‘I remember’ is a statement, which we all say from time to time.  I often find myself reflecting on things that have happened in my life’s journey so far, which has lead to me being where I am.  As I ponder these things I can’t help but remember those people who are no longer with us who have had an impact on my life.  Some of these memories make me smile and even laugh at times, while other memories can bring a hint of sadness.  However, it is such memories that help make us who we are.
    November is a time of the year when we are encouraged to remember.  In the Churches calendar the 1st November is a dedicated feast day, more commonly known as All Saints.  On this day, we are encouraged to thank God for all the Godly people who have had an impact on our own personal lives, as well as thanking Him for those men and woman who down through the years have shared their faith with the next generation and are now in glory.  Also on 11th November at 11am we may wish to join with thousands of people across this nation, and the whole world, in pausing to remember the brave people who have given their lives in the service of others in two world wars and other conflicts.
    It is only right to remember and reflect upon the past, but we must be careful not to let the past hinder us from moving forward.  We learn from those who have gone before us in order to help make society a better place.
    As we think of the past, we must also focus on the present and lay foundations for the future.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us to be people who are different - different not in an odd way, but in a good way.  14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden …let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).  We need to set the example of how to live God honouring lives, and show society the difference being a Christian can make in our lives and in how we respond to others.  This month the parish will have received a brief outline of some of the things the Opportunity 2016 Mission Team have been planning for next year.  This is our opportunity, as a parish, ‘to let our light shine’ amongst the community of Strabane.
    However, this is only possible, if we ourselves, are being transformed by the Good News of what Jesus did for us.  Back to remembering – 2000 years ago Jesus died on a cross so that our sinful ways can be forgiven.  When we ask for His forgiveness, we are transformed into a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5:17), born again (John 3:3), and made new.  This means that we have a future to plan for and are sure that when this life is over, we will live for ever, in Heaven.

During my holidays this year I took the opportunity of visiting Windsor Castle in England.  This was a wonderful experience, and a place I would most certainly like to visit again.
         As I walked around the Castle and St. George’s Chapel, I couldn’t help but notice the grandeur of the buildings and architecture.  Massive walls and ramparts surround all of the Castle, the Chapel and the treasures that are contained within.  The vast scale of the defence mechanisms would make it virtually impossible for any enemy’s army to capture the Castle and its inhabitants.
         Within each of us we have a treasure, which is so precious that a value can’t be put on it.  This treasure is our soul, and it is our soul which will live forever after our earthly bodies die.  Just as the massive walls around Windsor Castle protect all within them, we need to build a protection around ourselves.  The Book of 1st Peter tells us why it is important to protect our souls.  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1st Peter 5:8
         The devil wants nothing more than to try and separate us from the Love of God, to make us doubt, loose faith, still our joy, and to try and capture our souls.  So how can our souls be protected?  Firstly we need to thank the Lord Jesus for dying for us so that we can never be separated from the love of God, and ask Him to forgive our sins and live in our hearts.  This prepares our soul for Heaven.  Secondly we need to pray and ask God to protect us and help us.  Jesus gave us a way of doing this in the Lord’s prayer – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.   Thirdly, we need to be familiar with the Word of God, and the only way we can do this is through reading and studying the Bible.  Fourthly, have fellowship with other Christians and pray for each other.
            When in battle, the army are usually wearing some form of protection.  In Ephesians chapter 6 the Apostle Paul tells us to clothe ourselves in the Armour of God. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17)
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