Renew The Mind; Transform Your Life

In this diversion from the normal content on this channel, I wanted to share a moment of insight into possible pathways to prosperity - Politically, Economically, and Socially - for the United Kingdom.This is based on mapping key principles from Ecology onto our current needs as a Nation.If you are wondering about the voice - yesterday, for the first time, I saw the option to "Open Immersive Reader" - and I think (with a little editing from me) LinkedIn's AI Voiceover Artist has done a stunning job.  If you use the Immersive Reader, you can change the speed too.https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/towards-national-ecology-neil-mckee-qqjhe

The Revd Canon Richard Bartlett is Vicar of the West Purbeck Benefice, and Rural Dean of Purbeck.  (That doesn't mean he drives a custom-Landrover with wide wheels, nor that he endorses Barbour wellies.)Key Quotes:John V Taylor"The chief actor in the historic mission of the Christian church is the Holy Spirit. This fact, so patent to Christians in the first century, is largely forgotten in our own. So we have lost our nerve and our sense of direction and have turned the divine initiative into a human enterprise.(John V Taylor, The Go-Between God p3) "AndJurgen Moltman“It is not the church that has a mission of salvation to fulfil in the world; it is the mission of the Son and the Spirit through the Father that includes the church, creating a church as it goes on its way.” Video Links:With Bishop Anne - Five Marks of Mission - Teachhttps://youtu.be/RjxPNirBAR4?si=-bE--VGFYC04cmk0With Bishop Anne - Five Marks of Mission - Tellhttps://youtu.be/aADVG3CZvZI?si=QoRXDVb7tyckKO82With Bishop Anne - Five Marks of Mission - Tendhttps://youtu.be/x29YXQm43Js?si=ou2N0kE_P_vk5__IWith Bishop Anne - Five Marks of Mission - Transformhttps://youtu.be/UcFnPhmOg50?si=kAJ1VX_ATIRjdb1yWith Bishop Anne - Five Marks of Mission - Treasurehttps://youtu.be/bjBA8jKX6a0?si=_jpbAt2eob4KzF8I

24th January Living Words Worship: Psalm 27 Old Testament: Joshua 21 Gospel: Mark 11 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8 Wisdom: Proverbs 24Arnold Schwarzenegger utters the famous phrase, "Come with me, if you want to live..."  I sincerely believe God's Living Words are Words of Life with the potential in the Holy Spirit to minister LIFE to your mortal body.  Why would so many people wilfully starve themselves of life-sustaining medication?  Get on board with our 5-a-Day programme for Life-enhancing Biblical Health.

23rd January Living Words Worship: Psalm 26 Old Testament: Joshua 20 Gospel: Mark 10 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 7 Wisdom: Proverbs 23I believe you need 5 portions of Scripture a Day to stay Biblically Healthy.After all, Jesus said that man and woman shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Psalm 24 for WorshipOT - Joshua 18 - Go on up and possess the Land God has promised to youNT Gospel - Mark 8NT Epistle - I Corinthians 5Proverbs 21 for Wisdom

20th January Living WordsReading Programme We begin with Worship:Psalm 23Authorized (King James) VersionA Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Joshua 17More on the need to possess the territory that God has given us.  Consider this violent capture of the Land of Promise with the enigmatic Matthew 11:12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.Do we need to struggle to enter into God's promise?Mark 7 – words in Red‘This people honours me with their lips,    but their heart is far from me.But they worship me in vain,    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' See Isaiah 29:13 “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. …making void the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” 1 Corinthians 4Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God. For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn't receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don't have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. I beg you therefore, be imitators of me. For God's Kingdom is not in word, but in power.  What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? We conclude with Wisdom:Proverbs 20The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp,    searching all his innermost parts.Hence the central importance of a daily ‘Quiet Time' to give the spirit space to carry out the work of sanctification. Wounding blows cleanse away evil,    and beatings purge the innermost parts.Now, there's a thought…

19th January Living Words5-a-DayReading Programme Joshua 16Notice how the descendants of Joseph's sons get a portion each – the generosity of God to Joseph. Mark 6He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?  Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon?  Aren't his sisters here with us?” So, they were offended at him. Psalm 22 and John 19:30 which says, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.”This is important because Psalm 22 is clearly referenced in John 19:24And the other Gospels have Jesus quoting Psalm 22 from the Cross:About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46] For the Chief Musician; set to “The Doe of the Morning.” A Psalm by David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don't answer;    in the night season, and am not silent.But you are holy,    you who inhabit the praises of Israel.Our fathers trusted in you.    They trusted, and you delivered them.They cried to you, and were delivered.    They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.But I am a worm, and no man;    a reproach of men, and despised by the people.All those who see me mock me.    They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,    “He trusts in Yahweh.    Let him deliver him.    Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”But you brought me out of the womb.    You made me trust while at my mother's breasts.I was thrown on you from my mother's womb.    You are my God since my mother bore me.Don't be far from me, for trouble is near.    For there is no one to help.Many bulls have surrounded me.    Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.They open their mouths wide against me,    lions tearing prey and roaring.I am poured out like water.    All my bones are out of joint.My heart is like wax.    It is melted within me.My strength is dried up like a potsherd.    My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.You have brought me into the dust of death.For dogs have surrounded me.    A company of evildoers have enclosed me.    They have pierced my hands and feet.I can count all of my bones.They look and stare at me.They divide my garments among them.    They cast lots for my clothing.But don't be far off, Yahweh.    You are my help. Hurry to help me!Deliver my soul from the sword,    my precious life from the power of the dog.Save me from the lion's mouth!    Yes, you have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen.I will declare your name to my brothers.    Among the assembly, I will praise you.You who fear Yahweh, praise him!    All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him!    Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel!For he has not despised nor abhorred the affl

How exciting to reach the point in history where the Church receives the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the point that will empower the Church to go on throughout history, making a transformational difference to the world (and, of course, I mean the true Church, not religious counterfeits.) Today is a great day to reach out to God and to ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. After all, He has promised that He won't give us anything else when we ask for The Holy Spirit.

CREDITSThe Bible Project has an excellent introduction and overview of the letter to the Galatians:bibleproject.com/explore/video/galatians/The thumbnail is adapted from the poster made freely available by The Bible Project here:bibleproject.com/view-resource/257/The Bible version I am using is free from copyright. Only the description, "World English Bible," is understandably trademarked.

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

We are making a MASSIVE push into the wisdom-world of Ecclesiastes.12 of the free resources include downloadable audio recordings of the World English Bible version.Also check out...The Bible ProjectOverview Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ecclesiastes/ Exploratory Videohttps://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-ecclesiastes/ Posterhttps://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Posters%20Download/20_Ecclesiastes.jpg

Enjoy listening to Scripture read beside Swanage Bay, Dorset, England.Today's NIV Scriptures are:Psalm 2Proverbs 15Genesis 2John 2Romans 2That's 5-a-Day, Daily Bread!

Paul says to Timothy in chapter 4 verse 13 in his first letter:"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching."Since this sounds like a call to action to me, I was thinking about the popular 5-a-Day model for healthy eating.If we were to apply that to the reading of Scripture, what mix might we have?A Psalm for worshipA chapter of Proverbs for wisdomA portion of the Old TestamentA section of a GospelA part of the New Testament other than the Gospels and ActsThus we start with today's readings.On the menu we have:Psalm 1Proverbs 14 (to match day 14 of July)Genesis 1John 1Romans 1The sounds of the sea and of Swanage were recorded today from 'The Haven' on Swanage Bay.  Although there are a few noisy people, I hope this natural soundscape helps give atmosphere to this first recording.

We share "The Road to Emmaus" followed by a direct quote from Tim Keller's work, "What is Gospel-Centred Ministry?"https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/conference_media/gospel-centered-ministry/Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden, a much tougher garden, and whose obedience is imputed to us.Jesus is the true and better Abel, who, though innocently slain, has blood that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for our acquittal.Jesus is the true and better Abraham, who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go into the void, not knowing whither he went.Jesus is the true and better Isaac, who was not just offered up by his father on the mount, but was truly sacrificed for us all. What God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son–your only son whom you love–from me.” Now we, at the foot of the cross, can say to God, “Now we know that you love me because you did not withhold your Son–your only Son whom you love–from me.”Jesus is the true and better Jacob, who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserve so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace that wake us up and discipline us.Jesus is the true and better Joseph, who sits at the right hand of the King and forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his power to save them.Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people in the Lord and who mediates a New Covenant.Jesus is the true and better rock of Moses, who when struck with a rod of God's justice now gives us water in the desert.Jesus is the true and better Job, who became a truly innocent suffer and now intercedes for and saves his stupid friends. (Is that a type? That's not typology; it's an instinct.)Jesus is the true and better David, whose victory becomes his people's victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.Jesus is the true and better Esther, who didn't just risk losing an earthly palace but lost the ultimate heavenly one, who didn't just risk his life but gave his life, who didn't just say, “If I perish, I perish,” he says, “When I perish, I'll perish for them to save my people.”Jesus is the true and better Jonah, who was cast out into the storm so we could be brought in.Jesus is the real Passover lamb.Jesus is the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

A BLESSING FOR YOU!May you receive this blessing as you listen to this psalm, recorded with you in mind.Psalm 20New International Version (adapted on the recording to us the Lord's name)For the director of music. A psalm of David.May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.May he send you help from the sanctuary    and grant you support from Zion.May he remember all your sacrifices    and accept your burnt offerings.May he give you the desire of your heart    and make all your plans succeed.May we shout for joy over your victory    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.May the Lord grant all your requests.Now this I know:    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary    with the victorious power of his right hand.Some trust in chariots and some in horses,    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.They are brought to their knees and fall,    but we rise up and stand firm.Lord, give victory to the king!    Answer us when we call!Wouldn't it be lovely to appoint a Director of Music for our Church?

Would you rather?Choice is a wonderful blessing for most of us most of the time, and a burden for many of us much of the time!  "Would you rather?" is a great question to ask when working through issues that affect our wellbeing.

The most positive presentation of the value of ageing that I've ever had the privilege to listen to.Q. Is your church helping you to grow spiritually?

Grace Will Walk Us Homeby Thom M ShumanWild Goose Publicationswww.ionabooks.comUsed under agreed non-commercial worship conditions as stated by the publisher.MusicAtmos from Big Fish Audio - used under licence.

Grace Will Walk Us Homeby Thom M ShumanWild Goose Publicationswww.ionabooks.comUsed under agreed non-commercial worship conditions as stated by the publisher.MusicAtmos from Big Fish Audio - used under licence.

Praying the Scriptures is building your prayer life upon the firmest foundation!

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a massive blessing to the Body of Christ - helping us to value our differences.  Here's a link to a free version as featured in this podcast:16personalities.com

Shift Happens All At SeaTwo battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on manoeuvres in heavy weather for several days. I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. The visibility was poor with patch fog, so the captain, remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.”“Is it steady or moving astern?” the captain called out.Lookout replied, “Steady, captain,” which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.”Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.”The captain said, “Send, I'm a captain, change course 20 degrees.”“I'm a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You had better change course 20 degrees.”By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “Send, I'm a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.”Back came the flashing light, “I'm a lighthouse.”We changed course. The Man on the Subway“I remember a mini-paradigm shift I experienced one Sunday morning on a subway in New York. People were sitting quietly – some reading newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a calm, peaceful scene.Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed.The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people's papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing. It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was like unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, “Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn't control them a little more?”The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, “Oh, you're right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don't know what do think, and I guess they don't know who to handle it either.”Can you imagine what I felt at that moment? My paradigm shifted. Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn't have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man's pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely. “Your wife just died? Oh I'm so sorry! Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?” Everything changed in an instant.”  

Zoonami We all have precious moments when providence or serendipity sends us a treat.  One such precious moment was last night in the freezing cold on Swanage's Victorian Pier.  A crowd of us was there for the switching on the lights by Father Christmas (who arrived by boat!) Waiting in the cold, looking out over the waves under the moonlight, a small girl asked her Dad if a big wave had ever flooded the pier.  Realising she meant a Tsunami, her Dad shared the word with her as he reassured her… but here's the thing: I heard him say, “Zoonami!” Of course, he didn't say that, but it was too late, my imagination was engaged!  I ‘saw' a flood of animals coming into Swanage Bay on surf boards (like the seagull I'd recently seen surfing on driftwood.)  (Thought to self: I probably need to change my medication!) And this brings me to today's two questions:Q. What animal would you most like to be?AndQ. Why? Dog or Cat?Cat or Mouse?Dinosaur – but which one?Fish, Amphibian, Reptile, Bird, Mammal?Orangutan, Gibbon (Funky, of course), Gorilla, Chimpanzee? They say confession is good for the soul, so I'll lead by example!I want to be an Otter.Why?They are massively playful, lithe, and love fish, of course!To me, they stay young forever through their combination of frisky fun-loving living, insatiable curiosity, and healthy diet. Once you've decided on your animal or bird (and shared it with us), how could you be more like your Avatar? How could I be ‘more Otter'?  Hmm, I think that Sea Swimming is beckoning again! I'm looking forward to a flood, a Zoonami, of witty, wise, and wonderful revelations of your favourite animals!

There's no fruit without there first being a seed.The man on the corner by one of Swanage's many pubs proudly wore a T-Shirt with just two words: “Bad Seed.” I think he thought it was funny. I didn't.I want to sow “Good Seed” during this season of goodwill to all. The whole World knows we need this.Specifically, I'd love, along with you, to play our part in growing the traditional seasonal fruits of hope, joy, peace, and love (or ‘charity' if you like old-fashioned version!) Reminds me of the three angels I had branded with a spelling error: Faith, Love, and Hop. I kid you not. I'd like to have been ‘Hop'.  Have you tried skipping lately? It's liberating. Children do it all the time… naturally… freely. Be childlike today.How do we sow seeds of hope? Hope is always to do with the future – so anytime we can make anyone feel better about their future, we've sown seeds of hope. Paint a picture in people's imaginations of a brighter better tomorrow.How do we sow seeds of joy? I think Spike Milligan had the right idea:“Smiling is infectious,you catch it like the flu,When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.”[The full poem can be read here: https://noc-events.co.uk/sites/conference.noc.ac.uk/files/documents/Smile%20-%20By%20Spike%20Milligan.pdfbut be careful, it's contagious.]Stick a grin on your chin, and see who says, “Hey, I'm ‘in'!”How do we sow seeds of peace? That's the answer to a big Nobel prize-winning question! Maybe it's as simple as always looking for what we share in common with others? I watched, “Derry Girls,” for the first time this year. It was a profound experience, highlighting the humour and the tension of the troubles in Northern Ireland. In one particularly touching episode the way to peace was by finding that common ground.And, finally, and perhaps most importantly, how do we sow seeds of love? I think that's the easiest question to answer. Those of us who want more friendship must show ourselves to be friendly. We, very generally speaking, reap what we sow – that's the way of Nature. What does, ‘'being shown love,” mean to you? Once you can answer that, go and do that for or to someone else. Maybe, just maybe, we're all about to have a very good day indeed!

I have chosen the 'Jesucristo crucificado' By Diego Velázquez - to represent this most transformational prophecy in the book of the prophet Isaiahhttps://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/obra-de-arte/cristo-crucificado/72cbb57e-f622-4531-9b25-27ff0a9559d7 (Museo del Prado), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4214227The Suffering Servant is the foundation of much of our theology about the sacrifice of Christ to deal with our sins and all the consequences of sin.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Crucified_(Vel%C3%A1zquez)The unusual use of The Amplified Bible requires a copyright notification.Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

Our theme for World Day of Prayer* was, "I Know The Plans I Have For You."  The day and the service were planned and printed and prepared for well-before any knowledge of what was to happen in Ukraine.  For this reason, I believe it is doubly comforting.  God is in the business of restoring people who have been displaced from their homeland.More than this, He is also committed to their wellbeing during any season of displacement.  The passage we had was Jeremiah 29:1-14, some of which I share in the podcast.  I do not believe the displacement of the Ukrainian people is anything other than the purpose of Russia (unlike this passage that has a very different political and historical perspective).  I share the words because they show God's heart is towards those who are displaced, and His purpose for them is only good - to give them a future and a hope.We, of course, have a part to play in making certain this is so.[*World Day of Prayer was 4th March 2022]

"A Lover is a Giver; A Giver is a Lover."  This inspirational message and sermon explores the link between giving and genuine faith.It was recorded while Storm Eunice was raging outside.  This means it's atmospheric but not using the usual broadcast level of equipment I have... after all, the power was out!  Thus, I've used battery-powered kit.Do you enjoy the benefits of having a generous heart?  Those who truly love are naturally generous givers.  They give without expecting to receive in return.  They give without any hidden agenda.  They give because they LOVE to give.  They give for pleasure.This is a ministry and a gift.  It is also the secret of divine prosperity until you start giving in order to receive... then it goes a little haywire!The path to prosperity is to realise that giving is like planting seeds.  What you plant is not what is going to come up.  In a similar way, what you plant may not be returned to you from the place or people where you planted it.Become a greater Lover by becoming a greater Giver.

The 12th Day of Christmas On the 12th Day of Christmas, we celebrate the Eve of Epiphany.  This means we are on the cusp of change.  We end the 12 Days of Christmas and move into Epiphany.  I rather like the decision of the Council of Tours in 567 (what a great date!) that there should be celebrations from Christmas Day through to Epiphany Eve – which gave birth to the 12 Days of Christmas – or what we Brits call Christmastide.  This is a splendid idea since most folks don't really come back to work until about 10th January!  Holding to this tradition and adapting it to the modern work pattern, we'd have 12 Days of feasting and 4 days to detox! In fact, the ancient pattern wasn't that far away from that - because there is a tradition of fasting during Advent to get ready for the feasting. Fasting, feasting, detox! From tomorrow, Epiphanytide will run until Candlemas.  What is Epiphany?  This is traditionally when the Three Kings came to adore the baby.  Thus, the Irish tradition of adding the figures of the Three Kings to the Nativity scene on Twelfth Night ready for Epiphany. But that's tomorrow… let's talk about partying! The famous Carol, “Here we come a wassailing,” refers to this evening where the poor would often go door-to-door singing songs of good cheer and blessing each household in return for a drink from the wassail bowl – filled with hot ale, apples, spices, and mead!  The noun, “wassail,” refers to the drink.Where the wassail is more cider than ale, it can be connected to a more rural request for a good cider apple crop in the year to come.  To wassail, as a verb, means to party on in the lively way associated with twelfth night, and also to go from house-to-house singing carols.  It should, therefore, be a jolly good evening! Another tradition you may enjoy bringing back is the King Cake – baked with a bean and a pea.  I'm guessing there was a separate cake for the boys and the girls as whoever gets the piece with the pea in gets to be Queen for the night, and whoever gets the bean gets to be King… for one night.  We can be heroes just for one day.  Servants would become masters.  This could become a fun family tradition for you and yours - if only for one night! Do we need any deep spiritual message for today and tonight?  I don't think so. Epiphany, tomorrow, is deeply significant, but for tonight let's enter into the spirit of celebration, blessing, thanksgiving, and generosity… and if you don't have the energy for that, you could always watch Shakespeare's comedy, “Twelfth Night.”  (But that's another story.)

Imagine being asked to leave a monastery for being too extreme. This was part of the journey taken by Simeon Stylites - a famous "Pillar Saint".Focus gets results.

Jesus was presented at the Temple, as was the Jewish tradition. This involved circumcision as the child's name was presented to God.We'd talk about a Christening nowadays, and a lot less blood and pain!In the classic movie, "Dances With Wolves," we learn of the Native American tradition of naming someone according to their most visible or memorable characteristic or characteristic behaviour. Kevin Costner's character was seen dancing with wolves, hence the name. What would your Native American Name be from your current lifestyle? What would you prefer it to be if that's not a happy answer?

"Let It Be"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it beAnd in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it beLet it be, let it be, let it be, let it beWhisper words of wisdom, let it be[Songwriters: Paul Mccartney / John Lennon]I wonder if the Reformation was a rejection of Motherhood?  It's an interesting thought given the venom against Mary.  What would have happened if Sigmund Freud had access to Martin Luther?  Imagine Luther on the couch and Ziggy saying, "Tell me about your Mother..."In this very emotional recording, captured last Christmas, I realise (watching it again with some distance) that my own loss of my Mum is impacting what I share and how I share it.  Mum died in 2019, and the wounds are still raw.  However, this is the point of the Podcast and the Vlog - we all need a Mother figure.  The Apostle Paul recognised the need of the Church to have father-figures, even though Jesus was clear that we only have One Father.  If the Church needs flesh-and-blood father-figures to help the saints grow to maturity, how much more do we all need Mother-figures?[Pauline reference is 1 Corinthians 4:15 "For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don't have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News."]Enjoy then, a fresh, if emotional, appreciation of Mary and Motherhood on this, the 8th Day of Christmas.Oh, and also enjoy the shout outs to two other great Mother figures: Guan Yin and... Moominmamma, with her handbag full of wonders and compforts!Not content with bringing focus back to Mother Mary, here's a bit of Eastern Philosophy!  https://youtu.be/5yZ8a_zAEl0 - it includes Guan Yin.

In the Western Church, we celebrate Saint Sylvester the First - a Pope who was the Bishop of Rome for over 20 years.  He was a great 'tribal' leader, holding the church strong against heresy and division.My message for the coming year is to "Choose Your Tribe" - by which I mean find a tribe that misses you when you're not there.  You need a tribe that values you even when you cannot contribute.Any tribes you currently belong to who make no indication that you matter to them when you're not there are not worth belonging to.Let this year, then, be the year where you are defined by the tribes you leave, the tribes you join, and the tribes you lead.

The 6th Day of Christmas Saint Egwin (don't think "St Eggwhisk").  Absolutely committed to supporting widows and orphans.  He was very strict – promoting faithful Christian marriage, and clerical celibacy – which made him less than popular with many!  He was dispatched to Rome to seek vindication from the Pope.  Miracles happened en route that led to his later recognition as a saint.  The miracles are mentioned in the recording so I won't expand here. My point – a man of principle whose actions matched his beliefs.  He committed to caring for those that God places as a priority too.  A man who left a powerful legacy since he went on to found the Abbey at Evesham.I learned a new word too: “Obloquy,” which means, “strong public condemnation.” The United Nations have identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  To take practical action on this, I have been a member for several years of, “Buy One; Give One.”  The idea is simple, and the execution is exquisite.  Every time I sell a product or service, I pay it forward via a project that reflects one of the goals of the 17 SDGs of the UN.  As you ‘buy one' from me, I ‘give one' – acknowledging gratefully that you have enabled this gift. I am very concerned about the loss of direct educational experience that has hit our Nations for over two years now.  Whilst I most certainly mean school students, I include anyone of any age who has a love of learning.  In response, I am seeking to resurrect the programmes that were at the heart of my happiest times with Buzan Centres.  Buzan Centres were the brainchild of the late Tony Buzan (Creator of Mind Mapping) and the birthchild of the very present Vanda North, who set up Buzan Centres Internationally. We used to run family study weekends together where students of all ages could come and experience the joy of seeing their speed-reading skills increase, their memory boosted, and their ability to organise their thoughts revolutionised. This recording was captured last Christmas, and in it I made a promise that I haven't yet kept – to begin those programmes again.  Now you can hold me to that promise. And for every course place that I sell, or gracious gift to support our work that we receive (so we can provide free training too), we will honour Saint Egwin's spirit by paying a portion forward towards fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, via the wonderful B1G1.com Come, let us learn together, and make a difference together, forever. If you fancy supporting my work (and great intentions) you can give here: https://bit.ly/InvestStudySkillsIf you invest, don't be a stranger – there are a 1000 ways I can say, “Thank You!” and add value to your life.  Join the tribes I belong to and feel amazing about the contribution you make.

"SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER"