You are the Maker featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album His Story recorded and produced by Ross Gill.

This week I have another devotion to share from the “Word for Today”
God said in creation, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind.’ And ‘when God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God…When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness’ (Genesis 5:1,3 NIV). In other words, man isn’t just another animal in the evolutionary chain. ‘Microevolution’ teaches variations within species. For example, there are different types of dogs, etc. But there is no scientific evidence to support ‘macroevolution’ – one species evolving into another species. In reference to creation, Dr Derek Prince wrote: ‘I am simple-minded enough to believe that it happened the way the Bible described it. I have been a professor at Britain’s largest university [Cambridge] for nine years. I hold various degrees and academic distinctions, and I feel in many ways I am quite sophisticated intellectually, but I don’t feel in any way intellectually inferior when I say that I believe the Bible record of creation. Prior to believing the Bible I have studied many other attempts to explain man’s origin and found them all unsatisfying and, in many cases self-contradictory. I turned to study the Bible as a professional philosopher – not as a believer – and I commented to myself, “At least it can’t be any sillier than some of the other things I’ve heard,” and to my astonishment, I discovered it had the answer.’
Quote of the week
If God is your partner make your plans BIG!
D.L. Moody

Bathe Me In Your Light featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodginson

Last week I shared something that I had first read in the “Word for Today” and here is another extract from this daily devotional, written by Bob and Debby Gass and published UCB.
I have put one piece in bold as I thought it particularly helpful- a wonderful, inspiring but simple definition of prayer:
God hasn’t made prayer difficult or complicated, but really simple. The truth is, many of us pray more often than we know. And we have a more effective and successful prayer life than we realise. The trouble is, we don’t always recognise when we’re praying. That’s because we’ve got the wrong idea about it. We’ve been taught that prayer requires a specific environment like church, or a prescribed posture like kneeling, or a particular form of words like ‘Thee’ and ‘Thou’, and that we must strictly adhere to certain religious rituals. No, prayer is simply talking to God, then being still and allowing Him to talk to you. You can pray anytime, anywhere, about anything, by just directing your thoughts, spoken and unspoken, towards God. Paul writes, ‘We fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.’ Imagine that all of God’s blessings and benefits are stored in a giant warehouse in the invisible realm; things like forgiveness, strength, wisdom, guidance, favour, and resources. Through prayer you enter God’s warehouse of blessings, and by faith you receive them and bring them back into your life. The Bible says you have not because you ask not (see James 4:2). So whatever you need today, pray and ask God for it – believing that He will give it to you. Jesus said, ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted’ (John 15:7 NLT).
Taken from the Word for Today Nov 2020
Quote of the week
Let go of yesterday’s mistakes in order to grasp today’s blessings
Word for Today

“When You Walk With God” featuring Harun Kotch from the album “The Season of Singing” recorded and produced by Ross Gill

At a metro station in Washington D.C on a cold January morning, a young violinist played several classical compositions as people rushed by. After three minutes, a middle -aged man slowed briefly, then hurried away. Thirty seconds later the young man received his first dollar: a woman threw it in his case without stopping. Six minutes later a man leaned against a wall to listen for a few minutes then looked at his watch and walked on. After ten minutes a little boy stopped but his mum hurried him along. Other kids did the same, but every parent without exception, rushed them on.
The young musician played for forty five minutes. During that time seven people stopped and listened for a while and twenty gave money as they walked past. He collected a total of $32 about £25 and when he stopped playing nobody noticed or applauded. What is remarkable is this: the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the world’s greatest musicians and he played some of the most intricate pieces ever written on a violin worth $3.5 million (about £2.8 million) Two days before he sold out a Boston Theatre where tickets averaged $100 ((£80.00) to listen to him play the same music as he had played at the Metro station that morning where only one person recognised him.
So, here’s the question: if you’ve no time to stop and listen to one of the world’s best musicians playing the finest music ever written on one of the most beautiful instruments ever made “what else are you missing as your barrel though life?”
Note Joshua Bell played incognito as part of a social experiment conducted by The Washington Post
Taken from the Word for Today Nov 2020

Quote of the week
One man with conviction will overwhelm a hundred who have only opinions
Winston Churchill

There have been many inspirational songs, videos and messages that have been created relating specifically to the Co-Vid lockdown. The featured video is one I thought I would share.

My dear old mate Darren and his lovely daughter Jaz created the other wonderful video which is of the classic song “Down To The River to Pray.” Just had to share it with you as well!

Quote of the week
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill

I think this is a lovely story that I thought I would share today. It comes from an article in Premier Christian News.
TV’s ‘This Morning’ host Holly Willoughby became emotional during a recent show after a pair of musical nuns shared a message of hope to all those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. 
The nuns, from the Convent of Poor Clares in Arundel, West Sussex, released an album – Light of the World – which topped the classical charts last year. During the interview, one of nuns, Sister Gabriel, said they all come together as a group seven times a day to “pray for the world”. 
Then, in response to a question from host Phillip Schofield about what it is like to live in a solitary place of prayer, Sister Geraldine replied: “It’s not an easy decision to make at all. But imagine for yourself when you met the person that you loved, and you wanted to give your life to them…that’s not an easy decision to make.
“I think in every walk of life, whether we’re single or married or called to religious life, it’s an act of faith and trust…you’re placing yourself in the hands of somebody of else, and we’re all doing that somewhere. 
“Of course, it takes great courage and you have to believe somewhere that ultimately, it will work out and it will be ok.”
It was at this point that Willoughby began to cry. 
“When you listen to our CD, if you’re fed up or anxious or depressed. Just know that somewhere, in Arundel, there’s a community of women, and we’re here…we’re with you and we’re making the journey as well,” Sister Gabriel continued.
Willoughby started getting emotional again. 
“Some people just talk and they really get you, don’t they?” the presenter said through tears. “Sorry, it’s when somebody says that it’s all gonna be ok…it’s nice to hear, isn’t it?” 
I hope you have time to watch the powerful moment in todays video.
Quote of the week
At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those accomplishments. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.
Denzel Washington

Love is the Way featuring Lucy Stimpson-Maynard from the album Love is the Way recorded and produced by Bob Ross

So here is my final reminiscence from seven years ago!
I left the last blog saying that this week I would tell you how many copies of our first CD “I Look Up To Heavens” was sold – well a few more than the 50 my son James predicted!- approximately 3000 which is not exactly a Grammy but still not bad. Later songs taken from other Mustard Seed CDs were used on 80,000 mini -CDs that were attached to the 40th Anniversary edition of “Every Day With Jesus” and then distributed worldwide, however that’s a future blog story!
I had borrowed money to pay for the duplication of the first 1000 copies of “I Look Up To The Heavens” but was selling more that we needed to cover the monthly repayments. I remember having “that feeling inside” that we should send Katherine Knight some money in Peru. Katherine was the daughter of Paul Knight who introduced me to the Alpha Course. Katherine had taken time off from her studies to work voluntarily in Peru for the Christian agency, ““Latin Link”. She was part of a young team that were helping build two projects, the first of which was an orphanage.
I rang Paul in February 1999 to tell him that CD sales were going well and that I would like to send Katherine £500.00 – in fact they were not going that well – I just felt confident that we would be able to raise that amount. Paul was obviously delighted and agreed to ring Katherine to tell her the good news. When he made the phone call, he did give her a chance to first say anything but went straight into “I have some great news for you- the sales of “I Look Up To the Heavens” are going well enough for Ken to send you £500.00.” Paul expected some sort of emotional reaction but not the flood of tears that followed. Katherine then explained that her team was near the end of their orphanage building project, but all of the materials they needed to complete the work had been stolen. The team were devastated and thought that they would have to abandon the project. In tears they spent the night in prayer. That had been the previous night – so when Paul told his daughter that £500.00 was on its way, that was indeed a real answer to their prayers, especially as when the money was converted to local currency it turned out to be the exact amount needed to replace the stolen materials and so finish the project!!
Sometime later I got a phone call from the father of one of Katherine’s “Latin Link” team saying that he had heard the amazing story of how money received from our CD sales had enabled the orphanage building work to be completed. He then went on to say that he was a Solicitor who specialised in creating charities and would I like our song writing mission to become a registered charity? “Yes please” was my simple answer. Mustard Seed Songs was not a rocket science title – the parable from Matthew 13 seemed totally appropriate for a project that we felt from a small beginning would grow and grow. So, in late 1999 Mustard Seed Songs became Registered Charity No 177618.
I remember someone once saying to me that they became a Christian “Because it works.” Reading the Bible, prayer, worship, being inspired by other people and attending church are all important factors in increasing one’s faith but so too are one’s experiences. By building Memorials and creating Festival Days the Hebrew people helped ensure that they did not forget the blessings of God. The story of how Mustard Seed Songs became a charity is one that I can always look back on to help me strengthen my faith.
Quote of the week
Worrying won’t stop the bad stuff from happening – it just stops you from enjoying the good
Charlie Brown from Peanuts

I Look Up To The Heavens featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodginson

So last week I said that would tell you how attending a worship seminar presented by Brian Doerksen, who wrote “More than Oxygen,” played at my baptism, influenced me to start writing Christian songs – here is the story….
Sometime in late 1997 I read in the Holy Rood Church notice sheet that there was a Worship Seminar to be held in Winchester, led by Brian Doerksen, I had that “feeling” inside that made me know that this was something I was meant to attend. Brian is from Canada so I knew the opportunities to attend one of his Seminars would be few and far between.
So, I went on my own to Winchester – which of course I knew pretty well having been to Teaching Training College there- to a church (now Winchester Family Church) housed in what had been a Cinema. I have to say I was not entirely comfortable with all the hand raising and that is about all I can remember from the evening apart from the important fact that I thought – “I wonder if my pop songs could become Christian songs – perhaps that is why it was intended that I came to this Worship Seminar? “
So, I went home and started “converting” the lyrics of my pop songs to Christian lyrics. For some songs this was relatively easy – only needing for example to change “Baby” to “Lord!” For others it was not so simple, for example “Don’t Lose Sight Of My Shore” became “Father Help Me Acknowledge You” taken from Psalm 139.
So, I went to see John Hodgkinson and told him that I wanted to do some recording again. He was fine about that – however I now had to tell him that the songs to be recorded were no longer straight pop songs, with a view to making us money, but Christian songs. For some reason I was embarrassed about this and so mumbled “John, the words have changed.” John replied “Why, the words are fine.” “Yes, John but now they are Chris………. words” I did not actually say the word Christian as I had my hand over my mouth so just a muffled “Chris …” came out. About three times this happened before John could hear the word “Christian.” “That’s fine” he reassured me – so there had been no need for me to be embarrassed at all.
Next thing was to find a singer. I am sure Louise Redknapp (spelt correctly this time) and Cole (see blog March 20th) would have sung it but I had just heard Lucy Stimpson sing at the School Prom Karaoke and knew that “she was the one.” So next day I ventured over to the Music Department armed with my cassette of “Don’t Lose Sight Of My Shore.” After hearing it Lucy said that she would love to record it but why as the previous recording was great. “Ah yes Lucy” I hesitantly explained “But the words have changed.” “Why, they are great words” insisted Lucy. “Thanks, but they are now “Chris……. words” I burbled with hand over mouth. After the regulation three “Chris’s …..” the word Christian came out to which Lucy replied “That’s great I am a Christian.” What no way -this was going too well – what about all the micky taking I was expecting?
I also found out that Lucy not only had a beautiful voice but also played piano brilliantly. Also, that she could play either by reading music or by ear – and as there was no way that I could ever produce written music Lucy being able to play by ear was just perfect!
So the first CD was born- “I Look Up To The Heavens.” The majority of songs being converted pop songs all recorded in John Hodge’s studio in his house. I remember “If Love Had Never Died” became “Jesus Is The Alphabet,” “No More Sad Songs” became “Let Us All Stand Up And Be Glad” and “Take My Look, Take My Touch, Take My Whisper” which I had made up to sing to my son Chris at bedtime became “Father Let Your Spirit Fall Upon Me.” “I had not made that song up when James, my other son was of an age to be sung to at bedtime – he had to put up with a version of James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James.”
I remember giving my colleague, Neale, in the PE Department a cassette with some PE stuff on it not realising it also had a recording of “Father Help Me to Acknowledge You.” I remember him saying “What’s all this Father stuff I heard on that cassette you gave me?” I thought “Oh no here comes the micky taking big time” but no, Neale simply said “Well I liked it – anything I can do to help let me know.” And so he designed the artwork for our first three CDs and our Mustard Seed logo, created the first Mustard Seed Songs website and was I/C sound for many of our concerts.
When the recording of “I Look Up To The Heavens” was completed in 1999 Lucy, John, Neale and myself went to London to Hiltongrove Studios to have the CD mastered. We made a day of it picking up a West End Show- great times!
James, my son (who I have to say is now really supportive and gives good advice) said to me when we had 1000 CDs of “ I Look Up To The Heavens” reproduced -“Once all your aunties have bought a copy you won’t sell any more – I reckon 50 of those 1000 CDs will go at best. “
Well as we now know for once James was rather wrong !! Next week I will tell you how many copies of “I Look Up To The Heavens have been sold and also how Mustard Seed Songs became a registered charity – and that really is an amazing story!
Quote of the week
So, you never know who you touch. You never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else.
Denzel Washington

Harun Kotch playing bass for the Mustard Seed Soul Band

When You Walk With God featuring Harun Kotch from the album The Season of Singing recorded and produced by Ross Gill

So last week I said that I did not start writing Christian songs immediately I became a Christian – but that came after a full immersion baptism. So here is that story:
Many years previously I had attended the Alpha Course I had been invited by a member of my tutor group- Caroline Berridge, to attend her baptism by full immersion at Holy Rood Church. As she came out of the tank dripping wet in what appeared to be her pyjamas I thought to myself “She is very brave -there is no way you’d catch me doing anything like that – I would be much too embarrassed.” Well, not long after I became a Christian, I read in the church notice sheet that there was an opportunity for me to be baptised by full immersion. After a couple of quick enquires I discovered that you can’t be baptised twice. I thought “That’s a relief I have escaped” – you see I had already been baptised (Christened) as a baby. The trouble was shortly afterwards I found out that you can still re- affirm your infant baptism vows.
So, I got this feeling inside me that made me think that this was something I should do even if I didn’t fancy it. I thought that as there is safety in numbers, I would get others from my Alpha group to be baptised with me- the trouble was none of them wanted to. So, I came up with what I thought was a brilliant plan; I would go to the Holy Land and get baptised in the River Jordan just like Jesus. With this great plan I went to my mentor, Mr Mill’s dad Mr Milliken expecting him to be overjoyed with my idea. Oh no he was not overjoyed at all – Mr Milliken made it quite clear that I had to make a public testimony of my faith to my friends and family and in my local church. My mind flashed back to Caroline Berridge’s dunking – this was going to be so embarrassing but I could see no way out. So, I went to see the Vicar, Michael Christian- Edwards to tell him that I wished to reaffirm my baptism vows and that I was prepared (prepared but not happy) to give a testimony.
Holy Rood church was packed- I felt the water in the specially brought in tank – it felt less than tepid. I received encouragement from Mr Mill and his dad, who was going to be my special helper, ready with a towel for me when I emerged; giving what I was sure would be the appearance of a drowned rat.
I remember one of the Christian songs we sang was one written by Brian Doerksen “More than Oxygen” and this became significant a little later re the song writing
Anyway, before being “dunked” I had to give a testimony – I thought the best thing would be to tell how my fear of death had been taken away (or pretty much taken away) after I had become a Christian. Michael Christian- Edwards had pointed out to me that The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus has freed all those who were held in slavery by the power of death- so I quoted this. I also talked about how one day I had gone on my own into Holy Rood after dark and a section of the beautiful stained- glass window at the far end was illuminated. The illuminated part was that of Jesus portrayed as the Good Shepherd. I remember staring at this image for some time and feeling really comforted. When I asked how the window had been illuminated no one really had an answer – a timing light was supposed to come on but that was to light the window to the outside – not inside. There may well be a logical explanation but I prefer to believe it was a blessing from God to reassure me that He would always look after me in the same way as a Shepherd looks after his sheep- even when I got lost or went astray.
After I gave my testimony (which was quite long) someone shouted out “Hallelujah” I remember feeling really chuffed about this – I know I probably should not have felt proud but I did.
So, on May 18th 1997 into the “tub” I went – I was taken backwards into the water by Michael Christian -Edwards. In the end I wasn’t in the least bit embarrassed, coming out drenched -in fact I was exhilarated – Mr Milliken was there with a towel and these words for me “So do not fear for I am with you be not dismayed for you are my God I will comfort you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” I later found this to be from the Book of Isaiah Chapter 42:11 These words have remained especially dear to me and when my wife Caroline was baptised in the sea in September 2011, I said the same words over her.
Anyway, other people said prayers out loud for me and I particularly remember Paul Knight, who had first invited me to the Alpha course pray that I would become a “Fisher of men.” I felt humbled and joyful – it was a wonderful, unforgettable experience.
Not long after I heard about a worship seminar being presented by Brian Doerksen – the writer of “More than Oxygen” played at the baptism- next week I will tell you how that influenced me to start writing Christian songs myself.
Quote of the week
Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss or dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt by the heart.
Denzel Washington

If I Say I Love You Jesus featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Precious recorded and produced by Ross Gill.

So last week I left you with the question “Did I take a leap of faith”?”
So at the start of the Alpha Course I had been given a little red book entitled “Why Jesus?” (as featured in pic) At the end of the book there is a prayer so I knew an opportunity was coming up for me to take that leap of faith and to say this prayer asking Jesus to come into my life. I felt it really difficult to sleep with my two “problems” (see last week’s blog) constantly churning around inside my head. The weekend came when I knew I had to make a decision – as part of the Alpha Course I was at the Holy Rood Vicarage with the Vicar, Michael Christian- Edwards and his lovely wife Merlyn. When the others in my group were having a coffee break, I escaped into the village to go through in my head what I was going to do. On my return sure enough Michael gave everyone the opportunity to say a prayer asking Jesus to forgive us for all the things we had done wrong – to ask Him to come into our lives- and for us to be filled with His Holy Spirit. I remember asking Michael if I could say the prayer twice. He seemed surprised but said that was fine and so that lunchtime on Saturday, February 22nd 1997 I asked Jesus into my life and became a Christian.
Why did I want to say the prayer twice? Well, there was Mr Mill and his dad that I also wanted to be there on such a momentous occasion. So that evening in Mr Mil’s apartment in Titchfield I sat between the two of them confessing out loud all the things I had done wrong and again asking Jesus into my life. Some of the things I had done wrong were pretty big – one had been a real burden for many years but after I had confessed it the burden lifted- I know that sounds amazing and too good to be true, but amazing is what it was and too good not to be true!
So, I thought “micky taking” here you come, but I decided to be pro-active and tell people before they found out through the grapevine. First off was Barry who I had known the longest -he was surprisingly supportive – so too was Ian – but I could not tell Dave, it was Dave who had made the comment about Mick Mellows (see last week’s blog) – he was sure to let me have it with both barrels. A couple of months later Barry and Ian told me that Dave was really upset with me for not telling him. So, I took Dave out for a curry (of course) and felt pretty emotional when Dave told me that he loved me (in a bloke way!!) and that he would always support me in anything I did and that he was upset because it seemed that I did not believe I could trust him. So big apology from me and really all the worries about people “taking the mick” turned out to be groundless- mind you I think my two sons James and Chris took a bit of stick at school.
So did my fears of dying die (sorry for pun) If I am honest not entirely – but I did have God’s promise to hold on to and you can’t have much more than that. In fact, later I wrote a song called “It’s From the Lord” which is on our CD “Heart and Soul” – the last verse of which is “When your time on earth is ending and you look up to Him on high and your see His promises sparkling spelt out in stars across the sky and open arms reach to embrace you to welcome you home then you know, yes you know it is the Lord.”
I also wrote a song which was a sort of autobiography of me becoming a Christian and being worried about what people would think – this one is on the CD “Precious” and is called “If I Say I Love You Jesus.” I did actually once sing it live myself at a Mustard Seed Concert but here it is sung by the fantastic Lucy Stimpson-Maynard.
But I did not start writing Christian songs immediately I became a Christian – that came after a full immersion baptism which I will tell you about next week.
Quote of the week
Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny
C.S. Lewis

There’s Going To Be A Party featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album “Uplifted” recorded and produced by Bob Ross.

So last blog I told you that I did reluctantly go on an Alpha Course. I was greeted by a smiling person (obviously a “Do Gooder” I thought) and presented with a badge with my name on it. I expected everyone to be wearing Jesus sandals and when I saw that someone actually was, I decided to beat a hasty retreat. My friend, Paul Hiscock had been trapped by the Vicar so no help there – but then I smelt the curry. Now curry is my staple diet so I decided to delay by escape until after I had sampled the curry.
During the Chicken Korma I spoke to a lovely lady called Margaret who asked me what I was doing there and when I had difficulty in answering, reassured me that she too was unsure why she was there.
Tasty curry over – perhaps I should give the Vicar a chance? He looked a pretty cool guy and was not wearing a dog collar – not that I had a problem with that – So here we go to the ice -cold pews for a boring sermon on Christ dying for my sins just like my past experiences as a choir boy. Actually, no not at all! We went upstairs in the Church Centre to a warm and pleasant room with sofas – all rather nice and relaxing. The Vicar, Michael Christian- Edwards (appropriate name I thought) who has also become a dear friend started off with a joke and quite a good one at that – the laughter relaxed everyone and then Michael talked about whether or not Jesus really did exist. I really enjoyed the talk and even more the opportunity to ask questions afterwards- which I did in abundance. What about this and what about that – Michael answered all my questions with patience and great knowledge. I went home thinking I wonder? But there was no way really that I could ever become a Christian – what would my mates say? I would be a laughing stock – “Jesus Freak” and “Bible Basher.” However, I went back the next week and then the next and then the next and then I began to think that I wanted to become a Christian – I felt reassured by the words in John’s Gospel, Chapter 3 verse 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” Eternal Life – that is what I needed to take away my fear of death. Not something to be earned but something to be accepted as a gift. Perfect – apart from two problems 1) did I have enough faith to accept Jesus” gift” with any degree of sincerity? 2) If I did ask Jesus into my life what would my mates say- how much ridicule would I have to endure? Let me have a look at problem no 2 first.
Three of my very special friends are Barry Stares, Dave Conchie and Ian Beacham. Barry I have known since Junior School and Dave and Ian since PE College. We regularly meet for a drink and something to eat (yes curry) At one curry Ian said “You will never guess what’s happened to Mick” He was referring to another ex-PE College friend, Mick Mellows who played football for Pompey and who is now a Director of the charity Faith and Football -www.faith&football.org.uk . I thought Ian meant that Mick had been struck down with some horrible illness but no that is not what he meant at all. He continued “He’s only gone and become a Christian!” To which Dave replied “No – and he was such a good bloke!”
Could I face that sort of comment if I “admitted” to becoming a Christian? I really doubted it.
As for problem no 1 re did I have enough faith? – Well thankfully someone told me I only had to have faith as small as a mustard seed (the smallest of all seeds in Biblical times.) I simply had to focus on what I believed not on what I did not – simply had to trust – simply had to take a “leap of faith” Did I take that leap – I’ll tell you next week.
The webmaster, me and all at Mustard Seed Songs wish you a
Happy New Year
Quote of the week
Let God’s promises shine on your problems
Corrie ten Boom