Faith in a Changed World Antony Mugford
MAY 2020 Page 1
I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121
© Antony Mugford First edition compiled and edited by David White Published by BrancoPrint © Majors Antony & Fiona Mugford The Salvation Army Westgate Guisborough TS14 6AW https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/guisborough-citadel
01 June 2020
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Prologue In 2020 the whole world was struck with Coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China. Countries were affected 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 technology 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 Officers of Guisborough Citadel, UK grasped this opportunity with daily ministry to both the Corps Fellowship and a much wider community via Facebook and YouTube; reaching many hundreds of people. Each Sunday, and other special Christian occasions, online services were also produced. This booklet is a collection of those daily “letters" shared to an audience that remarkably grew exponentially; thus contacting, and helping, many hundreds of people during the Coronavirus lockdown. What an opportunity of witness these ‘letters’ proved to be! We can only hope and pray that the short-term benefit will lead to a longer-term commitment and blessing. David White
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Sunday services
E
ach Sunday, rather than having another reading, Majors Antony and Fiona lead online worship, Together
in Worship.
These services including Good Friday were added to the Guisborough Salvation Army Church Youtube channel and are all still available; the links being: Sunday 29 March 2020 https://youtu.be/odOTyJm9Zdk Sunday 05 April 2020
https://youtu.be/NPog17ifg1Q
Friday 10 April 2020
https://youtu.be/Iw5RMOH31wY
Sunday 12 April 2020
https://youtu.be/rT_hDb0hVrU
Sunday 19 April 2020
https://youtu.be/i1xPyZaCaP4
Sunday 26 April 2020
https://youtu.be/LSTWnPwR0rI
Sunday 03 May 2020
https://youtu.be/Wq7HW__ODDI
Sunday 10 May 2020
https://youtu.be/kLCOtacgypo
Sunday 17 May 2020
https://youtu.be/5st0tT1mTKU
Sunday 24 May 2020
https://youtu.be/UkONp8OL0io
Sunday 31 May 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8kzJcsoNOw&t=1668s
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1 May 2020
H
ello from Major Fiona and Major Antony on this Friday morning.
Well, as promised I did it đ&#x;˜ . 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ nd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.â€? (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 ďŹ 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 conďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ nd that my burden becomes lighter. I look forward today to a day ďŹ lled with your presence and your peace. Thank you Lord. Amen. Have a great day everyone, ďŹ nd something positive and fun to do! God bless you đ&#x;™?
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2 May 2020
T
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 ďŹ 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 diďŹƒculty 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 ďŹ elds and rear animals to feed us. In diďŹƒcult 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 đ&#x;™?
Join us online tomorrow for Together
in Worship. Page 7
4 May 2020
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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 signiďŹ cance to you, but with no explanation needed. I was 'lucky' to be nominated a few days ago. My ďŹ rst was an album of children's songs from 1966, the second the very ďŹ 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! đ&#x;¤Ł 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 đ&#x;™? .
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5 May 2020
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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 ďŹ nd very helpful and appropriate to them. In these unusual and ongoing times, you might ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™?
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6 May 2020
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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 diďŹƒcult - 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?â€? 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ nd you to be the answer to their prayers. In Your name I pray. Amen May God bless you đ&#x;™? 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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7 May 2020
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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 đ&#x;‘? đ&#x;‘? đ&#x;‘? đ&#x;‘? 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ ght to do it all ourselves, and have faith in the one who can ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 diďŹƒcult times; and I confess that sometimes I don't even know you're there. And so, on those days let me remember that you 'ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™? Whatever you do today, have a great day!
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8 May 2020
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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 ďŹ 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 diďŹƒcult 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 đ&#x;˜Š If you need anything just contact us. God bless you đ&#x;™?
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9 May 2020
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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 đ&#x;˜ ; 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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.đ&#x;™? Major Fiona will be on her way home soon so she'll expect a 'bedtime' cuppa; better put the kettle on.
Join us online tomorrow for Together Page 13
in Worship.
11 May 2020
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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 notiďŹ cation on our laptop that Windows wanted to install an update. Oh good I thought đ&#x;™„ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 'satisďŹ 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 dissatisďŹ 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, ďŹ 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! đ&#x;§? ↔ đ&#x;§? đ&#x;™‚ God bless you đ&#x;™?
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12 May 2020
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ood morning! How are you? Major Antony and Major Fiona here. We'd wave at you if we could see you đ&#x;™‚ đ&#x;‘‹
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 ďŹ gures I don't have the 'beneďŹ 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 diďŹƒcult 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-aďŹƒrming; 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 đ&#x;™?
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13 May 2020
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orning everyone. Hope today is going well for you đ&#x;˜Š
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. đ&#x;™?
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14 May 2020
M
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 gym 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 diďŹƒcult not to mutter at her. When I've ďŹ 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 gym 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 beneďŹ 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 diďŹƒcult 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. đ&#x;™? Page 17
15 May 2020
G
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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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. đ&#x;™?
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16 May 2020
G
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 cheekâ€?.' 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 youâ€?.' 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 ďŹ nd today rather diďŹƒcult; you know the reasons, you understand the circumstances. For us all, whether today is good or more diďŹƒcult, 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. đ&#x;™?
Join us online tomorrow for Together
in Worship. Page 19
18 May 2020
H
appy Monday everyone đ&#x;˜€ 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 signiďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™? Page 20
19 May 2020
G
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 filled 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 fine 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 đ&#x;™? Page 21
20 May 2020 Hello 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 ďŹ nd - I am deďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ nd peaceful moments. God bless you đ&#x;™? Page 22
21 May 2020
G
ood morning đ&#x;Œž
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 ďŹ 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, scientiďŹ 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,â€? 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. “Great is Thy faithfulness!â€? “Great is Thy faithfulness!â€? Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,â€? Lord, unto me!
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!
God bless you today đ&#x;™? And if you know any one who works in healthcare, thank them and more importantly, pray for them. Until tomorrow‌‌‌‌‌ Page 23
22 May 2020
M
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 magniďŹ ed the changes - illness and death, most tragically, but also ďŹ 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 signiďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™? Page 24
23 May 2020
H
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 ďŹ 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, ďŹ 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, ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™? Page 25
25 May 2020
M
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 ďŹ 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, ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 diďŹƒcult family situations. Their circumstances are made more diďŹƒcult 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 đ&#x;™? Page 26
26 May 2020
H
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 đ&#x;™‚ 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: 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.
Another song gives us a prayer for today: 1 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.
2 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.
Thou who knowest all my weakness, Thou who knowest all my care, While I plead each precious promise, Hear, oh hear and answer prayer.
May you have a peaceful, gentle day. God bless đ&#x;™? you, Page 27
27 May 2020
G
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 diďŹƒcult 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 ďŹ nd truth. Let it be guided by you and, by following Jesus the way, the truth and the life, may we all ďŹ nd the grace we need to live in peace and unity. In the name of Jesus, Amen. God bless us all today đ&#x;™? Page 28
28 May 2020
T
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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ re had been made. It's very foolish of course and dangerous. Fire spreads and can be destructive. We will remember the Australian ďŹ res that were just awful and locally we know about ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 - ďŹ rstly, ďŹ re or heat can be used to purify, cleanse or reďŹ ne. We could think of precious metals that are reďŹ ned in that way, the impurity taken away. In a symbolic way our hearts are reďŹ ned from wrong thinking and actions by God's inuence in us. Secondly, this ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™?
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29 May 2020
G
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 ďŹ nd history, ďŹ 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 ďŹ 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 đ&#x;™? Page 30
30 May 2020
M
orning all! A new day, new opportunities. đ&#x;˜ƒ
We are so fortunate to live in a world of advanced technology, whether it's what you're holding in your hand to read this, or whether it's the technology 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! Technology had to bow to the weather. More signiďŹ cantly, with all the world's accumulated scientiďŹ 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 technology 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 đ&#x;™? Be safe.
Join us online tomorrow for Together
in Worship. Page 31
Biography
O
riginally from Blackpool and Bristol, Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, with 32 years experience as Salvation Army Officers, have served mainly as Corps Officers (church leaders), but also have experience of working in homeless services and in elderly care. Fiona is also a qualified staff nurse working in hospice care in Newcastle and Stockton, and last year Antony completed a Masters Degree in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. They have three adult sons and have been Corps Officers here in Guisborough since July 2014.
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