Refresh

The Lord…refreshes and restores my life…

Ps. 23:3 Amplified

After a few weeks of feeling distinctly unwell, hence no postings, my progress back to health followed my usual ritual of celebratory extravagance – visiting two cinemas in one day. I am unashamedly a lover of films, my favourites being; sci fi, action and world cinema. My self indulgent treat involved two new releases that warranted more than a DVD moment - Star Trek and Angels and Demons. I remember visiting the cinema when I was a pre-teen and if I recall correctly post war payment for admittance was a jam jar. In later years I fell under the influence of the original Star Trek series and more so with the first season of The Next Generation in October 1987 or for the purists Star Date 412092. I have been hooked every since and hold high regard for the excellent models of inclusive living, group identification and loyalty, and effective leadership portrayed in the series characters. If God is gracious to offer me my ideal job, in all possible worlds and centuries, it would be pastor on the Star Ship Enterprise.

The second film was a must see as I had missed the cinema screening of the Da Vinci Code and a dvd viewing lacked the anticipation and drama associated with attending the big screen. As well as the theological provocation presented by Dan Brown’s books, they also make excellent reading in hospitals as they seriously relieve boredom. Having read the novel I was aggrieved at the license taken by the film’s director. His circumvention of the story diminished the overall impact of the evolving drama and rendered an outcome lacking any passionate involvement from the viewer Having said that, there was one breathtaking moment in the final minutes when the new Pope was introduced from the balcony to the gathered crowd below. That was awe inspiring. The magnitude of the adoration and joy arising from the crowds and the immensity of the religious power invested by them, in a solitary person, was very powerful

Somewhat energised at my first day out for some time, I ventured further, this time for spiritual refreshment by attending the prayer meeting of my local Assembly of God Church. I had visited once in the past for a special concert of Praise with a group from the local MCC. However the pastor’s comment on the healing of a ‘promiscuous’ lesbian didn’t go down very well with some group members. Sadly I wasn’t surprised as I have ceased to expect any enlightenment in my old denomination. Nevertheless being in the locale, I popped in with a hopeful and open mind. It soon closed and I was reminded again of why I had left the denomination and my decision to become a minister myself. I choose MCC for its inclusivity and commitment to justice. Plus I did not know of any denominations who accepted clergy candidates for training, who had no prior involvement with the denomination. For me it was a professional decision, based on my personal faith and my disgust at the short changing of Christ’s message to the people. The prayer meeting reaffirmed the lack of inclusion, the secondary status of women and the patriarchal centrality of the church leadership. One of whom repeatedly stated he didn’t understand the passage of Scripture on which he was preaching. Any further comments of mine, would be uncharitable. I left before the service ended. It’s ironic that in a so called secular television series I find a message of hope of how we can live in fellowship with each other, despite differing views, but first I have to say - beam me up Scotty! It is also disappointing that time and time again the original script of Jesus is edited, or rather subverted by religious organisations to bolster their own ideological bent on which they build their exclusionary doctrines and dogmas. In most instances they oppress, suppress, depress and deny the people the justice of God.

Blessed - happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous - with life joy and satisfaction in God's favour and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions are the poor in spirit, the humble, who rate themselves insignificant, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed…are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! Blessed…are the meek, the mild, patient, long-suffering, for they shall inherit the earth! Blessed…are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - uprightness and right standing with God, for they shall be completely satisfied! Blessed…are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! Blessed…are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! Blessed…are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! Blessed …are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for being and doing right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed…are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful…Matt. 5: 3-12 (Amplified)

May the blessedness bestowed by the Holy Spirit of God refresh and restore you.

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