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 c...

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.

As I believe I mentioned before I am now writing on Bubblews.  It's great fun and I am meeting lots of new people and a few I know already.  There are lots of young people from all over the world and an especially large contingent from the Philippines. Many of them are not active at present due to the circumstances following the typhoon.  We may not hear from them for some time as they will be busy rebuilding their lives.  Our prayers are with them.  They are a strong people and I am sure they will rebuild a better than ever community.    If you want to read my stuff on Bubblews my user name is LizMac66. I believe I left a proper link a couple of posts ago on here.   I hope to continue writing here but I am busy enjoying writing and also posting my art work on Bubblews.  So if you are missing me here take a walk over to Bubblews.

We have been given huge storm warnings for tonight and tomorrow.  I am in South West England and we should have it first, but so far we are just having a typical "dirty" night, but nothing extraordinary.  Long may it continue this gentle a storm.  Our weather forecasters have a habit of either scaring us silly or neglecting to warn us when it's needed. We hardly know what bad weather is in this country, but we do like to moan about it.

This is a very important position.  First the undertaker asks if I am available on a certain date. Then he gives me the phone number of those arranging the funeral, usually a close relative.  I ring and make an appointment to see them in their home.  I take along suitable scripture readings and poems and discuss what they want me to do. This is a time of careful listening and it is here that you get to know all that the deceased means to the mourner. Either they will have written a eulogy or you take away the information and write a eulogy for them. This is the time to get the right names of both the deceased and the mourners.  If the deceased was called Elizabeth but her whole life was called Lizzie, you want to take this on board and use the preferred name.  There is nothing worse than being at a funeral and hearing the deceased called Robert when the whole of his life he has been known as Bob; yet many ministers do not take the trouble to find this out. ...