Sunrise Podcasts: Recent Episodes
pjstubbs64
Recorded tracks from the Sunrise Show. Discussions by the Sunrise team, reflecting on life, lockdown and faith.
Psalm 37 is a great antidote for everything that’s going on in the world. Think about the good things and give thanks.
Just wanted to talk about prayer, not in an instructional way but more of an exploration. I want to know more about what God wants. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, if my people who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, I will heal their land. God doesn’t demand that we pray, He invites us to. More of a God who wants to nurture us towards doing the right thing. The right thing seems to be, humbly going to God in prayer. Let’s discover how to do it well, together.Please join me in the journey by commenting on the podcast or through social media. I’d love your support as we try to get closer to God and our purpose in Him.
The Great Event Foretold.
We talked about the “Three Wise Man” who followed a star to find the new king. They were inspired to do it because they knew the ancient writings predicting a star would appear to signal the birth of a special new king. Around 740 years before that first Christmas a man named Isaiah wrote a prophecy of the future, about what the new king would mean to the people of Israel and the World.
The book of Isaiah chapter 9 verse 1-7 says:-
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
The land of Zebulun and Naphtali, both sons of Jacob, both humbled by God, places of gloom and distress, darkness and deep darkness. You could call them, God forsaken places. But things are going to change. According to the prophet, a baby born, will literally change the World.
Notice how many of the terms Isaiah used to describe the future king, are the same terms we use to describe Jesus. Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. What a different kind of leadership that is! Out of the World leaders today, who would you call “prince of peace”, for example?
Some people fight against poverty, injustice and immorality, driven by their faith. Using their skills and talent to change what they can. Influenced by that 1st coming of Jesus, the messiah.
Sometimes imparting your faith to another person means you are changing the World for just that one. But God loved the World so much that he sent His only son, Jesus, so that no one should perish, but everyone can have eternal life. That’s why the birth of Jesus was so special, and predicted in so many ways. In fact hundreds of predictions came to fruition at the birth and during the life of Jesus. And there are many predictions about Jesus that have yet to be fulfilled, but will be when, as Christians believe, He returns. His 2nd coming. Then we’ll know him as Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness. Can you imagine a leader and a government like that? It’s not easy when you look at the World’s leaders and governments, but change can come, and we can be part of the change. If we model our lives around biblical principles like loving our neighbours, upholding justice and righteousness, and standing up for truth and honesty, we can influence others and make a difference to the World.
Imagine, God came to Earth as a little baby, and the World has never been the same. It was a great event for humanity, and when one person turns to faith, it's a great event in that one heart.
As Christmas approaches, bear in mind the influence you have, on changing the World for the better, by your kindness, your faith and your good example, this Christmas time.
The Magi Visit the Messiah - Matthew 2:1-122:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
This story is often referred to as the Three Wise Men. Singing “We Three Kings of Orientar”, gives a special Christmassy sense of mystery, adventure, and the exotic. But where were the Three Kings from? Well, many Chinese Christians believe that one of the magi came from China. And various traditions of the Church name the three members, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.
After visiting the Christ Child St. Matthew’s gospel tells us that the three wise men, “being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, departed to their own country by another way” (Matthew 2:12).
One tradition claims that after leaving Bethlehem, they travelled to India and built a chapel on the Hill of Vaus. Each year they returned to this chapel and prayed to God that they would be baptised before they died.
One year they heard of a disciple of Jesus preaching in India. It was St. Thomas, and they went to find him. After telling him the story of their visit to the baby Jesus, Thomas told them the Gospel message. Then he baptised them and later ordained them priests and bishops.
The three wise men, or Magi, travelled a great distance when they saw the “Star”. The Jews believed that a heavenly sign announced the birth of a new king.
Many Christians believe the star was a miraculous sign and fulfilled a prophecy, known as the Star Prophecy, and Astronomers have made several attempts to link the star to a celestial event, such as a comet.
Whatever it was, it caused the three travellers to go on a significant journey, and at the end of it, they found Jesus. What journey are you on? Do you know what to follow or how to find a way in life? Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. And you are freely invited to follow him.
Colossians 3:12-17 - Paul, a man of lists.12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.The apostle,Paul liked his lists. Listen, because you are God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with or have a kind of character that shows:-
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Tolerance
- Forgiveness.
Seven things. But then Paul adds another, which he actually says is over all the rest.
He says, “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect harmony”.
In another part of the Bible, Paul writes a list of what love is, and what love isn’t.
- Love is patient,
- Love is kind.
- It does not envy,
- It does not boast,
- It is not proud.
- It does not dishonour others
- It is not self-seeking
- It is not easily angered
- It keeps no record of wrongs.
- Does not delight in evil
- Rejoices with the truth.
- It always protects
- Always trusts,
- Always hopes
- Always perseveres.
- never fails.
Sixteen in that list. Double the previous passage! And finishes with that statement, Love never fails. Now I think, love never fails to be the most important thing.
Did you know, you can be amazing at lots of things, you could be a brilliant cook, or great mechanic. Or the best musician or even a great preacher, but actually if you don’t have love, you are nothing and what you accomplish is pointless. A Black Eyed Peas song title is “Where is the Love?”, and if you have to ask that question, there’s probably a problem!
A proverb goes like this - A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. (P15:17)
This passage in Colossians is also about relationships. It’s about all the virtuous things in Paul’s list being bound together by one thing, which is love.
It talks about unity. It talks about peace ruling in your hearts, that’s all of us. It uses the analogy of us all being parts of a body, in other words, we are dependent on one another.
And we are called to peace.
There’s an image of community, the family community, and the community that we can have with God, this relationship with Christ. That’s why Paul writes “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
The “message of Christ is a message that runs throughout the Bible. Christ said, all the commandments, including the laws and rules, can be summed up like this - Love God and love your neighbour. If we do that, everything else falls into place.
In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul writes about having various gifts, (tongues of angels, prophecy, knowledge, faith to move mountains) but without love, they are nothing and he gains nothing.
Then, from verse 4, he gives a list of what love is and what love is not: -
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, 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 fails, paraphrasing, but everything else will fail, because we only know part of the story, but one day we will know it all!
I always thought i could add a few things to Pauls “love list”, like: -
Love makes you strong, but it can also make you weak.
Love makes you brave, but it can also make you scared.
It motivates but can also hold you back.
It’s hard to live with or live without. Without it we would never know true happiness, or the deep loneliness of love lost. It sets a standard for life, but it’s very hard to get over, if we lose it.
The group Nazareth had a song called Love hurts. These are the lyrics: -
Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds and marks
Any heart
Not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud
Holds a lot of rain
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, love hurts
And the fact is, however, blissful love is, one day it will hurt. But God knows, and He will make you ready, promises that you can face that hardship, if you hold on to Him.
The Feast of Christ the King Or the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, commonly referred to as the Feast of Christ the King, Christ the King Sunday or Reign of Christ Sunday,
It’s a relatively new religious feast day and was added in 1925 by Pope Pius XI
One passage from the bible that goes with the day is Psalm 11:-
1 In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
It starts off, like many psalms, by proclaiming how we can take refuge, or find safety, security and peace, in our relationship with God. “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Psalm 23 or “Fear not for I am with you, Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10. Are similar promises about God’s goodness.
But verse 2 goes on to remind us that good people have enemies. Throughout history, bad people, the “wicked” have wanted to cause hardship to good people, the “upright in heart”.
This psalm says , He observes everyone on Earth. His eyes examine them. That’s everyone, good and bad. It says God hates those who love violence, and there’s a pretty strong punishment ahead for them, involving fiery coals and burning sulphur.
It’s an interesting, simple but common theme. God is good, will protect you, but He hates wickedness, violence, etc, and will punish.
I guess most people think this world is pretty unjust. Today, on Christ The King Day, we celebrate the fact that one day He will return to Earth and reign as King of Kings forever, and the mess that our earthly leaders seem to make, will be cleaned up. The violent and wicked will be punished and there will be justice. That’s what we look forward to and why in many churches, the “feast of Christ the King” is celebrated today.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Hiding Place Psalm 143:8
In this world of increasing electronic surveillance, privacy can be hard to find. In the Bible, God refers to Himself as a place of refuge, or hiding place. And He promises protection and peace to those who seek Him. An awareness of God’s presence comes through worship and the Psalm writer, David, brings this out many times in his writing. Here are some examples: -
Psalm 143 - Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For I trust in You.
Teach me the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Rescue me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge (or hide) in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You],
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Save my life, O Lord, for Your name’s sake;
In Your righteousness bring my life out of trouble.
Psalm 32:6-7
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to you immediately.[b]
When great floodwaters come,
they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.Selah
Psalm 31:19-24
You are wonderful,
and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
who honor and trust you.
20 You are their shelter
from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
from vicious gossip.
Everyone needs some shelter from the pressure and anxiety of modern life. Psalm 32 goes on to say -
22 I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
when I shouted for help.
So, if you’re looking for shelter for the pressure of life, take 5 minutes, find a quiet place and say a prayer to God, Lord just let me experience Your peace, so i know there’s shelter to be found in you.
Bless you. Stay safe, and have a peaceful day.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons 3 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,[a] he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
Philippians 4:12-14
12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.
A lot of Christians know and quote Philipians 4:13 as being a favourite or significant verse in their lives. In most Bible versions it says “I can do all things through Him (or Christ) who strengthens me”. But I heard a pastor once say, can you run a mile without training? He went on to say, the original Greek could be translated as “I can face all things through Him who strengthens me”. That, I can understand, and even bear witness to. I have had to face all sorts of hard things, and I know you have too. And I look back and know that I only got through those things because God was with me. But the Amplified version of the Bible, with its fuller translation of the original text, says “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”
Yes, I think we can say, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. I work for a Christian organisation and, whether it’s sending shoebox gifts to children in impossible places or medical aid into a warzone, time and time again God comes through faithful, and the “impossible” happens.
Paul wrote, in verse 12, “In any and every circumstances, I’ve learnt the secret of facing life”. Whether that’s in loss and sadness, or shortage of food, money or heating, or difficulty in a job or in a relationship, God says, you can face it, because He will strengthen you. And if you’ve got a vision to do something seemingly impossible, this verse is still true, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
You Are the Watchman
33 1-5 God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people. Tell them, ‘If I bring war on this land and the people take one of their citizens and make him their watchman, and if the watchman sees war coming and blows the trumpet, warning the people, then if anyone hears the sound of the trumpet and ignores it and war comes and takes him off, it’s his own fault. He heard the alarm, he ignored it—it’s his own fault. If he had listened, he would have saved his life.
6 “‘But if the watchman sees war coming and doesn’t blow the trumpet, warning the people, and war comes and takes anyone off, I’ll hold the watchman responsible for the bloodshed of any unwarned sinner.’
Are you a watchperson, or should you be listening to someone who is? Trouble is, lots of people are saying lots of things. There’s so much noise, it’s difficult to know who to listen to.
The message from God to the people is, choose a watchperson, someone who can see what’s going on in the World, and listen to them when they sound the alarm or “blow the trumpet”. If you listen, you will be saved. If you don’t, and suffer as a result, it’s your own fault!
We can’t ignore all the things that are going on in the World, with the Russia / Ukraine war, fears of gas shortage and power cuts, interest rates, inflation, political confusion, it’s all a bit of a mess. What if I said, cut back a little if you can, now. Check your torches, that the batteries are okay. Keep your phone changed. These things might seem a bit trivial but if you know something is coming, being prepared helps. The same applies to our faith life. Things will come that test us, so putting in a bit of preparation now, i.e., reading the bible, praying and spending time with faithful friends, helps when the trials in life come.
Jesus tells his disciples that a time is coming when He will be taken away from them. It’s a warning, so that they can be prepared. But as well as a warning there is a message of comfort, that in the long run, everythings going to be okay. In John 16:33 Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In other words, yes there’s trouble coming, but be at peace, because you are prepared, ready to face whatever’s coming, trust God and take heart. It’s going to be okay.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 A Lament To A Bad King
The word of the Lord came to me: 12 “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘You were the seal of perfection,
full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden,
the garden of God;
every precious stone adorned you:
carnelian, chrysolite and emerald,
topaz, onyx and jasper,
lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl.[b]
Your settings and mountings[c] were made of gold;
on the day you were created they were prepared.
14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub,
for so I ordained you.
You were on the holy mount of God;
you walked among the fiery stones.
15 You were blameless in your ways
from the day you were created
till wickedness was found in you.
16 Through your widespread trade
you were filled with violence,
and you sinned.
So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God,
and I expelled you, guardian cherub,
from among the fiery stones.
17 Your heart became proud
on account of your beauty,
and you corrupted your wisdom
because of your splendor.
So I threw you to the earth;
I made a spectacle of you before kings.
18 By your many sins and dishonest trade
you have desecrated your sanctuaries.
So I made a fire come out from you,
and it consumed you,
and I reduced you to ashes on the ground
in the sight of all who were watching.
19 All the nations who knew you
are appalled at you;
you have come to a horrible end
and will be no more.’”
I had a flat tyre this week and this lament from the Old Testament is to the King of Tyre. What is a lament and who is the King of Tyre? Well, it’s an expression of deep regret and disappointment towards one of those regional kings who reigned around 900 to 1000 years before Christ. But the sentiment could apply to anybody. It’s about how people, or you and I, can change for the worst when God blesses us most. Or, when things are going really well.
The King, Hiram the 1st, was placed in God’s Garden in Eden. He was “sealed with perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty”. Adorned or dressed with every precious stone, set in gold. He was anointed as a guardian cherub and ordained by God. He was blameless in all his ways until wickedness found him.
- And then God said, you sinned.
- Your heart became proud because of your beauty, and your wisdom was corrupted because of your splendour.
- Because of your many sins and dishonest trade, you have desecrated your sanctuaries.
In other words, it was all going well, then the king started taking God for granted and did things his own way instead of the right way. Being corrupt and dishonest rather than trusting God. You see it in modern life when rulers, leaders and politicians start to believe they are beyond reproach. Something we call this hubris. Power gone to their heads, almost like a god-syndrome.
Where does it lead? Usually somebody gets hurt. Corruption, dishonesty or sin always leads to that. The global stage is full of people like the King of Tyre, who force their will on others, causing pain and destruction. Perhaps God’s final words to the King would be appt for certain rulers today - verse 19 says - All the nations who knew you, are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”
Quotes by the Queen about her Christian faith, and tributes from local church leaders in Stafford, broadcast on Stafford FM during the period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
Thanks to: -
John Marshall - Love Stafford
Rev. Philip Sowerbutts - Castle Church
Rev. David Lawrence - Harvest Community Church
Rev. Danielle Liegh - Stafford Baptist Church
Paul Stubbs - Stafford FM Sunday Sunrise Team
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Isaiah 48:17
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
In other words, if you choose to follow a faith, it’s God who keeps you on the right track, for life. You might step off the path from time to time, but there’ll always be a way back.
It takes a decision on our part, an act of will, to follow.
John 14:6
Jesus said - “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
This seems a fitting scripture for a week when Ukraine celebrates their own Independence Day. 31 years of freedom.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour, as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
John 8:32, ESV - And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
I will bless the Lord who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind. I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit. You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. - Psalm 16:7-11 CEB
"Despite the benefits of sleep, One out of every three people reports struggling with insomnia. Some can't fall asleep, while others can’t maintain a state of sleep. I wonder why that is? Could it be stress, anxiety, pressure of modern life, or maybe just too much caffeine.."
Ten Healed but only one comes back to thank God. Only one has really had their heart changed, even though they all actually met Jesus. That's why we shouldn't be discouraged when we don't see people change as a result of our acts of kindness and love. Not everyone is going to show gratitude, and even those who are grateful, might not show it. It doesn't matter, we just have to keep going and doing good. If we get a one in ten, we should rejoice!
Martha and Mary 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
John 1:35-42 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[a]).
Who is Andrew, you might say. You vaguely know he’s a Bible character and you might even know he’s one of Jesus’s disciples, but, partly because he didn’t write a Gospel, or didn’t feature much in the Bible, you could be forgiven for thinking he was somehow less important.
Perhaps you might think that of yourself. Because you’re not leading worship, or a Bible group, or not on any rotas at church, you might think you are less important than those who are.
A story is told about a little known preacher named Mordecai Ham, who many years ago preached the Gospel in a small farming community in America. Few people have heard of Mordecai Ham, but one young man responded to the preacher, and became a preacher himself. His name is Billy Graham. Billy passed away a few years ago but he preached to millions in his lifetime and his legacy lives on through the organisation of Samaritan’s Purse, that reaches people all over the globe with the Good News about Jesus and with humanitarian aid, and through his son Franklin Graham, who this weekend preached to thousands in London’s Excel arena.
In this story from the Bible, the disciple Andrew met Jesus because of his friend John, but it was Andrew who brought Simon Peter to Jesus, and Peter became a significant leader in the early church. Andrew was as significant in the start of Christianity as Peter. Just as Mordecai Ham was significant in what became the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Just as you could be significant in the next thing that God does in your community today.
The thing is, God uses ordinary people.
Ecclesiastes 3, Isaiah 65:17 & 43:18-19, Ps 40:3, 2 Cor 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24
For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3
I’ve been sorting out stuff, lots of stuff, because we are moving house. If you’ve ever done that, you’ll know it isn’t easy. It’s hard to throw the “old” away, even when you know the “new” is coming. We cling on to the old, and sometimes don’t make room for the new. I resist change, moreso as I get older, but am I denying what life has for me? Should I just “let go”?
One version of Ecclesiastes 5 says “A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together”. Is it time to cast away stone? Or stuff?
Yesterday, I decided to clear out some subscriptions. I actually cancelled one I’d had for 4 years and not used at all! I was keeping it “just in case”. It cost me over 300 pounds!
Life is cyclical, you say. And I agree but is it really worth holding onto something because it might “come back in fashion”, or “be worth something one day”?
Change, and new things can be something to look forward to. Here are some things that the Bible says about change or getting rid of the old and changing for the new:-
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43 18-19
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Are you holding onto stuff that belongs in the past? Is it time to cast away some things so that new things can come?
For some reason Humans care for other Humans. Do you ever wonder why?
Acts 5:12-16
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
Absolute truth or relative truth? Tricky subject but there's comfort from the Bible about this as Pete Fryatt explains..
Luke 8:22-25
World English Bible
22 Now on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. 23 But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water. 24 They came to him, and awoke him, saying, “Master, master, we are dying!” He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Being afraid they marvelled, saying to one another, “Who is this then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?”
My Help and My Deliverer To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.[a] Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance[b] in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! 14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
77 years since Auschwitz was closed. We must never forget and never let it happen again.
Many rules and regulations are associated with the Sabbath, such as what you can or cannot do, how far you can travel, you can’t move house, collect firewood, bake or cook! For Christianity it’s a time to focus on God, meet up with Christian friends at church, hear a bible talk and sing hymns.
"Often we crave just a bit of space, or rest.."
Paul Stubbs
Sometimes it's good to get back to basics. When it comes to the Christian faith, nothing should be more simple..
Paul Stubbs talking about Hebrews Chapter 2.
Pamela, Jamie and Paul discuss words of peace, kindness and praying for all, from 1 Timothy chapter 2 verses 1 to 4.
I the wake of the senseless murder of Sir David Amess, these words from the Bible offer an alternative to the way society is today. Praying for "all people" and for "those in authority" so that we can all live a peaceful life. That is something that would be worth aiming for, and something that these verses say, is pleasing to God.
Paul is let down by some friend but Onesiphorus finds him, encourages him and refreshes him. Could you be an Onesiphorus for someone, today?
Onesiphorus sort Paul out when he was in prison in Rome. That was pretty risky, but he did it to help and encourage a friend.
Pamela finds that by focussing on God and not on her problems, she can get through. Jamie sees that we focus on physical problems but God gives us spiritual peace that lasts for eternity. And Paul is worrying about his feet being as heavy as lead for next years Stafford Half...
Pete, Jamie and Pamela talk about these words from John 15 in the Bible - I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also 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 you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
When Jesus saw the crowds he had compassion on them.. Same crowds today, but we need to see them through Jesus's eyes.
Paul, Pamela and Pete from Stafford FM's Sunday Sunrise Show discuss the wonderful promises contained in these words from the Bible in Romans chapter 8, verses 31 to 39. Especially the hope of a restored relationship with a loving and forgiving God.
What would give you back that confidence? Would it help to know that nothing can separate you from the love of God?
Some of the smartest, richest, most privileged and well educated people turn down the invitation that God makes to them in a story that Jesus told about a great Banquet. Then the "master" instructs his servants go out and invite the poor. Don't follow those people who reject God, there's a place for you at His table. Whoever you are, whatever your background don't miss out on the Great Banquet.
A tiny minority of people reacted in a hurtful, negative and racist way after England lost the Euros 2020 final but Paul (the Apostle Paul!) tells us to respond differently.. #Challenging #LoveWinsOverHate
Pamela and Peter discuss some words from 1 Peter 4 verses 7 to 11. It starts off by saying, "The end is near", but actually, that might be good news, and the warning we need to get ourselves on the right track..
Food is a great way of strengthening or restoring relationships as we see in the Gospel of John chapter 21 verses 12 and 13.
Jesus is waiting for the disciples on the beach with a BBQ fish fish breakfast. It's his third appearance since his resurrection and he's got a few things to say..
In the background there's deceit and betrayal, as the the religious leaders try to protect their positions against the popularity of Jesus, but on that day -
The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting:
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord[a] —the King of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written
Paul, Pamela, Jamie and Pete give there thoughts on these verses from Psalm 78..
My people, hear my instruction;
listen to the words from my mouth.
2 I will declare wise sayings;
I will speak mysteries from the past —
3 things we have heard and known
and that our ancestors have passed down to us.
4 We will not hide them from their children,
but will tell a future generation
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
his might, and the wondrous works
he has performed.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob
and set up a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children
6 so that a future generation —
children yet to be born — might know.
They were to rise and tell their children
7 so that they might put their confidence in God
and not forget God’s works,
but keep his commands. -- Psalms 78:1-7 (CSB)
A rework of William Wordsworth's, I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud, as a special reflection for 23rd March 2021- A National Day Of Reflection
Daffodils 2021
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats high over vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
126 thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in happiness and peace.
For often, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with those daffodils.
Jamie and Pamela talk about church through the words of Jude chapter 1 verses 17 to 23.
Some words from the Bible, in Hebrews chapter 4 verses 14 to 16 got us talking about "Confidence" this week..
"but if there’s no sign of the fruits of God’s holy spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), our efforts will come to nothing"....
Jamie, Pete, Pamela and Paul discuss fasting and whether it's fits in with today's understanding of Christian faith. Seems like an easy topic for this week but there's more to it than you'd think!
Recorded for 107.3 Stafford FM as part of the Lunchtime Show with Paul Stubbs on Ash Wednesday 17th February 2021 - Everything You Need To Know About Ash Wednesday In One Minute.
Jamie and Pamela talk about what real love is based on words from 1 Corinthians 13 verses 1 to 3. And it just happens to be Valentines Day!
An interview with Sarah Choi from the Choi Family Ministries.
Sarah talks to Stafford FM's Paul Stubbs about her families work as missionaries in Stafford and around the UK.
Once more James Cantrill dropped into Stafford FM to give us a "food for thought" chat for February, thinking about the hardships we're going through, remembering the sad loss of very brave Sir Captain Tom Moore and talking about the hope we can have for the future.
It's such a challenge when you have been hurt but as Jamie says, we've got to let it go! But really, we know it's not easy and everyone on the Sunrise team knows the challenges that "forgiving from the heart" present. Even in our small group we could dwell in injustices, prejudice, unfairness, slander and unkindness towards us, but holding on to unforgiveness will do us more harm, than others can do to us. Come on this journey with us and choose forgiveness as your way forward, and may God bless you as you listen.
When everything is hard, and it even snows, how can you stay positive? Jamie, Pamela and Paul talk about some words from Philippians chapter 2 - thinking about things that are noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Perhaps those words can encourage you too.
Let's make sure 2020 is NOT a year that we forget, and let's not forget all the people that have done so much to support us during the year. James Cantrill brings a Thought For The Day to Stafford FM's Lunchtime Show on New Years Day, 2021.
Great to interview James Cantrill on New Year's Day for the Lunchtime Show on Stafford FM. Listen as we reflect on 2020 and some of the good things from that momentous year.
Shepherds taken for granted? Maybe like "keyworkers".. But God sees the importance of "good" shepherds who look after their sheep, just like we appreciate keyworkers who have been there for us during this pandemic. Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd who cares for me and for you, and is the bridge over these troubled waters.
Paul Pamela Pete and Jamie chat about these words from Luke 2. At Christmas, is there room in your heart? Will you make room in your life for faith or are you satisfied with life as it is?
Jamie's thoughts on these seasonal bible verses, and how sometimes a greatly anticipated gift, underwhelms, but the real gift of Christmas always brings joy and peace.
Things written at one time, then actually happening hundreds of years later, Biblical prophecy has always interested me and these words from Isaiah are especially interesting and at this time of year.
Pamela gives her thoughts on these verses that tell of the future birth of Jesus Christ, the real gift of Christmas
Such an important event, but it was actually foretold over 700 years earlier by the writer Isaiah. That got our the Sunrise team talking about bible prophecy, which is a very interesting subject. Listen in to, get an insight into the world of Biblical Prophecy and Christmas!
The Sunrise team show you, through some words from Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, that God chooses to use whoever He wants, to do His work on Earth. Don't judge, because you don't know peoples hidden talent, but God does. And don't think you're not good enough, because God can make you more than capable when you trust Him and do things in His strength. God bless you as you listen to this podcast..
We discuss some words from Colossians 3 in the Bible and discover the challenge, to admonish, to love, and to be thankful..
Jamie, Pete, Pamela and Paul discuss Romans chapter 12 verses 9 to 21 - challenged about sincere love and blessing those who persecute you. This is where good moral principles go up a level, or two...
Pete, Paul, Pamela and Jamie give you their thoughts about the "living hope" we get from the words of 1 Peter chapter 1, verses 3 to 9. There is a lot to learn from this short passage from the Bible, and we only scratch the surface, but we hope it encourages you to take a deeper look for yourself.
2nd Podcast on the subject of "Church" changing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This time Jamie and Pamela discuss Haggai 1 verses 1 to 6.
Covid 19, Coronavirus, Lockdown 2. Church will never be the same again. Should we mourn the loss of the "old Church" or should we be excited about the new Church that will emerge?
Paul, Jamie Pamela and Pete bring you their thought about how "Church" will be different.
Don't lose heart! Be encouraged by the "Great Cloud of Witnesses"- and remember that, on the cross, Jesus made it possible for you to restore your faith and have a relationship with God. You can get through the hard times that you are facing right now and, with God's help, you can continue to run the race of life.
Pete, Paul and Jamie chat through these verses from Colossians and discuss how to, hold fast to "sound teachings from the scriptures", not be deceived, and hold onto the authority of Jesus. It's like a sandwich of encouragement and instruction, but in the end, Jesus is the person who provides a firm foundation.
Jamie gives us his thoughts on some words from Psalm 1, and an update on his Olive Tree...
Paul, Jamie and Pete talking about Father's Day, with some encouraging thoughts, whatever Father's Day means to you. God bless you as you listen.
Paul, Pete and Jamie on, coping with these difficult times, encouraging one another and bubbles. Check out our thoughts on these Bible passages from Psalm 139, verses 7 to 10 and Hebrews 10, verses 24 and 25.
You've heard that worry doesn't help things. People say, don't worry, but it's easier said than done. This week we particularly want to encourage those who are struggling with anxiety and fear at the moment, through the words of Philippians 4:6-7. We hope this podcast really blesses you.
Jamie does a sermon, and Pete and Paul have a chat about life, as we ease out of Lock-down.
Jamie plants an Olive Tree, Pete buys a coffee and Paul has the last clap...
Paul, Pete and Jamie share their experiences now some lock-down restrictions have been eased.
Pete has emails. Jamie buys buckwheat flour and Paul has a cough.....
Jamie, Pete and Paul chat about the words that the Apostle Peter quotes in Acts 2 verses 17 to 21 at Pentecost, with some interesting thoughts about this important festival in the Christian calendar.
Delivery person caught praying on a doorstep. Jamie tells the story of an Amazon delivery driver who prayed regularly at the home of a poorly child, caught on camera.. Great sorry!
Paul, Pete and Jamie's cheerful chat on the 9th week of social distancing restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Jamie plants a tree, Pete gets a coffee and Paul has his last clap...
Join us, Paul, Pete and Jamie as we discuss Paul's visit to Athens, from Acts chapter 17 verses 16 to 28. Listen to how Paul sees, and uses an opportunity to tell the people the good news about Jesus Christ, and brings a new light into this pagan city. God bless you as you listen.
Paul, Pete and Jamie discuss Matthew chapter 16 verses 13 to 18 and reveal their thoughts on the "rock", the "church" and the "gates of Hades"..
Paul, Pete and Jamie, now in their 8th week of Lockdown during the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020.
Sunrise Show Crowd chatting about their week from the 4th May 2020, including lockdown experience and VE75 celebrations..
We're discussing Miriam's Song from the Bible. Join Paul, Pete and Jamie as they talk about how these ancient words still have meaning in todays Lockdown times, in episode 2 of Lockdown Thoughts..