​Acts 7:44-53
Stephen,  the first martyr argues his case before the religious authorities.  He tells them where they have got it wrong and unsurprisingly they are not happy: they met his anger with them with an even greater sense of anger and had him stoned to death. Please note - it wasn't easy being a very early Christian.

​Philippians 4:10-15
Paul thanks the Philippians for their renewed support. He has known both good and bad times.

​Mark 4:30-34
Jesus told the parables to help folk think of the Kingdom of God.

​Acts 2:37-47
The people respond to Peter's preaching; many repent; large numbers join the community of faith and they all share their good fortune with each other. The early church enjoyed a period of enormous growth and fellowship.

​Roman's 1:8-15
Paul thanks them for their faithfulness by telling them he thanks God for them. He expresses his desire to visit them. He had not been to Rome due to being engaged elsewhere - preaching in the Greek speaking world to both the wise and the ignorant.

​Roman's 9:6-13
Paul is explaining something of the later Reformation doctrine of Election. Not all descendants of Abraham are chosen so the argument of belonging because of birth does not hold. It is faith that makes us heirs of the promise.

BURGLAR BILL!
When I was young (and once I was! - as you were too – believe it!)  
My Mum would keep our house so tidy – if you can conceive it….  
And any of us, Dad or older brother Jim (him too) - All must obey what Mum would say, oh yes! and we’d to do  

All sorts of little tasks, like making beds and carting laundry Down to the kitchen then to be in quite a different quand’ry For where on earth could we put shirt or vest, or sock or handky  
Into my Mum’s so tidy kitchen – laundry, which was manky……..

And we would dump it in the second sink – which was quite deep  
Until there was enough to pop into machine to steep Then round and round to spin in suds to clean them all real fine  
So Mum could hang her washing out upon the washing line……..

And that was when we heard about this Burglar Bill, because  
My dear old Mum would say in voice quite stern, this longish clause  
“Now all of you, before you leave for office, or for school Please tidy up, don’t leave a thing – for that’s my Golden Rule!

If Burglar Bill should call, I would be black-affrontit if Just one wee thing were out of place!” – she’d give a gentle sniff;  
With arms akimbo, as her eyes around our family turned And we could see the dedication there with which they burned.

Of course, my brother Graham and I would argue, “Aw, but Mum!  
If this guy’s going to rob our house, he might come down the lum!  
And he would bring down with him soot – all dirty and all black!  
D’you not think he’s more likely just to go and fill his sack  

From other houses which are much more tidy than our own?”  
But she’d come quickly back at us in a much stronger tone “You two will do just as I say!” and both of us would sigh As well we recognised that stiff parental voice! Oh my!

And so this character of lore, this Burglar Bill was born And if he really did exist, our thoughts, of course, were torn Between just doing what we’re told, and wanting for to meet  
This person dressed in stripey top, black mask, and oh so neat!

While carrying upon his back a sack on which said “SWAG” No normal burglar you would see with just a simple bag! And no-one in his rightful mind would challenge such a guy Because we knew he could climb too, and show the Police a spry

Athletic gift and o’er our rooftop he would swiftly go And sell off what he stole from us; no more we’d have to show  
The ugly vase old Auntie Gert gave to our Dad and Mum When they were wed; it might’ve cost Aunt Gert a tidy sum!

So Burglar Bill became an ani-hero too like Nero And Graham and I, we gave him points, from ten right down to zero  
Because into our lives he came, creating work for us As Mum insisted round the home we had to clear and dust….  

And so, dear readers, now you know just why my dear old Mum  
At times was “black-affrontit” just in case said Bill should come  
And that is why, this author, I, still tidy round, in case………..  
Mum’s Burglar Bill, in Manning Mansions might just show his face!

Muriel Manning 


​

​Philippines 4:10-15
Paul is grateful to the Philippians for their renewed support. Their kindness does them much credit.

​Revelation 14:12-20
The harvest at the end of time. See the website as this one takes a bit more explanation. 
Enjoy your day

​Hebrews 6:13-20
The writer speaks of the great hope we have by virtue of the promise God made to Abraham (Genesis 14) . In Christ who has gone before us we can experience the fullness of that promise. Good news, eh? Enjoy your day.

​Matthew 13:10-17
The parables come out of the human experience as Jesus tries to help people bridge the gap between God and humanity. Some it appears will never cross the divide whereas others will be further blessed.

​Ephesians 4:17 - 5:2
Some of the marvellous wisdom of Paul for our living today.

1st Thessalonians 4:1-8
Paul writes to encourage them to live holy lives aware they are surrounded by immorality at every level. He does so because he wants them to live safely as Christ's people setting an example of an alternative life style.

​Romans 15:14-21
Paul is hoping to visit Rome. Here he is reminding them that he is an instrument of Christ and that it is Christ working through him that so much has been achieved

​Roman's 2:12-16
Paul is reminding the Romans that humanity will be judged on whether or not  they were good or bad (with or without knowledge of the  Law).

​John 13:1-17
The washing of the disciples feet. Not just a story but an opportunity to live out the gospel today in any number of ways and in so doing serving Christ.

​Roman's 3:1-8
Paul is arguing the Jews were privileged in that they were given the 10 Commandments. It was to act in obedience to God. That they failed is sad but God hadn't written them off. In Jesus God was fulfilling the promise of salvation to Jew and Gentile.

​Roman's 1:18-25
Paul is writing about the state of things in the world. He states the evidence for God is there before them in the creation therefore to deny God is to invite His wrath upon themselves.  Heavy stuff for a Monday.

Roman's 7:1-6
Paul is telling them that in being baptised into Christ they are free from the old order and can live with hope and peace.