When fear and uncertainty loom large, Scripture can become more than familiar words on a page, it can become a place of encounter. As she prepared for a potentially risky medical mission trip to Nigeria, Onahi Idikwu found unexpected peace and reassurance in Psalm 91. In this reflective piece, she explores what it means to […]
A Pastoral Letter For When It Feels Difficult To Forgive Forgiveness is one of the greatest challenges we face in our relationships; especially when the hurt feels one-sided and unresolved. When trust has been fractured and emotions run high, the idea of reconciliation can feel almost impossible, yet avoiding forgiveness carries its own heavy cost. […]
It is unlikely that any of us remember our first steps as we learnt how to walk. No doubt it caused excitement for your parents until they realised that it would now be harder to keep track of you. As we develop this important life skill, there’s plenty of reverting to crawling or bottom shuffling […]
For many, but not all, a bucket and spade will mean one thing – memories of holidays at the seaside. Why is it that children, young and old, love the seaside? For children, their laughter makes their delight obvious as they splash in the sea, build sandcastles and eat ice-cream. For adults, perhaps it’s being away from routine or responsibilities, being free to play, to read and to indulge in leisure-pleasures. What do you look for in a holiday?
Jesus promised he would send The Holy Spirit to bless, comfort, guide, teach and empower his followers by pouring out abundant spiritual gifts upon us. Why has there been so much division among Christians around this blessing over the years? The problem surely cannot be that of the Holy Spirit so it must point to errors in our understanding, belief or experience. What has been your experience and expectations? Some think he is a force rather than the third person of the Trinity. Then there are ‘Cessasionists’ like John Calvin who believed that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing ceased with the Apostolic Age. By contrast, John Piper would be an example of a ‘Continuationist’ believing that those gifts and others are for the church today. Christians have fallen out with each other over these things, churches have divided and denominations have been formed. Does the Holy Spirit belong to a bygone era or is he present and active today? Does it matter?
We all carry them, even landscapes – scars. Sometimes they are exposed and we try to hide them. Sometimes they cannot be hidden. Sometimes they are hidden from plain view but they can be detected if you look carefully. Every scar has a cause from injury that was either intended or unintended and has made a lasting impact – only time will tell if it was for better or worse. Apart from the more obvious visual physical scars, there are often internal scars due to the behaviour of others, our own personal choices or from apparently random events. Although these may be unseen, they are nonetheless real and can be perceived in a person’s changed behaviour, confidence and even faith. Do you carry either visible or invisible scars? Have you caused scars in others? The walkers in this coastal path have mainly been oblivious to the scars that their feet have been making in the landscape as they have enjoyed the walk – is it possible that you have done the same?
When many hear the word ‘legacy’, their minds run to what they stand to gain. Where does it lead you? The person who built this stile might have hoped his or her legacy would have lasted somewhat better than this broken down remnant. By definition, a legacy is what we leave behind for those who follow. Mostly, the legacy is a bequest of physical possessions and assets to family members, friends or others who we may want to bless. Sometimes there may be legacy issues leading to a squabble over a Will. Perhaps a dispute may arise from an aggrieved person who feels left out or hard done by. However, the truth is that we all give legacies in life and in death to all those who are part of our lives. The abandoned footpath sign accompanying this broken stile is a poor legacy. Contrast that with the better legacy given by the person who taught you to read a map and use a compass. Now is a good time then to consider the legacy you give to others each day.
In April 2012, an estimated £1.3 billion was spent celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth ll. This is somewhat ironic as the word ‘jubilee’ is a biblical term associated with the cancelling of debts – a time of emancipation and restoration, supposed to be kept every fifty years. It can be applied to any big anniversary for a reigning monarch and is to be a time of jubilation. What is it that makes you jubilant? Is it the same thing that makes God jubilant? There are many indications that you will find this ‘Jubilee’ in the heart of God as will be explored in this Booster. To understand freedom you must first understand captivity and oppression. With the pandemic of 2020 came an oppression of people as rich and poor alike had to wear face masks, endure lockdowns and long for release. When a vaccine was discovered and lockdowns ended, people discarded their masks – a bizarre symbol of jubilee.
There are subtle nuances in meanings between some words – take kindness, mercy and compassion for example. If someone sends you some flowers, it could mean they love you, they are sending condolences or they are appreciating you. This thoughtful act may have traces of mercy and compassion but it is primarily a friendly, generous and considerate action of kindness. Think back to when you last received some flowers or indeed sent some – what was the impact other than the giving or receiving of happiness? It is said that ‘what goes round comes round’ – if this is true, then there is a ‘kindness circle’ in life which is loved and respected the world over. Was Nellie Bly right when she said: ‘It is only after one is in trouble that one realizes how little sympathy and kindness there are in the world’? Surely ‘the milk of human kindness is more prevalent?
Now humour is a funny thing! What is humorous to one person leaves another stone cold wondering what other people are laughing at. It is both very subjective and cultural but to be truly human is to have some humour. Perhaps it is the sixth sense unique to humans who can be amused in a way that sets them apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Whilst hyenas, monkeys and rats can sometimes be described as laughing there is no genuine evidence that it is due to humour – at best it seems to be merely physical behaviour. You may hear some people making the sound of laughter but that too can be mere physical behaviour! Take two apples, one carrot, a banana and a floppy hat – some will smile, others will give a blank stare or just see a fruit salad … best to keep that under your hat! But find the switch for any person and you might get anything from a chuckle to a gut-wrenching uncontrollable belly laugh.
