Negotiating With God

Then Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me, but let me bother you this one last time. If you find ten good people there, what will you do?” The Lord said, “If I find ten good people in the city, I will not destroy it.” The Lord finished speaking to Abraham and left. Then Abraham went back home. Genesis18:32-33ERV

Abraham’s negotiations with God didn’t end well for the patriarch. He had been hoping to run God down to one, therefore saving Sodom and Gomorrah from disaster. Abraham must have thought he was onto a good thing, after all he started this ‘deal’ with God at fifty good people and got all the way down to ten! The arrogance that Abraham showed was breathtaking, and we can’t get our heads round it in our day and age. We wouldn’t try that today, would we? Our generation has more sense, right? A good Christian bargain with God? Never!

Wrong. Let’s think: As a parent, your shy child has a birthday party, so you pray for all her friends to come along although you know she is not the most popular girl in her class. You earnestly pray for 20 but you need to drop the number to a more realistic 10. You need £500 for your two teenagers to have a church camp holiday, but you pray again and settle for £100 because that will do. Our local church needs 10 new members and you pray accordingly, but after a while you settle for 5 because that will do. Or lastly, we desperately need several folks from church to visit the sick or make a phone call, but when God doesn’t seem to respond, we settle for just a few because that might do. In fact, we will take anyone, that’s any one person who cares enough to show Christian love and interest for that person who hasn’t made it out for some weeks, now that would be a start. Lord, are you listening?

So, yes we do bargain with God, and we do it often. More often than not, we set the bar at the level we think would hopefully be possible to satisfy our own desires, and not God’s plan. But God is gracious and will answer even our downscaled request. The real problem (at least for me) is when we pray for some friends to come, but no one does. Not a reduced number as in the case with Abraham, but none. Nada. Zilch. Nihil. But wait, the story isn’t over yet because some good people did respond to the prayer, and in the number you had initially hoped for, so what’s the problem? Simply put, God answered through the unexpected arrival and visits (plural for good measure) of friends from another body of believers whom you now respect even more than you did before. Now what do you do? Stay in the same uncaring group, or recognise that God chose to use that other prayer sensitive, caring church group, recognising where the answer to prayer finally came from, and determine to experience more of their church fellowship? Tough call! Or is it??

Stone or Flesh?

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel36:26NIV

“Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it”. Then what? Allow me the liberty of taking my dad’s words and changing them a little to say, “Be careful what you pray for, you might just get it”. Our prayers can be shallow, and all about us, our needs, and wants. Much of the time we pray, and we know fine well it won’t be answered so we start to let doubt creep in.

It is out of our hands and control when we pray for the friend who has cancer. We kind of believe it, or more likely we hope for an answer that agrees with ours. The disease has to go. It must be healed or God isn’t listening to our petition prayed in tears. It’s out of our control and we don’t like that. But what about those prayers for our own spiritual well-being? Those prayers for an extra portion of kindness, patience,love, peace, joy that we need so much. An answer to those would mean a change in our own life. Are we ready for that?

I am on very close terms with a friend of many years who has been a Christian for as long as I can remember. He lost his wife to cancer at a relatively young age, and he changed. His heart became like stone. Lifeless and without feeling. You see he was angry with God, because He didn’t answer his many prayers through tears. Slowly, all too slowly, he started to recognise what was happening. His once soft heart had turned to stone, almost at the instant that God let him down (or so he thought). One day there was a turning point, because he prayed the prayer in this verse. He didn’t like carrying this heavy, stone heart around, so he simply prayed that it be replaced by a heart of flesh. Almost as fast as the words of the prayer had ended, he felt different. The stone was rolled away, and he felt lighter. The joy of his salvation had returned and that was the price. That’s the best way he could describe it.

So, be careful what you pray for. You may just be surprised by the answer.

Wasn't There

"As I was going up the stair
I met a man who wasn't there!
He wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish he'd go away!"
By William Hughes Mearns (1875–1965)

You must have heard the nonsense poem made famous by Mearns. It makes us smile when we hear it, because we know it makes no sense and we don’t have to think too much about any deeper meaning. But, I ask you, is it really nonsense?

I think we can get so used to something, or someone, being there and yet one day we turn around and it or they are not there anymore. Next day, or next month, or even next year we look again and still nothing. Did we take that special memory for granted? Probably, but that might mean we didn’t do all we could to savour and keep the importance of that memory alive, which was a once treasured possession.

Instead of taking the line “Oh how I wish he’d go away” at face value, is it possible that the writer is haunted by their unexpected loss, and now needs some peace from the haunting memory and that’s what he wants to go away? I suggest what is true of people, can also be true about things. Or to be more accurate, things which are made up of people. A club, a community, and yes, possibly even a church! At one time not so long ago, it was there but when we turn around some time later we notice it isn’t there now. Or at least not in the way we remember it, and the thought of that memory haunts us.

As with people who have died, churches close and die too, in which case the poem might read:

As I was going up to prayer,
I saw a church that wasn't there!
It wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish it’d go away!
(My apologies to Mearns!)

A Guid Scots Tongue

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew7:7,8NLT

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke6:38NLT

When I was young, and wasn’t sure about something, my wise mum would tell me, “You’ve got a guid Scots tongue in that heid o’ yours, so use it!” These wise words have held true over many years, but also through many of life’s problems, issues, and dilemmas both inside and outside the church.

When out walking the rolling hills of Scotland, and if I needed confirmation of where I was, and where I was going, I would ask. When I bought a new piece of equipment for the house, and didn’t know how to use it, I would ask. When I want to see a movie on DVD or read a good book, I would ask. More than once, I have been looking for an address in a city and there was always a point when I had to stop someone in the street and ask.

Given that we are so ready to ask for help and advice in the secular world, why is it a last resort for us as Christians to ask the One who has the answers to all of our eternal life’s problems? The tool of prayer is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of every Christian, whether a new or older believer. We are in the privileged position of serving an omnipotent (all powerful) God. So, in the words of my mum, “You’ve got a guid Scots tongue in that heid o’ yours, so use it!” This much is certain, our great, loving God will be delighted to hear from us.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James5:16NLT

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

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!

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’.

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.

Anxiety, Prayer, Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

This verse came up in my personal devotions recently. It’s a well known couple of verses which are preached on and quoted often. But for the first time in many years I noticed there is something missing, and once you notice the omission, you can’t help but wonder how it had passed you by before now because it’s so obvious.

The core message is prayer, and its importance in our Christian life and faith when we are worried, concerned, or anxious. It is good to come before His throne and just thank Him for all the goodness He showers us with every day. But sometimes, the cares and worries of this life overtake us and we are overwhelmed by our feelings. Our head knows full well that God is faithful, but our heart still needs assurance. So we pray and lay our human feelings before Him openly and honestly.

Then what? That’s where the advice stops, and that’s when it hit me. There is no mention of an answer from God. No promise that everything will work out the way we want. No time frame given for how long this cloud hanging over you will last.

The lesson I take from this, and my apologies if I am coming late to this truth, is that our peace of mind is directly linked to our sincere prayer, and NOT to the answer which God will give in His own time. Let’s face it, oftentimes we already know what we want God to do to fix our worry, and knowing this, and in His infinite wisdom, He makes the important action our prayer and not the answer. Oh yes, we serve a wise God.

Church?

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it “a den of robbers”. Mark 11:15-17 NIV

What is church to you? What makes it church? You will have to answer those for yourself, but I have found myself asking these very same questions, and I’m not sure I like what I think. Theologians may differ in the fine thoughts of these verses, but everyone will agree that Jesus took the workings of His Temple seriously, both in the courtyard and the sanctuary.

Since Jesus, our example and Saviour, took His church so seriously, how should that make us think and act about our church? Or do we care? Do I care? Does it really matter as long as we make our building a welcoming space for visitors? Or sell tickets to promote special secular attractions in the belief that we are doing it for the Lord? Or hold special nights to bring in the unchurched to make them feel comfortable so that they might come back to the ‘real church’? And there lies the crux of the matter.

Jesus described His temple as ‘a house of prayer for all nations”. Shouldn’t we do the same, or is that considered outdated? I wonder what reasons and excuses the merchants made to salve their consciences to allow them not to feel guilty? After all, they were providing a much needed service. They made the courtyard look busy and some traders might do a special offer to entice customers back? Onlookers might even think the synagogue itself would be every bit as inviting and busy. Is it possible we do the same things today, after all human nature hasn’t changed since the days of Adam. We know that Jesus wasn’t impressed, and He hasn’t changed either, because “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Church attendance in general is falling across every denomination. Some do better than others, so what’s the secret? Is it possible that the ones truest to the Gospel message are trusted to be the ones more Spiritually sound? The heart of any church is Jesus, and if the heart is lost, replaced or overtaken, the church loses out. Sure there are mega churches who play fast and loose with the Gospel, but we can’t seriously compare our growth with those who will preach a prosperity message which is not the true Gospel. My worry is that the church could become a sideshow instead of the main message. Paul warns Timothy very clearly that the Church can be changed from within, by trusted Godly preachers and teachers. I can’t ignore these verses and I admit they catch my attention:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV

Prayer

As a Christian community of believers, we all agree that prayer is important, and in fact, essential for growth. I can see this importance in two ways.

Firstly, it is our duty and responsibility to pray and intercede for everyone and anyone who asks for prayer, and even for those who do not know we are taking their name before the throne of God. These petitions can range from health, finance, salvation, Christian growth, to fruit of the Spirit and others. We don’t always know the impact our prayers have on others, and there are times we can doubt their worth, especially when we don’t see results. We are even prone to ask, “what good is it doing”?

But look at it from the other side. The side of the person who doesn’t go to church often, and may not know how to pray, but who equally knows that they want and need the prayer support of those who do! They know they need prayer, and they believe it works, and there is no reason for them to think otherwise. What do they have to lose? So I ask you, who knows the importance of prayer better, the pray-er or the person on the receiving end of your petitions?

When we see prayer from these two sides, we have no reason to think or believe our stumbling prayers are not important. They are supremely important, and in the hearts of those who know full well that they need them, these prayers are essential. Prayer makes a difference to circumstances, but perhaps more importantly, prayer changes us! The moral? Keep on praying, even if you don’t see any results! After all, the Bible says:

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

Who Cares?

If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? That’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small! Luke 12:28

Who do you trust with your deepest feelings but the one you trust the most? After all, why should you unburden your innermost thoughts and fears to someone who couldn’t care less what you are going through?

Praying is what we do, but the pray-er is the person who cares enough about you to remember to bring your hurts and problems to the Father in the act of intercession. If the pray-er doesn’t care, s/he will not remember to pray. They may have other things on their mind, and it may not be you.

I think the ultimate compliment we can be paid as a Christian, is when a friend asks you to pray for them, and their life. They will only do that if they trust you fully, and know in their heart that you will pray. Be thankful if or when you are asked to pray on behalf of another struggling soul. They have just placed their deepest trust in another struggling soul, but one whose integrity they respect. Let’s not take that trust lightly.

I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares for you. Philippians 2:20

Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

How Bad ?

We live in a secular country, where the State has won out over the Church, and in fact almost anything to do with God. Our media pushes the ‘godless’ agenda in programming, so much so that you could be forgiven for thinking that ‘God people’ are deranged, misguided, and not in their right mind. When a minister or priest is shown on TV, it is usually with a theme of corruption or not to be a laughing stock.

London has seen a ‘Towering Inferno’ in real life, like no other in our country, and the death toll keeps rising. The seriously injured are spread between several hospitals, and the search for bodies continues. According to emergency services, no further survivors are expected to be found. As I watched the constantly repeated newscasts, I was left with a burning question.

How many of these good people cried out to God when they feared for their lives? How many self confessed humanists, secularists, and atheists found a voice for prayer? How bad does it have to get before we pray? To place the question closer to home, how many lapsed and backslidden Christians, faced with a horrible end, came face to face with the fact that God DID exist, and found themselves calling out for forgiveness, regretting their prodigal lifestyle? God knows that every one affected needs to know and feel comfort, and where better to get them than from God, who is love (1 John 4:8).

These questions troubled me, and still do. Those touched are no different from us, except that an impending disaster may have sharpened their minds, and focussed their thinking to the one thing in this life that’s important, and that is how we finish. Sadly, for most of us it takes a life changing circumstance to make us understand the very importance of life, how we live it, and the legacy we leave behind. The good news of the Gospel is that the story doesn’t end there because we believe in a forgiving God who gives eternal life to all who call on Him, no matter when. Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus? He is spending his eternity in heaven because of his simple prayer. What about this great promise which is effective for all?.....

“everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13  

What Then?

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, …...but even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’  - Daniel 3:17,18

Every now and again, the Scripture surprises us. We are taught to pray believing, and this is true, but then we come across these verses which suggest that our prayers may not be answered because they don’t fall into God’s will for our lives. Our prayers usually end with words like “Thy will be done” and they roll off the tongue easily. But what if God doesn’t agree with our prayers?

Daniel and his friends knew the dangers full well, and they must have prayed earnestly that they would be spared the furnace. Who wouldn’t? I think it takes real inner strength, courage, and faith to say “but even if He does not”... and put yourself completely at the literal mercy of a loving God. To Daniel, God would be no less loving if they had been tossed to the lions. Could we say that?

How difficult is your life? Are you faced with financial problems, wayward children, personal or a loved one’s serious illness? When you pray, it is important, above all else, that God in love will step in and change things for the better, but what if He doesn’t? We know that some prayers don’t get answered and we are faced with silence. That’s not too bad, but what if the answer is the polar opposite of your prayer? Your money worries get worse, your family faces breakdown, and your loved one doesn’t get well, but dies? What then? Do we still think God is loving and in control?

Daniel faced life or death when he prayed. He was sincere, and the Bible records that he and his friends were thrown into the furnace. They should have died, but these Saints were prepared for that possibility. They didn’t die, a miracle was performed and a witness like no other was seen when another man was noticed beside them, and the onlookers just knew it looked like the Son of God. They didn’t need to be told. They knew. In fact the prayer was answered in a way that no one expected. The lesson for me is, obey the command, pray believing, and let God be God. After all, He really IS in control.

A Prayer

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation….. Psalm 71:17,18

If you had one wish for your life, what would it be? Would it possibly take the form of a prayer like the Psalmist? In our youth, we seldom have time or the desire to think beyond our own needs, or the immediate needs of our family if we are blessed with one. The real question behind my words is, what is most important to you, and what do you want your legacy to be when you are gone?

We all know folks who have walked this life, done good, lived close to their Lord and God, and we relish their memory much more than some others. The reason for this is their quest and zest for life, and for passing something of that enthusiasm down to the rest of us. The way they did that was through their simple, unassuming, uncluttered faith. And we can do the same.

The best way for us to influence others for good is firstly to get old gracefully. We joke about that, but there is a truth underlying the words. There is no better or greater example than one given from a full heart, and a love for God which drives all other loves. When we are close to God, we automatically become closer to our spouse, children and friends and without it being an effort. So while life lasts, at whatever age we are, let us live out the words of the Psalmist when he prays: So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation.

The ageing  Apostle of Love, John, puts it so well when he records his own thoughts in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Amen to that prayer.

Thy Will be Done

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, Thy will be done. Matthew 26:42

The words fall from our lips as we recite the Lord’s Prayer, and we use them as advice to others when a tough decision is needed, but do we mean it? I think we mean well, especially if the situation is not life threatening, and even just one of life’s trivialities.

It’s very different when a friend or loved one’s life is in the balance, hung between earth and heaven, and we fear the worst. What then? I liken it to advice which may be given by a well meaning person who, when faced with a sick friend, says I believe God can heal you, but they have no experience of needed healing in their own life. Maybe they have come to terms with their own illness, or more likely it is easier to transfer their ‘faith words’ to someone else. It might even sound ‘holy’, although I think that word should be ‘hollow’.

My experience confirms that the person most likely to say these words, and mean them, is the one directly facing the serious health issue. I see it harder for the loved ones to say the words, never mind mean them. In one case, there is a resignation that he or she is IN God’s hands and will, and in the other case loved ones don’t want to test the issue. After all, what if it is God’s will to cut the thread that holds your dear one to this world, and you don’t want to have any part in that action?

Jesus knew life as a human being, and yet was sinless. The first verse above is the prayer aimed at guiding the disciples in how they should approach their Father. That, for us, is the easy part and we use it often as an encouragement for others, when we want to help in some way. The second verse is very different. Jesus is dripping blood-sweat as He prays for His execution to pass. He was in agony, but even through the pain and knowledge of the torture that faced Him, the words are recorded, “Thy will be done”. If that prayer had been answered differently by God, we would not have been offered salvation. It was only through the shed blood that we have remission of sins.

Next time you pray for God’s will to be done in your life, or the life of a loved one, bear in mind the depth of the prayer, and be glad that part of Jesus’ prayer was answered to give the best outcome, and He  went through the way of the cross for our salvation. That perfect will for you might mean the loss of a job, a downturn in finances, poor health, or the ultimate cost of losing a dear one to heaven.

There is yet another aspect about God’s will. There may come a time when something good or someone special crosses your path, and humanly, you want this to be His will, and to happen. You may even pray that God makes His will clear, although we are already convinced that this something or someone has to be what God would want for us, but are we prepared to wait for the clear confirmation? Separating God’s will from our own desire is not always easy, so it is essential that we are certain about whose will we follow. God’s pure will for our good, or our own? We must remember that His will is always the best for us, whether we think so at the time or not. After all, Jesus found this prayer difficult, and there is no reason that we would find it easy!

Why Church?

...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the Day approaching. Heb 10:25

We’ve all heard the reasons and excuses for not going to church, and probably used some ourselves at some time in our lives. As Christians the Word is clear, we are commanded to attend church and we should be encouraging others to do the same. But why? Why is church even necessary?

The most extreme reason would be that of the person who doubts there is a God, so church is far from their thinking. But other reasons are given and don’t really stack up, with the most used being, “It’s not relevant anymore”. This usually come from the lips of someone who has never given church a serious chance. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”, so it would seem that we have to give church attendance a fair chance, by tasting (checking) and making a reasonable effort to be there each Sunday.

The benefits are obvious to the Christian. We have fellowship with like minded people, no matter where we travel. It’s true that the Christian community is a welcoming group. Then there’s the encouragement of praise and worship as we sing to the Lord our thoughts, feelings and prayers. Church would not be complete without the Word of God taught and preached by a Godly pastor whose job it is to draw us closer to the heart of the Lord, and even convict of sin through the work of the Holy Spirit. When leaving the service, you often feel like the psalmist when he said, “I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord” in Psalm 122:1.

So, why not give church the chance it deserves, and you need?

What Does It Take?

There were times in my young life, when I questioned the benefits of being raised in a Christian home. Oh, I loved my parents, and know they were saintly in life and example, but what was I missing? Were those forbidden fruits tastier than the Christian life I had readily adopted? My pals seemed to be ok the way they were, and they weren’t off the rails by any stretch of the imagination. I was at that formative time of life. I was in my teens, so what was I really saved from? What does it take to know?

Fast forward a few decades, and I have a wholly different perspective on life. Being a dad and a granda has made me see my life in a different way. My daughter reminded me recently that God is already in our future, but we don’t know it until we get there. Recently, I found myself listening to the heart of one of my wider family as they unfolded some of their troubles. God is working in their own lives, but the problems encountered by their own family made me oh so very thankful for the things I was saved from. You see, I don’t know what I was saved from, and that’s the great thing that I can see now. I didn’t always feel this way, but God was gracious in granting me salvation at an early age. I believe I was saved from, well, a lot!

Now when I pray for others with problems I never had to face myself, I find myself twice blessed. I am blessed to have known God’s grace early in my life, and I am also blessed that I can pray with thankfulness that God can indeed save the souls of people from one extreme of life to the other. God is able, and He can make Himself known to us in simple faith. However, there is a catch. Isn’t there always? The catch is that we have to ask Him for His gift of salvation. Easy, isn’t it? Not really, because the biggest blockage we will face is accepting that we really do need a Saviour, and it doesn’t matter if we are young or old(er).

One of the lessons in my own life is this. Actions have consequences, and although God can and will help us deal with each one, He doesn’t take them away. They have been of our own making and we have to face them head on, but as I listened to this wise, faithful and praying Mum talk about her daughter’s sad consequences of bad decisions made, I was reminded yet again of God’s faithfulness. This troubled girl has the benefit of a praying Mum on her side, who will not let go of God’s promises as she intercedes on her daughter’s behalf who is also now beginning to realise that her Mum is the best friend and support she will ever have, and to cap it off, her Mum also knows she is not alone, as there are many other Christians who will pray for them in their time of urgent  and immediate need. My question is simple: Will you join with me and please pray for Joanne and her young child? You may never know or see the answer to your prayers this side of eternity, so thank you and God Bless your faithfulness.

Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

There is a lot made of peace, especially at Christmastime and rightly so, because the Son of God came to earth as a baby to live, grow, and give us peace. He is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and not just for a season. There is only one letter missing in the phrase ‘Price of Peace’ and it tells us of the cost of that elusive thing we can’t quite grasp, ‘peace’.

Nations desperately need it. People need it, as do individual hearts. The verses show that we should not be anxious about anything, and that is a tall order, but the key is in the words ‘prayer and petition’. It’s good to want peace, but do we want it enough to lay hold of God and petition Him for it until He answers?

At a personal level, I have recently found myself saying something like, “I am at peace with that” and it conveys a deeply held belief that I accept the will of God in something I have prayed about, and the resulting answer has given peace. Not just a general peace, but specific to my prayer. In fact I will go further. God has answered in a way I had not thought possible, but better than I could have hoped, so peace naturally follows. Yes, I still get anxious, and yes I will still worry from time to time, but when I get an answer from God which gives me peace, I am more ready to believe that He will answer ‘over and above’ my prayer next time. He will provide the peace, and my faith grows. What a combination, and what a great God we serve!

Get Down

A serious tornado, or rather several tornadoes hit the Arlington, Texas area where I am spending a great holiday with family. The storm came unexpectedly, as they sometimes do, and like many people we were caught out. As a family we were spread out between work, school, and a restaurant, with no safe way for any of us to get to be with the others. It was not wise to move, and the radio and TV were making announcements about the severity of the tornadoes (some of which had already touched down), while sirens screeched all around the district. There was no way you could miss the message. This was a life threatening situation.

Eventually, and slowly, we got to the school where our two (grand)children were safely located in the sanctuary (very apt, I thought) along with all the other kids and teachers, and found that all the necessary precautions had been taken to ensure their safety, first and foremost. Then just when we thought the storms had passed, the head teacher yelled ‘Get Down’! The 150+ people in the hall needed no second telling, and we all got down into the brace position, under chairs, and stayed there until the all clear was given. The whole situation was managed professionally, and with authority, and for that I was thankful.

It is what happened while we were all down, that struck me. There was no announcement to this effect, but all around me the sound of whispered prayers was evident. Children aged 5 to 15, and teachers were thanking God for their safety, and asking for continued protection. It was not an organised prayer meeting. It was not a group of same class students, or teachers trying to orchestrate something. It was spontaneous, and from the hearts of those who prayed. No one said afterwards, you know that was not necessary, or out of order either. This was an example of faith in action from the youngest to the oldest. There were also kids who put their arm round another next to them, and assured them in prayer that it would be ok, because God was in control.

When we drove away from the school soon after, I was left with the overwhelming feeling that here was a group who did not know everyone else, but had a common faith which allowed unashamed prayer. The news reports later that evening were full of people, standing in the rubble of their homes, but having prayed, were thankful to God for their lives. In the UK, sadly, the very thought of open prayer, especially in schools, and the media, is thought to be unnecessary, reported as funny, and out of place. In this oasis of faith in Texas, it is normal, accepted, open, and real. I trust and pray it stays that way, because when it is lost or given away, it is almost impossible to get back.