Tipton Family Church      

Stewart Bloor's Blog 2008

 

Still going strong

July 15

Our church football team has started well this season and with four out of five games ending in victory we are top of two competitions. Last night not only did we move to the head of the league table with a 6-3 victory but I also got to score as well. I would mention the twenty-yarder that rattled the crossbar but modesty forbids me from doing so...

The point where I am heading though is that at 46 I am still going strong. Some people mock the Christian way of living, but it's only because I don't drink and smoke and generally look after myself that I can still put the boots on each week. When Jesus said that he had come that we might live life to the full, he wasn't just talking about being in church on Sunday morning. The benefits of living right affect every single area of our lives - and that's why I'm still going strong at 46!

 

Friday the thirteenth

June 13

Today is a date on the calendar that so many dread. Friday the thirteenth. Just the thought of it sends some people into a panic attack. But why is it any different as a day to Thursday the tenth or Saturday the eleventh or even Monday the thirteenth? The answer is absolutely none at all. It's what we call superstition. Mumbo jumbo that has no affect upon people other than that which they allow through the fear that they create in their own minds.

If you belong to Jesus, stuff like this should have no impact upon your life whatsoever. You have been set free from superstitious fear through the shedding of his blood on the cross of Calvary. The only worries you should have about opening an umbrella in the house is if you catch something in the process. The only concern about breaking a mirror is that you pick up all the pieces and don't get cut in the process. And as for walking under a ladder, just make sure you don't get run over in the road when you step off the path, that's all.

 

TFC on tour to Bilston

May 19

What a great service we had at Bilston Pentecostal Church yesterday. Without doubt, everyone of us that went was really blessed - and hopefully the Bilston people were too! But judging by Dek Duckfield's (see Dek, we do listen!) comments, there was no doubt about that. I was so proud of everyone, not least of all Sonday Rose. They went down a storm as usual and we should all be proud of them. People say pride is a sin and in some ways it is, but there's also a positive side and we should never forget that. Anyway we will be getting pastor Dek along to TFC soon to speak on a Sunday morning and that's something we can all look forward to whether we were there yesterday or not.

 

The miracle of migration

May 7

This last week I have seen my first house martin, swift, reed warbler and common tern of the year. As a keen birder I am always very alert whenever I am out and about to see what is around. Isn't it amazing though that these birds mentioned fly all the way from Africa to here to breed, and then they go back again, repeating the journey next spring. To me as a Christian it's one of the great signs of the order that God has put within creation. Birds fly thousands of miles and then several months later return to exactly the same spot to raise their young.

If they arrive too early they will die because of the cold weather and lack of insects. But if they arrive too late their young will not have enough food available. Everything is down to very precise timing. For those who believe in evolution they say it is how everything has finely tuned itself over millions of years. But my question is, what happened to the birds while they were evolving! The fact is that they would not have made it, they would have died out a long time ago. Next time you see a swallow, swift or house martin consider how that bird arrives and leaves these shores with a timetable that would leave many a railway operator envious!

 

 

To God be the glory, great things he has done

April 29

Since last October, as a church we have been on a path of growth. This was a deliberate road that we began to walk, it wasn't something that just happened. And with a declared target of 100% numerical increase by the end of 2008, there is no doubt that declaration raised eyebrows and drew out all sorts of comments from people! But the reality is that if God is in something it will work out. And the fantastic news is that after just six months we have not only passed the target but done so in style. A growth over March of 20% meant that in half a year TFC has increased by 111%. And this is just the beginning!

 

 

Hey, I'm married to a rock star!

April 21

I really enjoy our Saturday Nite Live events at church, but the one just gone was very special. Not only did it feature our very own @sk.eve but for me personally it was great to see my wife Debby on centre stage. I thought to myself, 'Hey, I'm married to a rock star!' But fame didn't go to Debby's head because as soon as we got home she was washing up in the kitchen. Now who ever heard of that - a rock star doing domestic duties! But that's the difference, when you do it for Jesus it's not about you but Him. He is the rock that cannot be rolled!

 

 

When you're young and in love

March 24

When you're young and in love - the title of one of the songs in my own collection. So often when we think of love, we think teenagers, young people who don't know any better! But that shouldn't be the case. It is only man's logic that tells him love is soppy and emotional and definitely wears off once you leave your teens behind. Love is for older people too! And we've witnessed that over the weekend and Garry and Elaine tied the knot and became Mr and Mrs Langford.

I was in a position during the wedding that no-one else was. I not only saw the faces of the congregation but I also saw those of the couple getting married, from the first word of introduction to the last a-men. And I can tell you that if the people present were happy, Garry and Elaine were ecstatic. I saw the little looks, the smiles, the holding of hands, the wink! Yes, I saw them all, and every little action demonstrated the love that was there between them.

But what makes the love between them so special is that it is underpinned by the love of God. The marriage was not just about having a nice time, getting married in church or even about doing the right thing. It was ultimately a demonstration of the love of God that has taken root in Garry and Elaine's life and is continuing to grow.

 

 

A great time out - and not a drop of alcohol in sight!

March 21

As we head towards Garry and Elaine's wedding, last night we had a great time as the men from the church went out for a meal. (The ladies did as well of course, just in case anyone thinks that we made them stay at home to do the washing and ironing). It was brilliant and we were all in high spirits. There was plenty of eating, particularly from Garry and his numerous bowls of carrot cake and custard. In fact it was a very boisterous evening!

But the overwhelming fact was that it was nothing but positive. No aggression, no bad language, no sexual inuendos, nothing at all, just great clean fun. It really does knock the argument that you can't enjoy yourself without a drink for six. We all had a fantastic evening and there wasn't even a drop of alcohol in sight. It's about time that the church started to reclaim the ground instead of yielding it. I can't speak for other churches of course, but it's great to see that at TFC we are promoting a message that says you can have great fun and you don't need drink to get you into the spirit of things!

 

Lost and found

March 19

It was a normal Tuesday evening yesterday at church. Kidz Klub had ended, we were tidying things away and Joanne went outside to put the bins out. However, some time later we became aware that she hadn't returned. We did a quick search of the premises, called her name in the street and it was only then that the seriousness of the situation set in. There really was no place she could be and the horrendous reality set in that she must have been snatched. You hear of these things happening and whilst you never think that it will happen to you, that's what everyone thinks. The feeling of helplessness is indescribable and your mind begins to think of the worst possible scenario.

We searched the local area, continuing to call her name and in the meantime Paul had called the police. And then who comes walking along the road? Yes, it's Joanne. What had happened was that when she put the bins out, the people at the Mosque next door had got into a conversation with her and invited her in for a chat! All this time, we were frantic yet Joanne was totally unaware of what was going on!

It made me think of the many times in life that we are out of our depth. We have no answers, there is no way out, yet at the same time God knows. Although it may not always seem it to us, God is in control and he knows the beginning from the end. Even in our times of desperation and helplessness, he is there.

 

 

The signs of spring are there - if you look

March 1

Considering the British preoccupation with the weather, it's hardly surprising that recently I have heard so many people complaining about the winter and how they will be glad once everything starts to pick up. However, as a keen angler and therefore someone who is out and about on the front-line of nature's comings and goings, I can tell you that the seasons have been merging for some time and spring is not that far away at all. There have been lambs in the fields for some time, certain flowers are showing well and some trees even have leaves. This week I saw the first mating display of the year from a pair of blue tits.

Yes, the signs are there if you look. And in the same way I believe that when we observe Tipton Family Church we see that things are happening, and indeed have been for some time. Just like nature, things start to happen 'out of sight' at first. This is because roots are important and any plant will grow below the surface before activity appears above it. In the last eighteen months or so, there has been a lot of root laying in the fellowship and now we are seeing a healthy growth taking place upwards. With the number of people at church on a Sunday morning increasing by 43% since October, that's very healthy indeed. And even more so when you consider that not one has moved from another church. Yes, the signs are there - if you look!

 

 

Superstar (Remember how you got where you are)

February 18

It was great to see our all-girl band Sonday Rose performing on Saturday evening at church. They had a tremendous reception from everyone there and the feedback that has continued to come in has been amazing. But the one thing that really blesses me is that although they are extremely talented and receive bucketfuls of praise, not one of them gets carried away. They have never forgotten the reason why they do what they do; it's not about man's ego but rather lifting up the name of Jesus.

In fact, as soon as they were off the stage they were in the crowd themselves, enjoying the next band, The Nazarenes. And the next morning it was back to church where they were just like everyone else, not some superstars looking for adoration or praise from everyone in sight. In contrast I was reminded of the track by The Temptations - Superstar (Remember how you got where you are). It's the story of people forgetting where they came from and getting carried away with the glamour and glitz of fame. As far as The Roses are concerned, there's only one superstar. And it's not Katie, Hannah, Leanne or Miriam!

 

 

Who are they and where are they going?

February 16

I spent a number of hours yesterday afternoon at Birmingham airport with James Colton and Silas Mkumbu as they set off back home to Tanzania. Because of Friday traffic and the desire not to be stuck in a traffic jam somewhere, we got there with plenty of time to kill. Sitting on an airport chair is not the most exciting of pastimes and very soon I found myself people-watching. So many people, but who are they and where are they going? Some looked as if they were on business, others going to visit friends or on holiday somewhere. How many were Christians and embarking on a ministry journey I asked myself.

But the reality is that I was only playing guessing games. I hadn't a clue really about any of the thousands of people that passed by me at the airport. But God knows who they are. In fact he knows every single one of them even better than they know themselves. And when we give our lives to Him and make Him the centre of everything, not only do we start to really discover who we are, but more importantly, we also know exactly where we are going as well. If you've never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life, do it right now. It's one decision that you'll never regret!

 

 

Beaten by a hearse!

February 6

Yesterday was the funeral service of our eldest member Lil Binns, who sadly passed away recently. Following the service at church we had the committal at the crematorium, about three miles away. I left immediately after the service so that I could be there before everyone else arrived, in order that everything would go smoothly. But on the way I got stuck in school traffic. But that was no problem I told myself, because everyone else is behind me and I'll still get there first. But when I pulled into the car park at the crematorium I instantly recognised cars from church. Not only was everyone else there before me but they were all standing in line, coffin on the rollers, ready to enter the building!

But rather than being embarrassed and flustered, we all saw the funny side of it. And knowing Lil as we all do, there is no doubt whatsoever that she would have been in hysterics if she knew that was going to happen! But we recovered well and the day was concluded with dignity and respect. So my story is that I was beaten to the crematorium by a hearse. But I won't mention the other church member's name who thought he was following someone else to the service and only realised that he wasn't when the car in front pulled on the supermarket car park and the man got out to do his shopping...

 

 

God always hears, and he always responds

January 16

Two months ago I was walking along a canal when I met a man and his wife who were living on a boat. They were very distraught and started to tell me what was going on, the sort of thing that people do when they are desperate. They were being harassed by local youths, who thought it was great fun to use their lunch break at school to throw rocks at the boat and to shout obscenities at them. I witnessed this for myself on my return journey, a large group of them ran away when they saw me coming. The man and his wife have learning difficulties and were no doubt seen as easy targets, a bit of fun to occupy dinner time.

I had already decided that I wasn't going to 'walk on the other side' as per the parable of the good Samaritan. So I went to the boat and told the couple that I would sort it out for them. I felt so sorry for them, they really didn't know what to do and were at their wits end. All the poor man could do was pretend to be on the phone to the police, and this just made things worse as the teenagers saw it as a weakness to be exploited.

So I went to the local police station, which was closed! Getting home I telephoned to report what was going on. It wasn't an incident but ongoing, and also stressed that the man had learning difficulties and combined with the nastiness of the youths, that was a potentially lethal cocktail. The person I spoke to said that it would be passed on to the local police and they would be in touch to get more details from me, as that was just a general call and they needed more information on location etc.

I never heard from them again. Many people feel let down by officialdom, that their voice is not heard and that they are being ignored. And as is the case here, they could well be correct. However, the great news is that God never ignores us. And not only does he always hear but he always responds as well. Let down by man? Then put your trust in the Lord, he'll never disappoint.

 

 

I want this, and I want that

January 11

Our local newspaper has set up a message board so that instead of taking unwanted stuff to the skip, people can advertise it on there and anyone interested can have it for free rather than it ending up in a landfill. It's a great idea and is full of the expected items such as paving slabs, piles of magazines etc. But they have also added a 'wanted' section where people can post specific things they would like. I found myself in hysterics reading some of the things that people post, thinking to myself what a nerve they have. Here are a few:

'I-pod Nano, must be in good working order'...'PS2'...'Flat screen 32 inch television with stand'...'Whole computer system, must be free'...Wanted, garage'...'Wilton carpet, prefer red'...'Old British motorcycles'...'Cycle carrier to fit boot, not roof rack type'...'Computer to replace one that is no longer working'...'Honda 50 moped wanted'...Some of them even say 'Can collect' which is of course very nice of them being as they are getting it free in the first place! (The funniest one though was 'Wanted, bucket...with or without bottom!)

But it got me thinking about the way that some people approach God, how they 'try it on' with him. And just as the advertisements mentioned above are likely to be met with nothing but silence, likewise man's attempts to tell God what he wants will also prove fruitless. Coming before the Lord with a long shopping list of wants is not the way that we will act if we are in the right place with him. The person who treats God like a rich heavenly benefactor that can't wait to issue blank cheques to him is wide of the mark.

 

 

Getting the message

January 6

One of the decisions that I have made recently is that from 2008 I am going to use The Message as my Bible of choice at church. Due to the ever-increasing number of younger people that we attract, not to mention the fact that none of them have grown up with a Bible reading background, The Message is perfect for our situation. It communicates the truth of God's Word, but in a way that is extremely readable and relevant for today's people.

But actually it's not just newbies that are being blessed by The Message, I myself have found a fresh desire for reading the Bible. I think it's true to say that at TFC we're getting the message!

 

Becoming a creature of habit

January 4

When we think of habits, we invariably think of bad ones, and probably more so at this time of the year as people are trying to turn their life around and shed those things that hold them back. But whilst many habits may be bad, not all are; in fact some habits are positively good. For example, this morning when I woke I did what I do every day. I took three pieces of toast, a mug of tea and read my Bible while eating breakfast.

Now of course, a good habit can become meaningless if we simply go through the motions every day. But apart from that, it's good to form habits that are uplifting. Going to church every Sunday, reading the Bible and praying every day - these are all excellent habits to develop. So as we continue into the new year, let's remind ourselves that not every habit has to be kicked into touch, some are definitely worth nurturing. In many ways it's good to become a creature of habit.

 

The dream becomes the reality

January 2

One thing that is always evident at the start of January is that most people are filled with optimism and hope as we leave one year behind and enter a new one. But sadly for the majority, the optimism quickly fades and the hope diminishes as the days go by. And the reason for that is a date on a calendar, in itself, will not change a person's life one iota. Whatever you were on December 31, you will be the same on January 1. Dreams, if that's all they are, will never bring about change.

All across the land there will be sermons preached on both Sundays either side of the new year, declaring that 2008 is going to be the year that God really does something, that this year things will start to happen. But many of those inspiring messages, although released with faith and belief, will simply fizzle out as the days go by.

But I'm so thrilled that at TFC we can declare not only by faith, but also with hard facts, that the dream is becoming the reality. We go into 2008 not with the hope that good things will happen this year, but rather with the knowledge that they are already there, and have been for some time. We aren't hoping for a wave to come along, instead it's already there and we've been riding it for a while. So here's to a great year ahead as our dreams become even more real than they are now.