Love Above All
By David Holdsworth
Neurodiversity, Faith, and Pacifism. Above All Love.
Originally an occasional Sunday Silent Worship Liturgy during the pandemic, this podcast has grown and evolved into the official ministry podcast of Christian preacher David Holdsworth.
A Podcast of Preaching, Prayer, and Peace.
David is a Follower of Jesus, non-conformist, preacher, poet, podcaster and graduate of Highland Theological College. He is also a Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend. His day job is as an Early Learning Assistant (Additional Support Needs) Outdoors. He is late diagnosed Autistic and an Autism Advocate.
Originally an occasional Sunday Silent Worship Liturgy during the pandemic, this podcast has grown and evolved into the official ministry podcast of Christian preacher David Holdsworth.
A Podcast of Preaching, Prayer, and Peace.
David is a Follower of Jesus, non-conformist, preacher, poet, podcaster and graduate of Highland Theological College. He is also a Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend. His day job is as an Early Learning Assistant (Additional Support Needs) Outdoors. He is late diagnosed Autistic and an Autism Advocate.
Love Above AllNov 20, 2021
00:00
01:13:52
Righteousness of the Kingdom as Preached at Peebles Evangelical Church
Preached for Edinburgh Preaching Group -
Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Illustrative Opening: Our Daily Bread on 17th February 1996 recounted this story: “When Henry Rolls was walking through his factory in its early days, he overheard a lathe operator say, “Oh, that’ll do,” as he tossed a part into a basket. The part looked all right to the casual observer, but Henry Rolls expected his workmen to use a micrometer and be satisfied with nothing less than precision accuracy. So when Mr. Rolls heard that comment, he reprimanded the man, “That may do for anyone else, but it will not do for Rolls-Royce.” God is satisfied with righteousness. Divine specifications do not allow for sloppy seconds. Jesus brought this out in Matthew 5. First He says to His listeners, “You have heard”—that’s the human standard. Then He says, “But I say to you”—that’s God’s standard. He highlights the standard by which God’s children should stand out from the world. That is the difference between The Kingdom of men and The Kingdom of God.
Today's message is Righteousness of the Kingdom
READ: Matthew 5:17-32
Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Illustrative Opening: Our Daily Bread on 17th February 1996 recounted this story: “When Henry Rolls was walking through his factory in its early days, he overheard a lathe operator say, “Oh, that’ll do,” as he tossed a part into a basket. The part looked all right to the casual observer, but Henry Rolls expected his workmen to use a micrometer and be satisfied with nothing less than precision accuracy. So when Mr. Rolls heard that comment, he reprimanded the man, “That may do for anyone else, but it will not do for Rolls-Royce.” God is satisfied with righteousness. Divine specifications do not allow for sloppy seconds. Jesus brought this out in Matthew 5. First He says to His listeners, “You have heard”—that’s the human standard. Then He says, “But I say to you”—that’s God’s standard. He highlights the standard by which God’s children should stand out from the world. That is the difference between The Kingdom of men and The Kingdom of God.
Today's message is Righteousness of the Kingdom
READ: Matthew 5:17-32
Apr 07, 202428:05
Happy Easter 2024!
Luke 24 KJV - Sourced from Bible gateway - Public Domain.
Mar 31, 202406:11
Spectrum Colour Walk: Sponsors Welcome!
Direct link to sponsor/donate - waaw.autism.org.uk/fundraising/davidholdsworth2024
I am fundraising for the National Autistic Society by taking part in my own Spectrum Colour Walk during World Autism Acceptance Week 2 - 8 April 2024. I will be in my homeland of The Isle of Skye and will do this flexibly around my other activities, with my trusty smart watch, no doubt, ranking up the step counts.
As many reading this will know, I have had the privilege of working with Autistic people as a Personal Assistant, Support Worker and Learning Assistant over the years. I was also recently diagnosed with "type 1" Autism myself. So this cause is important to me for those reasons.
Please feel free to sponsor/donate to this worthy cause.
💜 I am walking for autistic children to have a happy and fulfilled time at school.
💙 I am walking to ensure autistic people are given proper opportunities to work.
💚 I am walking for shorter diagnosis wait times.
💛 I am walking for autism acceptance.
Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated and will be going towards creating a better society for autistic people and their families. To read more about the work of the National Autistic Society, visit www.autism.org.uk
Thank you 🙂
About autism
• Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
• At least one in 100 people are autistic which means more than 700,000 people in the UK.
• Autistic people have a range of strengths and challenges. For example, some autistic people also have a learning disability and may need support with daily tasks like washing, cooking or exercising. Other autistic people are in full time work and may benefit from reasonable adjustments.
• Autistic people may:
o Face challenges with communication and social interaction
o Be under- or over-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light and colours.
o Have highly focused interests or hobbies.
o Have repetitive or restrictive behaviour.
o Experience intense anxiety around unexpected change and social situations.
o Experience ‘meltdowns’ or ‘shutdowns’.
I am fundraising for the National Autistic Society by taking part in my own Spectrum Colour Walk during World Autism Acceptance Week 2 - 8 April 2024. I will be in my homeland of The Isle of Skye and will do this flexibly around my other activities, with my trusty smart watch, no doubt, ranking up the step counts.
As many reading this will know, I have had the privilege of working with Autistic people as a Personal Assistant, Support Worker and Learning Assistant over the years. I was also recently diagnosed with "type 1" Autism myself. So this cause is important to me for those reasons.
Please feel free to sponsor/donate to this worthy cause.
💜 I am walking for autistic children to have a happy and fulfilled time at school.
💙 I am walking to ensure autistic people are given proper opportunities to work.
💚 I am walking for shorter diagnosis wait times.
💛 I am walking for autism acceptance.
Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated and will be going towards creating a better society for autistic people and their families. To read more about the work of the National Autistic Society, visit www.autism.org.uk
Thank you 🙂
About autism
• Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.
• At least one in 100 people are autistic which means more than 700,000 people in the UK.
• Autistic people have a range of strengths and challenges. For example, some autistic people also have a learning disability and may need support with daily tasks like washing, cooking or exercising. Other autistic people are in full time work and may benefit from reasonable adjustments.
• Autistic people may:
o Face challenges with communication and social interaction
o Be under- or over-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light and colours.
o Have highly focused interests or hobbies.
o Have repetitive or restrictive behaviour.
o Experience intense anxiety around unexpected change and social situations.
o Experience ‘meltdowns’ or ‘shutdowns’.
Mar 14, 202402:45
Abide in the Light
The Light Shines
The Dark can't defeat it.
I receive God’s Peace.
Wait for the Lord.
Be strong.
Take Heart.
My soul waits for Him.
I lift my eyes.
He is the source of my help.
Be renewed.
From ashes arise.
Cast off the old man.
Walk in the Light, as He is light.
Amen.
More reflections at devotiondth.blogspot.com
The Dark can't defeat it.
I receive God’s Peace.
Wait for the Lord.
Be strong.
Take Heart.
My soul waits for Him.
I lift my eyes.
He is the source of my help.
Be renewed.
From ashes arise.
Cast off the old man.
Walk in the Light, as He is light.
Amen.
More reflections at devotiondth.blogspot.com
Feb 05, 202400:40
Never Again is Now, Never Again Includes All Peoples
Some grave news from
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Quakers:
Not that I want to be alarmist, but the UK is at "watch" level on Genocide Watch...
Targeted Groups:
Gypsies, Roma and Travellers,
Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants,
Muslims and Jewish people, and
Trans people
"Since 2010, the U.K. has become increasingly hostile to minorities, with the government and far-right parties demonizing refugees, immigrants, and the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. GRT people face high levels of normalized racism and discrimination. The government has now passed a law that not only cracks down on protests but also criminalizes aspects of many GRT people's nomadic identity and way of life. Additionally, the government has made multiple attacks on the rights and safety of refugees, including by signing a deal with Rwanda to offshore asylum processes for refugees considered "illegal." In the 2010s, the policy to create a "hostile environment" for "illegal" immigration caused damage for many people originally from the Caribbean in the Windrush Scandal. The U.K. has also seen high levels of transphobia in the media and political discourses, making life less safe for trans people. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's peace process and recovery from "The Troubles" has been threatened by the U.K.'s exit from the European Union." - Genocide Watch
We also know off hand plenty of almost and already genocidal situations across the globe. Let us truly remember the horrors of past and present. Let us as a species repent of our darkness and evil!
The Prince of Peace and God of love be with us as we dream and carve out better futures. Lord fogive us for complicity or failure in these matters. Lead us in thy way, light our paths, guide us to freedom.
Amen.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Quakers:
Not that I want to be alarmist, but the UK is at "watch" level on Genocide Watch...
Targeted Groups:
Gypsies, Roma and Travellers,
Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants,
Muslims and Jewish people, and
Trans people
"Since 2010, the U.K. has become increasingly hostile to minorities, with the government and far-right parties demonizing refugees, immigrants, and the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. GRT people face high levels of normalized racism and discrimination. The government has now passed a law that not only cracks down on protests but also criminalizes aspects of many GRT people's nomadic identity and way of life. Additionally, the government has made multiple attacks on the rights and safety of refugees, including by signing a deal with Rwanda to offshore asylum processes for refugees considered "illegal." In the 2010s, the policy to create a "hostile environment" for "illegal" immigration caused damage for many people originally from the Caribbean in the Windrush Scandal. The U.K. has also seen high levels of transphobia in the media and political discourses, making life less safe for trans people. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's peace process and recovery from "The Troubles" has been threatened by the U.K.'s exit from the European Union." - Genocide Watch
We also know off hand plenty of almost and already genocidal situations across the globe. Let us truly remember the horrors of past and present. Let us as a species repent of our darkness and evil!
The Prince of Peace and God of love be with us as we dream and carve out better futures. Lord fogive us for complicity or failure in these matters. Lead us in thy way, light our paths, guide us to freedom.
Amen.
Feb 03, 202402:09
Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)
Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'
(A tiny story by David Holdsworth)
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)
Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'
(A tiny story by David Holdsworth)
Feb 02, 202401:26
The Listening Heart by David Holdsworth
Created with the help of Storybird.ai and based on this creative story devotion, I wrote:
Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)
Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'
Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)
Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'
Jan 22, 202404:01
I Am Autistic and that is OK
I am Autistic. My hope in sharing this is that it may help explain 'me' a bit better to those who have known or know me (Family and Friends). I was always considered shy, sometimes "painfully shy." I did a personality test at church some years ago that stated I was also an INFJ Introvert. In time I discovered through other personality tests that I was also both a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and an Empath. It didn’t stop there though, during Covid I went to a Mental Health nurse who said I had Social Anxiety (NHS). Then only a couple of months ago I was diagnosed (NHS) with what was once called Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, Level 1 Autism or Mild Autism. Generally these days it is known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or just plain old Autistic due to the baggage other labels sometimes carry. It also falls under the category of neurodiversity. I'm not sure where things go from here. I am in a late diagnosis support group run by Autism Initiatives which runs into the early part of December. This is a late diagnosis, for sure, but in a way explains so much. I don't believe this is a disorder, disease or demon. It is merely a difference, a neurodivergence. If people do wish to pray or heal things away, may it be abelism in our society that they turn the fight against. Prayer for tools to manage life are certainly fine too. It seems much of my personality traits and the anxiety were perhaps aspects of the condition. Even my shyness, dislike of crowds and noise are likely part of the condition. Thank you for your patience if you have ever experienced me a bit out of the box or too much in it for that matter. Anyway, if you got this far thanks for reading. I am Autistic and that is OK. 🙂
Jan 22, 202402:12
A Third Way
"Whatsoever we have done to the least of these, we have done it unto Him!"
"Jesus Wept."
I am taking sides, I am taking the side of peace!
Will you?
(Picture source unknown via social media)
"Jesus Wept."
I am taking sides, I am taking the side of peace!
Will you?
(Picture source unknown via social media)
Jan 21, 202415:04
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2024 - We Shall Overcome!
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
Sometimes I despair. I find it so hard to find hope. Shall violent Godless rulers and terrorist/revolutionaries hold our world to ransom forever? Shall poverty and disease be left unchecked in this age of advanced everything? Shall life always be a struggle? Thankfully whatever happens if we follow Jesus we know He has overcome the world and we shall be overcomers!
Martin Luther King Jr seems to have referenced this wonderful hymn numerous times in his ministry. It links nicely to our text:
We Shall Overcome
We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
we shall overcome someday!
Refrain:
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
we shall overcome someday!
We’ll walk hand in hand … some day!
We shall live in peace … some day!
We are not afraid … today!
God will see us through … today!
(The hymn is Public Domain - via Hymnary.org and the photo is Public Domain via Wikipedia)
Sometimes I despair. I find it so hard to find hope. Shall violent Godless rulers and terrorist/revolutionaries hold our world to ransom forever? Shall poverty and disease be left unchecked in this age of advanced everything? Shall life always be a struggle? Thankfully whatever happens if we follow Jesus we know He has overcome the world and we shall be overcomers!
Martin Luther King Jr seems to have referenced this wonderful hymn numerous times in his ministry. It links nicely to our text:
We Shall Overcome
We shall overcome, we shall overcome,
we shall overcome someday!
Refrain:
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
we shall overcome someday!
We’ll walk hand in hand … some day!
We shall live in peace … some day!
We are not afraid … today!
God will see us through … today!
(The hymn is Public Domain - via Hymnary.org and the photo is Public Domain via Wikipedia)
Jan 20, 202401:52
Behold I Make All Things New
A piece of "performance poetry."
Jan 20, 202402:45
Righteousness of the Kingdom
A message by David Holdsworth on Matthew 5:17-32 for Edinburgh Preaching Group at Kelso Evangelical Church, Sunday 3rd December 2023.
Dec 03, 202327:44
A Reading from Psalm 72
Last few verses. Scottish Metrical Version.
May 19, 202200:41
Questions
A poem by David Holdsworth developed into a song by C Campbell.
Nov 20, 202101:44
The Lamb of God
A Christian message.
Nov 20, 202123:01
If you love me...
A Christian message.
Nov 20, 202111:33
The Peace Testimony
Based on an essay by David Holdsworth.
Nov 20, 202110:06
Holy God
A Christian message.
Nov 20, 202112:22
Break The Silence
A Christian message.
Nov 20, 202120:16
Angelos: A Story
A story by David Holdsworth.
Nov 20, 202101:13:52
A Christmas Bible Reading
A Bible reading recorded for Whytes Causeways Baptist church virtual service one Christmas time. Version is the ESV.
Nov 20, 202101:04
Virtual Choir
Recorded for Whytes Causeways Baptist church. This includes my own part as raw footage followed by the official recording.
Nov 20, 202105:42
Grace Alone: My Christian Testimony
A Christian Testimony.
Nov 20, 202106:55
Noah's Rainbow
A children's Bible story.
Nov 18, 202104:08
Reach Out
A message on outreach.
Nov 18, 202111:15
Romans Road
A short gospel message.
Nov 18, 202104:21
Silent Worship 9
The 9th short and simple silent worship.
Aug 15, 202104:02
The Trinity
A message on the Trinity. (References: Gingerich (1986) 'Steppingstones to God' Book 1, Lamp & Light Publishers; The King James Bible; Westminster Shorter Catechism; and Shema Yisrael as cited in Victor Gollancz (1951) 'A Year of Grace', Camelot Press)
Aug 08, 202122:09
If you love me...
A message on John 14:15
Aug 01, 202113:42
Silent Worship 8
The 8th in the series.
Jun 20, 202104:00
Silent Worship 7
The seventh silent worship in this series of contemplations.
Jun 13, 202103:59
Silent Worship 6
Another silent worship session.
Jun 06, 202103:46
Silent Worship 5
The fifth instalment of this series of silent worship liturgies.
May 23, 202104:19
Silent Worship 4
The fourth part of this series of silent worship liturgies.
May 16, 202104:32
Silent Worship 3
The third episode in this series of silent worship.
May 09, 202104:25
Silent Worship 2
The next silent worship episode in this series.
May 02, 202105:02
Silent Worship 1
The beginning of a series of silent worship podcasts.
Apr 25, 202104:55