A Light Switched On

I read something today that really changed my outlook on my week. And I'm glad it did.

It's not been a great week for me, to be honest with you. Challenge after challenge, one problem after another. I've carried on regardless, but eventually this rubbish week took its toll on me. I've ended up feeling frustrated, and even bitter about what had happened (and I thought I had dealt with you, Bitterness, my old adversary). I was about as low as I could get. I wasn't exactly thrust into darkness, but life was pretty gloomy...

I sought refuge in prayer, desperately holding one to at least one aspect of my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

And today, it was like a light had switched on.

I was reading a passage about how prayer works, which explained that God speaks to His people in many ways (of course - He's God, and infinitely creative - He can use any of a hundred thousand ways to speak to His people).

Through the Bible, God speaks generally — the Word of God to everyone — and that is what scholars call logos.

He also speaks personally to individuals through His Word, and that’s rhema. God can choose to illuminate certain passages, to show how it can apply to us, or to teach us something new. Point us in the right direction.

And that's when the light switched on. (Click)

Suddenly, all the things I had been listening to today in church started to fit into place, started to make sense to me. I began to come alive again. The light level in the room went up three notches.

Thanks, Lord!

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
John 16:13a (NIVUK)

Extra Grace Required

The email in my inbox was a direct challenge to me. I knew it as soon as I read it. It virtually leapt off the screen at me!

You see, it was talking about all those people who persistently wind you up. They seem to be there solely to try your patience. Some people talk about people who continually exhibit Challenging Behaviour. Others use more colourful metaphors...

In the email I mentioned above, Rick Warren called them EGRs, which stands for 'Extra Grace Required'. And I don't have any trouble in thinking of an example or two under that category.

These are the sort of people that threaten to drive you crazy.

But they need you. And they need God.

So, He sends me to them. 

And my challenge? Not to get out of their way as quickly as possible. Oh no...

No, it is to try and understand. To look past their behaviour and try to help.  Because they may not even know that their behaviour is challenging!

And I need to learn to continually respond with patience. With love.

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).

Tough Times Don't Last

I read a fact the other day about modern day family budgets. I really wish that I'd made a note of it when I saw it, because I didn't think I would have to quote it so soon in a blog post. Oh well.

The writer was pointing out that most families in the 1960s (the decade when I was born) still found life tough, however in those days most families had one family member working regularly full-time. In today's world, many families have to have both partners working, sometimes holding down two jobs, in order to make ends meet. I remember thinking - where have we as a society gone wrong? Is modern life really that much harder?

During the church meeting this past Sunday (which included the dedication of a child to God), we were reminded of exactly how much money it costs to bring up one child to adulthood. Over £200,000 apparently! See here.
 

Anyway, the other day I received an email in my inbox that continued to give me food for thought on this topic. It included the phrase:
 

"Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do"
 

Isn't that a terrific way of looking at life!

If you’re discouraged - and let's face it, encouragement is a rare enough commodity nowadays - there are one or two things you can do to counter those feelings.

Let’s say your neighbour arrives home with a brand new car. One way to react is with feelings of desire and envy. Perhaps you are already working out ways to get a new car for yourself.

But there is another way. Be positive. Give thanks to God for the car that you already have, which meets your family’s current needs. Realise that you don't need the pressures of taking out yet another car loan.

It's your choice. So choose how to think about it. Get tough with your inner self, cut out the negative thinking, and get positive.

Are you bemoaning the fact that you never have enough money? Try being thankful for the money that you do get. Life would be so much harder if you didn't have that...

Is this situation too difficult? Don't give up. Think of it as a challenge!

But it's too much for me to bear... if only I had more money? Everything would be OK then... More money is not the answer, it's how you manage it.

And situations do change... if you can make the right choices and stick with it, you can outlast these setbacks. You can do it.

Think about it.

Making A Difference

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” ― Catherine of Siena

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ― Edward Everett Hale

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ― Dr. Seuss

Advent Photo Challenge

Here's the Advent Photo Challenge that I've been following this year...

Dark Night Of The Soul

Ever feel like God is a million miles away? Well, you're not alone. Actually, you begin to discover that it's often a common thing in your spiritual walk. There will come periods in your Christian experience where God is so close that He's almost tangible; other times when He is apparently absent for what seems an eternity; where your prayers seem to go unanswered. It will become very dark indeed...

I have discovered that some notable pieces of literature have been written about such experiences. For instance, 'The Dark Night of the Soul' ('La noche oscura del alma') is a poem written by a Spanish poet and Christian mystic called Saint John of the Cross, way back in the 16th Century. Read a little more about the poem here . And you will find there's a whole bunch of other examples available...

You may ask - why has God apparently abandoned you? Why do you seem to be going through trials and tests, like Old Testament character Job, without any hope of rescue, of respite?

The truth is - God doesn't ever leave you on your own. Let's face it, we know through His word that He is everywhere. Omnipresent. However, God sometimes finds it necessary to hide His presence from you. He wants you to trust Him. To build up your personal faith in Him.

There's more. He wants you to step out in that faith. To step out of that boat (see yesterday's blog entry) and walk towards Him. To praise Him despite the storm. 

Yes, sure, the whole experience might well be painful and disconcerting. But God wants to lead you into a deeper level of maturity. Are you up to the challenge?

Hebrews 13:5b-6 (The Message)

Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, "God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?"

Living A Changed Life

The passages of scripture that I have read over this summer about Jesus' life and teachings continue to challenge me, making me feel decidedly uneasy on occasions. And that, I understand, is a good thing... because there's so much He has to teach me about living life... differently. There's always something new to learn.

In fact, He has so much to teach each of us... if you have ears to hear...

So, after my summer break, it's time to focus once again on leaving my own personal comfort zone - setting out on hitting some of my goals for the future. Picking myself up from the failures of the past (and there's been quite a few in recent weeks) and trying again. Because, next time, the results may be different...

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." ― Winston Churchill

"Instead of doing nothing because I’m overwhelmed, today I will do something, even if it’s small, because it will be one step closer to my goal." - Anon

Parables

One of the benefits that I have experienced through having agreed to the New Testament Bible Challenge is a renewed interest in rereading a number of the parables of Jesus. This method of teaching (used when talking to large crowds) takes considerable thought and effort on the part of the reader/listener to try and understand what exactly He is getting at. Some listeners simply didn't 'get it'. The disciples did ask Jesus why He taught this way on one occasion.

He said: "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.." (Matthew 10:11-13, NIV)

Dig deep into His parables - there's plenty of food for thought there.

Are You Up To The Challenge?

Along with many other Salvationists throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, I'm getting involved with a Bible Challenge over the next twelve months. Are you up to it? Will you join us?


I'm going to be reading the New Testament from beginning to end in one year, one chapter each weekday (Monday to Friday) between now and next February. And even if you miss a day that's not a problem; you have the weekend to catch up! And who knows what God may say to you if you spend time to listen to Him...

Find out more about the challenge here.

Grace and Gracias

I heard someone on the radio make a point this morning which has really stuck with me today. And challenged me. Perhaps it was because of my ever-growing To Do list...

Anyway, the speaker drew a comparison between asking for God's grace to help in a difficult situation, whilst also having a thankful heart as we do so. He pointed to the fact that many words involving thanks are rooted in 'grace' : the Spanish word gracias, for example...

How thankful, am I, for some of the challenges that I face? Hmmm... it's back to that passage from Thessalonians for me...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, 
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase, 
To added affliction He addeth His mercy, 
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. 

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, 
His power no boundary known unto men, 
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, 
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

Wandering Aimlessly

I was sitting in one of the local coffee shops this lunchtime when I started writing this. I'd had a heck of a weekend, with a family party, loads of paperwork to do at home and two meetings to lead at the Corps. All sorted; all deadlines met; everyone seemed happy with what had been done. Probably laughed more on Saturday night than I have done in the last six months put together. Ended up totally drained and in a heap by Sunday afternoon; simply had to sleep for a couple of hours before I could think about doing anything else. I needed some time to myself on Monday lunchtime, hence the coffee. :)

I stared out of the coffee shop window at the passers-by. All had their own agenda. Some were making calls on mobiles. Some were just gazing down at the pavement ahead. None were smiling. All seemed to be just wandering aimlessly. Is that what I usually look like on a weekday?

"Do you have an aim, a target?" said the still, small voice inside me. I admitted that there were still a couple of things I still wanted to do in life.

"Write yourself a list of those", said the voice. "Go and do them. You know you can if you set your mind to it. Stop putting it off. I know what you are capable of."

And then it was time to get back to work. However, I knew that it was also time to start putting down a few more things onto the 'to do' list. And start working out how to tick these all off... Can I rise to the challenge?

Time For A Makeover?

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

My daily reading this morning was based on Ephesians 4, where the writer used an example from popular culture and talked about a 'makeover' - making a radical change in your physical appearance to show things aren't the same any more. In the same way, Paul teaches that Christians are called to make similar changes spiritually by 'putting off their old self'.

Paul's imagery of a spiritual makeover really challenged me today and I couldn't help reflecting on the different types of clothing that I have worn over the years. Different clothing for different situations, different jobs. Business suits - gardening overalls - a host of fancy dress costumes - jeans and tee-shirts - and of course a variety of uniforms! The challenge: if I had to pick one particular 'look', which one would represent the 'real' me?

Paul's writing is all about reclothing ourselves from the inside: to leave behind the futility and ignorance of the past, and live clothed in 'robes of white' before God.

Deep Calls Unto Deep

Psalm 42:7-8 (New International Version)
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

Suddenly the words jumped out at me in my daily reading this morning. “Deep calls unto deep.” I scrambled for my web browser, desperate to read more about this. Psalm 42; the NIV translation is quoted above.

These words were written about a very challenging situation. The pressures of life were pounding the writer relentlessly, to the point of overwhelming him.  All that he had to rely on was an assurance that God had something much better for him. Even in the most horrible of situations, those who know God have a source of comfort and hope that will pull them through.

Deep calls unto deep. Despite the outward pain, our Heavenly Father can provide a deep resource of love that is more than sufficient to overcome. And, following Pentecost Sunday, I know that resource is dwelling deep with me. It's right at hand.

And that's awesome.

Bible Blessings

Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version, ©2011)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

After returning from ROOTS, I have been reflecting on the ways that the Word of God influences us in our daily lives. Apt, perhaps, as this very week sees the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Authorised Version of the Bible, commonly known as the King James Version. This was the third official English translation of scripture, but a translation that continues to be used to this day. The popularity of this version helped to make God's word accessible to English-speaking people throughout the world.

The King James Version has been described as "the most influential version of the most influential book in the world, in what is now its most influential language". It has contributed 257 idioms to English, more than any other single source, including Shakespeare.

Four centuries have now passed, and accessing the Bible is easier now than it has ever been. I have counted over a dozen separate translations on my bookshelf, including an Annotated New Testament in the original Greek. I receive Bible verses daily via email from WordLive (which are very good, follow the link here for more details). My iPod has a podcast version of the New Testament entitled 'You’ve Got the Time' (courtesy of the Bible Society, see link here). I even downloaded a Bible App for the iPod this morning.

We are really wonderfully blessed by the multitude of ways we can access Scripture today.

And yet there is still a challenge. Unless we make regular use of these resources to read or listen to the Word of God, how can we expect God to work through us? It's still down to us to make time for His Word. If this resource is truly 'alive' (see the reading above), it's up to us to absorb it, enabling us to pass on His blessings to others.

The Water Of Life

The well is deep and I require
A draught of the water of life,
But none can quench my soul's desire
For a draught of the water of life;
Till one draws near who the cry will heed,
Helper of men in their time of need,
And I, believing, find indeed
That Christ is the water of life.
SASB 351, chorus (Albert Orsborn)

Anger Management

Ephesians 4:25-32 (New International Version)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body.

26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I'm rather encouraged by these words. In being encouraged to act differently, there's clear evidence here that it's okay to get passionate about issues, just not to let your rage dominate you. God intends us to get out there and to make a difference, to stand up to injustice, to plead the cause of the persecuted.

Ticking Time Bomb of Fury

"... I am a ticking time bomb of fury..."
Mr Furious (Ben Stiller) - from 'Mystery Men' (1999)

The oblique reference referred to above is an appropriate one to start what will be a rather cryptic blog entry for me. In the course of just over a year I have tackled some quite personal issues within this blog - as well as some light-hearted or trivial ones. It's been a very useful discipline, giving me the opportunity to sound off on some subjects that are important to me. It's noteworthy, then, to report that I've reached a point where I need to stop and deal with an issue that's got to be addressed - it's one that's not so easy to talk or blog about, it's getting just a bit too personal. In fact I'm not too sure where I should go next with this.

As it is Holy Week, I'm taking this time to sign off for a little while to reflect on and pray about my own personal 'ticking time bomb of fury'. This should give us a few days to attempt to defuse it before it goes off. Again.

The Devil Finds Work For Idle Hands...

It's a popular idiom, isn't it? People with no work or activity to occupy them are more likely to do things they shouldn't do.

I've had the benefit today of a day at home, so I've been doing a variety of jobs about the house that I have been meaning to do for a while. A chance to switch off from the usual things which usually occupy my mind and deal with other matters closer to home. And I must say, it's produced some fantastic results in the house. I've really had a good time working with my son, and we've worked well together tidying up and rearranging things. It's been great. Can't say I've had idle hands...

However, my mind has got to wander this evening and I find that I've relaxed - my defences have been brought down and the 'opposition' has been attacking me this evening with doubt and insecurity. Perhaps the devil also finds work for idle brain cells, too!

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Joyful, Joyful

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

(Genesis 4:6-7, NIV)

These words from the familiar story of Cain and Abel hit me square on in my devotions this morning - a personal challenge for the New Year! The Bible translation that I was using this morning was The Living Bible, and said:

"Why is your face so dark with rage? It can be bright with joy if you will do what you should."

Having blogged previously about coming up against some strong ill-feelings last year, I'm really looking to capture some 'joy' in my life for 2009.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
Hail thee as the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the clouds of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.

SASB 10 - Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)