Freedom to the CAPTIVES!

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing." - Albert Schweitzer

LUKE 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

The parents of abducted four-year-old Madeleine McCann are attending an audience with Pope Benedict in Rome.

British officials will do everything possible to help free five Britons kidnapped in Iraq.

BBC correspondent Alan Johnston disappeared on his way home from his Gaza City office on 12 March. He is feared kidnapped in the lawless territory, where he is thought to have been the only international correspondent still working. Intensive efforts have been made to secure his release.

And many others young and old around the world not in the headlines.

How does your Garden Grow??

Did you manage to watch any of the Chelsea Flower Show last week?

Each year the quality seems to be better than the previous.Amazing how they can create such wonderful gardens and arrangements in such a short time. (Genesis:1)

How they can control nature by forcing some plants with light and heat while fooling others by keeping them in cold conditions to hold them back, all this to make sure they are at the peak of perfection for one special week....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/

The Vine and the Branches John 15


1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

Pigeons get turfed out of Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has been transformed into a green space.
More than 2,000 sq m of turf has been laid as part of Visit London's campaign to promote green spaces and villages in the city.
The grass will cover the square for two days during which visitors will be able to soak up the sunshine in specially laid-out deckchairs or enjoy a picnic.

Peace on earth???

Displaced
A peace deal signed in Nigeria offered hope that a three-year conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region, in which at least 200,000 people have died, could be drawing to a close.
But the violence is continuing. BBC News cameraman Glenn Middleton took these photographs during a visit to Darfur.
Attacks by the pro-government Janjaweed militia have caused 2m people to flee their homes since the conflict began. Displaced people continue to arrive in camps, like this one at Gereida.

All creatures great and small..

Kings Team Win the Cup

With God on our side!
Ian Pearce enjoys an afternoon on the terraces as Christian football team Kings Sports take on Baldock Town.
Kings Sports v Baldock Town
Keith Hammond has two passions in life: football and Jesus.
Keith has devoted twenty-four years of his life to spreading the Christian message through the medium of football. He is Director of Christians in Football who organise national competitions and events for Christian Football Teams. Locally, Keith has been the driving force behind Kings Sports based in Hertfordshire. Kings run teams throughout the local leagues including womens' teams.
A reminder of the true meaning of Good Friday
Keith has been a regular on Melting Pot over the years updating us on the latest activities in Christian football. He is also a firm favourite in our weekly prayer slot where he urges people to "pray their socks off!".
Kings Sports compete at a good level in the West Herts Premier League and this year have reached the final of the Hertfordshire Junior Cup.
The final was to be played on Good Friday at the County Ground in Letchworth. I'm rather disillusioned about football at the moment so when Keith invited me along to the final, I thought that another football match was the last thing I needed. I'm glad I went.
Kings Sports take to the field
It was a great game of football. Baldock are a young side built around the youth set up of the Baldock Club that went into liquidation some four years ago. This Kings Sports first team are older for the most part with some players who have played at a higher level.
Before the game Keith was allowed to address the 567 strong crowd. The 3 o'clock kick off time was significant for Christians. Christ died at three o'clock on Good Friday. Keith spoke of how the "Big Gaffer " paid the "ultimate transfer fee". Then some of the Kings players carried a large wooden crucifix across the pitch and propped it up against the Kings dugout.
Manager Keith Hammond and Assistant Richard Evans
So how does a Christian football side differ from a secular one? They play the game fairly: not kicking the ball away for example. The language is cleaner than normal. Interestingly it seems to rub off on the opposition. This was a physical, yet fair game and I felt the referee failed to grasp this when he sent Baldock's Michael Masters off for a heavy tackle.
The game started really well. Adrian Abramian twice fired Kings ahead with Baldock's Mark Nunn levelling twice. Baldock scored again just before half-time to make it 2-3.After the break Kings were asleep as young "H" - Baldock's Harry Holland put the game seemingly out of Kings' reach. But Kings weren't out of it and pulled it back to 4-4.
Tactics!
Extra time was taking its toll on both sides on a hard pitch and a hot afternoon. Keith had swapped things around up front and big striker Chris Turner finally broke the hearts of Baldock's ten men three minutes before the end. Kings keeper Ian Thompson had played a blinder. He's a big guy but superbly agile. It was refreshing to not hear derisory chants towards him or any other players. It was refreshing to walk around the ground and to have a beer while watching the game.
Kings just shaded this game, but the younger players in Baldock's side showed real skills.
Before the game I spoke to Hertfordshire FA Secreatary Martin Bayliss. He was full of praise for Keith's work not just for Christian football , but grassroots football in Hertfordshire generally. Martin's own enthusiasm shines through as well.

Football is alive and well: not at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge, but on parks and playing fields and in pubs, social clubs and churches the length and breadth of the country.
Thanks for a superb afternoon. For obvious reasons this was the most enjoyable game of football I've been to this year.

We won the cup!

Well done Mr.H

Interesting Peace? click on link

Obstacles to peace: Jerusalem

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6668603.stm

Continue to Pray 4

Remember: The Fall,Two Weddings and a Funeral

The Bible in ten seconds

100 Minute Bible ©
A new version of the Bible was launched at Canterbury Cathedral in September 2005 by its author the Rev Michael Hinton.
The 100-Minute Bible includes all the familiar Old Testament stories and a narrative version of the four Gospels, concentrating on Jesus' ministry. Rev Hinton claims it takes less than two hours to read.
Is it possible to sum up the Bible in an even smaller amount of time? BBC Radio 4's Today programme set their listeners a challenge: to sum up the Bible in 10 seconds.
Here are some of the best 10-Second Bibles:

The lights came on,

we could see the rules,

but being lost,

we behaved as fools;

He came to save us,

died on the cross,

will we learn,

or are we lost?

James Barabas

God made everything there ever was,

and it was perfect.

Men and women mucked it up,

so God sent his son Jesus to make things better.

Not much changed,

but those who follow Jesus go to heaven,

a true revelation.

Sheila Carroll,

Harlow, Essex

1. God makes everything

2. Man fights over it

3. God sends his son to fix things

4. We kill him, and carry on as before

5. The End

Tony Briskham

In the beginning God the Father,

Son and Holy Spirit brought Faith,

Hope and Charity;

but their greatest gift was Love.

Amen.

Steve Johnson,

agnostic but open-minded

God's todo list,

remembering he can see the future.

Found on stone post it note.
Make in seven days

Kick Adam out of Eden

Tell Jews

made it

Flood it

Try again.

No good.

Send son

Son sent back

Try again.

Wait a few years

Give up

Send horsemen.

THE END

Dave Nicholson,

Windsor, Berks

God created the World.

Even his own people kept messing it up.

He sent his Son to sort it out.

Christians don't behave as if they really believe it

So one day he's coming again(allegedly)

Adrian Faiers, Chelmsford
bible haiku

an eye for an eye

father, son and holy ghost

turn the other cheek

Andrew Brown

(Leeds)

In the beginning,

God made the earth,

made it perfect,

like heaven.

But man sinned and messed it up.

For centuries and centuries he messed it up,

even when he was wandering in the desert,

even when he was trying to be good.
Eventually, God took pity on man, and sent his son,

Jesus who really was utterly good.

Man messed him up too,

but because Jesus was so good,

he didn't mess up.

He forgave man, and made a pathway back to heaven for him.

Clare F Harvey, St Albans

God created a great universe which greedy humans threatened to ruin.

His son, Jesus, came to remind us of the rules but he was tortured and killed.

Do better or else!

Dianne Kenny

A talking snake

A floating zoo

A burning bush,

and then...

A man walks on water

Saying "Do what you ought ter!Cos I'll be back!
Amen.

Andrew Carroll, Brighton

The Hollywood ten second bible (well five actually) goes:
"man meets God man loses God man finds God"

David Barlow

When is a carrot Knot a carrot

Paulines' dads latest creation, shame Ester Rantzens Knot still on..

The Pain within.A part without

Our Simons' in hospital again, he felt unwell yesterday and later in the afternoon his stomach started to be painful on one side, and was very tender when gently pressed.

Appendix was murmured in the household and the internet was searched for symptoms often not a good idea.( to much information about to many illnesses)

Appendicitis is a difficult ailment to pin down and littrally the only way to be certain is to operate, so NHSdirect were contacted followed by telephone diagnosis by a doctor.Then down the hospital to the Out of hours Clinic, A and E then admission for overnight assessment.

Today still waiting for answers unable to eat in case surgery is required.Now it could be Gall stones or appendix or some other yet unknown problem, are there parts of the body we can really live without, will it still perform in the way it was created to? Simons' spleen has already been removed he may have to have his appendix out and if there are stones they to are an unwanted intrussion in his body.Whatever the outcome, We will wait and pray!

Gods' body is HIS CHURCH How does the Bible put it... "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!' On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. For the eye to say to the hand 'I don't need you' is blindness. For the head to say to the feet 'I don't need you' is arrogance that will cause hurt to the feet and injury to the whole body."

"All your strength is in your union. All your danger is in discord" -- Henry Longfellow

The Song of Hiawatha

Remember them in your prayers

Refiners Fire

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing".

(James 1:2-4)

Purify my heart

Let me be as gold and precious silver

Purify my heart

Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire

My heart's one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You, Lord

I choose to be holy

Set apart for You, my Master

Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within

And make me holy

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from my sin

Deep within.

Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.

Roy L. Smith

Now for something completely different

Take a step of Faith??

'Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase'.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Church in the real war

St Jude's Church This is the home of The Reverend Andrew Martlew, chaplain to 40 Regiment Royal Artillery. It's a converted 40 foot long metal container. Services are held every Sunday evening, and once a week the simple altar is converted into a screen for film shows. The programme so far has included Monty Python's "Life of Brian" and "Good Morning Vietnam".

Exterior of St Jude's Church The cross is held in place by sandbags and the 12 foot high concrete blast walls are not just for show. During a recent service, rockets landed about 200 metres away, causing the congregation and Chaplain Andrew Martlew to dive for cover. The service continued with everyone wearing body armour.

The Armour of God 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Two MORE casualties of so called FRIENDLY FIRE.

Love
Quoted from The NIV Study Bible, New International Version Copyright ©1985 Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never falls. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues,

they will be stilled; wherethere is knowledge, it will pass away.

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

11 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 childish ways behind me.

12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Pray for all those held against their will.

Sue and Peter.

We attended a wedding on Saturday our dear friend Sue is now so happy having found her perfect partner Peter. A service was held at the London Mennonite Centre where Sue is the Pastor. The ceremony was a tribute to Sue and Peters love for each other and their commitment to Gods work in their lives amazing vows , also a very moving short prayer of Penitence, as both were previously married, and a challenging sermon from Peters old Church pastor David .A wonderful day, the weather was kind and after the proceedings some of us went for a walk through Highgate woods, culminating in a wonderful view over London. Others relaxed or played board games (Peters other Passion).They make a lovely couple and they are a testament to patience and trust, although the journey was very painful at times.An encouragement to all,

MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS THEM.

Shout 'wonderful' UCB NOTES
10 May 2007
'LOVE...ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES...NEVER FAILS...' 1 CORINTHIANS 13:6-8
When you meet someone who needs encouragement, give it to them! Why? Because more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. And that's true whether they live in a mansion or a mud hut. The story is told of a little boy who wanted to play darts with his father. He said, 'Come on, Dad, let's play darts. I'll throw, and you shout "wonderful!' You may smile, but we tend to become what the most important people in our lives think of us. So think the best, believe the best, and express the best toward them - for your words are helping to shape their destiny. And remember, change happens by inches, not miles! You didn't get there overnight and they won't either. Even when change seems simple, it's rarely ever easy. The only way we can break old habits is to form new ones - and that takes time and practice - lots of it! You can't tell people something just once and expect them to get it. No, they need to hear it over and over before they can make the adjustment. And how you tell them, the look in your eyes and the tone of your voice, can determine whether they freeze in fear or soar above the obstacles. It can also determine the coping skills they hand down to their children. So this is no small matter. Be persistent! Never give up trying to help them improve. Express gratitude for every step of progress they make. Flying off the handle doesn't help them; or you. The way to get lasting results is through patience and love. Remember, 'Love...always hopes, always perseveres... never fails...'

Assault on Vinegar

Bible thief steals ancient texts

A Vinegar Bible was also stolen in Devon A thief has been sneaking into country churches and stealing ancient sacred texts from under the noses of worshippers, police said.
Eight antique bibles have been stolen from churches in Hampshire, including a rare example from the 18th Century.
The bible went missing from St Mary The Virgin Church in Church Lane, Twyford, near Winchester, at the end of April.
The original had been displayed in a glass case, but the thief replaced it with a fake.
Shortly afterwards, and only nine miles away, seven leather-bound volumes of the Old and New Testament were stolen from a cabinet at St John's Church in Farley Chamberlayne, near Romsey.
Pc Mark Smith of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "The bible stolen from Twyford is particularly rare and distinctive. It was printed in 1717 and contains a printing error that makes it unique.
"It should have `The Parable of the Vineyard' printed on it but instead has `The Parable of the Vinegar'.
"This obviously makes it a rare and distinctive book so anyone who has seen it would remember it.
"It is sad that we have to urge our rural churches to be security conscious but these thefts leave us with little option."
"All of the bibles were taken while the churches were open for worship to the public, so it is likely that there were witnesses to these thefts."
Pc Smith said: "These incidents are so similar that it is likely that they are linked."
The theft of a valuable 'Vinegar Bible', with the same spelling error, was also reported in Devon.
The bible, said to be worth more than £14,000, was stolen from the lectern at Clyst St Lawrence Church some time between 15 April and 6 May. It had been at the church for years.

Gods word in Oz

Bible translated for Aborigines
By Phil Mercer BBC News, Sydney

A majority of Australia's aboriginals follow Christianity

The Bible has been translated into an Australian Aboriginal language for the first time.
The Anglican Church has launched the first entire Bible in Kriol, the most widely-spoken indigenous language in the country.
The task has taken almost 30 years, and involved more than 100 linguists.
Most of Australia's 500,000 indigenous people follow the Christian faith, but they speak hundreds of different languages and dialects.
It sometimes sounds as if Kriol words are English words, but often they have a different meaning
Margaret MickanTranslatorOriginally known as Pidgin English, Kriol is thought to have developed through contact between European settlers and Aborigines in Australia's north.
Different meanings
One of the translation project's co-ordinators, Margaret Mickan, said that despite the language's similarities with English, translation has still been a difficult task.
"It sometimes sounds as if Kriol words are English words, but often they have a different meaning and so we'd have to be careful," she said.
Christians in Kriol are called Kristjanmob, while the Bible is known as the Biabulbuk.
Religion is simply referred to as lo, as in law.
One of the biggest challenges for researchers was to translate the Bible not just literally, but culturally, to give it a distinctly indigenous feel.
Linguist Peter Carroll said the phrase "to love God with all one's heart" was particularly tricky.
"The Gunwinggu people use a different part of the body to express emotions, and they have a word that is, broadly translated, 'insides'," he said.
"So that to love God with all your heart was to want God with all your insides, and it was that use of the word 'insides', not the word 'heart', that established the right connection with emotions and made the translations effective."

What goes up must come down....

It was good to wake and see some refreshing rain falling on dry ground. We have had the driest April since records began, yet things continue to grow.

The thought entered my mind as I looked out on the wet garden and saw some of the plants hanging over with the wait of the rain drops.

Perhaps we are at times striving upwards growing in faith and understanding( a good thing ) but when we really want to seek God for direction and refreshment we may need to bow down and receive the touch of His Spirit allowing Him to minister to us.

So today while its raining ask God to pour His Spirit over you, But remember to BOW down.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:10

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6

Reach out and touch!

Mick and I had an interesting day yesterday (local elections)slaving over the ballot box for 15hours, trying to stay awake while concentrating on why we were there.The wheels of democracy seem to turn painfully slow at times.


But continuing the theme of approachability, the highlight for Mick especially was the appearance of Theo Walcott (the England and Arsenal footballer for those who don't follow the game)Mick could not contain himself when Theo's mother came in earlier, when questioned on whether her son would be voting replied "i'll get him to pop in later".


Apparently he had been at Alan Balls' funeral in the afternoon.


Anyway later in the evening Theo plus girlfriend and father appeared, Theos' first time to vote, I was impressed due to the general political apathy that allot of young people today have that he took the time to vote.
He was a really nice guy and signed an autograph, Mick asked tentatively for a photo and he obliged.

It made me think of Jesus and His walkabouts, how the disciples would try and protect him from people or situations they felt he should not be bothered with .


Yet he had TIME for people.





Isaiah 9:v6


For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

(just try)

Take a little time out of your busy day

To give encouragement

To someone whos lost the way

(just try)

Or would I be talking to a stone

If I asked you

to share a problem thats not your own

We can change things if we start giving

Why dont you

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

(just try)

If you see an old friend on the street

And hes down

remember his shoes could fit your feet

(just try)

Try a little kindness youll see

Its something that comes very naturally

We can change things if we start giving

Why dont you

Reach out and touch

Why dont you

(why dont you)

Reach out and touch

somebodys hand

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

Reach out and touch

Somebodys hand

Make this world a better place

If you can

(nickolas ashford/valerie simpson)

THANK GOD FOR JESUS

This is the latest photo of the Queen, looking out over her kingdom, although we had the pleasure of going to the Queens garden party we were not members of the chosen elete who were allowed to be in close proximity, let alone speak to her.

Yet we as children of the living creator God can approach our saviour the King of kings talking to Him at anytime. Thank God for APPROACHABILITY

Crown Him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the virgin’s Son,

the God incarnate born,

Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now

His brow adorn;Fruit of the mystic rose,

as of that rose the stem;

The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.

Crown Him the Son of God,

before the worlds began,

And ye who tread where He hath trod,

crown Him the Son of Man;

Who every grief hath known that wrings the human breast,

And takes and bears them for His own,

that all in Him may rest.

Crown Him the Lord of life,

who triumphed over the grave,

And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.

His glories now we sing,

Who died, and rose on high,

Who died eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of peace,

Whose power a scepter sways

From pole to pole, that wars may cease,

and all be prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end, and round His piercèd feet

Fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown Him the Lord of love,

behold His hands and side,

Those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.

No angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

Crown Him the Lord of Heaven,

enthroned in worlds above,

Crown Him the King to Whom is given the wondrous name of Love.

Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;

Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.

Crown Him the Lord of lords,

who over all doth reign,

Who once on earth, the incarnate Word,

for ransomed sinners slain,Now lives in realms of light,

where saints with angels sing

Their songs before Him day and night, their God, Redeemer, King.

Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,

Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For Thou has died for me;

Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.