Hope this is not too gruesome for you! They're called 'sutures' or clips to be removed in a few days time.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Gruesome?
Hope this is not too gruesome for you! They're called 'sutures' or clips to be removed in a few days time.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Thursday, October 20, 2005
I, Robot
I will be continuing this Sunday with a message based around a movie as part of our ‘movie-themed’ month at church. This week we are looking at the film I-Robot.
Based loosely on the book by sci-fi writer, Isaac Asimov, the story centres on the attempts by humans to restrict and control their creations. It optimistically looks at the ability of technology to improve the lives of humanity, and in the case of robots, to be even more moral than human beings.
I believe the film highlights two important issues for us as human beings, freedom or freewill and purpose.
Freedom - What does it means to be free?
Purpose – What is our purpose?
The two are intrinsically connected. God has created us with ‘freewill’, freedom to choose. But I believe only real freedom comes when we serve the purposes of our ‘creator’ – God.
(Psalm 139:14-15) - (14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (15) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
(Genesis 1:27) - So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them
The idea that we are made in God’s image is a powerful one. We resemble our creator! God’s imprint is upon us. The worth of each and every person, who has lived, is living now or will ever live has been established from the beginning!
(Psalm 139:16) - (16) All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
In other words the script of our life was written by God - before we were even born!
And the purpose of life is to serve the purposes of God.
Based loosely on the book by sci-fi writer, Isaac Asimov, the story centres on the attempts by humans to restrict and control their creations. It optimistically looks at the ability of technology to improve the lives of humanity, and in the case of robots, to be even more moral than human beings.
I believe the film highlights two important issues for us as human beings, freedom or freewill and purpose.
Freedom - What does it means to be free?
Purpose – What is our purpose?
The two are intrinsically connected. God has created us with ‘freewill’, freedom to choose. But I believe only real freedom comes when we serve the purposes of our ‘creator’ – God.
(Psalm 139:14-15) - (14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (15) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
(Genesis 1:27) - So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them
The idea that we are made in God’s image is a powerful one. We resemble our creator! God’s imprint is upon us. The worth of each and every person, who has lived, is living now or will ever live has been established from the beginning!
(Psalm 139:16) - (16) All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
In other words the script of our life was written by God - before we were even born!
And the purpose of life is to serve the purposes of God.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Fear Not
The verse from Psalm 112 sprung to mind this morning when I opened my mail.
Psalm 112:7 - They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
As a Payroll Manager of a large UK business I’ve been awaiting the day when the Inland Revenue (now HM Revenue & Customs) would come calling with regards to doing a PAYE review/audit. Today that day has come. They have requested a preliminary meeting in the coming days and then they will come and do a full audit of our systems and procedures.
Having now read Psalm 112 in full, verse 7 now needs to be read in context considering my situation!
Psalm 112:5-7 - (5) All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. (6) Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. (7) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
I’m sure all will be well!
Psalm 112:7 - They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
As a Payroll Manager of a large UK business I’ve been awaiting the day when the Inland Revenue (now HM Revenue & Customs) would come calling with regards to doing a PAYE review/audit. Today that day has come. They have requested a preliminary meeting in the coming days and then they will come and do a full audit of our systems and procedures.
Having now read Psalm 112 in full, verse 7 now needs to be read in context considering my situation!
Psalm 112:5-7 - (5) All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. (6) Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. (7) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
I’m sure all will be well!
Incredible Relationships
Last night was the second of our movie-themed evenings at church and was also another glimpse at the movie ‘The Incredibles’. Paul Benger brought an incredible message on ‘relationships’.
We can have incredible relationships! Don’t give up on them. Whether in family, business, church etc.
God believes in them. He is a relational God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We can know…
Incredible Friendships
Friendship is vital in our relationships – it is the foundation.
Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly
Proverbs 27:17 – Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.
Friends give friendly advice, Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses
The test of friendship – Proverbs 18:24 - There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother
Guard against whispering (gossip) – Proverbs 17:9 - Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends
Incredible Partnerships
You can’t do what God has called you to do on your own.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – two are better than one - the power of synergy
Psalm 133 – the power of unity.
Incredible Family
Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD
We believe in incredible families!
2 people that love God (Psalm 84:5)
2 people that love the House of God (Psalm 84:4)
2 people that love each other (1 Corinthians 13)
God has called us to incredible relationships
We can have incredible relationships! Don’t give up on them. Whether in family, business, church etc.
God believes in them. He is a relational God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We can know…
Incredible Friendships
Friendship is vital in our relationships – it is the foundation.
Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly
Proverbs 27:17 – Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.
Friends give friendly advice, Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses
The test of friendship – Proverbs 18:24 - There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother
Guard against whispering (gossip) – Proverbs 17:9 - Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends
Incredible Partnerships
You can’t do what God has called you to do on your own.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – two are better than one - the power of synergy
Psalm 133 – the power of unity.
Incredible Family
Proverbs 18:22 - The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD
We believe in incredible families!
2 people that love God (Psalm 84:5)
2 people that love the House of God (Psalm 84:4)
2 people that love each other (1 Corinthians 13)
God has called us to incredible relationships
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Myringoplasty
Recently I burst an eardrum whilst paint-balling! It was a one-in-a-million shot but the damage was done. A third of my eardrum had been removed.
As a result of this accident I have been quite deaf in my right ear. As a musician and worship leader this has left me a little lost at times!
Following several appointments with an ENT specialist and a wait of about 2 months to see if the eardrum would heal on its own I have been informed that this will now probably not happen.
So in a couple of weeks time I will be having a little operation known as myringoplasty. The op will last around 1½ to 2 hrs under general anaesthetic.
The consultant surgeon tells me the success rate is about 9 in 10.
1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
As a result of this accident I have been quite deaf in my right ear. As a musician and worship leader this has left me a little lost at times!
Following several appointments with an ENT specialist and a wait of about 2 months to see if the eardrum would heal on its own I have been informed that this will now probably not happen.
So in a couple of weeks time I will be having a little operation known as myringoplasty. The op will last around 1½ to 2 hrs under general anaesthetic.
The consultant surgeon tells me the success rate is about 9 in 10.
1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Incredible Heroes
I will be speaking this Sunday as part of our ‘movie-themed’ month on ‘The Incredibles’ – Incredible Heroes...
What camp are you in? Tina Turner - ‘We don’t need another HERO’ or is it Bonnie Tyler - ‘I need a HERO’.
Our world needs HEROES.
Why do we long for Heroes?
The Incredibles reflects this anxiety and fosters our hope that hidden in each of us is the super power to stand out, to be special, to be admired and respected, to be loved. We can't believe that someone could love us before we produce anything of note.
The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a far different message.
"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought..." Romans 8:26.
It is not the super who get God's love in Christ. It is God's love through Christ that makes us super!
It is not on the basis of our strength that we live such lives. It is on the basis of the love, grace, mercy and hope we receive in Christ every day.
We do need a hero in these times. His name is Jesus Christ – and through Him we also can be HEROES.
God’s Power in us – Right for every situation...
Ephesians 1:18-20 - I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realise what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’ve done in your life up to this point, all that matters is that at some point in your life you stop and recognise the biggest hero of them all - Jesus.
It was His sacrifice that gives you freedom from your old life and gives you the power and strength it takes for you to be a hero for someone else!
What camp are you in? Tina Turner - ‘We don’t need another HERO’ or is it Bonnie Tyler - ‘I need a HERO’.
Our world needs HEROES.
Why do we long for Heroes?
The Incredibles reflects this anxiety and fosters our hope that hidden in each of us is the super power to stand out, to be special, to be admired and respected, to be loved. We can't believe that someone could love us before we produce anything of note.
The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a far different message.
"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought..." Romans 8:26.
It is not the super who get God's love in Christ. It is God's love through Christ that makes us super!
It is not on the basis of our strength that we live such lives. It is on the basis of the love, grace, mercy and hope we receive in Christ every day.
We do need a hero in these times. His name is Jesus Christ – and through Him we also can be HEROES.
God’s Power in us – Right for every situation...
Ephesians 1:18-20 - I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realise what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’ve done in your life up to this point, all that matters is that at some point in your life you stop and recognise the biggest hero of them all - Jesus.
It was His sacrifice that gives you freedom from your old life and gives you the power and strength it takes for you to be a hero for someone else!
Learning to Play
My eldest son Daniel (11) is learning to play the guitar. Just as I did when I was about his age - he’s just picked up the guitar and learnt some chord structures and started playing along to CD’s (although I think it was tapes/vinyl records when I did it!)
He’s doing really well and can now play through an entire song – one from the new Hillsong album 'God He Reigns' (Let Creation Sing – Reuben Morgan)
Keep it up Dan!
He’s doing really well and can now play through an entire song – one from the new Hillsong album 'God He Reigns' (Let Creation Sing – Reuben Morgan)
Keep it up Dan!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Moving On
Jeannie Benger spoke an inspiring message in church last night. Here are my notes...
Deuteronomy 1:6 When we were at Mount Sinai, the LORD our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough’.
We’ve been living here for long enough. It is now time to move into new ground, move into a new era.
God has great plans for us as individuals and as a church. We need to position ourselves for growth. Leave certain things behind. Not settle for the mediocre – look for the breakthrough. Move with confidence into the things God has for us.
Step away from the mountain!
John 4:35 Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. - The harvest is ready – today. A time to reap.
Mark 4:20 But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.
Seeds have been sown in this town – 25% of the seed has fallen on good ground, now ready for us to harvest. Don’t focus on the seed that has fallen away, focus on the seed that has fallen on good ground.
Deuteronomy 6:10-11 (10) The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land filled with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. (11) The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land.
God will give to us even what we haven’t planted. His favour is upon us!
Ways for us to move away from this mountain and into a new era:
By having confidence
Believe in ourselves, believe in God. We are children of the Living God. Realise who you are.
Step out. When we step out He kicks in!
By living lives that reflect God
We can’t love God and live our lives how we want to. Live a life that reflects God.
By living thankful lives
Living out of thankfulness. So much to be thankful for – all that God has done for us. Give back to God – generously.
By having good attitudes
Check your attitudes. Good or bad? How do we treat people, what are our thoughts towards them? Envious, jealousy – guard against these things. Sow friendliness – reap friendship.
Deuteronomy 1:6 When we were at Mount Sinai, the LORD our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough’.
We’ve been living here for long enough. It is now time to move into new ground, move into a new era.
God has great plans for us as individuals and as a church. We need to position ourselves for growth. Leave certain things behind. Not settle for the mediocre – look for the breakthrough. Move with confidence into the things God has for us.
Step away from the mountain!
John 4:35 Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. - The harvest is ready – today. A time to reap.
Mark 4:20 But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.
Seeds have been sown in this town – 25% of the seed has fallen on good ground, now ready for us to harvest. Don’t focus on the seed that has fallen away, focus on the seed that has fallen on good ground.
Deuteronomy 6:10-11 (10) The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land filled with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. (11) The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land.
God will give to us even what we haven’t planted. His favour is upon us!
Ways for us to move away from this mountain and into a new era:
By having confidence
Believe in ourselves, believe in God. We are children of the Living God. Realise who you are.
Step out. When we step out He kicks in!
By living lives that reflect God
We can’t love God and live our lives how we want to. Live a life that reflects God.
By living thankful lives
Living out of thankfulness. So much to be thankful for – all that God has done for us. Give back to God – generously.
By having good attitudes
Check your attitudes. Good or bad? How do we treat people, what are our thoughts towards them? Envious, jealousy – guard against these things. Sow friendliness – reap friendship.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Faith
I read this today…
A popular definition of faith might be something like ‘an irrational belief with no supporting evidence.’ That’s like asking a skydiver to jump without a parachute and still ‘have faith’ that he won’t die.
The Bible has a better definition: 'Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see' (Hebrews 11:1, NLT).
Notice the words ‘confidence’ and ‘assurance’. God wants you to trust him with your life, but he also wants you to know that he is trustworthy.
A popular definition of faith might be something like ‘an irrational belief with no supporting evidence.’ That’s like asking a skydiver to jump without a parachute and still ‘have faith’ that he won’t die.
The Bible has a better definition: 'Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see' (Hebrews 11:1, NLT).
Notice the words ‘confidence’ and ‘assurance’. God wants you to trust him with your life, but he also wants you to know that he is trustworthy.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Lessons from Geese
Mark Wilkins spoke a great message in church on Sunday night, taken from Ephesians 4:1-16.
He shared four vital truths regarding the church and her purposes in Christ by comparing us with geese (yes, geese!).
Geese know they are geese!
(Vs1-8) Know who we are in Christ. Jesus dealt with everything at the cross – full and total forgiveness. God has chosen us (for His ‘dream team’) not because of what we’ve done but because of what He can do with us!
Geese know where they are going
A church united in Christ – sharing the vision. (Not playing for ourselves). We’re called to local church. Our vision unites us.
Geese share the workload
The lead goose changes places with the other geese – they share the load. We share the burden of the vision of the church. We are all carriers - not just the leaders.
(Vs 7) - However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ.
We all contribute. What can I give? Our contribution is not insignificant but vital to the success of the church. E.g. the recent Ashes series – Gary Pratt ‘ran-out’ the Australian cricket captain. A great and vital contribution, although seemingly small and insignificant!
Honk! Honk!
Geese encourage each other. We need an 'encouragement culture' in the church.
Great stuff Mark!
He shared four vital truths regarding the church and her purposes in Christ by comparing us with geese (yes, geese!).
Geese know they are geese!
(Vs1-8) Know who we are in Christ. Jesus dealt with everything at the cross – full and total forgiveness. God has chosen us (for His ‘dream team’) not because of what we’ve done but because of what He can do with us!
Geese know where they are going
A church united in Christ – sharing the vision. (Not playing for ourselves). We’re called to local church. Our vision unites us.
Geese share the workload
The lead goose changes places with the other geese – they share the load. We share the burden of the vision of the church. We are all carriers - not just the leaders.
(Vs 7) - However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ.
We all contribute. What can I give? Our contribution is not insignificant but vital to the success of the church. E.g. the recent Ashes series – Gary Pratt ‘ran-out’ the Australian cricket captain. A great and vital contribution, although seemingly small and insignificant!
Honk! Honk!
Geese encourage each other. We need an 'encouragement culture' in the church.
Great stuff Mark!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
20 Miles
I reached another milestone in my running this morning by completing, for the first time, 20 miles.
I did it with my running mate (Rob) who is running in the Cardiff Marathon in a couple of weeks time.
We ran it in 2 hrs 53 mins, which isn’t too bad – around the 3 hrs 45 min pace for a full marathon (26.2 miles).
Friday, September 23, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Katrina and now Rita
As I read this it’s hard to believe that within the space of just a few weeks the Gulf coast is about to receive a second category 5 hurricane.
They are now saying Rita could be the third strongest ever recorded 'Atlantic' hurricane.
I trust everyone has evacuated in time or better still that Rita will quickly begin to dissipate before any serious damage is done.
What’s in a name?
You wonder how these names, Katrina and Rita, will be remembered in time...
They are now saying Rita could be the third strongest ever recorded 'Atlantic' hurricane.
I trust everyone has evacuated in time or better still that Rita will quickly begin to dissipate before any serious damage is done.
What’s in a name?
You wonder how these names, Katrina and Rita, will be remembered in time...
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Uplift 2
Taken from part 2 of Paul Benger’s ‘up-lifting’ message in church on Sunday night (to be discussed in our Connect group tonight).
Being a Christian is not all about me…it’s all about lifting the lives of others!
Vision statement on CLC website: Our vision is to be a large local church that is: faith filled, upbeat, committed to Word and Spirit, relational, growing, connected to people, influential, loyal, positive, fun to be in, fully devoted to Christ, contemporary, influential & effective in our community
We have to be what God has called us to be! Uplift is the currency of God’s Kingdom. 3 things about uplift:
You can only uplift that which you value
With regards to the people from the town where Jesus came from - they could not honour him because they did not value him.
Uplift must be from the heart and not just the lips
What comes from us is important because it reveals our heart. Always remember – God looks at the heart.
Mark 4:24-25 – "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Value God’s word: 1 Thess 2:13 – And we will never stop thanking God that when we preached his message to you, you didn't think of the words we spoke as being just our own. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which, of course, it was. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
Uplift is not achieved by the putting down of self
Jesus said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Being able to love yourself is so important in the lifting up of others. Letting go of the things in our past – forgiving ourselves and moving on.
With regards to Honour...
True honour is not taken it is given
We cannot demand honour
We cannot be passive
Uplift must be expressed…visibly/vocally honour people.
The focus of honour is not the putting down of self
Get away from the ‘put-downs’ (of others, of yourself) - focus on the ‘up-lifts’!
Being a Christian is not all about me…it’s all about lifting the lives of others!
Vision statement on CLC website: Our vision is to be a large local church that is: faith filled, upbeat, committed to Word and Spirit, relational, growing, connected to people, influential, loyal, positive, fun to be in, fully devoted to Christ, contemporary, influential & effective in our community
We have to be what God has called us to be! Uplift is the currency of God’s Kingdom. 3 things about uplift:
You can only uplift that which you value
With regards to the people from the town where Jesus came from - they could not honour him because they did not value him.
Uplift must be from the heart and not just the lips
What comes from us is important because it reveals our heart. Always remember – God looks at the heart.
Mark 4:24-25 – "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Value God’s word: 1 Thess 2:13 – And we will never stop thanking God that when we preached his message to you, you didn't think of the words we spoke as being just our own. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which, of course, it was. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
Uplift is not achieved by the putting down of self
Jesus said ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Being able to love yourself is so important in the lifting up of others. Letting go of the things in our past – forgiving ourselves and moving on.
With regards to Honour...
True honour is not taken it is given
We cannot demand honour
We cannot be passive
Uplift must be expressed…visibly/vocally honour people.
The focus of honour is not the putting down of self
Get away from the ‘put-downs’ (of others, of yourself) - focus on the ‘up-lifts’!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Welcome Back
Helen and Steve, our sister and brother in law from Perth, Western Australia are in England for several months.
We greeted them at Gatwick yesterday morning and then spent the day with them.
They had unfortunately missed the recent Ashes series as they were travelling in Canada and USA at the time. We quickly got them up to speed with the events of the summer as we watched a 2 hour 'Ashes Fever' programme broadcast by Channel 4 going over the agonies of each Test match.
I reminded Steve that Australia are still good at 'Swimming'. He's got a good sense of humour (I think!)
Friday, September 16, 2005
Who's a Bonny Lad?
Daniel starts his new school!
It's a bit scary when your eldest starts secondary school...he'll soon be a teenager. Aghhhh!
It's a bit scary when your eldest starts secondary school...he'll soon be a teenager. Aghhhh!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Church Marketing
A recent BBC article on church marketing.
What a lot of fuss about nothing. Whether we like it or not the church is in the media spotlight a lot of the time...and much of it is bad press.
We need a marketing strategy to communicate how much church means to us and how relevant church is in the 21st Century.
Our current local ad campaign...
‘Think church is outdated and boring...so did WE’
What a lot of fuss about nothing. Whether we like it or not the church is in the media spotlight a lot of the time...and much of it is bad press.
We need a marketing strategy to communicate how much church means to us and how relevant church is in the 21st Century.
Our current local ad campaign...
‘Think church is outdated and boring...so did WE’
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
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