Author: richardthebaptist
Retired, married to Juliet, and a Christian who loves books, writing, music, nature, gardening, and photography. I'm exploring prayer and spirituality, using my photos to reflect on God and how faith fits into real life: and I hope to stimulate and encourage others to meet with Jesus.
Health really matters- and you value it most when there is a risk of losing it! I was unexpectedly diagnosed with colonic cancer, and had successful surgery late in 2019. Love the NHS, God bless them). I am still living with a life-changing condition of fibromyalgia and trying to support others with this illness and other "invisible illnesses." Life has been changed but hope burns eternal. Faith has a deep relevance in good times and tough ones, in sickness and in health. God has been good in my life and has been with me in all these varied experiences.
Outcast- Look, See, Pray
As a young-ish fella my pastor set me a challenge. “I’m preaching about Moses next week. How about writing a song for me?” The folk/gospel revolution of the 70s, a fingerpickin’ guitarist, and a week… Challenge accepted!
Why a wild flower photo? I came across it in the wild flower bed I set up this spring- I’ve never seen one before, it may have been in the seed mix- or a gift from a passing bird. A lone outcast surviving in the wilds. So it seemed appropriate. Anyway, here’s the lyric for “Outcast.”
Sheep are my business, the desert my home
since running from Egypt and dead men's bones.
My people are distant, far from this place-
a moment of passion cuts me off from my race.
The years have crawled onwards, the people are slaves.
The Chosen of Yahweh fall into their graves.
So now I just wander on lonely sand
sing to my sheep and clasp empty hands.
To wander forever could well be my fate
since running away from a murderer's hate.
A passion for justice, desire to be free,
to count Israel's children as sand by the sea.
But now I'm an outcast, my timing was wrong.
But the children of Yahweh have suffered so long.
They need a new leader with vigour and fire,
to seek after Yahweh and draw people higher.
But what do I see? The bush is on fire!
Yet nothing is burning, my soul is inspired.
Sand on my bare feet, I'm on holy ground
and Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found.
He called me and chose me, although I fought shy,
Ran out of excuses- and oh, how I tried!
So now I will travel to Pharoah's land
release Yahweh's people from Death's clinging hand.
But what do I see? The bush is on fire!
Yet nothing is burning, my soul is inspired.
Sand on my bare feet, I'm on holy ground
and Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found.
Yes, Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found.
(c) Richard Starling, 1978
Most Important? Look, See, Pray
Salsify flower and seed “parachute”. Which part of this flower-cycle is most important? The flower or the seeds? Hmm.
This is an interesting but essentially irrelevant question! Without both stages of life, the flower species will die out. Flowers attract pollinators; the pollinators “cause” seeds to form; the seeds in due time provide the new plants for next year. Every year.
Like the famous “chicken and egg” dilemma, there is no definitive answer. (By the way- with so many foods said to “taste like chicken” – how come eggs don’t?)
Christians have from time to time debated vigorously about “interesting” questions. One historical classic : “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” What a waste of time! What a diversion of energy from essential Kingdom purposes… But theologians thought it worthy of debate.
What is more important- spiritual gifts or spiritual fruit? Both!
What matters most- correct doctrine or correct practice? In real life, it’s almost impossible to have one without the other. We truly need “Jesus-think” alongside “Jesus-love.”
As James puts it, faith without action is worthless. Paul writes “Be transformed through the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12:1).
Thinking in a holy way (Christ-like) will lead us to act in a holy way (Christ-like) even if that sets us against the accepted norms of society. Just remember that Jesus showed Love- and did so by applying justice AND mercy. He was the most attractive personality, the most stimulating, the most provocative, and lived in full integrity. He overturned tables in the Temple as well as healed the lame: he taught in stories and performed miraculous signs. He spoke the Word of Creation; and smashed the power of the grave.
How about we just follow and obey Jesus the best we can? With all that we are?
Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” (Matt. 22:37, Message)
Headless! Look, See, Pray
Two headless birds? The other gull must be traumatised!
Cormorants often “hang themselves out to dry” after fishing. This one is preening its “wing-pit” and his head/neck blend into the background. The flying gull is going away from the camera.
There will be too many political “headless” lines in the next few weeks. Low cunning and devious deceptions will attempt to influence our opinions (and votes). Presenting partial truth, and manipulating facts to suit agendas, such misleading advertising will pass itself off as journalism. They are just lies.
Our society has been pushed out of shape by the truth-twisters. Quick soundbites, sensationalism, and cynicism form the language of politics. Social media is anti-social and often misleading.
This isn’t new- try the Pompeii graffiti and the scandalous pamphlets of the Jacobean era- but it is dangerous.
Public service and political office ought to be built on character and principled living: honour and dignity the currency of social prominence. If only it were so.
Some Biblical wisdom that would benefit leaders and the led…
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
Laugh, or You’d Cry- Look, See, Pray
There’s always a clown. Drama needs clowns- and the circus requires clowns of all shapes. Including the sad faced ones.
The drama of Good Friday is about to begin. In a darkened Garden, a man and a few friends face their midnight of the soul. Which is the clown?
Is it Judas, who sold a friend as a job lot? S.W.A.L.K. = Sold With A Lousy Kiss.
Or James and John, who can’t keep their eyes open to pray.
Peter‘s up for the role- too sleepy, then too violent, then too chicken as the rooster crowed.
Caiaphas and Annas– a pair who can’t even fix their crooked trial efficiently!
Herod gets a mention, quickly passed over, more midget than clown.
Pilate, the man with a wiser wife and a cynical streak- “What IS Truth, anyway?” Not funny.
Jesus? His tears will spoil the face paint, and the sound of a heart breaking is no smiling matter. Who casts the hero as a clown? The most prominent colour is blood-red and overpowering… Oh…
It’s a rough night for clowns, but a Good Friday for the human race. It would make a grown man cry if he wasn’t laughing so loud. Clowns can say and do things that aren’t the done thing. Tragedy, comedy, pathos, and searing honesty: but it’s “safe” ‘cos its “only the clowns” and you laugh when they fall down. But there’s not much laughing tonight- and none in heaven.
Script writers and Ringmasters love their clowns! They legitimise “silly” violence, make tragedy funny, and hold the focus of the crowd. “I know, let’s make Jesus “King for a Day” with a big parade; and a spot of scandal when he upsets the money men; a man whose Love becomes so dangerous we can kill him off.”
Little did they know… the real plan, the Deeper Mystery, had been formed in the Beginning of Beginnings by the Beginner of Everything. And all the lesser clowns perform as the “warm up act” for the Death of Death and the Saviour’s Resurrection. Who is laughing now? Mock the clown at your peril!
There will be shining robes in place of motley and harlequin: an Ageless Face with scars and wounds who leads the procession of the Kingdom Eternal- and a broken heart bringing wholeness to all who will let Him. The Lamb who is a Lion; the One who drains the Cup of Sorrows to start the biggest party this universe will ever see.
There will be tears today- and joy and laughter for ever after. God sent in The Clown. This One wears a Crown.
© Richard Starling, 2024.
Reds… Look, See, Pray
Red letter day! First opportunity to start the spring gardening. Spot of rose pruning, tidying away dead growth, collecting all the old fronds from the palms, and trying to work out how so many weeds can ignore the weather that frightens the life out of the posher plants.
A day of surprises too. Pardon the colour clash between the camellia and the ladybird: all is forgiven because of the sterling work the bugs do. Hidden away in hibernation until now, they are popping up all over- I’ve been trying to “spot” them… (Sorry! Couldn’t resist the joke.)
There are so many parallels between gardening and spiritual growth. We all want the pretty flowers and good-to-eat crops. The hard graft is less popular. Digging out deep-rooted weeds/habits; pruning the ordinary in order to develop the extraordinary. Picking up the litter, mowing the grass, fighting the bad bugs-and-slugs… Left unchecked, our neat growth becomes a wilderness – swiftly.
Finding allies and mentors is so important. Having a good notion as to which things will thrive where- and creating special conditions for the ones we treasure but need extra work and care.
Never stop learning: that’s definitely true in both realms.
Finally, knowing the Head Gardener is a “big help” i.e., VITAL. And, of course, remembering that gardens (and lives) are there to be enjoyed as much as possible. All graft and no tea in the shade makes a grouchy human. Stopping to enjoy the wild life- butterflies, birdsong, ladybirds gnashing the aphids… PRICELESS.
There IS a prize. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says:
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
The hard labour is NOT in vain.
Decisions! – Look, See, Pray
All the garden suppliers are sending their catalogues and special offers. It’s making me yearn for the glorious colours of summer! Shall I plant more gladioli? What about the older lavender bushes- time for a change? Is there room for another rose? Or two?
Decisions, decisions. And of course those marvellous offers involve spending money (no gardener ever has trouble doing that!!!) but some of them are offering enough quantities to fill Kew Gardens. If only they could see the restricted space available… where could I put 120 dahlias anyway? With the flowering cherry “designed for small gardens” which is tempting me? Or a dwarf crab apple, perhaps?
One decision is made. I would like a passion flower to climb along the rear fence. The old rambling rose already there only flowers for a couple of weeks- and I’d like more colour for longer.
Once the local water table drops a bit I’ll be “at it” tidying and designing… I’d say “watch this space” but there isn’t any yet.
If only I found it as easy to plan my spiritual growth! Questions like “how have I matured since last year” and “what about reducing that pile of books to read by READING some more” are very niggly. It is of course quite normal to have six or seven books on the go at once… isn’t it? Please say yes…
Jesus talked about us being part of the Vine and being fruitful. The process isn’t straightforward. Pruning gets mentioned… Gulp… And then Jesus says this:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
(John 15 v12-17)
Purple Prayers- Look, See, Pray
The glossy purple crocus- a royal flower, complete with orangey-gold centre. These three responded to a couple of days of sunshine, and now grace my front garden. So beautiful to see.
It’s important to be grateful for such beauty: and to say “thank you” promptly. By their fragile nature, these pretty blooms will fade fairly quickly. Frost/rain/slugs could make off with them by the morning… Though others will take their place and, in turn, will bring me again to a moment of joyous celebration!
So, thank You, Father God.
The wonder of Your creation
never ceases to thrill me.
So, for the intense colour,
the glossy petals
and the bright contrast,
a thousand thank yous
are not enough.
Everything You have made
leads me to celebrate
Your goodness,
Your imagination,
Your sense of style.
Thank you for making me happy!
Thank you for consolation
when happiness has fled.
Thank you for colourful hope,
and the succession of beauty
that fills the garden.
Lord, may I be as good a witness
as one small crocus-
that in seeing me,
someone else may give thanks
for an act of kindness or grace.
May Jesus embrace me in love,
so Light may embrace another.
Amen!
18th March 2024, Richard Starling.
Buzzwords – Look, See, Pray
What’s the buzz?
Three kinds of insect noise that call for different responses:
1. Mosquito in the bedroom… high-pitched drone.
2. The sharp-sided buzz-saw of an angry wasp.
3. The gentle, contented buzzing of a bumble bee in the meadow.
Mosquitoes are so annoying… sleep disappears until either it feeds on you and leaves- or you get out of bed to hunt the perishing wee beastie. Bad news with itching to follow.
Wasps seem sociopathic. They dislike being disturbed or frustrated in their food patrol… and HATE arms or newspapers being waved at them. Bad news with ouchies to follow.
Bumble bees: you really have to provoke one of these or get one trapped in your hair or clothing to make them sting. Much prettier, too. Look at its big black eye and furry coat. Good news and honey for tea… (Actually you need honeybees for the honey but never mind that!)
The noise difference between wasps and bees reminds of the motor bikes of my youthful years. Wasps screech like a two-stroke hairdryer. Bees rumble pleasingly like my old Triumph Bonneville. Reassuringly solid, a heavyweight with plenty of punch when necessary.
When we first hear insects, our reaction is often a fear response “in case” it is a wasp or mozzie. We learn early on to tell the difference, and engage the best response.
Mosquitoes could represent social media– great at invading our personal space and causing irritation.
Wasps? More like the “popular” press. You know the ones: they stir up trouble by writing every story as a CRISIS or PANIC. They select a political grouping preferred by their (wealthy) owners and spew out half-truths and misleading stories. “Facts” and “Truth” are optional.
Bees, it seems to me, are the safe and sensible voices that bring the garden to life. Bees will harvest the sweetness in each flower, pollinate our crops, and remind us of the value of honest work. There are not so many of those bees around. So when we do find one, we should treasure it and learn wisdom.
Here are two safe, sensible buzzwords to think on today…
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
– James 3:17 (NIV)
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
– Proverbs 4:6-7
Sweet! Look, See, Pray
Watching a Comma butterfly feeding this summer was delightful. I grow verbena bonariensis mostly as a butterfly feeder: its long upright form raises the flowers above the surrounding plants, and it proves very attractive to the wildlife. Taking photos is also easier!
Verbena is generous with the nectar it makes, so the butterflies and bees linger over lunch.
Observing the creatures who visit my garden gives a huge amount of satisfaction. Those delicate wings, the efficiency of the feeding proboscis… Dictionary definition of proboscis: “an elongated sucking mouth-part that is typically tubular and flexible.” It’s the insect equivalent of the elephant trunk!
You may have heard meditation described as “chewing over the meaning of Scripture like a lion eating meat.” How about a gentler definition? – “Lingering long enough to absorb all the sweetness of the nectar.”
Psalm 119 v103 says something very similar about taking in the Word and ways of God: “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.”
Christmas has seen most of us enjoying a feast of sweet things. They are irresistible, one chocolate leads to another (and another).
This year, I want to deepen my appreciation of God’s Word. Sometimes preachers fall into the trap of mastering the Bible with our minds, and failing to savour it in our heart of hearts. My college principal warned us: “It is easy to look at a Bible passage and see three clear points about how it applies… TO EVERYBODY ELSE.”
How often do I read Scripture for enjoyment? As a means of blessing, as food for my soul, as a vehicle for transporting me to a place of deeper love of God?
To take in the sweetness of pure Love.
Psalm 119 is remarkable for its length and thoroughness in exploring and honouring the “Law of the Lord.” How wonderful that in what could be seen as (just) a lengthy repetitious psalm, this concept of SWEETNESS, of sweetness exceeding the taste of honey, emerges as a reminder that this psalm isn’t just about religious duty. It describes the beauty and joy of the Creator and Redeemer who is delighted when we choose to “linger over lunch” with Him.
Sounds a worthwhile challenge. Join me in seeking sweetest grace?
Look, See, Pray 