Thoughts From The Road

In many ways I have got out of the habit of watching much tv. I catch the odd programme but rarely watch a series. An exception was made this week for Big Chef takes on Little Chef. In this programme, legendary chef, Heston Blumenthal agreed to develop a new menu for the ailing roadside diner. Occasionally, on the trip to North Wales, Nigel and I will stop at the Little Chef in Builth Wells. It is a habit and not a good one at that. For year Little Chef has been synonymous with poor quality, over priced food. It is the sort of business that the Americans can do easily and that the UK has failed abysmally to imitate.

The food the Heston produces is often extremely complex using unique ingredients and processes so to watch him assist a company that had no pans and did all its cooking on a griddle and in a microwave was intriguing. The jury is still out on whether the experiment will work but it made fascinating tv. Due to its dire service and food, Little Chef has become bankrupt. Whilst it has been bought out by venture capitalists, the British public have still to be persuaded that the brand has any value. They have fallen so far behind what is expected of them.

My reading of Galatians continue and I am now on chapter 6. In the NIV version of the bible it is headed Doing Good to All. The opening of the chapter is very interesting. Paul, who at times can seem hard effectively continues his campaign against legalism into the area of sin. Old covenant often called for harsh punishment but the message of Jesus is "Let him without sin cast the first stone" (John 8:7). So he encourages them to restore sinners "gently" In many ways this was and is a controversial message. So often it is easy to be condemning when sin becomes evident. However, there is no doubt that affirming people in their sinful state is also not on option. In a church that believes in grace this is clearly important. Grace and self-control are essential partners. As people are convicted of their sin they need to be helped to walk into God's plans and purposes for their lives.

He also cautions those that seek to help them not to be dragged into their ways. So often as we work alongside someone we can believe that we are immune to their issues. This pride is a weakness that the devil can exploit. Additionally when dealing we deep issues there is the potential for co-dependency.

RD Laing in his classic text Self and Others quotes Rabbi Kabia "more than the calf wishes to suck, does the cow yearn to suckle" When we agree to help someone we need to examine our own motives by asking the question. 'Whose need is this meeting' Ultimately we are not God and should not try to replace Him!

Posted at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cardiff Blues, The Call and other stuff

26/01/2009

Friday night began when Ben and I went to watch the Cardiff Blues. Sat in the BMI stand, we enjoyed a great night at the the Blues trounced Italian team Calvisano 62-20. From there we then went over to the house of my mate Martyn Evans. This was for "The Call" an all night prayer meeting, organised by Band of Brothers for men to fight for marriages and families. It was an awesome night, where the Holy Spirit met we us as we studied the word of God, prayed for some key issues and had a great time together. It was interesting as we looked as men of the spirit how quickly we could become men of the flesh, if we did not take capture of our thoughts. As I looked around the room I was amazed to think that only God could gather such a diverse bunch of men, united in a common worthy cause. Key business was done, some of it we will be aware of in weeks and months to come, some of it we will never be aware this side of heaven. I returned home for a a few hours kip before heading off for Street Pastors Training.

We were looking at the subject of Apologetics. It was lead by my mate Nigel James and we looked at what the Christian message was, how would we share it and easy answers to difficult questions. The primary purpose of Street Pastors is not to preach at people but to show the love of Jesus by "loving our neighbours as ourselves" It was a good session with a great bunch of people.

I went home and cooked my wife haggis, tatties and neeps for a traditional burns night supper (even though it was the day before burns night). As she came in from work and enquired what we were

having. On my repsonse Lesley said that was I sure it did not contain offal as she could not eat that. I surreptitiously checked the packet to see the meat ingredients consisted of pork lungs, pork heart and pork liver! I decided not to share this key information until after she had enjoyed the feast. Suffice to say, she is unlikely to eat this traditional scottish delicacy anytime soon. Sunday was sandwiched by excellent church services at www.citytemple.info with a tasty sunday lunch and some further painting of the lounge.

Today, my main tasks are going to be preparing for the www.igniteme.org trustees meeting tomorrow and preparing a bible study for one of the band of brothers break out groups that meets in a local pub.

I am delighted that it is on Galatians 5, a chapter that I studied in depth, last week. To sum up its key message I would say it is:

- The Freedom we gain through the Life death and resurrection of Jesus

- We are called to live under the control of the Holy spirit not by the flesh or the law

- There is a battle going on for the direction of our lives.

One of the things I love about opening up the word with a bunch of guys is that God will reveal new insight and truth to us as we encounter Him through the bible

Posted at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

UK economy in Recession and more from Galatians 5

23/01/2009

It is likely today the the British government will announce that the economy is in recession. There will be a feeding frenzy by the press. News headlines will be dominated by it. People will be concerned. It will disproportionately affect the stock and currency markets. What people are less likely to hear is that whilst the report will be public today, it will also say that we have been in recession for the last 6 months. In other words, we have been living in this for half a year but reporting and spin will most likely cost jobs, affect pensions and generally depress the population. In reality the economic situation today will be no different than it was yesterday but because of the way we deal with news today the economy will model our perception.

Times of economic hardship are a wonderful opportunity for the church.

There is a funny bit in the BBC series "I'm Alan Partridge" where as things seem to be spiraling out of control for him (again!) his PA Lynn tries to offer some comfort.

I loved his response: "Lynn I'm not coming to your baptist church! They always get people when they're down." I am not just talking about the church been the last refuge of the desperate, although they must receive a welcome. Rather I mean that been invested into God's economy should mean that there is no drop off in generosity and charity. Indeed there are many that believe this economic unsettling is a brilliant opportunity to explore a biblical system of sowing and reaping of trusting totally in God for all our needs. This is a great opportunity for mission. It is interesting to note that although the apostles are told that on receiving the Holy Spirit they would

"be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8) they stayed in Jerusalem until life got tough.

"That day a severe persecution began against the church and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria" (Acts 8:1) In other words it took a crisis to focus the church. So it could well be that this so called crisis in=s an opportunity for the church to reach out to people who are seeing that all the things they have built their life upon such as property, wealth, shares and job security are sinking sand and that the only solid rock is Jesus Christ.

Returning, as I have been doing daily, to Galatians 5. Paul has kindly pointed out some of the outworking of our sinful nature ie

"idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like"

He then moves onto the fruit of the spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

When we focus our relationship on God. When we love Him, take joy in Him, are at peace with Him etc. then the natural outworking is that we will display this to other people. Sometimes I think we assume it's the other way around! Also it should be noted that this fruit is not the based on feelings but is based on truth and faith. For instance the joy in and of the Lord is not some random giddy happiness rather it is the joyful security of knowing you are a child of God and that you have a heavenly father that loves you. All that to say it wouldn't do some Christians any harm to tell their faces that there is joy in their heart!

Paul is aware of the battle that is going on for the human soul. He reminds of the promise that our sinful nature were crucified with Christ on the cross. However, we have a habit of giving the enemy ground. We should remember that our natural state is one of light and we let the darkness in, not the other way around! Indeed one of the definitions of darkness is the absence of light. It is like darkness does not exist unless the light is removed. How true!

Finally, the Spirit of God is moving. Experiencing the Holy Spirit is not a one off event. Rather an ongoing process. He ushers us further into the presence of God. Our challenge is to keep up with His pace.

Tonight we meet to pray for marriages and family. There seems to be under great attack at this time. Today is time to draw a line in the sand!

Posted at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Guy Penrod Leaves The Gaither Vocal Band and other stuff

22/01/2009

After more than 14 years, ace vocalist, Guy Penrod is to leave the Gaither Vocal Band to begin a solo career.

"My years with the Gaither Vocal Band have been among the most glorious of my life. Now, though, with the Band continuing in strength and me tackling the new challenge of a solo career, we can all serve our God even more powerfully in the days to come."

Marshall Hall is also taking this opportunity to step out. Their replacement are not two but three new vocalists all when known to fans of GVB. They are Mark Lowry, Michael English and David Phelps.

I have been fortunate enough to work with the Gaithers on 2 separate occasions. Firstly as the local production and logistics coordinator on the Gaither London Home Coming and last year onheir dates in Belfast and Glasgow. Penrod was a pleasure to work with on both occasions and showed a genuine interest in the work of Ignite. His vocals were sublime and I think he will be missed.

This morning I have continued my study of Galatians 5. From verse 16 Paul continues urges his readers to live by the Spirit. He completely debunks the heresy that it is possible to live full of the Holy Spirit and willfully engage in sinful and carnal acts as these are contrary to the Holy Spirit. The temptations of the devil are tackled in the passage. The hallmark are that they encourage us to do what we do not want to do. In many ways this is best summed up in Romans 7:15-20

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

I often imagine what the hours the church in Rome took to diagram and flow-chart this amazing brain teaser which can be summed up as; I know what I want to do but often am led astray to do the opposite!

One wonders whether he selected to "obvious" acts of a sinful nature because they were active within the body of the Galatian church. The presence of the Holy Spirit restrains us in a way that the law cannot. Whilst it is true that the temptation will still come against us, rather than a set of rules we have the power that raised Jesus from the dead within us to help withstand the onslaught.

Freedom is not categorised by lawlessness. Those who Jesus sets free are free indeed but they still need show restrain.

Proverbs 29:18a tells us "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint"

So why is it that those who have been saved by grace and have been baptised in the Spirit still entertain some of the obvious sins listed in Galatians 5: 19-21. (If not in deed then maybe by thought!). Surely it is because the battle for the mind, body and ultimately the soul continues. The devil never gives up, he continues to develop new strategies to shake or remove our faith. We should be mindful of and consider what are the evident fruits of our lives.

I love this book!

Posted at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (130)

TD Jakes Preaches at Obama's Private Prayer Service...and other stuff

21/01/2009

Bishop TD Jakes gave the address at the private prayer service that traditionally takes place at the National Cathedral. According to AP the summary of his sermon were as follows:

Jakes read from Daniel, 3:19 and used the scripture to offer [Obama] a series of four lessons for his administration.

1 – “In time of crisis, good men must stand up. God always sends the best men into the worst times.”

2 – “You cannot change what you will not confront. This is a moment of confrontation in this country. There’s no way around it…This is not a time for politeness or correctness, this is a time for people to confront issues and bring about change.”

3 – “You cannot enjoy the light without enduring the heat. The reality is the more brilliant, the more glorious, the more essential the light, the more intense the heat. We cannot separate one from the other.”

4 – “Extraordinary times require extraordinary methods. This is a historical moment for us and our nation and our country, and though we enjoy it and are inspired by it and motivated by it.”

After his four lessons, Jakes turned from the crowd and looked directly at Obama.

“The problems are mighty and the solutions are not simple,” Jakes said, “and everywhere you turn there will be a critic waiting to attack every decision that you make. But you are all fired up, Sir, and you are ready to go. And this nation goes with you. God goes with you.

I particularly like the quote, "You cannot enjoy the light without enduring the heat" There is surely truth in that! The reality for the new president is that hope and expectation are high. They were high before his inauguration but following, what I thought was a brilliant speech, they are now even higher. Higher than any one man can possibly deliver. I trust that the American people and the citizens of the world will recognise the limitation of one man.

My continuing studies are on Galatians 5: 7-15. A church struggling with false teaching. This teaching based on legalism was pulling them away from the freedom Christ that had been won for them through his death on the cross. Paul uses the imagery of the race in verse 7.

The picture is of a church not only running well, but one winning. There nothing in front to stop them seeing the finish line. However, someone "cut in on them" causing them to slow down, to stumble and lose direction. He is clear that this obstruction or as he calls it "persuasion" does not come from God, therefore it must be from the devil. That master of deceit. His agents in this instance appear to be people causing trouble within the church by spreading false teaching. As with yeast it only takes a little to affect the batch. I like the encouragement that he gives them that he is sure they will not be duped. This is a lesson to all of us. When we see problems to encourage those involved that we are confident in their ability to prevail through leaning on the word of God (not their own understanding). It is also interesting that Paul who often does not "mince his words" seems to be gentle with them, encouraging them to the truth. Leading his wrath for those who are teaching the false doctrine not those who are being taught. Indeed his image of castration (v12) is graphic indeed.

The phrase "The offence" of the cross is where the Ignite got the title of its evangelism training course. The book written by Dai Hankey is available at our website!

The freedom Paul discusses resides within the overarching concept of free-will. True freedom will is enacted not just in our being but also in our action "to love our neighbour as ourselves". Without this freedom we are likely to destroy each other.

The word of God is so revealing and enlightening. Time spent reading the bible is never wasted. The reward is always greater than the investment.

I am now about half way through "The Shack" At the moment I am struggling to know what all the fuss is about. For me it is neither enlightening nor gripping. I confess the be slightly bored and a little irritated by the characters which is a shame because the represent to trinity! Perhaps others might be able to tell me why they loved it so much?

Posted at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Obama Inauguration

20/01/2009

Tuesday, January 20th is an historic day. Today the USA inaugurates its first black president. This is an amazing turn of events. In a country where black people have memories and even experience of oppression and segregation. Where slavery was not only allowed but even today by some celebrated. Where arguably the greatest leader of the civil rights movement, Dr Martin Luther King Jr was not only prophetic but also assassinated in this country, democracy remarkably elects an black leader.

I am looking forward to the inauguration and am excited to hear the prayer of Pastor Rick Warren, author of "The purpose driven life". Strangely his selection for this job in controversial because he has orthodox Christian evangelical views. The controversy even stretches to other members of the US clergy. As a fellow Christian, my prayers, admiration and sympathy are with him!

Today during my quiet time I have been looking at Freedom in Christ the apostle Paul writes about to the the Galatian church (Galatians 5) It seems that at that time there where "spies" within the church suggested a return to the legalism of the old covenant. Paul encourages them by saying:

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery"

His point is clear that we can not be justified by the law but only by his grace. Indeed the more we chase after legalism, the more we move away from Christ. I love the thing that the only thing that he says that the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Whilst we know we cannot be justified by our works there is still a requirement that the outpouring of his love for us that we have faith should result in us outpouring love for others.

The freedom from legalism is indeed a freedom from slavery but it is what we are freed into that is so much more exciting.

Let's pray for President Obama that he experiences not just the awesome honour and responsibility of the office but also the freedom of Christ

Posted at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Protecting Marriage

19/01/2009

In recent months I have heard some tragic stories of marriages imploding under the impact of extra marital affairs. The reality is that the devil has marriage in his sights. This does not excuse the weakness of the flesh which in many respects is the biggest threat to this institution. Most people are aware of their weaknesses and these need to protected. I also think that we also should not be complacent about areas we consider our strengths as inadvertently these can through pride become our weakness.

I do not write as purely a theorist but as a guy who know what it is like to lose a marriage. I am part of a bunch of guys called Band of Brothers and we have decided to take a stand in favour of marriage. Join us:

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” – James 5v16

In recent months it is clear that marriage relationships are under attack, the economy is bankrupted in many areas and the future is uncertain

To carry on and pretend these things aren’t happening, without seeking God’s wisdom, protection and insight, I believe, is not an option.

Why are marriages being affected at such an alarming rate in the church and in the kingdom?

Paul said “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy…” Ephs 6v25

As you are aware, nobody is immune to relational attack, this call is to men, those who are married and single, “we are members of his body” and I believe a call exists to every man, to come and kneel before the Father, in humility and repentance, to seek his face and to hear his voice, for yourself, for the church (His bride) and for His kingdom.

Psalm 133 speaks of brotherly unity sanctifying God’s people & 1 Corinthians 7 speaks of the believing husband sanctifying his unbelieving wife and children.

As a man of God – (no matter what you see in the mirror) – you are made righteous by Him, your prayers are powerful and effective.

We do want any hindrance or obstacle affecting our marriages & relationships in family, church or kingdom life any longer, but we need to take a stand against it.

This is an urgent call, “Are there fifty righteous men in this city?” (see Gen 18)

When Men deliberately resolve to enquire of the Lord, he takes up their battles and commands his blessing.

(see 2 Chron 20.)

I believe during the night, a distinct message, will come forth, to encourage, challenge and shape us.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov 27v17

We’ll give time for the Lord to lead and guide us through the night. These deliberate acts, tend to be very powerful times, braced with great relationship and awesome moments.

I gently urge you to weigh this call in your heart and your spirit, to apply it to your own situation and what you see. If you feel the nudge of the spirit during the week, you’re very welcome to join us.

Details – Venue – Parkside, Bonvilston, CF5 6TQ (on the main A48)

Time – 22.00hrs- 06.00hrs – End with Breakfast

We’ll gather for a light supper first, bring a pizza to cook and a soft drink

(we’ll abstain from alcohol for the evening).

rsvp:- [email protected] or call Mark Lyndon-Jones 07886 720032

Posted at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

West Side Story

08/01/2009

Last Night Lesley and I want to see the 50th Anniversary production of West Side Story. Performed at the Wales Millennium Centre, it was a spectacular performance. It is difficult to imagine the way it must have revolusionised the American musical. Today is seems as fresh as ever. I was so impressed with the score and orchestration by Leonard Bernstein. The songs are great but it the arrangements that take them to another level.

To be honest at the outset I was mildly entertained but by the time they began to perform "America" I was hooked! To think this was the first musical to contain the lyrics of Steven Sondheim.....whatever happened to him.

Although the show is sold out, if you get a chance to see it in another city make sure you do. On a separate but related note. The Millennium Centre is a great venue, definitely worth a visit.

Posted at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Leisure V Laziness

07/01/2009

Firstly, Happy New Year. This is my first blog of 2009.

Having just had a relatively long Christmas/New Year break I have been reflecting on when leisure time becomes sloth and laziness. The reason for the blog is that I am still not sure where the line is drawn.

Technology means that work in now never far away from relaxation. I have a cellphone, most people have my number and it is switched on 24/7. Additionally, as it is an iphone I can now receive email just about all the time. Also with its web browser I can also surf the web whenever i want. The reality of this is that office hours are not that important. I can work whenever and wherever I want. The problem with this is that sometimes you can get in a cycle where you are constantly working with very little relaxation. We know that God ordained rest at the beginning of time and therefore if we are to be obedient to HIm we need to find time to relax.

In 2008 I got married. I also decided that I was going to watch less tv. This has been significant. I do not sit in front of the television and flick around to see if there is anything on. In other words I make appointments to watch tv. So if there is a programme I like such as Dragon's Den, the Apprentice or Kitchen Nighmares I try to remember to watch it. I have started to use BBC i player to catch up on some missed programmes.

The reality is that I watch much less tv but occasionally I will be watching when I maybe would be better off sleeping!

With social networking such as facebook, msn, twitter etc. there is the possibility of the blurring of work and leisure and I think this is where the lines become more fuzzy. Should you only respond to "real" friends, what about work colleagues and clients. Where does work end/leisure begin and visa versa? However, I think for me this tension is healthier when it comes from a place of trying to justify work as leisure rather the other way around! This maybe just my protestant work ethic but I am conscious that I do not want to become lazy.

However, I have found something that is very relaxing and it is a tv programme. Lesley has got me into watch Seinfeld.

It took me a while to get into it but now I love it. The writing is amazing and the characters becoming richer and more endearing as every episode passes. I realise that to people reading this in the USA, all this will be obvious but many in the UK missed out. I would urge them to catch up now, you will not be disappointed.