Pointing the Finger?

I would like to air my feelings, comments and questions about what is happening in my country, Britain, at this time. It is not for me to comment on other countries, but some of this may just be familiar?

We had a new Prime Minister and he was welcomed like a breath of fresh air, but soon - as usually happens - the honeymoon was over. People began to blame him and the banks for the financial crisis and whatever else was going wrong. Now this is reinforced by the current daily revelations in the press of the alleged dubious expenses claims of some Members of our Parliament.

Much of this criticism may well be justified and certainly our government and the MP's we elected should be showing an example. However, I feel somewhat uneasy about all this 'pointing the finger.' I wonder how many in this country, whether journalists, business men or employees, are completely honest and beyond blame in their financial dealings with their own expense claims or income tax returns? And how would many of us feel if our financial details were open in public for all to scrutinise? I believe what is currently being revealed is only the tip of the iceberg as to what may be endemic in certain fields of employment and business.

The other thing is that whatever authority the Prime Minister and the government have, although they may well have been elected by the nation, that authority is given by God - perhaps we have the government we deserve? That doesn't mean that we cannot protest, but there are democratic ways laid down to do this, so shouldn’t we be careful what we say? But then, the respect for authority in this country has been eroded over the last 15 years and I can’t help but observe that it is being replaced with aggression. Where does this come from? The dysfunctional family? We can’t blame the government for that, can we?

You will notice I have left the 'Great' out of Britain. This is my country and I still feel it is great, but we have lost much of our Christian heritage and so are slipping out of God's providence. Many in Britain are angry at the moment and want justice - but justice for someone else? I believe God is also angry, but His justice is a bit different to ours?

A link to explain what the expenses furore is all about.

On the positive side, all this can be used for transformation and change, starting with the nation's repentance and returning to God. This is what I believe many are praying for.

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." 1Peter 2:13-15

"Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Remember, I have the authority to set you free and also to have you crucified." Jesus answered, "You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God. So the man who handed me over to you is guilty of a worse sin." John 19:10-11 Good News Bible

"Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself." Romans 13:1-2

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Honesty Pays

I never cease to be amazed at what our grandchildren come out with. I can’t help feeling that as adults, some of us have lost something on the way and can learn from children.

One morning whilst spending last Christmas with our daughter and family, we visited a local wood. It was a favourite place of ours, ideal for burning off our granddaughters’ excess energy, plus there was also the possibility of finding some holly to supplement the Christmas decorations.

On arrival, our daughter - rather uncharacteristically - told the children they were to pick the holly secretly and not tell anyone.

We looked inside a log cabin that housed wildlife exhibits and made a beeline for a stuffed fox. One of the girls assured me that it was dead and went into a long description how it was done. Not sure I wanted to hear all that! At that moment the ranger came in and immediately the seven-year old asked, “Are we allowed to pick holly?” The ranger replied that it would be OK so long as it was only a little.

It took a little girl to remind us to tell the truth, as honesty always pays!

“Truth is truth, whether it's spoken by the lips of Jesus or Balaam's donkey.” George Macdonald

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25 New International Version

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An Honest Testimony

Thirty five years ago I was bowled over and my life changed for ever. Partly through the living testimony of another, Jesus Christ met me at my point of need and I became a Christian. Looking back, I still marvel at the simplicity of that miraculous event. But that is a story in itself.

Over the years, my wife and I have struggled with the usual life issues, but can testify to God's provision, healing and amazing love in often remarkable ways. We can also say that despite our failings, it has been God who has kept us in marriage and brought us closer together. I have experienced my own dark valleys and wondered how I would get through, but discovered He was right there in the deprivation, ready to comfort and heal.

We've many stories of how God has worked in our lives, but what matters is what is happening today. Right now, because of chronic illnesses and disability we are finding things difficult and very trying. It's not that we are without hope, because we know that Jesus is really with us and promises to bring us through. But more than ever, we have to lean on Him for His enabling and each day there is something to delight.

This leads me to think about testimony - often interpreted as speaking of our conversion experience - which can be very powerful. However, I have heard old personal testimonies shared through gritted teeth and quivering lips. This didn't detract from the truth of what happened, but led me to wonder "What is it really like for that person now?" To speak of what is currently happening in our lives, as we try to reach out in faith, amidst all the doubts and difficulties is real and honest. It may also be more relevant to the listeners who identify with where we are.

I have occasionally heard, "God told us to give away all our belongings and live by faith!" By which they meant they were relying completely on God for their income. This may have been so, but if in reality it meant they were living off state benefits, then it should be said. Another was said to have given up a high-flying career and comfortable home to work in a particular ministry for God. The reality may have been that they took early retirement on a company pension and still had a second home in the country. Nothing wrong with that, but unless it is stated, people can be misled and given the wrong impression and even felt encouraged to copy. Some details are important.

Sharing what God is doing in our lives can be very powerful. It does not have to sound triumphant or victorious, but should be real and honest.

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." 1 John 5:11 New International Version

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The Three Stones

I was carrying out some clearance in the basement yesterday and found three stones that brought back memories.

It was a time when I was going through a difficult and painful patch. I went down to our beach that day, to try and sort out my feelings with the Lord. Sitting on a rock with my back against a fold in the cliffs, I reached out to God in my devastation. All I was aware of was the healing gentle sound of the surf as it rattled across the shingle. A peaceful scene, except I was far from peaceful inside.

I was just about to return home when I felt He said "Pick up three stones." Without thinking, I chose three at random; one smooth white one, another grey and rough and the third was large, misshapen and brown. He then said, "Choose one stone that represents you!" I know my Scriptures and thought I ought to choose the pure white smooth one. But this was a time to be real and honest, so I replied with trembling lips and feeling a little ashamed, "This large dirty - I used a stronger word than that - one, that's me!"

That's just how I felt at that moment, because I thought I had failed and messed up big time. Father impressed upon me right there and then that He knew how I felt and He accepted me just as I was and wanted me to do the same. In other words, agree with God and love myself in the right way. I frequented that rocky seat in the following weeks, surrounded by His love and let the reality soak in and take root, until I could move on into the new.

Now, I don't want you to think I have some hot line to God, but when you are desperate it sharpens things up, you are more open to receive and God uses the right way of getting through to us. He meets us where we are at and doesn't want us to hide our feelings from Him. When we get real with God, He gets real with us. We experience more of His love and discover who we really are in Him.

"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Song of Songs 2:14 New International Version

"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." Isaiah 43:4 New International Version

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