Thank You Jesus for always being there.

Once again I have chosen to share this meditation from Joanne Lowe with you. I think that, particularly with the worries of the present economic problems facing the world, it's a good thing to be reminded that there is one who will always be there, who never lets us down. Jesus is with us through the bad times as well as the good, not only for now but for ever.

YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28: 20 (King James Version)

When our hearts are breaking and it feels like everyone has left us, Jesus is still with us. There are times in all of our lives when the storms of criticism, heartaches, rejection, ridicule and discouragement overwhelm us and we don’t think we are going to make it. Jesus has given us good news. He has promised us that He will be with us even unto the end of the world.

Not only will He be with us to the end of the world; we will also be with Him in Heaven for all eternity if we have had His cleansing and atoning blood applied to our hearts for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank God for a Saviour who is always there for us. His compassion and unconditional love for us will never end. He loved us as much yesterday as He does today and He will love us as much tomorrow as He does today.

Thank You, Jesus, that You are always there for us. Thank You for loving us and for caring about us. May we always be there for You. Thank You so much for dying for our sins on the cruel cross of Calvary. Indeed, there is no one like You, Jesus. I love You with all of my heart and I appreciate everything You have done for me.

Jesus is there for you whenever you need Him. Are you there for Him when He needs you? Do you thank Him daily for His companionship and concern for you? He is always there for us and it is time that we are there for Him. What a Saviour! What a friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!

Joanne Lowe
December 19, 2008
joannelowe8@cox.net
www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com

Beloved, Do not worry . . .

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

(1 Peter 4:12,13)

'The Pheasant's Revolt' : Another Good Read!

I'm currently just over halfway through reading this funny account of author Brian Viner's life at Docklow Grange in Herefordshire. Having moved from London with his family to savour life in the country he tells the tales of bouquets, brickbats and horror stories of all that awaits the unsuspecting city dweller who, for reasons that remain unfathomable to many, decides to up sticks and move to --- well, the sticks!

Lots of laughs throughout this book, and it's a good bedtime read because it entertains without being too taxing. I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a sense of humour or equally to anyone who wishes to develop a sense of humour.

Why not buy it and try it! You won't be sorry.

For the more bookish amongst you who like all the gory detail needed to purchase, here it is:

Author: Brian Viner : Publisher: Simon & Schuster : Title: The Pheasant's Revolt (More Tales of the Country) : ISBN: 978-0-7432-9584-0 : Price: £12.99 (or less if, like me, you are lucky!)

Questions

Cowardice asks, is it safe?
Expediency asks, is it political?
Vanity asks, is it popular?
BUT
Conscience asks, IS IT RIGHT?
Martin Luther King

A Christmas Poem

Memories of Christmas Past

I grew up in a large house in the small Wiltshire town of Corsham, then with a population of around 8500 people. Not for us the luxury of the now-expected central heating system. In those distant days Winter mornings meant getting out of a warm bed and onto a small rug which was positioned next to it on the otherwise cold linoleum flooring. Looking out of the window meant that you got a bit too close for comfort to the ice that decorated the inside of the panes as well as the outside! I guess that I was about eleven when my father installed oil-filled heaters underneath the windows at floor level. They were just enough to combat the interior ice and, theoretically at least, to take the basic chill off the air in the room, although it still seemed just as cold to me.

How well I remember the excitement of Christmas! In those days, long before we had television, our bed-time was very early by the standards of today's children, and I was sent up to bed by 7.30 each evening with the exception of Saturdays when I was allowed to stay up until 8.0 o'clock. And bed meant of course, to sleep, not to read, play games or even chatter to anyone else. How different times were then.

Christmas Eve was one night of the year when I never minded going to bed early, trying, just like thousands of other children, to stay awake until Father Christmas came to visit and fill my sock, carefully hung at the foot of the bed, with an assortment of goodies. Somehow sleep always got the better of me and I was in the land of nod well before the visiting hour. However, I was awake early the following morning and excitedly reaching for my now-bulging stocking. In it there would always be a few nuts -- although no means of getting into them --- a tangerine, a couple of sweets and perhaps a colouring book and crayons. Very wisely, Father Christmas seemed aware that it was not a good idea to put toys into the stocking that could make a noise!

The excitement of those times remains for ever etched into the memory, and is there to recall whenever you want to for the rest of your life. Eventually, once it was time to get up and go downstairs, I would go down into the lounge and the welcome warmth of the fire that would be burning brightly in the hearth, and there my eyes would soak up the wonder of the tree which, only the evening before, had been plain and undecorated. Miraculously, overnight, it had been transformed by tinsel and baubles, fairy lights and crackers, and along with the rest of the room managed to transport me to a magical world once again.

One Christmas my mother decorated twigs with tiny pink crepe paper flowers which several of us children had been making for days previously. She had not told us what they were for, and so the effect was absolutely magical as we viewed it for the first time, the flower-bedecked branches draped with our favourite fairy lights which had pictures of all the favourite Walt Disney characters on them. I'll never forget that picture. It's etched for ever into my memory.

After breakfast we went along to my father's office where our presents had been carefully placed in neat piles along the window seat. There would always be my favourite Comic Book Annuals amongst the presents, and it was these that I opened first of all, soaking up the latest adventures of Korky the Cat, Desperate Dan, and all the other familiar characters. We were not spoiled by vast quantities of presents, nor by inordinate amounts of money having been spent on them. In those pre-TV and pre-computer days there was no electronic thingamyjigs to cause me to invoke 'pester-power', and if I had dared to do such a thing it would have resulted in less not more as a reward for my efforts.

This year, with the current economic crisis causing us to tighten the belts a notch or two, I hope that for some children at least, it will be a time where present giving becomes a little more carefully thought out and a little more meaningful, rather than simply having their demands given in to. That way it might start to focus people away from themselves and more towards the needs for others.

We live in a world that has become selfish and greedy, and children are brought up to demand what they want and get it, rather than being grateful for what they are given. It may be a world that has a wonderful array of gadgets to entertain and to make life easier for people, but I believe that it's a less pleasant world than the one in which I was raised. We certainly had nowhere near the amount of things that children get today, but we were grateful for what we had. We didn't have X-boxes and video games, but we did have well-cultivated imaginations. We knew how to convert a cardboard box into a fort, garage, farm or hospital; or indeed anything else that our fertile imaginations wanted it to be, and we did so effortlessly because we were allowed to develop naturally rather than having our imaginations controlled via the televisual images that today's children are bombarded with.

Yes, despite the electronic advances of the current age, give me the world of simple delights, of crumpets and home-made bread toasted in front of a warm coal fire, and of seasons where everything happened just the way it should.

Special for Christmas!

IF A FAT GUY GRABS YOU AND PUTS YOU IN A SACK, DON'T WORRY I TOLD FATHER CHRISTMAS I WANTED A GOOD FRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS!

The Blood of Jesus

I hope that the following meditation that came to me this morning from Joanne Lowe will grant you a blessing.

THE BLOOD OF JESUS

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 1: 5, 6 (King James Version)

Pastor Edward Mote wrote a beautiful song “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”. The words in this song are what we should do every day “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” All too often we build our hopes on our families, our friends, our jobs and our money. We must build our hopes on the blood of Jesus.

Thank God that one day our precious Saviour walked that long and lonely road to Calvary and there shed His blood for us that we might have the forgiveness of sins and have a home in Heaven with Him for all eternity. Thank You, Jesus, for the sacrifice You made for us. Thank You so much for loving us unconditionally and for being a forgiving compassionate and tender Saviour.

Has the blood of Jesus been applied to your heart for the forgiveness of your sins? You must first have His precious blood applied to your heart before you can build your hope on His righteousness and blood. Don’t look to your family and friends for your hope. Look to Jesus’ righteousness and His precious blood. Build your hopes on Jesus’ blood and righteousness and keep your heart and your eyes on the One who loves you so much that He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
December 17, 2008
joannelowe8@cox.net
www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com

Spiritual Cleansing

"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
(1 Corinthians 6:11)

Christmas and a time of Dilemma

This year, more than ever given the current economic meltdown across the Western world, many Christians are concerned at the over-commercialization of what they see as purely a Christian event, i.e. the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah. On the other hand there are many who are concerned that so much of the festival celebration is based upon elements with Pagan roots.

There are so many questions asked regarding this festival and, as is always the case, some people get very hot under the collar about it all! Of course, generally speaking, people like others to agree with them about strong issues in particular, and that makes the whole thing even more contentious.

Now you, dear reader, know that I love all the coloured lights and the 'trimmings', so you know where I stand on that one! However, like many people, I am concerned that the whole celebration of Christmas is little more than an excuse for many people to 'eat, drink, and be merry'. Some time ago I came across the following piece titled Qualms about Christmas written by K. Olsen, on a discussion forum under the heading 'Does God care about Christmas?'

'There are a growing number of Evangelicals who are concerned about Christmas and whether it should be celebrated by true believers. There are various reasons for this distress, the main one being the pagan origins of the 25 December festival. There is historical evidence that Christmas was not observed by the early church fathers and it was the Roman church which adapted the `Natalis Solis Invicti' (birth of the sun-god) and `Saturnalia' festivals. Further, there is no Scriptural injunction to celebrate Christmas. Also, the secularisation and commercialization of Christmas troubles many believers.
Some believers feel that for the above reasons Christmas celebrations should be shunned.

We submit some other points to consider - indeed good reasons why Christians should take full advantage of Christmas:
1. Ungodly origins are not always a reason to reject what God has allowed. Two examples:
a) Jesus is the King. No Christian disputes that. Yet, kings have an ungodly origin. Indeed, this pagan tradition was so prevalent that the early Israelites demanded their own king - much to God's displeasure.But, in God's eternal wisdom He allowed it to happen and Jesus is today proclaimed King of Kings.

b) Cities have a very shady origin. The first inhabitants of cities, the Bible tells us, were the descendants of Cain. The Bible generally speaks about the evil of cities. Yet, we believers shall dwell in the holy City, the New Jerusalem.2. Christmas is the only remaining Christian event which virtually the whole world acknowledges (even Cuba has recanted on its past banning of Christmas celebrations). It is an opportunity to proclaim Christ and the real meaning of His glorious birth. The giving of presents, festivities and the general (though temporary) feeling of goodwill can be used by Christians around the world to proclaim the Good News of the real Gift, the Christ Child, who was born to die and give us the gift of pardon from sin and eternal life.

3. Despite growing ignorance about the reason for Christmas most people still have some vague knowledge that the celebration is connected to the birth of Christ. Believers should take advantage of this and pass on the full message of the meaning of Christ incarnate. At least it is one time during the year when the secular world is more receptive to the Good News. Unconverted church members have some tinge of conscience and are willing to attend a Christmas service. What an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel.

4. Jesus and His disciples and the history of the church, have shown that opportunism is not always a bad thing. Indeed, the zealous Christian will use every opportunity, in season and out of season, to proclaim the Gospel. Paul was even willing to address ungodly philosophers in heathen surroundings on Mars Hill.5. There are increasing attempts to `de-Christ' Christmas. Many companies do their best to avoid the word Christmas and will rather refer to Season's Greetings. All the more reason to emphasize the Lordship of Christ in Christmas and all of God's creation.

As the Editor of Evangelical Times (December 1997 No.12) puts it: Of course, opportunism is not adaptation. Jesus and the apostles did not adapt their message to the culture of their time. They did not modify the Gospel to suit their hearers. To do that must be wrong. But we must not let a fear of making mistakes keep us from taking every opportunity to preach the Gospel and using familiar things as vehicles for the unchanging truth.'So, dear reader, what do you think about it? I always think that anything that gets people into a situation where they can hear about the Saving Grace of Jesus and the love of God is a good thing. O that our churches, chapels and cathedrals might be filled with unbeliever's and addressed by New Testament preachers!

All-Age Nativity

Yesterday morning we held our Nativity Service and this year it was an All-Age Nativity with various members of the congregation coming forward to be dressed up as Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men and of course, Mary and Joseph. Once dressed in suitable costume, they then perambulated around the church (Wow! That's a great word for this time on a Monday morning!)

Everyone who took part volunteered to do so when asked, no prior warning having been given, and the results were great. There was a happy feel to the whole of the Service, and the Christmas Story was read as the tableau was gradually formed, the whole happening adding a slightly new twist to what must surely be one of the simplest and yet most wonderful stories ever told.

The story of the birth of Christ, despite the many inaccuracies that have crept in over the years regarding the date, the condition of the stable, snow on snow, in the bleak mid-Winter, etcetera, is still in essence the greatest story ever told. It tells of an event that changed the world for ever, when God Himself came down to earth to begin His great plan of Redemption.

The birth of Jesus, the promised Christ, is a story of love and justice. Love because for God to put Himself and Jesus through all that was to take place was an act of unconditional, sacrificial love, placing the salvation and redemption of repentant sinners foremost. Justice, because God hates all sin and demands the highest penalty for it, which is the life of the sinner. Sacrifice, because when Jesus died on the cross at Calvary it was in the place of every sinner. He paid the price for sin, once and for all.

Since then, anyone who was truly repentant of the sin in their lives could, by confessing their sin and believing on Jesus as their Saviour and acknowledging Him as their Lord, be redeemed to God. It is the only true way to God. Jesus Himself said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6).

As we smiled yesterday at the efforts of the shepherds struggling to don their costumes, and at the wise men whose arthritic knees made kneeling in obeisance to the Babe a humorous sight, so our minds were focused on the real reason for the story. All in all it was a glad and happy experience, but also one which left us feeling closer and more grateful to God the Father.

A Christmas Message

Who knows why we have angel decorations at Christmas?
It’s to remind us of the angel that appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. Listen to what the Bible says in Luke’s Gospel, (Chapter 2: 1-20).

In the countryside close by there were shepherds out in the fields keeping guard over their sheep during the watches of the night. An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord. Here’s a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And all at once, there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.’
Now it happened that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as had been told.

Just imagine for a moment that you were one of the shepherds. How do you think you would you have felt — excited, scared, overwhelmed, joyful, amazed?

In the society of that time, shepherds were regarded as very poor people, often looked down upon by others. They were also living at a difficult time in their own country, under Roman rule. Yet God chose to make His most important announcement to these humble men.

Let’s listen to what the shepherds said once again:
“Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about Him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them.

What’s the most fantastic piece of news that you ever received? Think back, and remember the way you felt when you received it.

All over the world there are people waiting to hear good news. Thankfully, because of the love of Jesus Christ, many will be getting good news this Christmas. It may be through any one of the many charities, perhaps one that you are involved with like the Shoebox Appeal. Just imagine the faces on the child who will open the shoebox that you packed this year. The look on their face will say it all. If you could see that look for yourself then you would know how worthwhile your efforts were. Every time someone’s life is made a little better, whether it’s digging wells, building hospitals or schools, or any one of the myriad projects that are currently in hand, then when the act of kindness is done in Christ’s name, it spreads His love a little further.

Once again this Christmas, thanks to the charities who are dedicated to helping the homeless, the good news will take the form of a hot meal and a lot of Christian love. Perhaps there will be many who call into a Gospel Mission Hall and receive not only food to sustain their bodies, but also food for their souls. They, like millions of others, will hear the good news that Jesus Christ came to share with the world.

Whoever the recipients of the good news are, wherever they live, what they will be experiencing is the peace and joy that the angel promised to those shepherds so long ago.

I Remember . . .

Every now and then I cast my mind back to the days of my youth, often triggered by something that I see. This morning I looked out of my window when it was still dark and saw lights reflected on the road outside my house, and it took me back to the days when I was a schoolboy travelling home from school when it was dark in the rain (often). As I got closer to my town and my bus stop, I would marvel at the street lights and the shop window lights reflected on the wet pavements and roads. Somehow they managed to make the mundane magical for me, and brightened up what was otherwise, by virtue of constant repetition, a boring journey.

Often it is the little things in life that make the most difference. Of course the major moments will stay with us for ever, but its the little things that have created magical imagery in our minds that we more often recall in later years.

As a child I would often sit in the window-seat that was built into the wall of our lounge, gazing out through rain-spattered window panes, watching the garden get a wash that would cleanse it for another day. I would focus on a raindrop as it hit the pane and watch it gathering momentum as it joined others and created mini-waterfalls, and I would be transported to another world which my imagination created and peopled. Were these the moments, I wonder, when words started to form into the verse that I would one day write?

Even as I write this post I can, whilst recalling looking through the front window travelling homeward, upstairs on a double-decker bus, almost smell the odour of wet clothing and the tobacco-smoke filled air, as it assails my nostrils once again for a fleeting moment. I can hear the chatter of fellow-travellers, somehow detached and distant, all around me, gradually lessening as the bus disgorged them at the various stops along the way until at last it was time for the bus to spew me out onto the pavement for another day.

I got off the bus outside Bulson's Electrical shop, which was a wonderland of TV sets, radios, and other products, all displayed in bright light, and the light, not satisfied with being contained behind the glass of the window, would spill out in a riot across the pavement outside. On wet wintry evenings the light would be transformed as it reflected from the street outside the shop, and once again a small boy would have an image painted onto his memory.

All these thoughts remind me of hurrying around the corner to get into the warmth of my home, preferably in front of the open fire, where maybe my mother would let us toast some crumpets. After toasting they would be spread with butter that would quickly melt into the holes on the crumpet surface, only to be clutched into eager hands and gobbled up.

Aah! Isn't memory wonderful!

Zimbabwe . . . What more is needed?

I like to post pictures on this blog that tell a story, and the one above certainly does that with a vengeance. Usually the pictures are able to brighten your day, but sometimes, as with the above, they are there to help you focus

That cholera is endemic in Zimbabwe is yet another crime that must be added to the list against Mugabe and his cronies. Not only against them but also against every African leader who openly or covertly supports his continuance in office, particularly when the wishes of the people to remove him have been so blatantly ignored.

Cholera is an acute, diarrhoeal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Although the infection is quite often mild or even without symptoms, it can be severe, as is the case currently in Zimbabwe.

Cholera has been very rare in industrialized nations for the last 100 years; however, the disease is still common today in other parts of the world, including the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.

Although life-threatening, it's easily prevented and treated. In countries with advanced water and sanitation systems, cholera is not really a threat, but in parts of the world such as Zimbabwe where the water system is either antiquated or, as in many cases, non-existent, then the threat to human life is very real. Drawing water for consumption from stagnant pools or from rivers, streams and boreholes that have effluent seeping into them due to the lack of sewage disposal, will quickly create a problem that, although entirely preventable, quickly becomes an epidemic.

Anxious as always to move the focus away from his own gross mismanagement of the nation, Mugabe quickly blamed the UK for the cholera epidemic, saying through his Information Minister, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, that the outbreak was a "genocidal onslaught on the people of Zimbabwe by the British". In his comments to the assembled media in Harare, Ndlovu likened the appearance of cholera in Zimbabwe to a 'serious biological chemical weapon' used by the British, describing it as "a calculated, racist, terrorist attack on Zimbabwe".

On Thursday Mugabe said Zimbabwe has contained the cholera outbreak. At the same time both the UN and Save the Children, a UK charity, warned the deadly outbreak was getting worse. A spokesman from the charity said "If anything is certain in the chaos of Zimbabwe today it is that the cholera outbreak is not under control."

Mugabe has stated that the Western powers were plotting to use cholera as an excuse to invade and overthrow him, adding that "Now that there is no cholera there is no cause for war."

Whatever the political rhetoric, the fact of the matter remains that the epidemic is worsening. Once again the Zimbabwean people are dying in their hundreds while their despotic, tyrannical leader, clinging on to power through a mixture of lies and bullying, gets fatter in his palatial surroundings. Not for him the need to draw water from wells where open sewers spill out and infect the water.

If only the world would be more caring about the plight of these people and actually do something more positive than political posturing. It's time that this tyrant was removed, not just from office but from the face of the earth. He has created hell on earth for his beleaguered people. Why not let him now enjoy hell for eternity.

God's System Restore

As someone who gets extremely frustrated whenever I find a need to carry out a System Restore on my PC, I can readily identify with my friend Joanne Lowe's meditation which I received today. What about you?

GOD’S SYSTEM RESTORE

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Psalm 51: 12 (King James Version)

There are times when we have to do a system restore on our computers when viruses and spyware get through our firewall and anti-virus programs. The same is true with our Heavenly Father. There are times when He has to do a system restore on our hearts and lives when satan attacks us with the virus of discouragement.

Thank God that He has provided a system restore for our hearts and lives through Jesus. When we are so discouraged that we feel like we are going under for the last time, it is then that we need to cry out to Jesus and ask Him to please restore His joy to our hearts and lives. Do you need a system restore in your heart and in your life?

If so, allow Jesus to restore His joy to your heart and life once again. He will take your hand and walk with you through the dark valleys and will once again set you on the mountain top of joy, peace, happiness and excitement. There is no one like Jesus! No one loves you like Jesus loves you! Thank You, Jesus, for caring about us and for restoring our hearts and lives with Your joy, peace and happiness.

Joanne Lowe

December 13, 2008

joannelowe8@cox.net

www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com

Gone! But Not Forgotten

Chris Darlington's new book traces the history of Runcorn's Football Club, from its formation and the purchase of the Canal Street ground, through the history surrounding the matches played there, including the notorious 'Hole-in-the-net' incident, right up to the demise of the Club's days at Canal Street when the ground was sold off to a housing developer.

There are anecdotes and stories a-plenty in this little book, and it makes a great stocking-filler for anyone interested in the game, but especially for the thousands of Runcornians for whom no Season was complete without following the Yellow & Green exploits of their home team. Read about the time that they beat Manchester United! Even my younger stepson who is a great Manchester United fan didn't know about it, neither did he believe it until I showed him the proof.

You can get the book from the Curiosity Bookshop in Runcorn, or from the Runcorn Linnet's website.

I make no apology for repeating this blog from last year because it's seasonal and we now have many new readers who would not have seen it when it was posted previously.

The Tree is UP!

The tree is up,
and in our room
its lights dispel
the deepest gloom.
Even in the darkest night
they shine and sparkle,
bringing light
to cast away the stress and strain
of money rolling down the drain!
Up near the top --- in brightest gold ---

an angel looks down upon our fold.
The news calls out our belts to tighten,
yet, here at least,
the news will brighten;
for we will look across our room
and see lights twinkling bright and clear,
reminding us of why it's there.
We will think of stall and manger,
of virgin birth, Herodic danger,
of kings who travelled from afar,
guided by a shining star;
of shepherds who their watch did keep
of cattle lowing, and bleating sheep.
Our minds will travel to that night,
so we can share the glorious sight
of infant babe in manger lay,
and celebrate this Christmas Day!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

The following story was sent to me in an email and I thought that I'd share it with you dear reader. I hope it puts a smile into your day!

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days).

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed' whereupon the lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your Honour, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client & all other atheists have no such holidays.'

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, 'But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.' The lawyer said, 'Your Honour, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.'

The judge said, 'The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in hisheart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.'

Overcome The World

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
(1 John 5:4,5)

"Doh! I did it again!" : Meditation from Joanne Lowe

Regular readers will know that I often post meditations that I receive from Joanne lowe here on my blog, because I hope that you will find them inspirational. You can get her meditations every day by subscribing to her blogspot, the address of which is at the foot of the post. I particularly like her posts because she always points people towards Jesus Christ and the things of God, and that is a major part of what being a Christian is all about. Jesus Himself gave us the command to preach the Gospel throughout the world, and Joanne is doing her part to fulfil this command in the way that is open to her. It goes to prove that you can share the Gospel from your own home when you harness the tremendous power of the world-wide web.

I DID IT AGAIN

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Jude 1: 24, 25 (King James Version)

Someone made the comment “I did it again. I promised myself that I was not going to do that again but I did it again.” I think most of us can probably relate to this person. Have you ever promised yourself that you weren’t going to do something again but you did it again? It may be an old habit that you are trying to break and you just can’t seem to conquer it. I promised myself that I was not going to call myself stupid again, yet I did it again yesterday. I said “Joanne, you are so stupid.”

We can wipe our tears away because we don’t have to despair and be discouraged. Our precious Saviour is not only able to keep us from falling but He will also present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. We need to understand that we don’t have the power to do anything. We may conquer the habit temporarily but it always comes back.

Only Jesus can keep us from falling and bring us through the situation victoriously. Where we make our mistakes is trying to do things in our own strength without asking Jesus for help and when we fail we get discouraged. That opens the door for satan to make us feel stupid and inadequate. If you did it again, ask Jesus to help you and then get out of the way and let Him work. Thank God for a Saviour who is able to present us faultless with exceeding joy!

Joanne Lowe
December 9, 2008
joannelowe8@cox.net
http://www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com/

Ten years on . . .

This morning I was presented with the gift of a new Study Bible by my church to mark ten years service as their Minister. I remember the feelings that I had when I first preached as Minister, way back on the first Sunday in September 198, which seems a lifetime away now. Since then we've travelled the journey to the Cross together, had lots of 'highs' and a few 'lows', but we have bonded as family in Christ. What more could I ask?

It's been such a privilege to be able to share the lives of my people, and be with them in the times when they needed support and comfort, and to be able to lead them on their spiritual journey.

Now for the rest of my ife, every time that I dip into this new Bible I shall be reminded that it has been given with love, and be reminded too of all of the people whom it has been my privilege to serve and point towards the everlasting kingdom.

A Poem for Christmas

A Carolling!

A carolling! a carolling!
Hot toddy, snow and holly;
Mistletoe and mince pies,
A time for being jolly!

A carolling! A carolling!
Sing of the Saviour’s birth;
Of angels and of shepherds,
Of peace on all the Earth.

A carolling! A carolling!
The songs so full of joy.
Sing of the heavenly choir
That praised the infant boy.

A carolling! A carolling!
Sing of the guiding star;
Of shepherds and of wise men
Of how they journeyed far.

A carolling! A carolling!
Sing of that glorious day
When God came down to Earth
A baby in the hay.

A carolling! A carolling!
A story of God’s love:
The Christ child in the manger,
Who came from up above.

A carolling! A carolling!
From that crude manger bare,
His travelled to the cross,
He hung and suffered there.

A carolling! A carolling!
His death ordained to be;
He bled upon that cross,
And died for you and me.

A carolling! A carolling!
Our Saviour, brother, friend;
Destined soon to rule
That Kingdom without end.

A carolling! A carolling!
Our song will never end,
Till everyone on Earth
Knows Jesus Christ as friend.
© Colin Gordon-Farleigh, December 2005

Elf 'n Safety

I remember as a child aged about 10 years old, I was in hospital for several weeks with appendicitis. The hospital was about 12 miles from my home and, with far fewer cars on the roads then, visitors were fairly infrequent. My sojourn in the Ward included the whole of Christmas, and how well I remember the underwater scene that the nurses created throughout the Ward, with blue mesh net hung across the upper reaches to suggest the surface of the sea, silver fish scattered across it, and even a life-size diver in full diving-suit emerging from a papier machéI rock formation, built to look like the entrance to an underwater cave.

Things were very different then in hospitals. The Ward was run by Matron, and the nurses made sure that they didn’t incur her wrath! Children were not allowed on the Wards as visitors, and I recall the occasion when my sister was brought down by my mother and made to stand outside the Ward looking at me through a window. Visiting times were very strict indeed, and Matron was always around to ensure that nobody overstayed. I think that, generally speaking, visitors were considered somewhat of a nuisance really, because they upset the nursing routine. If a visitor dared to sit on a bed then Matron’s wrath would be poured out upon them from a great height, albeit through the Ward Sister. Rules were in place to be strictly obeyed, and obeyed they were.

How times were changed a few years later! The pendulum swung in the opposite direction. In many hospitals visitors of all ages were admitted with little or no check upon them. As the visitors considered it was their right to be there anyway, any nursing staff who queried their suitability would often get an abusive retort in return. Hence, relatives and friends would often turn up to visit with colds or other infections, bringing their herms onto the Ward to share with everyone. People sat on beds and large numbers would gather around the patient, often laughing and joking so loudly that they were disruptive.

Due to the various policy decisions made by Government over the years, people pushed their ’rights’ forward and their ’responsibilities’ were placed as far back as to often become an irrelevance. Matrons had long been consigned to the annals of hospital history books, and in throwing out the bath water the baby had gone as well, metaphorically speaking. Cleanliness on the Wards was left to the often underpaid staff of contract cleaning companies whose prime concern was how to increase their profits from the contract. The results soon spoke for themselves. Dirtier and dirtier Wards, unchanged bed-linen, reports of cockroach and rat infestations, and, of course, the superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.Patients might well go into hospital for a relatively minor procedure and come out with a major superbug problem. So major in many instances, that they would die from it.

Change was obviously necessary, and so in our hospitals today there are bottles of gel for patients to swab their hands with both prior and after visiting. Visiting times are more strict on many Wards and patients limited to no more than two visitors at a time. Once again there is talk of reintroducing Matrons. Cleaning, by and large, is still done by contract cleaning companies who are in the business of maximising profits, and so the Wards are still not as clean as they should be, although many are better than they were.

It was long the habit of visitors to bring flowers to cheer up their hospitalised friends and relations, but this is often frowned upon by many hospitals today. The reason for this is often given as being that the flowers use up oxygen on the Wards. It was customary for flowers to be removed from patients’ bedsides at night in the past, but now they can be banned altogether for reasons of Elf ‘n Safety. I can appreciate the problems that vases of flowers might pose in terms of the danger of their being knocked over and so on, but the banning of another item brought in to give a little cheer to the patient baffles me completely, and that is the ban placed by some hospitals, or at least by some Wards, on ‘Get Well’ cards.

The ‘Get Well Soon’ card wit its cheery message has long been accepted as a way of cheering up friends and family unfortunate enough to be in hospital. Some time ago there were reports in the Press about a man who had sent his elderly aunt one of these cards when she was in hospital, only to find it conspicuous by its absence when he went to visit her. Enquiring about its whereabouts he was informed that cards were not allowed on Elf ‘n Safety grounds. Further enquiry elicited the information that they posed a problem of clutter for the cleaners.

Finally I now understand why there are often items of rubbish underneath a patients bed — it’s because there are ‘Get Well Soon’ cards on their lockers!

Earlier this year, parents visiting Birmingham's Children's Hospital were advised to bring new soft toys in factory- sealed boxes to prevent the spread of superbugs. The guidance stemmed from concerns that toy fabric is a breeding ground for the Superbugs. However, after the children have had the toys with them in hospital there is no ban on them taking the toys home, despite the fact that they have been around in an environment where superbugs often abound. Surely the Elf ‘n Safety gremlins have scored a home-goal there!

Jesus Christ --- The Light of the world

A GREAT LIGHT

Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-7 and Matthew 4:12-17

‘The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them’ (Isaiah 9:2)

In this passage the Prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah. He speaks of a child that is both a child of hope and a child of light, foretelling that this child would be the light of the world who would lead people out of darkness and into the light. In order to understand these verses it is necessary for us to place them into their larger context, and to do that we need to consider the previous two chapters.

In these chapters we learn how God is going to judge king Ahaz for not trusting the Lord. Just as happens today, many of the people chose to follow the king rather than trust in the Lord, and the result when that situation arises is discipline and destruction. In the world today, notably the Western world, people have turned away from God in their droves, preferring to trust in their own judgment. Usury, immorality, self-centredness and greed have caused nations that once were Christian to turn their backs on God, and even, as is the case with both the UK and USA, to promote anti-Christian policies. How long can we expect that God will accept such a situation?

Certainly, there are many signs that God is saying that ‘Enough is enough.’ The downturn in the economy has plunged our nations into crisis to the point that, having failed to stave of Recession, the Government are now speaking of attempting to stave of a Depression. Daily, we are hearing about increasing numbers of people losing their jobs, about increasing financial burdens on families and of the spectre of home repossessions. Having barely got over the shock of major banking institutions collapsing both here and in the USA, only this week we have heard that Woolworths and MFI have both been put into Receivership. It must seem to some people that the world as they know it is collapsing around their ears, whilst those in power are powerless to stop the collapse.

It has long been said that the wealthier people become then the more they come to rely on themselves rather than on God. Relying on oneself means putting oneself in the centre, whereas we should always put God in the centre, letting our world revolve around Him. The result when a nation becomes full of self-centred people is that God is cast to one side as though He is an irrelevance. History has proven that when such a thing happens then God takes action, and I believe that the current problems that we are experiencing as a nation are a reflection of God’s anger.

Constantly Christians, and therefore Christianity, are coming under increasing attack with blasphemy such as that recently broadcast by Rowan Atkinson as part of the Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday celebration being largely ignored. Anyone who dares to complain is regarded as an oddity, but then again, whenever Christians are portrayed in a ‘faith’ role in the media, particularly on television which is largely responsible for the mindset of the general public, they are usually portrayed as weirdo’s. In Cardiff, ‘Borders’ bookshop have invited a man to give a public reading of his blasphemous poetry on 11th December, and earlier the same day he will do the same at the Assembly Ty Howel building at the request of militant atheists. Fortunately a protest is being mounted by a prominent Christian group, but guess who will be portrayed as the ‘baddies’ in any resultant media coverage.

Every year the PC brigade manage to come out with an increasing amount of propaganda aimed at removing all traces of Christianity from Christmas. For example, if when the post office ask you if you want Christmas stamps this year they will supply you with the ‘Pantomime’ range of stamps. If you want religious stamps then you must ask for them specifically. Many people are unaware of this, and so I wonder how long it will be before the Post office refuse to create any new religious stamps on the grounds that nobody wants them.

People could be forgiven in the face of all that is happening if they felt that they had no hope. Yet the real answer is that God has given us all the hope that is in Jesus Christ. He is both the Hope of the World and the Light of the World.

For the people who followed king Ahaz and trusted in the Assyrians rather than in God, the result was that God’s judgement fell on them, but fortunately, in the middle of this judgment hope is found for those who chose to turn to God and trust in Him. In Isaiah 7:14 we read, Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. The ultimate fulfilment of this prophecy is the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who is our hope.

Just as God set aside a believing remnant who turned their backs on the Assyrians and trusted God, so today there is a remnant of believing Christians who refuse to be swayed by popular conceptions. This remnant is set apart by the presence of God, the fear of God, and the truth of God.

By the close of Isaiah chapter 8, the Israelites have been brought to their knees, and we are told in verse 21 that they are so famished that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God as they face upward. Verse 22 continues the picture of despair, Then they will look to the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven away into darkness.

Despite all of this, Isaiah prophecies that God will provide hope for them, turning the devastated areas of Zebulun and Naphtali, situated in Galilee in Northern Israel, glorious: ‘The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.’ The light would come to that land because God chose Galilee as the land where Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, would live.

The darkness of which Isaiah spoke is both external and internal, the former because of the destruction wrought by the Assyrian army, and the latter as a result of that destruction's impact upon the people which caused the inner darkness of despair.

In chapter 9, Isaiah elaborates upon the coming light that God will give to dispel the darkness, and in 9:6 we are told that this great light will come through a child, For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest upon His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God, Eternal Father, prince of Peace. The hope that we have is underlined by the prophecy in verse 7, There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.

In Matthew chapter 4 we find the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy when Jesus, hearing that his cousin John had been taken into custody, withdrew into Galilee and leaving Nazareth, settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali (4:13). Verse 17 tells us that From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”
Just as Isaiah had prophesied around 700 years previously, Jesus began His ministry in Galilee. The Light had come!

Today that same Light is with us, calling people to repentance and salvation. Looking at the spiritual state of our nations it is easy to understand how people believe that only a miracle can turn things around, and of course they are right. It does need a miracle. But then, God is in the business of miracles!

People are world-weary; tired of the uphill struggle to make sense of all that is going on in the world, whether it be the economic downturn and the devastating effects on their lives or the world-terrorism threat posed by Islamic extremists. Yet in amongst all of this world-weariness God has provided a solution — a safe haven in the midst of all the storms.

Jesus is calling out today, just as He has done for two thousand years, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

He is God’s miracle.
Amen

New Singer : New Song!

This week I added a new singer to the Sheer Joy Music stable, Lisa Winwood. You can check her out and listen to her singing on her website and I think you'll agree with her band of fans that she has a great voice. I'm looking forward to recording her in the New Year. You'll notice from the photo of Lisa above, that not only does she sound good but she looks good as well!

Not only do we have a new singer but when I got up and turned the computer on early this morning --- (by 'early' I mean when most were still fast asleep!) --- I found a new song waiting for me from my songwriting partner Greg Scheer. It's called 'Candle in the Window', and Greg rates it as being 'a hit waiting to happen'. Take a look at the words and music and listen to the tune on his musicblog. Hope you like it! Why not leave a comment on either my site or Greg's and let us know what you think.

Time for a change this Christmas

Usually at this time of the year I'm frantically trying to write addresses on envelopes for the couple of hundred Christmas Cards that I have sent each year for many years now. I have to admit that it is a somewhat onerous task, and I have wondered over the past few years at the sense of it, at least as far as the volume of cards that I send out.

I guess that the whole issue is one of the money involved, not so much in terms of the cost of the cards themselves, because I always purchase them in the January Sales when they are reduced to a fraction of their original cost, but certainly in terms of the ever-increasing cost of postage. Even this is not my prime consideration either, for the whole subject of the matter revolves more about the manner in which the said amount of money is being spent. When I think of how much more I could do by spending the money where it matters in very real terms then I am led to the conclusion more and more that I need to cut my card list down to a fraction of its current length.

One charity that I support, and intend through Voice Ministries to support financially from January 2009 onward, is India Village Ministries. A few years ago the founders of IVM, Suresh and Roja Vemulapalli, came to Runcorn, stayed with me for a few days and addressed the congregation of St John's, which is the church that I'm privileged to be the Minister of. I have since followed their progress with great interest, especially the work that they have done in building an orphanage to afford a real home to 50 children, and which was completed very recently. The photo above is of the almost completed building.

This year IVM brought out a Gift List for people to spend their money on this Christmas which I am going to support rather than spending money on lots of postages and unnecessary gifts. There is a whole range of things that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of under-privileged children, and I'm sure that many of the over-privileged people on my Christmas List will happily forego their card or gift if they know that such children are getting the benefit from it.

A few of the items in the Catalogue are:

• Sewing machine & accessories: £70 : Code 27
• 5 fruit trees to be planted at Children’s Home: £25 : Code 19
• Bed: £40 each : Code 14
• A Blanket for a child: £13 : Code 15
• Mattress for a bed: £10 : Code 16
• Bed sheets: £4 : Code 17
• Pillow: £5 : Code 18
• Bible for a family in local language: £1.75 each : Code 28

Payment details: Please make your cheque payable to:

India Village Ministries

and post the cheque with a copy of your order form to:
India Village Ministries, POBOX 18485, Kittybrewster, Aberdeen AB24 3XN, Scotland

GIFT AID DECLARATION

IVM is a Charity registered in Scotland. Charity No: SC032158
If you are a tax payer, we are a registered charity and we can claim the tax on your donation if you sign and return the form to:

India Village Ministries, POBOX 18485, Kittybrewster, Aberdeen AB24 3XN, Scotland

I am a registered tax payer in the UK. Please claim gift aid from my donation on this and future occasions.

Name

Address

Signature

If you usually get a card and/or a present from me and don't get one this year, know that the money that would have paid for it will have gone to support a very worthy cause!

Help Wanted: "Here I am Lord; send me."

Today this meditation comes from Joanne Lowe. Is it speaking out to you? There is always work to do for the benefit of the Kingdom, and as the Lord seeks out those willing to help He calls out to us. How pleasing it must be to Him when we don't make excuses about how busy we are or how many things we need to get finished first, but simply stand and say to Him, "Here I am, Lord; send me." Let today be the day that you make the decision to go where He sends you and to be His hands, feet, eyes, mouth and heart.

HELP WANTED!

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
Isaiah 6:8 (King James Version)

A lot of people are trying to find employment. However, it is very hard to find work because instead of companies hiring people, the companies are laying their workers off or letting them go permanently because they don’t have enough money to pay them. If we will look in our hearts, we will see a huge sign with the words “Help Wanted!” We won’t get paid in money for this job. Even better than earning money that will only last for a little while, we will be paid by Jesus Himself with benefits that will last for all eternity.

Many years ago, Jesus said “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Today, He is still saying the same words. It is up to us to answer His call and say to Him “Here am I; send me.” Have you heard the voice of the Lord? One day every one of us will stand before a Holy God and give an account of the way we answered our Saviour’s call. Have you answered Jesus and said “Here am I; send me?” After all that Jesus has done for you, how can you refuse to spread His unconditional love to everyone starting with your own family?

How would you feel if Jesus were to return right now and said to you “Why didn’t you tell your family and friends how much I love them? Don’t you love Me?” I believe you would have to hang your head in shame not only because you didn’t spread His unconditional love but also because you hurt Him. Will you open your heart of compassion right now and say to Jesus “Here am I; send me?” Please don’t keep hurting Jesus. He has suffered enough for you.

Joanne Lowe
December 3, 2008
joannelowe8@cox.net
www.fromtheheartofjesus.blogspot.com

Full Assurance of Faith

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

( Hebrews 10:22)

I'm in God's hands

The first thing I do each day is place myself into God's hands once again, thereby ensuring that I will be walk according to His will for another day. I pray for the opportunity to be a living witness to the love of God shown us through the Living Christ. After all, what other way is there for a Christian to live? Surely, our purpose is to carry out God's will for our lives and to fulfil the Great Commission of sharing the gospel message.

I cannot imagine being without Jesus in my life, for without Him there would be a great emptiness. Every time I sing the hymn 'What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought . . .' it reminds me once again how much it applies to my life. I accepted Jesus into my life way back in September 1969 at a meeting held in the Friend's Meeting House in Bath, which was led by the evangelist Peter Scothern. After my entry into full-time ministry I had the privilege, only a few years ago, of being invited to share my testimony at one of his meetings held in Chester. Just one small step on my journey that I was able to share as part of Peter's journey.

One thing I've have learned over the years is that life is good with Jesus and empty without Him. No matter what else we achieve in this life, if it is without Christ then it's of no real benefit in the long run. I'm convinced that as long as God blesses us with breath then our purpose is indisputably to carry out the work that we are privileged to do for Him. So, as we are bid, I give thanks in all things, and in all things I praise my Lord!

Now that we are moving towards the end of another year I've been looking back at this Blog over the past months. What a variety of things it contains, ranging from international concerns to more local political issues, from the terrible problems that have continued in Zimbabwe to opinions related to the recent election of Barack Obama. I've certainly moved around the Globe a bit! In addition I have done my best to brighten your day, dear reader, with some great photographs.

I have shared news about my songs and music and updated you about the way that The Voice Christian News & Views magazine has grown. It has been blessed to such a great extent over the past year, and continues to expand the readership base on a weekly basis.

Memories have figured in these columns as well, and I have enjoyed sharing a few of them with you. It's interesting to note that whenever I have travelled down Memory Lane on the blog I find that when I check the readership statistics there has always been an increased readership. perhaps, like me, you find such things let you escape from the humdrum of the daily turmoil that is so often our lives in today's troubled world. I guess that I need to give the grey matter a little shove now and then and stir up some more memories!

The important thing for me is that I have had you, dear reader, to share my journey and walk a little of the way with me. There is always enjoyment to be had from the company of fellow travellers, and I've certainly enjoyed yours. I hope that you will continue to walk with me along the way!

Almost a month ago I went to a family dinner which was held at the home of one of my brothers just a few miles from the town where I was born and raised. On the Sunday morning I went off to church with my nephew, travelling several miles to get there for the 2-hour Service. Not feeling like such a long Service my beloved went with my brother and his 4-year old daughter to the Parish Church of St Bartholomew, which is in the town where I grew up. It was my wife's first visit to the church and she commented about it when she returned. It stirred many memories for me! It was as a small boy that I walked amidst the other choirboys to lend my voice in praise. Sometimes we would be asked to sing at weddings too, something for which we would be paid the princely sum of 2/6d (about 12.5 pence in today's currency). Like most small choirboys we used to mess around a bit in the service and get told off for it afterwards, but all in all my memories of those times are good ones.

I guess that it was singing in the choir that helped to nurture my love of singing and music, a love which has never left me and which I retain to this day. I still sing in a choir, something which brings me great enjoyment.

Of course music and singing has been a great part of my life, and is even more so today, whether it be listening for pleasure, singing hymns of praise in church, or composing new tunes, and I cannot contemplate a life without the joy of music.

There are probably three things which define my life, and they are :

• my love of and trust in, God.
• my love of music
• my love of writing

Each is inexorably linked. I have given my life over to God and committed myself to serve Him for ever. One of the ways that I have been able to do this is through my hymn-writing, and another is through the medium of my Christian verse. Hence, in serving Him I have been richly blessed by being able to do what I love so much.

From that evening service in The Friend's Meeting House in Bath over 39 years ago the one thing that has been a constant in my life has been Jesus, and so I can return to my earlier statement and, using the title of the hymn, I can say What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my life.