Ministers Musings Archive
June 2008
What Do You Believe?
A young man earned himself a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at University and then entered medical school. During his training at a hospital, a dying woman often talked to him about her faith in Christ.
He rejected the existence of God, but he couldn’t ignore the woman’s serenity. One day she asked, “What do you believe?” Caught off guard, his face turned red as he stammered, “I’m not really sure.” A few days later the woman died.
Curious and uneasy, the young doctor realized that he had rejected God without adequately examining the evidence.
He began to read the Bible and the writings of C. S. Lewis. A year later he fell to his knees and gave his life to Jesus Christ.
The catalyst? A sincere question from an elderly woman whose physical heart was failing but whose concern for others was strong.
In a prophetic picture of the Messiah, Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.”May we be ready with a timely word or a caring question to point others toward our Saviour who offers life and peace to all.
Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. —Sper
The next person you meet may need to meet Christ.
God Bless you all
Paul
May 2008
But Peter replied, “May your money perish with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! Acts 8:20 (NLT)
Police officers in St. Louis have had at least one easy arrest. It occurred at the back door of the police station when a drunk driver pulled his car right up to the booking window, thinking he was at Burger King. After attempting to place his order at what he thought was a drive-up window, the surprised driver was arrested by the booking officer and charged with drunk driving.
A man named Simon also got the surprise of his life. According to Acts 8, he was a former sorcerer in Samaria before becoming a follower of Christ. His surprise came when he walked up to the apostles and offered them money.
He wanted them to give him the power to lay hands on people and impart to them the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter emphatically refused, and accused him of being under the influence of something worse than alcohol.
Peter wasn’t overreacting. It’s dangerous to think that the power of the Holy Spirit is like a product that can be bought and sold. The Spirit’s work is a gift of God that is freely given on the basis of faith and faith alone.
He has given us His Spirit to accomplish His purposes, not ours. The Spirit cannot be bought or bargained for.God Bless you all
Paul
April 2008
Mind the Gap
Throughout the London subway system are signs that warn, "Mind The Gap." They remind riders to pay attention to the space between the train and the platform. In the United States there are signs along highways with the single word, "Think!" The point of both is clear: In the midst of our daily routine, we often fail to engage our minds in what we're doing.
Could this also happen in our relationship with God? When Jesus was asked to state the greatest commandment, He replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Our minds are to be as fully yielded to God and as actively engaged in loving Him as our hearts and souls are.
In a book on Christian leadership, William H. Danforth writes, "When it is so easy to get our thinking done for us, the big temptation is not to think." Instead of engaging our minds as we worship and serve God, we follow familiar, predictable routines. Instead of thinking fearlessly and creatively about ways to express our love for the Lord, we become content to say and do what we've always done.
God Bless you all
Paul
March 2008
Taller Through Trial
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.
Romans 5:3
Caribbean pine trees routinely withstand fierce hurricanes, long periods of drought, and even fire. But one thing they cannot tolerate is cultivation. In a well-kept yard with plenty of water and fertilizer, they often die.
We tend to be like those pine trees. During good times, we may grow complacent and lose our effectiveness for Christ. But blasts of trial remind us of our need to depend on Him. When we feel our weakest, we can actually be the strongest (2 Cor. 12:10).
A tourist in Snowdonia was watching a farmer build a stone wall. After a few moments, he inquired about the wall's strange dimensions. It was 4 feet high and 5 feet wide. The farmer explained, "I'm building it like this so that if it ever blows over, it will be taller than it was before."
No doubt the industrious farmer said this with tongue in cheek, yet there is a good lesson to be drawn from this story. Even though the storms of trial may seem to blow us over, the Lord uses such experiences to make us "taller" than we were before.
Sometimes in the midst of great trials, it may seem as if the Lord has abandoned us. But we can "glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance" (Rom. 5:3).
Yes, we can grow taller through trial.Paul
February 2008
You say: "It's impossible."
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired."
God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able. (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it. (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I FORGIVE YOU. (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage."
God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
You say: "I don't have enough faith."
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
Found this on the Web – so I thought I would share it with you.
Rev Paul
January 2008
At the beginning of a new year, we hear many predictions.
But then, making predictions is nothing new. In 1983, amagazine had a section titled "What The Next 50 Years Will Bring." It had the usual suggestions about the growing importance of computers, about new medical breakthroughs, and about the sleeker, faster ways of getting around. Looking back we now see how so many things have happened and how technology has grown – this message will be sent by e-mail. My mobile phone not only takes pictures it holds my diary, contacts and tasks to do, it tells the time and now and again I use it to make a phone call. Computers are in most houses and we get our money from a machine in a wall, medical science has progressed at a fantastic rate. Televisions with high quality surround sound systems, walkmans the size of credit cards, oh yes credit cards ehmm.
The introduction said, "Prediction is at best a risky business." Then it quoted Sir Francis Bacon, who said, "Dreams and predictions ought to serve but for winter talk by the fireside."
That may be true of man's predictions, but not of God's prophecies. Man may speculate about what will happen next week, but God showed us in the Bible that He knows the future. This truth is one reason we can have absolute confidence in the Book of books. The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies about people, events, and nations that have already been fulfilled. The chance of that many predictions coming true is astronomical.
Do you lack confidence in the Bible? Spend some time examining its many fulfilled prophecies. I predict you'll be convinced that it truly is God's Word, and that you can rely on it for everything in your future.
Have a wonderful 2008
Paul
December 2007
Christmas for the Shepherd
The angel bypassed Jerusalem, the religious centre of Israel. He didn't go to Herodium, Herod's villa near Bethlehem. He appeared instead to a band of shepherds tending their flocks (Luke 2:8-9).
Back then no one thought God would be interested in shepherds, or that shepherds would be interested in God. Shepherds were notoriously irreligious, ranked by the rabbis with prostitutes and other "habitual sinners". They were outcasts, barred from the synagogue and polite society. They assumed that God would never accept them, and they feared Him.
But God spoke to them. I think He knew that these shepherds, like so many people who appear indifferent to spiritual things, were quietly longing for God.
All of us have a longing for something more. And no matter how hard we try to appear self-sufficient, sooner or later we run out of something essential—love, money, time, or life. Isolation, loneliness, and fear of death lead us to acknowledge our need for a Saviour. But where can we find Him?
The angel's words to the shepherds were simple and direct: "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Paul
November 2007
"I thought when I became a Christian I had nothing to do but just to lay my oars in the bottom of the boat and float along. But I soon found that I would have to go against the current".
(D.L. Moody, Christian History)
Oh! Isn’t it good to be reminded that as Christians we have to expect a life that is somewhat hard? One that can take us on a ride that is sometimes problematical and difficult. After all we would like others to do the hard work so we can sit back and enjoy the ride. Of course others can do it better than me and I haven’t got the talents that others have got. This is true we are not all made the same, (thank God) but, each one of us can pray for others, each one of us can care for those who do not have the comforts we have.
Someone once told me “if it makes you cry, do something”.
Jesus told us all “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another". John 13:34 (NIV)
So if it means for us to go against the current to make sure that we try and keep the new ‘Command’ that Jesus gave us all – then please God give us strength to see new visions and have a passion for your gospel that will enable us to love one another.
Paul
*******
September 2007
A Bold Entrance
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace. — Hebrews 4:16
One morning, Scott Long and his wife had just awakened and were lying in bed when suddenly a young fellow entered their bedroom. He walked around the bed to Scott’s side.
If the trespasser had been a total stranger, his entrance would’ve been criminal intrusion. If he had been a friend, his entrance would’ve been just plain obnoxious. But it was their toddler son who had entered their bedroom, jumped on the bed, and boldly said, “I want in the middle.” Scott was struck with the beauty of a child’s security in knowing he is wanted.
We are welcome in our heavenly Father’s presence as well. Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We can approach Him confidently about anything—our needs and our desires—knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Writer Phillips Brooks said, “If man is man and God is God, to live without prayer is not merely an awful thing; it is an infinitely foolish thing.”
Let’s not be foolish and ignore the help we can find in prayer to our Father. Instead, let’s approach Him with the boldness of a child who knows they are loved and wanted by his father.
When we approach the Lord in prayer,
We can come boldly to His throne;
His children come expectantly,
For grace and mercy will be shown. — Sper
June 2007
Dear Friends,
I have just finished reading a biography of Sylvia Pankhurst. She was a suffragette (amongst other things). It is amazing to realise that it was less than 80 years ago that all men and all women had the same voting rights.
How things have changed.
I am old enough to remember the days of BST (Before Sunday Trading). Its not that long ago but my children cannot understand why some shops remain closed on Sunday.
How things have changed.
We live in a changing world. I am sure you an all come up with a long list of changes – some good - some less good in the past 100 years. However amidst all that change one thing remains constant – the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus. That love enables us to enjoy the changes of which we approve and endure the others.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
May 2007
Dear Friends,
May is a significant month for the Methodist people. It is during this month that we give special thanks for the life of our founder John Wesley. In particular we remember that on 24th May 1738 he underwent what is sometimes known as his conversion. I put it that way because even before this particular experience Wesley was undoubtedly a good christian man.
However this is how he described what happened on 24th May 1738:
"In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where someone was reading Luther's preface to the epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine while he was describing the change God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation;"
And the rest, as they say is history.
John Wesley lived a remarkable life. He wasn't just a preacher. He showed his faith in very practical ways. He worked particularly hard for the poor and needy. His faith was a faith revealed in action rather than just words. He was active in the anti-slavery movement.
Although we have recently marked the two hundredth anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, slavery and people trafficking still go on.
It is estimated that over 4,000 women are trafficked into the UK every year. This year 20th May has been designated as 'Not for Sale Sunday' providing an opportunity to say that women’s, children’s and men’s bodies are 'Not for Sale'. Women and Children and Men are made in the image of God, and we are called to enable that image to grow, develop, and be reflected in all our lives, for everybody, no matter their age, race, creed or gender.
I am sure that Mr Wesley would have approved and I hope that people of faith today will do all that they can to end this pernicious trade.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
April 2007
Dear Friends,
The calendar has thrown up a strange irony this year. Palm Sunday and April Fools Day fall on the same day.
At first sight they don’t seem to have much in common but if we look a little closer we can learn something extraordinary.
On Palm Sunday we remember the occasion when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the triumphant acclamation of the crowd. They thought he was the Messiah. They thought he would take up arms and lead them to victory against the Romans. Of course they were wrong. They looked for violence. Jesus brought peace. So who are the fools?
I am not sure who the fools are but I know who the fools will be.
It will be those who don’t learn from those who have gone before us. It will be those who fail to pursue peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)God bless you
Stuart Wild
February 2007
This month Stuart has asked student
minister Michelle Ireland for her thoughts:
Dear Friends,
What do you have a passion for? What are you intensely enthusiastic about? Maybe chocolate, football, bird watching, James Bond ? The lists are endless. In our family, passions are wide ranging, from steam trains to Wurlitzer organs. Much energy and time is spent with both.
This month as we move through Lent and approach Passiontide, we read once again accounts from the New Testament of the Passion of Jesus, the term used to describe the suffering of Jesus in the hours prior to his trial and crucifixion.
Yet the word passion surely has another meaning. It reminds us and points us to the passion that Jesus had, and the enthusiasm he had, for the people he met during his life time; the love he had for those who had no friends and were considered outcasts by the rest of society. His passion was to do God’s will to seek love, justice and peace for all peoples - and that passion was indeed to lead him to the cross on Good Friday.
That same passionate love is alive today for each one of us- whatever our status in life. A famous theologian Karl Barth summed up all his years of study with these words
‘Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’
That is the message of Lent, a message that we take with us as we travel through Lent with Jesus - and just maybe his passion might prompt us to ask afresh ‘What do we have a passion for?’
May God bless you
Michelle Ireland
January 2007
Dear Friends,
Frances Ridley Havergal was born in Worcestershire on December 14th 1836. She could read by age of seven. She learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew and memorized the Psalms the book of Isaiah and most of the New Testament.
She wrote over seventy hymns including 'Who is on the Lord’s side' and 'Take my life and let it be'. Much of the money which she claimed in royalties was used to support the Church Missionary Society. She died of hepatitis on 3rd June 1879.
One of her less familiar hymns contains these verses which are very appropriate for this time of year:
Standing at the portal
Of the opening year,
Words of comfort meet us,
Hushing every fear;
Spoken thru the silence
By our Saviour's voice,
Tender, strong and faithful,
Making us rejoice.He will never fail us,
He will not forsake;
For His eternal covenant
He will never break.
Resting on the promise,
What have we to fear?
God is all sufficient
For the coming year.I pray that you will have a happy and healthy 2007 in which you know the truth of those verses.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
December 2006
Dear Friends,
I have been thinking about Charlie and Lola recently. They are children’s cartoon characters and my younger daughters seem to have taken a shine to them. Lola is nearly 5 and Charlie is 7. In one of the episodes they are given a playset by their grandparents. Inevitably there is a difference of opinion as to what they should build. Charlie favours an airport with a long runway; Lola favours a zoo and butterfly garden. Before long Charlie gets carried away and hogs the whole game.
If I asked you to comment on this, I am sure that you would have good advice about what should happen next. The two children should be encouraged to play together; to share; to compromise. Charlie’s behaviour in hogging the game is unacceptable and so is Lola’s in sulking.
As we approach Christmas and the celebration of the coming of the Prince of Peace, maybe it is a time for us all to reflect on why behaviour like Charlie’s is unacceptable in children but often goes unchallenged in grown ups. We should ask ourselves whether in the grown up world we are always prepared to play together; to share and to compromise. Surely if we did our world would be a better place.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
November 2006
Dear Friends,
No sun No moon
No morn No noon
November!The internet is a wonderful tool. Without too much trouble, I was able to trace a vaguely – remembered poem.
No dawn – no dusk – no proper time of day
November!It was written by the nineteenth century poet Thomas Hood (who also wrote I remember, I remember the house where I was born) towards the end of life.
No shade, No shine, No butterflies No bees,
No fruits, No flowers, No leaves, No birds
NovemberHood’s technique is clever and he evokes the essence of the month very clearly but I’d like to rewrite part of the poem as my prayer of the month.
No bombs – No shooting- No distress
No wars- No hatred –No bitterness
NovemberThat would be amazing
God bless you
Stuart Wild
September 2006
Dear Friends,
We spent the last two weeks of August on holiday in Austria.
Farming is a major part of their economy and they were starting to prepare for their equivalent of a Harvest Festival. They make figures out of straw and hay and place them by the roadside. It is all very creative. My favourite was a model of a fireman extinguishing a fire in a burning building.
What I most associate with Harvest Festival in this country is singing hymns like 'Come ye thankful people come' and 'We plough the fields and scatter'.I don’t suppose it matters how we celebrate the Harvest provided in our hearts we remember.
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above,
So thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.God bless you
Stuart Wild
August 2006
Dear Friends,
I heard the story recently of a man on his way home finding his friend scrabbling on the ground underneath a lamppost.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm looking for my keys"
Twenty minutes later despite the help of his friend he had no success in finding the missing keys.
"Are you sure you dropped them here?"
"No I dropped them over there."
"Then why are you looking here?"
"Because there's no light over there."In our world today many people are searching for something, something to give meaning to their life. They search in possessions; in ambition; in achievement. Society encourages them in their search and yet they don't find happiness. If only people would take seriously the words of Jesus:
Seek first the Kingdom of God... and all these things will be added.
All these things include peace, joy and love. I pray that you will seek the kingdom of God and that you will know the joy of finding it.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
July 2006
Dear Friends,
The Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a Methodist minister, founded the National Children’s Home in 1869 in response to the plight of homeless children on the streets of London. Stephenson was a pioneer and set up the first small-group homes in Britain at a time when most children who could not stay with their families lived in big institutions.
The anniversary of National Children’s Home is celebrated on the second Sunday in July every year. It is a sad fact of life that 137 years on charities like the National Children’s Home still have a vital function to perform, although their role has changed and developed over the years. Today their projects help over 140,000 children, young people and their families each year. Vulnerable children and young people need to know that someone puts them above everything else that may be happening in their lives. NCH does just that by listening, understanding their needs and working with them.
It is worth remembering that Jesus valued children. He made time for them; listened to them and talked with them. Let us all pray for the work of NCH and for all the children of our community that they may know security, love and respect.God bless you
Stuart Wild
June 2006
Dear Friends,
I am writing this in an unusual environment- unusual for me at any rate. I am sitting in the jury assembly area of Bristol Crown Court. My name came out of a hat somewhere and several weeks ago I received a jury summons. Of course I cannot tell you anything about cases which I may or may not be called to be a juror on but I have been reflecting on our system of justice.
First of all we have due process – arrest, trial, sentence, punishment. Secondly we have what is called the burden of proof. i.e. it is up to the prosecution to prove a defendant’s guilt. So the whole system is designed to protect the innocent.
At times that must be frustrating; at times I am sure mistakes are made but on the whole we live in a country where the legal system is characterised by justice. In this we should rejoice: for this we should thank God and pray for the day when all people are so blessed.God bless you
Stuart Wild
May 2006
Dear Friends,
Summer is coming or at least we hope so. It’s the season of tennis and cricket. It’s a time for barbecues and sunshine.
Am I too optimistic?
One of the highlights of summer for me are the fruits of the season – strawberries, raspberries and English tomatoes. There’s nothing quite like them.
St Paul in his letter to the Galatians writes about fruit but these are fruit of the spirit.
These are the fruit which those who respond to God as revealed in Jesus Christ will show in their life.
He lists them as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just imagine a world in which everybody possessed those virtues and showed them to each other. We could have that world – if we want to.God bless you
Stuart Wild
April 2006
Dear Friends,
One of the highlights of Christmas for me was a visit to the cinema to see the Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. As we approach Easter I have been thinking of the film but sort of in reverse.
The little girl Lucy enters the Wardrobe because she is hiding. For her it is just a game but many people are looking for a place to hide.
The pressures of the world are just too much for them to bear on their own that they seek a place to hide.
In Psalm 27 verse 5 we read that “God will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble"
The Witch entices the boy Edmund with Turkish delight. Again many of us are enticed away from what we know is right. For us it may not be Turkish delight which tempts us. However, we must be aware of temptations which divert us into betraying our brothers and sisters.
The death of Aslan the lion is possibly the most moving part of the film He is innocent and yet to save the children he willingly yields his life. That’s similar to what we commemorate at Easter. Jesus, pure and innocent gave his life for us. However, neither the film nor the gospel story end there. For from defeat comes victory, from death comes life. This is central to our Christian belief. Jesus died for us. Jesus rose again. Through Jesus we have life.
There was a really warm good feeling at the end of the film. However that warm good feeling is nothing compared to the feeling of knowing the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.Have a happy Easter
Stuart Wild
February 2006
Dear Friends,
This year Lent begins on 1st March, St David's Day but people are starting to ask how relevant a season like Lent is for the twenty-first century. Do we really need to fast or give something up. Isn't all that a bit dated?
My starting point is somewhat different. I see Lent as a season of reflection. It is a time to take stock. It is almost a sort of spring cleaning of the soul. Its a time to have a good look at our lives, what we do, how we live, what our relationships are like. Its an opportunity to rejoice in the good aspects and do something about the less acceptable.
It's an opportunity to reflect on God's love for us. For some self-denial helps in this process. For others a more positive approach of taking something up is more productive. For others simply spending time quietly thinking helps.
Whatever helps you, I hope and pray that you will benefit from a spring-cleaning of the soul.God bless you
Rev Stuart Wild
January 2006
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year.
Are you wondering what 2006 will hold for you? Some people face the New Year with excitement. Stepping out into the unknown is a great thrill.
When Jesus walked along the shores of Galilee and called the fishermen to follow him. They must have been excited by the prospect. However at the same time I imagine they were also apprehensive. The unknown has a frightening side as well as an exciting side. The disciples must have had a sense of apprehension too.
Looking at their time with Jesus it seems to me the disciples were right on both counts. Some aspects of his ministry were exciting - the triumphal entry into Jerusalem springs to mind. Other times were scary – some of Jesus’ run ins with the Pharisees must have made his followers more than a little uncomfortable. However, through it all he was with them. He was with them to the end and beyond.
In Matthew 28 v20 Jesus promises I will be with you always. As we begin a New Year the truth of that promise remains. Whatever 2006 holds, Jesus will be with us. Let us remember and celebrate his presence.God bless you Stuart Wild
Rev Stuart Wild
December 2005
Dear Friends,
Have you begun your Christmas preparations yet? After all by the time you read this I am sure that trees and lights will be up in abundance. Christmas lists will have been made. Santa will have been visited and much more.
There is so much to do that we have to start early, otherwise it can all get too much. Preparation is the key to success (I think I read that in one of those magazine articles which give you an hour by hour programme of how to use December to ensure a stress-free Christmas).
Preparation is the key to a successful Christmas. That is why the Church has the season of Advent. The real celebration of Christmas is celebration of the love shown to the world by God in giving his son to be born for us. That love is too great to understand and we feel unworthy to receive it.
So amid all your preparations in the run-up to Christmas I hope you can make time to reflect on how much God loves you and how you can better love God and your neighbours.Have a reflective advent and a joyful Christmas.
Rev Stuart Wild
November 2005
Dear Friends,
Remember, remember the fifth of November Gunpowder Treason and Plot.
When I was a child, Bonfire Night was a major event. In those days there were lots of small bonfire parties with lots of dads letting off fireworks. Nowadays there seem to be fewer small events and more specially – organised large-scale event. That’s probably a good thing and much safer.
However Bonfire Night also seems to have been overtaken in popularity by Halloween. Is this the influence of American television?
Bonfire Night is a strange event. We remember a bonfire that didn’t take place (that of Parliament) with a bonfire. Burning a Guy is rather an unpleasant idea to our modern sensibilities. However, I hope we never completely lose Guy Fawkes Night from our calendar. For me it’s a day to remember and give thanks for our parliamentary democracy.
Whatever you may think of our government, within reason, you are still able to express your opinions. You are also able to express them through the ballot box when the time comes.
For many in our world that is a longed-for luxury and it is a luxury won for us by many whom we remember later in the month on Remembrance Sunday.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
September 2005
Dear Friends,
During the school holidays we went to the cinema to see the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film. It’s a very moral film based on a very moral story. The owner of a chocolate factory distributes a handful of golden tickets in his chocolate bars which entitle the recipient and an accompanying adult to a guided tour of the chocolate factory.
When the great day arrives five children and five adults begin the tour but only one child and one adult complete it. Something happens to each of the other four children along the way.
Willie Wonka the Chocolate Factory owner is generous in what they can eat and what they can do, but there are limits. Those who go beyond the limits suffer as a result.
Greed is a terrible thing. We may not turn into giant blueberries like one of the girls in Charlie and the Chocolate factory but greed affects the way we see the world, those around us and ourselves. Happiness often comes from being satisfied with what we have rather than by continually seeking more.
That was the moral I took from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It made me think of this prayer.Lord, thank you for all that you have given me. Help me to be satisfied and to share what I can with others.
Amen.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
July 2005
Dear Friends,
Once again we have been rocked by tragedy. The four explosions in London with the loss of so many lives and terrible injuries to so many people have affected everyone. Once more we are left reeling at the suffering one group of human beings can inflict on another.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah paints a wonderful picture of a time when the whole creation is at peace. In chapter 11 verses 6 and 7, he writes:The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
I yearn for the day when Isaiah's prophecy becomes reality. Let us pray not just for the victims of the bombs but also for peace throughout the world.
'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Amen.'God bless you
Stuart Wild
June 2005
Dear Friends,
I am writing this letter in Christian Aid week. Here is a story about where Christian Aid money goes.
Sara Felizberto is 14 years old. She lives in Intada village in Mozambique. When she was nine her village was flooded. Everyone was terrified. They had to scramble up hills and trees to escape the water. Sara’s family lost everything they owned - their home, their belongings, their crops.
When the water subsided, the Christian Council of Mozambique asked the villagers what would help them start their lives again. Sara’s father asked for some goats. When these goats have baby kids, he sells them to buy food and pay for Sara to go to school. The family also uses the manure to help their crops grow better.
The goats were bought with money given to Christian Aid by people in the UK and Ireland. Sara’s brothers have the job of looking after the goats. Sara helps at home by fetching water from the well, collecting wood for the fire, and grinding the maize. On six days a week she walks to school, which is one-and-a-half miles away. Lessons are in the morning from 7 o’clock until 12 o’clock.
Sara’s father Antonio says:’ After the flood we needed help, but we were not expecting it. This has brought light back into our lives. We have a future! I thank God for this’
Thank you for giving to Christian AidGod bless you
Stuart Wild
May 2005
Dear Friends,
May is a special month for Methodists throughout the world. On 24th May 1738 John Wesley, an Anglican clergyman and former missionary went very unwillingly to a meeting in Aldersgate Street in London. He records in his journal that at about a quarter before nine he felt his heart strangely warmed. He felt he trusted Christ and Christ alone for salvation. This was for Wesley a deep and very personal experience of the love of God. He realised just how much God loved him. However he did not keep the experience to himself. He did not simply rejoice in God's love and leave it at that. He allowed that love and that experience to inspire him to serve God. Thus it was for the rest of his long life (he died in 1791), he travelled the country preaching and trying to enable others to experience the wonderful love which he had felt for the first time on Aldersgate Street. More than that however Wesley sought to serve his neighbours in a practical way. He showed concern for the poor, for the abolition of slavery, his work in education, his interest in medicine and so much more.
On 24 May we will remember the Aldersgate experience and give thanks to God for the life of John Wesley but perhaps the greatest tribute we could give to his memory is to try and live our lives as he lived his.
For those who are interested on 24th May at John Wesley's Chapel (the oldest Methodist chapel in the world), 36 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol at 7-30 am, there is a holy communion breakfast. All are welcome.God bless you
Stuart Wild
March 2005
Dear Friends,
As I think about the Easter story, I am always struck by the role of the women in it. They were there at the foot of the cross, standing in solidarity with their friend. Then first thing on the Sunday morning, it is a woman who makes her way to the tomb in order to complete the preparations of Jesus for burial. As a result she is one of the first to share in the joyful news of the resurrection and to encounter the Risen Christ.
This teaches us a lot about friendship. It's not just about doing. It's about being there. There was nothing practical that could be done for Jesus on the Cross but I am sure it was some comfort in his agonies that he was not totally deserted.
Friendship is also about practical help as well and on the first Easter Sunday Mary was offering practical help as she went to Jesus' tomb. In her friendship Mary found great joy. She met with Jesus and was privileged to be among the first to realise what had happened.
It teaches us about friendship but it also reminds me of a hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus That depth of faithful love certainly describes Jesus' friendship with us. the challenge is to allow it to describe our friendship with him.God bless you
Stuart Wild
February 2005
Dear Friends,
On a television cookery programme that I saw recently, the chef was talking about comfort food. I’m not sure what my comfort foods are but I must confess I am particularly fond of hot cross buns.
Of course nowadays they seem to be available all year long but I try to ration my intake to Lent and Easter. Perhaps I am old-fashioned but it just doesn’t feel right to eat a hot cross bun on a sunny August afternoon.
Are hot cross buns a comfort food? Somehow they are more than the sum of their ingredients. They wouldn’t be the same if they were hot diamond buns or hot zigzag buns. They have to be hot cross buns.
The cross on the bun reminds us of the true meaning of Easter. Jesus died on a cross but the cross is empty because he rose again. Behind that reminder is an even greater truth of just how much God loves us and of our hope of a life beyond this life.
If comfort food makes us feel good, then a hot cross bun must be the supreme comfort food because the reminder of that love and hope is not only comforts but strengthens and sustains us in the uncertainties of life.I hope you enjoy a happy Easter
God bless you
Stuart Wild
January 2005
Dear Friends,
In the Methodist Church we have a special service with which we celebrate the new year. It is called the Covenant Service and in it we affirm our relationship to God. The covenant is the contract God makes with his people.
God starts the ball rolling. He offers to love us; to guide us; to care for us; and always to be with us in this world and in the world that is to come.
That is a startling offer. It is limitless because the love of God knows no limits.
It is immeasurable because God’s power is without measure. Yet it is personal because God knows each one of us by name and cares for us as a loving parent cares for a child.
It provides a fantastic way to begin a new year. For despite dates that are already written in the diary, none of us knows what 2005 will hold. What we do know is that whatever happens God will be with us and will embrace us with his love. I hope that we can all respond to that love by not putting any limits on our love for God and one another.Happy New Year
Stuart Wild.
December 2004
Dear Friends,
I wonder if you’ve written your Christmas list yet. If you have children in your house they are probably on their third or fourth draft by now and with each draft the list always seems to get longer. I don’t know how Santa Claus copes. There are only four of us in our household and we struggle to keep up with it all. He has a worldwide operation to run. I know he has all year to do it- although I like to imagine he takes a holiday somewhere sunny in January - but its all the last minute alterations that must play havoc with his schedule.
I have a very simple list this year. As I look back over 2004 and remember once more all the horrors that have filled our newspapers and television screens- Iraq, Beslan and so on, I can only ask for one thing. It is summed up in verse 14 of Psalm 34:
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it”
It would be too easy to say that I long for peace. That is too passive. We must be active in our quest for peace. Each must play a part by turning away from what is wrong; actively trying to do good and working in any way we can for peace. We will be helped in our task by the presence, strength and love of the one whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, Jesus Christ.So I hope you get at least some of the things on your Christmas list and that you have a happy, healthy and above all peaceful Christmas.
God bless you,
Stuart Wild
November 2004
Dear Friends,
November is not my favourite month of the year-far from it. I can cope with the cold; I can cope with the rain (I was brought up in Manchester); it’s the dark days that I don’t like-you know those days when it never really gets bright enough to switch the light off.
Darkness is dreary; it gets you down; some people even find it frightening and I can understand that.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World”. That brings a cheering contrast to a dark November Day. For in Jesus we can find inner peace, an assurance of love and a guide and protector. In those ways he brings light into our world.
Have a good November. I pray that through its dreary days you know and celebrate the enlightening presence of Jesus in your lives.God bless you
Stuart Wild
September/October 2004
Dear Friends,
Two things have been occupying my mind in recent days. The first is the terrible siege of the school in Beslan and its outcome and the second is the ten commandments. Perhaps the link between the two is not obvious but to me it is clear.
Apparently a recent survey has shown that remarkably few people can even name one of the commandments.
Is that shocking news? In one sense it is but in fact I think its more important that people abide by the spirit of the ten commandments than that they can can quote them accurately.
It is also crucial that we do not simply abide by the commandments but live according to the values that underlie them.
Those values are straightforward and they concern respect- respect for God and respect for one another.
Respect involves accepting people, accepting their rights, listening to them and respecting their point of view-whilst not always agreeing with it. It means at the least trying to see things from other people's point of view.
I cannot defend either side in the Beslan siege. I do not know enough about what drove the hostage takers to such appalling actions nor what prevents the Russian government from acceding to their demands.
However as I look at what has happened and the causes behind it, I struggle to see evidence of respect. Where is the respect for human life? Where is the respect for the rights of others? Where is the listening? Where is the trying to understand?
It is easy to condemn. It is too easy simply to condemn. We must look at how such events can be prevented from happening again.
It seems to me that if people lived by the values enshrined in the commandments, such events would be less likely to recur. However we cannot expect others to abide by these values of respect if we do not abide by them ourselves.
For me the challenge of Beslan is to look at how much respect I have and maybe seek to increase it.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
August 2004
Dear Friends,
August is very much a holiday month. I don't know whether you are going away or have already been or indeed possibly both. You may prefer mountain climbing or lazing on a beach; visiting ancient ruins or gazing at beautiful scenery. Whatever you choose and whenever you go, I hope you have a happy time.
Of course holidays originate from holy days, the festival days of the church. They were days set aside for celebration and reflection on the working of God in our world. In a way things have changed a lot since then. However their origin reminds us of a basic human need - the need for relaxation and space.
In the beginning, we are told, God rested after the work of creation was complete. This became the example that humans followed in taking a Sabbath rest. In modern society Sundays are no longer the day of complete rest they once were. That makes holidays even more important.
Nature has its seasons. It has a rhythm. It can't be rushed. However the human takes a different view. We rush around. We keep busy. We don't stop until…Well sometimes we are forced to stop because we have disturbed the natural rhythm of our being. That's why holy days or holidays are so important. They provide an opportunity to relax, to refresh, to recharge our batteries.
As you enjoy your holiday, why not try and heed the word of the psalmist, "Be still and know that I am God". In that few moments reflection I am sure you will find a very special peace.
God bless you
Stuart Wild
June/July 2004
Dear Friends,
Most of the time I consider myself as literate as the next person. I can write; I can spell (especially if helped by a computer spell check); I can read. Well most of the time I can read. Its just sometimes I look at a door. I see the letters P,U,L,L and I push it. Nothing happens and so I push a bit harder. Still nothing happens and so I try pushing at the other side. Eventually the penny drops and I pull and I manage to get through.
I know I'm not the only person with this affliction. I've seen other sufferers. There have even been occasions when in respite from the syndrome which causes the affliction I have been able to help others who are still in the throes of this mysterious plight.
When Jesus was teaching his disciples about prayer, he told them to knock and the door would be opened for them. Yet sometimes when we pray it can feel like we are knocking furiously and there is no-one at home. I wonder…
Prayer is about aligning ourselves with the will of God and in so doing we recognise two things. Firstly God wills for good in all that he does and secondly God knows and sees more of the wider picture of life and world than we can.
So maybe when we knock and the door isn't opened, we need to stop and think. Is it possible that we are pushing instead of pulling or to put it another way that we are praying for the wrong thing. Maybe we need to stand back and start a new prayer and begin that prayer with the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Not my will but yours, O Lord"
God bless you
Stuart Wild
May 2004
Dear Friends,
As I write, its a beautiful sunny day (I hope its like that as you read this!). Today we have to make sure that the children have sun hats on- and keep them on. Hats are no longer as much the fashion accessory they once were. They only tend to be worn as protection against extremes of weather or as part of a uniform.
I guess its from the latter that the expression "wearing different hats" derives from in the sense of wearing a different hat for a different roles. In particular circumstances we wear different hats and modify our behaviour accordingly. Sometimes people respond to us differently depending on which hat we are wearing. For example at home, my daughter calls me daddy but when I go into her school, she calls me Reverend Stuart. Its only one person. Its still me. I'm just wearing different hats.
I find it helpful to think of God wearing three hats. He wears the Creator hat. He wear's the Saviour Hat. He wears the Comforter hat. It's still God. It's just different circumstances.
That to me is what it means to speak of God as Trinity-three in one and one in three, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. There is only one God, its just that at different times we relate to God in different ways.
God bless you
Stuart Wild