Horse Meat or Beef?

The catchphrase "It does what is says on the tin" might not seem quite so believable in the light of the recent news about the use of horse meat as a substitute for beef in several well known brand items.  In a not too unrelated matter I have found myself having to invest time sorting out problems where churches or Christian organisations have appointed people to leadership roles only to find out later that they were not all that they seemed to be.

The apostle Paul had something to say about this in his first letter to Timothy.

"Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily." 

(1 Tim. 5:22 The Message)

On at least five occasions Paul commends people who have been "proved" to be true.  That is they had been tested and found true.  In 1 Timothy 3 Paul urges Timothy to be sure that potential deacons have "first been tested". Indeed this was the principle in choosing the first seven to deaconal ministry in Acts 6.

Independent churches and para-church organisations are particularly vulnerable.  All too often at a time of need someone turns up that seems to be better than could have been imagined.  The opportunity is grasped before someone else grabs them.  Appointments are made without thoroughly checking the credentials. Then, time and again, they turn out to be incompetent at best, though sometimes absolute rogues.   Sadly, I have found that often the last people you would really want in a position of responsibility are the people who are best at "selling themselves".

God's work is too important to take chances.  A person who is genuine will not mind a church or organisation checking them out thoroughly; in fact they will usually be pleased that you do.  Independent churches are especially vulnerable.  It's healthy to realise vulnerability.  If such a church is part of an associational body then always take advantage of those within the association with special responsibility for placements.

I have spent much of the past seven months seeking to put right situations that were spoiled by a man who seemed to be excellent, but brought a mission organisation to its knees. Once in office, typically, he shied away from accountability. We don't want to believe the worst about anyone and would rather believe that all will be well.  Of course, none of us is perfect, but it is wise to be on our guard.  By now I have probably spent several years of my life clearing up bad situations for others that could so easily have been avoided.

Of course it is important that we examine our own lives.  Is there integrity?  Have we been proved true?  I grew up in Hastings and spent happy moments in childhood watching the machine that made sticks of Hastings Rock.  When produced by an expert it always had the words 'Hastings Rock' wherever the stick was broken.  May God graciously help us so that "Christlike" runs through every part of our being.

This Week's Diary for Prayer

• Preparation for the Rural Evangelism Network Conference
• Follow-up for recent rural mission consultations
• Writing and sending out the Rural Evangelism Newsletter
• Our ministry on various websites
• Ministry on Sundays at Yelvertoft Congregational Church
• Gartree Prison on Tuesday afternoon (last week I had a good discussion with one of the choir)
• Telephone conference for the Congregational Federation's Ministry and Mission Fund also on Tuesday afternoon.  Pray for wisdom as we respond to requests from churches for grants.
• On Thursday we have the second of our series of Bible Discussion Groups exploring the Letter to the Hebrews.
• Friday morning I have to undertake a glucose tolerance test following the results from a recent blood test.
• Saturday 23rd I will be in Nottingham taking part in the Congregational Federation's Mission and Society Committee.

The call of God to share in his mission can come at any time and in many different ways.  But it comes to us all as Christians.  It may be a call to speak a few words of the good news to someone, or to help them realise how much God loves them.  It may be a call to act rather than pass by on the other side.  It is almost certain to be inconvenient in some way.  But when it comes, how we respond will indicate whether we are what God expects us to be.  I hope we won't prove to be the equivalent of horse meat!

Barry

Saying 'thank you'

My attention was caught by the verse for today in Bible Gateway.  It comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:3 and was in the Message version "You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it." Paul then explains what causes this compulsion to give thanks.  Probably, like me, you were brought up to say please and thank you.  I find it strange when in other cultures and languages it is not normal to add 'please' to a request!  But this verse prompted me to think about the issue of praise and thanks to God.  Is this a matter of duty?  Do we feel compelled?  Is it a pleasure?  Does God expect our thanks and praise? If God expects our worship, doesn't that suggest some kind of ego problem?

Of course the answer to the last question I raised is 'no', but often we present the issue of praise and worship of God as something that God requires from us for his sake, rather than for our sake.  Last weekend Doreen celebrated a special birthday and I organised two days of special surprises built around meals, and then our church added a third day with a very special lunch.  Around 100 different people attended her celebrations over the weekend.  Since then she has been busy writing thank you notes for gifts she has received, and receiving thank you notes from some who came to share in the fun (many more have thanked verbally).  While some might see such activity as a chore, it actually deepens the pleasure.

Demonstrating that we have appreciated something reinforces our consciousness of the value of what we have received, enriches our enjoyment of it, and also communicates to the giver the pleasure generated.  Whatever the cost of what was given, the knowledge that it has been enjoyed by the receiver gives the gift special value.

The value of giving praise and worship to God is not that God needs it but that true worship and praise demonstrates our joy as we realise the greatness of the things he has done for us, and beyond that our enjoyment of just being in a loving relationship with him.  It should therefore always be a joy to say thank you.  Giving thanks expresses our delight in receiving a gift, and gives delight to the giver.

In the account of the healing of ten men who had leprosy (Luke 17) only one returned to give thanks but I understand the Greek verb suggests a continual thanking rather than a simple thank you.  Why not take a few moments now to reflect on God's goodness to you, and be thankful.

Recent matters for which to be thankful

• Rural Mission Conference in Wales - For same travelling both ways, for a  warm and responsive group from the Baptist Union of Wales, for the opportunity to hear some encouraging stories, and to share from the knowledge and experience God has given us.
• Birthday Celebrations - Doreen has been a wonderful wife but also a valued partner in ministry, and I am glad so many came to mark her special milestone.
• School Assemblies- I travelled back from Wales immediately after the event with the BUW so that I could take a school assembly at Yelvertoft.  The biblical theme was the testing of Jesus in the wilderness.  The Lord gave me a great way of putting the concept of trials across to young children and they responded wonderfully. A few days previously I had a similar experience of inspiration at Lubenham Primary School on the theme of generosity.  I am thankful for great relationships with staff and children.
• Prison - Both my colleagues have been unable to be with me (Jean's husband is in hospital; Roger has an ulcerated sore on his ankle) so I was on my own, but didn't feel that way.  We had a great practice time.
• Chapel Improvements - We are thankful for the gift from a local firm of a new kitchen at Yelvertoft.  The new porch doors went in this week which is the last item on a schedule of improvements.  We thank God for his provision to enable this work.
• Financial Support - I can't remember whether I previously shared my thanksgiving for Philip.  He is a minister for whom we conducted some activities many years ago.  He faithfully supported my ministry with a regular gift for many years but wrote recently to explain that this has come to an end as he now feels that the Lord wants him to help an important project in Africa (with which I have considerable sympathy).  While the loss of financial support would not normally be a cause of thanksgiving, I felt overwhelmed with praise to God for Philip's faithfulness over such a long time that any regret over reduced income was more than eclipsed by the joy!  We are really thankful for both individuals and churches that keep the ministry on the road.
• Ministry in a funeral - Many expressed real appreciation for a few words about the Gospel and personal faith, and for my singing of  "Were you there when they crucified my Lord" at the funeral service for Joe, a dear friend from the Parish Church at Yelvertoft this week.  Joe had been battling a terminal illness since before I came to Yelvertoft.  On one occasion he and his wife were present for a concert of the Yelvertoft Ladies Choir where I was the guest soloist.  One of the songs on that occasion was "Were you there.." and they had both been moved by that.  On one occasion when visiting Joe in hospital recently, he asked me to sing it again right there in hospital.  I did so and Joe joined in from time to time, while he gripped my hand firmly with a light in his eyes.  It was a privilege to sing it this week at the request of the family, and a joy to know that God used it to touch more hearts.
• Rebecca starts her work - The new East Midlands Area Children and Families Worker commence her post on 1st February.  We give thanks that she and her husband had a safe move of home.  There is much for her to do and we are thankful for all who showed interest in applying.
• Getting into God's Word - Should that be God's Word getting into us?  What a blessing it is to lead a Bible Discussion Group in Yelvertoft.  These are stimulating meetings as we share together in drawing light and truth from scripture.  We found a great deal of interest from 1Corinthians and now move to Hebrews as we enter Lent.  We also thank God for Louise from Theddingworth who has started on the Congregational Federation's Integrated Training Course.

Matters for Prayer

• For follow-up activities linked with recent rural conferences and consultations.
• For friends in Ukraine are looking at our resources for rural evangelism
• For friends in Germany and Ireland using our resources.
• For the preparation for the Rural Evangelism Network Conference in March.
• For our ongoing ministry in the East Midlands, especially at Yelvertoft, Theddingworth and Gartree.
• For the need for additional partners who will help maintain our ministry through regular donations, and for churches to share with us as part of their missionary giving.
• For all who have been under our ministry in word and song, that hearts will open to the saviour and Christians come closer to the Lord.
• For all with whom we work in partnership in rural mission, and in other areas; especially for Rebecca as she settles into a new home and a new role.
• That in all things God will be glorified, lives changed, and God's kingdom extended.

Thank you.

Barry