LENT - the fixing time

So I was at the Dentist today and he tries to engage me in serious talk about putting the world to rights! You know the scenario. You have a mouth full of hand and dentistly implements and he chooses that very moment to ask the most profound (or sometimes obscure) theological question! A lot of what is happening in the world is terrible. Japan reminds us that we can be the most sophisticated and technological society on earth - we still have no answer to nature's power. We must pray the nuclear power station problems are brought under control.

I can't fix Japan, or Libya, or Afghanistan but I can pray. Nor can I "fix" other people, if they don't want help or to act on advice that might be given. Even Jesus had to let the rich young ruler go, it saddened Him, but the poor man was so attached to his riches that the draw of following Jesus was not enough to cause him to give them up. In the end, the only person I can change is myself. Now don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean to say I should give or offer help where and when I can, of course I must continue to do that, but it is the responsibility of the other person to make their choice, take it or leave it.

LENT, the season we are in, is a season for personal fixing. For laying bare one's soul before the Lord. Its a time for getting one's heart out and spring cleaning it. To ask the serious questions and take time to be with God in prayer, real time, substantial time.....maybe then I will change, and prayer can flow forth for our needy world.

Bishop's Visit

Bishop Stephen was due to come to the Deanery today and speak at an evening service at St Edward's - but the day is cancelled and service is OFF because of the weather.

Persecution

I was quite moved in church yesterday, reading out a letter from 15o exiled Afghan Christians pleading for prayer and support as the Christian community of Afghanistan is being persecuted following the broadcast of a particular TV programme. This agitated Muslims to seek out Christian converts in the country and have them arrested and even executed, all with the backing of the Karzai government. What was most humbling of all is that these Christians have talked of suffering with joy but still seek justice and protection.

How can this be? We have lost service personnel of our armed forces in a country that won't even protect its own harmless citizens and grant them the most basic of human rights; the freedom of religion.

We must bring this to the attention of our government.

This will be a gloomy post I'm afraid.

I was also bitterly disappointed by a complete turn around by Theresa May on the subject of equality for all - including the possibility that legislation will be pursued to make it possible for Civil Partnerships to be recognised in a religious ceremony.

Perhaps the time is coming when we will face persecution in this country! And letters like the one I read over the weekend will be sent from us pleading for prayer support!

All I can say is "Lord, please help us!"

Is Revival coming?

There is a sense of optimism in the air despite the continuing bad economic news. I sense it talking to the Ministers of other local churches. It may be partly to do with the new coalition government - but then a newly elected administration always prompts some early enthusiasm. No, I think it is more than that. I've been reading some prophetic statements about Britain that I found on the net. The surprising thing is the consistency in what they are saying; that Revival is coming and that the Lord still has a vital place in His purposes for this nation. One even talked of Britain as being a sort of gateway nation for Revival to spread to Europe. All of them are agreed on one thing; the priority of prayer to help bring this about. The vitality and urgency of prayer are key to any substantive move of God. Don't ask my why or to explain it to you. For whatever reason, the Lord seems often times to restrict Himself to the prayers of His people. We are after all His agents, we are the ones through whom He wants to achieve His plans. Which leads me to the big question....are we up for it? Are we ready to spend hours on our faces before God, seeking Him afresh for ourselves and our nation? And when Revival comes, how are we going to cope with the massive influx of people seeking and finding Jesus? Let me know what you think.

Revival

On this election day we have the opportunity to influence and possibly change the government. But I can't help feeling a little cynical at how easy it is for politicians to tell us what they will do before they assume office when they are probably blissfully unaware of the enormous challenges and how the machinery of government really works. Churchill expressed it very well when he spoke of the qualifications required to be a politician: "The ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen." Reality is harder than the easy sounding policies and sound bites. If truth be told, I think we face an uncertain future and can't assume life will just carry on much as it has over recent years. I've been reading "The Perfect Storm" by Vince Cable and part of me hopes a hung parliament leads to him being appointed Chancellor because he is the only one I have read who seems to be talking sense and giving us the whole sorry economic picture. But in the end I'm comforted by the words of scripture: "Man does not live by bread alone." Real change can only come through Jesus who works on the human heart, and it would be good if, being disappointed with present circumstances, there was a return to Jesus Christ and Revival came to our land. Tha's what we Christians must pray and work for on this election day.

The Real Campaign

A lot can happen in a few weeks, eh? I should have gone to Sweden but some ash cloud got in the way; the election campaign takes an unexpected twist with Nick Clegg's storming performance in that first debate; Spring arrives and everybody on the allotment site is busy catching up and getting the crops in!

So it is a constant marvel and encouragement to me that Jesus just took His time, moved within the Father's will and got on with the Mission. The Resurrection is followed by the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Disciples, transformed by that same Spirit, found the Church. And the best thing about the story for me is that Jesus doesn't leave us alone. There is no sense in which He expects Christians to somehow muddle through. We are blessed with His presence and power - and should use them to His glory!

All the politicians are talking about change....but the kind of change mankind needs is beyond their power to give. For what needs to change most of all is the human heart. Described in the Bible as deceitful and corrupt, the only hope for that kind of dramatic and complete change is through Jesus. The One who died, (to use old words) that we might be washed clean. The One who came back to life, a life that we can share.

I do believe we Christians must take our right to vote seriously and pray about who we support, but let's not be under any illusions. Life can be made better for all sorts of people in our society by some wise policy making, but ultimately our nation, our people need the saving love of Jesus Christ. Are we up for that Campaign?

Betrayal

The Easter Story contains two betrayals. Judas, the willing traitor, who for a few pieces of silver, sought Jesus out and kissed Him. Then there is Peter. Warming his hands by a courtyard fire, he disowns the Lord he had only a little while before said he was prepared to die for. Those tears would have been very bitter. Peter comes face to face with his own inconsistencies.

But then we live in a society riven by betrayal. We see it all the time in broken marriages, serial relationships, the lack of trust between manager and worker - even our politicians and leaders. Who can we trust?

At one time we were considered a Christian country and we can see the way the Christian faith has influenced and played an important part in our culture and history. But all that has been betrayed. What has happened? Why are Christians dismissed for wearing a cross to work or offering to pray for someone or living by standards that mean sometimes they have to turn people away? Why have we become so odious? Why can a football executive get upset at the sight of a dog collar worn by someone trying to be a pastor to that club?

What is going on? Reply to this post please if you have any answers of suggestions.

But I do know what we look forward to...and my next message...will be much more positive!!