“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers*. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:10-14 NLT
*Add your own sin of choice here. There are many to pick from.
Maybe we don’t mean it, but we can get a bit ‘uppity’ in church circles, especially with anyone who hasn’t been on the way so long and doesn’t know the ropes, or maybe someone who already knows it all and isn’t slow to say so, or even someone who has been a Christian many years, but has a God forgiven unsavoury past that we don’t approve of. Oh, how far back our memory can go when we see ourselves as elite, or like the Pharisee, just ‘better’. After all, we don’t want to be seen condoning that kind of sinful behaviour no matter when it happened, and even if it has been forgiven by the only One that matters.
Jesus told this story for a reason. He knew how frail and weak we humans are, jumping to conclusions for all the wrong reasons and in the process hurting good people. All in the ‘holy’ quest of not wanting to be like or near the despised sinner. I accept and agree that we must be a good example and witness to the unchurched as Jesus was, and that will mean being in their company at times. However it should not mean that we become just like them, or one of their company in the process.
The trouble is that while we take our perhaps well meaning steps to be better Christians, we are not the ones that Jesus said are justified before God. If we put ourselves in a lofty position above others, we then are forced to look down on them. Is that what we want? Is that what Jesus would want for us? There may be a price to pay. We will have to swallow our pride and accept that we must love that same person we had been trying to avoid, while forgiving both them and ourselves. But try to be honest, hard as it may be, because that’s a better outcome in Jesus’ eyes and isn’t that what matters most? Yes, I thought so too!
The aim is to provide a stimulating mix of personal opinions (from a mainstream Christian worldview), and associated comments, which will be accepted and published if they comply with the usual courtesy and decency.
Monday 30 April 2018
Sunday 29 April 2018
Inactivity
I don’t like the word ‘inactivity’ because behind it lies a change or difference in life and lifestyle, sometimes forced on us by circumstance like age, disease or illness. The good part is that inactivity is usually temporary, unlike laziness which tends to describe a way of life.
When we are young, we have enough energy to spare that lets us do all we need and more besides. But when inactivity is forced on us, and it usually is, we have to decide what we will do about it. This is no small decision because it will involve a big change from your normal lifestyle. From being ‘out and about’ at any time of your choosing, it’s now picking carefully when to go out and what to do in the time you have before tiredness and weakness sets in and takes hold.
So, what’s the answer? I think it helps to determine to use your mind instead of your body during this temporary part of your life. How about learning a musical instrument, and perhaps dragging that old dusty ‘musical friend’ from the bottom of the wardrobe and giving it a new lease of life? Or how about reading? No, don’t turn your nose up at that suggestion because one of the best results of reading a good book is that time passes as you get immersed in the story, or learning! Before you know it, the hands on the clock have moved more than you thought, and in that time you have relaxed and learned a lot. Sometimes we need that ‘down time’ to sit, and let your mind do the work. Put another way, how often have you wished for that time when you have been run off your feet dashing here and there trying to squeeze more activity into your day? Well, this is your time.
Talking about reading, takes me to my favourite book and one of the subjects I return to often. Give the Bible another chance. I know, you have heard all the stories in Sunday School and listened to enough sermons to last you a lifetime, but have you ever taken the time to let the Bible speak to you in quietness? Straight from the recorded pages of God’s Word for our lives in this hectic world. This period of inactivity may just be the best time to open the sacred pages and immerse yourself in the wisdom, enlightenment, encouragement, and yes even some much needed correction thrown in. Are you ready for that challenge if that period of inactivity strikes? In fact, there is no better time for God’s Word than right now!
I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you.
When we are young, we have enough energy to spare that lets us do all we need and more besides. But when inactivity is forced on us, and it usually is, we have to decide what we will do about it. This is no small decision because it will involve a big change from your normal lifestyle. From being ‘out and about’ at any time of your choosing, it’s now picking carefully when to go out and what to do in the time you have before tiredness and weakness sets in and takes hold.
So, what’s the answer? I think it helps to determine to use your mind instead of your body during this temporary part of your life. How about learning a musical instrument, and perhaps dragging that old dusty ‘musical friend’ from the bottom of the wardrobe and giving it a new lease of life? Or how about reading? No, don’t turn your nose up at that suggestion because one of the best results of reading a good book is that time passes as you get immersed in the story, or learning! Before you know it, the hands on the clock have moved more than you thought, and in that time you have relaxed and learned a lot. Sometimes we need that ‘down time’ to sit, and let your mind do the work. Put another way, how often have you wished for that time when you have been run off your feet dashing here and there trying to squeeze more activity into your day? Well, this is your time.
Talking about reading, takes me to my favourite book and one of the subjects I return to often. Give the Bible another chance. I know, you have heard all the stories in Sunday School and listened to enough sermons to last you a lifetime, but have you ever taken the time to let the Bible speak to you in quietness? Straight from the recorded pages of God’s Word for our lives in this hectic world. This period of inactivity may just be the best time to open the sacred pages and immerse yourself in the wisdom, enlightenment, encouragement, and yes even some much needed correction thrown in. Are you ready for that challenge if that period of inactivity strikes? In fact, there is no better time for God’s Word than right now!
I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 ERV
Saturday 28 April 2018
'Bad' Company
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. Psalms 1:1,2 TLB
These two verses have caused some confusion in Christian circles, and mostly because the first verse is rendered in the KJV as: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Can you see the difference of emphasis in each version?
Some read this Psalm as an excuse to avoid the contact and friendship of sinners, while forgetting that we are all sinners in the sight of a Holy God. It can then follow that we only seek out the good and pure as our chosen circle of friends and shut out the rest. There are denominations that set themselves up as ‘separate’ from the rest of the world, whether Christian or not. Others will actively seek out their own inner circle of confidants to the expense of their own ability to witness and minister to the fallen and hurting.
We certainly should not ‘follow evil men’s advice’ or ‘hang around with sinners scoffing at the things of God’ but there is nothing that suggests we should separate ourselves from them completely. Otherwise how can we live up to the great commission of reaching the world with the saving gospel of Jesus? Let’s use all the resources at our disposal to rightly divide and discern the Word of God’s truth, and not fall into the convenient trap of interpreting verses to suit our own thinking.
These two verses have caused some confusion in Christian circles, and mostly because the first verse is rendered in the KJV as: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Can you see the difference of emphasis in each version?
Some read this Psalm as an excuse to avoid the contact and friendship of sinners, while forgetting that we are all sinners in the sight of a Holy God. It can then follow that we only seek out the good and pure as our chosen circle of friends and shut out the rest. There are denominations that set themselves up as ‘separate’ from the rest of the world, whether Christian or not. Others will actively seek out their own inner circle of confidants to the expense of their own ability to witness and minister to the fallen and hurting.
We certainly should not ‘follow evil men’s advice’ or ‘hang around with sinners scoffing at the things of God’ but there is nothing that suggests we should separate ourselves from them completely. Otherwise how can we live up to the great commission of reaching the world with the saving gospel of Jesus? Let’s use all the resources at our disposal to rightly divide and discern the Word of God’s truth, and not fall into the convenient trap of interpreting verses to suit our own thinking.
Friday 27 April 2018
Extra Ten?
Seventy years are given us! And some may even live to eighty. But even the best of these years are often empty and filled with pain; soon they disappear, and we are gone. Psalms 90:10 TLB
Take my word for it, the years pass quickly. It seems one minute you are meeting and marrying the girl of your dreams, and the next minute you are watching and babysitting your grandchildren. When that phase of life is over, the house is quiet, and there comes a time when one of you is left alone due to sickness, illness, or accident. This part of your life is not the way you had imagined or planned.
During later years you may be alone, but sadly you may also become lonely. There is nothing you can do about this except bear it with grace and patience. We are reminded by God that we have an allotted span of seventy years, or maybe a bonus of another ten, making it eighty. In any case, there is a time when your mortality becomes evident. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t often think of death or dying (each of which is very different) but there is an awareness which grows as time passes.
If you are able, give some thought to the way you would like to live out these extra ten years. Obviously, you want to make them count. But how? Can I impose on you and make some suggestions as one who is approaching my God ordained limit?
> if you are blessed to have family, treasure them all. They are your gift.
> read, take up a hobby and find an interest. The devil finds work for idle hands.
> don’t drift from old friends, and make new ones. This reduces loneliness.
> attend or join a church. There is nothing better than the company of Christian friends.
That’s not a lot to take in during the last years of your life, and if you don’t try, those years will drag and you will become a grumpy old misery-guts. You probably know one already, so don’t be like them. The verse ends with the words “soon we are gone” which is worded in other translations as “soon we fly away”. Keep that promise in your head, heart and mind. When you have the full assurance of heaven, living out the remainder of your allotted life span isn’t so bad after all, is it? I like the way Paul puts it in Romans 14:8 TLB: “Living or dying we follow the Lord. Either way we are His.”
Take my word for it, the years pass quickly. It seems one minute you are meeting and marrying the girl of your dreams, and the next minute you are watching and babysitting your grandchildren. When that phase of life is over, the house is quiet, and there comes a time when one of you is left alone due to sickness, illness, or accident. This part of your life is not the way you had imagined or planned.
During later years you may be alone, but sadly you may also become lonely. There is nothing you can do about this except bear it with grace and patience. We are reminded by God that we have an allotted span of seventy years, or maybe a bonus of another ten, making it eighty. In any case, there is a time when your mortality becomes evident. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t often think of death or dying (each of which is very different) but there is an awareness which grows as time passes.
If you are able, give some thought to the way you would like to live out these extra ten years. Obviously, you want to make them count. But how? Can I impose on you and make some suggestions as one who is approaching my God ordained limit?
> if you are blessed to have family, treasure them all. They are your gift.
> read, take up a hobby and find an interest. The devil finds work for idle hands.
> don’t drift from old friends, and make new ones. This reduces loneliness.
> attend or join a church. There is nothing better than the company of Christian friends.
That’s not a lot to take in during the last years of your life, and if you don’t try, those years will drag and you will become a grumpy old misery-guts. You probably know one already, so don’t be like them. The verse ends with the words “soon we are gone” which is worded in other translations as “soon we fly away”. Keep that promise in your head, heart and mind. When you have the full assurance of heaven, living out the remainder of your allotted life span isn’t so bad after all, is it? I like the way Paul puts it in Romans 14:8 TLB: “Living or dying we follow the Lord. Either way we are His.”
Memory
As our age increases, so our ability to remember clearly usually decreases and can become obvious to our friends and family alike. In fact, they will see it before you do. However, have you noticed even in advanced dementia patients, memories stored from ‘way back in their youth come through as fresh as when they were once made?
Firstly, be amazed at the skill of the Creator who allows some memories into our minds, never to be fully forgotten. Secondly, the Christian should use the skills of memorisation while we can to keep a store of favourite Bible verses and passages. Then as the shadow of failing memory passes over us, we can get the help and comfort right from the source of the well.
You know it makes sense, but it means lifting your Bible more often, reading it over and over, and making an effort to commit verses to memory while we can. It is possible to leave it too late and the things which will fall from our long term memory will be songs, melodies, childhood incidents, but little or no comfort from God’s Word, and would you want that?
So, starting right now, open the Bible that only goes to church with you (even if that!) and read the familiar psalms, parables and promises of a loving God. Do your best to let them sink into your mind, and even if your memory stays sharp in later years, you will have gained a treasure trove of much needed Scripture to have at hand. Should that dreaded mind numbing illness strike, God will bring to your mind the benefits of His Word. What could be better? How do I know this truth? Because His Word has already comforted me with this powerful promise:
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
Firstly, be amazed at the skill of the Creator who allows some memories into our minds, never to be fully forgotten. Secondly, the Christian should use the skills of memorisation while we can to keep a store of favourite Bible verses and passages. Then as the shadow of failing memory passes over us, we can get the help and comfort right from the source of the well.
You know it makes sense, but it means lifting your Bible more often, reading it over and over, and making an effort to commit verses to memory while we can. It is possible to leave it too late and the things which will fall from our long term memory will be songs, melodies, childhood incidents, but little or no comfort from God’s Word, and would you want that?
So, starting right now, open the Bible that only goes to church with you (even if that!) and read the familiar psalms, parables and promises of a loving God. Do your best to let them sink into your mind, and even if your memory stays sharp in later years, you will have gained a treasure trove of much needed Scripture to have at hand. Should that dreaded mind numbing illness strike, God will bring to your mind the benefits of His Word. What could be better? How do I know this truth? Because His Word has already comforted me with this powerful promise:
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
Thursday 26 April 2018
A Wee Thought
Some Holiness churches were once wrongly labelled as believing in 'Sinless Perfection'. Since it doesn't apply to churches, why do we unfairly expect ‘Sinless Perfection’ from other Christians?
Wednesday 25 April 2018
Blessed
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 ESV
I had a fresh look at the so familiar passage we call the Beatitudes, and as happens so often with Scripture, found another truth that I had overlooked before. It isn’t so much seeing something there that’s new, but more like noticing things that are NOT there!
The people called ‘Blessed’ are not seen as proud or arrogant, or self seeking, or ill tempered know-it-alls. These special people are a breed of the Kingdom of God unlike others, and bear in mind that these words were spoken by Jesus to a great crowd who were not disciples or followers. Jesus had the temerity to call these ordinary folks, ‘Blessed’!
My revelation in reading these verses afresh is that I must be open to receiving God’s many Blessings in a humble and contrite manner. I can’t presume on God’s Blessings just because I go to church and call myself a Christian. The multitude who stood and listened didn’t fall into the ‘churchy’ group. They followed because He had the Words of Life, and Jesus was showing them the heart of the matter, and the way they should act. Now would be a good time to read the list again, and better still meditate on what it means to our own lives. How can I be ‘Blessed’ or ‘happy’? Certainly not by standing on a soap box and shouting how bad we all are and deserving of hell (which we are). But by changing from the inside first, and then showing the life of Jesus to the wider community.
This is not a pithy little list of nice sayings you might see on social media to make us feel good. These are all Blessings coming from the heart first, and only then do we see the result that God has stored up for us. Seen in this light, I have found new meaning and insight into the heart of a primarily Holy, but loving and giving God who will change us from the inside out.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 ESV
I had a fresh look at the so familiar passage we call the Beatitudes, and as happens so often with Scripture, found another truth that I had overlooked before. It isn’t so much seeing something there that’s new, but more like noticing things that are NOT there!
The people called ‘Blessed’ are not seen as proud or arrogant, or self seeking, or ill tempered know-it-alls. These special people are a breed of the Kingdom of God unlike others, and bear in mind that these words were spoken by Jesus to a great crowd who were not disciples or followers. Jesus had the temerity to call these ordinary folks, ‘Blessed’!
My revelation in reading these verses afresh is that I must be open to receiving God’s many Blessings in a humble and contrite manner. I can’t presume on God’s Blessings just because I go to church and call myself a Christian. The multitude who stood and listened didn’t fall into the ‘churchy’ group. They followed because He had the Words of Life, and Jesus was showing them the heart of the matter, and the way they should act. Now would be a good time to read the list again, and better still meditate on what it means to our own lives. How can I be ‘Blessed’ or ‘happy’? Certainly not by standing on a soap box and shouting how bad we all are and deserving of hell (which we are). But by changing from the inside first, and then showing the life of Jesus to the wider community.
This is not a pithy little list of nice sayings you might see on social media to make us feel good. These are all Blessings coming from the heart first, and only then do we see the result that God has stored up for us. Seen in this light, I have found new meaning and insight into the heart of a primarily Holy, but loving and giving God who will change us from the inside out.
Monday 23 April 2018
Tipping Point
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
We all have a point where we break. It can be in different ways, like wages being spent before the next pay day ending in poverty, or a health issue where the body eventually succumbs to the sickness that landed that loved one in hospital, and of course there are other tipping points.
However, the biggest trigger point for our ‘tipping’ is anger, or frustration, usually with someone and not something. Paul knew our human limitations when he wrote the book of Romans. Of all people, bearing in mind all the people he had met and witnessed to, he knew the feeling of frustration where someone, or some people could not be reached with reason or fine argument. That included the folks in the churches he had started and then left before they had enough time to become mature and stable.
I believe Paul is telling us to do our best to keep the peace, and even make peace, BUT (big but) if it is not possible due to the other person’s attitude, manner, or un-Christ-like character, that by itself will not stand in the way to alter our salvation. The onus is on us to try our best to live at peace with everyone, but when that peace runs out or is just not possible, we can have a clear conscience. This becomes even more of a minefield when the difficulty arises from a conflict or difference with another Christian. The tipping point can then become a source of conflict between Kingdom brothers or sisters and the fellowship is therefore broken.
If a difference is not able to be resolved in brotherly love, our Christianity is found to be in question. Unfortunately, I have also discovered that my tipping point can come faster and earlier with some believer’s unmoving theology, than with the open minded unbeliever.
We all have a point where we break. It can be in different ways, like wages being spent before the next pay day ending in poverty, or a health issue where the body eventually succumbs to the sickness that landed that loved one in hospital, and of course there are other tipping points.
However, the biggest trigger point for our ‘tipping’ is anger, or frustration, usually with someone and not something. Paul knew our human limitations when he wrote the book of Romans. Of all people, bearing in mind all the people he had met and witnessed to, he knew the feeling of frustration where someone, or some people could not be reached with reason or fine argument. That included the folks in the churches he had started and then left before they had enough time to become mature and stable.
I believe Paul is telling us to do our best to keep the peace, and even make peace, BUT (big but) if it is not possible due to the other person’s attitude, manner, or un-Christ-like character, that by itself will not stand in the way to alter our salvation. The onus is on us to try our best to live at peace with everyone, but when that peace runs out or is just not possible, we can have a clear conscience. This becomes even more of a minefield when the difficulty arises from a conflict or difference with another Christian. The tipping point can then become a source of conflict between Kingdom brothers or sisters and the fellowship is therefore broken.
If a difference is not able to be resolved in brotherly love, our Christianity is found to be in question. Unfortunately, I have also discovered that my tipping point can come faster and earlier with some believer’s unmoving theology, than with the open minded unbeliever.
Sunday 15 April 2018
Love Family
Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. 1 Peter 2:17 NLT
Every family will have differences. Some stronger to the point of arrogance, some timid to the point of weakness, and even some that no one can stand. Before you think, I am an only child, you still have a mum and dad, aunts and uncles either by blood or chosen, and cousins. This would be your family unit and the same dynamics exist. You will get on better with some, than you do with others. No surprises there!
Peter’s reminder of respect and love goes further than our earthly family. If you are a part of God’s family having been accepted into His care by repentance and faith, we all have a responsibility. Think about the good folks in your church. Do you get on equally well with everyone? Probably not. Do you have some friends close enough to confide in, enough to share your deepest thoughts and fears. Probably.
The family of believers is worldwide, and not limited to our own little pocket in the town we live in and attend. You are blessed with a family who are diverse, and many thousands you don’t even know. We are encouraged, expected and directed to respect them in the Lord. More than that, we are commanded to love them in the Lord. That’s whether we naturally gravitate towards them or not.
I am reminded, once again, of the massive family of believers that I am blessed to be a part of, and it is an honour and blessing to be able to worship with them when I get the chance. You see, this command is not just for me. This command is for all of God’s family, so wherever we go, the feelings of mutual respect and love are the same. Put simply, church feels like home, and there is a massive benefit because: All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:35 ERV
Every family will have differences. Some stronger to the point of arrogance, some timid to the point of weakness, and even some that no one can stand. Before you think, I am an only child, you still have a mum and dad, aunts and uncles either by blood or chosen, and cousins. This would be your family unit and the same dynamics exist. You will get on better with some, than you do with others. No surprises there!
Peter’s reminder of respect and love goes further than our earthly family. If you are a part of God’s family having been accepted into His care by repentance and faith, we all have a responsibility. Think about the good folks in your church. Do you get on equally well with everyone? Probably not. Do you have some friends close enough to confide in, enough to share your deepest thoughts and fears. Probably.
The family of believers is worldwide, and not limited to our own little pocket in the town we live in and attend. You are blessed with a family who are diverse, and many thousands you don’t even know. We are encouraged, expected and directed to respect them in the Lord. More than that, we are commanded to love them in the Lord. That’s whether we naturally gravitate towards them or not.
I am reminded, once again, of the massive family of believers that I am blessed to be a part of, and it is an honour and blessing to be able to worship with them when I get the chance. You see, this command is not just for me. This command is for all of God’s family, so wherever we go, the feelings of mutual respect and love are the same. Put simply, church feels like home, and there is a massive benefit because: All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:35 ERV
Saturday 14 April 2018
In/Dependence
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
No one wants to be a burden, especially as we get older and we become less able to manage as well as we once did, at least physically. At the root is the fact that you were always the strong parent and grandparent, but now you are less sure footed, and a bit more forgetful. We don’t want to be dependent on anyone, least of all our family, and the other side of that coin is the possible loss of our independence. I don’t know which part of that process is worse. We would want none of it.
Now and again, we need to lean on someone for support. There comes a time when you have less choice in the matter. It can help if the person you lean on, or depend on first, is not close family. Not that family don’t know, or care, or can’t see your struggles, but the first time I needed that new level of support, I was glad it was someone I didn’t know. That helped to create a bridge for further help when needed, to the people who loved me most. My family.
Travelling always brings its own challenges, especially flying between continents where a long haul is involved. It became more and more obvious that this dependence could not be hidden. It was obvious to others, as well as myself. It had happened. The line had been crossed between needing help, and asking for it. It was now the job of the airport and airline companies to provide that assisted travel, but now that I had recognised the need to myself (the hardest one to convince), the travelling became much easier.
But more than all that, I had crossed the Rubicon. There was no going back. As a result, a sense of release came in because I didn’t have to pretend any longer. I was the last to know how much help was needed, but family were, and still are, gracious. Not wanting to rush me but at the same time preparing for the next step in my own journey of life. I am again reminded of how blessed I am to have the family circle around me that God has allowed in my life. My heart echoes, “Thank you, Lord!”
No one wants to be a burden, especially as we get older and we become less able to manage as well as we once did, at least physically. At the root is the fact that you were always the strong parent and grandparent, but now you are less sure footed, and a bit more forgetful. We don’t want to be dependent on anyone, least of all our family, and the other side of that coin is the possible loss of our independence. I don’t know which part of that process is worse. We would want none of it.
Now and again, we need to lean on someone for support. There comes a time when you have less choice in the matter. It can help if the person you lean on, or depend on first, is not close family. Not that family don’t know, or care, or can’t see your struggles, but the first time I needed that new level of support, I was glad it was someone I didn’t know. That helped to create a bridge for further help when needed, to the people who loved me most. My family.
Travelling always brings its own challenges, especially flying between continents where a long haul is involved. It became more and more obvious that this dependence could not be hidden. It was obvious to others, as well as myself. It had happened. The line had been crossed between needing help, and asking for it. It was now the job of the airport and airline companies to provide that assisted travel, but now that I had recognised the need to myself (the hardest one to convince), the travelling became much easier.
But more than all that, I had crossed the Rubicon. There was no going back. As a result, a sense of release came in because I didn’t have to pretend any longer. I was the last to know how much help was needed, but family were, and still are, gracious. Not wanting to rush me but at the same time preparing for the next step in my own journey of life. I am again reminded of how blessed I am to have the family circle around me that God has allowed in my life. My heart echoes, “Thank you, Lord!”
Saturday 7 April 2018
The Journey - Crossroads
Why would anyone do it? You are armed with an accurate compass, a good map, and even a mobile phone with maps included. You know the way to your destination but you either don’t use your tools or you don’t believe them. So you deliberately take the wrong road which is probably longer and definitely harder, but so what? Hey ho, we like living the impulsive and carefree life.
Don’t you think we do that in our real life faith journey? Every time we know in our hearts which is the right way, the quickest, with least hassle, we choose to ignore the God given still small voice that is there to help. It’s called our conscience, and we are expert in pushing it’s wisdom to one side while we do our own thing. But why? Why indeed?
To take the right road in life means going against the flow. Against the popular opinion and thought of our peers. Doing the right thing would make us look foolish in our friends’ eyes, and we don’t want that, do we? There is a cost to our hearts and minds when we ignore the obvious truth. We result in having emotional and possibly physical scars down the line of life. These scars remain, even after we have tried to put things right. Truth is, we have stood at more than one crossroad and deliberately took the wrong way, but we called the tune, so had to pay the piper. Recognise anyone? I’m sure most, if not all, of us can relate. Please take care at those crossroads. The wrong path will cost you big time!
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask where the old road is. Ask where the good road is, and walk on that road. If you do, you will find rest for yourselves. But you people have said, ‘We will not walk on the good road.’ Jeremiah 6:16
Don’t you think we do that in our real life faith journey? Every time we know in our hearts which is the right way, the quickest, with least hassle, we choose to ignore the God given still small voice that is there to help. It’s called our conscience, and we are expert in pushing it’s wisdom to one side while we do our own thing. But why? Why indeed?
To take the right road in life means going against the flow. Against the popular opinion and thought of our peers. Doing the right thing would make us look foolish in our friends’ eyes, and we don’t want that, do we? There is a cost to our hearts and minds when we ignore the obvious truth. We result in having emotional and possibly physical scars down the line of life. These scars remain, even after we have tried to put things right. Truth is, we have stood at more than one crossroad and deliberately took the wrong way, but we called the tune, so had to pay the piper. Recognise anyone? I’m sure most, if not all, of us can relate. Please take care at those crossroads. The wrong path will cost you big time!
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask where the old road is. Ask where the good road is, and walk on that road. If you do, you will find rest for yourselves. But you people have said, ‘We will not walk on the good road.’ Jeremiah 6:16
Thursday 5 April 2018
Christianity Light
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Cor 6:19,20 ESV
It’s a clear and obvious temptation to just coast the life we have, either in or out of faith. But then a verse like this one comes along to remind us that our salvation should not, and must not be taken lightly or with a shrug of the shoulders.
Imagine for a moment that your wife or girlfriend goes without some things of her own, to buy you a nice, expensive, Rolex watch. Instead of looking after it, you don’t. The face gets scratched, you drop it into the toilet, and it keeps getting mislaid. I wonder how your gift looks in the eyes of the giver now? Was it worth the expense and the other things that were done without? You would have to forgive the giver for thinking it wasn’t worth the effort.
We can never earn our salvation. It has been granted us by a loving God and all we have to do is accept the gift. But do you really think that God wants us to stay in the mire of our sin? I don’t think so. We ought to cherish our priceless gift, and show how thankful we are by our lifestyle change. We are bought with a price and it cost the Saviour the cross, and the heartache of the Father forsaking Him while He hung there.
Shouldn’t we strive to live a Christian life deserving of the love of an eternally Holy God by becoming an example to others who look on us to see if there is any difference between who we were, and the person we are now? Or do we play the ‘Christianity Light’ card in the hope that it will be enough, and since we didn’t deserve it anyway, what possible difference could it make? A final thought: We take good care of our earthly gifts, so shouldn’t we care even more for the eternal gift of salvation which cost Jesus so dearly? It’s a clear choice.
It’s a clear and obvious temptation to just coast the life we have, either in or out of faith. But then a verse like this one comes along to remind us that our salvation should not, and must not be taken lightly or with a shrug of the shoulders.
Imagine for a moment that your wife or girlfriend goes without some things of her own, to buy you a nice, expensive, Rolex watch. Instead of looking after it, you don’t. The face gets scratched, you drop it into the toilet, and it keeps getting mislaid. I wonder how your gift looks in the eyes of the giver now? Was it worth the expense and the other things that were done without? You would have to forgive the giver for thinking it wasn’t worth the effort.
We can never earn our salvation. It has been granted us by a loving God and all we have to do is accept the gift. But do you really think that God wants us to stay in the mire of our sin? I don’t think so. We ought to cherish our priceless gift, and show how thankful we are by our lifestyle change. We are bought with a price and it cost the Saviour the cross, and the heartache of the Father forsaking Him while He hung there.
Shouldn’t we strive to live a Christian life deserving of the love of an eternally Holy God by becoming an example to others who look on us to see if there is any difference between who we were, and the person we are now? Or do we play the ‘Christianity Light’ card in the hope that it will be enough, and since we didn’t deserve it anyway, what possible difference could it make? A final thought: We take good care of our earthly gifts, so shouldn’t we care even more for the eternal gift of salvation which cost Jesus so dearly? It’s a clear choice.
Wednesday 4 April 2018
Holiness
...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:17-18 ESV
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NIV
Now there’s a scary word to the Christian who is trying hard to live their life for Jesus, to the best of their ability, and we think we don’t measure up. Here’s a thought, we don’t measure up to the holiness of God, but is that what it’s all about?
We don’t serve an unreasonable God and that is something we need to hold on to. Look at the verses in Romans and Hebrews, do they show a hard line from an uncaring God? We are given all the tools to live right by God, but we need to be serious about our part. I find great comfort that the peak of holiness is covered in the words, “If possible, so far as it depends on you”, and “Make every effort… to be Holy”.
We can’t and don’t have to be as Holy as God. He doesn’t ask that from us, but He does ask us to try our best to STRIVE towards Holiness, and live a Godly life. This IS possible for us to do, and put like that, it isn’t so scary after all, is it?
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:17-18 ESV
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NIV
Now there’s a scary word to the Christian who is trying hard to live their life for Jesus, to the best of their ability, and we think we don’t measure up. Here’s a thought, we don’t measure up to the holiness of God, but is that what it’s all about?
We don’t serve an unreasonable God and that is something we need to hold on to. Look at the verses in Romans and Hebrews, do they show a hard line from an uncaring God? We are given all the tools to live right by God, but we need to be serious about our part. I find great comfort that the peak of holiness is covered in the words, “If possible, so far as it depends on you”, and “Make every effort… to be Holy”.
We can’t and don’t have to be as Holy as God. He doesn’t ask that from us, but He does ask us to try our best to STRIVE towards Holiness, and live a Godly life. This IS possible for us to do, and put like that, it isn’t so scary after all, is it?
Tuesday 3 April 2018
Friends
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34,34
I keep coming back to this verse, and each time for a different reason. The Bible is like that. Full of wisdom upon wisdom, some we catch right away, some lie waiting to be discovered like this time. What did Jesus mean by ‘love one another’? And who was He talking about?
Some of us don’t make friends easily. I don’t mean the surface ‘hello how are you, I’m fine’ kind of friends. I mean the kind that you let in to your personal space. You don’t mind spilling your feelings to, in the full knowledge that they will not laugh or think you are crazy. Always, always, true friendship is two way. For some it started in school and has lasted a lifetime, but for others that true friend may have come in later life.
Jesus wanted His disciples to be true friends to each other, and that would show itself as a selfless love to others. The best friends we can have are those who are of like mind in the faith and lifestyle handed to us by Jesus. Who is your best friend? If you are blessed to have that special person who you don’t mind sharing your personal highs and lows with, you are blessed indeed. Treasure that gift, and don’t take your friend or your friendship for granted. They are most likely God given.
I keep coming back to this verse, and each time for a different reason. The Bible is like that. Full of wisdom upon wisdom, some we catch right away, some lie waiting to be discovered like this time. What did Jesus mean by ‘love one another’? And who was He talking about?
Some of us don’t make friends easily. I don’t mean the surface ‘hello how are you, I’m fine’ kind of friends. I mean the kind that you let in to your personal space. You don’t mind spilling your feelings to, in the full knowledge that they will not laugh or think you are crazy. Always, always, true friendship is two way. For some it started in school and has lasted a lifetime, but for others that true friend may have come in later life.
Jesus wanted His disciples to be true friends to each other, and that would show itself as a selfless love to others. The best friends we can have are those who are of like mind in the faith and lifestyle handed to us by Jesus. Who is your best friend? If you are blessed to have that special person who you don’t mind sharing your personal highs and lows with, you are blessed indeed. Treasure that gift, and don’t take your friend or your friendship for granted. They are most likely God given.
Monday 2 April 2018
Mine or Minefield?
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV
For the Christian, when choices and differences arise (and they do) the Bible is our place to go for the answers. However, there is no guarantee that we'll find something that ‘fits’ with our preconceived notions. The Bible when used as a tool to rebuke us is a real minefield, and we must be prepared to be opposed in our thoughts and manner through its pages.
However, the Bible is also a mine of good and useful advice to the seriously seeking Christian. The rebukes become a source of teaching and correction to our self seeking and wayward lifestyles.
I think it depends on how devout and serious we are about the life we lead and the example shown. Although Scripture is the final authority on all things spiritual, somehow we can still find our favourite verses which cover and confirm our point of view. Then we can hold our head high and say those words which effectively shuts down any other view, “The Bible says, and I believe the Bible every time”. If that is true, then by definition, one person’s interpretation and use of any verse is the only correct one, and until you line up with that Biblical view, you are in error. That is when Scripture becomes a minefield of epic proportions and cannot always be countered successfully, or with the needed grace.
I love the old Scottish observation of the proud mother of her son in his first military parade, who was heard to say, “Look, a’body’s oot o’ step but oor Jock”. It might be funny in that story, but not in matters of Scriptural interpretation. So, what is the Bible to you and me? Is it a minefield of rebuke, or a mine of welcomed training in righteousness?
For the Christian, when choices and differences arise (and they do) the Bible is our place to go for the answers. However, there is no guarantee that we'll find something that ‘fits’ with our preconceived notions. The Bible when used as a tool to rebuke us is a real minefield, and we must be prepared to be opposed in our thoughts and manner through its pages.
However, the Bible is also a mine of good and useful advice to the seriously seeking Christian. The rebukes become a source of teaching and correction to our self seeking and wayward lifestyles.
I think it depends on how devout and serious we are about the life we lead and the example shown. Although Scripture is the final authority on all things spiritual, somehow we can still find our favourite verses which cover and confirm our point of view. Then we can hold our head high and say those words which effectively shuts down any other view, “The Bible says, and I believe the Bible every time”. If that is true, then by definition, one person’s interpretation and use of any verse is the only correct one, and until you line up with that Biblical view, you are in error. That is when Scripture becomes a minefield of epic proportions and cannot always be countered successfully, or with the needed grace.
I love the old Scottish observation of the proud mother of her son in his first military parade, who was heard to say, “Look, a’body’s oot o’ step but oor Jock”. It might be funny in that story, but not in matters of Scriptural interpretation. So, what is the Bible to you and me? Is it a minefield of rebuke, or a mine of welcomed training in righteousness?
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