Both the United Kingdom and parts of North America have recently been hit by severe cold weather. Over the weekend snowfall in Minneapolis caused the roof of a sports arena to collapse. This has led to people wondering why it is so cold if the world is heating up, although world climate and local weather are two different things.
Following two bomb blasts in Sweden, a house in Luton is being searched. The house belongs to the suspected bomber; although neighbours appear to be in shock that he could possibly do such a thing. What leads people to such desperate actions often seems hard to understand.
Monday's Manchester United football game against Arsenal will be watched by some of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground for so long. As they were trapped in the mine I wonder how many times they asked the question: why is this happening to us? However, they kept going and were eventually rescued.
This week WordLive is delving into the sometimes difficult to understand words of the book of Revelation. But as we have seen above, life isn’t always about understanding everything but about how we respond to what we do know.
Darren
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
It’s good to talk
Talks will take place this week over Iran’s nuclear programme. The concern being that the Middle Eastern nation may use its nuclear capability to do more than simply create electricity for itself.
And the UK government has revealed its plans to provide super-fast broadband across the country. Once the roll out is complete the whole nation will be able to communicate over the network.
And we have more ‘sensitive’ information coming from the Wikileaks site. Or should we say sites – apparently there are over three hundred mirrors of the site around the web to keep the message up and running. This, despite one major route of funding for the site being cut.
This week in WordLive we are still listening to the words of Ezekiel. He didn’t have broadband to tell others the message God had given him. But for those concerned the information was sensitive and potentially life-transforming.
Darren
And the UK government has revealed its plans to provide super-fast broadband across the country. Once the roll out is complete the whole nation will be able to communicate over the network.
And we have more ‘sensitive’ information coming from the Wikileaks site. Or should we say sites – apparently there are over three hundred mirrors of the site around the web to keep the message up and running. This, despite one major route of funding for the site being cut.
This week in WordLive we are still listening to the words of Ezekiel. He didn’t have broadband to tell others the message God had given him. But for those concerned the information was sensitive and potentially life-transforming.
Darren
Friday 3 December 2010
WordLive app for Windows 7 phones
It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that there is now a WordLive app for Windows 7 phone users. And it is with even greater pleasure that I can tell you that it was created by a WordLive user.
Paul wanted a way to browse WordLive and listen to the podcast at the same time. So, he got his coding fingers working and bundled up the available feeds into this wonderful app. We thank Paul for his work and effort in putting this together and sharing it with the world.
For more details follow the links below. And if there are any other people who are creating ways to use WordLive we'd love to hear. I know there are one or two Blackberry users who would be interested in an app ;)
Feature list
Info on how to get it
Paul wanted a way to browse WordLive and listen to the podcast at the same time. So, he got his coding fingers working and bundled up the available feeds into this wonderful app. We thank Paul for his work and effort in putting this together and sharing it with the world.
For more details follow the links below. And if there are any other people who are creating ways to use WordLive we'd love to hear. I know there are one or two Blackberry users who would be interested in an app ;)
Feature list
Info on how to get it
Wednesday 1 December 2010
It’s just words and information, right?
Some pretty sensitive information has been posted on the Wikileaks site, whose purpose is to make information available to all. The site believes that some information that is hidden from the public should be seen by all. However, others feel that this information is too sensitive to be freely available.
Another release of information, although this time through a more informal route, has had interesting consequences for the Bishop of Willesden. He posted numerous comments about the upcoming royal wedding, and for doing this he has been suspended.
And the posturing and strong words continue on the Korean peninsula. After the shelling of an island under the authority of the South by the North, both sides are engaging in a war of words, each condemning the actions of the other.
Meanwhile, in WordLive we’re looking at Ezekiel, a prophet who had a great many things to say about his nation, other nations and God. The role of a prophet and the words he shares aren’t always welcome either. Would Ezekiel have been suspended or condemned for what he had to say if he was posting those words today, online?
Darren
Another release of information, although this time through a more informal route, has had interesting consequences for the Bishop of Willesden. He posted numerous comments about the upcoming royal wedding, and for doing this he has been suspended.
And the posturing and strong words continue on the Korean peninsula. After the shelling of an island under the authority of the South by the North, both sides are engaging in a war of words, each condemning the actions of the other.
Meanwhile, in WordLive we’re looking at Ezekiel, a prophet who had a great many things to say about his nation, other nations and God. The role of a prophet and the words he shares aren’t always welcome either. Would Ezekiel have been suspended or condemned for what he had to say if he was posting those words today, online?
Darren
Friday 26 November 2010
Little or big, it’s about change
In the UK, the new Labour leader Ed Milliband is about to embark on a rethink of his party’s policies. He says it’s time to make some changes as they begin the journey to regain power.
A Japanese politician has resigned after he said that his job was easy. Apparently he had two standard replies when he was asked a difficult question to which he didn’t know the answer. I wonder whether he may have been able to stay if he had learnt one or two more answers. But some people can’t change, even a little.
Still in Japan and speaking of little, a tiny Chihuahua is about to become a police dog. The tiny pooch has just passed its police exam and will help out in search and rescue operations. It is amazing how something so small could have such a profound affect on the lives of others.
This week WordLive is all about the things that can bring us closer to God: being like a child, being less than others, selling everything you have and giving the money to the poor. It’s all about change, and how those changes in your life can have a big effect.
Darren
A Japanese politician has resigned after he said that his job was easy. Apparently he had two standard replies when he was asked a difficult question to which he didn’t know the answer. I wonder whether he may have been able to stay if he had learnt one or two more answers. But some people can’t change, even a little.
Still in Japan and speaking of little, a tiny Chihuahua is about to become a police dog. The tiny pooch has just passed its police exam and will help out in search and rescue operations. It is amazing how something so small could have such a profound affect on the lives of others.
This week WordLive is all about the things that can bring us closer to God: being like a child, being less than others, selling everything you have and giving the money to the poor. It’s all about change, and how those changes in your life can have a big effect.
Darren
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Realising what is there
For those with a sporting interest you may have noticed that the youngest Formula 1 world champion was crowned. Sebastian Vettel realised his dream by winning the final Gran Prix of the season.
Those of us whose interest lies in the business and economic arena, may have noticed some news coming from the banking sector. It seems that banks have realised that their bonus systems may appear to be a little unfair to the general public and therefore need a rethink.
And finally in the political arena the world has greeted with joy the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Perhaps Burma have realised that democracy may be a way forward for the country, and who better to help with that than the pro-democracy supporter Aung San.
And then, perhaps one additional pause for thought. This week in WordLive Peter realises that this Jesus who has been walking among him and his fishing buddies may just be someone a little more important than a carpenter’s son.
Darren
Those of us whose interest lies in the business and economic arena, may have noticed some news coming from the banking sector. It seems that banks have realised that their bonus systems may appear to be a little unfair to the general public and therefore need a rethink.
And finally in the political arena the world has greeted with joy the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Perhaps Burma have realised that democracy may be a way forward for the country, and who better to help with that than the pro-democracy supporter Aung San.
And then, perhaps one additional pause for thought. This week in WordLive Peter realises that this Jesus who has been walking among him and his fishing buddies may just be someone a little more important than a carpenter’s son.
Darren
Thursday 11 November 2010
We will remember them
This week in WordLive we follow Daniel as he comes under attack for his faith in God. His continued commitment to prayer, despite the very real risk of death it entailed, is a challenge to us all. What would we do if worshipping God in public meant putting our lives at risk?
This is a question Christians in Iraq are facing this week, following the recent attack on a Catholic church in Baghdad in which 52 worshippers were killed. As many as 60 per cent of the Iraqi Christian population have already been killed or fled the country since the invasion in 2003 and those remaining are now being warned to leave.
However, many are determined to stay ‘whatever the sacrifices, to bear witness to our faith’ (Ignatius Metti Metok, Syriac Catholic Bishop of Baghdad). A prominent Christian member of the Iraqi parliament, Yonadam Kanna, said, ‘This is our home, we have been together with Muslims for centuries, this is our destiny, and we will stay together’.
Daniel’s response to opposition in Babylon was to pray and keep trusting God, though it’s hard to imagine him not being terrified as he was thrown to the lions. This week, let’s remember in prayer those Christians living in constant fear in Iraq. And in Remembrance Week, let’s also pray for all the members of our armed forces who confront danger daily in order to protect our freedom.
Lizzie Evans
This is a question Christians in Iraq are facing this week, following the recent attack on a Catholic church in Baghdad in which 52 worshippers were killed. As many as 60 per cent of the Iraqi Christian population have already been killed or fled the country since the invasion in 2003 and those remaining are now being warned to leave.
However, many are determined to stay ‘whatever the sacrifices, to bear witness to our faith’ (Ignatius Metti Metok, Syriac Catholic Bishop of Baghdad). A prominent Christian member of the Iraqi parliament, Yonadam Kanna, said, ‘This is our home, we have been together with Muslims for centuries, this is our destiny, and we will stay together’.
Daniel’s response to opposition in Babylon was to pray and keep trusting God, though it’s hard to imagine him not being terrified as he was thrown to the lions. This week, let’s remember in prayer those Christians living in constant fear in Iraq. And in Remembrance Week, let’s also pray for all the members of our armed forces who confront danger daily in order to protect our freedom.
Lizzie Evans
Monday 1 November 2010
Doing the right thing, for the right reason
We know that some things are wrong, but we also seem to be concerned with some things being ‘more’ wrong than others. In a recent report a former drugs advisor has said that alcohol does more damage than hard drugs. Of course this report will now be used by various pressure groups who either want to ban alcohol at one end or legalise drugs at the other.
We also know that some things are good for us. A major study of Norwegians has revealed that exercise is good for us. But not just any exercise – the exercise has to be done in your free time and therefore done because you want to do it.
This week on WordLive we delve into the world of Daniel, a devout follower of the Jewish God who found himself amidst the beliefs and rituals of a totally different culture. He knew what was good for him and why.
Praying and reading the Bible are things that we can do, but if we don’t really want to do them, is there any point?
Darren
We also know that some things are good for us. A major study of Norwegians has revealed that exercise is good for us. But not just any exercise – the exercise has to be done in your free time and therefore done because you want to do it.
This week on WordLive we delve into the world of Daniel, a devout follower of the Jewish God who found himself amidst the beliefs and rituals of a totally different culture. He knew what was good for him and why.
Praying and reading the Bible are things that we can do, but if we don’t really want to do them, is there any point?
Darren
Thursday 28 October 2010
Inside or outside?
How much more can Haiti take? Just as people begin to recover from the earthquake, they now have to face an outbreak of cholera, mainly in the tent encampments where a million earthquake victims are living.
Health workers have been fearing this situation – the first outbreak in the country in more than a century – as the poor sanitary conditions in the camps leave people vulnerable. As of Sunday there were more than 3,000 cases and 250 deaths. Fortunately it seems that the spread to the capital Port-au-Prince has been slowed if not halted.
With clean food and water, cholera is not a difficult disease to avoid. Sadly however, life in Haiti is not so simple and this is the result.
In Mexico however, the violence continues. On Friday gunmen burst into a 14-year-old boy’s birthday party, killing 14 and wounding another 20. About 7,000 people have been murdered in the area since 2008 when the government declared war on the drug cartels.
A 20-year-old local criminology student, Marisol Valles, has been appointed as police chief in a nearby town. Her predecessor was beheaded in January 2009.
‘I am frightened, I am only human, but you have to learn to trust and to have hope that things can change,’ she said. ‘Have faith that we can do something about this security problem. We want to build a place where young people can fulfil their hopes and dreams.’
So which is worse, cholera in Haiti caused by taking in infected food and water? Or the relentless violence in Mexico resulting from the evil within those involved in the drug cartels?
According to this week’s readings, Jesus saw the heart as the source of defilement, something much harder to deal with (Mark 7:14–23). Brave Marisol Valles is facing quite a challenge.
Emlyn Williams
Health workers have been fearing this situation – the first outbreak in the country in more than a century – as the poor sanitary conditions in the camps leave people vulnerable. As of Sunday there were more than 3,000 cases and 250 deaths. Fortunately it seems that the spread to the capital Port-au-Prince has been slowed if not halted.
With clean food and water, cholera is not a difficult disease to avoid. Sadly however, life in Haiti is not so simple and this is the result.
In Mexico however, the violence continues. On Friday gunmen burst into a 14-year-old boy’s birthday party, killing 14 and wounding another 20. About 7,000 people have been murdered in the area since 2008 when the government declared war on the drug cartels.
A 20-year-old local criminology student, Marisol Valles, has been appointed as police chief in a nearby town. Her predecessor was beheaded in January 2009.
‘I am frightened, I am only human, but you have to learn to trust and to have hope that things can change,’ she said. ‘Have faith that we can do something about this security problem. We want to build a place where young people can fulfil their hopes and dreams.’
So which is worse, cholera in Haiti caused by taking in infected food and water? Or the relentless violence in Mexico resulting from the evil within those involved in the drug cartels?
According to this week’s readings, Jesus saw the heart as the source of defilement, something much harder to deal with (Mark 7:14–23). Brave Marisol Valles is facing quite a challenge.
Emlyn Williams
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Miracles
Miracles have been on the news agenda much more than usual this past week. The remarkable rescue of the miners in Chile dominated the news for more than 24 hours, and the President of Chile (amongst many others) called it a miracle.
According to the president’s Protestant chaplain Rev Alfredo Cooper (also a CMS mission partner), ‘Many of the miners went down as atheists or unbelievers or semi-believers and they have come up to a man testifying that they were not 33 but that there were 34 down there – that Jesus was there with them and that they had a constant sense of his presence and guidance.’
All of this was welcome relief from the cynicism which surrounds us for much of the time. Sadly however, as this week’s readings show, miracles don’t necessarily lead to strong faith. They can even have the opposite effect (Mark 6:51,52).
Nevertheless, the success of the rescue highlighted another important principle seen in this week’s readings (Mark 6:7) – that of cooperation. And it was far from being the only example in the news this week.
For the past 14 years, two teams of workmen have been boring the world’s longest rail tunnel – 35.4miles long – under the Swiss Alps. On Friday, a tunnelling machine broke through the remaining rock to complete the tunnel. The accuracy was stunning – within 8cm horizontally and 1cm vertically.
Liverpool fans will be hoping for a demonstration of partnership and cooperation from their club’s new owners. Echoing the club anthem ‘You’ll never walk alone’, John W Henry, head of the new owners NESV, said, ‘We're going to do a lot of listening, we have a lot to learn, and we'll walk this path together.’
Emlyn Williams
According to the president’s Protestant chaplain Rev Alfredo Cooper (also a CMS mission partner), ‘Many of the miners went down as atheists or unbelievers or semi-believers and they have come up to a man testifying that they were not 33 but that there were 34 down there – that Jesus was there with them and that they had a constant sense of his presence and guidance.’
All of this was welcome relief from the cynicism which surrounds us for much of the time. Sadly however, as this week’s readings show, miracles don’t necessarily lead to strong faith. They can even have the opposite effect (Mark 6:51,52).
Nevertheless, the success of the rescue highlighted another important principle seen in this week’s readings (Mark 6:7) – that of cooperation. And it was far from being the only example in the news this week.
For the past 14 years, two teams of workmen have been boring the world’s longest rail tunnel – 35.4miles long – under the Swiss Alps. On Friday, a tunnelling machine broke through the remaining rock to complete the tunnel. The accuracy was stunning – within 8cm horizontally and 1cm vertically.
Liverpool fans will be hoping for a demonstration of partnership and cooperation from their club’s new owners. Echoing the club anthem ‘You’ll never walk alone’, John W Henry, head of the new owners NESV, said, ‘We're going to do a lot of listening, we have a lot to learn, and we'll walk this path together.’
Emlyn Williams
Friday 15 October 2010
Finishing the race
Perseverance has been seen in spades this week, not least in the Commonwealth Games. With 20 per cent of England swimmers having suffered from stomach problems, it’s been a tough time for many of them.
But Delhi Belly was not the only problem. Confusion over false starts led to Australian runner Sally Pearson crossing the line first in the 100m final but being disqualified. Despite her disappointment she persevered and came back to an easy win in the heat of the 100m hurdle.
We ‘are created for goodness’, according to Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a trailer for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Aid worker Linda Norgrove demonstrated perseverance in tough circumstances by going to work in Afghanistan having previously worked in Mexico, Uganda, Peru and Laos. In September she was kidnapped by extremists with links to al-Qaeda. Sadly, it seemed that they didn’t recognise goodness and she was killed moments before being rescued.
In Chile, however, perseverance has paid off. The miners, who have been trapped since 5 August, are on the point of release now that the rescue drill has broken through to their chamber. I wonder how significant their daily prayer meeting has been to their survival?
For preacher-turned-soul-singer Solomon Burke, the end came on Sunday at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The 70-year-old father of 21 and grandfather of 90, died on an aircraft having just arrived from Los Angeles. He recently told the Telegraph, ‘As long as I have breath to do it, I'll sing, with God's help.’
Whether he realised it or not, Burke was following in Paul’s footsteps. For Paul, perseverance was a challenge but he recognised that ultimately it was only possible because of God’s help (2 Timothy 4:7,8,17). How much do we recognise God at work in surprising situations with possibly unlikely people?
Emlyn Williams
But Delhi Belly was not the only problem. Confusion over false starts led to Australian runner Sally Pearson crossing the line first in the 100m final but being disqualified. Despite her disappointment she persevered and came back to an easy win in the heat of the 100m hurdle.
We ‘are created for goodness’, according to Archbishop Desmond Tutu in a trailer for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Aid worker Linda Norgrove demonstrated perseverance in tough circumstances by going to work in Afghanistan having previously worked in Mexico, Uganda, Peru and Laos. In September she was kidnapped by extremists with links to al-Qaeda. Sadly, it seemed that they didn’t recognise goodness and she was killed moments before being rescued.
In Chile, however, perseverance has paid off. The miners, who have been trapped since 5 August, are on the point of release now that the rescue drill has broken through to their chamber. I wonder how significant their daily prayer meeting has been to their survival?
For preacher-turned-soul-singer Solomon Burke, the end came on Sunday at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The 70-year-old father of 21 and grandfather of 90, died on an aircraft having just arrived from Los Angeles. He recently told the Telegraph, ‘As long as I have breath to do it, I'll sing, with God's help.’
Whether he realised it or not, Burke was following in Paul’s footsteps. For Paul, perseverance was a challenge but he recognised that ultimately it was only possible because of God’s help (2 Timothy 4:7,8,17). How much do we recognise God at work in surprising situations with possibly unlikely people?
Emlyn Williams
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Keeping going
Once again the Tour de France is under a cloud after this year’s winner tested positive for a banned substance. But whilst the cycling world waits to find out what really happened, Ryder Cup contestants endured torrential rain and driving winds, with the European team going right to the wire to secure a 14½-13½ win.
As for the Commonwealth Games, the arguments are over (for now at least) and the Games are under way. Hopefully they won’t be tainted by allegations of drug taking.
Sadly, the Welsh Heritage Minister missed the Games altogether, arriving 12 hours late at Heathrow Airport. The Welsh Conservative Leader said: ‘It doesn't sound like it was the airline's fault anyway. It's unlikely a plane would leave 12 hours early.’ He’s probably right.
A very different kind of athlete, Sir Norman Wisdom, has died at the age of 95. His slapstick comedy demanded huge energy and athleticism and drew fame and acclaim from the most unlikely places, including Hong Kong.
During the Cold War he was a great favourite in Albania, whose Stalinist government said that his films were politically acceptable. He was even mobbed when he visited the country to receive the Freedom of Tirana.
If by now you’re wondering where the connection is between this and WordLive, Timothy made a clear connection between the successful athlete and the faithful Christian (2 Timothy 2:3). We may not all be athletic, but we need the athlete’s dogged perseverance.
Emlyn Williams
As for the Commonwealth Games, the arguments are over (for now at least) and the Games are under way. Hopefully they won’t be tainted by allegations of drug taking.
Sadly, the Welsh Heritage Minister missed the Games altogether, arriving 12 hours late at Heathrow Airport. The Welsh Conservative Leader said: ‘It doesn't sound like it was the airline's fault anyway. It's unlikely a plane would leave 12 hours early.’ He’s probably right.
A very different kind of athlete, Sir Norman Wisdom, has died at the age of 95. His slapstick comedy demanded huge energy and athleticism and drew fame and acclaim from the most unlikely places, including Hong Kong.
During the Cold War he was a great favourite in Albania, whose Stalinist government said that his films were politically acceptable. He was even mobbed when he visited the country to receive the Freedom of Tirana.
If by now you’re wondering where the connection is between this and WordLive, Timothy made a clear connection between the successful athlete and the faithful Christian (2 Timothy 2:3). We may not all be athletic, but we need the athlete’s dogged perseverance.
Emlyn Williams
Wednesday 29 September 2010
The fame of leadership
Once again the theme of leadership is weaving its way throughout the newsiverse. Ed Milliband has beaten his older brother to become the leader of the Labour party in the UK. All eyes are now looking to see what exactly it is he stands for and what sort of leader he will be.
Meanwhile the much rumoured promotion of the favourite son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has happened… we think. A young man being thrust from obscurity into the limelight in the world’s most secretive state – I wonder if he needs a publicist?
In Moscow, the President has dismissed the mayor after some disagreements. The Mayor, tipped as a future president, is now looking for another career.
But then, fame is a funny old thing. I listened to a news report that announced the death of an actress. The report told me that she had starred in many films before retiring in the 1940s. It then told me that she had been the oldest actress to be nominated for an Oscar.
It wasn’t until I was told that it was the actress who played the old lady in James Cameron’s Titanic that I had any idea who had died. But then fame is a funny old thing, here one minute and gone the next. And they say a week in politics is a long time.
In WordLive we are continuing our journey through Paul’s letter to Timothy. The young leader gets some much needed advice from the older leader who’s been there and done that. How many of today’s leaders seek and listen to advice? How about us?
Darren Hill
Meanwhile the much rumoured promotion of the favourite son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has happened… we think. A young man being thrust from obscurity into the limelight in the world’s most secretive state – I wonder if he needs a publicist?
In Moscow, the President has dismissed the mayor after some disagreements. The Mayor, tipped as a future president, is now looking for another career.
But then, fame is a funny old thing. I listened to a news report that announced the death of an actress. The report told me that she had starred in many films before retiring in the 1940s. It then told me that she had been the oldest actress to be nominated for an Oscar.
It wasn’t until I was told that it was the actress who played the old lady in James Cameron’s Titanic that I had any idea who had died. But then fame is a funny old thing, here one minute and gone the next. And they say a week in politics is a long time.
In WordLive we are continuing our journey through Paul’s letter to Timothy. The young leader gets some much needed advice from the older leader who’s been there and done that. How many of today’s leaders seek and listen to advice? How about us?
Darren Hill
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Following the leader
We wouldn’t be particularly on the ball if we didn’t mention the Papal Visit. The trip raised a whole host of controversial issues, from upsetting some because the state paid toward it to the issues of child abuse within the church’s history. However, it did bring the concept of spirituality into focus.
The ruling party of North Korea have announced their first conference for almost a generation. It looks like they may reveal a successor to the ageing leader Kim Jong-il. However, news from the most secretive state on the planet isn’t always as current as it could be.
And back in the UK we have entered the Political Party Conference season. This week the Lib Dems are holding their conference. For the first time in the living memory of most people, especially this writer, what they are debating will directly effect the government. However, the fear is that the price of power may be too high.
This week in WordLive we are looking at Paul’s words to a young leader of a church. Timothy, like the leaders today, had a lot to deal with. But that’s life isn’t it?
Darren
The ruling party of North Korea have announced their first conference for almost a generation. It looks like they may reveal a successor to the ageing leader Kim Jong-il. However, news from the most secretive state on the planet isn’t always as current as it could be.
And back in the UK we have entered the Political Party Conference season. This week the Lib Dems are holding their conference. For the first time in the living memory of most people, especially this writer, what they are debating will directly effect the government. However, the fear is that the price of power may be too high.
This week in WordLive we are looking at Paul’s words to a young leader of a church. Timothy, like the leaders today, had a lot to deal with. But that’s life isn’t it?
Darren
Tuesday 14 September 2010
Hopes and fears
Fear is a pretty powerful tool. It is used by some to control others. It often rears its head when people are unaware of all the facts.
Such an example can be seen in the misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding the proposed burning of the Qu’ran by a small church in Florida.
Meanwhile the UK economy is bracing itself for cuts. But will these cuts be its salvation or destruction? Both sides of the political agenda are using fear in their arguments.
As the unions meet they are warning the government that their members won’t accept the measures being proposed. And the government has taken a swipe at the alleged millions being given to those who can work but don’t. The fear being that so much of the money that could be saved is simply being wasted.
And then of course there is the media itself, putting a little spin here and there to change the angle of a story for its own political bias. And what about us, involved in telling others about Jesus? Are we ever guilty of throwing in a little fear to enhance our message?
This week’s WordLive begins with a story about the disciples being afraid. Take a look and you’ll see.
Some have said that the church has used fear to control people too. No doubt that has been and is true in some instances. But that’s a shame, because the message found in the Bible is one of hope and not fear.
Darren
Such an example can be seen in the misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding the proposed burning of the Qu’ran by a small church in Florida.
Meanwhile the UK economy is bracing itself for cuts. But will these cuts be its salvation or destruction? Both sides of the political agenda are using fear in their arguments.
As the unions meet they are warning the government that their members won’t accept the measures being proposed. And the government has taken a swipe at the alleged millions being given to those who can work but don’t. The fear being that so much of the money that could be saved is simply being wasted.
And then of course there is the media itself, putting a little spin here and there to change the angle of a story for its own political bias. And what about us, involved in telling others about Jesus? Are we ever guilty of throwing in a little fear to enhance our message?
This week’s WordLive begins with a story about the disciples being afraid. Take a look and you’ll see.
Some have said that the church has used fear to control people too. No doubt that has been and is true in some instances. But that’s a shame, because the message found in the Bible is one of hope and not fear.
Darren
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Pressure pot
You know that it’s been a slow news week when the story of a headmaster rewording the Kookaburra song makes it to the BBC’s front page. The pressure to find a news story is not just seen at the BBC though. Calls for an enquiry over alleged phone tapping going on at the News of the World are dominating the headlines.
The UK government has turned its attention onto the high number of foreign students arriving to study in order to curb ‘unsustainable’ immigration. The current government has made a commitment to reduce immigration pressure, and students are the current focus.
On a slow news weekend it was good to hear the news that Eta, the Basque separatist movement, has declared a ceasefire. However, it appears that the ceasefire may be linked more to resource pressure than a change of heart.
In WordLive this week, we head off to the early chapters of Mark’s Gospel. Here we see Jesus dealing with the pressures of fame and its demands. He builds up his people resource and then begins the process of changing people’s hearts through his stories and actions.
Darren Hill
The UK government has turned its attention onto the high number of foreign students arriving to study in order to curb ‘unsustainable’ immigration. The current government has made a commitment to reduce immigration pressure, and students are the current focus.
On a slow news weekend it was good to hear the news that Eta, the Basque separatist movement, has declared a ceasefire. However, it appears that the ceasefire may be linked more to resource pressure than a change of heart.
In WordLive this week, we head off to the early chapters of Mark’s Gospel. Here we see Jesus dealing with the pressures of fame and its demands. He builds up his people resource and then begins the process of changing people’s hearts through his stories and actions.
Darren Hill
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Testing leaders
Once again, leadership is on our agenda (it’s interesting how often it comes up in WordLive – and it’s always there in the news). The Labour Party is having to ask big questions about the nature of good leadership as it gets close to electing a new leader.
With two brothers as front runners, relationships between leaders have come to the fore, just as they did with Saul and David. Ed Miliband said he would be prepared to sack his brother David if necessary. Is that a necessary toughness or unpleasant ruthlessness? It’s certainly an example of the kind of dilemma he would face as party leader, or even more so as Prime Minister.
And when does toughness become treachery? Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is reported to be ready to resign over transport budget cuts in London. But some cynical commentators also see this as preparation for a return to the Commons, ready to replace David Cameron as Prime Minister when things get tougher politically. Do we really have to choose between cynicism and naivety? Maybe that’s where wisdom comes in.
Of course, politicians are not the only ones who make themselves vulnerable by taking on leadership. Leaders of the UN committee studying climate change came under fire in a recent report. Clearly that’s a hot seat, and likely to get hotter if forecasts are anything to go by (sorry).
But if we’re concerned for leaders, maybe our thoughts just now should be with Luis Urzúa. He seems to have emerged as leader of the trapped miners in Chile.
Hopefully Luis’ new Bible will help him in what must be one of the toughest leadership challenges around at the moment. David and Saul clearly demonstrate that where leaders go for help and support is central to the effectiveness of leadership.
Emlyn Williams
With two brothers as front runners, relationships between leaders have come to the fore, just as they did with Saul and David. Ed Miliband said he would be prepared to sack his brother David if necessary. Is that a necessary toughness or unpleasant ruthlessness? It’s certainly an example of the kind of dilemma he would face as party leader, or even more so as Prime Minister.
And when does toughness become treachery? Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is reported to be ready to resign over transport budget cuts in London. But some cynical commentators also see this as preparation for a return to the Commons, ready to replace David Cameron as Prime Minister when things get tougher politically. Do we really have to choose between cynicism and naivety? Maybe that’s where wisdom comes in.
Of course, politicians are not the only ones who make themselves vulnerable by taking on leadership. Leaders of the UN committee studying climate change came under fire in a recent report. Clearly that’s a hot seat, and likely to get hotter if forecasts are anything to go by (sorry).
But if we’re concerned for leaders, maybe our thoughts just now should be with Luis Urzúa. He seems to have emerged as leader of the trapped miners in Chile.
Hopefully Luis’ new Bible will help him in what must be one of the toughest leadership challenges around at the moment. David and Saul clearly demonstrate that where leaders go for help and support is central to the effectiveness of leadership.
Emlyn Williams
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Friends forever?
Friendship has had a good press this week. Two British climbers were stuck on a ledge 3,500 metres up a mountain in the French Alps. With their mobile phone battery fast running out, they texted a friend in Shrewsbury.
The friend alerted rescuers, but the weather was so bad that the helicopter wasn’t able to rescue them until later the following morning. The Daily Mirror couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an SMS headline, RES Q US, WE R SKRD 2 DEF. Whatever, a story like that brings a new dimension to ‘Phone a friend’.
A couple from Lewisham also experienced the value of friendship. Knowing that they were saving for a house, friends at their wedding paid for them to have a honeymoon in Corfu.
Sadly, the bride was seriously injured in a fall from a hotel balcony and had no money to pay for a medical evacuation back to the UK. Once again friends came to the rescue and raised the £16,000 for the flight.
But of course, there are friends and friends, illustrated by a story typical of a slow news month like August (and seemingly exclusive to the Mail on Sunday and Silentnight beds). Dutch researchers have found that standing 2 feet away from a friend can make you feel up to 2°C warmer, like being under a duvet.
We don’t know whether or not Jonathan and David felt warmer when they were near each other. The research also suggests that David and Saul would have felt colder. Nevertheless, in this week’s readings David and Jonathan model committed friendship, something we all need and value.
Emlyn Williams
The friend alerted rescuers, but the weather was so bad that the helicopter wasn’t able to rescue them until later the following morning. The Daily Mirror couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an SMS headline, RES Q US, WE R SKRD 2 DEF. Whatever, a story like that brings a new dimension to ‘Phone a friend’.
A couple from Lewisham also experienced the value of friendship. Knowing that they were saving for a house, friends at their wedding paid for them to have a honeymoon in Corfu.
Sadly, the bride was seriously injured in a fall from a hotel balcony and had no money to pay for a medical evacuation back to the UK. Once again friends came to the rescue and raised the £16,000 for the flight.
But of course, there are friends and friends, illustrated by a story typical of a slow news month like August (and seemingly exclusive to the Mail on Sunday and Silentnight beds). Dutch researchers have found that standing 2 feet away from a friend can make you feel up to 2°C warmer, like being under a duvet.
We don’t know whether or not Jonathan and David felt warmer when they were near each other. The research also suggests that David and Saul would have felt colder. Nevertheless, in this week’s readings David and Jonathan model committed friendship, something we all need and value.
Emlyn Williams
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Who’d be a leader?
Why would anyone want to be a leader given the rough ride they are often given? Yet this Saturday Australian voters will choose who will lead their new government, and there seems to have been no problem in getting anyone to stand.
Whether the winner is current Prime Minister Julia Gillard – the first woman in the role – or Opposition leader Tony Abbott, it’s clear that neither can have any real idea of what will face them. Did US President Barack Obama realise before he was elected that swimming in the oil affected Gulf of Mexico would be part of the presidential role?
Pakistan’s President Zardari also had an encounter with water last week. Following criticism that he should have been at home instead of on a foreign visit, he made his first visit to the scene of the massive floods. Sadly, the scale of suffering shows no sign of reducing.
On a lighter note, the FA announced that the next England manager will be English. Is that a promise of better things to come or an attempt to ensure that English managers will experience their share of pain too?
Still, if luck is what leaders need most of all, there is a boy in Lowestoft who may well be pondering a career in politics. The 13-year-old was struck by lightning on Friday 13th at 13.13 – and survived.
This week’s WordLive readings have an altogether different take on leadership. A king loses his role because of disobedience to God. His successor is chosen for his inner qualities not his outward image. Are our leadership choices based on those standards?
Emlyn Williams
Whether the winner is current Prime Minister Julia Gillard – the first woman in the role – or Opposition leader Tony Abbott, it’s clear that neither can have any real idea of what will face them. Did US President Barack Obama realise before he was elected that swimming in the oil affected Gulf of Mexico would be part of the presidential role?
Pakistan’s President Zardari also had an encounter with water last week. Following criticism that he should have been at home instead of on a foreign visit, he made his first visit to the scene of the massive floods. Sadly, the scale of suffering shows no sign of reducing.
On a lighter note, the FA announced that the next England manager will be English. Is that a promise of better things to come or an attempt to ensure that English managers will experience their share of pain too?
Still, if luck is what leaders need most of all, there is a boy in Lowestoft who may well be pondering a career in politics. The 13-year-old was struck by lightning on Friday 13th at 13.13 – and survived.
This week’s WordLive readings have an altogether different take on leadership. A king loses his role because of disobedience to God. His successor is chosen for his inner qualities not his outward image. Are our leadership choices based on those standards?
Emlyn Williams
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Leaky, leaky
One of the most annoying things is having a leak in your home. I currently have one. It is a tiny leak from the bath. It’s nothing major, but I can’t quite find where the source of the leak is. So, just so you know, I’m not in a very good mood about it. And once you find one leak, you often find others.
Efforts on a final solution to the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico were hampered with the arrival of a tropical storm last week. It meant that a ship drilling a relief well had to leave the area. Thankfully. the storm soon passed and drilling will be resumed in the near future. I just hope they marked the spot where they were drilling.
If it isn’t oil leaks, it’s information leaks. Some highly sensitive information has made it into the public domain over the weekend. Phrases like freedom of information and national security may be on the news quite often this week.
And in WordLive, we have Jesus going about his ministry of Good News, healing people and releasing those whose ailments have kept them from having a decent life. And yet, he utters some interesting words, ‘don’t tell anyone.’ Perhaps the gospels have more in common with WikiLeaks than we think.
And so the most tenuous link of the week arrives, as we see this amazing footage of a boat having a whale of a time at sea (sorry for that pun). Fortunately, the whale only managed to damage the surface of the boat, including the mast, and the boat made it safely back to shore; with no leaks.
Darren
Efforts on a final solution to the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico were hampered with the arrival of a tropical storm last week. It meant that a ship drilling a relief well had to leave the area. Thankfully. the storm soon passed and drilling will be resumed in the near future. I just hope they marked the spot where they were drilling.
If it isn’t oil leaks, it’s information leaks. Some highly sensitive information has made it into the public domain over the weekend. Phrases like freedom of information and national security may be on the news quite often this week.
And in WordLive, we have Jesus going about his ministry of Good News, healing people and releasing those whose ailments have kept them from having a decent life. And yet, he utters some interesting words, ‘don’t tell anyone.’ Perhaps the gospels have more in common with WikiLeaks than we think.
And so the most tenuous link of the week arrives, as we see this amazing footage of a boat having a whale of a time at sea (sorry for that pun). Fortunately, the whale only managed to damage the surface of the boat, including the mast, and the boat made it safely back to shore; with no leaks.
Darren
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Read all about it
Bad news is all around us. And in the age of 24 hour TV news, every story has to be entertaining and keep us glued to the screen. Hyperbole abounds and the more shocking and frightening the story the better.
However, I thought it might be pleasant to look at some good news this week. So let’s begin with BP, and no, I’m not being ironic.
Although there are some concerns still remaining, it seems that after months of trial and error the leaking BP oil well has been capped. This is good news for the environment, BP and anyone who has investments in BP (and that is most probably anyone with a UK pension).
There is also potential good news for those of us who shy away from needles and turn a shade of pale green at the thought of an injection. A team of researchers has created a patch that can replace a needle for the flu vaccine. It may even be more effective than the yearly jab from the doctors.
This week in WordLive good news is the theme too. We’re in the book of Mark and he starts with the point of it all, the good news of Jesus (Mark 1:1). And although things don’t go smoothly throughout Jesus’ life, the ending is pretty positive, especially for anyone who wants to believe.
And finally we have some more good news, especially for champagne lovers, as the oldest drinkable champagne has been discovered. The 200-year-old vintage tipple will be auctioned, so if the constant drip feed of negative news is too much to handle then you can always drown your sorrows in style.*
Darren
*Before you think I am advocating forgetting reality by downing a hefty dose of alcohol, I am not. That would be neither big nor clever, and quite expensive in this case.
However, I thought it might be pleasant to look at some good news this week. So let’s begin with BP, and no, I’m not being ironic.
Although there are some concerns still remaining, it seems that after months of trial and error the leaking BP oil well has been capped. This is good news for the environment, BP and anyone who has investments in BP (and that is most probably anyone with a UK pension).
There is also potential good news for those of us who shy away from needles and turn a shade of pale green at the thought of an injection. A team of researchers has created a patch that can replace a needle for the flu vaccine. It may even be more effective than the yearly jab from the doctors.
This week in WordLive good news is the theme too. We’re in the book of Mark and he starts with the point of it all, the good news of Jesus (Mark 1:1). And although things don’t go smoothly throughout Jesus’ life, the ending is pretty positive, especially for anyone who wants to believe.
And finally we have some more good news, especially for champagne lovers, as the oldest drinkable champagne has been discovered. The 200-year-old vintage tipple will be auctioned, so if the constant drip feed of negative news is too much to handle then you can always drown your sorrows in style.*
Darren
*Before you think I am advocating forgetting reality by downing a hefty dose of alcohol, I am not. That would be neither big nor clever, and quite expensive in this case.
Thursday 15 July 2010
We have some questions
If you take a look at the sidebar on the blog you'll see we have a couple of polls running. It's all about information you see.
The first poll is asking what you'd like to see on WordLive. We're always looking to develop WordLive so we'd like a little bit of guidance as to what you'd like. There are four options and they should make sense. However as a little bit of extra illumination I'll elaborate:
So please, tick a box or two and let us know what you want.
Thanks
Darren
The first poll is asking what you'd like to see on WordLive. We're always looking to develop WordLive so we'd like a little bit of guidance as to what you'd like. There are four options and they should make sense. However as a little bit of extra illumination I'll elaborate:
- Ability to comment - this would enable you to post a response directly onto WordLive in response to an activity
- More smartphone apps - we already have an iPhone and iPad app, so do we need apps for other smartphones
- Choice of readings - at the moment the reading is set from our syllabus that covers a lot of the Bible, but would you like to have the ability to use different passages
- More varied content - we don't mean more content but we mean something slightly different to what there is now, using different approaches and styles
So please, tick a box or two and let us know what you want.
Thanks
Darren
Tuesday 13 July 2010
The beautiful game?
When Howard Webb was awarded the honour of refereeing the 2010 World Cup Final his wife wondered how he could keep control of 22 grown men when he struggled with three young children.
Of course the mistake she made was to think that the football match would involve grown men. As Nigel De Jong’s kick to the chest of Xavi Alonso showed, this wasn’t always the beautiful game as played by adults.
But football wasn’t the only sport taking place over the weekend. The British Grand Prix had its own brand of excitement.
Both McLaren and Red Bull brought ‘improvements’ to their cars for the race. However, the Red Bull that didn’t get the upgrade won, and the two McLaren’s were quicker without the upgrades too.
Events that began a week before came to a chilling end when Raoul Moat was finally cornered by police. Perhaps the biggest surprise of these events was that he had been hiding very close to where they thought he was.
The Netherlands failed to beat Spain because their plan didn’t really work. The Formula 1 racing teams’ attempts to improve performance failed and the old cars were just as good. And a simple place to hide enabled Mr Moat to evade the police for several days.
This week’s WordLive sees the Israelites ask Samuel to improve their situation. They want to be like the other nations around them and have a king. They thought this plan would be the best for them.
They looked elsewhere for stability when stability was right under their noses. Sometimes the answer is the simple One.
Darren Hill
Of course the mistake she made was to think that the football match would involve grown men. As Nigel De Jong’s kick to the chest of Xavi Alonso showed, this wasn’t always the beautiful game as played by adults.
But football wasn’t the only sport taking place over the weekend. The British Grand Prix had its own brand of excitement.
Both McLaren and Red Bull brought ‘improvements’ to their cars for the race. However, the Red Bull that didn’t get the upgrade won, and the two McLaren’s were quicker without the upgrades too.
Events that began a week before came to a chilling end when Raoul Moat was finally cornered by police. Perhaps the biggest surprise of these events was that he had been hiding very close to where they thought he was.
The Netherlands failed to beat Spain because their plan didn’t really work. The Formula 1 racing teams’ attempts to improve performance failed and the old cars were just as good. And a simple place to hide enabled Mr Moat to evade the police for several days.
This week’s WordLive sees the Israelites ask Samuel to improve their situation. They want to be like the other nations around them and have a king. They thought this plan would be the best for them.
They looked elsewhere for stability when stability was right under their noses. Sometimes the answer is the simple One.
Darren Hill
Wednesday 7 July 2010
WordLive App averages over four stars
The WordLive app for Apple's iPhone and iPad was released just a few weeks back. And it seems to be doing pretty well. So far the average rating for the app is four and a half stars. But don't let me wax lyrically about our own product, let's see what some of the users say about it...
So if you have an iPhone or iPad, then take a look at the app on iTunes and then you could be meeting with God anytime and anywhere.
WordLive for the iPhone/iPad
This application is amazing! I loved the Wordlive website for its simple user friendly format.This ap uses the same style, but this enables me to have my quiet time anywhereEven the reviews that are suggesting improvements are positive for what the app actually does. All the comments are being taken on board and looked at for future development.
What a great resource! This is worth a lot more than £2.99. I would definitely encourage people to get this! :)
Great multimedia approach to a short daily bible passage
The daily bible passage can be read or you can listen to the audio version
So if you have an iPhone or iPad, then take a look at the app on iTunes and then you could be meeting with God anytime and anywhere.
WordLive for the iPhone/iPad
Monday 5 July 2010
Dedication's what you need…
A former speed eating champion was arrested as he caused a fracas at the annual hot dog speed eating event in New York. Mr Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut was allegedly barred from this year’s event because he hadn’t signed a contract that would exclude him from other speed eating events.
Meanwhile at a sunny SW19, Rafael Nadal notched up a second Wimbledon victory. Having broken the hearts of many full-time (Scottish) and part-time (English) Andy Murray fans, he masterfully won the tennis title.
If we look around the world we'll often find that people’s success, especially in the long term, is down to dedication. A single minded determination to be the best at what they do is evident. Yes, it even takes dedication to eat over fifty hot dogs in a minute, especially if you know the ingredients.
In this week’s WordLive the focus is on Eli and Samuel. These two people lived their lives dedicated to God. In the case of Samuel he had literally been given by his mother to God, to serve him. But the lives of Eli and Samuel turn out differently, as you’ll see.
Despite being handed over into God’s service, Samuel still had to listen for God. Samuel was called and he had to respond. Amongst the ritual and all the religion there is still space to hear from God. But it may take a little dedication.
Darren Hill
Meanwhile at a sunny SW19, Rafael Nadal notched up a second Wimbledon victory. Having broken the hearts of many full-time (Scottish) and part-time (English) Andy Murray fans, he masterfully won the tennis title.
If we look around the world we'll often find that people’s success, especially in the long term, is down to dedication. A single minded determination to be the best at what they do is evident. Yes, it even takes dedication to eat over fifty hot dogs in a minute, especially if you know the ingredients.
In this week’s WordLive the focus is on Eli and Samuel. These two people lived their lives dedicated to God. In the case of Samuel he had literally been given by his mother to God, to serve him. But the lives of Eli and Samuel turn out differently, as you’ll see.
Despite being handed over into God’s service, Samuel still had to listen for God. Samuel was called and he had to respond. Amongst the ritual and all the religion there is still space to hear from God. But it may take a little dedication.
Darren Hill
Thursday 1 July 2010
Paying the piper
In Britain this week all eyes have been focused on George Osborne’s budget. Well, all except the millions who watched England recover some semblance of respect by beating Slovenia and then throw it all away on Sunday. (Or did they?).
But back to the budget. Reaction has been varied. But the vox pops all seem to have one theme – we need to do this, but it shouldn’t affect me.
The bulk of the developed world has been living on borrowed money and borrowed time. The good times have rolled, and now the bill has been presented. It is larger than we would like.
In Greece crowds have taken to the streets to protest against the austerity measures and it may well happen elsewhere. But, like it or not, the piper has to be paid.
The letters to the churches, set in the context of the whole of Revelation, remind us that Christ is in control of human history. This gives us a positive message in troubled times.
But there is another side. The poor can end up paying the heaviest price. George Osborne has tried to avoid this, but there are questions – only time will tell.
Hannah and Mary celebrate a God who cares about justice and will bring equity. If we do not see it now, is it because we are not that bothered about kingdom values?
Who will speak for the woman I met recently in a Nairobi slum; over 70 with no income and struggling to bring up five great-grandchildren? Who today will dare to sing of a God who will bring down the rich and exalt the poor?
John Grayston
But back to the budget. Reaction has been varied. But the vox pops all seem to have one theme – we need to do this, but it shouldn’t affect me.
The bulk of the developed world has been living on borrowed money and borrowed time. The good times have rolled, and now the bill has been presented. It is larger than we would like.
In Greece crowds have taken to the streets to protest against the austerity measures and it may well happen elsewhere. But, like it or not, the piper has to be paid.
The letters to the churches, set in the context of the whole of Revelation, remind us that Christ is in control of human history. This gives us a positive message in troubled times.
But there is another side. The poor can end up paying the heaviest price. George Osborne has tried to avoid this, but there are questions – only time will tell.
Hannah and Mary celebrate a God who cares about justice and will bring equity. If we do not see it now, is it because we are not that bothered about kingdom values?
Who will speak for the woman I met recently in a Nairobi slum; over 70 with no income and struggling to bring up five great-grandchildren? Who today will dare to sing of a God who will bring down the rich and exalt the poor?
John Grayston
Monday 21 June 2010
Rainbow Nation, World Cup and the Risen Lord
By general agreement South Africa has done a good job in organising the World Cup, with a warm welcome and a party atmosphere. At its best sport can unite races and nations, as South Africa knows from the Rugby World Cup in 1995 (the film Invictus gives a fairly accurate but over-romanticised account).
It has been good to see the evident delight of all South Africans. The risen Lord, ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’ (Revelation 1:5) would approve.
But not all is well. The football thus far has been widely seen as dull and unimaginative (but keep an eye on Argentina). The ubiquitous vuvuzelas have not won universal acclaim. The unpleasant pillorying of England goalkeeper Rob Green in the British press confirms humanity’s ability to exploit failures.
More seriously, it is likely that when the World Cup moves on some underlying problems will be unchanged. There has been genuine joy in the townships of Alex and Soweto, but when it is all over the poverty and injustice will remain. The risen Lord who will return to hold all to account (Revelation 1:7) would not approve.
Meanwhile the report on the Bloody Sunday killings has been published. It remains to be seen whether this brings resolution or whether the blame game will continue. Perhaps something could be learnt from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Truth matters – but so does forgiveness. Ultimately this can only be found in and through the risen Lord who ‘loves us and has freed us from our sins’ (Revelation 1:5).
John Grayston
It has been good to see the evident delight of all South Africans. The risen Lord, ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’ (Revelation 1:5) would approve.
But not all is well. The football thus far has been widely seen as dull and unimaginative (but keep an eye on Argentina). The ubiquitous vuvuzelas have not won universal acclaim. The unpleasant pillorying of England goalkeeper Rob Green in the British press confirms humanity’s ability to exploit failures.
More seriously, it is likely that when the World Cup moves on some underlying problems will be unchanged. There has been genuine joy in the townships of Alex and Soweto, but when it is all over the poverty and injustice will remain. The risen Lord who will return to hold all to account (Revelation 1:7) would not approve.
Meanwhile the report on the Bloody Sunday killings has been published. It remains to be seen whether this brings resolution or whether the blame game will continue. Perhaps something could be learnt from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Truth matters – but so does forgiveness. Ultimately this can only be found in and through the risen Lord who ‘loves us and has freed us from our sins’ (Revelation 1:5).
John Grayston
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Oiling the wheels of arrogance
The oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico will not go away. It is an environmental disaster of unimaginable proportions. It has economic impact locally and more widely as share prices tumble, dividends are threatened and pension funds depleted. There are political implications for both President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron.
BP is an easy whipping boy, and may, or may not, have been irresponsible or criminally negligent in search of quick profit. But there are deeper issues.
Our insatiable desire for energy to run our cars and freezers, planes and air conditioners, and pursue a constantly increasing standard of living, forces us to push technology to the limits. And when we push technology to the limits we increase the risk of things going wrong.
But still we believe, convinced that technology will always have an answer and will be the ultimate provider of all our needs.
In the end, whatever we may like to think, we are not invincible. We fall into the same trap as Samson. One success and we believe that we can do anything. Our own wisdom and our own strength become the weapons of choice and technology the preferred deity.
For us, as for Samson, the result of this arrogance is disaster. Determining what divine wisdom might be in the Gulf or on the broader issues around economic growth may not be easy. But at least to acknowledge that there is a divine wisdom and to start the search for it would be a step forward.
For Samson the realisation came too late, but for us…
Meanwhile the World Cup is underway. Perhaps Samson is instructive here too. Physical strength is not all that matters – watch this space for developments.
John Grayston
BP is an easy whipping boy, and may, or may not, have been irresponsible or criminally negligent in search of quick profit. But there are deeper issues.
Our insatiable desire for energy to run our cars and freezers, planes and air conditioners, and pursue a constantly increasing standard of living, forces us to push technology to the limits. And when we push technology to the limits we increase the risk of things going wrong.
But still we believe, convinced that technology will always have an answer and will be the ultimate provider of all our needs.
In the end, whatever we may like to think, we are not invincible. We fall into the same trap as Samson. One success and we believe that we can do anything. Our own wisdom and our own strength become the weapons of choice and technology the preferred deity.
For us, as for Samson, the result of this arrogance is disaster. Determining what divine wisdom might be in the Gulf or on the broader issues around economic growth may not be easy. But at least to acknowledge that there is a divine wisdom and to start the search for it would be a step forward.
For Samson the realisation came too late, but for us…
Meanwhile the World Cup is underway. Perhaps Samson is instructive here too. Physical strength is not all that matters – watch this space for developments.
John Grayston
Tuesday 8 June 2010
We has an App
This week Scripture Union launches WordLive for the iPad and iPhone.
WordLive has organically grown from the digital ground up as it communicates the Bible through word, sound,image and video seamlessly. At WordLive’s launch in 2008 it could be accessed on the web, via email, RSS and podcast. Since then the ability for people to access WordLive.org completely with their mobile phone has been added.
Because of the digital nature of WordLive, Scripture Union can respond to the changing needs and preferences of the 25,000+ users and ensure that WordLive always delivers the best-fit Bible experience for every individual.
With Apple’s launch of the iPad, it was clear that an opportunity had arrived for WordLive to take the next step forward. James Burden, Associate Director for publishing at Scripture Union said ‘We’d been reviewing the possibility of creating an iPhone-specific version of the WordLive experience, and with the arrival of the iPad, the match between the word and multimedia was perfect for a new application’.
Baigent Digital has developed the iPad application for WordLive, which is expected to be available via the Apple store this month. The application brings the daily WordLive multi-media content into an interface specifically designed for the iPad and iPhone.
James is enthusiastic about the future for Christian publishing. ‘With digital products like WordLive and the
ever-increasing interactivity of the online experience, we have an opportunity to communicate the Christian faith in greater richness and depth. Scripture Union is very excited about continuing its digital future and ready to take on the opportunities that it brings to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to engage with the Bible in a way that suits them’.
WordLive has organically grown from the digital ground up as it communicates the Bible through word, sound,image and video seamlessly. At WordLive’s launch in 2008 it could be accessed on the web, via email, RSS and podcast. Since then the ability for people to access WordLive.org completely with their mobile phone has been added.
Because of the digital nature of WordLive, Scripture Union can respond to the changing needs and preferences of the 25,000+ users and ensure that WordLive always delivers the best-fit Bible experience for every individual.
With Apple’s launch of the iPad, it was clear that an opportunity had arrived for WordLive to take the next step forward. James Burden, Associate Director for publishing at Scripture Union said ‘We’d been reviewing the possibility of creating an iPhone-specific version of the WordLive experience, and with the arrival of the iPad, the match between the word and multimedia was perfect for a new application’.
Baigent Digital has developed the iPad application for WordLive, which is expected to be available via the Apple store this month. The application brings the daily WordLive multi-media content into an interface specifically designed for the iPad and iPhone.
James is enthusiastic about the future for Christian publishing. ‘With digital products like WordLive and the
ever-increasing interactivity of the online experience, we have an opportunity to communicate the Christian faith in greater richness and depth. Scripture Union is very excited about continuing its digital future and ready to take on the opportunities that it brings to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to engage with the Bible in a way that suits them’.
Monday 7 June 2010
All at sea?
The fall out from the Israeli raid on ships carrying supplies to Gaza rumbles on. These are enormously complex issues with economic, political, historical, ethnic, religious overtones. President Obama can acknowledges the need for a permanent solution, but successive attempts by different administrations over a long period of time have failed to secure one.
A superficial look at the Judges readings this week could lend support to the idea that the land, including Gaza, is God’s gift to Israel and that the Palestinians have no place there. But a more thorough reading comes up with a different conclusion.
The whole point of Judges is that the gift of the land is not absolute but conditional. When Israel broke the covenant the land was occupied by oppressors. Indeed, Judges goes further; other nations are allowed by God to remain in order to test Israel’s resolve to remain true to God (Judges 2:20–23).
Keeping the covenant requires loving one’s neighbour (Leviticus 19:18), and caring for the alien (Exodus 22:21). This may cause us to think more deeply and pray more carefully.
In the verses we shall read on Saturday Paul reminds us that we are to accept one another (Romans 15:7). This brings it closer to home.
We may not feel that we can do much to foster Middle East peace (although we may be able to do more than we think), but we can live our lives knowing that God’s grace requires that we keep his covenant. And if individuals start to do that, who knows what the wider effect might be?
John Grayston
A superficial look at the Judges readings this week could lend support to the idea that the land, including Gaza, is God’s gift to Israel and that the Palestinians have no place there. But a more thorough reading comes up with a different conclusion.
The whole point of Judges is that the gift of the land is not absolute but conditional. When Israel broke the covenant the land was occupied by oppressors. Indeed, Judges goes further; other nations are allowed by God to remain in order to test Israel’s resolve to remain true to God (Judges 2:20–23).
Keeping the covenant requires loving one’s neighbour (Leviticus 19:18), and caring for the alien (Exodus 22:21). This may cause us to think more deeply and pray more carefully.
In the verses we shall read on Saturday Paul reminds us that we are to accept one another (Romans 15:7). This brings it closer to home.
We may not feel that we can do much to foster Middle East peace (although we may be able to do more than we think), but we can live our lives knowing that God’s grace requires that we keep his covenant. And if individuals start to do that, who knows what the wider effect might be?
John Grayston
Monday 24 May 2010
No money left?
The question of resources will be important over the coming weeks, as the coalition government wrestles with how to balance the national budget through making cuts in key areas. The new Chief Secretary to the Treasury revealed that his predecessor left him a note saying: 'I'm afraid there's no money left; good luck!'
The Duchess of York has been trapped by a Sunday paper asking for £500,000 for introductions to her former husband Prince Andrew which perhaps shows the desperation felt by those with no resources – though many commentators wonder whether it says more about the paper's desperation to increase circulation.
In the second half of the week, the readings in Acts focus on the conflict between Peter and the Jewish authorities, at a time when BA is enmeshed in conflict with cabin crew and there is continued serious conflict in Thailand, once famed for its peacefulness. In Paris, French farmers managed to find an altogether more peaceful way of making their protests known.
The remarkable provision of God, and courage of leadership in the face of conflict, leads to a boldness for all the believers. Stories of courage this week include the conquest of Everest by Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to do so. The courage of bomb-disposal experts is also making news in the light of the apparent lack of resources.
Surprisingly, in the context of so many other technologies, radio listening has reached an all-time high which could have important implications for the communication of the gospel.
Ian Paul
The Duchess of York has been trapped by a Sunday paper asking for £500,000 for introductions to her former husband Prince Andrew which perhaps shows the desperation felt by those with no resources – though many commentators wonder whether it says more about the paper's desperation to increase circulation.
In the second half of the week, the readings in Acts focus on the conflict between Peter and the Jewish authorities, at a time when BA is enmeshed in conflict with cabin crew and there is continued serious conflict in Thailand, once famed for its peacefulness. In Paris, French farmers managed to find an altogether more peaceful way of making their protests known.
The remarkable provision of God, and courage of leadership in the face of conflict, leads to a boldness for all the believers. Stories of courage this week include the conquest of Everest by Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to do so. The courage of bomb-disposal experts is also making news in the light of the apparent lack of resources.
Surprisingly, in the context of so many other technologies, radio listening has reached an all-time high which could have important implications for the communication of the gospel.
Ian Paul
Thursday 20 May 2010
Tales of the unexpected
In this week's WordLive readings we focus on the events of the first Pentecost and the birth of the Church. A key theme throughout Acts is the bursting in of the unexpected, which then turns out to be a new expression of what God has in fact always been doing. ‘This is that’, explains Peter (Acts 2:16, AV).
Interestingly, Luke introduces all this as the legacy, or perhaps even continuing ministry of Jesus himself. This week there has been plenty of reflection on the legacy of Gordon Brown’s leadership: was it one of towering achievements or massive flaws? As in Acts (5:38,39), only time will tell.
There is plenty in the news about the unexpected. The unpredictable (and unpronounceable!) Icelandic volcano once again seems set to upset our well-organised travel plans. And the continuing crisis in Greece is making people rethink their assumptions about how Europe should work.
But alongside the unexpected bad comes the unexpected good – sometimes in spite of it, sometimes because of it.
Who thought that England would beat Australia in an international cricket competition? Or that gold would be found in Cornish mines?
That a teenage girl would defeat hard-bitten shepherds in a sheepdog trial, or that a boy born blind would learn to ‘see’ using clicks and echoes? Even the left-handed are better off than we thought they were.
Yet the breaking in of the new and unexpected demands new patterns of living (Acts 2:43–47); new wine needs new wineskins. We continue to find it a struggle to develop healthy patterns of living in response to the demands of technology.
Ian Paul
Interestingly, Luke introduces all this as the legacy, or perhaps even continuing ministry of Jesus himself. This week there has been plenty of reflection on the legacy of Gordon Brown’s leadership: was it one of towering achievements or massive flaws? As in Acts (5:38,39), only time will tell.
There is plenty in the news about the unexpected. The unpredictable (and unpronounceable!) Icelandic volcano once again seems set to upset our well-organised travel plans. And the continuing crisis in Greece is making people rethink their assumptions about how Europe should work.
But alongside the unexpected bad comes the unexpected good – sometimes in spite of it, sometimes because of it.
Who thought that England would beat Australia in an international cricket competition? Or that gold would be found in Cornish mines?
That a teenage girl would defeat hard-bitten shepherds in a sheepdog trial, or that a boy born blind would learn to ‘see’ using clicks and echoes? Even the left-handed are better off than we thought they were.
Yet the breaking in of the new and unexpected demands new patterns of living (Acts 2:43–47); new wine needs new wineskins. We continue to find it a struggle to develop healthy patterns of living in response to the demands of technology.
Ian Paul
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Did you have a spiritual Bank Holiday?
We just had a Bank Holiday in the UK. A day when the weekend gets extended and people all over the country get on with DIY or get away for a break. Both of these activities are ways of reassessing who and what we are. DIY enables us to get rid of the old and bring in the new, while a nice break is designed to refresh the parts other Mondays can not reach.
But what about our spiritual selves? Do we have some specific time to reassess how we are doing in our spiritual relationship? Do we believe input from church on Sundays and perhaps at home group is sufficient? Does visiting WordLive everyday fulfil our spiritual check-up?
I'm not suggesting that we need to do more, but I am suggesting we take stock once in a while. It is easy to get stuck in a spiritual rut and simply go through the motions. Why not take some time to give your spirituality a check up; a spiritual Bank Holiday? Take some time to reassess and recommit to meeting God through the Bible and prayer - oh, and Wordlive is quite a good way to help you with that.
But what about our spiritual selves? Do we have some specific time to reassess how we are doing in our spiritual relationship? Do we believe input from church on Sundays and perhaps at home group is sufficient? Does visiting WordLive everyday fulfil our spiritual check-up?
I'm not suggesting that we need to do more, but I am suggesting we take stock once in a while. It is easy to get stuck in a spiritual rut and simply go through the motions. Why not take some time to give your spirituality a check up; a spiritual Bank Holiday? Take some time to reassess and recommit to meeting God through the Bible and prayer - oh, and Wordlive is quite a good way to help you with that.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Imagineering - back to the future
When I mentioned giving up blogging for Lent I was joking. However, a quick glance at the number of posts here would beg to differ. Time has simply overtaken me and I've ended up being busier than normal. Perhaps I should have taken the call slow down and focus on God a little more serious (That's rhetorical).
So, what have I been up to? Well, I've been looking at where we go with WordLive and some other digital ideas too. It is a time of strategy and planning for the future, but our story begins a long time ago in a galaxy quite close.
It is June1927 and instead of getting an email from WordLive you've just received your 'Daily Notes on the Scripture Portions'. One of the interesting things about looking to the future is taking a glance at the past.As we've developed Wordlive we have been aware that we shouldn't simply be offering an 'online' version of our printed Bible reading guides.
These guides, as you can see, have been going for quite a few years and although varied in design and content style, the approach is pretty much the same.
Read a Bible passage and then read a short comment about it. The danger is that WordLive can become the same. We provide a Bible reading and then have some comments about the passage.
While this is all well and good, and helpful to a great many people. It doesn't work for everyone. Our aim is to help people meet with God through the Bible and prayer. To help people do this we are offering visual approaches to the Bible passage. This allows people to think about the passage in a different way and discover more about God.
We have also used video and animations to explore topics and themes found within the passage. Through these we are able to explore more than we can with the 200 or so words that are found in our printed guides.
Audio meditations and reflections offer yet more ways to discover what the Bible passage is saying and we also use a little bit of humour now and again to prompt thought.
But what else is there that we can do to help fulfil our aim? It is this question that I've been looking at over the last few weeks. There are an almost infinite number of possibilities but our resources, both financial and physical are limited.
The growth in social media sites like facebook and twitter would appear to give us some idea of where things are heading. WordLive already has a presence on those sites and if you haven't already, it would be great to see you there.
Once again though, this future has some links to the past. If you look at the cover image from 1927 you'll see that they are headed 'The Scripture Union'. Way back then, the idea was for everyone, or most people, to be looking at the same passage. The Scripture Union was a community of people joined together for the purpose of meeting God through reading the Bible and prayer.
As we enter the second decade of the 21st Century, social networks are once again allowing us to create a community of people meeting God through the Bible and prayer.
Members of these communities can, with the use of new media, interact with the Bible passage, the content we provide and with each other. People can create their own content and share their own thoughts, enriching the community environment. Social networks can allow us to become a true union, united in our desire to meet with God.
So, that's what I think. And in true social networking style, it's now over to you. What would help you meet with God?
Wednesday 3 March 2010
A few tweaks here and there
We're always trying to improve Wordlive to help you meet with God. And there are a couple of small changes that we have made this week. In a vain attempt to post more regularly I thought I'd tell you about them.
Firstly, we have merged the 'Topical thought' with the 'Editorial'. The two pieces of writing were doing similar jobs so we thought it made sense to join them together. So from now on you'll see a link labelled 'welcome' in the left navigation panel and that's where the 'Topical thought' can now be found.
Secondly, and probably more importantly, we've changed the 'Pray first'. This was the first activity that you saw when you opened WordLive. The first activity will now be 'Prepare'. This is because sometimes you need to prepare yourself before you can pray. We don't want to diminish the importance of prayer, and there will still be plenty of prayer within WordLive. Sometimes the 'Prepare' may include a prayer or call to prayer, but it could be totally un-prayer related.
That's it for the moment but we're hoping to have lots more for you in the future. To help us know what you'd find helpful on the WordLive site do let us know in the comments below.
Darren
Firstly, we have merged the 'Topical thought' with the 'Editorial'. The two pieces of writing were doing similar jobs so we thought it made sense to join them together. So from now on you'll see a link labelled 'welcome' in the left navigation panel and that's where the 'Topical thought' can now be found.
Secondly, and probably more importantly, we've changed the 'Pray first'. This was the first activity that you saw when you opened WordLive. The first activity will now be 'Prepare'. This is because sometimes you need to prepare yourself before you can pray. We don't want to diminish the importance of prayer, and there will still be plenty of prayer within WordLive. Sometimes the 'Prepare' may include a prayer or call to prayer, but it could be totally un-prayer related.
That's it for the moment but we're hoping to have lots more for you in the future. To help us know what you'd find helpful on the WordLive site do let us know in the comments below.
Darren
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Giving up blogging for Lent
Will it be chocolate?
Should it be wine?
What about that unhealthy full-fat cola?
Actually I have half-a-mind (easy) to give up blogging for Lent. At least that would free up some spare time to focus on God. Seeing as I haven't posted here for a while you probably had already come to that conclusion (or at least hoped).
Rumour has it that the British weather may give up snowing for Lent, but so far it seems to have failed in that respect.
The thing about Lent, and especially the three things at the beginning of this post, is that if something is not 'good' for us, why are we doing it in the first place? And why would we only stop it for a set period of time?
I prefer to see Lent as a time to get things back on track. A time to focus once more on what my role on this little planet is. To look for God's guidance and make sure I'm not too far off course.
Milton Keynes gets some tough press, but it isn't a wilderness. I'm not able to wander out into the desert for 40 days and find myself. But I will be tempted, in that sense Lent is no different to other times of the year.
So I can look to Jesus. I can learn from how he dealt with temptation. And perhaps, at the end of 40 days, I'll be a better person.
How about you?
Darren
Should it be wine?
What about that unhealthy full-fat cola?
Actually I have half-a-mind (easy) to give up blogging for Lent. At least that would free up some spare time to focus on God. Seeing as I haven't posted here for a while you probably had already come to that conclusion (or at least hoped).
Rumour has it that the British weather may give up snowing for Lent, but so far it seems to have failed in that respect.
The thing about Lent, and especially the three things at the beginning of this post, is that if something is not 'good' for us, why are we doing it in the first place? And why would we only stop it for a set period of time?
I prefer to see Lent as a time to get things back on track. A time to focus once more on what my role on this little planet is. To look for God's guidance and make sure I'm not too far off course.
Milton Keynes gets some tough press, but it isn't a wilderness. I'm not able to wander out into the desert for 40 days and find myself. But I will be tempted, in that sense Lent is no different to other times of the year.
So I can look to Jesus. I can learn from how he dealt with temptation. And perhaps, at the end of 40 days, I'll be a better person.
How about you?
Darren
Monday 25 January 2010
You wanna be startin' somethin' ?
Do you ever disagree with something you've read on WordLive?
Have you ever thought why don't they do this or that on WordLive?
Do you to want share how a Bible passage has helped you?
Have you ever wondered what exactly we are on about and wanted clarification?
If any of the above questions have ever occupied your minds, or any other questions related to WordLive, then why not ask them? WordLive has its own dedicated discussion forum where you can do just that.
Each day on WordLive you'll find a link to the forum in the navigational sidebar. A simple click through will take you to the forums and here you can praise, discuss, complain and suggest to your heart's content - within reason.
If you have something that you want to say, the easiest place to say it is in the forums. You'll find people who have written the activties, the editorial team and other users of WordLive hanging around. I hope to see you all there pretty soon, and I hope and pray that the forums will be another way we can be inspired to get into the Bible and meet God.
There is also a link to the forums at the bottom of the daily email. So even if you don't normally go to the site, if there is something that you've read that you want to discuss, you'll have an easy link to do that.
And remember, you can always tell us what you'd like to see more of, less of, or what future developments you'd like to see at WordLive.
See you at the forums.
Darren
Have you ever thought why don't they do this or that on WordLive?
Do you to want share how a Bible passage has helped you?
Have you ever wondered what exactly we are on about and wanted clarification?
If any of the above questions have ever occupied your minds, or any other questions related to WordLive, then why not ask them? WordLive has its own dedicated discussion forum where you can do just that.
Each day on WordLive you'll find a link to the forum in the navigational sidebar. A simple click through will take you to the forums and here you can praise, discuss, complain and suggest to your heart's content - within reason.The forums are there for you to use.
If you have something that you want to say, the easiest place to say it is in the forums. You'll find people who have written the activties, the editorial team and other users of WordLive hanging around. I hope to see you all there pretty soon, and I hope and pray that the forums will be another way we can be inspired to get into the Bible and meet God.
There is also a link to the forums at the bottom of the daily email. So even if you don't normally go to the site, if there is something that you've read that you want to discuss, you'll have an easy link to do that.
And remember, you can always tell us what you'd like to see more of, less of, or what future developments you'd like to see at WordLive.
See you at the forums.
Darren
Tuesday 12 January 2010
We're away, so please pray
Just a quick note to say that the WordLive team and the rest of Scripture Union are taking a day out to focus on God and the mission given to us. 2009 was a difficult year for us and so as we begin 2010 it will be good to get things in the right order.
I'm also taking an extra day out with a smaller group of creative peeps from SU to look at the future. Or more specifically what resources we should be developing for the faith community.
So, once again, we'd appreciate your prayers to help us focus on God's will.
Thanks
Darren
I'm also taking an extra day out with a smaller group of creative peeps from SU to look at the future. Or more specifically what resources we should be developing for the faith community.
So, once again, we'd appreciate your prayers to help us focus on God's will.
Thanks
Darren
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