Week beginning 27th March

 

How good to be be here you and me,

here to worship the blessed trinity.

The Lord came to make everything new,

how good it is to be here here with you.

Song: How good, Lord, to be here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU5sbv8_X-Q

Prayer:

We come before you offering you our prayers and praises, for you are the true and only living God. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may feel your presence within our hearts. It is good that we can come together in unity each one of us with our own worries, Lord you know the secrets of our hearts, the pain we often carry, the burden of guilt we sometimes feel. Yet we know that your Son came into the world that our sins may be forgiven; Father we ask now that you will forgive us. For we are trusting in your loving mercy and not in any goodness of our own. Unite us with our brothers and sisters through out the world as we say together the Lord’s prayer:

The Lords Prayer.

 Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come;

thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Bible reading: Acts 8 1 – 3 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Saul’s Conversion

Acts 9: 1 – 20

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 The men travelling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

I can just imagine if Saul, who became Paul, had known our next hymn he would have been singing it passion.

Song: What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart,.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7RclYJu0yU

In the words of Max Bygraves; for those who are not old enough to have heard of him, he was an English comedian, singer, actor and variety performer. He appeared on his own television shows, sometimes performing comedy sketches between songs. He made twenty Royal Variety Performance appearances and presented numerous programmes, His catchphrase "I wanna tell you a story" became an integral part of his act,

So “I wanna to tell you a story” by Eric Carle. Pronounced (Karl)

The Hungry Caterpillar.

In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf

One Sunday morning the warm sun came up and – pop- and out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar. He started to look for some food. On Monday he ate through one apple but he was still hungry. On Tuesday he ate through two pears, but he was still hungry. On Wednesday he ate through three plumbs, but he was still hungry. On Thursday he ate through four strawberries but he was still hungry, On Friday he ate through five oranges, but he was still hungry,

On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake, one ice -cream cone, One pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of Salami, one lolly pop, one piece of cherry pie, one sausage, one cup cake, and one slice of water melon. That night he a stomach-ache! The next day was Sunday again. The Caterpillar ate through one nice green leaf, and after that he felt much better. Now he wasn't hungry any more- and he wasn’t a little caterpillar any more. He was a big fat caterpillar.

He built a small house called a cocoon around himself.

He stayed inside for more than two weeks.

Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and …… he was a beautiful butterfly.

Changes taking place

Caterpillar has no knowledge that while he is eating away a great transformation will happen in his life.

Saul, while persecuting the followers of the way was oblivious to the fact a change was going to take place in his life.

While I have been caring for my mum a change has taken place in her garden, snow drops and crocuses have been and gone, the daffodils are out and the birds are busy building their nests the forsythia has flowered and is in leaf and the willow is draped in catkins, the warmth of the sun is bringing change to the planet, another season of growth is transforming the landscape. There was a change in the time we had to get up today as the clocks change to British summer and went forward one hour

Change happens all the time we some times do not like it. But a new baby can not stay a baby.

Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood  behind me.”  Paul could see that he had changed and grown not only as a boy to man but in His faith.

Jesus himself changed in front Peter, James and John he also changed the lives of those he met with, and ones around them.

Song: Christ upon the mountain peak

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pR90sgbEio

take up you Bible and turn to Marks gospel chapter 9 (reading from verse 2

JESUS CHANGED FROM GLORY INTO GLORY

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

Song: Stay, Master, stay upon this heavenly hill;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQabnhHp1ns

Today, as well as being mothering Sunday, it is also transfiguration Sunday.

Changes that take place, congregations worship at their mother church possibly even at a different times.

Churches must change to be fit for purpose in the 21^st century.

Soon I will be attending National Markets Traders Federation conference titled “markets fit for purpose in the 21 century”, I am hoping to come away with some ideas for church and even be able to witness my faith there.

People that Jesus touched changed, a young man suffering from a demon was cleansed, his father would have been overjoyed and a little fearful. Jesus told the three disciples that they could not stay on the mountain, there was work to be done. Jesus has work for us to do to day.

If our gardens and parks did not change and flourish, nature would stagnate.

I can still remember the pond in our garden at Norwich and my brother falling in it, the change that took place as he came out stinking mum was unimpressed. One hose pipe and bath later he came out smelling much better. And with clean clothes on.

The churches are leading up to the calvary with the death of Christ and the resurrection. Without this, the world would not have changed 2000 years ago. and you would not be reading and taking part in this service now.

Prayer:

Lord we pray for mothers everywhere, for their lives for there love. for people for people in our lives that have been like mothers to us.

We bring before you the war torn countries, where women and children have been hurt, where families have had to flee from their homes. Where there is sorrow, bloodshed, hatred and mistrust. Father we ask for your healing, and love.

We thank you for the love you have for us for your world the beauty of creation help us to be caring. Father we ask that your son Jesus our lord, the prince of peace, will bring change in to the minds of those who lead their countries; that they may remember the love He showed on the cross.

That love that can warm the coldest of hearts.

Father God, be with all peacemakers. And leaders of governments that they may work together for the good of all people. We ask this prayer in your name of Jesus. Amen.

Song: changed from glory into glory. Love Divine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGGcqhKShQ8

Benediction: May the Lord whose steadfast love is constant as a mother's care, send us out to live and work for others.

And the blessing of God Almighty. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

Week beginning 20th March

 

Suffering

Reading: Psalm 73, verses 1to 6 and 13 to 26

Song: When morning gilds the skies

When Morning Gilds the Skies (Tune: Laudes Domini - 5vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Prayers

We pray for God’s family throughout the world; for all who bear responsibility among his people; for all ministers of the word and sacraments; and for all who gather in his name today.

We pray for the peace of the world, especially at this time for the war in Ukraine; for the rulers of the nations; for government in accordance with God’s holy will; and for a just and proper use of the resources of the world.

We pray for the concerns of our congregations, and the neighbourhoods which we serve; for our families, friends and neighbours.

We pray for all in sorrow, need, anxiety, suffering or sickness; for the persecuted, neglected and the lonely; for those in any need or trouble. That they might feel God’s healing hand in their lives.

We praise God for those of every generation in whom Christ has been honoured, and pray that we may be inspired by their examples.

Almighty God, you know our needs before we ask, help us to ask what accords with your will. Where there are things which we need, but cannot or dare not ask for, grant them for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Reading: Micah chapter 7, verses 1 to 7

Song: Through the night of doubt and sorrow

Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow (Ebenezer) - YouTube

Reading: Matthew’s gospel chapter 16, verses 13 to 28

Song: The Lord’s my shepherd

The Lord's my Shepherd - Stuart Townend [with lyrics] - YouTube

Reading 1^st letter of Peter chapter 2, verses 19 to 25

Song: I the Lord of sea and sky

Here I Am, Lord - YouTube

Suffering

Subject of suffering is a very large one which has been studied in depth by some, and wondered about by many, over the ages. Many have asked why there is suffering? This is a question to which there is no easy answer. It is surely a question being asked in the world at the moment, by many. There is much suffering, both that which reaches the news, and that which is more hidden. At the moment, the suffering of the people of Ukraine, on both sides, is of great concern to many.

Often, suffering is explained by the presence of evil, of people not living by God’s law? Others blame selfishness; greed; and envy. It is worth remembering that this last, is the commonest member of Paul’s lists of sins, due to its corrosive influence.

But what about natural disasters; disease; poverty? These cause suffering, and yet do not immediately seem to be caused by the presence of evil, not directly at least.

Much could be done to reduce the effects of disease and poverty. Fairness; Justice, both legal and commercial; and improved access to healthcare would play a part. Not having to live in places prone to disasters could also help. In the U.K. we are fortunate min not having significant earthquakes, volcanoes and real extremes of weather.

What is our response to suffering?

The response to this can be divided into two groups. Firstly, the suffering of others. Some would respond with statements like; “It’s their own fault”; “It will be always there”; “What can I do?” If you believe that you are too small to make a difference, you have never shared a sleeping bag with a mosquito!

In John’s gospel, chapter 9, Jesus is confronted with a man born blind. He is asked “Who sinned?” His response is that noone sinned, but that the situation existed so that God’s glory might be shown to the world. Our response to the suffering of others can reveal God’s glory to others.

Secondly, our own suffering. Some ask “What have I done to deserve this”? This is influenced by the old fashioned idea that suffering is a consequence of wrongdoing. That is is God’s punishment. Many years ago, an old lady told me that a serious flood in a neighbouring town was because “The Lord is angry with us.” More recently, some attributed the fire at York Minster as being judgement on something that the Archbishop of the day had said!

Others might respond to suffering by saying that “It is a cross I have to bear” No, it might perhaps be a “Thorn in the flesh”

“Why me”? Well, why shouldn’t it be. Why are we any different from anyone else?

The psalmist (Asaph) certainly wondered why he was worse off than the ungodly. “They have everything!” he said, but,

Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;
    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
    I will tell of all your deeds.

Jesus suffered. He chose the path of suffering. Deliberately and consciously. He knew the way he was choosing, and what the likely consequences were.

He then said that those who wish to follow him must do the same. Take up their cross and follow him. For the apostles, this was a literal calling. Tradition has it that 11 of the twelve were martyred. Fortunately, this is not as likely for us, although people in other places still have this possibility in front of them.

When we talk of “a cross we have to bear” it is about things which we have chosen. It is about sufferings which happen because of our decision to follow Jesus. It is difficult to give specific examples. These circumstances are very personal. Perhaps related to career, or money (or lack of), confrontations, or difficult decisions. But things which arise because of our decision to follow. To walk in the way. This (these) are the cross(es) we bear.

In the early 1960’s, John F Kennedy said (about the space programme) “We choose to do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”. The same is true for those of who follow Christ.

Song: The church’s one foundation

The church's one foundation - YouTube

Week beginning 13th March

 

Conflict

Song: Jesus the name high over all

Jesus the name high over all - YouTube

Prayers:

Lord, we bring you our prayers and praises because we believe that you are worthy to receive them. We join with your church, the world over to praise you for your majesty and glory, your goodness and grace..

We praise you for the wonders of creation, that you reveal yourself to us in this way.

We praise you for your gift of life, for your mercy and grace throughout our lives, for the joys of loving and being loved, for all that it true and noble, all that is good and pure.

We praise you that you loved the world so much that you sent your son to be our saviour. We praise you for him dwelling amongst us, as one of us, but perfect, an example for us to aspire to, for him dying for us on the cross, for his rising again to be our eternal priest and king, for his promise that he will come again to be our judge.

We praise you that in him you have taken away our sin, and had mercy on us.

We praise you for the presence and work of the holy spirit, to create fellowship in the truth, to enable us to spre4ad your gospel throughout the world and to reveal to us the things of Christ, not previously known to us.

So Father, in the power of the spirit, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice in your service. Strengthen us to serve you, and gather us, all all humanity to your kingdom.

Amen

Reading: Second book of Kings, chapter 6, verses 8-23

Song: Earth rejoice the Lord is king

Earth rejoice our lord is king - YouTube

Readings: First letter of John, chapter 4, verses 1-6

Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 14-26

Song: Open my eyes

Open My Eyes That I May See ~ Joslin Grove Choral Society ~ lyric video - YouTube

Prayers:

Father, we meet as part of your church worldwide and pray for the church in every place. Especially we pray for the church in places where meeting is difficult for reasons such as the political circumstances, or war.

We pray for the unity of the church in Christ, for the fulfilment of its mission, and for all ministers of the gospel.

We pray that the church will be strengthened as it carries forward Christ’s work; that all who confess your name may be united in truth, live together in love; and reveal your glory to the world.

We pray for the nations and peoples of the world; for all who serve the good of others; for governments as they struggle to make the right decisions in difficult circumstances; and especially for the governments involved in making decisions about the situation in Ukraine.

May all who have authority have wisdom; may the nations be directed in the ways of justice and peace; may people honour one another and seek the good of each other.

We pray for those whom we know and love; for our family and friends; for the community in which we live.

We ask that you will give grace to us, to our families and friends and to our neighbours. May we serve him in one another, and love as he loves us.

We pray for those who are suffering; for those who are sick, those who mourn; those who lack the faith to deal with their circumstances; those who serve those in need; those suffering as a result of war, persecution or natural disaster.

We pray that your healing hand may move in their lives, that all who suffer in body, mind or spirit may receive your courage and hope.

We rejoice in the witness of those who have inspired us to be meeting today; the saints of every age, some known to the world and those known only to ourselves. We pray that we may share with them in your eternal kingdom

In Christ’s name

Amen.

Song: It came upon the midnight clear

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Tune: Noel - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Conflict

If you have been keeping up with the news recently, you may have brought to mind

“In war, truth is the first casualty.” It’s a military maxim attributed to Aeschylus, the father of Greek tragedy. Clearly over the intervening years, little has changed.

About 4500 years ago, the King of Aram was at war with Israel. Many wars between people in every age. Folk seem to want to find excuses to fight.

In the television science fiction series “Red Dwarf” the cat people believed the last human alive, Lister, to be a god. They wrote books about him; wanted to do his will. He wanted to set up a hot dog and doughnut diner on Fiji. The cats became divided into two groups. Some believed that the diner attendants should wear red hats, and the others believed that the hats should be blue. Thousands years of holy war had ensued over this belief. Actually Lister wanted the hats to be green!

In the cartoon series “The Simpsons”, there is an episode where Bart Simpson is believed to be prophet. The action then cuts to the future where there are two groups of followers; those who believe that the teaching of Bart was “Love and tolerance”; and those who thought it was “Understanding and Peace.” They went to war.

We are not told what the war between King of Aram and Israel was about. Perhaps about something trivial, perhaps more serious.

In all wars, everyone wants to know what the other side is going to do next. The different colour hat factions in the cats’ war, and the “Love and tolerance” and “Understanding and peace” groups in the Simpsons’ war would no doubt have had spies to try to find out.

King of Aram was worried, his every move anticipated by Israel. Called in his officers and asked “Who is the spy?”

“None of us boss!” they replied, “It’s that bloke Elisha, he even tells his king what you do and say in private.”

“Go get him” said the King. “Bring him here”. “I want to know what he is doing and how he is doing it.”

Today just the same. In the current war in Europe, both sides have reportedly taken action against their own officers who they believe are committing Treason. Reportedly there are people that are wanted, or on “death lists”.

Troops were sent, enough to surround the city of Dothan at night all ready to capture Elisha and bring him back to the King in the morning. Isn’t it always in the morning? In all the films the attack is “At dawn”. Noone ever decides that the attach should be at teatime!

Elisha’s servant got up. Presumably, hestarted to prepare the household for the master’s rising, and went outside. He saw the forces, and was worried, there could only be one explanation.

Can’t you just hear John Laurie (Private Fraser, in the “Dad’s Army” series) “We’re doomed” “I always said that you would come to a bad end.” To his credit, he did at least go back in and tell his boss, not just scarper and save his own skin, What would we have done?

To his great surprise, his boss did not seem worried, “Don’t fret” he said “There’s more of us than there are of them!” Can’t you hear the servant saying, or at least thinking “there are thousands of them and just two of us, have you lost you mind boss?”

Elisha prayed that the servant’s eyes might be opened, and he saw an army of horses and chariots of fire, surrounding Elisha. Were they really there? Were they a vision? Was it s realisation that the forces of God were on their side? We shall never know, we only have the story as it is recorded. Either way, it seems that they were well prepared for the next bit.

He prayed for them to be “Struck blind” Apparently not totally, but so that they did not recognise him. “This is not the right place, follow me and I will take you to where you want to be” Rather reminiscent of Obi wan Kenobi’s line “These are not the droids you are looking for” in Star Wars.

They followed him, and he led them to be captured by the king of Israel in Samaria. “Shall I kill them?” asked the king. “No”, said Elisha. “You wouldn’t kill prisoners that you had caught yourself, look after them, feed them, and send them back to their king.”

By this time, would the servant, like our old friend Private Fraser, say “Of course, I never had any doubt about your ability to get us through this, no doubt at all!”

Luke tells us a rather odd story about a man who was prepared for burglars. Nevertheless, he was overpowered and his goods taken. He then talks about eviction of an evil spirit (exorcism?), and the possibility of the spirit returning with others, making the person worse off than before.

I don’t think he was simply giving house security advice, like some sort of 1^st century crime prevention officer. If he was, then his advice was rather lacking! The second part of the story gives it a spiritual dimension.

Be on our guard against evil, but don’t just be satisfied with getting rid of evil, put something else in its place, something good and sustaining, or the evil will return.

Just as there are physical conflicts in the world, there are spiritual conflicts in our lives. No less real. Potentially no less damaging.

John tells us that when confronted with such conflicts, we need to test the spirits in order to determine whether they come from God. Doesn’t he make it sound easy?! If only it were. But when confronted with conflicting ideas, we need to ask where our understanding of God fits with them.

We are told that Elisha prayed when in these situations, and so should we. Perhaps at length, perhaps very briefly, but pray for God’s guidance to tell us where he wants us, what he wants us to do, (or not do!)

Of course, the two conflicts, physical and spiritual, can come together.

In my family in the 1940s, my mother’s family were pacifists, and my father’s parents certainly believed that war was evil, but my father felt that it was right to leave his reserved occupation as a police officer, and join the RAF to fight. His decision was greatly influenced by his experiences being on duty in Brightside during the Sheffield blitz. I have been given to understand that there was significant ill-feeling between family members for some time

The current conflict is producing similar spiritual conflicts now. I know a young man who was thinking that it was right to go to Ukraine and enlist, to support their army in the struggle. If any of you are having similar thoughts, my own view is that someone who doesn’t speak Ukrainian and/or Russian, who has no military training, and doesn’t know the country or customs, is of at least limited value, and could well be a liability.

But: pray. Test the calling to see who’s spirit it is. Know what you are letting yourself in for, physically and spiritually.

There will be ample opportunity to volunteer when the fighting is over, and the reconstruction is taking place.

Not all decisions will be as life-changing as these, but are conflicts nonetheless.

Remember: “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

We have God on our side.

Song: God is our strength and refuge

'God is our Strength and Refuge' to the tune of 'The Dambusters' movie theme - YouTube

Week beginning 6th March

 

Song: All my hope on God is founded

All My Hope On God Is Founded Lyric Video - YouTube

Prayer:

Things to pray for:

That people still in Ukraine will be protected from the violence; that there will be provision of essential supplies, such as food and clean water. Pray for vulnerable people who cannot flee, for example those with disabilities or the elderly.

That refugees will find safe places to stay. There are reports that some people are being discriminated against on racial grounds – pray that there will be compassion and support for all.

For healing for people who are wounded or have experienced trauma; and comfort for those who are grieving.

That leaders on both sides will be filled with compassion, wisdom, calm and a desire for peace. 

That world leaders will balance responding to the injustice of the invasion with seeking ways to build bridges, de-escalate tensions, and restore global security.

That the church in the Ukraine, Russia and across the wider region will be a voice for peace; and that they will have the resources they need to help people who are vulnerable.

That the church and other organisations around the world will have the courage and conviction to speak out against aggression and injustice.

That God’s power will be revealed through the church in this situation – bringing a message of love and hope in the midst of the darkness.

The crisis in Ukraine is already leading to a significant rise in the price of food and fuel. It is likely that this will get worse. Economically poorer countries are disproportionately affected by shocks such as this. Pray that food and fuel prices will stabilise, and that provision will be made for countries in a vulnerable position. 

• That there will be an immediate end to the violence – that peace will come sooner than anyone could have expected or hoped for.

That diplomatic solutions will be found that will lead to lasting peace in the region.

That people who have fled will be able to return home, and that what has been destroyed will be rebuilt.

For strength for individuals and organisations in Ukraine, Russia and the region who are working for peace at local, national and regional levels. 

Song: You shall go out with joy

11. You shall go out with joy: Written by Stuart Dauermann - YouTube

Reading: Book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 55; verses 6 to 13

Song: God in His love for us lent us this planet

God in His love for us lent us this planet (Pratt Green) - Gareth Moore - YouTube

Reading: 1^st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1, verses 18 to 25

Song: Hark my soul! It is the Lord;

Hark My Soul! It Is The Lord! - YouTube

The story of Noah

The story of Noah is well known. Pictures and songs abound which tell this tale. Most people know something of the story of taking animals “two by two” into the Ark and it raining for forty days.

There are great flood stories in many civilizations; Chinese, Babylonian, Greek and Indian to name a few. Archaeology has discovered a number of great floods, but so far not in the Palestine area. There have been numerous attempts to explain the story, one of which is the inundation which some think took place when the Black Sea was suddenly filled. But non have satisfactorily explained all the recorded facts.

The book of Genesis was written somewhere between 500 and 1500 B.C., and the flood took place, according to the bible’s dating, about 2300 B.C. It appears that there was an oral tradition of telling the stories to enable their survival for the intervening period.

Careful reading of chapters 6 and 7 of Genesis shows that there are two different accounts of the story of Noah;

In Genesis chapter 6, verses 9 to 22, and chapter 7, verses 6 to 15, God told Noah to take two of every kind on animal into the ark and that it started to rain 7 days after they boarded.

In Genesis chapter 6, verses 5 to 8 and chapter 7, verses 1 to 5, The LORD told Noah to build the ark and take 7 pairs of each clean beast and one pair of each unclean beast into the ark. It was also 7 days after they boarded before it started to rain.

However, in Genesis chapter 7, verses 11 to 13, it is recorded that it started to rain on the day they boarded, a third account of the story.

It is currently believed that Moses used three different traditions of the stories he recorded, one of which uses the word/name JHWH (Yahweh, Jehovah) and another uses the word Elohim (God). In addition there is a tradition from the priests.

To understand the story, it is necessary to know how the people of the time considered the world was. A simple example is that the earth is like a large plate, covered by a similar sized basin. The two are immersed in water. This means that there is water above the basin and below the ground. The story relates that the springs came out of the deep, and that the floodgates of the heavens opened to create the great flood.

Exactly how long they were in the ark is difficult to calculate from the story, but at least five months seems to fit best. After they landed, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifice. We have to hope that the version of the story which uses 7 pairs of animals is correct, otherwise some species survived the flood, only to be sacrificed! This is the first mention of sacrifice, and indeed comes some time before the requirement for sacrifice is laid down.

God accepts the sacrifice, and covenants never again to flood the earth, and gives the rainbow as a sign.

To the modern scientific mind, there are many problems with this account. The logistics of the operation are all wrong. How could the ark have held food for that many animals? What did the carnivores eat? Large as the recorded measurements are, it is nowhere near big enough. How did the plants survive being immersed in water for this long period?

There are also problems for the theologically minded. Nobody knew what “Clean and Unclean” meant until Moses brought down the law many years later, as already stated, sacrifice was not commanded until much later.

Are these difficulties and different versions a problem? Only if we want them to be. Only if we want to get bogged down. Only if we want to let the trees obstruct the view of the wood.

The basis of the story is simple: God made the world. It did not go according toe His plan. God had a choice, destroy it all, or rescue what had been done. He found a good man (or at least better than the rest)and came up with a plan to rescue him, his family and animals. Then he could start again.

Noah was the crucial part of this story

Imagine. You get a message from God to build an ark. You get someone to draw up a set of plans. Someone else can cats it for you, and then you have to convince someone to come up with the money and you start to build.

It seems likely that the planning authorities, the environmental health officers, the neighbours and the animal welfare staff would all become involved very quickly. Once you explained to them all what you were doing and why, I suspect that the mental health services would be summoned, and that you would be sectioned as a danger to yourself and others!

But we are told that God’s ways are not our ways. We are called on to be fools for Christ.

But we have to be careful. An idea is not necessarily from God, just because we look stupid, or are out of step, Being a fool for Christ is not the same as being a religious crackpot. We need to test ideas against scripture to see whether they conform to our understanding of God’s will and purpose. Then we can truly stand out as different and become a fool for Christ.

The world is currently facing many difficult and dangerous situations, not least of all in Ukraine. We need people who will stand out for what is right, even when it means going against the mood of where they find themselves. They may be afraid of looking stupid, but we need “fools” like these, who will speak out. If you find yourself in such a situation, remember that you do it for Christ.

Song: I need Thee every hour

I Need Thee Every Hour - YouTube