Dear Friends,
Walking towards the light
In times of trouble I have often been told that “there is light at the end of the tunnel” but when it was my first tunnel it was hard to believe. Each tunnel you get through is a lesson for the next so remember the first and the last and the next one to come because there is always a light to show you the way!
Dear Friends,
How I remember what I mustn’t forget!
I was never any good at remembering what the teachers wanted me to remember at school, but I now have some symbols that remind me of what has been most important to my life. Together they make my ‘home alone communion’ in which I can remember what unites my memories. If you want to try it you will need a poppy, stone, grapes, bread and a jug of water with a glass, or wine or juice.
The Kingdom of Peace
Isaiah 65: 17-25 and Luke 19: 37-44
There is a very short and simple hymn with a challenge that has been too big for many people to embrace. It simply says: “peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord,” with a reminder, incase you missed it, “peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ out Lord. Thus, says the Lord, will the world know my friends.”
Dear Friends,
What’s your choice: Trick or Treat
Matthew 4: 1-11
Trick or Treat is the choice and I don’t understand why anyone would choose a trick when there is a treat on offer? It doesn’t even seem as ambiguous as the truth or dare game I remember playing at boarding school. Telling the truth could be worse than risking the dare, but trick or treat? Doesn’t matter how small the treat is, it must be better than the trick.
Dear Friends,
It’s hard work in heaven!
Revelation 7: 9-17
If, like me, you had always thought heaven was going to be a place of rest, think again! I’ve realised it’s a busy place.
Scripture is like a window through which we can see heaven and as I read Revelation I saw people I have loved working overtime to do the will of God. It’s encouraging, really encouraging, to know that they are still serving God, but not so encouraging if you thought heaven was a nice peaceful retirement home above the clouds. It’s in Revelation Chapter 7, verse 15, that I looked through the window and saw my loved ones working day and night, 24/7, in God’s home. They are never hungry or thirsty and every tear has been wiped from their eyes but they are working harder than they ever worked on earth. It’s good to know they are doing the will of God in heaven, but it has shattered all my illusions of resting in peace! Yes, peace we will have, but not the rest!
Nothing will stop us remembering as a community
We can stand together on our doorsteps from 10:50am on Sunday 8th November and remember, or place a flower or poppy on the bench or cross at United Reformed Church
The Rainbow Kingdom
Matthew 5: 1-12 and Revelation 7: 9-end
Heaven must be like a rainbow kingdom with people of different races and cultures rejoicing together as one in praise of God — and this is my vision for earth. This IS the will of our Father so may it be done and one day come to earth.
Dear Friends,
Your ‘best after date’ is worth waiting for!
If I were a packet of fresh food in a supermarket a shopper might look at my ‘use by date’ and put me back on the shelf. My best before date could also discourage people who are looking for the BEST unless they are looking for someone at a reduced price! We can’t afford new and fresh so we’ll make do with less than best!
Dear Friends,
Better people make a better world!
We all know that the health of the world is not good and that we need to do something to make it better. But what?
The world has been exploited, polluted, poisoned and abused so we need to do something to make it better: But how?
Dear Friends,
Healing from a distance
with your prayers…
mark 7: 24-30 and Luke 7: 1-10
There are some amazing stories of Jesus healing from a distance without visiting the patient, but should I have the same faith in our doctors?
Jesus didn’t even consult with the patient by Zoom or telephone or have the advantage of photograph, but had a spiritual connection that healed them where they were. The healing happened because people went to him and asked, begged or prayed, for him to heal or drive out a demon. It’s difficult to get a face to face consultation with a doctor in the Covid climate, but healing can happen from a distance and you can help!