Pete's Journey through his sabbatical year!

Paul's Mission Plan!

2012-01-09T23:31:00.001Z

A great start to the conference with Simon Ponsonby kicking off a talk on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The apostle Paul opens this passage with a blueprint for his mission, and is an ideal one that we can all use!

Simply put, it is preaching Christ crucified accompanied by signs and wonders. Simples!
Well it sounds so, but lets break it out a bit. The preaching bit I understand, and I also understand that only anointed preaching is effective preaching. Preaching without the anointing of the Holy Spirit is hard work and not as effective, but the scriptures tell us that His word will not return empty! So in my view preaching without anointing is better than no preaching at all. Well that's my excuse!

The message of Christ crucified is the gospel in a nutshell, or to expand slightly with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This is the message the world needs to here. This is the only message that really matters.

God loves everyone from the most saintly to the worst sinner, and He does not want anyone to live or die without Him. He brings hope where there is despair. He brings love to the loveless. He is the answer to our greatest need.

But it seems that over the centuries, the Christian church has lost the third important ingredient to this blueprint - signs and wonders! How can we prove to a non-believing secular world that God exists, and that Jesus is risen? By signs and wonders! That how Jesus demonstrated His authority when on earth, and He has promised the church that "greater things than these shall you do in My name!"

Unfortunately, we have lost that in the majority of our churches! Yes, God is still in the business of miracles, but most of His church seems to have forgotten that! He can make the lame walk, the blind to see, set captives free from all sorts of bondage; drugs/alcohol abuse, sexual immorality, etc.

Come on Christians, let's get back to these basics, return to His word, and demonstrate His signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Fresh Steams 2012 - Here we go!

2012-01-09T14:27:00.002Z

There has been a bit of a drought since my last post, not because God hasn't been speaking, but in all truthfulness, I have struggled with what to blog. However, that is about to change 'cos I'm here in Swanwick for this year's Fresh Stream conference. It has had a name change from Mainstream to make it fresh!!

Simon Ponsonby is one of the keynote speakers so it will be good to hear from the author of a number of books in my study!

2012 is going to be a very interesting, and Fresh Streams conference is a great way to start it!

The journey continues ...

2011-07-19T23:43:00.000+01:00

Right at the beginning of the sabatical I felt a calling to move home and was led to a village 15 miles south of where I lived. Everything seemed to fall in place as if the Lord was opening the doors for us! There was just one obstacle ... selling our own home.

We placed it on the market when I told the church we were moving on in the belief that it would sell by the time I have left my role as pastor there. I thought it would be perfect timing to then move home and spend my sabatical in a new home, new location, new church! Well, it wasn't to be. God had a different plan!

Instead, the house market slumped and there was very little interest in our property, Meanwhile, several house we had like in the new village location had come on the market and been sold! I continued to trust in God that He knew what he was doing, and that His timing was perfect. My wife and children were a little less patient.

The following twelve months (whilst on sabatical) was a journey of trust and time to reflect on all sorts of things. It would seem that the Lord wanted me to spend time with Him rather than decorating, building shelves and transforming a garden in our new home!

At the end of March this year, someone made an offer on our house. Immediately, we made an offer on a home where we felt led to be. By mid-June we moved to our new home and the following weekend held our last service at our old church marking the end of my sabatical! God's timing is perfect.

Now we have moved, we are putting roots down in a new church fellowship and is great to be involved in church life again, but not responsible for leading it! We have made many new friends, and are enjoying just being part of it.

The Lord is yet to reveal what ministry He will call me to, but I am quite content to wait in obedience. For those who wait (hope) upon the Lord shall renew their strength! (Isiaih 40:31)

Journey's End

2011-07-04T23:30:00.000+01:00

I have to say that I am rather disappointed with myself because have not written much on this blog about my spiritual journey of my sabbatical. I have been writing a journal about my ministry to date, and the reflections on the good and the bad, what I did right, what I did wrong, and God has clearly used this to teach me a thing or two! However, the content does mention folk and it would not be right to publish any of it here! Pastor's confidentiality and all that! I did think about changing all the names and places, but folk who know me would know to much about me and make associations of those I was writing about!

Any, suffice it to say that I have had an incredible journey over the last twelve months, and I have learned two things above all else! Patience and trust in God.

When my sabbatical started, I expected God to sell our house to enable us to move right away! Wrong!! He waited until the end of March 2011 to sell our house - nine months late to my reckoning. We moved into our new home on 17th June, one week before the end of the sabbatical! I also expected him to remove me from all ministerial duties for 12 months - wrong again. During this time I have had one preaching engagement, three funerals and a number of pastorals.

What I haven't done in the last twelve months is attend deaconate meetings, church members meetings, lead services and prayer meetings, perform home and hospital visitations, spend Saturdays preparing for Sunday services, and have countless pastoral sessions. In a strange way, I have missed them!

What I have done is spend more time in prayer, time in reflecting on my performance, and spent time with my family, who had become rather neglected over the years.

I have learned patience because everything is in His timing and it is perfect! No matter how much I tried to influence things, and speed things up, God made sure it happened when He wanted it to. I have learned trust because in having to be patient you have to trust that God is in control. It is a human thing to want to take control of your own destiny, but there are so many things that are not in your control and it is less stressful if you just trust God to do what He wants to with your life. Despite all that has happened in the last twelve months (although you can't tell from the little written in this blog) I have an overwhelming peace and have genuinely not worried about things.

Now as my sabbatical has come to an end, I am trusting God (patiently) to lead me to the next ministry He has for me.

Watch this space!

Pastor Pete.

2011 - what is in store for me?

2011-01-10T23:17:00.000Z

I can't believe is has been over three months since my last blog! Time is flying and I am now half way through my sabbatical. It has been a refreshing time and God has been clearly leading me "by still waters" (Psalm 23). I was interested in attending a School of Prophecy in California, but it was cancelled due to 'unforseen circumstances' - not a good advert!!

The last few months have been relaxing and an opportunity to 're-charge the batteries'! This last Christmas has been the least stressed in many years - no service preparation, no running around with church Christmas arrangements, no official village appearances as Baptist church pastor ... in all it has been great to have this spare time with my family and with God!.

So now we are in 2011, we all look forward to see what this year has in store for us. Well I know for the next 6 months, it is much of the same for me - spending time with God and enjoying His presence. After that, I haven't a clue! I am sure my heavenly Father will reveal what He has in store for me regarding my next ministry closer to the time! I am also confident our house will sell just as God reveals where we are to move to!

But for now, I am quite content to 'wait upon the Lord' as He has promised He will renew my strength!

I continue to pray for all my family and friends, especially for those who are going through troubled times. I pray that you too would know that God loves you and wants to help you through this time. You may have heard me go on about this before but trust me ... or rather trust God because He is the answer! His business is miracles and I can testify He is still in that business today.

I have seen broken marriages restored, disfunctional families repaired, relationships put right, anger and hatred replaced by love and respect. This world is full of broken people and God is waiting to repair them ... if they would only ask Him for His help.

Learning to pray (again)!

2010-10-16T00:12:00.002+01:00

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

2010-10-06T21:57:00.000+01:00

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.

2010-10-05T23:52:00.000+01:00

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?

2010-08-16T22:18:00.000+01:00

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?

2010-07-15T17:01:00.000+01:00

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?

2010-06-05T15:28:00.001+01:00

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!

2010-05-28T23:04:00.005+01:00

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

2010-01-12T16:00:00.003Z

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

2010-01-11T14:38:00.004Z

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.

One rule for you - one rule for me!

2009-03-20T00:14:00.004Z

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

Roots

2009-02-18T13:22:00.001Z

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.

God &Technology!

2009-02-17T00:34:00.002Z

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.

Sad times

2008-11-19T00:06:00.004Z

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

What a dilemma!

2008-05-29T11:32:00.003+01:00

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!

Fast or slow!

2008-05-24T00:24:00.003+01:00

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.

I know how Jonah felt!

2008-04-23T18:35:00.002+01:00

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

Earthquake, famine and flood!

2008-03-26T10:21:00.003Z

This world is going crazy!

Oil prices are soaring, food prices are rocketing, personal debt is out of control, financial markets are on the verge of collapse, we are seeing more significant earthquakes, more flooding out of season, famine continues to grip some third world, tensions in the Middle East are at an all time high, the UK's relationship with Russia is distinctively cooling, etc., etc.

It would seem that the planet is heading for disaster! The good news is that this is all in God's control and has been prophesied to us. So take some comfort that God is in control, and Jesus is coming again!

Pastor Pete

Easter Message

2008-03-24T16:45:00.002Z

What a great weekend! The weather hasn’t been very kind and more akin to Christmas, but to see the daffodils and cowslips in bloom it is good to see new life blossoming in the countryside. It is also poignant that we remember Christ’s resurrection on Easter Day, and that through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead three days later, we can now approach out heavenly Father through the price paid by His Son on the cross.

Easter provides the foundation of the Christian faith, because without the resurrection, we would have no hope. But Christ has won the victory over death, and we can all have eternal life, if we just repent of our sins and follow His ways. Now that’s new life!

Pastor Pete.

What are you doing for Christmas?

2007-12-21T13:51:00.000Z

It's been a long time since my last post! Boy, have I been busy!

Unfortunately, my other job has become extremely busy meaning that I have had to work away from home, work long hours taking calls into the evening! I haven't even bought my wife's Christmas present yet! And, somehow, all this rushing around for work has taken the edge off the usual excitement for Christmas.

The good news is that I finish work about 5pm Christmas Eve and can rest all the way through to 2nd January! Well, that's the plan, but somehow I don't think there will be a lot of rest.

In the UK, Argos has broadcast a good advertisement, (or 'commercial' as the US say), showing everyone running around getting absolutely frazzled with Christmas shopping and preparations. The director seems to have caught the 'spirit' of Christmas about right when I look at our shopping centres.

On the news this morning the reporter mentioned that there has been a 50% increase of the number of people working on Christmas Day. This isn't due to emergency service staff, but mainly retail staff opening their sales even earlier this year! So if you forget that present, you can nip out on Christmas morning and grab yourselves a bargain!

I remember the days when nothing was open on Christmas Day: no petrol stations, no corner shops, no pubs, and that made it a very special day as family and friends would get together and share that day with no pressures. With the secularisation of our society today, not only does Christmas go out the window, but so does family gatherings as more people are called upon to work, and others called upon to go shopping! This adds to the continued breakdown in society where family values are further eroded away.

Well, on Christmas Day I will be at church in the morning, 'cause I'm hosting the service, and then I will go home to celebrate our Saviour's birthday with my family.

Shopping??? Bah humbug!

Countdown to Christmas

2007-11-29T18:50:00.000Z

Christmas is just 27 days away when we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But these days, the Christmas season seems to run from October to Christmas Day as each shop vies for position with the seasonal publicity. The sight of baubels as you come back from a late summer break is depressing, not because it reminds us of our Saviour, but because retailers see it as an early opportunity to make money.

I struggle in my own household to postpone the Christmas decorations until mid-December, and each year there is pressure to get the tree up and the tinsel out as soon as the Advent calendars are put up.

The season of Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, and rather than focusing on this, we all seem to be busy with preparing for the big family meal of the year, worrying over what socks to buy Uncle George, or whether buying Boots vouchers for your favourite niece smacks of a lack of thought; did I order the right size turkey? And of course, don't answer the door to the Carol Singers as I don't have any change. All these things distracts us from the object of our celebration - the coming of our Saviour!

The fact that "... God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV), should make us all stop and think that the greatest gift this Christmas is what God gives us - eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Well, I am off to update last year's Christmas card list and make sure my overseas cards get off in time. I'll do the present shopping on Christmas Eve!!!

Pastor Pete

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends

2007-11-09T21:56:00.000Z

It is difficult to describe the feeling of sadness and grief following the devastating warehouse fire at Atherston on Stour and the loss of four brave firefighters. It has touched the communities of Stratford and Alcester and surrounding area as the lives of these brave men touched so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends as they grieve for their loss.

An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of their death, but that does not distract us from the fact that men and women of our emergency services are putting their lives on the line to serve us in the community. These men went into the burning warehouse to search for anyone trapped inside. There is no doubt that facing a raging inferno would test the mettle of anyone, and yet they continued in to save the lives of others.

Not many of us are faced with that decision, and certainly don't face it as often as some, so how would we respond to a similar situation? In the gospel of John, chapter 15 verse 13, Jesus reminds us of such a sacrifice as He foretells of His sacrifice for each one of us.

I pray that the joy and hope that we receive from following Christ and His teachings may eventually go someway to fill the void in the lives of the families and friends of these brave men.

Who invented Comfort Zones?

2007-10-20T22:51:00.000+01:00

A number of events recently has made me think that sometimes we are just too cozy in our churches! We love meeting together for worship and fellowship and enjoy our time together, and that is brilliant, but we become uncomfortable if something out of the 'ordinary' happens!

It seems that we are lulled into a sense of security, whether true or false, but when something comes along that makes us feel uncomfortable, we huddle together in the hope that we can regain that feeling of security.

Okay, this is all a bit vague so let me put to you some instances!

1) A person, who obviously has different behavioural standards, enters the church during a morning service and tries to join in. Their behaviour immediately puts us on edge because they seem unpredictable and we don't know what they are going to do!
2) A person, who was invited to the service, causes a bit of a commotion because they made some people cry and others laugh with joy!
3) A person, comes into the church and ministers to a few of the congregation and they are healed of different things!

Now I have to say, that this sort of thing doesn't happen all the time at our church, but it should! You see, that person is the Holy Spirit and He does move amongst us during our times of worship, but some feel uneasy because of the instances I have just quoted. But I have to say, that He is a gentleman, because He never comes in uninvited. He never upsets people, but releases them from past hurts. He is never a show-off as He is only doing what our Father in heaven is asking Him to do!

As we read through Acts and learn of the first Christian church it becomes apparent that where the Word of God is preached, and His name is worshipped, signs and wonders accompanied them. I am a firm believer that is still the case today as we have witnessed in our church!

And yes, sometimes it is a bit unnerving and a little frightening if you don't know what is happening, but when you know it is the Holy Spirit at work, you realize that God is meeting the needs of His church and equipping us to complete His mission to this world.

Don't be frightened when the Holy Spirit moves, but invite Him to fill you anew so that we can do the work of our Father in heaven.

Baptism is just the beginning!

2007-10-12T22:18:00.000+01:00

As a pastor, I have the privilege of serving people at different stages of their lives and faith journey's and one of the most joyful milestones is their baptism! It is such a joy to take new Christians through the waters of baptism and see their faith grow. As a pastor of Baptist church we follow the New Testament practice of baptizing believers by full immersion, which basically means that we baptize those who clearly profess their new faith in Jesus Christ, from head to toe by laying them down under the water and raising them out in a matter of a second or so.

For the believer, this is a tremendous occasion as their share in one of the sacraments that identifies them with Christ, as they profess their faith to all around, and signify the 'death' of their old life as they go under the water, and their new life in Christ as they are raised up. For most, it is a deeply spiritual moment marking a change in their lives for ever.

For Jesus, his baptism by John the Baptist, marked the start of his 40 days in the wilderness to be tested by the devil. And it seems that after such a spiritual 'high' comes times of trial and testing.

I am always careful to warn 'baptisees' that sometimes after baptism comes a time of trial, temptation or persecution. You see, when the devil loses out on a soul, he tends to fight back, but the good news is that he is a defeated foe! The way to win a battle is to know your enemy, and so if you know where the attack is coming from, you can guard yourself against it!

Baptism is the start of an incredible journey of faith where God's promises come alive and bestowes an abundant life of meaning and purpose. His Holy Spirit guides us and empowers us to be effective witnesses to His grace and mercy, and to a life of mission in the name of Jesus Christ.

I can't imagine a life without Him!

The less fortunate children in the world!

2007-09-21T23:10:00.000+01:00

I am a typical English bloke where it takes something to move me to tears, but just two years ago, I saw a sight that broke my heart! I was watching a news crew filming in Georgia, formerly part of the USSR. They were reporting on the plight of many chilren in that country.

Before my eyes, I saw the bare rooms of a childrens institution in T'bilisi full of small children with no facilities. There were no sheets or blankets on the beds, no carpet on the floor, no toys or games to play with! The sanitation was a lot to be desired and the washrooms had no hot water at all. If this were in the UK, the government would shut it down, but here in Georgia, this was the best the goverment could do.

Since the break up of the USSR, Georgia has been struggling economically, and inflation and unemployment had soared. Many families found themselves struggling to make ends meet with the result that some families gave their children to the authorities because they could not afford to feed and clothe them. The childrens institutions were being filled, not just with orphans, but with loved children whose families could not afford to keep them!

Since that film report, I have strived to raise money for Everychild (www.everychild.org.uk) who work with the authorities in Georgia to resettle children with their families by providing support to them, or finding families that will foster the children. They are looking to address the source of the problem rather than trying to provide for the ever increasing demand of institutions.

On Saturday 22nd September, the children of Studley Baptist Church are having a Toy Bring 'n' Buy Sale to raise more money for the children in Georgia. It is encouraging to see them engage in the plight of children less fortunate than themselves, and to do something about it. If you do nothing else today, I suggest you click on the Everychild link above, and look at the work they are doing all over the world, as there are many other needs as well as Georgia.

So far, as a church, we have raised over £2,500 in the last two years for this work, and I am planning some more fundraisers. This may seem just a drop in the ocean for what is really needed, but some famous person, who I can't quite recall, said !The ocean is made of many drops!" If we all did a little, it would add up to a lot!

Keep an eye on the blog to see some rather adventurous initiatives in coming months.

What stirs you into action for others? Where is your compassion focussed? It is only when we look around at the poverty and injustice in the world that we can put our own 'problems' into perspective.

Pastor Pete

Time for a break!

2007-09-17T20:28:00.000+01:00

Last week was another busy one with work and pastoral duties. Monday night was spent at the church centre at a Deaconate meeting. It was one of those meetings where a lot seemed to be have been achieved, with many subjects being covered in the 3 hours!!

On Tuesday, Kim and I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary, and we spent the evening preparing the church for the Thanksgiving Service of Mrs Marjorie Lee, making sure the refreshments were set up and the sanctuary was clean and tidy. We had planned a party for Friday night, and we also manage to meet for lunch so it was still special.

The Thanksgiving Service went very well on Wednesday with many people sharing tributes to a wonderful Christian lady. She will be sorely missed after being in membership since 1940! Marjorie was very key in my accepting the role of pastor; as the eldest and longest serving member, I felt it important that I had her support for my ministry. Not only did she support me, but she was always encouraging me with her tolerance for the 'new' style of contemporary worship. I will miss her counsel!

Friday saw the big party with over 100 guests celebrating our anniversary with us. It was a great night sharing with family and friends. I can't believe that it was over 25 years ago that we got married! It doesn't seem that long ago. Kim and I have had our ups and downs during that time, but our love has grown stronger as our faith in Christ has grown stronger.

Now Saturday, we set out with the caravan for the Lake District, but first we stopped overnight at Burrs Country Park in Bury to break up the journey. On Sunday, we set out for our final destination, Troutbeck in Cumbria. The views from the caravan park are breathtaking, and the site is peaceful. The weather has been showery and breezy, but that doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the scenery.

Today, we journeyed around Ullswater, over the Kirkstone Pass to Bowness-on-Windermere to where we honeymooned for the 2nd night! We had a lovely lunch in a reassurance over looking the lake, and took some photos of the hotel where we stayed 25 years ago. The journey back to the caravan took us over the Kirkstone Pass a second time, this time, with glorious sunshine.

It is great to have this time to ourselves as Kim and I reminisce over the last 25 years, on where we have been, where God has been leading us. We are looking forward to this holiday recharging our batteries, spending time together and taking time to listen to God as we read His word.

To all our friends back at Studley, you are still in our thoughts and prayers while we are here.

We will see you next weekend.

God bless,

Pastor Pete & Kim

Sunday - a day of rest?

2007-09-02T22:56:00.000+01:00

Do you know, some Sundays are just so full of God's provision and grace that His blessings just keep on overflowing! As I prepared for today's activities, I looked at quite a lot of things that needed to be done, things that needed to be said, people that I needed to talk to, songs I needed to practice, the sermon I needed to preach (and keep to 15 minutes!) and I thought 'Wo! Slow down Lord! I can't keep up!"

This morning we had the privilege of welcoming Barry and Ann into membership of our church. Now to some this may sound a little strange that churches should have some of formal membership. Well we, in the Baptist tradition follow the teachings of the first church where 'they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship'(Acts 2:42). It is a sign of commitment between individuals and the church fellowship to support one another as we serve the Lord in our community.

Some people tend to drift from one church to the next and don't seem to put roots down where they can grow in knowledge of God and in fellowship with other Christians. This is a real shame because there are so many benefits from being in a loving church family where you are supported, encouraged, taught and loved. Most people who come to SBC find it a welcoming church and a very loving one - not just a superficial shake of the hand and the usual pleasantries, but an authentic caring and love for the person no matter what their background. I am pleased to say that these were just a few of the things that drew Barry and Ann to us.

After the full service this morning, (which over-ran to 12:10pm as was pointed out to me
by my son, Nathan), and time for lunch it was out again to prepare for 'Praise The Lord' This is an ecumenical praise service held in the local junior school where Christians gather to praise God, here His word, receive ministry and generally have a great time of fellowship together. We started packing the PA, amplifiers and instruments at 3:30pm for a 6:30pm start, so we just had enough time to set up, sound check and pray before everyone arrived!.

Revd Richard Deimel brought God's word from the letter to the Ephesians and reminded us that with Christ there are no denominations and that we are all united by the Holy Spirit. It was great to be in a room full of brothers and sister in Christ from different churches and backgrounds all praising God together.

I finally arrived home at 8:30pm tonight gagging for a cup of tea and something to eat (although I could probably go without food for a few days and you wouldn't know!) and a quiet reflection on how great our God is! It has been a very tiring day, and I shall sleep well tonight, but I thank God for all the people I have seen blessed by God today in so many ways. It is well worth the effort to be a part of what God is doing in our community.

Sleep well!

Pastor Pete

That was a week that was!

2007-08-31T14:23:00.000+01:00

It's been over a week since my last posting, and boy, what a week it has been! It sometimes can be overwhelming when you consider all the events, but when you look back, you can see how God has been there all along and has intervened when He has felt it necessary.

Since the end of New Wine, we as a church, and the Brookes household, seem to have gone through so much with recent bereavements, illnesses, relationship issues, and a few other pastoral concerns all thrown in! It seems that whilst we have been at New Wine, a backlog has been building, and now it has all been let loose!

Each day, someone has called with bad news or problems that need prayer and support, and for some reason, it seems a lot more than usual. On the other hand, the last two Sunday services have brought more visitors to the church who are truly seeking God and what He wants for their lives, with a result of three people seeking baptism!

I am so grateful to God that it is in His strength that we go on and not our own, and as long as we keep Him clearly in our focus, we find strength to deal with the next phone call, or door bell ring, or pastoral visit. I truly would have given up a long time ago if I tried to do it in my own strength.

Psalm 28:7 says The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

I can testify to that!

Pastor Pete

A lifetime ambition!

2007-08-22T09:30:00.000+01:00

One of my interests, is flying a microlight! I have always wanted to fly ever since I was a little four year old boy, and I dreamt of becoming a pilot, however, that dream was shattered when, at the age of 16, I went to RAF Biggin Hill for advanced aircrew selection. I was just one of a selection of 30 boys who were turned down that day. It was not an easy journey home!

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I had the time and money to learn to fly in 1995 and went to Long Marston Airfield in Warwickshire, UK to start my training. It was great fun! I learned in a Cyclone AX3 3-axis microlight and got my license in 1996. (http://www.bmaa.org/)

It is one of those things you have to experience to appreciate. The freedom of the skies, the view, the perspective you get on the world and life in general. When flying, you have to concentrate 100% on what you are doing and where you are going, and that tends to empty your mind of all the other stuff that fills your thoughts. I always seem to sleep better after a bimble in the skies!

I thank God that He has given me the money, the time and the skill to learn and achieve one of my lifetime ambitions. It's just one of the many blessings He has given me and I will enjoy it as long as I have it!

A light that will never fade!

2007-08-18T11:11:00.000+01:00

As we were packing to return from New Wine last week, my wife, Kim, received a phone call to tell her that her uncle, Ray, had died. We knew he had been admitted into hospital the week before for tests, but this came as quite a shock. Indeed, during the week, Kim felt led to send a card to him in hospital, and the thought of him dying couldn't have been further from our minds.

I have to say that this news brought us down with a bang after such a week of teaching and ministry, and sometimes you question God's timing! But there is never a good time for this type of news, and in some respects, with the closeness of God throughout this week, perhaps in some way this 'softened the blow'.

Ray was a cheerful chap who liked rising early in the morning to take a walk, long before the rest of us stirred. Whilst he was over in the UK, I had the priviledge of sharing some of those walks with him. We would talk about all sorts of things including our faith in the Lord Jesus. He will be sadly missed, but we also celebrate the light he brought into our lives which seem richer for having known him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunty Flo, Steven, Andrew, Karen and Denise at this time. You may be thousands of miles away, but we are with you!

Ray knew Jesus Christ as his saviour, so we celebrate the fact that he is now with the Lord and we will see him again when we get there!

Pastor Pete

Can you hear Him?

2007-08-17T10:46:00.000+01:00

One of the questions I am asked most as a pastor is "How can I hear God speaking to me?" It seems that a lot of people have the desire to listen to God but don't know how to go about it. God speaks to different people in different ways.

For some, God speaks clearly through His word, the Bible. For others, it can be through dreams or visions; for others, it is through an impression on the heart - a sort of knowing; for others, it is through the counsel of other Christians; and for some it can be a combination of some or all of these and perhaps more ways! God usually speaks to us in a way that is clear to us, the only thing I have noticed is that it is usually in a 'still, small voice' meaning that we have to empty our minds of all those things that would distract us from Him, and focus on Him.

So for the Lord to speak to us through His word, we need to read the Bible regularly and pray so we build up more knowledge of Him. For those of us who have dreams/visions/impressions, we need to focus on God through prayer and worship to ensure that we are on the right track. For those of us who listen to the counsel of Christians, we need to be in fellowship with them, in other words we need to build brotherly relationships with them.

All this to say that the Lord will speak to us if we only listen, but don't expect Him to shout over the noise of our social or work lives. As I have mentioned before in my blogs, God is a gentlemen and will not 'butt in' where He is not wanted. But if you find a quiet time and place to pray to Him, He will talk to you.

Try it out and see!

Pastor Pete.

New Wine - The end of a great week!

2007-08-13T22:34:00.000+01:00

I have to say that I was totally exhausted as I packed up on Sunday morning. It was a great week with fellowship, teaching, worship and ministry, but now I need some time to recover! And just like Jesus retreated to a quiet place to pray, that is going to be my next task.

The talk around the campsite on Saturday evening was fascinating as people shared their experiences of the week. God certainly spoke into a number of situations resulting in direction and freedom from past hurts or habits. The main challenge now is to remember what God has done through the week as it is easy to fall back into the usual routine of life and forget the promises received.

I received confirmation from God on a number of things that I have been praying over for the last few months. There was no miraculous 'parting of the sea' experience, but there was a closeness of the presence of God to affirm His love for me, and some powerful messages from some of the speakers.

Some other highlights of the week? Mike Pilavachi and his straight talk, Jonathan Viera for his singing and entertainment, Trent Vineyard for their spirit-led worship, and gate-crashing Martin Lazell's rehearsal!

Looking through the photos and videos taken during the week, there is no doubt that a lot of folk had fun as well as fellowship. I also seem to be £2.43 up after fetching the chinese 'take-away' on Saturday night for the 'village'!

I'm already planning next year's trip to New Wine!

Pastor Pete.

New Wine - Friday 10th August

2007-08-10T15:10:00.000+01:00

I had the opportunity of listening to Mike Pilavachi reflecting on John Wimber:10 years on. In his usual relaxed style he reviewed some of the value that John Wimber stood by and looked at where we are today. He brought out some interesting views on how the 'church' has moved on over the last ten years and have forgotten some of the point raised by Wimber.

One interesting point was the perceived celebrity status we give to those individuals who seem to have a special annointing in some form of ministry. Mike pointed out that they do not have a special power or spirituality, but are purely obedient to what God is asking them to do, and that we all are able to share in the work of God if only we listen to what He is doing, and what He is calling us to do.

We have seem to have lost our way on this as we are quite prepared to allow 'celebrity' speakers to preach the gospel and we delegate this responsiblity to them instead of taking an individual response to the Great Commission, where we are ALL called to preach the gospel.

We are quiet happy in being 'ministered to' in our churches and are less comfortable to 'go into all nations' or communities to minister to those around us. The role of pastors and teachers is to prepare the church to go into the world and preach the gospel. We seem to have converted the church into a spiritual club where we get our fix and allow God to speak to us, as long as we don't have to go and tell anyone outside the church walls.

Come on church, we are the world's last hope of salvation!

Pastor Pete.

New Wine - Tuesday 7th August

2007-08-09T08:44:00.001+01:00

Another challenging day here at New Wine and God speaking to many of our contingent.

One of the reasons that God tends to speak to individuals at events like this is because they have set aside this time for God expecting Him to speak! How many times in our busy lives do we actually set aside time for God? In our usual routine, we are driven by the schedules in our diaries and find it difficult to set time aside to meet God. We get in to our routine and rush between the events, and all the things we have to achieve in the week, and if God is luck, really lucky, we give him an hour or so on a Sunday morning, and expect Him to get a week's worth of conversation to us in that time, and when He doesn't WE get disappointed!!

Jesus' example to us is that he spent time alone to converse with God many times each day! Before any time of ministry, he would go to a quiet place to pray. After ministry, he would go to a quiet place to pray!! If the Son of the most High God needs time to pray to his Father, how much more should we need this??

Well, I am off now to go and spend some more time with Him!!

God bless

Pastor Pete.

New Wine Sunday 5th - The Arrival

2007-08-06T11:09:00.001+01:00

What a scorcher!!

Safely arrived at New Wine in Shepton Mallet and the hot weather arrived with us! Setting up tents and awnings in 28 degrees C was challenging, but our Village Host, Andrew and his wife, Vanice, kept us going with help and refreshments.

The New Wine programme is packed with interesting seminars, the evening worship being led by Trinity Cheltenham and Trent Vineyard, so we are in for a treat!

Tonight, we heard about the story of Zacheus who climed a tree to see Jesus. He was a tax collector, and not the most liked person in the community. Yet, he wanted to see Jesus so much, that he climbed a tree to see him. Jesus noticed Zacheus and met with him and brought him salvation.

Sometimes we have to do things that seem a little foolish to others and yet God responds. If Zacheus had not climbed the tree, he may never have seen or met Jesus, and received salvation.

We must remember that God's ways are not our ways, and God moves in the spiritual as well as the natural world, and people who don't 'know' the Holy Spirit, don't understand spiritual things. And so when Christians pray to an invisible God, the world sees that as a foolish thing to do because they see no evidence of that God.

When the Holy Spirit falls upon us, and we weep, or perhaps laugh, or perhaps 'fall to the ground' non-Christians would see this as a foolish thing, and yet, at these times, our creator God is ministering to His creation.

Don't be afraid to look 'foolish' for God, because he will prepare you for an eternity with Him.

May God be with you.

Pastor Pete

Preparation!

2007-08-03T09:57:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you, but I seem to spend most of my time in preparation! I may be preparing a sermon, perparing a service, preparing a diary of events, preparing for a holiday ... it just seems that every day I am preparing for something!

Today, as I write this, I am PREPARING to go to the New Wine summer conference at Shepton Mallet, UK, for a week's gathering with another 14,000 Christians to receive some wholesome teaching and praise God! Now there are two types of preparation I am having to do:- the first is the practical - shopping for various items, packing the caravan, making sure I have enough batteries for those all important electrical items - torches, I-Pod, camera, etc., and then there is the other sort of preparation ... the spiritual one!

Now it is true that you can encounter God without any preparation at all! I am reminded of Moses who was tending to his sheep when he encountered God manifest through the burning bush, but there are some encounters that you do need to prepare for!

In Matthew, chapter 25, Jesus told a parable of ten virgins - five were prepared to meet the bridgegroom, and five were not. When the bridgegroom arrived, those that were prepared went in with him to the wedding banquet. The five that were not prepared missed the opportunity.

This parable talk of Jesus' second coming and that none of us knows when that will be, but we have to be prepared because He could come any moment.

What do we need to do to be prepared? To acknowledge that we have done wrong things against God and others, to say sorry to God, and to turn away from that way of life, and accept the forgiveness and assurance that He freely offers when we do this!

Do you know, it is an incredibly liberating thing to 'get it off your chest' and to confess these things to God. They may be secrets that we have buried from the past, guilt and shame we have carried for years, resentment and bitterness against family, friends or colleagues. When you confess it to God and ask for His forgiveness, a heavy burden is lifted from you! I don't think these words can express the relief and joy that you can experience, but hopefully you will get the idea!

Our God is a loving father, not like some physical fathers we have heard of or know, but one that is always there, always loving, always forgiving and always wanting the best for us, and He wants you to experience His love and joy in your life. Just follow these steps and then follow in Jesus' footsteps and you WILL experience it!

Now contrary to popular belief, I am not perfect and I am still making mistakes, making wrong choices, and I know sometimes I am far less than what God wants me to be, but I know that I can come to Him with my failures and my weaknesses, and He can turn them into His opportunities! Our loving heavenly Father teaches us everyday through His word, the Bible, and through our time with Him and make us better people for His glory.

As I prepare for New Wine, a week out of my normal routine and set aside for God to speak to me, I know that as I prepare myself practically and spiritually, God will draw near to me and change me for the better. I know that when I put Him first in my life, good things happen! He doesn't promise that every day will be a good one, and hard times may come my way, but He DOES promise to be with me every step of the way!

Won't you let Him walk with you today?

God bless!

Pete.

The Power of Prayer

2007-07-23T20:52:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I am surprised, even amazed, at how God answers prayer. The sceptics say that it is purely coincidence and can be explained away with science or other 'logical' things, but in my experience there are many more coincidences when you pray!

I have experienced many answers to prayer and sometimes there have been no answers! Does this mean that God is some kind of sadistic person who chooses to play 'hide and seek' when we pray?

I believe that the God who is all seeing, all knowing, knows what is better for us than we do, and so sometimes he decides not to answer a particular prayer! Sometimes, he does answer, but in his timing, not ours. Just because he doesn't answer, it doesn't mean he is not there!

Just as a parent teaches a child to walk by letting go for the first few steps, God sometimes remains silent for a few moments, whilst we take our first faith steps, and as our faith is an ongoing journey, we find ourselves taking more and more steps with moments of silence from God.

But he has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and so we should not be afraid of the silent moments, because we know that he is right by us to catch us if we stumble!

If you are feeling frustrated, disappointed because it seems God is not listening to your prayer, be encouraged that he is always their because he loves you. He is there to catch you when you are falling, and he will not leave you no forsake you.

Trust him!

Jerry Springer: The Opera and the Christian Faith!

2005-01-13T14:10:00.000Z

The broadcast of this musical on BBC2 has caused a great deal of controversy from Christians. A storm of protest hit the BBC with over 45,000 complaints being received by email, phone, letters, etc. The main items of complaint was the excessive use if profanity (8,000 instances of swearing) and the blasphemous use of the Jesus, God, and Mary.

Now a lot of people without faith have wondered what the hullabaloo has all been about, but if they take the most dearest thing to them and then let a broadcaster publicy degrade and debase it/them, then they may appreciate why Christians are not happy over this broadcast!

The main bone of contentions are:-

The BBC is the public services broadcaster in the UK who operate under a royal charter. This charter encourages the promotion of the Christian faith and respect for all faiths, and protects against the broadcast of programmes that cause deep offence. The BBC has chosen to ignore this part of the charter.
As the public services broadcaster, the BBC is funded through the television license which everyone with a TV has to pay for. Some Christians feel that it is inappropriate for the BBC to be using their financial contributions to broadcast such a programme. Anyone wishing to see the play could pay to go to the theatre, or perhaps pay-per-view or subscription channels would like to put it on. (Although I doubt they would take the risk!)

I personally have written to the BBC, OFCOM, my Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister objecting to this blatant abuse of the BBC's charter. Whilst I did not watch the play all the way through, I took time to see what the fuss was about and was deeply offended by the depiction of Christ.

Having said that, I believe all the media attention paid to the Christian action against the programme only served to promote the programme all the more with many of the alledged additional 300,000 viewers (for this time on BBC2) looking in to see what the fuss was about. If we had remained quite, then viewing figures may have been very disappointing to the BBC proving that their action was sheer folly. However, as Christians we are called to stand up against things that blaspheme His precious name, so I suppose we are stuck between a rock and a hard place on this.

We, as individuals, need to make a stand for the things in which we believe. I believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the true God, the Saviour of our world and He is worth standing up for!

For Jesus Christ!

God and Earthquake Disasters

2005-01-05T13:00:00.000Z

My job as a pastor of a Baptist Church has been more challenging than usual in the last few weeks. "If there is a God, why does he allow this to happen?". "If God, is a god of love, why cause so much devastation and suffering?" "You cannot tell me there is a God when you look at what has happened in the Asian Earthquake/Tsunami disaster!".

These are just some of the comments we face after that dreadful event, and we have all been affected emotionally with the images from the media, and perhaps even speaking to someone who has lost a loved one in the area. I have a problem in grasping the ernormity of the devastation and loss of life. I just cannot comprehend what it must be like there.

But down to the questions. Why does God allow this to happen? After all, he is the Creator of all things, did he make a mistake in the design?

Our planet is home to a great diversity in landscape, flora and fauna and it is this diversity that provides it with so much richness of life. Tectonic plates are part of the created clockwork that produces our landscape with mountains ranges, volcanoes, and such, and it is these things that make the scenery breathtaking. Over the many thousands and millions of years they have shaped our planet to what it is today.

We have known the relationship between earthquake and tsunamis for a long time now. The US have had their Pacific warning system for over 50 years now! So why hadn't a similar system been installed in the Indian Ocean where there has been a history of earthquakes and tsunamis? Is this God's fault? He has given us the knowledge and technology, we have failed to consider others in danger and not acted.

Does God like to see suffering? No, he is a God of love and hates to see suffering of any kind. However, it is because he is a God of love that he has given humankind freewill. We all have it with regard our personal faith and beliefs. We can choose whether to believe in God or not. He does not force us to follow him. So what has this got to do with this disaster?

We live in a fallen world, and bad things have been happening on this planet since Adam and Eve went against God in the Garden of Eden. God's perfect planet was destroyed by humankind going against him. Ever since, we have struggled to produce crops and tame nature in our effort to become like God. God promises a new heaven and new earth where we will not see famine, flood, earthquake, disease, but we have to wait for now!

But God is at work in Asia right now. Each day we have heard of miracles on how individuals have survived, and I am sure God is working these. I am also sure that this single biggest disaster has been the turning point in many relationships. We are seeing countries from around the world pulling together to provide relief to the victims. We are seeing Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, Sikhs and other faiths all working together as one to help. We are seeing Tamil Tigers providing food and water to their enemies, etc.

I do not understand why this has happened, but I know that God is working through this in many ways. I continue to pray each day that he will work miracles and continue to rescue victims from this tragedy. The healing process will take many years, and the scars will remain forever, but God loves to heal. He will be watching over the people of this tragedy and will be responding to their prayers.

I also continue to pray that God will prompt me to respond to this in whatever way he wills. Whether it is financially or practically, I will do what little I can. If everyone who reads this blog takes time to do the same, the drop in the ocean will become larger and larger until it makes a difference in Asia.

God bless!

Pete