Fresh Wind in the Willows

July 16, 2012

Exactly six years ago I left a well paid job with a great pension plan to start a business and see which way God’s river would flow.


Shortly before leaving United Utilities I attended a business transformation course, and on the last day as we departed, everyone was given a twig of willow. This practical symbol of new beginnings and sustainability (the buzzword of the time) was given with the suggestion that all 100 of us go and plant these new trees. You can see here that my willow tree now stands over 20 feet tall and thriving!

A few months ago our family visited Ely and I took a tiny twig off one of the glorious willow trees by the river. After nurturing it in a bottle and then planting it in our garden, I was delighted this week to see the evidence that it has taken root and producing new shoots.

This led me to start thinking about this next phase of 6 years. Over the past 6 years, God has provided in numerous ways: we have eaten well, travelled all around the world (including China, Kuwait, Africa, United States and several European countries), made hundred of new friends, participated in several exhilarating business initiatives, seen the start of a regional business network, been involved in political activity, and national prayer initiatives. The most significant aspects which God has opened up are the regional unity of the Church on Merseyside, and the tri-continental relationships working to see the ‘reversal of the African Slave trade’. With these areas in mind, it is very exciting to think about what God has planned for His people in the coming 6 years. As my new willow (the weeping variety) grows and develops, I will be reporting on its progress and the work of the King in our lives. We are entering a truly momentous season of growth, new life, and global relationships.

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Liverpool – 2012 – Liberty Gateway

December 19, 2011

A few days ago, we were given a prophetic word for Liverpool:

“2012 is the year in which Liverpool is being called to seize hold of its redemptive calling in relation to the slave trade”

Mark Stibbe speaks around the world on the subject of the Father’s love. What made this prophetic comment particularly interesting was not that he is well travelled and influential, but the timing of this word.

For years some of us have been observing some amazing links developing with the Americas and Africa in connection with a tremendous positive re-connection of the communities which were involved in the African slave trade. A number of those involved believe that we are witnessing a tri-continental movement which will bring healing and reconciliation between races on a global level.

In the context of global change – NOW is certainly the time for Africa to rise to responsibility and partnership in world affairs.

In the current state of the UK economy, NOW is a moment of transition for Liverpool – to either slump with the loss of public sector employment, or rise up with the solidarity, creativity and entrepreneurism which the region is famed for.

In the world of internet and intercontinental travel, this is NOW the time for new international relationships and partnerships which heal old wounds, bring communities together and empower the next generation.

With social disorder and tension threatening, there has not been a more critical moment for racial, ethnic and cultural groups to show that we can work together for the good of society. This is true globally, and locally.

Liverpool played a key role in sending people to the nations when Great Britain was exporting its culture and economic aspirations. Liverpool played a leading role in the investment in enslaving people for economic returns. Liverpool has for centuries been a gateway for cultures, economic ventures and international relationships. Because of its history and reputation, along with London, Liverpool has a key role to play in representing the United Kingdom in the world of sport, music, culture and education.

The coming twelve months of 2012 really will be the season for Liverpool to seize hold of its redemptive destiny in relation to the slave trade. Not just for the betterment of Liverpool, but for the United Kingdom and the nations.

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Absolutely Clear

December 6, 2011

The unqualified ‘live and let live’ approach to ethics, morality and truth leaves the public debate in confusion. Most people are weary of waffle and politically correct mumbo jumbo simply polarises debates rather than opening up dialogue. Extremist politics thrive on lack of understanding and truth. The secular humanist passion for ‘tolerance’ is a smokescreen to dumb down the argument and obscure life giving truth. When Jesus said, “The Truth will set you free,” He was not talking about mere freedom of expression in the way that an artist might be free to explore an idea. Jesus was talking about the total liberty, hope and freedom to live life to the full. To enjoy this kind of life requires that absolute truth is spoken out. We should judge our lives and actions against certainty.

Imagine developing a serious pain in your chest and shortness of breath, and going to see a doctor. Imagine if he begins by saying “Now, we must not assume that this is abnormal. This might be normal for you, let’s have some meditations to reflect on a wider understanding of normality.” This would not be encouraging! We want a clear, definite diagnosis and consequential action plan to remedy our need. A confident diagnosis followed by well informed proposals for action would give us tangible hope.

Christians believe in three absolute truths:

 Christ has died

Christ is risen

Christ will come again

 All humanity recognises two other truths: We all are born, and we will all pass away from this life.

Jesus said that no-one will come to the Father, except through Him. He is the Hope of the world.

The secular philosophers, including those who masquerade as theologians and scholars have robbed our society of hope with their empty debates and deathly deception.

Truth is not like the claims of homeopathic treatments, somehow becoming more potent as it is ever more diluted!

Truth can hurt, like an antiseptic ointment in a cut.

Truth can divide, like the surgeon who cuts out a cancerous growth.

Truth may constrain, like a splint on a broken limb.

Truth may hurt, like physiotherapy on a weakened muscle.

Ultimately, absolute truth will re-align and liberate people. Knowing the truth brings clarity, understanding and stability. All else is quicksand.

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Absolute Mystery

December 4, 2011

The Graeco-Roman mindset of our day seems to demand logic, reason and empirical data. However, if there is a God who created everything we see, that God must be beyond our capacity to fully know or control.

The human race is drawn to the mystical and the sense of ‘other’ that we sometimes call supernatural or spiritual. The empirical evidence of human experience – from the grand sweep of history to individual’s dreams is that there is more than we can see or measure. Most of the people on the planet believe in a supernatural realm and a god or gods. The western secular humanist community argue against the evidence when they cling to their notion of there being no more than science and the material world.

In Mere Christianity (1952) CS Lewis put it so clearly:  “This is the terrible fix we are in. If the universe is not governed by an absolute goodness, then all our efforts are in the long run hopeless. But if it is, then we are making ourselves enemies to that goodness every day, and are not in the least likely to do any better tomorrow, and so our case is hopeless again….God is the only comfort, He is also the supreme terror: the thing we most need and the thing we most want to hide from.”

God is mystical and ‘other’ but He is not vague, indecisive and ambiguous in His views.

Again in Mere Christianity, Lewis challenges our thinking:

“Some people talk as if meeting the gaze of absolute goodness would be fun. They need to think again. They are still only playing with religion. Goodness is either the great safety or the great danger — according to the way you react to it.”

We meet Him on His terms. Anything less, and we are not considering ‘God’ but an merely an idea.

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Absolutely!

December 1, 2011

I keep meeting people who have been hurt by ‘absolutes’. It seems that many of those we interact with are bruised from their collisions with absolute truth – or rather the impact of those claiming to have simple, hard edged answers to all of life. The issue here seems to boil down to the experiences that people have had – often negative encounters.

I have observed a number of issues at play here. Some of those who offer their opinions in the form of simplified absolutes are often not as well informed as they pretend to be. The easy answer may only be a vehicle for prejudice, such as generalisations about races or cultures. Many take a political stance based on loyalty to a party or parents, rather than consideration of the arguments. When someone’s opinion is based on wafer thin understanding, they usually put it across with more aggression or vehemence than necessary. An insecure position seems to feed a wrong attitude. In response to imperialistic, dogmatic, non-consultative and authoritarian approaches, many have reacted by retreating from anything that seems inflexible or definite.

The flipside also needs looking at: We have had a generation of being told to ‘live and let live’; that all positions need to be heard. The desire to compensate for past arrogant views of other cultures has pushed us towards making a god of ‘tolerance’. Tolerance that is, of everything except absolutes.

The grave danger is that our society simply polarises: Most people can sense what is authentic, and can also smell a rat. Strongly held opinions aggressively preached by those who will not listen or engage with other views, are discouraging and repelling. On the other side, changeable and indistinct reasoning dulls the argument and ultimately frustrates those seeking answers.

We may not have a monopoly on absolute truth, but let’s ensure that with a good heart, we genuinely pursue truth, more than the vindication of our position.

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W.W.St.P.D? (What Would St Paul Do?)

November 29, 2011

I asked one the campaigners outside St Pauls in London what was motivating him to be there through the cold nights and challenge of it all. He put his head into my shoulder and began to weep. As he sobbed, he said “For my children. I want something better for their future.” He explained that he has suspended his sole trader business to be part of all this.

I have no idea whether camping out in the cold for weeks will help that cause, but something is happening. This is more than the usual suspects of anarchists and anti-capitalists stirring the pot outside of a G8 meeting.

There certainly is a range of motives for camping outside the ancient cathedral. The drunks and mentally ill are inevitably drawn to the activity and well meaning gifts of the curious passers-by. One businessman who is running his on-line marketing business is doing a full day’s work from a tent and I couldn’t help wondering where he is getting his laptop battery charged. Some of the campaigners clearly have a spiritual mission to fulfill. In an age when we are compelled to appreciate diversity, the steps of St Pauls is really the open university.

What struck me most in talking to people was the eagerness for friendship as we stopped to talk, and the sadness and loneliness of the protesters. They seem to be expressing a human gut instinct that something is wrong with the world, but they lack a singular vision for what needs to happen.

The campaigner who sobbed on my shoulder clearly loves his children. The campers showed that they want to be loved, and in a profit driven world, it seems they are collectively re-stating Lennon and McCartney’s discovery: “You can’t buy me love.”

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Prophecy – is it for real?

October 16, 2011

Everybody senses something outside themselves at some point. Whether an intuition, premonition or revelation. People of all cultures across the world and across history tell stories of their dreams, intuition, ‘6th sense’ or insights into previously things previously unknown to them. This seems to be the way we are made.

If we remove prophecy from the Bible we are not left with much. If we remove prophetic from the Gospel we are not left with a gospel. For two thousand years Christians have stated their core belief:

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Can we know what God is saying? This is not just about fore-telling, but forth-telling. Explaining current events is as vital in prophecy as predicting the unknown. Those who become transfixed with the issue of prediction can miss the main point. God is personal and wants to communicate. He is not only talking about the future – but our present circumstances. A focus on prediction can develop  into an unbalanced message. But understanding the heart of God can lead us into seeing the future.

Today I debated on Radio Merseyside this with Dr John Wallis of Hope University who described himself as ‘an extreme athiest’! Listen here:  http://bbc.in/Prophecy4Real     [1 hour 29 minutes in]

Jesus embodies prophecy. He personally brings the reality of the Father to us. It makes sense that if we are connected with the creator of the universe, who sits outside of time, the One who knows everything, including the future, we may also get glimpses of the future.

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William Roscoe – Good to Great?

May 26, 2011

William Roscoe - looking to the future

Three powerful features link William Roscoe from Liverpool in 1811 to Liverpool in 2011: He had a passion for Liverpool to rise to be the cultural capital of Europe. He was determined to see the end of the slave trade, and he understood the value of communication, arts and business in making a difference in society.

Roscoe came from a humble background, his father a pub owner and market gardener. He started out helping his father but life changed when he was twelve and he bought his first book. This led him on a journey of self education and awareness of the arts. He qualified as a lawyer, wrote poetry and fell in love with the classic arts and in particular Italian art and culture.

Although he became a successful banker and lawyer he held onto his beliefs and values. While he was collecting Italian art he was writing moving poetry and used his poems to challenge the educated classes to think differently. In one poem he saw through the ages to a time when Liverpool might suffer hard times:

“The time may come – O distant be the year – When desolation spreads her empire here, When Trade’s uncertain triumph shall be o’er, And the wave roll neglected on the shore . . . and not one trace of former pride remain”

His passion and determination to see the transatlantic slave trade ended was captured in a 10,000 word poem called ‘The Wrongs of Africa’ captured in these few lines of challenge to British society and Christians:

 Blush ye not,
To boast your equal laws, your just restraints,
Your rights defin’d, your liberties secur’d,
Whilst with an iron hand ye crush to earth
The helpless African; and bid him drink
That cup of sorrow, which yourselves have dash’d
Indignant, from oppression’s fainting grasp?

Roscoe directed his vision and values on many fronts. He was successful in business, promoted the value of parks and the countryside, championed the arts and was active in politics on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He was elected as an MP and spoke for the bill abolishing the slave trade in 1807.

This man sets an example for leadership in 21st century: He was a man of conviction and values, who demonstrated determination in his own education and business development. He was a campaigner for human rights and environmental concerns. He was not afraid to venture into politics and risk making enemies by challenging the status quo. Roscoe understood that greed and abuse of fellow human beings will ultimately be judged by God, and that there is much in this life to enjoy, much more than mere material gain.

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The King’s Speech

April 30, 2011

It is not a trivial coincidence that the movie, “The King’s Speech” has been made and released at this time.

One Body because we eat one Bread

The film depicts the king of the United Kingdom in the 1930’s being coached in readiness for a crucial speech as the nation approaches the Second World War. The parallels with today are profound: The United Kingdom is approaching a social, economic and spiritual crisis that is on a par with the challenge of that era. Today the nation is not facing a single opposing national army with bombs, planes and tanks, but an economic collapse, a social catastrophe and loss of identity as well as militant opponents from around the world. There is a King who wants to speak to the nation, but He is not a human king who is incompetent, but a glorious King who, even though God of all, has chosen to speak through His people, the Church. Right now, the Church is being coached by the Holy Spirit to be able to speak to the nation in the crisis. At this moment the Church seems incompetent and unready, but by the grace of God, the spread-out, volunteer army, the people of God, will come together and learn to speak coherently to a nation that desperately needs to hear the authentic words of God. We must pray that this coaching process succeeds as in the movie. Let us pray in agreement for the King’s speech to be heard before it is too late.

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About to Boil Over?

April 25, 2011

What is the Spirit saying to the Church? Last week I was in the USA and met with quite a number of people in 3 states. It seemed that everyone is asking each other about what is  happening in the world and what is the Holy Spirit saying to us. As I was travelling and listening I had a very clear impression in my spirit that God was likening the current situation to a pan of milk heating on a stove. Anyone who has ever boiled milk in this way knows that there is a moment when the milk suddenly boils, and that immediately prior to the ‘boiling over’ the surface of the milk has a particular shimmering look. If you know that shimmer you can catch the milk before it boils over and creates a mess. I sensed in my spirit that the shaking of the USA and the world system is at that point where a sudden ‘boiling over’ is imminent. This is a moment to pray for the Kingdom of God to prevail in the crisis that is approaching. In a moment of crisis, the person who takes the initiative has greatest impact on the outcome. This is a good time to pray “let your Kingdom come, let Your will be done…”

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