Learning to pray (again)!

I have mentioned before how, in the busyness of ministry you can sometimes fill your prayer times with so much church stuff; peoples needs, church needs, for vision and strength, that you forget to have that simple conversation with Abba, Father, or Dad in today's speak ... the conversation that shares your day, spending time together talking about your dreams, aspirations, your highs and lows. These are some of things a son or daughter would share with a parent, and God wants us to share the same things with Him.

Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane to Abba (Aramaic for Father) the night of His arrest. He knew that the hour was approaching where He would be facing death and so in anguish He prayed to His Dad about how He was feeling, about His disciples He was leaving behind and how He would do what His Father in heaven called Him to do.

The apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Rome and Galatia to tell them that through the Holy Spirit they too would be encouraged to have that closeness in conversation with the heavenly Father, Dad too! Now, I don't know about you, but my conversations with my earthly dad were never formal, structured nor used big words. I would speak to him in plain English and felt at ease sharing things with him, unless I had done something wrong!

I bring this up because I am on a journey through this sabbatical and God, (or should I say Dad!) is leading me in His usual mysterious ways toward a book written by Mark Stibbe called A Kingdom of Priests: Deeper into God in Prayer. In the introduction to the book, I had an immediate connection as Mark related his own struggle with prayer when using the acronym ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication) as a guide through his prayer times. I have used this model for many years, but recently have found it restrictive and lacking in depth and variety.

Mark reveals some amazing reflections upon the design of the Temple and the daily duties of the priest and how that maps out a journey through the 'gates of thanksgiving' through the 'courts with praise', past the altar of sacrifice, the laver and finally into the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies! That journey, repeated many times a day, would bring the priest into the presence of the God Most High! Studying the stages of those acts of worship allows us to build a framework for our prayers that provide sufficient flexibility for the circumstances of each day whilst we come prepared and humbled before God in the Holy of Holies!

I think I get it now. What happens along the journey tends to prepare you for the destination. It does in this case.

Anyway, Mark does explains it much better than me, so get a copy of his book if, like me, you need to revitalise your prayer time!


Dad, can I have a word?

Reflections - part 2

As the title of the last post shows, I have been "reflecting" on things recently. It seems that one of the Boss's objectives for my sabbatical is to review how I came to be where I am now. He has led me to review my Christian walk from my first commitment to Him to the present time and to critically reflect upon my journey. It sounds like the title of an assignment from the Baptist College!

I have to say that this exercise has been amazing as I have remembered all the people that have had a part in the development of my life and ministry. It has even spurred me on to make contact with some of them after all these years! In true assignment style I am writing down all the lessons I have learned from my original encounter with God to this sabbatical year. Who knows -  I might even publish a book from it!! Don't worry, I will be discreet!

Looking back through the years, it is amazing to see God's hand in my life and the way He has guided me, especially when I have got myself in a bit of pickle! I don't know how I could have got through some of the crises without Him.

Reflections of Yourself in me.

Ever since the early nineteen eighties, I have enjoyed the lyrics and songs of Gary Chapman who used to be married to Amy Grant, another great singer/songwriter. One of his songs that has stuck with me and been brought to the fore recently is his song "Finally".

It speaks of a dawning of the realisation that no matter what is happening in your day, God is always there for us, just a prayer or meditation away. There are moments in somedays that are particularly hard and if we let the circumstances get the better of us, they can really drag us down. But no matter what we are facing, God is there to guide us through it. He doesn't promise us "a bed of roses" and a life without troubles, but He does promise to be with us every step of the way guiding us and strengthening us to cope with whatever we have to face.

If you get the opportunity, listen to the song as the written lyrics below don't bring about the warmth and feeling that Gary does with his singing. I recommend his music to you.

I wish my mind wouldn't argue with my heart
It splits the day apart
Into time well spent and time just thrown away
I wish my heart would please make up my mind
I'm wasting so much time
Gotta catch a glimpse of how it's gonna be

CHORUS:
When finally
I look inside your eyes and see
Reflections of yourself in me
The way you always said it would be
When finally
I'm loving you like you love me
It happened oh so easily
I looked at you and it came to me
Finally

The day to day just keeps on spinning round
But this one thing I have found
I can close my eyes and be there in your arms
You take me to a place that's safe and warm
You're my harbor in the storm
Wanna lose myself in being there with you

(REPEAT CHORUS)

When finally
I look inside your eyes and see
Reflections of yourself in me
The way you always said it would be
When finally
I'm loving you like you love me
It happened oh so easily
I looked at you and the love in your heart
Cut right through to me
And my eyes can see
Finally

Am I missing something?

I have had cause to study a chap by the name of Nicodemus as I preached on him in a church recently. You see there are a number of people who are just like Nicodemus in our churches today, and I have to say, sometimes I have been in danger of becoming just like him too!

Now don't get me wrong, Nicodemus was not a bad man - on the contrary, he was a devout Jew, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He knew God's law and lived his life by it every day. He had a senior position in the Jewish leadership and was a wealthy man, but there was still something missing!

Despite his wealth, his status, his lineage, he knew that there was something missing. He knew there was something more than just this and he wanted it! When Jesus came along preaching with such authority, bringing the old law to life, and performing miracles, Nicodemus could see that Jesus was sent by God. So he arranged a meeting to speak with Jesus to find out more.

One night, he met with Jesus and was astounded by the answers Jesus gave to his questions. Wealth, status, and birthright come to nothing before God. It is not what is important! What is important is accepting Jesus as the son of God and saviour of mankind. Jesus told Nicodemus that the physical life is not the key, but the spiritual birth, being born again, was.

It is not something that is reserved for the extremely good folk, or for those with degrees in theology, or the descendants of priests, it is available to anyone in the world, no matter what colour of skin, sex, faith background. Jesus wants everyone to come to know him.

Well, month two of sabbatical, and I continue to learn more about him; I enjoy the moments I can spend meditating on his teaching and learning more of his nature. If you are asking "Am I missing something?" then I can guarantee Jesus can provide the answer. Even if you have been going to church and following the traditions week in, week out just like Nicodemus, then Jesus is the answer!

What happens next?

Over recent months I have been called to take time out from my role as pastor at SBC. Had it been anyone but God doing the calling, I would have told them where to go! But "The Boss" has made it quite clear through my daily quite times, through Scripture, through circumstances, through friends near and far, that my season at SBC was coming to a close. I have to say that I struggled with this for a few weeks, but when other "symptoms" started to appear and I acknowledged it and accepted it, I was almost overwhelmed by the peace "that passes all understanding"!

I found it tremendously difficult to talk about it in church and on a number of occassions could not finish the sentence because of the sadness I felt, and yet I knew that I had to do it! There have been times I would have gladly passed the batton and retire to the bench, but now wasn't one of them. However, we have to be obedient and do what the Lord asks of us, so it was out of odebience for Him and in the knowledge that it was His church and He knows what He is doing, that I stood down. There is a new season coming, both for SBC and for me and my family, and now we trust in Him.

A wise old friend of mine told me that a sabbatical is not the time to seek what God wanted of you next, but just to seek God. That has really "struck a chord" with me because, somehow, in the busyness of life, church meetings/visits, preparation, family etc., my relationship with God had become "par for the course". Now don't get me wrong, I have an active prayer life and trust in God for His guidance and His strength and accept that it is His power that enables me to minister, but the voyage of personal discovery with God had taken a "back seat" - the" business" side of ministry taking priority. I suppose I didn't realise just how much until now!

It has been just over two weeks since my last service, and I now feel a great hole in my life, and my objective is to fill it full of God. Now for those of you reading this that don't believe in God, or do not yet have a personal relationship with Him will not understand this, but I am excited at the propect of rediscovering an intimacy with God that dispells all doubt and fear: an intimacy that seems to surrounds you and goes with you where ever He sends you. It affirms the knowledge and experience of a loving God that makes life whole!

I hope to share my experiences of this in the coming weeks. I am excited to see what happens next!

Pete.

Where is God?

This is one of those questions that pops up from time to time especially, it seems, in bad times.I remember the Boxing Day Tsunami (2004) sparking off a load of angry questions in the media as if the God that most people ignore and choose not to follow, should be looking out for everyone all the time. And yes, even Christians perished in that disaster! So was God turning his back on everyone?

The terrible news this week of the shootings in Cumbria cause some people to question the existence of God, or His whereabouts, that He would allow innocent people to be murdered.

It is very sad when these tragic events occur, but it really isn't God's fault; and yes, He is still around! He loves each one that has perished, He loves the family and friends who are now grieving; He loves the communities that are now pulling together as they seek to get through this traumatic time. And He is there to comfort them with His love if they just reach out to Him.

I was listening to a Gary Chapman song "Finally" last night and the lyrics of the second verse just spoke out to me.

The day to day just keeps on spinning round
But this one thing I have found
I can close my eyes and be there in your arms
You take me to a place that's safe and warm
You're my harbor in the storm
Wanna lose myself in being there with you

I can echo those words from Gary's song, that no matter what you are going through, no matter where you are, you can close your eyes and be with God. I value this gift that God has given us, and knowing that He is there with me at that moment, especially in times of trial or trouble, calms the greatest of storms in my life!

I really feel for those who do not feel that there is anyone there for them in times of need and/or trouble, who don't have a faith in a God that loves us for who we are and where we are, and just as we are. If I had the opportunity to speak to them, as I have done to many in the past, I would give them hope in a Father God that loves them so deeply and can bring an end to their hopelessness and despair.

If any of you reading this and are going through tough times and are feeling at the end of your tether, reach out to Him who can help you with what you are facing. If you need some help in finding Him, let me know and I will guide you!

Where is God? He is right next to you waiting to here from you!

God bless

Pastor Pete.

Time flies!

A lot has happened since my last blog! Unfortunately, not on here!!

I suppose in some ways we can become so busy that we lose sight of what is important. This is more serious when you are a leader of a church!

I have been blessed over the last seven years in the way that God has always led and guided me in leading His church, and looking back over those times, I am amazed on how much He has accomplished. I am also embarrassed by the times I thought I had it sorted and thought I could do things my way in my strength!

Over time there is the danger that things become so routine that you do things without thinking, or even worse, pray about things without thinking. We run through the gratitudes and platitudes that we believe is "going through the right motions" only to realize that we have been operating in a sort of "autopilot" mode.

Well, in the Baptist world, it is usual for a minister to take time out during a sabbatical year to take a step back from routine and seek the Lord. A wise friend recently told me that during my sabbatical I was not to seek what God wants me to do next, but just to seek God ... to re-acquaint myself with the intimacy of God ... to draw so close to Him as to hear His heartbeat!

Well that's what I intend to do! However, my situation is not the same as a full-time minister who would normally take three months out to do this. As lay-pastor in full-time employment in a secular job, I do not have the option of taking three months away from church responsibilities and my career, so instead I am taking a year out of church leadership whilst continuing my other full-time job!

I feel the Lord is calling me to draw close to Him, to renew my strength and to find that first love in Him. I need to spend more time with Him!

Now here is the paradox. One would think spending more time in church would allow you to spend more time with God. Well yes, on one hand it does, but if you are in a pastoral or leadership role, a large portion of your time is spent serving others as you serve God. Things can get so busy that you end up spending more time serving others that you forget that it is God you are serving. Now before I start getting comments on here that they are the same thing, I am alluding to the fact that without time with God on a "one-to-one" with Him, you are unable to serve Him to the best of His ability through you! If you don't know the Master, how can you serve Him!

God has spoken clearly to me in recent months that my time serving as pastor at SBC is to draw to a close at the end of June. He is calling me to spend the time I would usually spend in preparation for ministry and all the other meetings, visits etc., with Him over the next year. I don't know what He is calling me to do at the end of my sabbatical year, but I do know that I am to draw closer to Him now.

There are blessings in being obedient to God, but that doesn't always make it easy. I have taken a few more weeks than I should have to respond to what God has been calling me to do! I have been hesitant in letting others know, I have been, in some ways, reluctant to let go of the church as it has been a very large part of my life for the last seven years. However, now that I have finally acted upon that calling, I am at peace with it and although a little saddened on leaving this family I have been entrusted with, I am excited with what the next twelve months have in store for me! So if you see me sitting on a hillside somewhere, or wondering on some pilgrimage in Lindisfarne or Iona, or on a retreat somewhere, know that I am seeking to know my God more intimately, more deeply as He has called me to.

Please pray for me and my family as this will be a major paradigm shift in the household as we move from this family and to the new spiritual home God is preparing for us. Pray that in my final month at SBC, I will stop weeping long enough to get through my final two Sunday morning services. I love these folks to bits, but I need to let go!

Finally, I want you to journey with me, as I endeavour to keep this blog more updated than previously, sharing my thoughts, experiences and encounters with God over the next twelve months.

In His Majesty's Service


Pastor Pete.

Mainstream 2010 - Day 1, part two

Another enjoyable meal followed by a banquet of theology! No, I haven't got indigestion, but an appatite for more - of God that is, not food!

Coming to these type of conferences always challenges what you believe, why you believe it and the way you live it and this one is no different. Sometimes, we can get too comfortable in what we do, or can't be bothered to do anything different so we muddle along wondering why things never change. Although the Bible says that "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever" it doesn't mean that He is the same old same old!

One thing I have learned through my Christian faith is that God does not stand still, and when you think about Him as Alpha and Omega, being the beginning and the end, there is something that is happening in between.

An encounter with God through the person of Jesus Christ does change something - usually you! You cannot escape His love, grace and compassion and that in itself drives you to respond. Now, just like the rich young man mentioned in Matthew 19: 16-30, we all have a choice as God does not interfere with our free will, and that choice is to accept Jesus for who he is and what that means for my life, or to walk away and leave Him and what He has to offer behind.

Let me turn from Bible-geek language and put it simply! Jesus is the son of God who lived life on this Earth in a mortal body - how else could God dwell amongst us, understand us and love us? He showed us the perfect way to live our lives and the Bible is full of guidance from His teachings. His time on Earth was not just a visit of 30 odd years, but He opened the way for each one of us to join Him.

Jesus was radical 2,000 years ago and is radical today because He challenges us in our modern day thinking not to think about ourselves and what we can get from life, but to think about others first! If each one of us responded in this way and put others first (and I mean strangers as well as family, friends and neighbours) this world would be a better place to live in.

If we looked at others the way that Jesus sees others, there would be less selfishness and more love and compassion.

Christians, it's about time we got out in our community and put into practice what we have been taught and stop worrying about our "street cred" and "reputation". Let's be radical and do what Jesus would do!

Mainstream 2010 - Day 1, part one

Thanks to everyone who stayed off the road today! Our journey 'up norf', well as far as Swanwick, went very smoothly. We arrived safely and in plenty of time to have brunch at the Little Chef - we've done it five times now, so it is tradition!

Looking at the program we have another fun-packed, spirit-filled few days ahead of us and I can't wait to see what the Lord has for us! Check out the web site for the programme!

http://www.mainstream-uk.com

Kim and I are settled into our room now and enjoying coffee. Barry and Ann are just across the car park in another block, and Chris is in the big house close to all the venues.

I'll keep you posted on developments, and whether we get snowed in for weeks, etc.

Missing you already! (not)
Pete.