Every local church should be unique, wherever it is.

 One of the things I hear regularly travelling is the moan that people have come in from outside and tried to make the local church a copy and paste expression of a church somewhere else. No doubt when well meaning Western Missionaries went to Africa and taught them the British hymnal they were thinking about truth and discipleship, but not contextually. No doubt when some well meaning Americans bought a white piano and pulpit for a rural church in Eastern Europe they were generously thinking about others enjoying what they enjoyed in church, but to the older sister who played the mandolin every week, the goats and chickens who looked on,  it seemed a bit incongruous, an alien conjunction. 

When we think through the nature of international and local churches biblically, how God has worked (throughout biblical redemption and in missional history), some basic things jump out at us. 

1. No local church can reach the world on its own. The gospel imperative demands that we work with people who are not like us, to reach people who are not like us. God has ordained a way in which we cannot impose our ideas (cultures) or rule (mini-kingdoms) over and above what He has put in place for the furtherance of His. This is awesome and brings glory to Christ. "All one in Christ" means diversity in unity not monochrome homogeneity. 

2. Every local church is to be an appropriate expression of grace and Christ to that culture. This means leadership needs nuanced training. Music and worship needs locally appropriate expression. Preaching needs locally appropriate application. Resources for reading and discipleship need to attend to the way of life and application appropriate for the challenges (opposition and persecution)  and people in that place. God is so good. In scripture He makes provision for all the above and gives so overflowingly to make it a joy. In fact He gives and gives again. Openhandedness and the gospel go together. When we open our lens to the wideness of His, we realise that His plans and purposes are higher than ours, more colourful, more diverse, more glorious. 

I say this out of respect for so many well meaning Westerners who love Christ, love the local church and have served long and hard. In truth, I think we are very, very slow to be flexible for God in these things. We are not the only ones of course, Asian believers can want the world to be Asian, Eastern Europeans want the world to be like them etc. I guess though, our consideration is what we are responsible to steward. 

When I have small moments of flexibility to fit in with the cross cultural opportunities that God so graciously gives me, other church  leaders and believers deride me as "a disrupter", an unruly unaccountable rebel because I do not necessarily go with the status quo from our sending context. My boxes and semantics are a bit more flexible, my openness to what God might be doing. Different is not always ungodly. In fact I've discovered different expressions of church community in their relational richness often do it better than my sending country, more authentic, biblical, real, more full of Him and His grace. 

 In reality, this has become a great encouragement to me when others spot that I am not sticking to my sending culture.

 I believe the Lord Jesus was and is the missionary, field worker, pastor, evangelist, discipler we copy. In every sense cross cultural, all nations ministry means that there will be disruption and flexibility according to The Spirit's direction. By definition of the one we follow we are to leave the glory we have known, the home, the comfort the safety and we go to lost sheep in broken culture to see it redeemed. My concern are those who limit the gospel and His kingdom to their own domain and culture, and what this says about God's presence, spiritual liberty and freedom.  Going nowhere in inflexibility is often hand in hand with reaching out to no-one. I've seen it play out so sadly, that the narrowing of a church (according to one culture or leader's preferences) brings the death of a local church within one or two generations. You cannot be a "gospel" church, local or international, without a wide angled lens disrupting your comfort and self built kingdom. Serve His, there is nothing better, and heaven will display it in perfection. 

Moldova 3 Moscow 0. A new unity in Europe as the wagons start to circle in Moscow, European intellegence is strategically on the front foot.

 It's been a busy week in Eastern European news,  but significant events have gone the way of democracy and freedom. Undoubtedly things are ramping up and the admittance that we are at defacto war with Russia (even if that war is a collective fusion of sabotages and cyber threats or a "hybrid" war) by the ex chief of MI5  shows the significance of all events in this arena. Of most note I think are two events. Both show that European intellegence is on the front foot.

1. Modova votes for democracy. 

Pray for those who have gone "underground" and our own debate on freedom of religion in the UK.

 Following on from yesterday's post about believers facing persecution because of their faithfulness, I received another friend's prayer request this morning. In their situation the church has been prohibited from meeting and those connected interrogated. The tactic of imposing fear, opponents pooring abuse and anger on the church is often followed by  a season of growth within the church. The issue is not whether the church meets in public or underground, the issue is the authentic presence of God proven to be in operation keeping His people in resurection power. The reasons for persecution in such instances are so illogical. If authorities were honest they would say they want to control society, to keep people from free thought, and control social and fianncial influence for themselves or the religious/ social structure they defend which is inherently abusive. In reality, many folks see through this. This is especially so in women who are often the most abused in such a structural system. 

 The clarity this brings, that God lives amongst his people, that women and any downtrodden are treasured by God,  and that human governance leads to hopelessness and selfishness is doing the church's work for them as the ground is prepared for the good news of Christ and God's word. I have seen this pattern countless times. However the immediate cost is paid by those who have laid aside their lives, reputation and comfort for the gospel to go forward. Pray particularly for women in this situation who are not only abused culturally regardless of religion, but especially intimidated if they belong to Christ. They are the one's often to pay the highest price for the growth of the church. 

Pray for those women who lead such women and are showing great faithfulness particulalrly in this specific situation. In this context the church is relatively young in an unreached / frontier region. However, the maturity being shown is nothing other than superaturally inconquerable. Leadership is influence. Many of these women have never had social status, but their influence for the kingdom is parabolic. 

As an aside in the light of this, let me say a word about the UK context and all that is going on regarding our debate of appropraite access for imigrants to make their home here. 

We want to be different, without this clarity the church does not grow.

 Hi Friends,

An encouragement to pray for some persecuted friends and to learn from their distinctiveness in following Christ. 

Two things came together for me this weekend. A clear word in our church plant context from one of the pastors preaching on 1 Sam 8-11 and some much awaited news of persecuted church in a frontier context. Sometimes we can read too much into circumstances colliding, other times we can miss God speak through what He does as well as what He instructs. An over academic approach can sometimes miss the bloomin obvious (theological phrase). God is so patient with us. 

Both are summed up by Romans 12:2, I make no apology for repeating it as it what God seems to be pointing me to so often in this season. 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

In 1 Sam the issue is that the people of God wanted a King "like all the other nations". (1 Sam 8:20). Their issue wasn't actually that they wanted a King. Wanting Godly, clear leadership is a univeral passion that comes from the law of creation and our image bearing of God which hungers for fruitfulness (Gen 1:21, 9:1, 17:6) . No, the issue was that they wanted the same life as those who didn't want God. Therefore their cry was a personal rejection of God relationally, all He had done for them, and all of His wisdom to be LORD and protector over them. It was a passion that would do them no good. It was a retrograde step back to the land of slavery, bitterness and hardship (EX 1:13-14) from which He had rescued them, a desire to return to sin (as proverbs 26:11 so graffically states it). 

When the enemy comes to God's people he has a well trodden tactic, to show us what we don't need and does us no good, but to make us think that we are missing out by not having it. "Look what you could've won if you ran your own lives without God." It is a wide path as old as the hills (Gen 3:1) which leads to incomprehensible tragic consequences and destruction.

So back to the persecuted church. Saved from physical slavery, poor families and believers in their early days of faith  pooled their small savings from hard work in street businesses to build a small building for God's people to meet. As they saw God bless both with finances and new believers being added daily (Acts 2:47), a new row of bricks was placed to window level in the baking hot sun. Simultaneously a local mob of persecuters came, angered by this new venture of love, and destroyed what they had built, (well, physically anyway). We have been praying for them. I asked them "how they you doing?"

Their response was... "we want to show that we are different to those around us, that God lives in this community". "We have started to be much more open, and started to meet again together regularly". "We are very bold now, but we know our boldness does not come from us. We are ready to die for Jesus, it is what we agreed to when we accepted Him. Our churches are growing in THE LORD. We know these things come together. " The Pastor said "We are teaching them about strong relationships with our LORD and saviour, we appreciate your concern, love and prayers."

Continue to pray for friends in Odesa and places peppered with reminders that everything is being attempted even if nothing ultimately succeeds.

 Over the last few days there has been a significant increase in activity around the coastal region of Odesa. Rockets and drones of course are sadly not unusual. What seems more brazen is the constant efforts to target civilian targets as a gesture of street bullying by military means. 

The post service office was just one of many targets, which cannot be defined in any way as of military significance. From the beginning of this full scale invasion the objective has been to terrify, kill, torture and intimidate, not so much a milirary exercise as a terrorist plan of chaos and destruction. 

Too good for our world, too good for God ?

When we think we are too good for God, that we are virtuous and good for our world, there is no hope. 

We live in a sick and broken world. 

The response and reaction to the murder of Charlie Kirk was so revealing. There was enough online without me wading in. In schools of several Western countries there were numerous quotes from teenagers, assemblies and R.E. discussion groups saying "he deserved to die". One vox pop speaker in Amsterdam said on the streets,  "I don't know his positions, but i'm glad he is not with us anymore, it is a good thing."  and even a teacher was quoted as saying "we need more assassinations." The Western World has become an asylam run by the lunatics, and what it says makes no sense. Hate is irrational, and the depth and width of it present in our age is not isolated or confined. The Oxford Union President said "some institutions are too broken to be reformed, they should and must be taken down by any means necessary". Any means ? The celebration of a murder is as broken as it gets. To define life by getting rid of people and killing people who don't agree with us (especially when we don't understand what they stand for), is as inhumane as it gets. The value of human life has plummeted to subhuman levels. One spokewoman Lizzy Page became the centre of attention when she said she spoke on behalf of the those who said Charlie deserved to be " a human water fountain". She describes herself as a writer, poet and mental health worker. In these chilling words she describes mental and social health in  terms that can only be described as sick, without the remotest sensitivity to the human condition, with calculating callousness and ruthless grimness. 

A critical step has been taken. It only took 1000 days.

 Over the last 3 and a half years a constant conversation has gone around in circles about what could be done with the frozen Russian financial assets secured from banking sanctions after February 2022's full-scale invasion.

 Numerous complex and protracted discussions have deliberated on what was legally permitted with such frozen assets. What became clear over the last few days is that because Russia has clearly not complied with international law, the way is open to utilise these assets for the protection of Ukraine and European citizens. What still makes us want to scratch our grey matter is why this elementary analysis took so long.

Although the European union can be ponderous with decision making, on many fronts, it appears that when critical action is needed and Europe faces an existential threat or crisis the rubicon is traversed, laws can be changed. Put another way, when Europe is truly going to foot the bill, it sees the wisdom in trying to contain the cost and limit the tab. 

Keep praying for Nepal.

 The flurry of messages yesterday from Nepal all said the same thing, "heartbroken". As one friend put it so eloquently "What began as a movement with noble intentions was tragically hijacked, turning into violence, destruction, and fear. Lives have been lost, public properties destroyed, and hearts wounded."

Multiple videos of anger and brutal beatings were opened in many apps. Of greater importance than the tech however were the lives destroyed and the depth of despair at the reality unfolding. The conversation has dramatically moved in 48 hours. Following government resignations, it was not enough to quell anger, readdress the situation. Mass protests and mobs ignored curfews, the police and army ordered to control the outbreak said "no", "we are here to look after our people". Familiar, well known streets became unrecognisable places of fire, vilence and devastation. Anarchy was reality (Judges 21:25). The situation now shows some stability with only essential vehicles on the roads.

"We don't need a corrupt government" and "Youth cannot be killed"

Government building as PM resigns and numerous ministers.

Healing for the wounded – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Comfort for the bereaved families who have lost loved ones in this chaos.

Wisdom for national leaders to act with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice.

Restoration of peace and security in every community and street.

Cleansing of corruption and greed from our politics and society.

Rebuilding of trust and reconciliation among diverse communities.

The Church to rise as a beacon of light – showing forgiveness, serving the needy, and proclaiming the hope of Christ.

Pray for THE LORD to work through His people, proclaiming good news to the poor, binding up the broken hearted, proclaiming freedom to the captives, seeing prisoners realeased from darkness. 

Communications control speaking.

Many friends will have noted the government communications ban that was enforced yesterday for all media apps not registered with the ministry of communications in Nepal. Several things have come together here as I see it. A volatile geopolitical situation has recently been exacerbated, and the Nepalese are fearful. The public partnership of solidarity (however real - see BBC) between China, Russia and N. Korea has not eased tensions, with an already taut tug of war in  progress involving Nepal's identity on the world stage. 

Yesterday 19 deaths were confirmed and hundreds injured as Gen-Z protestors called to clamp down on corruption and the move which further limits free speech and communication. Computer / tech folks discovered that there was corruption in government communications. Hence the desire to shut down all platforms before it was exposed through them. The pain, suffering, bloodshed and destruction over the last 48 hours has been horrific. These are sad times for peaceable people who want to see their country in peaceful prosperity. (link) 

The Gurkha regiment in the UK have been connected with us in major heroic partnership, keeping peace for 200 years. 130,000 Gurkhas died in WW2.  This was true friendship, mutual admiration and a partnership founded on bravery which endured for generations. The bond through suffering and joint sacrifice runs deep. (Note brilliant video featuring 8 year old Reva and Ganesh for KS2 UK school syllabus).  It was with great sadness to both Brits and Nepalese in '24 when Russia recruited 15,000 nepalese to fight in a way which the vast majority of the country did not support. (See helpful article). I sat with an ex military man in Kathmandu recount the situation with tears, as he showed me photos of his ancestors who had fought with UK soldiers against such tyranny, dictatorial control, and destruction. The desire and prayer in the UK is for a peaceful Nepal. 

What is behind this communications ban?

God is good - Keep going. PS 91

Probably the simplest title in a while :), but the essence of where much of life and ministry is for many of us. I simply wanted to share encouragement. Life for many of us is full of complexity, business, evil prospering, massive brokenness in our world (war, persecution, poverty of many kinds, our bodies, cancer and untreatable illness, getting old). Followers of Jesus who are not yet what they should be and churches in numerous places are acutely in need of lots of help, encouragement and wisdom , this side of heaven. It is a view of colossal need wherever you travel in the world for anyone who has a prayerful passion for His kingdom bride. It is especially a burden for those who are called to spiritual oversight of network mission, teaching and training disciples for interconnected churches in His kingdom mission to the unreached. Yet we need to remember that there is a perspective on top of the storm, a view from a higher vantage point. 

During our hardest times, our sense of need and dependence on God is greatest. Some of you will know the true story of Dwight Moody being stuck in the ocean (1892). After a great year long trip to the UK, he sailed from Southampton only to be stuck at sea three days later with a broken drive shaft, the ship taking on water.  For two days with the very real prospect and anxiety of sinking, he asked to gather folks together for a time with God and spoke on Psalm 91, holding on to a pillar to steady his feet. " He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty"

He later talked of how struggling that night was his darkest hour, with relief coming in prayer as He cried out to God, enabling him "in the depths of his soul". As he prayed "Your will be done" he almost immediately fell asleep, waking another day to find the ship being towed by one which had come to help. 

Psalm 91 reminds us of two things we need to keep in perspective for all the ups, downs and disasters of life. 

Part 3 Timeless lessons summarised. Countercultural community ministry in an age of shorttermism, individualism and self promotion.

Passages to meditate on: Romans Ch 12-15, (Phil 2:1-8, 1 Cor 13, 1 Peter 2)

Key themes from Romans 12-15

• 12:1-3 : A countercultural model of God's priorities renewing our minds as we walk with Him.
• 12:9-21  : Our core motives are tested. What and who we love (ourselves or His  new community).
• Romans 15:  The model and priorities of Christ outworked in servant shepherd leadership. 

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed...

Key Points from Romans 15:14–18 Meditation & Reflection

Paul’s Ministry Example

• Paul takes joy in seeing God at work among believers, even though they are not perfect.

• His satisfaction comes from progress in love, obedience, and sanctification, not from self-promotion or image.

• Believers share in a “priestly ministry” (Romans 15:5-6; 12:12-18, 1 Peter 2:5-9), as we serve, interceding for one another and encouraging growth in Christ before we are presented to Him together. 

Lessons for Today’s Church & Leaders

Tuned in to timeless truth Part 2 : A personal response

 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

ROMANS 12 : 1-2

3 considerations 

about the priority of timeless truth.

Staying tuned in to trend or timeless truth ?

What has been is what will be,

and what has been done is what will be done,

and there is nothing new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 

A big surprise.

• Do you ever switch on the TV to be met with an ever increasing array of things that you could watch but wonder if any of them are actually worth it ? 
• Are you struck by how fast life changes and the appetite people and family around you have an ever increasing appetite for something new, regardless of cost in time and money ? 

Over recent days I've picked up on numerous conversations observing how the most recent additions to streaming media services and content providers were far outstripping older classics and historic content.  The numbers of downloads for recent additions incomparably outstrip the older regardless of quality.

We live in an age where the first thing to pop up on Netflix, prime, sky etc is ...

"What's new?". 

Watch what is new today because next month brings different newness, and what you're looking for might not be findable. Watch now, Watch quick, Watch lots. 

Even the old beacon of stability and longevity the BBC is at it, with their top scroller on Iplayer being "new and trending". Is our priority always to know what is new, to have our finger on the pulse, be informed, current,  in the loop, keeping tabs, on trend? Are there other priorities ?

Authentic Church for a hungry generation.

I was thrilled to read in a variety of places in UK media over the last few weeks that there is a decisively fresh appetite in the emerging generations (Ages 18-24) to explore the bible and The God of the bible by connecting with local church. 

Link here 

Link here

Link here  

Having chatted to various mission partners in the UK, especially in pastoral ministry / local church leadership it was even more encouraging to hear that most shared the same optimism and assessment. However, they also shared the view that an authentic illustration of the gospel we preach must come through the new community, and that finding the reality of that trend was of greater concern to them.  In other words, authentic faith in God, and authentic declaration of the good news about Jesus (which is the only answer for our nation) cannot be divided from authentic discipleship in an authentic community of God as outlined in the bible. It begs the question, does the local church in the UK currently display what it is like to live under God and by the truth of the bible ?

The difference between wisdom from above and below.

 It has been interesting over the last few weeks to observe what different folks call or deem wisdom.

Sometimes if something makes sense to us, our perspective, our preferences, we call it wise. 

The Biblical perspective however is very different.  God says there such a thing as man made wisdom that does not come from Him and His wisdom which does not come from humanity. 

The tower of Babel is human wisdom - the definition of folly. (Gen 11:1-9) 

When we derive our own passions and way forwards it is destined to failure.

Gen 12:10-20, Abraham decides to go his way to Egypt, not stick with God's promises.

1 Sam 17:38 cf v 50 Saul decided that loading David with armour was wise, God's way gave him a sling and a stone. 

The teaching of James 3:15 is incredibly direct and diagnostic.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Wisdom which marks the new community living in His power and presence is a loving wisdom. Speaking the truth in love is hard when folks may not want to listen. Pride is a tank which continues driving, shooting, but doesn't know where it is heading. Standing in its way is painful. It tests our patience, our mercy, our "Spirit-filledness". It tests how like Christ we desire to be, and how much we desire others to go His way and Honour His presence. 

I have never met a believer who has humbly stood up to false human wisdom in believers / church/ humanistic decisions/ pride in the people of God, and not come out of it closer to Christ, more blessed in His presence. They show battle scars covered in His wisdom and the balm of His word. Those who have pleaded on their knees before God and before those who lead others into foolishness reap a harvest in His presence, and their own spiritual lives. 

Trust Him. He knows all things.

Trust Him against His enemies.  The cross displays His victorious wisdom (We have 3 enemies according to Eph 2:1-3, The world, human desires (ourselves), and Satan himself.) Our Saviour is victorious over all. (1 Cor 1:20-25, Deut 20:4, Col 2:15, John 16:33).  

Trust Him and His word when those who call themselves followers of Christ live by the guidelines and compromises of this world. (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-17). 

Trust Him not yourself when the pivotal decisions are to be made, and with each day. (Proverbs 3:6)

Trust His word, it brings resolution and clarity. (Isa 58:11) Such is not the case if we go the earthly route, peace that we seek does not come from the easy way of popularity, the projection of pride, but on the foundations of humility before Him. In Him we discover His all sufficiency, He brings us to a place of righteousness, direction (Ps 119,105), stability (Psalm 37:23, Isa 30:21, Prov 14:11), a reaping which changes us for the better. 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Other references:

• Proverbs 4:7
• James 1:5
• Psalm 1
• Psalm 77 (v12-13)
• 1 John 2:5
• Luke 11:28
• Proverbs 1:20-21

True and false compassion, justice and peace ?

Throughout biblical and redemptive history, God has commanded (not suggested) that His people act in a way which display His character in a broken world. One of the things which mystifies most about the present global socio-economic situation is the derogation of that, in preference for advancing personal status. 

ISAIAH 1:17 like many similar verses is extremely clear...

learn to do good;

seek justice,

    correct oppression;

bring justice to the fatherless,

plead the widow's cause. 

Note:

1)  This is habitual and developmental, not a one off / extraordinary act for the cameras or those watching, 

"learn... to do good"

Don't go near any brand which calls itself "Christian" but assumes the goodness in themselves. This is not the gospel. Our goodness is from Christ alone, teaching us to be like himself. Goodness starts with the admittance that we are not, rather than pretending before the world that we are the goodness they need, that we are the messiah or answer to their problems - that is not good and leads to no good place,

2)  Justice is an absolute not a subjective opinion. Right is right, wrong is wrong, it does not depend on the difficulty of putting into it practice. 

3) Correct oppression - nuff said.

4) Bringing justice to the Fatherless and pleading the widows cause is exactly where Ukraine is, and what the church honouring Christ are prioritising. Many new believers are widows and children who have received love and practical help through our ministry partners in the name of Christ. 

5) All of the above is active. When Christians remain silent about what is wrong it is the opposite of being salt and light in our world. Salt stops the decay, silence condones it. Light brings attention to the darkness, it exposes... it doesn't procrastinate or sweep it under the carpet in the hope that it cannot be seen. 

PRAY FOR JUSTICE AND CORRECTION NOT JUST "PEACE WHICH IS NO PEACE" (Jeremiah 8:11 springs to mind - when false prophets offer false hope) 

Exodus 22:22 commands us not to take advantage of the widow or Fatherless. If we show no mercy, how then would we expect to receive from God ? (Matthew 5:7) 

BBC quotes Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk...

'We must return the human dimension' to talks, says Nobel Peace Prize winner

published at 10:22

10:22

Joel Gunter
Reporting from Kyiv

IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS

Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk tells the BBC that the “human dimension must be returned to the political process” taking place over the war.

“What will happen to the dozens of thousands illegally detained citizens, men and women, and prisoners of war… this question is very urgent,” Matviichuk says.

According to Ukrainian authorities, nearly 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are still in captivity in Russian prisons after being abducted by the invading army.

That's not counting the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children estimated to have been taken to Russia.

In June, I spent time with families of Ukrainian civilians still detained in Russian prisons. 

Their fear is that their loved ones are being left out of the discussions around peace, and there is no framework in place to return them to Ukraine.

Matviichuck says she has lost faith that Trump can bring a peaceful solution to the war.

“As a candidate for president, [he] said that he would finish this war in 24 hours. This is the longest 24 hours in history.”

It prompts the question of whether geographical (temporary)  peace will bring any justice or peace for any of the above. 

Other references worth meditating on ...

• Matthew 25:40 - "you did it for me" 
• Deuteronomy 15:11. Generosity to the poor is hand in hand with this, not greed (Luke 14:12-14)
• James 1:27 Loving widows and orphans is not the only expression of true faith but it is a great bellwether of its health and existence.
• Proverbs 14:31
• Prov 31:8-9,  Ps 82:3-4. We speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

We do what is just, however terrifying and aggressive the thief is (JER 22:3)

When killing is rewarded, could it mean the break up of Nato ?

There is huge scepticism in Europe as two leaders meet to bolster their own profiles, with a trail of destruction continuing. 

Projection/ posturing, and substance/ reality are very different things. 

Whilst the peaceful Alaskan backdrop shows two men as powerful as they would like to be seen under the banner of "peace", in reality the trail of destruction that continues is mindblowingly condemning, yet neither would claim any responsibility for the blood on their hands. The reward for not forwarding a ceasefire, is a seat at the top table for Mr Putin, to be seen as "in control' and leading the way to a better future. Attendees are removed psychologically and geographically from the present pain and hurt, the reality. It will come to them in time. It is interesting how people (and the essence of sin in people) means that we want more status, influence, control with decreasing accountability or removal of liability for everything that we desire to control and every bit of destruction we are liable for. Sin always has consequence, whatever our postulation and pride does to ignore it. 

I've not seen such a healthy set of news broadcasts in our country for some time. but you'd miss that if you only read the chat group nonsense. The foreign bots are out in force trying to rubbish British media and rewrite the Russian narrative.  Everyone has picked up on the staged projection in Alaska, taking the focus off the prolonged reality of what has happened in millions of lives lost, displaced, families torn by greed and ego. 

Interestingly,  when you look at who is present with president Trump, his chief counsellors are the finance guys and not the moral ones. The focus will be money. The goal is to present the idol of greed, more investment, energy partnerships, more money as a reward and distraction for an appetite for warmongering. I would encourage the team to look at how past energy projects in partnership with Mr Putin have worked out. Generations to come (if they still exist) will pick up the bill for this in other ways, if God does not bring the end soon.  

In reality I wonder if both men have not seen (because their own egos are so big) that so many bigger things are at play and overshadow Alaska.

1) Both men have broken their words to their people and operate on diminishing trust. There is no ceasefire, there is no 3 day successful operation, people continue to lose lives, destruction at so many levels continues, yet we are to see this as their success.

2) Both men want more, but offer less to the people they represent. The broken USSR will never return. Those countries formally of that parish (other than the present Russia), will never now trust president Trump. He has secured political and diplomatic unity in Europe against the states. He has offered a way forward which could break up NATO. This is the dream of Moscow over many years. In turn this may make USA far more insecure, and cost them more than their calculations. He wants to be seen as the peacekeeper, a comrade, but may have secured future unrest and segregation for many generations to come. 

Never has a "global" summit promised so little in genuine global hope, instilled so little confidence, offered so little in future reality. 

I commend to you the excellent broadcast from Michael Clarke who summarises the situation, sees through the spin to reality, with historical perspective. He's nearly always good, but this is the best overview I've ever heard from him, a seminal broadcast at a pivotal time. Those who fail to learn from history repeat the mistakes of history. 

Hope this is helpful.

1) Pray most for those living in affected today, feeling the pain today of war and greed. Pray for their continued witness to Christ and countercultural model of Christ, all He delivers in and from, all He will be and never disappoint in, for eternity. Pray for all those who administer love and gospel healing in the name of Christ. 

2) Pray for our own hearts. Lord clarify our minds between substance and reality. Enable us to see ourselves as we truly are before you and the only answer for us and our world in Christ and His leadership. Save us from our own egos and thrones. 

3) Praise God for the one who laid down all His rightful position to take on himself our pain in greater intensity than we have ever experienced. Thank God for the one who gave himself over to the enemies of destruction, so that in Him, His resurrection power, victory, promises, purposes our hope, home, healing would be eternal and can never be destroyed. 

4) Pray that alliances of peace in our world may be maintained for a level of global security in the next generation. Should NATO be broken up (even into two,31 countries on one side and one on another) and the enemies of peace get more of their way, who knows where this leads. Together we stand, divided we fall. 

 and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 

Of the increase of His government and of peace

    there will be no end