Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Beauty for brokenness,Hope for despair,Lord, in the suffering,This is our prayer.Bread for the children,Justice, joy, peace,Sunrise to sunsetYour kingdom increase. Graham Kendrick wrote this song following a visit to India: ‘Driving through Bombay in the midnight hour I saw an incredible sight: thousands and thousands of people sleeping out on the streets…There were lepers carryingContinue reading “Beauty for Brokenness”

The Sermon* Actor – The ‘hypocrite’ is the mask-wearing actor. Audience – He is concerned for what others think, not who he is. Applause – He plays for approval, popularity, and recognition. Authenticity – What is really important is not the part he plays, but who he is Moving on** Before ‘coming out’ the gayContinue reading “Coming out… Moving On”

Principle ‘Coming out’ is when I say ‘This Is Me’ in an honest and open way. Gay or lesbian friends ‘come out’ regarding their sexual orientation. Addicts ‘come out’, admitting their addiction to drink, drugs, pornography, gambling… Christians ‘come out’, converted from a non-Christian or anti-Christian place. The children of Christian parents ‘come out’ withContinue reading “Coming Out… Us”

This morning I read the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3). The Sermon My ‘sermon outline’ would look something like this: Man: Jesus comes as a man. We know about his parents. Here he encounters his cousin. Messiah: The Spirit descends, the Father speaks. Jesus is different. He is more than just a man. HeContinue reading “Coming Out… Jesus”

Now if you feel that you can’t go onBecause all of your hope is gone,And your life is filled with much confusionUntil happiness is just an illusion, The Four Tops song… Claire’s grieving. Her husband, mother, and two other close relatives have died: I didn’t realise I was required to be over it… When wasContinue reading “Reach out”

Many claiming to be Christians ‘fighting the good fight’ have got it badly wrong. Crusades, empire building, Northern Ireland… have all claimed to be God’s wars. ‘God’ has fought for racial supremacy, slavery, seizing personal power and wealth… Wrong Leaders God’s wars aren’t led by a nation. Both England and the US have fought warsContinue reading “Onward Christian Soldiers?”

The Reality The story of world is told through wars and battles. In national, international and religious history they form turning points and land marks. Many only experience war through stories, films or games. Pain and suffering is softened in an impersonal context of excitement and adventure. The reality is of blood, horror, injury andContinue reading “Fight the Good Fight?”

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide… Two disciples are walking to Emmaus, despairing, disappointed and confused. Jesus joins them. It’s getting dark. ‘Abide with me’. Their eyes are opened. Jesus is there and they hadn’t realised it. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day… Several friends know of life’s fragility – aContinue reading “Abide with me (2)”

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;Change and decay in all around I see;O Thou who changest not, abide withContinue reading “Abide with me (1)”

Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Problem? I only want what I earn and deserve. The British work ethic – a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s time, effort and hard work. Grace is free, undeserved, unearned. I want toContinue reading “My Problem with Grace”