Can you work it out?

 

On coming back to the Hall after lockdown...

 

Psalm 137:1-4 (NIV)

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.

There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?

We will sing out again. Yes, I know the world we are in at the moment is strange... it's truly a foreign land. However, we will sing out again. We know the songs well and are singing them in our hearts. 

Keep on believing.

Waiting around ...

I must admit, I sometimes get a little tired now of sitting around and waiting for things to restart after lockdown. I'm sure I am not alone. And yet, I understand why, in many cases, the time isn't right to start things up again. It could be dangerous to rush in an effort to find 'normal' again. Any steps taken must be small ones...

As a 'doer', it's not so easy to simply stop and wait for the right time.

Perhaps it's because the verb 'to wait' has such a negative connotation for many of us, self-included. Here's two definitions:

1. stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event: "he did not wait for a reply" Note: synonyms: stand by, hold back, be patient, bide one's time, hang fire...

2. used to indicate that one is eagerly impatient to do something or for something to happen: "I can't wait to tell Nick what happened"

The Territorial Commander's recent video on the subject explains 'waiting' and how we can and should react far more eloquently than I ever could. Have a look and a listen to it; fifteen minutes that may make a difference to you. 

Click on the YouTube link here ...

Z is for Zaccheus

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Luke 19:5 (NIV)

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Luke 19:5 (NLT)

Y is for Yearning

From the deep water I cry out to you, O Lord.

O Lord, listen to me. 

Pay attention to my plea for mercy.

If you, O Lord, were to keep track of sins,

O Lord, who could stand before you?

But you are willing to forgive,

so that you might be honoured.

I rely on the Lord.

I rely on him with my whole being;

I wait for his assuring word.

I yearn for the Lord,

more than watchmen do for the morning,

yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord,

for the Lord exhibits loyal love,

and is more than willing to deliver.

He will deliver Israel

from all their sins.

Psalm 130 (New English Translation)

X is for Excellence

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)

God made great and marvellous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.

2 Peter 1:4 (CEV)

W is for Wisdom

When I was a boy at my father’s knee, the pride and joy of my mother,

He would sit me down and drill me:

    “Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live!

Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding!

    Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch!

Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life;

    love her—she keeps her eye on you.

Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!

    Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!

Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it;

    never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious.

She’ll garland your life with grace,

    she’ll festoon your days with beauty.”

Proverbs 4:3-9 (The Message)

V is for Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

John 15:1 (NIV), the words of Jesus

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser."

John 15:1 (ESV), the words of Jesus

U is for Understanding

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

T is for Trust

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name trust in you,

for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV)

God’s a safe-house for the battered,

a sanctuary during bad times.

The moment you arrive, you relax;

you’re never sorry you knocked.

Psalm 9:9-10 (The Message)

S is for Sacrifice

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Matthew 16:24-26 (The Message)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV)

R is for Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! 

Philippians 4:4 (The Message)

Q is for Quench

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NIV)

Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (The Message)

P is for Praise

Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

Psalm 147:1-7 (NIV)

O is for Obedience

This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 (NLT)

Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God’s commands, staying faithful to Jesus

Revelation 14:12 (The Message)

N is for Nothing Is Impossible

“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”

And Mary said,

    Yes, I see it all now:

    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.

    Let it be with me

    just as you say.

Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:36-38 (The Message)

Furthermore, six months ago your Aunt Elizabeth—‘the barren one,’ they called her—became pregnant in her old age! For every promise from God shall surely come true.”

Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared.

Luke 1:36-38 (TLB)

M is for Money

Whoever loves money never has enough;

whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT)

L is for Love

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."

John 14:21 (NIV) - the words of Jesus

“The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.”

John 14:21 (NIV) - the words of Jesus

K is for Keep On Asking

‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) - the words of Jesus

“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. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT) - the words of Jesus

J is for Jesus

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

Hebrews 13: 7-8 (NIV)

Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

Hebrews 13: 7-8 (The Message)

I is for I Am...

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14: 5-6 (NIV)

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; so how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

John 14: 5-6 (Amplified Bible)

H is for Heaven

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

John 14 1-4 (The Message), the words of Jesus

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.’

John 14 1-4 (NIV), the words of Jesus

G is for God

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4 7-8 (NIV)

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. 

1 John 4 7-8 (The Message)

F is for Forgiveness

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

E is for Encourage

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (The Message)

D is for Delight

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.

Psalm 37:4 (Living Bible)

C is for Call

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvellous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’

Jeremiah 33:3 (The Message)

B is for Believe

The jailer got a torch and ran inside. Badly shaken, he collapsed in front of Paul and Silas. He led them out of the jail and asked, “Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?” They said, “Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you’ll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!”

Acts 16: 29-31 (The Message)

The jailer asked for a torch and went into the jail. He was shaking all over as he knelt down in front of Paul and Silas. After he had led them out of the jail, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.”

Acts 16: 29-31 (CEV)

A is for Awesome

Who among the gods is like you, Lord?

Who is like you— majestic in holiness,

awesome in glory, working wonders?

Exodus 15:11 (NIV)

Who compares with you among gods, O God?

Who compares with you in power, in holy majesty,

In awesome praises, wonder-working God?

Exodus 15: 11 (The Message)

A-Z: Introduction - Truths from Scripture

What a strange world we are living in at the moment. Everything is so new, so different - and it's more than a bit scary! 

Perhaps this is the time for me to get back to basics in order to successfully jump-start this blog. So, as I dig deep to find inspiration and incentive to get back to blogging, I'm going to go back to words of scripture, just in time for my regular A-Z feature for the August period. Words that have helped me through lockdown, and while we are exploring what modern life is now like afterwards.

So here's a few thoughts from scripture for you; one a day, for the next 26 days.

See you on the other side of August.

God Never Changes

Things Change. 

2020 has seen some phenomenal changes to this world - because of the global pandemic that struck at the turn of the year. The term 'unprecedented' is clearly applicable. It has turned my life upside down - as it has done to literally everyone on this planet. Change was forced upon us. So much was stripped away from us. Many of us have lost loved ones to the virus. Our usual activities had to change. No church activities. No voluntary work. I've even got out of the habit of blogging (trying to pick this up now!)...

People Change.

The onset of the pandemic saw people revealing so much their true natures - greed, with the shops being emptied on essential supplies, as people stockpiled. And yet, kindness - with such love poured out to our essential workers. We learnt the importance of home. They say an Englishman's home is his castle - this became so very true to many of us as we learnt how to self-isolate; how to make better use of the personal space around us; how to master the computer and the internet so we could order on line, communicate with our loved ones using Messenger, using Zoom. 

Places Change.

You took a quick look around the towns and cities and could see the changes - everything was different. Signs marked out social distancing; arrows indicated directions to follow; access ways were limited, to protect people. All but essential shops were shut. Shopping quickly became a dangerous activity, a scary one. It wasn't fun anymore. You had to do it - unless you had mastered the art of how to use home delivery - and to get one of those elusive delivery slots (people change!)... the shops are starting to open now, however it's still not the same. Still not 'fun'. And won't be for a while ...

Friends Change.

Many of our friends now have longer hair. Many have wider waistlines. However, the changes haven't just been physical. We've all changed inside, having learnt new skills, discovered new passions... all while we have been keeping safe at home. When we get to see our friends again, they will have changed quite a bit ...

Careers Change.

This pandemic has had a considerable effect on people's working lives. Personally, I've had to embrace the concept of remote work arrangements - working from home. Such a strange concept, one that needed a complete change in my working pattern. Still, I count myself fortunate - I kept on working, was never 'furloughed'. And there have been so many who are now without work, their jobs gone due to the virus. So sad.

Economies Change. 

Sadly, this pandemic has effected everyone. It's going to adversely affect the world economy. How long will we be reeling from the effects of the virus? Many, many years.

However ... God Never Changes.

He's the same today as yesterday. He doesn't change. His offer of love and salvation to us all is still the same.

We can't worship physically together, however we can still worship. 

Seven Nation Army

A while ago, I set myself the challenge to come up with a list of modern songs that had their roots in things that are spiritual. Perhaps I succeeded, perhaps I didn't. I did, however, discover a large number of tracks that were inspired by my own particular church denomination, namely The Salvation Army. And I'm still finding more ...

Take, for example, the song Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. A rock classic...

The song was written and produced by Jack White, who wrote the track as a little experiment; a compelling song that did not include a chorus. The seven-note riff that is central to the song is most distinctive.

The song's title originated from the writer's mispronunciation of the name of The Salvation Army as a child. White was the seventh son of devout Catholics, and at one time was considering entering the priesthood; he actually got accepted, however didn't go as he worked out that he couldn’t take his guitar to the Wisconsin seminary... "I had just gotten a new amplifier in my bedroom, and I didn't think I was allowed to take it with me," he said in an interview.

The song title was used by White as a placeholder for the track before its lyrics were written; the name ultimately stuck. It became the band's signature song, soon reaching number one in the charts when released as a single. The song has gone on to become a sports and protest anthem.

Amazing World

Could Have Been Different...

Joy and Sadness

I went away on holiday after Christmas with my wife, and we ended up in the Netherlands, exploring the beautiful city of Rotterdam. It was very nice to immerse ourselves into a completely different culture for a while, leaving our worries and cares a whole country away...

Whilst I was away, I had the opportunity to catch up on satellite TV with a Pixar film called 'Inside Out' (2015), which I must admit I had avoided seeing at the time as I was a little unsure whether I would be able to enjoy it - or even endure it… Let me explain.

This animated film is set in the mind of a young girl named Riley (voiced by Kaitlyn Dias), where five personified emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust - try to lead the girl through life.

As Riley grows up, her experiences become memories, which appear on screen as being stored in coloured orbs, which are sent into long-term memory each night. Her five most important 'core memories' start to form aspects of her personality which take the form of floating islands. Joy (Amy Poehler) acts as leader of her emotions, and since she and the other emotions do not understand Sadness's purpose, she tries to keep Sadness (Phyllis Smith) away from the main control console.

Everything starts going badly wrong when Riley and her parents (Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan) move from Minnesota to San Francisco… a series of unpleasant experiences from being so far out of her comfort zone affect Riley badly, and when Sadness causes Riley to cry in front of her school class, she creates Riley's first sad core memory. Joy tries to dispose of it quickly but accidentally knocks the other core memories loose during a struggle with Sadness, deactivating the personality islands. Joy, Sadness, and the core memories are then expelled out of Headquarters and sent to long-term memory storage.

By this stage in watching I was hooked. It was the only English language film on at the time, yet I felt  something deep inside myself wanting to turn it off (probably because it was getting a bit too close to home?). Could someone truly go through life without Joy or Sadness? It spoke to my inner me during one of my ‘bad days’. Days when I tend to emotionally switch off and simply ‘go through the motions’… deactivating the personality islands ... I was brave and kept going.

I won’t spoil the rest of it for you, but suffice it to say I literally ended up in tears by the end of the film.

I'll mention a couple of scenes in the film for you. At one point, Joy tries to prevent Sadness from having any influence on Riley by drawing a small chalk “circle of Sadness”, telling her to stay inside the circle. Apparently, psychologists call this type of behaviour 'emotional suppression' - that often something that leads to anxiety and depression. Finally, at the end of the film, Joy realises that she has to embrace the healthiest method for working with emotions: to accept Sadness for who she is. This is called 'mindfully embracing' an emotion.

This is something I need to learn in 2020. Hence, this rather personal blog post.