David Holdsworth's Blog: Devotion, page 2

The Lord's work continues

Acts 8:1-5
Despite being persecuted and in suffering, the church continues the work of sharing the gospel. They gave their best and didn't give up. Don't assume that in suffering, God is not on the job. We follow a crucified Lord. However, some Christians seem to think that depression and disillusionment are signs of sin. This is clearly untrue. (cf Psalm 22:1 and the words from the cross). His light shines brightest in the valley. Managing uncertainty forces us to rely on God. He is our refuge and our strength. As we walk with Him, He will strengthen us even as we go through the valleys and storms of life. Jesus can see around every corner, and he has got our backs. Worries will come. But, turn your worries into prayers and petitions. Place it all in God's hands. Sometimes, it is OK to say things are not OK. But, the Lord's work continues.

Book Review: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

I listened to the abridged version on audible. It is interesting as it gives an insight into his times. I was pleasantly surprised that he used the body analogy that Christians often use to describe church. That each person (body part) has a role. There are definite timeless wisdoms in the book.

Book Review: Celebrating the Quaker way by Ben Pink Dandelion

I have always liked the Quakers and have a few times on my journey considered becoming one. In fact I have written a few times in The Call, a Primitive/Plain Quaker Journal and once in The Friend. I have also studied a module on the Early Quakers and stood side by side with Friends at vigils and protests. This book is more for insiders and says so on the cover. However, I still found it insightful despite being someone who has hardly been to meetings and mostly read historical accounts rather than contemporary accounts on Quakerism. The book is short which I like. It openly states it is aimed at a more liberal Quakerism, but at the same time it talks of God and Jesus and refers to scripture in a positive way. I am still exploring Quakerism and am still devoutly a follower of Jesus with Anabaptist, Evangelical (Menno Simons definition) and Reformed (as in Salvation by Grace) ideals, but recognise a strong connection to the idea of being contemplative, of having silence, of being outwardly faithful aswell as inwardly, and in agreement with the Peace Testimony. DL Moody once said something along the lines of "I could never use a gun, in this sense I am Quaker." That resonates with me and so does this little book, even if it is more aimed at insiders and those of a liberal Quaker leaning. I do wonder if there is or isn't a Quakerism compatible with my other deeply held views. A question for me to ponder. Either way I admire Quakers and this nice little book.

Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian Mclaren

Interesting, philosophical, and generous to a broad spectrum of church movements. I do feel some of it could have been said in fewer words, but none the less I enjoyed particularly the dive into Methodist and Anabaptist history. The other movements were also interesting. What I got out of the book most is the need for us to participate in what God is doing and learn in friendship from all Christians. I also appreciated the correct explanation of the verse that says Jesus has not come to bring peace but a sword. The correct explanation being that if you do good, people may turn on you as they did and do Christ. It is not a license to violence. Our duty is to love people of other faiths and to most definitely love our brothers in Christ. This doesn't mean putting all ideas in a blender and diluting it into some weird tasting smoothie. We can hold our own Christian tradition with love and respect to all. We can invite those outside the faith to meet with Jesus. If rejected, we move on. We don't call down fire from heaven. We also must repent not just insist others do. As new streams and old streams of our faith emerge and cross paths, we can learn from each other and grow in love.

Book Review: By Fire The Jakob Hutter Story

A graphic novel style book.
This was a moving story. It is sad how cruel and persecuting humans can be. I felt challenged as a person of faith and someone with Anabaptist leanings. At the same time the legacy of the Hutterite, Moravian and Anabaptist traditions is incredible.

Autism Walk: Last Chance to Donate!

Thanks to all who supported my walk for Autism Initiatives. My challenge was 80000 steps over 8 days. I managed over 123,385, including a team walk. My personal goal was £50 and I beat this goal well thanks to kind sponsors. As a team, No6 One Stop Shop raised £1,022 + £181.32 GiftAid. Our collective goal was £500. All support has been much appreciated.
Donations and sponsorships are still open until tomorrow. All contributions of any amount happily received. 

Tuesday Prayer Meetings

I now run a Prayer Meeting to pray for the ministries of Edinburgh Vineyard and the surrounding area on Tuesday mornings.
Details and Zoom link via the website.
All welcome!

Happy Autism Acceptance Month!

Thanks to all who supported my walk for Autism Initiatives. My challenge was 80000 steps over 8 days. I managed over 123,385, including a team walk. I raised £97 + £17.13 GiftAid. My goal was £50. As a team, No6 One Stop Shop raised £738 + £113.59 GiftAid. Our goal was £500. All support has been much appreciated.
Donations and sponsorships are still open until end of the month.

Vineyard Edinburgh: A Momentum Prayer Meeting

Coming soon!
An online prayer meeting to pray for the work of Edinburgh Vineyard and the surrounding areas. 
Penciled in to launch on Tuesdays at 9.30am on 15th April 2025.
All welcome!
For link and more details do stay in touch. 
Every blessing. 

Walk for Autism Half Way

Today I joined a team from No6 One Stop Shop (Autism Initiatives) in Edinburgh for a walk. It was a lovely walk toward Inverleith Park near the Botanical Gardens and back again. It was nice seeing the swans and blowing the cob webs away. It did get a little cold due to the partial eclipse of the sun. Link here to todays photo. Sponsors and Donations big or small most welcome. My personal present step count is 63,567 towards 80,000. More than half way there. I will hopefully reach the rest of my goal by Autism Acceptance Day and Month. Watch this space.