Recently I have received exactly the same letter from a variety of people.
That letter was simply “D”
Have you noticed in the English dictionary how devilishly dreadfully discouraging, depressing and damaging the ‘D’ family is? Their children are disobedient delinquents.
Death, destruction, disillusionment, depression, despair, disappointment, deceit are all members of D’s devastating family.
So I think I will encourage everyone who has presented me with a depressing “D” letter by replying with a “D” letter.
Now don’t get confused, they may look the same but my family of D’s are not relatives. This family is of divine parentage. They are dedicated, devoted and delightfully desirable. They are decent and dependable, dynamic and deserving of praise.
Ok, so I could go on and on. What is the point?
1) Don’t judge by simply by outward appearances.(Jn7:24 stop judging by mere outward appearances and make rightful judgements)
2) Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21 don’t be overcome or influenced by evil but overcome evil with good)
We have a saying in England, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” It is not by peoples looks or social standing that you will know them but by their ‘fruits’, the way they live and respond to life’s events.
It may help to use the word DISCERNMENT for the judgment that God encourages, and CRITICISM for inappropriate and damaging judgments.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
INADEQUACY?
I have been going through a time of being disappointed with myself and of feeling inadequate. The fruits of the spirit seem to have fallen off the tree. Unfortunately age does not automatically bring wisdom!(or patience).
Paul reminds us that our confidence and competence comes only from Jesus(2 Cor 3:4) I have concluded that my life is not yet fully hidden with Him in God.(Col:3.3) There is much of the old me that is still showing.
Many biblical characters had ‘shaky’ moments. Elijah is a prime example. Doubts, insecurities and even depression hit us all and they are indications that we have been knocked off course, have un-realistic expectations or are looking in the wrong direction. Disappointment is the doorway to discouragement and depression.
I, we, need to recognise discouragement quickly and discard it (it is Satan’s prime weapon). Jesus could have been discouraged when his closest friends went to sleep and deserted him in his time of most need, or when Peter denied him. Even this did not deter him from his calling because his trust was in God and not man; on his father and not his feelings.
Isaiah 40:31 urges us to wait on the Lord, to expect great things from God. (the Hebrew says those who wait expectantly). God wants us to EXPECT and HOPE for and to earnestly desire all that he has promised. We need to remind ourselves that our competence and confidence needs to come from him and not from self effort. It is so easy to look to our own desires and rely on human perceptions. It is even easier to be diverted by our feelings especially when we are ill, tired or going though difficult emotional times.
If we expect him, trust him, desire him to renew our strength, to enable us to fly and rise up as eagles, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint he will not disappoint us.
Strength to the weary, power to the faint; YES, please, I will have some of that.
I sometimes forget that I am a work in progress, that I am being transformed into His likeness. I need to be still and know and trust. It will make it much easier for him to clothe me in righteousness.
Have you ever tried dressing an over-active child who is more interested in other things and doing what they want to do?
Paul reminds us that our confidence and competence comes only from Jesus(2 Cor 3:4) I have concluded that my life is not yet fully hidden with Him in God.(Col:3.3) There is much of the old me that is still showing.
Many biblical characters had ‘shaky’ moments. Elijah is a prime example. Doubts, insecurities and even depression hit us all and they are indications that we have been knocked off course, have un-realistic expectations or are looking in the wrong direction. Disappointment is the doorway to discouragement and depression.
I, we, need to recognise discouragement quickly and discard it (it is Satan’s prime weapon). Jesus could have been discouraged when his closest friends went to sleep and deserted him in his time of most need, or when Peter denied him. Even this did not deter him from his calling because his trust was in God and not man; on his father and not his feelings.
Isaiah 40:31 urges us to wait on the Lord, to expect great things from God. (the Hebrew says those who wait expectantly). God wants us to EXPECT and HOPE for and to earnestly desire all that he has promised. We need to remind ourselves that our competence and confidence needs to come from him and not from self effort. It is so easy to look to our own desires and rely on human perceptions. It is even easier to be diverted by our feelings especially when we are ill, tired or going though difficult emotional times.
If we expect him, trust him, desire him to renew our strength, to enable us to fly and rise up as eagles, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint he will not disappoint us.
Strength to the weary, power to the faint; YES, please, I will have some of that.
I sometimes forget that I am a work in progress, that I am being transformed into His likeness. I need to be still and know and trust. It will make it much easier for him to clothe me in righteousness.
Have you ever tried dressing an over-active child who is more interested in other things and doing what they want to do?
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
A SIMPLE REMINDER
2 Thes.2:13-17. From the beginning God chose YOU to be saved…..so that YOU might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will encourage and strengthen you in every good deed and word that YOU SHARE.
Philemon v 6. Be active in sharing YOUR faith so that YOU (yourself) will have a fuller understanding of every good thing YOU have in Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 4:11. Lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work hard and live in such a way that you win the respect of those around you.
Coloss 3:15-17. Let my peace rule within you. Let the word of Christ dwell in you. Whatever you do or say, do everything with thanksgiving in Jesus name.
Coloss 4:5-6. Be wise and gracious in your responses to the un-saved. Make the most of every opportunity (to help and witness). Let your conversation always be full of grace and encouragement.
Isaiah 59:21. Remember, Gods spirit is upon you. HIS words have been placed in YOUR mouth. They will not depart from you.
So, speak them out and act upon them and be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 1:16)
Philemon v 6. Be active in sharing YOUR faith so that YOU (yourself) will have a fuller understanding of every good thing YOU have in Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 4:11. Lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work hard and live in such a way that you win the respect of those around you.
Coloss 3:15-17. Let my peace rule within you. Let the word of Christ dwell in you. Whatever you do or say, do everything with thanksgiving in Jesus name.
Coloss 4:5-6. Be wise and gracious in your responses to the un-saved. Make the most of every opportunity (to help and witness). Let your conversation always be full of grace and encouragement.
Isaiah 59:21. Remember, Gods spirit is upon you. HIS words have been placed in YOUR mouth. They will not depart from you.
So, speak them out and act upon them and be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 1:16)
Thursday, 7 January 2010
OUR FAITH
Hebrews 11:1 says “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The root of the greek word substance is absolute confidence and the word hope also has its roots in trust. So we can legitimately re-state the verse as ‘Faith is the absolute confidence of what we trust in even if it cannot be seen.’
I know many people who say how stupid it is to believe in God and Salvation and Heaven. They consider Christianity illogical and lacking proof or substance.
To those who question faith I say what of your television, phone, electricity, radiation and x-rays, space travel, flight etc, etc.
None of these could be ‘seen’ yet a few men had vision, they had faith, they had trust, they had confidence that what could not be seen or understood actually did exist and so in faith they reached out and searched and experimented and eventually grasped and proved that “that which was not apparent to most people actually existed”. Proverbs 29:18 says “Without vision the people perish”.
If the men of discovery had not stood firm in the confidence of their vision, discovery would have eluded them. They persevered!
People question the Christian faith yet every day they put their faith in things that cannot be seen or readily understood. (can we see sound waves transmitted from our phones, do we understand how it works) We accept many things because we have tried them and prove they work.
The Bible says “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Christians have tasted and tried and have established a relationship with the “unseen” God of creation.
2Cor 5:7 states “We live by faith, not by sight.” As Christians we live by faith in Jesus Christ. He is our vision, our reason for living.
Faith is under attack. Jesus knew it would be. Luke18: 8; “when the son of man returns will he find faith on the earth?"
Isa 7: 9 states, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all”.
Eph 6:13 says, “When you have done all you can, remain standing”. We need to persevere. So much can be lost because discouragement eats away at our vision. We all have ‘down’ times so we need to help and encourage one another.
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Your faith may be questioned but don’t let your faith be undermined. The more we examine the word of God, the more we apply His principals to our lives, the more we encourage and pray for each other the greater and stronger our confidence and faith becomes. Our vision becomes clearer and more tangible.
“Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Heb 4: 14) and look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)
I know many people who say how stupid it is to believe in God and Salvation and Heaven. They consider Christianity illogical and lacking proof or substance.
To those who question faith I say what of your television, phone, electricity, radiation and x-rays, space travel, flight etc, etc.
None of these could be ‘seen’ yet a few men had vision, they had faith, they had trust, they had confidence that what could not be seen or understood actually did exist and so in faith they reached out and searched and experimented and eventually grasped and proved that “that which was not apparent to most people actually existed”. Proverbs 29:18 says “Without vision the people perish”.
If the men of discovery had not stood firm in the confidence of their vision, discovery would have eluded them. They persevered!
People question the Christian faith yet every day they put their faith in things that cannot be seen or readily understood. (can we see sound waves transmitted from our phones, do we understand how it works) We accept many things because we have tried them and prove they work.
The Bible says “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. Christians have tasted and tried and have established a relationship with the “unseen” God of creation.
2Cor 5:7 states “We live by faith, not by sight.” As Christians we live by faith in Jesus Christ. He is our vision, our reason for living.
Faith is under attack. Jesus knew it would be. Luke18: 8; “when the son of man returns will he find faith on the earth?"
Isa 7: 9 states, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all”.
Eph 6:13 says, “When you have done all you can, remain standing”. We need to persevere. So much can be lost because discouragement eats away at our vision. We all have ‘down’ times so we need to help and encourage one another.
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Your faith may be questioned but don’t let your faith be undermined. The more we examine the word of God, the more we apply His principals to our lives, the more we encourage and pray for each other the greater and stronger our confidence and faith becomes. Our vision becomes clearer and more tangible.
“Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Heb 4: 14) and look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)
Sunday, 27 December 2009
DUSTPAN AND BRUSH
We are facing another New Year. A time when we often look back before considering what is to come.
Psalm 23 Says “ Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” For years I thought Lord let me slow down or make goodness and mercy to go faster so that they can catch up with me. Just before Christmas I was back in hospital for a while and praying that God would heal me. The old discourager was there in a flash, saying things like; ‘Why? you don’t deserve it. Remember when you did this or thought that? Think of the lies, improper thoughts, the things you knew you should have done but didn’t.’ ‘You say you love him, yet look at your track record’, You say you believe yet think of your doubts’
As thoughts of past times flashed past, Gods Spirit reminded and reassured me that everything had been taken care of. The things satan threw at me were simply memories, holograms, with no substance because Jesus had dealt with them.
Paul knew, as we do, the inner conflict between spirit and soul, “ The very things I do not want to do I find myself doing, and it hurts. I am not perfect but I press on towards the goal of my high calling in Christ Jesus.”
Without being irreverent I have come to look upon God’s goodness and mercy as His dustpan and brush.
In-spite of the many mistakes I make and the things I drop on the way to my goal, ‘God’s goodness and God’s mercy’ are following me and cleaning up as I go. When I go through the gates I will not be taking any rubbish with me. James reminds us that if we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us because we have an advocate, Jesus Christ.
God is still graciously working on me but I know that because of Jesus my past is forgiven, my present is provided for and my future is assured. So in the coming yea if we do look back let us be greatful for the evidence of God’s mercy, forgiveness and goodness to us. Forget new years resolutions. Go all out for an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God is not looking for our faults only at the sincerity of our hearts.
Keep your eyes and hearts on the Saviour and have a joyful, contented and meaningful new year.
Psalm 23 Says “ Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” For years I thought Lord let me slow down or make goodness and mercy to go faster so that they can catch up with me. Just before Christmas I was back in hospital for a while and praying that God would heal me. The old discourager was there in a flash, saying things like; ‘Why? you don’t deserve it. Remember when you did this or thought that? Think of the lies, improper thoughts, the things you knew you should have done but didn’t.’ ‘You say you love him, yet look at your track record’, You say you believe yet think of your doubts’
As thoughts of past times flashed past, Gods Spirit reminded and reassured me that everything had been taken care of. The things satan threw at me were simply memories, holograms, with no substance because Jesus had dealt with them.
Paul knew, as we do, the inner conflict between spirit and soul, “ The very things I do not want to do I find myself doing, and it hurts. I am not perfect but I press on towards the goal of my high calling in Christ Jesus.”
Without being irreverent I have come to look upon God’s goodness and mercy as His dustpan and brush.
In-spite of the many mistakes I make and the things I drop on the way to my goal, ‘God’s goodness and God’s mercy’ are following me and cleaning up as I go. When I go through the gates I will not be taking any rubbish with me. James reminds us that if we confess our sins God is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us because we have an advocate, Jesus Christ.
God is still graciously working on me but I know that because of Jesus my past is forgiven, my present is provided for and my future is assured. So in the coming yea if we do look back let us be greatful for the evidence of God’s mercy, forgiveness and goodness to us. Forget new years resolutions. Go all out for an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God is not looking for our faults only at the sincerity of our hearts.
Keep your eyes and hearts on the Saviour and have a joyful, contented and meaningful new year.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
POWER OF CHOICE
It is not so much events and people around us that affect our lives but our attitude to the people and situations we encounter.
Every moment WE have the powerful responsibility to choose. A choice can be made in a moment but the consequences can last a lifetime. WE can ALWAYS choose to be positive or negative, to be sensible or foolish, cheerful or miserable; you get the idea.
Whoever we are, our choices have an effect on those who come into contact with us. We can choose to make that contact positive and encouraging or negative and damaging.
I set before you life or death (Deut 30 v 19 )
No man can serve two masters (Luk 15 v 13 )
Choose you this day who you will serve (Josh 24 v 15)
Our thoughts will affect our attitude, our actions, and our responses. We have the power, through choice, to shape our lives. We have the authority to build ourselves up or to drag ourselves down. God will help you to do the former and satan will be glad to help you with the latter.
Our choices, will to a greater or lesser extent, affect the lives of others.
Think carefully and in terms of eternity choose life, and build yourself up in your most Holy faith.(Jude 1 v 20)
Every moment WE have the powerful responsibility to choose. A choice can be made in a moment but the consequences can last a lifetime. WE can ALWAYS choose to be positive or negative, to be sensible or foolish, cheerful or miserable; you get the idea.
Whoever we are, our choices have an effect on those who come into contact with us. We can choose to make that contact positive and encouraging or negative and damaging.
I set before you life or death (Deut 30 v 19 )
No man can serve two masters (Luk 15 v 13 )
Choose you this day who you will serve (Josh 24 v 15)
Our thoughts will affect our attitude, our actions, and our responses. We have the power, through choice, to shape our lives. We have the authority to build ourselves up or to drag ourselves down. God will help you to do the former and satan will be glad to help you with the latter.
Our choices, will to a greater or lesser extent, affect the lives of others.
Think carefully and in terms of eternity choose life, and build yourself up in your most Holy faith.(Jude 1 v 20)
Monday, 7 December 2009
SIX P's
A picture came to mind a few years ago of an open hand and in it were six garden peas. I dismissed it but as it kept re-occurring I concluded that the good Lord was trying to tell me something so I asked for an explanation. Weeks past; One morning, waking from a good nights sleep, I sensed God’s Spirit saying the six PEAS represent six P’s. "Prayer, Praise and Proclamation will Prevent Problems Prevailing".I have since realised in practice how true this is.
Now let’s be clear these six P’s are not a magic manta that will make trials and tribulations disappear. However our entire attitude to people and problems drastically changes when we focus on God.
Prayer Ja 5 v 16 says “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”. (Remember, we are now made righteous in Christ Jesus cf Ro5/19: gal3/11) . PH 4 v 6 . “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Bad things happen to good people and the storms of life hit us suddenly. Bringing our thoughts and emotions into subjection to Jesus Christ is often a tough declaration of our faith.
Prayer is not just about asking for things but having a true and loving relationship that enables us to talk to God about everything.
Praise. When we praise someone it is an expression of honour, recognition of service or achievement. Heb 13 v 15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.” PH 4 v 8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”
Praise is also an exclamation of thankfulness. When we recognize and acknowledge with thanks all that Jesus Christ has secured for us then a continuous sacrifice of praise becomes spontaneous. A grateful heart makes for peace and the joy of the Lord IS our strength.
Proclamation; speaking out, making an announcement.. Remind yourself of his Lordship over everything, speak out and lay claim to his wonderful promises. Never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus(Ro 1 v 16).
Hebrews 4 v 2 recalls that the words they heard, the promises given were invalidated because of lack of faith. Let us learn to remind ourselves of the wonder of his word and his promises: speak them out and claim the reality of them.
Life will present many trials and tragedies. We may make a multitude of mistakes, we may shout at, scream at and question God,but through it all God will never let go. Prayer, praise and proclamation helps to put everything into perspective. Why?, because they enable us to focus on God and his faithfulness. In-spite of our weaknesses and failings, the trials, tribulations and tragedies of life need not prevail. Such is the grace of God, such is the wonderful, loving faithfulness of God.
Our soul, emotions, flesh (call it whatever you like) will still fight for supremacy but persevere with the first three P’s and prove God.
I do not wish to trivialise anyone’s problems but Prayer, Praise and Proclamation will change your focus and your attitude. You too can be an over comer in Christ. Join with me and discover that Prayer, Praise and Proclamation will, by Gods Holy Spirit and grace, prevent those problems from prevailing.
Now let’s be clear these six P’s are not a magic manta that will make trials and tribulations disappear. However our entire attitude to people and problems drastically changes when we focus on God.
Prayer Ja 5 v 16 says “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”. (Remember, we are now made righteous in Christ Jesus cf Ro5/19: gal3/11) . PH 4 v 6 . “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Bad things happen to good people and the storms of life hit us suddenly. Bringing our thoughts and emotions into subjection to Jesus Christ is often a tough declaration of our faith.
Prayer is not just about asking for things but having a true and loving relationship that enables us to talk to God about everything.
Praise. When we praise someone it is an expression of honour, recognition of service or achievement. Heb 13 v 15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.” PH 4 v 8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”
Praise is also an exclamation of thankfulness. When we recognize and acknowledge with thanks all that Jesus Christ has secured for us then a continuous sacrifice of praise becomes spontaneous. A grateful heart makes for peace and the joy of the Lord IS our strength.
Proclamation; speaking out, making an announcement.. Remind yourself of his Lordship over everything, speak out and lay claim to his wonderful promises. Never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus(Ro 1 v 16).
Hebrews 4 v 2 recalls that the words they heard, the promises given were invalidated because of lack of faith. Let us learn to remind ourselves of the wonder of his word and his promises: speak them out and claim the reality of them.
Life will present many trials and tragedies. We may make a multitude of mistakes, we may shout at, scream at and question God,but through it all God will never let go. Prayer, praise and proclamation helps to put everything into perspective. Why?, because they enable us to focus on God and his faithfulness. In-spite of our weaknesses and failings, the trials, tribulations and tragedies of life need not prevail. Such is the grace of God, such is the wonderful, loving faithfulness of God.
Our soul, emotions, flesh (call it whatever you like) will still fight for supremacy but persevere with the first three P’s and prove God.
I do not wish to trivialise anyone’s problems but Prayer, Praise and Proclamation will change your focus and your attitude. You too can be an over comer in Christ. Join with me and discover that Prayer, Praise and Proclamation will, by Gods Holy Spirit and grace, prevent those problems from prevailing.
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