catholics live mostly in different areas. One morning, walking in the city, I noticed a woman with a dirty face. She had a smudge above her eyebrows. Oh dear, I thought, I bet she doesn't realise. But then I saw someone else with a similar smudge, then another. What's going on? Every other person had a mark on their forehead as they walked around the city centre doing their shopping. I discovered that they had been to Chapel (that's what they call a Catholic Church in Ireland) because it was Ash Wednesday. There the priest had marked them with the ash of last year's palm crosses in a ceremony that marked the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. In this service the priest says, as he imposes the ashes, 'Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.' They would be carrying that mark for the rest of the day as a sign of penitence, and the forgiveness of sins. I always ind it interesting to see how seriously some people observe these outward expressions of their faith. There's a cultural thing, I guess; Derry is a very Catholic city. I do believe however that they are sincere in their belief. It's an interesting thing to observe, that people will go to church on a weekday to be reminded of their sinfulness, and then spend the day, in the shops or at work, publicly showing this. Some people nowadays don't like the idea that we are sinners. They don't like to dwell on our mortality. This idea of being merely dust is an affront to our modern attitudes of being empowered, of having great importance, of achieving, succeeding and flourishing. But I look at it a different way. Of course God loves us, values us, sees our true worth. But what pressure that might put on us when we look into our hearts and see those things that are not worthy? It's those things that God has a remedy for; and when the Bible says, 'For he well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust,' (Psalm 103 v 14) that's not condemnation, that's empathy. It's not bad news, it's great news! God knows me. He understands me. He offers therefore a solution: He gives grace, he offers healing, forgiveness; he comes down to the dust, takes us by the hand and raises us up. This is redemption. It's the good news of Lent. Ash Wednesday for those who observe it, is a symbolic day of recognising in a conscious way that not only do we need a Saviour, we actually have one! For us there is no need to worry about where grace and forgiveness might come from, no need to struggle against the sins that sometimes worry us. Ash Wednesday might be one day in a year for some, but the grace of God that lifts us up from the dust of life and puts joy in our heart is available every day for those who ask him for it. Yes, dust we might be, but it's dust that God loves, and he has promised us that our heart and life can be different because we have a Saviour in Jesus. There is a message, a simple message, And it's a message for us all; There is a Saviour, and what a Saviour! There is a Saviour for us all. Chorus Let's look at Jesus, for he's the Saviour, If you want pardon, then ask for pardon, And he will answer when we call; And God's own pardon shall be yours; Let's look at Jesus, for he's the Saviour, For those who seek him are sure to ind him, Yes, he's the Saviour for us all. And none who seek him Christ ignores.

God bless you today 🙏

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18 February 2021

ello everyone,

As I look out of the window and watch the wind in the big tree opposite and hear the sound, I'm glad I'm not going out! The elderly lady with the dog, whom I have mentioned before, has just battled past, well wrapped up with appropriate clothing. I heard a while ago that there's no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing - and it's true; over the years we have heard of people up mountains in flimsy shoes, or without waterproofs, who have had to be rescued. Some of us have been caught in an expected shower without a coat, and that's excusable, but I have often wondered over this winter why there's always one person out there wearing shorts whilst the rest of us are wrapped up well! Clothing styles and the rules for what's appropriate have completely changed nowadays. Very often, for example, a family might stipulate bright clothes for a funeral. I went to a funeral a few years ago in a black tie, a black coat, only to discover that the 'bright clothes message' had not reached me. Today is my friend Erik's funeral. A mutual friend asked, 'Is it suited and booted or casual?' The reply was along the lines that a suit was OK, but seeing that Erik had amassed a vast collection of baseball and other caps, a selection of these will be available at the service for all mourners to wear in honour of the man. I shall look forward to the livestream where I shall see this array of hats worn by a group of middle aged men. Fashionable? No. Appropriate? Perhaps questionable 30 years ago, but entirely itting as they remember their friend - including his love of hats!. Do we have appropriate clothing for life? Some religions feature things like a yarmulke for Jewish men, or a hijab for Muslim women. Salvationists have variations of uniform for different occasions, but the clothing for life, according to the Bible is our character. 'Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.' (Colossians 3 v 12) We're told about being clothed in garments of praise, or robes of righteousness. The Bible even speaks about being clothed with Christ. That means we are so identi ied with him that people see his likeness on us. One great image of heaven tells us that everyone there is wearing a white robe. It's a symbol of being forgiven, that the heart is clean. And one of our songs tells us that in heaven, 'None will ask what they have been, provided that their robes are clean...' That cleansing can only come through forgiveness by God through Jesus who died for us. And that is appropriate clothing - a clean heart, a loving character, a godly outlook on life. Whatever you do today, make sure your clothing is appropriate. 🙂 God bless you 🙏

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19 February 2021

ello from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday once more, the end of another week.

How has it been for you? We recognise of course that this week has been a time of great sadness and emotion for some. We pray for you, and trust that God will comfort, bless and encourage you. For others there have been life's usual niggles, annoyances and pressures - all magni ied I guess by the pandemic, the restrictions and various other factors beyond our control. Sadly, the pressures of these times have exposed some hidden issues, it created, let's say 'an atmosphere'; there's been a pressurecooker effect. I think many people have smiled at the news of a wanted criminal who handed himself in. Sky News reported, 'Of icers said the man was wanted for recall to prison and gave himself up at Burgess Hill police station on Wednesday afternoon to get some "peace and quiet".' It seems that being under pandemic restrictions had got to this gentleman; he'd got absolutely fed up with the behaviour of the people he was in lockdown with, and decided a prison cell would be far preferable! It makes you wonder what his 'friends' were like! The pandemic has caused some problems. Over 50% of people have apparently got angry with others who have broken lockdown, with 1 in 12 people having so fallen out with a friend or family member, they are no longer on speaking terms. That's very sad. I was very pleased to see however, not long ago some interesting igures saying that though inancial problems have increased, relationships within families have improved. Families feel closer because perhaps they are having to do more together, they talk to each other. I do recall the marvellous weather we had last April to June, and it amused me no end on my walks into the countryside to see whole families walking together Mum, Dad and three teenagers perhaps. Mum and Dad looking all keen, and the oldest teenager looking rather recalcitrant at having to put down his XBox and 'go outside.' Sometimes the pressures of life can bring out the best in the human spirit. Sometimes they can add to our faith, and many will have found their faith in God strengthened as they have had to exercise that faith. James the next-youngest brother of Jesus, wrote, 'Count it all joy my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds.' (James 1 v 2). Now, not many of us enjoy the dif iculties of life of course, but faith and the presence of God, and belonging to a church family, can actually bring positive outcomes from these trials. James goes on to say that our trials increase our perseverance and bring 'completeness' so that we don't lack anything. I take that to mean a sense of peace in a heart that knows it has all it needs, a sense that things are OK; that even in sorrowful or stressed days there is a feeling that 'God's got this'. We are not alone, we are not without hope. The prayers of others, our own prayers indeed, bring God very near. The trials of life need not drive us from God, limit our faith, destroy our hope. Rejoice whilst under pressure and you will ind, somehow, that 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' (Nehemiah 8 v 10). Father, you know the joys and the excitement of life, and I thank you for those days when the world is a wonderful place. My family and friends are good to me, and I feel I could want for nothing. But you, Lord, know the pressures, the anxieties, pains and sorrows that are sometimes mine - even constantly. It's on those days when I cry out to you, that I need you most. Can I count it all joy? Father, if I'm honest, I struggle with that one. But what does bring me joy is you; you are with me speaking gently through your Word, your Spirit within me, the photo that brings a memory, the text message, the smile of a friend, the promise of a prayer. Lord, the trials that come to me are not the source of joy, but the reason I can see joy in so many other things. May that joy today bring the strength I need. May that joy open my heart and my eyes to every blessing you want me to have today. I count it all joy today so that this day will be a good day. Thank you Father. Amen.

God bless you 🙏 If you need anything, we're here.

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orning all, welcome to Song Saturday. The song we're going to look at from tomorrow's Together in Worship

is 'Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God'. It's simple to sing, yet it's profound in its meaning. It's one of the songs that young people of my age sang constantly as teenagers. There was a movement in the late 1960s, early 1970s that was a parallel Christian youth movement to the hippy culture of the late 60s. It started in America, and the music they made was basically called 'Jesus Music.' You might recognise some of the things that they sang: He is Lord, This is the Day, Jesus Name Above All Names and our song for today, Seek Ye First. These songs came out of a renewal of the Christian faith in the churches, the Holy Spirit was bringing revival to many, and these songs, and many others, flowed out of that renewal experience and were sung all round the world. Many of them were illed with Biblical language, just as the old Victorian hymns had been, and Wesley's hymns before that. The melodies were simple and easy to sing, just like the old-time Salvation Army choruses 80 years previously. People like to sing! And when a song is short, when it's easy to sing, when it's catchy, then it becomes popular - just like Seek Ye First. Of course we can see that the lyrics are pure Scripture. The irst two verses are taken straight from the teaching of Jesus - ‘Seek ye irst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you', from Matthew 6 v 33, and 'Ask and it shall be given unto you' from Matthew 7 v 7. These are words to live by, they are famous words - though I did come across a website of quotes that listed these famous words of Jesus as 'anonymous'. Well, they might wonder where these profound words originated, but we know! The second verse contains the words Jesus quoted from the Old Testament during his temptations: 'Man shall not live by bread alone', from Matthew 4 v 4. The whole song is about priorities, about satisfaction in life, and those things that are dependable; it's a profound song for all its simplicity, and is basically saying, 'Put God irst, look for him in life, don't rely on material things, and you will have all you need.' Don't worry, says Jesus in the Gospels; your heavenly Father knows what you need before you even ask! Karen Lafferty who put this song together 49 years ago, added a simple refrain; the singer repeats 'Alleluia' seven times after each Scriptural verse. Why the repetition? Because having all we need just encourages us to praise God for everything he does. It's a joyful song because it recognises that right priorities will bring us peace, and be expressed in heartfelt praise. Put God irst, before all things, and you will always have something that will lead you to say Alleluia, Praise the Lord! Join us tomorrow and sing this and other songs as we join Together in Worship, from 10am Seek ye irst the kingdom of God, And his righteousness, And all these things, shall be added unto you, Allelu, alleluia.

Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall ind. Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Allelu, alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia, allelu, alleluia,

God bless you 🙏

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20 February 2021

22 February 2021

orning all, welcome to a new week. New day, new start. Do you have plans? Hopes? Fears? Prayers? There's a couplet from a song that to be honest we're all still learning to do; it says, Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring. The truth is that his power is greater than we think. His willingness to answer the prayer of faith is greater than our willingness to pray. I had to chuckle to myself yesterday when I happened to hear an interview with Sir Keir Starmer on the radio. The headline news was that the Prime Minister was announcing revised dates for the rollout of the vaccine, and that it was going so well the dates were being brought forward and that every adult would be offered the vaccine by a much earlier date than anticipated. I think many of us have watched with interest how this vaccine has been rolled out. Lots of you have by today already had the vaccine, and here in Guisborough your experience has been one of total satisfaction with how organised, how ef icient, how quick and easy the whole experience has been. It's been so quick that some people have taken advantage of the times when all the planned vaccines for a particular day had been given, there were vaccines left and time to do them, and a ' irst come irst served' call has gone out for others to come quickly and get theirs done early. Amazing. How much more than we expected! Back to Keir Starmer: This Right Honourable Gentleman is the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. It's his job to hold the Government to account, to literally oppose, criticise, highlight failures in Government. He was interviewed regarding the Government vaccine programme. 'Well done!' he said. He said other complimentary things and not one word of criticism, opposition, or disagreement. Is this a irst? We have a situation where Government has made decisions, but where manufacturers, healthcare workers, volunteers, and indeed we the general public, have worked together so positively, so eagerly that the progress of the vaccine has exceeded all hopes, expectations and plans. We have literally been surprised. So much so that the opposition is just as amazed at how much more we have bene itted. That phrase 'how much more' resonates in the minds of Salvationists because it's found in one of our songs that reflects the very words of Jesus. The writer takes examples of excellent human virtues, saying that if men can do these things, 'how much more,' can God? The refrain reads: Then how much more shall God our Father in love forgive, in love forgive! Then how much more shall God our Father our wants supply and none deny? How much more? Well, his power is greater than our ability. His power is greater than we could assume. The Bible says that God 'is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...'(Ephesians 3 v 20). Another version of that says, he 'in exercise of His power that is at work within us, is able to do in initely beyond all our highest prayers or thoughts.' What a promise, what an encouragement. What power and ability is his to do so much more than our thoughts might even imagine! If we, as humans can do great things, wonderful things, even unexpectedly successful things when we work together, then really, how much more can God do in response to the prayer of faith? Father, as I begin this week, may my plans, my hopes and my prayers be formed and shaped, not by my experience, my abilities, or my expectations, but by your power, your grace and your love for me. Let me see your 'how much more' in my life. Amen. You might want to read Matthew 7 v 7 11.......God bless you 🙏

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23 February 2021

ood morning 🌅 everyone!

Well, I sat here with my coffee and saw the most wonderful sunrise. I rushed upstairs, opened the window in the attic and took a photo of this beautiful sky above the ruined Priory here in Guisborough. What a lovely sight, what a beautiful day it's going to be. I came downstairs, and there was a noti ication on my phone: Rain in 44 minutes. Oh yes, I'd forgotten; red sky in the morning, and all that. The other phrase that came to mind was "Don't rain on my parade." It means don't spoil my pleasure, don't put a dampener on things, stop being negative... You get people like that don't you. The one who sees where it all might go wrong, the person who can't just enjoy the moment but sees the problem, the cynic who just waits for failure and says, "I told you so..." It's not a bad thing to be realistic, to anticipate any problems that might occur. Indeed, we can be thankful for a weather forecast that enables us to prepare for rain. But we do like hopefulness and encouragement rather than doubt and discouragement. The PM's announcement is hopeful. It's realistic and encouraging, subject of course to care still being taken. Giving positive plans and possible developments, and even tentative dates, will encourage people to give things that bit of extra effort with the hope these restrictions will be over by the summer. Encouragement like this is so much better than just telling us to stay indoors, etc, with no indication of 'how long for'. I was disappointed therefore to hear reports of 'rain' while the rest of us are looking at the 'sunrise'. 'Oh it's too slow, too little, too early, too fast... what about this, what about the other... you should have done such and such...' A bit draining, I think. Nothing can be the perfect plan, but how much more encouragement do we ind in life when we focus on what can be done rather than what can't. The Bible verse for today speaks encouragingly. It lists qualities that aren't speci ically religious - they are common to all people - but it is suggested that we think on these things. 'Whatever things are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.' (Philippians 4 v 8) Why? A following phrase says it all: 'And the God of peace will be with you.' Think of good things, look for good things, enjoy the good things. It's the way to peace of heart and mind. God bless you today 🙏

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24 February 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Yesterday I quoted the Bible verse all about thinking of things that are true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and that we should think on these things. It's not always easy though. You put on the news sometimes and it's mostly reports of negative things; it's why, on occasion I've commented on how different it all is when a news reporter is bringing good news! I remember the night the vaccine became good news. I've never seen the bloke on the ITV news look so happy! The recent news about the plan for easing restrictions has also been a much-welcomed 'good news' feature. Smiles all round in the newsroom, even though one or two dissatis ied mutterings have been heard... Some people are only happy when they have something to complain about. Sometimes the happiest news is on the local TV News. There's often a feature with local people, and sometimes a smile and an unscripted comment from the newsreader before she says 'Goodnight'. We prefer that warmth to the serious demeanour of some national newsreaders. When I phone people I am often surprised, or if not surprised then gladdened, at the eagerness of people to share their good news. Sometimes it's "I've had a distanced visit from my daughter", or "I've got a new great grandson." Once or twice it's been, "I've been for a lovely walk," "I've made cakes," or there's a report of an improvement in health. These 'good news' conversations are so important. Every one contains details and feelings, activities or events that are signi icant to the person. They are heartwarming, encouraging, af irming and illed with happiness. Goodness knows we've had enough of this restricted life; how wonderful it is to talk of the simple things, the ordinary things that bring joy, the normal family things that we all share and experience, but which spread happiness when we share them. Good news is more likely to grant you a willing hearing than a complaint, a negative comment, an opinion about another person. Good news will encourage others, it might lift their spirits to hear your good news and in turn ind something they too can share. Isaiah the prophet wrote those well-known words, 'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news' (Isaiah 52 v 7). Well we don't need to climb Roseberry Topping (a local hill) to shout our good news, we just need to share it where we are. It's no accident that the Christian message, as well as encouraging the sharing of good news, is itself good news. To read even the story of Jesus is to read the greatest good news story ever told. So, if you're in need of a bit of good news on a bad news day, just read something from the Gospels. They are literally 'Good News'. We hope you have a good day; and if you do, share it with someone. Spread some good news! God bless you 🙏

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ello everyone.

How is your week going? We've got to Thursday, it's soon going to be the weekend. Some might think, 'What a great week I'm having'; some might think 'Thank goodness, the weekend can't come soon enough'!' If someone asks you how you are doing, the word that we all too easily use is ' ine.' However, the tone of voice or the facial expression really says it all. Saying 'I'm ine', with a broad smile, a twinkle in the eye and a spring in the step is believable; those same two words spoken with half a smile that doesn't reach the eyes, and a bit of a shrug, will fool nobody. We ask 'How are you?' frequently. We get 'Fine', of course, 'Not bad thanks'. We get 'Really well, thank you!' And we also get, 'I'll get there', 'I'm OK', 'Taking each day as it comes', and even, 'Surviving'. Yesterday I got, 'Oh, we're soldiering-on.' I've thought about that: soldiering-on. There's something positive there I think. This isn't taking what each day brings, this isn't resignation, this is determination, even if it's a brief rallying-round, even if it's just summoning a little effort against a pressing issue. I, like you, will ind days when there seems to be no strength, no prospect of getting anything done, let alone 'soldiering-on'! But I remember what this person actually said: 'We're soldiering-on.' It wasn't him on his own, it was others too; joined together to face an issue, encouraging one another, helping, supporting. Soldiers don't normally ight alone. Paul used the metaphor of ighting in relation to the life we live and the faith we claim. 'Fight the good ight of faith.' he wrote (1 Timothy 6 v 12). I don't think he had in mind a picture of a lone warrior with his armour, facing an enemy. In my opinion he might have imagined a regiment, or at least a platoon of soldiers - a band of brothers, if you like (and sisters too, of course). How are you? Oh, WE are soldiering-on. This is the beauty of the Christian faith. I've said it a number of times, 'Faith is personal, but it's never private.' How can it be? Why, indeed, should it be? We are a flock, a family, a body, a class in school, a regiment of soldiers. We are not alone in our faith. The church is, by de inition, a gathering, a grouping. You cannot be the church by yourself, on your own. We may not be meeting physically, but we gather here, we gather in the Spirit, we gather by internet, phone and text, united in Christ. How are you? The answer can be, 'WE are ine. We're soldiering-on. We, together, are ighting the good ight of faith.' Be assured of the prayers of others. If you need us, if you need anything, we're here. God bless you 🙏

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25 February 2021

26 February 2021

ood morning everybody, from Major Antony & Major Fiona. Have you got that Friday feeling? You're ready for the weekend to

start? Or do you feel that every day is pretty much the same anyway? Maybe you didn't even realise it was Friday! Well, it is! Life has been full of frustrations hasn't it. Some are little annoyances of course, everyday stuff that makes us roll our eyes, but they're not too important to mention. Other frustrations develop into ongoing crises of course - the illness, the loneliness, the concern about making ends meet. These are the things we should talk about to someone, con ide in someone; it's good to talk, as they use to say. It's true. If you need us, please don't be shy in letting us know. I'll tell you what frustrates me. Technolo y. I'm OK up to a point; I'm not quite still in the stone age as far as internet and stuff is concerned, but once it gets past a certain level, you might as well give me a slate and a bit of chalk! Cars, engines, plumbing, joinery... well, I know people. We all know 'a man who can'. But sometimes even simple technolo y escapes any solutions. Yesterday was particularly frustrating. We have TV screens at the Army hall, and one of them isn't working. Why? Who knows? The others work, just as they used to - some of you remember. But this one stubbornly stays black. Just occasionally it decides to be dark grey - it's as if it's either thinking about coming on or else it's decided it is just going to play up for devilment. Three of us had a go yesterday - buttons were pressed, leads removed and replaced. And yes, we did turn it off and back on again 'to see if that clears it'! Nope. Nothing. Frustration all round. Do you know, something inside me tells me there might be an oh-so-simple remedy, and all we'd need is a bloke from Samsung (other makes are available) to come in, press the 'obvious' button and say, 'there you go.' If only I knew a bloke from Samsung who could do it (for free of course). Sometimes, just pressing buttons doesn't work. Quite often, reading the manual raises more questions, especially when you don't understand the terminolo y. Why can't we have a 'man that can' who will turn up with his work bag, his tool kit, and sort it all out? Being frustrated with a piece of electronic equipment is trivial to the big 'things' of life. We manage to get on for the most part, we help one another, give advice, share experiences, but much of what we might want to know comes in another manual; at least that's how I've heard the Bible described. I'm going to be honest and say I'm not a fan of seeing the Bible as an instruction manual. Some had likened it to a map, a chart, directions, a blueprint. Don't get me wrong, there's excellent advice in it’s pages; it tells us the way of love, of grace, of salvation; it’s pages tell us the principles to live by; they are the words of eternal life. Don't neglect the Bible. But do you know, what makes the Bible so much more useful than an instruction manual, an instruction book, is that when we read it, the author is there with us. He's the 'man who can', and when we read, asking him to help us, those words come alive. I've heard people ask what relevance a 2000-year-old book can have today, Good question. It's relevant because the author is right there. He makes it relevant, real, and reliable. Jesus is 'the man who can', and where a book of philosophy might show you the way, he IS the way. Where a book of knowledge might show you some truth, he IS the truth, and where a book of faith might point to a way of life, Jesus IS the life. When we read his word, the words are embodied in him; when we know him for ourselves, then we see and hear him when we read his words. There's no frustration when we listen for his voice as we read. Lord Jesus, you are indeed the way, the truth, and the life. Help me to follow you, to believe you, and to live with you in my heart. Then, when I read your word it will come alive for me. May I ind you in its pages, and through the words of life come to know, and love you more. Amen. Enjoy your weekend. God bless you 🙏

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27 February 2021

elcome to Song Saturday! Every Saturday we take a

song from tomorrow's Together in Worship and consider it together. This week we look at the opening hymn we will sing: Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken. Last week, we featured a simple repeated chorus that was once the favourite of youth groups and evangelical gatherings; today, a magni icent hymn of the Church that would be totally at home in the grandest Cathedral - or an Army hall with a ine brass band! The lyrics are not everyday English, they might take some thinking about. I read an article a long time ago now, written by an atheist I believe, who said that when he was a boy, he liked the old hymns because even though he didn't understand them, he just knew they were holy, special. When I was in a school assembly, aged 9 or 10, we were singing this hymn and I saw my class teacher turn to another and ask, "What does 'assuage' mean?" (see verse 3). Well, if he didn't know, there was no hope for the rest of us! But it's true, the majesty of the music and the beauty of the poetry combines to lift the spirit, raise the soul heavenward - that's exactly what it was meant to do. People nowadays try to tell me that hymns and songs should be 'relevant' Nonsense; they should be inspirational, and point 'upwards'. And this hymn succeeds magni icently. It was written by John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace; and if you look carefully you see that theme in this hymn too: Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am... The language, like so many hymns of the day, is borrowed straight from Scripture, and was written, as Wesley’s hymns were also, to get people singing and memorising the Bible. This hymn is all about belonging Zion being the poetical City of God that the Bible describes as glorious. Do you feel you belong there? Are you sure of your place there? As Newton wrote, it's by grace we belong - freely available if we trust in Christ. We can all be proud of the town or the city from which we came, we feel an af inity to there still, even if we left years ago; this hymn speaks of our pride in belonging to another city, feeling we belong, even though as yet we look only by faith. Abraham, the Bible tells us, was ‘looking for that city too, a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.' (Hebrews 11 v 10) Yes, let's be proud of our town, our city; but let's also be sure that we have a place, by God's grace, in that city of God. Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God; He whose Word cannot be broken Formed thee for His own abode. On the rock of ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose? With salvation's walls surrounded, Thou mayest smile at all thy foes.

Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am, Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name. Fading is the worldling's pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure None but Zion's children know.

See, the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love, Well supply thy sons and daughters, And all fear of want remove; Who can faint while such a river Ever flows their thirst to assuage; Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver, Never fails from age to age?

Please join us tomorrow for this hymn, and other great songs and music as we share Together in Worship from 10am. Have a great Saturday. God bless you 🙏

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01 March 2021 'Helô' and 'Bore da', as my Welsh Grandmother might have said when she lived in Ystrad wnlais in the Valleys a century ago! It's St David's Day today, the day when people celebrate all things Welsh. There was a lovely moment on a political radio programme on Radio 4 yesterday when they decided, in honour of today, to play a song from a male voice choir. Lovely. Amazingly they played a hymn that is common in male voice repertoires. It was in Welsh of course; and had, to me a very well known tune, and the unmistakable word at the end of the irst verse and every chorus was 'Calvary.' Even a non-Welsh speaker heard it. The presenter said he'd never heard it before and that it had moved him. I bet he hadn't realised that it was a hymn. The song was this one: I hear thy welcome voice that calls me Lord, to thee, For cleansing in the precious blood that flowed on Calvary. Just beautiful. And not just because it's lovely music; we appreciate it for the words even more. It's truly a welcome voice, and Calvary is the place we must ind. I went for a walk yesterday. I left the town and walked down the lanes, walking ever-upwards into the trees on the hillside above Guisborough. It was lovely. A group of 4 teenage lads thought so too, though they were more interested in the loud music they were playing as they sat beneath the trees away from the path. It was a bit annoying to be honest. Who wants to hear (to me, dreadful) music up here? Well anyway, wide paths led beneath the trees, but there were lots of trails too, little more than dirt paths that were very muddy. I turned here, I turned there, and found myself on a narrow path that was well used and extremely muddy. I took photos and glanced back through the trees to see Guisborough below. Then I turned back. It looked a little different going down. The sun had come out, which changed things, and there were turns I didn't recognise. Had I come up this bit? Was that tree there before? I found my way onto another path but I was not at all sure I was going the way I came up. And then I heard that dreadful music again. It was off to the left, away from the path I had started to take. I know my original path took me in sight of them, so I turned and followed. I was actually thankful for the sound; it gave me a reference point and I found the exact small track I'd followed, which then led to the wider, well-worn path. It had been a welcome sound after all. The voice of God is a welcome voice - either in the soul or in his words contained in the Bible. The promise he gives is that 'Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying 'this is the way, walk in it.' (Isaiah 30 v 21) Is it always a welcome voice? Well, God often speaks with guidance and comfort, he speaks with reassurance; but sometimes that 'welcome' voice can be one of correction, of challenge, even of rebuke. Are we walking the correct path? Have we turned aside, taken a shortcut, a diversion? These are the times when the 'still, small voice' will speak. As we start a new month, on a Saint's day of all days, let's be glad of that welcome voice - especially the one that leads us to Calvary. Still Jesus calls me on I am coming, Lord, to perfect faith and love, Coming now to thee, To perfect hope and peace and trust Wash me, cleanse me in the blood for earth and Heaven above. that flowed on Calvary. Lord, help me always to hear your voice, whether through my heart, the voices of others or especially through your Word. I know that the direction you give is 'better than a known way', so may I welcome your voice and follow you as you lead. Sometimes my days are dif icult; on those days help me to hear your voice clearly, and I will trust you to guide and sustain me. In the name of Jesus, who is himself the way. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone, God bless 🙏

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02 March 2021

ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Sometimes the simplest thoughts can be the most inspirational. A comment was made last week during our church prayer meeting along the lines of this thought: nature carries on regardless. Whatever happens in this world, creation moves forward; it's as if all is well. Sometimes I feel we've got it the wrong way round: we think we are the powerful ones who have to protect nature - and of course we do. Pollution and careless treatment of the environment go against our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth. But it's interesting how, whilst we are stressed out with pandemics and the like, creation itself just quietly, or not so quietly, gets on with its own business. I had to laugh yesterday at three blackbirds chasing each other very loudly in the trees next to our house. I love the daffodils just about to open in our garden, Fiona's Mother's Day primulas from over the last few years have bloomed again. In my walk on Sunday I didn't take any headphones because I wanted to hear the birds singing; and there they were, sparrows singing in hedges, blackbirds rustling in the grass, an unidenti ied bird making a very strange noise in the middle of a ield. There was someone feeding a small horse. There were catkins growing, but not much else, and I passed ields that at the moment are just green, but in a few months will be illed with growth and colour. As I write this I can hear our cat noisily playing with a cat toy on a string - totally oblivious to anything else. In our human world the natural 'circle of life' continues, sadness and joy that are the inescapable experiences of us all, continue. Yesterday saw the sadness of goodbye and the thankful remembrance of a funeral service, and tomorrow another too, as a loved one and his life are commended to God. Fiona and I recently were told we are to be grandparents in September. A new generation is arriving and, as we say, 'life goes on'. We all know the well-known phrase from the Book of Ecclesiastes: 'To everything there is a season...a time for every purpose under Heaven’. Now, I'm too young to remember the release of The Byrds' version of their song, but they added the words 'Turn, turn, turn...' to each Bible phrase; they brought out the thought that there is this divine purpose in everything, and his purpose for creation - winter to spring, death to life, birdsong, flowers, rain and sunshine, continue regardless. It literally reflects the nature and character of God; it points to his majesty and glory. I saw a video of a forest that had been destroyed by ire, but here and there the burned and 'dead' trees were putting forth green shoots again, and animals that had sheltered in deep burrows as the forest ires had raged above them, were snuffling about again. Life was returning according to the circle of life, the purpose under heaven. To me, that is all a comforting thought. There is a purpose, there is sense in it all; and we who are part of creation, just one aspect of nature, are part of God's design, God's purpose. Things do change around us and for us, but God 'has set eternity in the human heart'. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) It's when we accept his purpose, when we see his hand in the whole of life, that we are at peace - just as nature around us seems to be as it 'carries on'. This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas-His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world: The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world: The battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satis ied, And earth and Heaven be one.

God bless you 🙏

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03 March 2021

midweek welcome to you all. We hope you're having a good week. We often speak about the beauty of nature and the pleasure we get in just walking or driving through the countryside. I love trees; from childhood it's been my dream to live in a cottage in the woods, just as described in lots of children's stories. Even today, if I walk through woods, I spy a likely clearing and imagine a small cottage with a bench outside... The other day when I went walking in the woods, I was shocked to emerge into an area that was just a scene of utter devastation. Trees had been felled, stumps left, branches strewn around, the occasional lonely conifer left behind… To be honest it looked like a tornado had ripped through the area. It looked awful. From various points down in Guisborough you can look up into woods and see the open spaces, but it's only when you get up there that you realise what it looks like close up. It seems such a shame. Some might call it 'wanton destruction'; some might say 'vandalism'. In today's culture of environmentalism, protecting nature and caring for our world, it seemed on the surface that something had gone wrong. I walked on, past the areas of clearance and further up into the woods again, to be surrounded by the tall, majestic trees - and another of those places where a little cottage would look perfect. But was it all as it seemed? I'm no forestry expert but it appears that there is an explanation for what looks like mindless destruction. We onlookers merely see with our senses: does the hillside look nice with all the trees? Does it make for a pleasant view, a lovely afternoon's walk? There is another issue, of course: what purpose did these trees have? And what was the purpose in felling them? Interestingly, according to what I read, they were conifers that were planted after the war simply because England had a timber shortage. They are not natural to the hills above Guisborough and 50 or 60 years after planting, many are being felled according to the purpose for which they were originally planted; I guess you could call it a 'tree farm'. Reports said that there was a 50-year blueprint and 'the area will gradually revert to natural, open woodland...' and the conifers will gradually 'be replaced by broadleaf trees like oak, ash and rowan, to eventually comprise 75% of the wood.' Sometimes, the way things look when the work is in progress is not the inal result; the purpose will one day see an improvement, or a bene it, that may not be immediately perceived. What looks like mindless devastation is merely a space for nature's own forces to regrow, redevelop, and bring forth new life in its own way and time. There is a purpose to it all. St Paul wrote, '...we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.' (Romans 8 v 28) That sounds very comforting - and indeed people have been comforted and reassured by it. Good comes out of what God is planning for those who love him. But it's a challenging thought - and experience tells us that sometimes in life 'what it looks like' is harder to bear than 'what it will become’. We do question the dif iculties of life, whether it's a niggling nuisance or a major crisis. We bring our prayers and requests to God, as we have been taught to, and sometimes feel that because something hasn't changed, God has abandoned us or denied our prayer. The same Paul who wrote about all things working together for good to those who love God, also wrote that God had not removed a burden from him, simply saying that 'My grace is suf icient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' (2 Corinthians 12 v 8). That's a challenge for us all; but God reminds us that these things are promises to those who are called according to his purpose. In other words, belonging to God, loving him, having a growing faith, putting our trust in him, will enable us more and more to look beyond the work in progress and see the result. It might look chaotic or just unsatisfactory now, but just imagine what the outcome might be. Father God, you have promised that you are working all things together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. I do love you, help me also to have faith in your purposes. Grant me a trusting heart, a hopeful spirit that looks to the best you have planned. In my life, whatever happens, as I bring my prayers to you, may I rest assured that 'in your time you make everything beautiful.' I thank you for this new day; may I see your beauty in something today, and may I be con ident that my life is in your hands, and that you are working out all things for good, according to your purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you, 🙏

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04 March 2021

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Here's a well-known phrase or saying that has entered the English language from the pages of the Bible: 'Store up, (or lay up), treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' I heard a funny story recently about a family who sadly had said farewell to an elderly relative. In the days following the funeral, they gathered at the house to sort out possessions and to decide if there were items and articles each would like. Well, each sibling had a pile of wanted things; but there was one item, a record, that nobody wanted. It became a bit of a game that when one sibling wasn't looking this record would be surreptitiously placed on their pile. Then, when discovered, it would secretly be placed on another pile, and so on. Eventually it found its way onto a pile where it stayed. The following Christmas one of them opened a gift from his brother...and, you've guessed it, there was the record. The following Christmas the record became a gift to another brother. For a number of years this record was passed round as a Christmas gift, becoming a joke gift that, I guess, was precious and amusing because of the fond memories of the original owner who had loved it. There are things we will leave behind that people will value, and things that our dependents will determinedly not want in the slightest! The important things we leave of course are priceless and cherished memories. They can't be given away but they can be shared; and I think we all know that those are the only things we really value. What do we leave behind? Precious memories. The question might also be, what do we take with us? Well the family above might have wished their loved one had taken the unwanted record with her when she went, but it's true: 'you can't take it with you'. When Jesus spoke about treasure in heaven he wisely spoke about the heart. We can spend our lives in making money, illing our life with 'stuff', or else we can invest in heaven. There's little wrong with possessions, there's nothing wrong with providing for those we love, but Jesus is really talking about priorities and eternal things. It's good to leave things behind, but if all we have invested in is what is seen now, if our heart is 'earth-bound', as it were, what provision are we making for life after this? If our heart is only focused on life here, what life can there be in eternity? 'Lay up treasures in heaven' simply means to invest in that place, but mostly to develop and nurture our relationship with God. If we don't know him now, how will we know him then? If we don't spend time with Jesus now, in prayer, in his word, with his people in worship (allowing for present restrictions) how will we be comfortable in his presence then? Eternal life is a gift of grace, unearned of course; but it's our faith that prepares our heart for that life with God. Invest in two things: the memories we leave behind, and the future we have in heaven. Let our hearts be illed with the desire to leave behind the things that matter, and a desire to prepare for that wonderful place, that heart's desire: our home with Jesus in heaven. Lord, you promise that there is a home in heaven, a place prepared for those who believe, trust and rely on Jesus. May my heart be already there. I love you now, Lord, I know your life within me today, and in that there is the assurance of life everlasting with you. Help me by faith to think about 'things above', to know my sins forgiven, to have your Holy Spirit illing my heart with love, changing my nature to be more like you. As I lay up treasures in heaven simply by loving you above all things, and my loving others, may I be assured of your grace and illed with the wonderful prospect of seeing you face to face. That, Lord, would be my greatest treasure. Amen. Have a good day everyone. God bless you in whatever you do 🙏

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05 March 2021

ood morning to you from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Well, this week has been a busy one and we thought we'd got a headstart by recording the meeting for Sunday just a little earlier than usual. Yesterday I sat down with the computer, created all the song lyrics pages, and then tried to put the video of the prayers and the other comments in the meeting into place. But they were not there! The ile containing our recording was there, space had been used: 700 megabytes of what we had recorded were all lurking somewhere in that ile, but the computer used that terrible word 'corrupt'. 😱 It's the word of death. It was all there somewhere. Deep inside that memory stick yours truly were smiling and speaking, praying and reading, but the ile could not be accessed! We are trapped forever. I tried all sorts. I downloaded free repair software. No. It couldn't open it. I tried software that you pay for when it inishes the repair - even that couldn't do it. I tried a man on Youtube who promised to tell me how easily a corrupt video ile can be restored. Oh good, I thought: a man who can! But he couldn't. All he did was tell me to use the programmes that had already failed. Nothing that's free, nothing I can pay for, nobody with good advice can restore what is lost. Ah well, it's not a real disaster, we'll just go back into the 'studio' 🙂 Maybe there is a way. I just don't know where to look. I don't know who to ask. And that's perhaps our problem in life itself, the world has become damaged, but either people don't know who to ask or they don't know where to look. The irony is that there is the One who freely provides the remedy, the One who has the answers, and who remedies, restores and rescues. The Bible verse says, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32 v 27) People may scoff, they might dismiss Biblical faith, or ignore such claims that Christians make about prayer; indeed some professing Christians sometimes live as if God is inactive. Maybe the problem is not that faith and prayer don't work, but that we haven't fully tried it. There's a lovely old song that, although often discarded now, I've seen on YouTube being sung by modern Gospel singers. It's 'Come ye Disconsolate' and has the line: 'Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.' I heard that phrase years ago before I knew it was in a hymn; and what a phrase it is! The song invites us: Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish; Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel; Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish, Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. The major truth here is this: Where all earth's remedies - free or expensive - fail. When the advice of others falls short, God himself, who knows the need of our heart, will respond to those who truly seek him Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and neither be afraid.' (John 14 v 27) Remember, there's nothing too dif icult for God. Hold onto these promises. God bless you 🙏

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06 March 2021

ello everyone; it's not just a normal Saturday: this is Song Saturday where we take a look at one of tomorrow's songs used in

Together in Worship. This can be found on:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA This is one of those songs that has numerous tunes from different eras and are suited to different types of settings. The tune most associated with this 'Praise Meeting' type song sounds almost like a bugle call with its ''up and down' reveille-style melody. It's a joyful, exuberant tune with no excuse given for refusing to clap your hands or get out that tambourine. There is another tune, written by Salvation Army composer, Ernest Rance. 'The Reason' is a lovely tune that is more reflective, more melodic; though to be honest, it's best not attempted if you're not a soprano or a tenor! But the tune we will hear tomorrow in Together in Worship was written more recently for songster brigades to sing and is usually sung smoothly and beautifully. Tomorrow it's given a bit of an African Gospelfeel to it that makes you want to sway and move a bit, especially at the end! It's a shame that we don't know anything about the gentleman who wrote the lyrics to this song. We know it was written in 1877 - so it predates The Salvation Army - and one reviewer says it has 'an American feel' to it; whatever that means. It certainly does sound like one of those revival songs that came across the Atlantic in the mid 19th Century, and which were sung in testimony meetings and crusades. It's certainly a testimony song, and as with other songs like it, was perhaps designed to be sung in a 'call and response' fashion, with soloists singing different verses, and then the congregation joining-in with great gusto when they got to the chorus. Each verse asks, 'would you know why?' followed by the immediate answer: 'tis because...' Ever since, this song has given words to anyone who wanted to share their testimony, but who was timid or tongue-tied. We are called to answer the question why we believe. What is it about Jesus we admire? What convinces us he is the One to worship? What has he done for us? What does he mean to us? If anyone were to ask you today 'why do you believe, why do you love Jesus?' what would you say? Peter the Apostle, you may remember, famously (literally) swore when he insisted he didn't know Jesus. He was more than nervous, he was frightened; but he regretted it immediately. It was he who wrote 30 years later, 'Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.' (1 Peter 3 v 15) Be ready with the reason that you believe, be con ident enough, prepared enough, to say 'This is why...', Why do you believe? What has God done in your life? Think about that for a while; it may be that the words of our song tomorrow might just help you to ind your own words, and inspire you to say to someone: 'This is why...' Would you know why I love Jesus, Why he is so dear to me? ‘Tis because my blessèd Saviour From my sins has ransomed me.

Would you know why I love Jesus, Why he is so dear to me? ‘Tis because, amid temptation, He supports and strengthens me.

Would you know why I love Jesus, Why he is so dear to me? ‘Tis because my friend and Saviour He will ever, ever be.

Would you know why I love Jesus, Why he is so dear to me? ‘Tis because the blood of Jesus Fully saves and cleanses me.

Would you know why I love Jesus, Why he is so dear to me? ‘Tis because in every conflict Jesus gives me victory.

Refrain: This is why I love my Jesus, This is why I love him so: He has pardoned my transgressions, He has washed me white as snow.

See you tomorrow! God bless you 🙏

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08 March 2021

ood morning everyone! Monday again, a week stretches ahead with fresh opportunities, the last week - good or bad - has gone. I read yesterday about two boys who were vandalising property, throwing bricks and generally behaving abusively. It seems they were quickly and decisively dealt with. The result was many angry comments. But what surprised me was the news that the parents, who were morti ied about what their boys had done, had been round to the owner of the property to offer an apolo y for the behaviour of their sons. It got me thinking. The capacity to forgive is a virtue, the need for forgiveness is sometimes heartfelt. What would it be like if we lived in a world where there was no forgiveness offered, and no forgiveness found? I remember as a boy trespassing on a building site one evening with a friend. A man came and threatened us, saying he would report us to the police. Well, I remember feeling very frightened that we would be in great trouble. Looking back I think it was an idle threat to scare us off the property - but I just wanted my 'trespass' to be forgiven - and forgotten. I often wince when I hear people use the word 'unforgivable'. If they actually mean 'inexcusable', meaning that there should be consequences, or restitution made, then of course. But don't we all feel the need for our past, even our present, to be forgiven (even if we live with consequences)? We often talk about 'mistakes' nowadays, as if calling a wrongdoing a mistake makes it seem not as bad. Some people are happy to forgive a 'mistake', whilst using the word 'unforgivable' for a trespass, which is something deliberate, something we choose to do even though we know it's wrong. When Jesus taught us to pray,. 'forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us' he meant those sins that are deliberate. And what a wonderful thing it is to know that when we admit these trespasses, God forgives those things in our life that are more than just mistakes. The Book of Common Prayer has a memorable phrase when it says that we have sinned 'through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.' To me, that phrase sums up our own opinion of ourselves, it owns up to the problem, and then - quite wonderfully - realises that every wrongdoing can be forgiven; not just the mistakes, the excusable things. That, I believe, is what we all would wish for ourselves, what gives us relief from the burden we might have carried, and gives the opportunity of having a fresh start, a clean sheet, a new leaf. Thank God that forgiveness is not restricted to the small things or the 'deserving'. If the offer of forgiveness by God's grace includes me, then what a relief to know that it can also, through repentance and faith, cover the unforgivable too. Let this new day, new week, also be a new start. Almighty God, my heavenly Father, I have sinned against you and against my neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through my own deliberate fault. I am truly sorry and repent of all my sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for me, forgive me all that is past and grant that I may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen. God bless you today 🙏

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09 March 2021

orning all, we hope the week has started well for you. If there's one thing I really like, it's historic towns - like Guisborough, of course. The ruined priory, half the town made out of the stones nicked from said priory, the old town hall now being renovated, Westgate (the High St) itself which is quite untouched, especially if you look up to the irst floor windows, the old houses and cottages near the Army hall. It's just lovely. Actually, did I say 'one thing' that I really like? As well as the town, I like to see history in the country side. The old farm building, an old bridge, and ancient footpath. One of the lanes that leads out of Guisborough is called Wilton Lane. It leads uphill into the countryside, with hedges on either side and beyond them the ields; sometimes hidden, sometimes stretching away out of sight.. Oddly, dividing Wilton Lane from the houses and the school back in Guisborough is a busy bypass; a road that was arti icially created a mere 26 years ago. Turning back to the lane however, one can imagine how this centuries-old road was once a dirt track, a way of dividing ields, of linking farms, and providing perhaps a wagonway leading to the old Northgate road into Guisborough itself. I stood for a moment imagining a time in previous centuries when the sheep were driven across from one ield to another, or a herd of cows was taken down into the town to the market. I imagined the farm boys, the old farmer walking this ancient lane in sun and rain. And when I looked closer at the hedges, I could see just how old they must be. There was new growth at the top, but there in the middle the old, thick, gnarled trunks and branches of hedges that might have been there for many, many decades. They were all deliberately planted by the forebears of today's farmers and landowners to enclose the ields, to de ine the dirt track, the road between Guisborough and Wilton Village. Nobody is going to move those hedges. Ever. I can't imagine Wilton Lane ever being widened into a bypass, into a dual carriageway. Those ancient hedge-boundaries planted and shaped along the side of today's road will stay as a reminder of just how ancient that lane really is and, of course, to remind people of the security of ownership: these ields belong to someone, and nobody will encroach. The Israelities, given a land to make their own, were warned irstly not to move the boundaries: 'Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set' (Proverbs 22 v 28). Don't take extra land from other people, but also protect your borders, don't move them to blur the edges, to allow others to 'invade' or encroach. Maintain the difference. Keep what you have inherited 'sacred'. We're living in a world where the barriers are being torn down. Boundaries are moved, differences blurred, The old certainties are being questioned and removed. How is this helping? Some might say, "It's progress!" To which I say, 'Of course, if the progress is according to Godly principles.' But much is moving 'down, if you like; and I'm reminded of a Salvation Army song with the words, ‘In a world of shifting valudesthere are standards that remain; I believe that holy living by God’s grace we may attain.’ I have to say that the further we shift the boundaries, the less-well all this is going to end. Don't move the ancient boundaries that our Christian fathers set. Those hedges are there for a reason. God bless you today. 🙏

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10 March 2021

ello everybody.

'Is there a window open?' asked Major Fiona last evening? We were sitting having our evening meal, and we could hear the loudest birdsong you can imagine, even above the television. 'Have you heard that bird?' I had remarked. I have no idea what it was, but it was really loud. And then it was gone. This morning he, or she, was back. Loud, insistent, very tuneful. Did I say loud? I lay there thinking, it's come to wake me up. It's nature's alarm call. Well, I was certainly awake. But I'm sorry, I was going to ignore this loud alarm call, seeing that it was only 5.45! Thankfully, the bird moved away; I could hear it a little further away, and then it was too far to hear. In my mind I imagined that it was indeed an alarm call sent to awaken me like years ago in industrial towns where a man would go along the street and tap on each bedroom window to make sure the mill workers got out of bed and got ready for an early start at work. Probably the most unpopular man ever! Of course, the bird was nothing of the kind. It was just staking out it's territory. We romanticise birdsong and suggest all kinds of reasons for singing including praising God; it's a nice thought, but it's just a bird communicating with others. It certainly hadn't been sent to wake me up - even though it did. 'Awake, sleeper', says the Bible in Ephesians 5:14, '...and Christ will shine on you.' That's a wake up call! It hints at blessings to come, of the light of life and love that God waits to give us. To live in the light of God is to know his forgiveness - metaphorically taking away those 'dark places' in our hearts. It means a new life of joy and peace; above all, living in the light of Christ means to know him, to have his presence. By his Spirit, and in the words of the Bible he says, 'Awake, sleeper...' but there's an important phrase there too: 'arise from the dead'. It's not enough to be awake, to be aware, we need to act. The light of God shines on those who 'arise' - in other words, those who say yes to the call, respond to the voice, the gentle tapping if you like, of Jesus on the heart's door. Will you respond to his voice? The promise of light, life and love is a wonderful one; why stay 'asleep' when he offers, not just a day of blessing, but a whole life - eternity in fact? Father, your word contains the promise of so much blessing - life itself, with the assurance of your presence and peace. I want to be 'awake' to the wonder of your grace, to live each day in the light of your love for me. Today, I follow you out of the night and into the prospect of all you want to give, but especially into the blessing of just being with you, Jesus the light of the world. Shine on me today, and through me, to bless others too. Amen. Enjoy your day, God bless you 🙏

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11 March 2021

ood morning to you, on a windy Thursday.

From the living room of my house I can look over the backs of the shops of Westgate, our High Street, and see the roof of the old Guisborough Town Hall. Actually, what I can see most prominently is the top of the scaffolding that has been built around and over the top of it like a cage. What has impressed me over the winter days has been the sight of men in yellow jackets creeping about over this scaffolding, three storeys above the ground, in wind, rain, snow and ice. A round of applause goes to anyone who works outside in bad weather, let alone working at any height! The abandoned old town hall here is a shadow of its former self - the stonework is dirty and worn, some windows were broken or even slightly open, it looked derelict and dark. It's been unused and neglected. It's been such a shame to see it. Then hope was kindled and plans were publicised for its restoration and renewal. A large banner was hung, for all to see: Our Town Hall Lives Again. That was a testimony of hope and intention rather than the done deal, and it excited people to see that progress was being made. Mr Murray, the Chair of the project said, 'Guisborough Town Hall (will) change its appearance from being an ugly duckling to a building in which the entire community can be very proud.' It will have new uses, and a new appearance, but I wonder how many in the past have looked at it and saw no hope, no future. Maybe they looked at the worn stone, the blank windows and assumed demolition was the way to go. The progress that has been made is the result not just of hope, but of intention, of vision. It will be an example of how something seemingly lifeless and, a relic of the past, can be renewed. The Bible tells us that God's intention, God's vision towards us, is never to discard us, never to dispose of us, but always to offer personal, inward renewal. There is hope for us all! How many times did people joke with me when I used to sell the War Cry in pubs, 'Oh I'm beyond redemption!' That's never been true of anyone. When someone, anyone, puts their faith in Christ, the old is on the way out! Paul says 'they are a new creation... the new has come!' (2 Corinthians 5 v 17) Now, we may all be a work in progress. We might feel the scaffolding is taking a while to come down! There are rough edges to be smoothed down, there are gaps to be illed. Sometimes there are some big changes to be made; there might even be setbacks and progress seems to be reversed. You may have heard the phrase, 'Be patient, God hasn't inished with me yet.' It sounds trite, but it's true. The promise of God is this: that 'he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion...' (Philippians 1 v 6) Allow God's Spirit to work in you, bring your life to him; let him create something new in your life. In this quiet moment, still, before your throne, Conscious of your presence, knowing I am known, In this quiet moment, set my spirit free; In this quiet moment, make a better me! Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏

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12 March 2021

ood morning everyone, we made it to Friday! How are you? It's a question we all ask each other and, let's be honest, not one we all answer truthfully. 'I'm ine thanks.' 'Yeah, I'm good.' 'Not bad.' Thankfully it's basically true; things could be worse. We are OK 'under the circumstances', and we're no worse off than anyone else, the usual niggles, the common pressures of life - and the joys and pleasures as well; so yes we're ine... But what's becoming clearer through this pandemic and the lockdowns and restrictions is the issue of mental health. I don't mean mental illness; I'm talking about the stresses that affect our mental well-being, depression, lack of con idence, feelings of loneliness, lack of self-worth, and more; the worries that we endure privately. These things are highlighted in lockdown but, I need to say, are made worse by not speaking about them. Gentlemen, yes I'm talking to you, we are the worst when it comes to not speaking about the stuff we face. It's not weakness to share with a friend or trusted colleague a concern that you have, an issue that's worrying you. Speaking about it to someone who will just listen and buy you a coffee is sometimes the answer, the help we need. And really, that's not just the men either. It really is good to talk, especially under these circumstances that we've faced for a year now. And if your mental health is helped by talking to one who cares, then don't neglect your spiritual health either. Actually, the two can be linked - talking in prayer with God is a way to peace of mind, and healing. Jesus said, 'Let not your heart be troubled... believe also in me.' The believing mind receives the 'peace I give you.' (John 14) Paul writes, 'The Lord is near, have no anxiety, make your requests known to God in prayer...' (Philippians 4) The disciples came to Jesus and asked him to teach them to pray. (Luke 11 v 11). Really? Did they need to be taught the words? Jewish boys were taught masses of prayers from childhood. It's a religion of words; prayers and blessings illed their lives. But notice, they didn't ask 'how' to pray, they asked to be taught 'to' pray. Sometimes, as men need to be encouraged to actually talk about their feelings, we need to be taught actually to pray. How many times do we not pray in a dif icult time? We don't bother God, we try to think it through without his guidance and then wonder why it's not resolved. How much time do we spend in our prayers each day? We - and I include myself - easily rush into a day, or end a day without much time spent sharing thoughts and words with God. Oh teach us to pray; to pray regularly, unhurriedly; to pray because we want to be with him, and not because of any duty. Lord, teach us to pray, and the promise will be ours: 'then the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will keep guard over your hearts and thoughts.' (Philippians 4) Lord Jesus, teach me the blessings of prayer; just to sit in your presence and know that you are there to comfort and guide. Lord, teach me the bene its of prayer, as I bring my thoughts, feelings, needs and cares to you who knows my heart and promises to answer prayer. Lord, when I pray, meet me there, and may we 'commune as friend with friend.' Amen Have a lovely Friday everyone. God bless you 🙏

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13 March 2021

elcome to Song Saturday! Each week we look forward into

tomorrow's Together in Worship and contemplate the words, and sometimes the music, of one of the songs or hymns. We've looked at majestic hymns, evangelical songs and simple choruses. Today, a lovely peaceful song that my generation and above sang in school assemblies: Lord of All Hopefulness, Lord of All Joy. Perhaps, with it's imagery of home life it's the perfect hymn for Mothering Sunday tomorrow. If we start with the melody I think we can see why this song has been so popular; it's a lovely old Irish tune, not a religious tune at all, and was set to the words 'With my Love on the Road.' The church has often used folk tunes and set spiritual words to them, and here we have what personally I think is one of the best. We call it 'Slane' which is a hill in Ireland where, according to the history books, St Patrick (who's day it is on Wednesday) lit an Easter bon ire in de iance of the pagan king at the time. That doesn't sound a very peaceful occasion, and it seems strange that such a peaceful tune would be named after such a confrontation. The words were written especially for the tune by Jan Struther. (Real name Joyce Torrens-Graham, who is also famous for the 1940 novel Mrs Miniver which became a ilm starring Walter Pigeon. You see, you really do learn something new every day!) She called her hymn 'All Day Hymn' which is understandable, as it takes us through the whole day in the presence of God, with the repeated prayer, 'Be there...' There's something, as Joan Welburn our late piano player used to say, 'satisfactory' about this song; it does feel like it satis ies, it gives a sense of calm and peacefulness, as it moves gently through the day reflecting on the presence of God which it seems to me reflects a loving family home. He's there when we awake, he's there in the busy-ness of the day, he's there to give us rest at the end of the day; it seems to me that the song actually pictures Jesus - he's the one working in the carpenter's workshop, he's the one with words of welcome and hands that bless, he's the one who says, 'My peace I give you.' An important thing to note is that the song seems to reflect a day that we ourselves ill with prayer and devotion. We think of him throughout the day, we pray on all occasions, 'Be there...' Doesn't the peace of Christ come mainly to those who live and work in his presence? If all we do is surrounded by prayer and a conscious sense of God being with us, then we will indeed know the bliss, the strength, the love and the peace of Jesus in our hearts, all day. Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy, Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray, Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, Your hands swift to welcome, Your arms to embrace. Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray, Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe, Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray, Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray, Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day. Jan Struther © Enlarged Songs of Praise 1931

God bless you, See you at 10 tomorrow.

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15 March 2021

orning all! Happy Monday to you.

Do you like your name? We 'grow into them' I guess, they become part of who we are. If I were to change my name to Brad or Leonardo, you'd probably fall about laughing, and then tell me they don't suit me. I'm an Antony, and even if I started to call myself by my middle name (Gareth), you'd probably tell me I don't look like one. At our family quiz night last week there were roars of laughter as we started teasing our oldest son/brother about names for his baby son when it arrives. We used some names that featured in the quiz. Atticus is a great name!. And what about Onslow (from Keeping Up Appearances!)? Well my son was not impressed... Names are important, they are more than mere words that identify us, they become 'us'. In some cultures a name is given to a child which might describe a quality or a virtue in their language, in the hope they will grow into that virtue. In the Bible names are given or even changed in order to describe someone's new role or life: Abram becomes Abraham, Jacob becomes Israel, Simon becomes Peter. You may have heard the story about a child who told his teacher that God's name was Harold. The teacher, who should have known better, asked, 'Harold? Where did you get that name from?' The boy simply replied, 'Our Father who art in Heaven, Harold be thy name.' Well, Harold/Hallowed.... To a ive year-old they might indeed sound similar? We use the word rarely anyway; though we might speak about being 'within these hallowed walls', Hallowed simply means 'greatly revered and honoured.' And we would add words that reflect holiness - such as goodness, love, compassion and purity. These words, the name that is 'hallowed' reflects God's nature. When Jesus taught his disciples to say 'hallowed be thy name', and then followed it with ‘thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew 6 v 9,10) I believe he was suggesting that just as God's kingdom reflects God's nature, then so should our world, our community, our lives: the kingdom and nature of God should somehow so influence the way we live 'on earth' that it should begin in small ways to reflect that Kingdom when it comes fully. Commissioner Keith Banks wrote a very simple song that says so much about 'thy will be done on earth': Help us build a loving world, A new and better loving world, Lay the foundation on Jesus Christ our Lord, And help us build a loving world. He introduces other qualities too: a caring world, a sharing world, a peaceful and a happy world. I believe these are all what a 'hallowed' world would look like - and virtues like these all reflect something of the name and nature of God, whose name is hallowed. May our world see more of his 'kingdom come'. Have a lovely Monday, God bless you 🙏

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16 March 2021

ello everyone from Majors Antony and Fiona.

How's that diet coming on? You know, the one you started in January? Or if you didn't commit to that (or need to do it) how's Lent going for you? What was it? Chocolate? Biscuits? I heard of a family that's given up bread. I wonder what they do about the Lord's Prayer...? The thing I have discovered about diets is that they really focus your mind on the very thing you are trying to escape from: food! Until you try to cut something out you never think about it. Maybe that's why we need to go on diets in the irst place; we eat without thinking. And the less we think about it, the more we eat! Suddenly, after months or years of not thinking, we start to think, 'Why do my trousers not it?’ Anyway, it's true that a diet focuses on food. What can I NOT eat, how much CAN I eat? When's my next meal, why am I hungry and it's only 3.30? If only I could stop worrying about food... Have you ever wondered why the Lord's Prayer, illed with high concepts as 'thy Kingdom come', ‘forgive us our trespasses' and 'For thine is the glory' contains that one, seemingly mundane line, 'Give us this day our daily bread'? (Matthew 6 v 11) Well, on the surface it could be said that it reflects God's concern for us as 'whole' people - soul, spirit and body are covered in this prayer. Does it not reflect God's provision for our daily needs? Does it encourage us to pray; as Jesus says elsewhere, 'Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall ind, knock and the door shall be opened unto you’. ( Matthew 7 v 7). It might also reflect his teaching that we shouldn't worry about life's necessities: 'Do not worry about what you will eat or drink, or about what you will wear...' (Matthew 6 v 25) Yes, I think it does reflect God's goodness to us, and it is an encouragement to know that God is concerned about our daily life, but I think it's deeper than that. Notice it doesn't ask for strength to work and earn our own daily bread. And the inclusion of the very words 'give us' point to one deep truth: that ultimately, whether we are hard-working or not, God is the ultimate provider. James, the brother of Jesus said that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. By telling is to pray 'give us this day our daily bread' I think Jesus is reminding us not to be self-reliant, to believe we can go it alone and have parts of our life where we don't need God. It's true of course that we do have a responsibility to provide for ourselves, but in humility and trust it's good to offer up thanks to God for it all, and not forget that we should 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.' Secondly, he's teaching us to trust him. If we are concerned, worried and anxious about anything - and let's use bread just as a symbol - that thing is going to ill our minds constantly and we will get no peace. Pray for your daily bread, thank him that he is the provider, and then leave it with him. He knows what you need and he will provide. Father, giver of every good and perfect gift, I thank you that even in your majesty and glory you are concerned about those very things that concern me. Help me Lord to trust you for my daily bread, my every need. Help me to trust you when I pray, and to thank you for the answers. In Jesus name. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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17 March 2021

elcome to Wednesday! It's a special Wednesday of course; if you're Irish, have an Irish name, or can claim Irish ancestry. So, happy St Patrick's Day to you all, and to our two oldest sons who were both born in the lovely city of Londonderry, which means of course that should they so wish, they can apply for Irish citizenship and play sport in an Irish team... I myself believed until last week that there was not one drop of Irish anything in my Mugford veins. I started doing my family tree more than a decade ago, believing I was entirely of West Country descent, speci ically from Dorset. Well, the truth was even further West, as I traced the Mugfords back to the 16th Century North West Coast of Devon (maybe alarm bells should have rung even then.) To that, I was glad to add in my Welsh ancestry via my mother's mother who came from the Valleys, and whose accent I can hear even now, 20 years after her passing. But the Mugfords were all Celts from Devon. But then I discovered my Scottish heritage via my Welsh Nana's Lancastrian husband whose grandfather was from East Lothian. And that's not to mention a bit of Norman French coming from some female line dating back to the 12th Century!! Are you confused yet? You will be. As I was when last week I looked again at my DNA results I received about 8 years ago, and realised that there were more matches in Ireland than there were in England! I can't say the Mugford name came from Ireland, but it certainly, and understandably seems that someone came from Ireland across to North Devon somewhere before the Tudor times. So, Happy St Patrick's Day to me!! Of course (don't tell the Irish) St Patrick was actually Scottish. Or Welsh. Or English. Nobody knows where he came from! The Irish claim him as theirs because it was he who brought the Gospel of Jesus to the Irish people, having been captured and taken there by Irish pirates. (There's a thought! Maybe I'm descended from an Irish Pirate!!) Anyway, the accounts say that Patrick, Patricius, Pádraig, or Padrig, converted thousands of people to Christ. And legends grew up around him. The famous one, totally unfounded of course, is that he banished all the snakes from Ireland. The second one was that he used an Irish plant, a shamrock, to teach the pagan Irish about the Trinity; how God can be three and yet one; Father, Son and Holy Spirit together, but one God. It's a simple and ingenious illustration, and shows how a learned man could easily get a dif icult truth across to the people. The Bible can be a dif icult book to understand, but faith can be simple. The truth we believe in can ill thick academic books that explain it in language that only a professor could understand, and yet that same truth, put simply, can be understood by any young child. Thank God for St Patrick, and thank God for all those who, over the years, brought us to faith and explained to us the stories of Jesus. Father we thank you for people like Patrick who were willing to tell others of your love and truth. We pray for our world today; we're almost in need of missionaries like Patrick to speak to the nations, to convince and convert people to follow the way of Christ. Maybe just where I am, with simple words and a loving heart, I could speak for you too. I'm no saint Lord, but I want to be used to show others the love of Jesus in my words and actions. Amen. God bless you 🙏

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18 March 2021

ello everyone from Major Antony & Major Fiona.

I just love the picture that I have included today with the text from the Lord's Prayer: '...as we forgive those who trespass against us.' Of course the quote itself should start with a prayer for ourselves, 'Forgive us our trespasses....' but this picture really does symbolise the bene its of forgiveness. Giving forgiveness can be hard to give, but wasn't it hard for us to be forgiven? I remember two women who lived near each other. They had fallen out once, but it was a long time ago. They didn't really speak, and if either one of them needed a lift to church the other was no way going to offer. Why? Because they fell out. And what did they fall out over? It was so long ago, neither one could remember what it was. But there was no forgiveness. No, I don't understand it either. Over the years I have come to appreciate the thought that rather than the Bible commanding things, it offers us the availability of them; so for example, rather than saying with a wagging inger, 'You must repent!' Rather than saying to a sinner, 'You must be born again!', and rather than saying 'you must forgive' - all of which are true by the way, Jesus said so! - it's equally true to say: You CAN repent - the relief, the blessing, the release that comes with forgiveness can be yours. You CAN be born again - that new beginning, that forgetting of the past, that leaving past regrets, can all be yours. You CAN forgive - the freedom of forgiving others is liberating, life-changing. Why let someone live 'rent free' in your mind because of resentment you hold? Forgive them and let them go. The truth is that when we don't forgive, we are the ones that need freeing, we are the ones tied to the past, bound by the wrongdoing of others. And that's what the picture symbolises for me, the freedom that comes by forgiving others. That includes the freedom to receive our own forgiveness of course. How can someone with an unforgiving spirit ever hope to receive forgiveness themselves? That's what Jesus is saying. He's not saying you won't be forgiven until you forgive someone else; he's saying you can't because your heart is closed. Forgiveness is the most beautiful thing. Relationships are healed, families are reunited, friendships rekindled, and blessings with number come from God. Don't hold onto a grudge until you can't remember why you hold it. Let it go, forgive and receive God's grace and love. God forgave my sin in Jesus' name. I've been born again in Jesus' name And in Jesus' name I come to you To share his love as he told me to. He said 'Freely, freely you have received; freely, freely give. Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live. God bless you 🙏

Page 312

19 March 2021

ello everyone, it's Friday once more.

We've come to the end of a week where we have, very briefly, taken a glance at the Lord's Prayer. It's almost universally-known, though I do wonder whether people are being taught it nowadays. If they are not, then it's a terrible shame. I ind the inal phrase of this prayer most uplifting: For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen! If it were a piece of music, this would be the inal movement, the crescendo, the piece that brings the audience to its feet in applause. Can there be a better reminder of God's glory than this? We should always pray in the light of God's majesty rather than under the circumstances of our need; look up, look beyond, and see the wonder of the God who can answer your prayer. I love to live in Guisborough. I've commented many times about the walks I have taken over this past year the quiet lanes, the old railway line, the path into the woods, the rolling ields that stretch away. Isn't there something literally glorious about these views? But I would also look down and see the glory of the flower under the hedge, the songbird in the branches; these too are wonders of a creation that reflects the majesty of its Creator. When we use glory to describe God, some of us might think of Mount Sinai when God appeared in thunder and lightning, Some might think of the parting of the Red Sea, or the Trans iguration, where Jesus literally shone with the glory of God. But there are times when the glory of God is 'small' like God speaking in a 'still small voice', or the coming of God into the world as a small baby in a stable. Is the glory of God not seen in a child, a smile, an act of kindness? We had a Zoom prayer meeting last week, as we have done every week for a while. I was in my attic-of ice, some were in their kitchen, a dining room, a lounge. And I felt that we were like 6 small lights shining into the darkness with our prayers - the glory of God was in the prayers of a group of ordinary people speaking the names of those who are sick, worried or sad. Yes, the glorious music is often found at the end of a symphony that stirs the soul; but there is also glory in a simple melody. Look for something glorious today - even something tiny - and thank God for his marvellous power reflected there. God bless you today 🙏

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elcome to Saturday, and Song Saturday.

This week is slightly unusual because, though I am featuring a

hymn, it's not from Together in Worship. In fact, there is no recorded meeting from Guisborough tomorrow, instead there is a live meeting, on YouTube, led by Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, The Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff. I will post a link. I still wanted to do a Song Saturday, however. And with us coming up to the irst anniversary of lockdown this coming week I wanted a song of faith, of con idence in God despite all the awful things that have happened over the past year. For that reason I have chosen In Heavenly Love Abiding. In heavenly love abiding, No change my heart shall fear; And safe is such con iding For nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid; But God is round about me, And can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me, No want shall turn me back; My shepherd is beside me And nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, And I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me Which yet I have not seen; Bright skies will soon be o'er me, Where the dark clouds have been. My hope I cannot measure, My path to life is free; My Saviour has my treasure, And He will walk with me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PYQoX_r0hk I love the Welsh tune of Penlan, it seems sombre, but it really lifts you as you sing - and isn't that what hope does? In dark and dif icult days, hope comes to where you are and lifts up your head and inspires your heart. That's what this tune does for me. The hymn has been described as a beautiful variation on the twenty-third psalm, and of course it has those pastoral images of green pastures and 'my shepherd is beside me'. Interestingly, the woman who wrote the hymn, Anna Waring, has been described as a very shy and retiring person; being an introvert means that she will have valued highly the quietness of prayer and the restful con idence that these words bring. We have to wonder sometimes, when a poet writes, 'My heart may low be laid,' what her experience was at that moment? Her faith was certainly sure enough to be able to write 'But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?' That's a rhetorical question - but if anyone needed the answer spelled out, it's 'No!' ‘Who can be against us?' asks the Apostle Paul - another rhetorical question - 'Nobody!' This is how this hymn lifts us, and I chose it as a representative hymn that reflects the many expressions of faith and hope that we have shared together over these last 12 months. We sometimes ask where this will all end, when will it end? There have been times when there has been sickness, tragic deaths, family struggles, inancial worries, and now increasingly-known, mental health issues. But we are people of faith who do not walk alone. There is that wonderful con ident line that helps us to square our shoulders and step out again in faith: 'He knows the way he taketh, and I will walk with him.' How does that happen? Simply by heeding the instruction of Jesus to 'abide in my love'. (John 15 v 10) If we abide in his love - resting, remaining, living in that love - then we will never be alone even if there are dark clouds. The green pastures and bright skies are sure for those who live in the love of Jesus. God bless you all 🙏 Have a lovely weekend.

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20 March 2021

22 March 2021

ood morning everyone on a beautiful sunny Monday. It's easy for many to look out at a new day like this and to feel that all's well in the world, everything's in its right place, that we 'belong'. Did you ill in your census yesterday? Name, age, where you were born, where you live now, your job, your marriage status... Nobody will ever see it for over 100 years. Isn't that a strange thought. As a genealo y fan - I've traced the Mugfords back to Devon in the reign of Henry VIII - I have to say that it's only been possible either through the census records recorded since 1841 or through baptism, marriage and burial records which started in 1558. People have been traced simply by knowing where they were christened or buried. What's more interesting is, for example, reading behind the facts. I discovered an ancestor who lived in Brighton, but who travelled to Croydon to give birth simply, it seems, because the child was illegitimate and at the end of the 19th Century girls were 'sent away'... The truth was revealed in the census. There are some surprises like that in every family tree. Had Jesus been born at the time, genealogists might have wondered why his name didn't appear in the Nazareth census; they would have discovered him in the Bethlehem one: Mr Innkeeper - Head of Household. Born Bethlehem Joseph - Carpenter. Visitor. Born Bethlehem Mary - Housewife. Visitor. Born Nazareth Jesus - infant. Visitor. Born Bethlehem It's important to know where you are born. The Bible verse, 'The Lord will write in the register of the peoples, "This one was born in Zion".'(Psalm 87 v 6) reflects the great pride Jewish people who were born in Jerusalem felt at being born there, the very City of God. However, it's written in the Psalms as Zion because that's the spiritual term for Jerusalem, and the idea is that anyone who belongs to God can claim to be a child of Zion. It might be an adoption, as Paul calls it - ‘we are adopted as God's children’ (Romans 8 v 15) - or as Jesus calls it, a 'rebirth': 'You must be born again.' ( John 3 v 7). There will be a inal census where God opens the records to ind where we were born again - may we be sure that we are each the child of a King and able to say: 'But I've been adopted, my name's written down An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.' Makes sure your name is on that heavenly census form, so that when the roll is call up yonder you'll be there. Father, thank you that you call us to be your very own children. That assurance of being in your family, with my name in the 'Book of Life' is great comfort and encouragement to me, but Lord it's not something just for the future, it's today that I am blessed knowing that I belong to you, that I'm part of the family of God, the household of faith. We are all from different backgrounds and life experiences but Lord, through faith we are members of Zion's City. Thank you Lord for including me and welcoming me. With Jesus my Saviour, I'm the child of a King! God bless you 🙏

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23 March 2021

ello again everyone.

On this date last year we were already living restricted lives due to the new Coronavirus. Churches, restaurants, pubs and yms were closed. We were socially-distanced, some of us were self-isolating for the second or third week already. You couldn't buy hand sanitiser or paracetamol, and don't mention toilet paper. I think a year on, some people are still using up what they piled into their trollies last March! And then, on this date, 23rd March, our Prime Minister said the words we knew were coming; but even though we expected them they were still shocking! "From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home.” Our world seemed to fall silent; do you remember? Main roads were devoid of cars, there were no people in the High Street after teatime, and if we went shopping it was with mixed feelings of 'thank God I'm out of the house for ten minutes' and 'should I really be out?' There were some positives: the birds seemed to be singing much louder, the sun seemed to shine constantly for the irst three months, we saved money by not buying petrol, new clothes or, for some people, beer! Rainbows were seen in windows and the sound of clapping was heard on doorsteps. And then it got dif icult. We felt worried, closed-in, lonely. Some ran out of money. Gradually the people who fell ill and died were closer to home. And over the months we have prayed, or stopped praying; we've hoped or despaired. We've had good news and then bad. And now we're at the stage when, wonderfully, half of the people have been vaccinated and we cautiously wait for lockdown easing - or, realistically wonder if another wave of infection will come... It's a foolish Christian who believes that Covid-19 doesn't affect the church; likewise it's foolish to believe that Christians have all the answers. We are potential sufferers along with people of other faiths and none. So what's the difference? Hope. Peace. God. Not that the presence of these protects or removes threat. We remember that the Lord is still our Shepherd even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He is with us there. So what's the bene it of faith? Simply this, and without further comment from me, one year on we can be inspired by the words of St Paul in 2 Corinthians 4. His words encourage us to never give in, never give up. Think about them for a while, and read them into your own circumstances, for these are words of faith: 'For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...' God bless you 🙏

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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 va 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 2020

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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Psalm 4 v 8 Psalm 5 v 3 Psalm 27 v 5 Psalm 63 v 3 Psalm 89 v 5 Psalm 121 v 1,2 Psalm 139 v 7 Psalm 139 v 17 18 Psalm 141 v 2 Psalm 143 v 8 Psalm 145 v 18

12th 8th 17th 15th 3rd 30th 14th 22nd 9th 16th 2nd

Isaiah 49 v 16

23rd

Zechariah 13 v 1

24th

Matthew 5 v 14

27th

Mark 1 v 41

28th

Luke 10 v 20

10th

John 1 v 5 John 8 v 12

31st 26th

Romans 12 v 2 Romans 12 v 5 Romans 12 v 12

29th 20th 13th

Philippians 4 v 19

2nd

Colossians 2 v 13 15

21st

2 Timothy 3 v 16

19th

Revelation 1 v 7 Revelation 3 v 5 Revelation 7 v 9

1st 5th 6th

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Index of Bible Verses - October 2020

Index of Bible Verses - November 2020 Genesis 8 v 1 Joshua 24 v 15 Psalm 8 v 5 Psalm 46 v 1 Psalm 57 v 7,8 Psalm 77 v 11 Psalm 136 v 9 Psalm 139 v 14 Isaiah 43 v 1 Isaiah 61 v 1 – 3 Jeremiah 33 v 3 John 1 v 4,5 John 1 v 41 Romans 5 v 5 2 Corinthians 5 v 17 Philippians 3 v 14 Philippians 4 v 6,7 Colossians 2 v 7 1 Timothy 2 v 1 2 Hebrews 10 v 23 Hebrews 11 v 6 Hebrews 13 v 14 1 Peter 1 v 8 1 Peter 5 v 14 Revelation 5 v 12 Revelation 22 v 16

2nd 4th 20th 5th 6th 25th 23rd 11th 9th 28th 13th 3rd 30th 10th 14th 18th 19th 27th 4th 24th 16th 7th 17th 26th 21st 12th

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Index of Bible Verses - December 2020 Genesis 1 v 14 Deuteronomy 7 v 9 1 Kings 19 v 11 Job 38 v 7 Psalm 19 v 10 Psalm 22 v 19 Psalm 91 v 11 Psalm 103 v 5 Psalm 145 v 18 Psalm 150 v 3 Proverbs 30 v 5 Proverbs 15 v 13 Isaiah 52 v 12 Isaiah 55 v 9 Matthew 5 v 10 Luke 2 v 14 Luke 2 v 25 Luke 2 v 36 John 1 v 5 John 1 v 14 John 16 v 24 Romans 6 v 23 Romans 15 v 13 1 Corinthians 16 v 20 2 Corinthians 3 v 18 Galatians 4 v 4

22nd 7th 19th 15th 4th 3rd 23rd 10th 12th 2nd 16th 17th 31st 5th 28th 14th 29th 30th 1st 26th 21st 18th 9th 8th 11th 24th

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Index of Bible Verses - January 2021 Exodus 15 v 11

9th

2 Chronicles 15 v 5

23rd

Psalm 4 v 8 Psalm 59 v 17 Psalm 46 v 10 Psalm 71 v 14 Psalm 139 v 12

12th 2nd 7th 27th 8th

Ecclesiastes 3 v 1

22nd

Isaiah 1 v 18 Isaiah 26 v 3 Isaiah 60 v 1 3

11th 18th 6th

Matthew 10 v 8 Matthew 19 v 14

14th 29th

Mark 1 v 22 Mark 4 v 40

30th 13th

Luke 24 v 15

4th

John 8 v 36 John 10 v 27 John 17 v 17

16th 5th 15th

Acts 2 v 17

28th

Romans 8 v 25

20th

1 Corinthians 2 v 2

1st

Philippians 1 v 3 Philippians 4 v 7

25th 26th

1 Timothy 2 v 1

21st

Hebrews 11 v 1

19th

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Index of Bible Verses - February 2021 Psalm 103 v 14 Psalm 127 v 3

17th 10th

Proverbs 4 v 25

12th

Ecclesiastes 3 v 11

9th

Song of Solomon 1 v 3

6th

Isaiah 52 v 7

24th

Matthew 1 v 21 Matthew 6 v 33 Matthew 11 v 28 Matthew 13 v 44

8th 20th 1st 4th

Mark 4 v 39

15th

Luke 2 v 6 7

16th

John 14 v 6 John 15 v 15

26th 2nd

Romans 12 v 15

5th

Ephesians 3 v 20

22nd

Philippians 4 v 8 Philippians 4 v 19

23rd 11th

Colossians 3 v 12

18th

Hebrews 10 v 24 Hebrews 11 v 10

3rd 27th

James 1 v 2

19th

1 John 4 v 16

13th

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Index of Bible Verses - March 2021 Psalm 103 v 14

17th

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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 in 2019 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.

Guisborough

uisborough is a market town with a cobbled high street, Westgate, on the northern edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, England with a population of about

18,000. The Salvation Army commenced initially in 1879 but the Corps (church) was o cially opened in May 1880 by Captain Martha Malthouse. Since when the Corps has served the town of Guisborough and the surrounding area with Christian worship, outreach and compassion.

ffi

Page 325 ffi

Biography