Don't miss the point!

"A faith that fails to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average person has missed the point.” - Catherine Marshall

There are so many glorious promises that stem from the Resurrection and we need to hold onto all of these. However, I do agree with Catherine Marshall on one of the main gifts of knowing that Christ is alive. 

The gift of the Resurrection opens the doors for the power of the Holy Spirit to be amongst us. When we come to live in the power of the Spirit, we are given all that we need for daily life. Our faith is alive, because Jesus is Alive.

Thought: Is the Resurrection still only an event that we look back on with good memories, or is it a promise of God's Presence with us always, as the greatest enemy has been defeated?

John 11:25-26 - "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

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erdyproblems of the average man has missed the point.

Catherine Marshall

Deluxe version?

If you were asked the question: "Are you are Christian?", most of us reading this post would answer 'Yes!'

But, if we were asked: "Are you a disciple of Christ?", there would be a few of us who may be tempted to say, "I am not that radical as yet!"

In truth, the Bible speaks very little about being a 'Christian' (it is only mentioned 3 times), whereas the Scriptures speak a great deal about being a 'disciple' of Christ (this is mentioned over 260 times). 

So, the challenge is clearly there before us - we have not been called to merely claim that we believe in Jesus, and that a few committed people are called disciples - as if they are the deluxe version of the ordinary Christian. We are all called to be DISCIPLES of Jesus. There is no wriggle room in this decision.

Dallas Willard says - "If we intend to become like Christ, that will be obvious to every thoughtful person around us, as well as to ourselves." 

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19

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Through the strength of God

“We are used to viewing the early apostles as superstars on a pedestal that we can easily forget that they were pitifully inadequate for the task which they were given.” – Phil Moore

This quote brings us back to the reality that the disciples were simply 'human', just like we are. They allowed the Holy Spirit to equip them and strengthen them for all the tasks that lay ahead, even when they didn't know what these would be. How often have we been confronted with a task or situation that we have felt ill-equipped for, and God has come through for us? I know that this has happened to me many times.

Thought: What are you facing today that you need to be reminded of God's strength and provision?

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13

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Walking with a limp

I was reading a quote from Brian McLaren, that spoke of 'admitting that we walk with a limp.' It was in the context of speaking of Church Orthodoxy and Faith, but I like the concept he was suggesting. 

How often do we, as Christians, pretend that all is well and that we have all things figured out? We do this to cover up our own questions, fears and failings. It is as if we carry an injury with us, but we are too proud to walk with the limp - we want to give the impression that we are strong and healthy. Yet, that is living a lie.

The longer I serve Jesus, the more I see that indeed I walk with a limp. I am wounded and God is okay with my wounds. I will keep following in the ways of Jesus, even if I walk with a spiritual limp. 

As we reflect on this, we are drawn to the familiar story of Jacob. We find it in Genesis 31:

24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.

28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”
But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip."

If God could walk with Jacob, and still choose him to become Israel (Genesis 32:28), then we are in great company.

Thought: Don't be afraid to walk in the footsteps of Christ, even if your walk is not perfect.

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It is better for you

There are some people who promise much but deliver very little. And when we have been disappointed with broken promises before, it is very hard to try and trust in any future promises. I was thinking about this when Jesus turned to his disciples and said:

"But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you." - John 16:7

It is not that Jesus had broken any promises to his disciples, but they would have been wary of what he was implying. How could it be better for them, if Jesus was no longer going to be present with them? They couldn't imagine what he was meaning - it made no sense! They had never experienced anything like this before, so it is little wonder that they struggled to see the good news in Jesus' promise.

However, as time passed and events unfolded, the disciples came to understand that Jesus was correct. It was better for them that he returned to the Father and they were gifted with the Holy Spirit. 

Sometimes, we have to hang on in faith, until the reality of the PROMISE is fulfilled.

Thought: Are there any promises in the Scriptures that you struggle to understand or even believe? What makes them hard to consider?

If you are interested in listening to my recent sermon on this topic, please click onto this link. 

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When someone believes in you, it has the power to change your life!

In reading Luke 5 this past weekend, I was reminded of the influence we can have in the lives of others, especially when we believe in their potential. So, why do I say this? Well, take note of these words from Luke, as a starting point:

"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. 

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. -  Luke 5:8-11

Simon Peter was very honest about his sinfulness and his lack of faith, yet Jesus sees beyond these faults, to the person that Simon Peter can become. It is almost as if Jesus says to him: 

"Simon, I know who you are, and I know your sin. However, I created you for more than this. Work with me and we will begin to change the world!"

It is little wonder that the disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Who wouldn't want to follow someone who knows your worst secrets and yet still loves you enough to bring you onboard their team? 

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In the driver's seat

Matthew 16:24 (Message) -Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am."

The challenge for us all is to allow God to be in the driver's seat and not to shove him out the way. I know that I can be a little bit of a nervous passenger at times, but when I trust the driver, I am very content to sit back and allow them to get me to the destination.

How about you? 

Do you trust God to get you to your final destination?

Matthew 23:10 - Nor are you to let yourselves be called ‘leaders,’ because you have one Leader, and he is the Messiah!

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Drawing straight lines with crooked sticks

 

After our church services on Sunday, one of my friends shared this intriguing quote with me. He was speaking in the context of how God's divine plans are carried out by fallible human beings. 

"God can strike a straight stroke by a crooked stick." - Thomas Watson, English Puritan (also used by Martin Luther and Ignatius Loyola) 

These words came back to me today as I was reading Matthew 1:7, noting that Rehoboam's son, Abijah was not the best of kings. He was not fully committed to the Lord and did some wicked things. In many ways, he becomes an interesting ancestor of Jesus.

"But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” – Psalm 33:11

Advent reminds me that God chose to use 'ordinary' people to accomplish his extra-ordinary purposes. We can never deny the eventual outcome of God's plans. 

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James the Elder - a committed follower of Christ

The 25th of July marks a day of remembering St. James, Jesus' disciple. To be truly honest, I didn't really know when this day was celebrated until this year, and it was committing to walk the Camino that brought me face to face with the life of James the Elder. In the scriptures we know that James and his brother John, were the sons of Zebedee and were called to follow Jesus.

"Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them..." - Matthew 4:21

He is called James the Elder (or James the Greater) not because he was more holy than the other disciple, also named James (son of Alpheaus), but probably because he was older than him. The story of his life seems to indicate that he was the first disciple martyred for his faith (by Herod Agrippa). You will find a record of this event in Acts 12.

What is interesting is that James has become the patron Saint of Spain, and this is where the link with the Camino comes in. Christians throughout Spain use the public holiday afforded to them on the 25th of July, to remember the life of James. He is supposedly buried in the city of Santiago, which is why millions of pilgrims walk these routes every year. It is hoped that as one undertakes the long journey to the city of St. James, that we would ponder our own faith and commitment to Christ. If called upon, would we be willing to lay everything down for the gospel and to follow Jesus?

It is true that James was one of Jesus' inner circle and we would do well to remember his life and sacrifice. 

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone." - Mark 9:2

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Qualifications needed?

I am fascinated at how the early church chosen 7 people to sort out a crisis in their midst. On face value, they could have just appointed people in an ad hoc kind of way, but they took the situation serious and sought out the best people for the job. Read what Luke says:

"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.  And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility." - Acts 6:1-3

In serving the Lord, God doesn't need all the bells and whistles, but he does need people who are full of the Spirit. I think this is a beautiful way to level the playing field and this opens up ministry to anyone who is willing to allow God to fully take over our lives.

Reflection: Do you feel that you are full of the Spirit? Why or why not? What can you do to make a change today?

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Empty Nets

"Empty nets, Lord.

Moments when the strands that keep my life together seem tenuous,
thin threads incapable of holding anything of note.
My fishing futile, with nothing much to show for all I’ve done.

I sit with Peter and his friends,
cold in the dark, my minds amalgam of faith and uncertainty in equal parts with hope and fear,
not knowing what’s best, what my next move should be.
Times when I sit alone, human and vulnerable,
boat drifting in an early morning mist of fearfulness – net snagged on disappointment.
And yet you’re there, walking the edges of my life.

Calling me to one more effort,
your presence tempering the dark, your sunrise scattering the mist.
And when I move to try again, your early morning promise offers me warmth and welcome,
and the reassurance that my life is lived with you and the darkness,
and the mist don’t count.” - Eddie Askew

I absolutely love and appreciate these words from Eddie Askew. His prayer puts into words some of the fragile moments of my own faith. Eddie Askew served in the Leprosy Mission (TLM) for many years and used his talents as an author, speaker and artist to bring hope to all who suffered with Leprosy. For more on his life, read this splurb.

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Looking for direction

As we contemplate Jesus' appearance to the 7 disciples, at the Sea of Galilee (John 21), there is an interesting connection between night and day - darkness and light. 

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So, they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. - John 21:3-4

The disciples were feeling lost and so they went back to the work that they knew. However, even that didn't seem to be working out for them. So, into this situation Jesus appears and starts to renew their purpose and direction. He shares breakfast with them and reinstates Peter, giving him his new mission. 

Eddie Askew – “It was a dark night for them, out on the water, and the enveloping mist must have emphasised their sense of isolation. Yet at their lowest point, their empty nets a metaphor for their empty lives, Jesus is there on the shore. They can’t see him, but he is there, sharing the dark hours, waiting to welcome, warm and feed them round the fire, ready to point them in a new direction.” 

God is always willing to point us in a new direction, especially if we are willing to be used for his glory.

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Stick with this

Stickability may not sound like a real word, but it is. It means "a person's ability to persevere with something or to have staying power." 

The season of Lent reminds us of the cost of following Jesus and the call for each of us to have 'stickability' in our faith. This will be hard at times, but in other moments, it may be a little easier. Each of the disciples had to wrestle with their own struggles in this area, especially after Jesus was arrested. Their natural desire was to turn and run away. 

"Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” - John 8:31-32 (The Message)

Question: If you had to rate yourself between 0-10 on STICKABILITY today, how would you fair?

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To be with Jesus

Acts 4:13 – “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

I think that these words from Luke are perhaps the greatest compliment anyone could give another Christian - "we see that you have been with Jesus." Although Peter and John had their own blind-spots and many areas of growth, the time they had spent with Jesus had changed their lives.

Is this something that others could say about us? Has our time with Christ changed our lives?

How can we spend more focussed time with Jesus?

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The sponge

"People are like sponges. As we go through life, countless influences impact on our mind and personality, each leaving a definite trace. We constantly absorb new words, ideas, impressions, attitudes, prejudices and preferences." - Unknown

As I came across this quote I was reminded of how Jesus shaped the minds and hearts of his disciples. His pattern was deliberate and intentional. Jesus spoke to the crowds on various matters, but he went into greater depth with his closest followers. It was in these moments that he left a definite trace of Heavenly Grace. 

How has God shaped your life?

Do you see a trace of his heart in yours?

What are you soaking up in your life at the moment?

Matthew 16:24-26 - Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (The Message)

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Nostalgia

Have you ever caught yourself dreaming of the 'old days', when life seemed a lot more simple and a great deal less stressful? I think nostalgia is a natural thing for all of us, and remarkably time seems to blur the searing pain of our traumatic memories. I guess the trouble with nostalgia is if we end up getting 'stuck' in the past - we are then not free to embrace the opportunities of our present circumstances. 

If we take a look at the example of Disciples for a moment - if they had remained stuck in the past (nostalgia), they would have missed the chance to change the future. Jesus had been preparing them for some amazing adventures in the future, which they would have completely missed if their heads had remained turned to the past.

Luke 24:18-24 - "One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

May the Spirit of Christ help us to look to the future with renewed hope and a thankfulness for the lessons of the past. 

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How should we pray?

Luke 22:39–46 - "Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

How should we pray?

When faced with difficult circumstances and the way forward looks very difficult and even painful.  When we have the choice of accepting the situation or running away and hiding. The advice we always receive is to pray about it. Then we are often told that God will change the circumstances for us if we have enough faith. So, we go and pray, pleading with the Father to remove the difficulties from our path. We are earnest in our prayers and firmly believe that He can change the circumstances, and He can, but He doesn’t. We may even be told that we don’t have enough faith, but this just adds to our misery.

We find in this passage the road to peace in all our difficulties. It is a road that is not natural or easy for us. Jesus sweated blood for something like three hours to find it, Paul pleaded on three occasions before he found it (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). It is the path of prayer that Jesus taught his disciples and is in fact the only way to live at peace in this troubled world.

This is how you should pray: “…Thy will be done…” (Matt 6:10). 

Understanding that the Father knows what we really need (Matt 5:8) and He will not be slow in giving it to us (Luke 11:12). It is the prayer of complete surrender of our lives, our hearts and our wills to the Father’s purpose. A purpose that we cannot see at the time. It is only in that surrender that we can receive the comfort and strength of the Holy Spirit. And then we can go forward knowing that God is in command and working His purpose through all the tragedies of life. At peace while all the world around us is falling apart.

As you continue the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross you find He is the only peaceful figure in the scenario. The light in the darkness, the stillness in the chaos, the One who has already won the victory.

I trust that as you pray this most powerful and simple prayer, “Thy will be done” you will find God’s strength and peace in your life through this troubled world.

Our devotion this morning has come from the pen of Hugh Till - many thanks for your insights Hugh. 

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Inviting God in

Revelation 3:22 - “Look! I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal together as friends”

Forty years ago, I heard this message on a tape by Jack Cook. I had been going to church for a short while with a neighbour but did not think much of it.  I wondered what people got excited about, sure there was ‘happy clappy’ singing and at times I enjoyed the entertainment! I borrowed the tape by Jack Cook, as I thought it might help me understand a little more about church. I think I dozed off but woke just as the verse above was read.  It was a like a bolt of lightning, and I found myself lying on the lounge floor, saying “Yes come in.”  Nothing else really happened but I slept well for the first time in months.

Nothing really changed but I found that I was not shouting and swearing at the boys to get up and go to school. I carried on with life as usual, but there was a strange kind of peace; I was coping with life. I went to badminton and one of the ladies asked me what had happened because she thought I was different.  I knew that life was changing but, just because I heard one verse of scripture??  I went to chat with Brian Hazell and together we went through ‘The First Steps’  over the course of 6 weeks and I came to understand a little more but, I never could understand that I didn’t have to earn my way to heaven.  I was baptized during lent and what an Easter that was, God had accepted my invitation to ‘come in’ and turned my whole life upside down.  I still did not understand but I tried so hard to!

There have been many ups and downs, but the downs have never been as low as they were before inviting God into my life. There are times in my walk that I seem to take one step forward and 2 steps back. He has asked me to do many things and I have failed repeatedly, but He is always there to pick me up!  I believe that our God will never leave or forsake me, and His life was sacrificed to give me new life. It is good to live my life with God knowing that His mercies are new every morning for each of us.  I still do not understand.

There is a line from a play in which I performed many times in Covenant Players, ‘It is not necessary that you understand. If you understand and believe that is wisdom but, if you do not understand and believe that is faith’. (Anybody Know the Way by Charles M. Tanner)

Our devotion today was written by Sue Rice - thanks Sue.

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Possible?

In response to the disciple's question - “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25), Jesus goes on to give this interesting response:"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
It is a well known verse and we use it often to encourage other people not to give up with their present trials and struggles. 

While we can see the connection between our tough times and God's promise of help, we mustn't forget that Jesus is responding to a question about Salvation. His disciples had just heard Jesus challenge the rich young ruler, who believed that he could earn his salvation (by good works and by having wealth).

Jesus reminds his followers that people cannot earn their own salvation. It is a gift from God, made possible through the work of the Saviour. If man (sic) wants to save himself, he will tire himself out in the effort and will never earn enough credits to enter the Kingdom of God. However, if we walk through the door of Salvation (actually Jesus himself), we will find God waiting to receive us. 
This is the mystery of our faith.

What are your thoughts?

"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." - Anne Lamott

Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/grace

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. Anne Lamott
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/grace

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Stopped in your tracks

 

    Have you ever been so impressed by something that it has literally stopped you in your tracks? You can't believe what you are seeing & experiencing that you need to stop to appreciate what you are encountering? Usually these events leave a life changing impression upon us and we are 'different' for the experience. 

   Selwyn Hughes argues that this what our encounter with Christ should be - we should be changed by meeting Christ and then living differently. 

  

 “No one can be a disciple of Jesus unless he/she has been stopped in their tracks by Jesus & experienced an inner change.” – Selwyn Hughes

Have you experienced that inner change? Are you still allowing the Spirit of Christ to stop you in your tracks?

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