Faith in a Changed World - February 2021

Faith in a Changed World

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February 2021

Antony Mugford

The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

© Antony Mugford First edition compiled and edited by David White Published by BrancoPrint © Majors Antony & Fiona Mugford The Salvation Army Westgate Guisborough TS14 6AW https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/guisborough-citadel

28 February 2021

Cover photograph - Gisborough Priory taken on 25 February 2021

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My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from?

Prologue In 2020 the whole world was struck with Coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China.

Countries were a ected in every way of life as lockdowns were advised and imposed, meaning that normal life could not continue. Business, travel, and family life were severely curtailed with impact on so many activities that were just taken for granted.

All expressions of Faith ceased in the traditional rituals and formats; impacting greatly on shared fellowship. Fortunately technolo y was available, and expanded, that allowed some virtual contact during social distancing. New expressions of Faith service blossomed not only to the individual, regional, national and, indeed, international congregations but, perhaps more importantly, also to the many new contacts within the wider communities.

The world-wide Salvation Army took virtual reality to its heart. Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, the Commanding O cers of Guisborough Citadel, UK grasped this opportunity with daily ministry to both the Corps Fellowship and a much wider community via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom; reaching many hundreds of people, not only locally but nationally and internationally. Each Sunday, and other special Christian occasions, online services were also produced.

This booklet is a collection of those daily “letters" shared to an audience that remarkably grew exponentially; thus contacting, and helping, many hundreds of people during the Coronavirus lockdown. What an opportunity of witness these ‘letters’ proved to be! Although initially it was never expected that this period would be so extended. We can only hope and pray that the short-term bene t will lead to a longer-term commitment and blessing.

David White

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Sunday services

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ach Sunday, rather than having another reading, Majors Antony and Fiona lead online worship, Together in Worship.

These services including Good Friday 2020 are all added to the Guisborough Salvation Army Church Youtube channel and are all still available on:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCvu76j4HqGWe9B2cDXK6tvA

LIGHT, LIFE, LOVE’ WAS THE INSPIRING THEME AND FOCUS OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S TERRITORIAL CONGRESS SATURDAY 24 AND SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2020.

With Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham supported by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill.

There was no Together in Worship on Sunday 24 October, so we invite you to watch the Congress Youtube Saturday and Sunday meetings and share with others seeking to grow in their faith and be equipped to share the good news of God’s love in their lives and local communities.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill chose the inspiring theme for the Congress weekend after reflecting on the words of General Albert Osborn, found in The Salvation Army Song Book (number 742): Light, life and love are in that healing fountain.

All I require to cleanse me and restore, Flow through my soul, redeem its desert places And make a garden there for the Lord I adore.

Commissioner Anthony says: “Light, life and love are powerful words that will be reflected in many ways across the weekend. With so much uncertainty in our world, our congress will be an opportunity to be refreshed in God’s presence as we worship, pray and study his word. There will be time to give thanks for who and where we are as a church and to mobilise and equip us for being part of God's plan for his Kingdom here and now.

“We are called to be a Salvation Army where God is glori ied and visibly at work, shaping us into disciples of Jesus Christ. If you are ready to ind out more about this life then share in the Congress. And share it with others, too!

“Be ready to receive and be open to the speaking of the Spirit. Congress really is a life-changing opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to introduce someone to the gospel message for the irst time. It is exciting to look ahead and imagine what God has in store!” https://www.youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo On Sunday 27 December 2020 worship was provided and lead by Major Jane Cowell (Divisional Commander), Major Rachel Price (Divisional Of icer for Leadership Development) and Major Wayne Price (Divisional Mission Enabler) https://youtu.be/A3F9dFTEu7A On Sunday 03 January 2021 worship was provided and lead by Commissioner Anthony and Gill Cotterill (Territorial Commanders) with Colonels Paul and Jenine Main as they launched a 4-week series of Going Forward Together - living in God’s Covenant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQUZif3gabg&t=908s

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01 February 2021

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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

February 1st 2021 - are we really here already? Time has flown and yet there's a paradox, something contradictory: we often say how quickly the weeks and months are going by while at the same time people are becoming weary because this situation we're in seems to drag on. Is that how you feel as we start a new day, a new week, a new month?

Of course, there's so much that makes life a real joy! Family, friends, the lovely countryside around us. Even those we can't visit we still talk to on phones and Facetime, Zoom and Messenger. Some of us have discovered hobbies or exercise, found time to read, do odd jobs, etc.

But if we're honest there are times when it all gets a bit tedious. I've heard the phrase, "I'm bored now!" quite a lot recently in phone calls I've made. Do you remember as a child if you said that, the reply was, "Well get outside and ind something to do then!" It's easier said than done at the moment!

In our prayer meetings on a Friday night there's a real sense, I feel, of encouragement. I think those who join that Zoom fellowship will agree. We pray for people we know and love, for their situation and needs; and we pray with thanksgiving too for God has done good things. Out greatest encouragement is to know that even in the storm he is there, in the tedious days, he is there, and on the days when we have so much to think about, so little time to ourselves, he is by our side.

I think it was John Wesley who said, "The best of all is, God is with us!". That's a real encouragement to us all.

What's the best news today, the best thought, the best word of comfort, the best source of joy and strength; maybe even the best answer to boredom and weariness? Simply to know that God is with us.

Let me share words from two songs. The irst is from the song You Raise Me Up: When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary When troubles come and my heart burdened be Then, I am still and wait here in the silence Until You come and sit awhile with me.…

I love the thought that God can come and just 'sit awhile' with me.

And then words by Joy Webb: Share My yoke and ind that I am joined with you; Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too!

Share My yoke and come the way that I must go!

In our ‘togetherness’ My peace you’ll know; The world beholding us will see it so!”

There really is satisfaction in knowing that God wants to be together with us. The words of Jesus of course speak to us in every situation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will ind rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11 v 28 30) May today be a day of quiet assurance, of con ident faith, and a refreshing sense of peace that comes from knowing that he shares this day with you. God bless you 🙏

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02 February 2021

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orning all from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Well, life throws up its challenges doesn't it. My friend Erik died suddenly last week.

We'd been friends since our sixth form days on 1978. We sat together in A Level History and shared a study. He still lived in Lancashire and, whenever Fiona and I went there on holiday to parents, I'd drive off and visit Erik and we'd go walking together, have a meal, go to the pub...

We didn't really communicate outside Facebook the rest of the time, we never phoned or anything, but when we met after six months or so, it was the kind of friendship that picked up as if we'd only met six days ago. We walked for miles, ate some lovely meals and just enjoyed being friends who went back a lot of years. We just talked about everything. I thank God for Erik. He had a simple faith. I'm sure we'll catch up again one day and go walking in the hills of Heaven.

Friendship is one of the most valuable things in life. It hurts when it ends, and it goes on hurting; but what joy there is in all those memories. We are made for friendships, made for companionship, relationships, love. The Bible says that we are made in the image of God - not physically of course, but in how we think, relate to each other: how we love. Which is why, of course, the Bible speaks about how we love.

It's interesting how very human concepts are used to describe God. He isn't a 'thing', an object. He is described in very personal ways: a Father, of course, a brother, a friend, a bridegroom even. Ways of relating to God that are personal, loving, intimate; totally understandable and common to experience.

'Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling', says a Salvation Army song. 'What a friend we have in Jesus', says a much-sung song that sadly has lost some of its impact through over-familiarity; but what wonderful words: 'Can we ind a friend so faithful?' the song asks, almost daring us to look for such a friend elsewhere.

A Bible Proverb (18 v 24) says, 'There is a friend who stays closer than a brother.' Now that's friendship to be valued. Have you had a friend like that? He or she seems closer to you than any sibling (without taking away from their love of course). That's a friend, like an old schoolfriend or friend from work, of ice or team, who you can always turn to There is a reason why God reveals himself as Father, brother or especially in the words of Jesus, 'friend'; it's because of love. A statue of stone cannot love you; words of advice in a book can't love you, and you can't love them in return. But the one who came to be the friend of sinners, to lay down his life for his friends, and to challenge all his friends to love him and love one another; well he's worth loving. He is the one who calls us his friends, who stays closer than a brother. He is the one who 'walks with me and talks with me and he tells me I am his own...'

Do you count Jesus as a friend, or do you have a merely nodding acquaintance with him?

An old song says:

And it asks:

I've a friend, of friends the fairest, I have known and proved him long; His is beauty, purest, rarest, His is love most true and strong.

Would you gain this friend so tender?

Would you ind this faithful guide?

Come then, make a full surrender, Yield to Jesus cruci ied.

Countless believing Christians would tell you that there literally is no other friend like Jesus. When we believe in him, trust him for our salvation, love him for all he has done for us, then his friendship is a blessing like nothing else on earth. Yes, Jesus is a friend of mine. He can be yours too.

Lord Jesus, Your love for your disciples is well-known, for your followers too. I want that same friendship with you; to love you for your graciousness and kindness, to worship you for your holiness and goodness, to give my heart to you whose heart was broken on the cross for my sins. Lord, accept my love, my trust, and may our friendship sustain me here, and last to eternity. Amen.

May God bless you today 🙏

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03 February 2021

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midweek welcome to you from us both.

Well, the news came just after 4pm yesterday of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore at the great age of 100. There have been countless words already written, photos posted on social media, with people expressing their admiration. I turned on the 5pm news and the headline was all about him. Oddly, it was a 'good news' headline because although it reported his sad death, it was a commemoration and indeed a celebration of an achievement, of a positive contribution, of a long life that culminated in 10 months of public admiration. It was refreshing to hear of his positive life in place of the gloomy news we're used to. What started out as a 'little' fundraising effort by a 99 year old man with a walking frame became an astonishing campaign that raised so much money that I guess most charity PR of icials were left open mouthed. Tom decided he would walk 100 laps of his garden and try to raise £1000. For someone just about to celebrate his 100th birthday that was remarkable in itself, but in the end once the effort had caught public, media and celebrity attention, his 100 laps managed to raise £36 million. His efforts not only bene itted NHS charities but got him an honorary promotion to Colonel, the freedom of the City of London, a Knighthood from the Queen, and a gold Blue Peter Badge!! And now, of course, a place in the history books. I think what has impressed me is the way that everyone - the elderly down to small children - has recognised what he has done. His was no huge media campaign fronted by celebrities and clever publicity. It was just a quiet Just Giving page set up by his family. They were astonished when it raised the money in one day back in April, and so they increased the target, and then again, and then again. But on top of that, something else happened. Other people started to fundraise.

I read of others who started their own walks. They were not publicised as much, they didn't capture the nation's attention, they didn't have the 'appeal' of a 100 year old war veteran; but that wasn't going to stop them. Just where they were they got out and started to do something.

I listened to an interview last night given by a man whose son had spinal surgery on New Year's Eve 2019. His son decided he was going to walk. Despite his dif iculties, he was determined to walk, and so they went to the local church where the ground was flat and the young man began to walk. Not far at irst, but gradually a little further. A year later, this young man is managing to walk half a mile. For him it's progress and a huge achievement. It's a victory. Captain Tom has done more than simply raise a lot of money, fantastic though that is; he has literally inspired others to do something themselves. We will never know who they are, what they've achieved, who they may have raised money for. That doesn't matter. What is important is that one man - aided of course by a sympathetic media - has inspired others to do good works.

Christian faith may be personal, but it should never be private. It might be quiet, but it must not be silent. Words that relate our experience of God to others and assure people of prayers, and actions that come from a heart of faith and compassion will inspire and encourage. The writer to the letter to the Hebrews says we should 'consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good works.’ These things are inspirational. At the heart of life is love and kindness, and the lovely thing about both is that when they are expressed and demonstrated, they grow, they spread, and they are contagious.

Here are words from our song book that speak about being an inspiration just where we are, whatever we do: What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow What can I do to justify my living?

How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?

What can I be to make this life worthwhile?

Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort, I'll be a voice to call men to the Saviour, Tell how for me Christ's sacri ice availed.

Just where I am, and win my Father's smile.

What can I do to ease life's heavy burdens?

What can I do to help mankind in need?

Just where I am I'll share my neighbour's hardship, Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.

Chorus:

Just where he needs me, My Lord has placed me, Just where he needs me, there would I be!

And since he found me, by love he's bound me to serve him joyfully.

God bless you all today 🙏

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04 February 2021

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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

When I was younger and living in Blackpool I was fascinated by the men I would see with their metal detectors wandering up and down the beach. I guess they were looking for lost coins mainly, because I can't imagine what else of value would be found hidden in the sand. They must have found something every now and then, otherwise why bother? The odd watch or ring perhaps?

I was fascinated to read the other day that a man from Leicestershire had found a tiny gold igurine depicting a king. He was a metal detectorist, and had travelled to Northamptonshire to a site where the battle of Naseby had been fought to see what he could discover; and within 30 minutes he dug down, turned over the soil and a little gold igurine lay there which has now been shown to have possibly been an ornament on a crown belonging to Henry VIII. That crown is totally lost now and so this is a valuable ind, perhaps having come off the crown when Charles I was trying to escape with the crown jewels at the battle.

Anyway, what intrigued me was this: the inder of the igurine discovered it after 30 minutes, but he's been metal detecting for 30 years. All that time. He has probably found bits and pieces, but in his own word, this discovery was 'incomparable'. It took him all that time to ind it and he'll probably never ind anything like it again. It's his lifetime achievement. The 'crown' of his efforts (forgive the pun). Amazing.

It's a modern day version of the parable where Jesus said that 'the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a ield.' (Matthew 13 v 44) The way Jesus tells it, it's a sudden, unexpected ind and the man rushes off to buy the entire ield so he can claim the treasure. In reality the metal detectorist gave 30 years of his life in 'payment'. The treasure was so important it was worth a sacri ice.

The Kingdom of Heaven - God's gift of eternal life - cannot be bought or discovered by our own efforts, but it's in initely precious; and Jesus is saying that it's worth our full attention, our commitment, our wholehearted devotion.

There's nothing that this world, that life itself can offer, that can be compared to the life, the love, joy and peace that comes as a gift to those who seek it from God. In fact our greatest treasure is Christ himself, 'the fairest of ten thousand'. Who would not give up all to follow him?

A prayer based on Philippians 3 Lord Jesus, greatest gift to our world, I once thought so many things in my life were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done for me.

Lord, everything else is worthless when compared with the in inite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

You have given me so much, but the greatest treasure I have is you and your love for me.

What to me are all the joys of earth?

What to me is every sight I see, Save the sight of Thee, O Friend of mine?

Jesus, Thou art everything to me.

Jesus, Thou art everything to me; Jesus, Thou art everything to me; All my lasting joys are found in Thee; Jesus, Thou art everything to me.

God bless you 🙏

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05 February 2021

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orning all 🙂

Well last night saw my usual ritual humiliation as the family quiz night shared with Fiona, our three boys and their girlfriends ended YET AGAIN with yours truly at the bottom of the league, in last place, the also ran, the weakest link, the loser. Can I get any lower? No. I have a Master's Degree, so why is it that, without fail, out of 8 players I always come last? I have never once moved off bottom place in these family Zoom quiz nights. Is God teaching me to be humble? It's working!

Mind you, it is becoming something of an honour now. I almost want to defend my place and maintain this illustrious reputation for being the worst quizzer in my family.

Do they feel sorry for me? Do they sympathise?

Not on your life! But I bear it bravely. I ight manfully onward and look forward to the next time.

Actually, I am as glad as anyone to celebrate the victor, who is usually one of the three girls - come on lads, we need to raise our game!

To share the victor's joy, to recognise someone else's achievement, to be happy at the success of another person should give us joy!

The Bible says, 'rejoice with those who rejoice.'

It's a sad person who begrudges another’s success, or who minimises it with a 'Yes but...'

There's something lovely in celebrating the achievement of others. I saw the opposite of that loveliness yesterday in reports of people who belittled the show of affection and gratitude for Captain Tom. We really don't like it when people do that. It's good to build up, to encourage, to honour achievement and success, even when it's not our own.

Yes, rejoice with those who rejoice.

The other side of that is that we should weep with those who weep. Showing sympathy and 'togetherness' is a natural human reaction. We don't need to be told. I am sure that these natural sympathies we express are part of what we call the image of God within us.

We laugh and rejoice with others, we cry and express our sorrow for them. Both very human virtues - but quite divine as well.

God is there in the celebration and in the tragedy.

Father, I love to hear other peoples' good news. I smile when I hear of a success, an achievement that isn't mine. I rejoice with those who rejoice.

I also think today of those who are sad, grieving, worried, afraid. I pray for those who today will say goodbye to a loved one, who face surgery, experience a breakup, lose a job, worry about their family.

Lord help us all to be sympathetic and prayerful.

You have made us to be like you - you rejoice and you sympathise with us too.

Thank you Lord, that knowledge is a great encouragement and comfort to us today. Amen.

God bless you 🙏 Have a peaceful day

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06 February 2021

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elcome to Song Saturday.

Major Antony and Major Fiona here with another preview of one of

the songs that will be featured in tomorrow's Together in Worship.

This week, a beautiful, devotional song from the pen of John Newton; to my mind a better song than Amazing Grace; but that's just personal opinion.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds in a Believer's Ear, is more devotional, more worshipful and more, perhaps I can use the word 'intimate', than his great hymn of testimony to God's amazing grace.

Remember that Newton had led an awful life as a slave trader. He was converted in a storm at sea and became a minister. He never lost his sense of gratitude and wonder that he could be forgiven. Near the end of his life he wrote, 'My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things – that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Saviour.' How Sweet the Name reflects something of the love he had for Jesus, the One who saved him.

I suggested the word 'intimate' to describe this song. What is interesting is that Newton based the irst verse that you see below on Song of Solomon 1 v 3, but only one phrase: 'Thy name is as ointment poured forth.' He's obviously equating the name of Jesus with the soothing and healing qualities of ointment. But the rest of the verse and the verses around it, and indeed the chapter and the whole book, are quite striking words of intimacy, of desire. It's quite racy at times!

The church has taken this poem about a love between a man and woman and made it an allegory of the love between the believer and Christ; so we get phrases like the one I've quoted, which originally referred to the perfume worn by the man, and other such as 'he's the fairest of ten thousand', based loosely on 5 v 10, and 'he's altogether lovely' in v 16. I'll leave you to look at the Song of Solomon and see the intimacy there, that many have 'spiritualised' to describe their love for Jesus.

There is a tradition down through the centuries of using 'romantic' language to describe a believer's relationship with God. Even in more modern times we sing things like '...hear thy whispered love within my soul, Jesus thou art everything to me,' or 'To be in your presence, to sit at your feet, where your love surrounds me and makes me complete...'

When Newton was very old, his mind was less alert. He was preaching for what turned out to be the very last time, and he took a man into the pulpit with him, basically to remind him where he was in the sermon. His assistant would read out the next heading in his notes, and Newton would speak from memory. The assistant read, and Newton replied 'Jesus Christ is precious.' The assistant read the next point, and Newton said again, 'Jesus Christ is precious.' 'You've already said that', said the assistant. Newton raised his voice, 'Yes, I said it twice and I'll say it again, "Jesus Christ is precious!”' Rev Newton then requested that the congregation sing his hymn about the precious Saviour who had rescued him: Jesus, whose name was as ointment poured forth: How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear; It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.

Weak is the effort of my heart And cold my warmest thought, But when I see Thee as Thou art, I'll praise Thee as I ought.

It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the troubled breast; 'Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary rest.

Till then I will thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death.

Dear name, the rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place, My never failing treasury, illed With boundless stores of grace.

Join us to tomorrow for Together in Worship from 10am. God bless you, 🙏

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08 February 2021

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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona, on what promises to be a challenging day weatherwise.

The newspapers, never missing a chance to sensationalise things, have taken the forecast for wind and snow and stormy weather, and have named the weather that's been expected, 'Beast from the East 2', after the other 'Beast from the East’ that we experienced in 2018. It makes it sound like an action ilm sequel. We have been told that it won't be as cold as the irst one, which made someone quip, 'Sequels are never as good as the original...'

It was in World War II that pilots in the US Air force began to name typhoons after their wives and girlfriends (I bet they never told them!), and nowadays there's a whole list of names - male and female - given to hurricanes and storms. They have decided on all the names for future hurricanes until the end of 2023. I looked to see if there's an Antony, there isn't; but I'm delighted to tell you there's a Hurricane Fiona arriving somewhere, sometime next year!

In the UK, storm Darcy has affected the South East and East and we hope, of course, that people will not be adversely affected; we want people to be safe.

Beast from the East, Darcy... It's strange that we name things, either with a description or a human name. It can't be to minimise the storm, though 'Beast' does reflect ferocity and danger.

Sometimes giving something a name helps us to cope, to know what to do about something.

Many of us have had tests or investigations done, and when they've come back we've been given the name of our newly-identi ied medical condition. 'At least they know what it it is', we say. 'Now they can give the right treatment.' Accurate names, especially descriptive names, are the best. We want things to 'do what it says on the tin'.

In many cultures, Africa for example, children are given descriptive Christian names in the hope they will live up to them: Tolerance, Glad, Precious. I know there was a politician called Good Luck. I can't comment on the lady who called her baby FIFA because it was the irst word she saw after giving birth, and it was on a t-shirt!

We know someone who was given a name that describes perfectly what he was to do. He did 'what it says on the tin'. Jesus literally means 'Saviour'. He came to seek and to save that which was lost - you and me of course.

He takes the sins we confess and saves us from them; but more than that, being 'saved' has a lot of positive qualities.

Poetically we might ask: Say, is there a name to live by?

Say, is there a name for meaning?

Is there a name for joy?

Is there a name for might?

Is there a name to change men, Is there a name to guide us Their hate and greed destroy?

Each day and every hour?

Have we a name for healing?

Have we a name for cleansing?

Have we a name for peace?

Have we a name for care?

Have we a name for freedom, Have we a name for all men Deliverance and release?

For always, everywhere?

And to all those questions we can reply: There's no other name but this name, And no other name will do.

There's no other name but Jesus For folk like me and you.

For no other name brings pardon And sets everybody free, There's no other name but Jesus For you and me.

That's a positive start to our week. Whatever happens, whether this week is joyful or sorrowful, easy or challenging, Jesus is the name to call upon. He is there for us. May God bless you 🙏 Keep safe.

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09 February 2021

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orning all!

Altogether now: 'Walking in a winter wonderland...'

I don't think many of us will be walking too much today! We spare a thought for those whose jobs entail outside work or especially a drive!

Keep safe everyone.

After a couple of days of that wispy kind of snow that just flits about, or the hard kind of snow - hail I guess - or the wet, rainy kind of snow, I'm sitting here watching the thick, silent heavy snow falling. My favourite. It's 'real' snow.

A couple of years ago I delighted a couple of audiences that our band played carols to with some thoughts about snow. Let me share them with you...

When it comes to snow, any kind of snow, that’s what we call it – snow; but if you’re in northern, snowy countries they have many, many words for snow.

• In Sweden they have 25 words for snow – there’s the snow for building snowmen, snow at Christmas, unwelcome snow – all different words.

• The Inuit have 50 words - A word for snow on the ground, another for snow that’s falling, and there’s a word for snow that you sink into.

• In parts of Norway they have 180 different words - Snow that’s good for hard snowballs, snow that’s got a thin crust of ice on it and snow that’s been trampled by reindeer!

But my favourite is snow that’s as big as a dog’s paw. That’s how they describe those huge fluffy snowflakes.

I was amazed to read that the Scots have 421 different words for snow. Why? Just why?

Just trivia really but I heard something quite profound the other day: 'When the snow falls our gardens all look the same.'

A blanket of white falls on our garden whether it’s beautifully tended with a bowling green lawn, or whether it’s a bit neglected; and that blanket of silent snow transforms it all into something lovely.

It doesn’t choose, doesn’t differentiate, it changes any landscape into a winter wonderland.

Like the snow, the love of God can transform anyone’s lives; we are all equally loved - and in the sight of God those who accept his gift of peace are equally blessed from whatever background we come, whoever we are.

God can make all lives beautiful.

Father, I thank you for your love that changes all things; for your promise that whoever comes to you will be made new.

I thank you that all your promises include me, and that in your time and in your way, I am blessed.

As you have blessed others, I ask for that blessing today for myself, but also for those who face a dif icult day. May the peace of Christ settle gently on them too.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

May you feel God's blessing resting on you today. 🙏

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10 February 2021

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ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Yesterday I heard about the births of three babies. Three new lives have joined us and begun their journey through life. That's three couples, grandparents, great grandparents, brothers and sisters and the wider circle of family and friends far and near who have been gladdened by the safe delivery and the joy of a new life.

So congratulations to the babies born into the families of two of our Over Sixties Club members, who are great grandmothers, and the family of another great grandmother, the Queen (who, if she and Philip wanted to join our Golden Years would be made most welcome!) It doesn't matter whether you are Princess Eugenie or a young woman in a different situation in life, the experience is exactly the same. The emotions, the hopes and fears are the same, even if the lifestyle is different.

One comment made to me yesterday was 'what kind of world have they been brought into?'

Do you know, I've heard that kind of comment for years; and I guess it's been said in every generation.

Imagine a child born into Victorian poverty, a child born in wartime, a child born into a pandemic...and yet the world has continued and the joys and blessings of family life have never diminished. Life has progressed.

My reply to the comment, 'what kind of world...? was, 'Well maybe this new baby will grow up to change something, make this world a better place.' It's not unknown for babies born into dif iculty to grow up and make a real difference.

So our hope, our prayer for the three babies I know about that were born yesterday, together with the thousands that made their appearance along with them, is that through all of them there will be joy and hope for the future.

Over 50 years ago son writers Bill and Gloria Gaither welcomed a new life. It was a dif icult time - the Cold War, Vietnam, etc. And they asked similar questions. In one song they wrote: How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives, But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain day because he lives.

The 'he lives' refers to the living presence of Jesus whose own birth, death and resurrection is the greatest, in fact the only hope of our world. We look at our children, watch them grow and see the future being formed and changed by them, but how much more hope and assurance comes because we know that life is worth living because Jesus is alive.

Because he lives I can face tomorrow Because he lives all fear is gone Because i know he holds the future And life is worth the living just because he lives Lord Jesus Christ, because you live I can live also. You ill my life and experience with your presence, and to know your love in my life gives the greatest reassurance.

I look at our world with all its challenges and sadness, and yet still I see signs of hope as life goes on - whether it's shoots growing up in the garden or babies being born; it's a sign that life is moving forward in a beautiful world.

And Lord, when things are dif icult, when I face great challenges and things change around me, just to know you are there alleviates my fears and gives me a foundation to stand on.

I rejoice in the gifts you give, and place my trust in you as you lead me, all of us, into a hope- illed future. Amen.

God bless you 🙏

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Page 13

11 February 2021

H

appy Thursday everyone! Major Antony and Major Fiona here.

We have a bit of a crisis here. Nothing life threatening or personally damaging, but a 'work crisis': we've run out of ink!

We have two printers.

The irst is the kind that many people have in their homes, it's basically used to print small items, a couple of letters, the script for a YouTube talk, prayers, a poster, etc. Nothing huge. It uses those astonishingly expensive little ink cartridges that nearly cost as much as the printer! We've run out of colour.

The other is the large printer/photocopier in the Citadel of ice. It prints the Focus magazines, the Faith in a Changed World daily readings, inance documents, and very importantly, the Sunday School material that is sent out to the children. It uses 4 great foot-long toner cartridges. And we've run out of black.

The problem is that ink is supplied for both printers by the manufacturers when they see electronically that we need it. We can't just go and buy it. That's OK, but the small ink won't arrive for a couple of days, and the company that supplies the big photocopier has completely run out of black ink. There's none in their warehouse that they can send us. They even tried eBay!!!

I guess it's what we call a ' irst world problem': the kind of problem that is trivial compared to real needs.

Nobody will starve, fall ill, lose their job. The worst that will happen is that this week the children will not receive their Sunday School leaflets. It's usually quite a big print run. But maybe a week off will be OK. Do you remember the panic buying?

Paracetamol? No, you'll have to suffer!

Toilet roll? Forget it, improvise!

Hand sanitizer? Nope, what's wrong with soap and water anyway?

The demand outstripped the supply, and the sensible supermarkets put a stop to people illing their trollies to the top with unnecessary amounts of Andrex.

All I can say is that there was always enough to go round had people not stockpiled. I bet some are still using their original store!

There's never a delay in God's blessings.

There's never a problem in the heavenly warehouse.

You never have to go without because someone else took all the blessings.

There's never a restriction on what you can ask for from God. In fact, you can't store up blessing for tomorrow anyway. God gives, and gives again for today.

He blesses with what we need - 'strength for today' - and then promises a next-day delivery as well - 'bright hope for tomorrow'.

And what's more, he encourages us to ask for his blessings so that we can share with others. A song says, Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring, For his grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much.

Thank God he never runs out of love, never delays his grace, never restricts his blessings.

Remember this verse whenever you pray today: 'My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4 v 19) God bless you 🙏

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Page 14

12 February 2021

M

orning all. It's Friday again; we hope you've been having a good week!

Do you have a cat? They have been described as being 'the epitome of indifference'. It's true, you can't interest a cat in anything really. There's something unsettling about the way a cat will walk into a room and just stare at you. Our cat will sit on a window sill and just 'look'. There might be nothing to see, she just stares...

I often ask myself, 'What is she looking at? What is she thinking?'

In these days of not really going anywhere a comment I've heard frequently reflects a need to look out at things. People talk about being able to look at the hills from their kitchen window. Someone said, I just love to see the trees. Another says, As long as I can see the garden...

Others have said, I love my house: in the morning I watch the sky as the sun comes up, and in the afternoon, from a different room I can watch the sun go down again. There's de initely an appreciation for looking out, looking up, looking away from what is next to us, and looking far off to something else, something inspirational.

I smile to myself when people post photographs on a photos of Blackpool Facebook group, but instead of pictures of the town, so many are photos of sunsets over the Irish Sea. All very nice, but all looking away from the town (which even I, coming from Blackpool admit is not the most beautiful).

Sometimes, the joy and the pleasure of where we are is found in what we can see when we look ahead, look up, look away.

Faith and hope is the ability - God-given of course - to look from our circumstances and see greater things.

Faith is even described as "con idence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 It's the ability to 'see' what is not yet revealed. Proverbs encourages us to "Let your eyes look straight ahead; ix your gaze directly before you." (Proverbs 4:25) and Jesus himself said we should "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near."(Luke 21 v 28) So, next time you feel closed in, look out. Next time you feel under the circumstances, look up. Next time you feel 'hemmed in', look forward.

To the hills I lift my eyes, The distant hills before me; Hills that rise to reach the skies, And spread their glory o'er me.

Planted by omnipotent hand, By divine appointment they stand, To the hills I lift my eyes, The beckoning hills before me.

To the hills I'll turn again, Away from earthly slumber, There to gain the topmost plain; May naught my way encumber.

On the highest summit I'll stand, There to view the long-promised land; Though my eyes look to the skies, I lift my heart to Heaven.

Eyes may scan the dizzy height, And human feet stand on it; Only faith, in mystic flight, Can see the realms beyond it.

Steeper than the mountains of time, Higher than the loftiest climb, O'er the hills I lift my eyes; From thence my help is coming.

God bless you 🙏

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Page 15

13 February 2021

H

ello everyone, welcome to our second Song Saturday for February, where we look at one of the songs that will be used in tomorrow's Together in Worship. Today it's a lively one! I have often said that the irst thing someone should know about God is that he loves them; before anything else, that's the most important thing. Everything we know about God flows from his perfect love for us all. We're all included in that love and invited to experience it. And so, our song for today is Come Let Us All Unite To Sing. I love this song. It's one of those songs in the Army where the band plays, the people sing loudly, and then when the chorus gets going, the clapping starts and the tambourines get a good airing!

It might come as surprise to my Salvationist comrades to learn that it's not actually a Salvation Army song! It's actually from the American revivals at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and irst appeared in a song book in 1812. These revivals, or 'camp meetings' as they were called, attracted thousands of people to open air services and they would literally camp out for the days. There was lots of preaching, communion services were held, and of course, the singing. This was the foundation of a lot of the evangelical singing that became popular in the Methodist churches, The Salvation Army and other revival churches, and then on into the Pentecostal Churches. Thousands of people were converted in these camp meetings and you can imagine the sound of all those voices in the open air singing songs like this one with great enthusiasm.

Sadly, it's anonymous. That's probably because one of the features of these revivals was the spontaneous singing. Someone would hear a phrase used by a preacher, and start singing that phrase to a made up tune.

Perhaps others would join in and add another line. Very often a phrase would be repeated over and again as a response to a new line of the song. We can see that in our chosen song for today. You can almost imagine a solo voice singing the line with the crowd around him singing 'God is love' in reply. The refrain then, is simply the last phrase of the verse repeated by the whole crowd again.

I reckon this was one of those songs that wasn't written down for a long time but was a popular song when people gathered. It was learned quickly, memorised and used often. Sometimes these songs would start spontaneously and almost take over the meeting, often repeated over and over. The style of singing in the 'old' Salvation Army is derived very much from this kind of revivalist worship. It's a 'gathering' song, an invitation to worship; and there were probably many different versions of it until one or two publishers wrote one version down, printed it, and then made that version the 'authorised' version. In our song book there is a subtle difference to the Methodist version. They sing 'Come let us all unite AND sing', whereas we sing, '...TO sing'. I like our version better; it gives a sense of purpose, of intention: this is why we come and unite; we are going to sing about God's love. This is what unites us, it's what makes gathering worthwhile. In these times when we are not actually gathering in person there is a sense that we are still uniting 'to sing: God is love'.

Tomorrow, when you watch the video and see the words, and hear the band play - and I know some of you actually sing(!) - be aware of everyone else who will experience that song. Think of faces, hear their voices, remember them, and you will feel united as you sing. Remember too, that worship is not just for when 'two or three gather in my name', worship is deeply personal, and where the Holy Spirit dwells in each heart, we are then joined by him into the one Body of Christ, even though we are separate. The song says 'each in his heart sweet music make'. Let that be your experience today; and tomorrow of course, when you read these words.

Think of those camp meetings where songs like this were sung in an almost Pentecostal fervour, and let the Spirit move in your heart as you remember, God is love! God bless you. See you all tomorrow.

Come, let us all unite to sing: God is love!

Let Heaven and earth their praises bring, God is love!

Let every soul from sin awake, Each in his heart sweet music make, And sing with us, for Jesus' sake: God is love!

O tell to earth's remotest bound, God is love!

In Christ we have redemption found, God is love!

His blood has washed our sins away, His Spirit turned our night to day, And now we can rejoice to say: God is love!

How happy is our portion here, God is love!

His promises our spirits cheer, God is love!

He is our sun and shield by day, Our help, our hope, our strength, our stay; He will be with us all the way; God is love!

In Canaan we will sing again: God is love!

And this shall be our loudest strain: God is love!

While endless ages roll along, We'll triumph with the heavenly throng, And this shall be our sweetest song: God is love!

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Page 16

15 February 2021

H

appy Monday everyone from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Well, after a good night's sleep I feel that I haven't woken up to a new day or week, it seems like I've opened the blinds on a new season! Have I slept for a week?

Yesterday morning there was snow and ice still being a hazard on the street. Fiona and I watched an elderly lady with a dog struggle past on the extremely slippery ice, and battling with the wind. There were reports and photos of cars unable to get to the next village because of drifting snow, there were photos of large branches on the road near an estate of houses, and I was in my of ice in our attic and the wind was so strong at one point I could feel the roof almost lift!

This morning. Nothing. No snow, no ice, a slight breeze, and the prospect of an almost cloud free day. Thank goodness. Oh! And there's yesterday's elderly lady striding past with her dog, without any trouble at all.

It's as if 'someone' has called out overnight, 'Peace, be still!'

We all know that story. A boat illed with experienced ishermen who knew the lake like the back of their hands. They could read the weather conditions; they knew what the storm could do. They were expecting death. Jesus was expecting a few more minutes of sleep!

Either he didn't know, or he didn't care (which is what the disciples thought), or he knew ine well they weren't in danger. And when he eventually awoke, he shouted at the wind and waves, 'Peace, be still.' (Mark 4 v 39) Astonishing.

It's a great Sunday School story. Well it is if we just see it as Jesus able to get the wind to calm down.

It's a good devotional story. And it is if we 'spiritualise' it by turning the wind and waves into our problems and hoping that he can still life's storms; which, let's be honest, he often does not.

Basically this story is about who Jesus is.

In those days people thought that bad weather - wind and waves - was controlled by evil forces. When Jesus stilled the storm the point that was not lost on the disciples was not that Jesus could make the waves calmer, but that he had the authority over those unseen forces, and that he could disarm the cause of the storm.

He wasn't just treating the symptom, the visible effect, he was getting to the root of the problem.

In life - life's storms, if you like - peace doesn't come because the symptoms, the 'waves' die down. Peace comes when the cause of the storm is confronted. It might be anger, pride, jealousy, fear, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness.

These things often cause a storm, and by the grace of God they can, when confessed, be rebuked, as it were, disarmed.

Sometimes the way to have a 'calm sea' is not to shout at the wind, or ight against the waves; the way is to ask the Lord to address the heart of the matter and actually change the heart of those who matter.

'Peace, be still', is at irst a work of grace in a restless heart.

In your prayers today pray as Jesus suggested. Pray for yourself, your neighbours, your friends and even your enemies. Pray that hearts will be changed. Perhaps that change of heart is needed much closer to home.

'Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.' (2 Thessalonians 3:16) God bless you 🙏

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Page 17

16 February 2021

G

ood morning everyone.

One of the features of our life at the moment is the way we pay for things. We've paid by card for years of course, but I will guess that most of us, if we were paying for just a few items would pull out a iver or a handful of change. You wouldn't have dreamt of buying a single newspaper with a debit card.

Nowadays I don't think twice about it; and the only time I ever use cash is at the Chinese takeaway or the chippy.

I missed a very signi icant anniversary yesterday, and I guess I'm amongst the youngest for whom Decimal Day in 1971 will actually mean anything. If you're even a couple of years younger than me you won't remember £.s.d. but I remember at 6 years old that my short back and sides was sixpence; I remember my school dinners in 1968 were 7s 6d. I remember doing a sponsored walk with my Dad and raising £10 8s 6d. I remember getting a 10s note for my 8th birthday.

February 15th 1971 was dictation at school and I remember writing what the teacher said: 'Today is decimal day...'

Sixpence became two and a half new pence, a shilling became 5p, 10s became 50p and confusion reigned amongst the elderly who couldn't understand why £1 now contained only 100 pence instead of 240!

Where's our money gone?

People genuinely thought they were being ripped off as the money was changed. It was a momentous time, a confusing time as the value of money and the value of things seemed to change overnight.

Value for money is important, and we ourselves don't like to feel undervalued, or to be thought of less. When things change around us, when circumstances change, when life itself changes, there is a possibility that we feel our own worth has suffered. It's a big thing at the moment. We talk about mental health so much nowadays, and quite rightly. We might add emotional health, spiritual health too. What am I worth?

There are moments, that might actually extend into days, when our self-worth suffers; we begin to compare ourselves with others and even as Christian believers we might feel we suffer in comparison with others. I think Jesus realised that. In fact, he knew how widespread an experience this is when he spoke some of the loveliest words to us, reminding us of our worth to our heavenly Father. We are dear to him, precious in his sight. Each one of us is special, loved, valued and honoured by God. He looks at us and is pleased.

Jesus said 'Aren't ive sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight... Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!’ (Luke 12:6 7) When the dust settled after Decimal Day the fears of inflation, being charged higher prices, of goods being worth less, proved unfounded.

When our circumstances change there is one thing that will always prove to be constant: you are valuable to God. Have a lovely day today. God bless you 🙏

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Page 18

17 February 2021

H

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Our irst appointment as Salvation Army of icers was to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. It's a lovely, old historical walled city that sadly became known for its part in the Troubles. Protestants and Catholics live mostly in different areas.

One morning, walking in the city, I noticed a woman with a dirty face. She had a smudge above her eyebrows.

Oh dear, I thought, I bet she doesn't realise. But then I saw someone else with a similar smudge, then another.

What's going on? Every other person had a mark on their forehead as they walked around the city centre doing their shopping.

I discovered that they had been to Chapel (that's what they call a Catholic Church in Ireland) because it was Ash Wednesday. There the priest had marked them with the ash of last year's palm crosses in a ceremony that marked the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. In this service the priest says, as he imposes the ashes, 'Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.' They would be carrying that mark for the rest of the day as a sign of penitence, and the forgiveness of sins.

I always ind it interesting to see how seriously some people observe these outward expressions of their faith.

There's a cultural thing, I guess; Derry is a very Catholic city. I do believe however that they are sincere in their belief. It's an interesting thing to observe, that people will go to church on a weekday to be reminded of their sinfulness, and then spend the day, in the shops or at work, publicly showing this.

Some people nowadays don't like the idea that we are sinners. They don't like to dwell on our mortality. This idea of being merely dust is an affront to our modern attitudes of being empowered, of having great importance, of achieving, succeeding and flourishing. But I look at it a different way.

Of course God loves us, values us, sees our true worth. But what pressure that might put on us when we look into our hearts and see those things that are not worthy? It's those things that God has a remedy for; and when the Bible says, 'For he well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust,' (Psalm 103 v 14) that's not condemnation, that's empathy. It's not bad news, it's great news! God knows me. He understands me.

He offers therefore a solution: He gives grace, he offers healing, forgiveness; he comes down to the dust, takes us by the hand and raises us up. This is redemption. It's the good news of Lent.

Ash Wednesday for those who observe it, is a symbolic day of recognising in a conscious way that not only do we need a Saviour, we actually have one! For us there is no need to worry about where grace and forgiveness might come from, no need to struggle against the sins that sometimes worry us.

Ash Wednesday might be one day in a year for some, but the grace of God that lifts us up from the dust of life and puts joy in our heart is available every day for those who ask him for it. Yes, dust we might be, but it's dust that God loves, and he has promised us that our heart and life can be different because we have a Saviour in Jesus.

There is a message, a simple message, And it's a message for us all; There is a Saviour, and what a Saviour!

There is a Saviour for us all.

Chorus Let's look at Jesus, for he's the Saviour, If you want pardon, then ask for pardon, And he will answer when we call; And God's own pardon shall be yours; Let's look at Jesus, for he's the Saviour, For those who seek him are sure to ind him, Yes, he's the Saviour for us all.

And none who seek him Christ ignores.

God bless you today 🙏

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Page 19

18 February 2021

H

ello everyone,

As I look out of the window and watch the wind in the big tree opposite and hear the sound, I'm glad I'm not going out! The elderly lady with the dog, whom I have mentioned before, has just battled past, well wrapped up with appropriate clothing.

I heard a while ago that there's no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing - and it's true; over the years we have heard of people up mountains in flimsy shoes, or without waterproofs, who have had to be rescued.

Some of us have been caught in an expected shower without a coat, and that's excusable, but I have often wondered over this winter why there's always one person out there wearing shorts whilst the rest of us are wrapped up well!

Clothing styles and the rules for what's appropriate have completely changed nowadays. Very often, for example, a family might stipulate bright clothes for a funeral. I went to a funeral a few years ago in a black tie, a black coat, only to discover that the 'bright clothes message' had not reached me.

Today is my friend Erik's funeral. A mutual friend asked, 'Is it suited and booted or casual?'

The reply was along the lines that a suit was OK, but seeing that Erik had amassed a vast collection of baseball and other caps, a selection of these will be available at the service for all mourners to wear in honour of the man. I shall look forward to the livestream where I shall see this array of hats worn by a group of middle aged men.

Fashionable? No. Appropriate? Perhaps questionable 30 years ago, but entirely itting as they remember their friend - including his love of hats!.

Do we have appropriate clothing for life?

Some religions feature things like a yarmulke for Jewish men, or a hijab for Muslim women.

Salvationists have variations of uniform for different occasions, but the clothing for life, according to the Bible is our character.

'Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.' (Colossians 3 v 12) We're told about being clothed in garments of praise, or robes of righteousness. The Bible even speaks about being clothed with Christ. That means we are so identi ied with him that people see his likeness on us.

One great image of heaven tells us that everyone there is wearing a white robe. It's a symbol of being forgiven, that the heart is clean. And one of our songs tells us that in heaven, 'None will ask what they have been, provided that their robes are clean...'

That cleansing can only come through forgiveness by God through Jesus who died for us.

And that is appropriate clothing - a clean heart, a loving character, a godly outlook on life.

Whatever you do today, make sure your clothing is appropriate. 🙂 God bless you 🙏

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Page 20

19 February 2021

H

ello from Major Antony and Major Fiona. It's Friday once more, the end of another week.

How has it been for you? We recognise of course that this week has been a time of great sadness and emotion for some. We pray for you, and trust that God will comfort, bless and encourage you.

For others there have been life's usual niggles, annoyances and pressures - all magni ied I guess by the pandemic, the restrictions and various other factors beyond our control. Sadly, the pressures of these times have exposed some hidden issues, it created, let's say 'an atmosphere'; there's been a pressurecooker effect.

I think many people have smiled at the news of a wanted criminal who handed himself in. Sky News reported, 'Of icers said the man was wanted for recall to prison and gave himself up at Burgess Hill police station on Wednesday afternoon to get some "peace and quiet".'

It seems that being under pandemic restrictions had got to this gentleman; he'd got absolutely fed up with the behaviour of the people he was in lockdown with, and decided a prison cell would be far preferable! It makes you wonder what his 'friends' were like!

The pandemic has caused some problems. Over 50% of people have apparently got angry with others who have broken lockdown, with 1 in 12 people having so fallen out with a friend or family member, they are no longer on speaking terms. That's very sad.

I was very pleased to see however, not long ago some interesting igures saying that though inancial problems have increased, relationships within families have improved. Families feel closer because perhaps they are having to do more together, they talk to each other. I do recall the marvellous weather we had last April to June, and it amused me no end on my walks into the countryside to see whole families walking together Mum, Dad and three teenagers perhaps. Mum and Dad looking all keen, and the oldest teenager looking rather recalcitrant at having to put down his XBox and 'go outside.'

Sometimes the pressures of life can bring out the best in the human spirit. Sometimes they can add to our faith, and many will have found their faith in God strengthened as they have had to exercise that faith.

James the next-youngest brother of Jesus, wrote, 'Count it all joy my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds.' (James 1 v 2). Now, not many of us enjoy the dif iculties of life of course, but faith and the presence of God, and belonging to a church family, can actually bring positive outcomes from these trials.

James goes on to say that our trials increase our perseverance and bring 'completeness' so that we don't lack anything. I take that to mean a sense of peace in a heart that knows it has all it needs, a sense that things are OK; that even in sorrowful or stressed days there is a feeling that 'God's got this'. We are not alone, we are not without hope. The prayers of others, our own prayers indeed, bring God very near.

The trials of life need not drive us from God, limit our faith, destroy our hope. Rejoice whilst under pressure and you will ind, somehow, that 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' (Nehemiah 8 v 10).

Father, you know the joys and the excitement of life, and I thank you for those days when the world is a wonderful place. My family and friends are good to me, and I feel I could want for nothing.

But you, Lord, know the pressures, the anxieties, pains and sorrows that are sometimes mine - even constantly. It's on those days when I cry out to you, that I need you most.

Can I count it all joy? Father, if I'm honest, I struggle with that one. But what does bring me joy is you; you are with me speaking gently through your Word, your Spirit within me, the photo that brings a memory, the text message, the smile of a friend, the promise of a prayer.

Lord, the trials that come to me are not the source of joy, but the reason I can see joy in so many other things.

May that joy today bring the strength I need.

May that joy open my heart and my eyes to every blessing you want me to have today. I count it all joy today so that this day will be a good day. Thank you Father. Amen.

God bless you 🙏 If you need anything, we're here.

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Page 21

M

orning all, welcome to Song Saturday. The song we're going to look at from tomorrow's Together in Worship

is 'Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God'. It's simple to sing, yet it's profound in its meaning. It's one of the songs that young people of my age sang constantly as teenagers.

There was a movement in the late 1960s, early 1970s that was a parallel Christian youth movement to the hippy culture of the late 60s. It started in America, and the music they made was basically called 'Jesus Music.' You might recognise some of the things that they sang: He is Lord, This is the Day, Jesus Name Above All Names and our song for today, Seek Ye First. These songs came out of a renewal of the Christian faith in the churches, the Holy Spirit was bringing revival to many, and these songs, and many others, flowed out of that renewal experience and were sung all round the world.

Many of them were illed with Biblical language, just as the old Victorian hymns had been, and Wesley's hymns before that. The melodies were simple and easy to sing, just like the old-time Salvation Army choruses 80 years previously. People like to sing! And when a song is short, when it's easy to sing, when it's catchy, then it becomes popular - just like Seek Ye First.

Of course we can see that the lyrics are pure Scripture. The irst two verses are taken straight from the teaching of Jesus - ‘Seek ye irst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you', from Matthew 6 v 33, and 'Ask and it shall be given unto you' from Matthew 7 v 7.

These are words to live by, they are famous words - though I did come across a website of quotes that listed these famous words of Jesus as 'anonymous'. Well, they might wonder where these profound words originated, but we know!

The second verse contains the words Jesus quoted from the Old Testament during his temptations: 'Man shall not live by bread alone', from Matthew 4 v 4. The whole song is about priorities, about satisfaction in life, and those things that are dependable; it's a profound song for all its simplicity, and is basically saying, 'Put God irst, look for him in life, don't rely on material things, and you will have all you need.'

Don't worry, says Jesus in the Gospels; your heavenly Father knows what you need before you even ask!

Karen Lafferty who put this song together 49 years ago, added a simple refrain; the singer repeats 'Alleluia' seven times after each Scriptural verse. Why the repetition? Because having all we need just encourages us to praise God for everything he does. It's a joyful song because it recognises that right priorities will bring us peace, and be expressed in heartfelt praise.

Put God irst, before all things, and you will always have something that will lead you to say Alleluia, Praise the Lord!

Join us tomorrow and sing this and other songs as we join Together in Worship, from 10am Seek ye irst the kingdom of God, And his righteousness, And all these things, shall be added unto you, Allelu, alleluia.

Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall ind.

Knock and the door shall be opened unto you.

Allelu, alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia, allelu, alleluia,

Man shall not live by bread alone, But by every word That proceeds from the mouth of God Allelu, alleluia.

Karen Lafferty (C) 1972 CCCM Music

God bless you 🙏

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20 February 2021

22 February 2021

M

orning all, welcome to a new week. New day, new start.

Do you have plans? Hopes? Fears? Prayers?

There's a couplet from a song that to be honest we're all still learning to do; it says, Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring.

The truth is that his power is greater than we think. His willingness to answer the prayer of faith is greater than our willingness to pray.

I had to chuckle to myself yesterday when I happened to hear an interview with Sir Keir Starmer on the radio.

The headline news was that the Prime Minister was announcing revised dates for the rollout of the vaccine, and that it was going so well the dates were being brought forward and that every adult would be offered the vaccine by a much earlier date than anticipated.

I think many of us have watched with interest how this vaccine has been rolled out. Lots of you have by today already had the vaccine, and here in Guisborough your experience has been one of total satisfaction with how organised, how ef icient, how quick and easy the whole experience has been. It's been so quick that some people have taken advantage of the times when all the planned vaccines for a particular day had been given, there were vaccines left and time to do them, and a ' irst come irst served' call has gone out for others to come quickly and get theirs done early.

Amazing. How much more than we expected!

Back to Keir Starmer: This Right Honourable Gentleman is the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. It's his job to hold the Government to account, to literally oppose, criticise, highlight failures in Government. He was interviewed regarding the Government vaccine programme.

'Well done!' he said. He said other complimentary things and not one word of criticism, opposition, or disagreement. Is this a irst?

We have a situation where Government has made decisions, but where manufacturers, healthcare workers, volunteers, and indeed we the general public, have worked together so positively, so eagerly that the progress of the vaccine has exceeded all hopes, expectations and plans. We have literally been surprised. So much so that the opposition is just as amazed at how much more we have bene itted.

That phrase 'how much more' resonates in the minds of Salvationists because it's found in one of our songs that reflects the very words of Jesus. The writer takes examples of excellent human virtues, saying that if men can do these things, 'how much more,' can God? The refrain reads: Then how much more shall God our Father in love forgive, in love forgive!

Then how much more shall God our Father our wants supply and none deny?

How much more? Well, his power is greater than our ability. His power is greater than we could assume.

The Bible says that God 'is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...'(Ephesians 3 v 20). Another version of that says, he 'in exercise of His power that is at work within us, is able to do in initely beyond all our highest prayers or thoughts.'

What a promise, what an encouragement. What power and ability is his to do so much more than our thoughts might even imagine! If we, as humans can do great things, wonderful things, even unexpectedly successful things when we work together, then really, how much more can God do in response to the prayer of faith?

Father, as I begin this week, may my plans, my hopes and my prayers be formed and shaped, not by my experience, my abilities, or my expectations, but by your power, your grace and your love for me.

Let me see your 'how much more' in my life. Amen.

You might want to read Matthew 7 v 7 11.......God bless you 🙏

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23 February 2021

G

ood morning 🌅 everyone!

Well, I sat here with my coffee and saw the most wonderful sunrise. I rushed upstairs, opened the window in the attic and took a photo of this beautiful sky above the ruined Priory here in Guisborough. What a lovely sight, what a beautiful day it's going to be.

I came downstairs, and there was a noti ication on my phone: Rain in 44 minutes.

Oh yes, I'd forgotten; red sky in the morning, and all that.

The other phrase that came to mind was "Don't rain on my parade." It means don't spoil my pleasure, don't put a dampener on things, stop being negative...

You get people like that don't you.

The one who sees where it all might go wrong, the person who can't just enjoy the moment but sees the problem, the cynic who just waits for failure and says, "I told you so..."

It's not a bad thing to be realistic, to anticipate any problems that might occur. Indeed, we can be thankful for a weather forecast that enables us to prepare for rain. But we do like hopefulness and encouragement rather than doubt and discouragement.

The PM's announcement is hopeful. It's realistic and encouraging, subject of course to care still being taken.

Giving positive plans and possible developments, and even tentative dates, will encourage people to give things that bit of extra effort with the hope these restrictions will be over by the summer. Encouragement like this is so much better than just telling us to stay indoors, etc, with no indication of 'how long for'.

I was disappointed therefore to hear reports of 'rain' while the rest of us are looking at the 'sunrise'.

'Oh it's too slow, too little, too early, too fast... what about this, what about the other... you should have done such and such...'

A bit draining, I think. Nothing can be the perfect plan, but how much more encouragement do we ind in life when we focus on what can be done rather than what can't. The Bible verse for today speaks encouragingly. It lists qualities that aren't speci ically religious - they are common to all people - but it is suggested that we think on these things.

'Whatever things are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.' (Philippians 4 v 8) Why? A following phrase says it all: 'And the God of peace will be with you.'

Think of good things, look for good things, enjoy the good things.

It's the way to peace of heart and mind.

God bless you today 🙏

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24 February 2021

H

ello everybody from Major Antony and Major Fiona.

Yesterday I quoted the Bible verse all about thinking of things that are true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and that we should think on these things.

It's not always easy though. You put on the news sometimes and it's mostly reports of negative things; it's why, on occasion I've commented on how different it all is when a news reporter is bringing good news! I remember the night the vaccine became good news. I've never seen the bloke on the ITV news look so happy!

The recent news about the plan for easing restrictions has also been a much-welcomed 'good news' feature.

Smiles all round in the newsroom, even though one or two dissatis ied mutterings have been heard... Some people are only happy when they have something to complain about.

Sometimes the happiest news is on the local TV News. There's often a feature with local people, and sometimes a smile and an unscripted comment from the newsreader before she says 'Goodnight'. We prefer that warmth to the serious demeanour of some national newsreaders.

When I phone people I am often surprised, or if not surprised then gladdened, at the eagerness of people to share their good news. Sometimes it's "I've had a distanced visit from my daughter", or "I've got a new great grandson." Once or twice it's been, "I've been for a lovely walk," "I've made cakes," or there's a report of an improvement in health.

These 'good news' conversations are so important. Every one contains details and feelings, activities or events that are signi icant to the person. They are heartwarming, encouraging, af irming and illed with happiness.

Goodness knows we've had enough of this restricted life; how wonderful it is to talk of the simple things, the ordinary things that bring joy, the normal family things that we all share and experience, but which spread happiness when we share them.

Good news is more likely to grant you a willing hearing than a complaint, a negative comment, an opinion about another person. Good news will encourage others, it might lift their spirits to hear your good news and in turn ind something they too can share.

Isaiah the prophet wrote those well-known words, 'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news' (Isaiah 52 v 7). Well we don't need to climb Roseberry Topping (a local hill) to shout our good news, we just need to share it where we are.

It's no accident that the Christian message, as well as encouraging the sharing of good news, is itself good news. To read even the story of Jesus is to read the greatest good news story ever told. So, if you're in need of a bit of good news on a bad news day, just read something from the Gospels. They are literally 'Good News'.

We hope you have a good day; and if you do, share it with someone. Spread some good news!

God bless you 🙏

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H

ello everyone.

How is your week going? We've got to Thursday, it's soon going to be the weekend. Some might think, 'What a great week I'm having'; some might think 'Thank goodness, the weekend can't come soon enough'!'

If someone asks you how you are doing, the word that we all too easily use is ' ine.' However, the tone of voice or the facial expression really says it all. Saying 'I'm ine', with a broad smile, a twinkle in the eye and a spring in the step is believable; those same two words spoken with half a smile that doesn't reach the eyes, and a bit of a shrug, will fool nobody.

We ask 'How are you?' frequently.

We get 'Fine', of course, 'Not bad thanks'.

We get 'Really well, thank you!' And we also get, 'I'll get there', 'I'm OK', 'Taking each day as it comes', and even, 'Surviving'.

Yesterday I got, 'Oh, we're soldiering-on.'

I've thought about that: soldiering-on.

There's something positive there I think. This isn't taking what each day brings, this isn't resignation, this is determination, even if it's a brief rallying-round, even if it's just summoning a little effort against a pressing issue.

I, like you, will ind days when there seems to be no strength, no prospect of getting anything done, let alone 'soldiering-on'!

But I remember what this person actually said: 'We're soldiering-on.' It wasn't him on his own, it was others too; joined together to face an issue, encouraging one another, helping, supporting. Soldiers don't normally ight alone.

Paul used the metaphor of ighting in relation to the life we live and the faith we claim. 'Fight the good ight of faith.' he wrote (1 Timothy 6 v 12). I don't think he had in mind a picture of a lone warrior with his armour, facing an enemy. In my opinion he might have imagined a regiment, or at least a platoon of soldiers - a band of brothers, if you like (and sisters too, of course).

How are you? Oh, WE are soldiering-on.

This is the beauty of the Christian faith. I've said it a number of times, 'Faith is personal, but it's never private.'

How can it be? Why, indeed, should it be?

We are a flock, a family, a body, a class in school, a regiment of soldiers. We are not alone in our faith.

The church is, by de inition, a gathering, a grouping. You cannot be the church by yourself, on your own.

We may not be meeting physically, but we gather here, we gather in the Spirit, we gather by internet, phone and text, united in Christ.

How are you? The answer can be, 'WE are ine. We're soldiering-on. We, together, are ighting the good ight of faith.'

Be assured of the prayers of others.

If you need us, if you need anything, we're here.

God bless you 🙏

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25 February 2021

26 February 2021

G

ood morning everybody, from Major Antony & Major Fiona.

Have you got that Friday feeling? You're ready for the weekend to

start?

Or do you feel that every day is pretty much the same anyway? Maybe you didn't even realise it was Friday!

Well, it is!

Life has been full of frustrations hasn't it. Some are little annoyances of course, everyday stuff that makes us roll our eyes, but they're not too important to mention. Other frustrations develop into ongoing crises of course - the illness, the loneliness, the concern about making ends meet. These are the things we should talk about to someone, con ide in someone; it's good to talk, as they use to say. It's true. If you need us, please don't be shy in letting us know.

I'll tell you what frustrates me. Technolo y. I'm OK up to a point; I'm not quite still in the stone age as far as internet and stuff is concerned, but once it gets past a certain level, you might as well give me a slate and a bit of chalk! Cars, engines, plumbing, joinery... well, I know people. We all know 'a man who can'. But sometimes even simple technolo y escapes any solutions.

Yesterday was particularly frustrating. We have TV screens at the Army hall, and one of them isn't working.

Why? Who knows? The others work, just as they used to - some of you remember. But this one stubbornly stays black. Just occasionally it decides to be dark grey - it's as if it's either thinking about coming on or else it's decided it is just going to play up for devilment. Three of us had a go yesterday - buttons were pressed, leads removed and replaced. And yes, we did turn it off and back on again 'to see if that clears it'! Nope. Nothing.

Frustration all round. Do you know, something inside me tells me there might be an oh-so-simple remedy, and all we'd need is a bloke from Samsung (other makes are available) to come in, press the 'obvious' button and say, 'there you go.' If only I knew a bloke from Samsung who could do it (for free of course).

Sometimes, just pressing buttons doesn't work. Quite often, reading the manual raises more questions, especially when you don't understand the terminolo y. Why can't we have a 'man that can' who will turn up with his work bag, his tool kit, and sort it all out?

Being frustrated with a piece of electronic equipment is trivial to the big 'things' of life. We manage to get on for the most part, we help one another, give advice, share experiences, but much of what we might want to know comes in another manual; at least that's how I've heard the Bible described.

I'm going to be honest and say I'm not a fan of seeing the Bible as an instruction manual. Some had likened it to a map, a chart, directions, a blueprint. Don't get me wrong, there's excellent advice in it’s pages; it tells us the way of love, of grace, of salvation; it’s pages tell us the principles to live by; they are the words of eternal life. Don't neglect the Bible.

But do you know, what makes the Bible so much more useful than an instruction manual, an instruction book, is that when we read it, the author is there with us. He's the 'man who can', and when we read, asking him to help us, those words come alive. I've heard people ask what relevance a 2000-year-old book can have today, Good question. It's relevant because the author is right there. He makes it relevant, real, and reliable.

Jesus is 'the man who can', and where a book of philosophy might show you the way, he IS the way. Where a book of knowledge might show you some truth, he IS the truth, and where a book of faith might point to a way of life, Jesus IS the life. When we read his word, the words are embodied in him; when we know him for ourselves, then we see and hear him when we read his words. There's no frustration when we listen for his voice as we read.

Lord Jesus, you are indeed the way, the truth, and the life.

Help me to follow you, to believe you, and to live with you in my heart. Then, when I read your word it will come alive for me.

May I ind you in its pages, and through the words of life come to know, and love you more. Amen.

Enjoy your weekend. God bless you 🙏

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27 February 2021

W

elcome to Song Saturday! Every Saturday we take a

song from tomorrow's Together in Worship and consider it together. This week we look at the opening hymn we will sing: Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken.

Last week, we featured a simple repeated chorus that was once the favourite of youth groups and evangelical gatherings; today, a magni icent hymn of the Church that would be totally at home in the grandest Cathedral - or an Army hall with a ine brass band!

The lyrics are not everyday English, they might take some thinking about. I read an article a long time ago now, written by an atheist I believe, who said that when he was a boy, he liked the old hymns because even though he didn't understand them, he just knew they were holy, special. When I was in a school assembly, aged 9 or 10, we were singing this hymn and I saw my class teacher turn to another and ask, "What does 'assuage' mean?" (see verse 3). Well, if he didn't know, there was no hope for the rest of us! But it's true, the majesty of the music and the beauty of the poetry combines to lift the spirit, raise the soul heavenward - that's exactly what it was meant to do. People nowadays try to tell me that hymns and songs should be 'relevant' Nonsense; they should be inspirational, and point 'upwards'. And this hymn succeeds magni icently.

It was written by John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace; and if you look carefully you see that theme in this hymn too: Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am...

The language, like so many hymns of the day, is borrowed straight from Scripture, and was written, as Wesley’s hymns were also, to get people singing and memorising the Bible. This hymn is all about belonging Zion being the poetical City of God that the Bible describes as glorious. Do you feel you belong there? Are you sure of your place there? As Newton wrote, it's by grace we belong - freely available if we trust in Christ.

We can all be proud of the town or the city from which we came, we feel an af inity to there still, even if we left years ago; this hymn speaks of our pride in belonging to another city, feeling we belong, even though as yet we look only by faith. Abraham, the Bible tells us, was ‘looking for that city too, a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.' (Hebrews 11 v 10) Yes, let's be proud of our town, our city; but let's also be sure that we have a place, by God's grace, in that city of God. Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God; He whose Word cannot be broken Formed thee for His own abode.

On the rock of ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation's walls surrounded, Thou mayest smile at all thy foes.

Saviour, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am, Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name.

Fading is the worldling's pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure None but Zion's children know.

See, the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love, Well supply thy sons and daughters, And all fear of want remove; Who can faint while such a river Ever flows their thirst to assuage; Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver, Never fails from age to age?

Please join us tomorrow for this hymn, and other great songs and music as we share Together in Worship from 10am. Have a great Saturday. God bless you 🙏

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Index of Bible Verses - February 2021 Psalm 103 v 14 Psalm 127 v 3

17th 10th

Proverbs 4 v 25

12th

Ecclesiastes 3 v 11

9th

Song of Solomon 1 v 3

6th

Isaiah 52 v 7

24th

Matthew 1 v 21 Matthew 6 v 33 Matthew 11 v 28 Matthew 13 v 44

8th 20th 1st 4th

Mark 4 v 39

15th

Luke 2 v 6 7

16th

John 14 v 6 John 15 v 15

26th 2nd

Romans 12 v 15

5th

Ephesians 3 v 20

22nd

Philippians 4 v 8 Philippians 4 v 19

23rd 11th

Colossians 3 v 12

18th

Hebrews 10 v 24 Hebrews 11 v 10

3rd 27th

James 1 v 2

19th

1 John 4 v 16

13th

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Page 29

O

riginally from Blackpool and Bristol, Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford, with 32 years experience as Salvation Army O cers, have served mainly as Corps O cers (church leaders), but also have experience of working in homeless services and in elderly care.

Fiona is also a quali ed sta nurse working in hospice care in Newcastle and Stockton, and in 2019 Antony completed a Masters Degree in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies.

They have three adult sons and have been Corps O cers here in Guisborough since July 2014.

Guisborough

G

uisborough is a market town with a cobbled high street, Westgate, on the northern edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, England with a population of about

18,000.

The Salvation Army commenced initially in 1879 but the Corps (church) was o cially opened in May 1880 by Captain Martha Malthouse.

Since when the Corps has served the town of Guisborough and the surrounding area with Christian worship, outreach and compassion.

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Biography