Faith in a Changed World - A Second Year
Antony Mugford 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
31 March 2022
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Prologue In March 2020 the United Kingdom was a ected as 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. Even as restrictions eased this ministry has continued. 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
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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
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24 March 2021
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n this very day exactly one year ago I got out of bed, made myself a coffee and thought, 'I need to write a message to the town on our Church Facebook page.' I started 'Dear all, Greetings from Major Antony and Major Fiona at The Salvation Army…' It was a short, simple message written on a sunny morning telling anyone who read it that 'one thing we will not do is be afraid,' I encouraged the readers on that day to trust God, to talk to him, and to believe, with us, that God has everything in his hand. Little did I know on that day that I would continue writing every day that week; it was just a simple one-off message coupled with a prayer as we started in the new experience of lockdown. Well, a comment was made to me later that day that convinced me that I should write more messages. The days turned to weeks, to months - and here I am a whole year later with a shelf containing the paper copies of these daily messages that have been collated by David, a member of the Salvation Army here. If you'd have told me then..... Why did I do it? How do I do it? Well, if I tell you the 'how' irst of all, I sit down with a coffee every morning at 6.30 to 7.30 and I think. I listen. Sometimes the thoughts come easily, sometimes I begin to worry that I will have nothing to say. Once or twice I have written something and thought, 'That's not very good,' but later that day a reader has commented that it was just what they needed to hear, that it helped them, blessed them. I've had phone calls from people to say that it was a word from God to them for that day. People I don't know have stopped me in the street, 'Are you Major Mugford?' And they've commented on the daily readings. And this is 'why'. I believe that the Church must say something. The Church is primarily a movement of the word - we have a message for the world, and what better time to speak, to write, then during these long months of hardship, sorrow and stress? If the Church is silent, who is going to inspire faith in God? Who is going to speak of hope and trust? Who is going to encourage people to lift their eyes above the confusion of the world and see meaning and purpose, and above all love, coming from God our Heavenly Father? I have walked paths around Guisborough I possibly would never have discovered had it not been for lockdown. And I'm reminded of the passage that says 'To the hills I life mine eyes, from whence cometh my help?' The answer of course is not the hills, but the creator of the hills. To God himself, that's whom we approach for help; and these daily words have been just simple lights for each dark day - and for the bright ones too! Just remember that, as we embark on the second year of restrictions, hoping they will recede, and thanking God for the vaccines, God 's word, the Bible, is still a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. I invite you to pray the same prayer I wrote for the very irst of these daily readings, a year ago today: 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, I pray 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, just let us know. God bless you all 🙏
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25 March 2021
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ood morning everyone!
Last week we had a holiday. Not that we could go anywhere; the furthest we went was Bishop Auckland for me to get vaccinated! Anyway, we spent much of our week in the garage opening boxes, sorting through 'stuff' that was old, damaged and useless. Some of it was old, precious and totally wanted, but there was so much that was just 'there', taking up space, no use to anyone. Fiona was so pleased to ind some ornaments that had got neglected and packed away - 'I wondered where they had got to!' I found things I didn't know I had and which have been brought into the house and put safely. Some things take up space, and we are glad they are there; they are part of life's memories, the gathered experiences, the shared events and places. But so much of the things we lifted out of boxes was greeted with 'O you can get rid of that!' or 'Why have we still got that?' And in the end, believe it or not, I went to the tip three times with our car illed up, with the seats folded down, of 'stuff' that was damaged, useless, unnecessary and quite frankly a burden. Can you believe there was stuff we hadn't seen for 7 years or more. I think you can safely say that by that point if you have stuff like that you don't really need it! Some people might not be bothered by a garage full of clutter, but I have to say it haunted me somewhat. 'We need to sort it, we need to go through it, we need to get rid of that stuff.' It was on my mind, it niggled at me. And now, having done it, having reduced the pile signi icantly, I can go into a tidy, sorted garage and not feel burdened by all that stuff. We might do the same with our minds too. So much 'stuff' that we carry around 'up there', burdens, memories that keep returning, regrets, old resentments that mean somebody we don't like is 'living rent-free in our minds', taking up space. There might be fears, concerns about things that haven't even happened yet! There are unforgiven sins, attitudes, worries that wake us up at 5am. These are our burdens; they take up space like boxes in a garage, but Jesus says, 'Come to me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.' He recognises that so many of us live with a burdened heart, a restless mind; we carry stuff around us wishing we could get rid of it. I remember a simple song we used to sing when I was a teenager; you might remember it: Days are illed with sorrow and care Burdens are lifted at Calvary Hearts are lonely and drear Calvary, Calvary Burdens are lifted at Calvary Burdens are lifted at Calvary Jesus is very near Jesus is very near Other Gospel songs talk about burdens rolling away, and that's what Jesus does for us. In Pilgrim's Progress, on reaching the cross, the straps which bind his burden to him are broken and the burden rolls away into Christ's tomb. That's a lovely Easter picture - that at the cross as you kneel there, your burden can roll away and be lost. I walk into the garage now and the burden of years of rubbish and accumulated stuff has given way to neatness and order. It's a restful feeling. When we 'cast our cares onto Jesus for he cares for us' (1 Peter 5 v 7) the burden is lifted and our mind is put at rest. Lord Jesus, I cast my cares upon you, I lay all of my burdens down at your feet; And any time I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon you. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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26 March 2021
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ello again to you all. Major Antony and Major Fiona here at the end of another week that has flown by all too quickly! Some people love the weekend to arrive soon. Me? I've got stuff to do before Sunday, I could do with a day between Friday and Saturday sometimes! We live in a world, I guess, where speed is of the essence. Most of us will remember when letters needed to be written and posted, and then a reply expected by post in a few days. Even if you phoned, it was 'Put it in writing and we'll get back to you by post.' How would the world work now under that system? Sometimes I've got impatient if an email hasn't been replied to in 15 minutes - and I know that someone was annoyed with me once because she mistakenly copied me into an email to a colleague where she wrote: 'Antony is not very email responsive'!!! It was one email I'd forgotten to reply to; what a cheek! 🤭 😁 People under 30, I'm guessing, would be totally amazed at the idea that business was once conducted by 'snail mail'. And I'm not going to touch on the concept of typewriters! Yesterday I had to go to a post box, those underused things for letters apparently. But it wasn't the high street one, oh no; not even irst class post was suf icient. I had to walk to the sorting of ice to post something in the 'Priority Post Box'. I felt quite important as the little parcel clunked to the bottom of the Priority post box. It's not for common post, this was us getting 'Priority.' When I was young, we were told that saying a prayer was like sending a letter to God and 'Amen' was the stamp. Then we were told that prayer was God's telephone and we can call him up. There was a little song about it. I'm not sure there's a song about heavenly emails, texts and WhatsApp messages to God, but what I do know is that as far as God is concerned there is a Priority service. We are his priority, and whenever we pray he instantly hears us; not even a text message guarantees that! There's never a prayer that is lost in the inbox or treated as 'spam'. There's no second class. The Psalmist prays, 'But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.' (Psalm 22 v 19) We are assured that as soon as that prayer is prayed, even before we've got the thoughts together or the words out, he has heard it. Psalm 139 v 4 says, 'Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.' That's Priority Post. He hears the prayer, and then he's already got the matter in hand. Does that not encourage us all the more to pray? You are his priority, he will hear you. Keep praying, keep on believing, keep on asking. Sometimes simply knowing he's there is answer enough. Enjoy your Friday everyone. God bless you 🙏
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27 March 2021
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elcome to Song Saturday, where we take a song, hymn or chorus from tomorrow's Together in Worship and consider it.
It's Palm Sunday tomorrow and it was a choice for me: Sing Hosanna! or Ride on in Majesty... Let's go with the latter. Firstly, a much written-about theme of the day itself is the contrast between what people expected of a king, and the attitude Jesus displayed of humility and gentleness. It's interesting to me then that the hymn was written by someone who was certainly not living in humble circumstances! The hymnwriter was Henry Milman whose Dad was George III's doctor - so there's a royal connection there. What's more, Mr Milman became Reverend Milman, having been educated at Eton and Oxford University. He became the rector of St Margaret's church, the one used by MPs because it's across the road from Parliament; he became Canon of Westminster, and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. So I think I can safely say that Rev Milman was 'up there' with the great and good of the land: Bishops, Archbishops, MPs, Lords, Aristocracy and even royalty. He wrote about a dozen hymns, but this one is the one we all know. 'Ride on, ride on in majesty...' he writes, and he knew a thing or two about majesty and majestic occasions; but then he writes about 'lowly pomp' and 'thy meek head', not to mention 'thine humble beast'. You can't have Palm Sunday without including the donkey! This is what the hymn is about - the contrast between majesty and humility. It's designed to paint a picture for us as we sing. A lot of hymns are beautiful words of prayer or praise; they are poetic words of devotion, but this one makes us use our imagination. The very irst word takes us straight to the igure of a man sitting on a donkey and riding it through the streets. Now, I come from Blackpool, noted for 'fresh air and fun' - and donkeys. Those who live near certain roads are used to seeing small herds of donkeys being walked a mile or so down to the prom to spend the summer days carrying little children a hundred yards there and back on the famous golden sands. Last week I walked up to see the donkeys that live on the edge of a Guisborough housing estate; they are on furlough from Redcar beach at the moment, and as you look at them it's dif icult to imagine a grown man sitting on one and looking digni ied. I don't know how tall Jesus was, but a grown man with his feet nearly touching the floor bobbing up and down on a donkey that's still something of a colt, is not 'cool' or digni ied: the word 'humble' certainly shows the attitude of Jesus who wasn't interest in maintaining any sense of dignity. And this is captured poetically by a digni ied churchman who, seeing the majesty within Jesus the Son of God, sees the outward attitude of humility, of lowliness, but also single-mindedness as he 'rides on to die.' This isn't a devotional song, a prayer; there's no worship, but it invites us to imagine the scene. There is an interesting verse however that adds to the Bible version and uses strange language. 'The wingèd squadrons of the sky...' are described as watching sadly and in wonder as Jesus goes to be a sacri ice. The angels are watching. This was written many years before planes were invented, so I looked up 'squadron' and it means just a group of soldiers; so here is another example of humility. Jesus could have called down the mighty armies of heaven to show his majesty and power; but no, they were kept away as Jesus rode, humbly, 'not to be served but to serve and give his life for many.’ And that's what brings us to bow our heads in worship. Others may cry Hosanna, and we do too, of course; but we also see the one who will die for us. John the Baptist said three years before this: 'Behold the lamb of God (another meek and humble animal of course) who takes away the sin of the world.' So, as we read the words of this hymn we think about the humility of Jesus who chose to do all this for us - to bow his meek head and die - for my sins, for your sins. As we begin Holy Week, may that truth bring you closer to him. Ride on, ride on in majesty! Hark, all the tribes hosanna cry; Thine humble beast pursues his road with palms and scattered garments strowed. Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o'er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty! The wingèd squadrons of the sky look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacri ice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The last and iercest strife is nigh; The Father on his sapphire throne expects his own anointed Son. Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die; Bow thy meek head to mortal pain, Then take, O God, thy power and reign.
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29 March 2021
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appy Monday everyone! It's Holy Week; that doesn't mean of course that this week is more holy than any other, it simply means that our thoughts are focused on Friday, and the cross that loomed ever larger for Jesus. One of the constant complaints during lockdowns has been the closure of pubs, restaurants, yms, etc, etc. You feel for employees in this vast sector of hospitality and leisure, and as well as that we feel the restrictions against the ability to socialise. Of course the same is said for the churches and Salvation Army halls up and down the country; for many of them, as well as the desire to gather together freely there is also the ban on singing that has been dif icult; singing isn't just a musical 'thing', that's why merely listening to music while lovely, doesn't have the same effect or bene it: the actual act of singing reflects the heart. We sing loudly and joyfully in praise, we sing with love and devotion when we pray. Singing releases emotions and has a spiritual bene it too; it's why the Psalmist uses words like 'I will lift my voice to sing Your praise...' (Psalm 59 v 17) This is why it's so dif icult to imagine worship that doesn't include singing. Oh how we miss gathering for worship, not merely because we miss seeing each other in a crowd, but because we can't express our prayers and praises in unison. I am longing for the weekend of our irst worship meeting; that Sunday morning is going to feature so much singing! And of course, we will sing prayers as well as say them. On the Monday of Holy Week Jesus went into the Temple and was absolutely incensed by what he saw. His anger reflected the wrath of God because what he saw was not simply people selling doves and running a dishonest currency exchange, but people who were taking the temple for granted, not using it for its intended purpose. The temple was, in God's own words, 'A house of prayer for all nations.' (Isaiah 56 v 7) And here they were obstructing, cheating, treating it like a marketplace, neglecting it and actively preventing people freely using it for prayer. It's no wonder God was angry. They were not valuing worship itself; they were neglecting prayer, they were ignoring him. I have to say that I am bemused when I read on a town's Facebook history page the comments from people who say how sad it is that such-and-such a church closed, 'I got married there,' 'I was christened there,' 'I went to Sunday school there.' I'm tempted to write, 'Well if you had all carried on going it wouldn't be closed now...' The reason Jesus 'cleansed the temple' by driving out the money changers was not because he liked the building so much, but because people were not worshipping from the heart; and that privilege is encouraged and open to us all, regardless of whether a church building or Army hall is open. Prayer is beautifully expressed in song and worshipping together, but prayer, irst of all, is a personal thing: 'what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.' The best singing, the best music-making in a Sunday church service or Army meeting is that which comes from people who pray at home throughout the week. I am SO looking forward to our irst meeting back whenever that might be - because I know there will be months and months and months of prayer just waiting to be released in singing! Guisborough Citadel will once again be 'a house of prayer for all Guisborough (and beyond)'. But in the meantime, value your personal prayers each day. Each of us, according to the Bible is a 'temple of the Holy Spirit.' (1 Corinthians 6 v 19). Go there each day in prayer. Lord, with the son writer I know 'the pure delight of a single hour that before thy throne I spend.' It may not be an hour, Lord, but I do value those times with you. I can worship you, pray for others, pray for myself. Lord, when I pray help me to feel your presence more; meet me in those times and may my heart become 'a house of prayer.' (And Lord, hasten the day when we can safely meet together to sing our prayers together!) Amen. God bless you all 🙏
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30 March 2021
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ood morning everyone, As I look out of the window at the brightening sunshine, I'm thinking wistfully of the holidays. Not that we were going anywhere over the summer, but there are many people who were looking forward to their Jet2 Holiday to whichever beach resort they were dreaming of. Travel abroad has been stopped - hence our holiday a couple of weeks ago which we spent in the garage clearing out the stuff we've accumulated! If you're not going abroad, can I recommend Blackpool? Actually, probably not :) I was reading that the modern package holiday to foreign shores is not as modern as we might think. The ancient Greeks enjoyed their holidays - and behaved badly on them too! There's a very old statue 500 miles down the River Nile in E ypt where, over 2000 years ago, a Greek tourist has scratched his name into the stone. Tourists even in those days could be unruly! We can't tar them all with the same brush, of course; there were Greek tourists in Jerusalem in the last week of Jesus' life too - though they didn't know that. It was Passover Week and loads of Jewish people were there for the worship at the Temple; but just as today, there were travellers from across the Mediterranean seeing the sights, enjoying the food, experiencing the culture. And Greeks, being people interested in learning and new ideas, were there to be part of the worship. Coincidentally they had witnessed the events of Palm Sunday. That's why, with Jesus around and drawing crowds, a group of these Greek tourists approached a disciple, Philip, and asked him to introduce them to this evidently-famous Jesus. There was a crowd around them, but we're not actually told whether they got to see him to talk to, but after a statement from Jesus to the crowd, we're told Jesus left and hid himself. He wasn't a celebrity giving interviews! That phrase, 'We would like to see Jesus', just a request for an interview, has become very famous. Sermons have been preached, books written just on that one phrase - usually the old-fashioned King James Version: 'Sirs, we would see Jesus.' (John 12 v 21) In these increasingly secular days, people have become quite cynical towards the idea of God. There has been a very big rise in atheism among the younger generations, fuelled by popular authors, TV personalities and comedians, many of whom are not just unbelievers but who dispute and denigrate the idea of a God. I've heard them use words like myth, but also terms like 'imaginary friend' and even 'sky-fairy'. It's very dismissive and designed, I'm sure, to offend and unsettle the Christian. I guess there is something in the idea that because God cannot be seen there are those who will refuse to believe but this is why we value Jesus so much. When people say 'there is no invisible God' I would simply say, so look at Jesus then! In him, in this man, God is seen perfectly. Everything about him - his life, his teaching, his death and resurrection shouts loudly of the God who cannot be seen. You may know the book - quite old now - called 'Who Moved the Stone?' It was written by a lawyer, a man with a meticulous mind for evidence, and was a project started by him to deliberately and inally DISPROVE the resurrection and debunk the idea of the man who was God - Jesus. Well, after all his research, guess what? The evidence was conclusive; this lawyer, weighing it all up realised that it was true. He saw Jesus - and through him found God for himself Sir, we would see Jesus is a prayer that is always answered. There are those who will never believe because they will never make that request; but I have heard and read so many testimonies of people who didn't believe in God, but through a crisis or a need, said, 'Jesus if you're real, come into my life'; and he did! When people genuinely ask to see Jesus, he never refuses. But to those who ask idly, cynically, without an open heart, Jesus hides his face. We'll see those types of people in the events of his trial and death; but those who seek will ind; those who ask, will receive, and those who knock will have the door opened unto them. Those who already believe have this assurance, that even though we know him already, we can see more of him each day. Where will you see him today? Day by day, day by day, O, dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day. God bless you today 🙏
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31 March 2021
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ood morning everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
We're halfway through Holy Week as the hours now begin to 'speed up' on the journey to the cross. The triumph of Palm Sunday is today rapidly fading and traditionally this is the day when it all starts to go wrong. Intriguingly this is called 'Spy Wednesday' - more of that in a moment. I was out and about yesterday more than I have been for a long time. The weather was beautiful, and two days into the slight relaxation of restrictions whereby we can now meet each other in our gardens, It made me smile to see groups of neighbours in the sun sitting in deckchairs. As well as that, people were walking, there were couples, families with children, three or four mates just enjoying being outside. The world seemed a little more normal yesterday. I reflected on what it was like this time last year when the irst lockdown really was a lockdown and I was commenting that there was hardly any traf ic, birds were singing louder, and people were walking! I reckon the hills and woods above Guisborough have never seen so many walkers! And dogs? Everyone seemed to have a dog, and I used to joke with people that it was as if people had gone out to buy a dog to give them an excuse to go on the 'Boris-exercise' (remembering that the PM had said we could only go out for an hour's exercise or to walk the dog!) Yesterday however I read some sad news. I read a news report that said the animal shelters are full. They are full of abandoned dogs, no longer needed, no longer wanted; discarded now that lockdown is less restricting. I thought how very sad that is, that people could abandon a pet like that simply because it had 'served its purpose.' They say that a dog is man's best friend - well not to some people. And this brings me to Spy Wednesday. One hymn that will be used in Good Friday's Together in Worship has these familiar words: We may not know, we cannot tell What pains he had to bear...
We assume it refers to the actual cruci ixion; but what about the emotional pain, for on this day of Holy Week, there is revealed a spy in the camp. For this is the day when we remember that Judas, a chosen disciple, a travelling companion, a trusted follower, decided that no longer was Jesus his friend, but someone to be betrayed. Oh there have been many theories and excuses, reasons and justi ications for what Judas did including that Judas simply wanted to spur Jesus into some kind of 'kingly' action - but nothing can excuse him abandoning his Master and his Friend. Yes, I wonder how the heart of Jesus must have been so grieved. Psalm 55 which is seen to foreshadow the betray of Judas says this: ‘For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.…’ Sometimes Jesus is portrayed as a rather stoic igure, going to the cross with calm assurance. Personally, I see the betrayal of Judas as a severe blow to Jesus; it must have hurt him deeply, and in a way makes Jesus more human, more like us. If this reflects something of life's sorrows, things we all go through, then it shows once again that we have a Saviour who knows and understands. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews encourages us to 'consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may grow weary or lose heart.' (Hebrews 12 v 3) Spy Wednesday; not a ictional James Bond thing, but a moment where Jesus experiences a very human situation and yet endures it. In all our human needs we have someone who truly understands, and truly cares. Lord Jesus, the more I realise what suffering you endured, the more I realise how close you are to our own needs, emotions and situations. On the days we feel alone, on the days we suffer, may your presence and your example encourage us to endure. We sometimes feel others don't really understand; but Lord, we know that you understand us completely, and you will never abandon or leave us. Help us too, to be loyal in our love and service for you. In your name we pray. Amen. God bless you all 🙏
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01 APRIL 2021
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ello everyone. Today is Maundy Thursday. It's the day the Queen would normally give out Maundy money, the day of the Last Supper, the last full day of Jesus' life. It's the day when everything changed completely. Late yesterday afternoon I was working in my of ice at home and it was really warm. The sun was streaming through the window above my desk. I was concentrating on my work and I looked up and suddenly the sun had gone, and was that smoke? No, it was mist. I looked, and couldn't see the hills and the trees. Well that was a sudden change. It became cold. The week turned 'cold' for Jesus on that Thursday. It was the day of shocking betrayal by Judas, and that night of the agony in the garden and the arrest, and then the shameful denial by Peter. So what did Jesus do? He told his disciples to love one another. More than that, he demonstrated it. We're told that he 'got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.' (John 13 v 4, 5) To say the disciples were shocked would be an understatement. Why was Jesus doing this - especially when it was his last few hours of freedom? Well, Jesus obviously thought that it was one of the most important things he could do. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word 'mandatum' - a command, an order to do something. His actions and his words, very much the last thing he did, was to command that his followers should serve one another, love one another. It's interesting that for many years the logo of Salvation Army community services - our 'Goodwill' work - was a jug and a towel; reflecting the night Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Do you know what I ind most interesting? This is a challenging thought for us all: Jesus even washed the feet of Judas. It's easy to love our neighbour. But we remember that Jesus also told us to love our enemies. It's easy to forgive people we love, but Jesus forgave his enemies too. 'A new command I give you - it's a mandate - as I have loved you, love one another.' Lord Jesus, I am both amazed and grateful. Amazed that you, the Lord, would kneel and do the lowest servant's task, washing the feet of the disciples. Grateful to read how you loved and served the one who would betray you, and the one who would deny you, because I realise that there's grace and love for me too. On this Maundy Thursday help me to love others, to help others, to show love in my words and actions. And Lord, I would ask for your grace to even love and serve those I might ind dif icult to love. As we think about tomorrow, I thank you for the most wonderful love shown to the whole world. Amen. Tomorrow from 10am there will be a special Good Friday Together in Worship. God bless you 🙏
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ere today we gather at the cross. This is Good Friday always a strange, ironic title for such an awful day. The images of the cruci ixion that go with today must number in their millions - from plain wooden crosses in a chapel to carved or painted cruci ixes and glowing stained glass windows in a church or cathedral. we can add to them all the ilms that have depicted the life of Jesus - maybe you've seen them all: King of Kings, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Jesus of Nazareth, The Passion of the Christ. There have been the controversial ones too; I shan't mention them, but they add to the countless images of a man suffering death by cruci ixion. And of course you have the stage musical (also a ilm): Jesus Christ Superstar. In an age when one religion absolutely bans all depictions of their prophet, the Christian faith is certainly not short of images that depict our Lord and Saviour from the moment of birth to death. But here's the question: what does it mean? Think, for example, of all the actors who have portrayed Jesus in the ilms I've mentioned: Jeffrey Hunter, Max von Sydow, Robert Powell, Jim Caviezel. As far as I am aware, only the last one was a believer in Jesus. Caviezel wanted to portray his Saviour in the Passion of the Christ, as did of course Mel Gibson the co-writer and director, who is a Roman Catholic. I wonder what the other actors thought... There is a church in Blackpool, my home town, with a large, lifesize statue of the cruci ixion. It's not set back in the church grounds, seen from a distance; it's actually right at the side of the pavement at the corner of a shopping street and a road full of guest houses. You would literally be able to touch it. At its base are the words from Lamentations 1 v 12: "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?" It's not a new church, so let's imagine the numbers of holiday makers who, over the last 100 years have walked past. How many considered, how many thought of the Lord Jesus? There will have been many who in their minds will have answered something along the lines of 'It means everything to me.' Today, the majority of people will 'pass by'. Good Friday, to them, will be another day; a day off school, a 'religious day' that doesn't involve them particularly, but to us who believe in, trust, and love the Lord Jesus this day means everything. The cross, in the words of a former Salvation Army General means this: 'Tis the end of my sin and the source of all grace; 'Tis the word of God's love to a prodigal race; 'Tis the greatest, the grandest gift God could impart, Surpassing my reason but winning my heart. O the charm of the cross! How I love to be there! With the love that shines from it, what love can compare? The seal of my ransom in Calvary I see, All my sin, O my Saviour, laid upon thee! What does the cross mean to you today? Join us from 9am onward for a special edition of Together in Worship. May God bless you on this holy day.
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02 APRIL 2021
03 APRIL 2021
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ait for it, wait for it!
It amuses me that as soon as the last Good Friday hot cross bun is eaten, people are already itching to celebrate the Resurrection, as if Saturday doesn't exist. An idle question would be why Jesus didn't rise immediately, why wait until the third day? One possible answer has to do with faith. Very often faith is tested in the waiting, in the uncertainty, in the questioning, in the silence. God does act, he does move, he does answer, but very often it's in a different time to ours. Today, as we wait, this is also Song Saturday where we look briefly at a song we will feature in Together in
Worship. Today we feature Living Lord.
The Salvation Army songbook is very ecumenical. We have Catholic hymns through to Pentecostal choruses, medieval poetry through to children's songs, and everything in between. Living Lord is a 1960s Roman Catholic Communion hymn; could the Army get more diverse? You may have sung it in church or in school assembly. We have included this in our latest song book (albeit omitting the verse that speci ically mentions 'you have commanded us to do this in remembrance Lord of you.') The song has a much broader meaning than communion, of course. It does talk about God's power breaking through in that context, and we don't deny the Holy Spirit's work through the sacrament, but we know also that Jesus comes to us in so many ways; we don't discount the worship using bread and wine, but we would also know that Jesus comes to us in simple prayer, in reading the Bible, in a heart open to the Holy Spirit. Jesus comes us to us simply because he is indeed risen, alive in our heart and in our world. The song reminds us that Jesus 'has come to us', and we have his own promise that we take hold of today on this waiting day because, if we are honest, there are times when we do seem to wait for that promised presence. Like the disciples waiting, we too wonder if there will be an answer, if there will be a blessing. Then, in his time, he does come. It may be unexpected, it may be during a dif icult time, it may be when we've all but given up hope. But we do have his promise: 'I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.' (John 14 v 18) Do you sometimes have an 'Easter Saturday' experience when the answer is 'not yet', or 'wait'? Don't let go of the promise, keep on trusting, keep on asking even. He will come to you. In the meantime, we can follow the last verse and make a move towards him: 'We would come to you, live our lives for you', we say to Jesus. Test him in this: if we make that move to live for him, then we may see him drawing near, and the blessing of new life, new hope, an answer to prayer, will be ours. Lord Jesus Christ you have come to us You are one with us, Mary's Son. Cleansing our souls from all their sin pouring Your love and goodness in Jesus our love for you we sing, living Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us Born as one with us, Mary's Son. Led out to die on Calvary, risen from death to set us free, living Lord Jesus help us see You are Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ I would come to you live my life for you, Son of God. All your commands I know are true, your many gifts will make me new, into my life your power breaks through, living Lord.
We look forward to sharing with you tomorrow for Together in Worship on Easter Sunday! God bless you 🙏
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05 APRIL 2021
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orning all! It's a beautiful April Bank holiday morning. The sun is up, the sky is blue - and as the wind rushes through the trees, there is a scattering of snow on the ground! You have to love British weather! Yesterday was beautiful. Easter Sunday must be sunny I always feel. So sunny, in fact, that I had no excuse for not cutting the grass. And not only did I do that, but I trimmed a holly bush and a tree. Call me Alan Titchmarsh! Spring is the time for growth - in our garden we have daffodils, tulips, some lovely primulas and those grape hyacinth things that grow everywhere. I know that some of you have much, much more than that, and for many people Easter time has become the epitome of new life, growth, rebirth and signs of nature blossoming again. Springtime is the time when the earth 'comes back to life', and we enjoy it; but of course Easter is so much more than the grass needing a irst cut, an abundance of colour in the flower beds and a change in the weather. It's also much more than the three Easter eggs that are waiting to be eaten at the side of my settee, with me having eaten one already. What diet? I was talking to one of the ladies from our church on Good Friday and how - she won't mind me telling you her little granddaughter had said to her, 'Easter is all about Jesus.' Well indeed, 'out of the mouths of babes...' etc. It's lovely and appropriate to illustrate the hope and the new life of Easter with flowers and sunrises, and yes with eggs too! but isn't Easter much more than the hope and prospect of 'life' and 'good things to come'? The story does not say that Mary woke up on Sunday morning, saw the sunrise, looked at the flowers and thought in her heart that 'somehow Jesus is still with me'. Mary thought she saw the gardener - that's a telling detail in itself - but she saw past the spring flowers and saw Jesus himself. She heard his voice through her tears and then looked 'full in his wonderful face' because Easter, as we remember, is all about Jesus. In Together in Worship yesterday we thought about people: Mary, Thomas, Peter, who all saw Jesus face to face, heard his voice, even touched his hands. For them, an Easter morning was not an 'every day would be the irst day of Spring' moment, it was a meeting with Jesus himself. "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20 v 18) Is that not the most glorious sight, eclipsing the brightest sunrise, the most colourful flowerbed (and the tastiest of Creme Eggs)? It makes us jealous (if that's allowed) of the disciples who saw Jesus. However, he has words of encouragement for us who, 2000 years later, believe the Scriptures and then feel his presence: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20 v 29) There is great blessing for us who look for Jesus and ind him through faith. Trust the Bible, trust the testimony of those who saw him before us; open your heart and Jesus will come to you; and you will join the countless millions who have been able to say, at any time of the year, "We have seen the Lord." It's all about Jesus. Have a lovely day. God bless you all 🙏
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
On Easter Sunday I listened to the majority of a radio documentary about the discovery of the bones of Richard III a few years ago. This much-maligned king, the former Duke of York, had been killed in battle, and apparently buried quietly in a monastery in Leicester that had long ago disappeared. Just a few years ago a mixture of historical evidence, hunches, good luck and accident led them to dig up a municipal car park to ind, much to their amazement, the bones of a man evidently killed violently, and who had a telltale curvature of the spine. It was Richard III, now subsequently reburied, with Royal honour, in Leicester Cathedral. The programme retold the uncertainty about the bones. Were they? Weren't they? It took months from the initial ind before the day arrived and in the announcement, the words were spoken: 'I can con irm that...' There followed cheers and great general excitement. Yesterday a memory appeared on my Facebook page; something I wrote on 5th April 2015: 'They found the bones of Richard III 500 years later and reburied them. They couldn't ind the bones of Jesus Christ 36 hours later - and they can't rebury him because he's still alive!' What a coincidence, that my memory should appear the day after listening to that programme. And it's true. Nobody has ever found the bones of Jesus Christ. It's just one of the proofs of the resurrection: if Jesus were still dead, all the high priest had to do was ind the body and show it. All the Romans had to do was display the body and disprove within 3 days the ridiculous notion that a condemned and executed man had risen from a tomb that was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers. Some might say, 'Do we need proof?' Isn't what we believe based just on faith? Well yes...and no. Our faith - believing without seeing - is not faith THAT it happened, but faith in WHY it happened. We put our faith in Jesus because he rose from the dead and was seen by so many. St Paul says 'he appeared to Peter, then the Twelve, then 500 at once' (1 Corinthians 15 v 5). The Gospel writers wrote about many individual meetings, including the physical details about touching wounds and eating bread and ish. And in Acts 1 Luke goes on to say, 'He presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs...' (Acts 1 v 3) His bones will never be discovered in a mausoleum, in a burial chamber or under a municipal car park after hundreds, indeed thousands of years, because they were only laid to rest for a matter of 36 hours. The proof is listed throughout the Gospels and no sceptic has ever been able to counter those proofs. People have tried to unearth a dead Jesus, and all the evidence inally convinced them: the tomb was empty, and more than that: Jesus is alive. No doubt! Does it matter? Oh yes, it does. We serve a risen Saviour! As we said on Sunday, we can say again today because it's true: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Let that truth lift your spirits today. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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06 APRIL 2021
07 APRIL 2021
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ood morning everyone, welcome to Wednesday. Wake up and smell the coffee!
Do you know, I dislike that phrase. It means 'come on, notice what's going on, open your eyes.' Personally I don't like it's slightly sarcastic tone. But what I do like is the coffee part. This morning I overslept by an hour, at least. It was 7.17 when I suddenly realised that I was awake and needed to get up. I've usually inished my coffee by that time and written my daily thought, but here I am at 7.39, with a huge mug of Douwe Egberts, with my brain thinking it's still 6.39... Anyway I've woken up and I'm smelling the coffee. So what is there to wake up to? What is there to notice? What do my eyes need to see? Well as I stumbled down the stairs a Bible verse came to mind. Does that happen to you? It was 'Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' (Ephesians 5 v 14) Actually, being honest, it was that verse but in the King James Version and set to a marvellous old Salvation Army song called The Awakeners. It's the part where the women sing twice: "Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead." The men then take over with, "and Christ shall give thee light..." It's an invitation to wake up (coffee optional) and see the new life that the risen Jesus can give. When a man or a woman comes to believe in Jesus a change happens in the heart. It's not just that we come to believe something, or change our opinion and 'become religious' (how boring would that be?); No, opening our eyes to believe that Jesus is risen, and that because he lives he can 'love, heal and forgive', actually changes us. We 'awake' to a new way of living, of thinking; a new experience of seeing life differently. Jesus called it being being born again. Paul said that 'the old has gone, the new has come'. When our sins are forgiven, the love of God floods in and life is different - we're alive to the light and presence of Jesus, and also a determination to live a life that has different values to our old ways. Being a believer in Jesus will challenge us, change us. An old song puts it like this: 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’erflow, Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine. Today, wake up to the love of God, put your faith in the living Lord Jesus and see everything in a different life. Time for another coffee! God bless you 🙏
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08 APRIL 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
There is a Salvation Army Corps in London that is on a list of of icial tourist attractions. Actually it's not the building nor even the church when it meets; I was told that the weekly march away from the Regent Hall on Oxford Street, with the band playing as it takes up half the road, delaying the buses and taxis, is an attraction that tourists should try to catch at least once. Having been on that march many years ago, I can say it's a stirring sight and sound. But I can say that Guisborough Salvation Army is now also famous, an attraction, a focus of attention. How so? you might ask. Well The Salvation Army Citadel in Guisborough is on a treasure hunt. Yesterday I just happened to nip out to the front of the building and there, looking intently at the outside, was a family: Mum, Dad and a girl of about 6. Dad carried a clipboard and they were looking 'lost'. He saw me and started his enquiry, 'Can you help me?’ Well, it's not usual for an entire family to come to ask for a food parcel - which was my initial thought. Then I wondered if they were looking for a local street, or could I tell them where the library was; I've been asked these questions before. But no, 'We're on a treasure hunt,' said Dad. 'and we're looking for a number.' Mum said, 'Is it on the flag?' Not that she could see much on our flag, which had inconveniently wrapped itself around its pole. 'Ah, no.' I said, pointing to the half-moon coloured glass window many feet up at the front of the building, 'there's the number - 144'. Ah, they peered up, and they could just make out the leaded glass number, grey as we looked at it, and not just that but reversed and backwards. I could almost hear him thinking, 'How were we supposed to get that?' Well, in our defence we didn't set the treasure hunt questions, but I gather these things are designed to be dif icult, the clues cryptic and the answers only gained with some thought and effort. Well, they were very pleased and Dad wrote down on his clipboard the answer and thanked me, saying, 'It's a good job you came outside when you did!' So I offered him this bit of extra info: It's 144 because we were the 144th Salvation Army Church to be opened. I don't know what he and his wife will do with that bit of valuable information, but there you go; I don't mind because the Citadel is on a treasure trail! Somewhere somebody decided to put us on the treasure map and there will be others who will stand and gaze at our hall looking for a mysterious number. And those who do will see our shop window with the Gospel message there: Christ is Risen! I wonder if they read that phrase, I wonder if they noticed the wooden cross. I wonder if they took time, as they searched for the elusive number, to read these words that are placed beneath the cross: God sent His son, they called Him Jesus He came to love, heal and forgive He lived and died to buy my pardon An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives
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.
I'm hoping that they did. I hope that others on the treasure hunt did as well. I hope and pray that many people walking past the hall read those words and ind more than they were looking for. Those words point to a treasure far greater than whatever prize that little family were hoping for if they gathered all the clues from various places in Guisborough. To discover the truth that Jesus is alive, that he can indeed love, heal and forgive, is a treasure far greater than absolutely anything this world can prove, or any prize we can win. Jesus told a parable - a short story - that told of a man who found unexpected treasure in a ield and was so excited, he went and bought the ield to lay claim to the treasure. That's what the Kingdom of God is like, said Jesus. It's worth giving up everything in order to know Jesus. The great thing is that the prize doesn't go to the one who gets all the clues, the one who's irst; the prize can be claimed by us all - as long as we really want it. Have an excellent day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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09 APRIL 2021
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orning all. Friday already?? We hope you have been having a good week and that as we arrive at the weekend some good things have happened for you. Very often the things that give pleasure, satisfaction and blessing don't actually happen to us. We look at good news in other people's lives and we are glad for them, we feel good by appreciating the blessings they received. As a family we have watched this year as our sons, each in turn, have had good news, made progress, been happy. They are making plans, preparing their futures, making progress. As Mum and Dad we watch carefully and feel content. Of course, when they, or others we know, go through dif icult times we feel that too. If you have family or close friends you will recognise these feelings. You'll know the joy of watching someone else succeed, the satisfaction that perhaps you've been of some help to someone. You'll also know the helpless feeling when someone you know is under a burden; you'll recognise your own sadness when someone you care about is experiencing a trial, a disappointment. This is what love is. It's very much a human quality, a virtue we possess. And it's a virtue the Bible not only encourages, but requires. There are so many places where we are told to love one another, love your neighbour, love fellow believers, 'love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4 v 8) Here's a question though: how can we love people we don't know, indeed how do we love our enemies? The answer is that there's a kind love that isn't primarily a feeling, it's an attitude. We don't only love people we have affection for, we love people simply because they are people. Love is not what we have in our hearts, but an attitude of goodwill, to use an old fashioned word. Love means we want the best for someone - even if we don't know them well. Love means we don't wish someone harm - even if we don't get on with them. This kind of love deals compassionately, patiently, kindly. It's the love that rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep. When we love like this, we ful il what is called the law of love. If the world could learn to love in this way what a different place it would be. I guess we can start just where we are. Father of love, you created me to love others and to be loved. I thank you for the family I have, the family I knew. I thank you for the friends around me and far away, and for those I meet and know. Help me to be loving, to always rejoice in the good things in someone else's life, to want the best for them, to wish them no harm. You call me to love you, to love my neighbour, and even my enemy Lord, that's hard; but I know that if your love is within me, then that will be grace enough for me to be that person. Thank you for those who love me and accept me. And thank you Father that you, above all, love me too. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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10 APRIL 2021
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ood morning to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Today is the latest in our series of Song Saturdays, where we look at a song that will feature in tomorrow's online worship. However, there are two differences this week. Firstly, the worship is not our usual Together in Worship from Guisborough; it's from our Divisional Headquarters in Leeds. A link will appear tomorrow as usual, and we pray you will be blessed. The second difference is that we are, as a country, mourning the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. This sad event is deeply affecting the country of course, and our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They must all be grieving like we all do at the loss of a loved one. Prince Philip has, in the last 24 hours been honoured and praised for many things - his absolute devotion to his wife, Queen Elizabeth, his solid influence over his family, his impeccable sense of duty to the Crown, and also his total dedication to the many and varied causes and projects that he has founded, inspired, driven and directed. Whether it was the WWF or the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, or any number of military, scienti ic and engineering projects, Prince Philip has been single-minded and determined to do and be the best. It has also been said that he was a man of profound Christian faith and spirituality, always interested in religious teaching; indeed it was said by archbishops and bishops that he would often discuss with the preacher things that were said in that morning's sermon. So what does this have to do with our song Saturday, and indeed with the text I have chosen to illustrate it, 'Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God' (Matthew 5 v 8)? Well the song selected from tomorrow's worship is 'Breathe on me Breath of God.' Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, Till I am wholly thine, Until this earthly part of me glows with thy ire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with thee I will one will to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
It's the last verse that speaks hopefully of eternal life - very itting as we remember a man who has gone to Glory - but it's actually the second verse that I want to think about very briefly: 'Until my heart is pure...' Purity of heart in the Bible doesn't simply mean 'clean', or 'washed'. We have the assumption that it does mean forgiven, made 'unspoiled' in a moral sense. We talk about 'clean in thought, word and deed.' There is another sense that I prefer, in that to be pure means to have unmixed motives, to be single-minded in love for God and others, to be totally committed to God. It's not a moral thing, but has to do with our motives, our passion, our intentions. The verse of the song goes on to say, in a line that is obscured by the tune we sing it to, putting a break in the sentence, ‘Until with thee I will one will to do...' See there? Purity is all about the will to do something, and to endure it; in other words to maintain that action. Holiness, purity of heart is often seen best not in how pious we are, but in our commitments, our steadfastness to service, our sense of duty to God. If, in our Christian life we are absolutely devoted, totally committed, and if that duty comes from a heart that loves God, then that is being 'pure in heart.' I think we saw that in Prince Philip. A man who loved his wife utterly, who served his country single-mindedly, and who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. His profound spirituality lay behind it all, and, allowing for brusqueness, straight-talking and perhaps a bit of 'Naval language' reveals a man with a pure heart. Enjoy today, and be blessed by tomorrow's worship. God bless you 🙏
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12 APRIL 2021
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Monday morning welcome to you all! We hope your weekend went well.
Today marks another stage in the gradual relaxing of restrictions that we've been living under. I say gradual because there are still many things we can't do, but we can rejoice that some progress has been made and from today we can meet in a small group outside, we can get a haircut, sit outside a café or even go to the ym! It was a wise decision to call this process a roadmap. We can see a destination but we also see a road. Many of us are like children in the backseat: 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet?' It's helpful to have stages to follow; to have short goals along the way that we know we must achieve irst. It's also helpful because experience tells us that there are times when the journey is paused, or even takes a detour. Many of you will have set off in the car and suddenly remembered that you forgot something, and if you haven't gone too far it's been worth going back to collect it. A journey, even a planned one, can be unpredictable. Having a map might not ensure a perfect journey but it at least tells you where you are and reminds you where you're going. 'The Lord directs the steps of the Godly...' (Psalm 37 v 23) I like that. I appreciate that it recognises that life isn't seen simply as one big stage, one trek. God doesn't see it that way either, for he leads us step by step. Each step, each stage, is part of the whole journey of life of course, but is an experience in itself. If today's step is an outstanding success, rejoice! But what if today's step along the way is a moment of failure? Well, there's another step to take using that experience, learning from it. And if your latest step has been a blessing, a moment with God, then praise him. But if on this step you've failed him with sin, don't despair; his grace can forgive the sin that is confessed, place it behind you, and he will beckon you forward to walk, as the Prayer Book puts it 'in newness of life.' Daily grace is available precisely because our life is made up of steps, although they form that one life, each one is an experience with it’s own strength, it's own lesson, it's own grace. Day by day, step by step, experience by experience, he leads us forward. Psalm 37 v 23 goes on to say of God's attitude towards the Godly, '...he delights in every detail of their lives.' He is indeed concerned with your steps, not just the broad overview of your journey. And that, to me is a most encouraging truth. Finally, who are the Godly? Are they the ones who have arrived, the saintly ones? No, the Godly are the ones who simply believe that on today's stage of the journey, as they take the latest step, God is there walking beside them. I know this isn't Song Saturday, but let me nevertheless share words of a song that it so well, and which I offer to you at the beginning of this new week: As the varied way of life we journey,
There are shadows on the earthly pathway
In the days of peace and golden sunshine,
Come the plains and then the mountainside,
Where, at times uncertainly, we tread;
In the days of joy, or days of woe,
Come the days of joy when birds are singing,
In perplexity we halt and linger
There is con idence in Him who holds us;
And the world is fair and sweet and wide;
Till our faith again is upward led.
There is light to guide us here below.
Then a deeper joy comes, over illing,
For the heights of truth are ever calling,
And beyond await the heights of rapture,
From the everlasting throne of love,
And celestial radiance from afar
Where all earthly joys, transcended, fade
And all other joy is but an echo
On our pilgrim way is gently falling
In the glory of the Saviour’s presence,
From the ever-blessèd heights above.
For our comfort where the shadows are.
In the Home eternal He has made.
God bless you 🙏
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
I found a kindred spirit yesterday as I phoned round one or two people who I knew hadn't been very well. His short-lived but very real bout of sickness had con irmed in him something I can relate to: he's not a very good patient. Major Fiona will testify that yours truly shares that characteristic. It's not that I have a low pain threshold; I know that's not true. I think it's because I am so seldom ill that when a brief 'condition' afflicts me I am unprepared. Maybe I'm just soft! In my years as a Salvation Army of icer I have visited and prayed with innumerable people who have endured long-standing illnesses and disabilities, and I have often been impressed by the patience and fortitude of many. I can't count the number of people who, having described illness, sickness, and varying symptoms have then gone on to say, 'Ah well, there's people worse off than me...' Worse off? I have just marvelled at their stoicism at that point. I have also been impressed by their faith. In one appointment, over 25 years ago now, an elderly Salvation Army Brigadier was in what proved to be his inal stay in hospital and as we chatted on the ward he simply said, 'I just talk to the Lord about it.' There was nothing else to be said really. His faith was such that all that was necessary was the assurance that God knew, and that by simply talking to him about what was going on, he was at peace. Sitting here uncomfortably with a short term, though painful condition, I have to say that I admire those who, as the Bible says, are 'patient in affliction', (Romans 12 v 12) but I'm going to suggest that this virtue is not merely an attitude of mind and character, but is part of a trinity of qualities that can be found together, and which together would result in one thing to which we all aspire: peace of mind. Paul writes, 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.' That's an excellent motto to live by; it reveals the secret of a satis ied life and, for those of us who are not normally good patients, is something to aspire to. In everything we do today, may those three qualities bring strength, peace and perhaps a touch of healing too. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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13 APRIL 2021
14 APRIL 2021
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ood morning everyone on a beautiful sunny Wednesday!
If I were to ask you all for your favourite Bible stories - you know, the ones you learned at Sunday School or from a children's book of Bible stories - I can guarantee that Daniel and the lion's den would feature, and possibly a little further down the list, the three young men in the iery furnace. You can add to that the dramatic account of Balshazzar's feast which has given us the well-known saying 'the writing's on the wall', which means that the signs are there for an unfortunate outcome. Daniel is an obscure book too, full of strange visions. The result is that many people go elsewhere for their devotional reading. But I read something yesterday that has really stood out to me. Daniel is praying. Praying long and hard for his people in exile and the angel Gabriel comes to him and says, 'At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved.' (Daniel 9:23) That's what God thought of Daniel. 'Greatly beloved'. What a lovely phrase too. That God should think of a man like this is a wonderful thought; and what's more, the whole Bible taken from beginning to end assures me and you that those two words apply to us as well. There's no clearer truth in God's word than this: you are 'greatly beloved' of God. All the stories and parables, all the Psalms and prayers, all the visions and mysterious sayings combined bring one assuring thought on this Wednesday morning:
God loves you. I've said in sermons that the irst thing anyone should learn about God is that God loves them. And we as Christian people see that wonderful love even clearer than Daniel did, because though it was an astonishing privilege for him to have an angel come and tell him that, we have the Gospels that show us the love of God in the face of Jesus, his only Son. I just wanted that to be an encouragement to you this morning. Whatever you are waking up to, or whatever has been happening today or this week, remember this: You are not simply loved, you are 'greatly beloved'. May that truth lift your spirits and your heart today. God bless you 🙏
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Page 23
15 APRIL 2021
H
ello everyone from Major Antony & Major Fiona.
From a side window of our house we have three interesting views. Straight across, we can see through a short alley into Westgate, our high street. To the left, I can see across the roofs of shops and houses, the ruined East window and arch of the 12th century Priory that once dominated the little town of Guisborough, and in the other direction, I can see Highcliff, a rocky cliff that looms over Guisborough and which is a popular walking spot. I love to see the line of hills and trees that spreads across from left to right as I stare out of the window. In the sunshine it seems closer, in the winter when the snow falls it's beautiful. On a cloudy day it sometimes disappears entirely. If I am allowed to be envious, I confess to you that I am envious of those who live on that side of the town, and who have a much clearer view of the hills above them. But I considered this: eight centuries ago the Priory was THE focus of faith in this area. People would have seen it for miles across what is now East Cleveland but was always North Yorkshire. It would have inspired them just to see it in the sunshine as the sun rose behind it, in the snow, even in the rain. As they lifted their eyes to it, its very size reminded them of the majesty of God. Perhaps, even with just one great archway left, the view of it across the rooftops still inspires people today. But I have to say that for thousands of years before that, even before there was a town here, the sight of the hills above us will have inspired people. In the ages before Christianity arrived they will not have thought of God in the way we do, but natural sights like hills, mountains, waterfalls, the ocean, the stars have all drawn out of mankind the sense of something greater, more powerful; something eternal. The thought behind Psalm 121 is just that: 'To the hills I lift my eyes...' It reflects the belief that the hills were somehow illed with a power that should be worshipped, and that perhaps the gods dwelt there. But the Psalmist is wiser than that, and when he asks 'whence cometh my help?' he doesn't let his eyes rest on the grandeur of the scenery, the majesty of a clifftop, he says with faith, 'My help cometh from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth.' In other words, he doesn't stop to worship what is created, what is seen - however lovely - he looks beyond to the One who created it all. It's a simple truth, one that has been spoken about, written about - even sung about - for thousands of years. The things around us that inspire us, even a Priory, an historic church that is loved and valued, are all mere signposts to something greater. It's not the building that brings us to God, it's a believing prayer. It's not the hills that give us strength, it's a trusting faith. I would say, inally, that looking beyond the hills to the Lord who is our help is just the irst stage of faith; it's not enough simply to 'look up to the skies and see'. A Salvation Army song gives us the truth: 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. Don't look wistfully to the hills, climb them. Get to that higher ground of faith, stand on the summit; and then lift your heart to heaven, give it in love to God who created you and will redeem you. Lord, I thank you for the reminders of faith around me - buildings that hold memories, people who encourage me I thank you for the grandeur of creation, the beauty of nature, that points to you. But beyond it all Lord, I want to lift my eyes and my heart to you. I do see you 'throughout the universe displayed'; I can 'look down from lofty mountain grandeur', but more than that I want to sing with a faith- illed heart: 'Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee, how great thou art!' I lift my eyes to another hill - Calvary. There I see the cross where you died for me. And then I picture another sunrise, on that 'bright and cloudless morning' when you come again, when I will bow 'in humble adoration and there proclaim, 'My God, how great thou art!' Today, and every future day, may I indeed lift my heart to Heaven and know for sure that from you 'cometh my help.' Amen. God bless you all 🙏
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Page 24
16 APRIL 2021
M
orning all! The weekend is nearly upon us. How's your week been? Did you get done all that you planned? Did you keep all your commitments and promises...? Today's the day. After giving the barber 4 days to get back into practice and remember how to use those clippers, I've decided to go and visit my Turkish friend and get a trim. For many people this week has been a tremendous relief. On one level, some of us feel we've looked a mess, others of us just need a tidy up, whilst for many a good hairstyle can be a form of therapy - it gives some con idence. I read about a young lad last week who went for his irst haircut in months and was so looking forward to it, but when the barber had inished it was, he said, the worst haircut he'd ever had! So disappointing. He was so embarrassed that he put a picture on social media for the whole world to see! Actually, it wasn't that bad but it knocked his con idence in that particular barber. The obvious Biblical reference to barbers is Samson who, you'll remember, was persuaded by his girlfriend to let her cut his hair. From now on, maybe Samson should become the patron saint of lockdown haircuts done at home! Anyway, he'd told Deliliah (why why why?) that his famed strength was due to a vow his mother and father had made that he would not cut his hair. He'd accepted that dedication when he grew up. He was to be totally committed to God through his vow. We have the idea that his hair made him strong. Actually, it was his promise to serve God. Having a haircut especially at the hand of a disloyal temptress - was going against all he believed in. It was the realisation of that which took his strength. I asked at the beginning whether this week you'd kept all your ful illments and promises. Life is full of them - a contract of employment, a business agreement, a marriage vow. But there are other less tangible things that make life good. We don't necessarily make promises, but we do intend to be loyal, kind, loving, helpful. These are unspoken commitments of friendship. This is my command, said Jesus, that you love one another. The other great command is that we should love God, and often we make a promise, a commitment to him. It might be a baptismal vow, a con irmation; becoming a soldier in The Salvation Army entails making a covenant with God. Or we might simply promise God that we will love him and love others. And yes, there are times we fail God and our vows to him are forgotten. I'm so glad that Samson's dilemma is not our experience. I wonder why he didn't ask for forgiveness. Why did he not renew his vow and instead allow guilt to rob him of his strength? That's how I read it anyway. The Gospel truth is this: forgiveness is freely offered, a new start is always available. Vows can be renewed, commitments remade, intentions reaf irmed. Thank God for a new day, a new start, and the grace and strength to ful il our intentions. God bless you 🙏
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Page 25
17 APRIL 2021
H
ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the weekend and so, once again, it's Song Saturday
where we take a hymn or song from tomorrow's Together in
Worship and let that be the theme for our thinking today.
Did you know that according to the Church calendar Easter lasts for seven Sundays? That means there is plenty of time to explore, to consider, to feature the many references to the risen Christ. (Incidentally, it also means that if you are Major Fiona, you have seven weeks in which to get those Easter eggs eaten!) Back to Song Saturday and this week's choice: Because He Lives by Bill and Gloria Gaither. God sent His Son – they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon; An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives!
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 days because He lives.
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!
And then one day I’ll cross that river; I’ll ight life’s inal war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of Glory and I’ll know He lives!
The Gaithers are extremely well-known Gospel song writers in the US. They've been writing and performing for more than 50 years and their songs are so well-known that even Elvis sang one of them: He Touched Me. It seems that all their songs are written out of personal experience; and perhaps that's why they touch the heart, and why people around the world sing them. The version of the song that we use tomorrow will only feature the chorus and the irst verse, but just look at all the verses: you've got life, death, the birth of a child, the death of a saint; you've got that most wonderful of phrases: 'And life is worth the living just because he lives'. That, I feel, is a message the Church should be shouting from the rooftops in these dif icult days; if the church cannot say 'life is worth living' then who can? If the church isn't telling a dying world that Christ is alive, then who will? The Gaithers had a dif icult time early in their marriage; they were both ill, Gloria was expecting their third child and the world in the late 1960s was beginning to turn very dark - Vietnam, the rise in drug use, street violence seemed to beg the question, why bring a child into the world? One morning Bill came out of his of ice to see a newly paved parking area and, as he turned, he noticed a blade of grass growing through the tiniest of gaps to reach up to the sunlight. He thought, if a blade of grass can grow in a hostile environment, how much more is life worth living even today because Jesus is alive! He went home, soon afterwards the baby was born, and together Bill and Gloria wrote this song of hope. Jesus lives, and because of that, their child could 'face uncertain days because He lives.' Yes, there is a 'calm assurance' for the future; but there's also a sense of victory as we look back over life as it reaches the end. Whatever our life has been, however we have lived, there can be a good end, as it were. Because He lives, we can face the end not as darkness but as the lights of Glory because Jesus lives and he beckons us home into the light of his presence. I love this song. If you want to hear a recent version, with Bill Gaither himself singing, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAy3SLFLaVw Just remember, whatever life is like, it is always worth the living because Jesus lives. You just need to trust him. God bless you 🙏
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Page 26
19 APRIL 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. The start of a new week which will be illed with very different experiences for us all: work, leisure, health or illness, stress, peacefulness, joy and sorrow. Some of us will ind a week that will rush by while some will wonder if the week will ever end. It's the experience of human life we all share and, broadly speaking, it makes us aware of the needs of others - we've 'been there', we can rejoice with those who rejoice and we can weep with those who weep. 13 million people watched live as the Royal Family laid HRH the Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, to rest. He was given military honours, with 700+ serving personnel, stirring music from military bands and a choral quartet whose voices and songs were almost heartbreakingly beautiful. There was an archbishop, television cameras and an altar bedecked with medals and sashes and royal insignia. It was a world away from our family funerals. And yet to the 30 people in the quire of At George's Chapel, none of the above mattered. They could have been any of us with 30 allowed in the service, socially-distanced. They were saying goodbye to a husband, a father, grandfather. A grown man in his 70s had a tear running down his face. A wife sat so stooped that with a black mask and hat, her face became hidden from us all. A teenage grandson was comforted by his mother's hand on his back. A granddaughter carried a handkerchief, white against the black of her coat. An uncle comforted his weeping nephew as they walked away from the chapel. For me, an of iciant and observer of grief at many, many funerals I have to say that music and military honours aside, this was no different to any family funeral I myself have taken. Even the opening words were the same. Yes, theirs were set to 17th century music and mine are just spoken but the message was the same: 'I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' I was moved by Philip's funeral because the family was like any other in those 50 minutes. And I believe we could associate with their grief. A newspaper reporter wrote about the solitary widow, lonely in her sociallydistanced pew: "How many millions of viewers yearned to reach out and metaphorically embrace their beloved Queen?" Yes, that summed it all up. Because we have all experienced these days, and because we have longed for and received comfort, we ind our hearts reaching out to others in their time of need. It ful ils a Christian truth that reflects our experience, that God 'comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.' ( 2 Corinthians 1 v 4) The highest Christian ideals are very human. Have a lovely week everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 27
20 APRIL 2021
H
ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. On our dining room table, as pictured here, is a barely commenced jigsaw puzzle. As required, almost by convention, some of the straight edges are in place and in the middle are just a few pieces that are of a similar colour. Jigsaws are a feature in our house, Fiona being the one to suddenly get it into her head to take over the dining room table for days at a time to recreate a picture she's already got, perfectly seen, on the lid! Incidentally, the cat also likes jigsaws and it's not unusual to ind her 'nesting' amongst the pieces or batting the odd one onto the carpet below. I, however, who have no patience for such things, have been amazed over these months of 'not going out', just how many people have resorted to jigsaws to maintain their sanity. On phoning some our over sixty club members, there are usually one or two who will tell me they've started a new one or just completed another. We've even supplied jigsaw puzzles from the shelf in our Care and Share shop to members who have inished the dozen or so they had started. ('Where there's a need, there's the Salvation Army'!)Cats, flowers, rustic scenes, pictures of chocolate bars, Queens, Harry Potter and...well you name it; is there no end to the exciting choice and variety of subject for a jigsaw puzzle? I guess the reasons for claiming to enjoy such things are varied: the ultimate satisfaction of placing the inal piece, the methodical arrangement of corners, straight edges and bits of blue sky, the way you can position a piece or two, leave it for an hour and come back to do one more piece, or sit there for hours on end carefully and quietly forming the picture little by little. To each there will be a different method and a different source of satisfaction. It is a little clichéd to speak of life as a jigsaw, pieces itting together, etc... And I'm guessing that had such hobbies been around in the 1st Century AD St Paul himself might have written about jigsaw pieces instead of parts of the body as a metaphor for unity. Would Jesus have waved a jigsaw piece around and said, 'Consider the corners of a jigsaw puzzle, how they hold the picture together...'? I shan't elaborate on those metaphors, but I did look at the barely started puzzle taking up the space on our table and think not about the pieces themselves but about the process. A piece here, another there, the 'need' to de ine the edges, the boundaries irst before the ' iller', the way that some people might just pick up a random piece and try to work out where it goes, whilst others do the sky irst, or that big bit of red dress. Whatever method people use, there's always going to be the end result and it's never going to be any different to the one on the box. It might take ages to complete, it might be easily inished; horror of horrors it might have the dreaded piece missing at the end, but when all is done, the picture is at least recognisable. A life, A family, A church, A town, A nation. All can be described in the metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle. The sad thing is when people take little notice of the picture, the pattern. Since life is given, and the source of life is God himself, should we not be more pleased to follow that pattern, however we actually go about assembling the pieces? God gives us total freedom to place those pieces of our lives how and where we like, in what order and at what time, but he offers the picture to guide us, he offers his word to encourage, to direct and inspire us. Don't allow people to tell you how to do your own jigsaw, but look to the one who created the picture - you'll not go wrong and what satisfaction there will be when the inal piece is put into position. Lord, you are the creator and giver of life, the one who provides the 'big picture'. I look at all the pieces in this life of mine, so many already in position, a beautiful, complex picture with its darkness and light, its colours and its grey areas. I thank you that in those pieces I see the faces of loved ones, people who are prominently featured, others who are more towards the edge, but how they bring interest and beauty into the picture. Help me Lord always to hold in my mind the person you yourself have pictured that I would be; thank you for the ability to remove a wrongly placed piece and the grace to start that section again. Help me to place the pieces of that life according to your pattern so that, following your word, your will, at the last I will place the inal piece and see what a beautiful thing you have made of my life. Thank you Lord, that you make all things beautiful in your time. Amen. Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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Page 28
A
midweek greeting to you all. We hope it's turning out to be a good week for you.
There is someone for whom today might have been a real celebration; it's the Queen's 95th birthday. What a milestone! I read that there was to have been a special photo portrait released, there would normally have been guns ired in salute, and possibly a socially-distanced royal engagement somewhere for which Her Majesty would have worn a brightly-coloured Spring out it designed to make her highly visible. But not this year, not for this 95th celebration. Not only does protocol dictate that the Queen is still in mourning, I can't see that she's even wanting to celebrate at the moment, perfectly understandably. For the irst time in over 70 years Philip will not be there to say 'Happy birthday Lilibet.' She will of course have phone calls and brief visits from her family, no doubt she will approach the day with her no-nonsense 'just get on with it' sense of duty, and we have every con idence that today, as every day, the Queen will face what comes with her well-known faith in God. She said, 'Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.' Most people would subscribe to most of that sentiment, but it's the inal phrase that I think is the most remarkable. There cannot have been a Christmas message that doesn't have her testimony of faith in God included. This quote doesn't just speak of belief, it talks of active faith. She puts her trust in him - that's an act of will, something she does consciously; trusting God to provide, to guide, to hear her prayers. Psalm 9 v 10 reveals the secret of trusting God when it says, 'Those who know your name trust in you...' Now that doesn't mean God's name is like a password, it's talking about a relationship. In the Bible someone's name was their character, their nature. To know someone by name is a way of saying that you know them well. To come to the point of trusting God we need to know him as he is. When we read the Bible when we worship, when we open our heart to him in prayer we come to know him, to love him. Trust springs out of that relationship. Queen Elizabeth has a deep faith, she knows and trusts in God. That will sustain her in the days to come, as it has often done in dif icult times in the past. I know that for many of us that is also true. We who know his name will continue to trust him. And to all is offered that knowledge, the wonderful privilege of knowing God, loving him, and coming to trust him in all things. 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. Happy Birthday your Majesty. God bless you all 🙏
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21 APRIL 2021
22 APRIL 2021
H
ello everybody. Thursday already? It's a lovely day and I am planning to go and sell the War Cry today in our High Street for the irst time in months and months. The Salvation Army has been distributing these papers since 1879, putting testimonies, Bible truth and Christian comment into the hands of people everywhere. Yes, we raise a bit of money on the side but we pray that people will read, be challenged, and encouraged to think more about Jesus and God's offer of love and redemption. We want them to read the truth, something worthwhile - and of course, something interesting. It's a beautiful day too, so I'm going to enjoy standing, mask in place, and meeting people. I was very disappointed last night. For three days I had been trying to ind time to watch a ilm on Amazon Prime that looked really, really good. Aren't we spoiled for choice these days? I remember when there were only 2 channels and my Dad got us a BBC 2 serial! THREE channels! We don't need to leave the house! Nowadays, on top of BBC, ITV, etc, if you want them you can have Freeview, Sky, Netflix, Prime, Disney+. You really would never have to leave the house, or even the front room if you didn't have to! It's amazing. Sadly, of course, quantity doesn't necessarily mean quality. Amongst the output that is very good, much is repeated, a lot is trivial, shallow and appeals to people with, shall we say, 'low expectations'. But not the ilm I wanted to watch! It seemed well-made, had a promising Sci-Fi storyline (I like space and science iction) and promised an hour and a half of great storytelling. I settled down to watch and it was indeed excellent. But then suddenly it all changed. The plot became unbelievable and unrealistic (even for science iction!). Things happened that were never explained, the story jumped so much I thought I'd fallen asleep and missed a vital scene (I hadn't). And when it ended I thought, 'What was that all about?' So many unanswered questions and plot holes. I wondered whether the actors were embarrassed. It was deeply unsatisfying. But it was iction. It wasn't supposed to be a documentary, it wasn't supposed to help me live better or educate me. It certainly has no claim to enhance my well-being or experience of life and eternity. I'd be in big trouble if that's what it had promised! When I take the War Cry on the street, I guess in a way I'm advertising the greatest story ever told. I'm endorsing, recommending a book that contains from start to inish the truth of man and his relationship to God. Most of all I'm promoting in a small way the most excellent truth of the love of God shown in Jesus Christ. There's no greater story. And no other book, ilm, play or TV programme can claim such perfection as 'the old old story of Jesus and his love'. I'm glad there are no plot holes, there are no unanswered questions or unbelievable storylines. Yes, it's miraculous, yes it's worthy of retelling and further explanation, but in the end, from the Prologue in Genesis to the inal credits in Revelation, the Bible is all that it promises to be. It's the word of Life. And I'm happy to publicise it here and on the street. Why not read something of it today? God bless you 🙏
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Page 30
23 APRIL 2021
M
orning all! Today is a very special day if you are English or if you're in Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia; for us all today is St George's Day. Oh yes, patriotism will be on the rise ever so slightly here in England. I say ever so slightly because it never seems to attract as much attention as St Patrick's Day or even David and Andrew; it must be our English reserve. Anyway, let the flag of George fly in the breeze; I can already hear someone quoting Shakespeare's Henry V: The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!' It's a strange thing that George became England's saint and that we dressed him up as a knight in shining armour and had him killing some kind of dragon. That's all people seem to know about him, but he was an inspirational saint long before we kidnapped him and made him English. He was actually a soldier in the Roman army, and he disagreed with the persecution of Christians by the emperor at the time, Diocletian. He resigned his post and was beheaded in Israel for his disloyalty to Rome. The story goes that the emperor's wife was so impressed with George's bravery and loyalty to Christ that she too became a Christian. We do know from Roman history that it is true that Prisca, Diocletian's wife, was unwilling to sacri ice to the Roman gods, so perhaps there is truth in her respect for George. The stuff about George being a knight and slaying dragons is all ictional nonsense of course, but what an example he set of loyalty to Jesus under the circumstances in which he lived. It grieved him to be part of an army that persecuted his fellow believers, so what could he do but desert his post? George could not deny his faith whatever the consequences. Did you know that Christians are the most persecuted people in the world? It's dreadful that anyone should be persecuted for their beliefs, their colour or nationality, but Christians know more than anyone in communist countries, in parts of Africa and the Far East, that loyalty to Jesus and the Gospel will often bring persecution. Back here in England, a 'Christian country', it's hard to imagine such persecution, but there are reports now and again that a solitary Christian in a workplace or an evangelist on a street corner has been questioned, even arrested or sacked for speaking about Jesus. And we are all aware that despite culture and historic laws, so much now has moved away from Biblical truth. The funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh did something, I feel, to remind people of the bene its of Christian faith - his testimony of faith in God was well-received and respected on the media. But, in normal society, what faith it must require to 'stand up, stand up for Jesus.' He it was, of course, who said that 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must take up their cross and follow me.' (Mark 8 v 34) That must have been hard to hear in those days, but even in our more tolerant days it's true; and whilst none of us will be asked to slay a dragon or face an army because of our faith, there are times when choices must be made, decisions taken that reflect our Christian conscience rather than majority opinion. Even dif icult circumstances - illness, inancial worries, relationship problems, the doubts, fears and cares of life especially in these strange and depressing times - can all affect our faith. Not meeting together has taken an inevitable toll on our ability to keep faithful and to stay strong in our personal faith. Sometimes I wish that we in the Army had saints in the way that other churches do; people we can look up to for inspiration. We wouldn't pray to them, of course, but we can feel encouraged by their stories as we take up our own crosses to follow Jesus. We do have people from the past who impress us, but perhaps the answer is right here: we should look to Jesus, 'the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12 v 2) A Salvation Army song challenges us: If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly, To be the servant of my Servant Lord, If darkness falls around the path of duty. And men despise the Saviour I've adored.
I'll not turn back, whatever it may cost, I'm called to live, to love and save the lost, I'll not turn back, whatever it may cost, I'm called to live, to love and save the lost.
Lord, on this St George's Day we remember a man who took up his cross to follow you, was loyal to you despite the dangers. Let that inspire us in our circumstances too, to keep following you whatever it may cost. We pray for Christians around the world who are persecuted for their love of Jesus; strengthen them in their faith, defend and rescue them, we pray. And for our country that uses the cross on a national flag, we pray for a renewal of Christian faith among the people, and in the church, that people will come to know Jesus and follow him. In Jesus' name and for his sake, Amen.
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Page 31
24 APRIL 2021
M
orning to you all, and welcome once again to Song Saturday, where we look at a song that will be featured in tomorrow's
Together in Worship. It could be a Pentecostal chorus, a Salvation
Army song, a church hymn or the rousing poetry of Charles Wesley which this week is exactly what it is! Jesus the Name High Over All is one of my favourites; I love the words, and I can think of at least 4 tunes that it can be sung to, and I like them all! Charles Wesley wrote and wrote ...and wrote. This hymn originally had 22 verses! I just hope he didn't make the congregation stand to sing them all. I would pity an Army band if it were to be used on a Sunday morning 'straight through'! Thankfully for us we only use 6 verses, though in true Salvationist style we have insisted on adding a rousing chorus as well: Jesus, the name high over all, In Hell or earth or sky; Angels and men before Him fall And devils fear and fly.
O that the world would taste and see The riches of His grace; The arms of love that compass me Would all mankind embrace.
Jesus, the name to sinners dear, The name to sinners given; He scatters all their guilty fear; He turns their Hell to Heaven.
His glorious righteousness I show, His saving truth proclaim; 'Tis all my business here below To cry: Behold the Lamb!
Jesus the prisoner's fetters breaks, And bruises Satan's head; Power into strengthless souls He speaks And life into the dead.
Happy, if with my latest breath I may but gasp His name, Preach Him to all, and cry in death: Behold, behold the Lamb!
Chorus: We have no other argument, We want no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died And that He died for me.
It's a bold song, almost de iant. The bit about 'devils fear and fly' is a reference to a time when Charles was preaching in a church in Cornwall and a drunkard stood up and began swearing at him, shouting and interrupting the sermon. (Was it that bad a sermon?) Anyway, Wesley shouted back, 'Who is this that pleads for the devil?' and in the name of Jesus he rebuked the spirit in the man who then fled from the church. That must have been the topic of conversation in many a house over Sunday lunch that day! Yes, a bold statement is made by this song: Jesus 'bruises Satan's head', he 'scatters ...guilty fear', and we who sing about Jesus 'have no other argument'; in other words, it's all settled: 'it is enough...'. However there is one verse that stands out to me, the one that tells of 'the riches of his grace', 'the arms of love', and their 'embrace' that is offered to the world. Can there be more lovely words to describe what Jesus means? Yes, Jesus' name is strong and powerful, but it also speaks of grace and love that, like two arms, would sweep us up and enfold us with God's everlasting love. That's why 'we have no other argument' and 'we want no other plea'; as we shall see tomorrow, why would we want to go anywhere else and give our allegiance to any one else, with the love that we see in his name? When Paul wrote to the gathering of Christians in Ephesus he wrote about 'the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.' (Ephesians 2 v 7); so let's add kindness to this list of wonderful things that the name of Jesus shows. In his grace, his undeserved favour, God is kind as well as loving; his grace is incomparable. Well that surely settles the argument doesn't it? Why would you go anywhere else? There really is nothing or nobody who can measure up to Jesus. As we shall see tomorrow, there is 'no other name'. Have a lovely weekend everyone, God bless you, 🙏
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ello again everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Monday morning and a new week has begun, that's the case practically of course - the working week starts today - but the pedantic amongst us will insist that actually Sunday is the irst day of the calendar week. So, how did your week begin yesterday? For me it began with a lovely sound. I was in the garden at 8 o'clock yesterday morning and all of a sudden the bells of St Nicholas, the parish church, began to ring. It was a bit 'scrappy' for the irst few seconds as the bell ringers got going but almost immediately the familiar rhythm and musical sound rang out competing only with the birdsong. It's a very English sound - do other countries do bell ringing like ours? On the irst day of the week, across the town of Guisborough and many other parishes too, the church bells rang out in celebration of God and the joy of the resurrection. They've been silent for a while and so it was refreshing to hear them again. It's a sign of change. Some might have assumed that the silent church bells symbolised the silence of the church. It's true that the majority of churches and Salvation Army halls are not yet open for public worship, though some have welcomed handfuls of people for various forms of prayer, but the amazing thing is that within a week of the irst lockdown back in March last year, phones and laptop cameras were turned on to immediately record or livestream music, Bible reading and prayer. And although church bells and Salvation Army bands fell silent, and though pews and chairs remained unoccupied, we all made our cups of tea and sat in our armchairs on the irst day of the week, and music and singing and the reading of Scripture was heard. The old Salvation Army song came true at last when: With a thousand bands and a thousand drums, We will praise the Lord in bright happy homes, We will sing and shout till the Master comes, We will ever praise the Lord. And the more stately hymn was con irmed because the voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away. Some might have claimed that the church moved out of the sanctuary and changed it's worship into practical care in the community. I don't see it that way. We continued our service where needed of course, but churches that were faithful to the Gospel never fell silent and I might suggest that word, song and music has found a wider audience, and a hidden audience over these last 13 months. Jesus once said that if the disciples were to stop praising, the rocks would cry out! Well, those rocks haven't been needed, and our praise and our prayers have reached households in a way that not even church bells on a quiet Sunday morning could do. Yes, we long for the day when we can gather in a building - or even in an open space; wouldn't that be good? Maybe the extent to which our worship has reached out over the months will encourage many people to join in with worship inside a hall or church building; but let's give thanks today that God has still been worshipped, the Gospel has been shared, music has been enjoyed, and we have been blessed. We pray that we will be together in the not too distant future, but in the meantime, continue to "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19) Have a lovely day today; may it be illed with music and song. God bless you 🙏
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26 APRIL 2021
27 APRIL 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I hope you are well. Knowing a good number of you who read these daily thoughts, I am aware that whatever else today brings there will be the usual aches, pains, medical conditions and four-times-daily dosing-up on whatever the doctor has prescribed. Not many of us, especially after a certain age, will avoid pharmaceutical relief. Well, the last few weeks have been a new experience for this previously healthy man who's only source of suffering has been mild hayfever and the occasional bug. I'm living with sciatica (no sympathy please) but over the weekend it seemed to have begun to calm down; standing up from a chair was no longer the very painful experience. So yesterday, in a break from online of icers' meetings I decided to clear the encroaching grass and the accumulation of soil from some paving stones in our back garden. Not much of a twinge… An hour later I couldn't sit down! Even standing was very uncomfortable and I couldn't sit for the next of icer's meeting but spent the time pacing or lying or leaning on something, and wishing it was time for my painkillers. And then the hour of blessed relief came - codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen were my trio of saviours and the pain receded even if it didn't completely go. I think some of you have been there/are there. No thanks to the Job's comforters who tell me, 'It's your age.' Oh, it was good to ind some relief. Waiting for the hour I could take medication was a time of having no relief; I didn't know where to put myself. Whatever I did was temporary, awkward, unsatisfactory. There was no alternative really to the tablets that were on that kitchen shelf. In deeper matters of the soul, the heart, we all have a need. For some of us the soul can be hurting, for others the need is there unknown, unfelt but there nonetheless. Either through sin, through the hurts of the years, our heart is in need of healing. We seek for relief, we look for distractions, for remedies. We look for all kinds of alternatives to deal with or mask what our heart feels or longs for. Is there no relief? The Bible speaks of our spiritual need using the language of health - 'by his wounds we are healed' we are told, pointing to the Saviour dying for our forgiveness and redemption that will heal the soul. One of our former Generals, the great poet Albert Orsborn, both inspires and challenges us as we consider the hands of Jesus, He writes of them that they are Hands full of power to raise again the dead, Potent and healing, eager to reclaim... Yes, the hands of Jesus not only healed the physically sick but also released the troubled mind and gave the sinful soul peace with God. Orsborn then asks, challenging us to the look at those beautiful hands, bound and pierced, Say, wouldst thou bind, by pride and unbelief, Those hands that compass all thy soul's relief? 'all thy soul's relief...' In other words every spiritual need, every emotional wound, every unmet desire for inner peace, can met and healed by grace, by the love of Christ. Can we ind a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer. I could have foolishly tried to put up with my pain yesterday. I could have 'fought manfully onward' and 'walked through the pain'. I could have decided to grit my teeth today and bear the discomfort, but what good would that have done me? There was a remedy, a source of relief and I gladly took it. When it comes to the soul, there is a remedy - the blood of Jesus - symbolic of his life, given for us - is the gracious remedy, the blessed relief we all need. There is no other relief. When it comes to our every need, 'Whom have I in Heaven but you' (Psalm 73 v 25). Who indeed. Father God you see my heart, know my mind, feel my pain. I thank you for Jesus whose hands are quick to bring forgiveness, peace and joy. I am grateful for his Spirit given to bring comfort, to soothe and to heal the soul. There is no other name... And so I open my heart to you today, receiving your grace, knowing your love surrounding me, and feeling the strength that comes from you alone. Thank you Lord, In Jesus' name. Amen.
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28 APRIL 2021
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Wednesday welcome to you all :) Here's a question: what do you know about hedgehogs? I confess to you that I know next to nothing about them except that they sleep during the winter - now that's an ability I would like to have! A few weeks ago our hedgehog friends woke up and began snuffling around and moving from place to place. I remember last year a particularly large hedgehog came into our garden and at night there were a few strange noises as one came in under cover of darkness with her babies. Now I know there's no hedgehog 'nest', or whatever you call their home, in our garden, so where do they come from and where do they go? Maybe we'll never know, but what I do understand is that they need freedom. At the side of my house we have a fence made up of evenly spaced upright planks and I discovered a couple needed ixing back in place so I I got hammer and nails out and repaired them; I closed the gaps. My next door neighbour spoke to me a few days later and suggested that I'd closed off the path of the hedgehogs - they could no longer get through on their night-time journeyings with their young, and on their need to ind food. I had blocked the path. I moved one of the planks to allow a gap at the bottom. and apparently, the hedgehog has been seen. I speculated about these little journeys that the hedgehogs were making and I wondered if these routes they took were in fact ancient trails and tracks that are passed down by instinct from one hedgehog generation to the next and here we were, building our fences, barring those old ways for these little creatures. It was simple enough to move a plank a few inches, and the result is that there is free movement and a little hedgehog family is surviving. The ways of God are ancient too. His Spirit wants to move, as it were, in our lives but there are fences and borders, barriers and walls we set up that either deliberately or unwittingly prevent the life of God and the love of God having an effect on our lives. If we want God to bless us and provide for us, guide us and lead us, we need to ensure there are no barriers. Barriers might be that we don't pray to the one who wants to bless us, or that we don't read the Bible and so miss reading about his blessings. Is there fear or a burden that we are carrying? Is there something in our life that we should confess to God and turn from? These burdens can be removed by God's love, these barriers can be brought down by his grace so that his Spirit can work freely in our life. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God I come, I come!
Just as I am, thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down, Now to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come!
Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of Glory shall come in. (Psalm 24 v 7) In other words, open the door, remove the barrier, let God move freely in your life and what blessing will be yours! God bless you 🙏
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29 APRIL 2021
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ood morning everyone!
Well I enjoyed the last couple of days. Why? Because the council resurfaced our road. It was exciting, honest! It must be a boy thing, because on Tuesday I stood at my window watching the heavy machinery and lorries, and across the road, visiting his grandmother was a boy of about 4, standing on the windowsill also watching the excitement of workmen digging up the old tarmac and then, today, laying a fresh surface. It's a similar feeling to watching planes take off or the feeling you get (if you're not in a hurry) of going down the road in Redcar just as the barriers come down and you wait for the train to come past on the level crossing. What? Just me then? Actually, I was slightly disappointed that yesterday when they had laid the fresh tarmac, they flattened it all down with a small road roller. It made such a noise that it literally made the house shake, but the little boy inside me was asking, 'But where's the steamroller? I was most impressed by the ef iciency of the gang of men involved. Each one had his task; and judging from the way that task was performed, each of these men was experienced, skilled and completely coordinated with his workmates. There were eight or nine of them and they worked as a team, like clockwork, each one performing his task so that the others could do theirs too. And as they worked I noticed a few things: One smiled at his mates a lot! Another seemed really pleased when certain actions were completed - he raised his arms as if he'd scored a goal. Another said a cheerful 'hello' to a passer-by and his dogs. And did I really see one of these orange-clad men dancing as he walked along the path? Expertise, cooperation, coordination and cheerfulness; that was the way to get the job done. No time was wasted, no materials were wasted. The job's a good 'un... You expect professional skill of course, you would hope for a coordinated effort, but what did impress me was the spirit, the camaraderie, the good humour and even sense of fun with which the work was carried out. I'm sure it's replicated in many other situations where people work side by side; and in the church we would suggest that working together, volunteering together, worshipping together, learning together, playing music and singing together are not just a sign of human fellowship but of God in the centre of it all, 'binding us together'. Isn't this what we miss so much at the moment? Ironically, it's also what keeps us apart at the moment because we are concerned for each other, wanting to protect one another. St Paul tells us that 'We are fellow-workers in God's service.' (1 Corinthians 3 v 9). Yes, we have been used to working together, but even with 'working from home' we are still part of the team, the gang, the workforce, the serving church. I would suggest that ef iciency is helpful, I would believe that co-ordination is important, a plan is vital but in the service of God what is even more important is the spirit in which our service is done - even from home! Love is the force that binds us together wherever we are, and makes us an effective community, a fellowship. And because we are a part of God's family, God's 'team', when we eventually come together in close proximity to work and worship, the work will be just as successful - if not more so - than it is ever was. Keep praying, keep believing that we will be back as that 'team' once again. Pray for the effects of the pandemic to recede. And lets pray God's blessing on each other today.
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30 APRIL 2021
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ello everyone, welcome to Friday’s thought on this, the last day of April! Isn’t technolo y a wonderful thing! I can only do this because the technolo y is available; and not only available, but widely used! The last 13 months has seen the use of Facebook groups, Messenger chats and Facetime, Instagram and Snapchat (neither of which are familiar to me) and the remarkable and sometimes frustrating thing called Zoom! Our mobile phones have become vital to life today and texts have been added to by the ability to speak face to face on screen with the person you would once have only been able to phone. I remember when I was a boy in the 1960s that there were two science ction programmes – Star Trek and Thunderbirds - that featured communication devices that nowadays are normal to us. In Star Trek they had communication devices; the sort where Captain James T. Kirk would ip it open and say, ‘Beam us up Scottie’. They looked suspiciously like a ip top mobile phone that people were using 15 years ago! And in Thunderbirds there was a line of photos on the wall of all the Tracy brothers that each became a video screen of a particular brother as he spoke to his father. It was Facetime in 1965! Of course, sometimes it goes wrong! The internet becomes unstable, and we ‘freeze’, you can’t get a mobile signal, you can’t get A) the sound or B) the video to work on your Zoom call. Yes, many of us have had the frustration of not getting the music video to work or there’s a lot of scu ing going on in the background because someone hasn’t put themselves on ‘mute’. We have been tremendously blessed – there’s no other word for it – over this last year because separated families have seen each other through the technolo y we take for granted. New grandchildren have been seen, long conversations and quiz nights have been enjoyed; sadly, some nal farewells have been said, but what precious moments there have been. Sometimes I wish I could see Jesus when I talk to him. Often, I wish he would speak back to me with a real voice. The Bible promises me that one day I will see him face to face, and ‘I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him,’ (Job 19 v 27). For now, I talk to him by faith, but I do know he listens; I do have his promise that he hears me. Psalm 66 v 19 says ‘But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.’ We don’t know who wrote that Psalm, but I know that it’s the testimony, the experience, of countless people who have trusted in God. I would encourage you today with that simple truth: those who trust in God, those who want to know him, never go unheard. Lord, what a wonderful reassurance that is for me today, to know that you are not merely ‘there’ but that you hear and listen. You hear the words I speak to you, and on those occasions when I simply have nothing to say, but just have thoughts and wordless emotions, you interpret those sighs into words and know just what I need. How wonderful it is to talk with you, to ‘leave it all quietly to God’ because my every word is heard by you. Today may my day be peaceful because I am assured of your presence and understanding. Amen God bless you 🙏
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01 May 2021
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elcome to the irst Saturday in May! It's Song Saturday, and once again we are previewing a song that will be featured in tomorrow's
Together in Worship.
This week, however, it's a little different because instead of looking at a congregational hymn or song, I'd like to look at the lyrics to a song sung for us by the Salvation Army's International Staff Songsters. The song is 'Somebody Prayed for Me'. It's become a popular and well-loved song in the Army with music written by Robert Sterling, an award winning son writer, arranger, and record producer. He is professor of Music Publishing at Belmont University and graduated with highest honours from Baylor University's School of Music. The music, written by such a pro icient composer, goes beyond that pro iciency to touch the soul. The lyrics were written by Claire Cloninger who wrote hundreds of Christian songs, 18 books, and won six awards from the Gospel Music Association - and yet it was this simple Gospel song about the blessing of having someone pray for you that has probably touched us most Somebody went to the throne of heaven, Somebody lifted my name. When my heart was so broken that I could not pray, Bringing me into His holy presence, When love wasn’t easy to see. Saying what I could not say. Someone was there, somebody cared, Somebody showed me the face of His mercy, Somebody prayed for me. When darkness was all I could see. Somebody pleaded the Blood of Jesus, Somebody prayed for me. Is there anything more beautiful, more precious, than having someone pray for you? Over my years I have been privileged to pray for people in many, many situations and I am aware that many, many Christians pray constantly for one another in their own homes. I can tell you that even now, when people say they have prayed for me I am touched. Praying for someone, I believe, suggests more than saying words for someone; it includes relationship, even if not close. You cannot pray for someone without at least a moments thought, a brief period of sympathy, of thanksgiving or concern. I might suggest that praying for another person forms a bind in that moment and strengthens the fellowship of the Church even more. It's a cliche but the family, the church, that prays together stays together. The church where the people pray for one another is going to be illed with God's love and the Spirit will draw very near. St Paul wrote to the church in Colosse (Modern day Honaz in Turkey) saying that he and Timothy 'always thank God' for them and that 'we have not ceased to pray for you.' (Colossians 1 v 3 & 9). That must have been a real encouragement for them, especially because they'd never met! Imagine receiving a message from a famous person with their best wishes; that might have been just how they felt when the 'famous' Paul sent them a letter saying he was praying for them. Our song tomorrow is indeed a heartfelt one; have you ever felt you couldn't pray? Don't worry, you're not alone. Even people who have prayed for years have times when words fail them, and it's in those times when, knowing that someone cares enough to pray, that we feel loved, supported, encouraged. But look at those words again, these are not merely lovely sentiments; when someone prays sincerely your name is lifted to heaven's throne. God hears your name, and in that there is a blessing. If there are days when darkness surrounds you, remember this, God is there and in the words of another song, Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll ind Jesus, He's the Friend who always cares and understands. Be assured that somewhere, someone will pray for you. Let me encourage you to pray for others; think of the grace, the love and the strength that will be released when you bring someone into God's presence by your prayer. Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship, and may this song really bless you and lift you up. God bless you 🙏
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03 May 2021
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ood morning to you all from Major Antony & Major Fiona. We hope you are well. Have you sneezed at all this morning? If you did and someone heard you, it's quite likely that they said 'Bless you!' Why do we say that? The explanation stems back to the time of the Plague, when sneezing was one of the rst symptoms to appear before the terrible disease took hold. At that time if you sneezed people would say God bless you in the hope that your Plague would be healed... Well today, we don't usually have such dreadful circumstances, but we often say God bless you because we mean it: we want God to bless us. Did you know that the oldest prayers in the Bible are prayers of blessing? One of them, from the book of Numbers was so precious that archaeologists have found examples of it carved on silver ornaments: Here it is: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6 v 24 26) Imagine the priest standing over the people, his arms outstretched, blessing the people. An instruction in the Bible tells us that we should 'Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.' (Jeremiah 29 v 7) The Jews had been taken into captivity by a foreign army but God said pray for that country so you too will prosper. That must have been di cult; to pray for people who had captured you - but they did it; they prayed that God would bless their captors. This month I thought we might follow that injunction, follow the ancient example of the Bible and pray a blessing on the people, on the community, on our town or city where we live. There is a huge di erence of course, because we love where we live. We are not prisoners of war, or persecuted, so how much easier will it be for every day in the month of May to pray God's blessing on parts of the community where we live. Each day, at the end of my daily thought I will write: 'Today we will bless in Jesus name XYZ', and make no further comment, I invite you simply to pray that God will bless them. When God's people pray for those around them, who knows what a change we will see. Nearly every week on Facebook I read about complaints about our communities; well, instead of cursing, let’s respond with a blessing. If God responds and blesses our community, our town, we might see a change - if we are earnest and sincere in our prayer. 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem' says Psalm 122 v 6. Change that town to yours, and pray for God's mercy and his gracious blessing just where you are. For our rst blessing, let's go to the 'top'. TODAY, IN JESUS' NAME WE WILL BLESS THE MAYOR AND THE TOWN COUNCIL And may God bless you too
PS Here is a song called the UK Blessing. May God indeed bless our country https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U
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04 May 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I'm going to say it because, depending on the company you keep or the friends you have on Facebook, you might hear this a few times: Happy Star Wars Day! Yes, it's May the 4th - geddit? (May the Force be with you?) OK... It's a bit of a Nerdy thing but there are millions around the world grown men even! - who will chuckle amongst themselves as they wish each other a happy Star Wars Day. The space ction lms are a huge phenomenon; it's hard to comprehend that the rst lm was released 44 years ago this month, giving us Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, C 3PO and Chewbacca the Wookie. They also gave us The Force. Very brie y The Force is a life-ener y that connects all things in the universe. It has a dark side to it and can be used by people. The creator of Star Wars wanted something 'spiritual' in the lm to encourage young people to think of a form of God without actually endorsing any one religion. The odd thing is that for some people The Force and the Jedi Knights who wield it have become some kind of religious philosophy. Did you know that in the Census there are people who put 'Jedi' as their religion? It's odd. There are similar elements in all religions and philosophies but that doesn't make them all true. There are people who say that all religions are basically the same, that 'all roads lead to God'. It's a nice thought and there are some beautiful things in all religions, but can we 'boil them all down' to one basic truth, a god, a Force? Jesus, whom we know to be 'God with us', said '"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.' (John 4 v 24) But 'spirit' isn't just a vague presence, a 'whispy' kind of Being, an essence or Force. If he is to be worshipped 'in truth' then there's something solid, substantial and real about him. We believe that God is personal, is loving, is knowable. He's the creator but also our Father, and rather than being some force that lives in us all that we can use, that has a dark side, he is the One who knows us, loves us and cares for us. The universe is held together by his power, but he also holds us in his hand and, most wonderful of all, he is seen perfectly in Jesus, God made man. Today we might hear frequently, May the Fourth (A wordplay on May the Force) be with you; but much better to know that God is with us and we worship him in spirit and truth. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR LOCAL MP SIMON CLARKE (or put your own MP's name here). And May the Lord be with You 🙏
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Page 40
05 May 2021
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midweek greeting to you all. The May morning sunshine is bright today, but what a di erence compared to yesterday and the last couple of days. In conversations yesterday, that we Brits will all have had, being people who talk endlessly about the weather, it was said, 'But this is May, where's the warm sunny weather and blue skies?' And then, as the afternoon wore on, the heavy rain and wind did indeed give way to beautiful sunshine that thankfully continues today. I thought about the words that have been placed in our Salvation Army hall window along with Bible verses about Jesus walking with us: At the end of the storm there's a golden sky And the sweet silver song of a lark, Walk on... The idea that all will end well is a common theme - books and lms must end by solving the mystery or with people living happily ever after. Even music must nish with a satisfying conclusion, resolved and completed, either with a dramatic crescendo or a quiet chord. A golden sunset after a stormy day is nature's own perfect ending. I felt so sorry for the many, many people who, on Sunday night ooded social media with cries of disappointment because the long running story 'Line of Duty' nished with an unsatisfactory ending. For them it ended weakly, loose ends left untied. They'd invested hours of TV watching, concentrating on a convoluted story line, hoping for a perfect ending that didn't come. I confess that I haven't watched a minute of it, but when I saw the rage expressed, I thought of a story that will end perfectly. The Bible is the account of how all things are leading up to that 'golden sky' when at his return Jesus makes 'all things new'. 'Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me.' (Revelation 22 v 12). A college caretaker was approached by a student who had noticed he was reading a book. 'What are you reading?' asked the student. 'The Book of Revelation,' replied the caretaker. Amazed, the student asked him if he really understood what he was reading. 'O yes,' the caretaker replied, ' It means Jesus is going to win!' A day may or may not end with a sunset. A TV drama may or may not end with with a satisfying conclusion. The conclusion to a life of faith however, and indeed to this troubled world, is settled; there will be a good ending. God will bring all things together and, as the caretaker said, 'Jesus is going to win'. We continue our May-theme of blessing our town. TODAY WE BLESS IN THE NAME OF JESUS THE POLICE WHO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY May God bless you too 🙏 as you look forward to God's promised future for you. We expect a bright tomorrow, all will be well. Faith can sing through days of sorrow, 'All, all is well.' On our Father’s love relying, Jesus every need supplying, in our living, in our dying, all must be well.
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06 May 2021
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ood morning all! Thursday for me is like coming over the brow of the hill that was Wednesday and we're now on the unstoppable slope down to the weekend. It's like life, we are on a journey that progresses without ceasing, without diverting, and certainly without returning however much we look back wistfully. This last week or so has been full of reminders for me of advancing years. Fiona informed me that my oldest nephew was now 40. Then she dropped the bombshell that a great niece - a GREAT niece, not just an ordinary one was 10! I heard this week that a well-loved Salvation Army o cer had suddenly passed away. He and his wife were our o cers at Blackpool in 1986 and it was he who 'sent us' to the College to train to be o cers. He had given us a book from his own bookshelf and written in the front; I took the book from the shelf and re-read his words. It was 1986 again as I remembered him, and I was 24 once more... Yesterday an old school friend posted photos from 1974 and there were he and I standing there, aged 12. Oh the memories! Last week I rediscovered a photo of myself as a pageboy, aged 5. I remember well those velvet trousers and the frilly shirt 😆 . We could all long for the past, perhaps go back and relive moments, do things di erently. Maybe childhood was a lovely experience: well, that's how we look back with our ltered perspective. Freddie Mercury's last ever song has these words: Sometimes I get the feelin' You can't turn back the clock I was back in the old days long ago You can't turn back the tide When we were kids when we were young Ain't that a shame Things seemed so perfect - you know I'd like to go back one time on a roller coaster ride When life was just a game Well, we can't go back; we can't reverse time, we can't return to the age we have the fondest memories of, and yet Jesus says something to us that is both challenging and encouraging. He says, 'Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 17 v 3). That's a challenge to our world-weariness, our cynicism, our distrustfulness. Through experience or actions we sometimes lose the capacity to be open-hearted and open to believing. But what Jesus says is also an encouragement because he wouldn't ask something of us if it were not possible. He is saying that we, if we become like a child, can indeed become trusting again, able to learn, to take delight in simple things. We can have simplicity of faith even though we now have the knowledge and experience of the years. And how about this: we can regain the sense of innocence. No, we can't scrub away the deeds and actions of the years, but he can wash away their accusations and regrets. We can see them as learning experiences not burdens to carry; we can be as care-free and blameless as a child. That's the beginning of an ability to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. As the Psalmist tells us, he can 'renew your youth...' (Psalm 103 v 5) Loving Heavenly Father, you have been with me, sometimes unknown, from my earliest days. There have been those times I never knew you; and time passed. Now I come to you again and hear your word about becoming like a child; Lord is that possible for me? Can I regain the innocence, the sense of wonder, the ability to trust and take delight in good things? Lord, you talk about being 'born again', a 'new creation'; may that experience be mine today as you come into my heart to renew, recreate and restore me. Let me be your child once more. Through Jesus my Lord. Amen TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME ALL THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OUR TOWN - THE CHILDREN AND ALL THE STAFF
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07 May 2021
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ood morning everyone ! 🌅
A lovely day once again as we wake up - or if you're reading this in the evening: hasn't it been a lovely day? 🙂 Do you sing as you do daily tasks around the house? Maybe you hum as you potter in the garden, you whistle as you tidy the garage, you 'la' along with the song on the car radio or join in with the songs playing in Morrisons as you buy your veg... Whether you could rival Pavarotti or you sing like a toad, whether you have perfect pitch or you're tone deaf, music and song are very much a part of the joy of living. We love it when someone shares our love of music, we remember what it was like to be in a school assembly with children singing, in a theatre watching a musical, in a stadium watching a pop group. And how we miss being at the Army listening to the band and the songsters and the children in the singing company... Well, a step towards some normality was made this week - twice! Under current regulations we can record music for worship videos using six players sitting, as you would expect, socially distanced. So that's what we've done! On two nights this week six di erent members of the band have recorded a dozen or more hymns and choruses for the Together in Worship videos. And this coming Sunday will include one of those choruses.
What a delight it was to listen to the ensemble of musicians making a joyful noise - alternatively a quiet noise if it was a slower tune. As I listened the Army hall was lled again with brass music and going outside for a moment I could even hear the sound on the street. Oh yes! We were praising the Lord on the trumpet! So be encouraged! We're not there yet as far as public worship is concerned but one day when singing is allowed and we can join the band's music in praising the Lord, I can guarantee that the whole of Guisborough will hear, as we 'let everything that has breath praise the Lord!' (Psalm 150 v 6) Last night was a joy to listen to, it was also lovely to watch as the band members enjoyed playing music together. But I also know that there was worship in the Army hall on Tuesday and Thursday nights. One day we will all be back - but in the meantime 'sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, give thanks to God for everything.' TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME LAURENCE JACKSON SCHOOL, OR YOUR OWN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS WHEREVER YOU ARE God bless you 🙏
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08 May 2021
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ood morning everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's another 'Song Saturday' where we have a sneak preview of one of the songs, hymns and choruses from tomorrow's
Together in Worship.
As with all songs and music, even religious songs are judged according to taste and prejudice. Some of the great hymns of the church are passed over in favour of modern songs, while some regard Gospel music as inferior to the sacred hymns of a choir. As a leader of worship I am sometimes frustrated when a song is judged almost entirely on its music; the lyrics can be forgettable but the choral arrangement might be exquisite; likewise the most profound words can be disguised by a simple tune. The song we will take from tomorrow is one of those songs that is possibly seen as 'disposable' because of the often-used tune but the words are deep, meaningful and above all Biblical. Here are three of the verses: I am so glad that our Father in Heaven Tells of His love in the Book He has given; Wonderful things in the Bible I see; This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
2. Jesus loves me and I know I love Him; Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem, Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree; O I am certain that Jesus loves me!
Chorus I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.
3. If one should ask of me, how could I tell? Glory to Jesus, I know very well; God's Holy Spirit with mine doth agree, Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.
The song comes from the decade before The Salvation Army came into being, when revival was frequent in the US and here in Britain. The writer of these words, Philip Bliss, was in a revival meeting, and the congregation was singing repeatedly, 'O how I love Jesus'. Philip said to himself words to the e ect of 'I've had enough of singing I love him, what about a song that speaks about how he loves me?' And that's how this song was born. It's full of Biblical references and reminders - just like any of of the great Charles Wesley hymns, but I like the simple statement of the rst verse: Wonderful things in the Bible I see, this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. Yes, it is true indeed that the Bible is an amazing and miraculous book, but can there be anything more amazing and miraculous than God's love for us, and the love of Jesus for everyone he met? The Bible contains stories and songs, prayers and prophecies, miracles and mystery, but there is nothing more wonderful than this: God's love revealed. General Booth, The Salvation Army's Founder once said that in the Bible, 'God has put his heart on paper.' That's a lovely thought. The Bible is like a love letter, a small written token of the depth of love that God feels within himself for us. The Bible is words on a page, but when read carefully it reveals a love that is powerful, strong and eternal. God says 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.' That's an amazing thing. Oh I am certain that Jesus loves me. And we've got it in writing! Have a lovely day today everyone. We are going through the month of May praying God's blessing on di erent parts of our life. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE STUDENTS AND STAFF AT PRIOR PURSGLOVE COLLEGE, OR YOUR LOCAL SIXTH FORM OR COLLEGE WHEREVER YOU ARE. May God bless you. 🙏
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10 May 2021
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orning all! Welcome to Monday. Another week lies ahead of us. Let's believe for a good week.
Now, we've all heard it, and then seen it. The Thump! Thump! Thump! of what the under 30s call 'music' coming from the inside of a car that appears round the corner 30 seconds after the music is heard. You then see a young man in a baseball cap, the seat back and in a low position, as he cruises the high street playing his 'house' music or 'garage' music for us all to hear. Well yesterday I was passed by a car driven by a much older man than the youths I have described, and I was personally pleased to hear the very loud music blasting out from inside his closed windows, for it was a Queen song from 1985. It must have been ear-splitting inside his car! It occurred to me that this music was 36 years old! It's 'Dad music'. It's not the 'cool' music of the 20 year old in his rst Ford Fiesta, and yet the man playing it was just as proud of his choice of 'old' music, and he wanted the entire street to enjoy it as well 😁 I did enjoy it, I can't guarantee everyone else did, as the Thump! Thump! Thump! of Queen's 'One Vision' progressed up the High Street... Those who play their music loudly are not just enjoying it for themselves, they are proud of their music, and determined to let others hear it too. And it's a principle the Bible is fully sympathetic to: God evidently likes loud music. The Psalms are full of loud trumpets and high sounding cymbals. I am convinced God likes a good brass band! Someone once said that God likes country music - I hope he likes heavy metal too. And I can con rm that he likes disco music - 'praise the Lord with dancing', says the Psalms. 'Let the sound of praise be heard' (Psalm 66 v 8) In other words, lets not keep it quiet, private, muted. I've been so pleased over these many months that the sound of praise has been heard by so many more people than it once was. God has used our straitened circumstances to ensure that 'the voice of praise is never silent.' and, like the young lads (and middle aged blokes) with their car stereos blaring, the church's praise has been uploaded, downloaded, live-streamed, shared, liked, Zoomed and played on YouTube for all to hear. What opportunities God has given us. What joy has been shared by us all - whether it's Together in
Worship on YouTube, or a worship song shared on WhatsApp, or a Salvation Army band video posted
on Facebook, we have indeed 'Let the sound of praise be heard'. I can't even imagine the testimonies that may emerge from all this in years to come, as people share how they have found the Lord through the online sound of worship, as the sound of praise has been heard. May you have much to praise God for this week! TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE SMALL INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND BUSINESSES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY May God bless you too 🙏
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
There are a number of large trees and a long row of bushes next to our house, as well as a tree in our garden and four conifers. You can imagine therefore that we get a lot of birds. I'm no birdwatcher but I love to look through both kitchen windows to the back and side of the house to see the di erent kinds of birds uttering and apping around. Sometimes the noise when a ock settles in a tree is tremendous; on other occasions a single bird sits high on a branch and there's a single tweet every now and again. We have a bird bath in the garden and it always amuses me to see a small bird apping about in the water. It's hilarious to see one of the large grey pigeons that live round here doing the same - water everywhere! I feed the birds too - there's an ancient bird table where I'll put some fruit every now and again, and watch the one or two pecking away at it. But I saw an intriguing sight yesterday. A blackbird was scu ing around at the edge of the lawn, throwing bits of grass and miss everywhere. He was really energetic! Nearby, quite still, was brown Mrs Blackbird doing nothing; and as I watched, her mate twice hopped over to her with something in his beak and fed her. Then suddenly, o he ew over next door's garden and away. She sat there for another half an hour just looking around, and I wondered if she was hurt or something, but eventually she too had own away. I have no idea what was going on there, she wasn't a chick that needed to be fed; maybe that's what blackbirds do, the male feeding his mate. He was certainly making a lot of e ort! Jesus was a bit of a birdwatcher too and he said something that we know very well which is, to my observation more poetic than factual: 'Look at the birds of the air... Your heavenly Father feeds them.' (Matthew 6 v 26). Yes, the food chain is set up, there are worms and caterpillars galore, and whatever else there might be that make up a blackbird's diet, but it seems evident to me that the bird still has to go looking, digging around and pecking to get hold of God's provision. The point Jesus was making of course was that birds don't worry, they just get on with it! The food is there, go get it! I would suggest that the blessings of God are there but it really is for us to nd them, to 'ask, seek and knock'. Do we want God to bless us, guide us, provide for us? I certainly do, but he encourages us to do the looking, the getting. The Bible is food for the mind and soul, but only if it's read. The Holy Spirit is the breath of life, but only if we pray. I return to the blackbird, and still wonder what was going on with him feeding his mate. Maybe the blessings of God are there in abundance not just for me to take advantage of, but to share with others too. If we know where the 'food' is, and someone else doesn't know or isn't able to look, then we can bless others and share what we know. Maybe today we can be the encourager, the provider, that someone needs. As Jesus said, 'Freely you have received, freely give.' TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME REVEREND ALISON PHILLIPSON, AND THE CONGREGATION AND WORK OF ST NICHOLAS's CHURCH (or your local Anglican church) And may God bless you too! 🙏
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11 May 2021
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Wednesday welcome to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I guess this week many of us will be glancing up at the skies wondering what meteorological delights there will be today! We Brits really do like to talk about the weather, and we love it when there's weather worth talking about! The last couple of days here in East Cleveland we've had times of lovely sunshine and then very dark clouds, rumblings of thunder, very heavy rain, and on Monday, lightning which I didn't really see but which I certainly heard! I was at the Citadel and there was such an almighty crash of lightning that seemed to be just outside, that I jumped o my chair. For a split second I thought there'd been a car accident or something, but immediately realised it was lightning; the loudest lightning I think I've ever heard! And then the heavens opened, and not only did it it rain but there were hailstones as well. I'm sorry, isn't this May? There's something awe-inspiring about lightning and thunder. Nature can be beautiful but can also be dangerous too. There's a sense of wonder and often a fearful reaction when nature releases its 'fury'. How much has been written about earthquake, ood, storm and yes, lightning. Yesterday, I read that a little boy had been struck by lightning - and our hearts go out to his parents. Nature can indeed be destructive. In the Bible lightning is often used to describe the majesty of God, or to announce his awesome presence. Think of Moses on Sinai and you'll imagine the lightning there. At the trans guration Jesus appears changed with the appearance of lightning, and Jesus himself said that his return will be like the lightning ashing from East to West. We read, 'Listen carefully to the thunder of God's voice as it rolls from his mouth. It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning ashes in every direction.’ (Job 37:2 3) The idea of the awe-inspiring nature of God isn't something we dwell too much upon, we focus more on the face of Jesus than on his feet on those dark paths 'on the wings of the storm.' And yet, how many of us have looked up at a star- lled sky, or stood on a seashore and watched the waves breaking, or stood on a hillside looking way down into a valley and felt that feeling of wonder at the creation above and around us? With the hymn writer we would sing Oh Lord, my God, when I, in awesome wonder When through the woods and forest glade I wander Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, Thy power throughout the universe displayed: And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze: Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee. How great thou art. How great thou art. Maybe on occasion we have brought God too low and forgotten his majesty and power, his splendour that surrounds him. Jesus has brought him near to us, but let his greatness also be part of your worship, remembering of course that this God of creation knows your name, understands your need and hears your prayers. What a mighty God we have. Far above the heavens, majestic in power, but also living in our hearts and loving us completely. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME FATHER PHILIP CUNNAH AND THE PEOPLE AND WORK OF ST PAULINUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (or your local Catholic church). And may God bless you too 🙏
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12 May 2021
13 May 2021
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ello everyone. The days 'are hastening on' as the Christmas carol says. Sorry about that, but someone did say on the wireless yesterday how many days it was to Christmas! I can't remember how many because I blanked it out immediately :) Who wants to think of herald angels in May? Speaking of herald angels, did you know that the people who sell the Salvation Army paper The War Cry are o cially called 'Heralds'? You see, you learn something everyday. A herald is someone with a message, a man (or woman) on a mission. In the old days a herald would announce - or 'herald' indeed - the imminent arrival of the king; or else a herald would be a messenger to bring the King's decision or to announce any news from the court. What a responsibility! In the days before texts, emails, Facebook, telephone, telegram, letters - to the days when people couldn't read even, we see the herald with trumpet and scroll announcing to the people the news they needed to hear. They were known in Bible times too: 'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news' (Isaiah 52 v 7) Well today, after an experiment a couple of weeks ago by Yours Truly, our own herald Dennis is going to be a herald of the King of kings. I'm not aware he'll be playing a trumpet, but he'll certainly be selling the War Cry. (socially-distanced and so on and so on). He's helping the Corps return to a decades long tradition of publishing in print the Gospel for the masses. Did you know that the War Cry was rst published in 1879? Think of how many people in pubs, clubs, and on the street have bought a well produced, attractive paper (now magazine) that is lled with the Gospel message, with testimonies and news from a Christian perspective, not to mention a recipe and a crossword! When I used to 'do the pubs' men would often say, 'Aye I'll have one, I like the crossword.' Yeah, that's the thing to say in front of your mates. Maybe he actually wanted it for the recipe! (and why not indeed?) I hope that he glanced at the testimonies and heard people tell of their faith in Jesus, because that's why it's printed, that's why we sell them, and that's why Dennis will be there in Guisborough on market day - a herald of the King. I don't know about you but in these days of having everything on your phone or laptop, you can't beat a bit of paper. I led a Bible study last night on Zoom, but my notes were written on paper and I'd used an old fashioned pencil (not even a pen). There's something 'real' and substantial about proper writing and proper paper. Maybe it's because I'm over 50. God spoke to a chap called Habakkuk (what a great name) and said to him, 'write down the revelation'. Now God suggested clay tablets - even I'm not that old-fashioned - and then went on to say, 'make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.' (Habakkuk 2 v 2) The message of God is so important it should rst be written down, and then secondly be published by heralds, messengers, printers, internet bloggers and texters. The King's message needs to be published abroad. Can I ask you to pray for Dennis and others like him who this week will sell a War Cry, hand out a lea et, a Bible even, to people who don't know God? Why not read the message for yourself today? Take some time to open your printed Bible and read the message, the revelation from God. It's all good news! TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME REVEREND JOHN HENRY AND THE CONGREGATION AND WORK OF THE GUISBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH (or your own local Methodists) And God bless you too! 🙏
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14 May 2021
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ello everyone, welcome to Friday. What a week! I guess you could use the odd mixture of weather as a metaphor for life - the loudest lightning and the heaviest rain one day, and blue skies and very warm sunshine the next. I'm not a gardener. If I'm allowed, I am a little envious of those who create beautiful borders, well trimmed shrubs, weed-free manicured lawns. I do have some tubs though with various things that miraculously reappear each year no thanks to me. I bought various supermarket plants and put them in new pots, and they are twice the size they were. But there's one thing that disappoints and concerns me. My fuschia is just a collection of sticks. Is it dead or just waiting? I repotted it into a larger container but unlike other plants there was no sign of those 'sticks' coming to life. And then I noticed right at the bottom, something green, something small and so maybe there's life after all. I haven't killed it! There's hope; the prospect of a pink and white owers somewhere down the line I'll let you know! Can I quote for you a text from the Bible that is on my list of favourites? Though the g tree should not blossom Nor fruit be on the vines, The produce of the olive fail And the elds yield no food, The ock be cut o from the fold And there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3 v 17,18) Poor Habakkuk was a farmer evidently having a bad year - a disastrous year, and certainly nothing as trivial as a fuschia bush that appears dead! But look at his response: he's joyful, he's hopeful, he's con dent that whatever things look like now he has a God who will save him. We're not talking about saving his soul in church here, he's literally talking about God saving his farm, his livelihood, his life even! The Bible, to me, has two great themes: what God does for us now with 'our daily bread' and with his gift of grace and love; and then what we trust God to do in the future - and that brings hope and peace. Notice that even in the sadness, the distress even, of losing his harvest, Habakkuk still decides to hold onto God: I WILL rejoice, I WILL take joy. That's deliberate. It's a decision. No matter what it looks like I'm going to be joyful. Now, that's not a 'Baby don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing, is gonna be all right' kind of attitude, this is a rm assurance that God is in control, and that even in di cult times as we determine to trust him, to bring our needs in prayer, he is still with us working out his purposes. God never changes, but we must place ourselves, like Habakkuk did, in that determined attitude of trust so that God can work. Have a lovely day everyone - I'm going out to see if there's any more growth on that fuschia and I'll rejoice at the prospect of owers in the future. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE LEADERS AND THE MEMBERS OF GUISBOROUGH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (or your local Fellowship church) And God bless you too 🙏
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15 May 2021
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t's another Song Saturday! Every week we feature one of the songs, hymns or
choruses that are part of Sunday's Together in Worship; this week we're considering 'There is a Redeemer' by Melody Green. In the late 1960s and 1970s there was a very creative Christian music scene in the United States; it was commonly called 'Jesus Music', and was basically the musical expression of a revival of the Christian faith amongst young people on the West Coast. Melody Green was Jewish, had rebelled against her upbringing, explored Buddhism, became a hippy and dabbled in the drug scene. I think she might tell you she was 'lost.' She met her future husband Keith, and they both later found Jesus and were born again. Together they started an outreach ministry among young people. Five years after she was converted Melody wrote the rst two verses of this song: There is a Redeemer Jesus, God's own Son Precious Lamb of God, Messiah Chorus: Holy One Thank you, O my Father Jesus my Redeemer For giving us your Son Name above all names And leaving your Spirit Precious Lamb of God, Messiah 'til the work on earth is done. O, for sinners slain. She knew her life had been wonderfully changed by God's grace - Jesus really was her Redeemer, the one who had paid a price to set her free from her old life. She knew, along with Job in the Bible, that her Redeemer lives. And what a change! Married to a loving husband with three children; how God had blessed her. Her husband Keith was a Christian singer who had released popular LPs of his songs and performed at concerts across the country. It was he who wrote the third verse of the song and recorded it in 1982: When I stand in Glory I will see his face, and there I'll serve my King forever in that holy place. That same year tragedy struck. Melody was expecting her fourth child when Keith and two of their children were killed in a plane crash. He was only 28. How does one bear that kind of tragedy? Melody found refuge in the love of God who had redeemed her, and in the truth that lay behind Keith's own words that reminded her that he was sure of a place in Glory and there he was gazing at the face of Jesus who had saved him along with her. Job in the Bible was a man who saw more tragedy than most of us will ever see. Everything was taken from him and yet he was able to say, 'I know that my Redeemer lives...and I will see him with my own eyes; how my heart yearns within me.' (Job 19 v 25 - 27) That's the foundation of the song, but also the solid foundation of Melody Green's life. We have a Redeemer, he is indeed precious, the name above all names; and what a wonderful hope we have: that one day we too will stand in Glory to see his face. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE GUISBOROUGH EVANGELICAL CHURCH (or your local evangelical church) And may God bless you! 🙏 See you tomorrow for Together in Worship
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17 May 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the start of a new week and a long-anticipated week of
change Cafés and restaurants can welcome customers inside. We can invite people from one other household into our houses. There are other relaxations as well that are encouraging and to be welcomed! How nice it will be to sit in Costa, how lovely it will be to have a friend in your living room once again. There are, of course, still restrictions. Venues can't open if they can't do social distancing, it's all table service indoors, numbers are still limited to six, and even though numbers at funerals can rise, that can only happen in large churches. So, the light is bigger and brighter but the end of the tunnel is not yet in touching distance. It's looking hopeful though! But. We are getting used to warnings along the way. The Indian variant is a concern - and we've been saddened to see what's been happening in India, and of course it's come here too. We often see comments about people who go too far with the relaxation of restrictions and we would express caution (even though we are excited about the prospect of changes!) We are thankful for the rollout of a hugely successful vaccine programme - but worried perhaps that those not yet vaccinated might still be a ected if restrictions are not observed. So we remain cautious in our optimism. As people of faith in God we are like the Apostle Paul who said "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair." (2 Corinthians 4:8) That's patience. A great deal of faith is in the context of patience, we 'wait for the Lord'. There's a song that, to be honest, I haven't used in our meetings for a long, long time. It's 'Take time to be holy', but one line says something to us today: 'Run not before him, whatever betide.' In other words, don't go ahead of God's leading, don't cross the boundaries he's set. God's timing is best, he sees a whole picture while we see our small part. And it's hard for us sometimes to do that 'waiting on the Lord' thing. But Paul encourages us to 'Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.' (Ephesians 5 v 15) That's good advice in all ages, all aspects of life. And the experience of many will show that progress is always more certain, more ful lling, when we follow the Guide himself. Keep praying for our country, our world; thank God for the progress, pray for the places where it's di cult, and believe for positive developments in the summer. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE CONGREGATION OF THE GUISBOROUGH UNITED REFORMED CHURCH (or a Reformed church near you) And may God bless you today 🙏
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18 May 2021
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orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona; we hope you are well Yesterday I had a treat. We were invited to a family's get together, and a lovely bu et was provided. Two things stood out for me - the walnut cake and the jam and cream scones. No, three: the pink and yellow sponge cake. Well, to be polite you have to try it all don't you! But I need to tell you about the sh pie. This sh pie had been spoken of a couple of weeks ago when I was invited. OK, I thought, it's not something I've majored on in the past, but I'll have a go. I'm sure there'll be scones as well... And we got to the house and there, in the middle of the table were two sh pies looking beautiful in their dishes. Oh, joy! There were also two plates of scones with jam and cream. I tried the sh pie. Well I can tell you it was beautiful. So beautiful in fact I wished I'd spooned a bit more into my bowl. I told Major Fiona how nice it was, nished it and went back for more! Well, you would, wouldn't you! I thanked the gentleman who had created such a lovely pie, having heard that he was a chef - Oh well, it should be good then! Imagine my surprise later when I learned that the provider of the bu et sh pie, whom I had complimented, is a food consultant and is, I quote, "one of the country's nest seafood chefs"! This wasn't just a sh pie, this was a ' ne' sh pie. Do you know, that sh pie now tastes even better than I remember - and it was excellent at the time. To adapt Scripture, it was a case of 'taste and see that the chef is good.' When the Bible says, to quote it correctly, 'O taste and see that the Lord is good,' (Psalm 34 v 8) it's an invitation to enjoy the blessings of life, to appreciate what is given - family, friends, comforts and pleasures, successes and achievements and to see that these are gifts; but more than that, much more in fact, it's to recognise him. 'The Lord is good' is at the basis of 'all good gifts around us'. We don't settle simply for a religious, spiritual or devotional 'feeling' of blessing when we say the Lord is good, we really are saying that we appreciate the everyday things of life. However, what makes these things better is that we know from whose hand they come and, we read the Psalmist's next words: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Oh that's so important. We love the blessings of this world and we appreciate the one who has given them, but our trust is not in the things themselves but in the One who provides. We trust God; we look beyond the gift to the giver. We must seek God's face, his presence before we seek his hand, his gifts. I enjoyed that sh pie, truly. But I appreciate it even more having met the expert who made it. In life may we always look for the Maker and entrust our lives to him - life will always be better for that. Lord, I appreciate the many gifts I enjoy. Life is full of common blessings, of simple privilege, of natural beauty and everyday necessity. As I receive, enjoy and share the things around me, make me aware that your hand has given them, but that I can know your heart as well. Help me always to look beyond what I see and discover you, believe in you, trust in you; for if I do that then I will have the greatest gift: you yourself revealed perfectly in Jesus. Today, in all my experiences, may I know you and realise again that you are good. Amen. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR LOCAL FOOD BANKS AND OUR OWN FOOD STORE, THOSE WHO WORK THERE, AND THOSE WHO ASK FOR HELP. And may God bless you too 🙏
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Page 52
19 May 2021
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midweek greeting to you all! How's it going? Have you been out? By which I mean have you been 'in'? As of Monday we have been able to sit inside cafés and restaurants and various other places. And yesterday I did it! I arranged to meet someone from the Army for co ee. 'Let's meet at Costa,' I said (other cafés are available), 'and if it's busy we'll go back to my house and I'll put the kettle on.' (Also an inside location, you'll notice!) Well we met outside on a busy High Street, dutifully donned our face coverings, entered the faintly-remembered sanctuary that is Costa, and discovered about 4 other people! No crowds, no socially-distanced line waiting for at whites and lattes. Do they not know? Have they not heard? I paid for a Cappuccino and hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows (well it was Tuesday!) and we had the privilege of choosing where to sit. We spread out at a table for four. And there for an hour and a half, indoors and maskless, we two blokes sat and chatted. And I wondered at the empty tables. I guess people will gradually get used to the idea; it's been a while, and maybe people are cautious, sensible. Or maybe just waiting for the rain to stop before they ventured out. But it was lovely, I have to say, to talk freely face to face with another person; to see a smile, to get the whole expression and not just the eyes. It was nice to sit down and relax inside. Conversations, friendships, relationships are much better when conducted face to face; and we are part of a faith that majors on face-to-face relationship - not just with each other in fellowship, but with God himself. The Bible is full of face-to-face encounters with God, from him walking in the garden in the cool of the day, to Abraham, to Moses of whom we read 'So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend.' (Exodus 33 v 11) It seems that in certain situations God was seen in those days, but of course the greatest face-to-face encounter was for those who met Jesus. So many people since have written and spoken about a desire to have that experience. The chorus that says, 'And I shall see him face-to-face and tell the story: saved by grace'. The song that says, '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!' Yes, there are promises that one day we who know that our Redeemer lives will see him with our own eyes, we will see Jesus in the esh. We will see him as he is! But how wonderful now, that in prayer and with the eyes of faith we can know him, sit with him and without any mask of pretence or reticence, talk to him as a friend talks with a friend. I'm just glad I don't have to fork out for an overpriced hot chocolate to do so! TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR LOCAL DOCTORS' SURGERY OR HEALTH CENTRE. And God bless you too! 🙏
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Page 53
20 May 2021
H
ello everyone. It's Thursday, which means in Guisborough it's market day. We actually have market stalls on Tuesday and Saturday too, but Thursday is the main one. Looking at the weather, and with all the changes that have happened, I won't be surprised if it's a busy one! We hear a lot nowadays about 'the death of the high street'; how small shops can't compete, how large stores are closing down, how the high streets up and down the country are not busy anymore. It is indeed sad. Sad for the owners of the businesses of course, sad for the local economy, and sad for workers who may lose their job. But something else happens if the high street, including a weekly market, declines: people no longer meet. It's been a hard year for meeting. We are naturally social creatures. Shopping on market day isn't just our morning for getting the veg for the weekend or getting your watchstrap tted, or buying a hat or a jumper; market day is a time to meet, to chat, to see who's around. It's a time to share news: my son's got a new job, my hubby isn't well, my grandson's birthday is tomorrow, I've got new neighbours... Yesterday I rejoiced at sitting inside with hot chocolate and a friend, but we equally enjoy standing with a shopping bag outside Yorkshire Trading talking about the weather! We love to share the news. It's just what we do . It's natural, unforced and we like a bit of a chat. There's a very old Gospel song that was once in the Salvation Army song book, but was dropped in 1986: Whene’er we meet you always say,— "What’s the news? What’s the news?" Pray, what’s the order of the day— What’s the news? What’s the news? The song then goes on to talk about the news of Jesus. Apparently it was a song that was very popular in 1859 when everyone in England was talking about a revival of religion across the country. It was the topic of the day as hundreds started lling the churches every week. Wouldn't it be interesting if the topic for gossip on Guisborough market day was how many people had started going to church! The Bible talks of a time when Christians were leaving Jerusalem and 'those who were scattered went about preaching the word.' (Acts 8 v 4) It's a mystery to me why it says 'preaching' because the original language says 'announcing the good news'. That sounds less formal and 'churchy' which is exactly what it was; these Christians were not preachers but gossips! They were 'gossiping the Gospel', as I heard someone once say. They spoke about Jesus in the cafés, at meetings with friends, when they were standing around the market places with their shopping. They just talked about their good news, about Jesus. Maybe that's why it was e ective. It wasn't a church sermon it was just sharing some news about how they felt about their faith, and prayer, and how God loved them. It was just naturally dropped into the conversation. That's probably the best form of preaching! I'd better stop there or I'll do myself out of a job 😁 TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR LOCAL MARKET AND OUR HIGH STREET AND THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY IT ENCOURAGES. And may God bless you too 🙏
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Page 54
21 May 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. They say you shouldn't believe everything you read. There are those who think that if it's written down it must be true. 'I saw it on the internet, how can it be wrong??' Oh dear. We've never had a need to be so discerning as today. Who believes everything? One of the big stories of this week focuses on forged documents; carefully-planned, well-produced, even before the existence of the kind our modern technolo y that can produce perfect and realistic documents that would fool literally anyone. Well today a man has been found out, years after he used his forged documents to deceive a Princess. You really shouldn't believe everything you read, even if the author is persuasive. There was another report this week on another document, this time owned by a Queen. It's a tragic story and yet the report is positive and uplifting. The historians have Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours - her daily prayer book - printed on a primitive printing press (and therefore expensive), that has her own heartbreaking handwritten message to whoever received the book: 'remember me when you do pray'. They say it was the very prayer book she carried to her execution, the prayer book she would have handed to a lady in waiting as her last act before kneeling to be beheaded. The scientists have discovered through modern technolo y the names of women who owned the prayer book ever since, all faded now, but the names of women who kept the book safe over the years, preserving her request for prayer, when all her other possessions had been forcibly destroyed. It reminds me a little of the Bible scrolls from before the time of Jesus that were hidden in caves and then only discovered by accident after WWII. Even today they are still only getting into some of them to detect the words on the fragments and rolled up scrolls. What I nd fascinating - but I'm not surprised - is that what we can read in those scrolls matches what we have in our Bibles in 2021. It's amazing. Critics have said we have mistranslations, or modern variants. They say it's all edited, made up - fraudulent even. But no. It's all true, authentic. The modern matches the ancient. The copy re ects the original. The word we read in English today corresponds to the ancient language of the scrolls. No mistake, no forgery, no deceit; just ancient truth that lives today and tells us of God whose word stands forever. What can we believe? There's so much to see today, so much in print and online, who do we trust? Well, knowledge and learning is wonderful, we should pursue it. When it comes to spiritual truth, matters of life and the soul, God's word stands alone. The Psalmist writes, 'All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.' (Psalm 119 v 160). There are indeed some things you can believe simply because they are written down. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR FUNERAL DIRECTORS, WHO HELP US IN OUR MOST DIFFICULT TIMES May God bless you 🙏
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Page 55
22 May 2021
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t's the weekend! Hello everyone. Every weekend is special
because tomorrow we have Together in Worship, and today is Song Saturday where we take one of the hymns or songs from our worship and consider it’s meaning or history. This week we feature a very simple song from 1995 that contains a surprising word or two that some might think are rather strange for a religious song: This is the air I breathe This is the air I breathe Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread This is my daily bread Your very word spoken to me And I, I'm desperate for you And I, I'm lost without you Marie Barnett © 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
The nal couplets are somewhat 'intimate' perhaps? You'd be used to seeing them in a love song, but in a song about God? Well, maybe not. Hymn writing has an interesting history and if some modern songs have been criticised for their 'over-familiarity' with Jesus, surprisingly so have old hymns too. Isaac Watts, who wrote When I Survey the Wondrous, was criticised for making his hymns too personal. And there are other songs with Victorian sentimentality that could be seen as rather 'romantic'. So you have: 'Jesus the very thought of thee with sweetness lls my breast', and 'I could not live without him, his love is life to me,' and 'Here thy whispered love within my soul.' These, and the song we are considering today, are in a long line of religious poetry that re ects a depth of devotion to God, and a spirituality that really engages the emotions. Many of us are familiar with the idea that religious devotion can sometimes involve deep feelings and even tears. It's sometimes our human reaction to the love of God, to his grace and our feelings of closeness to him. The writer of our song today is Marie Barnett who recalls how she wrote this very simple refrain. She wrote: "We had been singing 'Isn't He' (a worship song by John Wimber), and my husband continued to play. I was so enthralled with Jesus at that moment, thinking I could never live, I could never even take a breath if I didn't have a word from Him every day. And so I heard those words - "this is the air I breathe, this is my daily bread" and I started singing them." The words may be brief, hardly enough to call it one verse of a song, and yet when you listen to them being sung by a soloist, or when a congregation sings them, they become quite profound. Tomorrow we will hear The Salvation Army's International Sta Songsters sing the song, and the music and words certainly evoke the spirit of worship. Of course, it's not just poetry and it's certainly not mere emotion; the words re ect Scripture where we read, 'Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."' (John 20 v 22). I can only conclude that his symbolic action was to show them how deeply personal, how vital, our experience of God is; it can't be just an opinion, belief or custom. Our relationship with God is as close as the very breath in our bodies we really can't live without him, and there may be times indeed, as Marie Barnett writes, that we might be desperate for him. We would certainly want him to 'Breathe on me breath of God, ll me with life anew.' Join us for Together in Worship tomorrow and listen to this beautiful song, and allow the Spirit to breathe upon you once again. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME OUR MARRIAGES AND OUR FAMILIES, THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIETY God bless you 🙏
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Page 56
24 May 2021
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Monday morning welcome to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you had a great weekend. Fiona and I decided to go to Staithes. Some of you know it well. For those who don't know it, it's a little shing village on the North Yorkshire coast huddled against steep cli s. It's a picturesque place of cobbled streets and eighteenth century cottages that have hardly changed. Apparently, James Cook got his love for the sea here whilst staying as a boy in a cottage at the harbour's edge. Well it was a lovely visit to an unspoiled village and we were glad we took the opportunity to walk down the steep street (and back up again!). I wonder how many have never taken the opportunity to visit, people who live nearby? We've lived near Staithes for nearly seven years and it was our very rst visit. We talked about how many people seem not to take advantage of the local sights that other people travel miles to see. I come from Blackpool, and allowing for the obvious fact that it lacks the olde worlde charm of a Staithes or a Robin Hood's Bay, it has other features, being 'famous for fresh air and fun' and other features that may or may not appeal; but when I lived there until my mid twenties, I can't say that I took advantage very much of the promenade, the beach, or the three piers. I never even went up the Tower until we returned to visit family. It's strange that when you live somewhere the things that attract others tend to go unnoticed, taken for granted. I used to work literally 200 yards from the sea front but I don't recall ever walking there on a lunch break to sit on a bench and eat my sandwiches. I sometimes think a similar thing about our practice of the faith. My own experience is that it's so easy to forget, to 'assume', to be complacent, even to neglect those things around us which, like a beautiful village, might be appreciated more by occasional visitors than those who could enjoy them regularly. It's easy to neglect a moment to read the Bible. It's a simple oversight to forget to pray. It's not unusual to put it o to 'later', which never comes, or to say 'tomorrow' which then o ers distractions of its own. Albert Orsborn, who was General of The Salvation Army many years ago, and who wrote much deeply spiritual poetry, wrote (presumably from personal experience), "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'". That's very true. Paul advises us to make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5 v 16). Well, even when the days are lled with goodness, joy and beauty, we can still be distracted and fail to grasp the opportunities for spending time with God. Don't be a mere visitor to God's presence, and certainly don't be a stranger! Take time to be holy, as the song says. I know it's not Song Saturday, but here's a helpful song for today: 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, 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, 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, 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 tted for service above.
TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, LARGE AND SMALL, IN OUR TOWN And may God bless you too 🙏
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Page 57
25 May 2021
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ello everyone, how's your exercising? I ask that because this time last year when we were told NOT to go outside except for one session of exercise a day, we were all doing it! The streets were lled with single people, couples, and even children being dragged along by their parents all determined that they were going to take advantage of legallyencouraged, socially-distanced exercise. Happy, crowded days... Well, I have to confess that since I stopped running last September, I haven't done that much walking either, and so it was with great excitement that I decided to visit someone yesterday on foot on what turned out to be a three and half kilometre walk. And I loved it. As I walked along a very leafy but busy road, past some large houses, I heard water running and discovered that a few of the houses were accessed by drives that formed bridges over a stream - they call it a beck round here. What I could hear was a small waterfall (as pictured). Can you imagine having this in your front garden? How beautiful! Trees, a stream (sorry, 'beck'), birds singing in the sunshine; I was in heaven. I'd love to live with a little waterfall like that. The thought struck me that I've driven past that driveway many times but it was by walking, by hearing, by stepping o the pavement and going to see, that I discovered this tranquil sight and sound that could easily have been the scene in the middle of a forest miles from civilisation. What a blessing to discover something that was always there - even before the house was built what, 80 years ago? The stream was always there, it's run there presumably for thousands of years, possibly at one time in an open eld. Those who live here in Guisborough know it's part of a network of little becks that run through and around the town. It reminded me of the verse in Psalm 46 - you might want to look it up; it's the one all about mountains falling into the sea and it ends with 'Be still and know that I am God.' But in the middle there's a lovely verse: 'There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God' (Psalm 46 v 4) What's remarkable about that is that Jerusalem doesn't have a river! It does however have a spring, it comes from an underground source and is the only place in Jerusalem where water could be found. Is that what the writer of the Psalm was thinking about? Quite likely. He was suggesting that it is this hidden stream that makes the city 'glad'; but then he says about Jerusalem, 'God is within her, she will not fall. God will help her at break of day.' I think he means that the spring is going to save them if ever they were besieged and trapped in the city. It's proof that God is on the side of Israel. But for us there is this beautiful image of a refreshing stream that makes us glad, that is a symbol of God's presence through life. It's hidden, just like the little beck and waterfall near the main road, it might even seem to be underground at times, implying our own experience that we might feel God is not evident or feels far away. Does he know, is he interested? The truth is this: that stream is eternal; it owed before we came on the scene and it will ow after we have gone to be with the Lord. God's grace, his love and his faithfulness never fail. The river of God's grace will always ow beside the path of duty to bring refreshment as we do our necessary tasks. But the second truth is that we must seek it. It's easily found - we don't need to jump through hoops, go on a pilgrimage or subscribe to an internet site. We just need to turn aside from the busy road and there it will be, a river of grace that makes us glad. The Holy Spirit - God himself who dwells within us - is like the river that makes glad the city of God. He refreshes, he takes away thirst, he brings to us the water of life. But he comes to those who seek God in prayer, with open hearts and humble minds. He comes to those who realise that their only blessing is that hidden river of God. He invites us all to experience that river of grace found through faith in Jesus. When shall I come unto the healing waters? Lifting my heart, I cry to thee my prayer. Spirit of peace, my Comforter and healer, In whom my springs are found, let my soul meet thee here.
From a hill I know, Healing waters ow; O rise, Immanuel’s tide, And my soul over ow!
TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THE CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN THE TOWN AND AREA. And may God bless you too! 🙏
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Page 58
26 May 2021
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appy Wednesday everyone! Let's have another picture of a waterfall! If you're reading this on the morning of 26th May you'll be looking out at yet another wet day. April, apparently, was the coldest and frostiest it's been for 60 years. The Met O ce has also said that April was the driest since records began in 1862. That's got to have an e ect on agriculture. In fact, on the radio yesterday someone said that we're quite behind in the growing season - things are just not where they should be. So I wondered if someone has been praying for rain. If you have, please can you stop now? May has been the wettest since those records began! By the middle of the month we'd had more than a whole month's rain and it's just continued! The comment was made that May is making up for April. Well, it can stop now! I can imagine if I was a farmer that April might have been a worrying time. Frost and a lack of rain is not good news I guess. Dry ground doesn't get things growing, and the cold could be deadly. Showers of rain, however, would be seen as a blessing; and I use that word deliberately. For some people, 'Into each life some rain must fall' means that we all will experience sorrow, di culties and hardships; rain symbolises things that are negative. But for people whose lives are made di cult by constant dryness - or a drier than usual month - rain is welcome, it's vital, something to be thankful for. God's promise to his people who were burdened, exiled, feeling forgotten, in a bit of a wilderness as it were, was that in a metaphorical way he would 'pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground.' (Isaiah 44 v 3) he promised that they would be refreshed, they would grow and blossom. Rain is not an inconvenience to parched ground. I read of a woman who felt her religious experience and devotion wasn't special anymore. It was dull and dry. Her church was a dry place too. Maybe a bit boring and lifeless? Then she was told of a congregation quite far away where everything was coming alive, there was joy among the people, they loved each other, new people were joining the fellowship. How she longed for that in her experience. So she wrote a song, a prayer: Lord, I hear of showers of blessing Thou art scattering full and free, Showers the thirsty land refreshing; Let some showers fall on me. Even me, even me, Let some showers fall on me. Yes, May in England is the wettest it's been since records began, but in parts of the USA they are desperate for rain; I imagine farmers will be praying for rain. There's no guarantee of that of course, but for us in our need of blessing, of God's providence, of a fresh experience of his grace, peace and joy, there's always the promise of showers of blessing. As you look at the rain (again) today, just be reminded of the abundant blessings of God and his promise to open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing we won't be able to contain it! (Malachi 3 v 10) TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THOSE WHO LOOK FOR WORK OR WHO CANNOT WORK DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES And God bless you too 🙏
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Page 59
27 May 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I am sitting here this morning with the realisation that it's our 'work anniversary'; not that we started work 33 years ago, but that we became Salvation Army o cers on this day in 1988. Fiona had been (and still is) a Sta Nurse, I had been a salaries clerk with the Post O ce; but for a number of years, even before we met and married, we both had a vocation to be Salvation Army o cers. I remember saying once that I didn't mind what the Army appointed me to do, as long as it was as an o cer. And so it has been - church leadership and preaching ministry, part of the management of a hostel for homeless people, managing an older people's care home, working with children, asylum seekers, etc, etc... I don't think either of us could have conceived what our o cership would lead to. But you haven't come here to hear about me talking about us. Every session of cadets, trainee o cers, has a name: The Awakeners, The Servants of God, The Guardians of the Truth, to name three of the sessions since 1929. Fiona and I were Messengers of Joy. 74 of us were ordained and commissioned at the Royal Albert Hall to go and take the message of joy to the people. Sometimes the public have the impression that Christian faith is dour, serious, restricted; they might think we're joy-less, but a Christian with no joy is a contradiction in terms! I read a book once entitled The Happiest People on Earth - that's what Christians are called to be, that's what happens to us when we accept Jesus. Now, we're not like salesmen with a fake smile on our faces all the time. We live in a real world and we experience exactly the same sorrows and heartaches as everyone, but our faith supports us not with rules and stories, but with joy. The message of joy runs right through the Bible. From Genesis 1 and the joy of creation itself, through the Old Testament telling us that 'the joy of the Lord is your strength', the Gospels with 'good news of great joy', the epistles telling us to 'rejoice in the Lord always', to the last book of the Bible with the joy of Jesus' Kingdom: It's all joy! The message that all of us experience and share is 'good news'. I think the world could do with more of that! I'm sure they'd welcome it! 'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"' (Isaiah 52:7) Joy. That's our experience. Joy. That's our motivation. Joy. That's our message. It's all there in the Bible - it's all found, given and enjoyed when Jesus is at the centre. Don't let anything else de ne or describe your faith. Count it all joy! That's the message! There is a happiness that nothing can destroy! Father you joyfully and lovingly created this world; a world of colour and wonder and excitement. Lord we know that it doesn't always seem that way, we endure much that is not 'joyful', so please help me to be a messenger of joy just where I am. I might say a cheerful word, share a smile, do something useful, lighten a load. Also Lord, may your joy be within me, the joy of the Lord that gives strength. I thank you for Jesus and the joy he knew, and the joy that waits for us when, on that Day, we will see him face to face! What a day of joy that will be, and what encouragement that brings today. Lord, even when my day is tiring or sad, may your love combine with faith, hope and peace, and make it a day of joy! Amen. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME THOSE OLDER PEOPLE AND OTHERS WHO LIVE IN RESIDENTIAL CARE. And God bless you too 🙏
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Page 60
28 May 2021
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orning all! A lovely day awaits: the wind is still, the sun is shining. However, I can guarantee that somewhere, someone is waking up feeling fearful, with a sense of foreboding. We hear much about mental health these days, and I'm glad we do. We can be so much more aware of people's personal struggles and mental health issues; we need to be kind and supportive. Fear can be a part of those struggles. Today's verse can be helpful and encouraging. However, there's another type of fear that some people experience that whilst not trivial, is irrational. It's actually superstitiousness. Yesterday I broke a mirror. Yes, into lots of bits. The bathroom mirror fell out of my hand and fell slowly, it seemed, to the tiled oor and smashed, sending slivers of mirror everywhere. Do you know my rst thought? "I am not superstitious! I will not have seven years' bad luck!" Why did I even think that? Why was it the rst thing in my mind? It's because it's so ingrained in our thinking: Don't walk under ladders. Don't pass on the stairs. Don't tread on the cracks. Don't let a black cat cross your path. Be careful of Friday 13th ...and the list goes on! People have their own superstitions too. It always amuses me that sportsmen and women have superstitions - they put their kit on in a particular order, whistle a particular tune, won't let anyone touch them. All these superstitions have one thing behind them: fear. Fear that something bad will happen or fear that something good - like winning - won’t. They can be a little amusing and whimsical perhaps, but why be burdened with irrational fear? A lot of superstitions, I guess, come from being sensible; health and safety will tell you it's probably not a good idea to walk under a ladder at the top of which is a bloke with a pot of paint. But other fears can begin to control or upset us. What is the antidote to fear? It's love. If we live in a world where love is the driving force and not fear, life will be positive and peaceful. But speci cally, if we love God knowing that he loves us rst, then we could testify, in the words of the hymnwriter: I shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me; The God I serve is one who cares and understands. The Bible says, very reassuringly, 'There is no fear in love: perfect love casts out fear.' (1 John 4 v 18) And don't worry that you've got to muster up enough love to counteract your fears; it's God's love that is perfect, his love that is more than su cient. Our part is simply to believe he loves us, to trust that we are in his hands, that nothing - none of those things that cause fear - 'will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8 v 39). I went and bought a new mirror. It said £9.99 on the box, but at the till the woman said £12.99. Oh the bad luck is starting! But no! Love won the day and she said, 'The mistake is ours, you can have it for £9.99.” You see? No bad luck, just an act of kindness. 😁 Lord, thank you for your love. It helps me to know that in all circumstances and situations you are there. In my doubts, fears and uncertainties, help me to trust you knowing that your love is perfect, and that I really am in your hands. Amen. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME ALL THOSE CARERS WHO WORK IN EITHER RESIDENTIAL CARE OR IN PEOPLE'S OWN HOMES. And God bless you too 🙏
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Page 61
29 May 2021
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ello everyone, it's Song Saturday again. Every week we look at a hymn, chorus or song that will feature in tomorrow's
Together in Worship. This week we're looking at a 'home grown'
song from a Salvation Army poet, John Gowans, who will be forever remembered for the many, many songs he wrote in collaboration with his music-writing friend, John Larsson. These two are The Salvation Army's Rice and Lloyd-Webber, or Rogers and Hammerstein. Between them they wrote numerous stage musicals either about Jesus or about Salvation Army life and history. Many of their songs have become congregational songs and have been inspirational in the spiritual growth of two or three generations of Salvationists all around the world. John Gowans sadly passed away in 2012, and will also be remembered for being our 16th General from 1999 to 2002. He was the second General to be known for his poetry as much as his leadership - perhaps that literary legacy is more far-reaching. The song we look at today is not one of his 'Musical Theatre' numbers; it's a hymn; it's a confessional song in that it is a statement of faith: 'I believe that God the Father... ' However it's more than just a list of beliefs like we might nd in a creed. A creed might have words like "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord." That kind of creed is good for setting out what the Church believes, but John Gowans' song is so much more personal; and more than that, when I read or sing it, it's even more than inspirational, it's aspirational. Each verse talks about blessings, about possibilities. The words lift us up into who God is, what he has done for us in Jesus and how we, as we respond can be di erent. Just look at the phrases: 'Holy living...we may attain.' 'Every Christian may be Christlike.' 'God can change the hearts of men...' 'Grace is given to those who ask...' These words are positive and strong; they show us what is possible, they reveal what God wants to do. As the Psalmist says, 'Forget not his bene ts.' (Psalm 103 v 2) When you read these words, and especially when you listen to the music tomorrow that accompanies them, thing about what may be possible for you when you believe in him. I believe that God the Father can be seen in God the Son, In the gentleness of Jesus love for all the world is shown. Though men crucify their Saviour, And his tenderness rebu , God is love, the cross is saying, Calvary is proof enough.
In a world of shifting values, There are standards that remain, I believe that holy living by God's grace we may attain. All would hear the Holy Spirit if they listen to his voice, Every Christian may be Christlike and in liberty rejoice.
I believe in transformation, God can change the hearts of men, And re ne the evil nature till it glows with grace again. Others may reject the weakling, I believe he can be strong, To the family of Jesus all God's children may belong.
All the promises of Jesus are unchanged in every way, In my yesterdays I proved them, I believe them for today. Still God gives his willing servant full equipment for the task; Power is found by those who seek it, Grace is given to those who ask.
Let this song be an encouragement to you today. TODAY WE BLESS IN JESUS' NAME ALL THOSE WHO BRAVELY WORK IN THE EMERGENCY SERVICES God bless you too 🙏
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Page 62
31 May 2021
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ood morning to you all, a Monday welcome. It’s the start of a new working week, but the end of a month, another month. How it all goes by. The end of a month for many people, apart from being the time they get paid (!) is sometimes a brief moment of looking back; how has this month been, what have I achieved or experienced? We might be glad to see the back of it – even the weather is something we want to leave behind if June holds out hope for warmer, drier days. Nearly halfway through the year, I look back and remember that I lost a good friend. He lived alone, had no family, and died very suddenly. His work colleagues and those of us who were at school with him were glad to be able to comfort each other with written memories, stories and pictures. When his house was cleared out, the lad who had the responsibility asked if any of us would like some of the signi cant things. I knew Erik had a Bible so I asked if I could have it. Last week someone came with a box. It was some of his things they thought I should have. Oh, but it was more than a Bible. The Bible was a school Bible he’d kept from the rst form. There was the school hymn book, that I’d not seen for 41 years! There were a few Orthodox icons, his accountancy quali cation diploma, a picture of his Mum and, I kid you now, a foot high gold Buddha! (I think it was hers). I looked at these things and especially the Bible and hymn book, both written in by an 11 year old Erik and his diploma that summarised his career, and the memories ooded back. I felt sad that he’d gone, but grateful for knowing him. I know that it’s how we all feel when we miss someone – especially those who are closer than a school friend – a family member, a spouse. At the very beginning of this month, our rst reading quoted Paul who wrote, ‘We have not ceased to pray for you.’ (Colossians 1 v 9). At the end, we see that Paul wrote ‘I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1 v 3). They were still living of course; but don’t we do that for people we’ve known over the years too? For their in uence, their encouragement, their kindness. The teacher who helped us, the boss who gave us our rst job, the neighbour who was good to us, the member of our church who was inspirational. We thank God for them because they have shared the journey with us, even for a few steps and long ago. Erik’s school Bible will join the others. The hymn book will go with my school stu , the religious icons will add to my own collection. I’ll remember Erik with gratitude. Does anyone want foot high golden Buddha? We can look back over this last month and think of all the people we have prayed for, most of them are people we have never met. We’ve prayed for people in authority, people who serve, people who su er, people who provide for us. Our prayers of blessing have been heard and we now trust God to answer prayer. ON THIS FINAL DAY OF BLESSING OTHERS IN JESUS’ NAME WE ASK THAT GOD WILL BLESS OUR WHOLE TOWN WITH HIS PRESENCE AND BEGIN TO TURN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE PEOPLE TO HIM. God bless you 🙏
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Page 63
01 June 2021
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ello to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the rst of June; the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the wind is just a breath and the birds are singing. Could there be a more beautiful start to a day, a month? Thank you for your encouragement for these daily thoughts, I know many appreciate them and I enjoy writing them, though I must confess that had I known in those rst days that 15 months later I'd still be writing......well, would I have even started? I'm glad I did, and I'm glad you follow them. I felt quite sorry for a shop assistant yesterday. Sorry, rst of all because it was a bank holiday and while the rest of us were enjoying the sunshine she was working. But I was very grateful to her that she was working because I needed to buy something. I approached the till area, and handed over my purchase. And then the questions started. Would you like ABC, they're on o er? - No thank you. Would you like a DEF at £2? - No, I'm OK thanks. We've got oral scented shower gel on special o er at 89p... There was no stopping this lady as she recited a whole litany of amazing o ers and tempting treats before she even scanned my one item. But I had to wonder if she really did think I'd be interested in oral scented shower gel, even if it was only 89p! I said no to every question and got the distinct impression she wasn't particularly interested in my answers, or surprised at my dismissal of every suggestion. At the end she said, 'That's every box ticked. £4.99. Would you like a bag?' - No. 'Every box ticked'. It was a script. A requirement given to her that every customer was to be asked the same questions whoever they were. I wonder how many men were asked yesterday if they wanted oral scented shower gel!? She didn't have an interest in the products. She wasn't bothered I didn't buy them; maybe she herself knew I wouldn't want the shower gel but asked anyway. Doesn't any salesperson, publicist, trader, preacher even, need to believe in the product and have an interest, a passion for it? St Paul wrote two memorable phrases that tell us that the message he preached and wrote about was a personal passion: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel." (Romans 1 v 16) and "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9 v 16.) Christians, like Paul, are not only believers in what they read, we are also con dent in the power of the words and certain that the truth they convey is so needed in our world. 'The Gospel,' said Paul, 'is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.' How can we not be convinced that it's needed? We don't o er the words just to tick a box, we are sure that the message of Jesus is the answer to the problems of family, community, the country and indeed the world! Does the world need saving? It really does! Nothing up to this point - politics, culture, philosophy, education - despite their bene ts, usefulness and beauty have been able to solve the human problem. But Jesus can, and countless people have proved that he does. This is why churches proclaim a message. In a small way it's the reason for these simple daily thoughts. I, like so many, am convinced that the Gospel of Christ is the answer for today's world. And by saying that, I'm not just repeating a tick box list of today's special o ers. And anyway, it's all free! Throughout the month that lies ahead, whatever challenges or blessings await, may you know the power of the Gospel. And may God bless you 🙏
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Page 64
02 June 2021
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ood morning everyone, we hope you're having a good week, enjoying sunshine, fresh air and, most importantly, a bit of company - at least, a bit more than in previous months. I had a great afternoon yesterday walking round a few houses just chatting to some of our Golden Years over sixties. I couldn't bear the prospect of my usual practice of phoning them; it was such s lovely day I didn't want to be inside looking out. Face to face is so much better. We're zoomed and phoned out now, I guess. There have been some positives with online communications. I know people who live alone who have thrived on Zoom, FaceTime and whatever else they use. They see family and friends from miles away. Until recently our family has had a weekly quiz night on Zoom with the result that we have seen each other and heard our voices together far more than ever. It's brought us closer. At a Corps/Church level, although we don't livestream our Sunday worship or have Zoom gatherings on Sundays, we do have Bible study and prayer meetings that have welcomed people from other towns; it's lovely! Until, as one lady said yesterday, 'I lost my internet.' Ah, we feel her pain. The bane of modern life, the most calamitous thing to happen from a busy o ce to the kitchen table is when the internet is 'down'. The work emails can't be opened. The YouTube video can't be watched. The game can't be played. The teenagers can't communicate with their friends. The world has literally ended!! One of our sons recently moved to a new at and had no internet for a week. He had to watch television instead! Poor lad! When communication is interrupted, intermittent or totally unavailable it's very frustrating, inconvenient and in some cases actually damaging. It's a simple point to make - a Sunday School illustration really - and it's been taught since the availability of telephones I imagine, that even though a phone line might be down, the internet is 'rubbish', there's no unavailability when it comes to the presence of God. I remember vaguely a chorus from Juniors that was something to do with God's telephone - do you remember it? It escapes me just now... Anyway, is it too juvenile a point to make that an updated version of that song for a child would be that his internet never goes down? There's no issue with Zoom, no wi- problem, no server problems... Hmmm.... Maybe the Scriptures do actually say it much better, without the use of illustrations: "Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8 v 38) It's a serious passage of Scripture, and Paul lists more signi cant things than dod y internet that might get in the way: "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation" can separate us from God's love. That is most reassuring, and millions have testi ed to being encouraged by those words. Father in Heaven, though your majesty and splendour are known, I also know that you draw very near. You are closer than breathing; indeed, by your Spirit your presence is deep within my heart. I am so grateful Lord that nothing that can a ect me will keep me from being able to access your love, from connecting to your grace. Only my own sin can do that, and yet you provide a way to forgive, and restore our relationship. Lord, how wonderful to know that your presence is with me. Today, help me to live in that presence again. Thank you Lord that I can never escape your presence, your grace or your love. Amen. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 65
03 June 2021
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elcome to Thursday's thoughts everyone; we trust the week is going well for you. I've been told that I have to change one of my passwords to get into an account. That's OK, I update some of them occasionally because they say that's a good thing to do. We all have passwords: a long word based on a name perhaps, or a mixture of letters and numbers. Perhaps you have a PIN number on your phone or just a pattern you swipe. We really can't get into anything these days without a password. The problem is that the account I've used for a number of years has had the same password that I was given at the start. If I've got to change it, will I keep forgetting? We almost enter our passwords without thinking, and having a few others l can see myself automatically entering the wrong word the rst few times. Oh well, it's the slightest modern inconvenience I guess; just as long as I don't forget the new one completely! Passwords must be absolutely accurate. How many times have I forgotten a capital letter or entered the wrong number because my nger slipped on the keyboard. The computer doesn't say 'Near enough, we'll give you the bene t of the doubt.' Your phone won't think, 'Ah well, we know what you mean, come on in'! We'd be a bit mi ed if someone accessed a bank account that wasn't theirs because the password was merely 'along the lines' of the real one! The Bible verse today has sometimes been taken to point to the name of Jesus being like a password. Say 'Jesus' and you're in! Actually is that right? Jesus is not the name he was known by. Mary and Joseph, all his disciples, in fact everyone who spoke their language knew him as Yeshua. Today we'd say his name is actually Joshua! It was when it was translated into Greek that it became Iēsous. Even today when we write the name with a J, people pronounce it di erently - some with a 'Jee' sound, done with a 'Hey' sound. What a rubbish password, if his name is the only way to Heaven!! So when Jesus (Yeshua) said 'No one comes to the Father but through me.' (John 14 v 6) what did he mean? It certainly doesn't mean that we get in just by saying his name. It's not like 'Open Sesame'! What he's telling us is that we have faith in him as a person, as the Saviour. Whatever language we say his name it doesn't matter; his name is not the password, HE is. Those who believe, trust in and rely on him will not perish. Those who have faith in him, his death on the cross and his resurrection, and realise he is indeed 'the way, the truth and the life', they nd that the path to life eternal is open. It's our love for him and our trust in him as our Saviour that don't merely 'get us in', but open our hearts to a relationship with him that is loving and joy- lled, redemptive and eternal. Through Jesus the man, the Son of God, and not merely his name, we come to know the Father and become his very own children. We are always at home with God when Jesus has shown us the way. Father, what an assurance it is to know that there's a wide welcome into your house. Your love for all the world is wonderful, all are invited. Thank you for Jesus who alone is the way - and the cross is the proof of life, the resurrection is the guarantee of life; how could we neglect such a great salvation! Thank you Lord that it's not just a name I have to repeat or a story I have to learn, but a relationship with you that I have. You loved me completely and so I love you Lord, and I nd myself part of the family of God. What a privilege. I could never forget your name, but most of all don't let me forget your love and grace that welcome me into your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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Page 66
04 June 2021
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Friday greeting to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. There come those moments every now and then when you think to yourself, 'I really should get some exercise!' You've glimpsed your re ection in a shop window and thought maybe an extra pound or two is showing; or you walked up stairs and realised how out of breath you are. Perhaps you can't remember the last time you went for a walk and it's occurred to you that now the good weather is here you don't have much of an excuse to stay indoors! No? Just me then? I'll admit it on behalf of many of us then: I need to get out there and be a little more active. If only there was a shortcut to physical tness, and easy way to drop the pounds, to tone up the muscles and show the world a leaner tter me. I've read about pills that promise to make the weight drop o , a drink that will 'dissolve the fat right away' (yeah right), a diet that says you can eat what you like including pizza and chocolate and you'll still lose weight! O yes, these are the diet shortcuts I need! And what about exercise? Will I still need to get moving and make an e ort and get tired? Well how about some brand new research from the University of Coventry? This will excite you! In their studies on the impact of exercise on the human body, according to T3, a consumer lifestyle website, university researchers have discovered that when compared to strenuous exercise a hot bath can bring about a lot of the same positive results! How excellent is that! If you feel the need to run for 5 kilometres, or spend half an hour lifting weights in a ym, resist the temptation and relax in a nice hot Radox bath instead! Simples! Apparently, 'heat therapy' (which seems to be the scienti c term for bath night) can improve blood ow, lower blood pressure and improve your tness levels. Ah but there's a catch. There always is. The researchers do say that the bene ts don't actually include weight loss and that heat can't really replace exercise. Ah well, I'll dust o my Sketchers and start again on my Couch to 5K jogging programme and use the bath at the end to recover from pounding the streets. There are no real shortcuts to physical tness. It really is about eating better and moving more. Some of us nd that easier than others, for some it's a battle we lost a long timer ago. If you're like me you'll blame age, metabolism and Gregg's Belgian Buns! I think we all realise that there has to be some e ort involved. It's the same with anything worthwhile I might suggest. Want to be a good musician? Practice. Want to be a DIY expert? Experience will help with that. Want to be good at sewing, painting, maths? It's all down to practice or reading. Most of our success or simple progress in the things we do comes from being attentive and purposeful and making an e ort. St Paul re ects on that in the context of faith. Some people might assume that having a faith, a religious belief, is easy. It's just something of an opinion, a way of looking at the world, even a lifestyle choice. I think those of us who are sincere in our Christian faith will testify that sometimes it can be quite di cult: we need to have faith in order to belong to a faith! It's no accident that we speak about 'exercising' our faith, 'building up' our faith. We 'run the race' of faith.' and we even ' ght the good ght of faith', to use a boxing analo y. Faith isn't the 'hot bath' choice, it can be the strenuous option. Paul writes, 'Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.' (1 Timothy 4 v 8) That was written by an old man to a young man. I wonder if Paul knew that Timothy was into keep t, but also needed to be encouraged to be 'spiritually t': agile in mind and strong in faith. I like what Paul says about godliness being not just for the life to come, but for this present life as well. To paraphrase with the language of diets, it's not 'pie in the sky when you die; it's steak on the plate while you wait'!! There are no short cuts to physical health; there are no shortcuts to mental and emotional health either a healthy mind is important; but so is a healthy spiritual life. If we are in constant touch with our divine 'life coach' in prayer, if we read the tness manual, the Bible, and if we apply what we know in daily exercise by living out our faith in everyday life, then we will indeed be better tted for this present life and the life to come. Right, I'd better look out those trainers, I might be needing them. Perhaps I'll start on Monday... or Tuesday :) God bless you! 🙏 📖 🏃 🏋
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Page 67
05 June 2021
H
ello everybody, and welcome to the rst Song Saturday of June. Summer is here, and in so many ways we have a lot to sing about. I love the picture of the bird singing that accompanies the text for today: that bird is determined to sing! The Bible verse says, 'Let my mouth be lled with your praise and with your glory all the day.' (Psalm 71 v 8)
The song for today, that will end our Together in Worship video for tomorrow, is Fill thou my life, O Lord my God in Every Part With Praise. I like this song because it has a good, robust tune. It's the tune of Ellacombe which I thought came from Devon but actually came from Germany in the eighteenth century. It's been described as a cheerful tune - and so it is! It goes so well with the lyrics we will use tomorrow: Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God, In every part with praise, That my whole being may proclaim Thy being and Thy ways. Not for the lip of praise alone, Nor e'en the praising heart I ask, but for a life made up Of praise in every part! Praise in the common words I speak, Life's common looks and tones, In fellowship at hearth and board With my belovèd ones; Not in the temple crowd alone Where holy voices chime, But in the silent paths of earth, The quiet rooms of time.
Fill every part of me with praise; Let all my being speak Of Thee and of Thy love, O Lord, Poor though I be, and weak. So shalt Thou, Lord, from me, e'en me, Receive the glory due; And so shall I begin on earth The song forever new. So shall each fear, each fret, each care Be turned into a song, And every winding of the way The echo shall prolong; So shall no part of day or night From sacredness be free; But all my life, in every step, Be fellowship with Thee.
This song reminds us of a great truth: worship is not just something you do on a Sunday morning, and it's certainly not just the singing of songs. Worship is something we do with the hands not just the lips, it's where we go, not just where we sit, it's in our own house not just God's house. My whole life should be a song of praise. The writer was a Scottish minister with the excellent name of Horatius Bonar. He was born, lived and died in Edinburgh, and although he was well-educated and rose to prominence in his church, he started his ministry in the slums of the city doing children's work. He discovered the age old problem that young people don't like boring hymns! (Who knew?!) And so, in those rst years, in those less than comfortable surroundings, he wrote simple songs that could be sung to popular well-known tunes. And this was long before The Salvation Army did something similar. A very odd fact is that although he wrote 600 hymns he never used them in his own church services. It seems he reserved them for the children's work and for worship outside the normal times for services. Is this what lay behind his intention to make 'no part of day or night' free from sacredness? He was determined, to model these words Not for the lip of praise alone, Nor e'en the praising heart I ask, but for a life made up Of praise in every part! In every part? Yes, he was equally at home praising God with slum children and using unre ned tunes and verse as he was worshipping in a magni cent building with stately hymns and a majestic church organ. His song is a de ant answer to those who want to separate religion from everyday life, the sacred from the secular, the church from the state. You cannot have a 'religious life' and a 'family life', a 'work life' and a 'leisure life.' It's one life lived in di erent ways and expressed in di erent actions and words. But praise should come from it all, and ow back into whatever we do, This is what it means that ...my whole being may proclaim Thy being and Thy ways. Today, whatever you do, say or experience, let there be praise! And tomorrow, join us for Together in Worship. God bless you 🙏
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Page 68
07 June 2021
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ood morning everyone! We hope you had a good weekend; and even if it was a challenge, it's now a new week, a new start! Let's talk about cats. Coincidentally, as I wrote that phrase our black and white cat, Lucy, started scratching at the back door. Again. She's been in and out, wandering about the house miaowing, and no sooner is she out she's wanting to come back in. Grrrr. ... I'm back. I had to go and let her in. Anyway. Cats. Not everyone is a cat person; a dog is a man's best friend but a cat will treat you like you're sta . The interesting thing is that cats have learned the art of getting their servants' (us) attention. Apparently, a cat doesn't miaow to other cats (lots of wailing though), but they have learned to use a kitten-style miaow to their human because it gets a response. And like a parent can't ignore the cry of their human baby, a cat's miaow is equally irresistible. If you have a cat you'll know just how compelling a cat's call is. A cat will call until you answer! The reason I'm writing about cats, apart from the fact that ours has been miaowing for ages, is that I have been reading about Daniel, the boy in the lions' den. Later on in the book, he's a very old man and he is in a distressed state and trying to pray. You'd have to read the book for the details, but it's enough to say that he's been praying for quite a while, his voice going up to Heaven and in his worry and concern he's o his food and emotionally drained. Eventually - and more dramatically than in our experience - an angel appears and says to him, 'Since the rst day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before God, your request has been heard in Heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.' (Daniel 10 v 12) I think you'll agree that we don't share his experience of heavenly visitors, but we can associate with praying for a long time for something to happen! Even Jesus implies we will have to pray for a while, when he says 'Ask (i.e. keep on asking) and you shall receive.' (Matthew 7 v 7) Our problem, I guess, is that sometimes we assume that a delay means 'no', and so we stop praying. Maybe we should never stop praying earnestly and faithfully for those things we feel are right and appropriate to pray for? So, why does God delay? Why does God need to wait until our voice goes up to him continually? Sometimes we might ask why an answer to prayer, something that God agrees with, isn't just done by God anyway? Someone said, 'It seems all so ine cient.' Why does God simply not meet all our needs before we know we have those needs? Well of course, he does! Just count your blessings and you will be surprised at what is yours without you uttering a single prayer. He knows what we need and for the most part he's provided it. I was in conversation yesterday with someone who shared how God had provided the answer to a need that she hadn't realised she had! The timing was perfect. But there are times when God allows us to become deeply acquainted with our need, our burden, our situation. Sometimes he chooses this way to show us our need of prayer before him, the realisation that some things are provided only to those who 'humble themselves and seek his face and pray.' His delay in prayer is sometimes designed to bring us into a place of worship, of coming to our knees in awe and wonder at God's majesty. It's when we realise our need before him, our utter dependance on his strength and grace, that our faith becomes real and our voice reaches a heavenly Father. Thank God for the unasked-for gifts, but thank him also for the gift of prayer that realises our need of God rst, and his answers second. It's when we realise that God cares in response to faithful prayer that we feel his presence and value his answers. We hope you have a lovely day, a great week. Keep on believing, keep praying! And may God bless you 🙏
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Page 69
08 June 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. How are you feeling this morning? Wide awake and raring to go? Maybe you're reading this in the afternoon and you feel you could do with a nap. Or it's last thing at night and you're looking forward to a nice comfy bed. It may be, of course, that you're a night owl and you're wide awake late at night. It's strange how we are quite di erent when it comes to sleep patterns. Some need that perfect 8 hours, others get by, whether they like it or not, on 5 or 6. Our bodies are all di erent. But what about those nights when normal sleep escapes you, when your mind is active? There may come a night when even trivial thoughts and concerns become almost a huge 'global issue' and niggling thoughts keep you awake. There will inevitably be times when the crises of life really do keep us awake with worry, even with fear. Last night was one of those nights when a whole list of 'and what about...?' concerns came to mind. Each one spinning round in my mind. I got up found a pen and a pad, made some chamomile tea, and wrote a list of the things I need to do today that my brain seemed to think I should have been thinking about at 2.30! Writing it down is good advice. I picked up my Bible and decided to read the next few paragraphs of Psalm 119 that I am slowly working my way through. Guess what was there. It can't have been a coincidence: 'At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments.' (Psalm 119:62) Well it was a couple of hours out, but what an appropriate verse. As well as emptying my mind by writing all the little concerns down, as well as asking for help in a weary prayer, the Bible was reminding me that even a sleepless night can be the time for praise. Why? Because there's power in praising God. Praise lifts our spirits, as it were, from the dark valley of our concerns up to the heights of God's presence. Praise reminds our spirit of God's presence and power, his love and concern for us. And the nearer we come to God in praising him the clearer we can see things from his perspective; as I'm fond of saying, 'he knows the end from the beginning'. He knows the whole thing, and praise at midnight enables us to realise that God knows, God cares, and that God can give strength and peace. So next time you have a sleepless night, write it down, 'take it to the Lord in prayer' and praise him at midnight. ... though it might be an idea not to sing loudly or get that tambourine out! Father, thank you for the gift of prayer and praise. In prayer I know you hear my thoughts before you hear my words and already you begin to move as I trust you. But in praise I focus all my attention on you, thanking you, as I do now, for your greatness and your majesty, your love and compassion. I praise you for the gifts you give and the promises you make. And as I focus on how great you are I am lifted above my circumstances to your presence where I am strengthened and given peace. Lord, lift me up and let me stand By faith, on Heaven’s tableland A higher plane than I have found Lord, plant my feet on higher ground I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen God bless you all today 🙏 Keep praising.
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09 June 2021
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ood morning, a midweek greeting to you all. In these strange, wearying and sometimes tragic times, it is good to know that at least something has gone well. In fact it's gone remarkably well, extremely well, some might suggest! I'm referring to the vaccine rollout. Can there have been such a successful national scheme as this? Some might ask what other campaign of action has been so well-organised and executed. Yes, there were hiccups - how could you expect there not to be? - but overall things have gone remarkably well. I put a lot of it down to the British love of queuing. We are so good at it! We queue for a bus, in the post o ce, on the phone. And in the vaccine programme we wait for our phone call or for the letter asking us to book, and having voluntarily accepted we wait with increasing anticipation, and then V Day arrives. It's been the topic of everyone's conversation: Which one did you have? Did it hurt? Did you get side-e ects? I had my second jab last Saturday, and with everyone, I had responded to the invitation to book. It was o ered, I responded. It was free, freely and e ectively given, and all I had to do was turn up, sit down and o er a shoulder. And now I have a high chance of resisting illness. The parallel with spiritual things just shouts! All have a great need but there is a great provision. All are invited, all are called to respond. It's the 'whosoever will may come' thing. That's what the song says. The Bible says, 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.' (Revelation 22 v 17) We all need God's salvation, our hearts are a ected in such a way that, whether we feel we have symptoms or not, 'there is no health in us', as the Book of Common Prayer puts it. God has provided freely to all the remedy for sin, and he invites us to come, invites us to receive. We are called to respond, to believe, to accept. It's entirely our choice; and countless millions have responded to the greatest rescue plan in all eternity that Jesus succeeded in by the cross and resurrection. It's sad that there have been those who refused or neglected God's salvation plan. There have been spiritual 'anti-vaxxers' who protest against God and his grace - who see the cross as foolishness - but for us who believe, the Gospel is God's power that saves us. We don't need to wait for the letter, the phone call: the invitation is already given: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16 v 31). And there's no queuing, and the only side e ects are love, joy and peace. All have need of God’s salvation, If with him they’d live for ever; But a promise he has given, It is written: Whosoever.
Whosoever will may come, And who comes to him shall never Disappointed turn away; Praise the Lord! ‘tis whosoever.
God's invitation to you is there, why not respond? Let us know if you would like to know more. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 71
10 June 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. How's the week going? We trust that whatever the circumstances, you are nding blessings and reasons to be thankful. Over 33 years of ministry I think I can say that so much of our conversations with people has been about families. A few baby dedications, a handful of weddings and many, many funerals, all focus on the hopes, joys and sorrows of family life. Visits to people's homes inevitably include conversations about families. Phone calls will invariably include the question, '...and how's the family?' And that leads on to hearing about new grandchildren, a graduation, a marriage, a birth, a sad divorce, a serious illness. We hear it all. Families are the bedrock of our lives, of society. When someone becomes a soldier in The Salvation Army, they make promises to God and ask God for his full presence in all aspects of life. One of the vows they make is that they 'will uphold the sanctity of family life.' What I have seen over the 33 years of sharing the lives of people through our ministry is that intention lived out and valued; and I've seen how much blessing returns to people from their families. Living in a small town like Guisborough for the last seven years, as well as family life, we've both become aware of the importance of community life as well. We live interconnected lives. In a small town everyone knows one another and if you mention someone's name to anyone they'll say 'Yes she's my cousin', or 'I worked with him', or 'Oh we are linked by marriage.' I've often said that Fiona and I are the only ones in Guisborough not related to someone else! It's lovely to be part of a community, even with its faults, and feel we belong. In belonging, we all feel that we care. The Bible, it is said, knows nothing of solitary religion. It's a contradiction in terms to talk about having a private faith. God hasn't intended it to be that way. A personal faith, yes that's vital, it's of the heart; but solitary? Not at all. In the context of widows and orphans the Bible says that 'God sets the solitary in families' (Psalm 68 v 6), but we can extend that principle and say that when God gathers his people together in fellowship, in worship, in a church community, everyone belongs, everyone has a place, everyone matters. God has always dealt with a group, a family, a fellowship; and belonging to a local family of God's people with all its joys, and despite its frustrations sometimes, is the most wonderful thing. What support we get, what prayers are shared, what love is given and received. Nobody needs to feel alone, isolated, solitary when they reach out to the Christian family, when they themselves contribute and add to that family in their love and support of others. Is there anything more wonderful than God's family expressed in a local congregation - even when socially distanced? I honestly can't think of anything. Where two or three gather together on the phone or FaceTime, or meet in a group of six, or a dozen people on Zoom, or 100 people watching the same Together in Worship video on YouTube, Jesus is there in the midst. That's family. And we are part of it. God bless our Salvation Army Corps in Guisborough and wherever you are. God bless the church fellowship you belong to. And if you don't yet belong, we pray that you will feel part of our online fellowship and be part of us when, one day, we gather in person. May God bless you 🙏
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ello everyone. We come to nearly the end of another week which for many of us will have been routine, for some of us lled with interest, or even challenge. But did you witness the most momentous, spectacular, even 'cosmic' event of the year so far? Had I not read about it I would have missed it, but yesterday there was a partial eclipse of the sun. It happened mid morning, as the moon partially obscured the sun, turning it into a crescent shape. It's an amazing thought - and this was how it was described on the radio yesterday morning - that the 'design' of the moon and the sun are such that in the sky they appear to be the same size, so that if the moon ever 'gets in the way' of the sun it can partially or totally block the sun. I don't know whether the scientist being interviewed deliberately used the word 'design', but I'm going to! Our universe has a Designer. Nothing is by accident, nothing is random or chaotic. Yesterday's eclipse wasn't spectacular from our point of view - after days of clear blue skies it was unfortunate that it happened on the rst cloudy day. The sky didn't go dark, people didn't look up, stand and stare, and I guess most people had no idea it was taking place. There was a brief glimpse of it through a tiny break in the clouds, but that's it. I do remember a total eclipse about 20-odd years ago. We lived in Sunderland at the time, on the top oor of the hostel there. We had a roof terrace and I remember standing there as the sun went dimmer and dimmer. The light was very strange however, it wasn't at all like the light of a sunset; and the other remarkable thing I noticed was that the birds stopped singing. It was eerie. No to us in our modern world with all our knowledge, an eclipse is a natural phenomenon, it's just what we see from our viewpoint - and people often travel with cameras and other equipment to the best places to get pictures. But just imagine what primitive people thought when they unexpectedly saw the sun being reduced in size as they watched. It looked like a bite was being taken out of the sun - and some people thought a monster was eating the sun. Some thought the god of the moon was battling the god of the sun, and all kinds of pagan religious rituals were performed. Of course, the Bible is against such superstition; the sun and the moon are mere lights, created things that are not worshipped; and God tells us they can be used, of course, to mark our days, seasons and even used in a religious calendar. Even today the date of Easter is determined by the moon. What Christians don't do, of course, is believe that sun, moon or stars have any in uence or control over our lives. Yes, the tides of the oceans are in uenced by the moon, but my 'fortunes' are not. 'Let them serve as signs to mark sacred times and days and years.' said God in Genesis 1 v 14. In other words, written at a time when people in the ancient world saw strange gods and battling monsters in the skies, God who designed the whole universe simply says, hey, they are just lights you can use as a calendar. Don't worship them, don't fear them, don't ask them for help. I am the creator, look to me. Of course nowadays we go from worshipping the creator of an amazing universe to shutting him out of it completely. Yes, it's right that we do away with the monsters but why remove the creator? Does that not leave a very empty and purposeless universe? I'm glad that the Bible reveals God to be not just an intelligent designer, a creator of 'things'; but a loving Father who knows me as much as he knows the huge expanses and massive objects in space. He knows all about me, has written my name on the palm of his hand, and has a plan and a purpose for my everyday life. Some may once have looked at an eclipse or to the stars and tried to nd guidance. We who trust in our Father God have his word in the Bible and his own presence within to remind us that we are his children and that he leads and guides us as a shepherd leads his ock. Yes, the skies are spectacular, but they point to the glory of our loving God, and we can trust him for all we need. How rm a foundation, you saints of the Lord Is laid for your faith in His excellent word What more can He say than to you He has said To you who for refuge to Jesus have ed? Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed For I am Thy God, and will still give you aid I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
Chorus: No, never alone, no never alone; He promised he never would leave me, Never, no never, alone.
God bless you all today, 🙏
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11 June 2021
12 June 2021
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i everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the weekend again, and as usual it's Song Saturday. This is where we preview the lyrics of one of the songs or hymns that will be featured in tomorrow's YouTube Together in Worship.
This week, a song that was born out of su ering; but don't worry, it's not a depressing tale of woe! I was talking to a musician recently who had been watching live music in a venue somewhere, and in his words: 'it did my head in'. Why? Because it was a night of blues music. Now personally I do like a bit of blues. I like that rhythm, but let's be honest, a whole night of songs about 'my woman left me' is going to totally depress you! I had the misfortune of selling the War Cry on a street once where a woman busker was singing the most depressing and self-pitying songs. I felt like giving her a ver just to go away! Our featured song is lled with realism, it re ects on the fact that we have burdens, but it also brightens the spirit rather than bemoans the situation. Its words are lled with possibility and hope because God gives his grace in abundance, giving freely and fully. In fact it tells us that the greater our need, the greater his giving. There's nothing of the blues in this song! I think it resonates with us because we share a 'human condition'; and these words were penned by a woman who really went through the mill: Annie Flint was orphaned by the age of six and adopted by a Christian couple. She su ered with terrible arthritis as a teenager that ended her hopes of becoming a teacher. Her adoptive parents both died and then, already unable to walk, her hands became so a ected that she could no longer use her skill at playing the piano. Her hands were so bad that she could hardly use a pen, but she was determined to do something for God and pushed herself to write poetry, writing a line or two at a time to encourage others. When even that was impossible, she typed her poetry on a typewriter using her knuckles. Her testimony is surely one of his grace being given as our burdens grow greater. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labours increase; To added a ictions he addeth his mercy, To multiplied trials he multiplies peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of his in nite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Please join us for Together in Worship tomorrow. https://youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA God bless you with his grace today 🙏
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ello everyone. How was your weekend? Eventful? Peaceful? We look forward to another week and Major Fiona and I pray that for us all it's a good week. We have entered a season of ag waving! We have the European Championship that sees various European football teams battling it out for victory, and the fans in each home nation are getting out their national ags. Even just a few doors down from my house there's a house with the cross of St George festooned over fences and windows. I think it's more than safe to say that, quite rightly, he's an England supporter. Equally to be be admired are the other UK teams - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Fans in these nations will be getting out their national ags and colours in an exuberant display of patriotism, national pride and football loyalty. And why not! In these days of restrictions, lockdown and not much in the way of community get-togethers, why not celebrate with a bit of ag-waving! The Queen herself did it on Saturday. It was her birthday parade, and there in front of the restricted but nonetheless spectacular backdrop of Windsor castle, and under a huge royal standard ying majestically in the breeze, the Scots Guards trooped their regimental colour before her with all the pomp and ceremony that the British are so expert at. Every year when a di erent regiment has the privilege of doing this, the pride must be immense; for that small standard marched before her, accompanied by stirring military music, embodies the many years of service, of sacri ce, and the loyalty felt by the o cers and soldiers to one another, to the country and to the Queen. The Trooping the Colour is a highly ritualised ceremony that has its origins on the battle eld, where, amid the smoke and noise, the regimental standard would be paraded among the ranks to encourage, to challenge and remind the men of their duty. It worked. The banner over them was loyalty, duty and sacri ce. The Salvation Army, of course has a banner - its three colours represent the holiness of the Father, the blood of the Son and the re of the Spirit - and it encourages faith in an almost sacramental way for the Salvationist; but there is another banner that goes right to the heart, and it's written about in Scripture, and it's universally true for all Christians. Solomon writes, 'His banner over me is love.' (Song of Songs 2 v 4) That's the standard under which we live our Christian lives, under which we ght the good ght of faith. The rst thing anyone should know about God is this: He loves you. His love covers us, surrounds us, inspires us, moves us. As the Queen's Colour shows a soldier whom he/she serves and belongs to, so too the banner of God's love reminds us that as he loved us in Christ, so we love him. Yes, in a world of ag-waving, there really is only one standard that ies above all others: His banner over me is love. God bless you today 🙏
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14 June 2021
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i everyone, from Major Antony and Major Fiona. If you're an avid user of Facebook you'll recognise the type of question that people sometimes are asked to respond to: A picture of an idyllic log cabin or country cottage is shown; it's the perfect place. The challenge is that you can win $1,000,000 if you stay here for a month with no phone, no TV, no internet: would you do it? Of course everyone writes 'yes'. Of course they'd do it! For $1,000,000? Hmmmm, I wonder. There are those whose work depends on internet connection. There are those addicted to celebrity news and gossip. Others are linked to family and friends via messenger and text. Others use internet connection and phone for photographs and music. I wonder therefore how many would begin to go 'cold turkey' after a few days. Oh, I love the idea of sitting on a front porch of a log cabin by the lake, listening to the birds, watching the sun go down... Would that suit me for a month? I'll admit I'm not so sure. In recent conversations I've had we have discussed life before 'all this technolo y' took over; when kids played outside, when you had to make time to go and use the phone, when books were used and written in. There was a time you had to 'look it up' in a book in the library. Could we go back to those days? I think people are never going to go back from instant information - do you want to know something? Anything? You can Google it in seconds! Do you want to see a famous painting, hear a piece of beautiful music? It's there in seconds. There's absolutely no limit, no restriction on the availability of anything that you can see or hear. It includes religious and spiritual things too. What a gift to the church - music, prayer, worship, Bible study and the Bible and spiritual reading just 'there' at the touch on a screen; it's been a boon, a growing resource over the recent months. And yet, do we take full advantage? The Bible speaks of a time when there will be a famine 'of hearing the words of the Lord' (Amos 8 v 11). People will search but not hear. I think it's because even though it's available, it will be neglected, people will come to believe the Bible isn't relevant; they will look to other teaching, other standards of living rather than God's word. It's already a sad situation that so few children are taught the basic truths of the Bible in school, as they used to be. The disciples said to Jesus, 'To whom else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.' (John 6 v 68) And that's the truth: the Bible leads us to eternal life; there's no substitute. We cannot a ord to be without it, to neglect it, to discard it. As Christians let's value it. Lord, I thank you that your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. As I follow you help me to value your word, to allow it to guide me, lead me and encourage me. And through its pages, and by your Spirit, to nd you, know you and love you more. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Have an enjoyable day. God bless you 🙏
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15 June 2021
16 June 2021
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midweek greeting to you all! Do you ever stop short, look around and realise that things have 'slipped'? You might look at a corner of a room and wonder how all that clutter got there. You might suddenly realise that that car needs a good clear out, the garden needs a good tidy, how long has that jar been in the fridge? It may be that after a few months of not really trying, you've actually put some of those pounds back on. Well, then comes the realisation that starting today, I'm going to get back on top of things! I'm sure we've all had those moments of renewed ener y and decisiveness, and we start to get on top of things once again: the clutter is cleared, the duster comes out, the diet recommences. That's a positive sense of renewal. Sometimes there can be negative feelings too. Self-worth takes a knock, a test is failed, an old habit fallen into again. A regret resurfaces or a weakness highlighted. It's di cult sometimes to be motivated after that. Through loss, discouragement or error, we can lose the ener y to 'get going' again. Some of us might not quite reach the high standards we set for ourselves, others are pressured by the expectations of others and we are discouraged. What happens when we don't achieve our best, we don't live to our best? A friend shared a graph that some might nd helpful: our best is what we are able to do today.
Psalm 119 has been very helpful to me recently. Reading it has been encouraging. Here's a verse that is quite 'freeing': 'Revive me according to your lovingkindness'. (Psalm 119 v 88). 'Lovingkindness' (all one word) translates a Hebrew word that doesn't have an English equivalent. It means the gracious way God deals with those who belong to him. He encourages us, helps us, loves us. Because we have believed in him and follow him, he now treats us with lovingkindness. There are times when we need to be revived, yearn for renewal and brought back to where we ought to be, but notice it's not revival according to duty, to requirements, regulations, or expectations. We pray for revival because of his lovingkindness towards us. He gently restores us, leads us with patience, strengthens us with grace. Personal revival isn't God demanding the best that is set for us, it's his loving presence helping us to be all we long to be and assuring us that he is with us. Revival isn't found in e orts to change, it's in the Holy Spirit's ministry of renewal as he walks beside us. Let today be a day for the lovingkindness of God to renew and revive you, to encourage and a rm you. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. God bless you 🙏
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17 June 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
The great success story of recent months is the vaccination programme. It's been a game changer and is the bringer of hope, not only for each one of us but also for communities and businesses and venues. It will be the eventual complete vaccination of the population that will make it more possible to open up society again and enable us to do the things we long to do. Of course we now have talk of 'proof'. With the virus still very much with us, and in many respects more easily spread, our vaccination status will be important. I read yesterday that holiday destinations, for example, might be opened for those who have been doubly vaccinated. How will they know? Well, we all have our little card as a record of our vaccination. It gives the type of vaccine and the date we received it. It says on it: 'Make sure you keep this record card in your purse or wallet.' And there it is, alongside my drivers' licence and organ donor card, ready to be shown 'on the door' if needed. I was amused the other day to discover in a folder of some school documents - old reports and my O Level results - my typewritten certi cate proving I'd had my TB injection. It tells me to keep it; and so I have! I wonder how many others still have theirs 45 years on! Do I need it? Will I ever need to prove I'm clear of TB? Maybe not; and maybe it's only during the pandemic, and whilst there are still unvaccinated people, that I might need to show my Covid vaccination certi cate if I want to enter certain venues in the future. We've all seen cartoons of the pearly gates, with a bearded St Peter sat at a kind of check-in desk, apparently deciding if the 'new arrival' can be let in or not. It's amusing but I'm glad it's not true! I'm glad I won't have to wait until that moment to discover if I'm going to be admitted! What a horrible thought, that I might not make it. Is there any guarantee? Is there a spiritual 'vaccination record' that I can show to St Peter to allow him to wave me through? Well no. No baptism certi cate, no Salvation Army soldier's covenant certi cate, nothing like that is valid; but there is a guarantee: through faith in Jesus, by trusting in the cross and turning from our sin, the Holy Spirit comes to ll us with the life of God. It's a guarantee of grace that assures our heart that we belong to Jesus. We don't need any card in our wallet when Jesus is in our heart; he is the only guarantee. His promises are sure, his word is rm. One helpful verse says 'He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself.' (1 John 5 v 10). In other words, you can know and feel in your heart that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you. God doesn't need us to show him a card, 'for he set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come'. (2 Corinthians 1 v 22) Father, I thank you for your faithfulness and grace. You have opened the way to eternal life through Jesus and assured me that 'I have a future in Heaven for sure'. I know it's not my doing, and it's all by your grace. Lord I believe in Jesus, I trust in the cross and know that I belong to you. Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Help me to live con dently, knowing that you have changed my heart today and for eternity. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. Have a good day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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t's the last day before the weekend! Hello to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona. As humans we spend a lot of time looking back, remembering, reminiscing, recalling events and people from our life. We sift through photographs and each image seems to trigger another memory, another place, voice or event. Wouldn't it be nice to be there once again? Sometimes a memory is a regret, as we relive a mistake, an error, a failing. Oh aren't we glad not to be there anymore! Even the feelings that resurface are too much and we end the memory and do something else instead! The other day we had a bit of a wander around those old streets in York. From the Minster to a small shop with its overhanging upstairs windows in the narrow Shambles, here is history all around. The worn stones that have resonated with music and song, the timbered and whitewashed buildings that heard conversations 500 years ago, even the name 'Shambles' that conjures up a whole street lled with animals and butcher's shops where now you buy sweets, perfumes and Harry Potter merchandise. Here and there you see names associated with York: Guy Fawkes the plotter who was born there, Margaret Clitheroe who was 'pressed to death' for harbouring Roman Catholic priests... And you remember that some of our history is not quaint streets or magni cent architecture, but is actually brutal in the way politics and religion were sometimes abused in a world of ignorance. They say that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. I sometimes wonder if today's world is a symptom of forgetting rather than remembering. Taking time to remember is a way of learning, of being encouraged, challenged and warned. God instructed the Jews to remember how God had led them from slavery, through the desert, and into the Promised Land. There were wonderful things to celebrate but also lessons to be learned from times they were disobedient, forgetful and ungrateful. Remembering how God has blessed us, led us, lifted us up, even convicted us of our wrongdoing, is the way to becoming the person he intends us to be, and the person we try to be. When discouraged, remember the times of joy and blessing. When burdened, remember the times you felt free. When tempted, think of the days you were strong, When afraid, think of those times you were at peace. Remember too the consequences of wrongdoing so that you avoid those mistakes again. 'Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way.' (Deuteronomy 8 v 2) In my remembering, may I also learn from him, be prepared to change, to 'move on' from the past and nd a better future, a better me. May my remembering be more than a trip down memory lane but another step along the narrow road that leads to life. (Matthew 7 v 14). Have a good day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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18 June 2021
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elcome to another Song Saturday as we brie y consider a song from tomorrow's Together in Worship.
There are a number of hymns that have a distinctly 'robust' feel to them - Onward Christian Soldiers, At the Name of Jesus, Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken, and today's hymn featured tomorrow: Stand up, Stand up for Jesus. These hymns are con dent, uncompromising, and direct: there can be no mistaking the single-minded faith contained in the words, and the tunes t so well, especially when played by a brass band!. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross! Lift high his royal banner, It must not su er loss. From victory unto victory his army he shall lead till every foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in his strength alone; The arm of esh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own. Put on salvation armour, And watching unto prayer, Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty con ict In this His glorious day. Ye that are men now serve him against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, The next the victor's song. To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be, He with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
With the evident military imagery and the masculine tone, these words are striking for their focus on obedience, courage, strength and duty. The implication is that we are in a battle, in a hostile environment or, at the very least, a changing world where we need to a rm our beliefs and standards before a world that doesn't understand God's people. The song does come from a masculine context. The writer had attended a huge prayer meeting for men in the middle of the great 1858 revival. This prayer meeting was attended by 5000 men and the report said that 1000 of them got converted. (That's what happens in revival!) The following week the preacher from that night was tragically killed in an accident, his dying words being, 'Tell my brethren to stand up for Jesus.' The writer of the song preached the following Sunday on the text that included the words, 'Stand rm then...' from Ephesians 6. The following year after this, the revival came to the UK and a young William Booth was caught up in it. As a Methodist minister still, the revival he saw eventually led to the formation of The Salvation Army. But even though there was revival, there was a huge amount of opposition to the Gospel and to the lifestyle of the Christians. We live in a world that is very unlike those days of revival where men would ock to prayer meetings and where churches were lled. We are too concerned about being conciliatory, and sometimes even compromising; but this song, and the Bible itself, reminds us that the Gospel will always be opposed, and God's people will always need to take a stand. Nowadays we hear about people who 'sit down' in protest, they 'march' to demonstrate, they 'take the knee' in solidarity with movements; but Christians 'stand up'. That's our position: we are called to ‘stand rm then’, and to ‘put on the whole armour of God so that you may be able to stand your ground.’ (Ephesians 6 v 13). That command is not just so that we can stand up to the shifting values of the world, but so that we in our own lives may not be discouraged or in doubt. Today, let God strengthen you, encourage you and so inspire you that you feel that you are indeed standing up with rising courage and, of course, watching unto prayer. Have a good day! God bless you 🙏
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19 June 2021
21 June 2021
G
ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
I'd like to tell you about a real-life situation that shows the positive side of social media. It happened as I and dozens of people watched, and was extremely moving. The background is that a young man has a YouTube channel where, like hundreds of others, he reviews music videos and gives his opinion about the songs; these are called reaction videos. He's a musician himself and makes good comments about what he hears. However, he is living with depression. The other night he appeared in a rare livestream from his house, the music was playing and people were watching and making typed contributions. But something was wrong and he kept appearing on the camera in tears, apologising, saying his mental health was su ering and how he was never doing this again. It was di cult to watch and people were making sympathetic comments. Usually cheerful, he was evidently having a very bad night with his depression. Suddenly there was a commotion and another voice was heard above the music, and David turned the camera to reveal another young man who had just appeared in his room. 'What......are you doing here?' David asked live on camera as we watched. 'You're my bro,' was the reply, 'I've come to take you to my place. I'm here to look after you. It's going to be alright.' More was said, and soon the livestream ended. David's friend had thankfully seen the state he was in, had taken a taxi, and had come to stand by his friend. And we watched it all unfolding live on screen. We had no way to help, but this caring young man came and stood with his friend. Mental health issues are di cult to deal with, especially amongst men. What an excellent example we saw of support and love. How fortunate David is to have a friend so willing to stand by him. This is what Jesus means when he speaks of the Holy Spirit as 'another helper'. Other Bibles use the word 'comforter' or 'counsellor'; they all translate a word that literally means 'someone who comes alongside to help’. God will always be there for us, to stand alongside us, to hear, listen, comfort and assure. We may not hear him speak, we might not even feel his presence, but he is there. When we speak of Jesus being a friend, when we sing, Can we nd a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? We are encouraged that Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer. Sometimes the answer to prayer will be a sense of his presence. Sometimes it will be a quiet reassurance from something we read in the Bible, of a song that enables us to worship. The Spirit who is the creative power of God might even use the beauty of creation itself to help us feel the presence of God. And there will be times when he will draw near to us in the arrival of a friend, the friendly voice or supportive message. We can always be open to God, however he comes. And we can be the one who con rms God's presence for that friend who today is glad of Him 'who comes alongside to help'. Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Spirit who comes to walk, stand, and sit with us. Even when we nd it di cult to pray you are there. May that simple truth be a comfort to someone today. Come Lord, may each of us be aware of the friend who comes to look after us. Amen. Have a good day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 81
22 June 2021
M
orning all!
I had a dream last night. I like a good dream; the kind that has a storyline that's realistic. You wake up and you can remember at least some of it and you think, 'What a great dream!' Well last night I had such a dream, but I want to forget it because it was actually pretty disturbing and horrible. It woke me up at 04.40 and I'm glad because it stopped it developing. We don't need dreams like that! It's got me thinking about positive dreams. Who knows what marvellous schemes, projects, and bene ts have literally been dreamed up? Who knows how much good in the world has been inspired by a man or woman - a child even - who, one night, had a vivid dream that became a kind of seed-thought for a wonderful life-changing idea? Of course, it needn't be a dream in bed. A dream can be an inspiring thought, a vision of what you can 'see'. Take Martin Luther King's inspired: "I have a dream" speech. Or it could be the realisation of a new opportunity, as when William Booth, after several years of successful revival preaching, one day saw a new opening in ministry, saying to Catherine, "Darling, I have found my destiny!" An excellent song is The Impossible Dream, which has lyrics that speak of quests to follow, even unreachable stars. The inspirational words that, for me, are the most memorable are: To ght for the right Without question or pause, To be willing to march Into hell for a heavenly cause. (It would be an excellent choice for an Army band to play, Bandmaster Ashley. Hint!) When the prophet Joel was inspired by God to see a day when the Holy Spirit came, he wrote that 'Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions.' (Joel 2 v 28). He meant that they would see God-given possibilities and opportunities; they would tell the world of the wonderful story of God's love. It reminds me of the lyric from a most moving song, I Dreamed a Dream, from Les Miserables. Fantine, a woman whose hopes had been destroyed and whose life was tragically ending, sang 'I dreamed that God would be forgiving.' She only dreamed he 'would' be? Oh, the tragedy of not knowing the certainty of his forgiveness o ered to the penitent. It's the heart of the Christian faith, it's the Good News of the Kingdom of God that he loves the world, he loves you and me, and that he freely forgives all who truly repent. This is no dream, no aspiration; it's no height that needs to be climbed, no quest to be undertaken, and it's certainly not impossible! God is always forgiving; the cross is the guarantee. Jesus, who shed his blood for us, is the one who makes our hopes and dreams of redemption a reality. In Jesus, it's a dream come true. I bring my heart to Jesus, with its fears, I bring my sins to Jesus, as I pray With its hopes and feelings, and its tears; That His blood will wash them all away; Him it seeks, and nding, it is blest; While I seek for favour at His feet, Him it loves, and loving, is at rest. And with tears His promise still repeat, Walking with my Saviour, heart in heart, He doth tell me plainly: Jesus lives None can part. And forgives. May that be true for you today. God bless you 🙏
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Page 82
23 June 2021
H
ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
If you plan on digging in your garden any time soon, keep your eyes peeled. Just recently there was a story in the South African news about a village where a cattle herder found a large diamond in his eld in KwaZulu-Natal province. The news spread fast, and thousands of people rushed to the village from all over to search for more diamonds that might make them rich. These people are desperate to nd a way out of poverty, and this seemed to be the way. But after conducting tests, o cials have said the stones are just quartz crystals, which are far less valuable. The hopes of all those thousands have been dashed. But there's a little bit of hope because the Council for Geoscience is carrying out further studies to nd out if there are any other minerals that may create jobs and improve the lives of tens of thousands of people. So that's good news! Just imagine what could have happened to that cattle herder if his large quartz crystal was in fact a diamond! He could have bought the whole village and all the elds around it, and become a wealthy man. Maybe there's a bit of income from his quartz. Finding something you think is valuable and then discovering it's not must be very disappointing. Who wants to nd a fake, a dud, a copy, a cheaper version of the real thing? When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of Heaven he wasn't talking about the place that people speak about as where you might go when you die, he was talking about the experience of God and his new life here and now. Jesus said it's like discovering treasure: real, genuine, valuable treasure! (Matthew 13 v 44 46). There's nothing fake, nothing that just looks genuine but isn't; it's the real deal. And that's why the bloke in the story rushes o to buy the eld so he can claim whatever he digs up! The point of course is that, in nding the genuine treasure we go all out to claim it. And that's the focus: not the man, not the eld, but the treasure that is known to be wonderfully genuine and precious. Now, we can't buy this life-changing experience, the grace of God is not for sale; it can't be earned or inherited. Notice that the man in the parable of Jesus, when he found the treasure in the eld, 'sells everything he owns'. Wow, that's extreme. Everything? We could simply say that nothing in his life was more important than the treasure. He gave everything up to get the needed nance. In the realms of faith we often talk about 'giving our heart to Jesus'. That's not a Bible term, but it does re ect the idea that everything we are and have, everything we've been and hope to be - the very heart of us - is yielded to Jesus so that we can receive the free gift of grace and enter the Kingdom of God. There's literally nothing in this life nor the next that is more valuable, more genuine, more needed than the grace of God that brings salvation and eternal life. This treasure is most de nitely real! Father, with St Paul I want to say, that everything else is worthless when compared with the in nite value of knowing you, Jesus, as my Lord. For your sake I will discard everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I can gain Christ. (from Philippians 3 v 8). Thank you for the wonderful treasure of the Gospel where I nd life, love, joy and peace through Jesus. Amen. God bless you today 🙏
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Page 83
24 June 2021
H
ello everybody, we hope you're having a good week!
A long time ago I heard something that amused me, but which might be mildly politically incorrect; so please don't get o ended if I repeat the claim that women can't read maps, and men don't listen (!) Does that get an agreement from any if you? I can almost hear the murmurs of agreement, especially, it has to be said, from many wives who might claim that we husbands never listen. Men, I'm sure we have an excuse! I was asked last night, 'How do you know that someone has seen your message on Messenger?' Good question. I went onto Messenger and noticed that when I tapped a message I had sent the word 'Seen' appeared underneath. That's how we know. I've noticed on text messages that if the text has arrived on the recipient's phone I get the word 'delivered', and subsequently the word 'read' if indeed it has been. When you send an email you can request a 'read receipt' to know that not only did your email arrive but that your friend or colleague has actually clicked on it. There can be no question: your message has gone through. I sometimes wish l could get a 'read receipt' on my prayers, don't you? 'Lord', we might pray, 'did you get my message?' We pray, and often we wait and, let's be honest, we do wonder if he's heard us. We sometimes get the feeling that our prayers bounce back o the ceiling, or in Bible language, the heavens are as brass; nope, nothing's getting through - either way. So, what should we do if we fear God doesn't listen? This is where faith comes in; more speci cally: trust. Do we trust God or do we allow ourselves to assume God is no longer listening? The place to go is Scripture. Here we nd God's message to us, and very often he will answer us through the words he has already given. Let's start with this encouragement: "We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will." (1 John 5 v 14) Perhaps we can also listen to the experience of others who have prayed in di cult times and have felt God answer them. (Psalm 18:6). “In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” A favourite song of mine is 'It is No Secret', with the line 'what he's done for others he'll do for you...' Is there any reason why God would listen to others and not you? When prayer seems one-sided, it's good simply to read the Bible because here God has already spoken, and it's quite a frequent experience that when you can't feel God's answer in your heart, lo and behold, there it is, seemingly just for you in the pages of Scripture. Does God hear? Yes. He hears the prayers of his people, especially those 'who do right' (1 Peter 3 v 12) The Bible is the assurance that God hears our prayers; it's our 'read receipt'. Listen also in the quietness. Don't assume a delay means he hasn't heard. 'Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.' (Psalm 27 v 14) Take everything to the Lord in prayer. He's listening. God bless you 🙏
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Page 84
25 June 2021
H
appy Friday everyone! We've woken up this morning to a grey, windy and very wet day. I could hear the rain as I lay all snug in bed, and it's not a sound that cheers is it? The hills are shrouded in low cloud and I think it's here for a while. I'm hoping that the saying will come true: 'rain before 7, ne by 11...' We'll see. I'm going to put a positive spin on it - as we all do in our British obsession with the weather. It's good for the gardens. It'll clear the air. It might even wash all the dust o our car! Yesterday was so warm and humid, that when that downpour started at around 2pm I think most of us would have expected the rain to freshen things up a bit; but no, it was just as hot and sticky as before. Odd. I was hoping for what the harvest hymn calls, 'the soft, refreshing rain'. Well, as a downpour it wasn't soft, and neither was it refreshing. Today seems di erent; and to be honest, it's welcome. It's a very simple, obvious and oft-repeated comparison to spiritual experience; how many times did we used to sing about showers of blessing? It's one of those songs not much used nowadays: There shall be showers of blessing Precious reviving again Over the hills and the valleys Sound of abundance of rain That's the second verse of the song, and it takes us to a speci c meaning behind the hymn that goes beyond a general daily blessing: this is a hymn about revival in the Church. I look around at the Church in general and I think we might all agree that there are 'mercy drops falling’ - some lovely things are happening everywhere - but God knows we need those showers of renewal and revival. The Scripture verse highlighted today has this wonderful promise: 'Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.' (Acts 3 v 19). We need those 'seasons of refreshing', those blessings from God that will revitalise our own spiritual experience, and bring renewal to our churches as we hope for and begin to prepare for some return to normality in the next weeks and months (when permitted). But we can't just take the promise. 'The promises of God are sure, if you will only believe', wrote William Booth; but they are also conditional. What does the fuller Bible paragraph say? 'Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus...' We shouldn't be afraid of the word 'repent'. It means that we decide to go a di erent way; in this respect to follow Jesus. It means that our sins are forgiven and that opens us up then to a real experience of new life - that refreshing of the soul that we long for. It can also be a gift to the Church: is there a challenge here to us, an opportunity to return, to realign ourselves fully to God's word and Spirit so that he will refresh us, renew us? I believe so. As I sit here listening to the rain I'm praying for myself, for you and for the Church: There shall be showers of blessing Oh, that today they might fall Now as to God we're confessing Now as on Jesus we call
Showers of blessing Showers of blessing we need Mercy drops 'round us are falling But for the showers we plead.
God bless you today 🙏
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Page 85
26 June 2021
I
t's Song Saturday! Welcome to you all :) Every Saturday we feature a hymn, chorus or song that is included in tomorrow's Together
in Worship. It's a bit like advertising! Watch with us tomorrow,
worship with us and you'll enjoy this song and others. Of course, we're looking in a little bit more detail at the song to nd the blessing today. I was quite surprised, to tell you the truth, to realise that the song we are featuring today is not as old as I thought. For the Salvation Army music nerds amongst us it was published rst of all for songster brigades to sing in 1964, and then made available for congregations to sing and bands to play, in a song book called Songs of Faith in 1971. With that said, what's most fascinating is that according to the author, Sidney Cox, this song was 'Written in Detroit for the men of the Detroit Men's Social Department'. In other words, this was a song written to bring the Gospel message of redemption to the homeless men, the men with nothing, the addict, the lost. When you read the words you see just how they are a message of hope and restoration by Christ! I want to tell what God has done Through Christ, his well belovèd Son, How my poor heart he sought and won; Can you wonder that I want to tell it? I want to tell what God can do For sinners lost like me and you, Of sins washed white and garments new; Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell of saving grace, Of God's strong arm, his warm embrace, Of blood that can all sins erase; Can you wonder that I want to tell it? I want to tell to sinners lost That Christ has paid sin's fearful cost, And saves unto the uttermost; Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
I want to tell you what the Lord has done, What the Lord has done for me; He lifted me from the miry clay; O what a happy day! 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.
What God has done, he still can do; His power can fashion lives anew, And all who trust him nd Him true; Can you wonder that I want to tell it? I want to tell of that glad day For which we watch, for which we pray, It must be near, not far away; Can you wonder that I want to tell it?
Have you noticed the adverts on the telly? They talk about the product, but in actual fact they are talking about you! The subtle message is: look how lovely you will look wearing this, look how wonderful your house would look with that, wouldn't you like to be the envy of your friends with the other? It's all about you looking, feeling good. The best message from the Bible is similar - this message of God's love is for you. The Gospel is for you. 'The promise,' says Acts 2, 'is for you and for your children...' And that's what this song is doing; it's someone saying how God in Christ has changed their life completely, 'O what a happy day!' and turns to the homeless man, then to anyone who will listen: What God has done, he still can do; His power can fashion lives anew, He can take your life as he did mine And make it anew. What a message. This is a great favourite of Salvation Army people everywhere. It's a lively, joy- lled song; and why not? It's lled with the Gospel message of hope and redemption, love and forgiveness. Listen to it tomorrow played by a simple, unpolished Salvation Army corps band, and catch some of the enthusiasm. The Gospel is indeed for all who are 'far o and are called by God' - and that includes you. God bless you all! We'll see you tomorrow for Together in Worship. It goes live here at 9am, but you can watch anytime. Have a great day!
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Page 86
28 June 2021
A
Monday morning welcome to you all.
Weeds. Who needs them? Gardeners must spend a lot of time keeping a watchful eye on their lawns, owerbeds and vegetable patches, quite understandably I guess. Who wants nettles and brambles amongst the roses or onions? What would a beautifully kept lawn look like with thistles sprouting up everywhere? And yet... Can I confess to you that I like a lawn with a scattering of buttercups and daisies on it? Whenever I mow the grass when there are daisies in it I always feel guilty, that I'm committing 'daisycide'. In one garden we had we used to get clover and I sometimes left a small patch. Just for the bees you know. And recently when I went to cut the grass at the Citadel I nearly changed my mind because very quickly a whole host of orange owers had sprung up I even like dandelions. I love the brightness of the yellow owers scattered around. It's only the fact that they go and spoil it for themselves by producing all those seeds that, to my mind, prevents them from being a lovely addition to any owerbed. What's ironic nowadays is that we're encouraged to let 'wild owers' grow naturally. Leave an area to produce what it likes. You can even buy ' ower bombs' and scatter all kinds of mixed seeds all over the place to make it look like a naturally wild garden. Maybe I should let the daisies and those unknown orange owers grow wildly too. There is a beauty in uncultivated owers. I even like those tall purple ones you get on wasteland. When Jesus suggested in Matthew 6 v 28 that we 'consider the lilies of the eld' (weeds as far as the farmer was concerned), he used them as a metaphor for natural, unforced, unhurried growth. 'not even King Solomon was dressed as beautifully as these.' Why worry? Why fret over the pressure to look good, achieve, be something you're not in order to impress? Jesus is not saying we should simply 'be yourself' - there are things that can change - but he is saying that God has a plan for us that will help us 'become'. He will clothe us as he clothes the owers; the truth is that we should have faith in him to provide for our needs, faith in him to change our hearts, faith in him to take care of our future. And this is in contrast to those with no faith. Blossom where you're planted; let God provide, for you are worth more to him than those lilies - and he makes them beautiful. Have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏
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Page 87
29 June 2021
H
ello everybody, we hope you are well on this lovely day.
Many of you, I know, are early risers. You know what it's like to get up on a dark winter's morning when others are still snug in bed. The reward for that is the joy of getting up on a day like today when even at 6am it was bright and sunny with the prospect of hot weather to come. Unusually the cat wasn't desperately pawing at the back door wanting to get in, so I opened the door and went into the garden. It was shaded and cool and so quiet - but no cat. I tried the front door, and outside it was like a di erent day! The heat, even at 6.30 was surprising, and although the houses opposite were in the shade, our house was ooded with sunlight because the sun was directly opposite, shining through the gap between the two houses across the street. Well, the cat rushed in, but I just stood in the full sunshine wondering how it could be so hot at 6.35, and remembering the little story of the elderly woman who stood in her sunlit garden and said, "I've got the whole of the sun all to myself." It certainly felt that way. There it was, shining as if it were shining just on our house. It's a daft thought, but one we can all have: we don't get some of the sun's light, we don't share it out, we all get the full sun. People will often say, 'Ah, the sun shines on the righteous!' Wouldn't that be a strange phenomenon! I wonder what the standard would be to have your own ray of sunshine following you around. I can imagine people walking in the High Street in darkness with the occasional brightly-lit 'righteous' person walking smugly by... No, it doesn't work like that; what Jesus actually said was, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5 v 45) In other words, we're all the same, we are all loved by God equally and by extension love one another in a similar way. It's quite obvious really that the sun in particular and light in general are often used to represent the love of God or the life of God. Isaiah, talking to Israel, talks about God coming to them as the light rising upon them in a sunrise: 'The glory of the Lord rises upon you.' (Isaiah 60 v 1) When Jesus came that prophecy was ful lled; and when each of us believes it's as if that light oods our hearts too. The light of Jesus isn't just for certain people, it's for all who would open the door and allow the light of his love to ood in. Today as you step into the sunshine take a moment to enjoy that light, feel the warmth, and thank God that you have the whole of God's love shining upon you. God bless you 🙏
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Page 88
30 June 2021
I
t's halfway through the week and the end of the month. Hello from Major Antony & Major Fiona. We come to the end of another month of these daily thoughts. I am encouraged when I get responses that tell me that these simple thoughts are appreciated. Anyway, I'm no football fan but last night I watched the England v Germany match - I watched the whole rst half and glimpsed a lot of the second; especially the goals! Actually, I was alerted to the rst goal by the Wembley-sized crowd of men in the beer garden of a pub not far from my house. In fact, had our house been 100 yards from Wembley Stadium I don't think the roar could have been louder! As I said, I'm no follower of sports. I could have told you that Harry Kane was the captain, and that Gareth Southgate was the manager, but that's it! I'd win no prizes in a quiz that asked me to name any other England players. To my mild embarrassment, having two football following and one rugby following sons, as well as a wife who also knows too much, I was the boy at school who would get teased for never knowing who was playing in the FA Cup Final. And yet even I was caught up in the excitement and the hopes of the fans as they watched the match - mostly on the television of course.. There we all were on the metaphorical sidelines; but if the gure of 18.4 million who watched the England v Scotland match, I think we could safely exceed that. Let's say 20 million. That's a lot of people, a lot of excitement, a lot of opinions, from people sitting down comfortably whilst 11 men run around trying to win not just the game but to retain (or reclaim?) the respect of the nation! Most sport is a spectator sport. We don't drive the F1 cars, we don't serve the aces at Wimbledon, we don't score the tries at Twickenham. It's the nature of the sport - and the drivers and players are glad of spectators and audiences. But not everything is a spectator sport, not everything should be observed from the sidelines by people with opinions and sometimes ckle allegiance. The Apostle Paul, who I'm guessing was not a sportsman, often used sporting metaphors for the Christian life. And one of them I'm going to adapt and and extend. He wrote about the life of faith, of involvement in the life of the church as a disciple: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." (1 Corinthians 9 v 24) He's not saying that only one Christian is going to get the prize, metaphors only go so far; he's saying run 'as if'. He's saying we need to commit, we need to engage. To use a common football phrase: 'We've got to turn up!' That phrase was even used about last night's match. Where were Germany? Did they 'turn up'? Well, of course they were but they played as if their minds were elsewhere (apparently). In the life of faith, we are not on the pitch just to receive the ball (blessings) when they come our way. We are there to have purpose. Paul said run in such a way as to win the prize. I'll change that to 'Play in such a way as to score the goal!' It can be di cult to live in faith, there's an e ort involved, time taken, discipline to accept. We will miss the goal, we will get tired on the pitch, we might pull a muscle, get tackled badly, score an own goal! But Paul's point is about not losing the intention whether we consider ourselves Premiership or 'Pub team' level. Don't give up, keep running, keep playing, know that there's always a way back to form if we follow the Coach's leadings. Albert Orsborn, who wrote a number of songs in our Salvation Army Song Book, wrote about the kind of love that must rule us: Love with passion and with patience, Love with principle and re, Love with heart and mind and utterance, Serving Christ my one desire. Let's play to win, do our best with the Spirit's help so that not only will we not settle for the sidelines, neither do we get left on the subs' bench. God bless you 🙏 Have a great day.
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Page 89
01 July 2021
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orning all, how are you?
A while ago there was a great urry of activity in our town as the borough council decided to spend loads of money on much-needed resurfacing work. Some residential streets and busy roads had lots of potholes and crumbling edges. It really was time to renew those roads. And so they did - ripping up the old surface and laying a beautiful new surface that was smooth to drive on, and clean and even, all one dark colour. Lovely. And then the lines were painted. Lovely bright white lines that contrasted with the dark grey of the tarmac. We like white lines. They ensure we don't drift onto the other side, they show us where the junction is. It all keeps drivers and pedestrians alike quite safe. As long as we take notice of the white lines. Oh, but then a man walked down the kerb painting yellow lines. We don't like them so much! Well, we don't if it means we can't park! We drive round looking for a space, a place without a single or double line, getting frustrated. I often feel sorry for visitors to our Citadel, especially people from out of town who don't know the area well. There are yellow lines everywhere as well as restrictions on parking if you don't have a permit or parking disc. Last week they painted yellow lines in our road. It's a narrow road and nowhere can you park during the day. It does make it di cult for people to visit in their cars, but the alternative would be a narrow curving road with so many cars parked on pavements, making it impossible to pass. Well no, we sometimes complain about yellow lines but we appreciate the reason, we understand the necessity, we are grateful for them when they prevent di culty, inconvenience and even accidents. When Jesus told people that the way to (eternal) life is narrow, and that the gate into heaven is 'strait', meaning restricted, he wasn't being unnecessarily obstructive. The truth is that the Gospel message of salvation is, to use an old-fashioned word, for the 'whosoever'. Nobody is left out, nobody is excluded: we're all on the guest list! But where the road may be surfaced beautifully, there are white lines that guide us in the truth. The Bible says 'in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths' (Proverbs 3 v 5) literally he, and his word written for us, will keep us on the strait and narrow. But he also paints the yellow lines. These make the road narrower but they free the tra c, they make it a more enjoyable journey. Yes, it's a narrow way - it's a way in which we can only follow Jesus and no other, we keep to his word the Bible, and avoid leaning 'on our own understanding'. Salvation, eternal life comes only through Jesus and only by the way of the cross. And I get that in this world of diversity these are the 'yellow lines' that some people disagree with. But we believe Jesus when he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no-one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14 v 6). White lines to guide, yellow lines to restrict. Yes they are there. But what joy there is in following Jesus knowing that he guarantees a blessed journey and a joyful arrival at our home with the Father. There's no better way. Enjoy the journey! God bless you 🙏
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02 July 2021
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ood morning everyone, it's Friday again!
This week a new ag was hoisted outside the Salvation Army citadel. But whilst that's a cause for rejoicing, I was most interested in the ladder we used. As you might see in the photo it was perhaps not the safest looking piece of equipment. It's wooden, in three sections and, when extended to its height was not only wobbly, it wasn't even straight! All credit goes to Rob who bravely ascended, and to Marie who held onto the bottom for dear life! The ag was unfurled and we will remember that perhaps we need to invest in a new ladder, a stronger ladder; one that doesn't bend in the middle, that conforms to safety standards! It reminded me of the little song, based on the Old Testament story: We are climbing Jacob's ladder, Children of the Lord... The story is that Jacob saw in a dream a ladder reaching into Heaven with angels coming down and going up, presumably starting and ending their 'dayshifts' on earth. They tell me that it wasn't actually a ladder in the ag-hoisting or window-cleaning sense; it was more a staircase, perhaps like a stepped pyramid. As an aside, while Rob was up the ladder, an elderly gentleman did come up to us and he sang a few words from Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven.' There's always one! Anyway, the point is that the stairway was not a rickety old ladder with dubious trustworthiness, it was substantial, it was dependable. It was, for Jacob, the means of divine inspiration. Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. What is even more interesting is what Jesus said: ‘You will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.' (John 1 v 51) He's taken the old Bible story and made it refer to himself! He's simply saying, as he said about himself being the way, the truth and the life, that he is that that stairway to heaven. He's not unsafe, undependable, un t for purpose like an old ladder, Jesus is the solid, the true, the only safe way. In life we can try all kinds of ways and means to nd life, joy and peace here, or to 'get to heaven' one day; but none of them are certain, in fact none of them will succeed. Only Jesus - and our repentance, and our faith in him - will guarantee a safe way into the love of God and the assurance of eternal life. Some might say that there are many ladders; and so there are. But only one is t for purpose, and in any case it's the only one leaning on the correct wall! Trust in Jesus. The stairway to heaven. God bless you 🙏
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Page 91
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ello to you all, and welcome to Song Saturday. Every Saturday we feature a song or hymn - even a chorus - that will be in tomorrow's
Together in Worship.
Today we look at a song that is an example of today's revival of 'real' hymn writing. There's nothing wrong with a chorus; we have lots of modern examples - He is Lord, that kind of thing. They are designed to be sung simply and in an almost repetitious way; the Army has had them since the very beginning. There have always been modern hymn writers - Timothy Dudley-Smith, for example in the last generation - but here is an example of a contemporary hymn that moves away from some of today's 'pop' worship songs that seem to be a collection of repeated phrases. The writer of the lyrics is twelve years younger than me!! and he has written numerous other modern hymns, including In Christ Alone, in partnership with another modern song writer, Stuart Townend. Their songs have melodies and arrangements that stand alongside the best of the traditional hymns: In Christ Alone was used at the Archbishop of Canterbury's enthronement! The words are poetic, lled with Scripture and avoid repetition. Personally, I think they are up there with Wesley and Watts. O Church Arise is a song of encouragement and challenge; and for a Salvationist they t so well into our song book. In fact, the words are such that an unknowing Salvationist might assume they were written by someone for the Army! The Scripture they are based on is that famous passage about putting on the whole armour of God in Ephesians 6. It's a call for Christians - you and me - not to be shy, not to be reticent, not to be compromising, but to ght the good ght of the faith. In our personal circumstances, put on God's armour. In our mission as the Church, rise up in the power of the Spirit. In our stand against the world, be con dent in the Bible's teaching. There is nothing, said Jesus, not even hell (or Hades/death) itself that can withstand the church, when it ghts in the name of the King. Do you sometimes feel discouraged, wondering where things are going? In your life or in the church? This song will inspire you. O Church, arise, and put your armour on; Hear the call of Christ our Captain. For now the weak can say that they are strong In the strength that God has given. With shield of faith and belt of truth, We’ll stand against the devil’s lies; An army bold, whose battle-cry is Love, Reaching out to those in darkness.
Come see the cross, where love and mercy meet, As the Son of God is stricken; Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet, For the Conqueror has risen! And as the stone is rolled away, And Christ emerges from the grave, This victory march continues till the day Every eye and heart shall see Him.
Our call to war, to love the captive soul But to rage against the captor; And with the sword that makes the wounded whole, We will ght with faith and valour. When faced with trials on every side We know the outcome is secure, And Christ will have the prize for which He died, An inheritance of nations.
So Spirit, come put strength in every stride, Give grace for every hurdle, That we may run with faith to win the prize Of a servant good and faithful. As saints of old still line the way, Retelling triumphs of His grace, We hear their calls and hunger for the day When with Christ we stand in glory.
(Stuart Townend & Keith Getty Copyright © 2004 Thankyou Music)
May God bless you today! 🙏 We'll see you tomorrow for Together in Worship.
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03 July 2021
05 July 2021
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Monday welcome to you all. We hope you had a good weekend; sunshine and storms, what a contrast; ne weather and ooded gardens. It couldn't be more di erent. Last week we witnessed a moment when two very contrasting men, sharing life experiences that we cannot enter or understand, came together for an unveiling of a statue. This was the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex; but they were simply William and Harry as they unveiled the statue of their mother, Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday. It's been a surprising (let's say) two years, and many were perhaps looking for awkward silences, an indi erent attitude, a formal show for the cameras. After all that has been said... But even the most cynical observer might have to concede that this wasn't a show for the cameras; there were genuine smiles, the body language was relaxed, there was unforced banter between the two. Of course, this wasn't the time to talk about statements made on TV, and those issues are still there, but had you been living on Mars for two years, returning to view this occasion, you would see something of the old William and Harry. Two brothers who are still in a bond of brotherly love even if it's been strained. Last night I heard about two brothers who haven't spoken for years. It happens I guess. It's sad. We see something of it in the story of the Prodigal Son - resentment, envy, separation. But it's good to witness brotherly love that is there still even though strained. The Proverbs in the Bible speaks about friendship. Two mates, two colleagues, two church members; even brothers need to be friends. But the Proverb speaks of friendship that reaches the level of brotherhood (and sisterhood too, of course) and goes beyond it. We all want to be and have friends like that, but I'm reminded that many see in this verse, a hint, a reminder of something more personal, more spiritual. Proverbs says 'There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.' (18 v 24) This is the quality of a best friend; but over the years, as we do with a lot of Scripture, we come to see a metaphor for Jesus. Is he not 'the sinner's friend'? Did he not say 'I call you friends'? And although it's not sung too often now, there is 'What a friend we have in Jesus...' No, the proverb certainly doesn't refer to Jesus; it was written 1000BC after all, but it does point to his place in life. When friendships fail, even when brothers divide - and even when, happily, these things are in fact strong! - Jesus is the best friend we have. Closer than other friends, closer than a brother or sister. Thank you Jesus for being my friend. For being with me, quietly sharing my day, helping me, encouraging me with your presence and with the words about you that I read. Wherever I am today, may I know by faith that you are here, your love constant, your presence assured. And then, through you, help me to be a friend. Amen.
Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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06 July 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
A well-known phrase has returned to my mind this morning, one I quoted recently on 25 June, which was another wet morning. I wrote then that I hoped that the saying, 'Rain before 7, ne by 11', would come true. As I remember, it didn't! And yet here I sit in the hopeful optimism of someone who cheerfully says, 'Well it might today; it can go either of two ways!' We like these little homespun sayings: A stitch in time saves nine You can't teach an old dog new tricks Absence makes the heart grow fonder Slow and steady wins the race Actions speak louder than words No news is good news An apple a day keeps the doctor away As our whining mog y is wandering the house this morning I remember there's more than one way to skin a cat! I look at these pearls of wisdom and I raise an eyebrow. They can seem so wise; but I can't imagine someone going slowly and still winning the 100 metres. No news could be bad news, especially if you need to know something right now! So, to add to the list we need to take some of these with a pinch of salt. But there are some sayings that are true and are found in the Bible, even though many people don't realise it: Pride goes before a fall There's nothing new under the sun You reap what you sow The love of money is the root of all evil. Other phrases are in common use today: wash your hands of something, to fall by the wayside, can a leopard change his spots? There are pithy little sayings dotted throughout the Bible amongst the great truths and inspiring stories. Man shall not live by bread alone, turn the other cheek, love your neighbour - words of Jesus of course. And unlike 'rain before 7, ne by 11' these words from the Bible are dependable. They are not merely inspirational, like great literature or music, they are inspired. God has spoken, his words are written as a wholly trustworthy Bible which is 'A lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' (Psalm 119 v 105) - another phrase in English usage. We believe the Bible isn't just a collection of sayings and stories; it's not a record of rules for a bygone age; it's the life-giving, utterly trustworthy, living word of God. Its pages contain hope, certainty, beauty, faith and joy. A proverb may or may not be true, but God's word will always be dependable. We hope today, though wet, is a good one for you. May God bless you 🙏
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Page 94
07 July 2021
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midweek greeting to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Guisborough's old town hall has been swathed in plastic sheeting for quite a while now as builders transform it from a derelict shell into something restored and useful once again. We can see a glimpse of the roof now, with new chimneys giving a hint of what's to come. It'll be exciting to see something new emerge. Not everyone feels that way about new developments. In a previous city where we lived is an area just o the main shopping streets. It was run down, neglected, and gradually becoming an eyesore. The only 'living' building was a church. Across the road was an old covered disused bus station, home to pigeons and unwisely parked cars. It was dreadful. So plans were drawn up for a new square with lovely new buildings surrounding it. New life would be encouraged, people would return, and it would look lovely. I've seen an artistic rendition - trees, benches, nice buildings... Oh, but someone's not happy. Complaints have been made: Too overdeveloped! A loss of privacy! Isn't it odd that some people can't see the potential of a change, and would rather keep the status quo, even if it's not the best option? Of course it will change - for the better! Derelict buildings gone, people coming into the area, workers, shoppers - even an opportunity for a side-street church to engage with passers by. They call it regeneration. Oh I like that word: regeneration. It literally means born again. Where have you heard that before! Jesus talked about being born again, born 'from above' - because it's God's work of renewal in us. By changing our minds about our actions and attitudes, by being blessed by forgiveness, and having faith in Jesus, that spiritual new start, yes a 'new birth', can be ours. Paul the Apostle used to be Saul the Pharisee; a bit of a nasty piece of work, but by grace he became a masterpiece of God's work. He said, 'if anyone is in Christ the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!' (2 Corinthians 5 v 17) And he should know! Some people who believe in Jesus have a sudden change, a total 'rebuild' perhaps. Others are part of an ongoing redevelopment, shall we say, constant maintenance. But for all it's a regeneration - we are born again by the Holy Spirit, becoming lled with potential, new life, a fresh beginning. The promise that the old has gone - like that sad, derelict and longing-to-be-forgotten bus station - is a wonderful o er; to be forgiven, lled with love and joy, is the best gift! Like the city planners with their aims and objectives, God has a plan for our lives too, to restore, renew and even regenerate our lives. Who knows what transformation he can do, even today? Trust him. He can do great things. God bless you 🙏
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Page 95
08 July 2021
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ood morning everyone!
As the whole of England rejoices we start another new day. Last night someone commented, as the England match counted down those nal seconds, "It's actually happening!" It was a realisation that some overwhelming event was just about to happen; and then it did! The nal whistle blew and Wembley went mad, the country went mad. The blokes in the beer garden near our house went crazy. "It actually happened!" I bet a lot of people woke up this morning asking, "Did that really happen?" It was such an amazing night that one might forget it was 'only' the semi nal! What might happen if we win on Sunday? Could the roar of the crowd get any louder, the smiles any broader? I'm sure they'd have a go - it would be the celebration to beat last night's rejoicing. How can we stand it!! All this celebration, it's almost too much all at once. 55 years with not much to celebrate and now this? Can you have too much of a good thing? Sometimes, yes. I have made a discovery in my garden. I have discovered that watering your plants is a good thing. Some plants love a soaking; their height and the display of owers prove it. But I have also discovered that some plants are a little less impressed with an overabundance of water. It's not that they are ungrateful I guess, it's just that it's unnecessary; and more signi cantly, damaging. I realised the damage when, yesterday after the torrential rain (so the excess watering wasn't all my fault), I took hold of a plant only for it to completely separate itself from what remained of the roots. There was nothing there. It was just mush. Too much water had basically drowned it. Too much of a good thing seems to have been its downfall. A lesson learned. Too much celebration? Of course not! Too much water? Yes, go easy next time. Too much prayer, too much blessing? An interesting thought. The Bible tells us that we have received 'grace upon grace' ( John 1 v 16). It even talks about cups running over - over owing. Well, that plant pot wasn't exactly running over but the soil was at saturation point, so can there be a point when God's blessings are excessive? When our prayers expect more than is reasonable or useful? I'm going to say no. There can never be enough blessing, no reason to minimise grace or ration his love for us. And when it comes to prayer, to asking God for help, for guidance, for strength, healing or most de nitely forgiveness, there's never a point when you reach the limit. How's this for a verse of a song by John Newton (who also gave us Amazing Grace)? Thou art coming to a king, LARGE petitions with thee bring, For his grace and power are such None can ever ask too much. Is that not encouraging? Don't ever worry God can't deliver. Don't ever fear that your request is over the top. And don't think the answer is too much to expect or receive. Let me leave you with a verse that you can be encouraged by: 'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.'( Ephesians 3 v 20) That's cause for a celebration! God bless you 🙏
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Page 96
09 July 2021
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ello everybody, welcome to Friday. It's a special Friday in the Majorly household because one of us has a birthday that comes with free prescriptions from now on; yes, a milestone birthday! I love birthdays and they do come round very quickly. Do you share a birthday with anyone famous? Fiona shares this day with Tom Hanks and OJ Simpson. I'm sure there are millions more who today will open cards and prezzies and enjoy being the centre of attention for a few hours. So happy birthday Major Fiona! We celebrate the anniversary of our being born, a day of the greatest joy in a parent's life. Hugely anticipated and prepared for, and then celebrated with cards, owers, and best wishes. Every child has the potential to change the world. I remember when our oldest was born 33 years ago later this year, someone sent us a picture of a baby with the words 'A baby is the sign that God wants the world to go on.' And so, I guess that each birthday as we grow, as we learn, as we experience new things and make contributions to our world, is a celebration of everything we've become, everything we've achieved. We celebrate not just a number, but a person! Jesus said something about a di erent kind of 'birth' day. 'You must be born again.' he said to a religious leader, Nicodemus, who you might think should have known that! 'What? Again?' asked Nicodemus. 'Yes,' said Jesus, 'It's the only way you'll be able to see, understand and be a part of the Kingdom of God.’ Some people have seen the word 'must' as a threat. I prefer to see it as an encouragement, a persuasion to come and see! I see it as a wonderful possibility for those who do want a fresh start. Don't we all feel like that sometimes? 'Born again' means a release from the past, a 'new creation', as we saw Paul write the other day. A new you, an opportunity to face the future with the regrets and failure of the past done away with. It's an experience of redemption. I had to laugh once, a long time ago, when a colleague at work became a Christian. He was so excited! We were talking about another colleague, and he asked me, "Is Steve a born-againer??" It was like being asked a nudge nudge question, like it was a secret thing. It was like being born again was to be a member of an underground society of a select few, 'the bornagainers’! Some people think born again Christians are all American! It's odd! What we're talking about is any experience of God where Jesus changes our heart through faith, it's the forgiveness of sin, it's the love of God brought into our life, it's the Holy Spirit of God lling our heart and mind with the strength of faith, and an ability to love God and love our neighbour. It's certainly not American and it's de nitely not a secret society! The great word that Jesus used in his conversation with Nicodemus is 'Whosoever'. Being born again is for everyone who believes and trusts in Jesus. So, on this day when millions are celebrating their birthdays and millions more are being born, think about a second birth, an invitation to experience the love of God and his life within. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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10 July 2021
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ello everyone, and welcome to another Song Saturday. This week a majestic old hymn from a time of tremendous upheaval in the Church, the Reformation. This was the time when people began to rediscover and reemphasise the Bible’s teaching over and above church ceremonies and traditions; the result was a movement that spread throughout the world with its message of salvation by faith alone, through Christ alone, and the Bible alone. Martin Luther was a German Roman Catholic monk who, as he was reading the Bible was inspired by the thought that God counts us righteous by faith alone. That was a liberating thought and takes away the fear of not quite ‘making it’ to Heaven through our own e orts: it’s all by grace, through faith. It was the beginning of a life-changing journey for him. And so, to our hymn for this week. Written around 1530 – so it’s very old – Ein feste burg is unser Gott is inspired by Psalm 46. We have a Victorian translation which manages to keep the majesty and power of the original words: A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the ood, Of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
And though this world, with demons lled, Should threaten to undo us; We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him, His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.
Did we in our own strength con de, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right man on our side, The man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.
That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill; God's truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever.
Samuel Coleridge the poet wrote that Luther ‘did as much for the Reformation by his hymns as he did by his translation of the Bible.’ And as we see from this hymn, his words really are powerful; they certainly make you think. Should we still sing songs like this? After all, they are di cult to understand and are very old-fashioned. Well, people still ock to see Shakespeare’s plays and children study Shakespearean language at GCSE English literature, so why not? And what’s wrong with having to think about what we sing anyway? A Mighty Fortress is our God is perhaps Luther’s most magni cent hymn. And he wrote the music too! If you watch the Trooping the Colour this marvellous, stately tune is played by the Guards’ bands every year. Someone wrote: ‘Words and music are massive with the same grandeur; line by line they are at one and inseparable.’ Read through the words again, ponder each line even if it’s a di cult phrase; there’s a blessing there. Join us tomorrow in Together in Worship where we look at just the rst 2 verses of this exceptional hymn. God bless you 🙏
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12 July 2021
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Monday morning welcome to each of you. I used to have a poster that said, 'I don't like Mondays'. I suppose it would be bookended with that other famous saying, 'Thank God it's Friday! Well, I suppose if your weekend is extremely precious and your Monday to Friday world is not what you really want, then I can see the sentiment behind the Monday feeling poster. As a schoolboy there was the trudge towards lessons, but there was always something good - your mates, of course, that history lesson you really like, even though it's followed by double maths! Wednesday afternoon triple games which usually entailed a 'game' of rugby on a rain-soaked eld was always my reason for saying 'I don't like Wednesdays!' Bad experiences are not reserved for certain days of the week of course; and neither are the blessings! You can be blessed with the greatest joy on a Tuesday perhaps even more than on a Sunday! Every day can be a 'Thank God it's ...day' day. Why would God not bless you? His blessings are available and abundant - we just need to open our eyes and hearts to them. I remember being taught a chorus at a Salvation Army o cers' conference once. It's one of those that's passed round by word of mouth; it's certainly not been published in any Salvation Army publication, to my knowledge anyway. It's this: I am blessed, I am blessed, Every day that I live I am blessed. When I wake up in the morning, And I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, I am blessed. Do you know it? I've heard it sung in a typical 'prayer chorus' way, but then I looked it up on Youtube and found a rap artist singing it. I didn't like the rapping bit, but when he sang the actual chorus it was excellent - and the video is 11 years old! It just shows that even the 'young, hip and trendy' (as they used to say) can appreciate an old song and make it their own! But what a truth! We are blessed! The Bible says that 'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' (James 1 v 7) And it's true: simply count your blessings and you'll prove it to yourself! I have just nished reading Psalm 119, the longest one in the Bible. You can read it as well and I'm sure you'll enjoy it; it's in small portions so that you can read about 6 verses at a time. Well, I came across verse 11, in the King James Version: 'Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and keep thy word.' That verse seemed to make all the others fade away. What a great verse! 'Deal bountifully'. That's not 'deal su ciently,' or 'deal adequately'; thank God it's not 'deal appropriately' or 'deal deservedly' or else I might not get much! When God blesses it's a bountiful blessing; or as Jesus said, 'pressed down, shaken together and running over' (Luke 6 v 38) But what I especially like is that this verse turns a big assumption on it's head. We might sometimes think that God blesses us IF we live according to his word; that may well be true, but this verse is asking for a blessing, for God to deal bountifully with us so that we can then 'keep thy word'. That's grace; when God blesses us bountifully so that we can go on to be more faithful, more obedient and even more blessed! Have a great day, a good week! God bless you 🙏
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Page 99
13 July 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse? Many people do, and they've either underlined it in their Bible, or they have a bookmark with it, or perhaps even a picture with the text on it. Many people will suggest 'The Lord's My Shepherd', or 'For God so Loved the World', or perhaps 'Who shall separate us from the love of God...?' Might it be an unusual one? My favourite Bible reading is from what some people say is actually the very oldest book of the Bible, Job, written possibly before Moses, and at the time of people like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Even if it's written after that, it's still a remarkable testimony because it's centuries before Jesus and the resurrection. Here is my favourite verse: Job 19:25 27 25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my esh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! What a testimony, what a truth! Job had lost everything in life and yet he could say that he was longing to see his Redeemer in the next life, as real as in this. In my esh I shall see God. That surely looks forward to the risen Jesus who appeared in the esh after his resurrection, and who is one day set to return to the world and 'every eye shall see him'; and 'we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is'! This phrase 'I know that my Redeemer lives’ is so well-known; how many music lovers will recognise the aria from Handel's Messiah with the same title. It's a beautiful piece of music and, according to accompanying explanatory notes, is 'an expression of faith in redemption and (to) announce the Second Coming of Christ.' Salvationists will recognise the lively song: I know that my Redeemer lives, What joy the blest assurance gives! He lives triumphant o'er the grace, He lives omnipotent to save. And above the rest this note shall swell, My Jesus hath done all things well It's certainly a thought that is widely known and very popular. Well, I have a confession to make. Whilst others may have underlined this rst phrase, 'I know that my Redeemer lives' in their Bibles, or have it on a bookmark, I have had it tattooed on the inside of my right arm. I can never forget it now! It's a reminder to me of this great truth that, more importantly, is in my heart. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives. One day I shall see him in the esh - on the day of resurrection when we will be raised and raised together with him, that yearning will be realised, faith will indeed become sight. That, for all of us, is something to imprint, if not on our skin(!), certainly on our heart. Have a good day, may you know the presence of the risen Redeemer today. God bless you 🙏
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14 July 2021
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Wednesday welcome to everyone. We hope you're having a great week. Of course life, as it often comes to us, will sometimes bring an unexpected crisis or a burden that is a constant companion. It's not always a good week; we remember that. Yesterday I wrote about that triumphant, ancient text from Job: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives.’ What a cry of faith and victory! It would be unrealistic to expect to feel like that all the time. Faith is a great encourager of course, but the Bible is realistic and speaks of times of su ering, alluding to the strength and comfort we receive when in the middle of trials; even God enters the su ering with us whilst not always removing it. He comes and he sits. Don't assume that because he doesn't speak he doesn't care; like a good friend, just being there is a means of grace. “Jesus wept laddie, and well he might!” That was the careless and ill-tempered response of one of our biolo y teachers to the boys who did badly in a test. I heard recently he had died, and that memory came back to me. He's absolutely right; Jesus did weep at bad news, devastating news that his dear friend Lazarus had died. Why should the Son of God not mourn the passing of his friend and share the grief of the family? Perhaps to ‘weep’ is not a strong enough English word. It does re ect the tears that owed, but shortly afterwards, we are told, he was ‘deeply moved’, and that’s a phrase that means he literally ‘roared with rage’. The whole experience of grief made him angry, he felt the shock and the helplessness of grief and shared it with the sisters. ‘He weeps for our tears, and he bows with our pain…’ Those are the words of a song that reminds us that Jesus feels, he knows, he understands and enters into our own experience. He cried. He knew Lazarus was dead before he got the news, but still, he cried. He knew Lazarus would be alive again in moments. But still he cried. He knew this world is not home, he knew death here is not forever. He knew Eternity and the Kingdom better than anyone else could. And He Wept. Because this world is full of pain and regret and loss and depression and devastation, He wept. He wept because knowing the end of the story doesn't mean you can't cry at the sad parts. There was another occasion when Jesus wept. He looked over the city of Jerusalem that still to this day is at the centre of con ict, and he wept for it. He wept because their opportunity for peace was passing them by as they rejected him. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13 v 34) How God must still weep over our confused and divided world, a world that so often rejects the Saviour. Yes, Jesus wept; but he also said that mourning can turn into dancing when the dead are raised, the lost sheep is found, or the prodigal son returns home. Today, whether in sorrow or in joy, may God sit with you to share your day, and be a blessing to you. God bless you 🙏
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15 July 2021
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ello everyone from Major Fiona and Major Antony.
One of the places we love to visit is London. I guess we all have a favourite place that we’ve returned to over the years, and we have other places too; but London has, for us, been the scene of so much and the place of many memories. Fiona and I spent two years training to be Salvation Army o cers here in the 1980s. We used to go into London occasionally to see the sights – The Tower of London, St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square… I remember one New Year’s Eve we went and stood right underneath Big Ben as it chimed Midnight; the crowd was so noisy we didn’t hear a thing! I like the historical parts of London – there are the Victorian places – Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament. There are the older buildings like the Banqueting House, the beautiful buildings around Horse Guards Parade, and then even further back to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, you’re back 1000 years! Then you remember that Londinium was a Roman city, and you can see artefacts in the museums and traces of the wall that surrounded the City. But history isn’t just buildings; it’s the people who lived and died in them. From plague victims to beheadings at the Tower; from kings in palaces to poor people in the narrow streets, it’s all there in the history of this city. But of course you can say the same for Medieval Guisborough too, with its ancient priory ruins and seventeenth century cottages on the high street. I love history, and whether it’s a big city or a small county town, the thought of generations past and the ‘goings on’ in the lives of rich and poor absolutely fascinates me. As the saying goes, ‘If these walls could speak.’ The people of Israel loved their capital too – they still do, calling it the ancient undivided capital of Israel. What history there is there. But like the Christian faith we don’t depend on the past, we don’t live in the past, we’re not tied to the past; we look to what’s to come. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote about Abraham, the father of God’s people: “He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11 v 10), and then ‘Here, have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.’ (Hebrews 13 v 14). It all means that what God has in prospect for us is so much greater than the life we enjoy today. This world has many wonders, beauties and gifts for us to enjoy, God really blesses us, and we do not deny this life in any way at all, but what a future lies beyond this ‘city’ we inhabit. The New Jerusalem, as the Bible poetically puts it, will be a place where God dwells among us, where there is no sorrow and sighing and when the nations will be healed. It’s a message of hope, of aspiration, and of con dence. In the Christian faith, the glories are not all in the past – there’s a City to come! Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Friday greeting to you all,
In our little town of Guisborough we think there’s a crowd if there’s a queue outside the post o ce! Isn’t it busy, we say, when there’s a few dozen people on the narrow pavement where the market stalls are set up. I’m not sure many of us have much experience about being in a huge crowd. London, as I wrote about yesterday, is lled with historical buildings; and of course crowds of tourists usually come to see the sights. You’ll see them standing to watch the changing the guard at Buckingham Palace; they’ll crowd around the Yeoman Warders in the Tower of London to be regaled with tales of bloody executions, they will pack the pavements on Oxford Street as they shop, they will ll the restaurants and pavement cafes, they will crowd onto the Underground. It’s all part and parcel of the London tourist scene. But there’s another type of crowd that London sees quite regularly; and over the last 18 months, saw with increasing dismay: the protestors. Whether it’s Brexit, climate change, anti-lockdown, anti-vaccine, BLM protestors of recent months, and trade union marches, London has hosted crowds of people making their peaceful or not so peaceful views known. Embassies have had small groups standing outside for weeks, even Parliament Square has had little encampments of eco-warriors or social justice campaigners with placards and ags. Whether you agree with these causes or not, whether you have sympathies with their case or condemnation for the violence that is sometimes seen, you will of course understand that they are all a symptom of someone’s view that ‘something’ is not right. In our society it’s a precious freedom to be able to highlight a perceived injustice, to call for a change, to want to see wrongs made right or even just to express a frustration. We don’t agree with everyone’s cause, but who can deny that some marches have seen positive changes? The civil rights movement in the US in the 1960s was, of course, based solidly on the Christian values of Rev Martin Luther King who spoke of the cross of Jesus: “There are some who still nd the cross a stumbling block, and others consider it foolishness, but I am more convinced than ever before that it is the power of God unto social and individual salvation.” When Christians speak in this way, it’s because they are hinting at what’s to come, when Jesus returns. We often call it Judgment Day and I get that some people don’t like it! They don’t like the idea that there will be a judgment; but I ask, how will God make a new heaven and a new earth if ‘the old order of things’ doesn’t pass away? Yes, in love and mercy, but with justice, Jesus will judge the world; but look at this verse from Psalm 98: “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy.” At some time there’s going to be a day of joy, of praise, of gladness and celebration. Why? The next verse tells us, in The Message translation: “When he comes to set the earth right. He’ll straighten out the whole world, He’ll put the world right, and everyone in it.” That’s the cause for joy – the world will be put right, and everyone in it. That’s why Christ is coming: all the things we mourn over, regret; all the things we have spoiled, all the injustice, the sel shness, the violence and hatred will nally, one day be set right. I think even the most hardened protestor would be gladdened by that. Of course, in the meantime we preach the cross as the remedy for today, re ecting Martin Luther King’s words. Sing we the king who is coming to reign, Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain. Life and salvation His empire shall bring, Joy to the nations when Jesus is king. All men shall dwell in His marvellous light, Races long severed His love shall unite, Justice and truth from His sceptre shall spring, Wrong shall be ended when Jesus is king.
Refrain Come let us sing, praise to our king, Jesus our king, Jesus our king, This is our song, who to Jesus belong: Glory to Jesus, to Jesus our king.
All shall be well in His kingdom of peace, Freedom shall ourish and wisdom increase, Foe shall be friend when His triumph we sing, Sword shall be sickle when Jesus is king.
God bless you 🙏
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16 July 2021
17 July 2021
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t's Song Saturday! Hello everyone. It's a little di erent this
week however because there's no Together in Worship tomorrow. We're looking at a song therefore that speaks generally about praising God, and speci cally about singing. There has been a lot of singing recently, most of it of course focused on last week's European football. You might not be still singing 'Football's Coming Home' or 'Sweet Caroline' , but there will be countless other occasions when in celebration or in support of the team you will sing hopefully again. Human beings, like birds, do like to sing! Football, birthdays, Christmas, in the shower, and of course in church...oh no, wait. Hymns and songs, remember them? Do you remember the feeling, the sound, the joy of singing those songs? Oh, I have to say that the pleasure of selecting hymns and songs week by week has been mine, along with nding the backing music. But Oh how I miss standing in a Salvation Army hall and lifting my voice in a rousing song, or sitting to sing a quiet, prayerful song. Oh, may it be soon that we can take o our masks and with uplifted faces sing out our praises, and 'in every corner sing.' And that's a great song: Let all the world, in every corner, sing: My God and King! The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither y, The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow, Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and king! Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and king! My God and King! The church with psalms must shout, no door can keep them out; But, above all, the heart must bear the longest part. Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and king! This hymn was written by George Herbert who died in 1633, aged just 40. He was an accomplished musician, playing the violin and the lute. He was also a minister, and he combined his ability to write beautiful spiritual verse with his talent for music. Just three weeks before he died he handed a manuscript of his hymns to his lawyer asking him to publish it 'if he thought it would be of advantage to any soul'. Well, of course this song has enabled many a soul to lift their voice to God in heartfelt praise. There is always an advantage in such praise and prayer expressed in song and music. Where would we be without it? The Psalmist writes, 'Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises. Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps us from stumbling.' (Psalm 66 v 8 9) We sing because we have much to praise God for! And I am so much looking forward to singing again, are you? Here's a thought: Will you join me? Will you come and sing when we begin our worship again and recommence our singing? Maybe you've not been to the Army for a while, maybe you've lost touch with church. So when the Army congregation meets again, will you accept our invitation to join us with our singing? Will you lift your voice with ours and sing praises to God? We look forward to welcoming you one day when all the world sings again. God bless you 🙏
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19 July 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We start a new working week with all our plans, opportunities, hopes and intentions. It's a big day in our country because it's what the media have called Freedom Day. It's been hoped for, anticipated, for a while that the restrictions will go, and there was a short time not long ago when things were on track but unexpectedly all is a little more uncertain... Life can be full of unexpected things - some are pleasant, some not so. We've just returned from a few days' break in London where a new, unexpected event seemed to occur every day. We arrived not expecting the huge thunderstorm in which a month of rain fell in a few hours. We went to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard to be disappointed that it wasn't happening - then the Queen unexpectedly drove past! We toured St Paul's Cathedral and joined in unexpectedly with the service of Holy Communion under that amazing dome. The West End show we were due to see was unexpectedly cancelled. And then on Thursday I was very unexpectedly told to self isolate until tomorrow Midnight. Every day a twist, a surprise, a blessing or a disappointment. It's life! And sometimes we wonder what's going on; we feel confused or excited. We are con dent and then uncertain. The little unexpected surprises on a holiday are not life-changing, but we all deal with larger changes, and wonder where we can nd certainty, look for things to rely on. Thankfully there are many certainties, many pleasures, relationships, daily experiences that form our regular lives - it's not all confusion! But it's good to know that 'through all the changing scenes of life' we're in the hands of the One who never changes. Isaiah heard God say, 'What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.' (Isaiah 46 v 11) it's an encouragement to know that God does have a plan and that he is bringing it about. There's a lovely phrase, written in verse 10, that says 'I make known the end from the beginning.' In other words, God sees the whole, the big picture. He is never surprised by the unexpected; he sees it all - and through it all brings about his plans. Father, I am sometimes confused at the world as it is. There's uncertainty, change, con icting views and unexpected events. How wonderful it is though to enjoy the constant blessings of life; the gifts I enjoy, the love I share, and through it all the certainty of you, an unchanging rock, a never-failing friend. Throughout these days may I never lose the sense of your presence. In putting my faith in you, may your peace be mine, whatever happens. I pray in Jesus name, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Amen. God bless you today 🙏
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20 July 2021
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ello everybody, another beautiful day has dawned. I can almost guarantee that over the day I will see pictures of someone's garden, a walk they went on, a sel e with friends, and other details they will share. The wonderful thing about Facebook is how we are getting to know each other. As long as we don't 'overshare' we love to post pictures of holiday destinations (guilty), of weddings, of the inside of our house, our children, our meal! We love the long line of greetings when it's our birthday, our anniversary. We share opinions about Boris or Keir that hint at our politics. We share Bible verses that testify to our religious faith. We share funny videos that re ect our sense of humour. We might share memories of people we loved, places we lived, preferences for music, employment we once had. We even talk about illnesses, surgery, recovery or, sadly, bereavement. There's a huge bene t to all this: we are part of an online community, we get to know one another, and many of us have made new friends through getting to know each others' interests. It's innocent, it's bene cial. There are, however, daily posts that ask questions: how long have you been married, what's the name of your pet, what town were you born in, what was your rst job, how old were you when your rst child was born? And people in their thousands answer these seemingly innocuous questions, comparing their answers, not realising that the answers might well be their answer to a security question on an online bank account, or part of a password, or at the very least an indication to a hacker of information they can use. It might even simply inform advertising agencies which adverts to plague you with. It's called data harvesting. 'They' want to know things about you, not because they like you or are genuinely interested in the name of your school, but because they can use the knowledge for ulterior purposes. It's nice when friends know about you. It's not nice when others do. But what's best is knowing that we are perfectly known by One who loves us completely. 'O Lord you have searched me and you know me ' Those are wonderful words from Psalm 139. He knows our whole character and history; he sees our good points and those things that need to be forgiven. He sees our successes and failures. He doesn't need to 'harvest our data' because he knows everything already. And the important thing is that he loves us - even if, with those who don't know him or acknowledge him, he has to love them from afar, as it were. The hackers and harvesters want our data for underhand reasons, negative purposes; but God says, 'I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29 v 11) Isn't that the best kind of information sharing? He makes plans for us that are tailored to his purposes combined with our character and gifts. God makes plans in love, gives hope and positive bene ts; but not just to those who give him their data. He does all this for those who give him their heart. God bless you, 🙏 may you know his loving presence today.
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21 July 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Do you ever feel like giving up? You say, 'I can't do this anymore', or 'I don't WANT to do this much longer.' Maybe there have been setbacks, disappointing results, unfavourable comparisons with other people. 'What's the point?' you ask. Yesterday an elderly gentleman came whizzing down our street on a motorised mobility scooter. Whizzing is actually the best word I can think of. I had to chuckle to myself because I'd seen him before: carrier bag in one hand and the other hand on the steering handle, treating our road like Brands Hatch! Yesterday however, a friendly neighbour stopped him and jokingly told him o for driving so fast with only one hand. 'You'll not stop him', I thought. Apart from the enjoyment of speed, with the wind in his at cap, this gentleman was determined to get out for his shopping. 'Don't stop me now' seems to be his motto. At 6.30 this morning I was woken by an odd scraping noise. It was slow and intermittent, and it seemed to be moving. I peeked through the blind and there was another elderly gentleman. No fast Scooter for him; he was doggedly, step by step half lifting, half pushing a Zimmer frame along the path, scraping the pavement with the rubber feet. 'Scooterman' would have left him standing but the concentration on his face, his eyes xed not on the path but on the end of the street, revealed his commitment to reach the end, his determination to not give up. Don't give up. Discouragements come, mistakes complicate the journey, barriers, twists and turns, feelings of failure, lack of strength: these may come to us all. Sometimes we are 'Scooterman', enjoying the thrill of a trip out. Sometimes we're the man with a frame, and the journey is not quick or smooth. They both get to their destination. St Paul wrote, 'I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3 v 14) That's encouraging. Firstly the journey does have a destination, a point. Secondly, it's a rewarding, satisfying destination - it's worth the e ort. Thirdly, God is encouraging us, calling us on, with Jesus walking beside us. Don't give up. Make your next step the rst determined step of the next stage of the journey. Forget what is past and keep going! He wants you to succeed. God bless you today 🙏
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22 July 2021
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ello everybody, we hope you are having a good week. These are, to use an oft-repeated phrase, uncertain times. Things have vastly improved with the amazing success of the vaccination programme; what a feat of organisation and willing response! And the results of course have meant a considerable lessening of the worst symptoms of Covid and fewer people being admitted to hospital after testing positive. That's the good news... But as with everything to do with this pandemic, it's confused and confusing as we see infection rising and hospital admissions rising too. We also have a lot of people who are symptomatic being treated at home. So, we are hopeful but we are wary. We are eager to live normally, but also patient in waiting for safer times. I was not surprised in the slightest, therefore, to visit Morrisons for the rst time after my own short selfisolation and see everyone wearing face coverings. Some people might have expected a Freedom Day reaction, a deliberate and joyful abandoning of the mask. But no. There we all were, masked as 'normal'. I am always amused by the vast array of designs sold by a market trader here. Colours, patterns, pictures galore; and yet I have very rarely seen anyone wearing really decorated masks. We Brits are evidently conservative as we favour those pale blue papery ones, or single colour material with perhaps an understated logo. I was interested therefore to see that you can buy masks with Bible verses on them. Err.. No! is my response to that. I don't want people reading my face, whatever is written on it! But here's the one I saw advertised, with what I believe is actually THE verse for these times: 'Do nothing out of sel sh ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.' (Philippians 2 v 3) If ever there was an appropriate reaction to what's going on now, especially as things are not as certain as we thought they would be by now, it's that verse. Mask wearing is an outward sign of our valuing of others. We don't wear them for ourselves primarily, we wear them for others. The measures in place have always been to keep each other safe whilst of course lowering the risk to ourselves and our families, our neighbours, work colleagues, and indeed our church. The number one criterion for our decisions is, how will this a ect others? It's actually a very old principle, a Biblical principal that is being played out daily. We don't need to write it in our facemasks, but it's interesting that it's so ingrained in our Christian culture that people get cross when it's not observed, and they rejoice when it is What's the principle? 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' (Mark 12 v 31) Have a great (warm) day everybody. God bless you 🙏
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orning all, welcome to Friday! Do you feel blessed? I have to admit that there are times when I don't; it's actually not that much of an admission because I think I'd be right in assuming you are the same. Health, circumstances, all kinds of things in life will crowd in, or loom over us at certain points, and that feeling of being blessed will vanish. What do we do then? The old song advises: 'count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.' It's good advice. Even on a dark day, there are things that, when we name them as such become a blessing to us. I was looking at the plants in the tubs in our garden yesterday and all of a sudden they seem to have reached that stage where they are owering and, together make a satisfying display. Then I look, without a hint of jealousy, at next door's garden and see the fruits of his hours of labour and attention. There's a magni cent display - and I'm blessed because of his hard work because I can see it all clearly. And then in conversation about his plants he showed me some 'unexpected' results. 'See these?', he said, pointing to a number of tall plants, 'I bought a bag of assorted seeds and planted them. They weren't labelled, I had no idea what they were, and now they've produced all these plants, I still have no idea what they are!' Now, these unknown seeds could have grown into little plants, small owers, something insigni cant. They were evidently 'end of range' or an unsold miscellany of seeds just gathered together and sold o 'as seen', but what a result! A nice shape, attractive and one of them nearly 5 feet tall - an unexpected blessing that enhances the other plants that had been carefully cultivated. One of my favourite verses is this one: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.' (Ephesians 1 v 3) Another version says 'every' spiritual blessing. It implies, actually more than that it states it clearly, that there's an awful lot of blessings out there; a variety, an abundance of them. Some of them are named, expected, looked for. But how many blessings are surprising, not expected, not even thought about until suddenly we realise that God has blessed us yet again! My neighbour bought them on the o -chance, but let's use the word 'faith'. Sometimes we need to do something similar and reach out with an open heart to receive blessings from God. He has indeed blessed us, but have we 'received' those blessings? How do we do that? Well, the blessing at this moment are in 'the heavenly places', but they come to us abundantly when we are 'in Christ'. That means when we believe, when we are in a relationship with him, talking to him, loving him knowing he loves us. It's about believing his word and asking his Spirit to dwell in our heart. When Jesus is central to life, then the blessings of God ow. It may be that we begin to recognise the things around us - even things we have worked for - as God's blessings. It will also be that we begin to receive unnamed blessings, unexpected blessings. We will experience all the challenges and joys of life as everyone does, but how wonderful to live life with 'every spiritual blessing in Christ.' Lord, today I open my heart to the blessings you have reserved for me in the heavenly places, please make them real in my life today. But more than your blessings I seek for you Lord. Come and be in my heart today. Take away those things that are not holy, not true, and replace them with your goodness and love. Then we can enjoy fellowship together. Amen. Have an enjoyable day everyone - a day of blessings. God bless you 🙏
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23 July 2021
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ello everyone! Welcome to Song Saturday. Every weekend we highlight one of the songs, hymns or choruses used in
Sunday's Together in Worship on YouTube. Sometimes it's a contemporary praise song, another time a great Reformation hymn, a Victorian Gospel song, or a chorus from the charismatic renewal of the 1970s. What a variety of songs we have in the Salvation Army songbook! This week an eighteenth-century hymn that comes out fervent revival. Like a lot of older hymns this is lled with Biblical images, and you can visualise the Israelites wearily trudging across the desert in the book of Exodus - a barren land, the bread of Heaven, the ery pillar of cloud and the eventual arrival, through death into Heaven: Canaan's promised land. It's a great song but interestingly the tune we all know wasn't written until 130 years later! I really can't imagine it being sung to a di erent tune - and neither, would I imagine, would all the rugby fans, male voice choirs and brass bands. Tomorrow in
Together in Worship a real brass band will play this with great gusto. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Feed me now and evermore.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and Hell's destruction, Land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.
Open Thou the crystal fountain Whence the healing stream shall ow; Let the ery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer, Be Thou still my strength and shield.
What intrigues me is not so much the prayer for faith and guidance, strength, and sustenance, which we all echo when we sing or read the words, but the motivation that led the author to write the hymn in the rst place. William Williams was a true Welshman and wrote the words in Welsh; he was converted when he heard a ery revivalist preacher standing, Bible in hand on top, of all places, a tombstone in the church graveyard. That started him on his own decades of revival preaching – one of those real, powerful preachers that drew crowds from miles. He wrote 1000 hymns and was known as ‘The sweet singer of Wales’. A Salvation Army Commissioner, W, Elwin Oliphant OBE, wrote that this song was written in ‘troublous times’ and in years when ‘social upheavals were at their height and threatened to overwhelm’ the country, Well, that certainly sounds familiar to us here in 2021! But here’s the challenge – to us and to The Church as a whole, and maybe to The Salvation Army too: Commissioner Oliphant writes of William Williams and another hymnwriter and his revival songs, ‘Instead of despairing they preached salvation, and sang their countries into faith.’ What a challenge! What a standard to set for us, that in these troubling times maybe the church should raise its voice more in public and speak and sing of faith in Christ and the salvation he o ers. The world needs to hear songs of salvation, songs about Jesus, and to hear the Church singing songs of praises! Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship on our YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA God bless you 🙏
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24 July 2021
26 July 2021
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Monday morning greeting to you all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
I wonder how many words you will speak today. If you're on your own, probably not as many as those with a house full, or people in a shop or o ce. If you're like me you will say a few words out loud even if there's nobody there - and no, it's not a sign of madness! I believe that for most of the time and in the company we keep, our words will be moderate, polite, appropriate to the company we're in and to the occasion. We know what's acceptable. But there are times when there's a slip of the tongue, an unguarded comment, an inappropriate word; we realise it ourselves or perhaps we get a sharp response! And of course we apologise. We all perhaps know of times when we have said something that we wish we could take back immediately. It's the time we wish the ground would swallow us up. You can't take it back. We learn from those times. The Bible reminds us that 'the tongue is a re.' ( James 3 v 6). Oh that's true, such a lot of damage can be caused by what we say. It's also true that the way we say it can cause more controversy than the meaning. You'll recall recently that an MP used the word 'liar' in the House of Commons. Now some might want to suggest, well it's politicians, so... Interestingly, there are words you cannot use. It's not that MPs can't highlight something they don't agree with, or they can't say that the truth lies somewhere else, it's simply that some words cause more hostility and aggression than the actual issue the MP is speaking about. I can't remember why the MP used the word, but I know about the subsequent row! More moderate language may have got her point across better. I was amused to read that Disney World has a similar policy: there are words that employees simply cannot use, and there are 'gentle' phrases that they use to keep things calm and to maintain the right atmosphere. For example, if anyone causes trouble in the park they are referred to as 'treasured guests'. It's not just a code, it's a phrase that prevents aggression or further fuel to a re. A well known Bible verse says, ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.' (Proverbs 15 v 1) Do you remember the children's hymn, Tell me the stories of Jesus? There's a memorable phrase in it that talks about his 'words full of kindness, deeds full of grace.' If anyone could answer a critic, or correct a wrong, or tell the truth in love it was him. May our words be gentle, and may we receive others' words with grace. God bless you today, whatever you do, wherever you go. 🙏
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27 July 2021
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orning all! A new day, a new start, a new hope. I do like mornings. As the song says, "Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus..." (Do you remember that, from One Day at Time?) Anyway. Indeed, yesterday's gone, and some people are waking up and literally saying, 'Thank God that's over!' When you had a bad day it's good to wake up and even an 'ordinary' day would be a relief. A new day is another attempt, another opportunity, another challenge. Of course yesterday might have actually been wonderful! And today, unknown as it is, holds out a prospect of more blessings. So, for all of us, we look at the next few hours with anticipation... Facebook readers will know that every day half a dozen memories appear. On this day last year, three years ago, ve years, even a dozen years ago if you were on Facebook that long ago. Today my memories include a Tweet I shared about the Bible last year, a photo of my sons at a family wedding seven years ago, and a worried comment about Major Fiona from nine years ago because apparently she was really not well at all that day and I was extremely concerned. (Do you remember that dear?) She obviously recovered, and most of the memories that come to us are pleasant, funny or maybe even wistful or bittersweet if they include images of loved ones. Memories are precious and cherished. They remind us of who we are, where we belong. Oh, but aren't there memories that rise up to taunt us? Memories that make our heart sink and our cheeks ush? Maybe nobody else remembers or even knew, but we know; and the memory itself is painful. Regrets, mistakes, failings. We put them behind us - we've learned from them, we've moved on but somehow they catch us unawares and our heart sinks. Maybe we still feel condemned. There's a wonderful verse that says this: "If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." (1 John 3 v 20) Why live with an old memory that condemns, when Jesus who knows our heart perfectly can overrule, and release us from its power? He is greater than our heart. Give that memory to him, let him redeem and if needed, forgive. Isaiah writes the words of God for a whole nation and so why not for you and me today: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43 v 18) The gift of remembering is a most wonderful thing. Sometimes the gift of forgetting and moving on is a gift that's even greater. Father you do indeed know my heart, with its joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. I thank you for this day, a new day for living. Lord I thank you for cherished memories, for places and above all, people who have lled my life. But as I remember, I see things I would want to forget; and where there are memories that cause pain, regret and even shame, I would ask for your grace that would lovingly forget that pain and lead me to be born again, redeemed. Let today be a fresh day, a day of new beginnings. Maybe even a new life. In Jesus name. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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28 July 2021
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ello everybody, welcome to Wednesday!
When was the last time you were afraid? Last night's thunder and lightning perhaps? Maybe some news you received? It could be an ongoing fear, a phobia that you live with. They are very real to us - the fear of the dark, of small spaces, of water. One of the reactions to Covid has been fear, of course. We have been afraid of contracting it, fearful for elderly relatives, worried about being in large groups even when allowed. Some have been concerned about the vaccination. Maybe still, even with most legal restrictions lowered, people are wary of supermarkets, o ces, theatres; even church. It's understandable, and there's wisdom in it too. We start with healthy caution, with sensible restrictions, and the options are weighed up and we make our decision based on what we know to be true. We are not afraid, we don't tremble with fear, but we know what the risk is and act accordingly. It always strikes people as odd when we talk about the fear of the Lord. Fear? I've often said that the rst thing a person should know about God is that he loves them. 'God is love', the Bible says. 'Jesus loves me, this I know', we teach children to sing. And our response is also to love, 'We love him because he rst loved us.' Love runs through the Bible like 'Blackpool' runs through a stick of rock! So what do we make of this verse, and others like it? 'Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways' (Psalm 128 v 1). Well rst of all notice the rst word: blessed. It means happy, fortunate, joy- lled. Really? It's that good? It seems odd that fear could be a blessing and bring joy and happiness. Is fear not the opposite of love? I think we should be clear that the fear of the Lord doesn't mean we're frightened, scared and afraid of God; he certainly doesn't want that! So what is this 'fear'? The other day on Facebook someone asked the question, 'Does anyone remember the look your mother gave you?' (or something along those lines). Oh yes, I remember! I can't remember my Mum smacking me, but I remember the raised eyebrow and the wide eyed look of warning. It was enough to stop me talking or stop what I was doing. Another Motherly tactic was to not look at me and just let me know by disappointed silence that I was in trouble! I think we've all been there! I wasn't afraid of my Mum, her reactions didn't make me cower in terror, and I knew she loved me and my sisters totally, but there was a respect, a 'fear' of crossing her, of overstepping the line, of disappointing her. Did that make us happy? Yes, of course! It was a happy home, a secure haven to come home to, a place where love was given and received. It was the boundaries that were set and the respect that was given that stopped self-indulgence and laxity making us spoiled and disrespectful. The fear of God is pictured in that positive family relationship. Psalm 103 says, 'As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.' The fear of the Lord means that we respect the boundaries of God who loves us completely. A Salvation Army chorus gives this invitation: Come into the love of God. Come into the love of God. Come within the boundary where his love can reach and bless you, Come into the love of God. May we all know that love today as we fear God, love him, and know his outpoured blessings. God bless you 🙏
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29 July 2021
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orning all, welcome to a sunny Thursday!
A few days ago I watched in amazement as a man wearing a imsy jacket trudged past my house in what could only be described as a monsoon! The rain was bouncing, and yet he wasn't sheltering, he wasn't running, he wasn't even hurrying; it was as if he was totally unaware of the rainstorm he was walking through. What a daft man, I thought. Oh how easily we judge... Yesterday I was at the Citadel and, having nished there it was time to go home. I needed to get home; and guess what: the thunder rolled, the rain fell and so, sensible me waited. After a time it eased o and I thought, I can get away with it. It's not too bad and I do have an anorak. And o I went. Within two minutes the rain was heavier than ever, the lightning ashed. But I was committed! I walked past two young women who were not only under umbrellas but also under a tree (In a thunderstorm??). I passed others, evidently caught out, and I thought, 'Do you know what? Just go with it.' My canvas shoes were saturated, my trousers were soaked, my shoulders were wet under my ine ective anorak. And I just stopped worrying. 'I'm wet. I'm not made of sugar, I'll not dissolve.' Suddenly I became that man I saw the other day trudging through the monsoon, and guess what I was even beginning to enjoy it. The boy inside enjoyed the adventure, and whilst I didn't start jumping in puddles, there was a sense of freedom that came with accepting that I was soaked through. Such fun! 'There shall be showers of blessing...' says the old song. The Bible is full of imagery of rain falling as symbolising either the gifts and blessings of God, or as a metaphor for God himself coming to us. There's no momentary 'spit-spot' when it comes to God, it's a deluge or nothing. We read about the Holy Spirit being 'poured out' on us, the love of God poured out into our hearts. God promises that he will 'send down showers in season, there will be showers of blessings.' (Ezekiel 34 v 26); but do you know, I think we've got to be in the right 'place'. It can rain all it likes, but if we're in a dry place, a place where the rain can't reach, we're never going to get wet. Remember yesterday, the chorus about coming to the place where God can 'reach and bless you'? Well if you want to experience the blessing of God you've got to stand in the rain! 'Let my teaching fall like rain...' (Deuteronomy 32 v 2) We need to be willing to hear from God's word, to let it 'wash over us', a ect us. We need to read and obey it, and then his Spirit will be poured out upon us. 'I will pour out such a blessing you will not be able to contain it' (Malachi 3 v 10), but only if we give God our total commitment of who we are and what we have. Give him your heart and soul and know his outpoured blessings. It's true that God wants to bless us, he wants the best for us, he wants to save and heal, he wants to answer prayer and give us his peace. But he can only do it if we're willing to stand in the rain! God bless you today - allow yourself to receive the blessing 🙏
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30 July 2021
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ello everybody. Well, we've made it to another Friday; we hope it's been a good week and as we reach the weekend you've been able to speak with friends even if you've not been out. Yesterday I was in the High Street selling the War Cry, The Salvation Army magazine. Thursday is market day in Guisborough, and although it's not as extensive as it once was, there's usually a good number of people about. I do like to stand and watch. People rush past, some people shu e. Some walk with ener y, some are less steady. I noticed people standing and chatting, greeting each other with a 'Now then Fred, how are you doing?' There's banter, a bit of gossip; some complaining or sharing some news - a new car, a new baby. A man walked past, saw some friends and got into a group hug. Children stared wide-eyed and excited at the stall selling toys, a boy helped his mother choose the best strawberries from the fruit and veg stall. A woman bought a War Cry, repeating a phrase I've heard in many towns over my years in The Salvation Army: 'Oh, you're the only one I support.' And then there was the Nana with her little grandaughters; 'Give the nice man these pennies.' The problem with that is you have to bend right down to their level! They took a Kids Alive children's comic and o they went with a shy wave and a little 'Bye'. A man told me all about his recent holiday, another spoke about his illness. A lady I knew introduced me to her daughter. It was a lovely morning, and I just loved the variety of people, of chatter, of laughter; and of silence of course... Some people walked by quietly. There was no speaking. Perhaps there was nothing at all wrong, but maybe for them - and even the noisy ones with their chatter - there were some hidden burdens. Did the presence of people around them relieve some of that? Maybe just being around people on a market day helped them to feel a bit more part of normality. I hope so. A word we use often in church is 'fellowship'. We describe being a member as being 'part of the fellowship'. Whenever we meet, whether it's in a service or for a cup of tea, we are 'having fellowship.' We encourage people to 'join the fellowship.' The market place is a great place for getting into company, but to be part of a Christian fellowship is a real blessing. And, of course, God is there. 'Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them,' said Jesus. It's the presence of God that blesses us so much - and of course not just when we meet. Often at the end of a meeting these words are said: 'May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’ (2 Corinthians 13 v 14) The Spirit of God shares fellowship, togetherness, with us. He is part of our gatherings, he is with us when we are separate, he is the source of love that binds us together. We share common beliefs and experiences, we enjoy meeting, hearing about all that's going on - just like people in a market place; but the di erence is that He is there. May you enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit today. May God bless you 🙏
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31 July 2021
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elcome to our nal Song Saturday for July, and indeed the last day of the month. Every Saturday for many months now we have featured a song that will be used in
the next day's Together in Worship. What has impressed me as a worship leader is the rich variety of songs in our book, there's no one style for the Army. We're happy to write our own songs, glad to use old Roman Catholic hymns, Pentecostal choruses, stately Anglican verses and American gospel songs. They could be written 1500 years ago or published in the last 15 years, we love them, as long as they glorify God and help us to worship him and spread the good news of the Gospel. So, to today's song. We have a lot of American songs! The Salvation Army, interestingly, would never have come into existence without the in uence of American revivalist preachers of the 1850s and 1860s. There was a religious fervour over there that spilled out in the the writing of many, many songs which the evangelists brought over the Atlantic with them to Britain inspiring people like William and Catherine Booth. The song we are using tomorrow is one of those songs. 'He leadeth me! O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught!' (Note the excited exclamation marks!) was written at the height of the American civil war. It wasn't a good time for the country, and the churches and missions had risen to the occasion with preaching widely a gospel of hope, of salvation, and of the unwavering love of God. The author of the song was a Baptist Pastor Joseph Gilmore - and he simply wanted to encourage his own congregation, so he preached one Sunday on Psalm 23 and the important truth that whatever situation we are in God is leading us. Of course we realise that sometimes he leads us by quiet waters and other times he actually guides us through the valley of the shadow of death. The three exclamation marks in the rst two lines of the song tell me that Pastor Gilmore was con dent and certain, and lled with joy at the thought of God's leading. That doesn't mean, of course, that he thought life was going to be smooth. He writes that God leads us 'mid scenes of deepest gloom' and 'o'er troubled sea' as much as 'where Eden's bowers bloom' and 'by waters still.' The fruit of Holy Spirit revival is that faith rises higher and people are lled with the assurance that God is among them - how can they not follow the One who leads them? What's interesting about the song is that Pastor Gilmore wrote the words, gave them to his wife and then forgot about them. Three years later he came across a hymn book with his hymn in it! Without him knowing, his wife had sent it to a publisher and they had included it in a new hymnbook. Thank God for 'leading' Mrs Gilmore to do that, so we can all be blessed by the words. He leadeth me! O blessèd thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine, Nor ever murmur or repine, Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, By waters still, o'er troubled sea, Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.
Refrain: He leadeth me, He leadeth me! By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I will be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
O Lord, my shepherd, I am glad that you do lead me by your word and by your Spirit. Help me today to follow you, to be willing to be led. Maybe I will not be merely content to follow, but excited! Lord, I'm on a journey and I am glad that you are there beside me, and whether I'm beside those streams of water or in a dark place I know that you will never leave my side. Thank you Lord; you are always faithful, help me to be faithful too. In Jesus' name, Amen. We hope you have a lovely day today - keep following! God bless you 🙏
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ello everybody, welcome to the rst reading for August. I don't often talk about sport - I really don't follow it; Major Fiona is the one in the know in our house and I'm always asking her, '...and who's that?' However, I must comment on something highly unusual that the world witnessed yesterday in the high jump competition at the Olympics. Now, I've always been impressed with high jumpers, maybe because I was so short at school. I only reached ve feet tall when I was 14, so I was a very short 4th form/year 10 student with no hope of ever aspiring to be a high jumper in school sports! Yesterday we witnessed two equally-matched competitors, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi, reach an impasse. Both athletes ended with jumps of 2.37 metres and had no failed attempts until they attempted to clear 2.39. After three failures each at that height, an Olympic o cial rst o ered them a jump-o to decide the winner. That would have meant one of them losing just by one jump. Interestingly, though they are rivals in sport they are friends, and Barshim asked the o cial, "Can we have two golds?” The o cial nodded and that was it, the two men both have gold medals! Barshim said, "This is a dream come true. It is the true spirit, the sportsman spirit." That really impressed me. Both men could have said, "No, I want to win gold, I'm going on to be the sole winner!" He would have run the risk of only getting silver. By sharing, by displaying that 'sportsman spirit', they both won! We never need to win at the expense of another. We have all been promised a 'victory' in Christ, a blessing from him, the forgiveness of sins, the promise of heaven. St Paul even talks about winning the prize! But that prize can be lost if all we are concerned about is self. We mustn't be so concerned about our own blessing that we refuse to share with others. We can't be so focused on our own forgiveness that we fail to forgive others. We are called to bear one another's burdens, to forgive as Christ forgave us, 'in honour preferring one another'. Why should we not show that same sporting spirit as an Olympic athlete, even more so. Let us always lift one another up, encourage, share the prize rather than look only to our own concerns, for in this way we ful l the law of Christ. Paul wrote, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 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.
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 🙏
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02 August 2021
03 August 2021
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ello from Major Antony and Major Fiona. A beautiful day has dawned, let's see what blessings God has planned. We all have di erent personalities, di erent characters. Some of us go with the ow, others have to be part of creating what happens. Some of us are happy just to join in, while some of us need to prepare and organise our time. At one extreme some of us are happy to let others do all the thinking whilst at the other end there are those who overthink things. If that's you then you'll know how stressful that can be! Now, many of us like a good conversation, whatever the subject might be. It could be politics or music, religion, sport, families, and what was on the TV last night. When it comes to the serious topics - and there's a lot of those around at the moment - do you suddenly get to a certain point and say, 'I don't want to think about this anymore'? There's just so much to take in, so many di erent opinions. I sometimes think that way about what we believe about the Bible, what we teach. There's a place for deep thinking, there's value in looking at big questions. But even theologians know the value of simple faith. I'm glad that none of us need to pass exams to get to heaven. One great theologian wrote books and books lled with deep thinking. He lectured in universities; and once was asked to summarise all his learning and teaching. "I can summarise in a few words my understanding of the Christian faith. Let me put it this way: ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’” That, to me, is faith. It is good to know the Bible, in fact it's important; but it's what is in the heart that is vital. We can get bogged down with discussions and disagreements, but the essence of our faith is to be at peace, to be content in our faith. Yesterday I passed a car where a baby was fast asleep. He looked so peaceful, innocent, without a care in the world. I don't often quote more than one verse of the Bible at a time, but here is Psalm 131 v 1 3 that uses a similar picture of a contented child to describe a soul at peace. Psalm 131 Simple Trust in the Lord Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever. May we all have the contentment of a child, calm in our faith, quiet in our trust in God. God bless you 🙏
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04 August 2021
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elcome to Wednesday's thought. I'm sitting here preparing myself to go for a run. You may remember that I started running this time last year on the Couch to 5k programme. And I did really well! I got to the next-tolast week, was running for 25 minutes at a time, and then my knee began to give me trouble. I gave up and went back to the couch. But I've started again. I'm determined to get to the nal week this time. The good thing about the programme is that while you're running a voice encourages you, gives you instructions when to start and stop, words of advice. My voice was Michael Johnson, apparently an athlete, but I had no idea who he was or what he looked like. I followed his instructions and he - or at least his voice - was a great encourager. Then the other day I was watching the Olympics and there on screen was Michael Johnson! Ah, so that's who he is! Di erent to how I expected, slightly older looking, but now I can put a face to to the voice. It's a shame that this time round my Couch to 5k coach is someone else but I'm sure he'll be just ne. It's nice to see who was coaching me. Do you remember the late Roy Castle? I met him about 34 years ago when he was lming a TV series about The Salvation Army. He was a Christian and I remember reading his story about how he came to believe. He said that he always knew 'someone' was there, always felt a hand holding his, as it were; and then one day he 'looked up' and said 'Oh, it's you!' I can't remember the circumstance, but for him it was a revelation, a realisation that God isn't just a vague presence, an unknown or unknowable spirit or force 'out there', he's personal, knowable, relatable. This God we believe in and worship has a personality, a voice, a loving nature and deep knowledge of each of us; and in Jesus we know him as one of us, one with us. When we see and hear Jesus in the Gospels we are looking at God. The Bible tells us that what God was, Jesus was. I suddenly knew who Michael Johnson was when I saw his face. Roy Castle realised that the presence he had felt was actually Jesus himself. We too can know for ourselves this wonderful Father, loving Saviour and ever-present Comforter. He's there for us all when we look. His promise to us all is, 'You will seek me and nd me when you seek me with all your heart.' (Jeremiah 29 v 13) God of all, help me to know you as you are. Many people know you are there and often we pray to you, but I want to be aware of you, to feel your presence and to believe in you. As I think about Jesus I can see you mirrored perfectly in all that he said and did, and so I want to follow him in order to follow you Day by day, dear Lord, of you three things I pray: To see you more clearly, To love you more dearly, To follow you more nearly. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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05 August 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
None of us is getting any younger. Sometimes I feel that the world is somehow geared towards the young - advertising, music, entertainment. Actually, speaking of advertising, have you noticed that afternoon television is full of adverts for stairlifts and walk-in baths? Not to mention funeral plans! So maybe older people are catered for... 😁 I was talking to someone just a little older than me the other day - my own advancing age means I can't actually remember who it was - and I suggested that being older actually gives us an advantage over young people: memories. I walk past a teenager and think, 'You can't remember stu because you haven't done anything yet!' I can remember schoolfriends, work colleagues, weddings, babies, family holidays. I have old vinyl records that I remember buying when they rst came out and concerts I went to 40 years ago! Yes, there are more years behind me than I can hope to have in front, unless I live to be 118, but what memories!! And what experience is mine; some of which I actually learned from! 😃 Oh but looking back, don't we see the bits we'd rather forget? I've often said I'd like to be 18 again and live my life the same but do it right this time knowing what I know now; but of course an 18 year old hasn't learned from 59 years of experience. Maybe we should be a bit more patient with 18 year olds because they haven't yet been moulded by mistakes and memories. John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace, was a slave trader. An awful profession, and if there was a statue it would probably be toppled by now. He was converted to Christ and eventually came to see the horrible trade he was involved in for what it was. He was a changed man and actually became a vicar. As he looked back over his lifetime of memories, the good and the dreadful, he wrote, "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." Our memories, our experiences, have made us what we are, but the grace of God - that 'amazing grace' no less - can redeem us from those things that were not our nest hour, shall we say. We have 'all sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3 v 23) but because of Calvary and the empty tomb we don't just get an annual birthday to remind us of the experiences of the years, we can be born again, we can have a second date of birth when we receive a new life from Christ where the past is forgiven. The Apostle Peter, who had his own memories of failure and denial, was able to write, "In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1 v 3). That's worth remembering! It doesn't matter how many birthdays you have had, you can be born again. ( John 3) Have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏
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06 August 2021
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ello everybody, Friday yet again; I am convinced somebody removes a day out of the week somewhere when I'm not looking! This verse came to mind this morning as I was just sitting quietly: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3 v 22 23) Yesterday I wrote about having a second birthday, having a new birth into a living hope. Being 'born again' has entered the everyday English language now; people talk about 'born again Christians' as if they are some kind of o shoot of the 'normal' kind. When I worked for the Post O ce my Overseer was a lovely lady who was a bellringer at the parish church. She told me once, "I don't like the born again Christians..." I never asked her who exactly she meant, or what was wrong with them. Probably too enthusiastic? Too happy? Possibly too American? (That's another misconception, I've discovered). I'm assuming that the phrase 'born again' is equated with evangelical churches, but all churches will claim 'born again' as an experience, as a state of grace, whether it's through sacraments, through prayers of repentance, through kneeling at a mercy seat in faith. It's a shame it's become a misunderstood phrase. I can't think of anything more encouraging than the thought that not only can we have that experience of being renewed in heart and mind, but that it's an experience we can return to every day. It's not strange, not necessarily 'enthusiastic' or even 'evangelical'; it's simply an experience that God has always o ered to his people: the opportunity to begin again. Was yesterday a day when things didn't turn out? God's love is steadfast. Was yesterday a tiring day? His mercies are new every morning. Actually, was yesterday a good day, a positive day? Well his faithfulness is still great today as well! You see, whatever happened yesterday: failure or success, gain or loss, shame or pride, today is a new opportunity, a fresh start, a day of hope and grace. If God loves us with a steadfast love that never ceases, he's never going to give up on us, why would he? Why should he when his mercies never come to an end? It's Friday, it's nearly the end of another week of experiences. Allow God to refresh you by his grace as you have faith in him today, so that his tender mercies make this day, and every day, a new beginning, a new birth. Go out into the day assured that he is determined to love you and share his goodness with you. God bless you today 🙏
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07 August 2021
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ello everyone - it's another Song Saturday where we take a congregational song or hymn from tomorrow's
Together in Worship and take a moment to consider it.
There is a wealth of truth and blessing in the hymns - even the 'old' ones - that might encourage us to keep our song book as a companion to our Bible. This week a majestic hymn that is equally at home in a great Cathedral, a Salvation Army Citadel, or a small group: the hymn, 'Immortal, Invisible, God only wise.' Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Most blessèd, 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 naught 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.
This hymn, for me, captures something of the holiness, the majesty, and the greatness of God in a way that we sometimes lose in the more intimate worship songs. There's so much that is lovely and beautiful about singing of the love of Jesus and the friendship we have with him, but it's also right that we recognise that God is to be worshipped with awe and wonder. For those of us who may have assumed this to be a great English hymn, especially as the lyrics were written by a man called Walter Smith, there is some news: Rev. Smith was a Scottish cler yman from Aberdeen who eventually became the Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland. The wonderful tune, St Denio, is actually Welsh, named after St Denis of France(!) and was based on a folk tune called Joanna which is all about a cuckoo! It’s popularity is all down to Gustav Holst who introduced it into the English hymnal in 1906.So there you have it. Lots of elements drawn together to make an excellent hymn. It does have its critics though; someone wrote that the last line ‘'Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee’, is ‘only poetic nonsense.’ Well, they evidently don’t know their Bible which clearly tells us about Almighty God, ‘who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen.’ And that’s not Old Testament, that’s St Paul in 1 Timothy 6 v 16. God is hidden by light? It seems strange that God hides at all doesn’t it? It’s a common human fear or feeling that sometimes we wonder why God seems far away, absent or even hidden. Where is he in my hardship, my trial, my doubt and fear? Have you ever felt like that? ‘Where are you God?’ Can I encourage you? There is nothing on earth that can separate you from God if your sins are forgiven and if you have faith in his love for you. No circumstance will hide him – not illness, not hardship, not any other person, not your emotions, not your busy life. Nothing. Why? Because it’s only light that hides him – and that’s not a hiding away because he wants to remain undiscovered, unfound; it’s the light of Glory that we cannot see. We are unable to see that splendour, but it’s why we have Jesus. We hear his voice, watch his actions, and we see past the light to see God in the face of Jesus Christ. God may dwell in the depths of light but in Jesus, God with us, we see him face to face. Today, may you see him, know him, and praise his great name. See you tomorrow in Together in Worship. God bless you 🙏
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
What an exciting event we witnessed yesterday- a cycle race right outside our house. Our street was part of a circuit and for over an hour these cyclists came whizzing round the bend, past us, and then turned a sharp corner into the next street. They were fast! It was quite unnerving actually to see them riding so close together and leaning into the bend. Oh please don't let there be an accident! One of them actually caught the foot of one of the barriers, and I did hear there had been an accident on another road. We felt a little sorry for 3 cyclists who were always at the back; most would come past in a long line, then a gap and a man in orange, then another gap and then a cyclist in pink, and nally a much slower man in black. For a few circuits that's how it was, and then after a while they were lapped by the front-runners and it was hard to know who was rst, who was last. Only the motorbike cameraman gave a clue as to the leader because the man in blue was the only one he was lming! I was impressed with the people watching. They blew whistles, they had little rattles that sounded like cow bells, but most of all they clapped. They applauded the front-runners, the clapped the main group, and then they clapped messrs orange, pink and black right at the back. It was encouraging them. Occasionally a spectator would shout, 'Come on Alex!' Once one cyclist called to another, 'You OK Ryan?' To which the answer was, 'Yeah, not bad', as they wooshed past into the bend. The spectators applauded the men at the back. They had no hope of catching up to the leader, they just carried on, taking part, perhaps hoping to improve of a personal best time. They pressed on, and all the time the applause was theirs, the cowbells were for them, the encouragement was gladly received. Never was any of them heckled or booed, they were always applauded. That must have meant so much. We need to encourage one another. The world's way is to applaud the winners, to honour the successful; and that's right of course. But the man in blue yesterday was once the man in black at the back. I wonder what would have happened if he'd never received applause or encouragement as he raced around in last place? He might have given up and never improved. The Christian faith is not an easy one to live and there are those we hold up as 'saints', there are the 'racers' who are good at their daily faith, and there are those whose faith isn't strong, doesn't appear consistent. God believes in every one of them. He honours every one of us in the race of faith in the belief that we will become stronger. And that's our calling too, to encourage each other - especially those who don't appear strong. Let's applaud one another, pray for one another, believe that each of us is a saint in the making. And if we do that, maybe someone will encourage us too when we ourselves are trailing a little on occasion. As St Paul wrote, (1 Thessalonians 5 v 11) 'So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.' May God really bless you today 🙏
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09 August 2021
10 August 2021
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ello everyone.
I was talking to one of my sons yesterday about 'technolo y'. There was a time when technolo y was what they did in factories or universities. We didn't need to know anything about it really. We were actually talking about music and how we listen to it on our 'devices'; we didn't understand a particular thing and I said that I'd reached the end of my technological knowledge now, I don't want to learn anything else at the age of 59. He agreed and he's only 32! I just can't keep up. There's an 'app' for everything now. One day in a future generation people won't just be able to work from home, they'll be able to live their lives without leaving their armchair. There's something new, some innovation, some new facility seemingly every day. But do you know what frustrates me? Updates! You turn on the laptop and it says Please Wait... ... .. . Then it says 30% ... .. . I have no idea what these updates are doing, except that sometimes I'm wanting to get on with some work! A couple of weeks ago a member of the congregation wanted to join our Zoom Bible study but her laptop decided to 'Update'... and she was late. I remember once arriving early for the Sunday morning meeting and turning on the laptop to show the PowerPoint with the song words and the laptop performed a major update that lasted an hour and a half! We had to use real songbooks 😆 I imagine these updates are very useful, bene cial and remedial. They improve a process, replace something that's out of date, refresh a programme, get rid of something harmful even. It might not be seen, but there in the background, inwardly something has been renewed. Oh if only life was as easy. If we could download a much-needed x into our mind, upload a new heart, restore to a previous point in life, refresh, renew, revive. Oh I'd gladly press Restart sometimes so I could be a better me. The good news is that there is a renewal process. Through his Spirit God o ers those moments of revival as he comes to us. He gives opportunities for refreshment as we pray or worship, he gives 'updates' as we learn more from his word, the Bible. And he can transform us from previous ways of thinking. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12 v 2) Sadly it's not a case of new technolo y, it's for us to pray, read, be open to the moving of the Spirit in our lives. He will change our heart, our mind. We can be renewed; not to 'factory settings' but certainly to a place where we know him better and he lives his life within our renewed heart. God bless you 🙏
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11 August 2021
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midweek greeting to one and all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
I just love old buildings, and we were privileged to walk around the oldest part of Lincoln yesterday. We wandered the steep medieval streets, looked at Elizabethan black and white buildings, walked within ancient castle walls, sat in an old pub with beamed ceilings, and nally wandered around the Cathedral with its Norman frontage and mediaeval interior. You can't help but wonder at the countless numbers who, over the last 950 years have prayed, worshipped, sang and watched during the many services. Even today there are three services every single day. As the hymn says, 'The voice of prayer is never silent, Nor does the strain of praise away.' Yes, the choir stalls where hundreds of men and boys sang over the centuries are there, the altar is positioned just the same as ever. There's a small room where communion vessels are on display from the 16th and 17th Centuries. It's astonishing to think that the hands of priests from hundreds of years ago were touching them. There was one place that was quite moving. In the cloisters one area is paved with the names of men and women of the Cathedral. Their ashes are interred here and their names recorded. Some are older, some passed away this year and the carved name is clear and unfaded. These are the people who worshipped over the years. You look round and see what they saw. Whenever we ourselves worship, either on our own or in a congregation; when we sing an old hymn or pray the Lord's prayer, we are not just repeating or continuing what others do or have done, we are witnessing to something. We are experiencing the Presence of God in 2021 that others felt in 1921, or 1721, 1421... Isn't that astonishing? The words, architecture, clothing might change but God himself is always the same, and here's a thought: Jesus is always like us. He was like the medieval people, the Victorian people, we ourselves too. He is God with us and he understands how we live, who we are. The people who built a medieval cathedral are no di erent to us today. For them the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, is just as meaningful. It doesn't matter how many years go by or how much we ourselves change, "Give thanks to the God of Heaven! For his mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136 v 26) God bless you 🙏
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orning all, we hope you are having a good week.
Occasionally I see a video of people reacting to hearing for the rst time. Recently I saw a photo of a child who was deaf who was tted with implants to make him hear, and the look of amazement on his face was just adorable. I've seen children and teenagers reacting to music, to a mother's voice, to ordinary sounds; and the reaction has ranged from a broad smile, to laughter, from hands raised in wonder, to running around the room in delight! They were hearing for the very rst time something they never imagined before. I have a moderate colour-blindness; it means that I see fewer shades of colour than most people. I don't always distinguish between blue and purple, or red and brown. Fiona saved me from buying myself a lovely brown jumper once which was actually green! Do you know those round circle colour blindness tests with the spots and numbers? I get none of them correct! It leaves me wondering what you can all see that I can't! I'm quite happy with the many colours I DO see, but am I actually missing something? I can see the beauty of the garden, but if I can't see those numbers in the tests, what am I not seeing in nature? I can't imagine! I've seen grown men being given special glasses that correct colour blindness who burst into tears saying, 'Is this what you see? It's so beautiful!' There's a verse in Scripture (1 Corinthians 2 v 9) that tells us: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.' And a verse of a hymn in our song book says: 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. To know God in the world and in the heart is to perceive things di erently; it's to be aware of his presence, to be convinced that there's more than just what the senses tell us, for in everything there ows the life and love of God. And beyond all things is an eternity that begins now with its sounds and sights that are beyond imagining but which we glimpse by faith. When we are born again of the Spirit (John chapter 3), we can even see the Kingdom of God. May he bless you today, may you hear and see something of God. 🙏
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12 August 2021
13 August 2021
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elcome to Friday 🙂
I wonder what you'll wear today. Workwear? Something 'sloppy' around the house? Perhaps something old for DIY or gardening? Or even something smart for meeting a friend for co ee? "Clothes make the man" says the old proverb; but is that true? Well I guess a choice of clothes can at least reveal your taste, and perhaps your opinion of what's appropriate. No jeans at a posh dinner, don't bother with a large hat on a windy day, and it really isn't good form to go to the supermarket in your nightclothes! Nowadays society has a much less strict expectation about what's appropriate. Gone are the Edwardian times when everyone on Blackpool promenade was in full Sunday best - even on a Tuesday afternoon! You can see some 'interesting' combinations while standing on Guisborough high street; I've seen heads turn and eyes follow someone dressed unusually. And then some of us wear a uniform. That can sometimes cause confusion amongst the uninitiated. I was in full uniform once in Northern Ireland - navy tunic and cap, everything - and a child asked his mother, in a loud Londonderry accent, "Is that man a policeman?" Which I thought was odd, seeing that the Royal Ulster Constabulary wore green! It happened yesterday too, twice, with me in white epauletted shirt and tie: "Is that a policeman?" I don't understand it, policemen wear black shirts and body armour! I loved the second mother's answer, which I heard clearly across the quiet street: "No, that's The Salvation Army, he plays a trumpet." 😲 A trumpet?? Oh dear. Ha ha. To that lady my clothing wasn't just what I was, it was, apparently, what I do. I play a trumpet. It shows that our appearance gives an impression, a sign of who we are, or what they think we are. In normal times we all usually wear clothes that everyone else wears, we don't dress extravagantly or inappropriately, but we do want people to have a good impression and above all we want to show simply that we are good, ordinary people with good honest character. The Bible says we should "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3 v 12. I like the idea that virtues like these are not just for inward thought and satisfaction, they are for public 'display' if you like; but notice that none of them are to make us feel proud. These virtues are all for the bene t of others. Be compassionate, be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. I might be known for wearing di erent kinds of clothes, but I hope people can see these things too. God bless you 🙏
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14 August 2021
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ood morning all! It’s another Song Saturday; and today we feature a song
from tomorrow’s Together in Worship that Salvationists might feel is ‘one of our own’. It certainly sounds like it but I have to ‘disappoint’ you. It’s another one of those American revival songs and was written in 1870. The writer was Philip Bliss and he was in Chicago leading the singing in a week-long mission. He looked forward to hearing a young British preacher called Henry Moorhouse who was a converted pickpocket. He enjoyed the rst sermon, on the text John 3 v 16: “Whosoever believeth on him shall not perish.” The next night too, after he had led the singing, Bliss was surprised to hear the young preacher speak on the same text. And the next night, and the next… In fact he preached seven times on that text and Bliss could not get that one word out of his head: Whosoever. And that’s how he came to write this song. We hear a lot today about inclusivity, equality; well, I might suggest that the Gospel is the greatest example of inclusion and equality there is. We are all equally sinners, for Paul writes, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ (Romans 3 v 23). None of us can accuse another of being a greater sinner. We’re all in this together. But equally, Jesus died for all – none excluded. It literally is an inclusive Gospel, for whoever believes in him shall have eternal life. Older Salvationists will know the story of Lady Beatrice and Dirty Jimmy. Their names describe perfectly for you what you might imagine. Well, Lady Beatrice came to The Salvation Army and knelt at the Mercy Seat, the altar, to ask Christ into her life. She was suddenly, and shockingly to the onlookers, joined by the smelly old Dirty Jimmy who went to kneel beside her to also accept Jesus. Oh, the Captain was having none of that so tried to get Jimmy to move away from the Lady who, seeing what was going on, raised a gloved hand and said to the Captain, ‘Leave him alone, we’re both seeking the same Saviour.’ We all need to be saved, we all can be saved. It’s the Gospel of the ‘whosoever.’ Whosoever heareth! Shout, shout the sound; Send the blessèd tidings all the world around; Spread the joyful news wherever man is found: Whosoever will may come.
Whosoever will, the promise is secure; Whosoever will, forever shall endure; Whosoever will, 'tis life for evermore; Whosoever will may come.
Whosoever cometh need not delay; Now the door is open, enter while you may; Jesus is the true, the only living way; Whosoever will may come.
Refrain: Whosoever will! Whosoever will! Send the blessèd tidings over vale and hill; 'Tis the loving Father calls the wanderer Home: Whosoever will may come.
God bless you, whosoever you are 😊 🙏
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16 August 2021
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orning all! A new working week begins. It’s often said that we can go without seeing friends for a long time, and then, when we meet up again it’s as if those years melt away. Well that happened to us just last Thursday. I was selling my War Crys – actually, I’d arrived late – and within minutes a familiar face appeared, followed immediately by another. Yes Corinne and Andy, if you’re reading this, it was indeed you! Well, it was an immediate recognition because although I hadn’t seen them for about 14 years they hadn’t changed one little bit! What a joy. We chatted and we chatted, and thankfully the customers were all so determined, they battled their way into the midst of our chatty trio in order to give money and take a paper. And as we chatted the years melted away. After a while they decided they would go and frighten Major Fiona who was back at the Citadel, and o they trotted, following my directions. Half an hour later when I arrived they were still there. Can I say that we chatted more, then Fiona went to Redcar, came back and we were STILL chatting. Well, 14 years is a long time, and there was so much to catch up on. They say you can’t hurry love, and friendship is just as unhurried. We chatted about a Salvation Army Corps we attended together, about family, about mutual friends. The day was lifted because friendship was renewed. When it comes to blessings they are not all ‘religious’, if I can use that word. God is in the ordinary stu of life, the daily round as it were. Our relationships are God-inspired, they re ect something of the friendship, the fellowship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And so the Bible can re ect on that and say, ‘A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.’ (Proverbs 27 v 9) A song we will use quite often in worship has the words: For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild, Father unto thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise. Yes, we were refreshed as we chatted for a long time, as we laughed and remembered. As we name our friends, as we recall their faces, we all thank God for them all; we appreciate them, love them, pray for them. And we remember too, with wonder, that Jesus himself said, ‘I call you friends.’ (John 15 v 15) Enjoy your day! God bless you 🙏
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17 August 2021
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ello everybody
If you’re like me you’ll enjoy a bargain. Why buy one item when you can buy two at only a little more than the one? That’s my excuse when I buy two Greggs’s Belgian buns (other bakeries are available). I often gravitate to the product that’s on special o er and work out which is cheapest. Now, honey is an interesting one. I’ve yet to work out how a plastic bottle of honey is £2.40 and yet a glass jar of exactly the same honey, at the same weight, is 99p. Am I missing something? Perhaps it’s the plastic. What’s always amused me is the dear honey on the top shelf. Now, there’s always going to be the top of the range stu , whatever you buy – there’s the ‘Value’ stu , there’s the ‘Finest’ stu . It can’t be that much di erent, surely? But honey, Oh there’s a world of di erence apparently…Manuka honey is £14! That’s a lot of money for something you put on your toast. Ah, but then I looked it up – THIS honey has antibacterial properties, and what makes it extra special – and extra expensive apparently – is that it also has anti-in ammatory properties. It can be used for coughs and sore throats and, amazingly for burns and wounds. Who knew? No wonder it’s £14. Imagine my shock when I saw a jar of Manuka honey in a health shop that was selling for £129.99! I’d expect brain surgery for that price! It’s interesting how we look to age old remedies even today. Even King Solomon, when writing his Proverbs, knew of the healing properties of this most wonderful, almost miraculous natural substance, when he wrote (Proverbs 16 v 24), ‘Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ Words are powerful; they teach, encourage, comfort. Words convey love. What we say can open doors of forgiveness, hope and a rmation, or they can wound and discourage and destroy. But where words are gentle, kind, patient and gracious they can actually go a long way to easing a burden, calming the agitated, encouraging the despairing and assuring forgiveness and peace to the guilty. The song speaks of the words of God that are ‘beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,’ and it’s true; when God speaks with the voice of Jesus he calls us to rest, to healing, to life. And the song continues, with this encouragement that each of us should, ‘Sweetly echo the Saviour’s call…o er pardon and peace to all.’ I haven’t always attained to that, but I pray that I can speak words that, like honey, bring healing and peace. Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏
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midweek welcome to you all.
Last week was exciting for many young people because it was their A Level and GCSE results week. Many of us have had children or grandchildren, nephews and nieces for whom the pandemic has been particularly trying. Schooling has been interrupted; online learning has been the norm even when some children were unable to access the internet su ciently. Teachers have battled on and sometimes struggled, and yet this year’s results, if looked at in a positive light, have been welcomed. Maybe those children who were good at course work but not good at exam conditions have bene tted, who can tell. All we know is that the results have encouraged many young people to move forward with their education and continue the journey towards careers or university. No doubt those of us who pray have been praying hard for our children. Do you remember the stresses of revision, or last-minute cramming before the exam? Education has given a good start in life to so many. We thank God for the dedication of teachers. Of course, as Christians we also believe that a good spiritual start is important too. We gather our children in Sunday Schools and tell them about Jesus, teaching them the Bible stories and even dedicating them to God as babies; we want them to have a good foundation for that moment when they y the nest and make their own decisions and live their own life. Let’s promise to pray for our children: • Young people who are starting GCSE courses. • Those who will take exams next year. • Those starting college or university in a few weeks. • Those who have graduated this year. As they prepare for a new school year, pray for teachers, teaching assistants, ancillary sta ; and for parents too as they teach, encourage and support. And let’s also pray for Churches, for Sunday School Teachers, youth workers and others who will teach and encourage children to follow Jesus. Pray for parents too as they bring their children up in a world that is either apathetic or hostile to the things of the Gospel. Let’s pray for all young people that the good foundations that are laid for them will help them to become men and women of God. God bless them, and may God bless you. 🙏
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18 August 2021
19 August 2021
M
orning everyone, Thursday already!
Let’s hope today is a good day, a peaceful day, a happy day! Sometimes I think we could all do with a good laugh, but don’t worry, I’m not going to share any of my excellent Dad jokes with you today. They are the kind of jokes that make me laugh out loud but Major Fiona and two of my sons never laugh; only one of them, gets them! I’ve come across people (not Major Fiona I am swift to con rm) who believe that life is too serious for levity, for jocularity. I’ve heard people say that Christians should not even laugh! Really? Where do they get that from? ‘Well Jesus never laughed’, they claim. I’d like to know how they arrive at that conclusion. Actually, their ‘proof-text’ is Isaiah 53 v 3, which says that Jesus was ‘a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.’ Oh dear; yes he was, but not ALL the time! The Book of Ecclesiastes, which Jesus knew well, says in chapter 3 v 4, “there is a time to laugh.” I can’t imagine Jesus disagreed with that! He turned water into wine at a wedding reception – I can’t imagine Jesus not enjoying that! Can you imagine Jesus not laughing with the many people who he healed? The man jumping around after not walking for his whole life? The blind man smiling into the face of Jesus as he saw for the rst time? Did Jesus not laugh with Jairus and Mrs Jairus as he brought their daughter back from the dead? And what about jokes about camels going through the eyes of needles, and great beams sticking out of people’s eyes? OK maybe they are not the stu you hear on the telly, but a Jesus without a glint in his eye and a smile on his face as he blessed the children is not a Jesus I would want to listen to, personally. Yes, Jesus was a man of sorrows. He wept when his friend died; and they say there is healing in tears. But there’s also healing in laughter, in good clean humour, in laughter between friends and family. A few moments laughter, the scientists say, enhances your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, reduces stress, stimulates your circulation and relaxes your muscles. So there you go. Actually, we didn’t need the scientists to tell us that because God already informed us: ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine.’ (Proverbs 17 v 22) So, if you’re not well, take two paracetamol or whatever treatment the doc prescribes, but also enjoy yourself; let that laughter do you good. Keep smiling, and enjoy your day. God bless you 🙏
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20 August 2021
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ello to you all from Major Antony & Major Fiona, we hope you’ve had a good week. Did you make plans? How did those plans go? Sometimes it’s good to have someone or something to direct you. We were in Lincoln last week to say farewell to one of our sons who has since been deployed overseas by the military. I don’t know Lincoln, and we had our cars that we needed to take into the city centre before continuing our journey later. He had his satnav on, we just followed him. Well! It was left, right, straight on, as you’d expect, then suddenly we were driving down a little cobbled street not much more than a back alley. He phoned us and we were discussing the amount of tra c and the fact that the satnav wanted to send us one way, whilst he thought another way was better. Well, eventually we got o the route, found a parking space and went for our meal. As we walked we saw the car park where our son had imagined we should be going – it was about to close. It would have been no good. Then we came across a turning that we perhaps would have gone down, to discover it was blocked. Well, it was a good job we didn’t come that way after all! Sometimes, the way we think is the right way, and the way the satnav takes us are di erent because maybe we don’t know the hidden, unforeseen conditions. ‘Why did it send us this way?’ is a common question when we think we’re familiar with a route. There is a reason – heavy tra c, a closed road, a roadworks. It works out for the best. The verse chosen for today is so familiar to many, many people. It’s been given as good advice to young people and older people alike down through the years: “In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3 v 6) or as the King James Bible puts it, the more familiar, “He shall direct thy paths.” It’s in the acknowledging of him, in the recognising his presence that we nd our paths become clearer. The word acknowledge is all about getting to know him, to understand him. Why should we acknowledge him, follow him? Just who is he that we should trust him? Do I actually NEED to follow God? This is the One who knows us perfectly, knows our heart, our thoughts, our past and our future. He loves us. There’s a lovely verse that says, ‘I declare the end from the beginning.’ (Isaiah 46 v 10). In other words he has a wider perspective than us, he sees the overview, the whole scenario. Why would we not trust and follow him? A number of years ago Major Fiona and I, together with our three boys, were given a new appointment by The Salvation Army. It was a very painful transition period, and we doubted a lot, questioned much, and nearly gave up. What was happening, where was God leading: in fact was God in it at all? Without going into details, it turned out that it was the best thing that could have happened, for a number of reasons that happily are still bearing fruit today. Had we refused the path, had we chosen to stay, go a di erent way, try to decide what was best without acknowledging God’s plan, then who knows what would have happened; but by allowing him to lead we have joined the countless millions who acknowledged God and can testify: 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. God bless you today as you follow him. 🙏
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21 August 2021
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ello all, it’s Song Saturday today; but it’s slightly di erent
this week because there’s no Together in Worship tomorrow.
What I will do, however, is share a song that will feature in an openair meeting in Guisborough next Sunday 29th. If you’re in the area, please join us at 10.30 in Guisborough for ‘Amazing Grace at the Market Cross.’ We’d love to see you there praising God with us! What’s the song? To God be the Glory Great Things He Has Done. There’s a lot of Gospel truth in this song as well as a chorus that is pure praise! It’s not the most modern song, but it’s enthusiastic and joyful: To God be the glory, great things He hath done! So loved He the world that He gave us His Son; Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Great things He hath taught us, Great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer and higher and greater will be Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood! To every believer the promise of God; The vilest o ender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Refrain: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; great things He hath done!
Fanny Crosby was a blind lady who wrote many songs. She was described as ‘a blind lady whose heart can see splendidly in the sunshine of God’s love.’ It can’t be a coincidence that in the last verse she talks about seeing Jesus with ‘wonder’ and ‘rapture’. It must have been her life-long hope. Even though she was blind, she would certainly have shared the sentiment of the Bible verse: “The Lord has done great things for us. We are glad.” (Psalm 126 v 3). She said, ‘There is no cloud that can keep the sunlight of hope from a trustful soul.’ The song is an American song from 1872, was not popular in America but was an immediate hit in Britain. It wasn’t until Billy Graham came over in the 1950s, discovered us singing it and took it back to America with him, that it became popular there. You could say that we gave it back to them. See you next week at the open-air meeting! (There will also be a Together in Worship if you’re too far away from Guisborough) God bless you 🙏
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23 August 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. A new week begins.
We returned from holiday last night, having had a few days in Devon and a couple of days near Blackpool visiting our mothers. We saw friends, visited new places, revisited places we've seen before and heard so many di erent accents! We spent a lot of time in Devon, and when we visited friends, meeting in Somerset, there was his Yorkshire and my Lancashire accents in amongst the voices of the residents of Yeovil. We visited Fiona's old school friend in Bristol and Fiona's own accent seemed to get stronger. Interestingly, our mothers, who are from Scotland and Aldershot but have lived near Blackpool for decades, have not taken on anything of that West Lancashire accent, whereas my two youngest sisters are as broad as they come. I haven't lived in Blackpool for 35 years, but I have been surprised to hear that accent is still evident when
I listen to myself speak in the Together in Worship videos. And here we are, back in Guisborough with its own North Yorkshire way of speaking. We all have an accent - even those who say they don't. We pick up that way of speaking from family rst, then school, then friends. It's interesting how some of us have stronger accents than others. I know two brothers both living in a town we once lived in where one of them has an accent much stronger than the other. Curious. I think most of us would be able to identify someone's origins from how they speak - Scots, Birmingham, Cockney, Scouse, and all the many others. They betray our origins, our background, our in uences, even if we no longer live in that area. I read an interesting phrase the other day, referring to the fact that Christians are in uenced by spiritual things, the ways of God's Kingdom: 'In a manner of speaking, we belong up there. Our culture belongs up there. Our thinking belongs up there. Everything belongs up there...' The writer, A.W. Tozer, was talking about where our heart lies, how our attitudes are not drawn from our surroundings, but from God's word. He goes on to say, 'You belong to God. You have another spirit; you know another language, and you speak this world’s language with an accent.' What a profound thought: we speak with an accent. If I were to speak in Devon, people would know I had my background in Lancashire. Whatever accent you have, if you spoke in another place people would know you were 'di erent'. We live in a wonderful, if troubled, world. We value it, we enjoy it, we love our world. But we are in it, not of it. Jesus, in a prayer, said that his followers are 'not of the world' (John 17 v 16), meaning that we are most in uenced by God and not the shifting values around us. Our accent is the accent of God's Kingdom and our ways are his ways, our words are inspired by his words. It's the accent of faith, hope, truth; and above all, love. Father God, you have created a wonderful world and you love us all. As we start this new week, knowing the beauty and the ugliness of this world, we pray that your voice will be heard, and that your people will speak with heaven's accents of love and truth and peace. May my voice also speak with the accent that shows I belong to you. Amen. God bless you this week 🙏
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ello everyone, we hope you are well.
Looking back over the last month or two, Fiona and I have visited some very old buildings. In London we went into Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral and walked around the outside of the Tower of London. We walked round the outside of York Minster, and more recently we visited Lincoln Cathedral too. I'm sure many of you also have been impressed by these lovely old buildings and perhaps remarked on the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our buildings today are so plain in comparison. Of course a Cathedral took generations to build, and we can imagine that grandfather, father and son will have all worked, perhaps as stonemasons or labourers, watching as the years went by the slow progress of the huge building that many of them would never have seen completed. Today's buildings are up in months or weeks, but in those days it was literally a lifetime's work. That's a huge investment of time, e ort and skill, but there seems to me to be something else involved, something that even goes beyond an artist's pride. In many of these old buildings there's the opportunity of going up high to view everything from a tower or a high wall; and from there you can see details that simply cannot be seen from the ground. For centuries, before tourists were allowed, very few people would ever have seen the carvings, the detailed nish to the stonework. But the most astonishing thing is that there are areas, high up or concealed behind other features, that are simply never ever seen, except perhaps by a workman. There are places that contain as much detail, carvings that were created with as much care as the prominent ones, that have hardly been seen since perhaps the 13th century when they were originally hoisted into position. And yet, even though the mason knew nobody would see it from the ground, he still carved the stone as beautifully as if it were to be positioned in pride of place before the crowds. Why? Why would they do that, is it not a waste? Well no, the mason would say simply that God could see. He would claim his work was for God himself. Although unseen by others, his work was for the glory of God. That, to me is both a challenge and an encouragement. It's a challenge, knowing that my work, my words, my deepest thoughts, even when hidden from others, are known to God; and secondly, it's an encouragement in that God can appreciate those hidden gifts and o erings, those unseen actions that are given to him. It's true that quite often our service is hidden from all but God, but when what we do bring or give some action or e ort, doing it to the glory of God, we know it's not wasted, not unseen. Everything we do for God, openly or away from public gaze, is contributing to a wonderful dwelling for God, something that will honour and glorify him. Do it to the glory of God and the reward will be his 'well done'. Do everything as if it will be admired even when you know it's all, only, for him. God bless you 🙏
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24 August 2021
25 August 2021
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midweek 'Hello' to everyone.
'It must be my age!' Isn't that the excuse we give when we've forgotten something, or done something wrong? Age doesn't seem important when we're young, when the decades stretch ahead of us. But it's not just the retirees who feel the years slip away. Can you remember turning 30? That's a big milestone for someone who enjoyed their youthful 20s. I remember as a teenager thinking how old someone who turned 40 must be! Of course when I did turn 40 I was still claiming eternal youth! 50? Still NOT middle aged, I claimed in vain. Well, the years y away, the person in the mirror looks a little older, the children of the family are adults and we start using phrases like 'Age is just a number!' I saw an advert on a news website for some miracle serum, I can't remember what it was called but out of all the unbelievable adverts this was the most unbelievable. With a small sponge and some of this overpriced grease, you could wipe away - or probably just 'paint over' - all your blemishes, freckles, wrinkles, sagging jawlines and tired eyes. They showed a before and after example, and the 50something model appeared to have the perfect skin of a 20 year old! 'Yeah right!' I thought. I think true contentment probably comes through accepting that our faces and bodies do change. Our eyes become creased with laughter and tears, our skin changes with the e ects of time and well, our age simply re ects the wonderful experiences we have had over the years together with the di cult times that have a ected us. We are who we are, who look how we do because of the life we live. Some rich people try to alter their appearance cosmetically but we know that it doesn't always look genuine. I prefer a face with character than a face that's been altered. So, we accept our changing features. But there's a great truth that will help to keep us young, and it goes beyond the simple thought that you're only as old as you feel. The Bible says, 'Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.’ (2 Corinthians 4:16) Inwardly renewed. I like that. Someone once said, 'There are no wrinkles on the soul.' I like that too. And the Psalm writer said that God 'satis es your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.' In those days they believed that eagles renewed their youthfulness. I think it's a great thought that even when the years advance and 'someone else' looks back at us from the mirror, we are youthful in spirit, young at heart, and renewed in the soul. That's what faith does, that's one of the bene ts of praising God - look up Psalm 103 and see what I mean. Have a great day, and may God bless you and keep you young! 🙏
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26 August 2021
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orning all, we hope you are having a good week.
What encourages you to keep going? Who inspires you? Perhaps you are involved in some activity or interest because of the enthusiasm of someone else. Perhaps your faith was encouraged by the way someone else believed. It's amazing how much of who we are and what we do is actually down to someone else and their inspiration; we could almost say we owe them a debt. There's been sad news in the music world over the last week, especially if you're of a certain generation. Yesterday Charlie Watts the drummer of the Rolling Stones passed away aged 80, and earlier in the week, the surviving Everly Brother, Don, also died aged 84. Of course the tributes have owed in from fans and colleague musicians alike. But what interested me wasn't just the opinions given about their talents, but the comments from those musicians who said they were inspired by their music. How many drummers of today's groups were encouraged by listening to Charlie Watts? Brian May, Queen's guitarist said he used to listen for hours to the Everly Brothers, being inspired by their harmonies. August 16th saw the 44th anniversary of the death of Elvis. Cli Richard said that without Elvis there would never have been a Cli , and John Lennon famously said, "Before Elvis there was nothing." Inspiration is far reaching. It's creative and encouraging, it motivates and helps others to make their own contribution. The Bible says, 'Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.' (Hebrews 10 v 25) Faith may be personal but it's never private. A solitary Christian is a contradiction in terms. We are called to be an inspiration to others, to be with others and to encourage each other to work together with and for one another. Think of those who have encouraged and inspired you, and imagine how you might inspire others in turn. Don't neglect meeting together, says Hebrews. Well, that's been unavoidable, but we are getting back together! September 5th is coming when we welcome everyone openly back to worship in Guisborough. Come and join us. God bless you today as you inspire and encourage each other 🙏
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27 August 2021
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ood morning ☀ Welcome to Friday. It's a bit dull, isn't it...
Yesterday I went to sell the Salvation Army papers in Guisborough and I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to it. I had been delayed, and so I thought all the regular people who might buy one would have gone; and the weather was cool and damp, with that ne rain... I was expecting a tedious hour. Oh how wrong I was! I wrote a few weeks ago about the sights of the market place, and it was no di erent, except there seemed a lot of laughter yesterday. There was much bantering. I enjoy a bit of banter. I teased the men whose wives had all the money. I laughed with those who joked about their husbands. We chatted about day trips and bad eyesight and increasing deafness. We commented on the fact that nobody seems to have much change on them these days. I commiserated with a lady who had been quite ill with Covid, I chatted with a man who was very pleased to tell me that as a boy he'd reached Grade 5 on the cornet, welcomed visitors on a coach trip from Pickering, and listened to the frustration of someone who wanted to donate a bath but nobody wanted it! I smiled at families as they walked past, and noticed children carrying Clark's shoe boxes - ah yes, a new term starts soon. Yes, all human life is on Guisborough market place! The best conversation was with a man who couldn't take a War Cry because he can no longer read. "I miss reading," he said. I commiserated and we joked a little about what he could and couldn't do, and then he replied with a big smile, "I'm just glad I wake up in a morning!" Life is precious. Normal, everyday living is a wonderful thing. Standing literally for 45 minutes I was amazed at the di erent experiences and attitudes, activities and interests, characters and personalities; everyone going around their di erent life. It really cheered me up. Yes, there are the 'valleys', but what occurred to me was that these people - and you and I are part of this crowd - are all important to God. Every one in his or her life, whether they recognise him or not, are loved by God. And it's not that he wants to lift us all up into some spiritual kind of 'other life' that is out of the normal range of existence, but that God comes down to join us in the life we live, the experiences we have. The life Jesus brings when he said, 'I came so that you may have life and live it more abundantly,' (John 10 v 10), is just that: our life here lled with his blessing, his presence. He's interested in what we do, who we are. And if the Gospel stories about Jesus are anything to go by, he wants to enjoy our life with us. That really is 'life in all its fullness.' God bless you 🙏
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Page 139
28 August 2021
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ello everybody! Song Saturday once again. Every Saturday we feature a
song, hymn or chorus that is used in Sunday’s Together in Worship. There will be a video published at 9am tomorrow, so please join us any time after that. Tomorrow, probably the most well-known hymn ever written, with a tune that is extremely familiar, comes from a tiny village and yet caused a few arguments! It’s The Lord’s My Shepherd. I think most people will know it’s based on King David’s Psalm 23, and no doubt over the centuries it was sung by priests and monks and choirs. In 1650, however, it was paraphrased into regular verses so that congregations can sing it. In the Presbyterian Churches of the time, singing was only allowed if the words were from the Bible – our hymn-writing tradition came from a century later. The tune we know so well was written in 1871 by Jessie Seymour Irvine the daughter of the minister of a church in the small village of Crimond. The story goes that she was learning to play the organ, wrote the melody and asked a gentleman called David Grant to add the harmonies. Ever since then there has been a disagreement as to who was the composer of our lovely hymn tune. I think we’ll stay with Jessie, and thank her for the lovely melody she put to these very meaningful words. Tomorrow, the theme of Together in Worship is Jesus who said, I am the Good Shepherd; and so this hymn ts very well. But did you know that Psalm 23 only speaks of sheep and shepherds in the rst part. The second part is almost like a di erent Psalm because it is a picture of a guest being invited into a tent for a meal; all the references, a table, a head being anointed, an over owing cup, and nally dwelling in a house, are about hospitality, about coming home. The table is spread in celebration. The head is anointed because it was a sign of hospitality, perhaps brushing the hair of all the dust, perfuming it with a rose scented oil. The over owing cup might be alien to Salvation Army people but maybe a few glasses of wine were just the thing to celebrate the homecoming of a weary traveller! Of course, the picture is of someone being welcomed into God’s own house. Think of the prodigal son being welcomed home by the father who called for the robe and sandals to be brought and the fatted calf prepared for the feast. Add it to this Psalm and you have God’s own idea of welcoming the wanderer home. Wherever we have been, whatever we have done, when we come to God again, he welcomes us. That’s the love of our Saviour – a shepherd and a welcoming host. Never be afraid to return to God, his arms are always wide in welcome. The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want; He makes me down to lie In pastures green, He leadeth me The quiet waters by.
My table Thou hast furnishèd In presence of my foes; My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup over ows.
My soul He doth restore again, And me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, E'en for His own name's sake.
Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me; And in God's house forevermore My dwelling place shall be.
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill, For Thou art with me, and Thy rod And sta me comfort still. Have a great day, see you tomorrow. God bless you 🙏
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30 August 2021
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orning everyone, welcome to Monday! Did you have a good weekend? I want to tell you that I personally had an excellent Sunday, along with the members of Guisborough Salvation Army too! Yesterday we held a meeting of praise and worship outside on Guisborough's high street, standing at the market cross. It's strange that it's called a cross because at the top is a cube shaped sundial and a globe. It's from the 18th Century, but I'm guessing that like a lot of similar towns there may have been a previous structure there before that. It's a focal point at a crossroads, a meeting place for people for centuries. A few years ago Churches Together in Guisborough agreed to hold the annual Good Friday open air service there, with our band providing the music. Then we in the Army decided to put on a community carol service on Christmas Eve and were amazed that literally hundreds came and sang. We repeated it two or three times. We are determined that Covid will NOT stop us this year! Yesterday's open air meeting was the latest in 'reclaiming', this historic gathering place and making it a place of praise - holy ground if you like. I remember a Salvation Army bandmaster explaining the motivation of an Army band to a group of band leaders from secular 'town bands'. "What is the purpose of a Salvation Army band? It's 'to make a joyful noise'". I really liked that. He's referencing Psalm 100: 'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.' Do you know what I felt! I felt yesterday that we were not merely holding our own meeting for our blessing or even the worship of God. I felt we were making a joyful noise, lling an unsuspecting High Street with the praise of God. People walked past and heard it, some paused to listen; I noticed one young man sat down in a bench and was encouraged to stay and listen by someone handing him a service sheet. I noticed upstairs windows had been opened for someone to listen, people in the grocery shop will have heard, some people saw and heard as they drove past in their car or sat for a moment at the tra c lights. The air was lled with the joyful and thoughtful sounds of praise, and I'm reminded that the Lord inhabits the praises of his people. (Psalm 22 v 3). God was there yesterday, and it seemed to be con rmed as another joyful noise rang out over the high street before and after our service (though thankfully not during!) when the sound of church bells pealing sounded out over the rooftops. Yes, Sunday in Guisborough was a day lled with a joyful noise, lled with the praise of God and with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I'm praying that although the sound faded away, the in uence of God on those who heard will bear fruit and people will respond to the voice of Jesus, spoken of yesterday as 'the light of the world.' May your own day today be lled with praise. God bless you 🙏
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31 August 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Yesterday I did something very mundane, unremarkable, and as far as you're concerned totally uninteresting. I bought a photo frame from Yorkshire Trading. The most interesting thing about that is that it was more expensive than I expected because I read the wrong price label on the shelf!
Anyway. What's more important than the frame is, of course, the picture that went into it. I have a restored photo of my grandfather as a young man of 20, taken in 1916. He's in the uniform of the Royal Flying Corps and he's looking right at you. I wonder what he hoped for in life; maybe at that point, simply to survive the war! He has little experience of life in that picture, and I remember him as an elderly gentleman in the early 1970s. He had 5 children, worked for the civil service and for the military in WWII, and had a full and happy life. He knew me as one of his grandsons until I was 12. As I put his picture in the new frame we just looked at one another across more than a century... This coming weekend Fiona and I expect our rst grandson. Looking forward to that wonderful event I started to think about his life that will stretch ahead across the decades to come. He will know us as older people and we will know him as a child, a teenager and hopefully a bit longer after that too! But as I considered how far back in time my grandfather's life takes us, and how far into the future my grandson's own life will take us, (remember, they were born 125 years apart!), I am amazed at just how many years are behind and before us. I pray that his years will be happy. I wonder what he will think of his old grandad? 😁 You can do something similar with your own family I guess. Look at photos of people in their younger days, consider their life experiences and then look at the youngest in your family; how life has changed over the decades, for good or ill. Life moves on, photos speak to us of how it used to be, the next generation after us looks forward to a life we will never know. I don't really know whether my grandfather had much in the way of faith - maybe a rst world war experience in uenced him one way or another - but our faith assures us of one central fact, one reassuring thing: that whatever happens, whatever changes occur, whatever experiences come to us, regardless of what we gain or lose over the years, Jesus is 'the same yesterday today and forever.' (Hebrews 13 v 8). Memories can be bittersweet, the future is not certain. But God is constant, and however much we change he is the unchanging One in our life. God bless you 🙏
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01 September 2021
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orning all! How are you on this damp day? (Well it is where we are!)
One of the di cult features of the last 17 months has been the isolation and separation, the closures, restrictions and the unavailability of somewhere to go. I can remember in the rst lockdown going to Morrisons without actually needing to just for the excuse of seeing people. This summer has been so much easier hasn't it? Oh the relief of being with people freely and without restriction. (Apart from the masks and the whi of hand sanitiser of course) 'It's not good for man to be alone,' said God in Genesis. Read one way it sounds like the Manufacturer's instructions: "Always keep your 'man' in the company of others." It's not surprising then that in recent days whenever we have been in the company others, just being there has been as important as what we were actually doing. Last Sunday's open air meeting at the market cross was a lovely opportunity to hear the band and to sing praise to God, but people have commented on the atmosphere, the enjoyment of 75 people getting together (though I did notice that we are still happy to be socially distancing). Last night our band and songsters gathered together for rehearsal and recording purposes. It was good to be together (with masks when appropriate). We have missed it, missed each other. There was a good spirit amongst us, and it reminded me of the blessing of Christian fellowship. There simply is nothing like it on earth. Why can I say that? Well, Jesus promised that 'where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.' (Matthew 18 v 20) So, he is there when we gather. That makes a di erence. And then we have another promise: 'How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.' (Psalm 133 v 1). That Psalm ends with these words: 'For there the Lord bestows his blessing'. Another translation says he 'commands' a blessing. We have worship this coming Sunday. I know that people will be there who haven't been with many other people for such a long time. We will be safe and take precautions, but we want to invite you and encourage you to come and be part of the blessing of being in unity with God's people. Jesus promised to be there, God will command a blessing for you. And if you can't be in Guisborough, we hope there's a fellowship for you just where you are. If you can't be with others this weekend, I'm sure God will bless you too. He never leaves us alone. So, hopefully we'll see you on Sunday: there's a place just for you. God bless you 🙏
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02 September 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Today is a great day here at Guisborough because at long last our Care and Share Shop is reopening. The team of volunteers has sorted a mountain of donated items, we've had the shop recarpeted and redecorated, new shelves have been put up and painted. Over the warm summer months we've had outdoor sales and regular customers have been delighted but today they can come inside! It's going to be like old times but better! A new development is that we are going to use the shop's takings to not only go towards the local work, but also to help The Salvation Army's work to help people who have been rescued from modern slavery here in England. A great cause I'm sure you'll agree. We often hear di erent phrases used to describe donated items these days. We don't really like 'secondhand' so you'll hear 'pre-owned' or 'pre-loved'. I saw a charity shop once called 'Worn Again' which I thought was inspired! What about 'redeemed'? I remember a story about a little boy and his Dad who together made a model yacht. They designed it and got the materials, put it all together and painted it, and enjoyed the time they spent together. They took it to the lake to sail it and watched it bob up and down at the water's edge; but then the wind took it and it was carried o into the middle of the lake and then out of sight. The boy was heartbroken. A few days later the boy walked past a charity shop and there in the window was his boat. Someone had found it and donated it. He rushed into the shop: 'That's my boat!' Well, the assistant couldn't just give it away, and she told him the price. The boy rushed home, looked in his jar of money and took everything there was, but he had to ask his Dad for some more; and then he ran back to the shop and bought his own boat with all the money he had. He got home, clutching his boat, noticing it needed a bit of repair; but he was so happy! 'This is my boat. It's two times mine. I made it and I bought it back!' That's the de nition of redemption. God made us, loved us. And he gave his only Son to buy us back after we were lost. Notice that God SO loved the world. That tiny word 'so' contains a lot. God doesn't just love us, he SO loves us - enough to give his Son who paid the price of our redemption. The price God paid for us was the death of his Son who literally gave his all. The story of the boat can't describe it all however. The boat has no part to play of course, but we do. To be redeemed we have to believe, confess our need for forgiveness and trust him to save us. Yes, 'God so loved the world that he gave his Son', but John 3 v 16 continues: 'that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' Believe in God who made you, trust in his Son to redeem you. He loves you and wants to bring you into his family and welcome you into his home. God bless you today 🙏
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03 September 2021
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i everyone!
The end of another week approaches, and as we look back over the days we can see contrasts, alternatives, opposites. Warm days, cold days, sunshine and rain, good news and bad news, illness and good health, joy and despair. Life is full of these contrasting experiences. I wasn't 'looking' when August became September; it surprised me, I have to say. In fact I've just remembered I haven't turned the page on my calendar upstairs. I hardly noticed that the month has changed. I tell you what I have noticed though: the light. Have you done this: you're sitting in the living room watching the television, reading, looking at the laptop, focussing on something? Suddenly you realise the light has gone. It wasn't long ago that it was bright at 9pm; now it's dark and you realise that the evenings are much darker earlier. It's the Britishness about us that, second only to constantly discussing the weather, we're all saying, 'O the nights are drawing in.' and we look at each other and we say it with a kind of gloomy resignation as if some kind of sinister experience is befalling us. Actually, my rst thought when I realised that 'the night is coming on', was to think, 'Excellent, it'll soon be Christmas!' And that thought was con rmed to me when I noticed Christmas cards in the shop when it was still August!! Some of us are not looking forward to dark evenings and the matching dark mornings. There are those of course who nd it di cult, and we all like to put those lights on and 'brighten the place up a bit!' We might think that darkness, whether literal or metaphorical, will overwhelm us or hide the good things from us. Maybe, however, it's a matter of perception. Psalm 139 v 11 12 re ects the understandable fear of darkness in the phrase, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night', but he's con dent that it won't a ect him that way. Why? Because he knows that 'even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as day, for darkness is as light to you.' God has 'night vision'. The darkness doesn't distract, depress or deter him; and neither does it need to in our own lives. If dark times do come - and here we are speaking metaphorically - remember that God sees the situation just as clearly as if the light was shining brightly. It's in the dark that we hold a Father's reassuring hand and, in the words of the hymn, 'He knows the way he taketh, and I will walk with him.' May God's own light shine on you today. God bless you 🙏
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04 September 2021
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ood morning to you all. Welcome to this week’s Song Saturday; we’re looking at one of those hymns everyone of a certain age remembers from school assemblies, Cat Stevens and numerous weddings and funerals: Morning Has Broken. It’s a song where the words that we know were written to an existing tune, a Gaelic tune; and the story goes that a wandering minstrel was singing a song in the Highlands of Scotland and the tune was noted down by a composer who had made it his work to write down and preserve old Scottish folk tunes – no tape recorders or mobile phones to record it in those days! A Mary McDonald decided to write a Christmas Carol to the tune, and here it is: Child in the manger, infant of Mary; outcast and stranger, Lord of all; Child who inherits all our transgressions, all our demerits on Him fall. Hmm, I wonder why it didn’t ‘make it’ into the nativity plays! Thankfully for us, another poet, Eleanor Farjeon, wrote the lyrics we now know so well. In the 1920s a publisher of a new hymn book wanted a bright and happy song to sing at the beginning of a new day. He asked Miss Farjeon to provide some words. She was a famous play-write, journalist and author and she was, shall we say a pretty ‘colourful character’. She was born Jewish, became Church of England as a teenager, dabbled in some eastern mysticism, before returning to her Christian faith later in life. Her hymn about the newness of creation has become perhaps one of the best-known, well-loved hymns, sung by children and adults alike. She based the hymn on Genesis 1 v 5: ‘There was evening and there was morning, the rst day.’ For me it reminds us that creation is a shared experience (of course) but that there are two ways of looking at the world around us. We can look at it like David Attenborough does and see nature in its beauty and refuse to see anything in it but the workings of evolution. Or we can look with the eyes of faith and see that same beauty and see the creating hand behind it all. As we look at the morning that breaks, listen to the blackbird, feel the rain in the garden we can say with con dence that it does indeed spring ‘fresh from the Word’. That Word (notice the capital W) is Jesus himself who was with God in the beginning, is God, and through whom all things were made. St Paul tells us in Romans 1 v 20 that ‘since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.’ In other words we can see, perceive and understand something of God just from the wonder and the beauty of the world around us. Really, how anyone can look at our wonderful world, from the tiniest microscopic creature to the largest whale, from the grain of sand to the highest mountain, and not see something of a Creator, is beyond me. It all points, through our eyes and through his written word, to Jesus himself. Morning has broken like the rst morning Blackbird has spoken like the rst bird Praise for the singing, praise for the morning Praise for them springing fresh from the Word
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning Born of the one light, Eden saw play Praise with elation, praise every morning God's recreation of the new day
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from Heaven Like the rst dewfall on the rst grass Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Today, let something that is beautiful remind you of him who created all things. God bless you 🙏
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ello everyone, welcome to Monday!
We hope you had a good weekend. We certainly did at Guisborough Salvation Army! The hall had a good number of people, we retired David, our Bandmaster, and commissioned Ashley to be our new one. We sang, coping well with masks, and we enjoyed fellowship. It was a lovely morning, going back to what we love to do. Someone made a reference yesterday on a Guisborough Facebook page to a very short path. I've walked this path and it is indeed short. It takes you from an area of houses through to the main road. The houses are on a street called Cobble Carr, and I discovered that before the houses were built the short path used to be a much longer country lane called, you've guessed it, Cobble Carr. For centuries it had connected two roads separated by elds but was now a residential street, with just a tiny part left to give a clue what used to be there. It's literally the remains of an ancient path. There are others too, busy roads that are still called a lane even though the tra c is busy and buildings line the route. It's di cult to imagine that many years ago they were narrow country paths between elds. Times change, life changes, the world progresses. Villages become towns, elds become housing estates, paths become main roads. We can be reminded occasionally of where a path used to be, carved out by generations of farmers, perhaps centuries ago. And although the lane may have been broadened or developed, the thought struck me that the map is still in uenced by the route, the direction, maybe even the bend, the corner that was originally there; it's as if the old way is directing the new. You can still follow the way that was originally there. It's a shame when a path is totally destroyed. We lose something. And in a metaphorical way the Bible suggests that sometimes we need to go back to the ancient paths and walk in those ways. That doesn't mean we have to go backwards and not do new things, but it does mean that sometimes 'old wisdom' can have a useful place in our modern lives. Biblical truths, God's standards, the message that Christ brought might appear to be old, even outdated but they are just as valid, just as foundational as they were when Jesus spoke to the crowds. Let's not 'build over' the old paths and lose that wisdom; let’s align our progress, our new thinking with what God has said. 'Stand at the crossroads, and look; Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is; Walk in it, and you will nd rest for your souls.’ (Jeremiah 6 v 16) God bless you today and throughout this coming week. 🙏
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06 September 2021
07 September 2021
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ood morning everyone!
As I look out of the living room window at 6.30 I can see it's going to be a beautiful day; the sky has got that 'summer glow' to it. I'm really pleased, because soon I am going for a run. Now, if you have been a reader of these daily thoughts for over a year, you might remember that last August and September I did the Couch to 5K run. I did 8 weeks of it; each week running a little further and for a little longer each time. Unfortunately I got to the penultimate week and hurt my knee, and so never completed it. Well, a few weeks ago I restarted. Yes, I began again. Here I am, sitting in my running gear about to go out running past Gisborough Hall on the rst run of Week 4; and guess what appeared this very morning on my Facebook memories? I posted on this very day last year that I had done, you guessed it, the rst run of week 4! What a coincidence! And what an encouragement! I looked at that memory, and it's inspired me. I could have said, 'O that's last year and I never completed it. Never mind.' No, that was last year, and this year I'm trying again and determined to nish! It may not be the Olympics, it may not be world-changing, but for me it's an opportunity to try again, to have another go, and to achieve something personal to me. I don't compare myself to others - though Major Fiona, about to run the Great North Run inspires me but I do this for my own improvement. Today's reminder of last year's progress challenges me to press on. St Paul used sporting analogies a few times in Scripture to encourage us to 'press on' in our Christian life, our discipleship or commitment to 'run the race' of faith. It's true that following Jesus can be a real blessing, a real source of joy and comfort. Other times we're discouraged, let's be honest. We might fail, we might not feel particularly enthused, we might be pressed down by circumstances and wonder why we even tread the path of faith. Can I encourage you? Look back at the times when your faith was high, when serving God was a joy, when a prayer was answered; and rather than say, 'It's not like that now', look up and forward and say, 'It can be like that again!' Paul said, 'I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.' (Philippians 3 v 14). Don't think the successes have ended; never think the blessing is all past. Get faith's 'running gear' on again and be inspired by what you have achieved and, even if your steps are small, be determined to press on with God's help, to keep going forward to receive that prize. Right, where are my trainers? I'm o out... God bless you 🙏
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08 September 2021
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orning everyone, what a lovely day! It was forecast of course, but it's still remarkable when it arrives.
Yesterday at the Army witnessed a coming together of various things to make a wonderful day. Firstly the weather was absolutely glorious. Secondly, a feast had been prepared, and thirdly a group of delighted people gathered to have a good time. What a combination! Sandwiches, scones, meringues, chocolate cup cakes... shall I go on? Well I shall: there was tri e too! It was all beautifully presented, and served up with tea and co ee. The weather outside was a real bonus of course, it seemed to welcome us all as we gathered for the rst time in our Golden Years Club since March 2020. And that, I think, was the best bit. The food and the weather were perfect accompaniments to our welcoming and much anticipated gathering. Through lockdowns, through restrictions on who and where and how many can meet, we have been longing for the day when we could share together again. We could have just come and sat down in rows, we could have just 'been there' and sat quietly and listened, but there's something about a feast that turns a meeting into a celebration. The delight was evident! People came into the hall after a year and a half, saw others for the rst time, and listened to conversation. They sat together, smiled, laughed and just enjoyed the company. And the cakes! It was a taste of Heaven; a foretaste of Heaven even. What will Heaven be? Well, it'll be a relief! It'll be the welcome we've been waiting for, the end of a time of longing. It'll be a time of togetherness, a time of rejoicing! All through the Bible we are promised he will 'prepare a table', a banquet, a feast, a 'marriage supper'; all of which is all highly symbolic of being satis ed with good things, of celebration, of things being 'put right' as it were. King Solomon wrote '(God) has brought me to his banqueting place, and his banner over me is love.' God himself is the host of the banquet, Jesus makes it a Heaven for us. He described the Kingdom of Heaven as a banquet to which all are invited, all may come and leave behind their burdens, sorrows and circumstances. At long last we can all sit together with him and rejoice. They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west, And sit down in the Kingdom of God; To be met by their Father and welcomed and blessed, And sit down in the Kingdom of God. What a wonderful day that will be! God bless you 🙏
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Page 149
09 September 2021
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ello everyone.
We're at the time of year when most people would usually have had their holidays, been on their travels, and started back at work or school, or the normal daily routine. If you've been away, even for a day or two, the technolo y we have means that if we've taken photos on our phone they are right there to see and share possibly hundreds of them! Do you remember the days when you had 36 exposures on your little instamatic? Then, when you came back you'd take the lm to Boots and wait for them to be developed? Weeks later you might take out the envelope and look through them: Oh yes, I remember going there, or, where was that? Why did I take that photo? It's not like that anymore. I got a surprise this morning. I discovered that my phone has been watching me! Secretly, it's been recording my every move throughout the month of August. It hasn't 'sent' the information anywhere, and there are no photos, but if I tap on any particular day it will tell me exactly which town I visited, which address I spent any time at - a cafe for example, right down to the postcode and name of the premises; it tells me how far I drove, how many steps I walked and even how long I ran for. It's interesting I guess, to be reminded of what I did and where I went - but it's a bit unsettling: how does it know!? One favourite Psalm, 139, tells us that God knows when we rise, when we sit, our comings in and goings out. It says he is 'acquainted with all my ways.' But unlike any satellite tracking app on my phone this isn't just automatically collected information, this is the caring watchful eye of our Heavenly Father. Verse 3 in the New King James Version says, 'You comprehend my path...' I really like that. Knowing that God understands our ways, our thoughts and actions is encouraging. Sometimes we might not understand our circumstances, we might not understand ourselves perhaps. 'Why did I do that?' 'Why am I like this?' I think we might rest assured that God knows. He truly is the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves us, leads us guides us and direct our paths. Sometimes he walks with us, other times he calls us to go a di erent way - his way. Father of love, I praise you this morning for your presence in my life. Your word guides me, and your Spirit strengthens me as I walk along the path. Today Lord, direct me. Help me to understand the path we tread together, as I realise that you do indeed comprehend this path that stretches ahead of me. May the knowledge that I can never go anywhere without your Spirit's presence bring joy on the good days and peace on the days that are di cult. Lead me in the 'way everlasting', for Jesus' sake, Amen. God bless you 🙏
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10 September 2021
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orning all! Thank God It's Friday!
That's what they say, isn't it? Maybe workers or schoolkids get to the end of the week and look forward to the prospect of a free weekend. It's not the thanksgiving of joy so much as relief. Well, I don't know about you but joy has been in evidence through this week as I've watched and listened and experienced the last few days. Maybe it's been the amazing weather, but for us here at Guisborough Salvation Army there have been joyful happenings: worship restarted, we had a band practice (with cake, always a joyful treat), the children gathered too and recorded a song. The Care & Share Shop has had its rst full week of indoor opening and the mighty backlog of donated items was nally conquered. The Toddlers have had their rst four-day run and Golden Years is back after a celebration tea! And everyone seems so happy! There really is joy in The Salvation Army! There's a sense of achievement, a feeling of progress and excitement because of 'old' things restarting and the prospect of new beginnings, new emphases. And on Monday our Bacon Buns co ee morning starts again. That's a real, joyful sign of some normality nally returning! Do you remember last year when even the newspapers were asking, 'Are the birds singing louder?' Well, that's a question I've been asking myself again this week; at least in my garden there's a whole cacophony of warbles, tweets and cooing! It's the sound of joy! Or is it the case that when our mind is joyful we pick up on those lovely things? We notice the smiles, we hear the laughter, we appreciate the success of others, join in with their happiness? It's as if the joys we feel are somehow re ected and magni ed in all that's around us. And yes, even the birds seem happier and louder! The Psalmist writes, 'You have put gladness in my heart.' (Psalm 4 v 7) It's a gift then. God gives gladness; and I would say then that whilst joy comes on a sunny Friday when things seem well, joy can also come, as a gift, on those days when the rain is falling and the birds are silent and perhaps things are not as good as we'd like them to be. Joy comes when God starts to bless us; and sometimes knowing he's there, quietly sitting with us, is the beginning of that sense of joy that will carry us through. If your heart is joyful, then it transforms all around you. As the varied way of life we journey, Come the plains and then the mountainside, Come the days of joy when birds are singing, And the world is fair and sweet and wide; Then a deeper joy comes, over lling, From the everlasting throne of love, And all other joy is but an echo From the ever-blessèd heights above. May God ll you with the joy of believing. Open the windows and listen to the birds! May you be blessed today 🙏
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Page 151
11 September 2021
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ello everybody from Majors Antony and Fiona. It’s Song Saturday again.
We’re producing Together in Worship each week, staying connected to the many people who appreciate the videos. Today we feature a hymn that is a blatant and daring parody! It’s a great, majestic hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity; it reads like a Wesley hymn – and it was thought to be his, and comes from about that period. It’s actually anonymous; possibly because the author was scared to put his name to it. Why? Well, it was written as a protest against George, the king of England! If you look at the words closely you will nd some rather familiar words and phrases hidden in the text: Father all-‘GLORIOUS’, O'er all ‘VICTORIOUS’, Come and ‘REIGN OVER US’, And then, if I say that originally the hymn was sung to the tune of God Save the King, it all becomes clear! It was written because the Methodists didn’t like King George and didn’t want to sing praises to an earthly monarch. (We in The Salvation Army would not, of course, be so disloyal!) The hated national anthem was written in 1744. Fifteen years later the hymn ‘Come thou almighty King’ was published, though possibly sung in protest long before that. In the original version, which is not sung today, the second verse reads: ‘O Lord our God arise, Scatter his enemies, And make them fall:’ The hymn writer changed that to ‘Jesus OUR Lord arise, scatter OUR enemies.’ It’s a blatant ‘rip-o ’ and extremely seditious. We don’t sing those words in our hymn today either. There’s a story that in the American War of Independence some British soldiers entered a church in New York and demanded that the congregation sing God Save the King. The organist struck up the well-known tune, but the American congregation de antly sang the words of our hymn instead! Great stu ! Come, thou almighty King, Help us thy name to sing, Help us to praise; Father all-glorious, O'er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear, In this glad hour; Thou, who almighty art, Now rule in every heart, And ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power!
Come, thou incarnate Word, Gird on thy mighty sword, Our prayer attend; Come, and thy people bless, And give thy Word success; Spirit of holiness, On us descend.
To the great One in Three, Eternal praises be, Hence evermore; His sovereign majesty, May we in Glory see, And to eternity love and adore.
So, a highly controversial hymn in its day – political, revolutionary, bold in the extreme. Would we be so bold in our faith to oppose in such a way a government that we thought was taking away our religious freedom? It certainly re ects an age when people were not afraid to put Christ before country. At the very least it would challenge us to make Jesus King in our life and to then re ect that allegiance in all contexts. Does Jesus come rst? Does his ‘mighty sword’, i.e. the Bible direct all we do? Paul writes in a benediction, ‘Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever.’ (1 Timothy 1 v 17) to which we all say, ‘Amen.’ Enjoy your weekend everyone, see you tomorrow, either in Together in Worship or at The Citadel. God bless you. 🙏
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Page 152
13 September 2021
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Monday morning greeting to you all! We hope you had a great weekend.
I witnessed something truly remarkable yesterday. I went to Newcastle, parked in the familiar streets near where we used to live, walked across the Town Moor and joined the huge crowds of spectators, supporters, and the returning runners who had completed the Great North Run. I was there because Fiona was running for the second time, and our youngest son, Stephen, was running his rst. Well, he nished not long after I got there, and we waited for Fiona. She arrived quite a while after she was expected, to be honest and it was revealed eventually she'd had a fall and was treated by St John Ambulance. But let me tell you what I saw as I waited at the meeting area: charity. We have charity shops. We have charity food parcels, charity collections. For most of us, we either provide charity when needed, volunteer for 'a charity' or donate to a charity. And for many that's what charity is. But the old version of the Bible used the word charity where now we use the equally undervalued and misapplied word 'love'. Yesterday I saw many demonstrations of charity in the way the Bible describes it: A man with a t-shirt with his 'heroes' printed on it, relatives who died from cancer. He ran for them. People who ran joined together for their common cause. A boy of six - six! - who was being helped over the nish line after running in memory of someone who passed away. Someone running for a special needs organisation who actually pushed round a wheelchair in which was sitting someone with special needs! Fiona herself, living with Fibromyalgia, ran for those who also su er. A woman with quite a severe limp due to cerebral palsy emerging from the nish! (That was the most astonishing sight and nally convinced me that I have no excuse not to run next year!) At the nish, as exhausted runners met friends and family there were hugs and cries of well done, and one or two expletives from (usually) middle aged men who were, shall we say 'tired'? The whole atmosphere, the whole reason for them all running, was lled with charity: that sel ess, giving type of love that Paul says 'rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13). These participants with red faces, aching legs and overworked lungs were not performing charity, they were not raising money - that's too easy. These were acting out of love, yes charity, and were proving that those they love or loved have inspired them to put love into action. Paul wrote 'Let all your things be done with charity.' ( 1 Corinthians 16 v 40) Whether you run a half marathon or just aim to have a charitable spirit, that is our challenge. God bless you today 🙏
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Page 153
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ood morning everyone!
After the weather, perhaps the subject we most like to talk about is our health; and even when we'd rather not have a health issue to discuss, we are often still preoccupied with it. 'How are you?' when asked by a genuinely interested person, is a question we are willing to answer if we get a supportive, sympathetic listening ear. Sometimes illness is a lonely place to be. And how we are grateful for those who spend time either caring or curing, or treating our condition. As some of you know, after Fiona had completed nearly all the Great North Run she tripped and fell. She was determined to get to the end, having run 12 miles! There was no way even an extremely painful arm was going to stop her. But even so, after rst aid, she realised that it was more than a bruising. The walkin centre was the place to be that night. It was also the place to return to the next day, yesterday. It doesn't seem that long ago since people would put rainbow pictures in their windows and stand on doorsteps to clap the NHS. I remembered that yesterday when I took Fiona to the hospital. She texted me from inside saying there was a two hour wait. When I returned to pick her up, that list had grown to ve hours and they were taking in the children rst. It's remarkable that a hospital can be so busy, remarkable that the sta will work tirelessly to treat as an individual, and with care, everyone who comes to them for help. They work under great pressure sometimes. Another rainbow and another clap for the NHS 🌈 👏 👏 Whatever the outcome, the NHS is there. Often the condition can be treated: medication, a dressing, even surgery. Sometimes the symptoms can only be alleviated - we are mortal after all. But even then nothing is a failure, because care is given and support o ered. We believe that God is a healer. The Bible says it plainly, the example of Jesus shows it. How much of his ministry was spent in healing people? I can't answer why some are healed in response to prayer, and some are not. I believe he can and he does. But I would suggest that in our fallen world, the healing that comes from God is broader than just a cure, though it can surely happen! Healing can encompass the soul, the spirit, the mind as much as the body. Peace, endurance, courage are all signs of an inner grace. Thank God for the availability of the healing power of God when we seek and nd it. Thank God too for his healing power seen in the marvellous way our bodies heal themselves with the aid of medicines and surgery. But thank God also for his innermost healing. I would include forgiveness in that. The peace of God that comes with salvation relieves the heart of guilt and the mind of stress. The love of God makes us feel secure, cared for, and welcome. The joy of God strengthens us for today and tomorrow. Yes, 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene ts, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.' (Psalm 103:2 3) Have a happy and healthy day, whether in body, mind or spirit. God bless you 🙏
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14 September 2021
15 September 2021 A Wednesday Welcome to you all! I think by now most of you may have heard or read that Fiona and I became grandparents yesterday as little Finley Mugford was born. We've only seen a couple of photos of him, but immediately we saw something. It's a very common experience: we recognised him! Had you given me a dozen pictures of babies to look at and asked me which one was the Mugford, both Fiona and I would have told you. The nose is shared by his father and both his uncles, the chin and the eyes give him away as his father's son. As soon as I saw that baby picture I thought, that's Tom! It's true. We have a picture of Tom taken nearly 33 years ago that looks like Finley. I heard an excellent saying when we lived in Derbyshire that people used of those who looked like older, (presumably deceased) relatives: He's like his Grandad Fred 'up and dressed'. Well neither Tom nor I are dead, but Finley is a Mugford 'up and dressed'! When Jesus said, 'He who has seen me has seen the Father.' (John 14 v 9) he was saying something similar, but obviously not any physical attributes. We don't have a physical 'old' Father sitting in Heaven with his young son here on earth. Jesus is speaking of character, of purpose, of union because they share the divine nature. We call it the Incarnation - where God became esh. We'll sing about it soon at Christmas: Veiled in esh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate deity. Without being irreverent, Jesus is God 'up and dressed'. Or as one Salvation Army song puts it: Look, look at the face of Jesus Christ, It is the face of God... Our grandson, your grandson, son, daughter, brother, sister, nephew, etc will inevitably share physical and personality traits: he's got his father's nose, she got her mother's smile. We expect it. We look for it. The children of God - and we're all invited to become his children through faith - are called to develop those characteristics of God. We become more loving, kind, gentle; we aim to be joyful, merciful and forgiving. By the Holy Spirit within us we become more holy, more compassionate, more trustworthy. We can never be Him, but we can aim to become more like him. Can it be said of us that we have our Father's eyes? There's a lovely song (the link is below) that is all about that. Amy Grant sings: I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world But that's all right, as long as I can have one wish I pray When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say She's got her Father's Eyes Her Father's Eyes Eyes that nd the good in things When good is not around Eyes that nd the source of help When help just can't be found Eyes full of compassion Seeing every pain Knowing what you're going through And feeling it the same Just like my Father's Eyes. May people see our Heavenly Father in us. God bless you today 🙏 Enjoy the song here: https://youtu.be/lGBLgJnORx8
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16 September 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
It's going to be a good day. The clouds are high, the sky is blue, the sun is going to shine. Can you see what I'm doing here? I'm thinking positively. Yes! Today will be good! A while ago a new News Channel was launched: GB News. It's meant to o er a kind of alternative news to the mainstream media which some think is biased towards one kind of thinking. Well, you can imagine the reaction of the big broadcasters and newspaper or owners: very dismissive indeed. And, as it happens, this new channel is having problems. It reminds me of a newspaper that was launched years ago with the aim to carry just good news. It didn't last long. I've tried to nd other examples too but they seem to be a one-person project, quite amateurish, and very small. I saw one that started o as a newspaper 20 years ago but is now an online website. It seems there's no market for good news. Isn't that odd! I'm glad that today will be a nice day because Thursday is our day for selling The War Cry, and retired Major John will be there in the high street; so if you're there, make his day and buy one! The War Cry is full of good news, positive articles, inspiring stories. It's successful, well-known and sold all round the world in many languages. It's one of the oldest magazines and is just full of positivity. It combines the gospel with a weekly recipe. What more could you want? It's even online! There's been a lot of talk about the name: The War Cry. Too aggressive? Militaristic? Violent even? Well, of course it has nothing to do with physical or even verbal violence but it's an assertive phrase that implies we are ' ghting' for what's good, ghting to be heard, ghting against those negative things. It's an active phrase that suggests The Salvation Army is determined to get things done, and to preach the Gospel of Jesus in con dence and assurance. The world needs a huge dose of goodness, and would bene t from heeding the words of Paul: 'Whatever things are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there is any virtue, any praise, think about these things.' (Philippians 4 v 8) So friends, think on those things, enjoy the sunshine, and have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏
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ood morning everyone, welcome to Friday! Already!
Now, I know what you're thinking: why has he put a picture of a tattoo parlour here? All shall be revealed. I was having a discussion earlier about an advert that had a mistake in it. I looked and looked, but couldn't nd that mistake; and then someone pointed it out. They'd written 'your' instead of 'you'. Easily done. I often make mistakes writing these thoughts and sometimes don't nd them until hours later. I can't criticise too much the mistakes of others when I've made some howlers. I remember putting the words of a song on the screen during a service which proclaimed, "Jesus, what a beautiful dame." That encouraged one witty bandsman to cry out, "He's behind you!" I often chuckle to myself when I see grammatical mistakes on shop signs, on work vans or on labels. The most common mistakes are with apostrophes. How many times have I seen "potato's" instead of "potatoes". And that leads me to the tattoo parlour. Have you noticed the bad grammar? There's no way I would get a tattoo from there! I realise that the tattooist probably didn't write the sign, but if he hasn't noticed the aberrant apostrophe, or doesn't know it's wrong, then I don't want him anywhere near me with a needle and the possibility for cherished words to be eternally misspelled on my arm! It's a matter of trust. "Potato's" is inconsequential, "Tattoo's" is very unfortunate (I have checked, mine is spelled correctly), but what about eternal words? Don't they have to be correct? Are they trustworthy? Some accuse the Bible of having mistakes; you can't trust it, it's full of contradiction. Well, I'll argue against that as long as you like! There have been occasions when mistakes have been made in the printing. There's the infamous occasion when a Bible was published saying "Thou shalt commit adultery"!! But I'm going to a rm that in all matters relating to faith and the history of God's dealings with people; in Christian practice and ethics and especially the Gospel of Jesus, there's nothing that we can say contains error or fallibility. Unlike the tattooist, we can trust the authority of the Bible because we trust the author. Peter speaks for us all when he said to Jesus, who wondered if his disciples would go and nd an alternative teacher, "To whom else would we go? You have the words of everlasting life.” (John 6 v 68) The Bible is the words of God, inspired, inspirational. You can trust every word. There's no mistake about that. God bless you 🙏
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17 September 2021
18 September 2021
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good morning to all of you; it’s Song Saturday again. We are
looking at a song from tomorrow’s Together in Worship, and this week it’s a beautiful song all about desire and longing. As with all ‘worship’ songs the object of desire is, of course, God; but behind this song lies desire of a di erent kind! Many hymns are based on Scripture, some are written from a deep spiritual experience while some are written just as poetry. Most, I guess, were written deliberately; this one wasn’t. In the early 1980s a young school teacher called Martin Nystrom fell for a young woman and decided he would try to get to know her better. He enrolled on a course that she also had her name down for just for the intention of being near to her but guess what: she wasn’t interested. Poor bloke. He’d moved from Seattle to Texas for the 6 week course that actually he had no interest in, and the object of his love just didn’t feel the same. He had no money, his heart was broken and he was advised by a friend that he should spend some time reading and praying. What was there to lose? Actually, prayer is always a good idea when you need help and comfort. Well, he prayed, and for a number of days he spent more time praying than he was used to, and the odd thing was, he discovered, that the more he spent time in prayer, the more he wanted it. He prayed even more; it was as if he was thirsty for God’s presence. One day he went to the piano to play and a Bible was nearby. He opened it at Psalm 42 and the rst thing he saw was the words ’As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs for you O God.’ Coincidence? God’s leading? It doesn’t really matter because the words struck a chord in Martin’s mind and the tune we sing came to him immediately. He said later, ‘God gave me a melody for Psalm 42 v 1. I just began to sing right o the page, literally.’ I think I’m going to say that this was no coincidence. God didn’t cause the heart-breaking situation of unrequited love, nor indeed a wasted summer course! He did, however, use the situation to inspire a song that has become an absolute favourite, re ecting the desire that a lot of people feel for more of God’s blessing in life. I think the inspiration we can take is that whatever our circumstance, whatever our need, we can let that experience bring us closer to God. His presence will satisfy our deep longings. We will nd him to be our strength and shield. These words will bless you. As the deer pants for the water So my soul longs after you, You alone are my heart's desire And I long to worship you.
You're my friend and you are my brother Even though you are a King I love you more than any other So much more than anything.
I want you more than gold or silver, Only you can satisfy. You alone are the real joy-giver And the apple of my eye.
Chorus
You alone are my strength, my shield To you alone will my spirit yield; You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you.
Join us tomorrow and worship with us. God bless you 🙏
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20 September 2021
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ood morning all!
A Monday welcome to everyone. Every day, in every place, a family welcomes a newborn. There's much excitement at the news, relief it went well (hopefully), many questions about weight, hair colour, who's nose he's got. There are photos to share, cuddles to have, cards to open... Many of us know the kind of thing. But there are families that are di erent. There are babies and older children for whom family life either didn't start well, or whose families became problematic. I listened to a radio advert yesterday appealing for foster families. There's evidently a great need. I was surprised to hear that it wasn't babies, toddlers, young children that needed a family, but teenagers. "Teenagers who can no longer live with their family.” Behind that phrase lies a whole set of stories, experiences, heartbreaks and challenges. Who knows what a teenager will bring with them into their new foster home? The advert was really focused on the quality of care, the willingness of a foster family to bring a teenager into a new family experience. Perhaps the teenager will nd something they never had before. A relative of mine has recently been accepted to adopt a child. She's not a baby but she will grow up through primary school and into adulthood with a new Mummy. She will belong, she will be loved. The Bible says we have been adopted as sons in God's family. (Fun fact: It says 'sons' because at the time of writing only boys could be adopted). But whether male of female, we have 'received the Spirit of adoption as sons.' (Romans 8 v 15) Thinking about it, that says such a lot about God: that he wants us, that he wants to provide for us, welcome us, include us, give us a name, an identity, a sense of belonging. He wants to bring us with our 'issues', our past, our loneliness, our bad experiences, right into his family and embrace us and welcome us home. It's a new start, a new life. That's what becoming a child of God means. It's a wonderful experience, to realise that God has adopted us. My relative sent a message: "I'm going to be a mummy!" She was so excited! And it seems to me that God is also excited when he again becomes a Father, welcoming into the family his newest adopted child. I once was an out-cast, a stranger on earth, A sinner by choice, and an alien by birth; But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down, An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown. I’m the child of a King, I'm the child of a King: With Jesus my Saviour, I’m the child of a King. God bless you today 🙏
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
We're in great times of changes, and I don't know about you but I nd it quite unsettling. My personality likes structure and boundaries. I like to know where I am. As the pandemic progresses, and as restrictions have eased quite considerably, we're all still in the transition time of 'can we, can't we?' It used to be 'You must, you mustn't'; now it seems to be 'we can, but should we?' Oh for the time when it's either one thing or the other; but we don't lose heart, we thank God for so much normality today compared to a few months ago. There are rumours of gas shortages, gaps in shop shelves, talk of vaccine boosts, and at the same time holidays becoming more available; we are in a strange season of changes, mixed feelings, hopes and concerns. But as we get older, we look back over the decades and the wisdom of hindsight, and the lessons of experience tell us that even when things appear to be failing, we always come through it. Do you remember the three day week, raging in ation at 15%? Many remember other global crises that were concerning but which now are history. The point is not that we hide our heads in the sand, but neither do we fear that the sky is falling! We maintain hope and, above all faith in God. I looked out of our back door on Sunday morning. I'd cut the grass on Saturday teatime and I'd left it smooth and clear. That next morning: leaves! Not hundreds, but a few dozen. 'That's it', I thought, 'now it begins!' A new season is arriving. Soon the trees will shed all the leaves into our garden, then the cold, then the winter.... But it's a season. It's not a permanent state of the world, and we realise that the world does change. We have autumn as well as springtime, but we respond, adapt, and plan for good and bad knowing that though our seasons, our circumstances, our very lives indeed all change constantly, God doesn't! If your life is in the midst of a change this week, or if you're concerned about the future, uncertain about what the days or the season ahead will bring, trust God. Give it to him. Pray believing, trusting prayers. 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 of Avila, Song Book of The Salvation Army, 1030) God bless you 🙏
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21 September 2021
22 September 2021
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t's the middle of the week, good morning from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
'Look at the size of that spider’!' So said Major Fiona last night. Oh yes I replied. I'd already seen it in the morning sitting on the carpet in the middle of another room; and the day before that in the kitchen. My only conclusion is that there are at least three large spiders, or else this one has the run of the house and could emerge at will wherever he likes! Whether you like 'em or not, they are God's creation. I think I've mentioned a baby recently. Please forgive a new grandfather's excitement and my repeated mention of him. We saw him yesterday and held him. I just looked into that peaceful and contented face. There's something wonderful about the face of a child isn't there...? On the way home there was a glorious sunset that spread across the open sky to one side of us, and later, a big bright yellow moon, hazy behind the clouds. When I got up this morning the moon was still there, just as big and even brighter. Isn't nature a wonderful thing? A (slightly creepy) spider, a beautiful innocent child, a colourful sunset and an amazing moon. In another millennium people worshipped the moon. Of course we don't, but it's not the object nor the creature that suggests a Creator, but our reaction to it. Our sense of wonder or of fascination, our appreciation of beauty and our capacity to be moved and inspired; these are all human reactions that re ect our own inherent image of God. We can look up at the moon, look into our arms at a baby, or even look down at a spider (as long as it keeps its distance!) and our mind recognises the truth of what it is, but our heart is inspired to see beyond what we see so that we 'feel' a stirring within us that may ultimately lead us to worship and love for the one who created it all. When the gospel of John says of Jesus that 'all things were made through him', that's not just a statement of fact or even belief, it's a call to worship. All things, especially the face of a child, and even the spider, point to him. He's not merely the creator but he's also the sustainer and the redeemer of all things. And we too, fearfully and wonderfully made, can be part of that redemption. Have a lovely day today as you see opportunities around you to say, All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. God bless you 🙏
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23 September 2021
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orning all! Hasn't the weather changed quite obviously! Even a sunny day now ends with a chill as the light fades earlier; and I'm contemplating my morning run from the comfort of my settee whilst watching the big tree across the road being bu eted by the wind. I was watching the birds. All of a sudden there were a lot of them about, and the phrase came to me, slightly inappropriate: are they waving or drowning? You know the picture of a man in the sea; is he having fun or calling for help? Well, these birds were swooping, diving, climbing, circling around each other. They ew quickly one moment and then the wind halted their progress in another and, as their wings apped furiously, they appeared to 'tread water', as it were, going nowhere for all their e orts. And I wondered whether they were struggling, or were they actually enjoying themselves? It's an odd question, a bit of idle speculation, but I actually imagined them to be having a whale of a time, enjoying the wind and racing round, up and down, as the wind rushed through their feathers. There's a bloke behind us who keeps pigeons in a big shed; and twice a day he lets them out and they rush up into the air with a great commotion of apping wings; and in perfect formation y in a circle around the roof of our house. They are low and fast, and you can hear the air in their wings as they rush around. And I'm going to say that if pigeons could say more than 'coo', they'd be shouting 'Yay! Freedom!' Am I reading too much into these birds' behaviour? Quite likely; it's just my whimsical thoughts. But there seems something joyful, something exuberant about birds swooping and diving in the wind. It's not a struggle, not a chore; the wind that blows is met with a sense of adventure. Or so it seems to me. The hymn 'It is well with my soul' is a well-explained hymn. The story of a man's family lost at sea and him, nevertheless, writing a song of absolute trust, is well known. 'Though Satan should bu et, though trials should come...' he writes, speaking about the assurance that comes with knowing Christ. There's something about this hymn that whilst it's not happy, it still shows joy. Joy is a quality of mind that, despite the circumstances, gives a determination that we will still live, we will go on. Despite the wind blowing, we will still y! Paul writes, 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' (I Thessalonians 5:16 18) Yes, it might take determination; it might be an e ort to spread your wings on the windy days, but joy does not give up; and when others y with you you will rise together and there is freedom! Hold me close Let Your love surround me Bring me near Draw me to Your side. And as I wait I'll rise up like the eagle And I will soar with You Your Spirit leads me on In the power of Your love. God bless you today 🙏
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24 September 2021
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ello everyone, have you got that Friday feeling? How has your week been; have you sailed through it, or has there been obstruction or delay? Yesterday we did a fair bit of driving around on motorways. I think we all expect the occasional busy road; there are roadworks and speed restrictions, maybe even just 'volume of tra c' is the cause of a slow down. Well, on our side of the A1 it was OK, but we felt sorry for those going South. Three lanes of very slow moving tra c tailed back for miles. Very frustrating for all involved. The cause? A huge, and I mean BIG, construction vehicle of some kind. I couldn't say what it was, but it was so big that as it travelled at a slow speed in the middle lane it also obstructed the lanes on either side. The cars behind just had to follow helplessly. They had nowhere to go, no idea when this huge beast of a vehicle would leave the road, with their drivers possibly trying to work out if the next junction would be a useful escape route to get them to their destination quicker. Later on I was travelling on another journey with my oldest son and as we approached the town centre we needed to drive through to get to where he lives, all we saw was tra c backedup. It was going to be a long wait. My son said, 'Go round the roundabout again, go up that road, there's another way.' I followed his instructions - turn here, go right, turn sharp left. A short distance, left, left, right. Confused? I had no idea where I was and suddenly his estate appeared; we had come to it from the other side. Hardly any tra c was on these roads and he, sitting beside me, had taken me on 'the road less travelled', as Robert Frost might have said.
It was the road that few had found. The main road was backed-up, the narrower road got me to my destination. Sometimes life's main road is blocked. There's no way through, and it leads to frustration, discomfort, missed appointments, late arrivals. Sometimes the road on which the majority travel is not the best road. And yet the world insists that the majority is right, that what everyone is doing is the right way. Jesus came to be the better way, to take us to an alternative destination; he came to lead us to life itself. 'Narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few nd it.' (Matthew 7 v 14). Redemption, salvation, Heaven - whatever you call it - is not found by following the world, joining in with the crowd. Jesus called that 'the broad way that leads to destruction.' Instead he indicates a narrow way, a road less travelled by, a road that makes all the di erence because it leads to eternal life. It's the way of Jesus, the way that few nd even though it's signposted well. Thank God for an alternative route, thank God for Jesus who guides us there. Make sure you're on the narrow way. Don't get stuck in the world's tra c. God bless you today 🙏
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25 September 2021
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t’s the last Saturday of the month and it’s Song Saturday again.
Every week we take a song or chorus from Sunday’s Together in Worship, and look brie y at it: who was the writer, what truth can encourage or bless us from the lyrics? This week an American Gospel hymn: This is My Father’s World. I confess I like this one! The author, to use a phrase used by one of my old school masters, ‘rejoiced in the name of ’ Maltbie Davenport Babcock. (I have no idea where the name ‘Maltbie’ came from!) Anyway, our Maltbie lived in a town not far from Niagara Falls, was a member of the Presbyterian church there, and he was an athlete. He was by all accounts an outstanding baseball player, a championship swimmer and also a runner. On top of that he was actually the Pastor of the church. He would run every morning from the church, saying to his secretary, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.” He ran two miles into the hills and looked out over Lake Ontario. Then he ran a further two miles to a deep valley that was famous for its variety of wildlife, then he ran back to the church. Maltbie was also a talented musician, playing the organ, the piano and the violin; and so his love of nature and his musician gifts combined in the hymn we will sing tomorrow in Together in Worship. There are other hymns that remind us of the glory of creation, the beauty of nature and the majesty of ‘all creatures great and small’, but I like this hymn because it says something very honest. Other hymns might look away from the woes of the world in simple praise of the ‘good things’, but Pastor Babcock looks at the world and deliberately confronts the world as it is: ‘O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong…’ he writes, recognising that our world is indeed fraught with ‘strong’ wrongs. We might do the same in our modern world; I don’t need to outline what our troubles are, but thankfully Maltbie, a realist, was also a man of faith in God; and though the wrong is indeed strong, ‘God is the ruler yet.’ Thank God for an honest hymn! He even goes on to allude to the fact that ‘the battle is not done.’ The struggle is on! But look, ‘God is the ruler yet; and Jesus ‘…will be satis ed.’ When you look at the telly, listen to the radio, read something on the internet that worries and concerns you, repeat that line: ’God is the ruler yet.’ Memorise it, say it again. Believe it! God has not abdicated; he doesn’t intend to! ‘The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his Kingdom rules over all.’ (Psalm 103 v 19) 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 ed, And earth and Heaven be one.
God bless you! 🙏 See you tomorrow from 9am
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27 September 2021
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ood morning, welcome to Monday! By the end of the week it will be October; and doesn't this morning's weather remind us of that! The word for today is 'meteorologist'. What a great word. The wind outside is fast and loud, and if you were to ask a meteorologist he'd tell you all about isobars and low pressure, cold fronts and all the rest of it. We common folk however just look out of the window wondering which coat to put on! My main concern this morning is, to coin a phrase, 'which way the wind blows'. We have large trees next to our house; I like them but in the autumn their leaves are not so likeable. I've discovered that those leaves fall in one or two places, depending on the wind. If the wind blows one way, our garden is covered, and there they remain until I rake them up! But if the wind blows another way, the leaves blow into the street and are whisked away never to be seen again (by me anyway). I think you might guess which of the two alternatives I would choose. And there's the problem: we can't choose the direction of the wind. In fact even meteorologists who understand a little more about 'which way the wind blows' can only watch like the rest of us. The global weather systems are unpredictable, unstoppable, unknowable. We just respond. When Jesus spoke with a man called Nicodemus about how God works in people's lives, he used a play on words, because 'wind' and 'spirit' were the same word in his language. 'The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it but you don't know where it is coming from or going.' (John 3 v 7 8) In the same way God's Spirit also mysteriously moves in people's lives. I cannot tell you how God comes into our lives, we cannot choose the moments God draws near, but when he does, and when we believe, 'something' happens. Like the wind lling a sail and taking a boat forward, or turning the blades on a turbine to create ener y, or removing dead leaves from a tree, God's Spirit has an e ect on the human soul. His work is so powerful that Jesus likened it to being 'born again'. No, that's not something American evangelists invented! 'Born again' is the experience that Jesus said we need if we want to see the Kingdom of God. He's telling us that it's all God's work in us; like the wind his Spirit can't be manipulated, manufactured or controlled. The blessing of God is all his own work in us when we believe and trust in Jesus. It's true, we can't know 'which way the wind blows', we can't fathom the deep things of the Spirit, but we can certainly experience his refreshing, renewing, reviving work in our lives as he comes to us. Allow his Spirit today to 'move' in your life. Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholly Thine, Until this earthly part of me Glows with Thy re divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.
God bless you 🙏
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28 September 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
There was news yesterday that for a couple of reasons made me take notice. I saw the reports of a strong earthquake on the Greek island of Crete. Fiona and I have been on holiday there a few times, and twice we were just a few miles from the centre of yesterday's earthquake. Crete is a hilly place with lots of small towns and villages, and the earthquake a ected one of these more than the others. I wondered how it had a ected the area we knew. But the news that made me take notice was that one man had been killed whilst renovating a small church. Greek Orthodox churches are often beautiful inside, with wall and ceiling paintings, and many painted icons of saints and, of course Jesus. It was so sad that the only death was in a church that collapsed. I wonder how many people are thinking and saying, 'Why?' Why did God allow it? This poor man was working to repair a holy place in Greek Orthodoxy. He has relatives who mourn now. They will no doubt be in need of prayer and comfort, and maybe they will ask the priest that very question: why? It's not an easy question to answer. It's far too simple to give the quick answer that it's in God's plan. Even Billy Graham was at a loss to answer the question. He wrote "I’ve been asked hundreds of times why God allows evil to take place, and I have to tell you honestly that I do not know the answer—not fully. The Bible talks about “the mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV)—and that’s what evil is: a mystery." What's not a mystery is that all of us will be touched by su ering that we can't explain. And whilst the pain can turn people from God - and we have compassion and understanding in those circumstances - we all know people, or have our own personal experience of how su ering has driven us to God, even with a weak faith, to hold on to him. We remember of course that Jesus himself su ered; and from that fact alone we will know that God himself is not unaware, not unable to understand su ering. 'He knows,' is what we can say. Is God 'underachieving' in his world, as I heard it said? Should he be taking more care of us? That suggests that God is just like a manager, an organiser; but the su ering of Jesus suggests to me that rather than God just preventing bad things or 'sorting it all out', he treats it in a di erent way by being there as one who comes alongside us as our world moves forward to that day when things will be made new. An answer to su ering is not to ask for it to go away, but for us to become aware of God as he comes to us. If in this life we know his loving presence, see his goodness worked out in the love and compassion of others, then we can be assured not only of daily strength today, but also a bright hope for tomorrow when "He will wipe every away tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21 v 4) This has been the experience of many who, in simple faith, look for the presence of God. To the question, "Where was God?" they answer, "Right here." God bless you today 🙏
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29 September 2021
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orning all, welcome to Wednesday.
We've had a bit of car trouble over the last week. Our son has left his car with us while he's deployed overseas and I took it for its MOT. Straightforward. I phoned at the end of Friday to check I could collect it. 'Sorry Mr Mugford, it's failed.' It was the emissions apparently. Well we can't have it polluting the environment, so the nice Kwik Fit lad said they would try to remedy it by various means, retest it on Monday, and I could phone at 4.30... 4.30 on Monday came. 'Sorry, it failed again, the lad's giving it a run out to see if that helps.' It didn't. 'It needs a new lter, I'll get it done tomorrow. Hopefully (hopefully?) that'll sort it. Phone at 4.30'. OK. Well it worked. As soon as the new lter was tted, with all the stu that was blocking whatever gets blocked having been cleaned out, it sailed through the test; and my lad owes me £50! They did the test, they searched for the cause, they tried one solution, then found the appropriate remedy and applied it, and then the price was paid. Not only that, but advice was given on how to maintain everything. Thanks Kwik Fit. There comes a time when you realise that maybe things in life, in your own mind and heart, are not running smoothly. There's something not right. Maybe it's ongoing, recurring. David, in his great Psalm 139 rejoices in the fact that God knows all about us, knowing us intimately, searching us, and being acquainted with our every breath from birth onwards. He knows us better than we know ourselves, understands us, knows why we think and act as we do. God looks at our heart and knows all things, and when we fail to understand, he understands. David, in recognising that God always diagnoses our need with understanding and compassion, prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any o ensive way in me, Lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139 v 23 24) I wouldn't want anyone who wasn't an expert in engines to test and repair that engine. Neither would I entrust my failing heart to anyone else but Him, my loving maker and redeemer. If there's anything in my heart that o ends God I want to know it. I want him to search it out, cleanse it, and if it's beyond a patchup, 'create in me a clean heart...' (Psalm 51 v 10). When I collected the car the young chap said he was never so glad to see the back of a car! He was glad because he'd succeeded, had done a good job. I don't know how many spiritual MOTs I've failed but I do know that God willingly searches, renews, and leads me in an everlasting way. God doesn't condemn a needy heart; he rejoices in his work of restoration. And he paid the price himself! God bless you 🙏
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30 September 2021
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orning one and all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
September 30th. Again. What do you mean Major, 'Again'? Well simply this. A year ago on this very day, I wrote these words: "Who would have thought we'd be here in our circumstances on this day?" I never dreamed that a year on things would still be hovering over us, as it were. As we reach 18 months of what has become "Faith in a Changed World", as the collected version of these thoughts are called, we thank God for the relaxation of restrictions and most especially the vaccination programme, but we are still wary, still trying to 'stay safe'. Mask wearing? Who'd have thought it? Hospital Covid wards? Who imagined we'd still have them? Yes, another September 30th has arrived, 18 months of this situation. And, of course 18 months of these daily readings. I ask myself if I would have started writing had I known I would still be writing a year and a half later. The answer may well be 'No.' And that's not because I didn't want to make the e ort or commitment, but because I honestly would not have thought that I'd be able to sustain a daily thought like this. Let me say, rst of all, that you have been very encouraging. There are between 300 - 500 views each day: it varies. Many of you give what I write a 'like', and some comment, either in the comments or privately; and I'm glad that sometimes these thoughts have been helpful. But coincidentally, today is the day when 4 years ago, I started my academic studies and I graduated two years ago, but I need to say that it's not that that has 'quali ed' me to do these thoughts. As Paul writes, 'It is not that we think we are quali ed to do anything on our own. Our quali cation comes from God.' (2 Corinthians 3:5). I'm going to testify that on a sel sh or personal level, these daily writings have helped me too. The opportunity and the challenge to maintain a daily journal of Bible based musings has given my own ministry a structure and a purpose that might have been totally lost. More than that, I've often found myself being challenged by what I write. The Bible has a habit of doing that! Am I quali ed to share things that I myself need to heed rst? Only by grace, and often unworthily. As we have moved in recent weeks to a less rigorous regime of lockdown, and as we have started Sunday worship and all our midweek activity, I have considered more than once whether I should continue these daily thoughts. My conclusion has been arrived at: while he still quali es me, inspires me each morning, and while I'm being helpful to you I will continue. What will I write next year on the second anniversary of the rst lockdown? Who knows? Watch this space. God bless you 🙏
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ood morning everyone, welcome to Friday, welcome indeed to October. It's most de nitely Autumn: autumnal weather, autumnal colours, autumnal activities from Harvest to Hallowe'en. I love Autumn - a mixture of damp, murky mornings and crisp bright afternoons that end suddenly as the sun disappears. We're celebrating Harvest this Sunday at The Salvation Army in Guisborough. As with a lot of things this year it's a pared back, simpli ed a air, but the traditional songs and a harvest display will still feature. (If you're reading this after 3rd October, we hope you enjoyed it!) Anyway I was very interested to discover that the word 'harvest' comes from the Old English word hærfest (coined before the Angles moved from Angeln to Great Britain) meaning "autumn". (Thanks Wikipedia).The Romans made us call this month October because to them it was the eighth month (before January and February were invented, apparently), and the Americans call it Fall - presumably because that's when the leaves fall. But let’s stick with our lovely, northern European 'hærf-est' or 'Autumn'. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run... That's what Keats wrote in 1819, and it combines everything about the season: the weather and the idea of provision and plenty. We're far removed nowadays from farming, though a drive around Guisborough in September shows the elds lled with those big circular bales of hay. It's good to think about 'our daily bread'. Maybe harvest time should be a month for 'clapping the NFU'* It's a time to remember what we receive, those who work to ensure we have enough, and ultimately praise God for his provision. If harvest simply means Autumn then another thought can be considered. Changeable weather aside, Autumn is a demonstration of God's promise; it's an unfailing season along with the other three. We say that 'the world turns', and mean that things go on, regularly, consistently, predictably. Our lives experience so much change almost on a daily basis, but God promised Noah after the disaster of the Flood that from then on, "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8 v 22) There's something cosy about the Autumn evenings as the heating comes on and the soft lighting in the house enfolds us, but there's also something extremely comforting in the 'circling of the years' as, despite the best and worst e orts of man to disrupt and dishonour creation, God's promise still remains. The seasons come around, the world keeps turning, creation moves through its natural cycles just as God the Creator planned. Yes, the Autumn has arrived as it always has, and as Louis Armstrong sang, 'And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.' Have a lovely day, God bless you 🙏 * National Farmers Union
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01 October 2021
02 October 2021
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t’s another Song Saturday; welcome to you all!
I’ve enjoyed sharing the stories and comments about some of the
songs from Together in Worship. Each week we take a hymn and just brie y consider it. This week is Harvest Thanksgiving and I wondered whether to feature ‘Come ye thankful people come’, or ‘We plough the elds and scatter’. The rst of those is a true Victorian English hymn, the second is German, but I have decided to go with an American gospel song from deep in the heart of Kentucky: ‘Great is thy faithfulness’. I have to confess that it’s a great favourite of mine. We feature a traditional rendition in Together in
Worship tomorrow, but if you’re in Guisborough and come to the Citadel you’ll hear a more modern
‘easy-listening’ style. I can’t say that it’s speci cally a harvest hymn like ‘Bringing in the Sheaves’, but it does mention harvest; it actually focuses on the whole theme of God’s faithfulness wherever we nd it, however we experience it. As with a lot of hymns there is a bit of a background, a story of frustration and disappointment. The writer, Thomas Chisholm, lived to the grand old age of 96, dying in 1966. That long life belies the fact that in his early life his health was fragile. He was born in a log cabin in Kentucky, never went to college, and interestingly, at 16 became the teacher of the tiny country school he attended. After his conversion at the age of 23 he became a Methodist minister, but resigned after only a year because of ill health! Over his long life he wrote over 1200 religious poems and gospel songs, his main aim being to put as much of the Bible in his songs as possible to avoid any sentiment. After he wrote Great is Thy Faithfulness he was asked what had inspired him; what were the circumstances that led him to write? His response was that there were no ‘circumstances’, he simply wanted to re ect that through the whole Bible we can read so much about the faithfulness of God. The verses are certainly lled with Biblical references; I would call it a well-rounded song. It speaks of creation, it speaks of forgiveness, strength and faith. It reminds us that God is always the same. To me, it’s a great reminder of how God is present and dependable when I need him; it’s a very personal and worshipful song: 'Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.’ Today, and especially tomorrow as you worship with us, may his faithfulness really encourage and bless you. 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.
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.
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.
Chorus 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 🙏
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Page 170
04 October 2021
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orning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Last Saturday we travelled to Blackpool for a sad occasion, to scatter the ashes of a friend of mine from school whom I used to visit two or three times a year until last year. He died just after New Year but, having no family, it was left to another school friend to take care of all his a airs, and for his wider circle of Old Boys from our school to mourn him, remember him, share photos and memories. Because of commitments and distance many people couldn't attend on Saturday which would have been Erik's 60th birthday, but four men who were in his form at school travelled to Blackpool and gathered in the pub afterwards with another group of his local friends and a work colleague or two, to reminisce. You will recognise the setting and the occasion from your experience. There were a lot of memories shared, a great deal of laughter - some of which was at Erik's expense! - some rather dark humour and wistful 'what if' type conversation about an old friend. He achieved a lot, was very eccentric, and people genuinely grieved. One of the men who had been in my form at school suddenly made me think, when he said that he'd told one of his sons that by going to that occasion he was "going to meet up with men I last saw 41 years ago." That shocked me because although I obviously knew it was true, it didn't seem possible. What? 41 years? "I'm only 23!" I replied. It's in moments like these that we realise the passing of time. To younger people, 41 years is an impossibly long time, they are nowhere near that, it's incomprehensible, and yet those of you who have lived 41 years and much more, can look back, relive memories, celebrate achievements, skip quickly past the mistakes, and marvel at the blessings of family life, friendships and faith. 'Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,' says Psalm 90 v 12. It doesn't mean simply to count the days, the years; it means to make those days count, to make the years mean something. As I talked to those old schoolfriends, listening to their experiences over the years, I considered how nothing the ve of us (including Erik) had done over 41 years had been planned or even anticipated. We might have had ideas as 18 year olds, but very few of us live lives as planned. Wisdom does come with the passage of the years, through numbering our days. May we continue to number them 'aright'. Erik did in the end because it was openly stated last Saturday by men who knew nothing of faith, that Erik had found his Christian faith in recent years (which I knew). One even stated that Erik had been 'reborn'. We know what he means. That's certainly the way to number our days aright. God bless you 🙏
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05 October 2021
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ello everyone, it's good to be able to write this thought today. Last night I wondered whether I'd be able to share anything today because as Facebook users will be aware it all stopped working at teatime yesterday! Nothing happened. You couldn't read anything let alone write; you couldn't even open Facebook. And as well as that, you couldn't send a message on Messenger or WhatsApp either. And Instagram was also a ected. I can imagine some people getting quite stressed because communication was literally closed down. I didn't know whether it would be sorted overnight, but happily it has been, and here I am! What's interesting is that what happened last night was worldwide. Sometimes we can read that the internet in a small area of a town is not working, or there's a power cut on one side of a street. In a wider area there's a lot of problems with TV reception here for many people because a transmitter caught re, but it's not the whole country, just a part, that is a ected. Facebook going down was a global event - unknown numbers of people around the world were a ected, and though for most of us it just meant we had to nd something else to do, for some people maybe there was a signi cant inconvenience. Some people use Facebook for work, for business, to make important announcements or arrangements... We seem to be experiencing more global, worldwide events. We had a global economic crash a number of years ago, we have lots of talk of global warming or climate change. We talk about the global problem of modern slavery, we talk about how global trade a ects every economy. We all know too well the e ects of the global pandemic. There's little in this world that is only local; travel and instant communication (including Facebook) have made everything local. At one time it was either a letter or expensive phone call, now... Well, you might as well be there, it's so easy to communicate in an instant. I think we've long realised that we are one world. We're not so di erent from each other. We used to get our information about other cultures from picture books and lms, assuming they were unlike us; now we see that people are basically just the same. We are indeed one world. It's not a new truth, maybe just a rediscovery. The Bible says that 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.' (Psalm 24 v 1) God is the rst global CEO, the rst international gure, the Father of the original worldwide organisation. If we could realise that truth, and that 'he hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth...' (Acts 17 v 26) we would be much more uni ed, less divided. There would never be a breakdown in global communication then. Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏
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Page 172
06 October 2021
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orning all! We hope you're having a good week.
In these still-uncertain days we are grateful that things have changed so much that we have been able to be together in so many ways. It's strange to remember those weeks when we literally were not allowed out, not allowed to meet more than a friend or two for a walk. Thank God those days are gone. It's been very di cult for families when there has been no visiting during illness, di cult for small businesses with furloughed sta , children who couldn't attend school, and for the churches and The Salvation Army too; our whole ethos, our raison d'etre, is to gather, to be together and to share fellowship. We are focused on worshipping and working together, and when it was taken away it was di cult for us. Last night the members of our band practiced together. Lively music, quiet music and a real sense of friendliness and warmth. It was a real pleasure to be there. Also yesterday our Golden Years over sixties club met. I led it and said a few things from the front, but it's the getting together, chatting around tables and spending an hour in the company of others that is so valuable. Our Jolly Tots toddler group, now on for four days a week, is a lovely time for parents and carers to chat, share experiences, support one another and, of course, for little ones to learn to play together. It's so much better than being stuck on the house with little or no interaction. Our shop volunteers are a lively and hardworking band who bring a sense of fun to sorting and serving. It's done for a good reason, but doing it together makes it all worthwhile. And of course, Bacon Buns on a Monday is a great time of chatting, being together, welcoming new faces and getting to know one another; and of course they are the best bacon buns in Guisborough! All of these activities, added to our gathering on Sunday for worship where young and old meet in a lovely, friendly atmosphere, are just examples of the unity the Bible speaks of when it says, "How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!" (Psalm 133:1) I don't think you can beat a church fellowship for togetherness, welcome and love. There are many wonderful community groups, God bless them! But the church, I feel, is di erent because the love of God is there and all are welcome. There are so many di erent personalities, so many activities, so much to do, but one Spirit binds us all together. This is what the world needs today; not division or people in separate 'boxes' where they claim rights and privileges, but a gathering of all together regardless of background or status, all under the love and grace of God. It really is wonderful and beautiful to be a part of it. Thank God if you already are, and if not, come and join us! And may God bless you 🙏
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Page 173
07 October 2021
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ood morning! - I just called to say I love you. - I will always love you - I love you just the way you are
We could quote lots of songs about love, falling in love, falling out of love, forbidden love, unrequited love. We long for rst love, look back on a lifetime of love... Love one another, says the Bible. Love your neighbour. That's OK if he's a nice bloke. Love your enemies. There's a tall order! And then Jesus says, My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. A command to love? Can that be done? I always look for a picture to illustrate the day's Bible verse, and I have to say I think many of them are wide of the mark when it comes to this 'command' to 'love each other'. Why? Because like pop songs it's all hearts and owers, holding hands and dancing in the moonlight. I don't think that's what Jesus is asking, or commanding, here. Yesterday on Facebook an acquaintance wrote something, and I replied with a di erent point of view. I was shocked to see that his response to me was an extremely aggressive one, using language I won't repeat. It was entirely uncalled for and very unsettling. I didn't react, and he's probably waiting for that reaction so he can carry on the hostility. We live in a world now where it seems discussion is characterised by o ence, rudeness, intolerance and what they call 'the cancel culture', which simply means that if you say something I disagree with, your view must be eliminated; you must be silenced. This, I believe, is what Jesus' command is all about. Love, in his eyes is not lovehearts and romance, it's respect and tolerance even when you disagree. It's being willing to listen even when you have much to say. Love is wanting the best for the other person and not wanting harm, revenge or satisfaction. Paul puts it so well when he writes in 1 Corinthians 4 7: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’ I don't have to have great a ection for someone to love them, indeed I don't need to even know them. The love Jesus commands is not a feeling, it's not an emotion. Love is an intention, an attitude. Love is what I decide to do, it's how I plan to respond to people in words and actions. If people loved like this many laws would not be needed. In this dreadful culture of taking o ence and demanding that your views are the only valid ones, I think we need a lot more of the love Jesus describes. If it's his command, then the world would be a better place if it obeyed him. 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.
God bless you 🙏
(C) Dave Bilbrough
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Page 174
08 October 2021
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Friday welcome to you all! How are you feeling? Well? Healthy? Or maybe like Major Fiona and me you're su ering with a cold. Miserable isn't it. I'm not going to bore you with the details, you've all been there and whilst some people do like to share and compare symptoms, you might not want to read about ours over your corn akes! Mild illness is, of course, inevitable for us all; it's a remarkable person who never has symptoms of anything. I guess it's why they call it 'the common cold'. It's so common that the shops and supermarkets are full of remedies and treatments, though we all know there's no cure. Odd that, isn't it? It's interesting that it's not just our bodies that need a 'cure'. The Church of England prayer book says, "We have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us." That's an interesting way of describing our spiritual need. In The Salvation Army's song book we have prayers that re ect this idea: 'When shall I come unto the healing waters?' asked Albert Orsborn. 'Wonderful healer, touch me again,' we sing in another song. And Charles Wesley, hinting at the answer, tells us that Jesus is the name that is 'life and health and peace.' We do speak of salvation from our sins, but we could also speak of healing for our souls; something we all need. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Now, that's not a condemnation, it's not one of those messages for a man in a raincoat and a big placard! It's no more a condemnation of you or me than a doctor saying that everyone gets colds and u! It's just a statement of how things are. All of us have faults and failings, and in the words of the Book of Common Prayer: "we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault." 'It might sound a bit judgmental to some though, Major,' you might say. Well OK, but here's the next bit - the good news: "...(all) are justi ed by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3 v 23 24). A modern version of the whole verse puts it like this: "Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free." Whether we speak about sin, or needing a healthy soul, or indeed the common cold, we all need the remedy. Thankfully, while the common cold has no cure, Jesus, the Great Physician, has the complete cure for a soul in need of health; and he has the remedy that works every time, and works for everyone! 'Healing Christ, you are the answer', we read in our song book and discover in the Bible. Thank God for that guarantee. Go to Jesus, he's the healer of every soul. Now, where's my paracetamol...? God bless you today 🙏
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Page 175
09 October 2021
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i everyone, Major Antony and Major Fiona here with another Song Saturday. This week a slight change because the song we are featuring is
not from a Together in Worship video but will be featured in our worship at the Citadel here in Guisborough. Nowadays we have a lot of what we call ‘contemporary’ worship songs. Perhaps the last 40 years has seen a huge number of such songs and choruses written here and in the USA. In the nineteenth century there was another such happening; Gospel songs and chorus were written in their thousands to add to the more ‘churchy’ hymns, and these were the songs used in revivals, introduced by evangelists, and sung in the streets in open air meetings. The Salvation Army inherited a lot of these already successful songs and used them to great e ect amongst the masses of people who came to our meetings. The song we’re using today was written by one of the most proli c of the gospel song writers, Frances ‘Fanny’ Crosby. Blind from birth, it’s astonishing that she wrote in the region of 9000 gospel songs under 200 di erent names! She simply dictated them out loud to a secretary. You’ll recognise titles like To God be the Glory, Rescue the Perishing, We Are Marching on With Shield and Banner Bright and Pass me not O loving Saviour. Tomorrow at the Army we will be singing Blessèd Assurance: Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine; O what a foretaste of Glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I, in my Saviour, am happy and blest. Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Personally, I think this is one of the most important, most encouraging songs we have. William Booth, the Salvation Army Founder, wrote that he didn’t want ‘hope-so’ Christians, he wanted ‘know-so’ Christians; people who, like the song says, have a ‘blessed assurance’ of their faith. It sounds good! We can have a certainty about what we believe, a reliable con dence that God loves and accepts us. And I have to say that it’s important, because many of us don’t always feel like that. Am I right? There are times when faith is low and we have a question, or a doubt even. It’s common, it doesn’t mean we are ‘faithless’; but we are encouraged to draw near to God ‘with a sincere heart and in full assurance of faith.’ (Hebrews 10 v 22) Is that possible? I believe it is, and the answer, the guarantee if you like, is not my own strength of faith, my own ‘courage of my convictions’, but his presence with me. He is my assurance, Christ is my con dence, the Holy Spirit is my guarantee. This blessèd assurance is not my own self-con dence, far from it; it comes when I simply say to God that I rely on him. Believing that he is the one who holds me is all the blessed assurance I need. For me that is a very encouraging thought. Hold on to him and he will assure you of your faith. God bless you 🙏
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11 October 2021
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Monday morning greeting to you all! We hope you had a good weekend.
Major Fiona and I have had a touch of this really bad, bad cold that's been going round, and I have to say that I got suddenly very worried the other night when I realised I'd lost my sense of smell! 😱 I even stuck my nose into the co ee jar and breathed in: no, nothing! Covid symptom! I thought, and rushed away upstairs to do a lateral ow test. Negative. Phew! (And negative since as well; you can't be too careful). It must be the cold that dulled my sense of smell. I'm glad it's back because this morning at the Citadel bacon buns are being cooked and served. Ohhh! The smell of frying bacon must be in the top ten of all the most attractive smells. I heard that it's the one smell that would turn a vegetarian back to eating meat (no o ence to vegetarians intended). Is there a more heavenly aroma than bacon? I don't think so. Oh, chocolate perhaps. And freshly baked bread. The seaside... You see? Now I've started thinking, all these lovely aromas are coming to me. Fish and chips... I should stop there, I'm getting hungry 🙂 These aromas are attractive, they persuade, they comfort, they give a hint of what could be had. How many of us have bought or eaten something there and then simply because the smell enticed us? Now, I'm not saying that The Salvation Army Citadel smells, but we've been noticing 'new' people, people who have been attracted. New toddler parents have come, new Golden Years members, new people have come and returned again to our Sunday worship since we started in September. What is it that attracts? The results of surveys taken reveal that it's not advertising, it's not the minister who attracts people, it's personal invitations from family. Yes, people do respond to publicity, but it's the personal invitation from someone they know that brings them. Interestingly, the Bible calls Christians "the Aroma of Christ." (2 Cor 2 v 14) It means that our faith, our words, our life can speak to others and be attractive. To those who are looking, searching, 'hungry' as it were for something meaningful in life, the in uence of a Christian person and an invitation from them can be the start of something good, a faith for themselves, a place to belong. Think of how you yourself became part of the church, or why you stayed. Who was it encouraged you? Who was that 'aroma of Christ' to you? Perhaps you could ask, to whom could, in turn, be a similar inspiration or encouragement. Let's all be an aroma of Christ so that others too will be brought near to him. If you're around Guisborough this morning pop in for a bacon bun! If not, have a lovely day and a great week. God bless you 🙏
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Page 177
12 October 2021
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orning everyone, a new day awaits. It's dark at the moment but the birds are singing and from past experience I have no reason to think the sun will not appear soon... I think it's guaranteed! We seem to be living in an extremely uncertain world, have you noticed? Perhaps you have. Aside from the fact that sometimes things are made to seem worse by sensationalist newspaper articles, or biased news reports, or scaremongering headlines, there are di culties in our world that seem to be all coming at once. People discuss the di erent causes, and it's not my place or purpose to join in the debate, but we could list the rising fuel prices, the shortage of labour on farms and other places, the shortage of HGV drivers, the shelves in some supermarkets that occasionally have less choice or even little stock, the inability that some people report to see a GP... It doesn't help when you get headlines that tell us that there may be a shortage, and therefore half the town rushes o to buy the products all at once, therefore actually causing the shortage! If I wrote on Facebook that there was a shortage of baked beans I would almost guarantee that a few people would go out today and pick up a few extra tins; and the more people who did that, the more my false prediction would become accurate. 'Supply'. That's the word for today. When 'Demand' becomes greater than supply we know that stocks fall and prices rise; if you're a driver you'll know rstly about queues the other week and high petrol prices this week. We are so concerned that we can get in our supplies of whatever it is we want. Have you ever seen reports of people in America who have stockpiled food in their basements and spare rooms in case of nuclear war?! Sheer madness. Some people have so many tins and packets to ensure they have a full supply, they could open a cash and carry business! 'Supply' is a Bible word too. Philippians 4 v 19 says that 'My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Glory, by Christ Jesus.' What a wonderful promise! The word 'supply' means to ' ll up', ' make full again', perhaps even 'restock', to use a supermarket image. Some people take the verse to mean that God will give us wealth and health and everything we want. But God isn't a supplier of our wants; he doesn't act like Father Christmas and just answer our prayers for 'stu '. He 'restocks' our needs out of his riches. To me that says we will never run short of blessings when we serve him, when we make sacri ces of time, talents and even treasure in order to live for him. The more we give in loving him and loving others, the more of his 'refuelling' we will know. Someone said to me many, many years ago: 'You can't outgive God.' That's a truth. You can grasp hold of stu . You can keep your time, talents and treasure to yourself. You can try to get more, keep more, expect to receive more. But those who experience the greatest blessing, the most satisfaction, those who receive the supply that meets all their needs, are the ones who give freely in the rst place. When we give to God, live and work for God, even feel we're losing out for God, he will always meet all our needs, and with that receive Christ as well, who is all-in-all. It's as certain as the sun coming up, which just as I predicted, has happened as I've written this... God bless you today, may you receive much from God as you give to him and others.🙏
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Page 178
13 October 2021
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ednesday already; the week is marching on apace. Hello everybody!
I was thinking of eating habits recently. How adventurous are you? Are you a spicy person, or is ketchup about the tangiest thing you'll add? Are you into Continental or Asian cuisine, or is it meat and two veg for you? It may be that you're the kind of person who looks at the menu and opts for the simplest, most recognisable dish whilst your companion will go for something exotic and, to your mind, inedible. I remember a group of us went for a meal in the mid 1980s, and one of them ordered squid! De nitely not for me. There are regional di erences of course. If you go to a chip shop in Blackpool you'll enjoy meat and potato pie and gravy. In Grimsby it's common to have skate and chips. Here in Guisborough a parmo is the thing to have. I've never had it. I still can't get over the practice of having Wensleydale cheese with Christmas Cake. Who thought of that? I was reading earlier a couple of recipes for crumble. I love crumble - apple and cinnamon is great, but not cheese and leek! I love rhubarb in crumble, but not sausage! And who thought of putting carrots in cake? I was horri ed at one social evening here at the Citadel to be presented with a beautiful-looking chocolate cake. It was dark and rich, the icing was abundant, and the sponge looked moist and inviting. It's got beetroot in it, I was told What??? Do you know something? I ate it; and it was the most beautiful chocolate cake I've ever had. Yes, it was the beetroot that made all the di erence. It taught me that what it sounds like sometimes doesn't do justice to what it is; my perception of it, my prejudging, might be totally wrong. It was in the eating that I discovered how lovely a beetroot chocolate cake really is! I guess that's a good principle to follow - it's in experiencing something new that we have our horizons expanded; our tastes literally change. When the Psalm says, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." (34 v 8) he is saying that there is more to God than maybe we thought. Some people just don't realise the wonder of faith in him, they don't see the joy that comes with knowing him, the love that he gives, the peace of mind and heart that we experience. What possible bene t is there in looking for God, in believing in him? Countless people have testi ed to that feeling, and then of 'tasting and seeing', and realising that God really is good! I've heard people ask, 'Why did nobody tell me about Jesus earlier?' They've said, 'I wish I'd come to church years ago because I've missed out on so much.' Well it's never too late! And God always has a welcome, a blessing, to all who come to him. It may be something new, something di erent, but faith in God is something well worth exploring. Why not taste and see? Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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Page 179
14 October 2021
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i everyone, welcome to a new day.
I guess we all have memories of places where we lived as a child; and sometimes a memory will be triggered by a comment, a sound, a picture perhaps. Well yesterday I came across an estate agent's details for a house in Blackpool where I used to live. It's a double-fronted end of terrace corner house. But I remember it as a newsagents. I remember it because I walked past it twice a day for 8 years on my way to both primary and senior school. I used to buy my sweets and comics from there. I even bought my rst Valentine's Day card from there... Anyway, after I left Blackpool 35 years ago, it was totally remodelled as a house and given bay windows and a normal front door instead of the huge shop windows that used to be there. You'd never know it had been a shop. I commented on a Blackpool discussion page, and among the comments from people who remembered it as I do, was one comment by a local resident who said that it has never been lived in since it was altered, the windows are all whitewashed. Another local commented that the brickwork was badly done, it was going to take a lot of money. And indeed, looking inside at the breeze block half-built interior walls you can tell this is a ramshackle so-called 'conversion'. It's no wonder it's never been lived in in 30 years. It's ugly, it's unsafe, it's probably better as a demolition project. How sad. When I read how badly it was built, and saw the photo of the un nished interior, the story Jesus told about the foolish builder immediately came to mind. Was he simply foolish, or was he a cowboy builder out to make a quick pro t by building on cheaper, unstable land that was unsuitable? The converted shop is certainly a foolish project if the builder didn't build properly, didn't use the right materials. How much money has been lost? Many of you will know the parable Jesus told: the foolish man built on sand, and of course the foundations gave way when the rain came. The wise man built on a solid foundation. He built with care on a good foundation, knowing that weather conditions change and the house had to be more than secure, whatever the circumstances. Jesus is very speci c about what constitutes a good foundation: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand." (Matthew 7 v 26) His words are the good foundation that were ignored. The opposite is true of course: it's the person who reads and practices the words of Jesus, speci cally, who will be able to withstand the storms, the bu eting winds, the rising oods of life's changing circumstances. To build on his teaching is to have the securest foundations, the best materials, the most experienced architect, and every help in building a life that will be strong and peaceful. Lord Jesus, I thank you for your words, the words that bless and comfort, strengthen and encourage me. You, Lord, have the words of eternal life, no one else taught like you, pointing the way to God. As I read your word, may I nd you there, hear your voice, and feel your presence with me. In your name I pray, amen. God bless you 🙏
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Page 180
15 October 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the end of the week; have you got that Friday feeling? I'm feeling a little bit frustrated, a bit unful lled as if something hasn't happened that should have. A 'new beginning' didn't emerge. Let me tell you what's not happened: The council didn't take away our rubbish from the Army hall! Twice! On Monday all the rubbish from the shop sorting was left for the bin lorry. Last week they took it all, this week it's all still there! Yesterday, for the second time in a fortnight they didn't empty our recycling bin Cue a phone call this morning... I don't know about you but there's something satisfying about bringing empty bins 'back in' and starting again. Don't you think so? Or is it just me? We get to the night before 'bin day', we position the bins carefully in their usual place in anticipation of the next morning, and when it's all over we gladly wheel them back in. Do you lift the lid rst and check, seeing with great satisfaction that it's all gone? No? Well it must be just me then 😁 Apart from the fact that the blue bin at the hall is too full to put anything else in over the next two weeks, we don't have the satisfaction of seeing our rubbish being removed. And it's worth a bit of a moan... Don't we produce a lot of rubbish! Every day life is full of waste, unwanted items, discarded wrappings, broken stu , unneeded clutter. It's good to be rid of it. What would our house look like if we never threw refuse away? It doesn't bear thinking about. Having a clear out is sometimes necessary but not always pleasant; even emptying a bin can be a bit smelly, but it must be done. It's part of house keeping. The experiences of life are sometimes unpleasant. It's unreasonable and unrealistic to think that God is always going to bless us, give us good things, be perpetually on hand. Sometimes he allows some 'rubbish' into life, or to use dramatic Biblical imagery, he leads us through the valley of the shadow of death; in other words, into experiences that make us think, 'what am I doing here?' There are silent times, times when we groan inwardly, when what we experience is the opposite of blessings. There are times when we've actually made the mess ourselves. Is it all because God isn't there? No. It's because he gives us things that are designed to teach us, meant to help us trust him, things that will encourage us to pray. He allows us to make the mess to show us a better way, if we'd only learn. Becoming a Christian has never, for anyone, been the start of a trouble-free lifetime of leisure. The bins have to be emptied every week, not just once. And sometimes it's not pleasant to face the stu in life that comes to us, the waste we ourselves create. We should examine ourselves, face those things that are not right and 'put those bins out'. Thank God that when we do that, he will take it away. He removes the burden, forgives the sin, relieves the pain That's the grace of God for those who admit they need him. Life is a journey of experiences, both joyful and troubling. We expect that even spiritual experiences can be unsettling, and God gives those things that seem unpleasant but which actually have the potential to mould us into mature people of faith. The Bible con rms 'We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our redemption...' (Romans 8 v 23), but thank God for the bins, and thank God he always empties them! Have a lovely day everyone 🙏 God bless you 🙏
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Page 181
16 October 2021
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ood morning everyone and welcome to Song Saturday where we take a song that is featured in tomorrow’s
Together in Worship and think a little deeper about it.
This week a song written by a Yorkshire man from Keighley! I myself was surprised to realise how old this song is; it certainly doesn’t seem old-fashioned, even though it’s 130 years old. It doesn’t seem to have that Victorian feel to it, and especially it doesn’t have the rather arti cial Elizabethan language that a lot of hymns from the nineteenth century use to make them sound ‘spiritual’. Nathan Aldersley was converted at a young age and after being a Methodist preacher for a long time, eventually joined The Salvation Army in his mid-50s. He didn’t become an o cer, but I imagine he used his preaching experience and Bible knowledge to good e ect. After just a few years in the Army in Yorkshire he moved to New Zealand, but su ered from crippling rheumatism for many years. In these later years, even when bedridden, he wrote poetry and songs. The song we’re featuring tomorrow was written for the New Zealand War Cry in 1893. It’s ‘The Christ of Calvary’ to the lovely Scottish melody of Annie Laurie: Of all in earth or Heaven, The dearest name to me Is the matchless name of Jesus, The Christ of Calvary.
I could not live without him, His love is Life to me; My blood-bought life I give him, The Christ of Calvary.
I cannot help but love him, And tell his love to me; For he became my ransom, The Christ of Calvary.
Refrain: The Christ of Calvary, The dearest name to me Is the matchless name of Jesus, The Christ of Calvary.
Are those not the most beautiful words? It’s all so personal, so heartfelt; it’s most de nitely a love song about Jesus. Aldersley was a man severely disabled and in his 60s, writing in a way that only someone with a deep personal faith could. I can’t see that he wrote this song just because he could; it re ects his own personal experience of Christ in his life. There are other hymn writers like him – Fanny Crosby who was blind from birth, but who could write To God be the Glory; Horatio Spa ord, who lost his children at sea, but could still write It is Well With My Soul, and Martin Rinkart the writer of my old school hymn, Now Thank We All Our God, even though in 1637 he buried 4,500 people who died through disease and famine! What is it about the faith of people like these, that they can write songs of faith, trust and love when their personal circumstances are so dire? To me, they prove the value of faith; we who have light and momentary struggles must surely admire someone with burdens greater than ours who nevertheless challenge us to ‘cast all our anxiety onto Jesus because he cares for you.’ (1 Peter 5 v 7) Some might suggest that their faith was made strong because they had nothing left to help them, no other support to lean on. I think I prefer to think that they were carried through their di culties because their faith was strong in the rst place. Yes, faith is strengthened in the di cult times, but faith is also tested there; how much better to approach our burdens, our circumstances with a faith that is already made strong by the Father’s presence, Jesus’ promises and the Holy Spirit’s power! As Nathan Aldersley discovered, he could not live without him. That’s not just a response of need, that’s a testimony of love. See you tomorrow in Together in Worship. God bless you 🙏
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Page 182
18 October 2021
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orning all, welcome to Monday! A new day, a new week, a new beginning.
Sometimes what's obvious, what is neither new or groundbreaking dawns on you again. It's the kind of thing that excites you, but when you say it to someone else they might say, 'I knew that already.' Well here's my oh-so-obvious thought for the day: We're all di erent. Erm. Major, is that it? Yes, isn't it exciting? Again, erm... No. Well it occurred to me again this morning and I like it! I think about our Sunday worship yesterday as we gathered in the Citadel. Major Fiona and I have been here seven years and three months now, and we've observed many changes; we've been part of those changes. Each change involves people. We've said farewell to some, we've welcomed others. We've watched children grow, we've witnessed people change their circumstances. Some people have stayed the same. And as I stood yesterday looking at the congregation around me (literally around me because some sit in front and some behind) I was amazed again at the diversity of ages, of occupations, of education, of background, of family. Some have been part of Guisborough Salvation Army Corps for literally their lifetime ( whether that be 90 years or 9 years). Some have joined in recent years and months, Some have literally come to us over the last couple of weeks! I considered just how many have come and worshipped with us in the last few years, adding their voices equally to the praises given by those who made Guisborough Salvation Army their church so many years ago. It really is a wonderful thing! I love the picture that accompanies the Bible verse, "In Christ we, though many, form one body." (Romans 12 v 15) Some people have evidently coloured in some paper crosses and stuck them on a poster. Some are all one colour, some are multicoloured; some are neat and some are crumpled, folded over. A couple of them are half hidden, all of them are touching. Not one of them is bigger than the others, none are apart. They are bright, they are connected, they add to the design. It's just like us. As I write this I'm still thinking that it's so obvious, so unremarkable; and yet the thought of Christian fellowship where all are welcomed, all are valued, where all may contribute and all can receive, is still the most remarkable thing! Many hundreds of years ago, in a town in the north of Africa, a middle aged Roman man became a Christian. He wrote down what he and the rest of the town used to think about the small group of Christians who quietly met there: "See how they love one another." For all its weaknesses, all it's human frailty, I believe that nevertheless a Christian fellowship where Christ is at the centre, where the Spirit has drawn people together, and where 'they love one another' is the most remarkable, most wonderful thing. In a world of division, of hostility, of loneliness, of suspicion and intolerance, the Church where love welcomes all is never ordinary. It's just amazing. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 183
19 October 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Isn't electricity brilliant! Literally!I got out of bed this morning, in the dark of course, and put the kitchen light on and, ta da! brilliant light and an electric kettle to make my strong co ee with. What would we do without electricity? Well yes, oil lamps and a kettle on the re...but do we want to go back to Victorian times? Can you imagine no electricity? None at all? There was a power cut in Guisborough yesterday, just for a very short time and in a small area near the high street. It was enough to set an alarm o and shut down the self service tills in Morrisons, but no other real inconvenience that I'm aware of. ( I hope the dentist wasn't drilling at the time!) Just imagine a total, permanent blackout... Not just no lights, but nothing electronic would work. No tills in Morrisons at all - in fact you'd not get through the electronic doors! Nothing computerised would work, no phones, no laptops, no heating, no TV!! Nothing in the hospitals would work. Oh it would be total disaster and tragedy; I think civilisation would almost come to an end. It really would be going back to Victorian times. Electricity is a power that controls and contributes to our living. Of course it must be used correctly. Yesterday Major Fiona and I were nearly in an accident. Our tra c light turned green, we moved forward and tried to turn right, only to be met by someone driving towards us. 'I didn't see the light!' she said... Hmmm For technolo y to keep us safe we need to be aware of it, and take notice. We take electricity for granted; it works in ways we don't understand, it a ects, enables and empowers things without us even considering it. There is a greater power that similarly 'works' in the background, sustaining, in uencing, empowering our very lives. It's not sentimental to speak of the love of God, though some might think it to be just a romantic, 'spiritual' idea. Love isn't just emotion or a ection that we feel; the love of God is creative and protective, it underpins our very lives. Love informs relationships, it inspires goodness, it challenges us to be just. Without God's love there would be no joy, no peace, no hope. The world around us wants love, but like the driver who 'didn't see the light' so many people are not seeing God's love, they're taking no notice. It's no wonder the world seems to get darker. But for us who believe, there's a promise that doesn't just relate to Christians, doesn't just make us feel loved, but which reminds us that the whole world is still loved by its Creator, and that "Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8 v 38 39) The world is held by the love of God. There will never be a 'power cut' as far as that is concerned; if the world would only recognise and accept that love, what a dramatic change we would see. May you be aware of his love today, May God bless you 🙏
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Page 184
20 October 2021
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midweek greeting to you all! How are you feeling today? Happy? Sad? Full of ener y? Old...?
Are you feeling your age today? Ooooh, don't tell the Queen she's old! Yesterday The Oldie Magazine (are you a subscriber?) o ered an award to Her Majesty: the Oldie of the Year. This prize honours people of advanced age who have made a special contribution to public life. Prince Philip, who died in April, received the accolade in 2011, when he was 90. I can well imagine what he might have said at hearing about it, but I can't print that here! I can picture the Queen's face at the news, and her reply of 'Well really!' The o cial, polite reply was "Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel. As such The Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept. and hopes you will nd a more worthy recipient." Quite. Would you like to be called an 'Oldie'? We have an over sixties club here at Guisborough Salvation Army called Golden Years, and one of the members, now in Heaven, regularly called the other members the Golden Oldies. Interestingly, she didn't include herself; and she was in her 90s! As a chaplain in a care home 20 years ago I quickly learned that certain words were not allowed: 'old', 'elderly', 'aged', among them. It implied reaching the end as if that's it, done! The word 'older' was acceptable because it allowed for going further; it was a stage, not a nal destination! So, Her Majesty is only as old as she feels. Well, the other day I felt I was 6. I was walking along the street and there were piles of leaves on the path. I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist it! I waded through them, ankle deep, scattering them as I scu ed my feet with joy! I looked up and felt a little foolish because a group of 18 year old students were walking towards me, ever so sensibly. They must have thought I was a just a daft old bloke 😄 But I enjoyed it! Is that wrong? Maybe if we adults let ourselves go and acted playfully and with carefree enjoyment a bit more, the world would be a better place. When Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18 v 3) he wasn't really talking about kicking leaves around, much less acting childishly; but he was suggesting that we be open-hearted, trusting, willing to discover, to believe. A child doesn't have the acquired cynicism of the years, the prejudices that prevent them from learning something better than accumulated opinions. Faith is a wide-eyed expectation of what God can do, an excited discovering of God and a willingness to follow. Children love to collect, to join in, to copy. To become like that in the context of believing in God is what Jesus says will enable even the oldest amongst us to enter today the Kingdom of Heaven. That Kingdom is not reserved for those who reach the end of the journey, it's for us who today learn to kick up the leaves and don't care what the 'sensible' people think. Go and enjoy yourselves today! And may God bless you 🙏
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Page 185
21 October 2021
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orning all! Did you sleep well last night? Hopefully you did, even just for a few hours. Did you dream?
Apparently we all dream for 2 hours (assuming we sleep longer than that!), but I doubt whether many of us remember all those dreams. I've met people who say they never dream; all I can think is that they weren't paying attention! Some dreams are eeting, some are totally ridiculous; There are the realistic dreams, but then my favourite kind: the ones where you can y! ...just me then? I've had dreams so detailed and so long you could turn them into a miniseries! Other dreams have e ected my emotions. I remember vaguely dreaming once that Fiona and I had a disagreement. When I woke up I was still cross with her - for no reason at all, and I had to remind myself it wasn't true, and that she DID deserve her morning cup of tea! Poor girl had no idea! I've dreamed once of a huge problem I had to deal with. It woke me up and I lay there worried to death, burdened and troubled. I got up and suddenly realised none of it was true. It was fake news in dream form. How relieved I was. Leaving behind the negative dreams, some dreams, the best dreams are wonderful, exciting, productive. Some people over the years have said that their great achievements have come as a result of a dream. That fanciful idea, that image, that concept they had; on waking they took it to the drawing board, the typewriter, the piano and it became a reality of science, literature or music. Amazing. The Bible says in Acts 2 that when God 'pours out his Spirit' - when people become aware of his presence and power - 'old men will dream dreams' alongside younger men and women who will see visions and prophesy (talk openly about God). It sounds otherworldly I guess, but simply I think it means that people will see possibilities they'd never considered before. These are not random mental images dreamed up in the mind, these are moments when people, perhaps in prayer or reading the Bible, will suddenly understand something wonderful about what God can do. Some people say that God gives ideas for the church and how it can do new things. Maybe it's something about God we didn't understand before, something personal that God wants us to know that will encourage or guide. Maybe a person will come to realise the love of God for them literally in a way they never dreamed possible! There's a verse that talks about those things that “... no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2 v 9) The blessings from God are only seen by those who open their eyes to believe, to dream about possibilities; those who ask God to show them what he can do, how he can answer their prayers. An old song says, It is no secret what God can do. What he's done for others he'll do for you; With arms wide open, he'll pardon you, It is no secret what God can do. Let God give you a vision of what he can do, let him inspire a dream of his grace and love. May he make that dream a reality in your life. God bless you 🙏
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Page 186
22 October 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
It was u jab day yesterday. That's three vaccinations I've had this year, soon to be four once I've had my booster that's due in December. I know there are those who don't like needles, are suspicious of chemicals, and who resist any vaccine let alone the Covid ones. I would urge anyone who is wavering to get a vaccine, especially when we realise that the scare stories have proven to be just that; there have not been the dreadful results over this last year that some were saying would happen! In fact the Covid vaccines have been literally life savers, and the u jab likewise will be extremely helpful. My experience yesterday was that there are a lot of people who know what they are doing. This isn't some amateur quack medicine or government test. From the moment I sat down with the pharmacist to when I walked out of Boots I felt I was in the safe hands of people who knew what they were doing. The pharmacist explained everything, was knowledgeable, experienced, and evidently drew on a whole background of learning. She handed me a lea et about the u vaccine which I had time to read; and there was the evidence, the background to what was in the vaccine and even where the u virus had come from - Washington and Phuket! Who'd have thought? I know nothing about vaccines, nothing about viruses, but I'm aware that thousands of scientists, laboratory workers, medical experts, researchers and pharmacists have been working for months and years all round the world to bring the best protection to us. Do I personally need to investigate, know and understand all this knowledge for my left arm to receive a vaccine? No, I just trust what others know. Do I need to know what life will hold? Do I need to see the future, understand the past and know everything about the present in order to have faith? No not at all because there is Someone greater than me who knows all things. Should I second-guess God? Should I say, 'Hang on, are you sure?' Dare I say, 'I'd rather make my own mind up?' What reason would I have to wonder if God actually knows what he's doing? If we trust our daily lives and wellbeing to the vast knowledge of people behind the scenes, why would I fail to trust God and his perfect knowledge of life itself, and eternity? Why would I question his thinking? 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?' (Romans 11 v 34) We cannot possibly see every detail, every part of life; but God has a perspective, an overview, an in nite understanding. It's wise to allow him to lead. 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. God bless you 🙏
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Page 187
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ello again everyone, and welcome to Song Saturday. Most of you will know that each week we take a hymn or song from tomorrow’s
Together in Worship video and consider it. This week an English gospel song published in 1909, Sing We The King Who is Coming To Reign.
The author of this song was Charles Sylvester Horne – known as Sylvester – who by all accounts was a renowned speaker and preacher. He was a minister of the Congregational Church, leading two churches, rst in Kensington and then Tottenham Court Road. In the year that he wrote this song he was elected the Liberal MP for Ipswich, a constituency he held until his sudden death at the age of 49 in May 1914. I can’t help but think that his politics and his faith combined as he preached the Gospel and tried to use his in uence to improve the lives of others through his politics. The song below certainly speaks of a transformed world, a renewed society and the uniting of the world’s people. Surely politics at its best meets with the Christian faith to foreshadow a world that will be redeemed by Jesus, the King who is coming to reign. A week ago yesterday Sir David Amess MP was brutally murdered in a wicked act of terrorism, the source of which was the antithesis of the loving faith in Christ that he passionately held. His faith was spoken about warmly in the many tributes to him, with even the Prime Minister speaking about Sir David’s faith in the Resurrection and the Life. His long career was an attempt to foreshadow the bene ts of the Kingdom of God amongst the people. There will be many people who, this week, have thanked God for a man who dearly wanted to see ‘thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.’ It's what Rev Sylvester Horne MP wanted too. Oh for more men and women of faith to be involved in bringing faith and Christ’s Kingdom into politics. Sing we the King who is coming to reign, Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain, Life and salvation His empire shall bring Joy to the nations when Jesus is King.
Souls shall be saved from the burden of sin, Doubt shall not darken His witness within, Hell hath no terrors and death hath no sting; Love is victorious when Jesus is King.
All men shall dwell in His marvellous light, Races long severed His love shall unite, Justice and truth from His sceptre shall spring, Wrong shall be ended when Jesus is King.
Kingdom of Christ, for Thy coming we pray, Hasten, O Father, the dawn of the day When this new song Thy creation shall sing, Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.
All shall be well in His Kingdom of peace, Freedom shall ourish and wisdom increase, Foe shall be friend when His triumph we sing, Sword shall be sickle when Jesus is King.
Chorus: Come let us sing: Praise to our King, Jesus our King, Jesus our King; This is our song, who to Jesus belong: Glory to Jesus, to Jesus our King.
The Kingdom IS coming; even so, come Lord Jesus! See you tomorrow for Together in Worship, God bless you 🙏
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23 October 2021
25 October 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Are you still commenting to your friends and family about the dark? We all do it; it gets to a certain time: 'Goodness, isn't it dark already!' I've found myself on a sunny afternoon saying to Fiona, 'It'll be dark soon.' What's that about? We're obsessed with the dark mornings and the dark evenings almost as much as we are with the weather! 'It'll soon be Christmas.' I heard myself say the other day. 'We need the lights to cheer us up.' I think there's something in that. We are people who need light. Whether it's the warm, romantic glow of candles or the bright lights we work under, or lights just to see by in order to do anything at all, we need the light. We might put extra lights on just for reassurance or to make a room look nice. I was listening to a group of American people yesterday, and the subject of family traditions came up. Thanksgiving got a mention, then the big Hallowe'en festivities, and then - you won't believe this - two of them said that as soon as Hallowe'en nished, the very next day they put up their Christmas decorations. Seriously? On the 1st November? One man said he has 7 Christmas trees, and every single room in his house has a di erent Christmas theme. That's more stu than a Dobbies Garden Centre! What is wrong with these people? I love Christmas and I love Christmas displays in shops in November, but... It does seem that Christmas decorations are put up earlier each year. Have you noticed that? Fiona and I have a competition to see who nds the rst house with a tree in the window. I have a theory. It's an act of relief, pushing against the gloomy November days. People can't wait for the week running up to Christmas any longer. If the shops are lled with sparkling lights, then why not my house? And so the tree with 800 lights goes up. And the lights round the window. And the lights along the edge of the roof. And the lights up the path. And the lights in the hedge. We don't want the darkness! And I totally understand it, and I can see almost a symptom of a deeper need. The human heart needs light, it looks for light, it is attracted by the light. And whether it's actual light for the eyes, or whether it's metaphorical in the form of joyful experience or acts of kindness, or a spiritual light that brings peace of mind, we would welcome it. We turn from the darkness to welcome the light. The Bible says that in Jesus is the light that 'shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.' (John 1 v 5). People everywhere who have turned to Christ, have found all the light they long for. The world is looking for that light. May it be found in Christ. 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 have sought, 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.
Enjoy the light, but don't you dare put that tree up before December! God bless you 🙏
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Page 189
26 October 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona in Harrogate. Yes, I'm writing to you from this very posh town where we're in a gathering of Salvation Army O cers. We call it O cers' Councils, but it's a large conference for worship, listening to encouraging testimonies and spiritual teaching, and hearing about The Salvation Army's news and progress. It's quite amusing to think that Harrogate has suddenly become host to 800 almost identically-dressed Salvationist Army ministers in dark navy shorts or trousers, white shirts and dark blue coats. We walk from our various hotels, looking cheerful, chatting amiably and looking very 'corporate' indeed. I wonder what people think. The Army is famous for its uniforms of course. At one time it was characterised by high collars and by straw bonnets. Nowadays it's very often white shirt sleeves; times have certainly changed. But the ethos of our uniforms hasn't. The originator wanted us to wear a suit of clothes that showed we meant 'war'; nothing violent or hostile, this was an Onward Christian Soldiers type of thing. Uniforms are also a way of encouraging people to feel part of something big, something to be proud of. Over 20 years ago we worked in a hostel for homeless people in Sunderland. Living there was a young lad I'll call Peter. He had very little, had educational needs, and needed some support. He lived Sunderland football club. Peter had an old football shirt. It was a replica football shirt from a few years previous, it was out of date. But Peter didn't care; and whenever Sunderland played at home he would put on his usually very crumpled football shirt and mingle with the crowds of fans outside the Stadium of Light. He never went to a match, he got his pleasure from looking like hundreds of others, in showing his allegiance to a team he'd never watched. He just wanted to be there, to belong, to be welcomed and accepted by the other fans. He wanted people to see and know he was part of the Sunderland supporters. I think we all want to belong, to be part of something, to express our loyalty, our involvement. Is a uniform always the best thing? No, in many situations that might not be appropriate. But what is important is to display or 'live' the characteristics of the the group, to behave as to embody the values of the community so others know whom you represent. The disciples of Jesus don't need a uniform, but to show they are indeed members of his family, one thing is required: 'Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.' That's the most important uniform, but it's not merely clothing that you wear. Whether we wear a uniform or not, what matters is what is seen that has its origins in the heart. If we genuinely love one another it will show through and people will look and see and notice. May people see in us the love of Christ. God bless you 🙏
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27 October 2021
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ood morning everyone, we really hope that your week is going well.
I've often said that one of the gifts that accompany growing older is the blessing of memory. The older we get the more privileged we are to have accumulated memories: memories of places, events, lessons learned, and above all, people we have met. There are countless people who have in uenced us in many ways; these are the people we have loved, respected, listened to and watched. They are the people we would ask advice from if they were still here, the people whose voices we try to remember, whose example has been left behind. We think, 'What would they do?' There are people we remember with love. We thank God for them. We were walking through the shopping area in Harrogate. There are some beautiful old shop fronts and arcades, one of which had a plaque commemorating an 18th century merchant; there is an impressive war memorial which, in a couple of weeks time, will be the focus of our Remembrance Sunday. It was, however, a simple bench that made me stop and think. Right in the middle of the pedestrianised street was a simple nondescript bench with a plaque xed on it. It read, 'This seat is donated to the memory of Sidney Walters Faith witness to the lord in our town Died 30th June 1990' I wonder who he was, who his friends were who made this bench such a prominent memorial. I wonder what he did to earn this lasting accolade. He was a faith(ful) witness to the Lord. What did he do over thirty years ago? I'll never know, and perhaps his kind and grateful friends are also now no longer with us after all this time. But here's the thing: we now know the name of Sidney Walters. It will last until that bench disappears, and maybe on occasion an old friend will sit down and remember him. Are there people in Harrogate who especially thank God for Sidney because he led them to Jesus? A relative? A colleague? Another member of his church? The thought came to me that maybe Sidney never knew the esteem in which he was held, the respect that was given him and he may never have considered for a second that he'd get a bench in the shopping street. He may of course have prayed often that his work would show results, that his words would lead to someone's salvation and that in itself would be a memorial. Do you ever think about that? What example am I leaving? What memories will people have of me when I'm gone? Will there be those who will follow my example? We don't want benches and plaques; we do want people to think of us having a good in uence, who will occasionally thank God for us. St Paul wrote about the members of the little church in Philippines that he thanked God 'every time I remember you...' (Philippians 1 v 3). What a lovely thing to write. The people didn't have a memorial but they were certainly kept in Paul's mind and in his prayers of gratitude. What could I be and do to be a positive in uence on others? What godly example can I set, what lasting legacy of faith and love and witness might cause someone to say in prayer, 'Thank God for the Mugfords'? (place your own name here.) None of us expect that plaque but all of us want to leave behind something positive. What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow? How bring back hope where men have sorely failed? Just where I am I’ll speak the word of comfort, Tell how for me Christ’s sacri ce availed. 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.
God bless you 🙏
What can I do to justify my living? What can I be to make this life worthwhile? I’ll be a voice to call men to the Saviour, Just where I am, and win my Father’s smile. 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!
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We're back home now after a three day gathering of Salvation Army o cers. It was a time to worship, to listen, to meet up with colleagues we haven't seen for maybe a number of years!
For myself, I am glad for the opportunity for renewal. I am not the same as I was. And for all my imperfections I am glad I'm not trapped with those things that over the years I have left behind. I'm also glad that for all of us there's still the opportunity for change from what we are today. In God's grace there is always redemption, restoration, renewal.
There were men and women, Majors who will soon retire, grey haired and with faces lined by experience. There were young fresh faced Lieutenants with enthusiasm and many opportunities ahead. From my seat I looked at men I had known when we were young, when hair was darker and perhaps we were a little slimmer! How the years have own! I look back over the years, as we all do, and see the milestones we've reached and left behind. Too many experiences to recount at will but which return to our minds occasionally. We remember the wonderful times, the successes and the joys. The laughter, the pleasure. The people we knew, the places we visited or lived in. We relive the memories, see again our children growing, our friends as they were. Don't we sometimes miss those days? We might also remember with discomfort those experiences that bring other emotions: regret, embarrassment, grief; wishing we'd made a di erent decision, been strong enough to stand rm or walk a di erent path. If we're at peace now we can put it all down to experience, but other things do tend to haunt us. Thank God for redemption, for the understanding of others. Do you ever wish you could go back to your darkhaired younger self with everything you know now, and give him/her some advice? Would your younger self listen?! Possibly not, and in any case doesn't the wisdom of the years and the good decisions we make today come through the failures of yesterday as well as the successes? I looked at my older colleagues, as they possibly looked at me, remembering what they were like 10, 20, 30 years ago and I realised that none of us are the same people. They have changed. I have changed. And the thought that came to me was that as I have moved forward, so have they. If I want people to see that I am not the person I once was
Saint Paul's experience was certainly one of change. He wrote, "I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3 v 13) That's excellent advice. We can take the experience of the years, rejoice in it, learn from it, but not be held back by it as we are renewed daily to become the person we want to be, the person God plans for us to be. Father God, I look at my experience of life and see so much that is wonderful and beautiful. I see experiences that I am so privileged to have had. I see the mistakes too and thank you that while they add wisdom and character, they can also be forgiven and I can move on. Today may there be another step forward in this journey of life, being the person I am today and enjoying your grace, presence and blessing. Thank you for a new day, a new opportunity and a new start. In Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you today 🙏
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then I must allow that for them too. We can't keep ourselves or others in the past.
28 October 2021
29 October 2021
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ood morning everyone! We've made it to Friday and the weekend beckons. We hope you've been having a good week. I have to say that yesterday was really quite frustrating as I grappled with technolo y, both of the computer and the telephone kind. I've actually decided that technolo y dislikes me as much as I dislike it. Yesterday I needed to change my work password. My old one had expired, so I phoned our IT department and the message told me which website to go to to change my password. Simples? Oh no. I tried a new one: Your password contains a word that can easily be guessed. OK, I'll try a complicated one: Your password doesn't meet the requirements. Use a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. So I did. I typed in a really mixed up password: Still not acceptable. Why not? It was a 'mixture', it was long enough; but no... The computer helpfully suggested a password. OK I'll go with that. My goodness it was a complicated one. But no, it wasn't right! Why suggest it then!? By now I was getting frustrated. I needed to get into a website for some information, to be able to get work done. I phoned the IT people and was on hold for 20 minutes. (Why is the 'music' so awful?) And then David, who answered, said, "I'll reset your password." He directed me to a di erent website, gave me one of the simplest passwords, and that was it. (I did have one more issue which was my fault, but the password was perfect.)
I had tried so many complicated mixtures, so many di erent ways of placing letters and numbers. But when it came down to it all that was needed was a far simpler word and the correct website. I was given a name. A simple name, and I was there! There's another simple name that's been given. Where we try complicated things, mixed up things; when we try our own resources and plans, when it comes to our salvation - to the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, the gift of life, the assurance of God's love and grace - there is only one word, one name, one password if you like: Jesus. What could be simpler? Peter the Apostle said, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4 v 12) It's true. Every other name, every method, every e ort will fail. Only the name, the person and work of Jesus is su cient. In a world of many other choices, competing philosophies, other names and pathways, his is the true name, he is the One, the only one given by God, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. If only I'd known that simple password yesterday instead of all the convoluted stu I was trying. To know the name of Jesus, and simply to trust in that name, is to nd all I need; he's the only password, the only acceptable name. His is the dearest name to me.
Of all in earth or Heaven, The dearest name to me Is the matchless name of Jesus, The Christ of Calvary.
I could not live with out him, His love is Life to me; My blood-bought life I give him, The Christ of Calvary.
I cannot help but love him, And tell his love to me; For he became my ransom, The Christ of Calvary.
Refrain:
The Christ of Calvary, The dearest name to me Is the matchless name of Jesus, The Christ of Calvary.
God bless you 🙏
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30 October 2021
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elcome everyone to the nal Song Saturday of October. It’s Hallowe’en tomorrow, and in the spirit of resisting everything that is dark and wicked in favour of everything light and good, here is a song that’s the opposite of Hell and speaks of Heaven! It’s an old hymn that’s been ‘spiced up’ by the addition of a chorus and a rousing tune. The words are by Isaac Watts a pastor in the Congregational church. In those days, at the turn of the eighteenth century, hymns were staid and usually based on the Psalms or the prayer book. Watts wanted to write about Christian experience and devotion, and you could say that he was the Graham Kendrick or the Matt Redman of his day. His poems were not always popular, but he wrote so many of them that he has been credited with changing the landscape of English congregational singing. The song we are using in the Citadel on Sunday morning was given a chorus by the same composer who gave us the tune which some recognise as On Ilkley Moor Baht 'at – or ‘Cranbrook’, which he wrote for While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night. I’m not sure Isaac Watts would have approved! The hymn, now a Gospel song, is ‘Come Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs With Angels Round the Throne’. It’s taken from Scripture, the Book of Revelation, and is a vision of Heaven where John the Apostle was amazed to see ten thousand, thousand angels praising the Lamb on the throne. The Lamb, of course, is Jesus the Lamb of God, the perfect sacri ce for sin. He is worthy they cry, worthy to receive honour because of his sacri ce. Worship, the word we use so easily, originally was an Old English word that meant worsh-ship, worthiness. Every time we praise God, worship Jesus, adore the Holy Spirit we are saying that God is with it all; there is no other good enough, wonderful enough. We love him with every ounce of our being, we give everything to him. As the song says: ‘blessings more than we can give be, Lord, forever thine.’ Christians have an innate desire simply to thank and praise God for all he’s done for us. Like the angels we and, symbolically, the whole of creation join as one simply to adore the Lamb. Thank you Lord Jesus for your sacri ce; Lord we lift you up in praise, and the addition of the chorus is so apt as it repeats, ‘Hallelujah, Hallelujah, hallelujah, amen!’ Come, let us join our cheerful songs With angels round the throne; Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, But all their joys are one.
Jesus is worthy to receive Honour and power divine; And blessings more than we can give Be, Lord, forever Thine.
Worthy the Lamb that died, they cry, To be exalted thus! Worth the Lamb, our hearts reply, For He was slain for us!
The whole creation join in one To bless the sacred name Of Him that sits upon the throne, And to adore the Lamb.
Refrain
Hallelujah to the Lamb Who died on Mount Calvary! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, amen! We’re sorry not to be on video tomorrow; if you can, why not join us at the Citadel at 10am. If not, we’ll see you on YouTube next Sunday 7th November. God bless you 🙏
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01 November 2021
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orning everyone, welcome to Monday, and to the rst day of November.
I received a WhatsApp message yesterday from an unknown number saying, 'Hi Dad, this is my new number.' Interesting, but not helpful, seeing that I have three sons. 'OK', I replied, 'Now you'll have to tell me which son.' 'Your eldest, lol.' was the reply. Well, my suspicions were raised because we'd been with our oldest son the day before and he never mentioned any new phone, let alone a new number. So I replied and said 'Go away', and then phoned my son just to make sure. Of course I was correct; there was no new phone or number. Then a new message from the 'fake son' arrived: I dropped it in the sink.' I blocked and reported the scammer, and deleted the messages. It's so easy, isn't it? There must be many of us day by day who receive phone calls, texts, emails and messages that seem genuine for a second or two but then become obviously a scam. But what about people who do get taken in? What might have happened if I'd believed that message was from my oldest son and changed his phone number and rung it? We do need to be careful about the message and the source of that message. These are potentially dangerous. Fake phone messages, fake news (as we used to keep hearing about) and fake people who are not who they say they are have caused problems and hurt. Be aware! It's always been a problem, even before electronic messages and online misinformation. Who do you believe? If, as Jesus says, 'The truth shall set you free', (John 8 v 32), we have to be very careful that it is, in fact, the truth. I believe the only way to ascertain that is by knowing and trusting the source. Jesus said, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' (John 10 v 27) He had already said that the sheep follow the shepherd because they know his voice. That's where we know that the message is real; if it comes from him, from the Bible, from his own Spirit who speaks in agreement, then it's the truth. We should listen. I read an interesting quote just this morning: "When the past calls let it go to voicemail; believe me, it has nothing new to say.' What does God say? If we feel unloved, know the truth of his love. If we feel unworthy, remember the truth that you are precious in his sight. If we feel the past reminding us of mistakes and failings, remember the truth of his forgiveness and redemption. So many voices around us will harm us, but we remember that the devil is 'the father of lies', he's the original scammer. Only listen to God, in whom there's trustworthiness, faithfulness and truth. And that truth is always worth listening to. Enjoy your day. God bless you 🙏
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02 November 2021
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you slept well. What were you doing at 6 o'clock this morning? Awake early as usual, or blissfully unaware of the world outside your bed as you dreamed away...? I was standing on our doorstep, having opened the door to the sound of our cat's paws. All was dark and quiet, except for one vocal bird. The slice of moon brightly re ected the soon-to-rise sun that had made a smudge of blue above the bungalows opposite; and there in the middle of the sky was the morning star. It was twinkling like mad. And all was still as the cat watched with me, purring in my arms. Often when we look up we might think of the Creator, as people have done for thousands of years, considering what he thinks of us: "When I look at your heavens, the work of your ngers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:3 4) You might think of the stars, or it might be the hills or the seashore. These scenes of nature are mostly unchanged and unchanging, and countless eyes before ours have watched and wondered over the centuries. And as I looked at the moon and that twinkling star I didn't actually think of God the creator, nor of him coming to us; I thought of those who wondered what was 'up there'. When they looked at a twinkling star or the silent moon, what did they imagine? For all mankind's history there will have been people who longed to reach them, to go there, to travel away from this familiar experience and discover something unknown. And yes, I'm going to quote Star Trek now: people wanted "to boldly go where no man has gone before"! Wasn't it wonderful and rather amusing that William Shatner, 'Captain Kirk' himself, blasted o the other week for the briefest of moments at the edge of space? Of all people it was he who should be there. Had he longed through his life to do in reality just a little of what his TV and lm character had done? What more is there for him to do, now that at the age of 90 he has become the oldest man to go into space? Wouldn't you like to do that? I would. None of us will, and I think we're all no further going to the moon than we were 50 years ago when two or three men skipped about on the surface for a couple of days collecting rocks. But the longing is there. It's the feeling that something is 'beyond', something is out there, something to attain to, to reach out for. It's a very human attribute. Call it curiosity if you like, a sense of wanting to explore, discover, experience something new. Is there more to life than what we see around us? Yes! There's something restless about the human soul. It looks down, around and up; it looks out. But the restless spirit we have must also look within, for our heart is restless till it nds its rest in God, as Augustine said. Standing on a doorstep at dawn just reminded me that there's so much more than what my mind can be satis ed with; it doesn't matter what I discover though if my heart has not discovered the presence, the power and the peace of God. Thankfully he responds to my longings and comes to me. God bless you 🙏
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03 November 2021
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midweek greeting to you all!
We have seven large trees next to our house on a small grassed area. It's nice to look out at, but they do need a bit of trimming. In the summer they do provide a lovely green canopy, and in the autumn the leaves are gold. But that's the issue. Apart from how close some of the branches are to our house, seven trees grow a lot of leaves! And where do they fall? Well, it all depends on how the wind blows. Leaves tend not to simply drop on the ground and I've been grateful over the last couple of weeks that the wind has come from one particular direction and has whisked away the leaves and carried them away from our house to 'who-knows-where?'. Even our street is devoid of leaves, but someone surely has them! I looked at our front garden and there's a small patch where leaves get trapped, but that's OK; and our back garden has had a few stray leaves but nothing to worry about particularly. Until the last few days that is. The wind changed direction, along with all the rain we had over the weekend and now our garden has many leaves. Neighbours have had rakes and leaf blowers out and it seems more leaves will fall. If only we could control the wind and make it blow all those leaves down the street and across the car park, and not into our gardens. If it's true that 'into every life some rain must fall', it's also true that we should try to discover 'which way the wind blows'. In other words, we must understand situations, respond to them appropriately because we certainly cannot stop that rain, neither can we direct the wind. Some might call it fate. It's all random and mindless. Well the wind is unpredictable, and Jesus used a breezy evening to tell a man a truth about God that perhaps he'd never considered before: that God's Spirit is like the wind: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear it's sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going..." (John 3 v 8) Well as we know that's true enough, but how is God like the wind? Is he 'random, mindless and unpredictable'? Well, perhaps to our understanding, yes. "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" asks St Paul (Romans 11 v 34). "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD (Isaiah 55 v 8). And Jesus, in talking about the wind says "so it is with everyone born of the Spirit." He's saying that God's in uence in our lives, bringing us to faith, showing grace, giving life is not a decision simply of our own making: it's his work. We do not direct God's grace, his provision, his blessing; and though none are excluded and God's love is for all, he comes to us in his time, in his way. Some people might wonder about comparing the Spirit of God to the wind; does it mean he's impersonal, erratic? Well it does assume a powerful in uence, but we remember that he is personal, loving, gentle and life-giving. The Spirit of God may indeed have his own way of working, but he knows your heart, and his in uence is thoughtfully applied to your life. It is true that 'powerful as the wind he came, as viewless too', but also he comes 'sweet in uence to impart, a gracious, willing Guest, while he can nd one humble heart wherein to rest.’ God bless you 🙏
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04 November 2021
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ello everyone, welcome to Thursday, it's a new morning!
Did you jump out of bed full of the joys of the morning, or did you reluctantly drag yourself out of the warmth and comfort of your snug duvet? Maybe you enjoyed your advised 8 hours, or perhaps you are one of the many who wake up several times wondering why, with your mind full of plans, problems and perplexing questions. Sleep is so important, they tell us, and yet no matter what we do this important part of our lives is beyond our control. Oh for the uninterrupted, refreshing sleep of the peaceful mind! Have you noticed how many adverts there are for beds? It's as if the manufacturers know what we're all thinking! Maybe they don't sleep either! There are adverts for the best mattresses ever, adverts for memory foam, adverts for mattress toppers and a free pillow worth thirty quid! There are adverts that prove how wonderful their mattress is by showing a heavy weight rolled onto it. I like the one with all the tree stumps. Yes we can sleep like a log! 😁 The Bible is full of sleepy people and people resting, on their beds. "I lie down and sleep: I wake again because the Lord sustains me." (Psalm 3:5) There's the untroubled sleep of someone at peace. Being awake at night is not a modern phenomenon. People everywhere have had fears, concerns, minds full of restless thoughts; and down through the centuries comes the wisdom of experience and faith. I remember a poster once that said, "Can't sleep? Don't count sheep, talk to the shepherd." Good advice. Another Psalm re ects the idea that peaceful sleep comes because God can remove our fears and protect us from harm. Maybe the writer was thinking about safety from his physical enemies, but can we not claim safety from damaging thoughts too? "I both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4 v 8) A favourite verse is actually quite dramatic! "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that ies by day. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91 v 1,5,11) I can't say that I'm afraid of the dark, nor of any rogue archers that might attack me the next day, but I do appreciate the comfort and security of being sheltered, and resting in God's shadow. I can happily sleep peacefully there! There is one verse that doesn't mention beds or sleep, but which does have a bearing on those sleepless, anxious times: "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (Peter 5 v 7) Remember that verse, act upon it and prayerfully talk to God about the things that cause anxiety. Remember that he is sheltering you, remember that he has a gift of peace for you in even the most disturbed night. I shall return to these thoughts myself in future nights, or those far-too-early mornings, and simply remind myself that he gives perfect peace and 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.' New every morning is the love our waking and uprising prove; through sleep and darkness safely brought, restored to life and power and thought. May that be your daily experience. God bless you 🙏
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ood morning everyone, it's Friday again! It's also 5th November. Oh dear... Do you remember when you were a kid? My Guy Fawkes Night, Bon re Night or whatever you call it, was a few sparklers and those little coneshaped reworks that sputtered out some coloured ames, and Catherine wheels that always got stuck and scorched the gatepost! Nowadays you'd think you were in a war zone! Tonight and tomorrow, being Saturday, garden and public displays will make use of some of the biggest reworks I've ever seen! I looked in the window of Yorkshire Trading; those weren't reworks for sale, they were the heavy munitions of modern warfare! (Keep your pets safe) Of course, we all know the violent intentions of the original gunpowder plot. Looking at the shop window I can't help but think Guy Fawkes would have been envious! He was nothing less than a terrorist. The IRA, Taliban, ISIS, anyone with a suicide bomb... Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators were cut from the same cloth. The combination of intolerant religion with political extremism is always an explosive mix. Fawkes' intention to blow up parliament with the king and the entire government just demonstrated the danger of religious bigotry. Sad to say, the accusation we occasionally hear, that religion has caused wars and su ering, is somewhat true; people have often misused faith to further their political or criminal intentions. But we know that genuine faith, the faith of Jesus, is peacemaking, loving and gracious. You think of the qualities of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, & Self-Control, and you could never, ever reconcile them with aggressive means or intolerant attitudes, and certainly not with hatred and violence. It does seem strange then that we have a Salvation Army that has soldiers, sells a War Cry magazine and ghts the good ght! It's all about standing up for the truth of the Gospel of course, but with strong actions and words of love, truth, grace and compassion. The ght isn't against people, it's for them. Love of God and love for others is both the motivation and the test of all we do. Paul writes, 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' (Romans 12 v 21) That simply means that the remedy for all that is wrong - whether in my own heart or in the wider world - is the goodness of God. He, his love, is the answer. There's no other way. Have a lovely day, and enjoy your sparklers 🎇 🎆 God bless you 🙏
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05 November 2021
06 November 2021
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elcome to Song Saturday, the rst one in November. We do have a
Together in Worship video tomorrow and our song today
featured on YouTube is a popular hymn from England’s west country. It’s been described as the greenest hymn, and it covers everything from the beauty of nature to human relationships and spirituality. I just love the name of the man who wrote this: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint. In my opinion the best hymnwriter’s name in our songbook. I like this hymn for its theme of praise but it’s one of those hymns that people have often seen t to change for various reasons. One of the changes I don’t particularly like is in the last line where, in some modern versions the lyrics have been changed to 'Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.’ There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course, it’s a lovely line; but the original is, to my mind better and more authentic. It’s certainly Biblical: ‘Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually o er to God a sacri ce of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.’ (Hebrews 13 v 15) I said that the original ‘sacri ce of praise’ lyric was more authentic. Why would I say that? Well, if I’m honest I don’t always feel like singing a joyful hymn of praise. Do you get like that? Bad news, a di cult day, an argument, tiredness, illness… These things conspire against joyful hymns but even so, we are encouraged to be praising people. The Bible says, ‘The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble’ (Nahum 1 v 7) Is that not a reason to praise him? St Paul was once thrown into prison, into the maximum security cell, and yet, we’re told, at midnight he was singing hymns to God. That’s a sacri ce of praise, where we praise God ‘anyway’, even if it’s di cult. Praising God when it’s di culty, when it’s a sacri ce to do so, will bring some great blessings. Even when we are praying during a di cult time of our life, the Bible encourages us to bring our prayers ‘with thanksgiving’ (Philippians 4 v 6). So, if you’re ‘under the weather’ try making a sacri ce of praise, and see what blessing God gives you. For the beauty of the earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Father, unto Thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise.
For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild, Father, unto Thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise.
For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and ower, Sun and moon and stars of light, Father, unto Thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise.
For each perfect gift of Thine To our race so freely given, Graces human and divine, Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven, Father, unto Thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mind's delight, For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight, Father, unto Thee we raise This our sacri ce of praise.
Enjoy your day, and we’ll see you in Together in Worship tomorrow. God bless you, 🙏
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08 November 2021
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ood morning! Welcome to Monday; a new day, a new week, a new beginning. We hope the weekend was good for you.
This weekend we've had bon re night(s) which is nowadays heard more than seen! Poppy sellers in the supermarkets and on the street, and the increasing number of daily hints that Christmas is rushing to meet us! Adverts on the telly, music, and yes Christmas decorations in people's houses. One of our sons reports that near his house in Newcastle one house has been fully lit up for a week already! Well, one big hint I was made aware of last week is the Christmas stamps you can now buy at the Post O ce. I used to work on the PO counter and any new issue of stamps was an occasion, but the Christmas stamps are the best! I'm always pleased when it's Nativity themed. There's so much they could put on the stamps and they would be festive and seasonal and 'Christmassy'. People would still like them. And I daresay that if there was never another Nativity scene people would not miss it, after all you go into the Card Factory and you'd be hard pressed to nd a Nativity themed Christmas card! So, well done Post O ce planners for keeping the Nativity in our Christmas! I like these new stamps; they are modern but they don't remove the traditional images. And every day from now on people will go to their doormat and pick up cards and letters with the Holy Family or the shepherds, the wise men and the angels. I love the fact that Mary and Jesus on their own are First Class! It's just a little thing. A stamp. Maybe people will ignore the image. Maybe some will have no real idea what the pictures are. Others will look, remember, and just for a brief moment think of Jesus. The Post O ce is not a religious movement but they are making some contribution, however small (literally). In a secular world with increasingly godless ways they are keeping Christ in Christmas. We, of course, are 'religious'; and we are part of a movement, a Church, that wants to promote the name of Jesus, to remind people that he is 'a Saviour who is Christ the Lord'. In subtle ways, in overt ways, we can be used by God to remind people that Christmas is not reindeers, trees, presents and Slade. We should, as the Bible encourages us, 'be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.' (1 Peter 3 v 15). May our words, like stamps, be a frequent reminder to people of the lovely message of Christ and his birth. He's the reason... God bless you this week 🙏
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09 November 2021
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ood morning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
On numerous occasions yesterday when I spoke with people we did the very British thing, which was to talk about the weather! The sun was out, it wasn't too cold, and so it was worth mentioning: what a lovely, bright sunny day! Of course it was short-lived. I walked home the other day across a darkened car park, and I thought that just a couple of months previously at that same time it would have been a warm, sunny late afternoon. Now it was cold and dark. Last night I had a di erent feeling about the darkness, and especially the lights. I walked onto the high street and was immediately struck by how bright everything was! The shop windows just glowed, in fact one window was so bright the whole road was illuminated in front of it. I hardly realised that the sky was dark because all around me and into the distance, were lighted windows, and above them the bright streetlights shining through the almost bare branches of the trees. Yes, the sun was absent, but another kind of light was pushing the darkness away, keeping it above us as if to prevent it from descending into the high street. I thought how ironic it was that it was the darkness that enabled us to notice the light in each shop window. A few weeks ago, when the afternoons were lighter we may not have noticed that the shops were lit. Yesterday there was something else too, something new. As I turned the dark corner into Westgate and suddenly saw and was bathed in the light of all those windows, it made me feel di erent. It wasn't just my eyes, I felt welcomed, I felt safe, I felt reassured. It was no longer a dark early evening, it all felt warm and bright. The darkness had not won. Light is a perfect way to describe the e ect, the in uence and the purpose of Jesus in our world. He is the light that 'shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.' (John 1 v 5). Sometimes in the 'bright' moments of life we might forget he's there, but that light is never extinguished. When the darkness falls around us, we see that light appearing brighter. It shows direction, it ensures a safe path, it invites, welcomes, enables us to see, enables us to feel. The glow of faith in Christ is something for the heart, not just the eyes. We don't just believe in the mind, our heart is changed. John Wesley spoke about how, at his conversion, his heart was 'strangely warmed'. The light of Jesus might be bright, it's powerful and steady, but it's a warm light. Poetically we might say it's the light of love. He invites us to step into his marvellous light, to walk with him there, to know his love. Christ, whose glory lls the skies, Christ, the true, the only light, Sun of righteousness arise, Triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee; Joyless is the day's return till thy mercy's beams I see, Till thou inward light impart, Glad my eyes and warm my heart.
Visit, then, this soul of mine, Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, Radiancy divine, Scatter all my unbelief; More and more thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.
God bless you 🙏
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midweek greeting to you all! Yesterday I had a 'cross the road' moment. I was crossing a street when I spied something in the window of a house that I couldn't believe I'd seen. It was a Spanish gurine, about 18 inches high and it was identical to one my Nana had in her Blackpool boarding house 50 years ago! I haven't seen one for all those years, and there one was 500 yards from where I live now! I recognised it immediately and I was right back there in Hill Street, South Shore, aged 8. The memory was so real it brought back other parallel memories too, things I'd forgotten; including the souvenir wine-pourer lled with sherry or something that I kept sneakily drinking from when nobody was looking! 🤭 (But I didn't tell you that!) Yes, the memory was so fresh it could have been last year! I've been listening to a lot of memories in recent weeks. Pre-funeral pastoral visits are lled with memories of a loved one, as relatives speak fondly of their mother, sister, wife... Memories go back, of course, to childhood and youth. Moments are tender and a tear falls because those memories become real. In some of those memories are stories of Sunday School. It was a di erent world 50, 60, 70 years ago. People remember star cards, playing the tambourine, being in the sunbeams, even the songsters as a teenager in the 1950s. These were the days when not just whole families came but half the street! I haven't met anyone in my 33+ years of being an o cer who regretted their childhood faith, nor even anyone who deliberately rejected it as an adult. Circumstances change, events overtake people, and marriage, moving away, and life itself ends the childhood practice of faith. In conversation I sometimes detect a wistfulness about its loss... When Jesus made his famous pronouncement that 'except ye be converted (changed) and become as little children, ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 18 v 3) I wonder whether it was his appeal to grown ups who had relegated their faith to memory to rediscover that faith. Many children love Jesus, say their prayers, believe in the Bible; and then they 'see the sights that dazzle' and hear 'the tempting sounds' of teenage and adult years. Those who maintain the faith past the rebellious or experimental or merely busy years of early adulthood come to realise that Christian faith is not 'just for kids', it's an adult experience too, but so many lose the wonder of it and leave it behind. Return to those childhood memories, be that child again, and now bring that simple, trusting faith into today's experience. That's the way to see the Kingdom of God. And it's the same for those of us who have always been in the church from childhood: don't leave that simple, joyful love for Jesus in the YP Hall; may your memories of early faith inspire your belief, trust and open-hearted faith in him today. Do you remember this song from YP or Sunday School days? I invite you to make it your prayer today: Saviour, while my heart is tender, I would yield that heart to thee; All my powers to thee surrender, Thine and only thine to be. Take me now, Lord Jesus, take me, Let my youthful heart be thine; Thy devoted servant make me, Fill my soul with love divine.
2 Send me, Lord, where thou will send me, Only do thou guide my way; May thy grace through life attend me, Gladly then shall I obey. Let me do thy will, or bear it, I would know no will but thine; Shouldst thou take my life, or spare it, I that life to thee resign.
3 May this solemn consecration Never once forgotten be; Let it know no alteration, Registered, con rmed by thee. Thine I am, O Lord, for ever, To thy service set apart; Su er me to leave thee never, Seal thine image on my heart.
God bless you 🙏
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10 November 2021
11 November 2021
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ood morning everyone on this 11th day of the 11th month. We all remember the signi cance of this day.
On this day 103 years ago the Armistice was signed and what was known as The Great War was over. Four years of con ict that took so many young lives from every class of society, every community, every city, town and village. So many schools, factories, farms, shops on the high street, church congregations, lost young men. Every family lost someone close or associated with them. And since then we have remembered. What has always struck me about Remembrance is that our remembering has been very deliberate, purposeful, and substantial. In recent months Fiona and I have visited a number of Cathedrals: St Paul's, Westminster Abbey, Lincoln, and York Minster. In every one there are regimental chapels with banners, plaques, books of remembrance. In towns and village greens there are war memorials at which poppy wreaths are laid by veterans with lined faces and by children, by associations and clubs. The Church often stands alongside the acts of remembrance as a recognition of our need to pray for peace, to look forward with hope and to nd comfort as we remember. I commented recently that a number of years ago there was a feeling in the minds of some that as the Great War generation passed away our need for remembrance would pass too; well we now have veterans of more recent con icts, and the determination to remember, I feel, is even stronger. We will remember them. For those who have faith in God there is comfort in all circumstances - whether national mourning or personal pressures - because we know that we ourselves are remembered. God himself deliberately, purposefully and substantially remembers us. "I will not forget you." (Isaiah 49 v 15) His thoughts towards us never cease. There's never a moment when we 'slip his mind', or when our heartfelt prayer has to remind us we are there. His thoughts are always directed to us, his presence is always promised. When it comes to remembering those who gave their lives in con icts, we have special days such as Armistice and Remembrance; but there are permanent memorials, constant reminders 'lest we forget'. For some there are the personal memories that are cherished, a photo on the side, a possession that is valued: for some the memory is 'always'. For God, too, his remembrance of us is 'always.' God bless those we remember. God bless you 🙏
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12 November 2021
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ell, we've made it to another Friday. Good morning everyone.
Yesterday, of course, was a signi cant day, and Sunday will be too. I was pleased to hear that a good number of school children attended the Armistice ceremony yesterday. On Remembrance Sunday there's always a good contingent of young people, especially brownies, cubs, guides and scouts. It's a valuable lesson that we teach them, by involving them in such a solemn occasion. The proverb from the Bible that I want to quote is famous, especially in its old form: 'Train up a child...', but I wanted a di erent way of putting it that means the same: 'Start children o on the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.' (Proverbs 22 v 6). Involving children in Remembrance is a way of teaching them lessons nobody should forget, but of course that verse is also talking about the everyday things in life: manners, politeness, how to live, how to behave, how to care, how to learn. A child learns by example, by encouragement and through watching as much as being told what to do. I'm sure you look back and are grateful for things your parents taught you, but perhaps can also identify things that perhaps were not good examples, were bad advice. Perhaps you have seen this before: If children live with criticism, They learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, They learn to ght. If children live with ridicule, They learn to be shy. If children live with shame, They learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, They learn con dence. If children live with tolerance, They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, They learn to appreciate. If children live with acceptance, They learn to love. If children live with approval, They learn to like themselves. If children live with honesty, They learn truthfulness. If children live with security, They learn to have faith in themselves and others. If children live with friendliness, They learn the world is a nice place in which to live. (Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte)
There's a lot of, shall we say 'ideolo y' out there today; people and groups are ghting for the minds of our children, trying to ll them with their own adult political and cultural opinions, when the children are impressionable and not always very discerning. Some teaching and attitudes are good and useful, much is not so good. We who have faith in Jesus try to bring our children up to know him, to know his presence and his teaching of all that is good, and to reject the bad; we want them to know what will give them life. We want them to know Jesus and his grace for themselves. We who have brought children up in the faith know that our sons and daughters make their own choices, we would always want that. We trust that their choices are founded in the teaching we have given them, or we pray that as the years unfold they will not forget the values, and of course the faith, that we showed them. We should pray for our children in a di cult world, facing issues we never had to deal with and, lets be honest, things some of us don't understand. May they be con rmed in their faith in Jesus, or come back to the faith in which they were raised. May God bless our children! May God bless you too🙏
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13 November 2021
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ood morning everyone on this Remembrance Sunday weekend.
The Together in Worship YouTube video is all prepared for tomorrow in which we will commemorate this very special occasion. The music will be provided by our own band of course, but also by the Irish Guards, the Coldstream Guards and Black Dyke Band playing alongside the New York Sta Band. Fergus Osborne from the Royal British Legion will be reciting the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph. But this is Song Saturday and I’ve chosen to feature a song that is a Salvation Army song – or perhaps it’s not. It was actually written for The Salvation Army in mind and o ered to us by the author William Dunkerley under his pseudonym ‘John Oxenham’. He wrote the hymns 'In Christ There is No East or West' and ‘Mid all the Tra c of the Ways.’ He was a congregational minister who also wrote over 40 novels. One day, at the end of 1934, Salvation Army o cer Arch Wiggins, editor of The Bandsman and Songster magazine that then was published at Headquarters, received a typed copy of the lyrics. Dunkerley had sent it thinking it might prove useful to the Army. It was received well for the words were published in the magazine the following year and entitled ‘November 11th', with the note ‘These verses may be sung to the tune Diademata’ (The tune we sing with Crown Him with Many Crowns.’ However, two years later it was published as a song for songsters with the wonderful tune by Eric Ball that you will hear tomorrow in
Together in Worship.
It's been described as ‘a real treasure’ and Dunkerley wrote this comment that will speak to us today: “We want men with good eyes, clear sight for actual facts, and foresight and vision, an outlook far… for the things that might be and shall be. If every nation was guided by men such as these, there would be no more wars, and the world would be a much safer and better place to live in; such men will save the world." The Bible, inspiring this song, reminds us that, 'Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.' (Psalm 127 v 1) This is ‘Peace in our Time’: Peace in our time, O Lord, To all the peoples—peace! Peace surely based upon thy will and built in righteousness. Thy power alone can break the fetters that enchain the sorely stricken soul of life, And make it live again.
3. O shall we never learn the truth all time has taught, That without God as architect Our building comes to naught? Lord, help us, and inspire our hearts and lives that we may build, with all thy wondrous gifts, A Kingdom meet for thee.
2. Too long mistrust and fear have held our souls in thrall; Sweep through the earth, Keen Breath of Heaven, And sound a nobler call! Come, as thou didst of old, In love so great that men shall cast aside all other gods and turn to thee again.
4. Peace in our time, O Lord, To all the peoples—peace! Peace that shall build a glad new world and make for life's increase. O living Christ, who still dost all our burdens share, Come now and dwell within the hearts of all men everywhere.
God bless you all this weekend 🙏
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15 November 2021
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ood morning everyone. Yesterday was a signi cant day for our country, but before we rush quickly away for another year, please permit me to share words I used a couple of years ago in the Remembrance Sunday service here in Guisborough: Mrs Amelia Pendry waved goodbye to her three sons, as they left home to ght in the trenches of the Great War. It wasn’t long before one of them, my Nana’s Dad Daniel, came home after being medically discharged. The other two brothers – Sam and William - never came home. Both were killed in 1918. Sam died of his wounds a mere 4 weeks before the guns fell silent 100 years ago today. I hope he didn’t su er too much. My wife and I took our own three sons to visit Sam’s grave in Beaulencourt British Cemetery in Northern France. As they walked around the lines of white headstones, they seemed to become very quiet. And as they looked at Sam’s grave, with a pink rose growing up against it, what struck me was the link across the generations, and how Sam, and all the comrades lying with him, had all died for my sons’ freedom. And that’s why we do what we do today and every year. We become quiet as we remember sailors, soldiers and airmen with di erent names, from di erent families, telling di erent stories; but who all died for us and the freedoms we have enjoyed and used, or forgotten and abused over the century. We do have to ask ourselves how we have used the freedoms that were won at such a great cost. War is a great leveller. Death was no respecter of rank or class: O cers died with their men. Remembrance is also a great leveller. We gather here: young and old rich and poor, the Brownies with the British Legion, schoolchildren with serving military personnel. We stand quietly, and worship respectfully; all doing the same thing, part of a great tradition of remembrance. It catches our imagination because we remember that we are all free because of the sacri ce of others. Before the service we stood in the shadow of a stone cross and remembered them; but there is another cross, and we stand in its world-wide shadow, and we stand equally there because it too is a great leveller. The cross of Jesus Christ tells us that God loves each one of us equally – young and old, rich, poor, men and women; and whatever divisions we have constructed in our world since that Armistice was signed, they don’t matter because God loves all, Jesus died for all. The cross of Jesus Christ also tells us that we have a problem. The ‘war to end all wars’ just didn’t. A century of progress, diplomacy, education and charity have not ended the di culties, the divisions and the despair of our world, and it’s simply because they all start in the human heart. Not in politics, not in economics, not in religion - These are often used as excuses, or something convenient to blame, but the cross of Jesus reminds us that the problem begins in the human heart. The problem is the same - whether it’s international con ict or the bully in the playground, whether it’s divided communities or family breakdowns. It’s the same whether it’s a shamed celebrity on the front page, or whether it’s something of which we are ashamed. We all need forgiveness. Many of us long for freedom from something. Some of us are looking for a new start but don’t know how. And the memorial cross outside reminds us that those who fell in the war won our freedom, however we might use it; but in a deeper way, the cross of Jesus Christ has won a greater freedom: The freedom of knowing that God loves us, of knowing that when we fail there is forgiveness for us, that in the di cult times there is hope; that in loneliness God is there, and faith in him o ers a fresh start. Remembrance Sunday is a time to consider what we do with the freedom that was won for each one of us at great cost by the deaths of the Fallen. It’s also a good day to consider what we might do with the o er of freedom that God gives to each of us through the beautiful life and costly death of his Son. So, every time you look at the cross outside, pause and remember the Fallen, but also, think of Jesus – for he lived and died for our sins and rose again for our freedom. And that’s worth remembering too. God bless you 🙏
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16 November 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
We took an overnight stay recently to visit relatives and arranged with one of them that we would meet in town. "We'll meet at Boots at 10 O'clock," was the agreed rendezvous. Fiona and I arrived with a minute to spare expecting that 'any second now' we would all meet up. Five minutes - well it is busy. Ten minutes - perhaps she's nding a parking space. Fifteen minutes - perhaps she can't nd a parking space. Twenty minutes - I phoned the house (no reply) And then she appeared. "I thought you said 'BOOTHS' not Boots, I've been waiting there!” Oh, it's easily done. We mishear a name, a number, we remember something incorrectly. We get the wrong end of the stick, and there's confusion. There's a famous scene, often quoted from the Monty Python lm, The Life of Brian, where the real Jesus is respectfully portrayed preaching the Sermon on the Mount, but people at the back can't hear, and so they mistakenly think Jesus said, 'Blessed are the cheesemakers'. In the early days of printing presses one publisher got into serious trouble when a huge mistake was made in the Ten Commandments. It was perhaps the worst mistake ever to print a Bible that said 'Thou shalt commit adultery...'! People misquote the Bible all the time. A woman commented to me on Sunday that the weather was beautiful, and that 'the sun shines on the righteous!' Well, I'm sure she's lovely, but I wanted to complete the quote for her '...and on the unrighteous.' Another misquote is the 'money is the root of all evil.' No, it's 'The LOVE of money...' Some things are too important to get wrong. As far as the Bible is concerned, it's vital that we not only read it, but that we get the meaning that's there and not a di erent understanding. I read something yesterday: "The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to...(being) a whole Christian."— A. W. Tozer The Bible has been used in dreadful ways over the centuries, either through misunderstanding or half truths, but when simply and prayerfully read, it's the most wonderful thing. The Psalmist writes: "I listen carefully to what the Lord is saying, for he speaks to his faithful people..." (Psalm 85 v 8) Yes, God does speak, he speaks most often and most de nitely through the Bible, but it's for us to listen carefully - we don't want to be in the wrong place! God bless you 🙏
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17 November 2021
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ood morning everyone 🌞
I have to confess to oversleeping this morning. 6.55! I never sleep that long! It's usually 5.30! Anyway, in the minutes before I got up there were three songs racing round my head. It's true, my mind can be a very busy place. They were all songs we might use in worship: one was well-known, another was one that we will learn in our meetings during Advent, and the other one actually woke me up fully because I couldn't remember the verse and it frustrated me. And that's what got me out of bed and to realise the time. The words had escaped me, although the tune was there. One of the beauties of Christian worship is that it touches the heart, the soul. It's very dry worship that is 'just' words in a song; it's unsatisfying if it's mere music, however beautifully played. For music and song to be 'worship' it must engage the emotional, the spiritual, and the mental. We need to 'feel' the music, appreciate the meaning of the words and through it all, feel the Spirit of God. I remember a member of another church attending a big Salvation Army festival where a cornet soloist played a beautiful arrangement of one of our prayer choruses. I asked the visitor about his impression of the meeting and he referred to the soloist as merely 'playing a tune for a long time.' He didn't know the lyrics, and so his understanding was limited and there was no spiritual bene t for him. Had the words been displayed, I am certain he would have been blessed. Understanding what we sing in worship is second only to understanding, as far as we can, the words of Scripture read in the meeting. The truth is that most of us get our beliefs, our knowledge of the faith, our 'theolo y', from what we sing. That's why we need songs and hymns that have good lyrics. How many of us have quoted a hymn, song or chorus when we've prayed or been in conversation with someone? Paul talked about worshipping 'with the spirit' - that means being a ected, being inspired, moved inwardly by the Holy Spirit as we worship; it's our heart-response to his presence. He also said that our mind, our intelligence is an integral and necessary part of worshipping God. It's not just about 'being blessed', it's not just about enjoying the music or the singing, it's also allowing the meaning of the words to inform, teach, challenge and enable an intelligent response to God and his truth. Paul wrote: "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Corinthians 14 v 15) That makes for a full experience: spiritual experience together with the mind's understanding. Our songs are just perfect for reading, and for gaining a greater knowledge of God, which of course helps us to worship him more deeply. I would encourage you to nd a song book, a hymn book or look online and to read, to understand our songs. I'm sure you'll be blessed. Have a lovely day everyone, God bless you 🙏 🎶 📖 ✝
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18 November 2021
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ood morning all!
Here is am sitting on my settee in the corner of our living room. This is 'my spot'; and it's here where I read and think. It's here where I used to sit during lockdown to video my Bible
thoughts for Together in Worship before we started recording in the Citadel, and it's here in this same spot that I write the vast majority of these daily readings. So, welcome to my quiet, comfortable place. 'More grace is wrought in quietness than any is aware...' I was very interested to see news video of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on their visit to Jordan in the Middle East. I have no doubts at all about Prince Charles's sincere faith; he's a deeply spiritual man with a great appreciation for God's presence in the world. It was interesting to see him and Camilla journeying to the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus. I doubt whether it's the actual site, but that's what tradition says and I guess it's as good a place as any. They stepped down to the water's edge and, rst Charles and then Camilla, they stooped down to touch the water. I don't think for a moment they believed there was any virtue in that place and especially none in the water! But it was a signi cant reminder of Jesus for them. Then they were pictured sitting in a place where John the Baptist is supposed to have dwelt in his time in the desert. Was it a holy place? Was God there more than elsewhere? I doubt it. And yet there is a kind of power in a place that's associated with what we believe; it's why so many people travel to the sights in Israel that are associated with Jesus. When Jesus advised his disciples to 'go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place,' (Matthew 6 v 6) I don't think for a second he was suggesting that we keep God in a little (or large) room. God doesn't only dwell in one place in our house nor even in a church building. But I think he's suggesting that a special time and place where there's no distraction, no disturbance, is very useful and helpful. Setting aside a regular time and settling into a speci c and comfortable spot can mean that heart and mind are prepared and ready. We don't need to make a pilgrimage to the Jordan to nd God; it's almost too trite to say 'God is everywhere and we can pray anytime.' That is true, but it's better for us to nd a place, a time, and meet him there. As the Bible says, 'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.' (James 4 v 8) Find that 'spot', set aside a time, and become aware of him as you wait, listen and read. God bless you 🙏
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19 November 2021
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ood morning everyone, it's Friday again! How quickly the weekend comes around.
Do you remember a good number of years ago now, a certain politician who was severely criticised for saying that there is no such thing as society? Now, it's not my place or intention to defend or criticise a politician in these daily thoughts, but something I read made me think of her original words. This is what she said: "There is no such thing as society. There is a living tapestry of men and women and people, and the beauty of that tapestry and the quality of our lives will depend upon how much each of us is prepared to take responsibility for ourselves, and each of us prepared to turn round and help by our own e orts those who are unfortunate." What made me think of that was a question online asking where someone could donate to a local group. Well, the response from numerous people just highlighted just some of the many groups and charities and 'good causes' that were worthy of support. These aren't statutory organisations, o cial departments (needed as they are of course). This isn't 'society' providing everything we want; all these local groups are that 'living tapestry of men and women', people who care for the cause they volunteer for, the people they help. There's something lovely about local charities and the people who give their time. Sometimes people help because they have been helped in the past. It really is that 'living tapestry'. We in the Army have started advertising our toy appeal and already donations are coming in. Other groups are doing similar things, from providing school uniforms, to giving food, to hosting activities for children and older people. This is a community coming together. Today is Children in Need Day as well; and even though it's a national day and is all over the BBC it's not a 'head o ce' thing, it's all local people, small groups. It's that 'living tapestry'. No, we don't rely on 'society', we work together in community, taking responsibility for one another, caring and sharing. The Bible says, "Don't forget to do good and to share what you have, because God is pleased with these kinds of sacri ces." (Hebrews 13 v 16) Thank God for charitable groups and organisations today, for the valuable work they do, for the people they support, and for the many opportunities they give for us to express love and commitment to others, and for bringing us together as 'a living tapestry' of community. May God bless them all. And may God bless you too 🙏
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20 November 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Anthony and Major Fiona. Welcome to Song Saturday. Each week we consider a song or a
chorus from tomorrow's Together in Worship video This week it’s a song that enjoys a 50th anniversary this year. It was written in 1963 and was sung in Gospel concerts, but then Elvis Presley recorded it and released it on his 1971 gospel album. The album was titled He Touched Me after the song, and it became Elvis’s third Grammy Award winning album, going Gold and then Platinum. He Touched Me became a famous gospel song! Bill Gaither, the writer, has become synonymous with Gospel Music in the US, being named with his wife Gloria as ‘Son writers Of The Century’ by the American Society of Composers and Publishers. We have He Touched Me in our Salvation Army song book, as well as another well-known Gaither song: Because He Lives. These are simple songs that combine Scriptural truth with personal experience. It was written the night following a revival meeting where Bill was the pianist. He remembered watching people come to the altar, heavy laden and burdened, but leaving uplifted with joy and hope; and a conversation where he and a friend were discussing how deeply they had felt the Holy Spirit that evening. “You must write a song with the words ‘He touched me, O he touched me’ in it,” said his friend. That was the inspiration he needed, and he was able to write this song that speaks to each of us about the touch of God on our heart and life. Jesus is described so many times as reaching out his hand to bless, to heal, to comfort, to welcome, to forgive and even to raise the dead! So many Bible characters would be able to sing, 'Then the hand of Jesus touched me, and now I am no longer the same.' Today, countless Christians can testify to an experience of Jesus where he has touched them, moved them, and blessed them, saved them, even healed them. The touch of God on a person’s life is literally life-changing. In the Gospels Jesus was moved with compassion at a man’s illness. He ‘stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”’ (Mark 1 v 41) This simple song sung in church meetings and crusades, then by an international superstar, and now in Salvation Army meetings too, is popular not through sublime poetry or the most beautiful music, but because it has touched the heart of countless people with the grace and power of God, reminding us that Jesus is willing to touch our lives too. Watch Together in Worship tomorrow and put your voice to the melody, but most of all make it your experience too. Shackled by a heavy burden, 'Neath a load of guilt and shame; Then the hand of Jesus touched me, And now I am no longer the same. Since I met this blessed Saviour, Since he cleansed and made me whole, I will never cease to praise him, I'll shout it while eternity rolls.
Chorus He touched me, O he touched me, And O the joy that oods my soul! Something happened and now I know he touched me and made me whole.
William Gaither, © 1971 Gaither Music Company
God bless you 🙏
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22 November 2021
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Monday greeting to you all! We hope you had a good Sunday and, if you attended worship that it was a blessing.
In the meeting at Guisborough yesterday I think many people might agree with me that one of the highlights was the singing of the children. A church is at its best, I think, when children are present, when they are involved in the worship and when they are loved. That's true of our church I feel. We do love our children, we value their families. On Saturday Major Fiona and I went to a couple of garden centres to look at the Christmas decorations. We were amazed at how busy one of them was; there were families everywhere, children all over the place! And we realised it was the rst appearance of Father Christmas. The families walked around all the Christmas displays, looking at the decorations, the lights, the little ornaments. It was like a pilgrimage! And then I heard a child from round a corner exclaiming, 'Oh my God! Oh my God!' 🙁 She was excited at something she'd seen, but how sad to hear as child express herself in such a way. Of course, it's the language she hears at home; she was just repeating it. Here were families getting all excited about Christmas, bringing their children to Santa... 'Oh my God!' she cried, but there wasn't much of him there. A few years ago at this time of year I was in the Metro Centre in Gateshead. In one of the big open spaces there's usually a 25' high Christmas tree, and somewhere near it a large nativity scene with gures about 3 feet high. I watched that day as a Muslim family stood and looked. The parents were showing the children the birth of Jesus. They believe something slightly di erent about him than we do, but they still brought their kids to see. What a contrast, I thought. I love a Salvation Army Christmas, even though it lasts a month! Carolling with the band, the carol service, the hugely popular Carols at the Market Cross on Christmas Eve attended by hundreds, and of course, the Nativity Play. It's not Christmas without Jesus, and our children know that. We have brought them up to know him, to sing songs about him and not just Frosty the Snowman. They know about the Stable and not just Santa's workshop. They know about the gifts of the wise men and not just gifts under the tree. And our prayer and our intention is that when any child says 'oh my God!' it will be out of love for him and not just a repeated expression of thoughtless blasphemy. Pray for the witness of the Army this Advent season, and for the wider church of course, that through the repeated telling of the birth of Jesus and the singing and playing of carols, people will have their hearts opened and, whether adults or children, will be brought to Jesus and come to know, love and worship him. Pray for the children in your own family too, so that this Christmas they will see Jesus. God bless you 🙏
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23 November 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Many of you will be aware that we have a small charity shop at the front of the Citadel here in Guisborough. It raises funds of course, but its very name, "Care and Share" reveals that it provides more than cheap second-hand items, though I have to tell you that the term 'second-hand' doesn't do justice to the quality of what is sold; it's excellent stu ! Beyond that, we have regular customers who come in for more than what we sell. People come to see familiar faces and enjoy a chat. All our stock is donated. It's given for many reasons by the original owner - it's too small, they need the space, it belonged to someone else, etc. But in recent weeks something new, literally, has happened. During lockdown a gentleman went into his garage, turned on his wood turning lathe, and using wood he collected made the most beautiful wooden objects - bowls of all sizes and little fruit-shaped ornaments. Absolutely awless, with beautiful patterns in the woodgrain. And he spent hours making them all, waited until he had a box full and, on three occasions, donated the whole lot to our shop. Astonishing. It gave us a problem though: what price do you put on a man's beautiful work? Well, there was no way we could put bric-a-brac prices on these lovely objects, and so, tentatively we put £5, £6, £8! on these bowls, thinking that if they didn't sell we'd reduce them But they did sell. People didn't buy one, they bought many! We sold out, and then the man made more... This gentleman skilfully and I might suggest, lovingly, created these beautiful objects. How could we not recognise their worth, their value? The price people paid re ected not only the beauty of the object but also the skill of their creator... When Jesus died for us, part of the explanation for his action is that he was paying a price. The old hymn reminds us, 'There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin...' Yes, it's true that sin demanded a high price for us to be set free, redeemed. But I'm also sure that the price - the death of God's one and only Son - was due to the fact that we ourselves are lovingly, beautifully made. We re ect something of the Creator himself and so our value to him is re ected in the high price Jesus paid for us. Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth: '... for you were bought with a price.' (1 Corinthians 6 v 20) In other words, 'at a cost'. God SO loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. That was a high price. That's a re ection of the seriousness of sin, our need for salvation, but also of his immense love for us, his very own craftsmanship. We are precious to him, valuable, worth saving. By believing, trusting in him, we are his. A Gospel song says 'Jesus paid it all...' All we can do in return is live for him, giving our all in response. I could not live without him, His love is life to me; My blood-bought life I give him, The Christ of Calvary. Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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24 November 2021
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elcome to Wednesday everyone, we hope the week is going well for you.
Yesterday I decided to have a haircut. 'How interesting!' you cry. Well indeed, it's not earth shattering news, nor a particularly remarkable experience; but yesterday was di erent. Let me tell you why a haircut causes me just a little anxiety: I can't see! Since I can remember I have sat in the barber's chair and taken o my glasses. The world then is blurred; most of you with glasses will understand. I can see my blurred re ection, but I don't see my haircut until I put my glasses back on. It's the revealing moment when I see what the barber, Turkish or otherwise, has done to me! It's OK now I'm used to the nice Turkish man who cuts my hair. But yesterday when I went into the barbers it was a di erent man! 'Who are you?' I thought. 'Can you actually cut hair?' 'Are you a learner? Do you have my haircut records??' As I sat down and he started, I felt nervous. I could feel that his way of working was di erent. Every stroke of the clippers was an irreversible change. I squinted at my re ection whenever he paused, to see if my requested Number Two Back and Sides wasn't turning into a military regulation crew cut. And then he set re to my ears! I should have trusted him, because he did a good job. I should have relaxed and realised that he's done this before! He's been to 'haircut school' and has experience. Why would he make a mess? It was because I didn't know him. I know my usual barber, and I'm content not knowing what the end result will look like until I put my glasses back on, because I trust him. You cannot trust someone fully until you know them. How can you? People talk about trusting God all the time, having faith, believing in him. It's when we begin to know him that we begin to relax and allow him to work out his purposes in our life, even when we can't see at the time what he's actually doing. Psalm 9 says, 'Those who know your name trust in you, Lord.' (Psalm 9:10) Knowing God's name is not like knowing a password, it means knowing him, his character, nature and ability. He has a 'name' for being loving, compassionate, merciful, powerful, faithful and good. When we know him then these qualities are familiar to us, and that gives us con dence and helps us when we pray. Those who pray without faith, not knowing God for themselves, have little assurance of God's presence and ability. We however who talk to him, listen for his voice and love him, have every con dence in him. Indeed, we don't sit 'timidly in the chair', we come boldly to the throne of grace to nd help in our time of need. No tempest can my courage shake, My love from thee no pain can take, No fear my heart appal; And where I cannot see I’ll trust, For then I know thou surely must Be still my all in all.
Christ is all, yes, all in all, My Christ is all in all.
May we all know his name better, and trust him more. God bless you 🙏
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25 November 2021
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ood morning to you all! Rise and shine, as they say, or if you're reading this later in the day, I hope you've been having a bright day! Well, in these gloomy November days we need a bit of brightness and cheer, some joy to keep us going. I conducted a funeral yesterday. The service was at the graveside and a good number gathered to say farewell and to support the family. There was, of course, the grief of bereavement and the service as all services do, re ected the wishes of the family. Unusually, in my experience anyway, two songs had been chosen; I've never had music played at a burial before. The songs were 'Jealous of the Angels' by Donna Taggart, and 'Supermarket Flowers' by Ed Sheeran. I've had both these songs at indoor services before and they are extremely poignant songs, quite lovely but painful too. But something struck me yesterday as we listened. In both songs of heartbreak and loss there was a common theme, a repeated word: Hallelujah! I'm just jealous of the angels Around the throne tonight Singin' hallelujah, hallelujah... And when God takes you back we'll say Hallelujah, you're home. Hallelujah? Praise the Lord? Suddenly those songs of despair had become songs of faith and hope, almost of joy. In fact, without those hallelujahs the songs would have been unbearable. I wondered what the family thought as they heard those words. Hallelujah brings God into our experience, it lifts us up to his presence and we're no longer alone, no longer helpless. Hallelujah! a word of praise and joy that doesn't remove the experience we endure but surely gives strength and courage, and the certainty that God is with us lifting us, bringing light and a sense of purpose. It's not just for desperately sad situations, 'Hallelujah!' is the word of hope in any situation. Paul wrote, 'Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice!' (Philippians 4 v 4) It doesn't mean that we ignore the situation and cover it up with a song; it means that by continuing to praise God in all circumstances we recognise his presence, his love, his faithfulness to us. There are times when joy abounds and it's easy to say or sing 'hallelujah'. There are times when life gets annoying or di cult. Saying 'hallelujah' might be di cult, but quite possibly - in fact, probably - will give us the exact blessing we need in those times. Today may hallelujah, praise the Lord, be a word you will use, and because of it may God bless you 🙏
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26 November 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday, but not just any Friday. We have Good Friday, Man Friday, that Friday Feeling, and now we've imported, or had foisted on us 'Black Friday' Yay, we so needed it! Didn't we? Now that I'm o cially in late middle age I can reminisce; join me! Do you remember when we had January sales? Ah those were the days, when you waited until after New year to go and grab a bargain. But now, on Black Friday you can go crazy for your bargains. I guess this year a lot of sales stu will be online, but do you remember when it rst appeared in this country and people would crowd into the shops? There were reports of people ghting over toasters and televisions, and if January sales were busy, shall we say, Black Friday was manic. All for cheaper gifts. We all like a bargain, but sometimes it gets slightly ridiculous. It's all part of the advertiser's dream of creating in our minds the need for things. We must have them. And when some of these things are cheaper, that's even more reason for rushing out to the shop or going online to buy more and more. There's often a catch with special o ers, or sometimes a sale item is the temptation to come 'further in' and see the other items that are more expensive. I read recently that in one Black Friday event something like only 4 out of 80 products were actually marked down in price. There was another 'black Friday' of course. We call it Good Friday. It was black for more reasons than the sky turning dark; it was black because of 'the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died.' Jesus was God's gift to us, his death the price paid. We talk about buying gifts; well this was a gift freely given, a gift beyond price, a gift beyond words. We don't need to queue, we don't need to jostle, we don't need to pay. This 'black Friday event' doesn't have an expiry date or a 'last day of sale' - not in this life anyway. The gift is for all. When James, Jesus's own brother, wrote his letter to the Church he wrote that 'every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' (James 1 v 17) The greatest gift is not on sale, it's free. God gave his only Son. And now he gives grace, forgiveness and his own love freely to all who ask. Thank you God for your gift beyond words. Thank you God for your gift beyond words. We thank you for giving us Jesus. Thank you God for your gift beyond words. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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27 November 2021
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ood morning to you all! It's a very windy Song Sunday where we are in this part of the UK. Winter is stirring.
Every week we look to tomorrow's Together in Worship, and we take one of the songs or hymns and just look at it and consider some of its background and perhaps focus on a truth that it brings to us. Today, because tomorrow is Advent Sunday, we're looking at At the Name of Jesus. Maybe some of you think, 'Why? Is that an Advent hymn?' Well originally, yes in one particular respect. It's a hymn that we might remember from years ago in school assemblies with it's jaunty 1960s tune, written especially for it. At the Name of Jesus was published in 1870 but very oddly wasn't included in any Salvation Army song book until it appeared in the 1976 Keep Singing supplement. Interestingly it was printed there in its entirety, including the last verse which speaks of the Second Coming of Jesus. It is a source of sadness and bewilderment then, that when it appeared in the 1986, and now 2015 song book, the editors left it out! Odd. Whenever I use this song I always put it back! For me, it's the natural conclusion to this wonderful hymn about the Lordship of Jesus, the name above all names. And for me, the nal verse makes it an Advent hymn. The writer was Caroline Noel who died at the age of 60 having su ered a lot of ill health. Bedridden, she wrote a lot of poetry and you might assume that she would write words of comfort, of devotion, but instead, in a book entitled 'The Name of Jesus and other Poems for The Sick and Lonely' she wrote words like these, described as 'outward looking', 'focusing on Jesus and his power.' Instead of her words being 'self-centred' in the best use of the phrase, in a 'Lord bless me' fashion, she wrote a hymn that lifts us from ourselves to gaze at the mighty power of Jesus and the prospect of his return. When things are di cult for us, when we go through the mill, when things are dark and lonely and when life seems 'small', look up. Heaven isn't a place 'up there'; no rocket or satellite could nd it, but there is value in the concept of looking 'up' to the heights of glory where Jesus is Lord over everything, including our circumstances. He will return and 'all will be well in his kingdom of peace', so let us be encouraged by this robust hymn and, in the words of Jesus, "...look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." (Luke 21 v 28) At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess him King of Glory now; 'Tis the Father's pleasure we should call him Lord, Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
Humbled for a season, To receive a name from the lips of sinners unto whom he came, Faithfully he bore it spotless to the last, Brought it back victorious when from death he passed.
In your hearts enthrone him; There let him subdue all that is not holy, All that is not true; Crown him as your Captain in temptation's hour; Let his will enfold you in its light and power.
At his voice creation sprang at once to sight, All the angel faces, All the hosts of light, Thrones and dominations, Stars upon their way, All the heavenly orders in their great array.
Bore it up triumphant with its human light, through all ranks of creatures to the central height, to the throne of Godhead, To the Father's breast; Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest.
Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again, with his Father's glory, with his angel train; for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow, and our hearts confess him King of Glory now.
Enjoy today, and join us tomorrow for Together in Worship from 9am. Also, if you're local to Guisborough why not join us at 10am at the Citadel? God bless you 🙏
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29 November 2021
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orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona, it's Monday and we're o cially in Advent. I like Advent, it stops December from being one long Christmas Eve, and the arrival of Christmas itself being a bit tired. Advent preserves the idea that there's still something to come, something to expect... Today, well if you're expecting me to write about snow, you're absolutely correct! I love snow! I recognise the hardship sometimes endured, the practical di culties it can create; and none of us want people to slip or go cold... But the child within all of us secretly wonders at a garden, a street, covered in snow and all that 'white stu ' falling from the sky. How many children (and childlike adults) cried out on Saturday, "It's snowing!"? In fact, every time it started snowing again after a break, don't we all say, "It's snowing again!"? Or is that just us? If I was a betting man there will have been many, many people who dreamily hummed or crooned, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas..." I found myself asking Fiona, "What do you want for Christmas?" I don't think the answer is snow! Neither did she sing back at me, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."! Christmas for most people is about giving and receiving. For Christians, Christmas, it goes without saying, is about Jesus, and Advent is all about longing, desire, hoping, waiting... It's not snow we're hoping for, it's not that piece of jewellery, that new coat or that new ornament, it's him. In the words of the most dreaded Christmas pop song, but redirected instead to Jesus, we might sing, "All I want for Christmas is you." From the beginning of the Bible to the end, the desire, the longing of God's people is to see him, to look at the Redeemer, to see him face to face. Job, speaking from the time of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tells of that day when he will see him with his own eyes, and cries out, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth... How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19 v 25, 27). That's the genuine Advent hope, that hope that stirs us more than the dream of snow, or even "Let there be peace on earth," because even that is linked to the day we see the Prince of Peace face to face. Where Job speaks to us from the mists of time, the Apostle John reminds us that we shall see him as he is. That's worth waiting for! And I shall see him face to face, And tell the story 'Saved by grace'. God bless you 🙏
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30 November 2021
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ood morning everyone, and a Happy St Andrew's Day 🏴 🇬🇧 to you all!
Yes, north of the border the Saltire will be own or waved with even greater patriotic pride! The Church of Scotland will have its feast day services, the town of St Andrews with its famous university will no doubt make something of this special day. It's so interesting that the ag of Scotland, and the ag of England of course, is a religious ag. The white diagonal cross of the Saltire is the cross on which Andrew the Apostle chose to be cruci ed upon in AD 60 because he felt unworthy of the same kind of cross his Lord had died on. So, St Andrew's Day commemorates him before it celebrates Scotland. There are even two relics of his body kept in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh, at the National Shrine to St Andrew. Most of his remains are preserved in a Cathedral in Greece, but it's not his skull or ngers that are important, but his example. We all know the value of a good example: parents rst, a respected teacher, a good friend. Maybe a colleague at work is a good example to follow. Some of us might speak of a friend who suggested an activity or job possibility that led to our career. Perhaps signi cantly a friend introduced us to a young man or a young woman who eventually became our spouse. We are grateful to those friends who by a simple invitation change the course of our life. The whole course of the Christian faith was, in one way, down to Andrew the sherman. The whole world knows about St Peter, he's a legend even outside the Church; who doesn't know about St Peter at the gates of Heaven? Lots of people have heard of St Peter's in Rome. The Pope is described by some as the successor to St Peter. Yes, some might struggle to name the 12 Apostles but Peter will always be number one. But that might never have been the case had Andrew not seen Jesus walking past in the street and followed him. According to the Gospel of John, "The rst thing Andrew did was to nd his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah”. And he brought him to Jesus." (John 1 v 41,42) Just think if Andrew hadn't bothered, hadn't thought big brother Simon would be interested, and hadn't even mentioned meeting Jesus, let alone running o to nd Simon to actually bring him to meet Jesus. How di erent things would have been. Simon wouldn't have been renamed Peter, the Gospel stories and the Church itself would be very di erent. And all because Andrew 'brought him to Jesus.' We never know what e ect a word, an action, an invitation, might have on someone. We have greater in uence on people than we might imagine. I thank God for people who perhaps even today don't realise the encouragement they have been to me, whose words, whose kindness, and whose very decisions have inspired, led or directed me in the way I should go. And what better in uence can there be than the one that brings people to Jesus. That's the legacy of St Andrew that we might follow. May our simple encouragement of others lead to a world of change. I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to su er; I would be brave, for there is much to dare,
I would be friend of all, the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh and love and lift,
Jesus will help me, he is my friend; He'll lead and I will follow till life's very end.
God bless you 🙏
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01 December 2021
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ello everybody, it's the middle of the week and the start of December! It all gets going now!
We had our nal band practice last night with new music and brand new shiny red carol books! We'll have our Carol Service at the Citadel on 19th at 5.15 (please come), we're playing for a ladies' group, another church carol singing, in a school for children with special educational needs, and outside a pub in a village in the middle of nowhere! It's going to be great. But for us and many of you, the epitome of a Salvation Army band is when we stand on the High Street playing carols. It's what we do! And we love it. Yes we get cold, sometimes we've got a little wet, but it's Advent and we're spreading some cheer to everyone. We're outside Guisborough Methodist Church this Saturday; come and say hello! I once heard a headquarters musical leader telling a group of band leaders from the secular brass band world that the purpose of a Salvation Army band was simply "to make a joyful noise". I have thought about that over the years and I have to say I like it! Whether the music is a bright, happy tune or a re ective devotional melody, the overall purpose is joy. We want people to know something of the love of God, the blessing of knowing him. And what better time of year than cold December. Was that music leader correct? Well, he has the backing of the Bible, from King David himself: "Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy." (I Chronicles 15 v 16) So, December has started, the world is as uncertain as ever. We have worries, issues, and stresses; we have that virus and it's variants to deal with still, but thank God this year we can meet freely indoors as well as on the street. And don't forget the most wonderful event on Christmas Eve when the band will play carols at Guisborough market cross Christmas tree. Will there be a more joyful sound than an Army band and 200 voices? I think not! Have a joyful day, a joyful December, and a joyful Christmas when it comes! God bless you 🙏
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02 December 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you're having a good week.
Now that December has arrived I've started unpacking Christmas: I've brought some of the boxes of decorations down out of a cupboard in our attic. This box has lights, that box has ornaments. There's green tinsel stu in that bag but I have no idea what's in that box: it'll be a surprise when I open it! Christmas lies unpacked on the dining room oor, and the tree is still in its bag waiting to be brought down and set free. It's so exciting! And as soon as I get time and these things are placed, hung, arranged and positioned, I'll be singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." And then on January 6th Christmas will be packed away again into its cupboard for another eleven months. Christmas in a cupboard. "Oh I wish it could be Christmas every day!" sings Roy Wood of the pop group Wizzard. He's been singing that song now for 48 years. Yes really!! But we prefer to pack it all away until next year. Christmas every day? No, there's a time and place. We put it in a cupboard and forget it between January and late November. We 'compartmentalise' it. The danger is that it's not just the decorations and the songs that we put in cupboards; it's easy to compartmentalise (what a great word!) everything in life. Some things of course do belong in their proper place, but matters of faith are sometimes 'brought out of the cupboard' only when necessary. I, like most ministers, am often teased that I only work 1 day a week 😊 Ho ho ho, as they say. But seriously, there is a danger - even for a minister - that we take faith 'out of the cupboard' as it were for use at certain times. We reserve faith for when we're in church but not necessarily in the supermarket. We are committed when part of something spiritual, but not in the family setting. I once spoke to a church member years ago on this subject and he informed me "I'll be committed when I'm there." We miss a great blessing and source of strength and comfort if we unpack our faith only when in a 'religious' context. The author C.S. Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Our faith colours everything we do: the ordinary, the 'secular', those things that don't immediately seem to be connected to our faith are all still in uenced by our relationship with God. All of life is his, and when all of my life is given to him, not just certain areas, then I know his blessing on everything. Paul wrote in Romans 12:1 2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to o er your bodies as a living sacri ce, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship." That living sacri ce means that all we are, wherever we go, whatever we do is his, and is as much our worship as when we're in church. All my days and all my hours, All my will and all my powers, All the passion of my soul, Not a fragment but the whole Shall be Thine, dear Lord, Shall be Thine, dear Lord. God bless you 🙏
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03 December 2021
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elcome to Friday!
I received a message yesterday. I get texts, calls, emails, messages from all kinds of people but yesterday was di erent. There was a connection. I have been tracing my family tree for many years now and astonishingly, almost unbelievably, there are nearly 5000 people in it! I know! There are Mugfords from Devon going back to 1500, Wilsons from Lancashire, Pendrys from the Welsh valleys, Hamiltons from Scotland, Flowers from Somerset and so many more. There's even a Norman connection back to the 1100s De Rayshelagh family! I never imagined this when I started simply with two sets of grandparents. It's taken me to deportations to Australia, a Victoria Cross medal, a revolutionary soldier in the American War of Independence, a ship's captain lost o the coast of Hartlepool in a terrible storm in 1861, living cousins in Newfoundland and an American minister in California, who are all Mugfords. It's astonishing. The message? From a woman who tells me that we share a great great great great great grandfather called Lamorock Flower. What an excellent name! My grandmother was called Dorothy Flower and through her, back through her Victorian engine driver father from Bristol, I'm related to Angie who messaged me; yet another person who shares a family connection. In my head I have a fantasy event where all these hundreds and hundreds of relatives all meet together. We'd probably all need badges with names on, and something like "2nd cousin twice removed" written underneath. Thousands of people descended from common ancestors, sharing DNA or 'blood'. And the message I received yesterday reminded me that whoever we are, we are related to many, many more people than just those we know and love. We are all linked. I've been concerned recently over an issue involving race and racism. It seems to me that there are racists who promote hatred and division, but controversially I might also suggest that some people who promote equality are also creating division. The Gospel has the answer to all this and it's a very simple truth - as all Gospel truth is: "God hath made of one blood (or one man) all nations of men..." (Acts 17 v 26) We are one blood. Not di erent races, not di erent, separated or divided. We're all related. Surely if we are children of Adam, and then by grace the sons and daughters of God, then we are family. We have a Father and literally we are 'all one in Christ.' We don't need to explore a family tree to discover who we're related to. The simple truth is we are all family. Thank God for the Christmas angels: peace on the earth, goodwill to men. It's a message needed like never before. God bless you 🙏
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04 December 2021
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ood morning to you all and welcome to our rst Song Saturday in December. If this is your rst visit, every Saturday we take one of the hymns of songs from tomorrow’s YouTube Together in Worship, and brie y look at it in greater detail.
Today an Advent hymn that is a recent addition to our Salvation Army song book. It was published in a supplementary book in 1976 but passed over for the 1986 edition before nally making it into the 2015 song book. It was written in 1736 by a French poet, Charles Co n and was originally in Latin. It was translated into English in 1837, and we sing it to the tune ‘Winchester New’ which was composed in 1690; so all round, it’s an old hymn! It's most de nitely an excellent song for Advent, thinking about the coming of Jesus, because it echoes the cry of John the Baptist who was the ‘voice crying in the wilderness’ calling on us to prepare the way of the Lord. The whole point of the song is that this preparation is personal. I think we can get so caught up in the traditions of Christmas, doing so much with family and friends and church, that we actually forget that Advent is very much a personal preparation. Amidst all the business have we made time and space for Jesus to come to us? ‘Let every heart be cleansed…make straight the way……’ the song says. Do you remember the plaque or the poster, or the framed picture that proclaimed: ‘Christ is the Head of this House, the Unseen Guest at Every Meal, the Silent Listener to Every Conversation’? Fiona and I had one for a long time. It’s very old fashioned now, but the sentiment is good. The second verse of the song we’ll use tomorrow takes John’s challenge to prepare the way for Christ and makes it our personal heart-response, the desire to ‘prepare to be the home where such a mighty guest may come.’ Before Jesus was arrested he spent time with his disciples in last minute teaching and encouragement. One thing he said was “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14 v 23). It’s a lovely thought, that Jesus isn’t just ‘there’ to be praised and worshipped; he actually does ‘come to our heart’, as Father, Son and indeed the Holy Spirit come to dwell within. On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh: Awake and listen for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings.
To heal the sick, stretch out your hand, And make the fallen sinner stand; Shine out, and let your light restore Earth's own true loveliness once more.
Let every heart be cleansed from sin, Make straight the way for God within; And so prepare to be the home where such a mighty guest may come.
To you, O Christ, all praises be, Whose advent sets your people free; Whom with the Father we adore, And Holy Spirit evermore.
For you are our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without your grace we waste away like owers that wither and decay.
This Advent season may God himself in all his fullness nd a place in your heart, and may you know him as your welcome guest and constant companion. Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship. May God bless you. 🙏
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06 December 2021
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ello everybody, Happy St. Nicholas's Day!
Yes, today is the day we remember the man who started it all. We have Christmas because of Nicholas. "Eh? I thought it was all about Jesus! You know, 'Put the Christ back into Christmas' and all that!" Well, of course, but where do we get a man in a red suit, stockings hung by the replace and gifts for children (under a tree or otherwise)? It's all from Saint Nicholas, now reduced to 'Santa Claus'. Nicholas was a Turkish Bishop in the 4th Century who became 'Agios Nicolaos' for his generosity and kindness, and for miracles he performed for the poor. He has become the patron saint of charitable groups and children. After his parents died, the legend says, Nicholas is said to have distributed their wealth to the poor, but the most famous legend, the one that inspires our own Christmas traditions, is the story of a poor man whose daughters were in danger of being sold into a life of prostitution. On three occasions, to save their lives and stop their father from doing this, Nicholas secretly placed small amounts of gold into stockings drying by the re. One tradition says the gold was in the form of small golden balls, giving rise to our tradition of places oranges in the stockings. It's a shame in some ways that the Christian red-robed, gift-giving Saint Nicholas has been transformed into the 'jolly elf' we have today, though in Europe he is still seen dressed in Bishop's robes. The example of giving, however, is still there. It's amazing to me how, every year, people are so concerned that poorer children can enjoy Christmas, that they give, donate, have collections for our Christmas Present appeal, and are so generous. People might not all know the story of Saint Nicholas but they do know the spirit of giving that he inspired. Of course, we don't focus on the lives of saints, legendary or otherwise, but we would go back to the original inspiration for our Christmas celebrations, he who is himself the 'gift beyond words': Jesus, who is recorded as saying, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20 v 35). Our prayer of course, shared I would think by Bishop Nicholas of course, would be that people would look beyond the presents and see the Gift from God and receive him for themselves. God bless you 🙏
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07 December 2021
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ood morning everyone. I sit here in the stillness of the early morning, co ee next to me, the cat purring on the arm of the settee and it's simply peaceful... But don't things change! The weather outside is due to take a turn for the worst, for there's a storm coming! Well, that's what they say anyway. There's one particular newspaper that seems to report every change in the weather as a meteorological disaster: "arctic temperatures to hit the UK in hours." "10 centimetres of snow to disrupt the country." It's real 'sky is falling' stu . But when the sensible sources announce a storm we take more notice. Today there's a weather warning from the met o ce for high winds; we believe them. A recent storm caused considerable hardship and so it's best to take precautions and be prepared. In Guisborough a much-welcomed Community event has been cancelled for this evening because of the high winds. It's very disappointing for those involved and those who had worked hard to prepare it. But we need to be safe. Storms are not easily predicted and are certainly not controllable by us, and our metaphorical storms are similar. Just as the weather can turn so can our circumstances: health breaks down, bad news causes anxiety, relationships go wrong, a job is lost. When I heard about the actual storm I thought of the storm at sea, the one we read about in the Gospel. Jesus rises from sleep in the stern of the boat, commands the winds to die down, and the waves grow calm. "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4 v 39). It's often preached that Jesus is with us in the storm. That's true. But what happens when the storm isn't stilled and faith is low? In the Gospel the disciples shout at Jesus! They angrily cry out, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" Have you ever felt like that? Is it wrong? Well, I'm going to suggest that while Jesus 'rebuked the wind', he merely 'spoke' to the disciples, asking 'why are you afraid, do you still have no faith?' It was a gentle remark, I believe, that implies faith is something to be acquired, understands that it needs to grow. At the very least, the tiniest amount of faith can hold onto one thing: God does care. That's the thing the disciples lacked: the sense that God cares. In every storm the rst thing we start with is this: I know he cares for me. With that established in our mind our faith can then begin to grow, knowing that his care is not lessened by any storm. As our faith grows the fear subsides and peace is his gift. That's been the experience of countless people. It's not a once and for all lesson, it's ongoing, ever-changing. But the ability for our faith to be strong in any storm starts in that one thought: God cares. God bless you 🙏
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08 December 2021
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ood morning everyone! It used to be that when you stayed in a hotel you'd be sure to nd a Gideon's Bible. These are the Scriptures provided by a Christian charity to all kinds of groups. I still have my Gideon's New Testament, presented to every boy in my year in 1974. Fiona has a Gideon's NT presented to every nurse. I can't imagine that happening now - though I'd be pleased to hear I'm wrong. Anyway, back to our hotel room... I looked in every drawer: no Gideon's Bible. Such a shame. Years ago I heard testimonies of people greatly helped in di cult situations by picking up a Bible in their room. Do you remember the 'Where to Find Help When...' index? Well there's no help in my hotel room. I've heard of people getting converted, restored to faith; prevented from taking their own life! I was talking the other day about how as young people at senior school we had 'proper' Christian assemblies - hymns, Bible readings and everything. Yes there's an argument that says that uninspiring assemblies can 'innoculate' children against the faith, but done well they had a value and they did familiarise young people in a small way with Bible stories. If the lack of Gideon's Bibles and the absence of Bible knowledge today is considered, I might suggest that the Scripture has come true, that says in the last days there will be 'a famine of the word of God.' (Amos 8 v 11 14). It's a shame. The Salvation Army's rst article of faith says 'We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the divine rule for Christian faith and practice.' I think that's a lovely (if formal) way of saying that there's nothing in life that the Bible can't inspire, help with, advise, strengthen, encourage, bring healing, faith, and redemption. These chapters and verses are the words of life, the bread of life. And more than just words about him; for as we read the Holy Spirit - the author - comes to us and we meet Jesus himself. What a privilege to read his word. It's all that we need to know him and be blessed. God bless you today 🙏
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09 December 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Well, it's not di cult to feel just a little despondent I guess. Here we are again it seems, with the introduction of new measures to combat rising cases of the new Covid variant. It doesn't seem very long ago when we felt that having two vaccines and a booster was going to bring us so much normality, but now there is compulsory masks, Covid passports and working from home again 'if you can'. I don't know about you, but it's not di cult to say 'here we go again!' We do thank God for the vaccines, for the expertise and excellent work of those who developed it, and the NHS who have served the country so well. We are frustrated of course by what's happening but I want to encourage you with something I heard last evening at The Salvation Army's carol concert in the Albert Hall in London; it was a message of hope. Whatever we do, however we feel, let us not give up on hope. Hope is the faith we have that God will answer prayer, that he has our life in his hands. We often hope that the weather will be better, that our team will win, etc; but there's no certainty. Hope like this often disappoints. Hope in the promises and power of God doesn't just wish that things will be di erent, it has a sure and certain con dence that God is holding life - our life - in his hands. The carol concert this evening ended with a moving and inspiring rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. It started quietly of course, but as the band and songsters joined in it became inspirational and encouraging. When we walk on with hope in our heart we will 'never walk alone'. I personally would turn that round. It's when we know that we are not walking alone, that Jesus is God With Us that we become able to walk with hope and faith in our heart. When our faith is linked to our closeness to God, he can strengthen the hope we have. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5 v 5). We can walk with a heart that is secure in the knowledge that whatever our di cult circumstances reveal, hope, peace and joy will be the gift of God to us. Don't be discouraged, hope in him. Trust him, believe, and know that quiet con dence that comes with walking alongside him. Father God my simple prayer is that I will have the assurance of your presence, the promise of your love, and the con dent hope that comes from knowing Jesus as my Saviour. Please walk with me today. I pray in his name. Amen. God bless you 🙏
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10 December 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. How's the Christmas decorating going? All done? I have to confess we're not quite there yet; there's still some things to position carefully on the tree or to be assigned a place. Last night I picked up a small ceramic model of a replace with a little teddy bear sleeping next to it. You place a tea light behind it. It's cute, it's cheap, it's valuable because it's one of the rst ornaments we bought for Christmas years ago. I look round the room and I see things we've collected over the years from various places, each one a memory. Things are brought out that our boys remember as children. Things are placed on the tree that look random, higgledy-piggledy, mismatched, but which have sentimental value - a souvenir, a gift, a keepsake. Why would we discard them, forget them? Some of us have a collection of certain types of ornaments that we build on each year with a new piece, some of us simply and lovingly bring out those old familiar treasures. We hold them for a moment and a poignant memory returns before we hang them on the tree or put them in pride of place on a shelf. Fiona and I went to Selfridge's this week on Oxford Street. It's another world for people who live in another world. We went to the Christmas department and gasped in amazement, but not at the beauty of the display - quite the opposite! There was a 6 foot Christmas tree for sale, covered in gold plastic baubles, various strands of plastic gold coloured foliage and owers. You could buy the whole 'set' for wait for it - £3,500! I've seen lovelier trees in a local garden centre with a 0 knocked o ! But what was missing, for me, was all those memories. Who wants to pay all that money but not have the precious memories? Who values an overpriced 'ready-to-put-up' tree over the priceless collection of the years that is gazed at each Christmas? Of course it's not just Christmas which gives opportunity for special memories and the feeling of gratitude that go with them. We look back constantly to be reminded of our blessings. In quiet moments we can begin to 'name them one by one', but we never exhaust that list. We are indeed surprised by 'what the Lord has done'. Memories of people and places, of moments of grace and gifts from God, of answered prayers and the assurance of salvation and divine presence are the blessings of the past that encourage 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow'. Psalms 103 v 2 reminds us: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his bene ts." Your memories, your blessings will be di erent to mine in many ways; the similarities come from the fact that we purchase none of them, and that they come freely from the hand of our loving Heavenly Father. May God add to your memories today as he blesses you again 🙏
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11 December 2021
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ood morning to you all on this very cold, frosty morning. It’s Song Saturday, it’s the 3rd Sunday of Advent, so let’s feature a Christmas
Carol that will be used in tomorrow’s Together in Worship.
This week, See Amid the Winter’s Snow. From a purely musical point of view I like this carol because after a subdued verse the melody bursts out, trumpet-like with three exclamations: ‘Hail! Thou ever blessed morn!’ ‘Hail redemption’s happy dawn’, and ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ It’s almost like a fanfare that wakes you up, that tells you the King is coming! Every line in this carol is accurate, true to Scripture, except the very rst line that imagines snow on the night of the birth of the ‘tender Lamb’. For every Salvation Army band it’s appropriate, I guess, as we stand in at least the cold, if not actually the snow! This morning numerous bands will be out carolling, and those trumpet notes of the chorus will ring out across high streets everywhere. That’s why we do it: we’re celebrating a Saviour, not just a Season. It's actually a Roman Catholic Hymn, written in a book of poems entitled The Masque of Mary, but which certainly points to Jesus. He’s the tender Lamb, his birth on a blessed morn signals our redemption, we’re celebrating not just the birth of a sacred infant and a holy child, but the birth of a Saviour. This is a Gospel song! Where so many carols are poetic descriptions of the manger and visitors kneeling there, this one takes us to the heart of why Jesus came. He wasn’t born merely to show love and humility – characteristics of Jesus of course - but to redeem, to save. The author, Edward Caswall comments on how the eternal Son of God should leave heaven’s bliss to come down to ‘such a world as this.’ Well, I wonder what Caswall would think of the world as it is now, compared to when he wrote these words in 1858. The world needs to hear of the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. See, amid the winter's snow, Born for us on earth below, See the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.
Sacred Infant, all divine, What a tender love was thine; Thus to come from highest bliss down to such a world as this!
Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today; Wherefore have ye left your sheep on the lonely mountain steep?
Teach, O teach us, holy child, By thy face so meek and mild, Teach us to resemble thee in thy sweet humility!
"As we watched at dead of night, Lo, we saw a wondrous light; Angels singing 'Peace on earth' told us of a Saviour's birth."
Chorus: Hail! Thou ever-blessed morn! Hail, redemption's happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Have a lovely day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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13 December 2021
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Monday morning welcome to you all! How was your weekend? Busy? Quiet? Well, a new week has begun and we continue to hope, continue to believe. I was thinking last night at home, following our children's nativity. What can anyone say about nativity plays? I think I want to say that the occasion was a triumph! Firstly, there were about 5 empty chairs! Secondly the children sang well. And from my standing position just outside a side door into the hall I could see and hear the audience reaction. There was a 'lively' audience. There were members of the Toddler group who seemed to anticipate that something - or 'someone' - was going to happen. They just seemed so excited! Were we once like that? I'm sure we were! I watched a few of them and there was a genuine sense of joy there. Their big moment was when they gathered on the platform and, under the watchful eyes of Anna our Toddler leader they sang Twinkle twinkle little star. Excellent! And then one little boy came back to his mother and proceed to start singing 'The wheels on the bus go round and round; well, why not? There was just a feeling of delight, of joy that made parents and friends smile. Noisy, chaotic? Yes, and that was before Father Christmas arrived! It all made me consider that in the giving of his Son through a birth as it was, he got it absolutely right. I can't think of a better, more inspired way than a birth of a child to a woman not more than a child herself, in a world that has grown weary. No, the Nativity didn't happen in the way we portrayed it. Did it ever? No. Does it matter that Nativity cast members with cardboard crowns and some curtain material made us laugh, or couldn't stop dgeting? No. It’s simply because the birth and behaviour of a child is wonderful, special, unpredictable and absolutely the best thing. God could have chosen simply to appear from nowhere all those years ago; to be dramatic, sophisticated and powerful. But no, he chose the face of a child, the hands of a child, and it’s inspired because we can't resist smiles and tears, the reality of a beautiful human life. The Bible says that when the 'set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman.' (Galatians 4 v 4) And people have been fascinated, moved, inspired, challenged and comforted by the thought that Jesus was like us, a member of our own family. That's the attraction, the point at which many people have come to faith. A Nativity play with its joyful chaos and sometimes noisy audience is a near perfect reminder that Jesus is here amongst us, and as we smile we can also know the joy of discovery, of inquisitiveness, of delight. That's what attracts us to the message, and it's what attracts us to him. Have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏
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14 December 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
In the last few weeks, has anyone said to you, "What do you want for Christmas?" We ask it constantly. But what's the answer? New slippers? A Hoover? A set of spanners? Or is it not so much what you need, but what you want? Some scent you like, music from a favourite singer, some lovely jewellery perhaps? Oh it's sometimes a di erent question to answer and it makes careful gift-giving more di cult: Oh if I only knew what she wants/needs/likes. A number of wonderful volunteers spent the day today trying to match gifts with lists of children. It's di cult when you don't know what they like, what they've asked for from Father Christmas. I imagine that most children will be thrilled with much of what they receive. There's a lovely Christmas song that's more often listened to than sung by a congregation: O Holy Night. What a lovely song it is. 'Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth...' Then in one part, we hear the words, 'He knows our need...' How wonderful! That God knows my need, my wants, my longings. But here's the most wonderful, most important thing: he knows my NEED. The truth is that God isn't just aware of our daily needs, he's acutely aware of our ETERNAL need. Someone wrote, "God extended grace to me by looking beyond my faults and seeing my need." And there's a further truth: we all have the same need. The Bible says 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...' (Romans 3 v 23) to us, a Saviour is born to meet our need, to answer the desire of our heart. He does indeed know our need, and there in the manger, there on the cross, is the Gift that is literally 'just what I've always wanted'. Jesus said, 'Your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.' (Matthew 6). He knows your daily needs, and most reassuringly he knows your need, your desire for forgiveness, salvation and grace. Can there really be a gift that can make such an impact on countless lives past, and still work today in the hearts of millions? Can there be a gift that ' ts' so perfectly? Yes! He does indeed know our need and the perfect gift. Accept that gift he o ers, let him renew and redeem you this Christmas. God bless you 🙏
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15 December 2021
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Wednesday welcome to you all! How are you? I've put up some more Christmas lights; you can't have too many can you! The world continues to be uncertain, fearful, divided; sometimes it seems that as we look at the light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel is actually getting longer! Thank God for the light that surrounds us! We have the privilege of being part of the light for others. Starting last Friday and nishing yesterday afternoon we sorted, stacked and selected toys for many, many children. The hall here at our Citadel was crammed with sacks of toys, and also bags of food for families. Health visitors, social workers and others came to collect them all and now they are on their way to various families to shine a bit of light for them. Why do we do it? Is it just charity? A few years ago the Orlando Salvation Army heard that a group of people had been banned from feeding the homeless in a public park. It was against a bye-law or something. There was a resulting controversy in the media. The Army had a large private car park and so they stepped in, invited the homeless people, and fed them on this private land. And the TV cameras turned up too, wanting an interview with the Major and presumably a critical word about the local council's decision. "Why are you doing this?" asked the reporter. "Because we want people to know that Jesus loves them," was the reply. And there you have it! It wasn't the expected or hoped-for denunciation of an allegedly uncaring council; it was simply a statement of faith and a public witness that everything The Salvation Army does is for Jesus, and so that others might realise his love for them shown in our actions. We are shining a light. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5 v 14 16) We don't do this for publicity purposes, or for praise, and certainly not to make political points. The volunteers who in recent days have spent hours of e ort carrying bags of food and sorting toys have done it for the children, so that somewhere, someone will glorify God and maybe even come to know Jesus. Major Fiona especially thanks an amazing team of volunteers for their e orts and appreciates the gifts and the prayers of so many others. The light is burning a little brighter now. God bless you 🙏
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16 December 2021
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orning all! How's your week going? I know that some of you struggle while others are content. Some are hearing di cult things while others receive good news. It's the way life is: joy and sorrow, strength and weakness... We just thank God that he never changes and that we can go to him in our prayers to nd help in our time of need. Well, last night we more or less nished decorating the house for Christmas. It's taken days! A little here, a little there. It used to be a one-day, all-out e ort, but we've got there in the end. It's all a matter of taste I guess; some of us like the minimalist look: a small tree and we're done. Others go for the full-on grotto e ect! Whichever way you go with your decorations you sit back and enjoy the e ect and the feeling. It all adds to the experience of Christmas for you. 'Bah, Humbug!' some might say; but I think that for many people the beauty of lights, the sparkle of tinsel and the sound of carols is very evocative and, in some ways our reaction shows a hint of faith, even among those who don't go to church. They used to say 'There are no atheists in the trenches'; in other words, people will believe when it's necessary. Perhaps we might say that there are fewer atheists at Christmas? Who doesn't like the carols, and the old story of the Baby King born in Bethlehem? Could it be possible that our appreciation and love for Christmas is actually an indication that deep down we want to believe, or we'd like to believe more? It's always fascinated me that the churches are traditionally full at Christmas, that we love our nativity plays, that this year there will be a crowd at the Market Cross here in Guisborough again singing carols while our band plays. Perhaps as our hearts are warmed God is speaking to us: "Just believe." Do you believe? I don't mean believe in Santa, or magic, or 'the spirit of the season', but believe in Jesus? That little baby in the manger is literally a life-changer, a soul-saver. Whatever our life is now, whatever we are, have been, or experience today, Jesus Christ has promised 'life in all its fulness' to those who believe; it's what he came for. 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved', says the Bible, ‘you and your household.' (Acts 16 v 31.) That means wrongs forgiven, relationships healed, peace of mind given, hope for the future assured, and eternal life guaranteed. These things are more than the sentiments of Christmas; this is strong faith that makes real life new. It's been tested and proved genuine by countless men and women and children. Will you believe in him? As you hear a carol, as you see a Nativity scene, think of the Child it's all about. Think that he lived, died and rose again that anyone, everyone who believes will not die but have eternal life. Christmas: it's time to believe! God bless you 🙏
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17 December 2021
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ell, we've made it to another Friday! Good morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
I bought the Christmas Radio Times the other day. Well, you have to; it's almost part of the Christmas decorations! We never buy it at any other time, but the Christmas one is a must: we need to see what's on. You open the pages, scan the three important days and, without fail say, "Hmph! There's not much on! It's all repeats!" And yes, I've looked: Morecambe and Wise are on! Actually, there are some repeats that are absolutely necessary, which if not included would see riots in the streets, or at least a 'tutting' over the breakfast table. So tomorrow you've got the only Scrooge lm worth watching (the black and white Alistair Sim version), you've got Home Alone, White Christmas, A Wonderful Life, etc, etc. You get the picture (literally). But there are lms we get tired of, TV series that lose their 'magic'. We all could name sequels that should never have been made, the third lm in the series that was so bad it went 'straight to video'. There are TV series that got cancelled because people stopped watching. We know of hugely popular Saturday night programmes that all of a sudden, after a number of years grew 'samey' or just tedious. There are the ubiquitous presenters who pop up everywhere but then begin to grate because it's the same 'act' whatever format they present. Yes, there is a danger of lms, TV, and celebrities losing both their appeal and their direction. It's strange then that some things endure, become legendary for their in uence on culture, and never lose their popularity. The Gospel is an 'old, old story of Jesus and his love.' First of all there can never be a sequel - though I am tempted to mention 'Jesus - The Return'! The whole message of creation, redemption and eternal life, centred on the birth, life, death, resurrection and return of Jesus is simply never going to be cancelled. Secondly it will never outstay its welcome, never date, never become tired or get changed simply to attract a younger audience. The Gospel story is a beautiful, unchanging truth that changes us. Jesus himself said, referring to things much greater than a cancelled variety show: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.' Luke 21 v 33 We might look at new ways to present the life and teaching of Jesus, but as long as the original truth is there that is good. People still respond to the child in the manger, the man who taught and healed, the dying man on the cross, and the victor at the empty tomb. This never-altered true story has the power to save, to redeem and restore. That's why it's not just a repeat. It's not a Christmas story, or even an Easter story. It's a Life Story. Have a lovely day. God bless you 🙏
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ello everyone, and welcome to Song Saturday. We’re looking at one of
the songs that we are using in Together in Worship tomorrow: it is, of course, a Christmas carol. It’s one that is ‘up there’ with the best of the carols: O Little Town of Bethlehem. There are a number of categories of carols, including: old medieval ones, Victorian English, French and German ones, and American ones. Little Town is one of the latter. It was written in the 1860s after the author Rev Phillips Brooks visited the Holy Land. In his biography he told how he and a friend rode on horses to Bethlehem: “We came to the town, situated on an eastern ridge of a range of hills, surrounded by its terraced gardens. It is a good-looking town, better built than any other we have seen.” From the little town itself they went to the ields where the shepherds had been visited by the angels. He wrote, “Somewhere in those ields we rode through, the shepherds must have been. As we passed, the shepherds were still keeping watch over their flocks, or leading them home to fold.” Seeing modern day shepherds in those very same ields must have made the story seem to come alive for him. Last week Fiona and I were in London for The Salvation Army’s carol concert, and we took the opportunity to visit a Christmas market in Leicester Square. There was a stall there selling beautiful hand-painted pottery. I recognised some of the designs – the loaves and ishes was one design. And then I saw that the pottery – and the man who had made it all and was selling it, was from Jerusalem. He was a Christian and he proudly told me about his handpainted designs based on the Bible. I’ve never been to Israel, but meeting someone from there seemed to make what I read in the Bible real, for it’s a real place. Rev Brooks wrote the carol back in the USA thinking about how he had seen the ‘dark streets’ of Bethlehem and ‘the silent stars’ going by above it. The Nativity was real for him because he’d seen the shepherds’ ields too. And yet, he knew that seeing the town, visiting the ields was not enough. Knowing ‘about' Jesus is most de initely not the same as personally knowing him; and that’s possibly why Brooks moves from describing the scene to writing a prayer. It’s a prayer to be able to have an experience of Jesus, of having him be 'born in us today'; it's so much more than merely imagining the scene. John, who doesn’t include anything of the birth of Jesus in his Gospel, writes these memorable words: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1 v 12) The true meaning of Christmas is not in the recognising, the remembering, it’s in the receiving; as the carol says, ‘where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.’ We’ve already thought this week that this is a time for believing; maybe now is the time to receive him into your heart. May the prayer in the carol become personal to you. O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his Heaven. No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God, the King, And peace to men on earth. For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel.
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18 December 2021
God bless you 🙏
20 December
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2021
ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Well The Week has started, Christmas Eve is on Friday and Song Saturday will be Christmas Day! It's all exciting. But Oh no! Guisborough has su ered a set back: someone broke our town's Market Cross Christmas Tree! I drove past it yesterday and the top three feet was hanging down where 'persons unknown' had somehow snapped the trunk. The symbol of the town's celebrations is ruined. Later I was copied into emails sent between town councillors debating the course of action because The Salvation Army is holding a carol service there and it won't look good. They were onto it. Facebook came alive: they broke our tree! Well you can imagine the comments about vandals and youths and drunken actions...Make them pay, where's the CCTV? What's wrong with these people? Then some positive comments: let's club together, let's donate, let's show how the town can respond! And then, suddenly, an 'update': the culprit has very apologetically come forward, owned up to damaging the tree and saying he will pay to remedy the damage. Well, that's impressive! And some of the comments I read subsequently were also impressive. "Good on them," "Well done for coming forward," Some people did still make condemning comments but others were more understanding, including one person who re ected on something they had done wrong in the past. Another said, "We've all done daft things." Well indeed. Forgiveness of those who are sorry, and who show what the Bible says are 'the fruit of repentance', i.e. practical e ort to make amends, is at the heart of the Gospel. At his birth Jesus is said to be the one who will 'save his people from their sins', at his death he prayed, 'Father forgive them...'. St Paul writes, 'Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, as God in Christ forgave you. forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.' (Ephesians 4 v 32) Oh that's di cult sometimes, isn't it? But we should try always to give what we ourselves would ask for. Can you imagine there being no forgiveness available for our wrongs, mistakes and misdemeanours? Thank God for grace, for his forgiveness that we ourselves have received. May we always strive, by that same grace, to be forgiving. It not only releases them from acknowledged past wrongs, we too are set free. God bless you 🙏 Have a lovely day.
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appy Tuesday everyone! It’s a momentous day for us all; O yes it is! Well, it depends on your demeanour of course. I wanted to check on something, so I Googled ‘December 21st’, and you will never guess what I was told: Today is ‘Humbug Day’ – put on your night cap and your inner Scrooge and have a good old grumble! What’s stressing you out? Go on, get moaning about the inconvenience of Christmas! No? Well, today is also, oddly, ‘Look On The Bright Side Day’. Yes, a day for being cheerful, optimistic; or as they say in Yorkshire, “It’ll be reet!” Allegedly. Or if that’s too cheerful, and you feel lazy, it’s also ‘Don’t Make Your Bed Day’. Well there you go leave the duvet half on the oor, leave your pillows halfway down the bed and, if you’re feeling rebellious, leave your pyjamas in the bathroom. There, doesn’t that feel better? It’s also ‘Crossword Puzzle Day’ AND bizarrely, ‘Dalek Remembrance Day’ when we remember the very rst time, in 1963, when Daleks appeared in Doctor Who! Isn’t Google brilliant! And all I wanted to con rm was that today is the shortest day of the year; and I got all that other stu . And yes it is, today is the winter solstice when the sun sets earlier than ever. This day has more darkness in it than any day of the year. Oh thank God for Christmas lights, for brightly lit shops, for warm glowing resides and brightly lit living rooms with lights around the windows. I don’t think humans were made for darkness… Is it too melodramatic to suggest that we live in a metaphorically dark world? I don’t want to wear a sandwich board and suggest The End Is Nigh, but in our world of uncertainty and sadness might we not suggest that there is darkness to be fought against? Some might even suggest that the darkness is increasing, as on the shortest day. Well thank God for the light of Christmas. I don’t mean the tree lights or those lights we place on the hedge outside; I mean the light that comes from the Manger. Jesus is described in the Bible as the light of the world, but more than that, he is the rising sun, the one who dispels the day’s darkness and brings light and life once again. The Bible says, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high (the sunrise) hath visited us.” (Luke 1 v 78) It’s as if he is the one who can change our dark days – our ‘Humbug’ days, if you like, into those days when we can ‘Look on the Bright Side.’ I think the word for that is simply ‘hope.’ Today, on this shortest day, live in hope; for the light is coming! God bless you 🙏
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21 December 2021
22 December 2021
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midweek greeting to you all!
Yesterday I spent the day searching. Some of you will not understand this, but until this week I had done no Christmas shopping whatsoever. Seriously! At the weekend I was quite concerned that we might possibly go into further restrictions that might prevent me from shopping, and Fiona would have no Christmas present 😳 but thankfully I was able to spend the day looking, searching, and thankfully, nding a whole host of presents for various members of my family. Well at least I didn't leave it until Christmas Eve! The worst part of Christmas shopping is starting from a position of having no idea what you're looking for. When you literally have no idea what to get, you nd yourself looking at stu that you just know isn't right. It's a wonderful feeling to suddenly come across the perfect thing: Ta Da! "Would you like a carrier bag Sir?" "Oh yes please! I don't mind at all paying an extra 10p, because I've found what I was looking for!" And then you drive home and the job's a good 'un. Actually, I did spend a little time searching for something else yesterday. I mentioned recently that in the Metro Centre in Gateshead there's always a very large Nativity scene. The gures are the size of small children! I related how a Muslim family was looking at it one time. Anyway, this year it wasn't in the place it always was. Actually, neither was the usual 30 foot high Christmas tree. What there was instead was an indoor skating rink. Well, as I trudged around the di erent areas of the Metro Centre I saw no sign of the Nativity Scene. Surely they can't have kept it in the storeroom! I looked in the open spaces, but no it wasn't there. Oh dear, they've removed Jesus from this year's Christmas. And then I found him, on an upper level I hadn't visited. He wasn't left out and he wasn't placed in a corner. There was space around the gures, and they were easily seen. But I have to say that it still wasn't in the most populous area, and for all my wandering around I only passed it once. I was glad it was still there. He was there if you looked for him. Shepherds and wise men had just one thing in common: they searched. The shepherds were told the news but weren't escorted to Jesus, they said, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see..." An e ort was made, an inconvenience caused as they left their sheep. But they went to nd him. The wise men, similarly, made a huge e ort to travel and search and inquire: "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We have come to worship him." (Matthew 2 v 2) It's unthinkable that Christ would be born unheralded, unvisited, anonymous and ignored. Imagine if the shepherds had not run to visit; had the wise men not travelled. Faith and truth are things worth the e ort, the search, the journey. God says, "You will seek me and nd me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29 v 13) That's not merely a promise, it's a challenge; indeed it's a warning. He is only found by those who seek. Take time to search, to discover. Then you'll see, then you'll nd. Then you will believe. God bless you 🙏
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23 December 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. One more 'normal' day to go, and tomorrow is Christmas Eve!
😀😱
It's a bit of a cliché I guess but it is getting a bit more di cult to nd Jesus in Christmas these days. Nativity cards are not easily found, and Christmas lms major on the trappings with hardly a mention of 'the reason for the season'. How surprised I was to hear references, albeit brief, to the Nativity and to Jesus, in the Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol last Saturday. I've seen it many times, and read the book too, but three quotes stood out. Marley's ghost bewails his uncharitable life asking, 'Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode!' Why indeed - he warns our Ebenezer to do di erently. The narrator describes the fun of a Christmas party : "For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.” It seems strange to justify having fun by appealing to the childhood of Jesus, but at least the reader will be reminded of Jesus, even if his name isn't actually written. And nally, as Scrooge watches the scene in the Cratchitt house, he hears Bob say that Tiny Tim was good in church, and had said that "He hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas day who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see." Jesus makes a brief appearance there again. The reader and the viewer are reminded that he was a compassionate healer. Yes it's true that the full Gospel is not outlined, but the Nativity, the child Jesus, and the healing ministry of Jesus are hinted at. It's nice to see him there in possibly the most iconic and in uential Christmas story there is, apart from the event at Bethlehem of course! It's so important that we don't allow the other stories of Christmas, however lovely, funny or 'Christmassy', to extinguish the light that comes from the manger. They never will, of course, not while there are nativity plays, carol services with their read 'lessons' alongside the carols. The baby in the manger must always be the focal point. We read that the shepherds discussed amongst themselves what they should do, decided to go and see, and 'they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.' (Luke 2 v 16) That's the heart of the story, that's what the plot hinges on. Dickens knew it perfectly. May this year be a time when more people than ever think of Jesus, and not just Santa, reindeer, elves, and snowmen. May they nd him, even unexpectedly, and like Scrooge, have their Christmas - and their life - transformed. God bless you 🙏
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24 December 2021
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t's Christmas Eve! No doubt today is going to be met with a whole range of emotions - excitement, panic, relief, worry, grief, joy, love, exhaustion...I could go on. I just want to say, rst of all, a huge thank you to those who have donated gifts of food, money and toys and gifts to our Christmas appeal: you are all stars! There will be those who will feel loved, appreciated and supported. Thank you. Giving gifts is important, as is the receiving of them. It's probably not a good idea or example to overindulge and give so many gifts they lose their value, but gifts given in love - even small gifts - can be in nitely precious. We might even say that the Christmas Season itself is a gift to a weary world. Have you ever read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Spoiler alert if you haven't: The land of Narnia is held in the deepest winter by the magic of the evil witch; it's winter but never Christmas. Then Aslan the lion, the Creator himself comes to Narnia, his approach heralded by the arrival of Father Christmas who gives gifts, and then the power of the witch is broken and winter is over. It's not hard to see the Christian allegory here. The arrival of Jesus brings the warmth of the love of God to the heart and goodness triumphs over the bad. Yesterday I quoted from the Dicken's novel, 'A Christmas Carol'; I shared some of the Christian references. There's a Christmas song you may have heard on the radio. I won't claim any Christian content for it, except it does use the common, and often carelessly-used phrase 'Thank God.' In the context of the last year and our feeling that Christmas is a gift, the words seem apt: Oh, my love, we've had our share of tears Oh, my friends we've had our hopes and fears Oh, my friends it's been a long hard year But now it's Christmas, yes, it's Christmas Thank God it's Christmas. Oh, my love, we live in troubled days Oh, my friend we have the strangest ways All my friends on this one day of days Thank God it's Christmas Yes, it's Christmas, thank God it's Christmas For one day.
(Roger Taylor/Brian May)
At the very least it expresses a sense of relief that this 'day of days' carries within it some kind of answer, some resolution or respite. It's interesting that an atheist could write 'Thank God...' We who believe don't use that phrase ippantly or carelessly. We do literally thank God, but not not just for the season. It is, as CS Lewis was trying to say, the arrival of the Creator in tangible form that drives away the dark, the cold, and replaces it with light, life and love. Paul cries out, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9 v 15). Jesus is that gift, the gift 'beyond words'; he's 'just what we always wanted', the one who makes tomorrow the 'day of days.' In Jesus 'the hopes and fears of all the years are met'. Could there be a greater gift? (No! is the answer :) ) All God asks is that we welcome him, receive him, love him. Will you do that? As we make our nal preparations, may that phrase be in your heart: 'Thank God it's Christmas'; better still: 'Thank God for Jesus'. God bless you 🙏
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25 December 2021
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ood Morning and Merry Christmas: Christ the Saviour is Born!
Welcome to Song Saturday! There’s no Together in Worship tomorrow, but our Divisional Headquarters will be sharing a time of worship with us, so please watch for the link. When I was at Blackpool Citadel Corps the band used to go out on Christmas Eve and play carols in some of the hotels. Then we went back to the Citadel for a midnight candlelit service which ended around 12.15. The best part was that we all went outside the hall onto the wide pavement and sang ‘Christians awake! Salute the happy morn!’ accompanied by the Bandmaster on a very large piano accordion! We hear about so much joy on Christmas morning – the joy of Mary and Joseph of course, the joy of the shepherds when they came tumbling into the stable, the joy of the wise men when they nally arrived a while later. We shouldn’t forget the joy of the angels, the heavenly host singing Glory to God in the highest, and no doubt there was rejoicing in heaven too. Would it be too much of a stretch to think that God the Father was also rejoicing at the birth of his Son, now revealed in esh? The Gospels tell us that God said on other occasions, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’ Well, I think if we were to have asked the Father what he thought about the birth he would have said similarly, I am well-pleased! Yes, joy to the world! But look at our song for today, Christians awake! Christians awake, salute the happy morn Whereon the Saviour of the world was born! Rise to adore the mystery of love Which hosts of angels chanted from above; With them the joyful tidings rst begun Of God incarnate and the virgin's Son.
O may we keep and ponder in our mind God's wondrous love in saving lost mankind! Trace we the babe, who hath retrieved our loss, From His poor manger to His bitter cross; Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace, Till man's rst heavenly state again takes place.
Then to the watchful shepherds it was told, Who heard the angelic herald's voice: Behold, I bring good tidings of a Saviour's birth To you and all the nations on the earth; This day hath God ful lled His promised Word, This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord! This poem was written by John Byrom in 1749 as a Christmas present for his daughter Dolly, but unknown to him, not long afterwards she passed the poem on to an organist who wrote the tune we sing today. He took his choir to the author’s house and just after Midnight on the next Christmas morning sang it to him for the very rst time! The quiet street outside the house must have come alive with the singing, and no doubt it roused Mr Byrom from his bed! It was certainly a wake-up call for that particular Christian! Christmas carries within it so many emotions and actions, love of course, from God and extended to others, the peace of the Prince of Peace, if only the world would accept it, and joy. If the world were more joyful think what a di erent place it would be, instead of sadness, cynicism, anger… The Gospel message is rst and foremost of the heart before it can reach out to others. It's good news for the soul: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you 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 2:8 11). We are joyful because we have a Saviour! Today, whether you are spending Christmas quietly or with others, may there be joy. Whether that joy is uttered or unexpressed, may it still warm your heart as you ponder again the joyful news that Jesus is born. Have a lovely Christmas Day! God bless you 🙏
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27 December 2021
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ood morning everyone! We hope you've had a lovely Christmas weekend, either with family or quietly by yourself, surrounded by people or listening to the voices of your memories; we hope it's been special for you. I have to admit that over the last few days I've lost my calendar-compass; I haven't known what day of the week it was. As soon as Thursday went, the days lost their names and dates and we had Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Add to the mix an extra video on Christmas Day but no video from us on Boxing Day, with the routine well out of the window and it was confusion all round! I was in the kitchen on Christmas Day and it was literally a surprise to be informed on the wireless at 9 am that this was the news on 25th December. No, it's Christmas Day, I thought... And then yesterday I realised that not only was it allegedly Sunday, and Boxing Day, it was also St Stephen's Day: the Feast of Stephen upon which Good King Wenceslas looked out. Phew. And today, weirdly, is bank holiday and so is tomorrow; so more disruption to the routine. Where are our days? Is it Monday? Yes, but if you're in a church that does Saints days it's the Feast of St John the Apostle. My goodness what a crowded few days! I'm so glad I don't have to observe all the saints days; I have enough trouble remembering family birthdays! There's a lovely verse in 2 Corinthians 6 v 2 that says, "For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation." It doesn't matter what we call it, it's always 'Today'. Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow hasn't arrived, we live 'today' whatever name we give it, and we have God's promise that salvation and help is available just now. 'Today'. And that verse that many of us quote in times of joy is also most appropriate; let's not be too confused about days and dates, for "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!"(Psalm 118 v 24) So, if it doesn't really matter to you what you call today, or even if it does, remember that it's 'Today', and that we are glad because of it. Whatever you are doing today, we pray there will be something to make you rejoice! God bless you 🙏
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28 December 2021
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Now that the wrapping paper is lling up the recycling bin, what are you going to do with all the carrier bags you collected whilst doing your Christmas shopping? I looked at the ones I have: Primark, Boots, Next, Superdrug, Wilko's, WH Smith and M&S. My goodness what a collection; and what a range of shop! I imagine that there are people who are quite happy to walk down the street with Primark, but others who would much prefer to be seen with Selfridge's, Harrods and Gucci. There's a bit of snobbery perhaps. I once went into Harrods to buy a bar of chocolate simply so I could have a Harrods carrier bag as a souvenir. I repeated that exercise a couple of years ago when I bought a Christmas bauble. I still have the Christmas bauble but seriously, the carrier bag is long gone. To many people a carrier bag is a 10p necessity, just a bag; to others it's a statement. Look at what I can a ord, look at where I have been. But the carrier bag is not the gift! It's actually just a sign. When the Apostles Peter and John were in trouble with the authorities for preaching, they responded very bravely and con dently because they knew God's power within them. The leaders questioning them "were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John... They also recognised them as men who had been with Jesus." (Acts 4 v 13) There was something about them that was more than just association with Jesus. Being 'with' Jesus was noteworthy, but we would say that having God's Spirit within, is most important. Having an outward sign is not the same as possessing the truth. The carrier bag is not the gift! Still on the Christmas theme, we would revisit that prayer from the carol that makes the experience personal and 'inward'. When the outward expression is packed away, no longer needed, we know he has answered our heart's desire: O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! May people see Him within us. God bless you 🙏
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29 December 2021
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orning everyone. I was thinking about Nativity plays and the common 'ingredients' of them all: Mary, Joseph, sheep, angels, stars, shepherds and kings. For understandable reasons, however, even though Herod might just get a mention, one signi cant and horri c part of the Nativity that is never featured is the killing of the babies of Bethlehem by Herod. It's a feature of some of our Christmas carols of course: the Coventry Carol and Unto us a Boy us Born all include it, and the band plays them in the street. But I don't recall ever featuring the story in any carol service I have led. It's interesting to discover that yesterday in the Church of England and today in the Orthodox Churches, time is set aside to remember 'The Holy Innocents' who were killed when Herod's soldiers rode into Bethlehem to eliminate the young child born to be King, but thankfully after the Holy Family had escaped. One tradition says 10,000 were killed. That's unlikely; it may have been a handful. What a tragedy though, an example of hatred and wickedness by a cruel king. It was needless, futile and was actually typical for Herod who was unspeakably cruel in other things too, according to the historians. We remember that even today people su er because of their faith in Christ, or because others are intolerant and prejudiced. It's always been a mystery to me why Christians have been persecuted when our faith is centred around love and joy and peace, around the assurance of forgiveness and grace; indeed, focused on the person of Jesus who was 'full of grace and truth.' It also ba es me when Christians are also unkind or even cruel, totally denying the One they claim to serve. Jesus himself said (Matthew 5 v 10) "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." We often think of blessings for ourselves, perhaps today we might pause to remember and pray for 'the holy innocents' - children and adults too - who are persecuted because they are Christians in places where Christianity is oppressed and the churches are persecuted. We pray also for all children who are cruelly treated, neglected and abused. By extension, let us pray for families and family life in this and other countries so that the family unit will be honoured, protected and supported, and children may grow up in love and security. 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. God bless you 🙏
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30 December 2021
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ood morning everyone. One of the obligatory pleasures of visiting family is the photo session. Brothers and sisters maybe, most de nitely mother and children, and absolutely grandmother and grandchildren. This year because of the birth of our own grandson the must-have photo has been of both great-Nanas with their great-grandson. It's a photo that many, many families have; it's precious, and will one day be looked back on with love and a conversation about Great-Nana... Another photo was taken of me, my sons, and my grandson: the Mugford name continues 🙂 . After another di cult year, with an uncertain new year to come, these family photos lled with smiles speak of days and good experiences of the past, and of hopes for the future. Each photo tells of life as it continues on regardless, families that love, learn and live whatever happens in the world. Life goes on, as we say, some things never change. The grandson will inherit his world as an adult one day, encouraged and informed in part by his parents, grandparents, and even his great-grandmothers. In another context, on Christmas Eve our band was joined by perhaps 300+ people for carols at the market cross Christmas tree. There was a good number of children there; little ones and older ones. They were part of it, they sang the carols alongside Mums and Dads and Grandparents. It was the keeping of tradition, the sharing of the experience of years that even the most elderly there had themselves learned as children. People denigrate tradition as if it has no value. For me, it provides the familiar structure, the accepted means through which we learn, experience, and hopefully make our own those inherited truths. As far as the Gospel is concerned it's how our own children may come to faith in Christ. We provide them with the traditional stories, the songs, the prayers: those 'means of grace' that hopefully, one day, will bear fruit and that they will 'internalise' and make their own. The Psalmist says, 'Let each generation tell it's children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.' (Psalm 145 v 4) As we approach the end of the year, let's thank God for the in uence previous generations had on us, and be determined to have a similar Godly in uence on those who are of the generations after us. In a rapidly changing and confused world, one of the greatest safeguards is the wisdom and traditions of the past. May we share that wisdom, and our living faith, into a future that needs it. God bless you 🙏
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31 December 2021
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's the last day of 2021, New Year's Eve. What will you focus on today? Will you look back and see the di culties, the challenges? We don't minimise them in the slightest. It's been a hard year. The pandemic, of course, has tainted everything and has caused the mild inconvenience of curtailed or constrained holidays, but more signi cantly has a ected health and well-being, jobs and nancial situations. Maybe you look back over the last 12 months and, regardless of the restrictions, you've lived life with so many of the joys of living. Family, friends have been there for you, there's been good news, celebrations and ne weather! Human life has gone on each day as it always has despite the circumstances. So we look back over 2021 and there are reasons to be sad, but also to be thankful. In the sadness we are nevertheless grateful for the closeness of God, the assurance of his word and the kindness of others. In the happiness we have found opportunity for praise and the ability to express our joy for a year in which we can say 'thank you' to God. As you read this, maybe just pause. Firstly, think of one thing you are immensely grateful for... Secondly, something that has given you great joy. Finally, think of that sad occasion, di cult situation, or burden you shouldered. The Bible says, "In everything give thanks..." (1 Thessalonians 5 v 18) That's not an unreasonable instruction that ignores hardship, but is an encouragement to realise the power of praise to give strength as well as express joy in our knowledge that God has been there... I think that as we hang up our new calendars tomorrow, as we open the curtains on a new day, a new year, the overwhelming feeling will be one of hope. There's still so much to look forward to, so much 'ordinary' stu in life that satis es; and on top of that, and through it all, we have the assurance that "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31 v 8) It's not often that I quote a Pope! But in the early 1960s John XXIII began a series of changes in the Roman Catholic Church that allowed the renewing power of the Holy Spirit to begin to transform it in a number of ways. Here is advice he wrote that takes us from the past and gives hope for future renewal. If we are open to God, he can do great things within and around us, whatever the circumstances. "Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unful lled potential. Concern not yourself with what you tried and failed in, but what it is still possible to do. Now is the time to put aside past and present setbacks and failures and look with con dence to the new day called tomorrow." Pope John XXIII God bless you 🙏
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01 January 2022
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ood morning each and every one of you; and a Happy New Year from both of us. It’s a new day, a new year. Just think of the opportunities, experiences and adventures! Just remember that even if you face this year with anxiety, ‘Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,’ (Romans 8 v 39), Jesus is still Immanuel ‘God with us’, and the Holy Spirit is within to comfort, guide, strengthen and teach. With God on our side, we are in the majority in every contest! Well, it may be New Year’s Day but it’s also the rst Song Saturday of 2022. Imagine that! Tomorrow’s video worship comes from our Divisional Headquarters in Leeds once again, and the song I am featuring today is ‘Lord, I come before your throne of grace.’ I like this song; it’s immensely singable, and has simple but profound truths. It’s also a lot older than I thought: it was published in 1989. The song was written out of great su ering and hardship. So many people ask ‘where is your God?’ when sad or di cult things happen. Well, indeed! The Psalms are full of such despairing questions: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Psalm 22 v 1) is an example. Do you know, I don’t think we ever surprise God by our despair, our confusion, even our anger at him. He knows our every thought and enters into it all. But just read the story of this song’s origins: Robert & Dawn Critchley were worship leaders at Niagara Community Church. They were blessed with 4 children: Bethany, Noah, Gideon and Elijah. Gideon died just days after his birth because of multiple health complications. Robert and Dawn testify that it was the eternal love and grace of God that gave them both hope and comfort through this di cult time of their lives. They know that Gideon was not a mistake and that he was “fearfully and wonderfully made”. The presence of the Lord was especially evident to both of them in that di cult time. Through the comfort that they received from God (that Gideon was whole and in the arms of Jesus and that one day they would be with their son again) they have had the privilege and consolation of comforting others in life’s su erings. When you hear of faith from those who have proved it, it’s a great encouragement. Fiona and I pray that each of us will be blessed throughout this new year; may there be days of joy and peace, seasons of blessing. But in those di cult days that may come, we also pray that the faithfulness of God will be your experience and he will uphold and comfort you. This year “May the God of hope ll you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may over ow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15 v 13) Lord, I come before Your throne of grace I nd rest in Your presence, and fullness of Joy In worship and wonder I behold Your face Singing what a faithful God have I
2. Lord of mercy, You have heard my cry Through the storm You're the beacon, my song in the night In the shelter of Your wings hear my hearts reply Singing what a faithful God have I
Chorus: What a faithful God have I What a faithful God What a faithful God have I Faithful in every way
3. Lord all sovereign granting peace from heaven Let me comfort those who su er with the comfort You have given I will tell of Your great love for as long as I live Singing what a faithful God have I
God bless you 🙏
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03 January 2022
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. The rst Monday of 2022 and "It's beginning to look a lot like... well, 'not-Christmas' ". Oh I so dislike the beginning of January! The decorations look a little tired, the batteries are going in the lights, the biscuits you haven't eaten yet are conspiring against your resolution to lose weight... And if you haven't already done it, there's the prospect of taking all the decorations down before Twelfth Night (6th January) and leaving a bare room... We started last night, we'll take a lot of stu down today from our living room grotto, but I'm determined that at least the Christmas tree will remain until 12th Night! Christmas ain't over until those Wise Men arrive at Epiphany! No, I'm de nitely not one of those who think Christmas is nished once you've loaded the dishwasher after Christmas Dinner. The anticipation of Advent is gone, the 'magic' of the 'Holy Night' has given way to the brightness of The Day itself, but why rush away as if it has no lasting e ect? Was it all about the presents under the tree? Is it over with the eating of the Christmas pudding? Is Christmas just a one-day thing? I love the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. To my mind, after the written story itself, the Alister Sim version is the best, the benchmark against which other adaptations must be tested. Anyway, in the closing paragraph of the story Dickens writes that Scrooge "lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!" Well indeed! How may we keep Christmas well? It's surely not in the time we keep our tree up, it's surely not in any action or activity, and neither I might suggest is it found in simple charitable attitudes that linger. It is entirely a matter of the heart, because at the heart of Christmas is that one exceptional announcement that is the entire reason for the incarnation: "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2 v 11). To keep Christmas well, as it were, is to acknowledge that Jesus is your Saviour from sin, to know him as Christ and follow his teachings, and to worship him as the Lord of life. As Peter says, ".. in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." (1 Peter 3 v 15) That's not for a day, a season, even a year; that's an every day experience, it happens in the heart by grace through faith in him. When the lights of Christmas are packed away, the light of Christ still burns in our hearts, and we continue to adore him, Christ the Lord. God bless you 🙏
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04 January 2022
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orning all! There's a fresher feel to the weather this morning, or should I just say 'cold'? Someone might say 'bracing'. It certainly wakes you up when you open the door to let the cat out! We're still in those early days of the year when many people are reassessing, rethinking, restarting, and lots of other 're-'s. We make resolutions to lose weight, get more sleep, read more, relax more, eat better, tidy that garage, spend more time with friends...the list could go on. We see what we'd like to do, we have every intention. I shall go public here and say that my intention this year is, at the age of 60, to run the Great North Run. Well two of my sons have done it, Major Fiona has done it - twice! - and so this is my turn, my challenge. I've done the 'Couch to 5k' running programme twice, but either through injury or other excuses, never did the nal week; so this year my determination is high, my hopes are revived. 'Let's do this!' - as they say. Apparently. It's interesting how much of our New Year resolve focuses on physical health. I wonder if it should also be a time for spiritual resolve too. We are, after all, spiritual as well as physical, and St Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising bene ts in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4 v 8) Paul is writing to a young man; perhaps he knows that young Timothy likes his exercise routine. "Good stu Tim, but what about your soul?" At this time of year when we are 'reviving' our diets, our 10,000 steps a day, maybe we could discover how we can be revived inwardly. One certain way is to spend some time reading the Bible. We're not all readers of course, and it would be unhelpful to try to wade through great passages of the Bible; but what about a verse or two, even a paragraph? By renewing an intention to read and think for a moment, we open our hearts and minds to the renewing power of God. The Psalmist writes, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." (Psalm 19 v 7). He's not just talking 10 Commandments here, but all the directions, encouragements, blessings, truths and beautiful words that God has inspired and given. Resolve this year to restart a diet of 'feeding' on God's word. Renew a daily exercise of your mind, thinking of a verse or a short passage. You could open your Bible of course, or even get an app on your phone with a daily plan. The Youversion app is very good. As you read, let the words revive you, let the Holy Spirit refresh you. Let this year be, for you, a year of renewal. God bless you 🙏
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05 January 2022
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orning all! As we get back to normal routine many of us might still be in that frame of mind of starting again, of revisiting former activities or exploring new things for the New Year. Yesterday I was suggesting a renewal of reading the Bible. Today, it's companion activity. I sometimes hear people who are not on Facebook complain about how awful Facebook is: 'Oh, it causes trouble, it's full of rubbish...' Well, wherever there is human activity, conversation and creativity there's going to an element of 'trouble' and 'rubbish'. You don't need the internet for that, people can cause argument and upset talking over a garden fence, so nothing new there! If you ignore the negative stu , social media can be an absolutely wonderful thing. It's brought people close together, kept people from loneliness, included them in conversation and news, and even reunited them. In the last year I've been in contact with a man who I've not seen since school in 1980 and another who I knew from a Salvation Army youth week back in 1986! It's been good just to catch up, see a little of what they've been doing over the last 40 years! There are others - Salvation Army o cers - who I was in conversation with on Facebook, whom I subsequently met at events and I now consider as friends. Through social media, friendships can be encouraged and rekindled, maintained and shared with others. We are made for relationship and communication. Perhaps Facebook at its best, at its most useful, is indeed helpful at enabling or restoring good friendships. Many years ago a young woman spoke about hearing for the very rst time the Cli Richard song, 'We Don't Talk Anymore'. It's not a religious song, but in its lyrics she heard a message, a reminder that she had stopped praying, that literally she didn't talk anymore to God in any meaningful way. She had at one time felt close to him but now, through circumstances, perhaps through neglect she had lost contact, if you like, with him. Cli Richard's song was the message she needed, and she began to pray again; more than that, more than words, she found her relationship with God again. Prayer may be di erent for each of us. Some just speak easily, naturally as friend with friend. Others like to use the written prayers of others or the words of songs and hymns. It doesn't really matter what 'methods' suit our personality or the time available, just as long as it brings us closer to Jesus in our friendship with him, and our worship of him God himself has sent a 'friend request' through Scripture: "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near." (Isaiah 55 v 6). That's encouraging. He's near, he's always listening, he's there to talk to. Maybe as we enter this year prayer might become more meaningful to you, and your friendship with God even closer. May God bless you 🙏
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06 January 2022
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elcome everyone to a most important day - Epiphany. This is the day we remember the Wise Men arriving at the house and worshipping Jesus, the one they recognised as the king of the Jews. Yesterday was the twelfth day of Christmas, and so today is a new season: Epiphany, the revealing of God's light to the world. In our house the decorations are down, the tree is up in its resting place in the attic, the living room looks bigger, plainer. The new year has now started, and in a way the wise men represent something of that new beginning and perhaps a sense of renewed determination and purpose. They are quite mysterious gures, and unfortunately our Christmas card image of kings coming to give gifts to a baby hides something very signi cant for us as we focus on our New Year. They were Zoroastrians, members of an eastern religion from modern day Iran or Afghanistan. It's fascinating to know there are still followers of this faith today. Fun fact: Freddie Mercury was born into a Zoroastrian family, and his funeral was conducted by their priests... Anyway, what we know is that they were known as king makers; basically in nearly the whole Middle East, they were the ones who controlled and approved the appointment of kings. It's no wonder Herod was upset when these men appeared wanting to see 'the one born to be King of the Jews'! And when they found the child Jesus they honoured him as a literal king by presenting appropriately royal gifts. But there's something about their journey that inspires us in our own journey of renewal. Firstly, they travelled rather than worshipping him from afar. Secondly, they travelled together. Thirdly, they knelt together in worship when they came to the house. It's that togetherness that is so signi cant. In these last two years, togetherness in worship has either been completely stopped, or it's been available with restrictions. It's been di cult. Worship at its best, its most inspiring, indeed Christian life itself, is most satisfying, most helpful when it's shared together, when the church gathers. And if we have mentioned recently a renewal in our Bible reading, a renewal of prayer, I want to suggest a renewal of, or a deeper appreciation of worshipping in a fellowship, of being together 'in church' as it were. We thank God for our meetings. Can I extend an invitation today? There are many who read these daily thoughts, often 'liking' 👍 the shared thoughts. If you live nearby why not journey to join us as we worship Jesus here in our Salvation Army Citadel? Why not travel together with us, and worship with us? We're a very welcoming family of all ages and backgrounds. What binds us together is a simple and genuine desire to recognise Jesus as our King and give our heart to him in worship and service. Come and see; we'd love to meet you. As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold, As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright, So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led by thee.
As with joyful steps they sped to that lowly manger bed, There to bend the knee before him whom heav’n and earth adore, So may we with willing feet ever seek thy mercy seat.
God bless you 🙏 See you soon, (Sunday Meeting each week at 10am)
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07 January 2022
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elcome to Friday everyone, another week nearly over.
I was looking through the photos on my phone and was amazed at how many there are! I remember when I was young I'd go on holiday with a little point-and-click instamatic camera with a 12 exposure black and white 126 lm cartridge inside. That would have to do me for a week! And then when you got home you'd send it o in one of those Truprint envelopes and they'd develop them and send them back. It was wonderful to open the little folder and see what photos you'd taken. How di erent it is now! In those days you chose carefully what picture you'd take. Nowadays we point our phones at anything, and we think nothing of sharing instant pictures of friends, pets, the dinner we're just about to eat, a sunset that looks no di erent to the sunset we photographed three days ago, umpteen photos of nice buildings, a new car, the snow... Well it goes on. And then there's all the duplicates. We've all done it: someone asks us to take a picture of them and their friends, and we return the phone to them saying, "I took a few, just in case'. And we're left with 5 identical pictures we usually forget to delete. Of course, our photos are precious. I've only got 2 photos of one of my grandfathers, who died in 1973. Nowadays we have so many of our relatives; in years to come we will look at them, or descendants will look at us, and be so grateful for the many images that will keep their memory alive. Yes, we do take a lot of trivial pictures, but even some of them bring back special memories. An unposed, random image of a friend that pops up in our phone memory reconnects us to them, and we feel like we're with them again. I sometimes wish I had more photos of some people - my grandfather for instance. He died in 1973 at 59 years of age. What was he like? What were his mannerisms, his expressions? A photo would give a bit more to help me remember, to know something else of him. Some people have expressed similar feelings about the person of Jesus. Wouldn't it be lovely to know what he really looked like, to see his eyes, his smile? Further than that, to have actually been there at the time; wouldn't that have been a privilege! The children's hymn says, I wish that His hands had been placed on my head, That His arm had been thrown around me; And that I might have seen His kind look when He said, "Let the little ones come unto Me." What was he like? Ironically, though we have no idea of his facial features, Jesus is described as 'the image of the invisible God.' (Colossians 1 v 15). It means that everything God is can be 'seen' in Jesus. Do you remember singing at Christmas, 'Veiled in esh the Godhead see'? Well that's it! Everything about God became a human being; and though we don't have a visible picture of Jesus himself, we could say we have a 'word-picture'. In his actions, his words, his attitudes toward people we 'see' a man of love, compassion, grace and truth, a man whose very being spoke of eternal life. Perhaps we're better o not having a photo of him because we see him so clearly as he really is. And in his face, somehow we see the face of God. Hold onto that picture, let it encourage you today. God bless you 🙏
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08 January 2022
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ello everybody, and welcome to Song Saturday. We are taking one of the songs from
tomorrow’s Together in Worship YouTube video, and brie y thinking about it and what it might say to us: a word of encouragement or blessing. This week, a Salvation Army song that is one of those that has become so well-loved and yet like so many others, inexplicably, has never reached a wider audience outside our Citadels. How have we kept these songs to ourselves? Well, perhaps through Together in Worship just a few others will experience this beautiful song; it’s ‘How Wonderful it is to Walk With God’ by Theodore Kitching. I’ve read of a number of songs that were inspired by a phrase heard in a sermon, and this is yet another. In January 1915 Commissioner Mildred Du preached at Westminster Central Hall in London. She said, “What a wonderful thing it is that my small mind and spirit, with all the di culties, and the worries, and the disappointments, can really walk with God. It is a miracle!” That had an e ect on Theodore, and the next day he was out walking with a friend in South London. It’s said that in the quiet street they could hear the dull thud of the guns in France and an ‘uncanny trembling of the ground.’ Against that reminder of war and tragedy, Theodore recited the rst verse of a song he had been inspired to write after hearing the sermon the previous day: How wonderful it is to walk with God along the road that holy men have trod; How wonderful it is to hear him say: Fear not, have faith, 'tis I who lead the way! In the rst ten days of a new year when things are still uncertain, when the ordinary and common concerns of life come to us, those words, even though written over a century ago, can bring assurance. It is wonderful to walk with God, to know we are not alone. It’s also good to remind ourselves that we can be inspired by the experience of others who also walked before us and often alongside us. The ‘holy men’ in that verse are not stained-glass saints, but people we knew. They are people who lived with us, worked alongside us, taught us, encouraged us. They lived lives of faith too, and from them we can learn that God is a faithful Father. Paul writes ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.’ (2 Corinthians 1 v 3). Who wouldn’t want to walk with him? Join us tomorrow from 9am, and hear this lovely song of faith and prayer. How wonderful it is to talk with God when cares sweep o'er my spirit like a ood; How wonderful it is to hear his voice, For when he speaks the desert lands rejoice!
How wonderful it is to ght for God, And point poor sinners to the precious blood; How wonderful it is to wield his sword 'gainst sin, the enemy of Christ, my Lord!
How wonderful it is to praise my God, Who comforts and protects me with his rod; How wonderful to praise him every hour, My heart attuned to sing his wondrous power!
How wonderful 'twill be to live with God when I have crossed death's deep and swelling ood; How wonderful to see him face to face when I have fought the ght and won the race!
God bless you 🙏
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10 January 2022
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ood morning everyone, welcome to Monday. We hope you had a good weekend. At the Army we had a lovely Covenant Service yesterday, where we thought about the love of God for us and how we simply respond with our own love for him and for others. Our faith truly is a personal covenant relationship with God, shared with others. Part of our closeness to God is our own sense of his presence; we don't just believe things and know about God, there's something deeper than just a belief. Charles Wesley wrote: God is love, I know, I feel, Jesus lives and loves me still. There really is something literally 'heartfelt' about our relationship with God. So let me ask a question on this cold, gloomy January Monday morning: What do we make of those times when we feel nothing, when he seems far away, when 'the heavens are as brass' and God is silent...? David wrote, "Oh God I cry in the daytime, but you hear not..." (Psalm 22 v 2) I'm not suggesting that, for any of us, God's voice is constantly heard, or that we live according to our feelings; but there are times when we might wonder, question. Do we even doubt? Is it wrong to feel like this? Is it evidence we don't have enough faith? Well, we don't feel guilty about feeling pain if we cut ourselves, because it's natural; it's not a failure. If in our spirit, our soul we feel pain or discouragement through circumstances then that's a natural reaction too, and it may be that God's silence is simply our own inability in those moments to 'feel' or 'hear'. It's not that God is absent, even though his voice seems quieter. I'm sometimes teased if I email someone or text them and say, they've not replied! We might get concerned: why have they not answered?! I myself have not responded to a message sent to me - the phone's in a pocket, the other room; I just didn't notice.We're so used to having instant messaging these days we almost expect the other person to be sitting, phone in hand, ready to respond within seconds... I think all of us remember the times that a letter was an accepted way of messaging someone, and next week's reply was absolutely ne. So, what do we do if we think God is silent, if we don't 'feel' that presence? Just wait. Be still and keep trusting. Don't worry that God is absent or has stopped noticing. He's there. He's still caring. He's still working all things for good, in accordance with his purposes. Sometimes our silent God is just 'getting on with it' and simply asks us to 'be still and know that I am God.' He's given us his written word, he's given us the fellowship of others. He 'will never leave nor forsake you'. In the quiet days allow your spirit also to be quiet, resting in the knowledge that God does love you, that he holds you in his hand. Be at peace on those quiet days. God bless you 🙏
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11 January 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. We hope you're well, and there are good things happening.
Those of you who are parents will be able to appreciate today's thought, and I would say that it would be the experience of close friends too. They say that you never stop worrying about your children. It's true. When they live at home, when you're providing for them, guiding, disciplining, teaching, and above all else, loving them, it's not just for 'now' it's for their future independence too. As young parents you might feel that the care, indeed the worry, about your children will disappear when they have their own lives - house, job, car, family, etc. Oh, but don't we realise that you worry about them in their 20s and 30s as much as you did when they were at home? The issues are di erent, bigger; the worries perhaps are even more signi cant. We have similar feelings for our close friends. We share their di culties too; we care about them, support them. But on the other side of the coin, don't we also rejoice in their successes, share their good news, enjoy their achievements? The phone call comes with some good news and well, our joy is real. Last night one of our sons passed his driving test. We'd been thinking about him, concerned for him as any parent would be. Then the phone call came with news of success and we rejoiced with him. We were relieved for him, we are proud of him. A proud Mum and Dad; and of course a relieved and very happy son. If God is our Father, is that just a title, or is there something 'fatherly' about him? I believe there is. If we who are 'evil' care for our children, as Jesus said, 'how much more will our heavenly Father....' It's true. God loves us, cares for us, is concerned about us. Before all else, his love and compassion in uence his attitudes towards his children. God, like a human parent, is so proud of us, he rejoices in his people. What an uplifting verse this is, what an encouraging thought for today. Remember, God your Father is proud of you. "The Lord... will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) Have a good day, remembering that God loves you and is a proud Father. God bless you 🙏
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12 January 2022
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ood morning everyone.
Well yesterday saw, at long last, the nal vestiges of Christmas packed away. 'What?' I hear you say, 'You left decorations up after 6th?' No, not exactly. We had some lights in the garden; little snowmen in a row with lights inside them that I had left up in the vain and forlorn hope that we would actually get some real snow that would make these illuminated snowmen look cute. Alas, it's looking unlikely and I thought Christmas lights near the middle of January was stretching it a bit. I still look at the house and miss the tree, the Christmas pictures, the little ornaments. Did you know that in the Church of England they leave the Nativity gures up in the church until February? It's true! They have a day called Candlemas, it's February 2nd, and it commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the temple by his parents; so there's one excuse for keeping the decorations up! But no, the last lights are away in the box. The 'stu ' is packed away in the cupboard....but whatever is this? As I was rummaging behind the kitchen door yesterday for a carrier bag in that carrier bag we've all got that's full of other carrier bags, I came across an envelope inside a carrier bag that was shoved to the bottom. 'Majors Antony and Fiona' it said. I opened it to discover a Christmas card that had somehow been forgotten, hidden away. Well, dear sender of that Christmas Card, you will be pleased to know that it's now in pride of place on our mantelpiece. Christmas is restarted, as it were, renewed, extended. I couldn't possibly recycle it immediately without it ful lling its purpose, being what it was designed and sent to be: a Christmas greeting, a message of love. So, forgotten no longer, it will be there for a little while, reminding us of Christmas, of Jesus, of his word, and of course the sender of the card. Just when we think nothing is left to say, sometimes there's an extra blessing, a new word, a needed prayer, an encouragement. Does God speak and then that's the end? No. When he speaks there's always more to say, his word will always somehow get through, as it were. Isaiah 55:11 says, "So is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." No, it won't be 'returned empty'; (does that mean recycled without being opened I wonder?). We might sometimes neglect or just not nd his word, but it's still there. He still speaks his message of love for us. Don't forget, what he says is not 'seasonal'; it's not just for certain times. When you nd that word, receive it, take note, value it. Let it bless you. God bless you too 🙏
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13 January 2022
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ello everybody, is it Thursday already? We hope you're having a good week.
I woke up this morning and saw that a man I'd never heard of had died. If you'd mentioned Burke Shelley to me I'd have given you a blank look, and said, "Who?" Well, if you were just a little older than me and interested in early '70s heavy rock music you might have known that Mr Shelley was the singer and bass player with a rock group from Wales called Budgie. No, I'd never really heard of them either. It seems they were only moderately successful commercially but very in uential on other groups that you may have heard of: Black Sabbath, etc. Anyway here's a question; have a guess: What do Burke Shelley, Alice Cooper and Cli Richard have in common? Well, apart from music (though how far apart could Alice Cooper's songs be from Cli 's??), the common theme is that they are (were) all devout Christians. That might surprise some people. Though not Cli however; everyone knows about him! Alice Cooper though? With his scary horror-movie stage act? And now Burke Shelley who, not in the same league as the others, shared the same Lord. Today the tributes are being paid to his music, his in uence and his life. But just consider his words: “I’m not frightened of dying, I know where I’m going. I want to spend my eternity with Jesus Christ in Heaven. We are all living longer, but it’s about the quality of life. I feel a bit like that.” I realise that not many of my readers appreciate heavy metal music, but what's interesting is that frequently the style of music that he played is associated with evil themes, with Satanic words and images, and yet in a BBC interview he expressed his Christian beliefs and said he had always been uncomfortable with the occult-themed lyrics of bands such as Black Sabbath. His life was like a light in a dark place. He could have left it all behind I guess, but he chose to stay in that musical culture and express his faith, to be a witness. It was certainly noticed and people have commented on it. We're all like that really. We live in a world, a society that doesn't know Jesus, doesn't value his message or live according to his teachings, but we are called to be di erent. Jesus said to his followers, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5 v 14) It sounds very challenging. Burke Shelley wasn't a famous Christian, he probably never wanted to be, like all of us. He just did what he did with a Christian faith behind it all. Perhaps we might suggest that being 'the light of the world' is done just by being us, just where we are; by simply living out our faith even if we're the only one. People do notice, and often that's helpful to them. Who knows what good our simple in uence might have on people around us. God bless you 🙏
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14 January 2022
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orning all! Welcome to Friday.
Oh my goodness, what a week it's turned out to be! I'm almost breathless with the turmoil in our world and the country. It seems that just when things can't get more mixed up, controversial and astonishing, something else crops up and you think, 'Now what?!' Numerous illegal parties in gardens, Princes being 'sacked', tennis players being banned, Communist spies in Parliament, Russian military getting aggressive, and this morning I've read that Danny Dyer is in the running to become the next Doctor Who! What is the world coming to? That song 'Stop the World I Want To Get O ' should have a revival, don't you think? We ourselves have our own issues to face without the constant onslaught from the news. Personal health issues, private feelings, family situations; sometimes we might feel we've enough to worry about, without the relentless 24 hour news and repeated headlines. "O for the wings of a dove," says the Bible, "That I might y away and be at rest." (Psalm 55 v 6) There's a picture that keeps appearing on Facebook of a lonely log cabin by a lake. The question is asked whether you'd stay in it for a month with no internet, no phone, etc. Everyone answers 'Yes!' especially when the suggestion is that you'll get a large sum of money for doing so; I imagine that a good proportion of people would do it for nothing! God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. That's Psalm 46. The Bible has a great way of expressing feelings in poetic ways. Sometimes life really does feel like the earth is giving way. But look at the note of faith: we will not fear! There's determination in those four words. How? Because God is our refuge, and he's the one that calls out, "Be still! And know that I am God." (Psalm 46 v 10) Think about this: we're all old enough to remember the crises of the past, the personalities that were once in uential. What e ect do they have on us now? Where are they now? So much becomes yesterday's news very quickly, but the word of our God stands forever. When we look to him, being still in his presence or looking for his reassurance in the middle of a crisis, we realise that some of the things that concern us lose their ability to cause us despair. Be still in his presence, regardless of what the BBC news tells us, and know him who holds things - and you - secure. His oath, his covenant, and blood, support me in the 'whelming ood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand.
God bless you today 🙏
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15 January 2022
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ello everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Today is Song Saturday where, each week, we preview a song or a hymn from Tomorrow’s YouTube video
Together in Worship. This week’s video is on the theme:
Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, as we end our series on the Lord’s prayer. Yesterday we thought about the ‘disturbed’ week we’ve watched unfolding before us as people have embroiled themselves in turmoil, or have caused problems and fear for others – government, royalty and even the threat of war. The message was to ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Today’s hymn was written not so much from that pastoral position of quieting our hearts before God in the face of confusion, but from the idea that we are actually on the winning side, as it were! Why be dismayed? Why be fearful? The line that really shines out is in the very rst verse: ‘His Kingdom is glorious and rules over all.’ If we have that thought uppermost in mind, we will be encouraged, we will not be in despair. The world might ounder from one crisis to the next, relying on its frail leadership and bu eted by circumstances but we are citizens of another Kingdom, we have an alternative; and as another favourite song says, ‘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.’ Is that not reassuring? The hymn that starts our video worship tomorrow is Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim. It’s by Charles Wesley and was one of four ‘hymns to be sung in a Tumult’, and published in a booklet entitled ‘Hymns for Times of Trouble and Persecution.’ You can’t get clearer than that: these hymns were speci cally written to encourage the Methodists who, at that time were facing terrible persecution here in the UK. 1744 was not a good year to be a Methodist! They were accused of being anti-government traitors; people would attack them in the street, their services were disrupted. The early Salvationists endured similar persecution in the 1880s. We remember, of course that around the world today Christians are the most persecuted people. Charles Wesley wanted to remind the people that no matter what, God was with them, and we were the victorious ones. Do you ever feel defeated? Are there times you wonder about the strength of your faith, and ask why it can be so di cult? The words of this hymn can help to remind you that God is still nearby, he can strengthen even the weakest of us. The Bible says it clearly: 'The Lord has established his throne in heaven and his Kingdom rules over all.' (Psalm 103 v 19) May these words encourage you; please join with us in Together in Worship tomorrow, or why not come to our meeting at the Citadel at 10am? Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim and publish abroad his wonderful name; The name all-victorious of Jesus extol; His Kingdom is glorious and rules over all. God ruleth on high, almighty to save; And still he is nigh, his presence we have; The great congregation his triumphs shall sing, Ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.
Then let us adore and give him his right, All glory and power, all wisdom and might; All honour and blessing, with angels above, And thanks never ceasing and in nite love!
God bless you 🙏
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17 January 2022
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orning everyone, welcome to Monday... Is it Monday? I think it is! It must be because yesterday was Sunday! I've had this conversation so many times recently. A lady came into our hall a couple of weeks ago thinking it was Monday, 'No,' I said, 'today's Wednesday'. Only it wasn't, it was Tuesday. confused. com. Well, I certainly confused some people yesterday with the Together in Worship video. "Together in Worship - Thine is the Kingdom - 16th September" September?? What was I thinking? We had confused and amused people sending messages: September? I didn't know I'd done it, I don't know why I'd done it. I recti ed it, but for 5 hours people either thought I believed it was September, or they were believing it too! One of the questions they ask in the memory clinic is what the date is; maybe I need an appointment! Diaries, calendars, hastily-written notes; they do a wonderful job in keeping the confused, like me, happy, on time and in the right place. It's good to know also what the date and year is so we can mark time as it passes. I was asked yesterday how people in ancient times marked the years and thus knew how old they were. (And some people in the Old Testament grew very old indeed). My only immediate answer, before I look it up properly, is that they used the sun, moon and stars, watching the phases, counting the days, observing the changing heavens and how, over time, things repeat monthly or annually. The Bible gives a clue in Genesis 1:14: "And God said, Let there be lights in the rmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years." Interestingly the heavenly bodies were, and still are, used to determine religious dates. Festivals and feasts all coincided with new moons, etc. Easter changes each year in accordance with the rst full moon after 21st March. The problem was that knowing all these dates (unlike me of course), led people to think they only needed to be 'religious' on certain days or on special occasions. That can't be right, surely? Well, it's not right. The thinking we subscribe to is that all of the calendar is God's, and that no day or week is holier than any other. It's convenient of course to have set days for meeting together (which is vitally important) or showing a video (which is helpful), but it doesn't matter whether it's Monday or Wednesday, or even whether it's January or September! The important thing is that we live for God and know his presence every day of every week. I'm glad we don't have to wait for certain days. I'm glad that if I miss one I don't have to wait for another so I can pray; we can know him any day. All my days and all my hours, All my will and all my powers, All the passion of my soul, Not a fragment – but the whole Shall be thine, dear Lord, Shall be thine, dear Lord. Just to remind you, it's Monday 🙂 God bless you 🙏
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orning all! Yesterday I spent some time reminiscing about a primary school I used to attend in Blackpool. I went there for three years, and someone who works there now has written to say that next year the school will be 120 years old. She was asking for memories that can be shared on that occasion. Well, I have fond memories and also a school photo of my class from 1972/3. With helpful suggestions I've been able to recall the names of everyone except for three children. I even had a message from a girl I sat with, whom I haven't heard from in 49 years! Amazing. You might be able to see that my class had two male teachers: Mr Twemlow, on the right, was the main teacher, and Mr Blundell was the younger, second teacher. And what surprised me in reading a lot of the comments made by many former pupils, was not the friendships they had made, or the activities we all got up to in the playground or the sports eld, but the comments about the teachers. There were comments like, 'Mrs So-and- So taught me...' but no mention of the other children; it was as if the teacher was the only one worth mentioning. Oh Mrs X was lovely, Mrs Y was so kind, Mr Z encouraged me to become interested in science, Mr A was one of my favourite teachers, Mrs B was lovely and caring. One common memory was that a certain teacher only ate green jelly sweets from a tub on her desk (they were identi ed by someone as green midget gems!) Another teacher was credited with getting his class through the 11+ and the comment was, I was 'all the better for it', success was 'mainly due to him'. One former pupil commented that many ymnastic successes outside the school were due to one of the male teachers at the time. I thought it was interesting that there were no mentions of best friends or games in the playground, or school trips; 50 years on it's all memories of lovely (or scary) teachers. Some memories are from the early 2000s, some are from the 1940s and 50s, but the common denominator is the teachers. What a legacy they left, what an example they set, what an inspiration they were. People now in their 70s and 80s are still able to remember the favourite teacher who guided them, even as a child of 8 or 9, to become what they did in later years. The sense of thankfulness in the sharing of memories is lovely to see. I wonder if those teachers knew what an in uence they were? You can probably think of your own teachers who encouraged you, or perhaps people of faith who inspired you to remain in the church. The truth is that we are all examples. We might not think it, but there will be something we've done or said that's had a positive and lasting in uence on others. Paul writes, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it." (2 Timothy 3 v 144). Thank God for those who have helped, encouraged and inspired us. May God help us too, to be good examples to others, that they may learn something good because they have known us. God bless you 🙏 PS I'm the one in glasses standing next to the teacher on the right.
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18 January 2022
19 January 2022
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midweek greeting to one and all. How's the week going? Sometimes a week goes to plan, sometimes you may as well give up and try again next week; is that how you feel? Or are you forging ahead, or simply living each day as it comes? I've started my running again. I can't say that I'm Mo Farah just yet; I don't have a runner's whippet-like body. But I'm at the beginning of my improvement. I ran for 28 minutes yesterday, as well as a ve minute walk before and after. I'm quite pleased with myself, not for the distance which, when compared to Major Fiona, who ran the Great North Run last year, is a fraction of what experienced runners do; no, I'm pleased because it's more than I did last time, more than I did last month, or the month before... One piece of advice on the phone app that guides my run is 'forget the time and enjoy the scenery and don't forget to breathe.' Hmmm, I'd nd it di cult not to breathe (though it means breathe deeply); but I do enjoy the scenery. If you are familiar with our area, I run past Gisborough Hall heading towards the village of Charltons. There's a big eld full of sheep; and I often consider how they are all totally identical. How glad I am we're not like them. As I ran yesterday another man ran towards me, faster, tter, more experienced and probably with better trainers. On my way back a woman suddenly overtook me. Faster, striding away, she soon disappeared up the road ahead of me. Was I envious? Was I embarrassed? Was I discouraged? No. I thought, 'One day that's going to be me. I will get faster, I will run further, I will be stronger.' You see, I was encouraged by them even though I'm not the same. I'm running at my own comfortable pace, keeping to my goal, determined to complete the run I have planned. I'm not competing, I'm not copying. I will succeed in my own way. When St Paul writes, 'Work out your own salvation...' (Philippians 2 v 12) he means something similar. Your spiritual life is your own. It's what God has called you to personally. Don't compare yourself to others, to how they seem to succeed, how they are more 'this' or more 'that'. Yes, be inspired, encouraged and even challenged; but they are running their own race, you are running yours. Work it out, be focused on prayer and the Bible, follow Jesus closely, aim to live each day for him, and you will run and nish the race that he has set for you. Thank God we run at di erent paces. We can encourage each other, we can be challenged by others, often we run together and inspire each other. Enjoy the scenery, don't forget to breathe (pray). Enjoy the run! (Even if it's a walk). God bless you 🙏
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20 January 2022
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orning everyone, we hope you're having a good week.Haven't we had some good weather; even the cold doesn't seem so cold when the sun is out and the wind is just a slight breeze. I stepped out of the car not long ago, and looked down at the ower bed near our front door, and to my surprise a dozen green shoots had appeared, all gathered together. I'm sure they hadn't been there the week before; or am I just not very observant? Then, at the beginning of this week, another grouping of shoots, just as tall but lighter in colour. Now I'm most de nitely sure they weren't there last week! It's the annual miracle of course; hardly remarkable, certainly not our achievement or success. We do absolutely nothing to ' ick the switch' as it were to suddenly cause all these underground bulbs to awaken and begin their growth journey once again. I don't understand it. David Attenborough, and botanists and horticulturalists (I've never written that word before) will all be able to describe and explain the processes that are in the bulbs. Poets will write verses about owers awakening from their sleep to raise their hopeful shoots in praise of the sun... It's a clichéd thought, of course; every preacher and writer is going to allude to the coming of Spring, and why not? It's such a rich metaphor. When I went into Morrisons and saw little plant pots containing miniature da odil shoots I couldn't resist (at £1 a pot, who could?) and when I saw an indoor rose plant with seven buds all promising a lovely red rose, well how could I resist? It's all about promise and hope. We know that. It's also about leaving behind the deadness of autumn and winter. The evenings are brighter, we're making plans for what we can do in lighter, longer days. Again, as every year, the old is going, the new is on its way. It's not Song Saturday, but I'd like to share a song that came to mind. It's by a previous General of The Salvation Army, John Gowans: Out of my darkness God called me, Out of the depth of my night, Out of the shadows of sorrow, Into the life of his light.
Out of my darkness he called me Into his sunshining day, Out of my gloom to his glory; What could I do but obey?
Out of my darkness he called me, Out of my doubt, my despair, Out of the wastes of my winter, Into the spring of his care.
Out of your darkness he calls you, Out of your doubt, your despair, Out of the wastes of your winter, Into the spring of his care.
It says it all really. The Gospel is all about God's provision of new life, his call to leave behind the past and live in his light. 'Shadows of sorrow'? 'Wastes of my winter'? It seems like that sometimes; but whatever life and experience has done that we can apply those poetic words to, in God's grace they can be left behind and God can restore and renew us. St Paul's very familiar and encouraging words remind us "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Is that not encouraging? The old has gone - the things that you want to leave behind, consigned to the past. The new has come - we see ourselves in God's light, loved and forgiven, able to love, to live in hope. We are renewed inwardly to become what God always intended us to be. I look at the shoots coming up, the buds yet to reveal their true beauty. Things are changing. And God changes lives too. God bless you 🙏
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday! Either a day you greet with relief and anticipation for the weekend, or else it's a day to rush to get things done!! Either way, we pray today will be a good day. I watched a re yesterday. A real one. I had just left a house and on the doorstep we both remarked on the smell of smoke in the air. I wondered if it was a bon re; but as I walked I saw a huge plume of black smoke billowing above the houses. Ooh dear, that's no bon re! Thankfully it wasn't the row of houses I thought it was but it was behind a row of buildings in an enclosed area, and whatever it was it was truly ablaze. I crossed into a car park to have a look. Nosey? Me? Yes. Another man had already gone up an adjacent road to see where the black smoke was coming from. I was joined by a woman who'd just parked her car, then another man, then a couple, then two teenaged girls. We were all fascinated, wondering rstly what this burning building was - a large shed? A caravan? The sirens sounded and the re brigade appeared to do their job. A large shed I believe. Nobody hurt, but those ames were big and bright! It's interesting how it drew people to watch. It was fascinating to see. Of course, had it been a house re people would have done more than just watch because of concern for potential occupants, but here we were drawn to the sight. I think it was Leonard Ravenhill, a favourite preacher of mine, now in Heaven, who said, "You never have to advertise a re. Everyone comes running when there’s a re.” It's true. People just stop and watch. There's another quote that some people attribute to John Wesley that says, "Catch on re with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." Can you think for a moment about what, or who even, most attracted you to church, to God? What enthused you? What made you take notice or draw nearer? Maybe it was someone who was enthusiastic about their faith, or a church that was lively and loving. People might talk about being 'on re' for God, and in the Army we sing 'Send the re!', which is a prayer for revival in the church. To go back to Ravenhill and his quote about people running when there's a re, he continued: "Likewise, if your church is on re, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it.” When Jesus was starting his ministry one of his early followers, Philip, invited his friend Nathaniel to 'Come and see!' (John 1 v 46) When he did, he was attracted, and he followed Jesus. If our lives, our church, is 'on re' with enthusiasm will people not be attracted? Will they not come and see? We thank God for those who attracted us, encouraged us with their bright, warm example of faith. May we, and our churches, be the same for others. 'Send the re!' God bless you 🙏
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21 January 2022
22 January 2022
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ello everyone, it’s another Song Saturday. If this is the rst time you’ve read one of these daily thoughts, every Saturday I
take one of the songs from tomorrow’s YouTube Together in
Worship video (link published at 9am) and just think about it a little.
Sometimes it’s a great hymn, other times a modern chorus or a Victorian revival song. Tomorrow, a song that has been popular for years in The Salvation Army. It was written by Sidney Cox who wrote a lot of Gospel songs a century ago. You may have sung In my Heart a Song is Ringing, or The Saviour Sought and Found Me, or I Want to Tell You What the Lord has Done. In many Salvation Army Citadels these are still sung with great gusto; you can’t beat a good testimony song! The danger is, of course, that even with a good song familiarity can breed contempt, but just look at the words! God’s love to me is wonderful, That he should deign to hear the faintest whisper of my heart, Wipe from mine eyes the tear; And though I cannot comprehend such love, so great, so deep, In his strong hands my soul I trust, He will not fail to keep.
God's love to me is wonderful! He lights the darkest way; I now enjoy his fellowship, 'Twill last through endless day. My Father doth not ask that I great gifts on him bestow, But only that I love him too, And serve him here below.
God's love to me is wonderful! My very steps are planned; When mists of doubt encompass me, I hold my Father's hand. His love has banished every fear, In freedom I rejoice, And with my quickened ears I hear the music of his voice.
Chorus God's love is wonderful, God's love is wonderful, Wonderful that He should give His Son to die for me; God's love is wonderful!
If you haven’t read or sung these words for a while, or if you’ve never seen them before, just take in every line; I reckon a decent preacher could get a sermon out of every phrase. Sidney Cox was an evangelist, he wanted to tell people about Jesus, and his songs were, in his own words always ‘simple, singable and scriptural.’ Well, as you’ll hear tomorrow this song ticks all three boxes. Simple? Why not – although there are some profound truths in the song! It's based on that well-known verse, John 3 v 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I’ve said many times to the congregation here at Guisborough Salvation Army, that the rst thing anyone should hear about God is that he loves them. Who knows what e ect that will have? To know that we are loved can reassure us, it can comfort us, it can encourage us; it might even challenge us, because to know that God loves us might move us to ask for grace and forgiveness as well as his daily loving presence. I heard of a woman who was asked if people could pray for her. She agreed, and I think perhaps she wasn’t very well. The rst thing the person praying said to her was ‘God loves you.’ Suddenly the woman burst into tears; it was the rst time ever that anyone had told her that simple truth. I might write it here too for us all to read and think about: God loves you. Whoever you are, whatever you’ve been or experienced or needed, God simply loves you. I wonder how we respond to that truth today. Read the words of the song again now, watch the video tomorrow, and allow the thought of God’s love to bless you today.🙏 See you tomorrow…..
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24 January 2022
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orning everyone, welcome to Monday. I'm not like Bob Geldof, I DO like Mondays. 🙂 A new week, a new start.
Yesterday I was literally like Jesus. Major Fiona was too, and our youngest son. We spent the whole afternoon answering the question, What Would Jesus Do? What did we do? We made furniture. Yes, Jesus was a carpenter, and we spent the afternoon with wood, nails, screws, metal things that turned, wooden things that got stuck in the holes of MDF. Yes OK, at-pack jigsaw puzzle bookshelves are a bit below the skilled artisanship of the Messiah, but hey, he was well-taught and 'skilled at the plane and the lathe.' And we tried. And I have to say that with only one little mistake those three articles of oak e ect furniture would have looked great in any home in Nazareth let alone Newcastle! Why did Jesus bother with a trade? Why wait until he was 30 before starting out as the Christ? In fact, why did God come to the world in the form of man in the rst place? Can't God just teach through the Bible? Can't he just love us from Heaven? Why take on esh and blood just to go and die? Surely he could forgive us from 'up there'? Well yes...and no. The Bible tells us that 'He had to be made like them, fully human in every, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.' (Hebrews 2 v 17) It's the most wonderful truth that God came; that Jesus is 'God with us', one of us. He came to experience childhood. He came to experience the angst of being a teenager. He came to experience the joys and sorrows of family life. He came to learn what it was to earn a living. He came to learn what it was like to worship and pray. He came to learn just how di cult it is to resist temptation. He came to learn what it's like to be loved and hated. He came to nd out what it's like to die... How could he be 'the Saviour of men' if he hadn't the rst hand experience of actually being one? That's why he came. He came to be like us so that we can become something like him. Not in making furniture, but in love, goodness, in faith and grace. To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me, In every thought and deed, this is my aim, my creed. To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me, His Spirit helping me, Like him I'll be. I can just about manage at-pack furniture. Being like Jesus in character and nature is a bit harder. Being willing to die to my old self and be a new man, well that does take his Spirit's help. But it's why he came, and that's our aim too. Have a lovely day and a great week. God bless you 🙏
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25 January 2022
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ood morning everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I woke up later than usual this morning. You could say that I'm a real early bird, and for me, getting up at 6.30 is a lie-in! One day not so long ago I woke up at ten to seven! What was that about,? I felt like a teenager, sleeping till all hours of the morning! 😁 Anyway, sleep. Do you sleep well? My problem isn't falling asleep; I can fall asleep anywhere at any time. I'm not one for lying awake at bedtime trying to drop o . My problem comes with thoughts crowding in at dawn and taking over very loudly and with great insistence. 'Think about me!' they cry, 'Worry about this, you haven't done that, what will happen if the other isn't done?' And so you get up, and before you reach the bottom of the stairs it's as if the insistent thoughts, those things that were so vital at 5:45, just evaporate saying, 'Fooled you!' They weren't so insistent. I know I'm not alone, but maybe recently I'm learning not to entertain false worries so much. Hence the later wake-up time. Our baby grandson is a good night time sleeper; well he doesn't have much to worry about yet! But there are times when he's restless. Who knows what images and sounds go round a baby's brain? Many of us have had the joy of sitting up with a baby or small child in the night, rocking, humming, perhaps even singing softly to try to quiet them and help them back to sleep. That image came to me as soon as I read this verse from Psalm 42 v 8: 'The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night his song shall be with me.' Two things stand out for me here: rstly God 'commands' his lovingkindness. God's really got that sorted, under control. His love for me isn't just there if I decide I'd like it, he commands it in my life. That's a strong kind of love; God is determined my waking hours will be surrounded with his love. And then at night he's singing! His song shall be with me! God 'neither slumbers nor sleeps', so what's he doing while I'm asleep? He's singing, he's watching over me. We can either resist it and decide to take no notice, or else we can relax and know that God is there. What does he sing? Well, if we could hear it with natural ears, surely it would be a song of love, of protection, of assurance. The prophet Zephaniah wrote, 'With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.' (Zephaniah 3 v 17). Next time you fret and worry in the night know this: he's there, his peace is in the song he sings, and he's rejoicing simply because he loves you. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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26 January 2022
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midweek greeting to you all, or should I say a midweek blessing?
Here's a verse that comes with a promise and a condition attached: 'All these blessings shall come upon you, and overtake you if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.' (Deuteronomy 28 v 2) There was a time when it was quite common to receive an unexpected email that promised you a lot of money, did you ever receive one? Oh, I had a few. It was usually from Africa, and was one of the so-called "Nigerian letter" scams. It was an email from someone overseas claiming to be royalty. The fraudsters tried to tempt people with a share of a huge fortune they can't get out of the country without your help. They asked you either for your bank account number so they can transfer the money to you for safekeeping, or for a small advance payment to help cover the cost of transferring the money. Of course we all knew it was a scam. Well, most of us anyway, because apparently thousands of people were actually taken in, and at one point hundreds of thousands of pounds was just given away to these crooks in Nigeria. I'm always amused on Facebook to read of supermarkets or holiday companies o ering vouchers or free 'stu ' to us if we 'like and share' their page. It's not the real company of course, and the people behind it all just want to get your details so they can hack you. The promises are false. I like the real promises. I got one this morning: 'Your order will be delivered this morning.' OK it's only my order for lateral ow tests, but other times it'll be that special item you want from Amazon, and if you're really excited about ordering it you're even more excited about receiving it! The promise is sure, the anticipation is raised and you look forward to receiving your parcel, packet or envelope. The promise from the Bible wasn't a scam, it wasn't a temptation to get rich quick which would leave people poorer, it was the promise of a loving God to protect and provide for the children of Israel after they had escaped from E ypt. It was God saying, 'blessed shall be your basket and your kneeding bowl...', in other words I promise you'll be well-fed. But look, the promise has a condition: 'if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.' Some people might think that's a bit controlling; God will look after you if you do as your told? I think it has more to do with God's care than his control. 'Hold my hand', says Mum to the child as they cross the road. We know what happens if there's no obedience in that situation! Obeying the voice of the Lord is simply trusting him to lead - to make us lie down in green pastures, by quiet waters, and yes, even through the valley of the shadow of death... It's the trusting mind, the faith- lled heart, the yielded soul that, in listening to the voice of the Lord in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit, is guaranteed the blessing of God. That's no scam, that's a promise. God bless you 🙏
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27 January 2022
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ello everybody, welcome to Thursday! It's a milestone day because today is the day when, here in England, our facemasks and other face coverings lose the 'mandatory' label. We've been here before; remember last July when a similar relaxation was announced? I have read that the government has relaxed the requirement, making it personal choice: "the government "recommends" that people wear face coverings in enclosed or private spaces, but this will be a personal judgement." However many supermarkets, and the London Underground amongst others, are keeping their compulsory rule in place. There has been criticism of that: "It creates a climate of fear!" Well, it's one opinion. I remember when face coverings became compulsory in July 2020 (I think; it's such a long time ago!) I remember buying my rst mask, putting it on and looking in the mirror and saying out loud to myself: "My goodness, that's terrifying!" It was so alien to human nature, to have to walk around with half your face covered. I said to someone, "What must children think of grownups suddenly walking about like this?" Interestingly, they seemed not to bat an eyelid; there didn't seem to be any fear. And we began to get used to it, people got di erent designs, they added some humour to our British stoicism. They became the thing you checked for as you left the house: "Keys? Phone? Mask? Good, let's go..." and I know that a number of people I have spoken to will continue to wear face coverings in indoor settings, as will I. Is it 'a climate of fear' that makes us do it? Actually, I don't think so. There's always going to be those who argue against things they consider an infringement of civil liberties, but isn't it the point? It's not our liberties alone, and it's certainly not fear that makes us do this, it's respect and regard for others, for the vulnerable. It's not fear that leads us to take precautions but being sensible and because we want to protect others. We might say that 'love your neighbour' can be applied here; wear a mask out of love for others, not fear for yourself. It is true that "Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4 v 18) doesn't in the rst instance apply to masks in a pandemic, but the principle is there. Rejoice in the progress made that helps us to have a choice, but out of love think of others; it may be that those who are fearful, despite vaccines and boosters reducing risk, will nd their fear reduced, 'cast out', as they see other people still taking care in indoor settings.. Yes, our precautions are still sensible, they are there to reassure us all. We face things with a bit of humour to make them seem less onerous, so if you see me in my black mask in Morrisons, I am smiling, honest. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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28 January 2022
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ello to you all on this Friday morning!
You can bag a real bargain if you keep your eyes peeled, or if your better half rings you and tells you there's a saving to be had. Well, I obeyed the voice and found in Morrisons a tray of chicken breasts marked down from £10-something to £4- something. They were selling them o cheap because of the imminent sell-by date. Now, we couldn't possibly eat 2kg (4.4kb) of chicken in a day, but there was space in the freezer, so the job's a good 'un! I went back to Morrisons at tea time and there were six sausages for £2. That's ne, but the exact same make of sausages and this time no today's date on them, were on sale in a pack of twelve; and yes, you guessed it: marked down to £2. Get in! Another bargain! I stood there for a moment and I wondered if anyone would go for the six and not the twelve. Would there be people who would not see the bargain sausages? Could it be that someone would ignore the bargain, and suspiciously think there was something wrong with them? There were gaps, so someone had bought a pack of six even though the twelves were crying out to them, 'Come and buy...!' Some of you will remember Les who played in our band - a great character! I would often meet him wandering around Morrisons in an early evening with his trolley full of yellow-stickered reduced items. He certainly took advantage of the bargains! When Isaiah cried out his message from God he was publicising the greatest bargain ever made: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost..." (Isaiah 55 v 1) God wasn't talking about supermarket shopping, it was his word, his grace, his promises. They are so much better than anything the world o ers, in fact, says God, 'let your soul delight itself in abundance.' It's a mystery to me why so many people reject the Gospel or show little interest. Some people are hostile to it, or they think there's something wrong with it. Some people may want it but feel they can't pay the price, can't a ord the e ort, can't give the time, summon up enough 'goodness'. But the love of God isn't bought, earned, deserved. God says 'without money and without cost.' Oh some like a bargain but so many ask 'what's the catch?' There is no catch. Jesus paid it all, as the song says; 'the free gift of God is eternal life.' says the Bible (Romans 6 v 23). God o ers this eternal life to all who change their minds and believe in Jesus. It's a bargain to us but it's not cheap! We get the full value because Jesus paid the full price so that we can accept it. That's a real special o er that we simply cannot a ord to ignore and miss out on. God bless you today 🙏
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29 January 2022
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ello everyone, and welcome to the nal Song Saturday of January!
We hope you’ve had a good week, but as experience tells us all, some weeks are better than others. This week we look at a song that will remind you that
Jesus is above all things. Tomorrow in Together in Worship we start with Jesus the Name High Over All. I love this song, and the words have caught the imagination of musicians too, with three tunes suggested in the song book, and an arrangement for songsters to sing as well; that’s the one we use tomorrow. Jesus the name… was written by Charles Wesley in 1744 but you’d hardly know from the vocabulary; it seems up to date and, for me, it’s a great encouragement. Charles was preaching, and a man was heckling him with some dreadful language. “Who is this that pleads for the devil?” cried out Wesley, and he denounced from the pulpit so sternly that the man ran out of the church! I have often wondered what happened to him. Wesley went home that night and wrote this hymn with the wonderful line, ‘and devils fear and y,’ a clear reference to the eeing, blasphemous man. Jesus, the name high over all, In Hell or earth or sky; Angels and men before him fall and devils fear and y.
O that the world would taste and see the riches of His grace; The arms of love that compass me would all mankind embrace.
Jesus, the name to sinners dear, The name to sinners given; He scatters all their guilty fear; He turns their Hell to Heaven.
Chorus: We have no other argument, We want no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.
Jesus the prisoner's fetters breaks, And bruises Satan's head; Power into strengthless souls he speaks and life into the dead.
The name of Jesus; that’s the power Wesley was alluding to. And the Bible speaks of the name of Jesus too as having a power: ‘Whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that my Father may be glori ed in the Son,’ said Jesus (John 14 v 13). In other words, prayer will be answered if it glori es God. And in the Acts, Peter says to a disabled man who begged for help, “Silver of gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” (Acts 3 v 6) And he did! The power of the name of Jesus was su cient, and the man glori ed God. Do you need an answer to prayer? Do you have a need? Would an answer to prayer glorify God? Then pray in the name of Jesus. That’s the name ‘high over all.’ Every situation, every circumstance, if it will bring glory to God, can be subject to the name of Jesus. Try the name of Jesus! There’s forgiveness, strength, riches of grace, authority over negative in uences. May God answer prayer for you in the name of Jesus. God bless you 🙏
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Page 272
31 January 2022
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ello everyone, welcome to a new beginning and an ending – it’s a Monday morning and it’s the last day of January. It’s not as dark now at 4 pm as it was a couple of weeks ago; doesn’t the prospect of lighter, longer days lift your heart? I was saddened last week to hear of the death of Barry Cryer the comedian. He joins other funny people in entertainment like the Golden Girl Betty White and the Jewish comedian Jacky Mason. There’s something about comedians that we like. It’s not just for entertainment, but for the feel-good factor. Who doesn’t like a good laugh at something or someone silly, a daft situation? We all (mostly) enjoy a joke – whether it’s just silly or whether it’s clever. Barry Cryer was clever and also silly in the sense of conjuring up daft thoughts. Personally I don’t much like political jokes, cynical jokes or the kind of jokes that make you feel uncomfortable. Isn’t humour meant to make you feel relaxed, feel good? It saddens me that Christianity sometimes has a bit of a ‘kill-joy’ reputation. I guess the people who think like that have gone to the wrong churches (if ever), or have had a bad experience with miserable Christians whose joy in knowing Jesus has never reached their face! If part of the fruit of the Spirit in a person’s life is joy, then why hide it so deep down it never surfaces? I like this verse, in the King James Version: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” (Proverbs 17 v 22) That doesn’t mean we have to walk round with a sour face like we’ve just drunk bad-tasting cough medicine, it means that humour lifts the spirit, lightens the mood, and I might say it reveals something of the attractiveness of Jesus. I like the word ‘Merry’; I always disagreed with the Lieutenant at my corps when I was a teenager who said we should never say ‘Merry Christmas’ because it hints at being drunk. I could never get that; merry, to me, suggests that playful humour, that joyful spirit. I bet Jesus was often a merry person to be round. He wasn’t just ‘a man of sorrows’; and although ‘Jesus wept’ I can well believe that Jesus laughed with good, innocent banter. Even some of his teaching conjured up amusing situations: a camel through the eye of a needle perhaps? G.K. Chesterton wrote that “Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian.” I’ll agree with that, but let’s not make it such secret that we keep it to ourselves. There’s a time for tears of course, but how much more should there be a time for laughter? Have a joyful day everyone! God bless you 🙏
Page 273
01 February 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. I was barred yesterday; yes, I wasn't allowed in, was refused entry, shown the door, asked to leave before I even got past the porch. Oh the shame! Actually I wasn't really ashamed, and we both laughed about it, myself and the member of sta barring my way. But even being friendly her attitude was, "I'm sorry, but you ain't coming in 'ere!" What had happened? Well you may well ask! I wanted to visit someone in care. I brushed my hair, put my uniform jacket on, checked my pockets: keys, yes; phone, yes; mask, yes. And o I went. On entering, I was asked to put on a plastic apron, and I was standing there with one blue latex glove on and trying to get the other one on when I was asked the question: "Have you had a test?" "Yes, this morning." "Do you have the result?" "...Oh. No, I haven't; I forgot to register it." And that was it. No entry despite my uniform, despite my fetching black mask. I had to go away. I simply wasn't appropriately prepared. (I went away, redid the test, registered it and returned. All was well). The most important thing was to be prepared, ready, equipped with con rmation that I had done what was required. Intention wasn't good enough, there had to be the written guarantee. Jesus told a parable, a meaningful story, about being ready. It's one of the rst stories I ever recall learning; that of the ten bridesmaids whose job it was to provide a torchlight procession for the arrival of the groom. Five had no oil and so, because they had no light they were not allowed into the feast. It's all about Heaven. Whose invited? Everyone! Who will enter? Well, only those who have the light, those who are ready; only those with the grace of God, with faith in Christ. Heaven is for everyone; of that there's no doubt. All are invited, all are welcome but Jesus spoke about having oil, wearing the right clothes, RSVP-ing the wedding invitation. These are simply symbols of being prepared, ready. What a tragedy it would be simply for lack of faith in Jesus that we were found to be 'not ready', not 'dressed' as it were. How can we be ready? It's so simple - all those unready girls had to do was buy oil from the very same shop the wise girls went to when they had the opportunity. For us, all that is needed is 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.' (Acts 16 v 31) But who knows when the bridegroom ( Jesus) will come? In his words, "Therefore keep alert, because you don't know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25 v 13) The Kingdom of Heaven is symbolised as a wedding reception, a celebration party where everyone is invited. Let's be ready with our much-needed faith in Jesus. God bless you today 🙏
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Page 274
02 February 2022
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ello everybody, a midweek greeting to you all. Yesterday my watch buzzed on my wrist to tell me I had walked 10,000 steps so far. I remember as a kid I used to count my steps there and back to the local shop. It was nowhere near 10,000! Can you imagine trying to count in your head how many steps you've done in a day? What about words! Some of us are talkative, others say very little; perhaps there's nobody in particular to talk to, or maybe you're a listener rather than a contributor. I've met all kinds. Some of us use words as part of our job, our role. I can't imagine how many words I write or read in a day, how much I speak. It goes with what I do. But there can be a problem. Words that are spoken can be ignored, misunderstood. A letter that is written might get delayed. Sometimes an email will be sent and I miss it! Fiona will ask if I've replied to an email we both got and somehow I never saw it; but there it is, down in the inbox unnoticed, unread. Words have meaning and potential, but only if they are read. Words have power and in uence, but only if they are understood. Words can convey a meaning, but from experience sometimes words can be misconstrued, the motive unrecognised, and the original message hidden. Jesus was often misrepresented. Things he said were wonderful in the ears of many, but some people looked for o ence, for error. Some actually stopped following Jesus because some things he said didn't t their preconceptions or their prejudices. And yet, to those who stuck with him, who genuinely sought to understand, the words of Jesus proved to be 'the words of eternal life'. What's more, by understanding his words we begin to see his character, his nature, and come to know him as he is We might think today, with increased secularism and many di erent ideas around us that the word of God is lacking in in uence. It's true that fewer people read it, it's true that many disparage the Bible and it's teaching, but where we accept it, where we honour it, we can be sure that its power and its truth are just the same as ever. 'The word of our God stands forever,' (Isaiah 49 v 8) and very importantly for our encouragement and faith, God assures us that 'my word shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.' (Isaiah 55 v 11) Hold on to the word. Trust what the Bible says. It's always right and true, and leads you into a deeper knowledge of him who inspired it. God bless you 🙏
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03 February 2022
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ello everybody. The days y by as we journey on through the week. Life is often likened to a journey and I guess for most of us it's a daily routine with occasional turn-o s, slow tra c, and even roadblocks. There are lane changes, busy roads, but very often an enjoyable ride. We were in the car yesterday, and on three occasions there was questionable driving shown by other road users. We were driving round a roundabout and a car emerged from a road to the left and just drifted across the lane causing us and another car to swerve. Where were they going? Could they not see the lanes? Only quick evasive action, and luckily no car to the right of us, got us away from danger. Later in the day, as we approached the very same roundabout from a di erent direction, an ambulance seemingly going straight on suddenly changed lane in front of us to go right, as we were. Then it went to the far right on the roundabout and then went all round the roundabout doing a full circle to go back to where it started. Did it know where it was going? Finally a car up ahead decided, on a busy 2 lane road, that neither left or right lane was su cient, he would decide to drive in both lanes at once, straddling the white lines. Lanes are quite useful I have discovered. They keep cars apart, they indicate in which direction other cars around us are going, and for us they inform, guide and lead us to our exit and on to our destination. They are ignored with negative consequences: we either get lost or we confuse others. They give us a boundary within which to drive. Can you imagine a three lane roundabout with four exits and no road markings? It would be a nightmare! Jesus spoke of two roads: a broad way and a narrow path. Perhaps today he could have used the picture of the correct lane on a major road. Either way he's speaking about choice. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few nd it." (Matthew 7 v 13,14) I think that none of the people yesterday who swerved, changed lanes or even strayed across the white lines were deliberately being reckless. A late decision? An unthinking choice? A failure to look at the sign or the wing mirror perhaps? We call nd ourselves in the wrong lane sometimes. None of us are the perfect driver on life's journey. But the lanes are there, the markings are set so that we will choose the narrow path, the correct 'turn-o ', as it were, and avoid the wide path, the main 'carriageway' that leads to the wrong destination. I thank God there's always a way back to the correct route and that he provides the directions. No matter how often we miss the turn o or nd ourselves in the wrong lane, there's a way back. Follow the lanes, look for the direction God gives in his word. Find the road that leads to life. God bless you 🙏
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Page 276
04 February 2022
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ello everybody. If you read the newspaper, watch the news, follow the latest on the internet, you may possibly be feeling just a little overwhelmed by it all. Every day 'up there' in government, politics and the economy, there's something new. Some new revelation, a new story that the journalists just love to make the most of... When will it end? National insurance, interest rates, in ation and gas prices... When will it end? Rumours of war abound, with Russian troops massing outside Ukraine and Russian planes provoking the RAF over the seas near Britain. When will it end? There's local news too. Even here in Guisborough news of a local tragedy is unfolding. And each of us has our deepest need, our ongoing issue, our private struggle, our concerns for loved ones. As long as there has been people there have been burdens. Though I walk through the valley... I have often been asked about the appropriateness of faith: where is God? It's an understandable question I guess, but it's odd because it seems to imply that God is only worth believing in, only deserves our faith in him, when things are going right. "Oh I don't believe in God because something bad happened..." Compassion wants to understand and sympathise, and I would answer the genuine question with verses from a song: 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. 2 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.
Life can be hard to bear, but we are also grateful for the wonderful joys that we experience, even in the simplest of things. But when we do walk through that valley, are we not better to be walking there with One who knows the way, even if we don't? Are we better o trusting the one 'who knows the end from the beginning'? (Isaiah 46 v 10) I think of a line from another hymn: 'He knows the way he taketh, and I will walk with him.' From the Scriptures this is God's message for us today, in global con ict, nancial worries, health issues or personal pressures, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41 v 10) He's holding your hand today. The best thing to do is to hold tight to him. God bless you today 🙏
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Page 277
05 February 2022
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orning everyone! It’s the weekend again, and it’s another Song Saturday with perhaps the most well-known hymn ever, apart from maybe Amazing Grace. If you’re new to the page, every Saturday we take a song or a hymn that will be featured in our weekly YouTube Sunday service: Together in
Worship. This week, it’s Morning Has Broken.
Sadly it’s one of those hymns that is so easily sung without thinking, without much thought. School assemblies, weddings, funerals; it’s become part of the ‘religious heritage’ of our country, and why not? If it gets people thinking, even for a moment, about God then that’s all good. It’s very subtle though – ‘fresh from the Word’? What’s that then? Where his feet pass? Whose feet? Ah, it must be God, because it says so in the last verse: God’s recreation of the new day. So, it’s ‘broadly religious’ to those who are not aware that the Word is actually Jesus, as described in John 1: ‘The Word was with God, the Word was God.’ Creation is by the Word: ‘Through him all things were made.’ (John 1 v 3) That’s an amazing thought, that the Son of God is also our Creator. It shows us that our world, we ourselves, are not the result of random process, but thoughtfully designed, ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’, and, of course, loved. Morning has broken like the rst morning, Blackbird has spoken like the rst bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from Heaven, Like the rst dewfall on the rst grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, Sprung in completeness where his feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight, Mine is the morning, Born of the one light Eden saw play. Praise with elation, Praise every morning, God’s re-creation of the new day!
There’s a line that stuck out to me: 'Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass.’ What a beautiful line; do you know what it reminds me of? This verse in Genesis 3 v 8: Adam and Eve ‘heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.’ They literally heard his feet pass. What a thought, that God somehow in that very earliest of times was so close to his creation that he was right there, enjoying it. Had he been there before with the rst pair? I assume so, but here’s the tragedy: Adam and Eve hid from God out of guilt and shame. God who wanted to be with them, to enjoy fellowship with them, was avoided. If there is one thought, one sentence to describe what Jesus came to do, it’s to restore that fellowship between us and him, so that we can walk together again. The whole of the Bible is the story of God inviting his people to walk in the garden again with him. Do you know that song, with the chorus, ‘And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.’ That’s the joy of being there, with him, where his feet pass. I pray that you will enjoy fellowship – friendship – with God today. God bless you 🙏 Join us for worship on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA
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07 February 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Welcome to a new week; I wonder what we'll meet over the next 7 days. A lot of events and experiences come unexpectedly, some come uninvited, some are even unwelcome. I prefer the nice surprises or the interesting things. Facebook, and the internet in general, can be a source of surprises when precious memories are shared or photos of loved ones sent. But there's a phenomenon that I don't understand that slightly annoys me. Apparently it's something to do with something called an algorithm. Now I have very little idea what an algorithm is, but today's computer literate 6 year olds would probably explain it! It seems that an algorithm waits for me to search for something on Google and it then tells the internet about me which then sends me all kinds of stu ! So, for example a few weeks ago I must have looked at an advert for trousers. And now, everyday I keep getting adverts for chinos and jeans and jogging bottoms and tracksuits. I wouldn't mind but most of them are the stretch version with expanding waistbands. What are they trying to imply?? We've stayed in holiday cottages before now, and I keep getting adverts for them. And there's a whole host of things. Whoever is working this algorithm-thin y seems to think I'm obsessed with trousers - and let me say that the adverts are for very expensive ones too. £125 for a pair of jeans? The internet gives you more of what you search for. That's a very clever marketing tool. Search Google for apples, and moments later you'll get adverts for fruit baskets delivered to your door. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6 v 21) In other words, what you look for in life is a re ection of your character, your innermost thoughts. You go for what satis es you. Sometimes we make the wrong choices, we focus on the wrong things because somehow our heart is not right. We can leave that behind and, having a change of heart, can begin to look for the best things. God says, 'You will seek me and nd me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29 v 13) What a promise and a challenge. Are we bombarded with 'advertisements' that don't actually satisfy? By focusing more on 'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— excellent or praiseworthy,' (Philippians 4 v 8), the more these things will come to ll our heart. And of course, the more we think of Jesus, the more we speak to him, read about him, the more we will receive from him. We don't need an automated algorithm for that; it's God's promise: 'Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.' (James 4 v 8) Enjoy your day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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Page 279
08 February 2022
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ello everyone. Thanks for being here, for sitting quietly, and reading...
It's 6.45, still dark. The birds are singing outside, and the only other sound is the sound from the radiator and my breathing. I wish this moment could last longer. It won't, of course. The day will soon begin as the world comes to life - a car has just driven quickly past and people emerge from houses to go to work, school, the shops. Before I started writing I realised, as many of you yourselves do, what a busy and full day lies ahead. So these moments are indeed precious. Some of you will be reading later in the day. A free moment, time to yourself after the busyness of a morning perhaps. Maybe it's the evening and you're re ecting on the events of the day. Of course, for some of us every day is quiet and inactivity is the norm. But even in a day where there's little to do there can be much to think about. In conversation yesterday I was talking with someone about how busy our minds can be with so many thoughts. From morning to night there's 'stu ' going through our minds: thoughts, memories, plans and concerns, maybe a regret or two. Sometimes those busy thoughts don't sleep, and they begrudge us our rest and wake us up, demanding attention! A busy day, an active hour, is not all focused on going and doing; sometimes the busiest part of us is our mind. Do we feel we need rest? It can be good to be busy, it can be satisfying to have an active mind, but peace and restfulness is something we all need. It may be, as now for me, at the beginning of the day, or perhaps a quiet time at the end. There is a sense in which the peace we look for, however, is not found in moments of stillness or even sleep, but is experienced even in the busyness of the day, the wakefulness of the night. To have rest from ourselves, as it were, or to approach concerns with a peaceful mind, is a valuable quality that the Bible includes as part of the fruit of the Spirit along with love and joy, and others virtues like patience and gentleness. To know peace in our mind, even when we are occupied with the tasks of the day, is a gift. Here's a promise for today in the familiar poetic language of the old King James Bible: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26 v 3) Ah, that's the secret. Peace doesn't come simply by removing the activity, muting the sounds, emptying the mind; peace comes into the busy day, the sleepless night when we become aware of Him and learn to trust him. Perfect peace lls the heart rst and then settles the mind in the busy day, the restless night. Think of him when you are going about your tasks, talk to him when anxiety robs you of sleep. He has promised his peace, even amid the circumstances, to those who seek him.. As you do all you have to do today, may the peace of God, and peace with God, be yours. God bless you 🙏
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09 February 2022
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orning everyone, welcome to Wednesday!
Sometimes my daily thought takes a long time to form in my mind each morning. I can sit for quite a while before the theme comes to mind. On other occasions I know just what to write before I even get up! Today is such a day. I'll be honest and say that I dismissed it, thinking it was too obvious, too direct, but something tells me it's needed. I had a dream. A vivid dream. It was one of those dreams that seems to last a long time, with characters and a story line that is reasonable. It was like a lm. Brie y, I was at a conference in a large hotel lled with many rooms, lounges and corridors. I knew many people: friends, colleagues, associates. There was the usual chatting in groups, mixing in di erent company. And then, for some reason that is now lost, I said something to a group of people that was wrong, and I upset them and then walked away. I can't remember what I said in this dream, but I do remember that it did upset them, and I remember vividly knowing that I was wrong, that one of them came and told me I was wrong. In this dream I felt very guilty. I mentioned that this hotel had many rooms. I wanted to go to my colleagues to apologise, and I went from room to room, down every corridor, round every corner wanting to make amends. I rehearsed what I wanted to say. I needed their forgiveness. But I could not nd them. Others were there, familiar faces, but never the ones who needed my apolo y, the ones who alone could forgive. That's the dream. I never found those people. Thank God it was ction! Wanting - needing - forgiveness and not nding it is not a good feeling. As I awoke, immediately came to mind a song from the musical Les Miserables: I Dreamed a Dream. It's a heart-wrenching song of regret and dashed hopes and has the line, "I dreamed that God would be forgiving..." Only 'would be'? When I rst heard that song I thought, "But he is! There's no 'would be' about it!" Our God is always forgiving. There's never a time when forgiveness is not available, never a time when his grace can't be found. The Bible says clearly, and most reassuringly, 'O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” (Psalm 86 v 5) One of the most beautiful songs in our song book has this verse: Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour! Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide! No one has ever trusted unavailing, No one has claimed of his love and been denied. My dream was false in that I was denied the opportunity to nd forgiveness. The truth, the reality is that God freely forgives, always forgives. The cross reveals it and con rms it. That's no dream. I hope that's been helpful today, a word of assurance for someone. God bless you 🙏
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10 February 2022
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ello everybody! Welcome to Thursday, a day we've been told will see some snow! I'll believe it when I see it (and when I'm selling War Cry papers in it on the high street). The skies are clear at the moment, so we'll see. One day - like yesterday - sees Spring-like sunshine; other days it's back to winter! Just like life of course: the cliché tells us that into every life a little rain (or snow indeed) must fall. The hardships of life always come unwelcomed, unbidden and unexpected. Sometimes events are shocking and upsetting. There's been a tragedy here in the town, just a few hundred yards from where we live. A little boy has lost his life apparently at the hands of someone we'd expect to be loving and protective. Flowers, teddy bears, balloons and hand-written notes have all been placed on the fence outside the garden, and I believe a vigil will be held sometime. It's heartbreaking. Inexplicable. Unforgettable. As people who have faith in the One who once welcomed children, who healed the sick, restored the outcast and assured us of the love of God, sometimes we do pause and wonder. Don't we? The unbeliever might ask 'Where is God?' And we would be humble in the face of illness, of hardship, of tragedy. Strong faith is not quick to answer with a glib, o -pat answer, but it does have an assurance that 'Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll nd Jesus.' To the di cult questions about our lives and the lives of others, to the longing to know why things are as they are, our answer might simply be, "I don't know why things are like this, but I'm trusting the One who does." I've watched a lot of hand-holding in my time. People simply, quietly, taking the hand of another. It's a sacred moment perhaps of farewell, or it's reassurance as prayer is said for a di cult situation. I've seen people kneeling at our Salvation Army place of prayer, the Mercy Seat, while someone knelt with them, covering their hands with their own. Those hands will signify empathy, a sharing of the burden, a reminder that there's togetherness, gratitude, love. God says to us, "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" (Isaiah 41 v 13) We may not receive an answer; but remember when we were children and we fell, or when we were frightened, lonely, upset? We didn't need explanations, we wanted a mother's arms, a father's strong hand. We just needed to know we were loved. John Gowans, a writer of many devotional words, writes, But in the mystery of unanswered prayers, let faith hold fast to this: God cares, God cares, God cares. A world such as this would be very bleak indeed without a hand to hold, and Jesus assures us that he will not leave us as orphans, he will come to us. I see there a parent's arms enfolding us. A Methodist hymnwriter puts it this way: Life is great! Whatever happens, Snow or sunshine, joy or pain, Hardship, grief, or disillusion, Su ering that I can't explain. Life is great if someone loves me, Holds my hands and calls my name. (Brian Wren) Life is great? Oh yes! Very often it is; it's why we struggle when it's the opposite; but how wonderful to know that God loves us, holds our hands and calls our name. Despite it all, God cares, and we will grip his hands tightly as much as he holds ours. God bless you today 🙏
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11 February 2022
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ello everybody! Well the weather app on my phone yesterday was totally and utterly wrong! "Snow in 35 minutes" it said! It should have snowed for at least 45 minutes according to the ironically-named 'Accuweather'. Instead it was glorious sunshine from dawn onwards with not a cloud in the sky. Hey-ho. Mind you it was cold! Well it was on the shaded side of the street where I was selling my War Cry papers. 'Baltic' is the word! I arrived at my spot just in time to catch a regular customer before he gathered up his bags and headed home. He saw me approach, made a mocking comment about being caught, and then he paid me a compliment: "You're looking very healthy!" "Am I?" "Yes you are, it must be because you're smiling." And there then followed a conversation about happy people who share that happiness, as opposed to people who wake up all gloomy and spend the whole day in that frame of mind. My friendly customer spoke fondly of his late wife and how she was happy... His comments seemed to re ect the mood of the morning. Though cold it was bright, and people seemed cheerful as they walked around, chatted, or queued at a market stall. The high street was alive with smiles. Yes, happiness and a smile does make people appear healthier; it certainly makes life more positive and enjoyable. There were, of course, those who trudged about looking blank; maybe they had a burden, were distracted by their thoughts. I thought about my customer's comment about my perceived health and how my smile was, for him, the evidence. Is there a link between joy and health? I can see that there may be. I'm sure there'll be scienti c studies somewhere on the health-bene ts of laughter. There will certainly be studies on how stress and worry can lead to ill health, whether physical or mental. Two Bible verses came to mind: The rst one says 'A cheerful heart is good medicine...' (Proverbs 17 v 22). The old King James Bible uses the word 'merry'; yes I like that. Do you want to be healthy? Try a little merriment! Let's not be too puritanical about things! The second one is perhaps more encouraging because it's realistic. Health is not an option for some, we live with frailty and susceptibility as we get older; but that doesn't stop us from having the inward joy of the Lord! And here's the verse, a promise for many today: 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' (Nehemiah 8 v 10) Immediately a line from a song comes to mind: 'Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.' That's what joy brings; not joy simply because it's sunny, because you have some money, because of loving families or loyal friends - a source of joy and contentment though they might be! No, it's the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. It's his joy that he shares with us so that we don't look to circumstances to change our feelings, but we receive joy from him that helps us to be healthy or hopeful. His joy makes us new. Here are some words that are quite old now but are still sung with enthusiasm: I am a new creation No more in condemnation, Here in the grace of God I stand. My heart is over owing, My love just keeps on growing, Here in the grace of God I stand.
And I will praise You Lord, Yes, I will praise You Lord, And I will sing of all that You have done. A joy that knows no limit, A lightness in my spirit, Here in the grace of God I stand.
May his joy be yours. Have a joyful day! God bless you 🙏
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12 February 2022
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elcome everyone to another Song Saturday. Every Sunday a video of songs, prayers and a message from Scripture is published
on YouTube entitled Together in Worship; and the day before a song featured in the video is printed here.
This week it’s perhaps the most famous ‘persuasion’ hymn used in countless meetings where a Gospel message was preached, and an invitation given to accept Christ. Billy Graham used it so often in his rallies that it became known as his ‘signature hymn’, someone commenting that “It wouldn’t be a Billy Graham invitation without ‘Just as I am.’” It would be interesting to know how many people became Christians through these words of response to the Gospel message. It was written nearly 200 years ago by a woman who had once had everything going for her; she was a portrait painter and poet, but one day she was struck down by a debilitating condition that left her weak and incurably sick. I think we might sympathise with her at her resentment. A visiting doctor asked her about her faith; her response was basically that she didn’t want to talk about it. Later on she apologised for her reply and told him that she had some things to sort out in her life before she could become a Christian. His inspired reply to her was simply this: “Come as you are.” There is literally nothing we can do to make ourselves ‘good enough’; nothing for us to achieve, nothing to prepare, nothing to contribute. The wonderful thing about the Gospel is that it tells us we don’t have to be worthy or somehow ‘sorted’ before God will accept us. It’s all by grace, all in response to his invitation. Charlotte Elliott came to Jesus and simply believed the words of Jesus: “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” (John 6 v 37) What an amazing promise, and what a reassuring truth that all we need to do is come as we are. Charlotte wrote this hymn as a re ection on her experience of coming to faith after being told to 'come as you are.' Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! 2. Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come! 3. Just as I am, though tossed about With many a con ict, many a doubt, Fightings within and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come!
4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in Thee to nd, O Lamb of God, I come! 5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! 6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down, Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come!
You can make that your simple prayer today, he will welcome you as you are. Join us tomorrow for Together in Worship on the theme, Jesus is…The Prince of Peace. God bless you 🙏
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14 February 2022
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ello everybody, welcome to a wet, dreary Monday. Or should I say welcome to a day of hearts and owers, cards and kisses?
It's Valentine's Day with its various levels of observance. Some dislike it, some go overboard with an overpriced dozen red roses. Lots of cards, lots of chocolate. We don't need a day, but it's lovely to be part of a national day of love. A great many of us don't actually observe it. Not everyone has a partner or an admirer; many people don't have anyone to focus romantic love on. There will be people who would love to have at least one card! I remember as a teenager hoping for a card that never came... Ah, the disappointment of youth! I did send a card once, in a time of unrequited love. But I was unnoticed. *Sigh* Be my Valentine. It's a very Victorian sentiment; a card sent anonymously from a young man to his hoped-for lover. It's a romantic gesture inspired by Christian mytholo y where a young Roman soldier, martyred for his faith, wrote a note to a young woman on the eve of his death, signing it, 'From your Valentine'. It was a bit late to ask her out, but the declaration of love was clear. Valentine's Day is more about hope than love itself. Yes, established couples will join the celebration of love, but it's the not-yet-attached who send cards in the hope that the girl he longs for, or the boy she dreams of, will love them in return. Love cannot be guaranteed, it cannot be expected; it most certainly cannot be required or forced! We love rst, and are joyfully, blissfully happy when it's returned. When the object of our love says yes, it's just wonderful. The foundation of our faith is a very one-sided love a air, if I can put it like that. God loves us, but he only asks for our love; there's no question of coercion or compulsion. 'Do you love me?' he asks. And he is pleased if we reply 'Yes Lord, you know that I love you.' God loves freely, completely, everlastingly, and in Jesus he o ers that love and simply wants us to love him freely in return. It's what happens when we use that phrase, to 'give your heart to Jesus.' It's the response OF love TO love, "We love because he rst loved us." (1 John 4 v 19) Our pop charts and record collections are lled with love songs. Our Bible and our hymn books likewise are lled with songs of God's love and our willing response to him. What's your favourite song that re ects your love for God? Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏
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15 February 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Don't you ever wish things could go back to how they were? Didn't things seem di erent 'back then'? It's perhaps a sign of ageing that we start reminiscing about a mythological age where the summers were all hot, life was less complicated, etc, etc... The truth is of course that life, the world, has always had turmoil and huge changes. But maybe it's a weariness creeping in today that paints our memories with a golden light and makes us believe that the past was a better place. Yes, many things have indeed changed, and events continue to amaze and confuse us. We ourselves change for the better of course, as well as for the not so good. We like to retreat to some familiarity, to the safety of the tried and tested. What might seem unoriginal and overfamiliar one day suddenly becomes relevant and almost a refuge the next. Take a song, for example: Great is thy faithfulness. Oh we've sung this countless times over the years, and it's one that can be sung without much thought. I happened to notice it this morning and the line that I noticed most was 'Thou changest not...' I can't say it's a novel idea, an earth-shattering discovery. It's not a line that hasn't been noticed or commented on before, but today it seems very comforting. When you're tired of the changes, the uncertainty; when you feel like you're a stranger in today's world, when perhaps you don't even understand your own changing life, what a relief it is to think of one familiar truth: God never changes. 'As thou has been thou forever wilt be.' Yes. This. Joy Webb wrote deeply personal and direct lyrics in some of her songs. She wrote When I'm perplexed and no one's understanding me; When even safest thoughts collapse in disarray; When I've lost the things that always seemed so sure, It's then I need to hear him say: Share my yoke and nd that I am joined with you... This re ects the words of Jesus who said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will nd rest for your souls." (Matthew 11 v 29) The yoke of course is that wooden harness across the backs of two oxen. It provides stability, sense of security. It's an unchanging restriction that we willing share with Jesus so that his way, his unchanging direction, becomes ours. When everything around us appears to be going o in all di erent directions, the yoke we shoulder is reassuring, guiding, con dence-building. It's through being joined with Christ that we nd rest in a restless world. We can't stop the changes, but we can experience the unchanging presence of God as we walk with him. God bless you 🙏
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16 February 2022
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ello everybody, a midweek greeting to you.
Yesterday was a sad day for a father and son as they said farewell to a wife and mother. It was our privilege to attend the service. It's an unusual experience for us to simply attend rather than conduct the service. It was nice to be part of it while not being responsible. It took place in a town where Fiona and I had been the Salvation Army o cers between 1991 and 1995. And to prove it, there on the screen kept appearing a photo of us as young Lieutenants standing with the couple. As at all funerals, memories came ooding back. The years seemed to melt away. But here's the amazing thing, the occasional Facebook comment aside, we hadn't seen the husband for 5 years, we hadn't seen his son for at least 10, another friend for the same time, and together with them a member of the Army, and also another friend, both of whom we hadn't seen for 27 years! And after the service we chatted. There was the same relaxed conversation, with shared memories and the catching up on news, recognising facial features, a way of talking, a remembered laugh, a shared sense of humour: it was all there. Even the young man, now 50, who was once an acquaintance, was part of this renewal of friendship and was no stranger as this conversation quickly shortened 5, 10, 27 years into nothing. It was as if those years had never passed. There we all were reminiscing about our 20s and 30s as if it was some time before last Christmas. How easy it was to rekindle the friendship. There was no awkwardness, no formalities, no wondering if the years had made us unrecognisable... It got me thinking about those who once had a friendship, a relationship with God. It's common for there to be people who had a younger person's faith to let it go. Commitments, new directions, circumstances all lead people down di erent paths, and faith becomes a memory and God himself, once real and close, becomes a 'friend from the past'. Do we hesitate to return? Will I know him? What will I say? Will my feelings be the same? Will he know me? Should memories stay in the past? Maybe you feel like that. You're reading this and thinking about how faith used to be a 'thing' in your life, how God was close. Will it be, can it be the same again? "Remember the things I have done in the past..." says God (Isaiah 46 v 9). The truth is that he wants you to remember, to enjoy the memory; to allow that memory to be special but not just a thing of the past. He continues: "For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me." He is still the familiar God and Father, still uniquely loving, kind and compassionate. He hasn't changed and there is none like him. Jesus said, "I call you my friends if... you love one another." He wants us - you as much as anyone - to know him, to be close to him. There's never a time when he would feel like a stranger or react distantly. He welcomes us, renews our relationship with him. Come home, says the song, come home. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling... It's a great feeling to be in touch with friends again. It's a great feeling to know Jesus as a friend too. Come home. God bless you 🙏
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17 February 2022
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orning all. Well I guess you could say that literally this is the lull before the storm; or even between two storms! Last night it blew a gale - which reminds me, I must go and put my bin upright......and tomorrow the weather warning for the next storm is 'wind and snow'. Lovely. Do I believe the forecast? Well, sometimes the newspapers warn us of heavy snow that never arrives, and sometimes rain falls that wasn't even mentioned; I think we all tend to be a little suspicious of some forecasts. Can we believe what we're told? There are still people commenting on Covid news and information sites that it's all a con, a scam. They laugh at precautions, sco at tests, ridicule mask wearing and protest against vaccines. They just don't believe what's written. Can we believe what we see? An interesting photo has emerged. The famous version has three people in it, including a certain Duke. However someone has published the same photo but the Duke and someone else are not there. Which is fake? Which is doctored? Who do you believe? I could go on and mention political statements, criminal evidence...but you know what I mean: where is the truth? There are some who will be gullible and believe everything, from UFOs to Elvis being alive. There are cynics who believe nothing they are told, despite the evidence. So what do we say about religious truth? I have had an online discussion with a member of another religion who believes the Bible is wrong and says that bits have been added or taken away. That, to me, is just too convenient. Don't like a particular verse, story or Psalm? No problem, just snip it out! Hmmm. It doesn't say much about trust, about faith. Yes, there are things we might not understand; there are things to accept by faith, but if we start doubting one thing where will it end? In my view the place to start is God himself. Do I trust him? And if I do, do I trust his word, taking encouragement and inspiration from countless others like me who have also trusted his word? I believe the Bible to be trustworthy because of its divine inspiration, of course. I believe the Bible because I believe God. But I also believe it because it's been tested and tried and trusted by 2000 years' worth of personal experience and extensive study. When we read the words of Jesus, saying "Your word is truth", (John 17 v 17) we believe him. His word is truth. As Peter said to Jesus, "You have the words of eternal life." (John 6 v 68). The world is lost and confused for lack of trust, for lies told, truths ignored and people not able or willing to believe. Thank God that he himself is 'the way, the truth and the life'. We can trust him, build our lives on his word, and be at peace in believing his unchanging word. And that's no lie. God bless you 🙏
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18 February 2022
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ello everybody from both of us. It's a little breezy out there today: stay in and drink co ee!
Yesterday I had a crisis. Actually it's not yet resolved, and I'm hoping that 'a man who can' will rectify the issue. It's technolo y. Oh technolo y is a wonderful thing and I wouldn't want to go back to the 18th century and have nothing that makes our lives so easy today! The problem is that technolo y is a wonderful servant but a terrible master, and when it takes over or seems to conspire against you, it's either a slight inconvenience or a total disaster. Most of us don't understand it, and that's why we have experts. They know we don't understand it and that's why the most helpful advice they give us is, "Turn it o and turn it back on again." If only it were always that simple! Well yesterday a memory stick 'died'. It's the one I have a lot of music les - hymn tunes by brass bands, piano and choirs. Suddenly it decided none of it existed! Luckily some of it is also somewhere else, but I'd like to have the rest back. The 'man who can' in the computer shop said they have something that might be able to rescue the les for me. So that's 🙏 and 🤞 It's de nitely the case that stress is caused because we don't understand the 'workings' of our technolo y. Do you remember the days when a good thump on the top of the telly was good enough to get the picture back? Who needed to know about valves and such? Well nowadays it's all a bit more complicated and we don't know how it works; we need to trust the experts. Sometimes, in a confusing or di cult situation, I mutter to myself, "I have no idea what's going on." Around me, or inside my own head too, things are beyond my control and often beyond my understanding; why is life sometimes the way it is, both good and bad? How does it all work? The Bible says, 'We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8 v 28) That doesn't mean all things are good, it doesn't mean that God causes all things, it certainly doesn't mean that only good things happen to people who love God; but when we do believe, when we love him, when we follow his calling, then we begin to understand that God is 'the man who can', as it were. He doesn't always remove or prevent a situation, but he can ensure that his presence is in it all. When the Bible speaks of events working for good, it's a broad de nition that means that there is positivity, hope, a sense of purpose. It means that the world and its events are not meaningless or destructive, that we are not left in the dark, left despairing. If God is good, then this verse means that for those who love him, all things can be lled with his presence - even the bad things, the hard-tounderstand things. When the 'all things' of life are hard to bear, reach out to God, trust him, love him, because those who have faith in Christ are never lost, even when they don't understand what's happening. God bless you 🙏
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19 February 2022
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ello everyone; it’s Song Saturday once again.
Every Saturday, in anticipation of Sunday’s Together in Worship we take a song, a hymn or a chorus that will be featured, and we brie y consider it. This week, a good evangelical, American Gospel song written in the 1870s, becoming popular in England at the time and then experiencing a new lease of life when Billy Graham discovered it and made it his anthem for his crusade here in 1952. The odd thing is that while we Brits knew and loved it, it was almost unknown back in the land of its origin until Billy Graham took it back with him! I like this song for it’s clear declaration of the Gospel; in it you’ll nd references to John 3 v 16 (for God so loved the world, etc), you’ll see an a rmation that we come to God through Jesus who gave his life in ‘atonement’. Did you know that atonement is a made-up word? It’s true; it didn’t exist. In the Latin and Greek Bibles the word used there meant the covering of sin, to make an agreement, but William Tyndale, the man who gave us the English Bible, coined a new word: ‘at-one-ment’; through Jesus we are made ‘at one’ with God by being forgiven. I like the thought of being ‘at one’; no barrier, no estrangement. We are reunited with God. There’s a bit of a controversial line in the song however: ‘The vilest o ender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.’ Do you know, I have seen people raise an eyebrow at that line, as if there should be a limit to ‘atonement’; well, far be it from me to decide who God may forgive, but I am so glad he does forgive, and that his forgiveness is so great, so gracious, so over-generous that I am surely included! The truth is that the Gospel is for all: for me, for you, for all who turn to him in repentance. To me that’s the greatest news. ‘The LORD has done great things for us, and we are lled with joy.’ (Psalm 126 v 3) Great things indeed! Thank him for his forgiveness. To God be the glory, great things he hath done! So loved he the world that he gave us his Son; Who yielded his life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in. 2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood! To every believer the promise of God; The vilest o ender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
3. Great things he hath taught us, Great things he hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see. Chorus Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son, And give him the glory; great things he hath done!
Please join us on YouTube tomorrow. The link will appear here on Facebook. God bless you 🙏
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21 February 2022
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ello again everyone, welcome to a new week!
I felt a little uncomfortable yesterday. Fiona and I, together with a friend, went for co ee; and whilst they were ordering I was sitting alone at our table. There were four people at the neighbouring table and one of the group was dominating the conversation. In fact hers was the only voice I heard. You try not to listen, but unfortunately she was so loud that even though she was facing away from me I could hear every word. However, it wasn't the volume but the topic of conversation that was uncomfortable. She was talking of private family matters involving someone else. She mentioned names too. Did I want to know? Did I want to listen? No. What if I had known that person referred to? I don't know them, but I now know more than perhaps they would wish. I think we've all had the 'I wish the ground could swallow me up' situation. We say something out of turn, or we mention something and realise immediately it was insensitive. 'Oh I'm sorry!' but the words are out. Uncomfortable silence follows perhaps, or a gracious and reassuring response: "It's OK, you weren't to know." I can't count how many times I have witnessed the exact opposite. I've listened to words that were a rming, supportive and encouraging. I've listened as one person has said lovely things about another, has defended them, recommended them. I've listened to conversations lled with grace, with evident respect, with love. It makes you feel good. It makes the person who hears positive things about themselves feel encouraged. I once heard someone complain to a friend that she never had anything bad to say about other people, "You always say something nice! I bet you can't say something nice about the Devil!" "Well," came the reply, "He's very good at his job..." We might not want to a rm the Devil, but we can certainly want to build one another up with our words. Words can be destructive! We hear of huge forest res started by a cigarette end or a careless little barbecue picnic; and what damage there is, what loss! The Bible says, "... the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on re by a small spark." (James 3 v 5) Let's put a positive alternative spin on that, and suggest what warmth, what light can be produced, not by boastful or negative talk, but by 'words full of grace', words that help and heal. Think how we can build each other up, encourage faith and spread love. Have a lovely day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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22 February 2022
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ait for it, wait for it...!
Hello everybody, from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Are you impatient? Champing at the bit, feet on the starting blocks, raring to go? In so many ways this week there are signs, indications, promises and hopes that things are changing. In my garden there are da odils that have been slowly getting taller over the weeks and, though they are all still in bud, you can see the yellow underneath. It might be the wind, but it's as if they are trembling with excitement, just waiting for the rst brave ower amongst them to emerge so they can all follow and produce a bright yellow display. Wait for it... For the rst time yesterday I looked at the shrubs we have in tubs. They've been shoved out of the way all winter, but there are buds, shoots, tiny leaves. The miracle of springtime is beginning. But it's not quite there. Wait for it... Restrictions ending? Isolation not required? Testing coming to an end? Oh how we long for it! But there are voices of caution: "Wait for it, don't rush..." "Oh, how long?!" we cry. We're nearly there, but do we throw caution to the wind simply because we're impatient? Wait for it. The legal restraints might go, but we don't rush forward. It's in our nature to want to rush away from the 'winter', as it were; we want to speed up those signs of 'springtime', to make the owers bloom earlier, if only we could. I was jealous last week when a friend posted pictures of da odils blooming in his Dorset garden while my northern ones were still tightly wrapped! Are we impatient for progress, for change, for relief? Are we eager for a blessing that hasn't come yet? As Christians we might sometimes wonder why God can be slow to answer. We feel discouraged, demotivated. But we should remember 'He makes all things beautiful in his time.' (Ecclesiastes 3 v 11) And in the words of the song we should 'run not before him, whatever betide'. Peter responds to the question why is Jesus taking so long to return as promised. 'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness...' he writes (2 Peter 3 v 9). It's going to happen, but wait, wait patiently. He will always bring it to pass. What is that prayer that you keep praying? What is the hoped-for blessing, the need you bring to him, the cry in the darkness? Don't stop praying, hoping, believing; he will answer in his time, the right time. Keep watching, keep waiting, keep trusting. God bless you 🙏
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Page 292
23 February 2022
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orning all! It's going to be a beautiful, if windy, day.
I have to say I'm feeling a bit dejected, or should I say, 'rejected'? Yes, that's the word, for that's what I am! Last year Major Fiona and our youngest son Stephen ran the Great North Run. She ran for the second time, he ran for the rst time. As I looked at the other runners, I saw that some were older, 'larger', and some even had a disability. It was then that I said to myself that really I had no excuse. If they could do it then so could I. It was a safe thing to think, but as soon as I said it out loud my fate was sealed! That's it, people knew; and I had to apply. But apparently it's a ballot as to whether you get in. And guess what, Major Fiona has got through and been chosen to run for the THIRD time. I received an email saying no. I've been rejected! Mi ed? Well actually, I was kind of glad to be honest! "Good," part of me cried out in relief. "Oh," said veteran runner Fiona, "You can still get in as part of The Salvation Army group." "Oh," thought I, "Well that's good isn't it..." (with not much enthusiasm). "Run for charity!" my oldest son texted later on. I'm not going to escape this am I? To be honest, having completed a 5k running programme I'd lost my incentive to do more. Having nothing to aim for meant my commitment to running for myself, my health, had almost gone. The chance, the encouragement - maybe even the challenge - to run for others' bene t rather than just personal achievement means that I have a reason. I shall apply and then start training next week. A goal is important. It gives focus, it gives encouragement and also a rmation. The Bible uses the metaphor, the mental picture, of running a race for those very reasons. It can be hard to have faith. Some people think religious belief is a crutch; it's actually the opposite! It requires you to throw away those crutches, put on your trainers and get running for the nishing line! We're not alone though, unlike certain foreign young athletes we have an encouraging coach who supports us, Jesus himself. We run for him. The Bible also encourages us with this: 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.' (Hebrews 12 v 1) Nobody is rejected who applies to be in the run we call faith, all are encouraged in the marathon of life. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Sign up, join in, and keep going! God bless you 🙏
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Page 293
24 February 2022
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ello everybody, we hope your week is going well.
Yesterday I witnessed an interesting phenomenon; it can be described in two words as 'broad agreement'. But rst, two fun facts: Have you noticed that when an MP leaves the House of Commons he or she turns at the door and bows to the Speakers Chair? That's because in the 16th century Parliament met in a chapel, and MPs were actually bowing to the altar. The custom continues. Did you know that the gap between the two front benches is said to be the length of two swords which apparently is a reminder 'to seek resolutions by peaceful means.' And that brings me back to 'broad agreement'. Yesterday, in view of the crisis in Ukraine, I watched Prime Minister's Questions. We know what a raucous and argumentative time that is. MPs shout across the chamber as the PM and Leader of the Opposition clash and disagree. It's often hostile and agreement is nowhere to be seen. But yesterday it was calmer. There were quieter scenes as Mr Johnson set out a statement and Mr Starmer responded with a quiet question. He spoke of the House being in unity and the PM thanked him for his broad support. There were slight caveats, little points of di erence, but it was strangely civilised. I think the gravity of the situation, of war in Ukraine, meant the setting aside of the usual theatrics of a televised debate. They were reasoning together; and I can only assume that it will lead to greater cooperation and greater progress. Disagreement can be profound; separation of views, even enmity, can exist. Families, spouses, friends become divided, and they say that most of it is down to poor communication, hostility results from not 'reasoning together'. The Bible is the account of mankind and God being somewhat estranged, separated, and how God in love gave his Son to be the means of reconciliation, of o ering a 'broad agreement.' He said, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1 v 18) I love the idea of reasoning together, the invitation to sit with God in friendship, as it were. This is a loving Father calling patiently, kindly; he's o ering the olive branch, the wiping clean of the slate, a new start. What a wonderful o er. There's always that opportunity to discuss, to talk with him. Even our wrongdoings are reasoned through at the throne of grace, in the place of reconciliation. If men can reason together in the face of war, how much more will God reason with us in love, reconciling us to himself and providing the solution, removing the causes of hostility. We thank God for our friendship with him. It's a good time also to pray for peace among the nations. Pray for Ukraine. God bless you 🙏
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Page 294
25 February 2022
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ello everybody. How things change. How life changes; indeed how the world changes.
We've all faced the personal changes of life, they are unavoidable: growing older, relationships, employment, health. We look back over the years and remember the interesting changes: 1970s fashions we laugh at now, shops that don't exist anymore, places we worked in, how we don't like today's pop music! This is all the stu of amused or wistful conversation. Of course, there are signi cant changes to life. Governments change, the economy changes; we might perceive changes in society that, depending on our viewpoint, either please or frustrate us. We all learn to live with these changes. But then without warning the world changes in a way that nobody could predict, well none of us ordinary citizens anyway! Oh for the days of December 2019! Who would have predicted the last two years? We are pleased that the days of lockdown, of shops, restaurants and churches being closed have all gone now. We are glad that legal restrictions regarding isolating have gone. But the world has changed. We're still not over it, and people are living with the consequences and coping with a changed life. But how cruel that as the pandemic wanes a major con ict erupts in a country that perhaps some of us wouldn't pinpoint on a map. It might be Eastern Europe but it will a ect us; and of course we are more than concerned for the innocent lives a ected by bombs, missiles and bullets. My goodness this is an unexpected tragedy! The future is anybody's guess... Each month these daily thoughts are compiled into a booklet entitled Faith in a Changed World. It's certainly that. What is our response? Prayer. We pray because there's nothing else we can do. We pray for those caught up in it all. We pray for those who are responding. We could say we pray against those who are responsible for violence. But we also look for faith. In hardship, confusion and pain, whether it's personal or global, we don't simply question 'why' or 'what' as if we are alone; we draw on the strength of Almighty God. Even in the valley of the shadow of death we lift our heads, we lift our eyes beyond the hills, we raise our voices in determined prayer and we say, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas.' (Psalm 46 v 1,2) The old version of that Psalm says 'We will not fear.' We WILL not. It's a decision we make. And once we've decided not to fear, we realise what we knew all along: that God is with us. Yes the metaphorical mountain might be shaken into the sea, but God will not be shaken. We continue to pray prayers that are bold and con dent. We pray for the people of Ukraine, for the swift end to the con ict. In all changes, whether global or personal, we will not fear, we will not keep asking why, but we will trust. God bless you 🙏
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Page 295
26 February 2022
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ood morning, and welcome to yet another Song Saturday! I have to confess that I really do enjoy these articles. I like the research and, of course, I like the songs! Each week I take a song or a hymn from tomorrow’s Together in Worship and brie y consider its origins and message. This week a gospel song written in 1912 but wasn’t included in any Salvation Army congregational song book until 1971 (Songs of Faith). Love Lifted Me was written by a man who emigrated from Devon in 1890, working for the railway company in New York. Oddly, he had an interest in writing verse and eventually went into business with his daughter writing greetings card verses. What’s interesting is that ‘Love Lifted Me’ fell out of favour in the churches in America until singers like Kenny Rogers (You picked a ne time to leave me Lucille) and BJ Thomas (Raindrops keep falling on my head) started recording it in the early 70s for fashionable ‘Gospel’ albums. Sadly, some singers downplayed the Gospel part, removing ‘when no one but Christ could help’ and singing ‘when nothing but love could help’. We want nothing less than Christ – because not even ‘love’ is strong enough. Whether we talk about faith, hope or love, these things must all have a focus: it’s faith in God, hope in the Gospel, love shown by Christ: these are the things that lift us when no one or nothing is strong enough. For me there are two great Biblical passages that have in uenced this song: Firstly, Psalm 18 v 16: ‘He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” Secondly, the time when Jesus rescued Peter who was sinking as he tried to walk on the water (Matthew 14 v 22 – 33). He had been doing it! But then took his eyes o Jesus and looked at ‘the angry waves’ and lost his faith. Jesus took him and lifted him. That’s the message of the song, it’s a metaphor for us: have faith in Jesus, give your life to him, and his love will lift you. I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore; Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me; Now safe am I.
Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by his love out of the angry waves. He's the Master of the sea, Billows his will obey; He your Saviour wants to be, Be saved today.
All my heart to him I give, Ever to him I'll cling; In his blessèd presence live, Ever his praises sing. Love so mighty and so true merits my soul's best songs; Faithful, loving service, too, To him belongs.
Chorus Love lifted me, love lifted me, When no one but Christ could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me, love lifted me, When no one but Christ could help, Love lifted me.
Have a good day, and we’ll see you tomorrow for Together in Worship! God bless you 🙏
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Page 296
28 February 2022
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ello everybody, welcome to the beginning of a new working week, the end of February, and this week the start of Lent. It’s the start of a long walk to the cross with its inevitable and joyful climax, the empty tomb and the resurrection. On Saturday Major Fiona and I did what many people do on signi cant days; we went to a cemetery to remember and to lay owers. For Fiona it was the 10th anniversary of the passing away of her Dad. The sun was out, the ducks were swimming on the pond right next to the holly tree, the birds were singing. Thoughtful moments but a beautiful setting. We visited the plaque on a wall that was in remembrance of a schoolfriend of mine who died suddenly just over a year ago; his name etched forever in black. Of course, neither men were actually there but they were remembered because we carry them in heart and mind, in thought and conversation. We can hear their voices and recall them vividly from those days they were with us. They never leave us. Other visitors were in that cemetery too, performing their own little duties with owers and whispered words. It was a place you could indeed think, remember and maybe shed a tear. But our loved ones are not con ned to that place of memory; they are not there. As we begin Lent this week I am pleased to be the rst to wish you all a Happy Easter: Christ is Risen! 😊 It is signi cant that the angels said to the visiting women, ‘He is not here’ (Mark 16 v 6). Of course he was truly risen, the tomb was empty, the shroud was discarded. We don’t need to visit any Garden Tomb in Jerusalem to know his presence; he is with us always. A video has emerged of an Orthodox Bishop performing a blessing at a shrine in Ukraine earlier this month. As he sprinkles holy water a white dove utters above his head and settles above the altar. The dove, of course, is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence with us. For Ukraine it’s a highly meaningful and comforting image; for us too, in all our circumstances, God reminds us that he is indeed with us. Never forget, you are not alone. God bless you today 🙏
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Page 297
01 March 2022
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wait...
March welcome to you! This is the month when apparently it gets windy! Oh no,
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday; more about that tomorrow. That means today is Shrove Tuesday. In most evangelical churches like ours, it's not really a 'thing'; but in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches today is the day, on the eve of Lent, when the faithful are meant to give up their sins and go to Confession and be 'shriven'. To shrive someone means to give them absolution, to forgive their past sins, to wipe the slate clean. So Major, where do pancakes come into this? I'm glad you ask. There's an argument in our house about pancakes: Scottish versus crêpes. I'm a lover of the latter type. But it doesn't really matter because we are meant to eat any kind of pancakes in order to get rid of all the eggs in the house. No more eggs, no more rich foods. It's also called Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, when we use up all the fat in the kitchen. There's also a carnival which literally means a 'farewell to meat'. So that's why this day became a celebration of excess. Have your ll, then confess your sins in readiness for the prayerful season of Lent. Eating no eggs means that chicks can be hatched (a symbol of Easter), but when Easter arrives we can have eggs again! That's where Easter eggs come from! (Nothing to do with the stone outside the tomb). Fun facts aside, confession is indeed, literally, good for the soul. When the Bible says, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1 v 9), it doesn't mean there is one day a year we can do it. Neither does it suggest we need a priest - though sometimes it's helpful to talk to a minister or Christian friend. The promise must surely be that forgiveness is always o ered to us, all of us, if we confess our known sins to God. Why would God refuse to forgive? In his mercy he freely forgives, by his grace he cleanses our hearts. It's like having the blackboard wiped clean. The Bible says that if we walk in God's light 'the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin' (1 John 1 v 7). That's a great promise, a reassuring promise, because it says that this forgiveness is available at all times as we walk with God; we don't have to wait for any particular day. Even so, today, Shrove Tuesday, is as good a day as any. I'm not here to take confessions, but I can assure you of God's forgiveness today. God bless you 🙏
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02 March 2022
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ello everybody, welcome to Ash Wednesday. Today is a solemn day.
Sometimes, I feel, we try to use our faith to 'make things right', to cover things with a veneer of joy. We speak of love and faith, hope and peace as if they are the inevitable antidote to the things of life, whether they are our own failures, or whether they are the big issues of the day. We want uplift, assurance, even protection. It's not always like that. Today, Ash Wednesday, is the day we are told, 'Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.' There are churches today where those words will be solemnly intoned within a service that isn't designed to entertain or 'bless', but where a cross-shaped smudge of ash from the burnt remains of last year's palm crosses will be 'imposed' on people's forehead. It's a solemn reminder of our mortality, of the brevity of life, and of the need for honesty before God. Yesterday was a day for tears. A Ukrainian reporter stood before our Prime Minister and emotionally called for help. A father eeing to the border with his family was emotional as the radio presenter interviewed him and his 8 year old daughter. The heroic President of Ukraine gave an impassioned and brave speech to the EU, and even the anonymous translator was choking back his tears as he conveyed the President's words in English. Millions of people have o ered up prayers with tears as the destruction has got worse and fear has grown. War and rumours of war is constant in our world, but suddenly we have all been confronted by mortality. And sin. Does God patronise us by telling us that he loves us, that it will be OK? No. He tells us that he does indeed love this world, but he confronts us with our sin. And to show us just how awful our sin is he gives his own Son to die; it's an action that matches the severity of human failure. The cross reminds me of my need to confront who I am and to make it right with God. That's what Lent is about. But, look at the example of Ukraine. There's courage and sacri ce, love and hope. These things were not expected by the Invader. And the cross of Jesus, likewise, speaks in a more profound way. Yes we are mortal, but God loves us with passion and came to be one of us, to join us. He knows my heart and yours and loves us dearly. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he ourishes like a ower of the eld; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. (Psalm 103) We may indeed be dust, but in the realisation of that comes hope and renewal. We can be di erent, we will be di erent. The love of God will raise us. With Christ there is a resurrection. God bless you 🙏
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Page 299
03 March 2022
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ello everyone. We hope you are well.
It's quite true that most of us learn our beliefs, our spirituality from hymns and songs. In The Salvation Army we have a wealth of music and song above and beyond our congregational singing. It teaches and inspires, witnesses to our faith and expresses our innermost worship. But there has also been a contemporary Christian music culture for many years now, a kind of religious alternative to pop culture. It re ects just about every style of music you can imagine. There's a singer called Matthew Ward who I listened to a lot and he sang a very simple song entitled Psalm 61. And that's all it is, a few verses from that Psalm. You can nd it on YouTube - either a fully arranged version or a stripped back version with piano accompaniment. It introduced me to Psalm 61, that I had never read before. Some Psalms are the 'make a joyful noise' variety; but some are deeply-felt prayers, prayers of real need, perhaps even of desperation. Psalm 61 is one such prayer. It's a lament, an expression of feeling from someone who's not in a good place. I read it this morning and immediately thought of that song that introduced me to it. David feels he's crying out to God 'from the ends of the earth'. Do you ever feel like that? So far from God, so far from where you want to be? Crying like a lost child? He says his 'heart is faint'. His courage is gone, he feels overwhelmed. The Hebrew language suggests being 'covered', when we're under the circumstances, burdened, weighed down. It's so reassuring to know that even with such feelings there is somewhere to go, a place of safety, that time or that activity that gives relief, respite. 'Lead me to the rock that is higher than I' David cries. God is his rock, his rescue, his refuge. He's a shelter, and David knows that he can dwell in the tent, the house, of the Lord forever. When you feel far from God he will always hear your cry. When overwhelmed, he will lift you onto the safety of the rock. He will always be your shelter and welcome you home; there you can stay, forever. Hear my cry, O God Give heed to my prayer From the ends of the earth I call to thee When my heart is faint Lead me to the rock that is higher than I For thou hast been a refuge for me And a tower of strength against the enemy And let me dwell in thy tent forever. You can hear Matthew Ward singing the song here: https://youtu.be/fxPfZbl8rR8 God bless you 🙏
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Page 300
04 March 2022
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orning all! How did you get up this morning? Did you bounce out of bed ready to face the day, or did you crawl unwillingly from under the duvet? Did you get up happily because you imagined the sound of the kettle boiling for your rst cup of tea, or did you hear the sound of the rain and complain that it's going to be 'a miserable day'? We approach the same experience in di erent ways, don't we. For some, a morning is an opportunity to be grasped, a new experience! For others, a morning is an intrusion after a warm and cozy night. When I heard, and then saw the rain this morning and then looked at the forecast for 87% rain today, I have to admit that Gene Kelly appeared in my mind, swinging around the lamppost with his umbrella and 'Singing in the Rain'. Go on, you know you want to: get humming! Let's have you all enjoying the rain and singing that song today 🎶 😀 We can, if we want to, decide to sing in the rain. You'll have heard the quote: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” Vivian Greene. A similar attitude is expressed in another quote: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Now, these quotes are slightly amusing and whimsical, and for those who are experiencing tough times, these little gems of advice are somewhat trite and even insensitive; but there is a small kernel of truth and advice in them. One thing I've heard a few times, and used myself, is that there's no such thing as the wrong kind of weather, just the wrong kind of clothing. It re ects good Motherly advice: If you're cold, put a jumper on; if it's raining, wear your coat! What clothing should we wear in life's small ups and downs, and even in the horrible times? The Bible speaks of God giving a 'garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.' (Isaiah 61 v 3) Who wants a spirit of despair? I don't, even in a situation that is painful. Give me a garment of praise any day! Yes, it might be raining, but give me that coat! "Praise the Lord anyway." That's the title of a book. It shows a determination, a willingness to put on that coat of praise, not because we're dismissive of the di culty, not because we're unwilling to face facts, but because we want to live our life and not just stay under that duvet. "So I will sing praise unto your name, that I may perform my daily vows." (Psalms 61 v 8) That's the attitude of choice: I will sing in the rain, I will wear that garment of praise. I will sing praise to God, so that each day - even if it's not a good day - I will live that day as I am determined to do, as much as I can. I will look for that one thing and say 'Praise God for that!' Whatever you are doing today, make sure you have the appropriate clothing: your garment of praise. Your day will be changed by your choice to 'Praise the Lord anyway!' Have a good day everyone, God bless you 🙏
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Page 301
05 March 2022
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ood morning to you all from Major Fiona and Major Antony. It’s another Song Saturday when we look at one of the hymns or
songs from tomorrow’s Together in Worship.
In my opinion some of the best songs come out of personal experience; maybe it’s a tragedy, an illness, a deep spiritual experience, or the yearning for one. A song of testimony can inspire, a song of devotion can create a desire, a song of challenge can encourage commitment, especially when the author has had that same experience. The song we’ll use tomorrow is There is a Redeemer. It’s a song that comes out of the Jesus Movement, a revival amongst young people in America in the early 1970s. Melody Green, who wrote the song, lled with Biblical phrases, had been converted and had come to know Jesus after a time of drug addiction and rebellion against her Jewish upbringing. She wrote this song when her life had been totally changed. A committed Christian, she now had a husband who was a Christian recording artist, and three lovely children. She wrote There is a Redeemer simply to express her belief and thanks that Jesus had redeemed her from her wasted life; her husband, Keith, wrote the nal verse about seeing the Redeemer’s face in Glory. Together they had a valuable ministry that saw many people come to know Jesus. You might imagine that someone with a lovely family - with another baby on the way - and a wonderful testimony, would have a blessed life. But tragedy struck when Keith and their two older children were all killed in a plane crash in 1982. Melody is now 75 but has, for all these years continued the Christian ministry she started with Keith. When we know Jesus, when we have been redeemed by him, what could possibly separate us from his love? Why indeed would we want to be separated? It’s ironic that in the song the verse that speaks of looking forward to standing in Heaven with Jesus was written by the Keith, who died at the age of only 28. St Paul testi ed that he was “convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8 v 38 39) Jesus is indeed our Redeemer. May that encourage you today; no matter what happens, he is with you. God bless you, See you tomorrow for Together in Worship?
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Page 302
07 March 2022
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ood morning everyone, welcome to Monday. Was the weekend good for you? I have to say that we had a remarkable day yesterday here in the town! At the inspiration of a local shop owner and very community-minded councillor, we had an open air meeting of songs and prayers for the people of Ukraine. It was remarkable because it was done at such short notice and maybe 150 people were there, and we raised £918 for The Salvation Army in Ukraine. It was an example of a community getting together, of people wanting to do something to show support, of wanting to stand in solidarity with an oppressed and su ering people. I learned half an hour after it nished that a man had attended who was in fact Ukrainian, had family there, and sent photos to encourage them with what we were doing. Had that been the only bene t from the open air service, that would have been enough. But I'm sure that it was not the only bene t. What proof do I have of that? What evidence do I have, or can we have, that our prayers have an e ect? Do prayers change situations? Does God actually do anything in response? We live in a world where we are taught to nd cause and e ect. At school we conduct experiments, we have to show our workings-out to demonstrate how we arrive at a solution. Our western culture only values concrete proof. It's the attitude of Thomas who said, "Unless I see... I will not believe." But many cultures, and of course we as people who trust in God, are convinced that faith and prayer don't work like that. The Bible says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 55 v 8) Behind the scenes, in tiny ways, in little changes that have signi cant results the prayers of God's people work alongside God's will to make a di erence. Who knows what changes yesterday's prayers will have made? Who needs the evidence? We don't, because we are convinced that every prayer changes something small that we will never know about. That might not convince a sceptic, but to us who believe in a God who loves and has compassion, answered prayer is as certain as the bene t of a donated item or a cash contribution. We don't see the actual bene t, we don't know who received the coat, the blanket, the bread or soup. But we give, and we pray, knowing that a small bene t will be received. Prayer does change things. Some might say, "Oh, it's just coincidence!" Archbishop William Temple said in the 1940s, "When I pray coincidences happen; when I don't, they don't." As I said yesterday, we must have faith in God, keep praying, keep trusting. When we do that, even a small answer to prayer, even if it looks like a coincidence, can change a whole life. God bless Ukraine. God bless you 🙏
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Page 303
08 March 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona. Recently we checked into a very nice hotel for a retreat for o cers Bible teaching, quietness, that kind of thing. We went to the reception desk and I was handed a sign-in sheet with my name on it: Andy Mugford. Andy. ANDY? Not even Andrew: just Andy! Do I look like an Andy? (No o ence to any Andy's reading this...) It was a mistake, of course. The mistake was further compounded when an envelope was given with our room key, marked ANTHONY. *sigh* I've gone my whole life correcting that one! Anyway, back to Andy. I started to wonder what an Andy Mugford might look like. Was he younger, richer and tter? (In which case I don't like him). Did he like the same music? Did he have a weird sense of humour like me? Was he friendly? Was he from the wonderful county of Lancashire? You never know he might be American! I realised I was seriously overthinking all of this! It's an interesting thought isn't it, that we do imagine personalities just by names. There are 'common' names, 'posh' names, names that perhaps only t certain age groups. There are notorious names or amusing names you would never give a child! Do you prejudge a person because of their name? You think of certain famous names: Boris, Elizabeth, Vladimir, Donald, Philip, Winston.... and we immediately assume certain character traits, and our feelings about that person may be expressed simply at the mention of their name. For ourselves, we would always want our name - our character, our 'self' - to be loved or at least respected when it's used or heard. Spelling it correctly, or being given the right name especially (!) is important because our name is 'us'. The children here at The Salvation Army sometimes sing a lovely, simple song that reminds us that God himself knows the name of each one of us. I have a Maker He formed my heart Before even time began My life was in his hands
I have a Father He calls me His own He'll never leave me No matter where I go He knows my name
He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call
God says to his people, he says it to me and to you: "I have called you by name, you are mine." ( Isaiah 43 v 1). That doesn't mean he merely knows what to call us, it means he knows our heart, our thoughts, our character and personality. He knows our need of forgiveness and our potential for goodness. And, knowing just who we are, loves us, o ers us a place in his family if we choose to accept, and claims us as his own. He'll never forget your name, never get it wrong, never overlook you. You are precious. Your name is always on his mind. God bless you today 🙏
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09 March 2022
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ello everyone. A Wednesday welcome to you.
Yesterday a group of us went swimming. I say swimming, it was merely sitting in a pool, talking. There was also a steam room and a sauna. Lovely. Of course, I took my glasses o . But that meant that I couldn't see. I had to ask someone what the time was because I couldn't see the clock. If anyone approached I asked the person next to me if it was anyone I knew. It's a bit frustrating, but I live with it. One of my favourite miracles of Jesus is the one that didn't work rst time. 'Really?' You ask; yes, it's true. 'Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.' (Mark 8 v 22 - 25) That's me! Without my glasses I literally see half the detail. People are just blurred shapes, they are like trees, walking. Oh to be able to see clearly, to recognise people, to see the clock on the wall! In life we very often can't see the whole picture. We wish we could see clearly, understand events. We examine what's going on, but can't make things out. This is why we disagree on certain issues, none of us have perfect vision; we see things from di erent angles, di erent viewpoints, all seeing 'men like trees, walking.' Do you ever ask God what's going on? Why is the world like it is? Why am I like I am? "Lord, I can't see the reason, the purpose..." Paul famously wrote, "Now we see but a poor re ection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13 v 12) Faith means accepting that we cannot see clearly, and being willing to trust him who sees all things. It means holding on to him; it means doing what we can with the sight and perception we do have but also being at peace with not knowing. If Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, is our focus then we shall learn to be content to follow him. And where I cannot see I’ll trust, For then I know thou surely must Be still my all in all. God bless you today 🙏
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10 March 2022
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ood morning everyone. How are you? I'm waking up this morning probably a couple of pounds heavier than I want to be. We've been at a hotel for a Salvation Army o cers' retreat - Bible study, etc and I've eaten too much. But it's not my fault I have to tell you. In between the sessions we had co ee breaks. And where you might have expected a biscuit, you wouldn't have been disappointed. Chocolate chip cookies? Yes indeed, but they were individually wrapped, and were the size of a small pizza! Then one day there were those biscuits, and millionaire shortbread. And suddenly, at the end of the tea break the hotel sta brought out a large tray of crumpets. And they were warm. And there was real butter. It would have been so rude not to have one. And then in the afternoon they brought out a tray of chocolate eclairs AND doughnuts. What's a man to do? I wrapped one of each in a serviette and ate them both in the evening. And don't mention the chocolate lled Danish pastry I ate yesterday whilst Major Fiona was out for a run during free time (👏 ). (She doesn't know, don't tell her). I should say that it was more than enough. It was over the top. Far too generous. And extremely nice! I felt like I was on a Mr Kipling convention rather than a religious retreat! If this is being spiritual then I was being extra-holy! 🤣 I do have to tell you that the sta took away an awful lot of cakes that had been standing, and left uneaten. Were they wasted? The leftovers never reappeared, so maybe the sta feasted on them later. I hope so. There's a Charles Wesley hymn about the depth of the mercy and grace of God where he writes, 'Whence to me this waste of love?' This is the love of God that is given and provided, poured out upon everyone, in the hope and intention that we will receive it, take it, enjoy it. The sad truth is that God SO loved the world, but it doesn't love him. So much love, so much blessing goes ignored, it's just left. But for those who believe, oh my goodness there's an abundance of blessing. In the words of Psalm 23, 'You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup over ows.' The Apostle John writes, 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us...' (1 John 3 v 1) There's so much love in the heart of God it can never be exhausted, so much blessing we can never take too much. God gives us so much more and then keeps on blessing us. Our enemies, our circumstances, our own failures might try to subtract blessings but God gives more, giving 'life in all its fullness'. Don't ignore his blessings, don't pass the table and fail to enjoy his many gifts. His love is abundant and free. God bless you 🙏
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11 March 2022
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ello everybody, we hope you're having a good week.
Some of you may know that for around 15 years I've been tracing my family tree. What a journey it's been! From simply writing down both sets of grandparents I've discovered generations of names and, more than that, many of the stories that each name can tell. Mugford is a very unusual pre-Tudor name, and it's entirely English - Devonian in fact. My paternal grandmother was Bristolian, and her name goes back centuries. My maternal grandmother was from the Welsh valleys, and her husband, an old Lancashire name, also has long lines from Carlisle and Scotland, including a line of Wallaces! There's even a branch going back to the Normans, and the noble 11th century de Rashlegh family. So, where I started o thinking I was entirely West Country English, I have discovered branches of Welsh, Cumbrian, French and Eastern Scots. Amazing. As I revisited my tree last night I began to wonder again about my origins, my identity. Just how do all these genes a ect me? All that DNA sloshing around in every cell of my body comes to me inherited from so many sources. We are all the inheritors of traits, personalities, physical features and temperaments from people we knew and people who lived hundreds of years ago! And when we look at our own children, their identity is even more diverse and in uenced as they inherit other family genetics. Am I like my father, my grandfather? Am I in any way even a little bit like a Mugford from 1530s Devon, a Hamilton from 1750s East Lothian? Who knows? But I'm the sum of them all. I am the child of them all. I nd that very impressive. But even more impressive is the truth that I am also spiritually a child of God. The Bible tells us that because he made us he's our father in that sense, but it's only when we are born again into his family that he becomes what Jesus and Paul call our 'Abba', which is the Jewish term for 'Dad'; a father with whom we have a relationship. Are we like him? Yes. His love, which is his greatest characteristic, over ows within us. John writes, 'Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!' (1 John 3 v 1) We're not always very good at showing that love because we have so many inherited traits from other places that mean that our identity is not what we would want; it needs redemption, restoration, forgiveness. That goes right back as far as any family tree can go. But when we realise that God is our Father and Jesus is our brother, we add to our heritage a whole new identity that a ects it all. We're all individuals, regardless of inheritance and background. His love, his in uence as Father, gives us a whole new outlook and our family tree, lled with new brothers and sisters, is changed for ever. Have a lovely day everyone. God bless you 🙏
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elcome to this week's Song Saturday. Today there's a bit of a di erence because there's
no Together in Worship tomorrow. Instead I thought I'd focus on the words of a hymn we used last weekend in an open air service of songs and prayers for Ukraine. It's not a Salvation Army song, and has been published in at least twenty hymn books. It was written by John Oxenham, a pen name of a writer, poet, novelist, church Deacon, and latterly Mayor of Worthing, called William Dunkerley. In WWI he wrote several volumes of poetry and published them at his own expense, which altogether sold over a million copies, making him the most widely read poet of WW1. He also wrote a hymn called "Hymn for the Men at the Front". Many people will recognise two other hymns of his: In Christ there is no East or West, and Mid all the Tra c of the Ways. 1 Peace in our time, O Lord, To all the peoples—peace! Peace surely based upon thy will And built in righteousness. Thy power alone can break The fetters that enchain The sorely stricken soul of life, And make it live again.
3 O shall we never learn The truth all time has taught, That without God as architect Our building comes to naught? Lord, help us, and inspire Our hearts and lives that we May build, with all thy wondrous gifts, A Kingdom meet for thee.
2 Too long mistrust and fear Have held our souls in thrall; Sweep through the earth, keen Breath of Heaven, And sound a nobler call! Come, as thou didst of old, In love so great that men Shall cast aside all other gods And turn to thee again.
4 Peace in our time, O Lord, To all the peoples-peace! Peace that shall build a glad new world, And make for life’s increase. O, living Christ, who still Dost all our burdens share, Come now and dwell within the hearts Of all men everywhere.
The phrase 'Peace in our time' comes from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer: 'Give peace in our time, O Lord; because there is none other that ghteth for us, but only thou, O God.' Just before WWII, the PM Neville Chamberlain met Hitler for peace talks and said he had returned from Germany 'bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time.' We know how that turned out! Our world is in disarray again as we watch every day the heartbreaking and fearful news about the war in Ukraine. We watch helplessly as politicians struggle to respond safely to the military action, and to nd appropriate solutions to a growing refugee crisis. Surely these words will help us today as we struggle to nd the right words in our prayer time. 'Peace in our time': who would not pray that sentiment? But I do have to say again that the peace of God will only come when there is peace with God. As the song suggests, 'without God as architect Our building comes to naught'. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14 v 27) Pray for peace, of course; but pray that in Europe there will be a revival of faith in God, that people would turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace; then peace in our time will be granted. God bless you 🙏
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14 March 2022
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i everyone, welcome to Monday, and such a beautiful morning!
Over the weekend I walked a few times down into the town near where my mother-in-law lives, across a railway bridge where there are two little parks on either side of the road. They are lled with da odils; I think they are my favourite ower. As children many of us came home from Sunday worship clutching a couple of them to give to Mum on Mothering Sunday. We'll use them in our own Mothers' Day meeting, for the rst time in two years, in an act of remembrance. I think many of us would recall at least one phrase from Wordsworth's poem: I wandered lonely as a cloud That oats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden da odils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. They do just that. There's beauty in a da odil, but also a touch of de ance! In wind and rain those da odils dance around, and even if beaten to the ground are still bright. Did God make them a foot high to ensure that even if it snows they are still seen? Another name for the da odil is, of course, the Lent Lily, named because of the time of year that it blooms in this penitential season of introspection and penitence. Did you know that in churches that use a prayer book they omit the word 'Hallelujah' or 'Alleluia' from all their prayers during Lent? Many churches refuse to have owers in church too. The observance of Lent is meant to be solemn and sombre. But do you know, whilst respecting that, I feel that the da odil, that Lent Lily, is a symbol of de ant joy! Everywhere you look, even cheekily in the grounds of a church that bans them, the da odil blooms in good weather and bad, simply to say 'Hallelujah anyway!' Praise cannot be sti ed, thanksgiving cannot be controlled, joy cannot be suppressed either by the weather, liturgical tradition, my sins, or my tempestuous or sometimes-sorrowful experiences. Why not breathe a silent hallelujah for his blessings or even sing it out loud with joy? There's a famous Salvation Army story told in the book The Old Corps, and retold in the stage musical 'Glory!' about a man called Harry who 'inappropriately' laughed while he knelt to accept Christ as his Saviour. When criticised he replied, 'Do you mean to tell me a man can't a man laugh when he's getting his sins forgiven?' The Bible doesn't set aside certain days when we can praise, neither does it suggest there are days we cannot say Hallelujah. Let's always nd a reason to rejoice, or even under di cult circumstances breathe a simple prayer of thanksgiving. 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!' (Psalm 118 v 24). God bless you 🙏
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15 March 2022
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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.
Well, the last few days have been like a round England tour! From home to Lancashire - with a fair bit of running around there - then to Cheshire, back to home, then down to Lincolnshire, and two destinations there. I like driving, and I like to look at the scenery (when there was something to look at!) but my goodness that's a lot of going back and forth. It was mixture of long country roads and tedious motorways. Some of it was planned, some of it was totally unexpected. Some of it was travelling to have a lovely time meeting family, some was unexpected but necessary travel to and from hospital. All of it was family related and done because it was needed. When family needs your help, when what you do is absolutely necessary it is done willingly, gladly, lovingly. If something is in our power and ability there's simply no question, no doubt. Family and friendship is all about being there. Over the years I've seen how families care: parents for children, siblings for each other, children for older relatives. I've watched as friends have shouldered burdens, both expected or suddenly thrust upon them. The help given has been willingly given. It's not an uncommon thing. As we love and care for our families and friends we do whatever we can, but there are times when we simply watch, or when we are aware of a situation that is far away or beyond our in uence or practical involvement. We send messages perhaps or other support, but we know also that beyond the practical, the emotional, there is something we can do that might have immeasurable e ects, results that cannot be estimated: we can pray. When you read the innumerable Facebook posts and messages you often see "Sending thoughts and prayers." We hear public gures announce that "XYZ are in our prayers". Does that not suggest that even at a very basic level most people are aware of prayer as a source of help, of comfort? Even people with little understanding of faith have a desire to pray for others. We who know that God is close, who know him as 'Our Father', have a tremendous gift, I would say; it's the gift of bringing the name of a loved one, a friend, a colleague, and mentioning it before our heavenly Father. We might be able to do something practical, we might not; but we who know God, and who know how to pray, have all the resources of Heaven. When we pray we can claim that if we know how to give good gifts to others, 'how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?' (Jesus in Matthew 7 v 11) Sometimes we do feel helpless. We wish we could do more, be there, give extra; and if we can, we will. But on top of our practical help, and especially when we have no resources, let us pray without ceasing. 'Pray for one another,' says James (5 v 16). If Jesus says we must, if the Apostles say we should, if even an unbelieving world suggests we may, and if the experience of others proves that we can, then let's do it. Prayer changes things, prayer changes people, and prayer changes us. Go to the throne of grace in prayer; that's where we nd help in our time of need. God bless you and those you pray for 🙏
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16 March 2022
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ello everybody. I've been sitting here for a while, just thinking, drinking co ee, and outside I can hear a bird
singing. I remember that I commented on birdsong a few times during the rst lockdown. Do you recall how scientists were asking whether in the quietness of the streets the birds were singing louder? Well the chap outside on someone's roof this morning is having a great time! Perhaps he's rejoicing in the lighter mornings. He's certainly insistent! It's lovely to hear. A lone voice with a message perhaps? The world has a lot of voices clamouring for our attention. There are some voices we'd rather not hear; some can't be avoided. We turn on the television and the voices blend into each other, and we no longer hear the message, but just have a mixture of voices wanting our attention. And then suddenly a lone voice makes us take notice. I was very impressed by the woman on the Russian television news. Marina Ovsyannikova was a news editor who appeared on the screen standing behind the news reader, holding a placard reading, amongst other things: “Stop the war. No to war.” Her message was de ant and quite shocking really, and people were probably saying to each other, 'She's in big trouble now!' Well, she was arrested, and it appears that she's simply been ned. I think the image of her with her placard and her voice of protest will be remembered forever as one of those de ning moments. A lone voice, a lone protester. The Bible has a number of examples of people 'crying in the wilderness' as it were. They aren't protesters like we know them, usually they are calling people back to the worship of God, and often they are not popular, except with ordinary people. Crowds went to hear John the Baptist, for example. Throughout history you get, every now and then, someone whose voice is heard above the rest: John Wesley, William Booth, Billy Graham... These are voices, not of protest but of praise; praise of the Gospel message, preaching the love of God and the grace of Jesus. We don't get many voices like that, heard by the world. God knows we need someone in this generation to grab the attention of the world; but let's not forget the more personal voice. It won't be audible, the speaker won't be visible, but that voice will be discernable. God speaks so often in a still, small voice. It's not from a roof top, but in prayer. It's not on a TV screen, but in the page of a Bible. He doesn't often speak with the earthquake, wind or re, but you know that insistent, repeated whisper... To me, that insistent voice is one of love, of grace, of compassion. It's insistent because it wants to give of itself. It's also constant, urgent, present, because God wants us to listen, to heed what he says. To each of us that still small voice is personal. Listen in the quietness. Say, 'Master, speak, thy servant is listening.' Master, speak! thy servant heareth, waiting for thy gracious word, longing for thy voice that cheereth, Master, let it now be heard. I am listening, Lord, for thee; what hast thou to say to me? That bird is still singing! And God still speaks today. God bless you 🙏
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17 March 2022
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ello everybody, isn't it lovely to wake up to a beautiful morning after all the rain we've had over the last 18 hours. We thank God for a new day. Last night someone shared a video from the Territorial leader of The Salvation Army in Eastern Europe. https://youtu.be/pIDAG4BIITE It's a simple video with Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge speaking from his o ce, describing the daily, hourly, work of o cers, soldiers and volunteer helpers in Ukraine. There are numerous pictures of food and other items being given out on the streets, of Salvation Army halls lled with people and mattresses and camp beds to sleep on. The Colonel describes the heartbreaking situation, and then says 'thank you' to all those people who have supported the Army nancially. "We've been 'blown away', amazed at the support that has come", he said. I don't know about you but I wasn't expecting a 'thank you.' I wasn't waiting for one. Had the video not been made I would never have wondered why. People have been glad to help; we don't do it for any acknowledgement. All the same, it was lovely to hear and see the good that is being done with the generous support of others. One of the rst Bible stories I remember hearing from my early Sunday School days was the one where ten lepers were healed by Jesus. It was a wonderful thing; a leper was shunned, discriminated against, his life was ruined. To be healed was beyond their wildest dreams. And yet only one of them said thank you. In response, though all ten had been healed, Jesus said to this one man, "Your faith has made you well." (Luke 17 v 19) I think that him being made 'well' was something more than simply being healed of the leprosy experienced by the other nine men. Being made well, 'wellness' if you like comes with the sense of wholeness, of being restored, renewed. The man's gratitude deliberately given to Jesus rather than him being simply happy he no longer had symptoms, was a sign of faith, a demonstration of spiritual awareness. Gratitude to God releases its own further blessings. When St Paul wrote to the little church in Philippi he gave them this inspired advice: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING present your requests to God.' (Philippians 4 v 6) In other words, let your gratitude accompany your request, don't wait for the answer before you say thank you. Why? Because gratitude when you pray releases more blessing, a deeper blessing, and we experience 'more than we can ever ask or imagine.' (Ephesians 3 v 20) If I'm was to translate that into modern English I would use Colonel Kelvin's words: pray with thanksgiving and you'll be 'blown away' by the answer. Let's all try that today. Whenever we make a request in prayer, whatever we ask for, let's include thanks, praise and gratitude for the answer, and see what God does in our hearts! God bless you 🙏
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18 March 2022
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ello everybody, how has your week been going? Can you remember what you were doing two years ago today? Can you remember the big issue of the day? I'm tempted to write 'the big tissue ' because that was the major concern during this week precisely two years ago - toilet paper! Do you remember? It was selling out fast, along with paracetamol and hand gel. Little did we know what the next two years was going to mean for us all; all we were worried about was that a virus had appeared, we weren't supposed to travel too far, we had to wash our hands a lot and, for some people that also meant stockpiling toilet paper! I remember being in a supermarket and seeing a man with a trolley piled high with them! I did think at the time that if he needed that much he ought not to be venturing too far from home! It was panic buying, pure and simple. It was unnecessary, caused problems for other people, and was a bit silly. We had a similar thing later when people panicked over petrol running out. Some of you might just remember rationing when you were very young. When the whole population was told what it could and couldn't buy, and in what amounts. Can you imagine that now? I remember the 3day week and the power cuts of the early 1970s when we would sit with no lights and no telly, reading books and, what's this? - talking to each other!? Imagine if we had power cuts now? How would we pass our time?? We have crises - or what we call 'crises' - as prices go up, forgetting that they soon pass and perhaps we remember that an extra 40p temporarily put on petrol is not in the same league as a bombed-out neighbourhood or a village where the entire crop has failed. Have we forgotten that our 'light and momentary troubles' (2 Corinthians 4 v 17), though sometimes a real burden, are not what life is all about? They often pass, they sometimes don't become the disaster we fear, and that anxiety itself actually adds to the burden. This is why we need to 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. Jesus was right (of course) when he said, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye rst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6 v 31 - 33) I don't think Jesus was dismissing our needs, not minimalising our cares; but he was encouraging us, helping us not to 'panic-buy' as it were, advising us not to respond to the cares of life with fear and distress. Put God rst, live with righteousness (what God thinks is right) and trust him to know what your needs are. When I think of the issues of the past that were worrying at the time but have been left behind, I think of these words of faith, words that are in our Salvation Army song book, that remind us of the stability of the life of faith. 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 🙏
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19 March 2022
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ood morning to you all, and welcome to Song Saturday. I have to tell you that I really enjoy these little glimpses into our songs and hymns. The choice for this week is that grand hymn, an anthem: Crown Him with Many Crowns. Just as a fun fact for the bandsmen reading this, who all know the familiar, majestic tune as ‘Diademata’, the hymn’s title comes from this Latin translation of Revelation 19 v 21, ‘in capite ejus, diademata multa’, which, referring to the second coming of Jesus says, ‘On his head were many crowns.’ Matthew Bridges was an Anglican for the irst forty-eight years of his life, but then became a Roman Catholic. He wrote this hymn about three years later for a collection called ‘Hymns of the Heart.’ His heartfelt faith, then, can be seen in his worship of Christ, his King. He originally wrote 6 verses, but The Salvation Army song book only has three of them. The fourth verse we include was written by Godfrey Thring who felt that the actual resurrection was ‘missing’ from the hymn; so he added ‘his glories now we sing, who died and rose on high…’. You might expect me to comment on these lines: Crown Him the Lord of peace! Whose power a sceptre sways from pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise: Well, God knows we need that to become a reality in our day, but I like four lines that we have missed out: Crown Him the Lord of years, The Potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, Ineffably sublime. In a world where we think everything has gone absolutely crazy, out of control, and the world’s time has run out, it does us good to consider again that, actually, whatever happens, when it happens, is part of God’s sovereignty. I knew that ‘potentate’ means a ruler, but I looked it up anyway; it describes a ruler who has absolute authority. God controls time, he created all things, he truly is the ‘Lord of Years'. Now, we might want to question his timing – bearing in mind we can’t see things how he sees them. We might nod our heads in agreement with the Psalmist who cries out, ‘How long O Lord?' (Psalm 13 v 1), but we, in faith, would still want to testify, ‘My times are in your hand.’ (Psalm 31 v 15) Yes, that does take faith, and that’s surely the point of this great hymn. The music and words combine to build faith, to encourage, inspire and challenge us to believe with our whole heart. The crowns of earth and heaven – indeed the whole universe - are on the head of Jesus. Crown him King in your life, and receive the assurance of his grace and power. Crown him with many crowns, The Lamb upon his throne; Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own; Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, And hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity. 2. Crown him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o'er the grave, And rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save; His glories now we sing who died, and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring and lives that death may die.
3. Crown him the Lord of peace, Whose power a sceptre sways from pole to pole, that wars may cease and all be prayer and praise; His reign shall know no end, And round his piercèd feet fair flowers of Paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet. 4. Crown him the Lord of love; Behold his hands and side, Those wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glori ied; All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me; Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.
See you tomorrow for Together in Worship! God bless you 🙏
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21 March 2022
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orning all, welcome to Monday!
How's your house smelling this morning? Fresh and clean? A bit of a leftover smell from last night's supper? Perhaps there's a lovely aroma of co ee... I remember moving into a new house when we took up a new appointment, and someone visited us the next day, and the rst thing she said was, "Oh, you could use some Zo ora in here..." Rude! We do have air freshener things occasionally. At Christmas we had a reed di user with a cinnamonorange-clove smell. That was nice. It had run out by last week so I bought a new one from Morrisons (other retailers are available). It was like a jasmine/vanilla scent. Oh my goodness was it strong! I put it in the living room and the next morning I thought I'd need a gas mask. I evicted it to the hallway while it calmed down a bit. It's lovely, but it was so overwhelming! Do scents bring back memories for you, especially of people? I had a grandmother who passed away 50 years ago this year, and I can remember she always wore lavender scent. Every time I smell it I think of her; I can even hear her Bristol accent... One of my sons was with me once in a shop that sold toiletries and after shaves and the like. There was a particular range that I used to use maybe 20 years ago, and I opened a bottle and my son said, 'That's the smell I always remember you using when I was a kid.' I'd never thought that he would associate a scent with his childhood memory of me. For him that smell will always remind him of me. It's funny how aromas, scents and smells a ect us in di erent ways. Good memories, feelings of disgust, enticing food... We all react di erently. Smells speak of what's going on around us, they hint at events. We use aromas in a metaphorical sense - we speak of a 'whi ' of scandal. We comment about some situation having a 'nasty smell.' The Bible talks in such a way about our in uence as Christian people in the world. 'We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’ (2 Corinthians 2 v 15) In other words, our in uence, through words, actions and character, should be sensed around us. Don't be like my new reed di user and come on too strong - have you met those really 'intense' people? Don't be an 'o -putting' smell that isn't pleasant to be around. Instead, be a gentle, attractive in uence that would suggest something of God's love, joy and peace. Some people won't like it of course, and that's sad; but others will be attracted and, ultimately be reminded of Jesus. It would be a useful prayer that around us, there would be an aroma of Christ, the fragrance of life that would attract others to God. God bless you today 🙏
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22 March 2022
H
ello everybody. Let's get you all singing today: I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself what a wonderful world. I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself what a wonderful world.
That's you singing that all day now 😁 It is a wonderful world, and I met a man yesterday who thought so too (and if he reads this I hope he forgives me for sharing this). I was just returning from my run out past Gisborough Hall, with the elds and hills around there. I stopped to chat and the conversation went something akin to 'what a wonderful world'. It's true. Yes, there's the loveliness of the open countryside, but what about the simple things: the sun on your face, the things around us we can see, even a tree on a street corner? I've been thinking about his comment. We can see wonder in a bunch of da odils, the eagerness of a pet dog, the laughter of children. We gain satisfaction from a day's work well done, from the visit to a friend. We nd rest or inspiration in a piece of music. And we say to ourselves, 'what a wonderful world.' Then my companion mentioned people. Not by name, not speci cally, but people who spoil the world, whether for us personally, for the community or, not naming names, whole countries! What a wonderful world? He thought perhaps they'd be better 'got rid of'. 'Hmmm', I suggested, 'or perhaps changed?' Well maybe. I read again this morning the age-old claim that if 'religion' was got rid of the world would be a better place. It echoes the (to me) dreadful John Lennon song Imagine which speaks of 'no heaven' and 'no religion too'. As far as the Christian faith is concerned - more especially Jesus himself - the world would indeed be a wonderful place if everyone knew themselves forgiven and were forgiving, could know themselves loved and were loving, could know God's peace and be peacemakers. The words of Jesus tell us about being born again - changed from the inside. (John 3 v 3). That's not just being 're'formed, it's being 'trans'formed. My goodness, what a wonderful world it would be if we could express, by the grace of God, those basic human qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Human virtues they might be, but they need God's in uence within us to allow them to grow. We don't need less faith, we need more! A godless world would be even more bleak and harsh. What the world could do with is more humanity, people being what God has created us to be. Jesus expressed what that looks like, the Bible teaches how that example can be followed. Grace is required for that change to happen. Is it a wonderful world? Yes, most certainly! How much more wonderful it would be if people everywhere would love God and then love their neighbour as themselves. God bless you 🙏
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23 March 2022
G
ood morning everyone. Wherever you are today, whatever your situation, we hope you're well or content.
Can you remember what you were doing two years ago today? I looked at my memories and, reading through them I saw two sentences that reveal where we all were. The Prime Minister sat at a desk, looking into the camera as if he could see every person in every household, and sombrely said, "From this evening I must give the British people a simple instruction: you must stay at home." Well, that instruction, expected by us all and anticipated for days beforehand, suddenly made us realise that the situation was serious. A Scottish politician simply said, "Go home, look after your families, and God help us all." Everything changed the next day, even though churches, o ces, bars and restaurants had already been closed. Our own Mother's Day service had been cancelled as had every other service. Lockdown was new, we were uncertain, we were somewhat afraid. Over the two years that have elapsed there have been tragedies. Spouses, children, families; friends and colleagues still grieve. Businesses have folded, children's education has been a ected. Being made to stay at home has a ected mental health and relationships. But let's also remember the upsurge in community spirit. Groups emerged to give aid, people began to speak to neighbours more, and what was normally done in person - church services for example - went online. What caused the positive reactions and innovations? Hope. Pure and simple, it was hope. I remember people thinking it would only last until the rst summer; but it went on. Then 'It'll be over by Christmas...' Well, hope kept us going! Hope gave us the vaccines that have been a game changer, literally a life-saver, and the anti-vaxx people have become a symbol of joyless, fearful hopelessness. But the majority of us were 'joyful in hope, patient (usually) in a iction, and faithful in prayer.' (Romans 12 v 12) As the pandemic continues, it's still with us of course, and ever-changing, we are glad of progress; we no longer need to stay at home. We are still wary. But now there's a great threat; who'd have added a war to a pandemic? The world has responded, community spirit has again resolved to give aid. Yes, we worry about war spreading, but what will God's people NOT do today? "We will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea..." (Psalm 46 v 2) Why will we not fear? Because we will rejoice in hope. Not the hope that merely wishes for a better world, but a sure and certain hope that recognises that 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 ed, And earth and heav’n be one. Already there are signs of an ending, we must not give up praying for peace, for God's will to be done. Rejoice in hope, and know God's peace. God bless you 🙏
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Index of Bible Verses - March 2021 Psalm 22 v 19 Psalm 119 v 105
26th 24th
Matthew 11 v 28 Matthew 21 v 5 Matthew 21 v 13
25th 27th 29th
John 12 v 20 – 33
30th
Hebrews 12 v 3
31st
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Index of Bible Verses - April 2021 Psalm 9 v 10 Psalm 24 v 7 Psalm 37 v 23 Psalm 66 v 19 Psalm 73 v 25 Psalm 76 v 11 Psalm 121 v 1
21st 28th 12th 30th 27th 16th 15th
Lamentations 1 v 12
2nd
Daniel 9 v 23
14th
Matthew 5 v 8 Matthew 13 v 44
10th 8th
Mark 8 v 34
23rd
John 13 v 4,5 John 14 v 18 John 20 v 18
1st 3rd 5th
Acts 1 v 3
6th
Romans 12 v 12
13th
1 Corinthians 3 v 9 1 Corinthians 12 v 14
28th 20th
2 Corinthians 1 v 4
19th
Ephesians 2 v 7 Ephesians 5 v 14 Ephesians 5 v 19
24th 7th 26th
Philippians 3 v 10
17th
1 Peter 4 v 8
9th
2 Peter 1 v 16
22nd
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Index of Bible Verses - May 2021 Exodus 33 v 11
19th
Numbers 6 v 24
3rd
Job 19 v 25 Job 37 v 2
15th 12th
Psalm 34 v 8 Psalm 46 v 4 Psalm 66 v 8 Psalm 103 v 2 Psalm 119 v 160 Psalm 150 v 6
18th 25th 10th 29th 21st 7th
Isaiah 44 v 3 Isaiah 52 v 7
26th 27th
Jeremiah 31 v 3
8th
Habakkuk 2 v 2 Habakkuk 3 v 17
13th 14th
Matthew 6 v 26 Matthew 18 v 3
11th 6th
John 4 v 24 John 20 v 22 22nd
4th
Acts 8 v 4
20th
Ephesians 5 v 15 Ephesians 5 v 16
17th 24th
Philippians 1 v 3
31st
Colossians 1 v 9
1st
1 John 4 v 18
28th
Revelation 22 v 12
5th
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Index of Bible Verses - June 2021 Genesis 1 v 14
11th
Deuteronomy 8 v 2
18th
Psalm 68 v 6 Psalm 71 v 8 Psalm 119 v 62 Psalm 119 v 88
10th 5th 8th 16th
Song of Songs 2 v 4
14th
Isaiah 60 v 1
29th
Daniel 10 v 12
7th
Joel 2 v 28
22nd
Amos 8 v 11
15th
Matthew 6 v 28 Matthew 13 v 44
28th 23rd
John 14 v 6 John 14 v 16
3rd 21st
Acts 2 v 39 Acts 3 v 19
26th 25th
Romans 1 v 6 Romans 8 v 38
1st 2nd
1 Corinthians 9 v 24
30th
2 Corinthians 1 v 22
17th
Ephesians 6 v 13
19th
1 Timothy 4 v 8
4th
1 John 5 v 14
24th
James 4 v 6
12th
Revelation 22 v 17
9th Page 321
Index of Bible Verses - July 2021 Job 19 v 25
13th
Psalm 46 v 1 Psalm 23 v 2 Psalm 66 v 8 Psalm 98 v 8 Psalm 118 v 14 Psalm 119 v 11 Psalm 119 v 105 Psalm 128 v 1
10th 31st 17th 16th 24th 12th 6th 28th
Proverbs 15 v 1 Proverbs 18 v 24
25th 5th
Isaiah 43 v 18 Isaiah 46 v 11
27th 19th
Jeremiah 29 v 11
20th
Ezekiel 34 v 26
29th
Matthew 7 v 14 Matthew 16 v 18
1st 3rd
John 1 v 51 John 1 v 16 John 3 v 7 John 11 v 35
2nd 8th 9th 14th
2 Corinthians 5 v 17 2 Corinthians 13 v 14
7th 30th
Ephesians 1 v 3
23rd
Philippians 2 v 3 Philippians 3 v 14
22nd 21st
Hebrews 13 v 14
15th
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Index of Bible Verses - August 2021
Psalm 23 v 1 Psalm 100 v 1 Psalm 126 v 3 Psalm 131 v 2 Psalm 136 v 26
28th 30th 21st 3rd 11th
Proverbs 3 v 6 Proverbs 16 v 24 Proverbs 17 v 22 Proverbs 22 v 6 Proverbs 27 v 9
20th 17th 19th 18th 16th
Jeremiah 29 v 13
4th
Lamentations 3 v 22
6th
John 3 v 16 John 10 v 10 John 17 v 16
14th 27th 23rd
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Index of Bible Verses - September 2021 Psalm 4 v 7 Psalm 42 v 1 Psalm 103 v 2 Psalm 103 v 19 Psalm 133 v 1 Psalm 139 v 2 Psalm 139 v 11 Psalm 139 v 23
10th 18th 14th 25th 1st 9th 3rd 29th
Ecclesiastes 3 v 1
21st
Song of Solomon 2 v 4
8th
Jeremiah 6 v 16
6th
Matthew 7 v 14
24th
John 1 v 3 John 3 v 7 John 3 v 16 John 14 v 9 John 16 v 6 8
22nd 27th 2nd 15th 16th
Romans 1 v 20 Romans 8 v 15
4th 20th
1 Corinthians 16 v 14 2 Corinthians 3 v 5
13th 30th
Philippians 3 v 14 Philippians 4 v 8
7th 16th
1 Thessalonians 5 v 16
23rd
1 Timothy 1 v 17
11th
Revelation 21 v 4
28th Page 324
Index of Bible Verses - October 2021 Genesis 8 v 22
1st
Psalm 24 v 1 Psalm 34 v 8 Psalm 90 v 12 Psalm 133 v 1
5th 13th 4th 6th
Lamentations 3 v 22
2nd
Matthew 6 v 10 Matthew 7 v 24 Matthew 18 v 3
23rd 14th 20th
John 1 v 5 John 13 v 35 John 15 v 12
25th 26th 7th
Acts 2 v 17 Acts 4 v 12
21st 29th
Romans 3 v 23 Romans 8 v 23 Romans 8 v 38 Romans 11 v 34 Romans 12 v 15
8th 15th 19th 22nd 18th
2 Corinthians 2 v 14
11th
Philippians 1 v 3 Philippians 3 v 13 Philippians 4 v 19
27th 28th 12th
Hebrews 10 v 22
9th
1 Peter 5 v 7
16th
Revelation 5 v 12
30th
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Index of Bible Verses - November 2021 Job 19 v 25,27
29th
Psalm 3 v 5 Psalm 8 v 3,4 Psalm 9 v 10 Psalm 85 v 8 Psalm 127 v 1
4th 2nd 24th 16th 13th
Proverbs 22 v 6
12th
Isaiah 49 v 15
11th
Matthew 6 v 6 Matthew 18 v 13 Matthew 19 v 14
18th 10th 22nd
Mark 1 v 41
20th
Luke 21 v 28
27th
John 1 v 5 John 1 v 41,42 John 3 v 8 John 10 v 27 John 15 v 13
9th 30th 3rd 1st 15th
Romans 12 v 21
5th
1 Corinthians 6 v 20 1 Corinthians 14 v 15
23rd 17th
Philippians 4 v 4
25th
Hebrews 13 v 15 Hebrews 13 v 16
6th 19th
James 1 v 16
26th
1 Peter 3 v 15
8th Page 326
Index of Bible Verses - December 2021 Deuteronomy 31 v 8
31st
1 Chronicles 15 v 16
1st
Psalm 103 v 2 Psalm 118 v 24 Psalm 145 v 4 Amos 8 v 11 Matthew 2 v 2 Matthew 5 v 10 Matthew 5 v 14 Matthew 6 v 8
10th 27th 30th 8th 22nd 29th 15th 14th
Mark 4 v 39
7th
Luke 1 v 78 Luke 2 v 8 Luke 2 v 11 Luke 2 v 16 Luke 21 v 33
21st 25th 11th 23rd 17th
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Index of Bible Verses - January 2022 Genesis 1 v 14
17th
Deuteronomy 28 v 2
26th
Psalm 19 v 7 Psalm 22 v 2 Psalm 42 v 8 Psalm 46 v 10 Psalm 103 v 19
4th 10th 25th 14th 15th
Proverbs 17 v 22
31st
Isaiah 55 v 1
28th
Isaiah 55 v 6 Isaiah 55 v 11
5th 12th
Zephaniah 3 v 17
11th
Matthew 2 v 2 Matthew 5 v 14
6th 13th
John 1 v 46 John 3 v 16
21st 22nd
Acts 3 v 6
29th
Romans 15 v 13
1st
2 Corinthians 1 v 3 2 Corinthians 5 v 17
8th 20th
Philippians 2 v 12
19th
Colossians 1 v 15
7th
2 Timothy 3 v 14
18th
Hebrews 2 v 17
24th
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1 Peter 3 v 15
3rd
1 John 4 v 18
27th
Index of Bible Verses Genesis 3 v 8
- February 2022
5th
Nehemiah 8 v 10
11th
Psalm 18 v 16 Psalm 46 v 1 Psalm 86 v 5 Psalm 126 v 3
26th 25th 9th 19th
Isaiah 1 v 18 Isaiah 26 v 3 Isaiah 41 v 10
24th 8th 4th
Isaiah 41 v 13 Isaiah 46 v 9 Isaiah 55 v 11
10th 16th 2nd
Jeremiah 29 v 13
7th
Matthew 7 v 13 Matthew 11 v 29 Matthew 25 v 13
3rd 15th 1st
Mark 16 v 6
28th
Luke 6 v 37
12th
John 4 v 19 John 17 v 17
14th 17th
Romans 8 v 28
18th
Hebrews 12 v 1
23rd
James 3 v 5
21st
2 Peter 3 v 9
22nd
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Index of Bible Verses
- March 2022
1 Kings 19 v 12
16th
Matthew 6 v 33
18th
Psalm 23 v 5 Psalm 31 v 15 Psalm 61 v 2 Psalm 61 v 8 Psalm 103 v 14 Psalm 118 v 24
10th 19th 3rd 4th 2nd 14th
John 14 v 27
12th
Romans 8 v 39 Romans 12 v 12
5th 23rd
1 Corinthians 13 v 12
9th
Isaiah 43 v 1 Isaiah 55 v 8
8th 7th
2 Corinthians 2 v 15
21st
Philippians 4 v 6
17th
James 5 v 16
15th
1 John 1 v 9 1 John 3 v 1
1st 11th
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Biography
O
riginally from Blackpool and Bristol, Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, with 34 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 one grandson; having been Corps O cers here in Guisborough since July 2014.
Guisborough
G
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.
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