Thursday 30 January 2014

In the quiet...

Jesus got on his own.
"As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer." (Luke 5:16, The Message)
"While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed." Mark 1:35

He tells me who he is:

The GOOD shepherd, not the lazy one; the LIGHT to live by and see life clearly; the ROAD on which to walk on this journey; the BREAD, the most basic of foods which I need to satisfy my hunger. The VINE: organic, living, far-reaching, bursting with growth: living WATER, without which there IS no living.

I need him.
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing."

And he reminds me:
"God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what."

And so I can say, as David does in Psalm 63:

"God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts
.
So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!
If I’m sleepless at midnight,
I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you’ve always stood up for me,
I’m free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
and you hold me steady as a post."

Living well under pressure

We’ve all been there: we’ve lost the car keys, can’t find a favourite scarf, the phone rings as we’re rushing out the door and then we get to work and realise we’ve left our lunch behind! The pressure builds as easily as a kettle on the boil and there’s no escaping it.

I had a day like that which began less than twelve hours after I jotted down this title. Computer glitches, covering lessons in my ‘catch up on marking and admin time’, misunderstandings with colleagues...the pressure piled up until I nearly burst into tears. Nothing, of course, like my friend Lisa in Tanzania whose journey home included a flat battery, crazy driving from other road users, a man who pretended he had been injured by their car, riot police at the border crossing and a forest fire near their home.  And nothing like the pressure that so many people endure daily all over the world: just the pressure of finding food for the day occupies the minds of many.

Still, it feels real and overwhelming to us.

Paul knew pressure well.

(2Corinthians 11:23 – 27 I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time. I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.)

Finally, imprisoned in Rome, having suffered too many beatings and misfortunes to count, he handles the pressure so admirably that we would do well to pick up some tips from him.

So what does he do?

1.       He prays for others.
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. (Philippians 1:3 – 5)

2.       He looks for the benefits in his situation.
My imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah. (Philippians 1:12 – 14)

3.       He doesn’t worry about what other people are doing.
So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! (Philippians 1:18 – 21)

4.       He gives practical advice to those in his care.
Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ...Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. (Philippians 1:27 – 28)

5.       He keeps his focus.
As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here....
There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You’re involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.  (Philippians 1: 22 – 24, 29 – 30, The Message)

6.       He was humble.
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. (Philippians 2:1 – 5, The Message)

7.       He offers help.
Paul couldn’t help himself, but sent others to help. I plan (according to Jesus’ plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy’s the real thing. He’s been a devoted son to me as together we’ve delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I’m hoping and praying to be right on his heels. But for right now, I’m dispatching Epaphroditus, my good friend and companion in my work. You sent him to help me out; now I’m sending him to help you out. He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you. Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about, he’s been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is just fine. He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him—he had mercy on me, too. His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others. (Philippians 2:19 – 27)

So what about us?
Let us:
Pray; 
          look on the bright side; 
                    keep focused on Jesus, not worrying about what anyone else is or isn’t doing; 
                                give help and advice.

Practical ideas? Over to you!


Monday 27 January 2014

Catching up...on being intentionally focused

"Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!"  
Ephesians 5:15 - 16, The Message.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

And so: "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another" (verse 21)

Following Paul's example: "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back".

My head lives intentionally; 
my heart wavers.
My mind reads blogs, considers Scripture;
my heart wallows.
My thoughts direct my speech;
my heart suffers.
My head encourages me;
my heart makes excuses.


Wednesday 22 January 2014

Words that edify

Scripture: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 5:29)

Word of Expectation: It is likely that something will happen to you this week that you don’t like. Perhaps a decision will not be in your favor, or someone will speak unkindly to you. Maybe you will get frustrated by a lousy driver, a long delay, a computer problem, or a political development you dislike. A family member or friend may let you down. All of these are opportunities to stop and first consider your response. Rather than react with words that hurt, instead act in a way that honors Christ. That is, speak words that edify, i.e. that build others up. Choose to use words that convey grace rather than criticism. Try to make your words easy for others to joyfully receive.

Prayer: Dear Father, make me more aware of my word choice today. As I have received grace from You for my many faults, help me to give grace to everyone who comes across my path. Amen.

By Bob Rasmussen
Like ·  ·  · Yesterday at 05:30
  • Lyn Perrin Rasmussen and 2 others like this.
  • Angie Richard Pollard Yes. I try to do this all the time but only manage it in the grace of God. It is more difficult to do than it seems: for me, at least, it involves swallowing the hurt etc. I need to make sure I deal with it - straight away, or later.

Running the race

Good Morning Girls post today is all about running: I've adapted the thoughts:

1. It’s hard work- I’ll be honest, there were days I wanted to quit, but I’m so glad I didn’t.

2. I have to be intentional.  Running doesn’t just “happen”, nor does getting to know Jesus better.

3. It’s painful. The Word shows me parts of myself I didn't know I had and they ain't always pretty.

4. There are no short cuts- NONE. You have to put in the hard work.

5. It takes time. Time when, if I'm honest, I'd rather be reading a novel, or indulging in a hot bath, or... you get the laziness picture.

6. Having a goal to focus on is important. Perhaps a chapter to read, some verses to memorise, a bible study to attend or a morning set aside...

7. What I wear matters - I can’t run effectively wearing heavy clothes or carrying baggage…it just slows me down. I need to 'throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.'

8. Make sure I stay hydrated - with the Living Water. I can’t run my best race when my body is depleted.

9. It’s more fun to run with friends. We are made for community.

10. It’s important to have a training buddy - I know I would have quit if I didn’t have the accountability of my running buddy.

And so: Hebrews 12:1-3(NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Intentionally focused...Psalm 90

God, it seems you’ve been our home forever;
long before the mountains were born,
Long before you brought earth itself to birth,
from “once upon a time” to “kingdom come”—you are God.
So don’t return us to mud, saying,
“Back to where you came from!”
Patience! You’ve got all the time in the world—whether
a thousand years or a day, it’s all the same to you.
Are we no more to you than a wispy dream,
no more than a blade of grass
That springs up gloriously with the rising sun
and is cut down without a second thought?
Your anger is far and away too much for us;
we’re at the end of our rope.
You keep track of all our sins; every misdeed
since we were children is entered in your books.
All we can remember is that frown on your face.
Is that all we’re ever going to get?
We live for seventy years or so
(with luck we might make it to eighty),
And what do we have to show for it? Trouble.
Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard.
Who can make sense of such rage,
such anger against the very ones who fear you?

Oh! Teach us to live well!
Teach us to live wisely and well!

To live for the day and the moment
to weigh our words with kindness
to act as if we used up our last breath...
to live for You.


Monday 20 January 2014

Living Intentionally - Good Morning Girls new study

Ephesians 5:1 - 14, The Message

 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.

You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them—the usual variations on idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of God.

Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him. Don’t even hang around people like that.

You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Sunday 19 January 2014

Responding gracefully...

Bob says: Words that edify

Scripture: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 5:29)

Word of Expectation: It is likely that something will happen to you this week that you don’t like. Perhaps a decision will not be in your favor, or someone will speak unkindly to you. Maybe you will get frustrated by a lousy driver, a long delay, a computer problem, or a political development you dislike. A family member or friend may let you down. All of these are opportunities to stop and first consider your response. Rather than react with words that hurt, instead act in a way that honors Christ. That is, speak words that edify, i.e. that build others up. Choose to use words that convey grace rather than criticism. Try to make your words easy for others to joyfully receive.

Prayer: Dear Father, make me more aware of my word choice today. As I have received grace from You for my many faults, help me to give grace to everyone who comes across my path. Amen.And I note: Yes. I try to do this all the time but only manage it in the grace of God. It is more difficult to do than it seems: for me, at least, it involves swallowing the hurt etc. I need to make sure I deal with it - straight away, or later.

And I note: Yes. I try to do this all the time but only manage it in the grace of God. It is more difficult to do than it seems: for me, at least, it involves swallowing the hurt etc. I need to make sure I deal with it - straight away, or later.






Tuesday 14 January 2014

Life lessons

Woke this morning with these words from Isaiah 65:17 - 18 in my head:
“See, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight
and its people a joy."


Why, I wonder?

I have been struggling with hurt and betrayal and forgiveness and loss and grief - on many, many levels.
Struggling with trying to learn the lessons God wants to teach me, while my spirit keeps shouting "Not fair! Not fair! Not me! Why me?"
Struggling with those questions while my spirit keeps shouting "Why not you? You are so privileged and blessed, treat all this as a gift from the Lord."

I am having lots of help dealing with my attitude:

Kristen Welch says: "The reality is Jesus pushes on the tender places for our good. 

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peacefor those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:7-11

Turning into the pain and asking God to show us the troubled spots gives us depth and makes us more like Jesus. He allows it–not to hurt us–but to ultimately heal us because we are more apt to seek Him when we are hurting.

When Christ pushes on our vulnerable places–the valley of depression, the abiding loneliness, the dark fear, the need to control–it actually creates a deeper intimacy with Him.

We all have painful places in our heart, wounds from other people or from hardships in this life.

We have a couple choices: we can talk about how much we hurt or pretend we don’t at all. Or we can let Jesus massage the pain away and ultimately allow our weakness to make us stronger.

When He presses in, lean into Him. He can redeem our pain and create something beautiful from it."

Then Bob posted this:
Jan. 15. Love when difficult

Scripture: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).

Word of Expectation: American is deeply divided politically and ethnically. Jesus calls us to live with a supernatural attitude toward those we do not agree with. Those who mistreat us are to receive love from us instead of anger or revenge. We owe kindness to those who are unkind to us. God will show up when we do this.

Prayer: God of mercy, you have been so kind to me. You overlook my faults every day. Help me today to live the supernatural life in your graciousness. Please empower me, and let me see you in a fresh way today. Amen.


And then I read this:
"Sweet friend, I know how it feels to want to completely shut down when life gets challenging and things happen that we don't understand. But if we pull away from praying, reading our Bible and going to church in hard times - we just suffer. If we stay committed to doing those things that keep us connected with God, we will experience an intimacy and power in the midst of our suffering we can’t get any other way." ~ Lysa TerKeurst
And this:
"Do you meet aggression with aggression and call it strength? Sometimes I do and it leads me to a place I never intended.

Jesus is teaching me to replace aggression with vulnerable strength.

Vulnerable strength isn't a verbal assault. It's when we speak the truth in love, but let it settle rather than hammer it in.

Vulnerable strength isn't an emotional outburst, rather it's working through misunderstanding.

Vulnerable strength isn't one-sided, but it's stepping into another person's shoes for a moment to expand your understanding of the conflict."
~@Suzie Eller

And, finally:

"We are the beloved of the LORD, and we can rest between His shoulders. Are you hurting? Does life feel intolerable in this moment? Your Father is there.

There is nothing too big He cannot carry.

Peel away those layers of resistance, and let Him know a rest is needed.

Invite Him to come and see the pain–

The One who longs for your company

The One who yearns to walk life’s journey with you

Without hesitation, reach arms high. Let Him rescue. He promises to carry you. Without hesitation, He’ll set you right between His shoulders. Our Father is big and strong. You are secure. You are shielded.

You are the one He loves.

An amazing ride awaits you with an amazing view. Rest high and lifted up."

All wise advice.

Thursday 9 January 2014

Expectation

A new year.

I think after Christmas we often experience a slump, a sense of disappointment that the fun and light and sense of warmth and hope seems to have faded. We are still in the grip of winter and, indeed, the worst of the weather is still to come.

But we do not have to stay in the doldrums. God has given us His son and He has given us life, and the new year can be a chance take stock. We have hope in Jesus: the Bible says that “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed” (Romans 4:12) and Romans 5:2 “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:4-6 says that “character (produces) hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” while Romans 8:23-25 says “...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

But what is the difference between hope and expectation?

I joined a facebook group initiated by a pastor friend in US, named 42 days of expectation. It has been quite inspiring, especially over the Christmas period. (Sharing some of the contributions)

Expectation is watching for God to act:

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28 – 32)

Simeon saw not just a baby; he saw who the baby truly was and would become: a man of God who would bring peace between all men and God. Simeon’s years of faithful prayer and devotion to God had resulted in a deep-held conviction that he would see the Messiah, the king who God had promised would come to save Israel. Perhaps Simeon was surprised to find himself declaring that this was not only Israel’s saviour, but would bring the light of understanding to non-Jews as well.

We, too, often pray with firmly held beliefs in God’s power and promises, often with specific requests and answers in mind. Sometimes we may even have a deep knowledge of how God is going to answer our prayers. Most importantly, let us follow Simeon’s example, learning to look at God and see Him for who He is, with a sense of expectation in our hearts.

Expectation is setting our hearts on the right things. What have we set out hearts on having or doing?

Bob says: Scripture: “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21)

Word of Expectation: Your heart is the most important thing about you. It’s the real you, the life granted by God (in His image), destined to live eternally. Your heart has the capacity to hold onto things with affection. Right now, your heart has attached itself to a “treasure.” Jesus counsels us to place eternal valuables in your heart today.

As you spend this day, try to be aware of what you are treasuring. Try this question: What people or things do my thoughts drift toward without conscious effort? (Is it using up more heart-space than I give God?)

God’s Spirit knows our hearts better than we do. Jeremiah says (17:9 – 10) "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

We can ask Him to show us what we are treasuring, with open hearts – because, if you are at all like me, I often don’t want to hear it. But we do want HIM to be our greatest valuable and not chase after fool’s gold. Let us be open to Him so that he may purify our hearts.

This is a risky prayer. Purification may come through humiliation; disappointment; illness. Life’s difficulties and tragedies demand a reorientation of our hearts, seeking God with the right attitude.

Has anyone experienced this? It is often easier to see how others have become refined in the fire than it is to see it in ourselves, but sometimes we do.

Expectation is being thankful...for who God is and what He does. Do we realise how much we have to be thankful for?

Mary was highly favoured with a special calling to give birth to the Messiah. But God shows each of us favour every day and every hour. Yet so much of the time we are not aware of all the ways God is showing us favour. Is your heart beating right now? That’s God’s favour. Take a slow, deep breath. That’s God’s favour. Do you have something to eat today? A place to sleep tonight? Do you have family who love you? A place to fellowship with other believers? That’s God’s favour. And think of the spiritual favour you have received in Jesus. Salvation by grace through faith. The gift of eternal life. Forgiveness of your sins. Each day a new beginning. You and I are favoured.

Praise God

When you work in the 'world' as many of us do, people aren't always nice, circumstances don't cater to how you think they should be, people get hurt or offended, wrongs are done.

But we CAN choose to thank and praise God and expect His joy to radiate from us even when the chips are down, no matter what. We can expect those around us to see His joy and peace that can only come from knowing Him --that sets us apart! We can pray, praise and experience His presence.

So let us look forward this year with EXPECTANT hearts, looking for God to do a new thing:

Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.

Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’
—the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me. Isaiah 42:18 – 21

And so we pray: Lord Jesus, open our eyes and hearts to truly see you in all your glory. To see you when our eyes have no hope in them and our hearts are hurting; to see you when life is good and we are happy. Keep us looking, Lord. Amen

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Expectation

Christmas is a time of great expectation and hopefulness.

What do we expect? What are we looking for? How do we SEE? Are we expecting to RECEIVE or to DO?

Renee Stearns says:

When confronted with a situation that’s too big for me to handle, or when frustrated by the sheer injustice of something happening right in front of me, I used to tell myself, “This is not mine to fix.”

Sometimes that helped me remember I’m not always responsible for making everything right. However, sometimes it was an excuse to do nothing.

Do you ever feel that way? Are the problems confronting the world, your community or even your family just too big to get your mind and arms around?

Turn to God’s Word and the reminder that Paul gives us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV) God has given us the strength we need, to do whatever He has called us to do.

With God’s wisdom and strength, I’m learning to ask: “What is mine to do?”

For me, the answer was to help give a face to the conflict. I know I can’t bring peace to the Middle East, but I can help people better understand that the lives of real men and women, boys and girls – on both sides of the conflict – are at stake. That, I can do.


So, we can expect to do great things with God: let's open our eyes to His possibilities.

Monday 6 January 2014

Post Epiphany

Those of us who had our own epiphany
some time ago:
months, years, decades... a lifetime
sometimes lose the freshness
of discovering our treasure.

Worse, we replace our treasure
in part with false valuables.

Bob says, in 42 Days of Expectation:
"For you on Jan. 6. Treasure what I should.

Scripture: “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21)
Word of Expectation: Your heart is the most important thing about you. It’s the real you, the life granted by God (in His image), destined to live eternally. Your heart has the capacity to hold onto things with affection. Right now, your heart has attached itself to a “treasure.” Jesus counsels us to place eternal valuables in your heart today. As you spend this day, try to be aware of what you are treasuring. Try this question: What people or things do my thoughts drift toward without conscious effort? (Is it using up more heart-space than I give God?)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Spirit knows my heart better than I do. Show me what I am treasuring. May You be my greatest valuable. Guide my affections away from fool’s gold. Purify my heart today. Amen.

By Bob Rasmussen who writes at www.RobertERasmussen.com

But Mary kept all that had happened in her heart, thinking often about this Treasure.

Christmas. Twelfth day.

Men came. Foreigners from far off in the East.
Persia, perhaps? Home of the invaders, conquerors over centuries.
What language did they speak? Was Mary frightened
to see these strangers coming to her home?
But look:
"Their joy knew no bounds!Entering the house where the baby and Mary, his mother, were,
they threw themselves down before him, worshiping. Then
they opened their presents and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
This was surely acts of kindness, banishing fear.

Mary knew her baby was the son of God. 
As those men also realized who Jesus was
may we too have our own epiphany of who He IS.

Sunday 5 January 2014

Christmas. Eleventh day.

 There was a pause in time.
The babe was born. Cleaned up. Pronounced healthy.
The curious visited. Faithful ones declared him special.
But Mary wondered. Waited.
There was much more to come.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Christmas. Tenth day.

After the celebrations come
the quiet days.
the dark days.
the could-be-lonely days.

But we rejoice here with the family
God has so
graciously
given us.

Staying in loving community
we laugh and love
being together
sharing life.

Thursday 2 January 2014

Bad bad bad! But there IS hope!.

I have been struggling to live obediently lately. My not-so-godly attitude has caused me a lot of grief and I've found my prayer-mindedness full of complaint.

Today, I read Amy Carroll's post about motives. She is a women's leader with a wide ministry but she struggles with the same sins I do. (They are on HER blog. I'm not mentioning them here!)

She says:
As I’ve thought about how to imitate Jesus in my motives, I ask myself two questions when making choices:
• Does this put me or others first?
• Is this a choice to be more or to be nothing?
These two questions expose any twisted motives and bring me back to my chosen position of nothing. Day by day, my motives are refined. It’s a painful process sometimes, but it’s a good process that ultimately produces pure motives with divine outcomes.'
Great wisdom. And as I look at my struggles to have the right attitude in the face of various injustices where I have, on a globally-microscopic-scale, been mistreated, I find I am overwhelmingly thankful for them. 
God is using them to refine me and make me a tinsy-winsy bit more like my amazing Friend and Brother.

Christmas. Ninth day. Easter comes.

Reading God On Mute by Pete Greig. Revelatory walk through the events of Easter as he engages with 'the silence of unanswered prayer'.

I have arrived at Easter Sunday with Mary Magdalene at the tomb. And Pete says: 'The Earth has quaked and angels worship, but He Himself is mistaken for a humble, bumbling horticulturalist with dirt beneath his fingernails at the start of a working day.'

The start. The start of a new agreement between God and man where, because of Jesus, there is peace in the garden. It really is God starting over again.

In the beginning, God, the Master Gardener, created the Garden of Earth. He brought the soil, the rocks and stones, created the hills and valleys, brought in plants and the animals which lived there. Added lighting to suit the mood. A macroscopic version of an entry into the garden competition of the Chelsea Flower Show.

Then Man and Woman spoilt it, and we've been living in the mud and mess ever since.

So how fitting that Jesus appears as a Gardener in the new world he has created. He brings His life-giving Spirit to grow his garden.

As for us? We are plants to be loved and nurtured by Him, growing into full maturity, blooming under His tender care. But we are also gardeners, working under the Master Gardener, getting cracks in our palms and dirt under our nails.

Just as He did.

And so we celebrate Christmas, when the Promise came and the New Thing began...
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland


God is cultivating the garden of my soul...as I read Pete's book about suffering and unanswered prayer in my wasteland...but that's another story.

Christmas. Eighth day...

Yes, into the new year but still in these twelve days of Christmastide.

Christmas. He came. HE came! Yet:
so much about this baby was unexpected.
His conception - and the manner of it. Who would have thought it?
His birth - among strangers. No grandmother there to welcome him. Squalid circumstances.
Angelic visions.
Uncouth, rough men visiting.
Surely all those who heard the shepherds story
full of God's praise and glory
must have been amazed.
Surely there must have been a curious mob
thronging the doors of the stable.
Was there a disturbance in those crowded streets?
Did Roman soldiers come with terror?
Or did God surround His newborn son with the promised peace?

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Christmas. Seventh day.

I wonder, in these days of dark and Light.
That unexpected sojourning place
of dirt and stench and squalor: did it become
a haven, of sorts?
Did Mary clean up a cosy corner,
nesting quietly with her new born,
treasuring every precious moment?
Was that stable a place
of refuge, away from rough men
and foreign soldiers?
Later, looking back from that road to Egypt,
did she long for that short time
of quiet and stability?

2014. First day.

A beautiful beginning to the year....
"Fresh start Jan 1. New Year ReSubmissions

Scripture: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:13-14a).

Word of Expectation: As we enter a new year, let’s balance our optimism with submission to God. There is a difference between faith in what God will do, and presumption about what we will do. James advises us to tone down our confident plans and more humbly resolve, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Think back over the year that is ending. What did God do that you could not have planned or foreseen on January 1, 2013? What blessings did He bring? What difficulties did He bring? Let’s be very aware today that the year to come belongs to the Lord. Let’s begin the year with a heart attitude of expectancy as we walk through each day and week in submission to our loving and sovereign Lord.

Prayer: Father, as I begin this new year, I acknowledge that you have given me the responsibility to make choices. Help me to do so with the awareness that You are ultimately in control. I surrender afresh to Your good purpose for my life. Amen."


And Wendy Blight focuses on one of my favourite passages in Romans:
During this first week of January, many of us will begin anew. New diets and exercise regiments. New Bible studies and reading plans. New organization and time management routines.
We’ll commit to break bad habits, restore broken relationships, and be “better” people.
We call these New Year’s resolutions. I confess. I’ve made more than my fair share of these in the last 25 years.
But most, like me, soon forget our good-intended resolutions. We mean well. But life gets busy. We return to our old habits. To that which is comfortable and doesn’t require so much sacrifice.
I want something better. Something new.
What about you?
Will you join me in doing a new thing this year?
Let’s begin the very best place we can … God’s Word. Romans 12:1-2 says,
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering … Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it … God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (The Message)
Using this passage, let’s write a New Year’s Prayer. But not just any prayer. Reread Romans 12:1. There is a powerful little word tucked in that first sentence. Paul tells us to take our lives and place them before God as an offering.
Together, let’s make a New Year’s offering.
We can make all the resolutions we want, but we can’t change ourselves. But when we willingly offer our lives to God, He will change us. The NIV translation of Romans 12:2 says, “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The renewing of our mind requires inward change and comes from God at work in us. It requires diligence on our part. It requires changing our thoughts, our priorities, and goals to be aligned with those of Christ.
It’s baby steps. And it doesn’t require changing everything all at once.
Let’s begin today with our first step … a simple prayer, offering our hearts to God.
How do we do this?
We’re going to write a prayer together. I’ll start. You finish.
Heavenly Father, I praise You this day as Elohim, God my Creator. You are the Author of my life. You are the Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. You are all I need. My heart’s desire in this New Year is to grow closer to You. In knowing You better, I will know myself more because my identity is found in You.
I want to become a woman after Your own heart. God, I ask You to help me each day carve out time to spend with You. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to receive, and a mind to understand all that You will teach me. Make my heart tender to hear Your voice each time I meet with You.
Take Your Word and penetrate my heart. Create a hunger deep inside my soul for more and more of You. May nothing else satisfy me more than You.
Give me a heart of humility. If there is anything in me that keeps me from hearing You, reveal it to me. Convict me. Move me to confession. Cleanse my heart and renew a right spirit within me so I can be in perfect fellowship with You.
Fill my heart with Your truth. Plant it deep so that it takes root. Move me. Change me. Transform me. Empower me to live out what I hear and learn.
Every day of this New Year, make my life one long walk of obedience in response to Your Word and Your Holy Spirit Who lives and reigns in me. Let Your love and Your Word shape my life. This is my prayer offering. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now let’s commit together to pray our prayer throughout the year … asking God to change us from the inside out … in baby steps.

And finally, some precious words from Isaiah:
This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.