I said last time that there would be more, and there is. But a couple of factors have changed the focus slightly from the Church as a whole to us as individuals. Both of these things have really challenged me recently so I make no apologies if this turns in to two blogs in one!
The first is a battle that I've been fighting for a while now, since my pastor told me to work out who I am as an individual. Identity is such a powerful thing, and placing it in the wrong things is dangerous...but all too easy.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm" (Psalm 20:7-8)
The Bible is full of stuff about how people put their hope and their faith and their trust in other things besides God, and that is what shapes their identity. I fall in to that category, and it has been a real struggle trying to discover who I am in Christ because I’ve always allowed myself to be shaped by other people and circumstances. Over time, as I’ve been knocked back and rejected by the people that matter most to me, and have failed at the things that matter to me, I’ve been brought to my knees like those in the passage above who place their identity in the wrong things. Recently, as I’ve been working through this with a friend, I’ve been discovering that in fact I am what God says about me, not what the world says about me. Learning to apply that, and to live in the victory of those truths, is going to be a long journey.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)
The second is a conviction that I've had for a shorter time, but nevertheless it’s been a real awakening. My church has recently been working to a new vision based on 2 Corinthians 4, treasure in jars of clay, and seeking to break away the clay that is masking the treasure in this community and in us as individuals. I was struck recently by the thought that if we're to be effective in this corporate task then each of us will need to play our individual part in that (with compassion, sacrifice and desperation as mentioned in my last post). I believe it's time for The Salvation Army to live up to its name. William Booth purposefully stated that we are not just a Christian mission but an ARMY. We're called to take a stand for what is right. We're called to fight for justice and for salvation. And the only way that we will ever be effective corporately is if we're effective individually. I’m reminded of a quote from a military officer in the First World War, who said (roughly) that if a war is to be won it will not be won by the generals but by the privates. Likewise, if this war is to be won, it needs each of us to take our stand, united and upright.
One thing I constantly pray at the moment is that I would be a worthy role model for the young people that I work with, and a worthy representative of God’s Kingdom to the people who I come into contact with each day. I can’t change things in the world by myself, but I can change myself – and unless I do that and constantly measure myself by the standards given by God and not the world, all attempts at anything on a corporate level will be fruitless.
Carrying this point a bit further, let me elaborate on the “Desperate” section of my last post. I was writing about the need for us to be solely dependant on God if anything is to happen. As I’ve been praying about this, one passage has really stuck out to me that really illustrates what I’ve been thinking about – and it uses better words than “desperate”!
“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.” (Acts 16:23-26)
After being beaten and thrown into captivity, Paul and Silas’ first and natural response is prayer and worship – and they weren’t ashamed to be seen doing so either, the other prisoners were listening to them. We really need to be people who reflect that – who are stirred to pray and press deeper in worship, despite what is going on around us or indeed what is happening to us. That’s something I need to learn. And we need to be doing so in full view of the world. The key word in this passage, I believe, is “suddenly”. Paul and Silas were praying and singing, and “at once” they were set free, and everybody’s chains fell off…not just theirs, but the chains of those who witnessed their prayer and worship.
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13)
I’ve heard it asked recently why we’re not seeing revival and transformation on the scale that the early church saw…and, much more recently, on the scale seen in the early days of The Salvation Army. I believe that a lot of it comes down to our lack of prayer, worship and subsequent expectation. I sense that if we (as a church and as individuals) are wanting to see clay broken away, or chains falling off, whatever you want to call it, central to that needs to be a passion for prayer and an urge to press deeper in worship. When we do that, expect the “suddenly”!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
What's in a name?
Feels like I haven't written anything for ages. I've been gathering my thoughts! Following recent events I've been thinking so much about what the Church (capital C) is called to be.
"on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19)
It has been a really challenging journey as I've thought and prayed about it. And I don't suppose for a minute that the journey has ended, so expect "What's in a name; Part 2" very shortly! But a few of the things that have consistently stuck out to me are:
Compassion
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2Corinthians 1:3-4)
Compassion is what revealed the true mother of the disputed baby (1Kings 3:26). I believe that that same driving, motivating feeling of love and understanding is what should set us apart as Christians in a broken and hurting world.
In the above passage, Paul writes that we recieve comfort from God so that we can pass that comfort on to other people. The Old Testament is full of stories of God's compassion. The Psalms repeatedly make reference to it. Jesus on many occasions is moved "by compassion" to do something, a perfect example being when He healed the leper...
"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured." (Mark 1:40-42)
In those days, leprosy was serious business (the Greek word refers not just to leprosy but to a variety of diseases which affect the skin). There were strict laws in place regarding what a person with the disease could and couldn't do, and that anybody coming in to contact with such a person would render themselves unclean. But here we see Jesus filled with compassion bypassing all the laws and policies that isolate and devalue the man, reaching out His hand and touching him. No doubt it would have caused uproar among the religious experts and the people who saw the proceedings - the same people who were more worried about the fact that Jesus broke a rule by healing a man on the sabbath than the fact that a man had just been healed in their Synagogue (see Matthew 12:9-14).
Recently I've seen versions of that where people and organisations get so caught up in policies and rules and wrapping themselves in cotton wool to protect themselves that they miss the fact that we are called to a broken and hurting world that is in desperate need of compassion. Jesus did things that broke the law, made people hate him and eventually kill him (after a few failed plots)...but He still did them because He knew what needed doing. I get a really strong sense that we are called to go against the grain sometimes, to do things that seem stupid in the eyes of the world. We're not working in the name of the world, we're working in the name of Jesus and as such we should do things His way and not be ashamed of it. If Jesus hadn't acted with compassion and did the things that He did for the people He did them for, nobody else would have done it. People are in desperate places with desperate needs and desperate hurts that the world, in all it's rules and policies and fears, won't respond to. If the Church won't meet those needs and stand with those people then who will?
Sacrifice
Another thing that I've been reminded of is that it isn't acceptable to offer our working days up to God...Monday 10-5, Tuesday evenings, Friday afternoons and all day Sunday. God demands our life, 24/7. I'm always really humbled by the calling of the first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22) - how as Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their family business and security and comfort zone to follow Him, each of them dropped what they were doing and followed Him "immediately". Not one of them would have had a clue what lay ahead. The fact that they were merely following in the family trade meant that they had no potential for making a way for themselves so they may have doubted their ability to do what Jesus required of them...but nonetheless they laid down their job, their security, their family commitments etc and made a commitment to the call of Jesus. Jesus makes no attempt to hide the sacrifice involved in being a disciple...
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:57-62)
If we're too busy with our own "personal commitments" to be God's hands and feet at any time then what good are we? Yes, it's a costly call. Yes, James and John's dad might have been a bit put out when they left him. Yes, it does mean sometimes losing a lot of sleep. But I believe that there is no greater joy than that of seeing the love of God expressed in a costly situation.
"I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2Samuel 24:24). Had David built the altar there on a free plot of land using free materials as offered by Araunah it would't have been the sacrifice that God had commanded. If we live lives of conditional ministry that fits within our time restraints and outside commitments, it isn't the sacrifice that God has commanded. When Jesus fed the five thousand, the disciples complained that it was getting late. They were tired and worn out. Right now, as I'm sitting in the office at church writing this, I have to be honest and say that I'm feeling pretty crap. I don't understand a lot of things that are happening at the moment. I'm tired, have had a stressful day and want nothing more than to go home to bed. But I'm struck once again by the fact that despite the disciples' weaknesses, Jesus did amazing things that evening. If the Church won't meet the needs and stand with the people that come at "inconvenient times" then who will?
Desperate
It seems a strange word, and maybe it's not the right word to use. But I sense that we need to be a people who know that we are nothing on our own. There's nothing really that I can say to elaborate on that one.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them." (1John 4:4-5)
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6)
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you" (2Chronicles 20:12)
What would it be like to be a people who rely and trust solely in God, regardless of what society says, regardless of how bleak things look from our sheltered perspective? Somebody speaking at church on sunday mentioned the moment when Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away from Him...He prays the "yet not my will but Yours" bit, then (a verse I hadn't noticed before)..."an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him" (Luke 22:43).
I believe we need to be a people who do everything in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and worship...
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)
As I mentioned at the beginning, this is nowhere near the end of the list. I sense that God has so much more on the horizon for me to learn. If it's going to be anything like the recent events that have taught me the things above then I'm slightly scared! But I'm also slightly tired so I'm going home, and will continue another time. Basically though, if the Church won't, then who will?
"on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19)
It has been a really challenging journey as I've thought and prayed about it. And I don't suppose for a minute that the journey has ended, so expect "What's in a name; Part 2" very shortly! But a few of the things that have consistently stuck out to me are:
Compassion
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2Corinthians 1:3-4)
Compassion is what revealed the true mother of the disputed baby (1Kings 3:26). I believe that that same driving, motivating feeling of love and understanding is what should set us apart as Christians in a broken and hurting world.
In the above passage, Paul writes that we recieve comfort from God so that we can pass that comfort on to other people. The Old Testament is full of stories of God's compassion. The Psalms repeatedly make reference to it. Jesus on many occasions is moved "by compassion" to do something, a perfect example being when He healed the leper...
"A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured." (Mark 1:40-42)
In those days, leprosy was serious business (the Greek word refers not just to leprosy but to a variety of diseases which affect the skin). There were strict laws in place regarding what a person with the disease could and couldn't do, and that anybody coming in to contact with such a person would render themselves unclean. But here we see Jesus filled with compassion bypassing all the laws and policies that isolate and devalue the man, reaching out His hand and touching him. No doubt it would have caused uproar among the religious experts and the people who saw the proceedings - the same people who were more worried about the fact that Jesus broke a rule by healing a man on the sabbath than the fact that a man had just been healed in their Synagogue (see Matthew 12:9-14).
Recently I've seen versions of that where people and organisations get so caught up in policies and rules and wrapping themselves in cotton wool to protect themselves that they miss the fact that we are called to a broken and hurting world that is in desperate need of compassion. Jesus did things that broke the law, made people hate him and eventually kill him (after a few failed plots)...but He still did them because He knew what needed doing. I get a really strong sense that we are called to go against the grain sometimes, to do things that seem stupid in the eyes of the world. We're not working in the name of the world, we're working in the name of Jesus and as such we should do things His way and not be ashamed of it. If Jesus hadn't acted with compassion and did the things that He did for the people He did them for, nobody else would have done it. People are in desperate places with desperate needs and desperate hurts that the world, in all it's rules and policies and fears, won't respond to. If the Church won't meet those needs and stand with those people then who will?
Sacrifice
Another thing that I've been reminded of is that it isn't acceptable to offer our working days up to God...Monday 10-5, Tuesday evenings, Friday afternoons and all day Sunday. God demands our life, 24/7. I'm always really humbled by the calling of the first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22) - how as Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their family business and security and comfort zone to follow Him, each of them dropped what they were doing and followed Him "immediately". Not one of them would have had a clue what lay ahead. The fact that they were merely following in the family trade meant that they had no potential for making a way for themselves so they may have doubted their ability to do what Jesus required of them...but nonetheless they laid down their job, their security, their family commitments etc and made a commitment to the call of Jesus. Jesus makes no attempt to hide the sacrifice involved in being a disciple...
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:57-62)
If we're too busy with our own "personal commitments" to be God's hands and feet at any time then what good are we? Yes, it's a costly call. Yes, James and John's dad might have been a bit put out when they left him. Yes, it does mean sometimes losing a lot of sleep. But I believe that there is no greater joy than that of seeing the love of God expressed in a costly situation.
"I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2Samuel 24:24). Had David built the altar there on a free plot of land using free materials as offered by Araunah it would't have been the sacrifice that God had commanded. If we live lives of conditional ministry that fits within our time restraints and outside commitments, it isn't the sacrifice that God has commanded. When Jesus fed the five thousand, the disciples complained that it was getting late. They were tired and worn out. Right now, as I'm sitting in the office at church writing this, I have to be honest and say that I'm feeling pretty crap. I don't understand a lot of things that are happening at the moment. I'm tired, have had a stressful day and want nothing more than to go home to bed. But I'm struck once again by the fact that despite the disciples' weaknesses, Jesus did amazing things that evening. If the Church won't meet the needs and stand with the people that come at "inconvenient times" then who will?
Desperate
It seems a strange word, and maybe it's not the right word to use. But I sense that we need to be a people who know that we are nothing on our own. There's nothing really that I can say to elaborate on that one.
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them." (1John 4:4-5)
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6)
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you" (2Chronicles 20:12)
What would it be like to be a people who rely and trust solely in God, regardless of what society says, regardless of how bleak things look from our sheltered perspective? Somebody speaking at church on sunday mentioned the moment when Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away from Him...He prays the "yet not my will but Yours" bit, then (a verse I hadn't noticed before)..."an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him" (Luke 22:43).
I believe we need to be a people who do everything in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and worship...
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)
As I mentioned at the beginning, this is nowhere near the end of the list. I sense that God has so much more on the horizon for me to learn. If it's going to be anything like the recent events that have taught me the things above then I'm slightly scared! But I'm also slightly tired so I'm going home, and will continue another time. Basically though, if the Church won't, then who will?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Yet he did not waver
I've been challenged on two fronts by a passage I read earlier...
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:18-25)
Firstly, the bit about Abraham not losing faith in God's promise even when it looked completely impossible, and how his faith was strengthened as a result. Over recent months I have been stepping out of the boat and seeking to follow what appeared to be God leading me away from music college to study Theology. Although I felt sure that music wasn't the right thing for me, I wouldn't have said I was the right sort of person to study theology either. But God is God, and I feel confident of His guidance and it has been awesome to watch doors open in the most incredible ways (especially recently, when they have been miraculously held open!). The exciting thing is the knowledge that if I am to complete the next three years, I need to lean wholly on God because it's not something that I will be able to do in my own strength. In that sense it will be a real test of faith, but also an awesome opportunity for God to be glorified, just as He was when Abraham saw the promise fulfilled.
Secondly, the passage goes on to say that the power of God to fulfil His promises wasn't just for Abraham but it remains today for "us who believe". I've mentioned before that there are a couple of things that I really struggle with - esteem and relationships. And as much as I have seen God move in awesome ways regarding the whole theology thing, I've also continued to struggle (more so right now than ever before) with these other things. As I read the above passage with fresh eyes in the context of struggles as opposed to my celebrations, different parts stick out.
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed" - it raises the question once again about what we put our hope in. When all earthly factors seemed to be going against Abraham, he clung to the promise of God. Do we? Do I? Rarely...which is bad. I've seen for myself recently that God is faithful in His word - and not just with the university thing either. Recently my sister went into hospital for a big operation. I was able to go down to theatre with her when they put her to sleep, something I have never seen before. Watching her drift off to sleep mid-conversation was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I felt a tremendous sense of peace as I placed her in Gods hands, knowing that He would protect and restore her...and He did.
"Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact" that both he and Sarah had physical limitations...how? How does he face his limitations and inadequacies without losing faith? I really wish I could! Why is it that no matter how many miracles God pulls off right in front of my eyes, I still struggle so much with the comparatively unimportant things? How do I manage to feel so crap in myself even though deep down I know that God is faithful and strong? I want to be like Abraham, hope against all hope.
"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame" (Psalm 25:1-3a)
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:18-25)
Firstly, the bit about Abraham not losing faith in God's promise even when it looked completely impossible, and how his faith was strengthened as a result. Over recent months I have been stepping out of the boat and seeking to follow what appeared to be God leading me away from music college to study Theology. Although I felt sure that music wasn't the right thing for me, I wouldn't have said I was the right sort of person to study theology either. But God is God, and I feel confident of His guidance and it has been awesome to watch doors open in the most incredible ways (especially recently, when they have been miraculously held open!). The exciting thing is the knowledge that if I am to complete the next three years, I need to lean wholly on God because it's not something that I will be able to do in my own strength. In that sense it will be a real test of faith, but also an awesome opportunity for God to be glorified, just as He was when Abraham saw the promise fulfilled.
Secondly, the passage goes on to say that the power of God to fulfil His promises wasn't just for Abraham but it remains today for "us who believe". I've mentioned before that there are a couple of things that I really struggle with - esteem and relationships. And as much as I have seen God move in awesome ways regarding the whole theology thing, I've also continued to struggle (more so right now than ever before) with these other things. As I read the above passage with fresh eyes in the context of struggles as opposed to my celebrations, different parts stick out.
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed" - it raises the question once again about what we put our hope in. When all earthly factors seemed to be going against Abraham, he clung to the promise of God. Do we? Do I? Rarely...which is bad. I've seen for myself recently that God is faithful in His word - and not just with the university thing either. Recently my sister went into hospital for a big operation. I was able to go down to theatre with her when they put her to sleep, something I have never seen before. Watching her drift off to sleep mid-conversation was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I felt a tremendous sense of peace as I placed her in Gods hands, knowing that He would protect and restore her...and He did.
"Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact" that both he and Sarah had physical limitations...how? How does he face his limitations and inadequacies without losing faith? I really wish I could! Why is it that no matter how many miracles God pulls off right in front of my eyes, I still struggle so much with the comparatively unimportant things? How do I manage to feel so crap in myself even though deep down I know that God is faithful and strong? I want to be like Abraham, hope against all hope.
"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame" (Psalm 25:1-3a)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
I'll stand!
The devil is a liar!! Yesterday I really came under attack from the enemy and felt myself getting unjustifiably angry at things. But in the evening I started reading a book that my friend lent me about spiritual warfare. It really put things into context and opened my eyes to the battle that we, as Christians, face every day whether we know it or not.
In the opening chapter, the author hears the voice of the Lord saying "This is the beginning of the enemy's last day army. This is Satan's ultimate deception. His greatest power of destruction is released when he uses Christians to attack one another. Throughout the ages he has used this army, but never has he been able to use so many for his evil purposes as he is now. Do not fear, I have an army, too. You must now stand and fight because there is no longer any place to hide from this war. You must fight for my kingdom, for truth, and for those who have been deceived"
What a wake-up call at such a powerful moment! At a time when I find it so easy to become frustrated at things I don't understand in other denominations, and even the stayed traditionalist attitudes of parts of my own "denomination", I'm reminded that this is exactly what the enemy uses to tear apart the Church. The book depicts vividly the way the enemy uses pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, impatience, unforgiveness and many others, to leave the Church to tear itself apart and render itself useless in the fight.
"So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:23-25)
As the quote above says (from the book), we have a battle on our hands and we can no longer hide from it. For ages I mocked the whole "spiritual warfare" thing, I didn't understand it. But now my eyes are being opened and I realise how the devil is turning Christians upon themselves to render them useless and hinder the spread of the Kingdom.
Last week I took a Salvation Army flag and went and stood in the street outside my church with it. It was meant as a prank to welcome a friend back from holiday; but God had the last laugh and used the occasion to give me a nudge. As much as I normally don't like the traditional/symbolic aspects such as the flag, as I stood in the street and held the flag up I looked up at it just as a gust of breeze took hold of it. For a split second I was awestruck by the magnificence and splendour of it and was reminded that the only victors in this battle will be those that march united under the banner of Christ.
It is time to ready ourselves for the battle. It is time to stand united under the banner of Christ. It is time to put off "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 6:19-21). It is time to clothe ourselves in the full armour of God (Ephesians 6), not just parts of it. It is time to stand against the flaming darts of the enemy.
Another quote from the book which hit me; "You cannot win if you try to fight the enemy on his own ground. You must remain on My holy mountain"
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
Bring it on!!
In the opening chapter, the author hears the voice of the Lord saying "This is the beginning of the enemy's last day army. This is Satan's ultimate deception. His greatest power of destruction is released when he uses Christians to attack one another. Throughout the ages he has used this army, but never has he been able to use so many for his evil purposes as he is now. Do not fear, I have an army, too. You must now stand and fight because there is no longer any place to hide from this war. You must fight for my kingdom, for truth, and for those who have been deceived"
What a wake-up call at such a powerful moment! At a time when I find it so easy to become frustrated at things I don't understand in other denominations, and even the stayed traditionalist attitudes of parts of my own "denomination", I'm reminded that this is exactly what the enemy uses to tear apart the Church. The book depicts vividly the way the enemy uses pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, impatience, unforgiveness and many others, to leave the Church to tear itself apart and render itself useless in the fight.
"So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:23-25)
As the quote above says (from the book), we have a battle on our hands and we can no longer hide from it. For ages I mocked the whole "spiritual warfare" thing, I didn't understand it. But now my eyes are being opened and I realise how the devil is turning Christians upon themselves to render them useless and hinder the spread of the Kingdom.
Last week I took a Salvation Army flag and went and stood in the street outside my church with it. It was meant as a prank to welcome a friend back from holiday; but God had the last laugh and used the occasion to give me a nudge. As much as I normally don't like the traditional/symbolic aspects such as the flag, as I stood in the street and held the flag up I looked up at it just as a gust of breeze took hold of it. For a split second I was awestruck by the magnificence and splendour of it and was reminded that the only victors in this battle will be those that march united under the banner of Christ.It is time to ready ourselves for the battle. It is time to stand united under the banner of Christ. It is time to put off "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 6:19-21). It is time to clothe ourselves in the full armour of God (Ephesians 6), not just parts of it. It is time to stand against the flaming darts of the enemy.
Another quote from the book which hit me; "You cannot win if you try to fight the enemy on his own ground. You must remain on My holy mountain"
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
Bring it on!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Noise is beautiful?
This evening I went to church (HTB) with a couple of friends. I went with a lot of stuff on my mind; worries, anxieties, etc. I wasn't in the ideal mood and part of me didn't really want to go but I had sensed in church this morning that I should go, so I did.
At one point during the worship I stopped singing, shut my eyes and just listened. It was like nothing I've heard before. I've been in times of worship before when there's been a really special moment; but this was something more than that. Perhaps nobody else noticed it, because it was nothing out of the ordinary. But what I heard was the sound of people all around me engaging with the Almighty, pouring out their hearts and giving their all. Usually those "special moments" are in the silences, or spontaneous singing. But as I shut my eyes and listened, there was nothing like that. It was a sound I guess we usually take for granted and think nothing of. But as I focussed on it this evening it filled my head in a beautiful way and, for a moment, I was unaware of anything else.
"My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm62:7-8)
How I long to be able to pour out my heart to God in the way that I heard people doing this evening. What holds me back? Fear, I guess. This morning at church we were looking at how prayer is about a relationship with God. Just like a parent knows their child, so God desires that intimate relationship with us; a relationship of mutual trust.
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:12-14)
This evening in the response the speaker mentioned that our true identity can often be hidden under "cloaks" we put on (or that other people put on us). In reality, our true identity should only be as a unique and valued child of God. How I needed to hear that this evening. I was chatting with a friend the other day about how I don't feel "myself" unless I'm with certain people or doing certain things. But my identity isn't in the people I spend time with. My identity isn't in trying to copy those I look up to. My identity is in Christ and in who He is making me to be. I need to learn to accept that; to discover who I really am and grasp it with both hands (and both feet too, I'm an organist).
My deepest desire is for relationship. I hate being on my own and only feel "myself" when I'm with friends. That whole area has caused me so much pain and frustration over recent months, yet I was reminded this morning that our (my) relationship with God should be one of mutual trust and understanding. If anyone knows what I long for it's the guy that made me. I need to learn to hear the beat of His heart more and become lost in His presence...that's what happened for a very brief moment this evening.
At one point during the worship I stopped singing, shut my eyes and just listened. It was like nothing I've heard before. I've been in times of worship before when there's been a really special moment; but this was something more than that. Perhaps nobody else noticed it, because it was nothing out of the ordinary. But what I heard was the sound of people all around me engaging with the Almighty, pouring out their hearts and giving their all. Usually those "special moments" are in the silences, or spontaneous singing. But as I shut my eyes and listened, there was nothing like that. It was a sound I guess we usually take for granted and think nothing of. But as I focussed on it this evening it filled my head in a beautiful way and, for a moment, I was unaware of anything else.
"My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm62:7-8)
How I long to be able to pour out my heart to God in the way that I heard people doing this evening. What holds me back? Fear, I guess. This morning at church we were looking at how prayer is about a relationship with God. Just like a parent knows their child, so God desires that intimate relationship with us; a relationship of mutual trust.
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:12-14)
This evening in the response the speaker mentioned that our true identity can often be hidden under "cloaks" we put on (or that other people put on us). In reality, our true identity should only be as a unique and valued child of God. How I needed to hear that this evening. I was chatting with a friend the other day about how I don't feel "myself" unless I'm with certain people or doing certain things. But my identity isn't in the people I spend time with. My identity isn't in trying to copy those I look up to. My identity is in Christ and in who He is making me to be. I need to learn to accept that; to discover who I really am and grasp it with both hands (and both feet too, I'm an organist).
My deepest desire is for relationship. I hate being on my own and only feel "myself" when I'm with friends. That whole area has caused me so much pain and frustration over recent months, yet I was reminded this morning that our (my) relationship with God should be one of mutual trust and understanding. If anyone knows what I long for it's the guy that made me. I need to learn to hear the beat of His heart more and become lost in His presence...that's what happened for a very brief moment this evening.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Lessons in faith and love
It seems like ages since I had anything to write about, then it all comes along at once! The last couple of months have been one long lesson from God, here's the highlights...
I've left music college, finally!! As much as I have enjoyed and learned alot from being there, I decided that it wasn't where God wanted me to be. The next thing is finding out where He does want me...watch this space! It has been a test of faith...I don't have a clue what is around the corner, each day I face more situations that look ridiculous and hopeless but at the same time there's still that quiet voice saying "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish." (Isaiah 41:9-11)
I have been struggling a lot recently with various issues; relationships, esteem etc. But that same passage keeps going through my head reminding me and reassuring me that we serve a mighty, awesome, powerful, faithful God who promises to be everything that we need.
God has been teaching me about worship too, it's something I've been thinking about a lot. I see worship as being anything which enables us to bring praise and glory to the Almighty in whatever ways we are able, using the gifts we have been given. Paul writes;
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1Peter 4:10-11)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1Corinthians 10:31)
Mother Theresa was once asked how she went about each day; she replied "Each morning I meditate on Jesus. I then go and look for him in disguise". This is how we should worship. We first look to Jesus, and then we look to love him among the poor and the broken. Our love for others and desire to serve has to come from our overwhelming love for Jesus. True worship means that (as the passage above mentions) in everything we do, we do it for Jesus.
Recently I've been spending a lot more time than usual at my church, and it has opened my eyes so much to the life and work that God has called me to. I never guessed that as a result of saying "yes" to God I would be cleaning up bodily fluids, taking abuse from angry residents, and all manner of exciting things. But the more time I spend here, in the community that once scared me, the more I love it. The Bible says that perfect love drives out all fear (1John 4:18), and I'm excited that God has given me an amazing love for the place and for being His hands and feet here. I don't want a passive faith, I don't want to know exactly what I'll be doing for the next few years and where I'll be and where my money will come from...I like doing it the Jesus way, it's exciting!
I've left music college, finally!! As much as I have enjoyed and learned alot from being there, I decided that it wasn't where God wanted me to be. The next thing is finding out where He does want me...watch this space! It has been a test of faith...I don't have a clue what is around the corner, each day I face more situations that look ridiculous and hopeless but at the same time there's still that quiet voice saying "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish." (Isaiah 41:9-11)
I have been struggling a lot recently with various issues; relationships, esteem etc. But that same passage keeps going through my head reminding me and reassuring me that we serve a mighty, awesome, powerful, faithful God who promises to be everything that we need.
God has been teaching me about worship too, it's something I've been thinking about a lot. I see worship as being anything which enables us to bring praise and glory to the Almighty in whatever ways we are able, using the gifts we have been given. Paul writes;
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1Peter 4:10-11)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1Corinthians 10:31)
Mother Theresa was once asked how she went about each day; she replied "Each morning I meditate on Jesus. I then go and look for him in disguise". This is how we should worship. We first look to Jesus, and then we look to love him among the poor and the broken. Our love for others and desire to serve has to come from our overwhelming love for Jesus. True worship means that (as the passage above mentions) in everything we do, we do it for Jesus.
Recently I've been spending a lot more time than usual at my church, and it has opened my eyes so much to the life and work that God has called me to. I never guessed that as a result of saying "yes" to God I would be cleaning up bodily fluids, taking abuse from angry residents, and all manner of exciting things. But the more time I spend here, in the community that once scared me, the more I love it. The Bible says that perfect love drives out all fear (1John 4:18), and I'm excited that God has given me an amazing love for the place and for being His hands and feet here. I don't want a passive faith, I don't want to know exactly what I'll be doing for the next few years and where I'll be and where my money will come from...I like doing it the Jesus way, it's exciting!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Fit for service?
I'm having a really bizarre week (things weren't helped this morning when I put my Trinity card in the cash machine, but we'll overlook that)! I've been feeling increasingly hopeless, helpless and overwhelmed with certain situations, yet at the same time God seems to be doing so much in/through me in other areas (whilst delivering subtle messages about the hopeless ones!)
John wrote; "You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:28-30).
How much have I seen this week that I need to stop trying to do things in my own strength?! God has promised to bring his plans and promises to fruition, and that they are good and perfect plans (Romans 12:2). This week he has also taught me about patience, and putting hope in things unseen (Romans 8:24-27) so even though I know deep down that God has got things sorted, why do I still struggle so much?! For goodness sake I asked for a miracle and God did it; whats my problem?! And, if I'm in such a mess, how is God managing to use me in different ways at the same time?
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2Corinthians 12:9)
Last night I was challenged by the bit where Jesus challenges people on the cost of being His follower;
John wrote; "You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:28-30).
How much have I seen this week that I need to stop trying to do things in my own strength?! God has promised to bring his plans and promises to fruition, and that they are good and perfect plans (Romans 12:2). This week he has also taught me about patience, and putting hope in things unseen (Romans 8:24-27) so even though I know deep down that God has got things sorted, why do I still struggle so much?! For goodness sake I asked for a miracle and God did it; whats my problem?! And, if I'm in such a mess, how is God managing to use me in different ways at the same time?
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2Corinthians 12:9)
Last night I was challenged by the bit where Jesus challenges people on the cost of being His follower;
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:57-62)
There were a couple of interesting things that stick out from the story.
- In Jewish custom (then and now), the dead are buried immediately. So it was unlikely that the mans father was dead yet as the man would otherwise be with the body or it would already have been buried; it is likely that the man was simply trying to put off following Jesus. The word Jesus uses for "dead" can be used for the spiritually dead as well.
- Jesus wouldn't let the man go back and say good-bye to his family as he knows the pressure that we can come under from family and friends that could distract us from the call of God. Sometimes people (even Christian friends with the best of intentions) can affect our priorities and cause us to stumble.
Both of those observations apply to me; procrastination is one of my biggest hinderances! I'm put to shame when I read about the calling of the first disciples (Matthew 4:18-20); Jesus called told them to join him and "at once they left their nets and followed him" (v20).
But it is the second point which is most affecting me at the moment; the challenge not to put love/friendship before the call of God. That's something I'm really struggling with at the moment (and for the last year and a bit!). "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" (Song of Solomon 2:7)...but what if it does "so desire"?!
Help!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Jesus reigns!!
Woah, so much has happened recently!! Its been really easy to see where both myself and my church have been under massive attack from the enemy recently. But the devil is a liar, and it makes me so excited when I look back at the last few weeks and realise that I (and the church) can say, just like Job - that whatever happens, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25).
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death". (Revelation 12:10-11)
I love that bit, where it says they overcame the lies of the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. When we stand on the truth that is Jesus and proclaim that the enemy has no place, he flees. There's a verse in James that says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you".
I had been really struggling for a while with a situation I'm facing which I can see no solution to; I know God is all-powerful and that He has got everything sorted, but often I look at things and see a hopeless situation which not even God can sort. How wrong I was!! Last Monday, inspired by the verse in Philippians which urges us to present our requests to God by "prayer and petition", I decided to petition God for a miracle which would bring hope to the situation by the end of the week...not a finished article or a complete answer to the situation, just something that I would know to be from God that would set my mind at rest. I prayed for this every day during the week; part of me wanted to lose confidence as the week progressed and I didn't see any miracles on the horizon, yet part of me knew that Gods promises are promises! At the last possible minute, I had a text from a friend (unaware of the situation) with a verse that had come to her whilst she'd been praying for me...
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." (Romans 8:24-27). Patience is a virtue!!
So I've been going about my business with a fresh reminder that God is in control. Other passages that have stuck out to me recently in different situations (which need not be mentioned!) have been these...
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. (Mark 16:17-18)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. (Psalm 91:1, 9-10,13)
I have this picture on my bedroom wall. It's an awesome reminder that Christ is reigning over everything. I would love to go to Rio de Janeiro one day just to see that figure of Christ looming over the city in all its splendour; the way it overlooks the office blocks, the high rise hotels, and the slums. Does Jesus reign over your entire being - the rich parts and the slums?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Picking blackberries
Haven't written anything for ages!!
There was a guy speaking at church yesterday about how we should seek God in everything. He was talking about Moses; the ground was always holy but only at a set point did he realise it. Only at a set point did he realise that God was in the bush (due to the heat, burning bushes were common, Moses would have seen loads of them).
"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God" (Moses 3:1-6)
He quoted a bit from a poem;
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God.
But only those who see take off their shoes,
The rest stand around and pick blackberries.
How much am I missing out on because I fail to see its sacred value? How many things do I write off and completely discount, without stopping to look for God in them (ie college!)
There was a guy speaking at church yesterday about how we should seek God in everything. He was talking about Moses; the ground was always holy but only at a set point did he realise it. Only at a set point did he realise that God was in the bush (due to the heat, burning bushes were common, Moses would have seen loads of them).
"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God" (Moses 3:1-6)
He quoted a bit from a poem;
Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God.
But only those who see take off their shoes,
The rest stand around and pick blackberries.
How much am I missing out on because I fail to see its sacred value? How many things do I write off and completely discount, without stopping to look for God in them (ie college!)
Monday, May 21, 2007
Stand firm...update
Things get cooler...two days after being challenged on the whole Tube thing I was at HTB (my church) for a training thing. I had been wondering what I should be doing about the things God had laid on my heart, and how He expected me to be able to break into the world of TfL. As I was walking up the drive of the church I said out loud "God, how on earth can I do this?!". About 2 minutes later, I sat down with some food and somebody asked me what I did for a living. I told her, then asked "what about you?". "I work for London Underground" came the reply...legend. Cutting a long story short, she was really supportive of the things I was saying. Somebody else on our table was similarly challenged and so the three of us formed a "task force". The woman that works for the underground is setting us up with a meeting with the boss and we're meeting a big wig at HTB next week. Check God out!
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16)
I was really encouraged and excited when I saw that God was putting the right people together for the job.
"The LORD said to Aaron, "Go into the desert to meet Moses." So he met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. Then Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and also about all the miraculous signs he had commanded him to perform. Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped." (Exodus 4:27-31)
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (John 15:16)
I was really encouraged and excited when I saw that God was putting the right people together for the job.
"The LORD said to Aaron, "Go into the desert to meet Moses." So he met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. Then Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and also about all the miraculous signs he had commanded him to perform. Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped." (Exodus 4:27-31)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Stand firm in the middle
Last night was bizarre. I really felt the need to get out and go into London, even though it was quite late. There were certain things I wanted to spend some time thinking about and searching for answers for, so decided to head to Regents Park (never been there before, someone suggested it) then come home via Picadilly Circus (never been there before, sounded quite interesting). It occured to me that at that time of night the park wouldn't be open, but I set out anyway. It's clear now that it was Gods idea for me to go out, not mine. I had things I wanted to know, but God had other things that He needed me to know!
I ended up getting off at Westminster (no idea why, I just felt like it at the time). I walked around there for a bit, around Houses of Parliament, then crossed over Westminster Bridge and walked along the river by the London Eye (which is huge when you stand right underneath it and look up!) up to Waterloo.
Actually, I'm getting ahead. At Westminster there was an announcement that part of the Central line was suspended due to a person under a train. God really hammered me with that...just the day before I had been stuck on a tube train because somebody had gone under another train then. I was really challenged by people's brokeness that leads them to do that. There isn't a suicide epidemic going on, so this stuff must happen every day...its just now that I've begun to notice and have a heart for it. I'm thinking TfL needs Chaplains??
When I got to Waterloo I walked under a bridge where there are always homeless people sitting/sleeping/begging. Normally I just walk past, say hi if I can, etc. But last night I really wanted to meet them where they're at, sit with them; buy some food, take it back and spend time sharing a meal with them. I think that came from Roots - the reminder that its not enough to just give token gestures of kindness. Christianity should be messy and we need to be meeting with people where they are. When I got there though I couldn't do it...so many questions rushed through my head; what would I say, would they rather be left alone to sleep, etc. I know that it was the enemy trying to stop me and on that occasion it worked and I was really cross with myself afterwards. Jews have a custom called "shiva", which is part of their mourning ritual. When somebody is bereaved, friends and family spend time (usually a week) sitting with them in their home, doing nothing. There's things that can be learnt from that...maybe not on the religious/legalistic front, but the natural desire to meet with the lost/broken where they are and join them in whatever they are going through. I heard a saying recently, that it's easier to push somebody up when you're at their level than it is to reach down and pull them up.
When I got home I was reading the book of Joshua, and was particularly challenged by chapters 3 and 4. (Too long to quote so follow the link).
"The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground" (ch3 v17). The passage spoke to me about the need for us to be a people willing to stand firm right in the middle of whatever is going on, until the work is done.
Secondly, "the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before" (ch4 v18). Although it is a literal description of what happened (the rest of the chapter goes on to say that God did the same there as He did to the Red Sea in order to demonstrate His power), it challenged me on a different level. We're called to stand firm in the middle of whatever happens, carrying with us the word of God and shepherding people through the valley. As soon as we set our feet on dry/safe/proud ground we're useless and the chaos rages as before.
I ended up getting off at Westminster (no idea why, I just felt like it at the time). I walked around there for a bit, around Houses of Parliament, then crossed over Westminster Bridge and walked along the river by the London Eye (which is huge when you stand right underneath it and look up!) up to Waterloo.
Actually, I'm getting ahead. At Westminster there was an announcement that part of the Central line was suspended due to a person under a train. God really hammered me with that...just the day before I had been stuck on a tube train because somebody had gone under another train then. I was really challenged by people's brokeness that leads them to do that. There isn't a suicide epidemic going on, so this stuff must happen every day...its just now that I've begun to notice and have a heart for it. I'm thinking TfL needs Chaplains??
When I got to Waterloo I walked under a bridge where there are always homeless people sitting/sleeping/begging. Normally I just walk past, say hi if I can, etc. But last night I really wanted to meet them where they're at, sit with them; buy some food, take it back and spend time sharing a meal with them. I think that came from Roots - the reminder that its not enough to just give token gestures of kindness. Christianity should be messy and we need to be meeting with people where they are. When I got there though I couldn't do it...so many questions rushed through my head; what would I say, would they rather be left alone to sleep, etc. I know that it was the enemy trying to stop me and on that occasion it worked and I was really cross with myself afterwards. Jews have a custom called "shiva", which is part of their mourning ritual. When somebody is bereaved, friends and family spend time (usually a week) sitting with them in their home, doing nothing. There's things that can be learnt from that...maybe not on the religious/legalistic front, but the natural desire to meet with the lost/broken where they are and join them in whatever they are going through. I heard a saying recently, that it's easier to push somebody up when you're at their level than it is to reach down and pull them up.
When I got home I was reading the book of Joshua, and was particularly challenged by chapters 3 and 4. (Too long to quote so follow the link).
"The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground" (ch3 v17). The passage spoke to me about the need for us to be a people willing to stand firm right in the middle of whatever is going on, until the work is done.
Secondly, "the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before" (ch4 v18). Although it is a literal description of what happened (the rest of the chapter goes on to say that God did the same there as He did to the Red Sea in order to demonstrate His power), it challenged me on a different level. We're called to stand firm in the middle of whatever happens, carrying with us the word of God and shepherding people through the valley. As soon as we set our feet on dry/safe/proud ground we're useless and the chaos rages as before.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Others
The other weekend I was away at an annual Salvation Army conference (Roots). The theme for the weekend was "Others" - inspired by a telegram sent by the Army's founder, William Booth, urging the Church to be living for "the last, the lost and the least".
There was so much that challenged me over the weekend; how the term "neighbour" isn't selective; how the church should be more about joining in than joining up, and how it should be the only organisation to exist for the benefit of its non-members. Something that was spoken about a number of times was the need for us to be building quality, non-judgemental relationships within our community.
Recently I've really been struggling with my calling. I know that my call is to "the last, the lost and the least", and I'm fine with that...thats what my passion is. But I've been thinking about how much crap and politics there is within the Church today and that isn't my calling and I don't want to be remotely involved with it because it hinders the work of the gospel. And yet I'm reminded to think back to the Roots weekend...so called because it's a time to urge the Salvation Army to go back to its roots; of reaching out to the last/lost/least by any means possible and share with them the love and saving grace of God. Back in its early days, Salvationists faced massive opposition when going about their work, yet they pressed on. That must therefore also be part of my calling...regardless of whether the opposition is from outside or within the Church, to "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).
I'll write in more detail about some of the things we were challenged on once I've finished and handed in a big project I'm working on at the moment (on thursday). Until then...stay blessed...
There was so much that challenged me over the weekend; how the term "neighbour" isn't selective; how the church should be more about joining in than joining up, and how it should be the only organisation to exist for the benefit of its non-members. Something that was spoken about a number of times was the need for us to be building quality, non-judgemental relationships within our community.
Recently I've really been struggling with my calling. I know that my call is to "the last, the lost and the least", and I'm fine with that...thats what my passion is. But I've been thinking about how much crap and politics there is within the Church today and that isn't my calling and I don't want to be remotely involved with it because it hinders the work of the gospel. And yet I'm reminded to think back to the Roots weekend...so called because it's a time to urge the Salvation Army to go back to its roots; of reaching out to the last/lost/least by any means possible and share with them the love and saving grace of God. Back in its early days, Salvationists faced massive opposition when going about their work, yet they pressed on. That must therefore also be part of my calling...regardless of whether the opposition is from outside or within the Church, to "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).
I'll write in more detail about some of the things we were challenged on once I've finished and handed in a big project I'm working on at the moment (on thursday). Until then...stay blessed...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The Cross
I've just spent the last couple of days hanging out at church where there's been a 24-7 prayer thing. I spent alot of time thinking about the power of the cross. This came to a climax when I was able to have a really good discussion with someone who asked me if the cross really did look like the symbol we recognise today. I said that in some cases they were made like that (but not as neat and smooth and "pretty"), but in others just a beam was used for the hands and that was nailed to a tree. The depiction in scripture of Simon being forced to carry the cross for Jesus after he had been so badly scourged implies that He had to carry the entire structure, not just a beam.
"Oh well, I expect he had other things on his mind" said the person I was talking to. My immediate thought was 'I bet he didn't!' but after a couple of seconds not knowing what to say, it really hit me. The other things on His mind was us. When Jesus knelt in the Garden, knowing what was about to happen to Him, he prayed for us, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John17:21)
When the soldiers were beating Him, tearing the skin and muscle from his back, He thought of us. When they drove nails through his bones and hung Him up to die, He first ensured that someone would look after His mother, then he carried on praying for us.
Last night as I was chatting with the guy that leads my church, he came up with an awesome thought...the romans re-used the crosses...what would that have meant for the murderer/robber who was the next one to use Jesus' cross?
This morning I watched a presentation which brought up the two criminals crucified beside Jesus. One prayed...Jesus loved him enough to grant him salvation. The other mocked...Jesus loved him enough to let him.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph 3:17b-19). How wide and high is the love of Christ? Roughly the dimensions of the cross.
Another thing Jonny said...the Romans saw the cross as a symbol of their power - anybody who defied them was crucified...a barbaric method of execution which was excruciating and drawn out (Jesus was on the cross for 6 hours before he died). Christ turned that around, and now the cross is a symbol of Gods power.
"Oh well, I expect he had other things on his mind" said the person I was talking to. My immediate thought was 'I bet he didn't!' but after a couple of seconds not knowing what to say, it really hit me. The other things on His mind was us. When Jesus knelt in the Garden, knowing what was about to happen to Him, he prayed for us, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John17:21)
When the soldiers were beating Him, tearing the skin and muscle from his back, He thought of us. When they drove nails through his bones and hung Him up to die, He first ensured that someone would look after His mother, then he carried on praying for us.
Last night as I was chatting with the guy that leads my church, he came up with an awesome thought...the romans re-used the crosses...what would that have meant for the murderer/robber who was the next one to use Jesus' cross?
This morning I watched a presentation which brought up the two criminals crucified beside Jesus. One prayed...Jesus loved him enough to grant him salvation. The other mocked...Jesus loved him enough to let him.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph 3:17b-19). How wide and high is the love of Christ? Roughly the dimensions of the cross.
Another thing Jonny said...the Romans saw the cross as a symbol of their power - anybody who defied them was crucified...a barbaric method of execution which was excruciating and drawn out (Jesus was on the cross for 6 hours before he died). Christ turned that around, and now the cross is a symbol of Gods power.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Amazing Grace
Last night I went to see the afore-mentioned film. It was awesome, go and see it.The character that has stuck in my mind the most isn't Wilberforce but John Newton. He was the captain of a slave ship for many years until he was dramatically converted whilst steering his vessel through a storm. Repenting and regretting the misery and death he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported, he devoted his life to the church and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today, including the namesake of the film, "Amazing Grace" (originally titled "Faith's review and expectation")
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
I was challenged especially by a really good quote from John Newton in the film. When Wilberforce asked him for his memories of the slave ships so he could describe the attrocities in parliament, Newton said that he couldn't bring to mind anything that happened because it caused him so much pain. "Although my memory is fading" he said, "I remember two things very clearly. I am a great sinner and Christ is a great saviour". I'm a man so I don't cry in films. But if anything had the potential to make me cry it was the reaction in the audience to that remark. People need to hear that more often.
Runner-up for quote of the year award goes to Wilberforce, shortly after his conversion. Shocked by his sudden change in outlook, somobody asks him "you found God?" "Actually" he replies, "I think God found me"
The bronze medal is awarded to the preacher who visits Wilberforce and says "We hear you are having problems choosing whether to do the work of God or the work of a political activist. We humbly suggest that you can do both"
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
"But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin... He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 3:8, 6:8).
Only once Wilberforce was converted did he fight with such conviction to see the slave trade abolished. Yet still there is slavery. Still there is injustice - arguably more now than there was in Wilberforces day. Are we acting justly by ignoring blatant acts of injustice?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Family
I spent most of the weekend at a conference about family life. Don't ask why, I don't know. I was asking the same question myself before it started..."why am I going to a weekend about family...I'm not bringing one up, and probably won't, so what's this about?!"
The guy that was leading it started the Friday night session by reading a bit from the Psalms, where it says "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land" (Psalm68:5-6). It occured to me then that when I have been lonely, God has set me in a family - namely the church. And when I have felt imprisoned, He has led me forth with singing. So in that sense, looking at the church as my family, it seemed like a good plan.
But he made it clear that he was talking about family as in family, the value of the traditional husband/wife/children model that scripture encourages. He said that the reason we see these traditional values being rejected by society is that the enemy knows that God works and reveals things through family (ie the things family teaches us about communication, protection, putting others first, etc). "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm11:3)
Then he went on to talk about the fact that the way we treat our families and those close to us is the evidence of our love for God, not our outward appearances at church etc. "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1John4:20-21)
It was really interesting and useful when he went into the differences between men and women, and what women need in a partnership (ie marriage). It's an area that I've been really preoccupied with recently (potential family rather than existing family!!).
The end of the weekend was brilliant. The guy finished his talk and was leaving the stage when he changed his mind. "Actually, come back, I'm feeling the need to preach!!". He turned to the story of Abraham and Isaac. To paraphrase, Abraham had the knife and was about to sacrifice his son Isaac for God but God told him to stop, and not to lay a hand on the boy because He saw that Abraham was prepared to put God first...
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Basically, when we do what is right, put God first, he promises ("I swear by myself, declares the Lord") to raise up our families. Legend.
The guy that was leading it started the Friday night session by reading a bit from the Psalms, where it says "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land" (Psalm68:5-6). It occured to me then that when I have been lonely, God has set me in a family - namely the church. And when I have felt imprisoned, He has led me forth with singing. So in that sense, looking at the church as my family, it seemed like a good plan.
But he made it clear that he was talking about family as in family, the value of the traditional husband/wife/children model that scripture encourages. He said that the reason we see these traditional values being rejected by society is that the enemy knows that God works and reveals things through family (ie the things family teaches us about communication, protection, putting others first, etc). "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm11:3)
Then he went on to talk about the fact that the way we treat our families and those close to us is the evidence of our love for God, not our outward appearances at church etc. "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1John4:20-21)
It was really interesting and useful when he went into the differences between men and women, and what women need in a partnership (ie marriage). It's an area that I've been really preoccupied with recently (potential family rather than existing family!!).
The end of the weekend was brilliant. The guy finished his talk and was leaving the stage when he changed his mind. "Actually, come back, I'm feeling the need to preach!!". He turned to the story of Abraham and Isaac. To paraphrase, Abraham had the knife and was about to sacrifice his son Isaac for God but God told him to stop, and not to lay a hand on the boy because He saw that Abraham was prepared to put God first...
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Basically, when we do what is right, put God first, he promises ("I swear by myself, declares the Lord") to raise up our families. Legend.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Thirsty?
Woah, its nearly a month since I wrote anything on here...is that good or bad?! I've been stupidly busy, thats my excuse.
Just had a really good weekend. I was preaching at church yesterday, that was fun. Also last week I went with some mates from church (everyone who's anyone basically) to see Tom Wright (Bishop of Durham) speak about social justice. He was speaking about the need to implement the kingdom as Jesus did. He mentioned the prophecy in Ezekiel 47 of the river that flows from the temple; how as it flows down into the valley it gets deeper and wider and brings life wherever it goes. Eventually it flows right down into the Arabah, down to the Dead Sea where there is absolutely no life, and makes it fresh and swarming with life.
"When it empties into the [Dead] Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live." (Ezekiel 47:8b-9)
He went on to say that Jesus implemented/embodied that in John 7 when he said "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (Jn7:37-38)
When I have read that passage in the past, I read this..."whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow within him". Which is true, don't get me wrong. But, as "the bish" pointed out, the key word in that passage that everybody misses is "from". Lets look back at the original prophecy in Ezekiel...
"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12). Where does that sustaining, healing water flow from to bring life in the driest, deadest places? God...via us.
That aside, I feel there is something I need to rant about...the tube. What is the point of that stupid announcement you always hear..."there is a good service operating on all London Underground lines except those with planned engineering works"...in other words, there is a good service operating on all lines except those that don't have a good service operating. Do they ever tell you which lines have "planned engineering works"? Of course not!
Just had a really good weekend. I was preaching at church yesterday, that was fun. Also last week I went with some mates from church (everyone who's anyone basically) to see Tom Wright (Bishop of Durham) speak about social justice. He was speaking about the need to implement the kingdom as Jesus did. He mentioned the prophecy in Ezekiel 47 of the river that flows from the temple; how as it flows down into the valley it gets deeper and wider and brings life wherever it goes. Eventually it flows right down into the Arabah, down to the Dead Sea where there is absolutely no life, and makes it fresh and swarming with life.
"When it empties into the [Dead] Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live." (Ezekiel 47:8b-9)
He went on to say that Jesus implemented/embodied that in John 7 when he said "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (Jn7:37-38)
When I have read that passage in the past, I read this..."whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow within him". Which is true, don't get me wrong. But, as "the bish" pointed out, the key word in that passage that everybody misses is "from". Lets look back at the original prophecy in Ezekiel...
"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12). Where does that sustaining, healing water flow from to bring life in the driest, deadest places? God...via us.
That aside, I feel there is something I need to rant about...the tube. What is the point of that stupid announcement you always hear..."there is a good service operating on all London Underground lines except those with planned engineering works"...in other words, there is a good service operating on all lines except those that don't have a good service operating. Do they ever tell you which lines have "planned engineering works"? Of course not!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Community
In a recent post I mentioned how God had been challenging me in the whole area of intercession. Recently this has been mentioned at church too, as 6 people have been killed in our area in the last 2 weeks. Last night I bought a couple of newspapers and was reading through them. They were full of stories of gang violence, drug-fuelled crime, stories of how easy it is to get hold of weapons, and massive bitterness towards the killers.
Three of the six people killed recently have been teenagers. According to the papers I read last night, four people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of one of the victims (aged 15). Of those, the oldest was my age; the youngest, just 15.
In Southwark and Lambeth alone last year, there were 909 crimes "aided by firearms" - more than many major US cities.
I've been really challenged by recent events. Children killing eachother, gunmen shooting men in their sleep, gangs ruling the streets and estates with a reign of terror...thats not what God meant when he said "For I the Lord love justice" (Isaiah 61:8). I often feel uncomfortable when I leave church late at night and walk through Elephant and Castle...it's the subject of lots of jokes and I get stick for it...but I don't live there, I don't spend as much time in fear as other people have to.
These are big prayers. Huge prayers. But Jesus assures us that "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Three of the six people killed recently have been teenagers. According to the papers I read last night, four people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of one of the victims (aged 15). Of those, the oldest was my age; the youngest, just 15.
In Southwark and Lambeth alone last year, there were 909 crimes "aided by firearms" - more than many major US cities.
I've been really challenged by recent events. Children killing eachother, gunmen shooting men in their sleep, gangs ruling the streets and estates with a reign of terror...thats not what God meant when he said "For I the Lord love justice" (Isaiah 61:8). I often feel uncomfortable when I leave church late at night and walk through Elephant and Castle...it's the subject of lots of jokes and I get stick for it...but I don't live there, I don't spend as much time in fear as other people have to.
- We need to be praying that people don't live in constant fear in their own communities. "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2Timothy 1:7)
- We need to be praying that gang culture would cease, that the glamour of guns would be removed, that those involved would realise that it is wrong.
- Tucked right away on page 20 of the newspaper was a story of a gangster who had become a Christian and was now trying to reach other gang members with his story. Pray for breakthrough, that people living in darkness would see the light. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2)
- Pray for peace for the families bereaved of loved ones - their children.
- Pray for safety on the streets of this community. And end to violence and murder, an end to drugs, gangs, turf wars, etc. "I will give you every place where you set your foot" (Joshua 1:3) - claim this ground for the Lord. "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations" (Isaiah 61:4)
These are big prayers. Huge prayers. But Jesus assures us that "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Bits and bobs
Another random post about everything and nothing, apologies. I've been reading Philip Yancey's "What's so amazing about grace?" which is giving me so much food for thought, so expect an epic post about grace in the near future. But in the mean time, I thought I'd share an awesome story.
Last week I got an email saying that the daughter of Salvation Army officers in Ecuador had been kidnapped. When I was praying about that I was reminded of the dry bones passage in Ezekiel 37. The bit that sticks out to me from that passage is that God placed Ezekiel in the valley, in the time of testing, and then told him to prophecy into that situation. Yes, God is all-powerful etc, but there is a need for us to speak into our situations. By applying that to what I'd heard about this family in Ecuador I was reminded of the need to be intercessors. Too often I hear about peoples situations and just pass them off with a quick "it's fine, God will sort it". But we need to be more involved than that, to pray powerfully and specifically. Sometimes we don't know what to pray, but God will give us a prayer.
"We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:26-27)
God put it on my heart to pray for her parents - Salvation Army officers, faithful servants, a job close to my heart! I prayed that their faith would remain strong, that the work of the enemy would not prevail, and that they would be prophecying into that situation as Ezekiel did. Yesterday, I got another email saying that the girl had been returned to her parents and was now safe. Praise God!
If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. "See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:15-17)
This evening I've got an organ lesson with my new teacher...it should be good, I'm looking forward to it. And prophecying into it...
Last week I got an email saying that the daughter of Salvation Army officers in Ecuador had been kidnapped. When I was praying about that I was reminded of the dry bones passage in Ezekiel 37. The bit that sticks out to me from that passage is that God placed Ezekiel in the valley, in the time of testing, and then told him to prophecy into that situation. Yes, God is all-powerful etc, but there is a need for us to speak into our situations. By applying that to what I'd heard about this family in Ecuador I was reminded of the need to be intercessors. Too often I hear about peoples situations and just pass them off with a quick "it's fine, God will sort it". But we need to be more involved than that, to pray powerfully and specifically. Sometimes we don't know what to pray, but God will give us a prayer.
"We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:26-27)
God put it on my heart to pray for her parents - Salvation Army officers, faithful servants, a job close to my heart! I prayed that their faith would remain strong, that the work of the enemy would not prevail, and that they would be prophecying into that situation as Ezekiel did. Yesterday, I got another email saying that the girl had been returned to her parents and was now safe. Praise God!
If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. "See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:15-17)
This evening I've got an organ lesson with my new teacher...it should be good, I'm looking forward to it. And prophecying into it...
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Random musings!
Its been ages since I've had any inspiration to write anything on here, things have been so stressful! I'm going through another "why am I here" phase, so apologies to anyone who gets in the way at the wrong time!
This morning after CU I went for coffee with a friend, and was discussing with her what I should do. We both agreed that God definately intended me to be here at Trinity in the first place. So, she said, I should stay here until He tells me otherwise. Even if that sometimes isn't comfortable. I said what if these contant trials were God saying it was time to move on...she said that when God calls us to do something else He gives us peace in that decision - and I have everything but peace at the moment! She reminded me of the Israelites in the old testament - God had a long term destination for them but while he was taking them there he often told them to stop and wait in one place for a while until it was time for them to move on to the next stage.
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20
Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told Habakkuk1:5
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay Habakkuk 2:3
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights Habakkuk 3:19
(Three guesses which bit of the Bible I read last night!)
This morning I was reading a book called "What a wonderful world - an anthology of joy" in the hope that it might inspire me. It did, a few different things stuck out when I came accross them...mainly this poem by an unknown 19th century soldier...
This morning after CU I went for coffee with a friend, and was discussing with her what I should do. We both agreed that God definately intended me to be here at Trinity in the first place. So, she said, I should stay here until He tells me otherwise. Even if that sometimes isn't comfortable. I said what if these contant trials were God saying it was time to move on...she said that when God calls us to do something else He gives us peace in that decision - and I have everything but peace at the moment! She reminded me of the Israelites in the old testament - God had a long term destination for them but while he was taking them there he often told them to stop and wait in one place for a while until it was time for them to move on to the next stage.
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20
Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told Habakkuk1:5
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay Habakkuk 2:3
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights Habakkuk 3:19
(Three guesses which bit of the Bible I read last night!)
This morning I was reading a book called "What a wonderful world - an anthology of joy" in the hope that it might inspire me. It did, a few different things stuck out when I came accross them...mainly this poem by an unknown 19th century soldier...
I asked God for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of others;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I'd hoped for.
My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Running
I went running last night, hope you're all impressed! I've been saying for ages that I need to lose weight and get fit but did nothing about it. I eventually bit the bullet and dug out the stuff I had from the RAF...its a regime with stuff to do each day over the next 6 weeks...so come then I'll be irresistably toned and ready for action. I started this thing yesterday, and had to do a 2mile run (that was easy, I worked out a good route that goes in a circle...just when you start to get tired you pass through a dodgy estate so are inspired to keep running) in my best time, then count how many press-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips, step-ups and dorsal raises I could do in a minute. Once I got started I actually quite enjoyed it...cos I know that if I keep up with it I'll lose weight and get in better shape.
While I was out running I was thinking about how scripture likens our faith to running a race (and about the sermon Jonny did about it!)...
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1Timothy 4:8)
"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I was surprised by how easy I found the run last night, but there are things which could have held me back;
While I was out running I was thinking about how scripture likens our faith to running a race (and about the sermon Jonny did about it!)...
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1Timothy 4:8)
"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I was surprised by how easy I found the run last night, but there are things which could have held me back;
- Lack of faith - doubt, thinking it would be hard
- Lack of training/preparation
- Not eating properly beforehand/not having the right equipment, ie trainers, fleece
The same things, although not sins in themselves, can hold us back from running the "spiritual race";
- Lack of faith
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:1,6)
- Lack of excercise
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (James 2:14-18)
- Wrong diet - what do we feed our minds with?
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
"He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does"
No, that's not what my school reports used to say!
I'm back in business! Was really busy over Christmas, here there and everywhere...but I'm back in London now, really glad to be back. And I'm not a teenager anymore, I've reached 20, the height of decadence and maturity.
So much has been going on recently which I could blog about but following complaints of boredom from Wes I won't write about it all. But basically I've been really worried and stressed about so many things...big things, small things, important things, boring things, skinny things, everything. It came to a head last weekend when I was ridiculously frustrated with everything. Jenny reminded me of God saying "I will never leave or forsake you", but I dismissed it there and then as lies...God clearly had left me!! But that afternoon when I got home from church I shut myself in my room for the afternoon and worked through everything that was on my mind. I looked at the context of the verse that she had reminded me of...
"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:2-5)
Point number one...God hadn't set aside the land for the Israelites yet - he was about to do it. So it is pointless me being worried about things I can't see happening...I need to step out in faith and trust that when I do, God will "give me every place where I set my foot"
Point number two..."As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" - I'm hardly the first person to be anxious about situations, God has directed and provided for countless people before me - and will do the same for countless people after me!
Another thing - last year I spent all my time asking God for signs or revelation. They didn't come...actually I think they did, I just didn't have the guts to take them so kept asking for more, like Gideon.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8)
I made it one of my new years resolutions to not be hesitant. I always complained that God wasn't telling me what to do...of course he was, I just wasn't listening. For months the same pattern would arise day in, day out whenever I spoke to Jenny..."What can I pray for for you?" "Revelation". Now, it's "what can I pray for for you?" "Faith and guts"...this is going to be a year of stepping out in faith, so watch out!
I'm back in business! Was really busy over Christmas, here there and everywhere...but I'm back in London now, really glad to be back. And I'm not a teenager anymore, I've reached 20, the height of decadence and maturity.
So much has been going on recently which I could blog about but following complaints of boredom from Wes I won't write about it all. But basically I've been really worried and stressed about so many things...big things, small things, important things, boring things, skinny things, everything. It came to a head last weekend when I was ridiculously frustrated with everything. Jenny reminded me of God saying "I will never leave or forsake you", but I dismissed it there and then as lies...God clearly had left me!! But that afternoon when I got home from church I shut myself in my room for the afternoon and worked through everything that was on my mind. I looked at the context of the verse that she had reminded me of...
"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:2-5)
Point number one...God hadn't set aside the land for the Israelites yet - he was about to do it. So it is pointless me being worried about things I can't see happening...I need to step out in faith and trust that when I do, God will "give me every place where I set my foot"
Point number two..."As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" - I'm hardly the first person to be anxious about situations, God has directed and provided for countless people before me - and will do the same for countless people after me!
Another thing - last year I spent all my time asking God for signs or revelation. They didn't come...actually I think they did, I just didn't have the guts to take them so kept asking for more, like Gideon.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8)
I made it one of my new years resolutions to not be hesitant. I always complained that God wasn't telling me what to do...of course he was, I just wasn't listening. For months the same pattern would arise day in, day out whenever I spoke to Jenny..."What can I pray for for you?" "Revelation". Now, it's "what can I pray for for you?" "Faith and guts"...this is going to be a year of stepping out in faith, so watch out!
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