What kind of line is that when you say you don't understand a single word?
I tell you all these things, you turn around and make as if you've never heard.
What kind of line is that you're giving me?
One rule for you - one rule for me!
Too many people try to tell me that I shouldn't say the things I do.
I know that you would only do the same if they meant as much to you.
What kind of line is that you're giving me?
One rule for you - one rule for me!
They say "Believe in what you like as long as you can keep it to yourself."
I say "If what I know is right, it's wrong if I don't tell somebody else!"
What kind of line is that you're giving me?
One rule for you - one rule for me!
From the album 'Der Kommissar' by After The Fire
20 March 2009
18 February 2009
Roots
I have had a plant growing in my garden in the wrong place. Some would call it a weed!
Anyway, it was more of an annoyance than a problem, until I noticed it this weekend! You see, when I first noticed it, it was only 30cm tall and hidden by a taller shrub, but now, six months later it is almost two metres tall!
I had always planned to pull it out and disgard it, but it was never a priority. Now the problem is much bigger!
What would have taken relative ease, is now going to cause me a lot of effort! You see, the roots have been allowed to grow deep and spread, because this weed is now a small sycamore tree!
And you know, the same can happen in our lives! What may be a small problem, a 'white' lie, a bad habit or behaviour, if not tackled early, can be a bigger problem to put right.
I have let a little niggle with someone at church develop into an issue that is hurting more people because I had other problems to deal with and hoped this one would sort itself out!
Guess what? I now have to root it out and it is going to be painful!
Acorns into oak trees grow. If you don't want an oak tree, root it out whilst it is small!
Sent from my Windows Mobile device.
Anyway, it was more of an annoyance than a problem, until I noticed it this weekend! You see, when I first noticed it, it was only 30cm tall and hidden by a taller shrub, but now, six months later it is almost two metres tall!
I had always planned to pull it out and disgard it, but it was never a priority. Now the problem is much bigger!
What would have taken relative ease, is now going to cause me a lot of effort! You see, the roots have been allowed to grow deep and spread, because this weed is now a small sycamore tree!
And you know, the same can happen in our lives! What may be a small problem, a 'white' lie, a bad habit or behaviour, if not tackled early, can be a bigger problem to put right.
I have let a little niggle with someone at church develop into an issue that is hurting more people because I had other problems to deal with and hoped this one would sort itself out!
Guess what? I now have to root it out and it is going to be painful!
Acorns into oak trees grow. If you don't want an oak tree, root it out whilst it is small!
Sent from my Windows Mobile device.
17 February 2009
God &Technology!
I am so glad that we don't need technology to talk to God! Have you ever thought what Heaven's Help Desk would be like when you needed to report a problem getting access to God?
"Thank you for calling God's Help Desk. Your call is important to us so be sure to listen to all the options so that we may route your call effectively.
If you are Catholic, please press one.
If you are Anglican, please press two.
If you are Methodist, please press three.
If you are Baptist, please press four.
If you are Pentecostal, please lower your hands to press five.
For all other denominations, please redial 1-500-GODS-LOVE"
Of course, I select '4'
"If you are having difficulty in praying, please press one.
If you have already prayed and are waiting for an answer, please press two.
If you have received an answer to prayer, but believe you received the wrong one, please press three.
If you haved received an answer to prayer that you don't like, please read the bible further before contacting our Complaints Department.
I press '3'
If you were specific with your item of prayer, please press one.
If you were vague about your item, please read 1 John 5:14&15 before praying again
If you didn't have an item for prayer, please hold while we transfer you to one of our worship assistants.
For all other prayer enquiries, please hold while we connect you to a prayer assistant."
Can you see the problem? How many times have we just wanted to speak to someone on the end of the phone?
The good news is that we can speak to God directly! Anytime, any place, anywhere ... to coin the phrase of an old Martini advert!
Because of what Christ did for us on the cross, we can bodly approach the throne of God with our prayers knowing that our loving heavenly Father is waiting to hear from us. He wants to hear about our joys and our sorrows, our worries and our fears, to guide us in our decisions, and to make whole those who we pray for.
You have a direct line to God, no operator, no call centres ... just Him. Give Him a call!
Sent from my Windows Mobile device.
19 November 2008
Sad times
I started this blog in the hope that I'd be able to share something of my self through out the year! Looking at the lack of postings, it would seem that nothing has happened. How far from the truth is that?
It has been a very busy year with lots of different things happening, and suffice it to say, I have not had the inclination to update this blog. I have to say that there have been some highs along with the lows of the last five months since my last post. So with them behind me, and hopefully a little more focus on my part, you should see mroe regular postings in the future.
So what has happened since May?
Well to put it briefly, too much!
Most of the time, I am conscious that it is by faith that I accomplish many things. I know that I could not have achieved all I have achieved if it wasn't for my faith in Jesus Christ. It would seem that he has given me extra strength and time to do what He has wanted me to do. It is only when you stop and take a breath and look back that you just see how much!
Recently, I have had time to stop and reflect, and this was brought on by my brothers sudden death on 6th November. David was always very active, a 'slim Jim' compared to me, and he was very rarely ill. When I received a phone call in the early hours of the 6th to say that David had been rushed to hospital, I never thought that it would be something life-threatening! In fact, in all essence, he died at home peacefully in his sleep, and although the paramedics managed to to re-start his heart, he never regained consciousness.
Nothing can prepare you for this type of shock. With expectations of meeting sometime over Christmas, and at some future family events, there is a lot that is left unsaid thinking that you would have the time and opportunity to say them.
Since the shock of that morning, I have had time to ponder on many things as I have had compassionate leave from work, and handed over all my church duties to my co-pastor, Ian. Although the time has been used in arrangements and legal affairs, God has still used the opportunity to speak me through the pauses between tasks.
Today, we said goodbye to Dave with a service of Thanksgiving for his life at Haselor Parish Church. It was good to see family and so many friends whose lives David has touched over the years. Our thoughts and prayers continue for his son, Adrian, his fiancé Pat, and for mum and the rest of the family as we continue to come to terms with this loss.
I know that it was my faith that sustained me through the services today and the thoughts and prayers of family and friends have carried us all through it.
I really feel for those without faith, without hope! I cannot even begin to imagine that despair they must go through! I only know that if it wasn't for my faith in the risen Christ Jesus, and the promise of eternal life I have through Him, I would probable feel the same!
Finally, to Dave! A great brother who always loved life and fun, I will miss you!
David Brookes 1951-2008
29 May 2008
What a dilemma!
I used to be quite fundamental in my beliefs - everything was either black or white! But sometimes that isn't always the case. We can be in danger of limiting God's grace by taking a stance either way without considering the context on which we base our stance!
Let me give you an example. I believe that life is precious and that we have no right to take a life! However, there are exceptions to this rule as found in God's word. Self-defence, I believe, is one, and soldiers fighting in a just war is another. There are many instances in the bible where God called His people to fight and granted them victory. Peace is always the priority, but when faced with oppressors, dictators and evil military junta, sometimes there is no other option to save the oppressed. To coin a phrase in a recent movie, soldiers are needed for when politicians fail!
In recent days our Parliament has debated hybrid embryo research and lowering the limit on abortion. That throws up all sorts of discussions on whether we should be doing such things . I have to say that I would have preferred a lowering of the abortion limit, not just because of the viability argument, but because I believe that the embryo becomes a person when it settles in the womb. It is at that point it becomes a viable pregnancy. I know that many people will disagree with my view, but it is my view.
There are circumstances where a late abortion is the right option: my wife had to have a termination during her second pregnancy due to an infection and bleeding that threatened both her and the baby's life. The options were, carry on and lose both, or terminate the pregnancy and save my wife! So to take a clear-cut stance that ALL abortion is wrong is, in itself, wrong!
My father suffered from Parkinson's disease, and I too struggled with the dilemma that it is likely that an effective treatment could be found using stem cells. However, is stem cell research in contradiction to God's word? We could debate other sensitive subjects such as IVF, adoption by same-sex partners, etc., but unless it affects you personally, I would err on the side of caution before jumping into the debate.
The reason for mentioning these issues is because it is easy to take a stance either way until it affects you personally. Where God's word does not specifically rule on a particular thing we need to look at the 'spirit' of His word on the broader subject. This is where Christians can disagree in the interpretation of how the 'broader ruling' should be applied. I would ask that you consider it carefully and prayerfully remembering God's grace and love before making your judgment!
Let me give you an example. I believe that life is precious and that we have no right to take a life! However, there are exceptions to this rule as found in God's word. Self-defence, I believe, is one, and soldiers fighting in a just war is another. There are many instances in the bible where God called His people to fight and granted them victory. Peace is always the priority, but when faced with oppressors, dictators and evil military junta, sometimes there is no other option to save the oppressed. To coin a phrase in a recent movie, soldiers are needed for when politicians fail!
In recent days our Parliament has debated hybrid embryo research and lowering the limit on abortion. That throws up all sorts of discussions on whether we should be doing such things . I have to say that I would have preferred a lowering of the abortion limit, not just because of the viability argument, but because I believe that the embryo becomes a person when it settles in the womb. It is at that point it becomes a viable pregnancy. I know that many people will disagree with my view, but it is my view.
There are circumstances where a late abortion is the right option: my wife had to have a termination during her second pregnancy due to an infection and bleeding that threatened both her and the baby's life. The options were, carry on and lose both, or terminate the pregnancy and save my wife! So to take a clear-cut stance that ALL abortion is wrong is, in itself, wrong!
My father suffered from Parkinson's disease, and I too struggled with the dilemma that it is likely that an effective treatment could be found using stem cells. However, is stem cell research in contradiction to God's word? We could debate other sensitive subjects such as IVF, adoption by same-sex partners, etc., but unless it affects you personally, I would err on the side of caution before jumping into the debate.
The reason for mentioning these issues is because it is easy to take a stance either way until it affects you personally. Where God's word does not specifically rule on a particular thing we need to look at the 'spirit' of His word on the broader subject. This is where Christians can disagree in the interpretation of how the 'broader ruling' should be applied. I would ask that you consider it carefully and prayerfully remembering God's grace and love before making your judgment!
24 May 2008
Fast or slow!
If you want something bad enough, you will do almost anything to get it! Think of something you were desperate to have and consider what you were prepared to do to get it. Did it work?
Sometimes, God likes us to demonstrate how important certain prayers are to us by seeing what we are prepared to do. Fasting demonstrates to God that we mean business about our prayer subject/request, but not only that, but by going without food for a period of time (and I am not talking about skipping a meal!) allows us to control our natural cravings and bring the body under the control of the spirit! Easier said than done!!
When I recently fasted I found that just about the whole day was taken up with food! Everywhere I went, the smell of delicious food was there! If I read a magazine, or watched some tv, there were adverts of gorgeous food to remind me what my body was craving for!
Another benefit is that the time you normally spend in the preparation and eating food is spare time to spend reading God's word and praying to Him. And so the whole fasting experience draws you closer to God. It is not a guarantee that God will answer your prayers the way you want, but you certainly become more aware of God and what He wants you to do! It is not a miracle cure for losing weight either, and if not done properly, can even damage your health.
A few common sense guidelines before fasting:-
1) What is my motive to fast? If it is not primarily to draw closer to God, then you probably am not going to get much out of it.
2) How long should I fast? This is one of those personal questions which vary from situation to situation. If you have never fasted before, I would suggest a 12-hour or 24-hour fast. Once you have managed that a few times, try a 2 or 3-day fast. You will find it an amazing experience!
3) Whatever the outcome, praise God for His drawing near to you.
It may seem that God doesn't answer you in the way you expected, but remember, God will never let you down, because He loves you.
God bless
Pete.
Sometimes, God likes us to demonstrate how important certain prayers are to us by seeing what we are prepared to do. Fasting demonstrates to God that we mean business about our prayer subject/request, but not only that, but by going without food for a period of time (and I am not talking about skipping a meal!) allows us to control our natural cravings and bring the body under the control of the spirit! Easier said than done!!
When I recently fasted I found that just about the whole day was taken up with food! Everywhere I went, the smell of delicious food was there! If I read a magazine, or watched some tv, there were adverts of gorgeous food to remind me what my body was craving for!
Another benefit is that the time you normally spend in the preparation and eating food is spare time to spend reading God's word and praying to Him. And so the whole fasting experience draws you closer to God. It is not a guarantee that God will answer your prayers the way you want, but you certainly become more aware of God and what He wants you to do! It is not a miracle cure for losing weight either, and if not done properly, can even damage your health.
A few common sense guidelines before fasting:-
1) What is my motive to fast? If it is not primarily to draw closer to God, then you probably am not going to get much out of it.
2) How long should I fast? This is one of those personal questions which vary from situation to situation. If you have never fasted before, I would suggest a 12-hour or 24-hour fast. Once you have managed that a few times, try a 2 or 3-day fast. You will find it an amazing experience!
3) Whatever the outcome, praise God for His drawing near to you.
It may seem that God doesn't answer you in the way you expected, but remember, God will never let you down, because He loves you.
God bless
Pete.
23 April 2008
I know how Jonah felt!
I have felt called by God to a couple of weekend retreats from the beginning of this year. It was a clear call to a time of prayer and fasting. But each time I have arranged it, I have had to cancel at the last minute due to emergencies.
"Well", I thought, "It can't be helped!"
A few weeks ago, I was laid up with man flu! The worst man flu I have ever had! It started with a few high temperatures and a chesty cough, and then 'bang', I ended up in bed for two days with fever! All I could do was drink fluids! I couldn't sleep much at night, and not much better in the day time.
On the fifth night, God clearly spoke to me! Now this wasn't in an audible voice, but clear instruction in mind to get up (at 2:30am!) and go to the lounge with my bible and a writing pad. What happended over the next 3 hours was extraodinary as the Lord revealed many things in my life I needed to put right, and that started by a few hours of sobbing as He revealed to me just how I had done things wrong. I felt wretched, I said sorry to God and vowed to Him that I would changed my ways.
He went on to show me what I needed to teach in the church, and how I needed to lead the men to be 'men'. If you have read "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge you will know what I mean.
I wrote out word for word what he laid on my heart, knowing that I would have to stand up in front of the church the following Sunday and read it out! I put everything down about 5:30am and went off to sleep.
The following Sunday was going to be tough, as each time I read through my notes in preparation, I broke down in tears. Now those that know me will tell you I am a big chap and not one to show emotion, as I am a confident leader and do not let things get to me. Well, I knew this was something else. This was the Holy Spirit breaking down some strongholds in my life, and teaching me that if I followed God's way of doing things, I would achieve so much more!
The following Sunday arrived, and I shared what God had given to me and asked the men of the church to stand with me as we take a stand as husbands/fathers/heads of our households. And yes, I did ball like a baby!
God has clearly shown me that when He calls me to do something, I have to do it! Putting off these retreats was just delaying what God wanted to say to me. And like Jonah who didn't want to go to Nineveh, God made sure that I was put in the place where I would meet with Him. Even if it was through illness. My enforced time out and fasting made way for God to move upon me with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Since that happened, a few weeks ago, He has shown me time and again that His ways are so much easier if we go in His strength. Too many times we create our own agenda and do "God's work" in our strength and direction.
I am looking forward to following His lead more closely, because it is far more exciting and productive than my way!
Learn from my mistake, and take time out to listen to God. Fasting focuses the mind on God and allows Him to speak more clearly, so try it out! You won't be disappointed!!
Pastor Pete
"Well", I thought, "It can't be helped!"
A few weeks ago, I was laid up with man flu! The worst man flu I have ever had! It started with a few high temperatures and a chesty cough, and then 'bang', I ended up in bed for two days with fever! All I could do was drink fluids! I couldn't sleep much at night, and not much better in the day time.
On the fifth night, God clearly spoke to me! Now this wasn't in an audible voice, but clear instruction in mind to get up (at 2:30am!) and go to the lounge with my bible and a writing pad. What happended over the next 3 hours was extraodinary as the Lord revealed many things in my life I needed to put right, and that started by a few hours of sobbing as He revealed to me just how I had done things wrong. I felt wretched, I said sorry to God and vowed to Him that I would changed my ways.
He went on to show me what I needed to teach in the church, and how I needed to lead the men to be 'men'. If you have read "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge you will know what I mean.
I wrote out word for word what he laid on my heart, knowing that I would have to stand up in front of the church the following Sunday and read it out! I put everything down about 5:30am and went off to sleep.
The following Sunday was going to be tough, as each time I read through my notes in preparation, I broke down in tears. Now those that know me will tell you I am a big chap and not one to show emotion, as I am a confident leader and do not let things get to me. Well, I knew this was something else. This was the Holy Spirit breaking down some strongholds in my life, and teaching me that if I followed God's way of doing things, I would achieve so much more!
The following Sunday arrived, and I shared what God had given to me and asked the men of the church to stand with me as we take a stand as husbands/fathers/heads of our households. And yes, I did ball like a baby!
God has clearly shown me that when He calls me to do something, I have to do it! Putting off these retreats was just delaying what God wanted to say to me. And like Jonah who didn't want to go to Nineveh, God made sure that I was put in the place where I would meet with Him. Even if it was through illness. My enforced time out and fasting made way for God to move upon me with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Since that happened, a few weeks ago, He has shown me time and again that His ways are so much easier if we go in His strength. Too many times we create our own agenda and do "God's work" in our strength and direction.
I am looking forward to following His lead more closely, because it is far more exciting and productive than my way!
Learn from my mistake, and take time out to listen to God. Fasting focuses the mind on God and allows Him to speak more clearly, so try it out! You won't be disappointed!!
Pastor Pete
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