Preaching with a purpose

In the Methodist church we have a covenant service at the beginning of the year when we re-dedicate ourselves to Christ's service.  In the old version, which I like it talks in one part about being put to suffering or laid aside.  This is how I feel at the moment when I am not able to carry out my vocation as a preacher.  If it is Christ's will it is for the best.  Sometimes we are too busy even in the work for Christ and need to be set aside to rest and hopefully grow nearer to our Lord. We need to "Be still and know that I am God."

I've had major surgery and am now convalescing.  Feeling really good but being careful not to overdo things.  Sitting at the computer is fine.  God has been very good to me through all this. Undoubtedly the waiting before hand is the worst part.  First there is the waiting for a date for surgery, then there is the worry that it might get cancelled, but this did not happen to me.  I told the consultant I was happy to have surgery near Christmas and sure enough I had it two days after Christmas. There are lots of sedentary hobbies I enjoy so I don't think I will get bored.  My friends and family are looking after me well and doing the household chores I can't manage.  Of course it is also important to get a little exercise. Tomorrow we have a family meal at my daughter's.  She only lives 3 minutes away on foot, that is when I am fit, but tomorrow I shall be driven over there in the car.  I can't drive myself for six weeks. I shall have to be careful that my two-year-

It's all there in front of them written in the Bible, but no they think they know best and take out vital bits and put in bits which are not there. Also, I suppose because it is what film is good at, it focuses on the physical suffering of Jesus and not the spiritual.  I am, of course speaking of the present series on channel 5.  But it is always the same with films.  I saw a part of the telling of David's story.  What is so wonderful about David is his total trust in God.  When he fought Goliath it was because the giant was fighting against God and His people. David came to Goliath in the name of God.  This was totally missed out in the episode.   I would warn against trying to sort your faith out by watching these films.  Dig deep into the Bible instead.

Jesus never told us to make a big festival about His birth.  The only memorial meal He gave was His last supper with His disciples, telling them to remember Him in this way with simple symbols of bread and wine .However the stories  of His birth are part of the canon of scripture, part of the full counsels of God, so we should study them and learn from them.  A Christmas with ridiculous piles of food and expensive presents is not the Christmas the christian should have, but a time to gently ponder as Mary did. Here is God come to Earth in human form in order to grow to be the man God who would save all those who put their trust in Him.  What a glorious truth.