Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. Romans 3:9-11 NLT
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. Romans 10:12 ESV
It is clear from Scripture that we are all sinners before an almighty God. In Bible times it was the Pharisaic Jews who claimed the high ground of being special, but we learn very quickly that Jesus died for all, whether Jew, or Gentile including those learned and clever Greek philosophers. Today we would think that it’s the Evangelical church goers who are the special ones, and we would look down on all those others, because they don’t measure up to the right (that’s our) standards. Nothing much has changed in the past 2,000 years, has it?!
Now as then, we are tempted (and we fail at this) to see ourselves as ‘above’, and those others as ‘beneath’ because they don’t act like us. Or speak like us. Or dress like us. Or give like us. Get the picture?
Since we have God’s Word telling us that we are all sinners, and that includes those inside and outside the church, why oh why are we so quick to decide how people should behave? Those people call themselves Christians we say, and yet they might: read the wrong newspapers, or listen to the wrong music, or watch the wrong movies, or mix with the wrong people, or their conversation is too near the bone. They might not swear or curse or take the Lord’s Name in vain, but we reckon they need to clean up their vocabulary.
With all that going on, we wouldn’t want to be contaminated, or for our friends to think we were like them, but we have to be seen to do something. After all, they are not a good example of what a Christian should be like. So, they leave that church because they didn’t address all the wrongs that were going on under their noses, and look for another one with fewer faults and better Christians. My question is this: Who does that sound like? For my part it is too close to the Jewish Pharisees of Jesus day. Too close. Let me ask another question, and I will not give an answer. Faced with these less than perfect Christians, what do you think Jesus would do? I will leave that with you to think about, and ponder.
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.
Friday 31 August 2018
Thursday 30 August 2018
Habit or Custom?
He [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day, he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. Luke 4:16 NIV
As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue. Acts 17:2 NIV
Have you ever heard someone comment on your regular Church attendance by saying, “It’s only a habit you know, that’s all”? I have, but let’s be clear, it’s a good habit to start even if that’s all it is!. Both Jesus and Paul had the custom [habit] of going to the Temple regularly, and we wouldn’t say that was a bad habit! The early church knew the importance of regular attendance at the Temple or Synagogue. By their actions, we should take note and follow suit. Going to Church regularly is not an easy habit to cultivate, but be certain of this, it’s a good custom.
As I thought about this custom exercised by our Lord and Saviour and the apostle Paul, I asked myself a couple of questions. Like, before going in, did they ever double check who the speaker was? Or who was leading the singing?? Also, did they ask themselves if there was a better Temple in the next street or town? Or if they had a teacher with more charisma, or presence with a better preaching style? If we are truly using Scripture wisely, we are told only that it was their custom to go to church, and nothing is said about being sidetracked to a different, or better, or bigger, church or pastor.
Then my imagination turns to what happens after the early apostles left the Temple. Did they grumble about the speaker, talking between themselves, that he could have done better? He isn’t as good as the last Temple leader. They don’t sing the Psalms I am familiar with, and like. It begs the consideration, “What did they go to their Church for”? When the answer becomes that they are only there to worship God in His Holiness, then all other thoughts, doubts and human fears will fade and disappear.
I am not asking you, because each person must answer for themselves, but I am turning the question back on myself. What is the REAL reason for the custom or habit I have of going to church? If it’s not to worship in Holiness and truth, then I must return to my first love and set aside the other reasonings and stop hiding behind all my excuses for being unhappy with that particular Church, or Pastor, or Worship leader! To put it another way, if I am bearing the name of Christ as a Christian, then I must behave like one! Ouch, that hurts!
As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue. Acts 17:2 NIV
Have you ever heard someone comment on your regular Church attendance by saying, “It’s only a habit you know, that’s all”? I have, but let’s be clear, it’s a good habit to start even if that’s all it is!. Both Jesus and Paul had the custom [habit] of going to the Temple regularly, and we wouldn’t say that was a bad habit! The early church knew the importance of regular attendance at the Temple or Synagogue. By their actions, we should take note and follow suit. Going to Church regularly is not an easy habit to cultivate, but be certain of this, it’s a good custom.
As I thought about this custom exercised by our Lord and Saviour and the apostle Paul, I asked myself a couple of questions. Like, before going in, did they ever double check who the speaker was? Or who was leading the singing?? Also, did they ask themselves if there was a better Temple in the next street or town? Or if they had a teacher with more charisma, or presence with a better preaching style? If we are truly using Scripture wisely, we are told only that it was their custom to go to church, and nothing is said about being sidetracked to a different, or better, or bigger, church or pastor.
Then my imagination turns to what happens after the early apostles left the Temple. Did they grumble about the speaker, talking between themselves, that he could have done better? He isn’t as good as the last Temple leader. They don’t sing the Psalms I am familiar with, and like. It begs the consideration, “What did they go to their Church for”? When the answer becomes that they are only there to worship God in His Holiness, then all other thoughts, doubts and human fears will fade and disappear.
I am not asking you, because each person must answer for themselves, but I am turning the question back on myself. What is the REAL reason for the custom or habit I have of going to church? If it’s not to worship in Holiness and truth, then I must return to my first love and set aside the other reasonings and stop hiding behind all my excuses for being unhappy with that particular Church, or Pastor, or Worship leader! To put it another way, if I am bearing the name of Christ as a Christian, then I must behave like one! Ouch, that hurts!
Wednesday 29 August 2018
Brexit Chexit
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
It’s fair to say that if you live in the UK, you will probably be fed up with all things Brexit. There’s the ardent get out of Europe now, and then there’s the group who are not so sure and want another chance to see if the rules can be changed to allow the ‘exit’ to be shelved.
The more I read, and become familiar with various strands of the Christian religion and faith, the more aware I am that there is a vast movement of people who want to exit their church right now. And then there’s the group who want the rules to be changed so that they can stay in the church, but on their own, unique terms.
So, where do you stand on the Chexit (Church Exit) question? Have you had enough of the whole Christian thing? Tired of Church and the influence Jesus wants to have in your life? Or would you prefer to stay in your local church, but would like to see the rules changed in a way that relaxes the need for those overly restrictive commandments and the words of Jesus on our way of life? In fact, on MY way of life?
Of course, there is the third way that doesn’t need or want Chexit. There is a fulness of life found in no other person or place than Jesus and His Church. The so-called commandments are not a stranglehold, but the words of a loving God who wants to protect us from harm. That’s the God we praise and openly worship. He is not a burden or a liability, but a welcome friend who always has our best interests at heart. We don’t think twice about saying ‘no’ to our children if we know it’s for their own protection and good.
One last observation. Next time you have to attend a funeral, take a look around and note those who belong to the Chexit crowd. They are the ones who have no assurance of sins forgiven or a place in heaven when it’s their turn to fill the coffin at the front of the church. By contrast, the others will be the ones who can thank their Lord and Saviour for the clear assurance of their place in Glory. So, Chexit? Who needs it when the truth is so clear?
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29,30 NIV
It’s fair to say that if you live in the UK, you will probably be fed up with all things Brexit. There’s the ardent get out of Europe now, and then there’s the group who are not so sure and want another chance to see if the rules can be changed to allow the ‘exit’ to be shelved.
The more I read, and become familiar with various strands of the Christian religion and faith, the more aware I am that there is a vast movement of people who want to exit their church right now. And then there’s the group who want the rules to be changed so that they can stay in the church, but on their own, unique terms.
So, where do you stand on the Chexit (Church Exit) question? Have you had enough of the whole Christian thing? Tired of Church and the influence Jesus wants to have in your life? Or would you prefer to stay in your local church, but would like to see the rules changed in a way that relaxes the need for those overly restrictive commandments and the words of Jesus on our way of life? In fact, on MY way of life?
Of course, there is the third way that doesn’t need or want Chexit. There is a fulness of life found in no other person or place than Jesus and His Church. The so-called commandments are not a stranglehold, but the words of a loving God who wants to protect us from harm. That’s the God we praise and openly worship. He is not a burden or a liability, but a welcome friend who always has our best interests at heart. We don’t think twice about saying ‘no’ to our children if we know it’s for their own protection and good.
One last observation. Next time you have to attend a funeral, take a look around and note those who belong to the Chexit crowd. They are the ones who have no assurance of sins forgiven or a place in heaven when it’s their turn to fill the coffin at the front of the church. By contrast, the others will be the ones who can thank their Lord and Saviour for the clear assurance of their place in Glory. So, Chexit? Who needs it when the truth is so clear?
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29,30 NIV
Tuesday 28 August 2018
Storms
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 NIV
Who hasn’t been hit by a storm in their life? Not just a single storm, but they can come in multiples and even then when we don’t want or expect them. The kind of storm that affects us can be varied, but they all hit hard.
The basic ingredients of any storm system will be wind and rain. Lots of rain. It is distressing to see families uprooted and washed out of their homes because of the flood water, caused by too much rain. Water is a strange thing. In the right amounts, it feeds the vegetation to keep the Ecosystem working and producing Oxygen while getting rid of harmful CO2. However one of the side effects of any amount of rain is mud and not so glorious mud! But always keep in mind that if not for the rain, neither would we have a rainbow.
We have a choice to make when hard times hit us. A difficult choice. Do we keep looking down to see how deep the mud is? How thick the mud is? Is it clinging to our shoes and clothes? Come to think of it, how are we ever going to get rid of the mess that mud makes on us, and our belongings? Can I suggest that instead of looking down at the mud, we look up?!
The sight of a rainbow in the sky is guaranteed to lift the spirits of the most life hardened mud watcher. But to state the obvious, we must look up to see the glory of the rainbow! You will never see a rainbow if you only look down at the mud. If you know me, you will know how much I love rainbows because the promise it stands for in God’s Word is close to my heart, and a clear answer to a loud and heart-wrenching prayer. The true rainbow is God’s covenant, and not to be confused with some contrived symbol of unrighteousness that we see flaunted at a Pride March. We can find comfort in what God says about His rainbow:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Genesis 9:13-15 NIV
Who hasn’t been hit by a storm in their life? Not just a single storm, but they can come in multiples and even then when we don’t want or expect them. The kind of storm that affects us can be varied, but they all hit hard.
The basic ingredients of any storm system will be wind and rain. Lots of rain. It is distressing to see families uprooted and washed out of their homes because of the flood water, caused by too much rain. Water is a strange thing. In the right amounts, it feeds the vegetation to keep the Ecosystem working and producing Oxygen while getting rid of harmful CO2. However one of the side effects of any amount of rain is mud and not so glorious mud! But always keep in mind that if not for the rain, neither would we have a rainbow.
We have a choice to make when hard times hit us. A difficult choice. Do we keep looking down to see how deep the mud is? How thick the mud is? Is it clinging to our shoes and clothes? Come to think of it, how are we ever going to get rid of the mess that mud makes on us, and our belongings? Can I suggest that instead of looking down at the mud, we look up?!
The sight of a rainbow in the sky is guaranteed to lift the spirits of the most life hardened mud watcher. But to state the obvious, we must look up to see the glory of the rainbow! You will never see a rainbow if you only look down at the mud. If you know me, you will know how much I love rainbows because the promise it stands for in God’s Word is close to my heart, and a clear answer to a loud and heart-wrenching prayer. The true rainbow is God’s covenant, and not to be confused with some contrived symbol of unrighteousness that we see flaunted at a Pride March. We can find comfort in what God says about His rainbow:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Genesis 9:13-15 NIV
Monday 27 August 2018
Yet!
Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18 ESV
It is no secret that we credit our great and loving God for the answers to our prayers, or to be more accurate, the answers we want or even like. We lift our hands and voices in praise when that loved one is spared a serious and life threatening illness, or a student gets an A+ grade, we have enough money to pay our bills, our day out has good sunny weather, or I have even heard of someone thanking God for finding a parking place in an otherwise busy car park.
But what about those times that we pray earnestly, and the answer is not what we needed or wanted? That loved one was not spared the finality of her life threatening disease? Our much loved child failed their exams spectacularly, We couldn’t pay that bill and it went overdue? It rained on our Sunday School trip and the day was ruined? And perish the thought, we didn’t get that much needed parking place close to the shopping mall!
The Old Testament prophet knew all about trouble. Real trouble, and he prayed because he needed to pray, BUT he didn’t just recognise the good answers from God, he still praised Him when the storeroom was empty, the harvest failed, and the livestock died all creating a drought and famine in the land. It doesn’t make sense to us to praise God for answers like these, but that’s exactly what he did. The reason is that the prophet trusted God to know the end from the beginning. He knew that God saw the long term outlook and not just what was happening now.
May the good Lord help us to be trusting enough to know that He’s got this on our behalf. It may not be what our short sightedness sees, but it will be what will be best in the long run. I reckon we can see the funny side of the person who doesn’t get a parking slot, but what about the loved one that dies in spite of our frantic and heart wrenching prayers? That, my Christian friend is one of the biggest lessons life will ever through at you, or me. I hope, trust and pray we are up to the challenge of the “yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” just like that little known, but wise Old Testament prophet Habakkuk!
It is no secret that we credit our great and loving God for the answers to our prayers, or to be more accurate, the answers we want or even like. We lift our hands and voices in praise when that loved one is spared a serious and life threatening illness, or a student gets an A+ grade, we have enough money to pay our bills, our day out has good sunny weather, or I have even heard of someone thanking God for finding a parking place in an otherwise busy car park.
But what about those times that we pray earnestly, and the answer is not what we needed or wanted? That loved one was not spared the finality of her life threatening disease? Our much loved child failed their exams spectacularly, We couldn’t pay that bill and it went overdue? It rained on our Sunday School trip and the day was ruined? And perish the thought, we didn’t get that much needed parking place close to the shopping mall!
The Old Testament prophet knew all about trouble. Real trouble, and he prayed because he needed to pray, BUT he didn’t just recognise the good answers from God, he still praised Him when the storeroom was empty, the harvest failed, and the livestock died all creating a drought and famine in the land. It doesn’t make sense to us to praise God for answers like these, but that’s exactly what he did. The reason is that the prophet trusted God to know the end from the beginning. He knew that God saw the long term outlook and not just what was happening now.
May the good Lord help us to be trusting enough to know that He’s got this on our behalf. It may not be what our short sightedness sees, but it will be what will be best in the long run. I reckon we can see the funny side of the person who doesn’t get a parking slot, but what about the loved one that dies in spite of our frantic and heart wrenching prayers? That, my Christian friend is one of the biggest lessons life will ever through at you, or me. I hope, trust and pray we are up to the challenge of the “yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” just like that little known, but wise Old Testament prophet Habakkuk!
Sunday 26 August 2018
Grace and Love
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV
There is a theme which occurs constantly through the New Testament, and it is one of Love and Grace. Our verse shows the trinity of the Godhead linked directly with Grace, Love, and Fellowship. In my book that makes this theme pretty important in the mind of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As if to emphasise their importance, the apostle Paul uses them often, so we should not shy away from them either.
I never tire of hearing sermons, or even talking with friends about these real, God driven, passionate thoughts, feelings and emotions. Since we are told directly in 1 John 4:8 that “God IS love”, then the more we love in His Spirit, the more Christlike we become. In fact the verse also says, if we don’t love, then we are not like God. It’s really quite simple. Well I think so anyway.
So, I am disheartened when I hear some folks outside the church play down any or all of these Godlike characteristics. I suppose in a way, I can understand the unchurched and unsaved wanting to play down or discredit the love of God, but not a fellow believer! How can that be possible I hear you ask, and you are echoing my own thinking. Mind you, I am very thankful that I have met very few who fall into that ‘love-less’ (less-loving, not unloving!) mindset and category. But they exist, and the truth is that saddens me.
If we ever needed more proof, John, the apostle of love says it this way: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 NIV
There is a theme which occurs constantly through the New Testament, and it is one of Love and Grace. Our verse shows the trinity of the Godhead linked directly with Grace, Love, and Fellowship. In my book that makes this theme pretty important in the mind of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As if to emphasise their importance, the apostle Paul uses them often, so we should not shy away from them either.
I never tire of hearing sermons, or even talking with friends about these real, God driven, passionate thoughts, feelings and emotions. Since we are told directly in 1 John 4:8 that “God IS love”, then the more we love in His Spirit, the more Christlike we become. In fact the verse also says, if we don’t love, then we are not like God. It’s really quite simple. Well I think so anyway.
So, I am disheartened when I hear some folks outside the church play down any or all of these Godlike characteristics. I suppose in a way, I can understand the unchurched and unsaved wanting to play down or discredit the love of God, but not a fellow believer! How can that be possible I hear you ask, and you are echoing my own thinking. Mind you, I am very thankful that I have met very few who fall into that ‘love-less’ (less-loving, not unloving!) mindset and category. But they exist, and the truth is that saddens me.
If we ever needed more proof, John, the apostle of love says it this way: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 NIV
Saturday 25 August 2018
The 'Club'
But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given. Luke 12:48 NLT
As a member of a Club, eg a football club, I would automatically fall into line with the decisions and actions of the Board, the Management, and the players, whether in the boardroom, on the pitch or the bench as a reserve. I will be committed to the ethos of that Club and all that it stands for. Otherwise, I couldn’t count myself as being a true fan, or a follower.
Sometimes one of the staff or players will act against the ‘ethos’ and find themselves in a law court. Perhaps it’s a financial irregularity, or a moral failing which went public. Whether a failing at the top, or in the locker room, it’s still a misdemeanor and the offender fails not only himself, but the Club’s good name. Well at least for a while, because it can be soon forgotten and the Club moves forward, although forever changed in the eyes of many. Members must obey the law of the land, but the thing that really counts in any club is what happens when the original terms and conditions are encroached. These can also be thought of as the Club Standards, or Regulations.
It’s bad enough when a first team player errs, but we expect more from the Board members and leaders. After all, they set the tone for those who report to them. It’s just like in business when you see the sign on the CEO’s desk which says, “The Buck Stops Here”. And it does.
As Christians we also belong to a parallel body of like minded people called the Church. We all strive to be the best, and to be like Jesus, but sometimes we fail, and maybe even openly. For the most part we are forgiving and accepting when someone in the pew steps out of line. After all, we recognise that we are not perfect ourselves. It may be unfair, but it is a Biblical and natural truth that we should expect more from our pastors, teachers and leaders because they shoulder most responsibility. It cannot be easy to stay on top of the occasional unintentional slip, or even the open and intentional sin, but that cannot and does not absolve any of us from our responsibility. After all, the longer we have been a Jesus follower, the more responsibility we shoulder too! So, whether we occupy the pulpit or the pew, let us all be careful how we reflect the image of the Christ we serve.
As a member of a Club, eg a football club, I would automatically fall into line with the decisions and actions of the Board, the Management, and the players, whether in the boardroom, on the pitch or the bench as a reserve. I will be committed to the ethos of that Club and all that it stands for. Otherwise, I couldn’t count myself as being a true fan, or a follower.
Sometimes one of the staff or players will act against the ‘ethos’ and find themselves in a law court. Perhaps it’s a financial irregularity, or a moral failing which went public. Whether a failing at the top, or in the locker room, it’s still a misdemeanor and the offender fails not only himself, but the Club’s good name. Well at least for a while, because it can be soon forgotten and the Club moves forward, although forever changed in the eyes of many. Members must obey the law of the land, but the thing that really counts in any club is what happens when the original terms and conditions are encroached. These can also be thought of as the Club Standards, or Regulations.
It’s bad enough when a first team player errs, but we expect more from the Board members and leaders. After all, they set the tone for those who report to them. It’s just like in business when you see the sign on the CEO’s desk which says, “The Buck Stops Here”. And it does.
As Christians we also belong to a parallel body of like minded people called the Church. We all strive to be the best, and to be like Jesus, but sometimes we fail, and maybe even openly. For the most part we are forgiving and accepting when someone in the pew steps out of line. After all, we recognise that we are not perfect ourselves. It may be unfair, but it is a Biblical and natural truth that we should expect more from our pastors, teachers and leaders because they shoulder most responsibility. It cannot be easy to stay on top of the occasional unintentional slip, or even the open and intentional sin, but that cannot and does not absolve any of us from our responsibility. After all, the longer we have been a Jesus follower, the more responsibility we shoulder too! So, whether we occupy the pulpit or the pew, let us all be careful how we reflect the image of the Christ we serve.
Friday 24 August 2018
Scandals
In my many years on this planet, I have never experienced the media storms coming one after the other, of sex scandals. You can’t have missed them because they are everywhere. The Roman Catholic priests seem to top the list of serial offenders, followed by the nuns. Yes, even the nuns. You might think that a woman who is softer in emotion would be more protective, but it seems that many were in cahoots with some priests. I hasten to add that not all priests and nuns are a threat to children, but we are talking about life in the 1960s through to the 1990s when matters like these were not seen as severe or as serious as they are today. National leaders and Presidents have not avoided this scandal either.
I find the dilemma of life some 50 years ago, compared to now quite remarkable in this important sense. Society recoils in revulsion when we are faced with the abuses of adults and children many years ago, but we are hypocrites. Why do you think that, I hear you ask.
I suggest we have become immune to these wrongs, which is why we react against them when we see the news reports and read the latest newspapers. Hold that thought and feeling, and let your mind swing round to the sex content which is considered as ‘normal’ on TV, together with the quantity of movies which draw box office crowds because of the gratuitous violence and sex scenes portrayed in them. Added to that we have the rising threat of same sex relationships.
So, I see a dichotomy unfolding. On the one hand we are horrified by the reports of sex abuses some 50 years ago, and on the other hand society flocks to see the very movies which show these same scenes as drama. Our consciences are being seared to accept the movie industry, while our courts are rounding up the sex offenders, and rightly so. What a confusing and hypocritical message we are leaving our children and grandchildren? It is no mistake that we are left with this important warning which should be known and understood by church leaders. Especially church leaders!
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable. 1 Thessalonians 4:3,4 NIV
I find the dilemma of life some 50 years ago, compared to now quite remarkable in this important sense. Society recoils in revulsion when we are faced with the abuses of adults and children many years ago, but we are hypocrites. Why do you think that, I hear you ask.
I suggest we have become immune to these wrongs, which is why we react against them when we see the news reports and read the latest newspapers. Hold that thought and feeling, and let your mind swing round to the sex content which is considered as ‘normal’ on TV, together with the quantity of movies which draw box office crowds because of the gratuitous violence and sex scenes portrayed in them. Added to that we have the rising threat of same sex relationships.
So, I see a dichotomy unfolding. On the one hand we are horrified by the reports of sex abuses some 50 years ago, and on the other hand society flocks to see the very movies which show these same scenes as drama. Our consciences are being seared to accept the movie industry, while our courts are rounding up the sex offenders, and rightly so. What a confusing and hypocritical message we are leaving our children and grandchildren? It is no mistake that we are left with this important warning which should be known and understood by church leaders. Especially church leaders!
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable. 1 Thessalonians 4:3,4 NIV
Thursday 23 August 2018
Worrying Time
You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. Matthew 6:27 ERV
It started off as a slight concern, and has now gone through all the following stages until it has become a full blown anxiety. I know this verse and have quoted it often as a way to defuse other people’s fears and worries, but…. Well that’s the problem, it’s the word BUT!! What about now? What about my fears? My suspicions? What if I do nothing, and something bad happens to a loved one this time? How could I possibly live with myself?
Harm comes in many forms and from many sources, but one that doesn’t get much airtime is the harm that affects the eternal destiny of the harmed one(s). Can I afford to play along and pretend all is well, when I am growing more and more uncertain that all really is well? For me, it has changed from a game of hide and seek, to one of hide and hide and hide again.
Meanwhile we all play our part in the theatre of life. The ones who harm, the ones harmed, and those watching from the gallery. In truth there are almost certainly more than a few who see the signs, question the life and lifestyle of the harmer, and still don’t know what to do that would solve the problem, or even reduce the harm done. It is difficult not to worry about the ones you love, and that makes it hurt!
It started off as a slight concern, and has now gone through all the following stages until it has become a full blown anxiety. I know this verse and have quoted it often as a way to defuse other people’s fears and worries, but…. Well that’s the problem, it’s the word BUT!! What about now? What about my fears? My suspicions? What if I do nothing, and something bad happens to a loved one this time? How could I possibly live with myself?
Harm comes in many forms and from many sources, but one that doesn’t get much airtime is the harm that affects the eternal destiny of the harmed one(s). Can I afford to play along and pretend all is well, when I am growing more and more uncertain that all really is well? For me, it has changed from a game of hide and seek, to one of hide and hide and hide again.
Meanwhile we all play our part in the theatre of life. The ones who harm, the ones harmed, and those watching from the gallery. In truth there are almost certainly more than a few who see the signs, question the life and lifestyle of the harmer, and still don’t know what to do that would solve the problem, or even reduce the harm done. It is difficult not to worry about the ones you love, and that makes it hurt!
Wednesday 22 August 2018
Inner Strength
Be strong and [be] very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Joshua 1:7 NIV
We all have those ‘goto’ verses where we find help, strength or comfort, and sometimes all three like this one! But like all of God’s promises, this one comes with a condition. Our salvation is free for the asking. Yes, you have to want it enough to ask for it and only then it is given as a free gift. In this verse, the condition is obedience to the law of Moses, but Jesus brought an extension to the law, so I suggest that our condition today, is to obey the commands and law of Christ.
Not straying to one side or the other is easier said than done, but it is required, no it is necessary for our success in life. Did you notice that being strong and courageous came first? Only then to taking care and obeying the law? By staying on the straight road, then and only then God’s people would be successful, and not only where they were, but wherever they went!
The strength of our convictions must come first, and the other things follow. There was a time that I thought we must not get sidetracked to the left or right, but that’s not the timeline of the verse, is it? As modern language would say, we have to ‘man up’ (or woman up!) with all the strength God will give us, and ultimately we will be successful. Just as it was for Joshua, so we are keeping good company. I can almost hear you asking, how on this earth are we supposed to find this strength. The answer is found in the very next verse where it says: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua was to be obedient to the law of Moses, but we have the greater law as given by the Son of God and the apostles. Now I must ask myself the question, am I up to reading and studying the Bible, so that I will overcome? That’s something we must each work out for ourselves, so how about you?
We all have those ‘goto’ verses where we find help, strength or comfort, and sometimes all three like this one! But like all of God’s promises, this one comes with a condition. Our salvation is free for the asking. Yes, you have to want it enough to ask for it and only then it is given as a free gift. In this verse, the condition is obedience to the law of Moses, but Jesus brought an extension to the law, so I suggest that our condition today, is to obey the commands and law of Christ.
Not straying to one side or the other is easier said than done, but it is required, no it is necessary for our success in life. Did you notice that being strong and courageous came first? Only then to taking care and obeying the law? By staying on the straight road, then and only then God’s people would be successful, and not only where they were, but wherever they went!
The strength of our convictions must come first, and the other things follow. There was a time that I thought we must not get sidetracked to the left or right, but that’s not the timeline of the verse, is it? As modern language would say, we have to ‘man up’ (or woman up!) with all the strength God will give us, and ultimately we will be successful. Just as it was for Joshua, so we are keeping good company. I can almost hear you asking, how on this earth are we supposed to find this strength. The answer is found in the very next verse where it says: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua was to be obedient to the law of Moses, but we have the greater law as given by the Son of God and the apostles. Now I must ask myself the question, am I up to reading and studying the Bible, so that I will overcome? That’s something we must each work out for ourselves, so how about you?
Monday 20 August 2018
Withdraw
When danger is imminent, or life is in peril, some animals and shellfish will pull their head back into their shell or body. It’s a natural safety mechanism which the great Creator designed into their being to protect against predators. We humans can’t physically do that, but in times of stress, loss or danger, we certainly do withdraw from the normal activities of everyday life.
A friend lost his wife too early. As a couple they were always together. The standing joke was, if you are looking for one of them, try to see where the other one might be. You can imagine then that the loss was felt deeply by the grieving person, now left on his own. His sister was heard to observe, “he’ll just retreat into himself, and withdraw”. She was right. Just like the tortoise who pulls his head inside his shell, figuratively speaking, this man also pulled his head inside his body for self protection.
We withdraw for another good reason too. Trouble doesn’t only come in a physical form. It can be through an emotional hurt, or someone you love and respect turning out to be less than you had thought. They had fallen off their perch, or maybe we had put them on a pedestal, but whichever it was, it affected you and the trust you had placed in them. The most striking example is the breakdown of a relationship or marriage, but it can also and easily be as simple as a little ‘white’ lie from a friend which had serious repercussions within your own life, or a strongly held and opposing point of view.
It can be safer to keep your head down, otherwise you could lose it. In the words of the old (not Biblical) proverb, “fools rush in where angels fear to tread”!
A friend lost his wife too early. As a couple they were always together. The standing joke was, if you are looking for one of them, try to see where the other one might be. You can imagine then that the loss was felt deeply by the grieving person, now left on his own. His sister was heard to observe, “he’ll just retreat into himself, and withdraw”. She was right. Just like the tortoise who pulls his head inside his shell, figuratively speaking, this man also pulled his head inside his body for self protection.
We withdraw for another good reason too. Trouble doesn’t only come in a physical form. It can be through an emotional hurt, or someone you love and respect turning out to be less than you had thought. They had fallen off their perch, or maybe we had put them on a pedestal, but whichever it was, it affected you and the trust you had placed in them. The most striking example is the breakdown of a relationship or marriage, but it can also and easily be as simple as a little ‘white’ lie from a friend which had serious repercussions within your own life, or a strongly held and opposing point of view.
It can be safer to keep your head down, otherwise you could lose it. In the words of the old (not Biblical) proverb, “fools rush in where angels fear to tread”!
Sunday 19 August 2018
Quiet Time
There are many times we need to have a ‘quiet time’ in the Word of God and prayer. When I became a Christian at an early age, I was encouraged to make a regular ‘quiet time’ at some point during the day. It works because it makes us focus on God more clearly, and not on the other things that are happening around you, and especially those things that demand your personal attention.
Can I suggest there is another kind of quiet time, which is not so positive? I find myself going ‘quiet’ when something troubles me, or needs a lot of thought, or perhaps some kind of action or intervention which I am not happy about. Have you seen that trait in others? Have you maybe even seen it in yourself sometimes? Thankfully, this ‘quiet time’ does not happen often, but that fact alone can make it all the more significant in our life.
When that usually bubbly, chatty, bright friend or family member goes quiet, don’t judge harshly. They are not necessarily being rude or deliberately cutting you out. They may be struggling with a tough situation or circumstance, and are not too sure how to handle it for the best. If you consider yourself to be a trusted friend, let them know gently that you are there for them, and to listen. That’s all that may be needed, a listening and sympathetic ear.
I would suggest that the best listening ear is the one we use in the first kind of ‘quiet time’ above. God is our supreme trusted friend and He is a good listener. Not only that but His words of advice or caution will always be trustworthy. So, when your friend has gone quiet and you don’t feel able to step in and help, then pray for them. And one last, but important thing. Tell them you are praying. That tells the one who is troubled that you have noticed their plight, and are taking it to the highest authority in your own ‘quiet time’.
Can I suggest there is another kind of quiet time, which is not so positive? I find myself going ‘quiet’ when something troubles me, or needs a lot of thought, or perhaps some kind of action or intervention which I am not happy about. Have you seen that trait in others? Have you maybe even seen it in yourself sometimes? Thankfully, this ‘quiet time’ does not happen often, but that fact alone can make it all the more significant in our life.
When that usually bubbly, chatty, bright friend or family member goes quiet, don’t judge harshly. They are not necessarily being rude or deliberately cutting you out. They may be struggling with a tough situation or circumstance, and are not too sure how to handle it for the best. If you consider yourself to be a trusted friend, let them know gently that you are there for them, and to listen. That’s all that may be needed, a listening and sympathetic ear.
I would suggest that the best listening ear is the one we use in the first kind of ‘quiet time’ above. God is our supreme trusted friend and He is a good listener. Not only that but His words of advice or caution will always be trustworthy. So, when your friend has gone quiet and you don’t feel able to step in and help, then pray for them. And one last, but important thing. Tell them you are praying. That tells the one who is troubled that you have noticed their plight, and are taking it to the highest authority in your own ‘quiet time’.
Saturday 18 August 2018
Safe Hands
Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 NLT
When something or someone is precious to us, we insist that anyone who will look after them must be a safe pair of hands. Do you remember the time and effort you took to ensure the babysitter you chose for your young child was safe? You would never take a risk with the precious gift of life that you were entrusted with.
We have the greatest gift in our salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. A free gift to all, and just for the asking, but to be fully effective, that gift needs to be in good hands. Paul’s instructions to the young preacher and pastor are unambiguous. They were clear and applicable then, and they remain the same today. Like Timothy, we who bear the name of Christ have been entrusted with the precious truth of the gospel, and that can only be fully effective and achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If we look at this from another angle, what if you notice that this precious truth is NOT in safe hands, and as a result the gospel is seen by others as something contaminated, not to be trusted but to be avoided at all costs? What a high price is paid by those we love when some don’t have those essential safe hands for the precious truth of gospel! Just thinking out loud!
When something or someone is precious to us, we insist that anyone who will look after them must be a safe pair of hands. Do you remember the time and effort you took to ensure the babysitter you chose for your young child was safe? You would never take a risk with the precious gift of life that you were entrusted with.
We have the greatest gift in our salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. A free gift to all, and just for the asking, but to be fully effective, that gift needs to be in good hands. Paul’s instructions to the young preacher and pastor are unambiguous. They were clear and applicable then, and they remain the same today. Like Timothy, we who bear the name of Christ have been entrusted with the precious truth of the gospel, and that can only be fully effective and achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If we look at this from another angle, what if you notice that this precious truth is NOT in safe hands, and as a result the gospel is seen by others as something contaminated, not to be trusted but to be avoided at all costs? What a high price is paid by those we love when some don’t have those essential safe hands for the precious truth of gospel! Just thinking out loud!
Thursday 16 August 2018
What's In A Name?
My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: one of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 11-13 NIV
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because they were a troubled and divided group. Their idea of the gospel was coloured by the teachings of various people. The apostle started his letter with the warning in the verses above. Their difficulties individually and collectively stemmed from the truth of these words, and we would do well to take heed of the same pitfalls today.
The internet makes it easier to pay pick ‘n’ mix with preachers who sound good, and whose teachings are apparently sound. It’s not uncommon to hear some church folks say, “I like the way ‘X’ speaks”, or “It’s good that ‘Y’ doesn’t mince his words”, or even “ ‘Z’ is a false teacher and an antichrist”. Have you heard these words? Or more to the point, have you said them? We are told that the folks in the Corinth ‘church’ group quarrelled about who was the best. Paul makes it clear that this attitude was all wrong, and the Apostle was in the preferred list of preachers!
These three preachers would not all have been speaking at the one time, and in the same place. So it follows that each man had his own followers. These ‘disciples’ would follow whoever they thought was best, and it is striking that Christ is at the end of the list. Christ is reduced to one person in four. Small wonder that Paul starts his letter by addressing and correcting this important issue right up front. I trust we are of Christ and no other preacher, no matter how good we think they might be. Maybe it’s time to change our language!
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth because they were a troubled and divided group. Their idea of the gospel was coloured by the teachings of various people. The apostle started his letter with the warning in the verses above. Their difficulties individually and collectively stemmed from the truth of these words, and we would do well to take heed of the same pitfalls today.
The internet makes it easier to pay pick ‘n’ mix with preachers who sound good, and whose teachings are apparently sound. It’s not uncommon to hear some church folks say, “I like the way ‘X’ speaks”, or “It’s good that ‘Y’ doesn’t mince his words”, or even “ ‘Z’ is a false teacher and an antichrist”. Have you heard these words? Or more to the point, have you said them? We are told that the folks in the Corinth ‘church’ group quarrelled about who was the best. Paul makes it clear that this attitude was all wrong, and the Apostle was in the preferred list of preachers!
These three preachers would not all have been speaking at the one time, and in the same place. So it follows that each man had his own followers. These ‘disciples’ would follow whoever they thought was best, and it is striking that Christ is at the end of the list. Christ is reduced to one person in four. Small wonder that Paul starts his letter by addressing and correcting this important issue right up front. I trust we are of Christ and no other preacher, no matter how good we think they might be. Maybe it’s time to change our language!
Fight or Flight?
There are times you sense something is very wrong, but you don’t know what to do about it for the best. This is compounded if or when a close friend or loved one is involved, whether voluntarily or involuntary. A mixture of feelings overtake you because you should be able to fix things, after all that’s what you should do. You try to put things right if there is the slightest suspicion of harm, and that’s true for anyone, at any time. Young or old, boy or man, girl or woman, responsible or not, deliberate or accidental.
What to do? Unless I am wrong, there are only two classic reactions, ‘fight or flight’. We act first and ask questions later, or we hide from the confrontation. To do either requires that you are sure and certain of your ground, but that is needed more in the fight scenario, and if a friend or loved one is implicated, that need for conflict is heightened and strengthened. On the other hand, it can be easier to take flight and do nothing.
As someone who doesn’t like confrontation, I can recall being put in a position of protecting family, and the strength for the fight was found only as I dug deep. They were loved and worth it, and natural love showed itself in the action of fighting for their dignity and honour. Sadly they were not in a position to defend themselves, so someone had to step in.
Now as one who is older, and hopefully wiser, I am seeing signs that a child of God is under some kind of attack. It may not be physical, but possibly an emotional, psychological or a controlling spiritual abuse which is almost always invisible, at least to the casual onlooker. The indications are difficult to see, and so impossible to prove, but as is often the case, probably more evident when we know where to look, and can see the signs. Lord, help us to be first of all loving, then observant, responsible, and responsive.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
What to do? Unless I am wrong, there are only two classic reactions, ‘fight or flight’. We act first and ask questions later, or we hide from the confrontation. To do either requires that you are sure and certain of your ground, but that is needed more in the fight scenario, and if a friend or loved one is implicated, that need for conflict is heightened and strengthened. On the other hand, it can be easier to take flight and do nothing.
As someone who doesn’t like confrontation, I can recall being put in a position of protecting family, and the strength for the fight was found only as I dug deep. They were loved and worth it, and natural love showed itself in the action of fighting for their dignity and honour. Sadly they were not in a position to defend themselves, so someone had to step in.
Now as one who is older, and hopefully wiser, I am seeing signs that a child of God is under some kind of attack. It may not be physical, but possibly an emotional, psychological or a controlling spiritual abuse which is almost always invisible, at least to the casual onlooker. The indications are difficult to see, and so impossible to prove, but as is often the case, probably more evident when we know where to look, and can see the signs. Lord, help us to be first of all loving, then observant, responsible, and responsive.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
Monday 13 August 2018
I'm Right!
My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 1 Corinthians 4:4
There are a few different common phrases that can show how messed up and off base our modern Western society is. We often hear and use words like:
"Follow your heart."
"You just have to do what you think is right."
"What is your heart telling you?"
"Well, that works for you. I am going to do what works for me."
I think they sound hollow at best, with no need for confirmation. It’s all down to how something makes you, and no one else, feel. It’s so one sided, but that’s a million miles from what Paul is saying here.
Just because you are certain of something, and feel in your heart, mind, and yes even your conscience that it is right…...that doesn’t mean anything. As some might say, it don’t make for a hill o’ beans! The bottom line is this: We don’t have the final say. On anything, whether we are sure of something or not.
Take the example of some Christian deciding that another Christian has got something wrong. It could be in their beliefs, or their outlook, or interpretation of Scripture, and their conscience is clear on the matter, it doesn’t matter! Because at the end of the day It is the Lord himself who will examine ... and decide.
So, how about we get off that high horse of our self righteousness and let the Lord do what only He can do, and that’s examine and judge. Let’s not be heard to utter words like: "You just have to do what you think is right." or “If it feels right for you, that’s the thing to do”, because that decision is way above our pay grade. We need to do what we should have done in the first place, and that’s leave it with the Lord. And who better is there to do the right thing?
There are a few different common phrases that can show how messed up and off base our modern Western society is. We often hear and use words like:
"Follow your heart."
"You just have to do what you think is right."
"What is your heart telling you?"
"Well, that works for you. I am going to do what works for me."
I think they sound hollow at best, with no need for confirmation. It’s all down to how something makes you, and no one else, feel. It’s so one sided, but that’s a million miles from what Paul is saying here.
Just because you are certain of something, and feel in your heart, mind, and yes even your conscience that it is right…...that doesn’t mean anything. As some might say, it don’t make for a hill o’ beans! The bottom line is this: We don’t have the final say. On anything, whether we are sure of something or not.
Take the example of some Christian deciding that another Christian has got something wrong. It could be in their beliefs, or their outlook, or interpretation of Scripture, and their conscience is clear on the matter, it doesn’t matter! Because at the end of the day It is the Lord himself who will examine ... and decide.
So, how about we get off that high horse of our self righteousness and let the Lord do what only He can do, and that’s examine and judge. Let’s not be heard to utter words like: "You just have to do what you think is right." or “If it feels right for you, that’s the thing to do”, because that decision is way above our pay grade. We need to do what we should have done in the first place, and that’s leave it with the Lord. And who better is there to do the right thing?
Sunday 12 August 2018
The Unknown Jesus
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am?” John 14:9
Philip had been around Jesus for some time by now. He had seen the miracles, watched the crowds recognise Him as the long awaited Messiah, and yet for all that Jesus was still a mystery to Philip. An enigma. A puzzle. An unknown. Why did Jesus have to tell Philip he still didn’t really know who He was?
Let’s not be too hasty to blame or criticise the man, after all we are no better in our modern church from those early followers who like Philip were still not sure what to do with Jesus. Like many who will be reading this, I have been in and around church most of my life, and yet can still miss the message of the gospel so easily. More than that, we can miss the whole reason for Jesus coming to this earth as the ‘God-Man’, fully God but fully Man at the same time.
Who else could forgive our sins and wrongdoings, except a perfect Man? Jesus is that perfect Man, as Philip would find out! I trust we can also find out who this Jesus really is, just like the early disciple.
Philip had been around Jesus for some time by now. He had seen the miracles, watched the crowds recognise Him as the long awaited Messiah, and yet for all that Jesus was still a mystery to Philip. An enigma. A puzzle. An unknown. Why did Jesus have to tell Philip he still didn’t really know who He was?
Let’s not be too hasty to blame or criticise the man, after all we are no better in our modern church from those early followers who like Philip were still not sure what to do with Jesus. Like many who will be reading this, I have been in and around church most of my life, and yet can still miss the message of the gospel so easily. More than that, we can miss the whole reason for Jesus coming to this earth as the ‘God-Man’, fully God but fully Man at the same time.
Who else could forgive our sins and wrongdoings, except a perfect Man? Jesus is that perfect Man, as Philip would find out! I trust we can also find out who this Jesus really is, just like the early disciple.
Saturday 11 August 2018
Moaning and Complaining
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13:5 NIV
I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. Philippians 4:11 ERV
Have you spent any time listening to early morning or afternoon radio? In fact pretty much any type of talk radio on any frequency? If so, you will have heard our national pastime of moaning, groaning, and complaining. If it was an olympic sport, we would be the undisputed gold medal winners every time.
Somehow, we are able to see something wrong with just about anything. How about things like: My football team manager doesn’t know what he is doing and I could manage that for him. Or, a woman gets paid less than a man. Or, that offender should be in prison longer, in fact he should die there. Or, that idiot was promoted over me, and everybody knows I am better than him. Or, the new traffic diversion in town is terrible, and my 8 year old could do it. Or, the waiting times for surgery at my hospital are too long and I could organise things better. Enough already. You get the picture.
Paul had more reason to complain that any of us, but he didn’t. I read that he was shipwrecked, badly beaten, left for dead, imprisoned in chains, taken to the country’s highest supreme court for trial. And yet he wrote the words in the verses above. Obviously he able to stay calm and know with assurance that he had something better than anything else that was thrown at him.
Paul was an early Christian, and so his life was in constant danger. Can we say the same thing? Is our life in constant danger? And yet we don’t have the assurance that everything is worth the cost for the eternal glory that is ours. So what do we do? We moan about anything that doesn’t go our way, and tell anyone who will listen. So what was it that kept Paul secure? He said it this way: ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ It was enough for Paul, shouldn’t it be enough for us too??
I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. Philippians 4:11 ERV
Have you spent any time listening to early morning or afternoon radio? In fact pretty much any type of talk radio on any frequency? If so, you will have heard our national pastime of moaning, groaning, and complaining. If it was an olympic sport, we would be the undisputed gold medal winners every time.
Somehow, we are able to see something wrong with just about anything. How about things like: My football team manager doesn’t know what he is doing and I could manage that for him. Or, a woman gets paid less than a man. Or, that offender should be in prison longer, in fact he should die there. Or, that idiot was promoted over me, and everybody knows I am better than him. Or, the new traffic diversion in town is terrible, and my 8 year old could do it. Or, the waiting times for surgery at my hospital are too long and I could organise things better. Enough already. You get the picture.
Paul had more reason to complain that any of us, but he didn’t. I read that he was shipwrecked, badly beaten, left for dead, imprisoned in chains, taken to the country’s highest supreme court for trial. And yet he wrote the words in the verses above. Obviously he able to stay calm and know with assurance that he had something better than anything else that was thrown at him.
Paul was an early Christian, and so his life was in constant danger. Can we say the same thing? Is our life in constant danger? And yet we don’t have the assurance that everything is worth the cost for the eternal glory that is ours. So what do we do? We moan about anything that doesn’t go our way, and tell anyone who will listen. So what was it that kept Paul secure? He said it this way: ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ It was enough for Paul, shouldn’t it be enough for us too??
Friday 10 August 2018
Threes
My mum used to say that everything comes in threes. She wasn’t superstitious. She was a Godly lady who took her faith seriously, but she noticed life. One of her observations was that things sometimes come in groups of three.
From the arrival of the local service bus, to the notice of announcements of death, and everything inbetween, she saw that things happen in threes. Even the pastor’s sermons invariably have three points. The Trinity is a three part image of God. Our lives are separated into time spans of past, present, and future. There are three physical dimensions, length, breadth, and height.
In the spiritual realm, we have three elements of salvation. Upward in repentance and thanks to God, inward as we start to change from the inside out as we become more like Jesus, and outward as we reach out in love to those around us. We don’t love others to drag them to church because that may never happen. A wise old pastor asked his younger congregation why nightingales sing? As an adult, I was stumped until he explained that nightingales sing because they are nightingales! He went on to say that we should love others, and pass on the comfort God has given us in our troubles, only because we are His children and we love Him. No other reason is needed. It becomes our nature, just like the singing nightingale.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
From the arrival of the local service bus, to the notice of announcements of death, and everything inbetween, she saw that things happen in threes. Even the pastor’s sermons invariably have three points. The Trinity is a three part image of God. Our lives are separated into time spans of past, present, and future. There are three physical dimensions, length, breadth, and height.
In the spiritual realm, we have three elements of salvation. Upward in repentance and thanks to God, inward as we start to change from the inside out as we become more like Jesus, and outward as we reach out in love to those around us. We don’t love others to drag them to church because that may never happen. A wise old pastor asked his younger congregation why nightingales sing? As an adult, I was stumped until he explained that nightingales sing because they are nightingales! He went on to say that we should love others, and pass on the comfort God has given us in our troubles, only because we are His children and we love Him. No other reason is needed. It becomes our nature, just like the singing nightingale.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Thursday 9 August 2018
Spirit Fruit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23 ESV
The fruit of the Spirit is singular, and yet it produces all these different effects in the believer. That tells me this fruit is all encompassing, covering all the positive characteristics of the Godhead that we require to have a completely fulfilled life which will make it obvious to the unbeliever that we spend time with Jesus and want to be more like Him.
First up is ‘love’. Can you think of a better place to start? Paul’s writings are inspired, and he made no mistake in putting ‘love’ at the front of the list. It has often been said that all the others depend on love to make them work best. Since we are told that God IS love, it follows that the other parts of the fruit will flow from a heart of Christlike love.
Can you imagine the kind of world we would occupy if everyone lived with a heart full of the fruit of the Spirit? Let me go one step further. What if all the Christians in the worldwide church lived to these standards? We are told by Jesus in Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” I suggest with that command in our hearts, we will be well equipped to make good headway with the fruit of the Spirit. The notes in my Bible say it this way: “A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfils the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.”
Paul ends this verse with the reminder that there is no law which can stand against these characteristics. We are not law breakers, we are God’s law keepers, and heaven seekers. The bar may have been set high for us to reach as Christians, but it is worth it as we keep our heavenly goal in our sights.
The fruit of the Spirit is singular, and yet it produces all these different effects in the believer. That tells me this fruit is all encompassing, covering all the positive characteristics of the Godhead that we require to have a completely fulfilled life which will make it obvious to the unbeliever that we spend time with Jesus and want to be more like Him.
First up is ‘love’. Can you think of a better place to start? Paul’s writings are inspired, and he made no mistake in putting ‘love’ at the front of the list. It has often been said that all the others depend on love to make them work best. Since we are told that God IS love, it follows that the other parts of the fruit will flow from a heart of Christlike love.
Can you imagine the kind of world we would occupy if everyone lived with a heart full of the fruit of the Spirit? Let me go one step further. What if all the Christians in the worldwide church lived to these standards? We are told by Jesus in Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” I suggest with that command in our hearts, we will be well equipped to make good headway with the fruit of the Spirit. The notes in my Bible say it this way: “A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfils the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart.”
Paul ends this verse with the reminder that there is no law which can stand against these characteristics. We are not law breakers, we are God’s law keepers, and heaven seekers. The bar may have been set high for us to reach as Christians, but it is worth it as we keep our heavenly goal in our sights.
Wednesday 8 August 2018
Times and Seasons
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven….He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart. Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 11 ESV
The idea of a balanced life is nothing new. We have balanced diets of sweet and savoury, meat and veg, and the balance we need to do life in all its complexity. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, tells us that everything has a season, and sandwiched between verses 1 and 11 are the well known words which unfortunately we mostly hear at funerals, referring to “a time to live and die” and other opposing sides of the same life.
God has made everything beautiful in its time, and how true this is. From the flower in the bud which is undoubtedly beautiful, to the withering leaf when that same plant is anything but beautiful. If you are a more mature person, as you look back to teenage years, do you not think of yourself as a once handsome man, or beautiful girl, and now looking in the mirror those days are gone? There is a season and everything is beautiful in its time, and we see it and accept it as truth. The old saying goes: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” so is it too much to think that there is beauty in life at all stages? Even for the older, more mature, with signs of life etched on their face, and the older flower or plant which will eventually give new life as it falls to the ground? Yes, everything is beautiful in its time! Everything and everyone!!
God has also put eternity into man’s heart according to the wisest man, Solomon. So what does he mean? We share the planet with atheists and agnostics and they claim that there is no afterlife, and no God. I have a recurring thought that those who shout loudest about there being no God, are the ones most likely to be struggling with the very concept. Empty vessels perhaps? God’s Word is true, and when it says that God has put eternity into man’s heart, then we can go to the bank with it, no matter what some ‘learned’ academics and the ignorant may say. It is impossible to show or prove, but I believe there are more deathbed conversions, and examples of the ‘dying thief on the cross’ encounters with the living Christ than we can ever know.
The idea of a balanced life is nothing new. We have balanced diets of sweet and savoury, meat and veg, and the balance we need to do life in all its complexity. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, tells us that everything has a season, and sandwiched between verses 1 and 11 are the well known words which unfortunately we mostly hear at funerals, referring to “a time to live and die” and other opposing sides of the same life.
God has made everything beautiful in its time, and how true this is. From the flower in the bud which is undoubtedly beautiful, to the withering leaf when that same plant is anything but beautiful. If you are a more mature person, as you look back to teenage years, do you not think of yourself as a once handsome man, or beautiful girl, and now looking in the mirror those days are gone? There is a season and everything is beautiful in its time, and we see it and accept it as truth. The old saying goes: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” so is it too much to think that there is beauty in life at all stages? Even for the older, more mature, with signs of life etched on their face, and the older flower or plant which will eventually give new life as it falls to the ground? Yes, everything is beautiful in its time! Everything and everyone!!
God has also put eternity into man’s heart according to the wisest man, Solomon. So what does he mean? We share the planet with atheists and agnostics and they claim that there is no afterlife, and no God. I have a recurring thought that those who shout loudest about there being no God, are the ones most likely to be struggling with the very concept. Empty vessels perhaps? God’s Word is true, and when it says that God has put eternity into man’s heart, then we can go to the bank with it, no matter what some ‘learned’ academics and the ignorant may say. It is impossible to show or prove, but I believe there are more deathbed conversions, and examples of the ‘dying thief on the cross’ encounters with the living Christ than we can ever know.
Tuesday 7 August 2018
Remember, Be An Example
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Isaiah 46:9 NLT
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT
They’re too young to understand. They have no experiences of life in the raw. They are not as mature as we were at that age. Have you uttered these words about the youth of today? You are not alone, but when you look under the brash and sometimes loud exterior, you will be surprised to find a sensitive and wise young man or woman.
Unfortunately, society has given our youth a bad name, and we have gone along with the flow of general opinion, but based on what? The word of a jaundiced commentator who is afraid of competition? The very few examples we see in the media of the bad eggs who do everything bad and nothing right? But look closer and you will find a generation of teens who are no different than the teens of your day and mine. Yes, some were bad, but the vast majority were good, with kind hearts who would only ever want to do good, whether or not they called themselves a Christian.
Timothy was a ‘wet behind the ears’ young Christian, but Paul saw the good in his heart, and stood up for him. It was a lot like he was given a good character reference for an important job. That still happens today, right? And it was no different with the respect Paul had for young Timothy. One of the translations puts it this way, “Let no one look down on you because you are young…” I think we can take a lesson here, and not be so hasty to write off our young generation just because they are doing something different than we did in our day.
There is plenty of room in the Kingdom of God, both for the older ones who remember how God moved in the past, and the younger ones who need to be encouraged to set the Godly example the following generation after them need to see and experience!
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT
They’re too young to understand. They have no experiences of life in the raw. They are not as mature as we were at that age. Have you uttered these words about the youth of today? You are not alone, but when you look under the brash and sometimes loud exterior, you will be surprised to find a sensitive and wise young man or woman.
Unfortunately, society has given our youth a bad name, and we have gone along with the flow of general opinion, but based on what? The word of a jaundiced commentator who is afraid of competition? The very few examples we see in the media of the bad eggs who do everything bad and nothing right? But look closer and you will find a generation of teens who are no different than the teens of your day and mine. Yes, some were bad, but the vast majority were good, with kind hearts who would only ever want to do good, whether or not they called themselves a Christian.
Timothy was a ‘wet behind the ears’ young Christian, but Paul saw the good in his heart, and stood up for him. It was a lot like he was given a good character reference for an important job. That still happens today, right? And it was no different with the respect Paul had for young Timothy. One of the translations puts it this way, “Let no one look down on you because you are young…” I think we can take a lesson here, and not be so hasty to write off our young generation just because they are doing something different than we did in our day.
There is plenty of room in the Kingdom of God, both for the older ones who remember how God moved in the past, and the younger ones who need to be encouraged to set the Godly example the following generation after them need to see and experience!
Monday 6 August 2018
Suffering Well
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 ESV
My first thoughts after reading this is: Just who is Paul kidding? Not us, right? Rejoice when we are suffering? Sure Paul, but I don’t think so. Somebody else maybe, but not me!
Right after that first hasty thought I had to pull myself up, stop, and take a deep breath while remembering a scene at a hospital bed many years before. I had a boys’ Sunday School class, and those days were ones of learning, certainly for me and I hoped for the lives which were in my Spiritual care too. That responsibility was taken very seriously, with much study and prayer. All of those lads became an extension to my own life.
A few short years after one of ‘my boys’ had left the class, he suffered a few terrible medical conditions which changed the course of his life. During part of the time he was in hospital I visited with my wife during regular visiting hours along with his mum and dad, our dear friends. Those were hard and long days. My place of work was not too far away, so sometimes I would take an extended break to visit on my own. David won’t remember all of these visits, but they are etched in my mind.
I am only telling you this to set the scene for a particular visit when the patient was asleep, and I struggled to find something to say or pray. I pulled the New Testament from my pocket, found this verse and read it out loud, thinking that he could possibly hear, even though asleep. I felt led to this passage, but it didn’t make sense to me at the time. With a lot of prayer from family and friends, he pulled through in an amazing manner.
Roll forward a few years, and this same young man is now an adult with numerous academic qualifications, and a university lecturer into the bargain. Who would have thought that the very condition which almost ‘floored’ him was the catalyst which made this determined child of God steel himself to prepare for the rest of his life. A life that the doctors said he wouldn’t have, and he proved them wrong. So this verse rings louder and clearer in my ears and heart now, as a reminder that God’s Will and Word is true and for keeps. I understand these words better now than I did all those years before where it says …we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Circumstances have changed for the worse once again for my now adult friend, and I have to believe the truth of this verse applies every bit as much now, as it did all those years ago. Lord Jesus, in everything that affects us, keep us faithful and believing.
My first thoughts after reading this is: Just who is Paul kidding? Not us, right? Rejoice when we are suffering? Sure Paul, but I don’t think so. Somebody else maybe, but not me!
Right after that first hasty thought I had to pull myself up, stop, and take a deep breath while remembering a scene at a hospital bed many years before. I had a boys’ Sunday School class, and those days were ones of learning, certainly for me and I hoped for the lives which were in my Spiritual care too. That responsibility was taken very seriously, with much study and prayer. All of those lads became an extension to my own life.
A few short years after one of ‘my boys’ had left the class, he suffered a few terrible medical conditions which changed the course of his life. During part of the time he was in hospital I visited with my wife during regular visiting hours along with his mum and dad, our dear friends. Those were hard and long days. My place of work was not too far away, so sometimes I would take an extended break to visit on my own. David won’t remember all of these visits, but they are etched in my mind.
I am only telling you this to set the scene for a particular visit when the patient was asleep, and I struggled to find something to say or pray. I pulled the New Testament from my pocket, found this verse and read it out loud, thinking that he could possibly hear, even though asleep. I felt led to this passage, but it didn’t make sense to me at the time. With a lot of prayer from family and friends, he pulled through in an amazing manner.
Roll forward a few years, and this same young man is now an adult with numerous academic qualifications, and a university lecturer into the bargain. Who would have thought that the very condition which almost ‘floored’ him was the catalyst which made this determined child of God steel himself to prepare for the rest of his life. A life that the doctors said he wouldn’t have, and he proved them wrong. So this verse rings louder and clearer in my ears and heart now, as a reminder that God’s Will and Word is true and for keeps. I understand these words better now than I did all those years before where it says …we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Circumstances have changed for the worse once again for my now adult friend, and I have to believe the truth of this verse applies every bit as much now, as it did all those years ago. Lord Jesus, in everything that affects us, keep us faithful and believing.
Sunday 5 August 2018
Life and Death
I have seen a few more deaths and funerals recently, both by attending, and those celebrity figures we see in the media. No one is exempt, but sometimes I notice a gulf between the life lived and the eulogy at the funeral. Now, I know we don’t speak ill of the dead, and I don’t want to do that, but just make a couple of general observations.
The story is told of an old farmer’s widow who was at the funeral service of her husband of many years. On hearing all the good things that were being said by the minister, she turned to her adult son and asked him to have a look in the open coffin to see if it really was his paw in there. It might be funny, but I think we can all relate. My first observation is that the things said at a funeral will sometimes bear little resemblance to the person we knew in life. It is a refreshing relief when it does, and the truth of a Godly life comes as a real comfort to the family.
The second observation for me is more significant and serious. Although there is a lot made of the dead person’s life, practically nothing is mentioned about the afterlife. It’s as if the destination of heaven is assumed as a foregone conclusion, no matter the life of unforgiven sins and abuses committed over many years. Truth is I feel sorry for the Pastor or Minister who is officiating. If they know the one who has passed from this scene of time, they must know the truth of the matter. Maybe they are speaking with fingers crossed behind their back.
I believe we are being numbed to the thought of our eternal destiny because it can be an uncomfortable prospect. There are programs on TV and radio about accepting our dying process, but nothing about what happens after we die. It can be convenient to think that there is nothing! With that thought in mind, there are clinics which will help you to die ‘with dignity’. However, if we claim to be Christians, we must accept the basic doctrine of life after death, whether in heaven or hell. That’s the problem, it’s hell we don’t want to face up to, so we gush over the good memories and gloss over the stuff that is more likely to mean an eternal destiny of hell. We can only do something about it while we are here in the one life we have. For my part, I am happy to leave the final, eternal, judgement to God and not to any imperfect and flawed human being in a clinic, or even in a collar. It’s a sobering thought!
People have to die once. After that, God will judge them. Hebrews 9:21 NIRV
The story is told of an old farmer’s widow who was at the funeral service of her husband of many years. On hearing all the good things that were being said by the minister, she turned to her adult son and asked him to have a look in the open coffin to see if it really was his paw in there. It might be funny, but I think we can all relate. My first observation is that the things said at a funeral will sometimes bear little resemblance to the person we knew in life. It is a refreshing relief when it does, and the truth of a Godly life comes as a real comfort to the family.
The second observation for me is more significant and serious. Although there is a lot made of the dead person’s life, practically nothing is mentioned about the afterlife. It’s as if the destination of heaven is assumed as a foregone conclusion, no matter the life of unforgiven sins and abuses committed over many years. Truth is I feel sorry for the Pastor or Minister who is officiating. If they know the one who has passed from this scene of time, they must know the truth of the matter. Maybe they are speaking with fingers crossed behind their back.
I believe we are being numbed to the thought of our eternal destiny because it can be an uncomfortable prospect. There are programs on TV and radio about accepting our dying process, but nothing about what happens after we die. It can be convenient to think that there is nothing! With that thought in mind, there are clinics which will help you to die ‘with dignity’. However, if we claim to be Christians, we must accept the basic doctrine of life after death, whether in heaven or hell. That’s the problem, it’s hell we don’t want to face up to, so we gush over the good memories and gloss over the stuff that is more likely to mean an eternal destiny of hell. We can only do something about it while we are here in the one life we have. For my part, I am happy to leave the final, eternal, judgement to God and not to any imperfect and flawed human being in a clinic, or even in a collar. It’s a sobering thought!
People have to die once. After that, God will judge them. Hebrews 9:21 NIRV
Saturday 4 August 2018
Groans
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:25-27 NIV
The KJV Bible uses the word ‘groanings’ in this passage, and in some ways this carries the feelings in a little better manner. It’s the Spirit that intercedes for us in this way, but it doesn’t take much imagination to show that we also find ourselves praying in wordless groans! We don’t know why, but we feel that something isn’t right in our lives, or family, or church, or leadership, so we adopt a groaning for our petitions because we can’t put it into words.
I’m sure you will get the feeling at times that something isn’t quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it exactly. At work, school, or in the house that old red light comes on and for the life of us, we don’t understand why. Then a few days, or weeks, or perhaps even years, the truth emerges and your 6th sense was shown to be right. The question is, did we act on that ‘feeling’? Or did we just file it away under ‘it will pass’?
It would serve us well to take note of the warning light, and if possible check it out, or even act on it when we feel strongly enough that the feeling will grow bigger until it takes over. We have the God given senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, but we are also granted some foreknowledge of something wrong. It is called discernment, and is often wrongly and sadly abused to malign and castigate fellow believers who think or act differently from us.
The KJV Bible uses the word ‘groanings’ in this passage, and in some ways this carries the feelings in a little better manner. It’s the Spirit that intercedes for us in this way, but it doesn’t take much imagination to show that we also find ourselves praying in wordless groans! We don’t know why, but we feel that something isn’t right in our lives, or family, or church, or leadership, so we adopt a groaning for our petitions because we can’t put it into words.
I’m sure you will get the feeling at times that something isn’t quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it exactly. At work, school, or in the house that old red light comes on and for the life of us, we don’t understand why. Then a few days, or weeks, or perhaps even years, the truth emerges and your 6th sense was shown to be right. The question is, did we act on that ‘feeling’? Or did we just file it away under ‘it will pass’?
It would serve us well to take note of the warning light, and if possible check it out, or even act on it when we feel strongly enough that the feeling will grow bigger until it takes over. We have the God given senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, but we are also granted some foreknowledge of something wrong. It is called discernment, and is often wrongly and sadly abused to malign and castigate fellow believers who think or act differently from us.
Friday 3 August 2018
Grace
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:20,21 NIV
One of the definitions of the word grace literally means 'favour', to bend or stoop in kindness to another ... His grace has been termed 'Unearned kindness'
The concept of grace grips me. It is one of the big things that sets the Christian apart, because God gave us His grace when we didn’t deserve it or earn it. We were given a gift, and all we had to do was accept it! The New Testament is riddled with references to the grace of God, and Paul uses it often to explain one of the great benefits of the character of the God we serve.
The last verse in the Bible makes sure the importance of grace isn’t lost on us. He knew we would need to hold on to this truth down through the centuries. When we accept the free gift of salvation through repentance, we are given the free gift of grace. It’s like a bonus. We get eternal salvation, and a big dollop of grace to boot! Then what? Does it have any use or relevance after we are accepted into the family of God? Yes, a thousand times, yes!
It’s not usually seen every day, and not in the places we expect to see it, or even the people we expect to see it from either. But we are in no doubt that it’s unmistakably God’s grace when we experience it and see it in others. I have seen God’s grace shine through (there is no other way to explain it) in the life of a hurting and grieving child of God. You are not looking for it. In fact you can’t expect it, and the person showing this grace isn’t even aware that they are showing one of the characteristics of a Holy God. To tell them what you see only serves to embarrass them, but it’s true nonetheless.
The apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos, but was called ‘the beloved one’ and the apostle of love. The encouragement seen and experienced between Christians is noted in no better place than in the heart of grace that shines from a believer’s heart and life. It overflows naturally whether in joy or in sorrow, happiness or sadness, life or death, and is a clear unspoken testimony of a child of God. There could be no better way to finish the canon of Scripture which takes us through the ups and downs of life in the 21st century, than: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
One of the definitions of the word grace literally means 'favour', to bend or stoop in kindness to another ... His grace has been termed 'Unearned kindness'
The concept of grace grips me. It is one of the big things that sets the Christian apart, because God gave us His grace when we didn’t deserve it or earn it. We were given a gift, and all we had to do was accept it! The New Testament is riddled with references to the grace of God, and Paul uses it often to explain one of the great benefits of the character of the God we serve.
The last verse in the Bible makes sure the importance of grace isn’t lost on us. He knew we would need to hold on to this truth down through the centuries. When we accept the free gift of salvation through repentance, we are given the free gift of grace. It’s like a bonus. We get eternal salvation, and a big dollop of grace to boot! Then what? Does it have any use or relevance after we are accepted into the family of God? Yes, a thousand times, yes!
It’s not usually seen every day, and not in the places we expect to see it, or even the people we expect to see it from either. But we are in no doubt that it’s unmistakably God’s grace when we experience it and see it in others. I have seen God’s grace shine through (there is no other way to explain it) in the life of a hurting and grieving child of God. You are not looking for it. In fact you can’t expect it, and the person showing this grace isn’t even aware that they are showing one of the characteristics of a Holy God. To tell them what you see only serves to embarrass them, but it’s true nonetheless.
The apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos, but was called ‘the beloved one’ and the apostle of love. The encouragement seen and experienced between Christians is noted in no better place than in the heart of grace that shines from a believer’s heart and life. It overflows naturally whether in joy or in sorrow, happiness or sadness, life or death, and is a clear unspoken testimony of a child of God. There could be no better way to finish the canon of Scripture which takes us through the ups and downs of life in the 21st century, than: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Thursday 2 August 2018
Body, Heart and Mind
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NLT
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:9
The Bible has a way of pulling things together as you read and meditate, and these inspired verses are doing what only Scripture can do! It is no secret that we are a mixture of body, heart and mind, and different things will affect one part of us directly, but the other parts are also hurt by association. We are reminded by Paul that all parts of our body work together in this passage: Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 1 Corinthians 12:20,21 NLT So why do we get taken by surprise at times? I know I do.
It should come as no shock that when my mind is out of whack, my body and heart feel the consequences. If we have a bad dream, or a nightmare, our heart races and we sweat. When we wake up in the morning, we might not remember the dream in detail, but we will still be suffering the consequences in our body, of what was imagined in the brain. To state the obvious, it didn’t really happen! Try telling the result of fear in your body that! There is no cure for the body feeling what goes on in our imagination, but there is good news available for the believer.
We have the assurance that His peace will guard your hearts and minds! When satan comes with the bad dreams of our former life. He has no control over our body when he attacks our minds, as you live in Christ Jesus. Don’t you love the way the Psalmist puts it: No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
So, there you have it. The believer’s mind, heart and body are under the control of our Saviour, or put another way, under the blood of the cross! How good is that? Sleep easy my believing friends!
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:9
The Bible has a way of pulling things together as you read and meditate, and these inspired verses are doing what only Scripture can do! It is no secret that we are a mixture of body, heart and mind, and different things will affect one part of us directly, but the other parts are also hurt by association. We are reminded by Paul that all parts of our body work together in this passage: Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 1 Corinthians 12:20,21 NLT So why do we get taken by surprise at times? I know I do.
It should come as no shock that when my mind is out of whack, my body and heart feel the consequences. If we have a bad dream, or a nightmare, our heart races and we sweat. When we wake up in the morning, we might not remember the dream in detail, but we will still be suffering the consequences in our body, of what was imagined in the brain. To state the obvious, it didn’t really happen! Try telling the result of fear in your body that! There is no cure for the body feeling what goes on in our imagination, but there is good news available for the believer.
We have the assurance that His peace will guard your hearts and minds! When satan comes with the bad dreams of our former life. He has no control over our body when he attacks our minds, as you live in Christ Jesus. Don’t you love the way the Psalmist puts it: No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
So, there you have it. The believer’s mind, heart and body are under the control of our Saviour, or put another way, under the blood of the cross! How good is that? Sleep easy my believing friends!
Wednesday 1 August 2018
Happysad
My daughter coined the word ‘happysad’ recently which fits in so many ways and places. You will know that as a Christian, I spend a lot of time at church and in the company of other Christians, although I have to say, not exclusively. I enjoy the company of all sorts of people, whether believers or not! So, where does this word ‘happysad’ come in?
The kind of church service I enjoy best involves and includes: reverence without gimmicks, a group of friendly people from all parts of society who make the stranger welcome, hearty congregational singing that lifts the roof, the sound of people whispering an ‘amen’ or even speaking it out loud, a tear wiped away when an eternal truth makes someone emotional by word or song, a tear wiped, a clear Gospel message which leaves the listener challenged to the point of making a life changing decision to follow Jesus more closely, the right hand of fellowship and the occasional hug. I was at such a church service today.
The occasion was made better in the fact that it was not my usual church or group of believers, but the sense of fellowship was acute and unmistakably a good, clear, Christian, Gospel witness. An hour well spent. I left encouraged in my faith, and challenged to be a better person while I live and enjoy the little time I have left on this earth. This kind of church service doesn’t happen every week, or in every church.
Oh, didn’t I say? I was at a celebration of a life well lived, a lady who is literally a saint in the courts of heaven. Her eternal destiny was, and is, known, confirmed, and secure. A church where pastors can speak freely without compromise, hesitation or choosing their words carefully in case they offend someone. They presented the Gospel of the saving Power of the Lord Jesus Christ and they were respected for their candour without exception.
Yes, I was at a funeral. My only question is this: Why should I attend a funeral service, to hear the Gospel where it is not taken as an offence to the listeners? And as for that word ‘happysad’? Does it make more sense now?
The kind of church service I enjoy best involves and includes: reverence without gimmicks, a group of friendly people from all parts of society who make the stranger welcome, hearty congregational singing that lifts the roof, the sound of people whispering an ‘amen’ or even speaking it out loud, a tear wiped away when an eternal truth makes someone emotional by word or song, a tear wiped, a clear Gospel message which leaves the listener challenged to the point of making a life changing decision to follow Jesus more closely, the right hand of fellowship and the occasional hug. I was at such a church service today.
The occasion was made better in the fact that it was not my usual church or group of believers, but the sense of fellowship was acute and unmistakably a good, clear, Christian, Gospel witness. An hour well spent. I left encouraged in my faith, and challenged to be a better person while I live and enjoy the little time I have left on this earth. This kind of church service doesn’t happen every week, or in every church.
Oh, didn’t I say? I was at a celebration of a life well lived, a lady who is literally a saint in the courts of heaven. Her eternal destiny was, and is, known, confirmed, and secure. A church where pastors can speak freely without compromise, hesitation or choosing their words carefully in case they offend someone. They presented the Gospel of the saving Power of the Lord Jesus Christ and they were respected for their candour without exception.
Yes, I was at a funeral. My only question is this: Why should I attend a funeral service, to hear the Gospel where it is not taken as an offence to the listeners? And as for that word ‘happysad’? Does it make more sense now?
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