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WRITTEN FOR LOCAL NEWSPAPER:

Just this week I heard an item on a radio program where a broadcaster and a couple of professors of medicine were discussing human free-will. As part of the discussion they touched on the human mind and made it clear that they viewed it as no different from the brain. In fact they eliminated any possibility of a mind, soul or spirit and they truly believed that there was no sense of “being you” apart from the bag of flesh & proteins that make up your brain. I bet they’re the life of the party!  As expected, I disagree with them and just wish I had opportunity to convince them to change their … bundle of neurons!

The Bible places great emphasis on us discovering our full identity. At this time of economic and social turmoil many readers will be glad to know that their identity is far greater than the value of skin, bone and material things. To find hope and inspiration for your mind and life for your spirit then why not get pop your body down to church this weekend. Each week I’m there I find hundreds of joyful and hope-filled ordinary people from all walks of life who know there is much more to life than meets the eye.

During a recent chat with my Board at the Church I was reminded that I have been the Senior Pastor of New Life for over seven years. The Board have decided that it would be great for me to have a sabbatical and I gratefully accepted and will be taking a couple of months “out” in Winter/Spring 2009. They also recommended that I take a week away as soon possible before the Christmas season starts and before we launch the second phase of a Community Project.

 So here I am. In a log cabin (mobile home with wood laminate cladding) just north of York. I’m miles from anywhere and without a vehicle and its bliss. I have a well stocked fishing lake just a few steps from my door and scenery to die for.  I have a fishing rod, camera, guitar and a few books and intend to both relax and find some refreshment in my spirit.

Being a preacher I can’t help but collect anecdotes from life and I’m sure a few will appear in this blog over the coming week. Today however I want to do some product placement and recommend a recording artist to you.

My Worship Pastor passed me a CD of a singer/songwriter he had recently come across called Jason Upton. I had never heard of him but listened to his latest album last night and it was something very special. The songs on the album are recorded live at various churches around the USA and it sounds quite raw but don’t let this put you off. The worship songs are very free flowing, some a clearly spontaneous and most have a propheticness to them which overcomes any style issues people may have.

I have to be careful because I know nothing about Jason Upton, his life or his beliefs. Gift without character is a dangerous thing and I am ignorant about the latter, however Jason Upton’s giftedness is without question and God uses his songs to unlock people and speak to their hearts.

I’ve been having some profound heart experiences lately, in-line with where God is leading my church, and yesterday walking in the countryside listening to this album was something I won’t forget and I hope affects me for the better in some way.

Album: Jason Upton: 1200ft Below Sea Level.

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God bless.