United Traits of America (satirical video poem)

America was ready to explode even before George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis police. The twin tragedies of 40 million people — one-quarter of the US workforce — losing their jobs and 100,000 people losing their lives during the coronavirus pandemic had turned the US into an emotional tinderbox that was waiting for a spark to set it off.Mark and Pete episode from which this poem is taken on the way forward for a divided America: https://www.spreaker.com/user/withpetercooper/i-cant-breathe-for-spreaker
Full text of poem:
The United Traits of America
A nation that unites where the law is abided,
Always delights if great protection is provided,
Until one act incites while minorities are derided,
Social media recites as ignorance presided.
But when hate ignites and colour has collided,
And blacks and whites are so sadly divided,
Then civil rights and justice are just one-sided,
It simply highlights that a country is misguided.
[A satirical poem by Mark and Pete]

Illegal Cummings and Goings

Earlier this week a growing number of senior Conservatives are demanding the resignation of Boris Johnson’s chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, over allegations that he broke the government’s lockdown rules on several occasions. Should Cummings go? See the latest Mark and Pete episode: https://www.spreaker.com/user/withpetercooper/cummings-and-going

Steps to Inspired Success

When we are inspired by the Holy Spirit we have a wealth of ability with which to work. The word “inspire” literally means taking the spirit in. It means breathing in God’s spirit and there are many benefits to this that lead to success.

By inspiration God strengthens us: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phillippians 4:13).  

He gives us understanding “But it is the spirit in man,

    the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand..” (Job 32:8)

One of the most important things to remember as we study Christian inspiration is that when we are inspired we are to use our inspiration for the glory of God and to do His will. 

Jesus tells us: "But see first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33). We must seek what he wants ignorer to be able to use his inspiration. 

There are 4 steps to achieving success through Christian inspiration:

1. Recognise that everything we have is from God and that everything we do should be to glorify the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  God gives us His Spirit and His inspiration to be used for His glory.  

God holds all wisdom so it is to him we must turn: “With God are wisdom and might;

    he has counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13)  

2. Ask God for the inspiration that you need.   “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7   Before we can be given the wisdom of God and his inspiration, we must first ask Him for it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

3. Plan to use the wisdom and Christian inspiration he gives you for his glory and his purpose.  Once we are given wisdom and inspiration, we have a tremendous responsibility to use it prudently.  Jesus Himself tells us: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48b).

4. Practice using Christian inspiration. Just like any skill we might learn, Christian inspiration is most effectively used long-term when we daily accept it.  When you are inspired or have an inspired thought about something you have been struggling with, write it down, or immediately put it into action.  When you use the Christian inspiration you are given, you place yourself in a good position to receive future inspiration. 

You have been given inspiration, so use it: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Now you have 4 basic steps to Christian inspiration.  When you consistently apply these four steps, and spend time with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself on a daily basis, reading the Bible and praying, you will be able to tap into a nearly limitless supply of inspiration.  Look back at the Bible verses in this article study them and take them to heart.

All Bible quotations taken from English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Flame Radio: always here for you

Share the news: anyone can tune into to Christian content anytime of the day who do you know who needs to hear the gospel? Flame Radio broadcasts all day and all week - https://flameradio.org/ Flame Radio Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4SV... .Norman Polden and the team at Flame CCR started broadcasting a local Christian radio station over a decade ago to reach people with the good news. Did they know how important this would become? This is an extract from "The Virtual Vicar Show" with the station Manager Norman talking with Peter host of the show. Flame Radio (Flame CCR) broadcasts at https://flameradio.org/ and on 1521 kHz (medium wave) from South Wirral and covers most of Wirral, and beyond – travel 20 miles from Wirral and you may still be able to hear us. These broadcasts are in mono and “low-fi” although turn your radio up and listen to a quality sound. Flame’s internet simulcast leads on into the digital age and, in harmony with our friends in Commedia, we champion the use of the internet for digital radio. This serves listeners world-wide accessing us via major portals (RadioPlayer, TuneIn, Pure, ……). It also enables listening on the move via mobile phone and Bluetooth interface. Full stereo and hi-fi makes listening via laptop, internet radio or 3G phone a great experience. An interesting set of “local” programmes is maintained overnight for insomniacs and for a world-wide audience. Song: "Walk Thru Life" by PinkZebra used under license.