Woodbridge Methodist Church

28/01/2025

Todays thought for the day is brought to us by David Stone

By all possible means

This expression is found in 1 Corinthians 9 verse 22 “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some".

I was reminded of the variety of (some would say sneaky) ways in which people choose to share the gospel. The first was a Christian businessman working in an African country. He took a Christian newspaper with him on the bus to work and made a point of sitting next to someone. He would then open his paper and hold it so it was easy for the passenger to read it, and most would do so. He would take a long time to turn the page giving his neighbour time to read the articles. I suspect that Christian may have never known if or what difference it made.

A Christian (years ago) who did a lot of travelling, would ensure he had a CD in his car that contained a gospel message and make a point of offering a lift to hitchhikers. When the new passenger was seated, he would ask them if they would mind if he continued listening to a talk on the CD In his experience, no one objected and so were subject to hearing a message for up to 30 minutes. Sometimes, this led to interesting conversations.

In an introduction to a talk, at Sizewell Hall, the speaker said, “Today, too many preachers are trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit by convincing listeners of their sin.” A chorus from years ago started with these words – “Lead me to some soul today, O teach me, Lord, just what to say.” It may not be a gospel message or a Bible quotation, but if that prayer is answered, who knows how God the Holy Spirit will use us".

PRAYER: Heavenly Father may our words and actions be inspired by You for the blessing of all who we are in contact with today. AMEN

24/04/2024

Every Wednesday, we publish a 10 minute service to help you relax, refresh and renew. Make yourself a drink and join us at a time to suit you by clicking the following link : https://bit.ly/3rKggKa

24/04/2024

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Mary Walsh

www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/pray/daily-reading

Today’s contributor is Mary Walsh, a solicitor and editor with an MA in Biblical and Pastoral Theology, and who co-leads a church in Radcliffe, Manchester.

Open

Open your heart and mind.

Something to read

You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.

- Deuteronomy 11:18.

Something to think about

This passage is very practical, telling the Israelites how not to forget God.

It's easy to put up walls and shut people out and even to hold onto hurt or malice. It goes to the fabric of who we are: our intellect and emotions! God wants us to know him with both intellect and emotions, and not keep him out. He wants to be our doorpost and gate, to trust him with everything.

The second part of this practical passage is that we use our hands as tools of faith in him in trust and to show the world his love by displaying the fruits of his spirit on the forehead of our lives.

Something to do

Learn to let go of the worldly issues that blight the intellect and emotions.

Learn to break down the walls that keep us from God and each other.

Hurt is powerful, but God is more powerful. Open your heart and mind to understanding and accepting who God is and his plan for our lives, and the reconciliation of all of creation.

Something to pray

Reconciling God, you want to be knitted into the fabric of our lives and yet, so often we fail to let you. So often we build the walls preventing you from entering our hearts, souls and minds and yet you show how complete we are in you. Break down the hardness of our hearts and intellect and teach us to trust you in all aspects of our lives and forgive others, as you forgive us.

https://bit.ly/3nuwnZP

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to [email protected]

16/04/2024

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by David Stone

The person without sin!

Another fascinating fact, I recently discovered is that throughout the whole of England, it is illegal to eat mince pies on 25 December. I have no way of checking if that is still true, but if so, there must be many who, like me, broke the law on Christmas Day. Hopefully, the police are not aware of this, or would not enforce it if they did.

If you are a driver then I wonder if, like me, when passing a stationary police car, you perform any of three reactions. Firstly, you check your speedometer, if necessary, you reduce your speed and then keep checking your rear-view mirror to see if the officer is coming after you because of something you may not be aware of.

In a Christian debate, the question was posed, “What is sin?” to which one response was, “Something that someone does, that I don’t”. Another suggestion was, “If you are the only one who knows what you are doing or thinking then, you are not adversely affecting anyone else so it doesn’t matter”.

A recent talk at our church referred to the visit of Nathan (a prophet) to King David and after telling the king a sob story that enraged the king, Nathan said (somewhat courageously) “You are that man!” Psalm 51 is the subsequent response of the King, who though guilty of so many crimes following just a look was nevertheless still used by God and included in the royal line that culminated in the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of all.

Hebrews 11 is referred to in different ways, but what I find fascinating is that despite the sinful failures of those mentioned, they are commended for their faith, not their faults. Last year, I was appalled when a lovely Christian was reminded by another of some sin, he had committed THIRTY YEARS earlier!.

Isn’t it amazing that twice in the book of Hebrews (8:12 and 10:17) the phrase is used “their sins will be remembered no more”? Not forgetfulness, but a choice to not remember, a gift I wished we could experience. Hopefully, my remembrance of personal past failures will be a learning experience, but it would be lovely to have that gift relating to others.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it is so easy to use the words of the familiar prayer and say, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others”, but may we also avoid dwelling on others' sins. AMEN

https://bit.ly/3nuwnZP

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to [email protected]

16/04/2024