Hope & Glory

Shaken awake

I woke early this morning, hearing the noise of a rushing wind outside. The petals have been blown off the roses and the trees are shaking energetically. It reminds me of words spoken by Jesus:

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Matters of life and death 

As I lay in bed listening to the wind outside, I started to feel a bit guilty.

Had I done enough to “speak life” into my own nation? In a week where the House of Lords are debating the assisted dying legislation, have I played my part in the battle to turn back the advancing tide of a death culture?

The legislation to “legalise” abortion up to birth is also going to be scrutinised by the Lords soon, too. Can this nation be saved from the curse of death that it is bringing upon itself? 

I started to sing in my head. 

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

In Christ alone – by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend – 2003

https://youtu.be/16KYvfIc2bE?si=CfhFVHzR75u-CqnU

How I long for many, many people in this nation to wake up to the truth about life and death in God’s Kingdom. To realise that, in Jesus Christ, we are eternally alive; blessed and safe forever. Without Him we are lost. 

Cross Atlantic storms 

Last week was a defining week in the USA. A turning point. A young man of 31 named Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on a University campus, where he had attracted many students to openly debate with him about the life and death issues facing the nations today. 

Labelled by some in America as “politically right wing” or “Christian nationalist “ because of his strong conservative beliefs, he was the target of a bullet fired from a rooftop by another, even younger, man. 

The essence of this murder was an attempt to silence Charlie’s freedom of speech. 

Charlie Kirk was known for his desire to spark open debate about life and death issues on university campuses.

His primary motivation was – according to the testimony of many witnesses – born out of a desire to fulfil his personal destiny on earth to give glory to His Saviour, Jesus Christ, by speaking the truth in love, particularly to a younger generation who have been indoctrinated by a godless culture. 

His focus – and the focus of the movement he started when he was 18 – Turning Point – was rooted in faith, freedom and love of country.

His young widow, Erika, spoke very, very movingly in tribute to her husband. I am sure many who heard her wept, as I did. 

Speaking life in our nation 

As I write this looking out of our sitting room window, a glorious rainbow has just appeared. Isn’t God amazing? A sign of promise and hope. Painted in the sky by our beautiful Creator. Just at the right time. Incredible.

Dear friends – please will you join me today in speaking life into our nation as we face critical decisions in our Parliament affecting both beginning and end of life issues? 

Last year I believe that the Lord asked me to declare in His Name “Let there be life!” into our nation. As we know, there is great power in the spoken Word of the Creator of life. 

Will you declare this, too? 

In the Name of Jesus, Name above all names, we Your people in the power of Your Spirit, decree and declare “ Let there be Life!” into our nation. 

We do this to honour and give glory to the Lord of Life, who is worthy of all our praise and worship. 

Kate Stanway: September 2025

PS: I’ve just shared my draft post with Roger, who came downstairs after I’d written it. The Lord had treated him to a more glorious view of what became a double rainbow from upstairs. Here it is! Be blessed with hope today, dear friends!