However, He is also a trusty shield. “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God. . .” [Psalm 47:9]. Humankind have made their shields and will lay them down at HIS feet. No matter what they are made of, timber, leather, bronze, metal, gold or silver – our shield is divine. It is impenetrable and encompassing. Change the metaphor maintain the fact – “You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the pride of man: you will keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” [Psalm 31.20]. Our shield is God himself. Like Job he can put a hedge around us [Job 1:10]. Some hedge. Great protection, invisible but totally all-embracing and panoptic.

“You hide them in the protection of your presence; you conceal them in a shelter from human schemes,” [Psalm 31:20]. We have double security; whenever God’s presence is actually present amazing things happen. “The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul” [Psalm 121:7]. He puts our soul first and foremost – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” [John 10:28]. The Biblical metaphors are instructive and clear. “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever” [Psalm 125:]. We are saved and surrounded, encompassed eternally and infolded beyond the reach of those who could destroy our soul. What He says of Israel he means for His church also, He would not do less for His Body. “Then I, myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!'” [Zech. 2:5]. Finally, hear this:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Not only our sun and shield but He gives “Grace and Glory.” If I have not received grace I cannot have glory, for there will be no change. Grace brings a multitude of ministering agents to work on our behalf. It is God’s overwhelming mercy, underserved and certainly unmerited. However, together with light and safety there is the windfall, boon and blessing of HIS grace. Thus, light and safety are part of that grace. “ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” [Rom. 8:18-23]. And, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” [Psalm 73:24]. Why would God allow my presence to disturb glory with no glory? On earth, it states we are being transformed “from glory into glory” [2 Cor. 3:18]. The work has commenced, God set it in motion at the cross, as we bowed in humble adoration, for the Spirit is possessing and reforming us in God’s image. What Adam lost in Eden, God is trying to give back. The race we have to run and the daily warfare we are engaged in, needs grace upon grace, without it we will fail. Thus, grace to receive glory and grace to maintain grace. Paul’s plea is that we “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–” [Rom. 12:2]. Like petrol in an engine we need grace in our soul for renewal.  It leaks or is consumed daily, we need replenishment. The promise is there – “Grace and glory.”

MWC

As we consider scripture and read about the saints of old we see the privileges they extolled and the lifestyle they proffered and expected, which was wholly focussed on God. David, the sweet Psalmist, could say “For the zeal of thy house has eaten [or consumes] me up…” [Psalm 69:9]. This significant message of his life was emplaced around him like sentinels or missiles ready to protect, for that passion was his power.  Without such ardour little can be achieved. As the days darken, and militant atheism riddles the country, we must rise above such force of opposition into the realms where our God reigns. We do have scriptural assurance and help to fortify our faith which is daily attacked.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” [Psalm 84:11]. His great personage thrills us and fills us with certainly and relief. However, David is lamenting the rise of Absalom, his son that drove him away from the temple which he misses. He announces his distress My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!  [Psalm 42:4].

Perhaps reading this, one would assume he was too pensive and gloomy, but contrariwise, he was a champion of the highest order, an undoubted hero, with a list of victories of wonderful deeds and conquests. He fulfilled many offices as king over the nation, a general over the armies, a judge over delinquent disorder, a government official over vain speculation and as a psalmist with songs of praise to His Lord. So much so, his harp could drive away demon powers.  “David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” [1 Samuel 16:23]. However, above all these distinctions and attributes the main desire that throbbed within his breast was expressed simply like this – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple” [Psalm 27:4]. Such a vison dominated his waking thoughts, his living stance was God only, and he says several things over various times as a variation on that central theme:

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord Almighty!
² My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God. [Psa. 84:1, 2]

He further states: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. [Psalm 84:10] and so he comes to our text, previously spoken: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” it bears repetition for from his panting desire there bursts out the titles of our sovereign God and his loving qualities towards us amidst the swirling doubts and opposition in all forms.  A sun and shield to lighten our way and defend our soul.

Creation changes “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” [Psalm 40:8]. The sun changes not, for it shines in its everlasting circuit. Adam walked in the garden and Noah built his ark under that same sun.  Moses floated down the Nile and Jesus hung on a cross – the sun did not change except God shrouded it in a black cloth to save Jesus from the mocking gaze of wicked men in His humbling agony [Matt. 27:45]  ^“From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.” The crucifixion, history’s greatest travesty, was covered.

Yesterday I walked in my garden in the winter and an extremely low temperature but the sun was shining, that same sun saw Jesus rise from the dead. It stirs creation to bring forth harvest, and witnesses succeeding generations; the rise of one dynasty and another. That precious luminary is always the same, like God in His love for us.  Our Divine Sun beams on our soul, brightening our future. This same sun saw Jesus going about doing good, he always did, and he does not change. It can shine on a rubbish tip and catch no infection. “Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.” [John 11:9]. We can see beyond all others into the future and know that God is with us, within us and for us. Hallelujah!

After the chilling nights of winter the sun will soon appear again, it is not lost, it continues its course, set to please the sons of man. We catch that likeness and live its function – “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” [Prov. 4:18]. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:” [Ecc. 11:7]. Those that see God’s disciples should also see God in their example, witness and lifestyle. Thus we should bring sun-smiles as we arrive. “With the choicest fruits of the sun and the rich yield of the months,” [Deut. 33:14]. It is productive and persistent, “[the sun’s going] forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” As it is, it will be, in the end time. No one will escape God’s judgement. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” [Rev.21:5]. However, before that, hear the Word: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart,” [Ecc. 3:11]. Thank God for that miracle of mercy. “Eternity in our hearts,” immortal guarantee.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” [James 1:17]. As father he is responsible for creation, and thus the sun is a heavenly gift for humankind. Further He is the light that calls us out of darkness; “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” For “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” [2 Cor. 4:6]. What an amazing privilege, focus and favour. Then, with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the confidence that is produced by God having called you,” [Eph.1:18].It is overwhelmingly good and blessed. God scattered the darkness that covered the earth, and brought glorious and unparalleled light to the fore. Not only natural but supernatural light into being. Without light nature would be drab, the birds would not sing and the flowers would not bloom. Light is essential and enlivening. “With the rich fruit that grows in the sun, and the rich harvest produced each month;” [Deut. 33:14]. In our spiritual life also, there emerges revelation of divine proportion and principles. A harvest of spiritual perception is brought to completion. Light on the earth, light in the soul. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called–his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance” [Eph. 1:18].

MWC

This statement is “presented by Edward Stourton, a practising Catholic. He’s not your average Mass-goer, however. He comes from a well-connected family and is close to two of the supreme networkers in the English church, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, former Archbishop of Westminster, and Lord Patten of Barnes, former chairman of the BBC Trust and chancellor of Oxford University.” “As a Catholic, I believe that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church founded by Peter. There will always be someone to take the place of ‘the last Christian’. But not necessarily in Britain, where the death rattle has begun.”

It is clear that religious multiculturism is growing in the land and that has helped fill the declining British churches. It is reckoned that by 2067 Christianity will have died in Britain, apart from isolated small units of faithful saints. In fact the British Social Attitudes Survey reckon “that Anglicanism is declining more than any other denomination. With the current rate of decline, it would be set to disappear from Britain by 2033.” It has 15 years left. If I lived till then, I would be 99, and could witness its end.

Interestingly, Pentecostalism is growing, probably picking up ex-Anglican adherents, but especially from European residents. HICC, the church I founded, is comprised of about 80% immigrants, largely descendants from Colonial churches founded in other countries about 100 years ago by faithful missionaries.

However, some were born in Britain from immigrant parents, who came to Britain in expectation of finding a live, evangelistic, outward looking, vital church, but were disappointed in the extreme at the luke-warm, compromised and lack lustre churches they discovered. They found groups of aging people bravely holding the fort, complying with traditions that were often dated, and unable to accept and concede to differing cultures and their particular mode of worship and lifestyle. Thus, many of the immigrants formed their own churches to continue their lifestyle and teachings, fearing for their children who were being brought up in a morally compromised society. Thus, if Anglicanism did die there would other churches carrying on the public witness. What had been sowed abroad in many countries is now being reaped with a harvest of eager, passionate and committed Christians who have settled here and have revitalised many churches of differing denominations. For instance, the Polish immigrants are rejuvenating the Roman Catholic Church, which is also decreasing.

In 1985 I was appointed to the position of Superintendent or bishop of the Metropolitan Region which was approximately that area which was contained within the boundary of the M25 around London with 55 churches. I setup five prayer breakfasts for the ministers and elders which we held every six weeks excluding July and December. This allowed me to travel around the region meeting different groups of ministers and leaders. At one of those breakfasts one of our Elim Ministers brought an independent African pastor pioneering his own church. He enjoyed and benefitted from the mutual interchange and teach-ins. He is now the head of the largest church in Europe numbering approximately 12,000 people. It is in Hackney, London and is called KICC. Kingsway International Christian Centre.

David Voas, of Manchester University’s school of social sciences, said: “Black churchgoers in inner London are an important source of growth in the context of the national decline in church attendance … the Pentecostals have appeared out of nowhere in the last couple of decades, but it remains to be seen whether they can make significant inroads into the white population.” If they can’t they will automatically start their own, but start it they must to keep alive the Christian message.  Their vibrant services and largely Afro-Caribbean and African congregations are growing almost exponentially. Without them British Christianity would be in a sorry state.

I can speak from experiences for about 90% of all leaders in my church – Harrow International Christian Centre – are amongst those immigrants I have mentioned. Without exaggeration, the finest group of people I have ever met. Committedly fundamental and unapologetically Pentecostal, carrying the unadulterated gospel to all they meet with a high moral tone. Hard working, diligent, faithful and loyal. A microcosm of heaven. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” [Rev. 7:9]. They bring joy into the services, where mostly the respectable, sound and solid British worshipper is almost funeral in their response to grace and mercy – one must not get too excited about forgiveness. When the Holy Spirt came on the Day of Pentecost the populace thought the disciples were drunk, no fear of that today. How sad that is!

Michael

The last verse of a national hymn reads thus:

Refresh thy people on their toilsome way,
lead us from night to never-ending day;
fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
and glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.[1]

This grand old hymn stirs our soul, awakens our trust, wrenches praise from our soul and plants prayer in our hearts. Many churches have rejected hymns and a new morbidity[2] has gripped its once praising people. Even if they do sing hymns the resident musicians have to tinker and distort it, thinking they are cleverly doing a service to the people, when all it does is praise their innovation. It exalts the musician’s difference, it is the God they worship. They have to be different for difference’s sake. One of the idols we worship today is the god of modernization – change it for changes sake. But, as Loren Williamson said:  “if it ain’t broke don’t mend it.”

I have worshiped for nearly four years now in a church that boasts such innovation but not once in that time has my soul been moved with a great hymn played at pace that has stirred my soul. I look at football stadiums and those who follow their team, and the supporters of Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss orchestra, and see hungry crowds waiting to sing and join together in their worship, for that is what it is. They have more hope than the average modern church.

The great lack in services today is “JOY.” I didn’t say happiness, don’t mistake the difference. Happiness depends on happenings, but not joy, for joy is planted in our spirit by the Holy Spirit irrespective of happenings. In other words our past week cannot govern our response by that week’s happenings. We rise above not beneath the prevailing circumstances. Joy must have expression and an outlet for the soul demands it. It is God’s safety valve. We seem to worship the God who cannot laugh anymore. It is almost as if the financial struggle over the last decade has changed Christians from being bright happy people to a struggling crowd or miserable survivors.

A visitor to my church said that she thought Pentecostals rolled on the floor- “what a hope I said,” I’ve been in the Pentecostal church for approximately seventy years and never been in a service that was out of control, how disappointing. However, the “old” excitement has now gone, everything is measured and ordered, times are met, programmes adhered to, spontaneity has disappeared. Musicians play as if they are conducting funeral, slow and so slow we almost fall asleep on our feet. For God’s sake move it along and do something that suggests there is life somewhere.  Import 500 Africans if you can, and see what real joy is.

Excuse my rantings for I weep with disappointment as we weekly fail to enter real, dynamic uplifting praise that shake the gates of hell. The devil must be glad of our respectability and dirges.

Michael Carr

[1] God of Our Fathers by Daniel C. Roberts 1876

[2] I use “morbidity” for that is what is – an illness or sickness

We will not find rest in this life for life itself is full of labour and afflictions and gradual multiplistic infirmities. Mortification can stalk us, reproach can threaten us, and unfulfilled desires distress us. We tend to fidget over disgruntled expectations. Like Jacob, too often we find that we have married Leah not Rachel. Not in reality but in the process of living. I am not talking marriage but disappointments. His disillusionment was palpable, and in many areas we have similar discontents of unfulfilment which hovers over us like storm clouds intimidating us, and we are awash with worried restlessness. Will it ever change? Is there hope for the future, will the sun replace the clouds. Can there be a bright horizon? Yes there can be – ^“Now hope does not disappoint, [make ashamed] because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” [Rom. 5:5].

God has given us the certainty of sovereign immortality. This teaches us that in whatever state we find ourselves therewith to be content, for God has it in hand, HIS hand of course. God can assuage our sorrows, and brighten our gloom. His companionship can travel with us in the darkest hour; the terror-filled future, and the demanding requiting situation. God’s presence is our helmet of salvation, guarding our mind and, changing the metaphor, like an anchor holding us safe in the growing and threatening waters of adversity. He comes with us in the vale of tears and transforms himself on the challenging mountain. Therefore, “There remains . . . a rest for the people of God” [Heb. 4:9].  We, who are saved, have a hope – we are not ashamed [“disappointed”] of the present or the dawning future.

Our definition of the word ‘hope’ has clarity and security about it, not as the world, the Pharisee or the antinominalist explains it. The shaming described Biblically is because of the insufficiency of the hope portrayed. As a Christian we have the clearest warrant, the surest foundation and the purest objective and aim. “For in HIM we live, and move, and have our being; . . . “ [Acts 17:28]. The worldling often does not reach or attain their goal in life, and even if they do their graveside treasure has no merit for their future.

This earthly treasure may speak of disappointment for their desires and anticipations were not accomplished and there is nothing to protect and indemnify their future. God’s way of life was disdained, discarded and despised in time, now in death the eternity they wanted, is void. What does the scripture say: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” [Eccles. 1:2]. “And when we grasp the airy forms, we lose the pleasing dream.”[1]  Too late, all is lost. The future is destitution. They manufactured their pleasure whilst on earth and were the envy of many, with their crowned votaries, but now in eternity they fully realise their loss and abject poverty. They had contact with God but not communion.

The Christians hope “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” [2 Cor. 5:1] And, like the prophet of old “For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” [Heb. 11:10]. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Thus, “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” [1 peter 5:4]. Not only that but his companionship will be a heavenly host – But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [Heb.12:22], and also with God “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” [Psalm 16:11]. What a wonder all this is. However, this is not the end, our hope soars further: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” [1 John 3:2]. We will model HIM. Time for a Hallelujah, I think! Oh YES.

In light of this we take up our cross and follow God in the pilgrim way, it can be no other way. Our crown beckons, and our prize suspends before us, awaiting collection. We have paid the price of divine fellowship here one earth, weathered the mocking of sinful man, rejected temptations of the flesh, and made our objective and aims an eternal truth. We have shrugged off the sluggishness of the flesh and marched in unison with the armies of God against the floodtide of evil. Our sacrifice has been valid, our faithfulness full of joy, our commitment tested to the core. His loved proved repeatedly. We have counted the cost and voted for eternal values above all other ways. We will not, like the Pharisee, walk in self-righteousness, but solely cling to the cross of Jesus. “How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?”  [Job 25:4]. Unable to save ourselves we wholly lean on Jesus Name. This our hope.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.[2]

Listening for the sound!

[1] Isaac Watts – Hymn writer – Heaven & Earth.

[2] “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” [Pro. 11:25]. Thus a divine law is enacted by lifestyle. If we give we receive, it seems a God-given rule in life. The current belief in society is to earn as much as you can, save as much as you can in a can, and keep the can, and build a dynasty. The problem with that is that your children become dependent upon that generosity and expect it. No reason they shouldn’t, but it can be a love-gift that robs an individual of personal ambition. They need to fly the nest and gather their own food so they can pass on that information, process or system to their dependants.

Each generation teaching the next. We learn skills and principals from our forebears, it’s what life is all about. My father taught me the discipline of perseverance and consistency. Day in and day out the value of an eight-hour day engaged in productive labour. We rise in the morning light and get ready for work, like it or not, it’s a duty to perform, a lifestyle to enjoy, a pattern of behaviour to cultivate. We are or become what we are by that restrictive yet liberative mould.

My father would say – “The devil finds work for idle hands to do,” thus, people are inclined to do frivolous and harmful things to cure their boredom. Boredom is one of the main curses in society.  In the Tale of Melibee, c 1386 it is said: “Therefore seith Seint Jerome: “Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel, which is oure enemy, ne fynde yow nat unocupied.”  Or, in modern English, ‘Therefore, says Saint Jerome, do some good deeds lest the devil, who is our enemy, find you unoccupied.’ Common sense indeed, a recurring pattern of behaviour in life. Proverbs 15:27 says: “idle hands are the devils workshop: idle lips are his mouthpiece.”   When life is too good, it usually takes a downward turn to reinvent our industry and discipline. One of the problems today in society it that too many are too bored, just clicking screens in senseless discussions and useless speech.  Who really wants to know what you had for breakfast, as if that is a major turning point in history!

Our liberation joined to our philanthropic nature, God engendered, and thus He will bless others abundantly who emulate His nature, for He overgave mercy in spite of iniquitous trends. Munificence, towards others is not a natural human characteristic, it causes astonishment and jealousy. Generosity means that we give more than is expected. Christ’s words are significant, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” [Luke 6:38]. In other words what you give will be counted out to you in the same coinage. Give your time and time will come back. In kind as well as substance.

The mobile phone rang in the car, as we travelled and Patricia, my fist wife, answered it, she spoke and then put it down and we discussed it. She said “that person needs some money.” I said: “Did they say that?” “No” she said “but I gleaned it as they talked.” I had learned to trust her judgement over the years and knew she was right. We agreed £1,000 and called at the local bank and Post office, and sent the money secure post. We got home and she opened her post, and there was £1,000 cheque from a friend who had been blessed with some money. Give and it will be given back, not that one looks for that but it seems to be a spiritual law. Why argue with God, just accept it. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed!” It works.

Michael

I suppose that money or the lack of it is the fulcrum point of Christmas in today’s society, and could cause more heartache than anything else. The world has successfully managed to brainwash individuals to meet the unspoken demands of those around and near to them with money they do not earn, especially in these restrained financial times, as values are distorted by the pressure of compliance with a materialistic culture.

The church as well as the secular community faces deprivation during this uncertain financial era, as we face Brexit, as the money market struggles to regain balance amidst a topsy-nervy humanity. We preach a gospel of moderation in a profligate age because there is an inversion to natural common sense and morality.

Spring meadow flowers are often trodden underfoot as cows smell water, and that appears to be what is happening today amongst the banking fraternity. The scent of profit destroys the landscape of ordered intelligence, as temperance is eschewed in favour of excess.  There seems to be an alarming thirst that needs quenching irrespective of the advice they are given or an example of self-control expected.

How do we, as the church, respond to this financial crisis, and deal with unemployment and restricted and diminishing funds? What do we do when all around us seems to be falling apart and we struggle to keep our families in necessary provisions and meet daily needs? What is it about money that causes many people problems? It is not just the lack of it, but how we use it that is important. We need a right perspective on an ordered financial life. The Bible has the answer, as it has in many ways about most things.

I suggest that we should work as hard as we can to earn as much as we can, do not get into debt, budget wisely, save for the future, and give consistently to charity to save covetousness. Follow God’s well-ordered plan and although you may never be rich, you will be wealthy in the real values of life.

Much gift spending at Advent is panic buying as people feel compelled to give because of guilt that is created by peer pressure that forces compliance with the norm. “What will they think if I don’t give a gift?” Does it really matter what they think, friendship does not consist of financial bestowment but faithful conferral of time and presence. Are you available, not are you rich?

It has been said that “The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any.”[1]    Whichever way, money will govern our lives from the cradle to the grave, it is best therefore to gain a true perspective of it. It was Margaret Thatcher who said: “No one would have remembered the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions. He had money as well.[2]

In a subtle way “Benefits make a man a slave”[3] as society invisibly ties ligatures around us with tantalizing offers that weave a web of materialism into the receptive fabric of our soul. “In civilised society it is the building of possessions that is the snare.”[4]   We mistakenly call things “mine” and not “His” and God is excluded from our accounts. The word of God tells us to lay up treasure in heaven not possessions on earth.[5]   “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase.”[6]

The importance is undeniable, the value high, the stress considerable in modern society. The secret of rich people living in today’s world is to “have everything but possess nothing.” [7] Abraham is a true example of this philosophy. The offering up of Isaac was a revelation of his soul. “Everything is safe which we commit to him, and nothing is really safe which is not committed.”[8] It is expedient to give all things into his hand, including our money. Happy, blessed and a wise Christmas.

[1] Katherine Whitehorn (1926) British journalist. How to Survive Children

[2] Margaret Thatcher (1925) British politician and Prime Minister. Television interview, 1980

[3] Arabic proverb

[4] Shade of His Hand by Oswald Chambers page 63 pub by Marshall Morgan & Scott

[5] Matthew 6:20

[6] Ecc 5:10

[7]The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing by A. W. Tozer in Leadership Magazine Spring 1981 pg. 95

[8] Ibid. Page 96

We live in an age where Brexit and Trump have occurred in one year. It is a seemingly impossible situation and caused by ageing middle class whites who voted in exasperation at the muddled, ignorant and incompetent political classes, who were ill-informed of the feelings of their fellow men. The MPs were out of touch with reality; blind to the rising fury that seethed under the surface of apparent quietude and compliance.

Those who passed through the last great war, are now dying normally in their eighties and nineties, and their middle-aged children are recalling tales of the privation and hardship of their parents’ generation and realise the adversity they suffered, and perceive the deprivation that ensued. Now, they see the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer and immigration changing the nature and composition of society; many parts of the country is no longer English or in America – American. Enough is enough. Both Brexit and Trump are the result of protest voting. The seeds are now growing in many more countries. The last days are coming. Rebellion and anarchy are not too far distant. If Brexit is delayed or overthrown by political and judicial manipulation there could be riots in our beloved land.

This spirit has now entered the church in protest to modern worship, as the older people crave for hymns and songs with tunes they can sing. Many congregations now watch the platform party in a kind of vicarious worship before dimmed lights in the wider auditorium and spot lights on the platform, as the entertainment begins. Thankfully HICC has retained its policy of spiritual songs and hymns with vibrant tunes that all can sing. I had the privilege of preaching there on 6^th November and I would say that 80/90% of the congregation were active in worship, in some churches I have been in, I would say that number is sadly reversed.  About 10/20% were worshipping the rest watching the platform. I can well understand that latter number voting with their feet.

I have built my ministry on worship, from the time an attendee in my first pioneer church left after the morning service and, shaking hands with my first wife said, “I thought the organ was particularly beautiful today,”  to which my wife agreed, but then realised we didn’t have an organ. God’s angels had come down to play for us! I perceived then that worship is not for God, but for us, for He existed before man was created and he could well do without us. Worship is a transforming process; we are being changed imperceptibly from glory to glory daily as we wait on and love God in adoration. Prayer is the articulation of human need, praise the acclamation of divine deeds and worship the adoration of divine worth. They mingle and hold together. Someone said: We have become so desensitised by the brutality of life, that we have lost the wonder of worship. So very sad.

“A self-conscious holiness is a contradiction in terms,” (Washington Gladden) for true worship eyes but God. I never think of holiness, I just walk with God, He can convict me any time He wishes, and I’ll just exalt His matchless name. It was J. C. Ryle who said: “The best public worship is that which produces the best private Christianity.” But, for many people it is metamorphosis verses masquerade – you cannot form a butterfly by pinning wings on a worm. True worship will change us, it deals with private motives and physical urges. Nevertheless, praise and worship supplies energy or power to life, it is like being connected to the national grid, internally.

After one beautiful time of worship in Kensington Temple, where I was the associate minister, something happened that inspired me, and I have never forgotten it. There was a violent storm and the roof, being pitched at 50 degrees shed the water so fast the gutters could not contain it and it not only overflowed them but also dripped inside and fell on the congregation in microscopic particles pervading everywhere and the internal lights illuminated it as a yellow mist – like glorious light, and God whispered to me “I have put my glory here.” That’s the result of true worship; heaven awaits our presence, our hearts long for such an atmosphere. I think the problem with some modern worship is that the platform party love their ministry more than the congregation.

It seems that in medieval times lent was observed with fasting but not on Sundays, for this was a day of feasting. I do not enforce fasting, [as if I could!] but do encourage any kind which appeals to the individual, for there are many ways of fasting. I remember one such Lenten period in HICC, it was a special prayer meeting midweek.  My usual intention, when senior minister, was to let the whole congregation pray together, then the men and women would separate and the come together towards the end of the hour. I suggested an hour because Jesus said “Could you not watch with me one hour.” The men were to pray not only for God’s presence amongst us but additionally for the establishment of the men’s work; thus the division. However God had other ideas. We worshipped and then broke into mixed groups and prayed for the enhancement of the vision and for His overwhelming power to invade the church.

We then came together to worship again, there it stayed as God turned up, and we were overtaken by His awe-inspiring presence amongst us. A crescendo of noise erupted as our hearts were made alive to His glorious love that was spread abroad animating our souls and stirring our spirits in response.  Such times cannot be manufactured, it is of God who quickens our spirit together.

As I was glorifying God and speaking in tongues I prayed for the interpretation and this is what God gave me. “We often long for matters and happenings in the physical realm to be paralleled in the spiritual realm, thus a Tsunami that invades a country would be echoed in its spiritual life with God’s harbour wave sweeping all before it.  Not with disaster, destruction and death but with divine energy, brushing aside all sin and sorrow, leaving purity and peace. The similarity is possible to understand, as that forceful wave is unstoppable. And God, if he decided to move, can do what he wants, when he wants to whom he wants. Nothing can stop him. But, before a Tsunami there must be an earthquake, an eruption of severe magnitude, with trembling and shaking.

Thus, we as a people, might have to pass through unmitigated trouble before the wave strikes, knowing the misfortune of loss and death to self. Experience a place where we are left with the bare necessities realising that value in life does not consist of possessions. An oft sung song in the assembly is “he gives and takes away” and this indeed may be so, for to have the one there must be the other.

In such a Tsunami we lose our history, as birth and marriage certificates are swallowed up, and icons of past memories are destroyed. Although we may lament such loss we must also realise that God can write a new history that can exceed anything that has gone before. Even as the church can look back with warmth of feeling at what God has already done, we must not depend on that memory, but in looking forward learn that it can be swept away in the new surge of life and a new one can be written that will amaze our faith and belief.”   

There was an inward urge to stay on past the allotted hour, but the folk had started their day early, as Londoners do. They had come straight from work to the church, and needed to go home, so I closed the meeting. The ecstatic utterance had covered much and needed meditation, “He gives and takes away” is fundamental to our personal individual history, to consider that would take a lifetime.  If a divine tsunami struck us what would or could we lose, and how would we react to the Lord’s will? What clutter has been piled against our spiritual life that constitutes the “cares of this world” which spoils the seed?

In a practical parable, when I moved to Solihull I took much of my furniture I had in Hampton, it was in good condition, I was used to it, and it suited my aesthetic and design needs. Later, I married my second wife and she sold her flat and now we had other furniture and personal possessions that needed sorting; life has become a process of throwing or giving things away. We keep the local charity shop well stocked! I downsized and that is a good lesson to learn, what can we do without so that God’s Spirit can take possession?   If we don’t, perhaps God will!

Many years ago whilst working in a drawing office I found that my boss was slightly taller than me standing exactly 6’3” [1.905] and I was one eighth shorter than him [I’m talking imperial measure for that is what we used at that time]. To prove this we stood back to back and a ruler was placed across our heads. It sloped downwards just marginally in my direction which proved he was a tad taller. It’s good that I was not affected by this or else I would have a major mental issue over that discovery!  A modern sociologist could argue my life was blighted by such a revelation. Just one-eighth or about 3mm made the difference.  I came up short.  No amount of stretching would increase my height; it was 1.902 and his 1.905 metres. Perhaps if I had been put on a medieval rack it might have made a difference!

My grandfather was 6’2.5” [1,882] and the smallest in his family of seven boys. The tallest was 6’7.” I clearly follow Grandad.  I have twin grandsons who are both six feet at just 16, and might exceed me in stature – we shall see. They clearly follow me as I followed Grandad. I have one son who is six feet, and my other grandsons have not fully grown. However, research has concluded that mankind is shrinking. I have just read an article that explains we are getting smaller and that includes our brains.  Cambridge University experts believe mankind is now past its peak, and that modern-day people are ten percent smaller and shorter than their hunter-gatherer ancestors who also had larger brains.  This concept now reverses perceived wisdom that we are taller and larger.

This change has occurred over the last 10,000 years and is due, say scientists, to agriculture with restricted diets and urbanisation compromising health and leading to the spread of disease.  Fossils found in Israeli caves dating back 120,000 to 200,000 years reveal a people who were tall and muscular and this continued until relatively recent times.  An average person 10,000 years ago weighed between 12st 8lb and 13st 6lb – today the average is 11st and 12st 8lb. They say this change started about 9,000 years ago for, whilst farming would have made more food available, it was restricted in its vitamins. In China for instance the early farmers relied on cereals such as buckwheat, rice and maize, all of which lack niacin, a B vitamin vital for growth.

The brains of those men who lived 20,000 years ago measured 1,500 cubic centimetres but now they measure 1,350 cubic centimetres a decrease the size of a tennis ball; female brains have decreased proportionately.  This has not made us less intelligent, but helped to use our resources better.  However current levels of intelligence can never be measured against past levels; they could have been less intelligent but may have been wiser, and had a better God consciousness.

This leads me to say “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? [Matt 6:27]. You can’t, so stop worrying, and it further says in context “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing.”  [Matt 6:25-26]. People fret about time-restricted things, but unfortunately not about eternal things.

People have over the generations struggled with who they are, endeavouring to change their shape and size, and clothe their frame with garments that enhance their figures and accentuate their beauty.  This vain stab at personal glamour and glory tends to consume their time and money inordinately as they fritter life away on non-essentials.  I am sure hunter-gatherers were not interested in fashion parades; perhaps they were too intelligent for that!

We may be smaller today than in previous generations, but let us not forget it’s how big we are inside that counts. Let the Bible speak: “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” [Eph 4:13]. He fills eternity, he can fill you.  You can be like a Tardis, bigger inside than outside.