RevdMark
@revdmark.bsky.social
Minister at Thaxted United Reformed Church
The prophet Isaiah urges us to look ahead to the time when nations will turn their armaments into agricultural tools. As we look around our world this advent, we might be tempted to think “if only”. However, if we are shaken by events, Isaiah offers a stirring vision of hope to lift our spirits.
December 2, 2025 at 6:19 PM
The prophet Isaiah urges us to look ahead to the time when nations will turn their armaments into agricultural tools. As we look around our world this advent, we might be tempted to think “if only”. However, if we are shaken by events, Isaiah offers a stirring vision of hope to lift our spirits.
“Not a hair of your head will perish”. Luke records Jesus’ advice for tough times: seek wisdom and resilience. The message from Jesus to us is the same as the one he gave his disciples: hang on in there, remain faithful, hold on to your principles and values. God can work through all circumstances.
November 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
“Not a hair of your head will perish”. Luke records Jesus’ advice for tough times: seek wisdom and resilience. The message from Jesus to us is the same as the one he gave his disciples: hang on in there, remain faithful, hold on to your principles and values. God can work through all circumstances.
Our reliance on violence has lost none of its fascination. Our world is still full of conflicts, between states, internally within states, between religions and creeds, between north and south, between the poor and rich. We are challenged to be God’s hands in making changes that bring about peace.
November 12, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Our reliance on violence has lost none of its fascination. Our world is still full of conflicts, between states, internally within states, between religions and creeds, between north and south, between the poor and rich. We are challenged to be God’s hands in making changes that bring about peace.
Reposted by RevdMark
This is utterly disgraceful.
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 12:56 PM
This is utterly disgraceful.
When the tax collector Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus he probably expects not to be noticed. But Jesus doesn’t just notice him - he calls up to him saying he must stay at his house today! We see that being in Jesus’ presence can be life changing, as Zacchaeus repays everyone he has cheated.
November 6, 2025 at 8:26 PM
When the tax collector Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus he probably expects not to be noticed. But Jesus doesn’t just notice him - he calls up to him saying he must stay at his house today! We see that being in Jesus’ presence can be life changing, as Zacchaeus repays everyone he has cheated.
Reposted by RevdMark
I have a very bad feeling about this...
October 27, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I have a very bad feeling about this...
Psalm 121 is sometimes called “The Travellers’ Psalm”. It was sung by pilgrims making their annual journey to Jerusalem. The psalm begins with the words “I lift up my eyes to the hills/from where will my help come?” It then assures us we are not alone, wherever we are on our journey God is with us.
October 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Psalm 121 is sometimes called “The Travellers’ Psalm”. It was sung by pilgrims making their annual journey to Jerusalem. The psalm begins with the words “I lift up my eyes to the hills/from where will my help come?” It then assures us we are not alone, wherever we are on our journey God is with us.
When the apostle Paul was in prison, he said that although he was in chains God’s word was not shackled. Paul’s endurance is an example to others to hold on even when the going gets tough. If he were to fail to endure, perhaps others would lose heart as a result.
October 19, 2025 at 6:02 AM
When the apostle Paul was in prison, he said that although he was in chains God’s word was not shackled. Paul’s endurance is an example to others to hold on even when the going gets tough. If he were to fail to endure, perhaps others would lose heart as a result.
Reposted by RevdMark
I have sometimes wondered what the long term future of the British Royal Family is, but Simon Jenkins has just done an article announcing their doom, so I reckon they’re safe from major constitutional change for at least a hundred years.
October 17, 2025 at 7:30 AM
I have sometimes wondered what the long term future of the British Royal Family is, but Simon Jenkins has just done an article announcing their doom, so I reckon they’re safe from major constitutional change for at least a hundred years.
The prophet Habakkuk is so overwhelmed by the violence he sees that he lashes out - at God. He wants God to help him fix what he perceives as being wrong with his people. But then he realises the problem is that he is impatient and must wait for God to do things in His own time.
October 12, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The prophet Habakkuk is so overwhelmed by the violence he sees that he lashes out - at God. He wants God to help him fix what he perceives as being wrong with his people. But then he realises the problem is that he is impatient and must wait for God to do things in His own time.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus asks us to open our eyes to what is going on in the world around us and not to be lulled into believing all is well because we are comfortable. Justice will catch up with us if we ignore the hungry or remain unmoved by human hurt.
October 5, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus asks us to open our eyes to what is going on in the world around us and not to be lulled into believing all is well because we are comfortable. Justice will catch up with us if we ignore the hungry or remain unmoved by human hurt.
The prophet Amos has strong words calling out an economic system rigged against the poor and in favour of the rich. A new elite of wealthy and powerful Israelites exploited the poor of their own nation. Amos’ prophecy is a counsel against greed and a direction to place commerce in its proper place.
September 22, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The prophet Amos has strong words calling out an economic system rigged against the poor and in favour of the rich. A new elite of wealthy and powerful Israelites exploited the poor of their own nation. Amos’ prophecy is a counsel against greed and a direction to place commerce in its proper place.
Paul’s touching letter to Philemon both seeks to restore the slave Onesimus to his owner on good terms and to establish Paul’s own relationship with Philemon. Paul asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as a true brother and equal partner. Paul trusts Philemon’s true Christian spirit.
September 14, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Paul’s touching letter to Philemon both seeks to restore the slave Onesimus to his owner on good terms and to establish Paul’s own relationship with Philemon. Paul asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as a true brother and equal partner. Paul trusts Philemon’s true Christian spirit.
We should show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, we might be entertaining angels without knowing it. Trust in God means extending our compassion and understanding beyond our usual circle of family and friends- being prepared to entertain strangers. Love is the foundation for what we do.
September 2, 2025 at 10:24 AM
We should show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, we might be entertaining angels without knowing it. Trust in God means extending our compassion and understanding beyond our usual circle of family and friends- being prepared to entertain strangers. Love is the foundation for what we do.
The Letter to the Hebrews talks of two mountains, contrasting God’s terrifying presence on Mount Zion with a mountain in the future on which there is a heavenly city where God is present. Here we can worship without fear because Jesus showed us the way, presenting a human face for the wonder of God.
August 26, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The Letter to the Hebrews talks of two mountains, contrasting God’s terrifying presence on Mount Zion with a mountain in the future on which there is a heavenly city where God is present. Here we can worship without fear because Jesus showed us the way, presenting a human face for the wonder of God.
The letter to the Hebrews focuses on a sporting metaphor: “let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us”. This does not mean treat the present as a place we are just passing through. By faith we explore the patterns and rhythms of God’s Kingdom in the experience of this present world.
August 17, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The letter to the Hebrews focuses on a sporting metaphor: “let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us”. This does not mean treat the present as a place we are just passing through. By faith we explore the patterns and rhythms of God’s Kingdom in the experience of this present world.
Reposted by RevdMark
#MorningPrayer
You want us, Lord,
to know and live life
in the abundance of your love,
in the joy of your kingdom.
Keep our focus on your way,
help us not to turn in on ourselves
and be consumed
by greed, status,
jealousy, and selfishness.
May these things
never trump your grace.
You want us, Lord,
to know and live life
in the abundance of your love,
in the joy of your kingdom.
Keep our focus on your way,
help us not to turn in on ourselves
and be consumed
by greed, status,
jealousy, and selfishness.
May these things
never trump your grace.
August 14, 2025 at 5:35 AM
#MorningPrayer
You want us, Lord,
to know and live life
in the abundance of your love,
in the joy of your kingdom.
Keep our focus on your way,
help us not to turn in on ourselves
and be consumed
by greed, status,
jealousy, and selfishness.
May these things
never trump your grace.
You want us, Lord,
to know and live life
in the abundance of your love,
in the joy of your kingdom.
Keep our focus on your way,
help us not to turn in on ourselves
and be consumed
by greed, status,
jealousy, and selfishness.
May these things
never trump your grace.
People in antiquity thought ‘God was ‘up there’. We no longer think in the same way: God is not ‘up there’, or at least in the sense that used to mean. Today we affirm there is more to life than the material reality around us. Love, hope and faith give meaning and purpose to our lives.
August 13, 2025 at 6:44 AM
People in antiquity thought ‘God was ‘up there’. We no longer think in the same way: God is not ‘up there’, or at least in the sense that used to mean. Today we affirm there is more to life than the material reality around us. Love, hope and faith give meaning and purpose to our lives.
Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who built larger barns to store all his grain and goods. He would eat, drink and be merry! But then God said “You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you”. Do we store up treasure for ourselves or make sacrifices to improve the lives of others?
August 4, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who built larger barns to store all his grain and goods. He would eat, drink and be merry! But then God said “You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you”. Do we store up treasure for ourselves or make sacrifices to improve the lives of others?
Reposted by RevdMark
The truth here is so ever relevant, is so simple and profound. I think I might pop it into my next book. Sharing yet again:
July 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The truth here is so ever relevant, is so simple and profound. I think I might pop it into my next book. Sharing yet again:
We are asked both to meet the needs of the vulnerable and to be willing to be vulnerable ourselves. True, selfless, service balanced by persistent attention to the presence of God in our lives will enable us to be forgiving people and so receive forgiveness, to be merciful and so receive mercy.
July 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
We are asked both to meet the needs of the vulnerable and to be willing to be vulnerable ourselves. True, selfless, service balanced by persistent attention to the presence of God in our lives will enable us to be forgiving people and so receive forgiveness, to be merciful and so receive mercy.
Reposted by RevdMark
The broadcast media’s determination to make sure only one party’s agenda is at the forefront of mind’s in the next four years seems relentless. It’s started early to have the biggest impact. Other parties deserve coverage. Demand plurality. It’s OUR democracy
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Petition: Ensure plurality of political coverage across UK broadcast media at all times
We want to ensure that a plurality of views from all political parties in Westminster are represented and the nations parliaments are heard all year round, not just election times. The rules for cover...
petition.parliament.uk
July 29, 2025 at 3:33 AM
The broadcast media’s determination to make sure only one party’s agenda is at the forefront of mind’s in the next four years seems relentless. It’s started early to have the biggest impact. Other parties deserve coverage. Demand plurality. It’s OUR democracy
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Paul continues writing to the Colossians: He challenges the ideology that assumes Rome is a force for good, explaining that it is really Christ who is preeminent. Christ has already faced the hardest challenge on our behalf; demonstrating the way of God calls us to - that of self-sacrificial love.
July 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Paul continues writing to the Colossians: He challenges the ideology that assumes Rome is a force for good, explaining that it is really Christ who is preeminent. Christ has already faced the hardest challenge on our behalf; demonstrating the way of God calls us to - that of self-sacrificial love.
The apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae congratulating them for their faith which is bearing good fruit. We take hope that if we nurture our faith and that of others then we can build up a community of love and mutual encouragement where everyone’s needs are met.
July 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae congratulating them for their faith which is bearing good fruit. We take hope that if we nurture our faith and that of others then we can build up a community of love and mutual encouragement where everyone’s needs are met.