If We Believe ...

When we become Christian believers, followers of Jesus Christ, we start a journey of coming to know God. As we enter into the discovery of who He really is to us and live in the realisation of that truth, there is the potential to transform our lives.

God created the heavens and the earth, the whole universe
God is Almighty, all Powerful, all Knowing
He is to be exalted as the King of Kings
and is high and lifted up in heaven
but He bends right the way down
to hear our every whisper
even more than that
He is with us,
really for us
alongside
More -
He's within us
He lives inside us
just ponder on that
God living within us!
it's utterly mind-boggling
Feeling our every feeling
absolutely life-transforming
and it gives us a whole new perspective
of walking through a sometimes troublesome life with Father

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. -- "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." John 14:16-23 New International Version

Read more...

Things Are Not What They Seem

My computer works on MS Windows and so the word processing software is WYSIWYG or "What You See Is What You Get." Unfortunately this is not always so in real life!

I descended our forty steps yesterday to collect our post from the box. There was a pile of junk mail, but there was just one that caught my attention. The tinted envelope was addressed personally in impressive handwriting; my spirits rose with anticipation. Someone wants me? I couldn't wait and tore it open, only to have my hopes dashed, as it was only a business reminder! The inside didn't live up to the outside appearance.

A few weeks ago, when I was recovering from the 'flu and a few other things I won't go into, someone remarked in passing, how well I looked. The truth was that I was far from well inside. I thanked the person and we went our different ways. You could say that they just did not notice the telltale signs of the bags under my eyes or alternatively, they could have enquired how I was?

I have heard it said about other men, "Oh he is such a nice man!" Now, I want to have all the attributes of a good gentle kind Christian, but I want to be "God's man!" By that I mean, I want to be in tune with Father, be bold and courageous, act with integrity, openness and honesty and speak the truth in love. That does not always come over as being 'nice' and may even upset some. Becoming God's man is a process and I am on the way. Also, sometimes I may appear on the outside as 'nice,' but some of the thoughts I have inside from time to time are not something to be proud of. God, of course, is not fooled, He sees me as I really am and that is a challenge in itself!

So beware! All is not as it seems. We need to accept one another in love, but don't judge by appearances. Next time you meet someone, don't be taken in by their ravishing confident looks and soft flattering speech. Be discerning and be aware that they are still on the way and maybe are going through inner turmoil and having a hard time. And if you are asked to join with some venture or endeavour, pause for a while and try to see the situation from God's perspective before you answer.

"But the LORD said to him, "Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 Good News Bible

Read more...

In Times of Special Need

I remember when we visited a famous stately home with friends. It was a hot summer's day and I was not feeling well. Also, my mind was elsewhere as I felt anxious, wondering how we were going to get through the coming months. As we walked through the extensive informal gardens, I was very uncomfortable in the heat and only vaguely aware of the beauty all around me. I tried to join in the conversation, but it was mostly floating over my head. I had looked forward to enjoying the day, but in reality I wanted to be somewhere else.

After a while I excused myself and took time apart. I made for a large ornamental pool. Water flowed into it from a cascade that tumbled down the steep gardens from a large lake high up on the hilltop. In the middle of the pool a massive fountain reached for the sky. It was a beautiful refreshing sight. I sat by the water's edge and took in this healing scene. I could have stayed there all day. I reached out to God and as I pondered, a sudden warm breeze fanned spray from the fountain over me. As the droplets splashed my face it felt almost as if Father was caressing my cheek and reassuring me that everything was going to be fine. The words came to me, "I will not let you down!"

When we are in great need or when things seem hopeless, I believe God is present and available to us in a special way. We reach out from our heart to His and although it may seem a feeble approach, He comes to us in a way that is just right for us. He brings His Word into our situation that results in life and changes our outlook in an instant.

"To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely." Revelation 21:6 Modern King James Version

Read more...

A Love Response

My wife and I visited someone who was being drawn to Christ. Almost as soon as we arrived, even though we hadn't mentioned the subject, they said they would not get their hair cut or stop smoking. We said that was entirely their choice, because being a Christian was not about keeping rules, but was a love relationship.

The junior school I attended had strict rules and we were expected to obey them under the threat of punishment. During an art lesson, where we had to draw and paint a glass jug, I accidentally knocked my little pot of water over. The teacher hauled me out in front of the class and gave me six of the best with his cane. It not only put me off art, but was one of several instances that gave me a jaundiced view of authority figures. It was only many years later, during an evening class, that an encouraging tutor showed me that I really could do art. My work flourished under his caring and competent tuition and I eventually had paintings hung in exhibitions.

If we are a Christian and say that we love Jesus, then this will show in our actions and attitudes. This is something I find very challenging. Do I really demonstrate that I trust God and put Him first in my life? Do I carry out all my dealings with people with honesty and integrity? Do I really put the interests of my wife and family and neighbours at least the same as I do for myself and do I love them as much as I love myself? For that matter, do I love myself? If I don't then it's because I need to know more in my experience just how much He loves me.

God does not force me to obey, ready to cane me if I do wrong. No, out of love he gives me the freedom to choose. He has poured Himself out for me and is always there for me. He is my Father, my Daddy who stands with open arms, longing for me to keep coming to Him as a response to His love. His love breaks me up. The more I realise His love the more I will want to walk with Him in His ways in complete surrender. And the more I abide and obey, the more I flourish and enjoy, along with others, the benefits of His care.

It's a love response
It starts by coming to Him
It continues by coming to Him
and it last forever by being with Him.

"Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." John 14:23 New International Version

Read more...

Being Ourselves

When I was little we had a canary that lived in a small wire cage. It fascinated me and I spent hours trying to attract its attention. I found that by making the appropriate noises or by rattling the bars of its cage, it would sing to order. Then one day, perhaps because I felt sorry for it or maybe I just wanted to get closer, I opened the door to the cage and let it out. It circled the room several times and then flew out through the open window into freedom. We never saw it again.

Much later in life, as an adult, I discovered I was a bit like that canary and would sing to order. I was trapped in a cage of meeting the expectations of others. I was afraid of speaking the truth of what was really on my heart in case I caused offence. I would agree to requests or volunteer for any work that came my way, even though it would overload me. To do otherwise and say no, would run the risk of not being liked and that was just too much. The phrase "Jack of all trades and master of none" comes to mind. I was not being true to myself or to God. Those bars had to be removed so that I was free to be myself, that unique person God had made me to be.

It can be upsetting when we realise an unhelpful or even ungodly behaviour pattern. But God only brings this to our attention when we are ready for Him to set us free. Free to be ourselves and to do the work He has already chosen for us. A work that is just right for us.

When we are God-pleasers and not man-pleasers, everyone benefits.

"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4 New International Version

Read more...