Monday, 10 November 2008
WordLive interruption
There is a bit of work happening on the WordLive server tomorrow (actually it is the big daddy Scripture Union server) and unfortunately that means WordLive will be offline for a while. So for a hopefully short time on 11th November we'll be offline.
The power and the glory - topical thoughts
Power is wielded by all sorts of people in all sorts of ways for all sorts of reasons in our world.
Whilst the exercise of power for good or ill in our world is always everywhere in the news, the all-powerful God revealed in the Bible is seemingly nowhere. Our culture shapers and storytellers just don’t ‘do God’.
The book of Joshua, however, does – and what a God it does! This week’s readings remind us that God has the power to control nature, sustain life, is sovereign over the land, establishes justice and acts mightily on behalf of his people.
This God is our God. He may not make the headlines, but according to the Bible, he continues to work out his purposes through history. As God’s people, we should view the affairs of this world and the events in our lives through the eyes of faith, alert to the reality of God’s involvement in all things.
Such was the perspective of Joshua, who prepared to relinquish his God-given power as Israel’s leader by renewing the covenant, calling them to unity and obedience to God, whose saving initiative defined their national history. This radical perspective is sorely needed in our times, suffering as we are from the consequences of our idolatrous pretensions to God’s throne.
Nigel Hopper
Follow Joshua this week at WordLive
- The American people have exercised the power of their votes to send Barack Obama to the White House.
- The defeated John McCain has exercised his power as a politician and media figure to call his country to unite behind the President-elect.
- In DR Congo, government troops, rebels and UN Peacekeeping forces are all caught up in a power struggle, with disastrous consequences.
Whilst the exercise of power for good or ill in our world is always everywhere in the news, the all-powerful God revealed in the Bible is seemingly nowhere. Our culture shapers and storytellers just don’t ‘do God’.
The book of Joshua, however, does – and what a God it does! This week’s readings remind us that God has the power to control nature, sustain life, is sovereign over the land, establishes justice and acts mightily on behalf of his people.
This God is our God. He may not make the headlines, but according to the Bible, he continues to work out his purposes through history. As God’s people, we should view the affairs of this world and the events in our lives through the eyes of faith, alert to the reality of God’s involvement in all things.
Such was the perspective of Joshua, who prepared to relinquish his God-given power as Israel’s leader by renewing the covenant, calling them to unity and obedience to God, whose saving initiative defined their national history. This radical perspective is sorely needed in our times, suffering as we are from the consequences of our idolatrous pretensions to God’s throne.
Nigel Hopper
Follow Joshua this week at WordLive
Friday, 31 October 2008
It's Friday and it's...
... ?
That phrase could be finished in quite a few ways depending, rightly or wrongly, how old you are. For those who are at least as old as I am, (I may tell you one day) you may be chomping at the bit to cry out Crackerjack. You may be thinking of the crunchie bar adverts from a few years ago. Or you may be overjoyed that it isn't just any Friday, but Friday the 31st October... Halloween (well, perhaps not).
I'm happy it is Friday because it means the weekend is almost here and that means a little rest. I'm also aware that it is 31st October, which means when I get back in the office next Monday, we'll be in November. The beginning of November marks the beginning of editing the content for WordLive that will appear on the site in February 2009.
The content for the site goes through several stages before it appears on, downloads to or is fed into, your digital devices. It is written, edited, recorded, drawn, animated, videoed and uploaded. This process involves many people and I'll try and introduce you to them as we go on. In the meantime, I'm Darren, and I'm glad it's Friday, and may your Friday be blessed.
That phrase could be finished in quite a few ways depending, rightly or wrongly, how old you are. For those who are at least as old as I am, (I may tell you one day) you may be chomping at the bit to cry out Crackerjack. You may be thinking of the crunchie bar adverts from a few years ago. Or you may be overjoyed that it isn't just any Friday, but Friday the 31st October... Halloween (well, perhaps not).
I'm happy it is Friday because it means the weekend is almost here and that means a little rest. I'm also aware that it is 31st October, which means when I get back in the office next Monday, we'll be in November. The beginning of November marks the beginning of editing the content for WordLive that will appear on the site in February 2009.
The content for the site goes through several stages before it appears on, downloads to or is fed into, your digital devices. It is written, edited, recorded, drawn, animated, videoed and uploaded. This process involves many people and I'll try and introduce you to them as we go on. In the meantime, I'm Darren, and I'm glad it's Friday, and may your Friday be blessed.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
For such a time as this…
There’s no escaping religion it seems. In London, humanists – with the help of finance from Richard Dawkins – have been putting reassuring posters on the side of buses: ‘There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.’1 Who’s keeping God on the public agenda now?
In Kabul, however, religious faith is seen in much more serious terms. The murder of Christian charity worker Gayle Williams puts ‘enjoy your life’ into a different perspective.
According to Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, she had been executed ‘because she was working for an organisation which was preaching Christianity in Afghanistan’. Her mother said that, ‘Gayle was serving a people that she loved, and felt God called her to be there for such a time as this.’2
Sadly, bravery is not always valued highly by everyone. In South Wales plaques from a war memorial have been stolen for the scrap value of the metal.3 For this year’s Remembrance Day event a mounted and framed image of the former plaques will substitute.
This week’s readings are clear on one thing at least. Faith in God is no crutch – obedience demands great courage. Yet however bad things may seem, we’re never really alone. Remembering what God has done in the past is vital.
Emlyn Williams
1 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3229106/Prof-Richard-Dawkins-drives-support-for-Londons-first-atheist-bus-advert.html
2 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/killed-for-being-christian-967668.html
3 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7688300.stm
In Kabul, however, religious faith is seen in much more serious terms. The murder of Christian charity worker Gayle Williams puts ‘enjoy your life’ into a different perspective.
According to Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, she had been executed ‘because she was working for an organisation which was preaching Christianity in Afghanistan’. Her mother said that, ‘Gayle was serving a people that she loved, and felt God called her to be there for such a time as this.’2
Sadly, bravery is not always valued highly by everyone. In South Wales plaques from a war memorial have been stolen for the scrap value of the metal.3 For this year’s Remembrance Day event a mounted and framed image of the former plaques will substitute.
This week’s readings are clear on one thing at least. Faith in God is no crutch – obedience demands great courage. Yet however bad things may seem, we’re never really alone. Remembering what God has done in the past is vital.
Emlyn Williams
1 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/3229106/Prof-Richard-Dawkins-drives-support-for-Londons-first-atheist-bus-advert.html
2 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/killed-for-being-christian-967668.html
3 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7688300.stm
Invitation to a World Premiere at St Paul's Cathedral for Save the Children
You are warmly invited to the premiere of The Cry: A Requiem for the Lost Child which will take place in St Paul's Cathedral at 6pm on Sunday 16 November 2008 in aid of Save the Children.
Composed by Adrian Snell and directed by David Drummond, The Cry is a spectacular and moving musical production that remembers children who've lost their lives or childhood because of warfare, armed conflict or ethnic cleansing. The lead vocalists are Niamh Perry (BBC1's I'd Do Anything) and opera star Mark Stone. They'll be joined by violinist Jeanine Thorpe (BBC2's Classical Star and Maestro), Adrian Snell, the London Oriana Choir, the London Oratory School Schola, keyboard player Dave Bainbridge (Iona) and a host of other talented singers and musicians. The performance will be introduced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
The Cry features a rap specially recorded for the premiere by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who says 'I'm delighted to be involved as a rapper for the premiere of The Cry, which gives these often forgotten victims of wars a voice that will lift the roof off St Paul's Cathedral!'
Admission is free, but by ticket only. Tickets can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope, stating how many you require, to:
The Cry, The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Further information can be found at www.stpauls.co.uk under 'Concerts & Events' or on Facebook (search under 'The Cry: A Requiem for the Lost Child').
This was passed to the WordLive team and we thought we should share with you all.
Composed by Adrian Snell and directed by David Drummond, The Cry is a spectacular and moving musical production that remembers children who've lost their lives or childhood because of warfare, armed conflict or ethnic cleansing. The lead vocalists are Niamh Perry (BBC1's I'd Do Anything) and opera star Mark Stone. They'll be joined by violinist Jeanine Thorpe (BBC2's Classical Star and Maestro), Adrian Snell, the London Oriana Choir, the London Oratory School Schola, keyboard player Dave Bainbridge (Iona) and a host of other talented singers and musicians. The performance will be introduced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
The Cry features a rap specially recorded for the premiere by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who says 'I'm delighted to be involved as a rapper for the premiere of The Cry, which gives these often forgotten victims of wars a voice that will lift the roof off St Paul's Cathedral!'
Admission is free, but by ticket only. Tickets can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope, stating how many you require, to:
The Cry, The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Further information can be found at www.stpauls.co.uk under 'Concerts & Events' or on Facebook (search under 'The Cry: A Requiem for the Lost Child').
This was passed to the WordLive team and we thought we should share with you all.
Friday, 10 October 2008
A long week…
A lot can happen in a week. And this past week in particular has seen unthinkable things happening in the world of economics and finance. Three Icelandic banks have been rescued1 (I didn’t know that Iceland had three banks – it’s hardly any bigger than the city where I live). What will have happened to the world’s economy in a week’s time?
Meanwhile the US presidential campaign has moved on from focusing on the economy to personal abuse and back to the economy. Who knows what will happen by the time of the election on November 4? It’s amazing to me that anyone would want to be leader just now. Fortunately, the President of Ukraine seems to know why. Announcing a snap election he said that it’s ambition that drives politicians2. Only politicians?
One of the key questions all of this raises is whether we will learn from it? Of course politicians will try to improve regulation. But will we still keep chasing after the same things, imagining that we can all have it all? That really is a fool’s paradise.
Yet again this week’s readings bring a different vision. The acclaimed leader will be killed within a week. The needy are blessed rather than the privileged. And when justice eventually comes, not everyone will think it is good news. That was a long week too.
Emlyn Williams
October 2008
1 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7660511.stm
2 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/world/europe/10ukraine.html?ref=europe
Meanwhile the US presidential campaign has moved on from focusing on the economy to personal abuse and back to the economy. Who knows what will happen by the time of the election on November 4? It’s amazing to me that anyone would want to be leader just now. Fortunately, the President of Ukraine seems to know why. Announcing a snap election he said that it’s ambition that drives politicians2. Only politicians?
One of the key questions all of this raises is whether we will learn from it? Of course politicians will try to improve regulation. But will we still keep chasing after the same things, imagining that we can all have it all? That really is a fool’s paradise.
Yet again this week’s readings bring a different vision. The acclaimed leader will be killed within a week. The needy are blessed rather than the privileged. And when justice eventually comes, not everyone will think it is good news. That was a long week too.
Emlyn Williams
October 2008
1 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7660511.stm
2 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/world/europe/10ukraine.html?ref=europe
Monday, 22 September 2008
‘Money, money, money in a rich man’s world…’
‘Continuing turmoil in financial markets’
‘Nightmare on Wall Street’
These are strange times. One of Americas largest and oldest banks folds. The UK’s largest mortgage lender sees its share price tumble before being taken over. Governments intervene and central banks throw in billions to shore up struggling economies.
And it’s not just the ‘fat cats’ who suffer. It’s everyone. House prices, interest rates, dwindling pension funds; these things affect us all. On top of that we face rising food prices and escalating energy costs, There is a spirit of uncertainty and fear.
What would Jesus say to this? Well, some startling things.
Give it away.
So goes his advice to the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–22). Money gets in the way of our relationship with God. It becomes a false god. Perhaps we are reaping the consequences of worshipping a false god for too long.
Sort your priorities.
This life isn’t all there is – and it’s the one to come that matters (Mathew 19:27–30). Where is our treasure?
Live by God’s grace.
The Vineyard Workers Union were justifiably upset (Matthew 20:1–16). The same wage for those who worked all day and for those who worked for an hour? Unjust. True – but God doesn’t deal with us on the basis of what we deserve (just as well!), but on the basis of his magnificent generosity.
Be servants.
Don’t get caught up in the power games of this world (Matthew 20:20–28). Learn to use what you have for the benefit of others.
So when things fall apart around us, we can take a longer view. Our final security lies, not in what we have, but in the love and goodness of God. That’s where our focus should be.
‘Nightmare on Wall Street’
These are strange times. One of Americas largest and oldest banks folds. The UK’s largest mortgage lender sees its share price tumble before being taken over. Governments intervene and central banks throw in billions to shore up struggling economies.
And it’s not just the ‘fat cats’ who suffer. It’s everyone. House prices, interest rates, dwindling pension funds; these things affect us all. On top of that we face rising food prices and escalating energy costs, There is a spirit of uncertainty and fear.
What would Jesus say to this? Well, some startling things.
Give it away.
So goes his advice to the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–22). Money gets in the way of our relationship with God. It becomes a false god. Perhaps we are reaping the consequences of worshipping a false god for too long.
Sort your priorities.
This life isn’t all there is – and it’s the one to come that matters (Mathew 19:27–30). Where is our treasure?
Live by God’s grace.
The Vineyard Workers Union were justifiably upset (Matthew 20:1–16). The same wage for those who worked all day and for those who worked for an hour? Unjust. True – but God doesn’t deal with us on the basis of what we deserve (just as well!), but on the basis of his magnificent generosity.
Be servants.
Don’t get caught up in the power games of this world (Matthew 20:20–28). Learn to use what you have for the benefit of others.
So when things fall apart around us, we can take a longer view. Our final security lies, not in what we have, but in the love and goodness of God. That’s where our focus should be.
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