Trevor's musings

Change of blog

2011-08-11T09:31:00.001+01:00

I have now updated our church website, which is now using WordPress, and so my blog is now incorporated into that. Please visit us at www.biggleswadechurch.org.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Networking

2011-07-21T11:39:00.000+01:00

J. John sent out a very good thought-provoking email about Social Networking, and I have reproduced it here:

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Networking

One of the most extraordinary contemporary phenomena is the explosive rise of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Facebook can be likened to a personal notice-board – with photos, news and comments – made visible to a circle of ‘friends’, while Twitter is a constantly updated listing of messages (‘Tweets’) open to all. Three figures give some idea of their scope: around 750 million people have Facebook accounts, around 1 billion Tweets are posted each week. Facebook and Twitter (along with YouTube) are influential and have been credited with aiding the downfall of political regimes. Births, weddings and – more troubling – suicides, are now announced on social networking sites. I am on both Twitter (@Canonjjohn) and Facebook. Yet for all their importance, the growth of these sites has been so subtle that we haven’t given much thought to how we should respond.

A longstanding test for something is whether it is ‘good, bad or ugly’. How do these sites shape up? There are many good things: Facebook has reunited lost families, broken down social barriers and allowed the sharing of joys and sorrows. It has helped the shy communicate and given the lonely friends. Twitter has permitted rapid sharing of news and views. There are many important uses for both and they have also proved to be great political and social campaigning tools. It's to their credit that both have been banned by some of the world’s most tyrannical regimes.

Yet there is also much that is bad. They have allowed cyber-bullying, online stalking and the ‘mining’ of personal information to facilitate crime. There are more subtle issues that are also troubling:

• Time: The sites can be very addictive; hours might be better spent developing real relationships in the real world.

• Unreality: Sites such as Facebook and Twitter inevitably distort truth. Safely hidden behind computers, people can post exaggerated or false information. Men boost their height and women reduce their age; everybody appears much more interesting than they are in reality. People can create an image of themselves in the virtual world (that they are wise, witty and surrounded by friends) and then slowly come to believe that this is who they really are. Deceiving other people is wrong; deceiving yourself is foolish.

• Risk: Entering the virtual world from the apparent privacy of our own computers, people tend to be reckless online, seeking attention by saying things that are outrageous or bizarre. But say something stupid online and the whole world knows about it in minutes. Otherwise sensible people may reveal more than they should (eg, ‘we are away on holiday for a couple of weeks’). Such disclosure is clearly fraught with danger.

• Isolation: Social networking can be a way of avoiding interaction in the real world. It's easier to manage relationships when the communications are lines of text and you can walk away from a conversation at the click of the mouse.

• Quality: Relationships made online are inferior to physical ones. In face-to-face conversations, the words are only part of the conversation: information is transmitted by expressions, tone of voice, gestures and other body language. On the web, these are all missing. Online dialogues are inevitably more superficial than those between flesh and blood.

As well as the good and the bad there is the ugly – the flawed or inadequate. For instance, there is no valid international legal framework to protect individuals from abuse on social networks. There should be better safeguards against data theft or misuse. And perhaps Facebook should not have chosen the word ‘friend’ for anybody to whom we give access to our pages. When Jesus told his disciples that he now called them his ‘friends’ (John 15:15) he meant something much richer than the Facebook term.

With social networking expanding so rapidly, how are we to respond? There are two simple responses. First is the optimistic view that Facebook and Twitter are an unmixed blessing that we all ought to embrace unreservedly. The problem is that sin can corrupt anything and the short history of social networks confirms that sinister motives are mixed in with the good. Second is the pessimistic view that these sites are so evil we should reject them entirely. This denies the good that is present and is also fairly futile because, whether Facebook and Twitter survive, some sort of digital social networking is here to stay. We need a middle road and I suggest five guiding principles. We need to be:

• Decisive. We should not just drift on to networking sites thoughtlessly. We must manage them and not let them manipulate us. Do we actually need to be on any such network? To go on Facebook or Twitter because everybody else does is not sufficient reason. If we decide to join online networking then what are we going to say? And to whom? What limits are we going to set? A schoolteacher may sensibly decide not to allow a pupil to become a ‘friend’. You might decide not to talk about your work or discuss your spouse. Take time to consider the issues, make your decisions and stick to them.

• Defensive. Think before we post or Tweet. Be wary about entering into relationships online. Ensure that what should be private stays private; the press has recently told of 1500 people arriving at a 16-year-old's birthday party after she forgot to set the privacy setting on her Facebook account.

• Discriminating. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 we read: ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.’ Those principles apply to social networks. We need to examine everything to see whether it is good or bad and then uphold what is good and move swiftly away from what is not. Never use social networks carelessly. Where there is any hint of bitterness, nastiness or coarseness, then distance yourself.

• Disciplined. There is a danger of losing real friends while in pursuit of virtual ones. We must not become slaves to Facebook or Twitter. One of the Ten Commandments, the Fourth, is about ‘keeping the Sabbath’. An important application of the Sabbath principle is that there should be times when we stop doing even those things that are very important, taking a day’s break from what we do most days, otherwise behaviour can become addictive. To take a regular, break from Twitter or Facebook is similar; it ensures that you are not controlled by your social networks. Take a day, perhaps once a week, and just refuse to go on Facebook or Twitter.

• Distanced from the networks. Virtuality should never become more important than reality. If it's a choice between real, face-to-face or computer communication, then go for real every time.

We need to view social networking sites carefully. Like the Internet, they carry the potential of both blessing and curse. We need to be discriminating about them, not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of those about us. Let's engage with Twitter and Facebook but, as we do, let's appreciate the good and reject the bad.

J.John (Canon)

Fun running

2011-07-15T09:08:00.005+01:00

This is my thought for the day from BigglesFM this morning:

On Tuesday of this week, I took part in a fun run at my son’s school, Edward Peake, where they are raising money for a multi-use games area. It was fancy dress, and there were a wide variety of costumes, including fairies, monsters, a hot dog, Minnie mouse, a diver and many more. My son Josiah, and I went as the characters that advertise a well-known directory enquiries phone number - the guys with moustaches! It was great fun, although very tiring, going on for two hours, and I don’t think I have run (with a bit of walking) that far in a long time. Hopefully the school will be well on their way to raising enough money to get this facility which will be used by the school, and by the community.

All the children had to be involved, whether they were being sponsored or not, some staff were taking part, others were logging how many laps we did, providing water and so on. Parents were also invited to take part, and so I had volunteered on Josiah’s urging. However, it turned out that I was the only parent to do it! But as I was running around the track, wearing my wig, moustache and running gear, I was overtaking some runner and walkers, and being overtaken by others. Some of the children were crawling, or had their legs tied together, or to someone else in a three legged style race. Some were obviously taking it more seriously than others, some were better prepared than others and had put a lot of effort into their costumes and some were simply happy to enjoy the time with their friends, not in normal lessons! Some runners would sprint a short while, then rest up for a while, others tried to have a consistent pace. Most people took regular stops for drinks of water, although someone did had a drink pack on his back so he didn’t have to stop for refreshments!

The thing is that there were lots of ways of taking part in the event, and the fact that we were all different, and doing it in different ways is what made it so fun. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life, and I'm so glad that not everyone is the same as me, and there are probably a few people who would agree with that. But that’s the great thing about church too. There is such variety in between the church styles with the different churches in our communities, with large ones and smaller ones, more traditional to more contemporary, formal and relaxed. Even within each church community, there is great diversity, from old to young, race and gender. Like the runners in the fun run, we are all running in the same direction, but with different ways or styles of running, if you like. Also, like the fun run at Edward Peake is looking to help build something that will benefit the community, the Christian church is looking to benefit the community, as it has done throughout history. A church provides the opportunity to be part of a family, locally and around the world. When you go to a church, you should feel welcomed, otherwise, may I suggest, the church is not doing something right. It doesn’t matter what sort of person we are, the church is one place we should find acceptance, because that is what people found when they met Jesus. It didn’t matter what their background, or what they were like or what they had done, if they came to Jesus for help, he accepted and helped them.

The church also seeks to contribute to the community in a variety of ways, whether it be through debt counselling, food and clothing distribution to the poor, children’s activities and clubs, social events, community projects, running schools, education of adults and much, much more. The Big Society is already in progress in many of our churches today.

Finally, the church provides the opportunity to learn more about God, and to experience his loving presence.

And don’t forget, the church is not about a building, but about the people who follow Jesus. We aren’t perfect, but we’re on a journey, and having fun on the way. Why not come along and join us?

A sticky, lumpy problem

2011-07-11T17:10:00.003+01:00

We had some new linoleum (lino) fitted in our kitchen last week. The old tiles were really past it, with gaps and missing ones, as well as coming unstuck. So we felt it really was time to take the plunge and replace them. So we went to the local carpet shop, chose the desired lino and arranged for fitting (I am not competent or confident to do it myself!).

So on the arranged fitting day, last Wednesday, the fitters arrived to fit the lino to the floor where we had removed the tiles. (Josiah and I had taken up the tiles over the previous few days, leaving behind a very sticky bare floor, on which we had arranged a few of the tiles to give us stepping stones over the gluey floor.) The fitters took one look at the floor and told us they couldn't fit the new linoleum as the glue/bitumen would soak through and show in a few months! They said they would fit it, if I insisted, but it was at my peril. Instead, we would need a coating of latex or something over the floor first, before the lino was fitted. And of course they couldn't do that as they didn't have the materials with them. So they left!

I then contacted the shop and explained the problem to one member of staff, while another colleague of his was on the line to the fitters who were also explaining the problem! We were fitted in on Saturday to have the floor coated first thing, then the fitters would come back after a number of hours to put the lino down (at extra cost, of course). Sure enough, that's what happened, and it all looked great, and the fitters left.

Then an hour later we discovered a lump in the lino! A small stone or something was in the middle of the floor, and would eventually make a hole in the floor covering! This was on the latex floor covering that had been poured on, then sanded down and vacuumed! So I got in contact with the shop, who said the fitters would come back on Monday, first thing.

Sure enough, that's what happened! They unstuck part of the lino and were able to remove what turned out to be a whole peppercorn!! And we don't even use peppercorns!!! Then they stuck the lino back down, and

left.

Job finally done!

I guess it just emphasizes the importance of good foundations. Just as the floor needed to be properly prepared to give a lasting result, and any issues, no matter how small they may seem, need to be dealt with.

If we are going to achieve anything significant and lasting in life for God, then we must ensure that He is able to build on good foundations, which means allowing ourselves to be covered by Jesus. This way any instabilities or insecurities we may have are then not an issue, as Jesus is the bedrock on which our lives, marriages, families, ministries, or whatever, are built. Furthermore, we must not allow small issues to go unchecked, which could then develop into major problems. We need to allow Jesus to cleanse us and help us overcome hurdles in our lives, for his glory, so that we don't later regret not dealing with them earlier.

And the kitchen looks lovely now. :)

Unity and harmony

2011-06-29T12:16:00.007+01:00

As Psalm 133 says, it is great when family gets along! And when the Christian family can work together for the glory of God, I think our Heavenly Father looks down extremely pleased, and says to his angels, "That's my children, and I love them so much! Aren't they great when they work together like that?"

So I am really looking forward to the Family Fun Day on Saturday, as we work together with the other churches in Biggleswade, to organise and run a free day of events and fun for all ages, for our local community. The church members really wanted to do something that would benefit the people of Biggleswade, and surrounding area, and so in these times of financial instability, we wanted to put on this event, and give the visitors a great time at very little cost. So the only cost will be for food and drink! All the games, stall, events and even entry will be free!

There will be all sorts of things happening, including several bouncy castles, inflatable jousting, green bowls, archery, beat the goalie, tug of war, stocks, egg throwing (and catching), live music, the Edward Peake cheerleaders and many more games and activities. There will be prizes, including a football signed by Arsenal and England footballer, Jack Wilshire, for winning beat the goalie!

The whole reason behind the day is because as Christians, we have received the greatest free gift ever: eternal life with God. He has given us so much, life itself, a beautiful world to live in, adoption as his children, blessings too numerous to mention. God is a generous, giving God, and as his children, we should inherit the family likeness, and so be generous and giving to those around us. So that is what we are doing - running the Family Fun Day - and showing our community the love of God, and turning the other cheek, when a wet sponge is thrown at us in the stocks!!! :)

Come along and join the fun, Saturday 2nd July, 11am to 3pm at Edward Peake School, Biggleswade.

Big Church Day out

2011-06-03T14:20:00.002+01:00

Last weekend we joined with thousands of others as we took part in the Big Church Day Out, which took place at Wiston House, West Sussex.

There was an excellent line up of musical acts on the main stage, which is where we remained for most of the afternoon and evening. The artists included Toby Mac, Israel Houghton, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, the Newsboys and the David Crowder Band.

Not only was it excellent to enjoy some great Christian music with thousands of other believers, but the sense of worship at times was awesome. All the artists were very willing to give praise to God as well as clearly enjoying themselves on stage.

It was fabulous to see many people responding to a salvation appeal towards the end of the day.

There was also plenty of other things happening on the day, with another stage for up and coming artists, as well as the Tea Tent with more sedate music to relax to. There was also a church fete happening, as well as a number of different activities to take part in, such as a climbing wall, gladiator jousting, mountain bikes and more. There was a display centre with numerous organisations exhibiting and multiple food outlets (we particularly enjoyed Chunky Chips & Wicked Dips).

We really enjoyed the day, being the third year in a row we have been (since the BCDO started), and would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience great Christian music in such a great setting.

Thought for the Day

2011-05-20T09:43:00.003+01:00

This is a transcript of my Thought for the Day on BigglesFM:

Today is a special occasion in my household, as it is my daughter’s birthday. Happy birthday Martha! Like most parents, we find it hard to believe how the time has gone over the last 14 years. We were looking back over some past photos during the week, and seeing how both our children have grown and changed. We have also been discussing the future, with possible careers for Martha being talked about.

In contrast to our family celebrations today, yesterday I led a funeral service for a 98 year old lady. Of course, at a funeral, we think about the life of the person who has passed away, and how they affected us. But also we can think about our own mortality, and what life has left for us, what will people say about us when we are gone, and possibly, what happens after this life on earth?

This week, for possibly the first time ever, I planted some seeds. Anyone who knows me will know that I am not the best or most enthusiastic gardener in the world. But I saw the seeds for sale, and thought I would like to have a go at growing them. There were some peppers and chillies, as well as some spring onions, in order to make my own salsa sauce! But, apparently, it is not a case of simply getting the pots filled with soil, and spreading the seeds out and covering with more soil. I have to water them, on an ongoing basis, and make sure they are not too cold. Hmmmm. And when they grow, then I will have to re-pot them in bigger pots, and then finally, when they are ready, they will have to be washed and prepared before I can eat them! It is not just the cost of buying the seeds, but also the time, care and effort I need to invest in growing them. But for the satisfaction of producing a good crop, I have to be willing to pay this price.

It is the same with leaving a lasting legacy with those around us. If I want my children to look back fondly on their childhood, when they are grown up, I have to be willing to invest in them. Not simply money, for most of us, that’s just not possible – there just isn’t enough! But time and effort. You can get more money, but you can’t get time back. So it is important to be making memories together. Planting those seeds in their lives, watering and nurturing them, encouraging and helping them. But it’s not only children, but relationships with others that need working at, whether they are other family members, friends, work colleagues or neighbours, where we can invest time and effort, to show we care. We can invest in our community, our nation and world in different ways. Christian Aid week, currently going on, is one way of a multitude of ways we can invest in the world around us.

We can learn the lessons from our past, both positive and negative, but what we plant here and now, will bear fruit in the future. We reap what we sow. What sort of fruit are you hoping to see in your own life, and in the lives of those around you? Make sure you are planting the right things now, so the legacy you leave is the right one.

Now, I must be off – I’ve got some seeds to water!

Royal Thought for the Day

2011-04-29T10:11:00.002+01:00

This is the thought for the day that I gave this morning on BigglesFM local radio station:

Everyone seems to love a fairy tale wedding.

Little girls dream of becoming Disney princesses and a royal wedding is almost the culmination of those stories. We especially love it when commoners rise to royalty. Even the ogre Shrek got a royal wedding.

And so Prince William and Kate Middleton, who will marry later this morning, have been gracing the covers of magazines all over the Western world. The wedding is a royally huge event, and not just for Great Britain. People around the world will be tuned in to see the spectacle of the wedding of the second in line to the throne. There is the expectation of the increased tourism and the patriotic fervour that such an event is inspiring.

In the Bible, there was another commoner who became queen, when she was chosen by the King of Persia to be his wife. This happened about 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, in the Middle East. Her name was Esther, and she was one of the Jews who were in exile after a time of captivity. There is a whole book in the Old Testament about her story, entitled “Esther”. This story highlights that Esther was able to benefit from her privileged position in order to save her people from extermination. She realised that she had been placed in the palace, by God, for such a time as that great danger to her nation.

I’m sure Kate Middleton has had explained to her many of the expectations upon her, as she joins the Royal Family. Yes, she is marrying William because they love each other. And so they should! But I’m sure she has also thought about how she can bring benefit and pleasure to others, and has already started to do this, as she has joined Prince William on official visits and even by having a charity wedding gift list, where their gifts are for charities. Being in her position will enable Kate to highlight causes and issues that are perhaps important to her, just as William’s mother, Diana did. Maybe there will be a moment when she thinks, like Queen Esther, “I’m in this position, for such a time as this.”

But what about the rest of us? I’m not sure how many princes or princesses are listening to BigglesFM…. Please get in contact if you are, as I'm sure the station would love to know they have royal listeners! But we can all make the most of the situations in which we find ourselves to help others or benefit our community. Whether it be assisting or visiting a sick or elderly neighbour, giving a smile or word of encouragement to others, volunteering in different ways, contributing to what the government is calling Big Society, using our talents and resources for the benefit of others. There is a multitude of ways we can help others, and who knows, perhaps we will find ourselves thinking “Yes, I'm in this place, this situation, this position, for such a time as this.”

April Fooled!

2011-04-01T15:31:00.004+01:00

I don't know about you, but I am rather wary about anything which sounds rather debatable which occurs on April 1st. So when my son, Josiah, came out of his room this morning, holding his stomach and declaring he had been sick in his bed, Zoe and I looked at each other in disbelief, but also silently agreeing to let him have his fun.

Now you might be thinking that he actually was sick, as a amusing aside in this tale, but no, as soon as Zoe walked into his room, saying she had better change the sheets, Josiah shouted, "April Fool!" Then he came out of his room, to give me "a pinch and a punch, for the first day of the month"!

Later, just as he was about to leave for school, I came down the stairs looking at my phone, saying, "I've had a text from school, saying it is closed today." That got him! He got all excited for a second, until I told him, "April Fool!" :)

The Apostle Paul talks about looking like a fool for the sake of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:10), and elsewhere he talks about God using the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). God is not interested in human wisdom, because that is only concerned with human affairs. Instead, we need spiritual wisdom in order to accomplish God's work, which is often contrary to human ideas. If everything God wanted us to do was in agreement with human wisdom, it would not take a step of faith. It may appear foolish to give up a career to go and serve as a missionary in a foreign land, or it may seem strange to risk persecution by standing up for what we believe it. But God has promised to work all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28).

It certainly appeared foolish to antagonise the ruling and religious authorities of his day, but Jesus knew what the purpose was ultimately in his humiliating death on a cross.

The victory that Jesus won on our behalf was most certainly not easy, but instead inspired by love. And that is certainly not a joke!

Eastenders plot from Bible? ;)

2011-03-10T15:35:00.002Z

As a church, we are doing the E100 Bible Reading Challenge we have reached the story of Solomon and the decision he was faced when two women are arguing over a live baby (the other baby had died while in bed with its mother). The story reminded me of the plot in Eastenders (the BBC1 serial drama) where one mother of a baby who died, swapped it with another character's new-born baby.

Of course, the television show is looking to provide a sensational plot line, in order to win the ratings battle, and it has caused numerous complaints and even a resignation from the show of one of the actresses involved (allegedly).

But the story in the Bible (1 Kings 3:16-28) demonstrates that King Solomon had been given wisdom by God in order to effectively rule the nation of Israel. Two women came to him both claiming the live baby, and saying the dead child was the other's (they had given birth within days of each other, and lived in the same house). The King listened to their arguments, and then ruled that the child be chopped in two, so each woman could have a half each! The real mother though stated that the child should be given to the other woman, to save it's life. This showed Solomon who the mother really was.

In Eastenders, the real mother is unaware of the swap taking place, and besides, who would they go to for such a decision! Wisdom is not a common trait of the characters in Albert Square!

As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:13-17, "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying." True wisdom comes from God, and is available to us all, if like Solomon, we ask for it.

Communication breakdown

2011-02-01T09:11:00.001Z

Isn't technology amazing. I am dictating this to my phone and it is typing it out for me. Wow! So far it hasn't made any mistakes. That's pretty impressive! But we can't rely on technology for everything. We have social networking and electronic mail, websites and blogs. We can poke, Skype, text or instant message each other. We can even pick up the ‘phone or speak to someone face to face. A multitude of ways to communicate and keep in touch, and yet still we fail in our communication at times. I’m not as good a communicator as I could and should be (just ask Zoê!).

But the worst area in which we can fail in our communication is with God. Communication is the key to any relationship, and so prayer is our way of communicating with God, in both directions. Yet, we sometimes neglect this vital aspect of our relationship with God.

In our Alpha course this week, we talked about why and how we pray, and there is a good reminder by the apostle Paul, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Talking with God helps us to cope with life, but more than that, to be overcomers. There is the saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, but when we share it with God, there may still be the problem, but we no longer need to worry about it, because “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Saying goodbye

2011-01-17T16:05:00.004Z

It's been a month since my last blog post, and obviously it's been a busy time, with Christmas happening in the mean time. But it has been a good time, as well as busy. It has been good to spend time with my family, and enjoy the festive time with added enthusiasm that comes from knowing the meaning behind all the celebrations.

Now the business of 2011 is underway! We start with a fresh impetus and enthusiasm for what God is going to do in our lives and church family. We look forward to seeing growth and development. However, unfortunately, our oldest church member, Syd has passed away at the age of 92 over the weekend. It is good news for him, as he is now in the presence of God, but for his family and friends left behind, it is a time of sorrow and sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Queenie, his widow, and the rest of his family at this time. Our church is missing one of it's longest serving members and servants, who was willing to support me, as leader, in times of change and moving on. For that, I thank God for faithful people such as Syd. I will miss your smile, and look forward to being reunited with you in Heaven.

Looking forward

2010-12-17T16:36:00.003Z

Today I went out on my bike to deliver a few Christmas cards locally, braving the cold and occasional ice patch. I had one left card to drop off, and was about to turn right into a junction, when a car came out of the junction almost running me over! He had looked left and right, but not pretty much in front of him, where I was. I braked hard, and thankfully there was no ice there, so I was able to avoid being hit.

I guess we all can be guilty of that at times. I'm not just talking about driving, but life in general, and especially at Christmas. We can be so busy looking around us, that we can get distracted from what is in front of us. The true message of Christmas is right under our noses, but we can get taken up with all the trimmings and celebrations, that we miss the whole purpose. I do love all the extra stuff about Christmas, and our house is a celebration of the season (in the best possible taste, of course, where Zoê has anything to do with it)! But we must ensure we do not lose sight of the message of love, that meant Christmas happened. God loved everyone so much, that he sent Jesus, his Son, to live a life as a man, and to die as a substitute for you and me. Anyone who accepts that fact, and receives that amazing gift becomes part of God's family forever. Wow!

So keep your attention on the right things, enjoy the extras, but don't focus on them at the expense of what is important.

What is the real X-Factor?

2010-12-13T13:52:00.002Z

I thought this email from J John was excellent, so I have reproduced it here, in case you don't receive his email:

The much-hyped television talent show, The X-Factor, has again gripped the British public. Why do people find it so compelling? Some probably watch in the hope of seeing musical talent with the X-Factor of the title: that authentic, indefinable star quality. Others are attracted by the carefully crafted and spectacular television production. Another attraction is Simon Cowell – ‘Mr X-Factor’ – the pop impresario behind the show and, of course, its chief beneficiary. Although theoretically just one of the four judges, he most often pronounces judgement and acts as a focus for the audience’s irritation or disagreement. A skilled self-publicist, he is well aware that although receiving abuse from an audience is not pleasant, hatred is just as marketable as love.

Why do so many people apply to The X-Factor, given the near certainty of rejection or ridicule? What is it that makes contestants risk everything in their attempts to win? I think The X-Factor claims to fulfil some of our deepest human needs. In an age when everybody is a nobody, it offers to make us somebody. In a culture dominated by criticism and judgement, it offers approval and affirmation. So rich is the show’s promise that religious imagery is used: what is offered is a ‘blessing’ or even ‘redemption’. In the opening credits a great X appears in the sky and descends in glory into London – we are about to see heaven pouring out its best on the chosen one. This is why the contestants are so motivated: everything in the world is at stake.

A moment's thought should tell us that the offered blessing or redemption is utterly inadequate. The rewards are very limited: one single act will win a recording contract. And it comes with no guarantee: while the judges and audience may have identified an X-Factor winner, the music-buying public may disagree. And next year there will be other contestants; the fame of an X-Factor winner may not last long.

The inadequacy of The X-Factor’s answer to human need is highlighted by Simon Cowell himself. He has extraordinary confidence, even arrogance, but has admitted to bouts of deep depression. He strikes me as more victim than villain and I wonder what price he has paid for his fame and fortune. As Jesus asked: ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the world but loses his soul?’ Simon Cowell and those yearning for their moment of fame may end up in the shadows. But there is a real X-Factor, although many only reach for the pale imitation.

Has anyone ever had the real X-Factor? As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that Jesus has billions of followers today despite having lived 2,000 years ago. Many have wondered what it is about Jesus that stirs the mind and heart. Napoleon Bonaparte put it well: ‘Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself have founded great empires, but on what did those creations rest? Upon force. But Jesus founded his on love … Jesus Christ by some mysterious influence … draws the hearts of men towards him that thousands at a word would rush through fire and flood for him, not counting their lives dear to themselves … I know men, and Jesus Christ was more than a man.’

The Bible tells us that even before he was born, Jesus had the X-factor to an unimaginable extent: ‘God … has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:1-3). This describes everything the X-Factor is about and more: glory, power, honour and authority.

Yet in coming to earth, Jesus gave all this away. Although nothing less than God, the circumstances of the first Christmas – the poverty and squalor of the stable – tell us that Jesus came as a helpless nobody. Furthermore, at the cross Jesus’ X-Factor rating was zero: beaten, stripped, in agony, deserted and mocked, he lacked every trace of ‘star quality’. Jesus gave it all away so that we might have it.

In the cross we see God's answer to superficial and inadequate ways of ‘improving’ ourselves. However, the New Testament writers are unanimous about Jesus being given back the honour, glory and power that he put aside for us. In the Book of Revelation we see a vision of millions of angelic creatures worshipping Christ and saying, ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!’ (Revelation 5:12).

The desires that The X-Factor claims to answer are universal – we were made that way – but people are striving for authenticity and are tired of manufactured offerings. We all need to be affirmed as individuals, to be approved or forgiven and to know we are valuable. We all need hope and purpose. We all need to be loved. The X-Factor may seem to offer these things but it cannot keep its promises, even to those who win. In contrast, God's promises – eternal and infinite value, unconditional love, peace, joy and hope – are given freely to those who seek them. Jesus said, ‘I have come to bring life and life in abundance.’ This is the real X-Factor and it is available to all.

So, this year make the real X-Factor your Christmas number one.

J.John (Canon)
Website www.philotrust.com

Thought for the Day

2010-12-03T09:26:00.003Z

Unfortunately the recording of my thought for the day on BigglesFM this morning didn't work, so here is my thought:

Here’s a quote from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”:

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store?
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

It is so easy to be very busy at this time of year. For many of us, it is unavoidable. This weekend, for example, for me is non-stop, with services, taxiing the children around, a Christmas meal, doing magic shows, and the odd bit of more eating and sleeping!

All the busyness of the festive season can be fun and enjoyable, whether we are choosing Christmas presents or planning and having get-togethers with family, friends and colleagues. The parties, the meals, the opportunity to catch up with friends, the swapping of cards and gifts. It’s a wonderful time of year, although at times it can be a challenge to find the time to enjoy it! With all the snow about it even looks Christmassy!

Of course, some people complain that Christmas has got too commercial, but I think it is just a sign of the times. There is nothing wrong with enjoying all the festivities, as long as we are not so taken up with all the seasonal activity, that we forget the reason for it all. Our house is decorated with lots of lovely Christmas decorations. My son’s room even has his floor covered in white hole punched circles, to give it a snowy feel inside as well as out. Or maybe he’s just trying to avoid vacuuming it? We love the Christmas celebrations, but we especially love the meaning of Christmas.

As parents, Zoê, my wife, and I are really looking forward to Christmas Day and seeing the look on our children’s faces when they unwrap their presents. Although, Martha and Josiah, if you are reading this, that doesn’t guarantee you are getting anything!!

That joy of seeing someone receive something that maybe they wanted, or weren’t expecting, is very special. We all love to see people we care about happy. The Bible tells us that God so loved everyone in the world so much, that he sent Jesus in order to offer the gift of life in all its fullness. Just as parents we like to see our children unwrap their gifts, God loves to see people respond to his gift of life.

In amongst all the festivities and busyness, we can all take a moment to think about the true meaning of Christmas, and why not try and get along to your local church to celebrate this special time?

May you have a peaceful Christmas and a New Year full of good will.

Broken

2010-10-27T14:31:00.002+01:00

I was just trying to get the dinner prepared for this evening, and following the recipe, which said brown the meat in a flameproof, oven-proof dish before putting it in the over. Unfortunately, the dish I used is not flameproof. It can cope with the oven, but not being on the hob. So I found out when it broke into two pieces as I was browning off the meat! Thankfully there was only meat in the dish, not any liquid, so I didn't make too much mess.

The dish could cope with temperatures of several hundred degrees in the oven, but didn't like being in the flames of a gas hob.

But it got me to thinking about whether we sometimes think that just because we have coped with one sort of heat (difficult situation), then we can cope in any situation. We need to realise that we need to ask God's help in every circumstance, and not just assume that because he helped us through a tough time before, we now know best, or the solution.

Trusting in God needs to be a daily activity, not a once only operation. God is faithful and wants to help and provide for us in any situation. But we need to ask him.

Now, anyone got a spare casserole dish?

Wrong turning!

2010-10-11T18:41:00.002+01:00

We were out driving on Sunday afternoon, going round a roundabout when the car in front of us turned off onto the dual carriageway. The only problem was that it was the junction joining the roundabout! There was even two cars side by side about to come onto the roundabout. I honked my horn, but the car just steered onto the hard shoulder. We then of course, drove past on the roundabout, so could not see any more of the incident. We could have stopped, but this may have caused more chaos on a very busy roundabout.

However, there are times when we should stop and help those who have taken a wrong turning in their lives. We see Jesus taking one such interlude when he stops at a well and speaks to the woman from Samaria who hadn't had much success in the relationship side of her life (see John chapter 4, verses 1 to 42).

Because Jesus took the time to stop and talk to her, with spiritual insight and wisdom, we read that a good number of people found salvation (verses 39-42). Perhaps we should be more willing to be interrupted and then stop to allow God to change lives through us.

There are people all around us who are in the process of taking wrong turns, as well as those who are regretting previous mistakes. Let us be willing to provide good directions and may we set good examples in our life-long journeys. For the glory of God our Father.

A pinch and a punch...

2010-10-01T11:36:00.005+01:00

It's the first of October today. At least that is what I was informed by my wife, and then children as they all gave me a pinch and a punch for the first of the month! It also signals the beginning of my birthday month, so a reason for anticipation!

But when I look at my watch, the date in the box tells me it is day 31 of the month. This watch, which says on the face that it has a perpetual calendar, and has for the last couple of years managed to tell me the correct date, even after months with only 30 or 28 days. But today, it has decided to live in the past, on a day which doesn't exist!

To make matters worse, when I try to correct the date, it then moves forward to day 9 and then back to day 31! See the picture for the proof - and yes my arm is really that hairy!

It can be a danger for us as human beings to want to live in the past, to want to turn back the clock to days or even years gone past. We like the comfort of what has been familiar to us, or what worked, and so we don't want to change or move on. But often we look back with rose-tinted glasses at the past, so much so that it almost didn't exist as we think - like the date on my watch.

The apostle Paul wrote, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT)

We need to ensure we are not focussing on the past, but instead, living in the present, looking to the future. We can learn from the past, but we must never aim for it.

Now, where is that watch guarantee?

Heating on

2010-09-26T14:49:00.002+01:00

We have been trying to resist turning on the central heating in our house until October, but this afternoon I have relented, and switched up the thermostat and set the timer. The heating is on before the end of September!

Outside is wet and windy, but inside we will be warm and welcoming. The same should be said about our lives. We live in a world that is full of difficulties and challenges. Like the weather, there will be good days and bad days. But we must remain warm and loving inside. That which is within us must radiate out to others, and we should therefore be noticed as being different to the cold world around us.

We can make the decision to turn our thermostat up by spending more time with God and drawing closer to him. Then we will reflect him in our lives in an even greater way.

Turn up the heat and enjoy the warmth of God's presence in your life.

Back in the saddle

2010-09-03T15:36:00.004+01:00

September is a time of new beginnings, as the children go back to school, in a new year, or in Martha's case, at a new school. Many of our activities which involve children also re-start, with GroundBreakers kids club and Youth@BPC re-starting after the summer break.

But more exciting is that God is willing to give us a fresh start. Last Sunday I preached about ‘moving on’ and this is essential in two ways:

We are able to leave our mistakes behind, knowing that God has forgiven us and loves us so much. We don't have to dwell on what has gone wrong in the past but should learn from those mistakes in order to help us in the future.

Secondly, we should not 'rest on our laurels'. In other words, when things go well, or we see success, then we must not sit back and think "That is it!" We must keep pressing onwards. We are on a journey, and are called to be pilgrims, not settlers.

This week, I went on a cycle ride with my son, Josiah, as part of his Scout cyclist badge. We had to do at least 25 miles, and so that was our aim. And although we made the occasional stop to have a drink, to play on a playground, to have lunch, to go on the ramps at a skate park, we knew that we had to keep on going. We may make the occasional stop for a rest in our spiritual journey, but we must still be people who are on a journey, until the day when God says our journey is finished.

Independence and responsibility

2010-07-30T14:16:00.004+01:00

Our daughter has gone off today to a Christian conference, Soul Survivor, with friends from the Baptist Church in town. It's not the first time she has gone away without us, but it brings it home that she is growing up, and needs, as well as wants more independence. As a parent, that means letting go and trusting your child (teenager!) with more responsibility so they can grow in their independence.

The challenge for the relationship is getting the right balance. How much independence and responsibility is too much? Too little? Or the right amount? I guess it depends on the family, and the individuals in that family, because we are all different. What may be appropriate for one child may not be appropriate for another. What may work for one family, may not be applicable to a different family.

That's why we need God's wisdom and help to be the best parents we can be!

Ouch! That hurts

2010-07-20T16:38:00.002+01:00

Last Saturday saw the return of an old friend.

Well, not really a friend. More an old medical problem. I had a re-occurance of kidney stones, which is rather painful, if you haven't suffered with it yourself. If you have suffered, then you know what I am talking about.

So Zoe and I spent 6 hours at hospital, waiting to be seen, having pain-killers, then tests and so on. Not what we expected to be doing on a Saturday morning. But thankfully my brother and sister-in-law were able to look after the children, so they didn't have to sit around as well.

It gives you an appreciation for the medical profession when you have need of them, and I thank God for those who were able to help me. Many people don't have such access to medicine and a hospital, and so thank you God that we are so blessed!

Good News or Bad News?

2010-07-08T16:27:00.003+01:00

Do you sometimes feel like all you hear is bad news? The financial state of the country (and the world) seems awful, and pensions are in a crisis. Who has got all the money, that's what I want to know! Surely there's still the same amount around. The newspapers and television news stories are generally bad news either from around the world, the UK or in our area. It seems rare that a good news story is front page or the top headline. And to top it all, now we are past the longest day of the year, the days are getting shorter!

But, what about us as individuals? Are we good news or bad news people? Do we see the negative in every situation or are we able to bring out a positive view? I’m not talking about ‘spin’ or ignoring the facts, but remaining positive generally. Are we people with half-full glasses or half-empty ones? I know I like to be around people who are positive in the way they speak, and I think that is true of most people. We can be positive about the great British weather – it’s not too hot, it’s not too wet, too cloudy and so on. Our language also seems to have a lot more negative words than positive, so it is almost easier to be negative than positive!

But, we don’t have to moan or groan about our situation, whatever it is. There are millions of people around the world who are a lot worse off that we are. We can choose to speak uplifting and encouraging words to those around us. We’ve heard the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

However words are extremely powerful and so our mouths can be used for good or for wrong. The Bible talks repeatedly about the power of our words, for example, “kind words help and heal, cutting words wound and maim” or “Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.” We can be an encouragement to those around us, or knock them down with our words. Unfortunately we generally remember the negative words spoken to us more than we do the positive, so we have to be aware of the effect of speaking negatively to others, particularly children.

Our homes, schools, workplaces and community would be a much better place if we spoke positively to one another. If we are courteous and encouraging, and then the person we are speaking to feels a lot better. We feel so much better when we are encouraged than when we are criticised. There is a time for correcting and looking for improvement from others, but we have to do this wisely.

Make a decision to being a positive person, who speaks good to those around you. Enjoy the community and celebrate the good, rather than just criticise. Together with the people around us, we can build a positive community.

One foot in front of the other...

2010-06-17T10:03:00.003+01:00

I have just got back from a run. No I wasn't late anywhere, I just went on a run, as every so often I feel guilty about my lack of exercise and think, 'I must get fit again'. So I put on my running gear and iPod and set off for a run in the nearby countryside. While I am running, I listen to some Christian music, and sing along to it in my head (I'm too out of breath to sing out loud), and praise God for what he has done, and what he is doing.

However, being the intermittent runner that I am, it is very tempting to take a shorter route or to walk for a bit, but it is then that I am grateful that I have got reasonable stamina (for a pretty unfit person). I just keep on putting one foot in front of the other and keep on going. So I did, apart from walking the last little bit (to allow me to warm down!), I was very pleased to keep running for about 25 minutes non-stop. :) And now I'm exhausted, but you always feel better for having done some exercise! At least that's what you tell yourself!!

But sometimes in life we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, when life is a struggle. It's those times when we really have to trust God, because he can seem so distant then. I was chatting to a lady recently, who is going through a tough time, and I was telling her to just live each day as it comes, and not worry about what tomorrow may bring. As the apostle Paul writes in Phillipians 4:13, "I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." It can be hard at times, but the rewards are eternal! We don't even have to wait 'till heaven to receive some of the blessings of God.

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other...

Enjoying the sun

2010-05-24T13:44:00.004+01:00

I'm not a moany sort of person, I try to be positive. So you certainly won't hear me saying that the weather is too hot, but then again I try not to complain if it is very cold or rainy.

But it was great to enjoy the good weather, and be able to sit out in the garden on Saturday. We had family round to have a birthday tea for Martha who had turned 13 a few days before (I won't even moan that I am not old enough to have a teenage daughter!).

We were able to sit out into the early evening chatting while the children played. We decided to light some garden candles, which we had in the garage from last year, and so stuck them in the ground and lit them. They were meant to keep the insects away, although possibly not that effectively (I'm not moaning, just filling you in).

However, after a while, the wax had melted and dripped to such a point that there were large piles of wax on the grass beneath the candles. The next morning when the wax had dried fully and I came to remove the mounds of wax they pulled up some of the grass, and also left some charred bits on the lawn. There was also the holes in the ground where the candles had been. They had made their mark and so for a while it will be obvious where the candles had been placed in our garden.

How about us? Do we make a mark or leave an impression where we have been? We could leave a negative or a positive mark behind. Hopefully, people will see and remember seeing Jesus in us, even if they don't necessarily recognise him. What is vital that we take God's fragrance of love wherever we go, and when we move on, we should leave some mark behind, just as Jesus did.

It is a challenge to me to think about what mark am I making on my family, my neighbourhood, town, nation and world? I pray it is for the glory of God.