Alive! Look, See, Pray

At the earliest glimmerings of daylight, some brave women walked to the tomb of Jesus: they intended to care for his corpse with spices and cloth. Jesus was not there! It’s a fact that requires explanation. As that Resurrection Day went on, more people encountered the Risen, Living Lord. You can read their witness statements in the Gospels- start with Luke.

How can I represent the Resurrection in a photograph?

This picture is a collage made up of photos of individual Christians in one church: it hangs in the entry hall so the congregation is reminded every Sunday of two things.

1. Jesus IS alive.
2. All of the church is embraced into this new living reality. Resurrection includes us, past, present, and future.

God’s grace has rescued us; by faith- trusting active obedience- we are a part of the new Kingdom. We are “in Christ” and this fact changes everything. If we refuse to believe the evidence of history, the eyewitness testimony, and the survival & growth of the Church, then Easter is empty. That’s the choice: the empty tomb OR an empty life of futility. Mock my faith if you will; deny the Resurrection if you dare. EVERYTHING hinges on this, as St Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

“But tell me this- since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God- for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.”

Read it and rejoice- or read it and weep.

May the blessings of our Risen Christ be yours today and always.

Being Generous? Look, See, Pray

God calls us to a spirit of generosity. This reservoir near Hennock in Devon stores an immense volume of water. A pumphouse below the dam is always rumbling as water is fed into the pipes that take it to the homes and businesses across the county. There are two other reservoirs nearby. All the residents have to do is turn on the tap and receive a generous supply.

Do you realise there is a battle in your mind over generosity? Some fight this battle all their lives. “If I give too generously, will I run out?” There can be an argument internally over responsibility vs generosity. It isn’t an easy decision.

It isn’t my place to prescribe the level of giving for other believers. That route easily leads to a legalistic bitterness where we grudge the gifts we do make. I can, however, realistically re-assess my own level of generosity- and seek to be what Paul describes as a “hilarious giver”… I will give to the One I love and who loves me.

2 Corinthians 9:7 states that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful (hilarious) giver.”

Jesus gives us a glorious principle to follow: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38. Do we think we can outgive God?

The Bible isn’t saying that we should give money IN ORDER TO RECEIVE more money (despite the error of some “health and wealth” teachings). We are challenged to generosity so that we are like God who gives everything, even to giving Jesus on the Cross.

Prosperity from God is connected to shalom-wholeness, the perfect peace of restored relationship with our Lord: becoming and being like Jesus. Limiting “prosperity” to money and possessions and fame is like selling a million-pound note for a battered old half-crown. (That’s 2 shillings and sixpence… or 22.5p in our terms).

God doesn’t deal in half-crowns… He gives us living crowns that we can offer back to Him in worship- casting our crowns before Him.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

That’s making me smile right now!

Trustworthy? Look, See, Pray

There’s something missing. “No Fishing” is plain enough. But for it to be a really good/funny photo, there should be a kingfisher perching or a heron standing next to the sign. Then I could sell that pic for a decent sum. (Even a seagull perching would do at a pinch.)

Modern editing software means I could insert a suitable bird, reasonably easily, although any little mistake would mean you’d spot the cheating. There are real experts in using Photoshop who could make a blended picture so good even I’d be fooled- and I took the photo in the first place.

The altered picture would be untrue, a lie, a misrepresentation, or even a scam (if I tried to sell the photo to the media).

Does that matter? It should do! If not, we decide by default that fictional pics are acceptable “truth”… Imagine if a photographer produced fake nudes- the harm that could do to the reputation and emotional health of the victims! (Please note any similarity to the recent judgement against Gr*k could be purely a coincidence, and is not necessarily my deliberate inference).

Regular readers will know that I try to acknowledge whenever animal/bird subjects have been photographed in captivity. Or I’d be guilty of making you think I’m a better photographer than I am, with fieldcraft worthy of a professional. I’m honest about it.

Truth matters. Honesty and integrity should be integral to our chosen lifestyle.

So when politicians or preachers “add bits in” to make a powerful headline… OR leave stuff out to change the story and unduly influence the audience… it is WRONG. No smart excuses can excuse the lying. It may be expedient to lie/exaggerate/falsify but it isn’t clever and it isn’t right.

You may say I’m showing naivety. Well, I’d rather be naive and enjoy a clear conscience! I believe we should be able to expect truth and integrity from people in positions of influence and power.

After all, as a follower of Jesus (admittedly an imperfect follower) surely I must take his words seriously. “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'” – John 14:6-7.

Is it always easy to understand and apply the truth of Jesus to every part of life? I wish!!! Sometimes I reflect Jesus a bit like the reflection of the sign in the water… Sorry about that. I’ll try to be clearer.

Jesus proclaims Truth. Our Accuser, Satan, is described as the “Father of Lies.” So when we’re listening to someone, who is closest to Truth? The sad fact is that we tend to become like the one we pay attention to… so truth IS rather vital. Who are we listening to- and how are they forming us?

On the Brink- Look, See, Pray

Balanced on the brink… two Canada geese on the weir-step of the River Wye in Bakewell. They have mastered the art. The top of the weir is narrow, slippery, and the current flows quite strongly- any person trying to cross would be odds-on for a cold bath. Kids sometimes try this sort of stunt, much to the alarm of watching adults. That’s because the adults recognise the risks.

Watching the river water cascade down the step is fascinating. Every now and again a duck will use the weir as a “down escalator” by lifting its webbed feet and sliding on the current and over the edge. I never saw any geese trying the same trick- but who knows?

It all reminds me of the perilous politics of brinkmanship. The Middle East is aflame (again) as a result of extreme leaders on both sides daring each other to “have a go.” Balanced on a slippery platform,

I don’t have expertise in international power-politics. All I will say about that is my concern for the innocents caught up in another war. That leads me to urge prayer for peace and justice; without God’s intervention the prospect of peace is vanishingly small. Do our prayers make a difference? I believe so.

This morning a phrase came to mind as we prayed at church. “We are the antibiotics sent by God to address the fever of the world.”

Christians who pray and act on their prayers achieve more than we realise. Our union with Christ makes us part of the Kingdom of God, and our words and actions are an expression of Jesus lived into the world. We pray out of compassion, and, if we’re honest, out of fear. But also out of duty: for our faith means we take an active position as peacemakers. Sharing the heart of God in the face of violence and tragedy, we intercede for all sides and trust that the Lord can in some way use our prayerful concern.

Out of chaos, order. Out of disaster, hope. Perhaps, even, out of the dis-ease of violence there can emerge a just peace.

We are not standing on the brink for the thrill of the ride! But we are here in the Name and authority of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Lord, in your mercy, heal our world. Amen.

Unexpected- Look, See, Pray

I don’t want to go on and on about it… but we’ve had a surplus of rain recently. There have been local floods (an inconvenience rather than a disaster) and the ground of Sussex is very soggy.

My photo shows what can happen if prolonged rain or a severe storm hits a mountain. Alpine weather is volatile!

Normally this is a small stream, trickling gently through the rocks. Overnight it changed. A sharp thunderstorm played “night light” music with flashes and booms- the next morning, the stream was a raging torrent. I used a slow exposure time of one-fifth of a second, which has recorded the water as pale veils ripping down the slope; spray “varnished” the rocks so they glistened moistly. The speed and power of the waterfall was quite intimidating (and the noise was high decibel).

How do we cope with the unexpected? It gives new motivation! Sudden and dramatic change, possibly a threat, dealing with the consequences of circumstances beyond our control?

Pretending we aren’t affected is silly. Relying on the time-honoured “stiff upper lip” of English stereotype may soften immediate panic, but doesn’t help us regain control. It also tries to hide vulnerability. Claiming exemption from consequences/suffering through faith may sound spiritual, but has little scriptural support!

Both Old and New Testaments promise that God will be with us:
“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 41:10

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5

In the words of Jesus himself: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Christian discipleship is about walking in the way of Jesus, seeking to grow closer to Him, and acting out the same kind of actions as Jesus. Even a brief read through the Gospels will show that Jesus did NOT evade the trials and tensions of life. He faced danger and treachery; he confronted the proud and comforted the struggling.

His last hours must have felt like the impact of a terrible storm, yet his love for humanity allowed him to face the Cross, even Death.

One final thing about waterfalls… further downstream, the water will bless many. The fields will be enriched, the thirsty assuaged, and Life will spring from the torrent.

So it is with Jesus: the life taken on a Cross gained Resurrection and became the hope of all the ages and all the world.

God-who-is-with-us stays alongside; Life bubbles up from within. Two final scriptures offer the most wonderful hope in the Universe:

John 7:38-39: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

Revelation 22:1-2: “Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Living water, the water of Life… the deluge of grace to the thirsty heart & soul. Drink deep!

Rules? Look, See, Pray

Do rules make you dig your heels in and mutter “Shan’t” under your breath? Yes? Then I’m not alone.

I started thinking about this as I was editing the photo, only little tweaks, and the bright idea hit me. Why not remove the barbed wire to make it a charming donkey-portrait? So I tried.

So when you look carefully at the picture, you’ll be thinking “nice bit of photoshopping” right up to the moment when you see the wire is still there. Why? Because I realised it stood for something important.

Fences are there to keep the animals IN the safety of their field. Fences also help stop potential dangers from getting into the field.

It a rule, well, two rules. Stay In; and Keep Out. The donkey benefits from both. It might fancy an expedition to find greener grass- but the road is very busy so the “rule” keeps donkeys safer. And keeping out ijits who want to feed/ride/steal Mr Donk is a good thing.

God gives us “rules” for a similar reason; to keep us from harm, and keep us from harming others. Our record of keeping the rules isn’t good. Many of us think the “Ten Suggestions” are a multi-choice test, “attempt three from ten.”

The deeper purpose of the guidance God has given is to teach us wisdom so we learn the best way to life. I do find I am more receptive to rules if I understand WHY and TRUST the rule-setter. Some of you are probably less stroppy by nature and do “Keep off the Grass” when you see the sign. Also, you never break speed limits, never have naughty thoughts, and NEVER suffer temptation. Do you recognise yourself here?

Well, I’m far from perfect. But I have learned a very important lesson. Jesus said ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

When life is ruled by love, we only need those two rules.

Jesus also understands our struggles with human nature, and offers forgiveness, new beginnings, and NEW LIFE. This is what the Cross and Resurrection are all about. We are about to enter the season of Lent, a period of prayer and devotion leading up to Easter. (There’s a donkey in THAT story too.)

Meanwhile, remember that barbed wires fences can have painful consequences when ignored (or jumped). So keep an eye out- and keep God at the heart of life, then prove you love Him as you help and care for others.

Not a bad rule, that.

“Excuse me, Mr Cat…” Look, See, Pray

“Excuse me, Mr Cat, what exactly are your intentions? You seem to be loitering with intent by our bird table. Am I wrong to suspect you of planning a bloodthirsty misdeed?”

This isn’t our cat. We don’t have one. We do, however, feed the birds in our garden. The cat’s owners, living nearby, provide very well for the black-and-white panther. He (the cat, not the owner) is sometimes friendly, but often looks down on us as tenant-farmers who should supply livestock on demand. You know, mice are acceptable, and I once witnessed a thrilling safari onsite featuring a young magpie (who barely escaped).

The victor was a matter of a pinion- left in said cat’s possession.

A handsome cat, in a chunky thickset sort of way, but we do have very different views on the appropriate behaviour in a neighbour’s garden- not that the cat cares. We are lurkers in HIS domain, and that I can accept…

But waiting at the table in the hope we will blind the birdies by bribing them with sunflower seeds is a bit much. Paws off, chum!

Perhaps I could teach “our” birds to sing a psalm of protection? There are several candidates in the Bible, composed by people living under the threat of predators. This one might suit the birds- and us when we feel threatened…

Psalm 56:1-7
"Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness
do not let them escape;
in your anger, God,
bring the nations down."

Look for the Light- Look, See, Pray

I’m trying to teach myself the skill of seeing the signs of light and life in an unsettled world.

My photo is of bamboo- which can be VERY destructive if it gets its roots deep enough- and my eye was fixated by the one highlighted strip. The intensity of the light overexposed this strip: the camera couldn’t handle the contrast, so all the colour has bleached out leaving stems and leaves a silvery white. If you look closely, you can see some of these parts glow as they reflect glare which made the lens “flare.”

Bamboo, certainly many of the common varieties, can grow with extraordinary speed. Several inches in a day. Stems and shoots can force through soil, rock, or concrete: it can ruin the foundations of a building, or grow up through solid floors. At which point, it’s too late even to panic!

Bad governance, sometimes careless and sometimes evil, grows like bamboo. Ambition, greed and a lust for power afflict many of those who rise to prominence via wealth or political manipulation. It seems to me this process is clearly at work in the “great super-powers” and in many autocratic states.

Such darkness is not inevitable. The Berlin Wall was brought crashing down by people demanding liberty: Poland and the Czech/Slovak people shone a bright light of hope.

Putin will, one day, die. So will Trump. So will we all. Some of those deaths will make the world a better place for their passing! But ONE death makes the Light shine through Resurrection. Jesus, who was crucified by the “Establishment” of religion and Empire, inaugurated a new Kingdom of hope, of Love, grace, compassion, mercy, and justice: raised from death, Jesus reigns as Lord of all lords and will one day be acknowledged by all. Commoners, lords and ladies, rich and poor…

So if you see darkness growing in leaders, nations, and societies that do not show the values of the Kingdom of Jesus, don’t despair. Their day will pass. The Day of Jesus will never pass away. We see this Light in the actions of love and kindness, of bravery and boldness for the good, and in the transformed lives of those who are becoming like Jesus day by day. The light glows brighter against gathering darkness- and the darkness neither understands nor can overcome the Light of the World.

Please pray for leaders: not in blind approval of their actions, but that they be accountable to both God and the people they rule. Pray for any “outburst of light” you see, pray that Christ brings His Light into every dark place.

The Early Church often greeted each other with “Maranatha” which means “Come, O Lord.” It’s a word in need of more use…

Revelation 22:20 (NLT): “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”.

Dreaming of Summer- Look, See, Pray

It’s apparently the time of year when British people book their main holidays… the murk and chill of January makes us long for sun, sea, and comfort.

Let’s face it, on a bone-chillingly freezing day on a Sussex salt-marsh, the appeal of the colour and glamour and luxury of an Italian gem like Portofino is simply ENORMOUS. Warm summer sun, warm summer sea, warm oranges and ochre shades on the buildings… the idea of a zippy launch or technicolour sailboat… the prospect of dolphins skipping through crystal waves… Am I selling the idea? Who wants to book tonight? Send me 10% as an inspiration fee!

Portofino residents are probably NOT thinking about booking a fortnight in Littlehampton. Hmmph.

Our minds yearn for a bit of indulgence, our bank balance winces, and we still have to do the laundry, cook dinner, and earn a living.

If only… Two powerful motivational words!

Can we harness the power of imagination for the other 50 weeks of the year? Holidays are fabulous, if we can afford them, and will do us good. What if… Another pair of powerful words. What if we put our energies, creativity, compassion and resources into transforming our local community? Or into volunteering to help a charity or relief project, or helping kids learn to read, or caring about the shut-ins and lonely…

Life can be about making a difference, or working for justice, or being compassionate. Now imagine what local communities of faith, prayer, and love can achieve wherever they are; or in partnership with other agencies and churches.

It puts feet onto the prayer Jesus taught us… “May God’s Will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.”

I’m not saying we should have holiday dreams. I’m saying we shouldn’t JUST have holiday dreams…………….

God’s inspiring imagination has bigger dreams for us to grasp!

Funny old world… Look, See, Pray

It’s a funny old world, full of surprises.

Number 1– for no known reason… Surprise! A crack across my car windscreen from the corner towards the middle. Deep joy… and the glass people can’t fix it for a week. I don’t know who to blame.

Number 2– came home, took the recycling bin out for collection via the back gate/twitten. Surprise! Some time between Christmas Day and today, an unknown benefactor has removed the timber and old iron that was piled up to be taken to the tip. No note, just a nicely empty space where the old shed remnants had been messily patient. I don’t know who to thank!

So now I don’t know whether to be grumpy or happy.

If we allow our perspective and mood to be purely reactive, we’re at the mercy of the vagaries of the world. Good things happen to bad people. So do bad things- and neither is necessarily anyone’s fault. Nor is a “good” thing necessarily proof that someone is “good.” How can this all make sense?

This is an ancient conundrum, which philosophers and theologians have wrestled with for thousands of years. Is there a reason why ANYTHING exists at all? Is there a “God” who cares about us? Is everything random chance and coincidence, or does life imply meaning and purpose? (This is a vital question- our answer shapes our world.)

Christianity declares that God is real and has made Himself known.

Many years ago the prophet Isaiah proclaimed a message from God which is worth examination. What do you make of this?

Isaiah 45:5–9 (ESV)
I am the LORD, and there is no other,
besides me there is no God;
I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know, from the rising of the sun
and from the west, that there is none besides me;
I am the LORD, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness;
I make well-being and create calamity;
I am the LORD, who does all these things.

“Shower, O heavens, from above,
and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and
righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout;
I the LORD have created it.
“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him,
a pot among earthen pots!
Does the clay say to him who forms it,
‘What are you making?’
or ‘Your work has no handles’?"